Inquiry Concerning Gibson

*CJP Supp. 113 Opinion

This disciplinary matter concerns Judge John B. Gibson, a judge of the San Bernardino County Superior Court.

*CJP Supp. 114 Judge Gibson was appointed a judge of the Municipal Court of San Bernardino County, Victorville Division, in September 1990. As a result of consolidation of the San Bernardino trial courts in August 1998, he is now a judge of the superior court.

Formal proceedings in this matter commenced with the filing on December 10, 1998, of a notice of formal proceedings setting forth two counts. On January 29, 1999, Judge Gibson filed his verified answer.

As provided for by rule 121(b) of the Rules of the Commission on Judicial Performance, the Supreme Court appointed three special masters to conduct an evidentiary hearing and to prepare a written report. The evidentiary hearing was held in Santa Ana commencing June 1 and concluding June 7, 1999, before Justice J. Gary Hastings, presiding, of the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Judge Michael Duffy of the Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County, and Judge Lillian Kwok Sing of the Superior Court of the City and County of San Francisco. The special masters filed their report to the…