Facing a $14 million shortfall this year, San Diego Superior Court officials announced today that six criminal courtrooms and one civil courtroom will be closed as of Sept. 3, and other court services consolidated, in order to cut costs.
San Diego Superior Court's budget calls for cutting about 250 jobs, or closing or restructuring more than 40 courtrooms over the next two years. Total cuts for those two years could rise to more than $40 million.
Besides the downtown courtrooms, the Ramona court facility on Montecito Road will close in two months, along with a Juvenile Dependency courtroom in Vista.
All Ramona case matters will be relocated to the courthouse in El Cajon.
In addition, the North County Probate courtroom will be closed and downtown and North County Probate Services will be consolidated.
Also beginning Sept. 3, all Superior Court business offices will close at noon every Friday.
Members of the public can comment on the planned changes on the court's website at www.sdcourt.ca.gov and click on "Invitation to Comment.''
