Hippach takes the bench as first black judge in Santa Barbara County

Denise Hippach, the first black individual to be appointed as a judge in Santa Barbara County, has spoken about the significance of her appointment in a recent interview with the Santa Barbara News-Press. 

Hippach discussed her long journey to becoming a judge, including her difficulties with affording college, and her determination to pave the way for other young women of color. She explained the importance of her appointment, as it shows the strides being made to make the bench more reflective of the community it serves.