Santa Maria Superior Court Judge Timothy Staffel has a lot of opinions. 

Many he handed out as legal rulings in civil cases, but he also loves to chat about politics, journalism, history and more — especially if it involves the North County.

Staffel recently retired after 24 years presiding over cases in Santa Maria, but he still will serve locally since he agreed to be an assigned judge helping Santa Barbara County.

“That keeps my hand in it a little bit,” he said, adding that he feels a responsibility to help out during the shortage. 

He also will fill in as needed in San Luis Obispo and Kern county courts.

“Those who know me know I’m a big country-western fan, so I don’t mind going to Bakersfield,” he said. 

Staffel grew up in the Lompoc Valley, graduating from Cabrillo High School in 1975 and then attending San Diego State University, earning degrees in journalism and public finance. 

He worked as a newspaper reporter before veering into law, handling mostly civil matters after receiving his degree from the University of the Pacific/ McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento.

In 1992, Staffel was elected to represent the Fourth District — then made up of Orcutt and Lompoc — on the Santa Barbara County Board of  Supervisors, and was re-elected to a second term.

He served on the board from 1993 to 1998, plus did a three-year stint on the California Coastal Commission. 

But in June 1998, Gov. Pete Wilson appointed Staffel to the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, where has handled everything from infractions to death penalty cases.

While he spent most of his time in the civil courts, Staffel presided over criminal cases for eight years and more recently has been among judges drafted to handle some criminal cases as needed. 

He believes the county’s courts took the right step with a switch, under now retired Judge Rodney Melville, to direct calendaring providing consistency for cases moving through the system. 

“I think it’s the most efficient system you can have,” Staffel said. 

All Santa Barbara County civil judges handle some family law cases, he said, adding that the assignment is rotated among judges in other counties.

“Among judges, sometimes it’s not the most favored assignment. It’s a difficult assignment. It’s emotional. It’s tough,” he said. “But’s it’s important to the system, and it’s important to the public.

“I’ve always thought we’ve done it right,” Staffel added.

While his job involves handing out legal rulings, the Lompoc Valley native loves to share his opinions about politics, history and journalism.

“Back in the day — my wife hates when I say that,” according to Staffel, before launching into a comment touching on politics, law and history. 

He seemingly left the political world but can’t help keeping a close eye on politics, especially those affecting North County. 

An admitted conservative and registered Republican, he says his true party is North County and various issues affecting the region. 

“I think our current supervisors are doing a fabulous job,” Staffel said of Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino and Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson.

Nelson noted that Staffel’s time on the board was “highly impactful” — serving as the political architect of the first North County majority. 

He also served as a leader while the panel streamlined the budget and moved from deficit spending to surplus, Nelson added.

“As a judge, he was a well-respected jurist who continued to fight for North County equity and respect for our civil and criminal courts,” Nelson said. 

“He is someone who has been a role model for me and other leaders wishing to serve and fight for our community,” he added.

Staffel welcomed the recent redistricting outcome that led to Santa Maria Valley landing two seats on the Board of Supervisors. 

“It’s about a decade or two overdue,” Staffel said. 

He and his wife, Colleen, plan to stay on the Central Coast.

“It’s just the best place in the world,” he said

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.