The merit selection panel assists the Court in screening and evaluating potential candidates. The panel will be chaired by the Honorable Peter Williams, Sacramento Superior Court Judge.

GENERAL ORDER NO. 696

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C, §631(b)(5) and the Regulations of the Judicial Conference of the United States Establishing Standards and Procedures for the Appointment and Reappointment of United States Magistrate Judges (Regulations), the following individuals are hereby appointed effective January 12, 2026, as a merit selection panel to assist the Court in the appointment of a full-time magistrate judge with duty station at Redding, California. All Panel members have been advised in writing of the restriction on applying for a magistrate judge position for a period of one year after the conclusion of their service as set forth in §420.30.20(d) of the Regulations.

1. Hon. Peter Williams, Sacramento Superior Court Judge (Panel Chair)

2. Rachelle Barbour, Assistant Federal Defender

3. Justin Lee, Assistant United States Attorney

4. Cathleen Barr, Partner, Barr and Mudford LLP

5. Blaze Van Dine, Attorney, Sims, Lawrence and Broghammer LLP

6. Wendy Reyes, Retired United States Probation Officer (non-attorney)

7. Heather Sulzer, Educator; Member of Cottonwood Union School District Board of Trustees (non-attorney)
   
   

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: January 7, 2026