On November 24, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed six new Superior Court Judges in California. The appointments cover Kings, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Clara, Shasta, and Sutter counties. These positions fill vacancies from recent retirements in the state court system.
In Kings County, Rise Donlon of Tulare County was appointed to the Superior Court. Donlon has served as a Court Commissioner and Assistant County Counsel. She previously owned a law firm and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of California College of Law, San Francisco. Donlon replaces Judge Valerie R. Chrissakis. She is a Democrat.
Karine Mkrtchyan was appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Mkrtchyan has been a Court Commissioner since 2023 and has worked in civil litigation as a partner and associate at law firms. She holds a Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School. Mkrtchyan replaces Judge Fumiko H. Wasserman. She is a Democrat…