GLENDALE : Judge Recovering Following Stroke

Glendale Municipal Judge James Simpson, who suffered a stroke just one week into the job, is recovering at a local hospital and could remain there for several weeks.

Simpson was admitted to Glendale Adventist Medical Center on Jan. 8.

He began undergoing physical therapy this week with no complications, a hospital spokeswoman said. Simpson’s colleagues on the bench also reported he is making progress.

Simpson, 57, a former deputy district attorney, was elected in November to replace James Rogan, who was elected to the state Assembly. Simpson was to have been sworn in Jan. 4, but he was appointed to the bench one week early by Gov. Pete Wilson in order to fill out the remaining days of Rogan’s term, court officials said.