Following a few words by retiring Chief Justice Ron George and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tani Cantil-Sakauye had a symbolic change of outfits. She replaced her blazer with a long black judge's robe.
Arnold: "I Tani Cantil-Sakauye do solemnly swear..."
The governor described her story as an American dream. The
daughter of farmers, Cantil-Sakauye will be the state's first
Filippino Chief Justice.
She says taking on this new role won't be a learning curve, but a "vertical climb."
"I take comfort in knowing that the governor of this great state and the chief justice of this great state have faith in my ability to figure it out and to execute it."
Cantil-Sakauye's nomination was approved by voters last month.
She takes over official duties on January 3rd.