Mary Hayashi’s kid glove treatment

Former supervisor turned superior court judge Gerardo Sandoval appears to be setting a new standard for judicial kindness in the case of Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D-Castro Valley). She’s accused of stealing $2,400 worth of fashion goods from Neiman Marcus on Union Square. He’s repeatedly let her skip court appearances. And now the Chronicle says he’s willing to reduce consider reducing the felony charge against her to a misdemeanor if her lawyers request it. Hmm. Wonder how that’ll turn out?

Add: Hayashi’s husband, by the way, is an Alameda County superior court judge.