Thank you for writing about the Judge race. Most voters have no idea who these candidates are or how they would impact our legal system. Also important to note for your readers that Pell was classified as “Not qualified” by the OC bar association.
"The opinions expressed below by the OCBA are provided as a public service only and are not meant to be considered an endorsement of, or support for, any candidate."
Those are weasel words. Maybe they are restricted by law from "endorsing", but that's essentially the same thing by tagging qualified or not qualified.
It would have been good if the article mentioned the reason why, assuming the OC Bar released any more information on that topic. Either that, or the readers of that newspaper are expected to blindly trust that table. The official OC Bar association just has the table, no more reasoning...
Ballot designations have value. Both candidates knew that. The article implies that it doesn't matter, but if one believes in systemic racism there is an argument that it makes a difference. Sagel states she uses the variations in different places. She could have chosen to use Sheth if she thought it would be an advantage, but she chose not to. Her official gov web page does not use Sheth, just stating she grew up with immigrant parents. These are all calculated choices and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Challenging that she "must" use Sheth didn't go the challenger's way. I've only read the news articles not the Writ, but there are specific reasons that would be considered, and the judge ruled in Sagel's favor.
Thank you for writing about the Judge race. Most voters have no idea who these candidates are or how they would impact our legal system. Also important to note for your readers that Pell was classified as “Not qualified” by the OC bar association.
https://fullertonobserver.com/2026/05/08/oc-bar-association-releases-ratings-of-candidates-running-for-judicial-office-in-orange-county/
Ami Sagel was rated as “exceptionally well qualified”
"The opinions expressed below by the OCBA are provided as a public service only and are not meant to be considered an endorsement of, or support for, any candidate."
Those are weasel words. Maybe they are restricted by law from "endorsing", but that's essentially the same thing by tagging qualified or not qualified.
It would have been good if the article mentioned the reason why, assuming the OC Bar released any more information on that topic. Either that, or the readers of that newspaper are expected to blindly trust that table. The official OC Bar association just has the table, no more reasoning...
Pell is also endorsed by Reform California, which should tell you all you need to know
JEFF PEARLMAN - You are literally the BEST reporter and writer EVER! Love these stores you find and the way you present them.
Pell is an icky little man.
I hope people read this before they cast their ballot. What a vile man.
https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/390393-judge-rejects-ballot-name-challenge-in-oc-judge-race .
Ballot designations have value. Both candidates knew that. The article implies that it doesn't matter, but if one believes in systemic racism there is an argument that it makes a difference. Sagel states she uses the variations in different places. She could have chosen to use Sheth if she thought it would be an advantage, but she chose not to. Her official gov web page does not use Sheth, just stating she grew up with immigrant parents. These are all calculated choices and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Challenging that she "must" use Sheth didn't go the challenger's way. I've only read the news articles not the Writ, but there are specific reasons that would be considered, and the judge ruled in Sagel's favor.
Thank you
thanks, Jeff. Another good reveal before June 2.