Twede sworn into Superior Court seat

Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Glenn County Superior Court Judge Peter Twede took the oath of office Friday to become the 14th such judge in Glenn County’s history.

“It is a rare occasion to swear in a Superior Court judge here,” said Judge Don Byrd, who presided over the ceremony, as retired Judges
Angus Saint-Evens and Roy G. MacFarland observed.

Byrd noted Twede did not want a lot of attention, but he told him a formal ceremony was necessary, he said.

“Any judge will tell you this is a wonderful spot to be put into,” Byrd said. It is also a learning experience and a lot of hard work.

MacFarland said he had put a great deal of thought into his advice on how to be a judge. In fact, he had three pounds of notes on the  subject, but Byrd threw them into the trash to laughter from the audience.

In essence, MacFarland advised Twede to follow “due justice” after quoting the Latin term for the phrase.

“I am quite honored with Peter’s elevation and election,” he said, also observing Twede was nationally recognized for his work as a judicial commissioner in Glenn and surrounding counties.

And he expressed satisfaction at having “two young, eager judges” on the bench in this county, MacFarland said.

Before Byrd introduced Saint-Evens, he recalled Saint-Evens was the only judge to serve all three positions in Glenn County courts before they were consolidated into a superior court a few years ago.

Saint-Evens began in the Glenn County Justice Court, moved up to the Municipal Court and finally the Superior Court in 1998. He retired
June 30. Twede was elected to replace Saint-Evens during the June Primary election.

“He has been a colleague, friend and court bench officer for 30 years,” Saint-Evens said of Twede. “I can’t think of leaving the courts in better hands than his and Judge Byrd’s.”

From there, the ceremony began with Byrd administering the oath with Twede’s wife, Judy, by his side in the Superior Court room.

“This is a significant moment in my life,” Twede said. “I want to thank the people here to offer their congratulations on continuing my judicial career.”

Having worked as a commissioner in Tehama, Colusa and Plumas counties, Twede said it will be difficult for his car not to turn towards
Chico and Quincy on Wednesday mornings since that is where he has traveled the past 11 years.

However, he believes the transition will be seamless thanks to the work of his court executive officer and staff, Twede said.

Several Orland area local government officials attended the ceremony including Vice-Mayor Bruce Roundy, Glenn County Supervisor Tracey Quarne, Supervisor-elect John Viegas and Orland Police Chief Bob Pasero.

Sheriff Larry Jones was there as well.

“I’ve known him for 30 years. We are neighbors,” Roundy said. “He couldn’t be a more perfect fit for the county. His experience and knowledge will make him an excellent jurist.”

For his part, Quarne joked about attending the ceremony.

“It was one of the most pleasant experiences in my life,” he said. “I was in the presence of four judges and for once, I did not have to write out a check.”

He added he has confidence in those on the bench in Glenn County.

Pasero said he thinks Twede will be a good judge because he is extremely fair and balanced in his decisions.

The police chief first met him when Pasero came to Orland in 1983.

Jones also complimented Twede. “He already has the experience base by which to render sound legal decisions,” Jones said, and he should serve the county well.

Contact Rick Longley at rlongley@tcnpress.com or 934-6800.