https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/glenn-county-courthouse-willows-classic-blend-style-and-substance Glenn County Courthouse in Willows a Classic Blend of Style and SubstanceCorren, Blaine Thu, 04/24/2025 - 13:37 Feature Completed in November 2023, the renovation of the Willows Courthouse in Glenn County achieved upgrades to the building without compromising the facility’s historic integrity. Recognizing this achievement, the California Preservation Foundation recently awarded the renovation project with its Preservation Design Award for Rehabilitation, which honors the best historic preservation projects in California. The foundation will honor this year’s recipients at an award ceremony on May 9 at the California Museum in Downtown Sacramento. The Renovated Historic Building Is More Efficient, Secure Originally built in 1894 and located at 526 West Sycamore Street in Willows, the renovated and expanded historic courthouse consolidates court operations from three facilities in two cities, hearing all case types and providing a full range of court services to residents of Glenn County. The renovation project not only increased operational efficiency for the court, but also improved security and seismic strength, and upgraded mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The building’s improved security features include entrance screening of all court users, and improved fire and life safety systems. The courthouse’s sustainability features include energy-efficient lighting, drought-tolerant landscaping, and water-efficient irrigation and plumbing systems. The courthouse also has a self-help center, mediation and settlement spaces, and holding facilities for in-custody defendants. Expansion Project Preserved the Historic Nature of the Building After gaining title to the property from the county in 2011, the state Judicial Council acquired additional land to the rear of the building to construct the annex that allowed the court to consolidate its operations at one location. The council, the court, and the construction vendors worked together to add a two-courtroom annex that would complement the original historic structure. As required by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards, the new two-story addition is compatible with the historic building’s size, scale, and architectural features but different enough to preserve the original building’s character. “The court is very pleased that the California Preservation Foundation has chosen to recognize and honor this unique historic courthouse renovation project that preserves the courthouse’s identity and its place as a central and iconic fixture of the City of Willows and the Glenn County community,” stated Presiding Judge Donald Cole Byrd. Part of a Statewide Courthouse Construction Program  The courthouse renovation project was ranked as an “Immediate Need” in the judicial branch’s capital-outlay plan, making it among the branch’s highest-priority infrastructure projects. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 35 new courthouse projects, with another 18 projects underway and in various stages. These include new court facilities in both large and small counties, as well as urban and rural areas across the state. For more information on the Willows Courthouse, visit the California court’s website at www.courts.ca.gov/facilities-glenn.htm. To see photos of the courthouse dedication ceremony celebrating the renovation project, visit the California Courts Flickr channel. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/students-northern-central-valley-welcome-chief-justice-guerrero Students in Northern Central Valley Welcome Chief Justice GuerreroSoltysik, Penne Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:13 Feature Seventh graders at Willows Intermediate School in northern California's Glenn County had a special guest Friday–California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Chief Justice Guerrero made the stop to speak with students and answer questions for nearly an hour in Aaron Vought's Medieval World History class before attending a dedication ceremony at the nearby courthouse. “The Chief Justice taking time to stop by our school was a thrill for our students,” said Willows Intermediate School Principal Chris Harris. "This is not only a first for our school district, I think it is a first for our county. It certainly left a lasting impression on us all.” Statewide, the judicial branch's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative encourages courts to connect with local schools. Through the Judges in the Classroom program, judges visited more than 340 classrooms this school year alone. Before her appointment in 2022, Chief Justice Guerrero volunteered for the program in Southern California. "I'm hoping that by meeting and talking with me and Glenn County Assistant Presiding Judge Alicia Ekland, students will think more about their academic future and maybe even envision a career in law," Chief Justice Guerrero said. "And I hope that visits like we did today will continue next school year in counties in this region." Succession Planning Fair and equal access to justice in the northern part of the Central Valley is being threatened due to a shortage of licensed attorneys. According to the State Bar of California, Glenn County is home to 14 active attorneys who serve 28,000 residents. In nearby Trinity County, with 10,000 fewer residents, 15 licensed attorneys practice law. Moving further up the state, the Del Norte County bench measures similarly to Glenn County, with two judges serving a population of 27,000. Yet for those residents, roughly 43 are licensed to practice law. "We're not alone—there are several areas of the state where access to attorneys is limited," said Judge Ekland. "As a judge, I feel obligated to do what I can to support teachers and their efforts to encourage students to study law, to pursue a legal education, and most importantly, come back to us as a member of our local legal community." Judge Ekland served as county counsel for Glenn County before her appointment to the bench in 2018, when she became the first female judge for the Superior Court of Glenn County. "I learned so much from the students who were engaged and asked thoughtful questions about the judicial branch and our system of government. With the continued support of their teachers, principal, and families, it is clear these students can achieve great academic success," said Chief Justice Guerrero. "I hope I was able to provide some helpful guidance, and I also hope that my visit encourages courts in this region to plan now for visits to K-12 classrooms this coming school year." For more information about the Power of Democracy, visit powerofdemocracyca.org https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-chief-justice-help-celebrate-renovationexpansion-glenn-county-courthouse-willows California Chief Justice to Help Celebrate the Renovation/Expansion of the Glenn County Courthouse in WillowsCorren, Blaine Thu, 03/28/2024 - 17:28 News Release What:  California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will join judges and staff from the Superior Court of Glenn County to officially commemorate the renovation and expansion of the Willows Courthouse. The courthouse officially reopened for business November 1, 2023. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 35 new courthouse projects and another 18 projects are underway and in various stages. Who:  The ceremony will include remarks by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Presiding Judge Donald Byrd, and Judicial Council Administrative Director Shelley Curran When:  Friday, April 12, 2024, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Where:  Front steps of new Glenn County Courthouse, 526 West Sycamore Street, Willows (in case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held across the street inside the Glenn County Civic Memorial Building Hall) NOTE: The ceremony is open to the public and invites media to attend—email courtadmin@glenncourt.ca.gov to RSVP. Tours of the courthouse will be available after the ceremony. Why:  The renovation/expansion consolidated court services at one location, addressed security and seismic issues, and increased operational efficiency. For more information, visit the California court’s website at www.courts.ca.gov/facilities-glenn.htm.