New judges are sworn in

The Ventura Superior Court held a formal swearing in ceremony for the court's new presiding judge, Colleen Toy White, and assistant presiding judge, Kevin J. McGee, Wed., Jan. 17 at the Hall of Justice in Ventura.

The oath was administered by Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert, second appellate district, division six, of the California Court of Appeal. Recognition was also given to outgoing Presiding Judge John R. Smiley.

White and McGee were elected to the positions by the judges of the Ventura Superior Court during their weekly meeting Aug. 23, 2006. The new term for both began Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2008.

White has served as a Ventura Superior Court judge for 12 years. She has been the Superior Court assistant presiding judge since January 2005 and is a former supervising judge of the Family Law Division.

McGee was elected to the Ventura Superior Court bench in November 1998. He is the supervising judge of the criminal division. Past assignments have included family law, civil, criminal trials and criminal arraignments.

The presiding judge, with the assistance of the court executive officer, is responsible for leading the court, establishing policies and allocating resources.

The assistant presiding judge performs duties as assigned by the presiding judge and, in the absence of the presiding judge, exercises the powers of the presiding judge.