Meet Judge Hannon
For Judge Kendall Hannon, Siskiyou County is not just where he serves; it is home.
In 1929, his great-grandfather received a homestead in Tulelake. He built a modest two-room farmhouse and worked 70 acres by hand with horses before he could afford a tractor. That land became more than a farm; it has become the foundation for his family for generations. Kendall’s grandfather, William Hannon, was raised there before leaving to attend college and law school. After retiring from a long legal career, he returned to Tulelake, where he and Kendall’s grandmother lived out their lives. Today, that farm remains at the heart of the Hannon family, a place Kendall’s six-year-old son calls his “happy place.”
Although Kendall was raised outside of Siskiyou County, his summers were spent under the wide northern skies of Tulelake. It was there that he learned the meaning of hard work, watching farmers and ranchers rise before dawn, working the land, fixing fences, and caring for animals.
Public service runs deep in his family. His father is a retired attorney and a former sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. His grandfather, namesake, and hero, Kendall McAllister, served 26 years in the California Highway Patrol, retiring as a lieutenant, while also serving in the United States Navy Reserve, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. His mother is a retired emergency room nurse. One sister is an educator in Oregon; the other is a registered nurse in Washington. Military service, law enforcement, emergency medicine, and the practice of law were not just professions in his family; they were callings. Service, care for others, discipline, and respect for the law were constant themes around the Hannon dinner table.
Kendall worked throughout high school in the evenings and on weekends, learning firsthand the value of earning what you have. He and his wife, Kristin, who began dating in high school, attended the University of Notre Dame together. He graduated summa cum laude with dual majors in Political Science and Arabic. During his sophomore year, he studied in Washington, D.C., and interned full-time in Senator John McCain’s office at the Capitol. One summer, he even served as a firefighter with the National Park Service at Lava Beds National Monument, protecting the very land that surrounds his family’s roots.
He went on to graduate summa cum laude from Notre Dame Law School, finishing first in his class and serving as Editor in Chief of the Notre Dame Law Review. His legal career has included service within both the federal and state judicial systems, advising judges on complex civil and criminal matters, and he most recently served as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of California. In this latter position, he defended California’s brave correctional officers in lawsuits brought by inmates. His professional reputation has been built on careful analysis, fairness, and fidelity to the law.
But beyond his service, Kendall is first a husband and father. Kristin, now a high school assistant principal, shares his deep belief in the power of community and education. Together, they are excited to raise their son William in Siskiyou County and eagerly await the arrival of their second child. They chose to build their life here because they believe in the character of this community, in neighbors who show up, in families who help one another, and in the quiet strength that defines this county.
Outside the courtroom, Kendall enjoys target shooting at the range, studying Northern California and military history, hiking the region’s trails, practicing black-and-white film photography, and volunteering in animal rescue and spay-and-neuter programs.
Judge Hannon serves with humility and gratitude. He understands that the role of a judge is not to seek attention, but to apply the law faithfully, safeguard constitutional rights, and treat every person who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect.
To the people of Siskiyou County: thank you for shaping his family’s story for nearly a century and for entrusting him with the responsibility to serve.
A Personal Note from Judge Hannon
Siskiyou County isn’t just where I serve — it’s home. It’s where my family’s roots run deep, where my wife and I are raising our children, and where the values of hard work, integrity, and community are lived every day. I’ve seen this county in times of hardship and in moments of strength, and I believe deeply in the character of the people who call it home.
If you see me around town, I hope you’ll stop and say hello. While a judge must always remain fair and impartial, I never forget that I serve real people — neighbors, families, and friends who care deeply about this community. It’s an honor to serve you, and I value the chance to listen, learn, and stay connected. If you’d ever like to introduce yourself or talk more about my background and commitment to public service, I would sincerely welcome the conversation — you’re always welcome to reach out to me at (530) 340-7551.
— Kendall Hannon
Siskiyou County Superior Court Judge