Attorney Wick named county judge

Arthur A. "Andy" Wick, an attorney for the region's public schools, has received an appointment to the Sonoma County Superior Court.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Thursday that the 54-year-old Wick would fill a vacancy created by the retirement last summer of Judge Robert Dale.

Wick, a Windsor resident, expressed appreciation at the announcement. He said he had received support from many in the county for his work and "it was awfully exciting to have that recognized by the governor and his staff."

Wick has served as a senior associate general counsel with School and College Legal Services of California since 1995. The public agency is based in Sonoma County and serves school districts around Northern California.

Wick's current boss, School and College's General Counsel Noel Shumway, said the staff was delighted with the news.

"We're all really thrilled for Andy," Shumway said. "It's what he's wanted to do for long time, and so, we're real excited for him."

Wick said he would spend the next 30 to 60 days wrapping up his work for various school districts.

As a judge, he will be paid $149,160.

Wick fills the second of two vacancies among the county's 16 judgeships. Last September, Schwarzenegger appointed Ken Gnoss, an assistant district attorney, to the bench following the retirement of Judge Laurence Sawyer.

Before his work at the public agency, Wick served 15 years as a partner and associate in two private law firms.