Santa Barbara Superior Court to Close Hour Earlier Every Day

To cut costs, the clerk's office now will be unavailable after 3 p.m.

By Giana Magnoli, Noozhawk Staff Writer | Published on 11.04.2009

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In the latest cost-cutting measure, the Santa Barbara Superior Court will close its clerk’s office — including phones and public counters — an hour earlier every day, at 3 p.m.

California courts already face monthly furlough days on the third Wednesday of every month until June 2010.

With Santa Barbara courts facing a $2.6 million cut, they’ve implemented the statewide furloughs, voluntary judge furloughs and increased fees.

The courts now charge increased court reporter fees for civil actions in order to cover the actual cost, according to the notice written by Gary Blair, the trial courts executive officer. A full day costs $534, and a half day costs $267.

Although offices now close at 3 p.m., document filing drop boxes will be open until 5 p.m.

“Obviously, these are difficult times,” Blair wrote. “Our judges and staff greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we carefully manage our resources to address our budget cuts.”

— Noozhawk staff writer Giana Magnoli can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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» Cut wages & Keep hours on 11.05.09 @ 08:32 AM

If you drop wages 14% like the private sector, and keep the services full time—Why do the get even more days off—Union B.S—Put everyone back to work full time and do not cut services. Government is currupt..

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» Publius on 11.05.09 @ 01:22 PM

Why don’t our (very) well paid judges cut their annual compensation package by 5% a
year to show solidarity with the taxpayers and their own employees, who are the ones
taking the hit here?

Magnoli should discuss the difference in taxpayer “savings” between closing the office
an hour earlier, and saving on electricity and clerical staffing, versus a voluntary 5% cut
from the judges. Readers might be surprised which is the larger number.

Don’t hold your breath.

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» CA Constitution on 11.06.09 @ 03:36 PM

To Publius -
Judicial salaries and compensation are set by and protected under the CA Constitution, so having their paychecks cut by 5% would require an amendment to our state’s constitution which ain’t happenin’.  CA judges have been encouraged to participate in a voluntary judicial furlough as a cost savings measure.  Most, if not all, of our local judges are participating in this.

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» Servants there is no money on 11.06.09 @ 09:38 PM

The liberal leaders are paid off by the unions—that why Calif is bankrupt—wake up—the fox is in the hen house…cut wages 30% in Gov—

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