This Monday, Justice Patricia Mercado was sworn in as the first Latina judge of the California Supreme Court.
Mercado was recognized for her historic promotion from appellate judge to the highest court in the state.
“He made history for us and for the future of California,” said state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.
“It is a very important and well-deserved appointment,” he added.
Guerrero’s appointment also meant a majority of four women on the seven-member court, Cantil-Sakauy noted.
Guerrero, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, adds a “perspective unlike anything that has been offered in this court,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said before Patricia was sworn in.
The governor added that Guerrero’s appointment “is not just about being the first (Hispanic on the highest court), this is about (choosing) the best.”
Patricia Gerrero, 50, lives in San Diego and grew up in the agricultural region of the Imperial Valley.
The new judge of the California Supreme Court said that it is “the courage, the sacrifices and the struggles of my parents and my grandparents.”
“They came to this country knowing that it would not be easy for them,” he said.
“But, like so many others, they came with hope, hope for a better future for their children, the pursuit … of the American dream,” he added.
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