Candidate for
Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 21

My name is Gay Sandoval. I was the only write-in candidate that intended to run for a judgeship last November. I was all signed up to run in a race where the judge was retiring. All that changed when Judge Ronald Kline was charged with possession of child pornography and later charged with child molestation.

As a Deputy District Attorney, I prosecuted child molesters. I understand what the victims go through. They are hurt when the crime is committed and when they relive it in court. These victims have a special place in my heart.

At first I thought it was too late! The charges came out two days after the deadline to oppose Judge Kline as a regular candidate. He was about to be re-elected without his name even being on your ballot.

When no one else said they would try to stop his re-election, I said I would. So I gave up my chance to run for the other judge seat. In December, I collected over 900 signatures and forced his name on the ballot.

In March, the impossible happened. Judge Kline was not re-elected. He then withdrew as a candidate for this general election and I took his place. The Orange County Bar Association spent a month investigating my expertise, background, legal experience, and community service. I am the only candidate rated "qualified" to be a judge in Office #21 by that organization.

As a wife and mother, I put family values first. I have been married to my college sweetheart, Joe, for 29 years. My daughter Magdalena, is at Stanford University, and Celinda is at Costa Mesa High School. I want them to know that I have the courage to stand up for the values I believe are important. Now that they are grown, I can devote myself to helping our community as your judge.

I was admitted to the California State Bar in 1979 (California Bar Card No. 89562), and am also admitted to the United States District Courts (Central & Southern Districts), and the United States Court of Appeal, Ninth District. I have practiced both criminal and civil law as a trial lawyer.

Because of my background as a Judge Pro Tem, Deputy District Attorney, Trial Lawyer, Mother, Teacher, Columnist, and Children's Advocate, I have all of the qualifications to be the best judge ever. I have the moral integrity and courage to serve you with respect, humility, and courtesy. I am tough enough to give the punishments I must to protect our children and our community.