The wave of foreclosures has led to a surge in lawsuits by people fighting to stay in the homes. In response, Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Elaine Rushing launched a new program this week designed to encourage banks and homeowners to work out their differences before trial.

The case of two elderly Sebastopol men who claimed they were separated by Sonoma County health officials, forced into different nursing homes and required to give up their personal belongings is focusing attention on the Public Guardian, a little-known county agency designed as a safety net for the most vulnerable.

UPDATE: Voters in June will decide two contested races for Sonoma County Superior Court judge. The pending retirement of Judge Lawrence Antolini drew three candidates and the departure of Judge Cerena Wong drew two.