Substitute Municipal Judge Appointments

At a glance

What: Filling a vacancy among the substitute associate municipal judges, created by the retirement of the Municipal Magistrate Judge, with two new part-time Municipal Magistrate Judges.
Where it stands: Council appointed Elia Garcia and Michael Wyatt on September 1, 2026 after a closed session; each serves a four-year term from September 1, 2026 through September 1, 2030.
Next: Appointments are in effect.

Section 2.44.030H of the City Code lets Council fill a substitute associate judge vacancy; staff found appointing two part-time judges to be in the best interest of the Court and City. Niño recused himself from the interviews and discussion. Mayor Johnson commented.
Council retired into executive session at 2:47 p.m. under the attorney consultation and personnel exceptions (motion by Maldonado-Rocha, seconded by Limón; 4 in favor, 3 not present for the vote, Boyar Trejo absent), and adjourned the session at 4:52 p.m.
Final motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Chávez, seconded by Limón, carried 6-0 with Niño abstaining: Chávez, Acevedo, Maldonado-Rocha, Fierro, Limón and Canales in favor.

Item 32. Two part-time Municipal Magistrate Judges appointed 6-0, one abstention.