Organization: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, Northern Branch
Position: Supervising Judge, Drug and Treatment Court Judge
Years in Drug Court: Thirteen
What about your Drug Court Team are you most proud of? That we have sustained a very high level of teamwork over the entire period I have been a Drug Court judge (I am the longest continuously serving Drug Court judge in our County's history).

 

How has your membership in the NADCP helped your team? We have greatly added to our body of experience by attending the conferences and using the research materials provided. They (NDCI Trainings) give us high quality time to "sit back" and take a good look at our team dynamics and ask good questions about our programs and performance.


What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? I am active in my faith community, a rancher (co-manage a certified organic ranch), an outdoor activities enthusiast (riding, skiing, bicycling, hiking), avid reader, and opera buff.


How has your work in Drug Court impacted your life? It has continuously reminded me that the Constitutional mandates of "due process and equal protection" are not just hollow words, but apply to everything I do. Patience, Courtesy, Honor, Fairness, Kindness and Truth are all key ingredients in running a good Drug Court, and are also character traits which help in all parts of my life !!


What has been you favorite NADCP conference moment? Attending the 10th Anniversary in Florida.  My wife and sister had recently died of cancer and this was the first event I attended away from home during my grieving time.  It was such a joyous event and wonderful reminder of all the good work I still had before me. 


Tell us about your most memorable Drug Court experience: After my wife and sister died of cancer, it was my turn.  I was diagnosed with Lymphoma and had to undergo my own chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.  One day during treatments I was on the bench, and it occurred to me that I had drugs in me that were many times more expensive than the ones the recovering addicts in my court had been taking.  I mentioned this to the assembled team and defendants as a way of inspiring them to "overcome" the travails of life.  At that time, I was completely hairless and obviously in full "treatment mode." All present rose as one and gave a thunderous applause, and I, in turn, rose and gave my own applause back to them.  It has been many years (thankfully) since then, and I will still get a comment or two from those who were present and remember that poignant moment.