 Hello, I am Ann Rae Angel and I'm running for Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge. I want to be your judge because I care deeply about Santa Cruz County, where I raised my children as a working mom. I care about fairness, honesty, and trust in our local legal system. For nearly 30 years, I have practiced criminal, family, civil, probate, and small claims law throughout Santa Cruz County and the Greater Bay Area. During that time, I've handled thousands of cases, I've seen a lot of judges, and I've even sat as a pro tem judge. I can tell you that not all judges are the same. Who the judge is really does matter. In August, I was asked to run against a powerful judge here in Santa Cruz, a judge who had been disciplined by the state for repeatedly violating judicial ethics. I knew it would be hard, but it was the right thing to do. Other candidates could have run then, but no one did. I was the one candidate who had the courage to step up to protect the integrity of the courts for the people of Santa Cruz County. Judges need to have the strength and courage to do what is right when it is needed. The strength to be fair, honest, and ethical. The strength to stand up for families and victims. The courage to change practices that don't work. The courage to stop the cycle of crime and violence. The courage to be creative, thoughtful, and human. The strength to heal our rifts. As a Superior Court Judge, I will push to restore drug and mental health courts and create safe spaces for women. I will bring service providers into the courtroom and infuse the juvenile and adult court with restorative justice. I will listen carefully and treat all people with dignity and compassion. I am fortunate to have the endorsement of 25 judges, over 100 attorneys, the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club, Santa Cruz for Bernie, Santa Cruz Monterey Builders and Construction Trades Council, and the People's Democratic Club. I will be honored to have your vote.