Testimonials
I support Steve Wright for Superior Court Judge because I believe he brings many qualities to bear on the judgeship.
First, he is a quality lawyer, having an unblemished 30 year career. He is a criminal defense lawyer, but is not a lawyer with a cause other than to protect our rights. He is not trying to be a social advocate, or to change law.
Second, he brings a perspective that many people overlook in selecting a judge. As a criminal defense lawyer, he has personal and close interaction directly with people who commit crimes. He has interviewed hundreds, if not thousands of accused. No one else in the justice system has that kind of access.
I believe that prepares him to be a tough-on-crime judge. He is not going to be fooled at sentencing by stories he knows is not true. He can see through arguments that he may have heard before. He will never have to constantly prove he can be fair to criticisms of any specialty bar.
As a public, there is a false assumption that defense attorneys, if they become judges, cannot protect us, or they are bias in favor of defendants; absolutely not true in the case of Steve Wright and many others like him. We have never given them a chance to show us how effective a person like Steve Wright can be.
I am willing to stand up and say Steve Wright is a defense lawyer with a remarkable career and an excellent personality to be a judge. He will protect our rights and protect us from the career criminals that are plaguing our society.
Crime is on the rise; violent crime is even more on the rise. We need someone with the perspective of Steve Wright on the bench.
-Terry Medina,
Chief of Police, Watsonville
Compassion, experience, integrity and a strong work ethic all combine to make Steve Wright the top choice in this race. He has a reputation of high ethical standards and knows how to efficiently apply the law. He has a long term commitment to public service. Steve Wright has the leadership ability and tact to work well with court clerks, reporters, bailiffs and other staff members. Steve Wright knows the law so well that he could join the court tomorrow and be ready to tackle almost any assignment that he might be given. Steve Wright is the best qualified and most experienced candidate for Judge of the Superior Court.
-Honorable Robert B. Yonts,
Retired Superior Court Judge
The three attorneys who represented David, Wright, Biggam, and Christiansen, if I was in trouble that's the people I'd go to. They're that good, really excellent attorneys, a lot of integrity, which is one of the reasons I've stayed friends with them all these years. They were doing everything they could to give him a fair trial, working with a loaded deck. That's all there was to it.
-Stoney Brook,
The Sleeping Lady
Robert Graysmith, 1990
(not an endorsement)
Your paths may have crossed in the Santa Cruz County Courts where he has worked for the last 34 years. If so, know how passionate he is about justice and how fair he is. If you were one of his clients you know much he cares for people.
-Rita Wright,
A Letter to his Community
To read the full letter as a pdf click here.
To read a letter from Art Guerra to the community click here.
Claudia Manjaraz has been clean and sober for 22 months. She is reunited with her daughter. She works at a women’s outpatient drug and alcohol program in Oakland, California. In July Claudia will become a certified drug counselor. She commutes to Oakland from Santa Cruz everyday and has never been happier in her life.
August 24, 2006
Dear Steve,
This letter has been the most difficult to start and send than any other I’ve had to write, ever. The number one reason being I feel that I’ve let you down again. The guilt and shame that I carry with that, surpasses the one with my parents, my daughter, and friends that I’ve let down. I’m so, so sorry. I can’t say that enough in ten life times. I know that your slate is not easy to wipe clean considering my record with you lately. At this point a “Claudia, I don’t believe you” is well expected. For the record, I will accept what ever response is given back to me. And what ever that may be, know that whether I was in my addiction or not I do value your friendship so much that I myself have always considered you family. I’m very honored that you’ve always cared for me. I know I’ve used this word before but I am dumbfounded by your continuous care. I know very well how much I’ve let you down and myself by never returning to my court date. At the time you I both knew that out-patient was not going to work for me or else I would have not been in that predicament in the first place. As much as I would cringe at the word “residential” when you would say it, by the grace of God I now reside in one. It’s a 4 month residential in Sebastopol with a 3 month after care for Latina women. Children are also welcomed. I can honestly say that I love this place for giving me myself back. This place is providing me with tools I need to start life on life’s terms.
There is not a day that goes by where I don’t think about how you would always say “You need a residential Claudia, at least 6 months”. I know that this is only 4 but being that there are only 6 women at a time living here, instruction is intense, nothing is overlooked and we are constantly probed. We program from 6 am ‘til 10 pm Monday through Friday. I have a one on one counselor named Cynthia who is an advocate for domestic violence and drugs. She is helping me file my divorce papers and gain full custody of my daughter, Yanci.
God is tending to my every need since the day I walked through these doors and surrendered my will to him. Sometimes I want to beat myself up for not doing so and taking your advice sooner. But I’m learning to forgive myself for past mistakes. Staying in the moment is a big part of my recovery but I can’t help but worry about what lies ahead of me due to my departure here and the long arm of the law. A big part of me feels so ashamed for even asking if you may consider appearing with me for court. And please know Steve, before I go any further your decision will not effect how I view and value you. You will always be cherished in my heart all the same. If you decide not to appear with me, maybe you would just give me some advice. But know that I wouldn’t want anyone else on this planet to represent me.
Powerlessness and acceptance are driven into us daily here. But even if they weren’t Steve I respect you whether you do or don’t. I put you on my release form if you’d like to call me. If you call they will pass me the phone. And if you like to write I can receive mail at ////////////////////////////////. This is a safe house and I cannot receive direct mail. You are cordially invited to my graduation on October 13. I walked into this place with two feet in the door. My staff here says they learn something from me everyday and would be privileged for me to be part of staff one day. I told them I was going to open my own recovery house and that they could come work for me one day! Funny they all believe me. Well Steve I close this letter with yet another “I’m sorry” and please forgive me. I look very forward to hearing from you. Know that you are a huge inspiration for me and a big part of my motivation for my success in life. Inhale faith Exhale fear!
Sincerely with respect,
Claudia Otero Monjaraz
To Whom It May Concern:
I met Steve Wright when I was in 9th grade. He was the father of my best friend Davis Wright. My father has never been involved in my life and at first I envied Davis because his Dad was so supportive and involved in everything Davis did.
It didn’t take long for Steve to realize that I didn’t have a Dad before he reached out to me. Steve opened his arms and his home to me and I was treated like a member of the family. Steve became my mentor and the father figure I didn’t have. He also became my biggest fan and supporter. At football games I can still hear Steve’s cheers above all others.
Steve has encouraged me when I lacked confidence, picked me up when I was down. Every important decision I’ve ever made, I sought Steve’s input before making up my mind. It’s hard to put into words how much having Steve in my life means to me. The best part is that I know he will always be there for me.
Santa Cruz County needs a Judge like Steve Wright. A Judge who truly cares, who is supportive and wise. A Judge who will make a difference in many lives. I’m proud to call Steve Wright my Dad.
Sincerely,
Nick Sanchez
Cabrillo College Student
Santa Cruz |
