Gov. Jerry Brown's three nominees to California's courts of appeal cruised to confirmation in brief hearings Wednesday afternoon.
The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously approved the appointments of San Francisco Superior Court Judge Marla Miller and Keker & Van Nest partner Jon Streeter to the First District Court of Appeal. Commissioners also voted, 3-0, to confirm Fresno County Superior Court Judge M. Bruce Smith to the Fifth District Court of Appeal.
The nominees did not attract any public opposition, and their confirmations seemed assured before Wednesday. The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation rated all three appointees "well qualified."
Streeter, former president of the California State Bar, fills the vacancy created when the governor elevated Justice James Humes to presiding justice of the First District's Division One.
"Whether partner or public servant, Jon will always exemplify integrity, equality and justice," Keker & Van Nest managing partner Steve Taylor said in a prepared statement. "He'll make an exceptional judge."
Miller will replace retired Justice Paul Haerle on the First District's Division Two. Smith will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Rebecca Wiseman. The Commission on Judicial Appointments is scheduled to consider the nomination of Leondra Kruger to the state Supreme Court on Dec. 22.