Statement of KATHLEEN K. AKAO, Candidate for

Judge of the Superior Court, Office #4

County of Santa Cruz

Education and Qualifications: Ever since the people of Santa Cruz County elected me Superior Court Judge in 1994, I have worked to make the courts accessible and responsive to the needs of the community. I have had the privilege of serving as Presiding Judge of the Superior Court and for the past three years as the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court. During my tenure as Juvenile Court Judge I have implemented programs aimed at assisting families and children involved in the juvenile justice system including the Watsonville Community Court which provides intensive Court supervision and services for first time juvenile offenders; a Peer Court run by young people for teen offenders; and a Dependency Mediation Program. I have the support of my colleagues on the Superior Court, members of law enforcement, the legal community, educators and business leaders. I request your vote.

• Seminar Leader, Judicial College 1996
• Faculty, Juvenile Institute 1998
• Executive Committee, California Juvenile Court Judges 1998
• Chair, Youth Resource Bank
• Chair, Santa Cruz Children’s Network 1998
• Member, Juvenile Justice/Delinquency Prevention Commission
• CASA Advisory Board

Juris Doctorate, Santa Clara University 1981
Bachelors of Arts, San Jose State University 1970