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Judge Michael Savage Goes the Distance - Literally |
| When I was asked to write this article about newly elected Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael Savage, it wasn't too difficult coming up with a literal "hook." Google his name and up pops an article written by Sacramento Bee Staff Writer John Schumacher on June 21, 2005, with the title "They would run 100 miles ...These five say they are up to the task of Western States." For those not familiar with the term "Western States," the phrase may sound like nothing more than a benign geographical description. But to those familiar with the world of long distance running, the mere utterance of the term evokes excited responses of awe and admiration. "Western States" is a grueling 100 mile "ultra-marathon" held in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Participants navigate difficult terrain all day - and throughout the night - as they seek to complete the trek from Squaw Valley to Auburn by the 30 hour cut-off time. Judge Michael Savage not only exceeded that goal last year, earning a bronze buckle, but he is shooting for a silver buckle this year, which means he hopes to complete the race in less than 24 hours. And why does he do it? "There's no explanation for it other than I would say for me, it's an impossible thing," said Savage, "I can think about doing an impossible thing." For many, attempting such a task would be an impossible thing, and an all consuming one, but somehow Michael Savage makes time for other achievements. In fact, on July 5, 2005, just a few months before the Western States race, Michael Savage was focusing on another accomplishment- his appointment to Sacramento County Superior Court. A successful 20 year veteran of the Sacramento District Attorney's office, Judge Savage prosecuted murders in the homicide unit and was passionate about his work. He said he thought for sure he would die in the District Attorney's office, but (fortunate for us), fellow Judges Maryanne Gilliard and Greta Fall changed that mindset when they encouraged him to run for the judgeship. Now the Public Defenders whom he used to face every day in court are now facing him, though Judge Savage has nothing but praise for his former PD adversaries. He stated that the quality of their representation rivals or exceeds many criminal attorneys in private practice. Judge Savage added that he couldn't be more pleased with the caliber of the majority of attorneys that appear before him. He went on to say that when attorney performances are exemplary, the facts in most cases speak for themselves, so it has not been too difficult for him to readjust to his neutral role. He also praised his supportive judicial colleagues at Sacramento Superior Court and is especially grateful to his "mentor judge," Judge Greta Fall, whom he describes as "the perfect combination of wisdom and patience." What has been difficult for this ultra achiever is adjusting to the less demanding pace of being 'judge.' Though good judges issue correct rulings and keep trials on course, the role of a judge is still a much less "active" one than the role of an attorney, so Judge Savage admits he misses "being in the game." In fact, his judicial philosophy stems from his former passionate life as a prosecutor, and he vows he will never forget what it's like to try cases, stating: "I know how difficult it is to get all of your witnesses there and put on evidence all day." Sacramento attorneys are indeed lucky to have such a talented and empathetic judge. Congratulations and welcome, Judge Michael A Savage! March / April 2006 |