In response to the cuts required by the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 state budget, the San Diego Superior Court has identified several necessary measures to close the budget deficit of approximately $9.6 million for the local court system.

Since the beginning of this fiscal year, July 1, 2024, the court has held open new employee vacancies in addition to not filling the existing vacancies. Positions critical to ongoing operations or backed by grant funds may be filled. Additionally, one commissioner position will remain vacant. These vacancies will likely result in delays and backlogs throughout the court system as fewer employees will be available to file and process court workloads.

The court will also use one time technology funds to offset reductions in other parts of the court.

From the public’s perspective, the most noticeable budget-saving measure will be seen during the holidays, when the court will offer limited services due to a voluntary work furlough program offered to court employees.  From December 23, 2024, through January 3, 2025, the court will operate with significantly reduced staffing levels. Restraining order and urgent matters with statutory deadlines will be scheduled normally, but other judicial calendars will be reduced. Business offices are expected to have longer-than-usual wait times, and other court services may be limited. Children’s Waiting Rooms will be closed December 23-27, except for the Central Courthouse, which is anticipated to be open December 23-24 and 26-27. The Children’s Waiting Room at the Juvenile Courthouse will be closed during both holiday weeks.

“We’ve explored all of our options and made every effort to make cuts that have the lowest impact on the public, but closing a $9.6 million budget gap will be noticed by court users,” said Michael Roddy, San Diego Superior Court Executive Officer. “We hope that through these actions, we can weather this year’s budget reductions and begin planning for next fiscal year.”

Through these efforts, the court has avoided layoffs and mandatory furloughs while closing the budget deficit for the current fiscal year.

Several technological improvements implemented over the past few years have made many court services available online. Please visit sdcourt.ca.gov for more information.