Melissa Baloian wanted to be an FBI agent when she was growing up. She stuck with law, but became a lawyer instead.

“When I went into law school at USF Law, they really opened my eyes, giving me great experiences and seeing the bigger picture of our justice system,” Baloian said.

The Fresno native will now serve as a judge on the Fresno County Superior Court bench, after Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her this week.

With Baloian’s selection, the Fresno County bench is at full strength with all 47 positions filled. Newsom has made 16 picks since he took office in 2019.

Baloian, 45, graduated from Fresno Christian High School and UC Davis. Although her family were farmers, she pursued a career in law. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco.

Some of the first people she told about her appointment were her children, ages 12 and 15.

“They’re like, ‘Mom, you’re going to be a good judge,'” Baloian said.

Background On Both Sides of the Attorney Table

Baloian has been working in private practice since 2011, mostly on her own. She focuses on criminal defense.

She also worked as a prosecutor for Fresno and Madera counties, and went after graffiti artists while working for the Fresno City Attorney’s office. She also served a stint as a public defender in Fresno County.

“Seeing cases from both sides, from the prosecution and the defense, gives me a pretty well-rounded view of how courts run,” Baloian said. “I want to be able to create a fair and balanced courtroom.”

Some cases were more difficult than others. Baloian recalled one where a client accused of domestic violence was attacked in jail. She secured his bail when his medical condition became precarious. He eventually took his own life.

‘That was a hard case, because maybe it wasn’t hard legally, but it was hard to see it and to deal with it and want to help and want to fix it. Some things you can’t,” Baloian said.

Baloian has a few cases to conclude before taking her seat on the bench.

Federal Judge an Inspiration

One jurist she hopes to emulate is Jennifer Thurston, a federal judge in Fresno.

“She’s very intelligent and handles her courtroom very well. She gives everyone the opportunity to speak. She’s very respectful to everybody. I appreciate her as a judge. I always appreciate going in front her,” Baloian said.

Registered with no party preference, Baloian will earn $244,727 in compensation. She would be up for election in 2028, Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters James Kus said.

Baloian fills the vacancy created when Adolfo Corona retired last year under questionable circumstances. After he left, the Fresno County DA’s office charged him with sexual battery. The pending case returns to court July 30.

Fresno Hires New Economic Head

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer announced Cliff Long as the city’s new economic development director.

Long previously worked similar roles in Nampa, Idaho; Renton, Washington; and Boise, Idaho.

“Fresno is a city on the move, and Cliff Long will help us take the next big step forward,” Dyer said in a news release. “His proven success in both large and mid-sized cities makes him uniquely qualified to lead our economic development efforts.”

Long officially starts May 19. He replaces Lance Lippincott, who left last year to become city manager in Shafter.

“I am excited to join the team at the city of Fresno and work to bring new jobs and investment to this dynamic community,” said Long. “Fresno has such a fantastic economic history and an even bigger potential ahead of it.”

Maddy Institute Honored by State

The Maddy Institute, a political service organization at Fresno State, received state honors recently.

Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Clovis, names the group Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 8.

“The Maddy Institute provides our next generation of leaders with the opportunity to work behind the scenes in policymaking and constituent services,” Tangipa told Fresno State News.

The institute, named after former state Sen. Ken Maddy, helps aspiring students in public service by offering internships at offices of local, state, and federal elected leaders. The organization also hosts several public affairs programs during the year.