Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Santa Cruz County Superior Court, Department D

Appointed By: Gov. Gavin C. Newsom

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn is a judge for the Santa Cruz County Superior Court in California. Ziegenhorn was appointed to the bench by Governor Gavin Newsom on August 18, 2023, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Paul Burdick[1].

On the bench, her assignments have included dependency matters, adoptions, and small claims, where she served as lead judge[2]. In 2026, she took the family law assignment[2]. That same year, the judges of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court elected her assistant presiding judge[2].

Educational background

Ziegenhorn earned a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. She then completed a J.D. at the University of Dayton School of Law. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (2005).

Career history

After graduating from law school, Ziegenhorn began her legal career as a staff attorney with the Tulare County Department of Child Support Services (2006 to 2007). In 2007, she joined the Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a deputy district attorney and continued in that capacity until 2012. That year, Ziegenhorn moved to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office as an assistant district attorney, a position she held until 2023. Her prosecutorial work there included sexual-assault and domestic-violence cases[3].

Personal life

Outside the courtroom, her service has included membership in the Children's Network Cabinet and the Foster Youth EAC[3].

Ziegenhorn is registered as a Democrat.

References

[1] Governor of California Press Release (August 18, 2023)
[2] Santa Cruz County Superior Court — Judicial Leadership Changes January 2026
[3] Pajaronian — Santa Cruz County Welcomes New Superior Court Judge

Recent Cases by Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Febronia Garcia de Ogarrio vs Marcelo Ogarrio

On June 16, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 16, 2026

Status

06/16/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 17, 2026

Julia Sohl vs Robert Sohl

On June 16, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 16, 2026

Status

06/16/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 17, 2026

Petition of Yolanda Rosebraugh

On June 16, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 16, 2026

Status

06/16/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 17, 2026

David Guliuzzo vs Shawn Corbari

On June 12, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 12, 2026

Status

06/12/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Elder Abuse

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 12, 2026

J Rocha Zamora vs Antonio Castillo Zamora

On June 12, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 12, 2026

Status

06/12/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Elder Abuse

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 12, 2026

Ginger Ryan-Cruz vs Gumaro Cruz Santiago

On June 11, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 11, 2026

Status

06/11/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 12, 2026

Susan Buri vs Gregory Buri

On June 11, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 11, 2026

Status

06/11/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Caroline Kocabay vs Michael Blevins

On June 11, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 11, 2026

Status

06/11/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Anthea Barron vs Ely Douglas

On June 11, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 11, 2026

Status

06/11/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Xaia Clayton vs Robert Strong

On June 10, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Status

06/10/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Michelle Wells vs Lawrence Wells, III

On June 10, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Status

06/10/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

DANTE CAVAZOS vs CHELSEA REESE

On June 10, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Status

06/10/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 17, 2026

Jeffery Parker vs Stephanie Wouk

On June 10, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Status

06/10/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Estasia Cisse vs Mohamed Cisse

On June 10, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Status

06/10/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Naama Barson vs James Conway

On June 9, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 09, 2026

Status

06/09/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 09, 2026

Laura Vasquez-Padilla vs Adam Rodriguez Pinedo

On June 9, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 09, 2026

Status

06/09/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Petra Preciado Tejeda vs Mauricio Martinez Reyes

On June 9, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 09, 2026

Status

06/09/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 09, 2026

Fatima Diawara vs Eric Lee

On June 8, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 08, 2026

Status

06/08/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 09, 2026

Jamie Garcia Trejo vs Brandon Santos

On June 4, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 04, 2026

Status

06/04/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 09, 2026

Petition of Sheena Woodland

On June 4, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 04, 2026

Status

06/04/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2026

Charlotte Reyes vs Rex Reyes

On June 3, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 03, 2026

Status

06/03/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 08, 2026

Petition of Cassidy Hozer

On June 3, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 03, 2026

Status

06/03/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 09, 2026

Hallie Miller-Wine vs Gregory Miller-Wine

On June 3, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 03, 2026

Status

06/03/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 08, 2026

Ben Raanan vs Jennifer Gebbie-Raanan

On June 2, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Judge Erika E. Ziegenhorn presiding.

Filed

Jun 02, 2026

Status

06/02/2026 Active

Judge

Hon. Erika E. Ziegenhorn 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court

Superior

County

Santa Cruz County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 08, 2026

About

Erika E. Ziegenhorn
Party Affiliation Democrat	Democrat
Current Appointment Santa Cruz County Superior Court, Department D	Santa Cruz County Superior Court, Department D
Education J.D., University of Dayton School of Law Bachelor's degree, Western Illinois University	J.D., University of Dayton School of Law Bachelor's degree, Western Illinois University
Official Website www.santacruz.courts.ca.gov	www.santacruz.courts.ca.gov

Documents related to Erika E. Ziegenhorn

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Santa Cruz County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (831) 786-7200

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Staff Attorney	Tulare County Department of Child Support Services	Tulare County, California
Deputy District Attorney	Office of the Tulare County District Attorney	Tulare County, California
Assistant District Attorney	Office of the Santa Cruz County District Attorney	Santa Cruz County, California
Judge	Santa Cruz County Superior Court	Santa Cruz County, California