Latest news with #OrangeCountySuperiorCourt
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Judicate West Adds Judge Lon F. Hurwitz in Orange County
SANTA ANA, Calif., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Judicate West, one of California's leading providers of private dispute resolution services, has added Judge Lon F. Hurwitz to its roster of neutrals. Based out of the Santa Ana office, Judge Hurwitz is available statewide as a mediator, arbitrator and private judge. 'We have known Judge Hurwitz for more than 30 years and always held him in high regard, both as a jurist and as a respected member of the Orange County legal community. He is a tremendously accomplished lawyer and judge who has practiced and presided over cases in nearly every area we serve, and his reputation speaks for itself. The way he treats people, his humility, and his commitment to giving back all mirror the core values that define Judicate West,' said Alan Brutman, President and Co-Founder of Judicate West. 'Judge Hurwitz's passion for resolution and unmatched work ethic will make him very successful in this next chapter. He's a natural fit here at Judicate West, and we are confident our clients will feel the same way.' Judge Hurwitz served 21 years on the Orange County Superior Court bench, spending 17 years in the court's Family Law Division, including six years as its Supervising Judge. During this time, he presided over thousands of matters involving custody, finances, domestic violence, marriage dissolution, surrogacy, Hague Convention, elder abuse, paternity, and parental termination, many of which are among the most complex issues in family law. Judge Hurwitz was assigned to the Unlimited Civil and Complex Civil departments from 2021 to 2025, where he handled high-stakes, multi-party litigation, including the high-profile San Clemente landslide cases, a mass tort dental malpractice case involving 202 minor plaintiffs, and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters. He served on the court's Executive Committee from 2006-2010 and chaired its Family Violence Coordination Committee from 2010-2015. Judge Hurwitz spent the first 25 years of his legal career in private practice as a civil litigator, trying construction defect, personal injury and insurance coverage matters, as well as conducting mediations. Among his many community involvements, Judge Hurwitz created the first Family Law Veterans' Domestic Violence Diversion Program in the United States. The program offers veteran families the opportunity to address issues like post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries and their effects on domestic violence victims. Judge Hurwitz also served on the Judicial Council of California, where he was appointed to act as its liaison to the State Domestic Violence Task Force. Judge Hurwitz has been named 'Judge of the Year' by 11 organizations, including the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) (2024), the American Board of Trial Advocates (2023), Southwestern University School of Law (2022), the Orange County Jewish Bar Association (2021), the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (2016), the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (2012), and the Orange County Bar Association's Family Law Section (2012). He was also named 'Veteran Advocate of the Year' in 2019 by the Veterans Legal Institute. He was a member of the Judicial Council of California from 2008-2010 and the OCTLA from 1985-2010, serving as president in 1994. He also served as president of the Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court in 2008. Judge Hurwitz earned his J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law (1979) and his B.S. from California State University, Long Beach (1976). He received mediation training from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the University of Pepperdine School of Law in 1999. About Judicate WestFor more than 30 years, Judicate West has been one of California's leading providers of private dispute resolution services with a distinguished roster of proven neutrals, including retired state and federal court judges plus professional attorney mediators and arbitrators from a wide variety of practice areas. Founded in 1993, the firm prides itself on maintaining the utmost integrity in delivering innovative solutions to all types of civil disputes. The firm's successful formula involves top-tier neutrals, a great company culture and an experienced team of ADR professionals dedicated to delivering gold standard service in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Contact:Melody KleimanJudicate West(714) 852-5189melody@
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California tries again to overturn Huntington Beach's controversial voter ID law
After losing last month in Orange County Superior Court, the state of California is asking a state appellate court to overturn a Huntington Beach measure that could require voters to present photo identification to cast ballots in local elections. Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, the state's top elections official, have been tangling with Huntington Beach in court for more than a year over Measure A, which amends the city charter to say that local officials "may" require photo ID for municipal elections starting in 2026. In April, Orange County Superior Court Judge Nico Dourbetas said the state had not shown that "a voter identification requirement compromises the integrity of a municipal election." Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns called the ruling a "huge victory." Bonta appealed Wednesday to the 4th Appellate District, where the state hopes for a more favorable hearing. In February, a three-judge panel from the 4th District said that Huntington Beach's assertion of a "constitutional right to regulate its own municipal elections free from state interference" was "problematic," but kicked the case back down to Orange County Superior Court. More than 53% of Huntington Beach voters supported the charter amendment in the March 2024 election. The amendment also requires that Huntington Beach provide 20 in-person polling places and to monitor ballot drop boxes. The city has not shared plans on how the law could be implemented in next year's elections. A representative for Huntington Beach didn't respond to requests for comment Thursday. The city's lawyers have argued that the city charter gives local officials autonomy to oversee municipal issues, including local elections. Bonta and Weber contend that while California's 121 "charter cities" can govern their own municipal affairs, local laws can't conflict with state laws on issues of "statewide concern," including the integrity of California elections and the constitutional right to vote. The voter ID law is one of several fronts in the ongoing battle that conservative officials in Huntington Beach have waged against California since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city has used similar arguments about its charter city status in fights over state housing laws, education policies for transgender students and "sanctuary state" immigration laws. The issue of voter ID has become a flashpoint with conservative politicians, including President Trump, who in January demanded that California enact a voter ID law in order to receive aid for the devastating Los Angeles area wildfires. California voters are required to verify their identities when they register to vote, and the state imposes criminal penalties for fraudulent registration. California does not require photo identification at the polls but does require that voters provide their names and addresses. The photo ID measure may also be invalidated by Senate Bill 1174, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last fall, which bars local election officials from requiring photo identification in elections. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
California tries again to overturn Huntington Beach's controversial voter ID law
After losing last month in Orange County Superior Court, the state of California is asking a state appellate court to overturn a Huntington Beach measure that could require voters to present photo identification to cast ballots in local elections. Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, the state's top elections official, have been tangling with Huntington Beach in court for more than a year over Measure A, which amends the city charter to say that local officials 'may' require photo ID for municipal elections starting in 2026. In April, Orange County Superior Court Judge Nico Dourbetas said the state had not shown that 'a voter identification requirement compromises the integrity of a municipal election.' Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns called the ruling a 'huge victory.' Bonta appealed Wednesday to the 4th Appellate District, where the state hopes for a more favorable hearing. In February, a three-judge panel from the 4th District said that Huntington Beach's assertion of a 'constitutional right to regulate its own municipal elections free from state interference' was 'problematic,' but kicked the case back down to Orange County Superior Court. More than 53% of Huntington Beach voters supported the charter amendment in the March 2024 election. The amendment also requires that Huntington Beach provide 20 in-person polling places and to monitor ballot drop boxes. The city has not shared plans on how the law could be implemented in next year's elections. A representative for Huntington Beach didn't respond to requests for comment Thursday. The city's lawyers have argued that the city charter gives local officials autonomy to oversee municipal issues, including local elections. Bonta and Weber contend that while California's 121 'charter cities' can govern their own municipal affairs, local laws can't conflict with state laws on issues of 'statewide concern,' including the integrity of California elections and the constitutional right to vote. The voter ID law is one of several fronts in the ongoing battle that conservative officials in Huntington Beach have waged against California since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city has used similar arguments about its charter city status in fights over state housing laws, education policies for transgender students and 'sanctuary state' immigration laws. The issue of voter ID has become a flashpoint with conservative politicians, including President Trump, who in January demanded that California enact a voter ID law in order to receive aid for the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. California voters are required to verify their identities when they register to vote, and the state imposes criminal penalties for fraudulent registration. California does not require photo identification at the polls but does require that voters provide their names and addresses. The photo ID measure may also be invalidated by Senate Bill 1174, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last fall, which bars local election officials from requiring photo identification in elections.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Alleged Santa Ana killer of up to 20 cats skips arraignment hearing. He now faces an arrest warrant
A Santa Ana man charged with animal cruelty in the killing and maiming of as many as 20 cats, drawing loud public outcry, skipped his arraignment hearing Wednesday morning, according to authorities who have issued a warrant for his arrest. Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, 46, was charged Monday with two felony counts of cruelty to animals, one felony count of grand theft of a companion animal and one misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance. He was due in an Orange County Superior Court hearing that at least 25 animal activists were expected to attend Wednesday, the Orange County district attorney's office said. But he didn't show up for the hearing. His bail of $40,000 has been forfeited. The district attorney's office attempted to increase that total to $100,000 on Wednesday, said Kimberly Edds, public information officer for the district attorney, who called Acosta an 'immense danger.' Prior to Wednesday, Acosta faced a maximum sentence of five years and four months if convicted on all counts, according to the district attorney's office. 'This is obviously a case of horrific violence and we really appreciate the support of the community,' Edds said. She added that an animal abuse specialist would be prosecuting the case. The Times was unable to find a representative for Acosta, who was initially arrested April 23 by Santa Ana and Westminster police. Authorities believe Acosta was behind the deaths of several neighborhood cats. In the motion to increase the bail, Deputy Dist. Atty. Danica Drotman wrote that Acosta "admitted to killing approximately 20 cats and hanging in a tree approximately two to three cats." Authorities said they found carcasses at his home during his arrest. Read more: Protest near home of suspect in serial cat killings leads to vandalism; police urge calm Seven reports of dead and injured cats were filed with Santa Ana Animal Control, including animals suffering from broken backs and bloody faces, all near Acosta's home, between November and April. Police have said that several pet owners have positively identified Acosta as the man who had lured cats away from their homes. Edds emphasized, however, that the investigation was still active and that additional witnesses were encouraged to contact the Santa Ana or Westminster police departments. Westminster police are involved in the investigation because one of the felony charges against Acosta relates to the theft on March 21 of a Bengal Lynx cat named Clubber from Eva Corlew of Westminster. Video surveillance appeared to show a man with a can of food luring the cat before grabbing the animal and driving away in a white Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Clubber was eventually reunited with his owner, safely. Read more: Serial cat killer suspect arrested, potentially linked to a dozen-plus slayings, authorities say Authorities allege that Acosta was also seen by a neighbor grabbing a cat and slamming it over his head April 3. Drotman wrote in the criminal complaint that Acosta maimed, mutilated and tortured that cat. Two days later, Acosta was seen on video surveillance stomping on a cat, according to the district attorney's office. His home became a flashpoint as it drew a 100-person 'Vigil for Justice,' in April, including pet owners and community and animal groups. The gathering was advertised on social media as a peaceful protest but it turned violent. A video from Fox 11 news showed at least one protester trying to wrench open a gate blocking a driveway. Others in the crowd shook a wooden fence and shouted at the residence using bullhorns. One protester appeared to spray an aerosol onto the property. Santa Ana Police said some protesters threw objects at a pair of homes, one where Acosta lived and another that belonged to a family member that the crowd believed was hiding him. Santa Ana Police confirmed that Acosta was not at either home at the time of the protest. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
22-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Alleged Santa Ana killer of up to 20 cats skips arraignment hearing. He now faces an arrest warrant
A Santa Ana man charged with animal cruelty in the killing and maiming of as many as 20 cats, drawing loud public outcry, skipped his arraignment hearing Wednesday morning, according to authorities who have issued a warrant for his arrest. Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, 46, was charged Monday with two felony counts of cruelty to animals, one felony count of grand theft of a companion animal and one misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance. He was due in an Orange County Superior Court hearing that at least 25 animal activists were expected to attend Wednesday, the Orange County district attorney's office said. But he didn't show up for the hearing. His bail of $40,000 has been forfeited. The district attorney's office attempted to increase that total to $100,000 on Wednesday, said Kimberly Edds, public information officer for the district attorney, who called Acosta an 'immense danger.' Prior to Wednesday, Acosta faced a maximum sentence of five years and four months if convicted on all counts, according to the district attorney's office. 'This is obviously a case of horrific violence and we really appreciate the support of the community,' Edds said. She added that an animal abuse specialist would be prosecuting the case. The Times was unable to find a representative for Acosta, who was initially arrested April 23 by Santa Ana and Westminster police. Authorities believe Acosta was behind the deaths of several neighborhood cats. In the motion to increase the bail, Deputy Dist. Atty. Danica Drotman wrote that Acosta 'admitted to killing approximately 20 cats and hanging in a tree approximately two to three cats.' Authorities said they found carcasses at his home during his arrest. Seven reports of dead and injured cats were filed with Santa Ana Animal Control, including animals suffering from broken backs and bloody faces, all near Acosta's home, between November and April. Police have said that several pet owners have positively identified Acosta as the man who had lured cats away from their homes. Edds emphasized, however, that the investigation was still active and that additional witnesses were encouraged to contact the Santa Ana or Westminster police departments. Westminster police are involved in the investigation because one of the felony charges against Acosta relates to the theft on March 21 of a Bengal Lynx cat named Clubber from Eva Corlew of Westminster. Video surveillance appeared to show a man with a can of food luring the cat before grabbing the animal and driving away in a white Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Clubber was eventually reunited with his owner, safely. Authorities allege that Acosta was also seen by a neighbor grabbing a cat and slamming it over his head April 3. Drotman wrote in the criminal complaint that Acosta maimed, mutilated and tortured that cat. Two days later, Acosta was seen on video surveillance stomping on a cat, according to the district attorney's office. His home became a flashpoint as it drew a 100-person 'Vigil for Justice,' in April, including pet owners and community and animal groups. The gathering was advertised on social media as a peaceful protest but it turned violent. A video from Fox 11 news showed at least one protester trying to wrench open a gate blocking a driveway. Others in the crowd shook a wooden fence and shouted at the residence using bullhorns. One protester appeared to spray an aerosol onto the property. Santa Ana Police said some protesters threw objects at a pair of homes, one where Acosta lived and another that belonged to a family member that the crowd believed was hiding him. Santa Ana Police confirmed that Acosta was not at either home at the time of the protest.
