March 2- We are reposting these stories to help people stay informed for Tuesday’s Election, in alphabetical order. Make sure to vote!
SUSANNE RIZO, CANDIDATE FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
Susanne Rizo, candidate for Inyo County Superior Court judge, is a Bishop High School
graduate with 18 years’ experience practicing law in California.
Fifteen years ago she returned to Inyo County, first with the County Counsel’s office and
currently in child support services as attorney and regional director.
In San Diego County, she rotated between criminal and civil courts. Moving to the north
county city of Carlsbad, she served as Deputy City Attorney in an office with 90 attorneys.
During her tenure, she prosecuted over 40 cases, ranging from DUIs, sexual assault, domestic
violence and battery. On the civil side, her case load included environmental law, water law,
code enforcement and public contracting.
Rizo came back to Inyo County in 2005, serving as Deputy County Council. She currently
works as regional director of the Eastern Sierra Department of Child Support Services and as a
mediator in the County Courts.
During the past 15 years, she expanded her case load experience working on California
Environmental Quality Act cases, contract law, 5150 (danger to oneself) cases and advised
police and fire departments.
Rizo views the decision-making obligation of Superior Court judges as vital. “What we do
impacts the whole community,” she said. “We have to help people through a crisis. It’s a very
stressful time.”
Part of that process, especially with child abuse and juvenile cases, is bringing the whole
picture into focus. “What other issues are plaguing the family? How do we improve the
outcomes for the child,” she added.
Judges have to rely on the Court’s partners, Social Services, Probation. Decisions can’t
be made in a vacuum. Rizo stressed the need to meet with people and groups and to stay in
touch with the individuals and families that come become the court.
“There’s a connectedness within this community,” Rizo said, especially in cases involving
juveniles. “It’s not just the child. We have to provide treatment for the family.”
Rizo is running for Superior Court Judge to bring a fresh perspective, “to instill
confidence in the courts,” she said. “Undue delays can prejudice the parties. In divorce cases,
it’s difficult to establish a stable home life” when final decisions are delayed.
Judge Lamb didn’t commit perjury either, he was admonished for making a mistake. As far as Ms. Rizo goes, what has she done or not done? Including perjury? All I know about her is that she is a lousy head of the Child Support Agency. “At least” anything isn’t a… Read more »
Sorry, but I can’t shut up.! If you read Rizo’s statements above, you can read touchy, feely, snowflake that’s gonna do all this stuff…That a Judge is not supposed to do. The courts are not there to “help people through personal crises” they are there to adjudicate situations that can… Read more »
At least Ms. Rizo didn’t commit perjury like Brian Lamb did – twice – or was it three times?
Oh and P.S., Rizo returned to the Owen’s Valley to work with Joel Samuels. Also, for those who don’t have the true picture, the cops and the DA’s office are responsible for any increased caseloads in court, not to mention that the County finds it impossible to retain any competent… Read more »
I have four grandchildren who have 2 deadbeat moms. Ms. Rizo has barely been able to get $70/month from the would-be star, when as far as I can tell it should be @ $250/ month. The other 3 kids get nothing, and will soon be too old, one is already… Read more »
Anyone NOT FROM THIS VALLEY. THIS 1 INCLUDED!!
What’s wrong Cashbaugh? Did he make you open up 90% of your land to hunters and fishermen? Or did the price of beef just drop?
Any one is preferred over the present sitting judge.