HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-016Resolution No. 12-016
Whereas, Judge Steven J. Howell has announced his retirement from the Butte County Superior Court,
effective February 29, 2012; and
Whereas, Judge Howell graduated from Oroville High School as a National Merit Scholar. He received
his bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the University of California, Davis, and his law degree, magna cum
laude, from Santa Clara University; and
Whereas, Judge Howell was appointed to the Municipal Court, South Butte County Judicial District, by
Governor George Deukmejian and assumed office on September 8, 1987. Governor Pete Wilson elevated him
to the Butte County Superior Court; he was administered the oath of office by California Supreme Court Chief
Justice Ronald M. George in Chico on May 17, 1996; and
Whereas, Judge Howell stood for election five times without challenge. He is believed to have been
the second longest serving judge in Butte County history; and
Whereas, Judge Howell initially conducted court in what was known statewide as "the worst courtroom
in the State of California," adouble-wide construction trailer located in a parking lot of the Oroville Justice
Court. He led the effort which expanded the Superior Court in Oroville. Chief Justice George dedicated the
facility in December 1996; and
Whereas, two additional courtrooms were added to the Superior Court building in 2005, largely due to
the efforts of Judge Howell. Many years of planning has led to Butte County being selected far a new
courthouse in the North County, serving Paradise and Chico. The five courtroom facility is due to be completed
spring, 2014, and its construction, again, has been due largely to the efforts of Judge Howell; and
Whereas, Judge Howelf has served as the presiding judge for fourteen years, serving eight years in the
Municipal Court and six years in the Superior Court. He was selected for many years to teach court
administration to new presiding judges throughout the state; and
Whereas, then-Presiding Judge Howell in 1998 oversaw the complete unification of the Municipal and
Superior Courts in Butte County, the first county in California to do so. This action has provided better service
to the citizens of Butte County, and reduced costly duplication of administrative services; and
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RE50LUTION RECOGNIZING BUTTE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
JUDGE STEVEN J. HOWELL UPON HIS RETIREMENT
Whereas, Judge Howell was the Chair of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee from 1989-1999;
and
Whereas, former Chief Justice Malcolm M. Lucas appointed Judge Howell to the state Judicial Council,
the policy-making body far the state judiciary. He served from 1993 to 1996, and was appointed to the
Council`s Executive Committee. Among other statewide educational and administrative committees to which
he was appointed, Judge Howell was elected by his peers to lead the Rural Municipal and Justice Court
Judges Association in 1992 to 1993. He also served as the President of the Butte County Law Library Board
of Trustees from 1989-1998;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Supervisors herby recognizes Judge Howell's
twenty-four years of distinguished service and dedication to the people of Butte County;
Passed and adopted by the Butte County Board of Supervisors this 14th day of February, 2012 by the
following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Connelly, Wahl, Kirfc, Yamaguchi and Chair lambert
NOES: Nane
ABSENT: None
NOT VOTING: None j
S
STEVE IAMBI;~HAIR, BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS