The family of former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner spoke out publicly for the first time against him, saying they believe California’s mental health diversion system failed to hold him accountable.
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has released the full writ of mandate it filed challenging a Kern County judge’s decision to grant mental health diversion to a criminal defendant, providing new details about the state’s arguments.
The California Department of Justice has filed a petition for a writ of mandate with the Fifth District Court of Appeal, asking the court to review a Kern County judge’s December 2025 decision to allow former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner to enter a mental health diversion program instead of going through the regular criminal court process.
A spokesperson representing the California Department of Justice (DOJ) said it opposed the court’s decision to grant mental health diversion to former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner, who faces multiple felony charges, including child endangerment and possession of an assault weapon.
Former Kern County Supervisor Zachary Scrivner appears in court during his mental health diversion hearing in Bakersfield, Calif.,
Former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner walks out of Kern County Superior Court on Friday after a judge granted him mental health diversion.