California Public Defenders Association
@calpublicdefenders.bsky.social
CPDA is proud to be the leading professional organization for California's public defenders and criminal defense community.
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...
Read more here: abc7news.com/post/lawmake...
October 7, 2026 at 7:57 PM
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...
Read more here: abc7news.com/post/lawmake...
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...
Read more here: calmatters.org/justice/2026...
October 6, 2026 at 7:34 AM
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...
Read more here: calmatters.org/justice/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.
October 2, 2026 at 6:23 PM
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.
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.
September 30, 2026 at 7:51 PM
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.
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...
September 28, 2026 at 9:23 PM
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...
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.
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.
September 25, 2026 at 6:50 PM
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.
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.
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.
Thank you to @asmnickschultz.bsky.social for authoring this bill & getting it passed + signed.
September 23, 2026 at 6:48 PM
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.
Thank you to @asmnickschultz.bsky.social for authoring this bill & getting it passed + signed.
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...
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...
September 14, 2026 at 7:01 PM
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...
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...
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.
Learn more and register at www.cpda.org/upcoming-trainings.
September 11, 2026 at 4:20 PM
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.
Learn more and register at www.cpda.org/upcoming-trainings.
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...
September 9, 2026 at 5:16 PM
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...
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.
Check out the graphic for upcoming trainings and locations, and visit cpda.org/upcoming-trainings for more info & to register.
August 26, 2026 at 8:13 PM
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.
Check out the graphic for upcoming trainings and locations, and visit cpda.org/upcoming-trainings for more info & to register.
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...
Read more: calmatters.org/economy/tech...
August 24, 2026 at 6:22 PM
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...
Read more: calmatters.org/economy/tech...
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...
August 21, 2026 at 8:41 PM
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...
We had a great week at our Basic Trials Skills Institute! New CPDA members learned and practiced the trial skills needed to be great defenders for their clients.
Watch: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
And sign up for our DUI Defense Practice Seminar Aug. 28-29: cpda.org/upcoming-trainings
Watch: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
And sign up for our DUI Defense Practice Seminar Aug. 28-29: cpda.org/upcoming-trainings
We had a great week at our Basic Trials Skills Institute! New CPDA members were able to learn and practice the trial skills needed to be great defenders for their clients.
Experienced defenders led…...
We had a great week at our Basic Trials Skills Institute! New CPDA members were able to learn and practice the trial skills needed to be great defenders for their clients.
Experienced defenders led ...
www.linkedin.com
August 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM
We had a great week at our Basic Trials Skills Institute! New CPDA members learned and practiced the trial skills needed to be great defenders for their clients.
Watch: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
And sign up for our DUI Defense Practice Seminar Aug. 28-29: cpda.org/upcoming-trainings
Watch: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
And sign up for our DUI Defense Practice Seminar Aug. 28-29: cpda.org/upcoming-trainings
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...
Read more here: sdvoice.info/bill-barring...
August 14, 2026 at 7:15 PM
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...
Read more here: sdvoice.info/bill-barring...
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...
Read more: davisvanguard.org/2026/08/brid...
August 12, 2026 at 8:38 PM
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...
Read more: davisvanguard.org/2026/08/brid...
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
The cost is $260 for CPDA members and $325 for non-members.
For more information and to register, visit www.cpda.org/upcoming-trainings
August 10, 2026 at 6:51 PM
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
The cost is $260 for CPDA members and $325 for non-members.
For more information and to register, visit www.cpda.org/upcoming-trainings
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...
Read more here: news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/c...
August 7, 2026 at 4:44 PM
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...
Read more here: news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/c...
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.
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.
August 6, 2026 at 6:58 PM
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.
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.
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...
Read more here: www.latimes.com/california/s...
August 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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...
Read more here: www.latimes.com/california/s...
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/...
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/...
July 31, 2026 at 5:46 PM
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/...
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/...
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...
Read more and watch the segment here: spectrumlocalnews.com/ca/californi...
July 29, 2026 at 7:33 PM
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...
Read more and watch the segment here: spectrumlocalnews.com/ca/californi...
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.
July 27, 2026 at 6:29 PM
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.
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...
July 24, 2026 at 7:09 PM
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...
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...
Read the commentary here: calmatters.org/commentary/2...
July 22, 2026 at 6:54 PM
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...
Read the commentary here: calmatters.org/commentary/2...