https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/photos-reopening-ceremony-juvenile-dependency-courthouse-san-bernardino Photos: Reopening Ceremony for Juvenile Dependency Courthouse in San BernardinoCorren, Blaine Thu, 07/16/2026 - 09:33 Feature San Bernardino County judges and court staff hosted a special dedication ceremony on July 8 to officially celebrate the reopening of the expanded and renovated San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Courthouse. Attendees comprised attorneys, court appointed special advocates (CASA), and representatives from various local justice partners, including the county counsel’s office, district attorney’s office, public defender’s office, probation, legal aid, juvenile justice organizations, local supervisor offices, and local legislative offices.Full-size photos and captions from the dedication ceremony can also be seen on Flickr Upgraded Courthouse Improves Services to the Public The San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Courthouse provides service countywide as the court’s juvenile dependency facility. The expansion addressed an increase in caseload and court users through two new fully accessible courtrooms and support spaces, improved security for public entry/exiting, larger public waiting areas, an expanded clerk’s office, two new lactation rooms, and bicycle parking. Green Building Is Energy Efficient The building’s sustainability features are built to LEED Silver as designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The courthouse’s sustainability features include drought-tolerant landscaping, permeable concrete walkways, water-efficient irrigation and plumbing systems, LED lighting and room occupancy sensors for energy savings, and the use of zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) interior paint that doesn’t release harmful gases/vapors. Statewide Court Facilities Program The Judicial Council supports the court facilities of California's Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and trial courts by providing a broad range of services. These include facility planning, design and construction, facility operations management, environmental compliance and sustainability, real estate services and asset management, and emergency planning and security coordination. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 39 new courthouse projects and another 14 projects are underway and in various stages. Learn more about the state’s courthouse construction projects https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/leadership-perspectives-chief-justice-tani-g-cantil-sakauye-100-years-judicial-council Leadership Perspectives: Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on 100 Years of the Judicial CouncilCorren, Blaine Tue, 07/14/2026 - 11:08 Feature In celebration of the council’s 100th anniversary, former California Chief Justices and Judicial Council Administrative Directors offered their perspectives on the importance of the council and its mission to enhance access to justice. Their perspectives help show how the council evolved into a critical institution that promotes consistency across courts, elevates service to the public, and enhances the experience of those who rely on our justice system. California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.)In her role as Chief Justice from 2011-2022, Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye served as chair of the Judicial Council of California. In a recent interview, she answered questions about her time leading the council, including her biggest accomplishments as well as her greatest challenges. “I think I just assumed that people understood all three branches of government, and that there would be easier conversations about making sure that all of the government could still provide services during a time of crisis, like the Great Recession, or COVID-19,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye. Despite the budget challenges facing the judicial branch when she began her term as Chief Justice, she added “I think that having and confronting a crisis in the moment really brings out our best instincts about how to deal with it, how to include folks, and how to proceed.” See the full interview with Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye on the Celebrating 100 Years of the Judicial Council of California website. More interviews in this leadership perspectives series will be posted in the next few months. History, Timeline, Videos, and Exhibit Further Highlight Impact of Judicial CouncilComplementing the judicial leader perspectives, additional resources on the 100th anniversary website help explain the council’s impact on California’s judicial branch and the residents who rely on the justice system: The Judicial Council of California: The First 100 Years (1926–2026): Narrative history of the council, which has helped to solidify the judicial branch and improve court services for the public. 100 Milestones for 100 Years:  Interactive timeline highlights some of the actions taken or supported by the Judicial Council to improve the court system and enhance the administration of justice. Video: How the Judicial Council Is Transforming the Court Experience: Showcases just a few of the council’s transformative initiatives, including self-help services; language access support; remote access; and building modern and secure new courthouses. Council Leadership: Bios of previous Chief Justices and council Administrative Directors, as well as a list of Judicial Council members who have served from 1926 to 2026. Videos: Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch: Videos highlight some of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. 100th Anniversary Archive Exhibit: Historical photos, publications, and other memorabilia from the council that highlight key milestones and achievements in expanding access to justice over the past century. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-250-know-your-constitutional-rights Justice 250: Know Your Constitutional Rightselaine.chan Tue, 07/07/2026 - 09:32 Feature Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero joined law schools, legal organizations, and other local justice partners at “Justice 250,” a July 2 celebratory community engagement and educational event held on the U.S.S. Midway Museum in San Diego. The event centered on reinforcing the rights and liberties embodied in the Declaration of Independence, highlighting how justice has progressed over the last 250 years and how it can be protected going forward. The event featured 40 booths that provided legal information and resources for community members to learn more about their constitutional rights and how to access legal and court resources.  California Chief Justice Emphasizes Need for Independent Judiciary “Our nation is not one of perfection, but it remains a nation of profound promise,” said Chief Justice Guerrero, who served as a guest speaker for the Justice 250 event and spoke on the importance of our country’s founding principles. “To this day, the words embodied in the Declaration of Independence, and the concept of an independent and coequal judicial branch, serve as a powerful beacon to all who strive for liberty and equality.” The Chief Justice also spoke about the critical importance of equal and independent courts in the proper administration of justice to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law. She emphasized that judges carry out their responsibilities by making decisions according to the law and must not be swayed by outside factors or influences.  San Diego County Superior Court Judge Joan Weber (Ret.) served as one of the principal organizers of the Justice 250 event. Justice Judith McConnell, Administrative Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District and chair of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, attended the event along with several judges from the San Diego Superior Court and federal district and circuit courts. Judicial Branch Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary A new video from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by recognizing jurors for their integral role in our justice system:   Also, a video of California Supreme Court justices reflects on the importance of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the United States and California constitutions: } Learn more from this news release: California Supreme Court Justices Mark America's 250th Anniversary. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-make-language-used-jury-service-more-gender-inclusive California Courts to Make Language Used in Jury Service More Gender Inclusivenatalie.l.ston… Thu, 06/25/2026 - 12:23 Feature This summer, the California courts are updating language used in jury service materials to be more gender inclusive, like changing the phrase “his or her jury service” to “a person’s jury service.” The updates help minimize gender bias and create a more welcoming environment for transgender jurors, nonbinary jurors, or other jurors that may not identify with the traditional gender binary. Approximately 220,000 transgender and nonbinary adults live in California. Updates to Jury Service Standards, Rules, and Forms  Earlier this year, the Judicial Council’s Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness made recommendations to improve gender inclusivity in jury materials. Following those recommendations, the council adopted a new standard of judicial administration (a guideline for the courts) and updated three rules of court, two juror forms, and sample scripts used in jury selection.  “Building a welcoming environment for every juror fosters public trust in the justice system,” says San Francisco County Judge Michael Rhoads, a council member and a member of the council's Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness. “The Judicial Council’s important work ensures that our juries represent the people they serve.  When people from all backgrounds feel respected and empowered to participate, our courts and our communities are stronger.” The new standard of judicial administration provides the courts with ways to promote gender inclusivity, including:  Avoid assuming the gender of a juror who has not indicated the pronouns they use.   Avoid seeking information about the gender of jurors unless it is necessary or relevant.   If it is necessary or relevant, provide jurors with the option to indicate their gender identity or expression, allowing for multiple selections and a write-in option.  The council also made updates to specific phrases in rules for court proceedings. The phrases include using “a person’s jury service” instead of “his or her jury service,” “prospective juror” instead of “mother” for potential deferrals of jury service due to breastfeeding, and “the prospective juror” instead of “himself or herself” for potential deferrals of jury service due to financial burden.  Other updates to optional questionnaires for prospective jurors included removing a question asking about the sex of a juror’s children and changing referrals to a juror’s parents, spouse, or significant other to gender-neutral terms. Lastly, the council amended two existing standards of judicial administration, which provide scripts for judges to use during jury selection. The changes include expanding the list of characteristics that might be subject to bias and using gender-neutral terms to refer to judges, attorneys, or others in the courtroom. Education for Judges on Gender Inclusivity  In addition to updating its standards and rules, the council also revised several reference materials for judges about ensuring access for LGBTQ+ people. The updated materials cover subjects like using inclusive language and pronouns, considerations for LGBTQ+ youth, and general best practices for inclusion of LGBTQ+ people during court proceedings. Council and Courts Have Long Recognized the Importance of Language Gender-inclusive language not only serves transgender and nonbinary communities but historically has helped endorse the inclusion of women in legal, professional, and social spaces.  Many words in the English language are masculinized, such as freshman, manpower, policeman, or congressman. Over the years, some of these words have been updated, like police officer or congressperson, to reflect the presence and contributions of women and other people that don’t identify as male.  Recognizing the importance of this type of language, more than 30 years ago the council adopted new rules of court to help address this issue. The council updated jury instructions to include “she” and “her” pronouns to refer to jurors, attorneys, and litigants. This helped diminish the gender bias that only men were participating in the judicial process. In addition to updating jury instructions, the council approved 66 other recommendations from its Advisory Committee on Gender Bias in the Courts. Judicial Council Committed to Providing Access and Fairness The council’s Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness makes recommendations for improving access to the judicial system, fairness in the state courts, diversity in the judicial branch, and court services for self-represented parties. Key projects of this advisory body are outlined in its annual agenda. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/leadership-perspectives-chief-justice-ronald-m-george-100-years-judicial-council Leadership Perspectives: Chief Justice Ronald M. George on 100 Years of the Judicial CouncilCorren, Blaine Mon, 06/08/2026 - 10:51 Feature In celebration of the council’s 100th anniversary, former California Chief Justices and Judicial Council Administrative Directors offered their perspectives on the importance of the council and its mission to enhance access to justice. Their perspectives help show how the council evolved into a critical institution that promotes consistency across courts, elevates service to the public, and enhances the experience of those who rely on our justice system. California Chief Justice Ronald M. George (Ret.) California Chief Justice Ronald M. George (Ret.)In his role as Chief Justice from 1996-2011, George served as chair of the Judicial Council of California. In a recent interview, George answered questions about his time leading the council, including his biggest accomplishments as well as his greatest challenges. “The things I'm most proud of in my role as chair of the Judicial Council would be having the judiciary be in fact, and in perception, a separate and co-equal branch of government,” said Chief Justice George. Despite courts being part of a single judicial branch, he added that “it's so important to appreciate the enormous diversity in conditions among the courts” and that “diversity demands diverse solutions to meet local needs, and that the courts can adopt and adapt from what each court has done. We all learn from each other.” See the full interview with Chief Justice George on the Celebrating 100 Years of the Judicial Council of California website. More interviews in this leadership perspectives series will be posted in the next few months. ___________________________________________________________________________ History, Timeline, Videos, and Exhibit Further Highlight Impact of Judicial CouncilComplementing the judicial leader perspectives, additional resources on the 100th anniversary website help explain the council’s impact on California’s judicial branch and the residents who rely on the justice system: The Judicial Council of California: The First 100 Years (1926–2026): Narrative history of the council, which has helped to solidify the judicial branch and improve court services for the public. 100 Milestones for 100 Years: Interactive timeline highlights some of the actions taken or supported by the Judicial Council to improve the court system and enhance the administration of justice. Video: How the Judicial Council Is Transforming the Court Experience: Showcases just a few of the council’s transformative initiatives, including self-help services; language access support; remote access; and building modern and secure new courthouses. Council Leadership: Bios of previous Chief Justices and council Administrative Directors, as well as a list of Judicial Council members who have served from 1926 to 2026. Videos: Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch: Videos highlight some of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. 100th Anniversary Archive Exhibit: Historical photos, publications, and other memorabilia from the council that highlight key milestones and achievements in expanding access to justice over the past century. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/photos-dedication-ceremony-new-courthouse-santa-rosa Photos: Dedication Ceremony for New Courthouse in Santa RosaCorren, Blaine Thu, 06/04/2026 - 15:28 Feature Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero joined judges, court administrators, and locally elected officials on May 29 to commemorate the new Hall of Justice courthouse for the Superior Court of Sonoma County. “Courthouses should reflect the dignity and integrity of the rule of law,” said Chief Justice Guerrero, who called the new Santa Rosa courthouse a new symbol of justice for the residents of Sonoma County. In addition to remarks by the Chief Justice and local judges, court staff played a prominent part in the dedication program. Court employee and U.S. Navy Veteran Branden “Aric” Rasmussen recited the Pledge of Allegiance and court employee Alexandria Hankes sang the national anthem. In addition, court employee Cyndi Nguyen read a poem she drafted about the new courthouse, reflecting on the “quiet promise inside the walls” of the new building that will protect the rights of everyone. Full-size photos and captions from the dedication ceremony can also be seen on Flickr New Courthouse Improves Services to the Public The new building includes features and services the court was previously unable to provide due to space restrictions, such as appropriately sized jury assembly and deliberation rooms, courtroom and clerk's office, and other public waiting areas, attorney interview/witness waiting rooms, children's waiting room, area for security entrance screening, and in-custody holding facilities. Green Building Is Energy Efficient The new courthouse achieved LEED Silver status, as designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The courthouse’s sustainability features include drought-tolerant landscaping, water-efficient irrigation and plumbing systems, and energy-efficient lighting. Statewide Court Facilities Program The Judicial Council supports the court facilities of California's Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and trial courts by providing a broad range of services. These include facility planning, design and construction, facility operations management, environmental compliance and sustainability, real estate services and asset management, and emergency planning and security coordination. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 39 new courthouse projects and another 14 projects are underway and in various stages. Learn more about the state’s courthouse construction projects https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/few-good-fellows A Few Good Fellowselaine.chan Wed, 05/20/2026 - 11:26 Feature Mihini Jayasinghe is not an attorney, but she is supporting the development and implementation of a self-service chatbot that will help litigants without attorneys better navigate the court process. Jayasinghe is a Judicial Fellow at the Orange Superior Court, where her fellowship project goals are to streamline the self-help staff workload, shorten in-person wait times, and expand access to procedural guidance for self-represented litigants. Jayasinghe’s experience on this project is just one example of how the statewide Judicial Fellowship Program is making a difference and improving access to justice in California. What is the Judicial Fellowship Program?  The Judicial Fellowship is a 10-month graduate-level program that offers participants a unique opportunity to work in court administration and learn about California’s judicial branch. It is part of the nationally recognized Capital Fellows Programs, which also has fellowships in the other branches of state government. Participants are placed in either Judicial Council staff offices or executive offices at superior courts around the state. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a graduate certificate in Applied Policy and Government through Sacramento State. Unique Post-Graduate Opportunity Interest in the Judicial Fellowship Program has grown dramatically. The first Judicial Fellowship cohort (1997-98) had five fellows, then expanded to ten soon after. Over the past two application cycles, there has been a near 100% year-over-year increase in applications, making the program highly attractive to potential participants. The increased interest in the program could be tied to its unique subject matter and work experience compared to other entry-level positions. “There is a real specialty in serving as a Judicial Fellow because of the work experience exposure combined with the educational component,” according to Megan Thorall, the director of the program. “As far as I know, we’re the only program of our kind in the nation.” Sidney Sheets, a fellow with the Judicial Council’s Office of Governmental Affairs, described her surprise at the breadth of exposure and variety of work she’s done. “I’ve just learned so much about the legislative process, how it impacts the courts and the public,” said Sheets. “I really feel like I’ve gotten a bird’s eye view and a foundational understanding of California government as a whole.” Program Support One feature that sets the program apart is its strong support network. Participants have a program director and a mentor in their placement office providing support throughout the year. Giovana De Loia, a fellow with the Placer Superior Court, describes the mentorship as her favorite component. “I meet with [court executive officer] Jake [Chatters] every week and I probably talk to him every single day about whatever I'm doing,” said De Loia. “He's always there for any questions that I have. And with Megan, the program director, it's kind of like having two mentors who are also your bosses, which is not typical for a regular entry-level job.” Jayasinghe appreciates the guidance and welcome she’s received from the Orange Superior Court. “From the very beginning, I have just received an unbelievable amount of support from everyone within the court,” said Jayasinghe. “All the different departments and the different teams that I work with are just incredibly friendly and supportive, and really willing to show me the ropes and share their knowledge,” she said. Academic and Field Seminars A key aspect of the program is the academic seminar, where fellows learn about the history and fundamentals of court administration and contemporary issues facing the judiciary. "The academic seminar material often ties into what’s happening at the courthouse,” said De Loia. “It’s nice to see the theoretical turning into the practical.” The seminar is taught by the programs academic advisor, Court Executive Officer Sharif Elmallah. In addition to the academic component, fellows participate in monthly field seminars where they visit different superior courts across the state and learn about various programs and policy areas. Recent field seminars included a visit to the Butte Superior Court to learn about juvenile justice and a visit to the Orange Superior Court to learn about technological innovations being developed there. The seminars allow fellows to understand issues affecting the branch from multiple perspectives. “There’s something really satisfying about getting to see things in your placement, reading about them in class, and then hearing about them in the field seminar,” said Hailee Pitschke, a fellow placed with the Los Angeles Superior Court. Fellowship Projects Improve Access to Justice The fellowship culminates in a fellowship project that participants spend much of the year developing. During the field seminar to the Butte Superior Court, fellows heard about a number of different fellowship projects completed in recent years, including procuring and installing a jury check-in kiosk, and fully producing a self-help video guide for the public. These tangible improvements fellows have created, installed, or implemented continue to help serve the public as lasting proof of their work towards improving access to justice. Beyond the work product fellows leave behind, Program Director Thorall notes that fellows leave other benefits too, with each class leaving a real impression on the mentors and the court. “They're all very special each in their own way, and I think that you need that in a professional space,” she said. “It’s such a privilege to have the fellows because [they] really give a lot of joy and a lot of ideas.” “The camaraderie amongst all of the Judicial Fellows is something that really stands out to me,” said Jayasinghe. “It’s incredible to be in the same space as like-minded individuals who are incredibly passionate about public service. I don't think there's ever a dull moment in the academic and field seminar because of the fellows. It's something that I'm very grateful for and I will never forget about this experience.” Career Possibilities The program has also influenced what fellows hope to pursue in the future. Just like many former fellows have stayed in the judicial branch or in public service, several current fellows also expressed a desire to remain in the branch beyond their fellowship and continue working to improve access to justice for the public. Christian Mendoza, placed in the Judicial Council’s Policy and Research office, shared how the experience has shaped his goals. “It solidified my passion for really wanting to stay in public service,” said Mendoza. “I always wanted to be able to give back to my community and uplift individuals that have grown up in similar circumstances to me or my family. The branch's message of providing equal access to justice is something that resonates deeply within me and I can see that I'm making some sort of impact.” https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/chief-justice-guerrero-brings-together-courts-and-classrooms-celebrate-law-day-and-civic Chief Justice Guerrero Brings Together Courts and Classrooms to Celebrate Law Day and Civic LearningMartin.Novitski Tue, 05/19/2026 - 10:33 Feature Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero welcomed judges, educators, students, and their parents to Sacramento on May 1 to celebrate Law Day, a national observance recognizing the rule of law and its role in our democracy. The program featured the theme “Rule of Law and the American Dream,” and included student speeches and the announcement of the 2026 Civic Learning Award recipients. Before formally welcoming guests to the event, Chief Justice Guerrero, Justice Judith McConnell, Justice Laurie Earl, and Judge Julia Alloggiamento met with students from the Natomas Unified School District for an informal conversation about leadership pathways and challenges facing the judicial branch.  During the event, held in the main courtroom at the Third District Court of Appeal, Chief Justice Guerrero spoke about the importance of preserving judicial independence and public confidence in the courts. “The rule of law isn’t just about knowing details about the structure of our government,” Chief Justice Guerrero said. “It’s about involving students and ensuring they’re engaged in their communities.” The Law Day event was planned by the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. The program included remarks from long-time initiative supporter David Gordon, Superintendent of the Sacramento County Office of Education, whose service to the judicial branch earned him the Chief Justice’s Champion of Civics Award in 2025.   “This year's theme, the rule of law and the American Dream, reminds us that civic learning isn’t theoretical,” Gordon said. “It’s something students must practice beginning in the elementary grades.” Student Voices Take Center Stage Six high school students delivered original, soapbox-style speeches reflecting on the promise and challenges of the American Dream.   Award Recipients Announced Power of Democracy leads Justice  McConnell, Judge Alloggiamento and award co-sponsor Chief Justice Guerrero closed the event by announcing the recipients of the 2026 Civic Learning Awards, a statewide program that honors California K–12 schools for exceptional commitments to civic education. Honorees will be visited by judges of the California Courts in September in celebration of Constitution Month. The Law Day event was sponsored by Chief Justice Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, in partnership with the Third District Court of Appeal. View the event playlist on YouTube. See the full album on the California Courts Flickr. To learn more about the initiative, visit powerofdemocracy.org https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-celebrate-jurors-0 California Courts Celebrate Jurorsnatalie.l.ston… Mon, 05/18/2026 - 11:47 Feature In 1998, the California Legislature designated the second full week in May as Juror Appreciation Week to honor the sacrifices and contributions of citizens who uphold the right of trial by jury and to raise awareness about their contribution to the court system. "During Jury Appreciation Week, we honor the unsung heroes of our justice system," said Orange County Presiding Judge Sheila F. Hanson. "This week is an important opportunity to reflect and recognize, with deep gratitude, the invaluable contributions that each juror has made to our judicial system. We express our gratitude for the pivotal role that jurors play in the democracy of our country--jury service is the bedrock of our justice system."  During Juror Appreciation Week, many courts make an extra effort to recognize those fulfilling their jury service. These are a few examples: Napa Superior Court is celebrating the entire month and providing cookies for all jurors at the beginning of each week in May. They’re also providing lunch one day per week for each sworn jury.  Orange Superior Court had court staff greet jurors with tokens of appreciation for their time, commitment, and support.  Placer Superior Court held a special event that brought together judicial officers, appellate justices, court staff, attorneys, and former jurors.  Sacramento Superior Court provided popcorn, water, and other goodies. Posters created by local high school students were displayed digitally.  San Bernardino Superior Court provided prospective jurors with certificates of appreciation, light refreshments, and word games.  San Francisco Superior Court acknowledged the work of the outgoing 2025-26 Civil Grand Jury with snacks, drinks, and goodies.  Santa Clara Superior Court encouraged the public to join in their celebration of jurors by writing handwritten notes, through social media messages, or by offering a simple expression of thanks.  Tulare Superior Court gave out swag bags to jurors, including pens, notepads, and pins with designs that thank jurors. Making the Jury System Better for Jurors In addition to Juror Appreciation Week, the California courts show their appreciation for jurors all year round. Learn more about recent statewide initiatives to improve jury service in California. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/data-shows-success-yolo-superior-courts-pretrial-services-program Data Shows Success of Yolo Superior Court’s Pretrial Services ProgramCorren, Blaine Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:00 Feature In Yolo County: More than 95% of monitored individuals appeared for their arraignment hearing   More than 90% of monitored individuals appeared at a subsequent court hearing   Less than 3% of monitored individuals committed a new offense, while less than 1% committed a new violent offense A newly released statewide report on pretrial services programs highlights the success that Yolo County is having in ensuring arrested individuals released before trial avoid rearrest and appear for their court proceedings. Pretrial services programs aim to increase the safe and efficient release of arrested individuals before trial, using the least restrictive monitoring practices possible while still protecting public safety and ensuring court appearances. Yolo Court Collects Additional Data on Pretrial Services Program OutcomesReleased in April, the statewide report representing California’s 58 superior courts includes data on arrest bookings, types of pretrial release, assessments conducted, and the use of monitoring and supportive services. But the Yolo Superior Court collected additional program data on their arrested individuals released before trial, including if they failed to appear for their arraignments or at subsequent court hearings. The court also tracked if arrested individuals released before trial committed a new offense, and if so, if it was a violent offense. Image In the Yolo court from July 2024 through June 2025: More than 95% of monitored individuals appeared for their arraignment hearing   More than 90% of monitored individuals appeared at a subsequent court hearing   Less than 3% of monitored individuals committed a new offense, while less than 1% percent committed a new violent offense Yolo Court Works Closely with County PartnersThe Yolo court credits much of its success in decreasing failure to appear and rearrest rates to effective collaboration with its county justice partners. For example, probation provides services such as mental health referrals and performance tracking. “We met regularly with pretrial partners to address operational needs and refine procedures during development and early implementation of the program,” said Rocio Richter, a Senior Court Analyst with the Yolo Superior Court. “Now that the program is well established, we no longer hold standing meetings, but communication remains open and ongoing. We connect as needed, particularly when there are upcoming program changes, questions or concerns that arise.” Court Uses Technology to Stay Connected with Monitored Individuals Another key element to the Yolo court’s success includes upgraded audio/visual and videoconfencing systems. The court installed three cameras in each courtroom (for the judge, witness, and counsel tables/lecterns) and a system that supports three camera views and presentation based on active microphones and streaming capabilities “By upgrading the AV systems, the court improved user participation in hybrid courtroom proceedings whether appearing in person or remotely,” adds Richter. “Regardless of the location, parties on a case can see and be seen by all others involved, present evidence, and see evidence presented by others.  The upgrade resulted in increased access and reduced interruptions.” In addition to the success of the Yolo court's program, the report also highlighted best practices from other courts' pretrial programs. The court also implemented a text notification system to help reduce failures to appear. Monitored individuals have the option to receive text notifications of court dates, continuances, or cancellations through smartphone devices.  As part of the pretrial services program, county probation helps them register for text notifications as part of their release. Judicial Council Support for Pretrial Services ProgramsIn addition to statewide reporting, the Judicial Council supports courts’ pretrial services programs through disbursement and oversight of state funding; pretrial education and training for the courts and justice partners; and ongoing communication and program guidance, technical assistance, and site visits.