The retirement of Judge Back (sp?) who decided not to seek re-election is a pretty big deal. Usually judges retire mid-term allowing the Governor to appoint their replacements. This will be one of the few times a judge will be elected at large without an appointment or incumbency to back them up.

Jarrod - I believe it is Judge Clark and it is a HUGE deal. THere hasn't been a contested judgeship for many, many years. I've met both candidates - Jeff Bennett and Roberto Orellana.

Jeff Bennett works in the DA's office and has been endorsed by Totten/Bradbury/Brooks/Gallegly. He does a lot of special investigations - including the Hells Angels and the Stricklands. I think he was a police officer before he went to the local law school.

Roberto Orellana is probably better educated and has a broader range of lawyering experience. His parents were El Savadorian if I'm not mistaken. Given the Guiterrez flap, his minority background is of particular interest these days.

Both candidates are conservative. I think Mr. Orellana probably has a broader base of support given the wider range of his experience. However, Jeff Bennett has the fearsome foursome behind him.

It's going to be a very, very interesting race.

Judge Clark is an excellent judge. He is honest, fair, and impartial. It must be very difficult for a judge with ethics and morals to work in Ventura County superior court. Judge Clark is one of the few judges that understands his job and does it properly.

Ok.... I am confused. I have been out of town for about 7 or 8 days, and I see that there maybe a retirement of Judge Back??????
Please tell me is isn't so!!!! Judge Back, in my opinion is perhaps the best juvenile judge Ventura County has seen in a long long time. He is responsive to the needs of these childrens who have seem to have lost their way. When I was the Chair for the Simi Valley Gang Task Force, Judge Back was a guess speaker, and I am telling you, this is a man with passion for our young adults who have strayed from the path. Lets hope he is on the bench for a long long time!

Ok.... I am confused. I have been out of town for about 7 or 8 days, and I see that there maybe a retirement of Judge Back??????
Please tell me is isn't so!!!! Judge Back, in my opinion is perhaps the best juvenile judge Ventura County has seen in a long long time. He is responsive to the needs of these childrens who have seem to have lost their way. When I was the Chair for the Simi Valley Gang Task Force, Judge Back was a guest speaker, and I am telling you, this is a man with passion for our young adults who have strayed from the path. Lets hope he is on the bench for a long long time!

Geez.I just hate it when I repeat myself....

Robert Orellana is a fine gentleman, he has an insightful legal mind, and most importantly, a well-rounded understanding of the concept of justice, which like the quality of mercy, should never be strained on the bench.

He will make an excellent addition to the Ventura County Superior Court and I wish him well in his maiden political voyage.

NostraDEMUS