This is what a Judge should be. Smart, practical, even tempered and a good sense of what is important in life and law.
He is balanced between protecting tenants and landlords. Even when he seems to "favor" a tenant, he is really saving a landlord money and hassle down the line. He is good at settlement and will explain his basis for his rulings. I have a vague recollection appearing before him in Malibu and I think I liked him then too
As far as background, Gov. Brown in 2013 elevated him from a commissioner (he was a commissioner since 2005). He was an associate and shareholder at Tyre Kamins Katz and Granof Law Corporation from 1987 to 2005. So he also understands general civil litigation.
He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and a Bachelor of University Studies degree from the University of Utah. Ford is a Democrat.

Two thumbs up!