Twede to wear court's presiding robes starting Jan. 1

Glenn County Superior Court Judge Peter Billiou Twede will be the court's presiding judge as of Tuesday, court officials announced.

Twede, 65, of Hamilton City, succeeds Judge Donald Cole Byrd, who retires Monday.

Twede was first elected by Glenn County voters June 2008 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Angus Saint-Evens.

Twede had served as a commissioner for the superior courts of Colusa, Glenn and Tehama counties since 1997 and the Plumas County Superior Court since 1998.

He worked as a sole practitioner from 1976 to 1997.

"As the role of presiding judge, Twede will continue the history of exceptional leadership that the court and the community have enjoyed," said Janelle Bartlett, court executive officer.

Bartlett said Twede will continue to reach out to the community to promote public understanding and confidence in the administration of justice.

He will also serve as the court's liaison with the Judicial Council, the Administrate Office of the Courts and other trial courts.

Twede will be responsible for leading the court, establishing policies and allocating resources in a manner the promotes access to justices for all members of the public, she said.

He will also provide a forum for the fair and expeditious resolution of disputes,.

Twede said he hopes maximize the use of judicial and other resources, increase efficiency in court operation and enhance service to the public.

Twede earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Lincoln University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco.