Local judge will be sworn in Monday

A hometown boy will take over as Kings County's newest Superior Court judge in the 5th appellate district.

On Monday, Judge-elect Steven D. Barnes will be sworn in as a judge in Department 4 at 4:30 p.m., with a reception to follow.

He will take over for retired Judge Ronald Maciel, who will pursue a film and acting career. Maciel's retirement was effective Jan. 1.

Maciel announced his retirement early last year.

Born and raised in Hanford, Barnes attended all local schools, and started out on his higher education journey at the College of the Sequoias.

Before becoming a judge, Barnes sharpened his legal chops for 26 years through his private legal practice on Douty Street. The practice touched upon everything from creditors' rights, and family law to criminal defense.

After graduating with his bachelor of science from California State University, Fresno, Barnes went on to law school at Western State University College of Law in Orange County. He passed the bar in May of 1980.

Barnes announced his candidacy a year ago, and faced off with former Kings County District Attorney Greg Strickland in the June 6 primary election.

Strickland was district attorney from 1995 to 1998 before losing to current District Attorney Ronald Calhoun. Barnes won the race and did not have to run in the Nov. 7 election.

Barnes has served as a Superior Court judge pro tem on numerous occasions.

Barnes is active in the Kings County's legal community. He is a member of the Kings County Bar Association as well as the Superior Court Family Relations Committee.

At Monday's swearing-in ceremony, government officials, Barnes' relatives and friends, and the media are expected to attend.

Barnes will join Presiding Judge Lynn C. Atkinson, Assistant Presiding Judge Peter M. Schultz, and the Honorables Thomas De Santos, Louis Bissig, James LaPorte and George Orndoff.

Judge Barnes is assigned to Maciel's former post, Department 5, and will be responsible for the processing of civil, criminal and occasionally traffic matters.

The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3062.

(January 6, 2007)