Stockton, CA — On Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 9 a.m., the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, will host National Adoption Day with San Joaquin County Human Services Agency, Aspiranet, Wayfinder Family Services, Family Extension, Parents by Choice, Share Homes FFA, and ICPC. This year’s event will celebrate and finalize adoptions for 23 families and 33 children.

This event will be presided over by Judges Michael D. Coughlan, Anthony P. Lucaccini, Erin Guy-Castillo, and Michael J. Mulvihill Jr. Judge Erin Guy-Castillo will begin with a brief welcome and introduction. 

Upon reflection of this eventful day, Judge Erin Guy-Castillo said, “The San Joaquin Superior Court is honored and thrilled to participate again in National Adoption Day. We have an opportunity to not only formalize forever families for so many children, but are continuing to raise awareness about the children in our community who are in need of foster care or are eligible and waiting for adoptions.  We want this meaningful event to honor and celebrate those who have come forward to transform the lives of children through adoption. We are grateful as a court to participate in this joyous event that makes a difference in the lives of so many children.” Judge Michael J. Mulvihill Jr. adds, “It is truly an honor as a member of the San Joaquin Superior Court and a resident of San Joaquin County to participate in National Adoption Day.  We are so blessed as a community to have so many parents come to court and enlarge their family by adopting these children in need.  While these families may not share the same blood, the love they share is what truly makes them a family.  It is more than an honor to be part of their day and we wish them noting but love and happiness.”

Volunteers from the court and agencies participate in this special day by working together to celebrate the joys of adoption and encourage more families and individuals to give children permanent families through adoption.

National Adoption Day has been celebrated across the nation on the Saturday before  Thanksgiving and to raise awareness of the more than 113,000 children and youth in foster care waiting to find a permanent and loving family. Over the past 24 years, the nationwide collective effort of judges, lawyers, court staff, foster professionals, child advocates, sheriff personnel, and many others has made the dreams of over 75,000  children and youth come true by working on this one special day to finalize adoptions for children and youth in foster care.

For your convenience, here is information regarding the event:

· Begins at 9:00 a.m., Jury Assembly Room 12th floor

· Court opens to families at 8:15 a.m.

· Welcome/Introduction: Judge Erin Guy-Castillo

· Stockton Courthouse – 180 E. Weber Ave., Stockton, CA

· Members of the public and press are invited to attend court in person. Press interested in recording court proceedings via TV camera and recorder, still camera, and/or audio must complete required paperwork. Please send requests to mediarequest@sjcourts.org.

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Stockton, CA —  On October 5, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed two new San Joaquin Superior Court Judges: Allan F. Jose and Sabrina Schneweis-Coe.  

Judge Allan F. Jose had been a Sole Practitioner since 2005. He was a Partner and Attorney at the law firm of Jose & Barrera APC from 2005 to 2016. Judge Jose served as a Deputy District Attorney at the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2005 and was an Associate at Cook Brown LLP from 2001 to 2002. He was an Associate at Murphy Pearson Bradley and Feeney from 2000 to 2001. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Linda Lofthus effective October 6, 2023. “I am both privileged and excited by this Appointment. I look forward to serving San Joaquin County and earning the trust placed in me by the Governor,” said Judge Jose.

Prior to her appointment, Judge Sabrina Schneweis-Coe served as Supervising Probate  Attorney at the San Joaquin County Superior Court since 2019. She was a Partner at Schneweis-Coe & Bakken LLP from 2014 to 2019 and Counsel at Downey Brand LLP from 2010 to 2014. She was a Partner and Owner at Schneweis-Coe & Bakken, Attorneys at Law from 2002 to 2010 and an Associate at Drobny Law Offices Inc. from 2000 to 2002. Jude Schneweis-Coe earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She filled the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Anthony Lucaccini in August 2023.   “I am truly honored and humbled to have been appointed by Governor Newsom. I look forward to serving the community of San Joaquin County,” said Judge Schneweis-Coe.

Assistant Presiding Judge Gus Barrera said “I am extremely pleased with the additions of Judges  Allan F. Jose and Sabrina Schneweis-Coe to our bench.  Each of them brings a vast amount of experience and specialized knowledge that will be an asset in their future assignments.  They each have a strong work ethic and great judicial temperament.  The Court has every confidence they will excel in their new positions.”

The appointments of Judge Jose and Judge Schneweis-Coe will greatly assist the Court’s goal in continuing to provide access to justice for court litigants.  After these appointments, the Court has three judicial vacancies that need to be filled. In addition, a state Judicial Needs Assessment has found that the San Joaquin County Superior Court is in need of additional judgeships.

Both judges’ formal and public swearing in ceremonies have yet to be scheduled.

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