City Council appoints Christopher Cannon as municipal judge for Department 1

The City Council appointed Christopher Cannon as municipal judge for Department 1, filling a one-year appointment that runs through Nov. 30, 2026. Cannon described his 25-year law-enforcement and legal background, including municipal work and appearances in criminal and family courts, and told council he would resign his existing post if appointed and could begin immediately after swearing in.

Cannon told council he views care/diversion courts as diversionary, problem-solving approaches focused on avoiding incarceration and addressing underlying issues such as substance use: "The care court... is trying not to incarcerate or punish first. Instead, it is a diversionary court in which you're trying to address the underlying problem that caused the person to be before you." He also proposed innovations including night-court pilot programs and "open court" outreach to demystify the court process for the public and reduce delays.

Denise Ramos, the other finalist, emphasized veteran and family-court experience and urged improved access to justice through weekend or evening dockets and use of remote appearances where appropriate; councilmembers praised both candidates and discussed chamber experience, bilingual skills and community ties. Several councilmembers said they supported appointing Cannon for the interim period so residents can later weigh in at the ballot in the next election cycle.

Procedure and vote: A councilmember moved to appoint Cannon and the motion "passed" as recorded in the transcript; no roll-call vote tally is included in the record.