SAN DIEGO - Two of San Diego's more experienced Superior Court judges, William Kennedy and Michael Wellington, will retire next week, it was announced Monday.
Kennedy, 78, was appointed by then-Gov. George Deukmejian in July 1983 after serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California and Assistant San Diego District Attorney.
Born in Waterbury, Conn., Kennedy received a San Diego Press Club Headliner of 1982 Public Service Award and the San Diego Trial Lawyers' President Award that same year.
"It's time now for a little peace and quiet and leave the job to the younger judges," Kennedy said.
Wellington, 63, has spent most of his nearly 20-year judicial career in the criminal courts, but also handled juvenile dependency and delinquency cases, as well served the mental health department.
Prior to joining the court, Wellington served as a deputy attorney general for the California Department of Justice in San Diego from 1971 to 1989.
"It's been an exciting ride," Wellington said.
Wellington, a native San Diegan, doesn't intend to stop working entirely. His plans include sitting as an assigned judge for the Superior Court.
