On Friday, April 4, 2025, the California Commission on Judicial Performance announced the appointment of a new special master in the ongoing inquiry concerning Judge Michael J. Carrozzo of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. This significant development comes as part of formal proceedings initiated by the commission on December 18, 2024, regarding various issues related to Judge Carrozzo’s conduct.
The hearing is set to commence on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located at 200 East Santa Clara Street in Ventura, California. The hearing will be open to the public, allowing for transparency in the proceedings.
The commission’s inquiries will be overseen by a panel of special masters appointed by the California Supreme Court. The newly appointed special master is Honorable Timothy R. Martella, who serves on the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County. He replaces Honorable Matthew P. Guasco, who was previously assigned to this role but has since stepped down.
Joining Judge Martella on the panel are Honorable Rebecca A. Wiseman, who is retired from the Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, and Honorable C. Don Clay, who is retired from the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. Together, these legal experts will facilitate the hearing process, ensuring that all evidence presented is thoroughly examined.
During the hearing, both sides will be given the opportunity to introduce evidence and conduct examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses. This procedural framework is designed to uphold the integrity of the inquiry and provide a fair platform for all parties involved.
Representing Judge Carrozzo are attorneys Heather L. Rosing and Christine C. Rosskopf from San Diego, along with Gabrielle M. Jackson from Los Angeles. The commission’s interests will be represented by Commission Trial Counsel Mark A. Lizarraga and Assistant Trial Counsel Gregory J. Cleaver, who will serve as examiners throughout the proceedings.
Once the hearing concludes, the special masters will compile a report detailing their findings regarding the charges against Judge Carrozzo. The parties involved will then have the chance to respond to this report through additional briefing and arguments before the commission. This response phase is critical, as it allows for further clarification and discussion of the matters at hand.
The California Commission on Judicial Performance holds the authority to impose disciplinary actions if it finds that the charges against Judge Carrozzo are substantiated by clear and convincing evidence. If the commission determines that the allegations are not proven, those charges will be dismissed, allowing Judge Carrozzo to continue his judicial duties without penalty.
A copy of the press release can be found here.
