Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties.
Patrick Deedon, of Shasta County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Shasta County Superior Court. Deedon has been a Partner at Maire & Deedon since 2013 where he also worked as an Associate from 2006 to 2013. Deedon received a Juris Doctor degree from Cal Northern School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stephen H. Baker. Deedon is registered without party preference.
Rise Donlon, of Tulare County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Kings County Superior Court. Donlon has served as a Court Commissioner at the Kings County Superior Court since 2024. She has served in several positions at the Kings County Office of the County Counsel, including as Assistant County Counsel from 2023 to 2024 and Deputy County Counsel from 2013 to 2023. Donlon was the owner of Donlon Law Firm from 2003 to 2013. She worked as an Associate at Fleer & Daugherty from 1999 to 2003. Donlon worked as an Associate at Haskell & Goodman from 1998 to 1999. She received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of Law, San Francisco. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Valerie R. Chrissakis. Donlon is a Democrat.
Christopher Ferguson, of West Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Student Aid Commission. Ferguson has been Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance and Strategic Initiatives, California Community Colleges since 2024. He held several roles at the California Department of Finance from 2007 to 2024, including Program Budget Manager, Assistant Program Budget Manager, Principal Program Budget Analyst, Staff Finance Budget Analyst, Associate Finance Budget Analyst, and Assistant Finance Budget Analyst. Ferguson earned a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Riverside. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ferguson is a Democrat.
Tahmina Morrow, of Colusa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Sutter County Superior Court. Morrow has served as Chief Deputy County Counsel at the Yuba County Counsel’s Office since 2022. She worked as a Senior Associate at Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer from 2014 to 2022. Morrow worked as an Attorney for Borton Petrini from 2013 to 2014 and as an Attorney for the Law Offices of Christian Schank & Associates from 2012 to 2013. Morrow received a Juris Doctor degree from McGeorge School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Laura J. Davis. Morrow is a Democrat.