Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced judicial appointments [1] today, though none of the 30 are for Merced County Superior Court.

The local system still has one opening, which was set to be filled this month, court CEO Kathie Goetsch told me. She's heard that a few candidates are going through the state's vetting process. She doesn't know who, and it's unclear when a decision will be made.

A while back, the state budgeted two new positions for Merced County Superior Court. One was filled last year with the appointment of Marc Garcia.

Goetsch also reminded me that two more judges should be appointed by July 2009. The addition will help relieve the heavy case load that each judge must carry month-to-month and hopefully speed up the rate in which cases are heard.