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On July 1, members of the public and participants in the San Benito County Superior Court’s inaugural internship program gathered at the courthouse for a panel discussion celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Panelists included retired Superior Court Judge Tom Breen, retired Superior Court Judge Steve Sanders, San Benito County District Attorney Joel Buckingham, Chief Probation Officer Ashlyn Canez and Public Defender Amy Rodriguez. Superior Court Judge Omar Rodriguez served as the moderator.
The event was held in conjunction with the court’s internship program and in support of the nationwide America 250 initiative, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Asked ahead of the panel discussion the one message he would like to convey to the county about American democracy or its judicial system, Superior Court Executive Officer Tim Newman, said, “I want to encourage everyone to go back and read the Declaration of Independence. Read the language and interpret it. Find what we can do to make a commitment to each other.”
Following are questions the panelists were asked, along with their answers.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?
Amy Rodriguez: “I wanted to go to law school to help people. When you go to law school, you start to see where people really need help in our justice system, and it’s on both sides. Victims need help and defendants need help. Helping people in the criminal justice system is where my heart is, and it’s fun.”
What are your feelings about how being appointed or elected has impacted your career and the way you conduct yourself day to day? Does it create more accountability, or has it had no effect on how you serve the community or the person who appointed you?
Ashlyn Canez: “I am appointed by the presiding Superior Court judge. For me, I don’t see myself one way or another as far as being appointed versus elected. I just look at it as I’m a human being. I want to do my best. I’m going to carry myself with professionalism and integrity. So regardless of my appointment status—I’m not a politician, I’m not a lawyer, I’m just a person. I’ve done my best in my role as chief and I appreciate being appointed because I don’t have to go through an election every so often.”
Other than investing in the community, what other qualities have helped you in your career?
Joel Buckingham: “One of the things that I think has benefited me is a natural curiosity. When I come across a problem or something that doesn’t make sense, I want to understand it. I go into the laws and the precedent, probably further back than I should because I find that helps me when I’m explaining something to the court, like why business records should be admissible or why something is testimonial. People ask, ‘What does that have to do with anything?’ Well, it has to do with getting evidence admitted before the court and because I’m curious about how it all works.”
Are there any common misconceptions about your profession?
Steve Sanders: “Most people entertain misconceptions. Some of my friends who are more law-and-order focused think a good judge hangs them. Then there are people who ask, ‘Can you heal this person, my friend or my family member?’ I wish I could do those things, but I can’t. We have a little less power than that.”
What are some ways community members can make a difference?
Tom Breen: “Look around and see what your community needs. For example, donate blood, it’s such an easy thing to do. As an old guy, I go donate blood and a few weeks later they send a letter saying it helped somebody who really needed it. That’s really neat and it doesn’t cost anything except your time. There’s also the Hazel Hawkins Gift Shop here in town. My wife happens to manage it. They’re open three days a week and they need volunteers. They’re really hard to get because most of the volunteers are senior citizens and I’ve found that senior people tend to have strong wills. Look around, there’s plenty you can do. We can make this place even better.”
The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.
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