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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

CPDA board member and Sonoma County Assistant Public Defender Yarrow Neubert spoke to ABC San Francisco about failed squatter legislation involving a case against two people who have been occupying a home in San Francisco for more than a year. Read more here: abc7news.com/post/lawmake...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

CPDA Board Member Tracie Olson was quoted along with CPDA members Ellen McDonnell and Andre Nintcheff in a CalMatters investigation on why Prop. 36 is struggling, nearly two years after its passing. Read more here: calmatters.org/justice/2026...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Our educational trainings are an integral part of the work that we do within CPDA. Check out this reel from our 2026 Homicide Defense Seminar, and visit cpda.org/upcoming-trainings to sign up for our Mental Health & Civil Commitment Seminar on 10/30.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Governor Newsom has signed SB 873 (Reyes), Kick ICE Out of Courts, co-sponsored by CPDA. It protects the courthouse and the road to the courthouse. Thanks to Sen. Reyes, @westerncenter.bsky.social, Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, @crlafoundation.bsky.social & others in getting this passed.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Gov. Newsom signed the CPDA & California Innocence Coalition-sponsored bill AB 1905. It restricts undercover Perkins ops against CA youth. Thanks @asmnickschultz.bsky.social for authoring this bill & working to get it passed & signed. Read more from CalMatters: calmatters.org/justice/2026...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We had a great, educational weekend in San Diego with everyone who attended the 2026 Homicide Defense Seminar. These events are great opportunities to learn directly from the people who are shaping case law. Check out cpda.org/upcoming-trainings to learn more, and to sign up for our next seminar.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

BIG WIN for indigent defense in CA! Flat-fee contracts incentivize volume over justice. This is a step towards ensuring that every Californian gets the defense to which they are constitutionally entitled. Thank you to @asmnickschultz.bsky.social for authoring this bill & getting it passed + signed.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Public defender and CPDA Legislative Committee member Jessica Melikian was interviewed by CalMatters on AB 1905. It would prevent law enforcement from implementing Perkins operations on people under 26 who allegedly broke the law when they were 17 or younger: calmatters.org/justice/2026...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Public defenders and professionals from across the state are invited to attend CPDA’s Annual Mental Health and Civil Commitment Seminar, happening Oct. 30 on the UC Berkeley campus. Learn more and register at www.cpda.org/upcoming-trainings.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

CPDA member Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy Public Defender Erica Sutherland won an historic Racial Justice Act claim for her client and exposed the racial biases at work in how people are sentenced in her county. Read + share on why this moment matters: www.santamariasun.com/news-2/histo...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Fall is a great time to jump back into continued learning and education. CPDA has you prepared with events to earn continuing hours for your MCLE certification and more. Check out the graphic for upcoming trainings and locations, and visit cpda.org/upcoming-trainings for more info & to register.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

CalMatters reported on an upcoming hearing to sanction the Nevada County DA after AI use led to errors in 4 known cases. CPDA filed a brief supporting sanctions, arguing prosecutors need to be deterred since their mistakes are less likely to surface. Read more: calmatters.org/economy/tech...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

District attorneys claim to represent victims. Instead, here in California, district attorneys in San Francisco and Los Angeles have used their immense power to prosecute the victims of police violence and prosecute whistleblowers (1/3): missionlocal.org/2026/08/sf-p...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint recently published a story about CPDA and other orgs supporting AB 2318, the Ensuring Accountability After Tragedies Act. If passed, it would stop officers from blocking medical care when requested. Read more here: sdvoice.info/bill-barring...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Heather Rogers, PD of Santa Cruz & CPDA Board Member, discussed the launch of the public defense-focused BRIDGE Foundation of Santa Cruz County. Rogers co-founded BRIDGE, which provides reentry support for Santa Cruz County public defender clients. Read more: davisvanguard.org/2026/08/brid...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Spots are already filling up for CPDA’s Annual Homicide Defense Practice Seminar, happening Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19. The cost is $260 for CPDA members and $325 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit www.cpda.org/upcoming-trainings

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Chief Deputy State PD & CPDA member Christina Spaulding spoke to Bloomberg Law about the Racial Justice Act and the underfunding of county public defenders offices. It is critical, but is creating a workload crisis for public defenders. Read more here: news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/c...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

We’ve had a great start to our 2026 Summer Basic Trial Skill Institute! In addition to meeting fellow public defenders from across the state, attendees have been immersed in group workshops and small discussions to cultivate their trial practice skills.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

CPDA Executive Director Kate Chatfield was interviewed by the columnist Anita Chabria at the LA Times about the failures of Prop. 36. The legislation was supposed to offer individuals an option to recover from drug addiction instead of jail time. Read more here: www.latimes.com/california/s...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

We are spotlighting Ella Conolley, a recent graduate from UCSB who is the inaugural intern for the Mowrer Fellowship. The fellowship allows an intern to engage in legislative, policy, and appellate work that strengthens public defense statewide. Read more: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

CPDA Executive Director Kate Chatfield was interviewed by Spectrum News on the Association’s continued opposition to new legislation for mental health diversion. Read more and watch the segment here: spectrumlocalnews.com/ca/californi...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

CPDA is capping summer off with its annual homicide defense practice seminar. The training can be accessed both in-person and online. The cost is $260 for members and $325 for non-members. Visit CPDA.org for more information and to register.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

We are spotlighting Glen Mowrer, a past Board President and early CPDA leader who is the creator and namesake behind the Mowrer Fellowship. It allows CPDA to fund an intern to engage in legislative, policy, and appellate work that strengthens public defense statewide: www.cpda.org/make-a-donat...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

CalMatters' recent editorial argues CA's death penalty is racially rigged. And now, the Office of the State Public Defender & civil rights groups are taking the fight for equal protection to the state superior court. Read the commentary here: calmatters.org/commentary/2...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

CPDA member and UC Berkeley Law lecturer Andrea Crider argues that the promise of the state’s Racial Justice Act to provide incarcerated people a lawyer to challenge racially biased convictions is not working out as projected. Read more here: cpda.memberclicks.net/assets/Newsl...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

CPDA is hosting their annual DUI Defense Practice Seminar, August 29-29. Public defenders and experts from across the state will lead workshops on DUI defense, jury deselection, must-know DUI legal cases, and more. For more information and to register, visit the CPDA website.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

A CalMatters investigation highlights “Perkins operations.” This is a practice used by law enforcement where law enforcement place people in custody, and then pose as incarcerated individuals in an effort to elicit incriminating statements from that person. Read: calmatters.org/justice/2026...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

LA County Public Defender and CPDA Board Member Ricardo Garcia was among several advocates and allies who gathered in Sacramento in support of universal clemency, reports Pasadena Now. Read more: pasadenanow.com/main/l-a-pub...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Santa Cruz County Chief Public Defender and CPDA board member Heather Rogers recently spoke to Lookout Santa Cruz about securing an agreement to fund their county’s public defense office after deliberation on how to cut costs while still providing services. Read more: lookout.co/county-finds...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

CPDA Executive Director Kate Chatfield spoke with ABC 10 Sacramento around ongoing debate over the state’s mental health diversion program. Governor Newsom signed AB46, which seeks to limit access to mental health diversion into law last month. Watch: www.abc10.com/article/news...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The Sacramento Bee mentioned the legislative work of California Public Defenders Association related to a recent measure approved by Governor Newsom. Read more: www.sacbee.com/news/politic...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

CPDA member and LA County Head Deputy Public Defender Nick Stewart-Oaten was quoted in a story from LA Daily News regarding a glitch in the California DOJ’s background check system. Read more: www.dailynews.com/2026/06/12/d...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

CPDA member Lesli Caldwell-Houston tells KALW why "wobbler bill" AB 1741 risks exacerbating mass incarceration. "A 'wobbler' is a specific type of crime giving the justice system the flexibility to charge a defendant with either a misdemeanor or a felony..." Listen: www.kalw.org/bay-area-new...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

CPDA member and Orange County Deputy Public Defender Rose Angulo spoke to the OC Register about the potential sentence reduction of a Chilean national due to racial bias. Read more here: www.ocregister.com/2026/06/12/d...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

This week, Andrea Garcia, San Bernardino Dep. Public Defender & CPDA Immigration Committee Member, testified in support of SB 873. If passed, it will stop ICE from making arrests w/o a warrant while a person is in or around a state courthouse. Learn more: bit.ly/3SZ7K9w

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Last week, CPDA, Smart Justice California, Vera California, and others gathered at the state capitol to call on lawmakers to protect mental health diversion. Join us in continuing to support legislation for #MentalHealthDiversion #MentalHealthDiversionCA Photos via Smart Justice California.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

County jails are now the largest mental health facilities in America. Mental health diversion is the off-ramp that leads to recovery, accountability, and safety. Join us in calling on lawmakers to protect mental health diversion. Support #MentalHealthDiversion #MentalHealthDiversionCA

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

CPDA leaders spoke with LA Public Press about working to pass SB 873, a bill that has the potential to ban ICE agents performing arrests within 1000 feet of a state courthouse unless they have a warrant. Read more here: lapublicpress.org/2026/06/ice-...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

CPDA Executive Director Kate Chatfield discussed the need for, and benefits of, the CPDA Motions Bank with the Davis Vanguard. Read more here: davisvanguard.org/2026/06/cali...

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

The California Public Defenders Association is honoring and commemorating the legacy of the Stonewall Uprising, which laid the groundwork for modern activism and organizing in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. CPDA aims to live up to their legacy in the work we do every day.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

There is still time to register for the DNA Defense Clinic at Loyola Law School on June 26-27, 2026. It is being hosted by CPDA, Loyola Law School, and the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California. Visit cpda.memberclicks.net/upcoming-trainings for more info and to register.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Happy Pride Month! CPDA proudly celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. We honor our fellow LGBTQ+ public defense professionals who make our justice system more open and affirming. We remain committed to eradicating gender & identity-based inequities & elevating public defense work in California & beyond.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

On 6/18/26, CPDA will host “ICE Enforcement During the Trump Administration: Risks, Realities, and Strategies for Defenders.” The webinar will focus on changes in immigration enforcement + its impact on noncitizen clients in the criminal legal system. Register: www.cpda.org/upcoming-trainings.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

AI use to evaluate claims from public defender clients may be coming to LA Superior Court. “‘I think it is outrageous,” said the LA County Superior Court judge. “Ultimately, that will erode the public’s confidence in the competence and fairness of the judiciary.’” Read more: bit.ly/49xRn9F

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

This week, 3 CPDA-sponsored bills advanced: AB 1905, SB 873, and SB 1173. But AB 1958, the Racial Justice Act of 2026, did not. Fighting for racial justice in our criminal legal system is a constant battle, but we + our allies are committed to the fight. More info: www.cpda.org/legislation.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

CPDA ACTION ALERT: Tell Your Assemblymember To Vote YES on AB 1958. It amends California's Racial Justice Act, which stops the state from seeking, obtaining, or imposing a criminal conviction or sentence based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Call today + ask them to vote YES.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

SB 873 — the "Kick ICE Out of Courts" Act — passed the State Senate today + now heads to the Assembly. It makes protections clear: a valid judicial warrant before any ICE arrest, clear ID by agents, a 1,000-foot zone around every state courthouse + protection for anyone traveling to + from court.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Last month, CPDA elected its new Board Members for 2026. We welcome them to a continuing tradition of commitment to improving indigent defense throughout California and advocating for systemic change in the criminal legal system.

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California Public Defenders Association @calpublicdefenders.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

CPDA, Loyola Law School, and the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California are hosting a DNA Defense Clinic at Loyola Law School June 26-27, 2026. Visit cpda.memberclicks.net/upcoming-trainings for more information and to register.

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