Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Contra Costa Superior Court introduces new Judicial Community Engagement Program

By Leave a Comment

Photo (top): CCC Superior Court

Free program brings local judges directly to civic, faith-based, educational and nonprofit organizations across the county

By Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court

MARTINEZ, Calif. – The Contra Costa County Superior Court today introduced its new Judicial Community Engagement Program, which brings judges to community organizations across the county at no cost. Civic groups, service organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and educational programs may now request a judge to speak at their meetings and events about the work of the courts and how the justice system operates.

The program is part of the Court’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with the community and expanding public understanding of the justice system. Residents have the unique opportunity to gain clarity on commonly misunderstood aspects of court processes directly from members of the bench. This program also supports the Court’s new Strategic Plan for 2027–2029, which names Trusted Courts as one of the its five strategic priorities and calls for greater outreach and education about the role and purpose of the courts.

“The daily business of the courts is rarely seen by members of the public unless they are called as jurors or have a case in court,” said Judge Terri Mockler, who leads the program. “Judges make decisions based on the evidence before them and the law that applies, and those details don’t always fit into a news headline. The goal of this program is to allow members of the community to meet and talk with judges about the work that we do every day. The hope is that the public will walk away with a better understanding of the role of judges and the judiciary in a democratic society. This program gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from the judges who serve them, and see the courts as part of their community.”

Who Can Request a Speaker

Requests are welcome from community and civic groups, leadership and service organizations, educational and youth programs, nonprofit and public interest groups, and faith-based organizations. Any organization that brings people together to learn, serve, or engage is encouraged to submit a request.

Presentation Topics

Judges may speak on a range of general educational topics, including:

  • The role of the courts in the community
  • How cases move through the court system
  • The importance of jury service
  • How judges reach the bench and the qualifications to become a judge
  • Rules of judicial ethics and the judicial discipline system
  • Preventing bias
  • Judicial training and subject-matter specialties, such as domestic violence, juvenile, family, criminal, and civil law

What Judges Cannot Discuss

Judges are bound by ethical rules that protect the fairness and impartiality of the courts. To uphold those standards, presentations are limited to general educational topics. Judges cannot address the following topics:

  • Pending cases. Judges cannot discuss any case that is currently pending.
  • Issues that may come before the Court. Judges cannot comment on matters or disputes that may later come before the Court.
  • Legal advice or referrals. Judges cannot advise attendees on their own legal matters or provide referrals.

How to Request a Judge

Organizations may submit requests by email to communityoutreach@contracosta.courts.ca.gov. There is no cost to request a judge. Requests should include:

  • Organization name
  • Primary contact’s name, phone number, and email address
  • Description of the event or meeting
  • Topic(s) the organization would like the judge to discuss
  • Expected number of attendees
  • Preferred date(s), time, and location

More information about the Judicial Community Engagement Program is available on the Court’s website: contracosta.courts.ca.gov/judicial-community-engagement-program.

Contra Costa County Superior Court to implement new weekly jury summons model beginning in 2027

By Leave a Comment

Source: CCC Superior Court

Ends midday call-ins, reduces number of jurors summoned, aligns with most Bay Area courts

By Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Beginning January 4, 2027, the Contra Costa County Superior Court will transition to a weekly jury summons model. Residents will be summoned for jury service less often under this new model, which is projected to reduce the number of jurors summoned each year by approximately 20%. The change also eliminates midday call-ins. Instead, jurors will know the day before whether they need to report. The first summonses under the weekly model will be mailed beginning November 9, 2026.

The change results, in part, from the Court’s strategic planning process and the feedback residents provided about their experience with jury service in Contra Costa County. The Court reviewed its jury operations and historical data, identifying weekly summonsing as a practical way to make jury service less disruptive. Weekly summonsing also brings the Court in line with most other Bay Area courts, which already summon jurors by the week.

What the Change Means for Jurors

Residents will be summoned for a service week instead of a single day. Under the Court’s new model:

  • A full day’s notice. Jurors will check their reporting instructions by 5:00 p.m. beginning the court day before their service week. Jurors who are not asked to report must continue to check their reporting instructions each court day until their service week ends.
  • Service is complete if not asked to report during service week. Jurors who are not asked to report during their service week will have fulfilled their jury service and will not be summoned again for at least 12 months.

Service weeks will begin on Monday, or Tuesday when Monday is a court holiday. Under the current system, jurors are often instructed to call in at 11:30 a.m. and then asked to report by 1:00 p.m. that afternoon. The new weekly model eliminates midday call-ins and same-day reporting. However, it does not change what happens when jurors report. Under the statewide “one day or one trial” policy, jurors

who report and are not assigned to a courtroom will complete their jury service that same day. Jurors assigned to a courtroom for jury selection or impaneled on a trial will return as directed by the judge.

Expected Impact

In 2025, the Court mailed over 305,000 jury summonses to support more than 250 criminal, civil, and probate jury trials. Weekly summonsing allows Jury Services to better match the number of jurors asked to report with courtroom needs on a given day. Based on its analysis of 2025 data, the Court projects the model will:

  • Reduce the number of annual summonses by approximately 61,000.
  • Save approximately $31,000 a year in printing and postage costs.

The Court will evaluate actual results following implementation, including summons volume, failure-to-appear rates, juror utilization, and courthouse operations.

“Jury service is an important civic responsibility, but we also recognize that it can be challenging to fit into work, family, and other obligations,” said Sarah Lind, Court Executive Officer and Jury Commissioner. “This new model is a meaningful step toward making jury service more predictable and manageable for residents, while continuing to meet the needs of our courtrooms.”

Jurors will continue to have the option to receive their reporting instructions by text message or email. Additional information about the Court’s new jury summons model and instructions for signing up for text message and email notifications are available on the Juror Service Center page of the Court’s website: contracosta.courts.ca.gov/jury. Jury Services may be contacted by phone at (925) 608-1001.

Contra Costa Superior Court releases 2027-29 Strategic Plan

By Leave a Comment

Source: CCC Superior Court

By Dan Radovich, ADA Coordinator & Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court

The Contra Costa County Superior Court has released its Strategic Plan for 2027–2029.  This three-year roadmap focuses on improving access to justice, developing and retaining a skilled workforce, expanding community outreach and partnerships, maintaining secure court facilities and information systems, and streamlining operations through technology and data.

The plan is built on key input gathered earlier this year from Contra Costa County residents and court users through a public survey, as well as from County partners, justice partners, and members of the bench and court staff.

The plan includes five Strategic Priorities with three goals for each:

  • Accessible Justice
  • Workforce Excellence
  • Trusted Courts
  • Safe & Secure Courts and
  • Operational Excellence & Innovation

The Court thanks everyone who took the time to contribute their perspectives and ideas, especially the residents and court users who completed the survey.  This feedback was essential to shaping the plan’s priorities and goals.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa juries convict former Florida airline pilot, ex-girlfriend co-defendant for “repeated sexual abuse” of girl

By 1 Comment

Rustom Bhagwager and Jennifer Powell were convicted by separate juries on this week. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office

Face maximum of 230 years to life in state prison

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Separate juries in Contra Costa Superior Court convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell on all charges related to the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl.

A jury found 46-year-old Powell guilty on Monday, September 28th, and a second jury found 35-year-old Bhagwagar guilty on Tuesday, September 29th. Bhagwagar, a former commercial airline co-pilot from Florida, and Powell, from Walnut Creek, were each convicted of eight counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and 12 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14.

Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the crimes, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office to protect her identity.

The case was heard in Martinez before Judge Danielle Douglas. In a rare dual-jury format, the court tried two defendants at once while making sure each jury heard only the evidence that applied to its assigned defendant. Evidence presented to both juries showed that the sexual abuse of the victim began when she was 7 years old and occurred from on or about October 17th, 2017, to October 16th, 2022. Powell, who was in a relationship with Bhagwagar, participated with him in numerous acts of abuse against the victim.

As previously reported, Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26, 2025, at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security.  Three days later, Detectives arrested Powell. (See related article)

Bhagwagar and Powell each face a maximum sentence of 230 years to life in state prison. Both remain in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will be sentenced by the court at a future date.

Deputy District Attorney Haleigh Parkinson of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case with support from a trial team that included legal assistants, a victim advocate, and victim support staff.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This young survivor showed extraordinary courage by testifying in court and facing the people who used duress to harm her. These verdicts hold both defendants accountable. I am grateful to our entire team for their dedication in seeking, serving, and doing justice in this case.”

Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar R BHAGWAGAR Amended Info Filed 

Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Spitz Powell J S POWELL Amended Info Filed

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa County Superior Court announces 2027-28 Presiding Judge, Assistant Presiding Judge

By Leave a Comment

Hon. Benjamin T. Reyes II (left) & Hon. Joni T. Hiramoto (right). Photos: CCC Superior Court

By Dan Radovich, ADA & Communications Officer, Contra Costa County Superior Court

MARTINEZ, Calif. – The Contra Costa County Superior Court today announced its judicial leadership for 2027-2028. The Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto, the Court’s current Assistant Presiding Judge, will become Presiding Judge, and the Honorable Benjamin T. Reyes II has been elected to serve as Assistant Presiding Judge. Their terms run from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028. Judge Hiramoto will succeed the Honorable Christopher R. Bowen, whose term as Presiding Judge ends December 31, 2026.

Hon. Joni T. Hiramoto, Contra Costa County Superior Court Presiding Judge 2027-28.

Judge Hiramoto was appointed to the Contra Costa County Superior Court bench in 1998. She was the first Asian American judge to serve the Superior Court, and the first judge to preside over the Court’s Behavioral Health Court. Before serving as the Court’s Assistant Presiding Judge, she previously served as Supervising Judge of the Richmond Branch. Judge Hiramoto also currently serves as Dean of the Bernard E. Witkin Judicial College, which trains new judges statewide, and she received the California Judges Association’s Bernard S. Jefferson Award in 2024 for distinguished service in judicial education.

Judge Hiramoto earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard-Radcliffe College and her Juris Doctor from the UC Berkeley School of Law. Before her appointment, she practiced litigation at McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen in San Francisco and was a branch chief in the Enforcement Division of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

“The Court thanks Presiding Judge Bowen for his courageous, diligent and visionary leadership these past two years,” said Judge Hiramoto. “He leaves the Court in a far stronger state than he inherited. I owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his inspirational guidance and practical support as I navigated serving as Assistant Presiding Judge. I am delighted by the election of Judge Reyes as Assistant Presiding Judge. He has been an inspiration to me ever since he joined the bench and I look forward to working together to serve the Court and our Contra Costa County community.”

Hon. Benjamin T. Reyes II, Contra Costa County Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge 2027-28

Judge Reyes was appointed to the Contra Costa County Superior Court bench in 2017. He currently serves as Supervising Judge of the Civil Division, and he has previously served as Supervising Judge of the Family Law Division and Presiding Judge of the Civil Grand Jury. Judge Reyes was honored as Trial Judge of the Year by the Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers’ Association in 2022. He also teaches at the UC Berkeley School of Law and in the University of San Francisco School of Law’s Intensive Advocacy Program.

Judge Reyes earned his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and his Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Before his appointment, he spent 24 years in public agency law, including 14 years as an equity principal at Meyers Nave, where he chaired the firm’s statewide public contracts practice group. While at the firm, he served as City Attorney for Pinole and Union City.

“I am deeply honored by my colleagues’ confidence in electing me as Assistant Presiding Judge of our Superior Court for 2027-2028,” said Judge Reyes. “Serving on the Court remains the greatest privilege of my professional life. I have the advantage of working with jurists who are dedicated to justice, collegiality, and who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Our Court’s strength lies in our collective commitment to excellence. I am committed to fostering an environment where, as independent judicial officers, every voice is heard, where collaboration thrives, and where we continue to uphold the highest standards of justice. I look forward to working with Presiding Judge Joni T. Hiramoto, CEO Sarah Lind and her team, and with our justice partners to ensure that we are consistently delivering an exceptional level of service to the people of Contra Costa County.”

Hon. Christopher R. Bowen, Contra Costa County Superior Court Presiding Judge 2025-26

Current Presiding Judge Christopher R. Bowen congratulated Judge Hiramoto and Judge Reyes on their new roles. “Judges Hiramoto and Reyes bring years of experience on the bench to the Court’s leadership,” said Presiding Judge Bowen. “Both of them have served in multiple divisions of our Court and have a keen sense of the Court’s strengths and areas for continued improvement. I am pleased that the Court will have such dynamic leaders in the coming years.” The Court thanks Presiding Judge Bowen for his leadership, his commitment to excellence, and his dedicated service to the Court and the people of Contra Costa County during his 2025-2026 term.

The Presiding Judge is responsible for leading the Court, establishing policies and allocating resources. The Presiding Judge’s duties include making judicial assignments, overseeing the Court’s budget, and serving as the Court’s spokesperson. The Assistant Presiding Judge supports the Presiding Judge in these responsibilities and helps ensure an orderly transition of leadership.

For more information about Contra Costa County Superior Court visit Home | Superior Court of California | County of Contra Costa.

 

Martinez man charged with murder in stabbing death, faces special circumstance allegation

By Leave a Comment

Suspect Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez and victim Todd Stewart. Photo sources: (left) Martinez Police, (right) Blue Lives Matter.

Committed during burglary while out on conditional release; pleads not guilty

Faces life without parole

Now, labeled by Homeland Security as “criminal illegal alien”

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony complaint charging 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez of Martinez with the murder of Todd Stewart of Martinez, who was 68 years old at the time of his death.

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:10 pm, Iriarte-Valdez stabbed Todd Stewart to death with a knife while committing a residential burglary. The Martinez Police Department quickly identified and located Iriarte-Valdez with assistance from the public and through multiple investigative sources. This included video surveillance capturing events related to the crime, as well as physical evidence processed by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab. (See related article)

On August 11, 2026, the Martinez Police Department presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review. That same day, the District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging Iriarte-Valdez with one count of murder for the unlawful killing of Todd Stewart.

The complaint also includes three additional enhancements to the murder charge:

  • Killing during a burglary: The District Attorney’s Office alleges the murder took place while the defendant was committing, attempting, or fleeing a burglary. This special allegation, if found true by a jury, means the defendant could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  • Use of a knife: The complaint alleges that Iriarte-Valdez personally used a knife during the commission of the crime, which qualifies as a serious felony enhancement under state law.
  • Committed while out on conditional release: At the time of the killing, Iriarte-Valdez was out of custody on electronic monitoring, as ordered by the court, in a separate, unrelated burglary case.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office will pursue this case with diligence and integrity to hold Iriarte-Valdez fully accountable under the law for this devastating act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and the larger community as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Our Victim-Witness Assistance Program is available to guide the family members through the criminal justice process and connect them with the services and support they may need.”

Iriarte-Valdez was arraigned Thursday in Contra Costa Superior Court, pleading not guilty to the murder charge and denying all enhancements. Judge David Goldstein, who presided over the arraignment, called the defendant “a risk to public safety” and ordered him held without bail. The case returns to court September 9th at 8:30 am before Judge Michael Nieto in Richmond to set a preliminary hearing date.

According to charging documents, the suspect faces life without parole for the murder charge. 01-26-04140 – Charging Document

As previously reported by FOX News and ABC7 Eyewitness News, the Department of Homeland Security has labeled Iriarte-Valdez a “criminal illegal alien” as the agency had placed an immigration detainer on him on Sept. 23, 2025.

In addition, according to the California Globe, “On August 8, 2026, ICE placed a detainer on him with the Contra Costa County Jail.”

Case No. 01-26-04140 | The People of the State of California v. Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa Superior Court resumes Juvenile Dependency Mediation Program

By Leave a Comment

By Matt J. Malone, PIO, Contra Costa County Superior Court

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is pleased to announce the return of its Juvenile Dependency Mediation Program effective July 1, 2026.

Dependency mediation is a confidential, voluntary process that offers families and other participants an opportunity to resolve issues outside of a contested court hearing. The program is facilitated by specially trained, neutral mediators who do not make decisions or determine case outcomes. Instead, mediators guide productive discussions, help participants identify areas of agreement, and support the development of informed, mutually acceptable resolutions that prioritize the safety, well-being, and best interests of the child while also considering the safety of all family members.

As a program of the Juvenile Court, dependency mediation provides a collaborative forum where parents, child welfare professionals, and other involved parties can openly discuss concerns, explore potential solutions, and work toward agreements. Any agreement reached through mediation is submitted to the judicial officer for review and approval. Once approved, the agreement becomes an enforceable court order.

By encouraging communication and cooperative problem-solving, dependency mediation helps reduce conflict, promotes meaningful participation by all parties, and often resolves matters more efficiently than a contested hearing. The process also minimizes the emotional impact of litigation on children and families by focusing on the family’s strengths and supporting long-term collaboration in addressing the child’s needs.

Click for more information about Juvenile Dependency | Superior Court of California | County of Contra Costa.

Notice: All Contra Costa County Superior Court locations will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day. Regular court operations will resume on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Hanni Fakhoury, Amanda Karl also appointed as Contra Costa Superior Court Judges

By Leave a Comment

Newly appointed Contra Costa County Superior Court Judges Hann Fakhoury and Amanda Karl. Photos: Office of the California Governor

By Office of the California Governor

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, March 27 2026, his appointment of two more Superior Court Judges in Contra Costa County, Hanni Fakhoury and Amanda Karl.

Hanni Fakhoury, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Fakhoury has worked as a Partner of Moeel Lah Fakhoury since 2021, where he works in white collar and federal criminal defense as a trial attorney and mediator. He served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender at the Federal Public Defender for Northern District of California from 2015 to 2021. Fakhoury worked as a Staff Attorney and Senior Staff Attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation from 2011 to 2015. He worked as a Trial Attorney at the Federal Defenders of San Diego from 2007 to 2011.

According to his Linkedin profile, “Fakhoury is an accomplished litigator who represents individuals and companies in criminal prosecutions and government and regulatory investigations. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Northern California Super Lawyer. In addition to litigation, Hanni serves as a mediator in the Northern District of California’s ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) program and is a co-lecturer at UC Berkeley School of Law.”

According to his bio on his law firm’s website, Fakhoury is a “Bay Area native” and “proudly serves the Northern District of California as a member of its Criminal Justice Act (“CJA”) trial panel, representing indigent criminal defendants. He was also selected by the Northern District bench to serve on the court’s Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility, Criminal Rules and Practice Committee, and CJA Administration Committee.”

“A sought-after teacher, Hanni…co-teaches a seminar on white collar crime. He has presented and lectured at over 100 legal conferences to wide audiences, including judges, attorneys and the public at large.”

Fakhoury received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles S. Treat. Fakhoury is a Democrat.

Amanda Karl, of Alameda County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Karl has worked as a Partner at Gibbs Mura since 2022, where she also worked as an Associate from 2016 to 2021. She served as a Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 2015 to 2016 and at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2014 to 2015.

According to her profile on the Gibbs Mura website, Karl “represents consumers, employees and others who have been harmed by corporations. She has prosecuted a wide range of complex cases, including product defect, failure-to-warn, wage and hour, data breach, sexual assault, and securities cases, within a variety of industries. In 2024 she was honored as a Rising Star by Law360, a highly selective award that recognizes top attorneys under the age of 40.

“Outside of work, Amanda serves on the Board of Directors of the East Bay Community Law Center, a legal nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of free legal services in the East Bay Area. She also enjoys reading, strength training and exploring new places and foods with her husband and kids.”

Karl received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law as a member of the Order of the Coif, a national honorary scholastic society, which extends invitations to the top 10% of Berkeley Law’s graduating J.D. students by grade point average.

Also, according to Gibbs Mura, “During law school, she served as the Managing Editor of the California Law Review and Director of the Workers’ Rights Disability Law Clinic. Karl worked as a Clinical Law Student at the East Bay Community Law Center, assisting with litigation targeting criminal record reporting violations, and as a law clerk at Equal Rights Advocates, working on women’s employment issues. Following graduation from law school, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Richard A. Paez, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and to the Honorable Claudia Wilken, Northern District of California. Amanda received her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, in Sociology and Human Rights from Columbia University in 2009.”

She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles B. Burch.  Karl is a Democrat.

The annual compensation for each of these positions is $244,727.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Carole Bosch appointed as Contra Costa Superior Court judge

By Leave a Comment

By Matt J. Malone, PIO, Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa

New Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Carole Bosch. Photo source: Office of the California Governor

The Contra Costa Superior Court is pleased to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Carole Bosch as the Court’s newest judge. She took her oath on March 20, 2026, and began presiding in Department 3 on March 23, 2026.

Since 2021, Judge Bosch, of Alameda County, has served as an administrative law judge with the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board since 2021, an independent administrative judicial agency charged with resolving disputed unemployment, disability, and employment tax determinations from the Employment Development Department. She was Vice President and Training Committee Co-Chair for the Administrative Law Judge Association. Simultaneously, she taught as an adjunct professor of legal writing and research at Golden Gate University.

Before serving as administrative law judge, Judge Bosch worked as a civil trial lawyer, including as a managing attorney at Hildebrand, McLeod and Nelson from 2017 to 2021, a partner at Paul & Hanley from 2007 to 2011, and an attorney at Kazan McClain Satterley & Greenwood from 2013 to 2016, in cases involving complex product liability litigation and catastrophic injury. Bosch also worked as a Partner at Minnard Bosch from 2016 to 2017 and at Farrise Law Firm from 2012 to 2013. Early in her legal career, she was an annual attorney with the California Supreme Court in 2007and worked as a Clerk at Hersh & Hersh from 2005 to 2007.

Judge Bosch is graduate of Golden Gate University School of Law and received her undergraduate degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She also holds a master’s degree from the University of Birmingham in Great Britain. Judge Bosch fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Patricia Scanlon. Bosch is a Democrat.

The annual compensation for her position is $244,727.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Serve on the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury

By Leave a Comment

Investigate the operations of local government officers, departments and agencies

Application deadline: March 13, 2026

By Contra Costa County Grand Jurors Association

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 term.

Contra Costa County’s Grand Jury consists of 19 citizens. A new Grand Jury is impaneled each year. Grand Jurors are officers of the Court, and function as an independent body under the guidance of a Superior Court Judge. Jurors are impaneled in June and are expected to attend a two-week training in June. Each term serves through June of the following calendar year.

Every year, in each of California’s 58 counties, a group of ordinary citizens takes an oath to serve as grand jurors. Its function is to investigate the operations of the various officers, departments and agencies of local government. Each Civil Grand Jury determines which officers, departments and agencies it will investigate during its term of office.

Apart from the investigations mandated by the California Penal Code, each County’s Grand Jury decides what it will investigate. Investigations may be initiated in response to letters from citizens, newspaper articles and personal knowledge.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the application and review the timeline below.

https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/…/2026-2027-cgj…

https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/…/6-timeline-2026…

Source: Contra Costa County Superior Court

Application deadline is 5:00 PM on March 13, 2026.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.