Judge Jose L. Alva is the new Presiding Judge of the San Joaquin Superior Court for a two-year term commencing Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2017.
Judge Alva has served as a San Joaquin Superior Court judge for 10 years. He was the former Assistant Presiding Judge in 2014 – 2015 and replaces outgoing Presiding Judge Lesley D. Holland. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Judge Alva will continue to preside in juvenile dependency court. Judge Alva’s past assignments have included juvenile dependency and criminal.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees from the University of the Pacific and his Juris Doctor Degree from Humphrey’s College. Before being appointed to the bench, Judge Alva was engaged in a successful civil law practice. His firm handled cases in land use, real property and family matters. Judge Alva served on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors from 1979 to 1985. Judge Alva was appointed to the San Joaquin Superior Court by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
Judge Linda L. Lofthus is the Superior Court’s Assistant Presiding Judge for 2016 and 2017. A graduate of California State University at Chico and New College of California School of Law, Judge Lofthus began her career as a deputy public defender. Prior to her appointment, Judge Lofthus was in private practice specializing in family law, civil litigation, personal injury, business cases, criminal defense, real estate transactions, and banking matters.
Judge Lofthus was appointed to the San Joaquin Superior Court by Governor Gray Davis in October 2003 and has been a judge for 12 years. She is the Supervising Civil Judge and is assigned to a civil trial department. Prior to this assignment, she presided in a criminal trial department.
The Presiding Judge, with the assistance of the Court Executive Officer, is responsible for leading the court, establishing policies, and allocating resources in a manner that promotes equal access to justice, maximizes the use of judicial and other resources, increases efficiency in court operations, and enhances service to the public.
