Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.
Courtney Abril, of Nevada County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Nevada County Superior Court. Abril has been a Sole Practitioner since 2019. She served in several roles at the Yuba County Counsel’s Office from 2016 to 2019, including Chief Deputy County Counsel and County Counsel. Abril served as an Attorney in the Nevada County Public Defender’s Office from 2006 to 2016 and as a Legal Research Assistant in the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office from 2005 to 2006. Abril earned a Juris Doctor degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Linda J. Sloven. Abril is a Democrat. The compensation for this position is $238,479.
Mason Brawley, of Merced County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Merced County Superior Court. Brawley has been a Sole Practitioner since 2023. He was a Partner at Murphy & Brawley LLP from 2014 to 2022. Brawley was an Associate at Berliner Cohen from 2013 to 2014 and at Temmerman, Cilley & Kohlmann LLP from 2007 to 2013. He was an External Auditor for Ernst & Young LLP from 2001 to 2004 and has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant since 2004. Brawley earned a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David W. Moranda. Brawley is registered without party preference. The compensation for this position is $238,479.
Sandie Ha, of Merced, has been appointed to the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee. Ha has been an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Merced since 2017. She was an Intramural Research Training Award Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development from 2015 to 2017. Ha was a Predoctoral Fellow at the University of Florida from 2011 to 2015. She is a member of the American Public Health Association, Society for Epidemiologic Research, Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research, and the National Faculty of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. Ha earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Epidemiology from the University of Florida, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Washington. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Ha is a Democrat.
Zoe Heller, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery. Heller has been Deputy Director of the Division of Circular Economy at the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery since 2023 and served in several roles there from 2017 to 2022, including Deputy Director of the Materials Management and Local Assistance Division and Deputy Director of Policy Development. Heller held multiple roles at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2006 to 2017, including Manager of the Zero Waste Section, Special Assistant to Regional Administrator, and Environmental Protection Specialist. She was a Research and Policy Analyst at the Center for Neighborhood Technology from 2004 to 2006. Heller earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Eckerd College and a Master of Public Administration degree from Roosevelt University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $205,734. Heller is a Democrat.
Clara Levers, of Yolo County, has been appointed to serve in an interim appointment as a Judge in the Yolo County Superior Court. Levers has served as a Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General since 2008. She was an Associate at Murphy Pearson Bradley & Feeney from 2006 to 2008 and at the Law Offices of Johnny Griffin from 2003 to 2006. Levers earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David Rosenberg. The Governor’s appointment allows her to immediately assume the position she was otherwise elected to begin in January 2025. Levers is a Democrat. The compensation for this position is $238,479.
Charles Plopper, of Chester, has been reappointed to the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee, where he has served since 2017. Plopper was a Professor for the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis from 1979 to 2011. Plopper earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Developmental and Cell Biology from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology/Zoology from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Plopper is a Democrat.