Hon. Erica Yew and Court-Situated Assessment Team Honored with Community Heroes Awards

SAN JOSÉ, CA (May 19, 2025):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara proudly celebrates the recognition of Judge Erica Yew and the County’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) division of court-situated assessors, who each received a Community Heroes Award from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Judge Yew was honored for her longstanding leadership and compassionate commitment to justice, particularly for individuals navigating the legal system while facing behavioral health challenges. The BHS court-situated assessors team was also recognized for their critical, behind-the-scenes work ensuring that court-involved individuals receive timely mental health and substance use assessments that support treatment and recovery.

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Margaret Abe-Koga, Sylvia Arenas, Betty Duong, and Susan Ellenberg were present to help honor the recipients at the ceremony, underscoring the collaborative effort across agencies in supporting individuals and families affected by behavioral health conditions.

“We are deeply grateful to the County, Ms. Gabby Olivarez, and her dedicated team for their partnership with the Court and our departments,” said Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede.  “Together, we serve thousands of litigants and their families each year, working to provide treatment-centered alternatives that promote healing, stability, and accountability.”

This recognition reflects the Court’s ongoing commitment to collaborative justice and the vital partnerships that help address addiction, mental illness, and related challenges in our community.