Yolo County

Sunday Commentary: After Historic Racial Justice Act Ruling, Yolo DA Dismisses, Refiles Murder Case and Challenges Judge

By David M. GreenwaldJuly 12, 202629 comments

The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office dismissed a murder case and immediately refiled it with special-circumstance allegations previously struck by Judge Catherine Rayhill under a landmark Racial Justice Act ruling, concurrently moving to disqualify the presiding judge. This sequence of events has drawn scrutiny regarding the office’s operational efficacy and the practical enforceability of the Racial Justice Act, particularly in light of recent California Supreme Court guidance on judicial disqualification.

California Supreme Court Calls Out Yolo County District Attorney’s Use of Judicial Challenges, Opening Door to Review of Blanket 170.6 Practices

By David M. GreenwaldJune 20, 20261 comments

The California Supreme Court, in its May 28 decision in J.O. v. Superior Court, ruled that judges may now examine allegations that parties are abusing Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6 through bad-faith, blanket disqualification motions. The court specifically cited Yolo County as an example, where prosecutors utilized the statute to remove the county’s only Hispanic judge from felony criminal cases, highlighting the dangers posed by such challenges. This ruling represents a significant shift in California law, validating long-standing concerns regarding judicial independence and the potential for retaliatory actions against judges.

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Conflict Delays Arraignment in Yolo County Misdemeanor Theft Case

By Farhana IslamJune 16, 20260 comments

An accused individual facing a single misdemeanor petty theft charge in Yolo County Superior Court experienced a delayed arraignment after a conflict of interest prevented public defender representation. The absence of available conflict counsel necessitated a continuance of the proceedings, extending the case for over a month and highlighting potential strains on the right to timely legal counsel.

Election Roundup: Diane Ortiz Concedes Judicial Race; Eric Jones Advances to November Congressional Runoff

By David M. GreenwaldJune 13, 20267 comments

Diane Ortiz conceded the Yolo County Superior Court Judge Office No. 1 race to Ryan Davis, with final ballot counts confirming Davis’s victory. Concurrently, Eric Jones secured second place in California’s 4th Congressional District, advancing to the November general election against incumbent Rep. Mike Thompson under the state’s top-two primary system.

Davis’s Measure V Outcome Hinges on Thousands of Uncounted Ballots

By David M. GreenwaldJune 3, 202614 comments

Measure V, a voter referendum concerning the proposed Village Farms development in north Davis, remained narrowly behind in early election returns, according to the latest update from Yolo County election officials. With thousands of ballots yet to be processed, the outcome remains uncertain for the measure, which seeks voter approval for a residential community of up to 1,800 housing units on approximately 498 acres of agricultural land.

County Responds to Homelessness Report as 2026 PIT Count Shows Persistent Crisis across Yolo County

By David M. GreenwaldMay 23, 20265 comments

The 2026 Point-in-Time Homeless Count report documented 912 individuals experiencing homelessness across Yolo County, revealing the persistence of chronic homelessness, extensive behavioral health challenges, and widespread unsheltered living conditions. While the total represented a modest decrease from the 2024 count, officials cautioned against interpreting this decline as a significant improvement in the region’s homelessness crisis.

Yolo Supervisors to Decide Process for Appointing New District Attorney after Reisig Retirement

By David M. GreenwaldMay 22, 20265 comments

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is determining the process for filling the District Attorney vacancy following the May 15, 2026, retirement of Jeff Reisig, with Chief Deputy District Attorney Melinda Aiello currently serving as Acting District Attorney. County staff confirmed that state law and a formal California Attorney General opinion mandate Board appointment for the remainder of the term, which extends through January 8, 2029, rather than a special election. The Board is considering two primary approaches: either appointing Aiello to ensure leadership continuity or initiating an abbreviated recruitment process to evaluate additional candidates for the position.

Letter | The Right Choice for Yolo County Judge Is Ryan Davis!

By Noel RodriguezMay 21, 20260 comments

Ryan Davis, a candidate for Yolo County Superior Court Judge, is positioned as an experienced and prepared contender, citing a diverse professional background that includes service as a Commissioner, a State Public Defender, and a law professor at UC Berkeley and UC Davis. His campaign emphasizes a commitment to administering law with integrity and justice, supported by endorsements from judges, elected officials, and leaders within the Latino community.

Davis Homelessness Surges Nearly 20%, Straining Local Systems, Report Reveals

By David M. GreenwaldMay 17, 20265 comments

The Yolo County 2026 Point-in-Time Count, a federally mandated assessment, indicated a nearly 20 percent increase in homelessness within Davis, California, over the past two years. The report, which identified 194 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2026 compared to 162 in 2024, highlights persistent strain on local housing, shelter, and behavioral health systems.

Judy Ennis Launches Campaign for Davis City Council District 1 Seat

By David M. GreenwaldMay 9, 202613 comments

Judy Ennis, founder of the Davis Community Action Network, has announced her candidacy for the District 1 seat on the Davis City Council in the November 2026 election, focusing on housing affordability, economic resilience, climate preparedness, public services and rebuilding trust between residents and local government.