2024 Annual Report

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO

ANNUAL REPORT

COURT ADMINISTRATION

PRESIDING JUDGE Hon. Lisa M. Rogan

Anabel Z. Romero COURT EXECUTIVE OFFICER

INSIDE

WELCOME Message From Presiding Judge and Court Executive Officer

02

San Bernardino County 04

TRANSFORMING THE COURT EXPERIENCE New Judges

06 07 08 11 10

Modernizing Access to Justice Expansion of Services

Language Access For All

Self-Help Services

12 For the Juror 13 Digital Transformation Project

Communications and Public Outreach Court Services in the Community Community Connections and Outreach COMMUNITY OUTREACH

16 15 17

Developing a Strong Workforce Empowering a Productive Workforce EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

20 21

Enriching the Bench 22 Judicial Recognition 24

LOOKING FORWARD Need for Sustainable Funding Judicial Need High Desert Beyond Capacity

28 29 27

Data Driven Decisions 30

Court Locations and Services APPENDIX

31

TABLE OF CONTENTS | 01

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDING JUDGE LISA M. ROGAN

As I reflect on my first year as presiding judge and well over two decades of service to the people of San Bernardino County, I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside and represent such dedicated and resilient individuals . In just one year as presiding judge, I have witnessed extraordinary strides and lengths our court goes to deliver justice and serve our ever growing population. As I approach my second year as presiding judge, my commitment remains steadfast: to ensure this court continues to advocate for the resources, facilities, and judges it needs to meet the demands of our vast county—ensuring equitability for San Bernardino County . San Bernardino County is no stranger to challenges—whether massive population growth, economic downturns, or a worldwide pandemic—but our court has met each one with innovation and tenacity. While the nickname “The Can-Do Court” will remind us of our resilience, this court has evolved beyond that . Today, we are building a future-ready court that prioritizes access, equity, and service for all who enter our doors. During my first year, I worked closely with judicial colleagues, court staff, lawmakers, justice partners, and community leaders to advocate for the crucial resources needed to support access to justice in San Bernardino County. Despite our challenges, we have made progress: the renovation of the Historic Courthouse Annex to add six additional courtrooms and the expansion of the Juvenile Dependency Courthouse . Yet, our work is far from complete. Despite all the advocacy efforts, San Bernardino still faces a critical shortage of judicial officers and court facilities. Current estimates show the need for 27 additional judges to manage our caseload adequately . This translates to a dire need for courtroom space, staff, and infrastructure.

Our court has reached its capacity—in some cases, it has exceeded capacity — and requires unwavering advocacy at the state level and continued collaboration with local stakeholders. Projects such as the overdue High Desert Justice Center remain critical to ensuring access to justice for all residents of the High Desert. In my second year as Presiding Judge, I am determined to continue this advocacy and tell the story of San Bernardino Superior Court statewide. My hope is that this court's legacy is not one of "what could have been" but one of innovation, achievement, and service. Working with our talented bench, skilled court staff, and justice partners, we can continue to build a court system that reflects the values and needs of our community. It is an honor to serve in San Bernardino County in this capacity. I am inspired daily by the dedication of those around me and remain confident that our collective efforts will ensure access to justice for generations to come. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to lead this extraordinary court.

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A MESSAGE FROM COURT EXECUTIVE OFFICER ANABEL Z. ROMERO

Each year, our court presents this annual report to reflect on our collective impact on the residents of San Bernardino County. The milestones of 2024 continued to mark a transformative period for our court. We prioritized our greatest asset—our people. For the first time, we closed a large vacancy gap that had persisted since the pandemic. By filling critical vacancies and strengthening our workforce, we continued to improve court services for the community we serve. In alignment with our Strategic Plan of being an employer of choice, we will continue to invest in staff development to strengthen our collective knowledge. We all work towards one mission: to serve the public through access to justice. Each one of our dedicated staff drives day-to-day operations and focuses on a multitude of initiatives to advance our court . This report highlights these initiatives, though it is not all-inclusive. Each unit contributes to our mission from the moment we open our doors to the moment we close them. In 2024, we reintroduced critical training programs, launched development opportunities, and restarted leadership training initiatives. We also hosted a court wide leadership summit that enhanced our leadership team's knowledge of employee engagement, project management, and modernizing the court experience. Additionally, we focused on enhancing the court user's experience by leveraging innovation and technology . Our commitment to "bringing the right services to the right places" guided our continued expansion of court services and technology, helping ensure that justice is available, efficient, and equitable.

As we reflect on the progress made, we remain grounded in our mission to protect access to justice for our court users and continue to invest in our employees. The dedication of our 103 judicial officers and more than 1,100 staff members has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of our achievements, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to public service. While FY 24-25 introduced budget reductions impacting our court, our leadership’s top priorities remained service to the community and our court staff . As we look to the year ahead, we will continue to monitor the financial climate affecting the judicial branch and make prudent decisions to mitigate impacts to court users. Understanding that without stable and equitable funding, our mission to provide access to justice and protect constitutional rights is in jeopardy. It is an honor to serve this community, and we look forward to continuing this important work alongside our judicial officers, staff, and justice partners as we strive to meet the growing needs of San Bernardino County.

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OUR COUNTY, YOUR COURT

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

42% SPEAK A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH

RESIDENTS 2.2M

20% PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH IN INLAND EMPIRE BETWEEN 2020 & 2050

SQUARE MILES 20K

12 COURT LOCATIONS

BARSTOW

NEEDLES

VICTORVILLE

BIG BEAR

RANCHO CUCAMONGA

JOSHUA TREE

SAN BERNARDINO JUSTICE CENTER SAN BERNARDINO HISTORIC COURTHOUSE

FONTANA MENTAL HEALTH COURT (ARMC)

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY COURT JUVENILE DEPENDENCY COURT

2024 COURT WORKFORCE 1,229 TOTAL 124 JOB CLASSIFICATIONS

85

JUDGES STAFF COMMISSIONERS

1,126 18

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I. TRANSFORMING THE COURT EXPERIENCE

OUR BENCH TODAY

San Bernardino has consistently been the most underjudged court in the state, with an unmet judicial need ranging from 57 in 2014 to 30 in 2022 and 27 in 2024 and an average caseload 18% higher than the state average. In 2024, seven judicial officers joined the San Bernardino Bench. We thank them for demonstrating remarkable dedication to our county by applying for challenging positions within our court.

Funded Positions Calculated Judicial Need

JO Shortage

Judicial Officers (JO)

103

27

130

2024 ADDITIONS TO THE BENCH

JUDGE KATHLEEN CURTIS

JUDGE ALBERT HSUEH

JUDGE JAMES M. TAYLOR

2,864 OUR JUDICIAL OFFICERS HANDLE AN AVERAGE OF 2,864 FILINGS - A CASELOAD 18% HIGHER THAN THE STATE AVERAGE

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL LOUGH

COMMISSIONER LAUREL HOEHN

-27

SHORT 27 OR MORE JUDGES SINCE 2008 RESULTING IN HIGH WORKLOAD AND LONGER TIME TO CASE RESOLUTION

COMMISSIONER JASON WILKINSON

COMMISSIONER RILEY TODD

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EXPANSION OF SERVICES JUVENILE DEPENDENCY EXPANSION

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY On August 29, 2024, the court celebrated a significant milestone: the groundbreaking of the Juvenile Dependency Expansion Project. The event was held on the very spot of the expansion, which will provide two additional courtrooms, clerical space, a staff restroom, and an expanded lobby area. Attendees heard from past Presiding Judge John Vander Feer, Juvenile Presiding Judge Lynn Poncin, Presiding Judge Lisa Rogan, and CEO Anabel Romero about the needs of the Juvenile Dependency Court and journey to this expansion to meet the growing service demands. The court welcomed several dignitaries, community leaders, and representatives from local organizations.

Their support highlights the importance of this project and its positive impact on the lives of those we serve. EXPANSION INCEPTION & FUNDING The inception of this project began in 2019, and received State General Funding in 2021. All subsequent project phases were approved in 2023 and 2024. Physical construction started in September 2024, and the estimated completion date is late 2025. The project represents a step forward in addressing our community's growing needs and reinforcing our dedication to justice and equity.

JUVENILE DEPENDENCY COURT EXPANSION PROJECT

Two courtrooms will extend from the east wall.

Additional room for staff bathroom and clerical stations.

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MODERNIZING ACCESS TO JUSTICE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY TO OPTIMIZE SERVICES

NETWORK, INFRASTRUCTURE, & SYSTEMS Improving access to justice by employing cost effective technology solutions remains a key focus for the court. These advancements have had a positive impact on the community by increasing remote access to court services and reducing the need for on-site visits. In the past year, Court Technology Services (CTS) has spearheaded projects to enhance efficiency, expand public access, and modernize courtroom and administrative technologies. These include replacing and upgrading workstation hardware and operating systems, audio/visual equipment in the courtrooms, and the development of internal tools and applications. There are also many future plans to continue modernizing. These initiatives have reinforced our commitment to providing solutions that support the Court’s Strategic Plan of modernizing our court. CYBERSECURITY Like many public and private sector agencies, with greater adoption of technology and digital transformation, brings greater cybersecurity risks. The court continues to strengthen its cybersecurity posture to mitigate threats and respond to incidents as they occur so as not to disrupt court operations or service to the public.

CASE INFORMATION TOOL IMPROVEMENTS

The year 2024 brought users numerous enhancements to the Court Access Portal , including: Implementation of eCheck payment options. Addition of a Review Queue for Pre-filing Public Access. JUDICIAL CASE INFORMATION TOOL Developing SCRIPTA , the digital case file viewer for judicial officers, was one of our top priorities. We have successfully expanded its use to encompass all litigation types. Last year, we initiated the final and one of the most complex case types: Juvenile. These improvements align with the court’s Digital Transformation Initiative, which aims for a file-free environment. This initiative will enable users and staff to access documents instantly, reducing the court's dependency on physical copies and minimizing logistical challenges.

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MODERNIZING ACCESS TO JUSTICE

One of the most significant technology initiatives in 2023 was the deployment of eFiling. This electronic submission option allows attorneys and the public to file documents and pay fees electronically 24 hours a day without coming to court. Throughout 2024, eFiling continued to focus on expanding case types and stabilizing the system to ensure a consistent user experience. We are committed to continuing to stabilize our eFile services, and as of the end of 2024, the following case types were available to court users of the following districts: FINISH LINE FOR EFILE Needles: Small Claims, Landlord Tenant, Family Law Barstow: Civil, Family Law Joshua Tree: Civil, Small Claims, Landlord Tenant, Family Law Fontana: Probate, Small Claims, Landlord Tenant Victorville: Civil, Probate SBJC: Civil, Landlord Tenant Rancho: Civil

CY 2024

641,592 TOTAL EFILINGS

86,138 FAMILY LAW

89,330 LANDLORD TENANT

411,024 CIVIL

49,920 PROBATE / MENTAL HEALTH

5,180 SMALL CLAIMS

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LANGUAGE ACCESS FOR ALL

2024 IN NUMBERS

31,500+ PROCEEDINGS USING INTERPRETER SERVICES

46% GROWTH FROM ‘23-’24 NON-SPANISH/ MANDARIN

57+ LANGUAGES SERVED SINCE 2023

Over 42% of San Bernardino County's population speaks a language other than English at home. In accomplishing the court's mission of providing equal access to justice to our community, court interpreters are essential to removing language barriers for limited-English proficient (LEP) court users and their understanding of the judicial process. After Spanish, Mandarin is our court's most requested spoken language for interpreter services. Interpreter Services became a court-wide division in 2023. The division is led by our interpreter services manager and supported by a court services supervisor. They oversee the work of 45 Spanish interpreters, 2 Mandarin interpreters, and 3 court services coordinators, and assignment coverage is arranged by working with upwards of 80 individual contractors in regular use. In 2024, interpreters assisted over 31,500 proceedings, an overall growth of about 26% compared to 2023 .

The Interpreter Services Division added its third court services coordinator position to help support the growing need for languages other than Spanish. Coordination work has increased by 45% , with marked upticks in the need for the languages of Hindi and Punjabi .

Video Remote Interpretation expanded to Needles in 2023. In 2024, over 75 proceedings in Needles, Joshua Tree, and Barstow utilized VRI . VRI is now available in all districts, ensuring immediate and equitable access to justice for individuals who speak various languages. We are proud to take a significant step towards strengthening inclusivity and providing meaningful support to our diverse community.

Non-Spanish Languages served in 2024 sized according to percentage utilized, and with top 10 &

requested

MOST LEAST

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ASSISTANCE FOR SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS The Self-Help Resource Centers in San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, Barstow, Needles, and Joshua Tree assist self represented litigants with services that provide procedural legal information regarding family law, guardianship, child support, small claims, and landlord-tenant matters. In 2024, Self-Help made significant strides in expanding access to legal resources, strengthening community partnerships, and improving service delivery. The year was marked by increased outreach events, staff growth, and improved efficiencies, all of which enhanced the department’s ability to support self-represented litigants. 72,973 SERVICE REQUESTS 2024 IN NUMBERS

27,409 TOTAL CASES ASSISTED 29%

Community Outreach Events Self-Help played an active role in community engagement through various events designed to connect individuals with essential legal assistance. Shelter Court events held nearly monthly, provided individuals experiencing homelessness with crucial legal support, helping them address outstanding legal matters and access services that improve their stability. Self-Help participated in the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) Fatherhood Committee Collaborations events “Donuts with Dad” and “Joy of Giving,” along with Public Defender Community Outreach Days to provide court-related guidance, legal assistance, and resources outside traditional business hours. National Association of Court Managers Podcast Participation In the episode “Courts and Self-Service: How Much Do We Tell Litigants?” Self-Help Supervising Attorney Nathan DeVries discussed the balance between self-service options and ensuring litigants receive proper legal guidance. Self-Help Managing Attorney Salvador Reynoso covered the effectiveness of self service tools in the episode “Courts and Self-Service: How Much Do They Help?”. Staff Growth and Training To enhance service capacity, Self-Help welcomed nine new staff members, bringing the team to 32 employees—a 28% increase in staff. New hires included one staff attorney, one supervising paralegal, and seven paralegals. Ongoing training remained a priority, with staff participation in sessions such as the 2024 AB1058 Conference in Los Angeles and CARE Act and X-Spouse Trainings prepared by staff attorneys. This ensured high-quality service delivery, equipped staff with specialized knowledge to assist clients with specific legal needs, and improved overall staff competency and client service.

PERCENTAGE OF ONLINE SERVICES USERS FROM OUTSIDE SB COUNTY

Supervising Attorney Nathan Devries appearing on NACM podcast

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FOR THE JUROR

JURY PILOT PROGRAM Enhancing Jury Service Through Increased Compensation

In 2024, the San Bernardino County Superior Court was selected as one of seven courts across California to participate in the AB 1981 Jury Pilot Program, an initiative to increase juror compensation to improve participation and diversity. Beginning September 3, 2024, jurors in San Bernardino County began receiving $100 per day, starting on the second day of service, a significant increase from the previous rate of $15 per day. The mileage reimbursement rate was also raised from $0.34 to $0.67 per roundtrip. This pilot program, funded by Assembly Bill 1981 and administered by the Judicial Council of California, will assess whether higher compensation encourages a broader cross-section of the community to serve on juries. In addition to San Bernardino County, courts in Alameda, El Dorado, Fresno, Imperial, Monterey, and Shasta counties are participating.

The program will continue until early 2026 or until designated funding is exhausted. At its conclusion, the Judicial Council will report its findings to the California State Legislature, providing valuable insights into the impact of increased juror compensation on participation and diversity. By taking part in this initiative, the court reaffirms its commitment to fostering a more representative jury system and ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent community members from fulfilling their civic duty.

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DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECT

MODERNIZING THE COURT EXPERIENCE: THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECT The court is taking a significant step forward in modernizing records management with the launch of the Digital Transformation Project (DTP). This initiative is designed to improve efficiency, enhance public access to court records, and streamline document management across all litigation types. ENHANCING ACCESS AND EFFICIENCY The Digital Transformation Project will establish electronic case files as the official court record, transitioning from paper. This shift will significantly improve public access by allowing certain records to be available digitally— eliminating the need for physical visits in many instances. The project also introduces a more rigorous quality-assurance process, ensuring accuracy in document imaging and reducing unnecessary duplication. While DTP modernizes court recordkeeping, it does not mean eliminating all physical records. Some records, such as microfilm, will still be preserved in their original format pursuant to Rules of Court. However, since 2017, the court has gradually moved away from microfilm in favor of digital preservation, drastically improving record retrieval times and efficiency. REDUCING COSTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The DTP's benefits extend beyond accessibility. The initiative is already cutting costs by reducing the need for warehouse storage, with two of five warehouses already decommissioned and efforts underway to phase out a third. This frees up space and helps reduce operational expenses and the court's environmental footprint. The Digital Transformation Project will transform the court experience, making it more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.

WAREHOUSE SQUARE FOOTAGE REDUCED BY 9,681 SQ FT. FILES DIGITIZED IN VACATING 2 WAREHOUSES - 280,000 TOTAL PAGES IMAGED IN VACATING 2 WAREHOUSES– 22,601,903

ANNUAL LEASE COSTS REDUCED BY $85,558

PHOTO : Digitally archived documents awaiting destruction

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II. COMMUNITY OUTREACH Services Beyond the Courthouse

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC OUTREACH The San Bernardino Superior Court’s Communications and Public Information Office plays a crucial role in public understanding and transparency. In 2024, the team expanded its reach, producing digital and print content, coordinating public engagement, and supporting internal communications for nearly 1,200 employees and 103 judicial officers. Key Activities: Issued 58 news releases and public notices, and 51 internal weekly publications. Developed video content for public education. Engaged with lawmakers and local leaders through events like the Legislative Open House. Reinstated Take Your Child to Work Day and supported the Judicial Council’s civic education initiative. Organized major court events, including the California Native American Day press conference and the Juvenile Groundbreaking Ceremony. Ensured cohesive branding across all communication channels. The team remains dedicated to clear, impactful messaging that strengthens public trust and engagement with the judicial system. COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

24TH ADOPTION FINALIZATION EVENT In 2024, the Ontario Convention Center hosted the 24th Adoption Finalization Event, themed “Making Campfire Memories with Forever Families.” The event was organized by the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services in collaboration with the San Bernardino Superior Court . Assistant Presiding Judge Rod Cortez and Juvenile Presiding Judge Lynn Poncin delivered inspiring keynote addresses to the families and attendees, setting a positive tone for the day. Following the opening ceremony, Judge Cortez,

Judge Poncin, Judge Steve Mapes, and Judge Cara Hutson presided over the finalization of adoptions in their respective courtrooms, specially set up within the convention center. The event was supported by dedicated legal processing assistants, judicial assistants, bailiffs, and court reporters, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for all involved. By the end of the day, 106 children found their forever homes with 70 loving families, marking a significant milestone filled with endless smiles and happy tears.

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COURT SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY 30 YEARS OF TREATMENT COURTS IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

63 PARTICIPANTS IN 2OO4

70% AVERAGE SUCCESS RATE

CELEBRATING ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE For three decades, Collaborative Treatment Courts have proven that a combination of treatment and compassion can lead those with substance use and/or mental health disorders into lives of stability, health, and recovery. These courts provide an alternative to incarceration that combines public health and public safety approaches to connect people in the justice system with personalized, evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. They work collaboratively with law enforcement, community supervision, defense, prosecution, and judicial officers to provide ongoing support and recovery services. Collaborative Treatment Courts are considered the most successful justice intervention for people with substance use and mental health disorders. SBSC VETERANS COURT AWARDED GRANT In 2024, San Bernardino County was awarded a training grant supported by the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance Veterans Court practices, procedures, and program structures to serve veterans' unique needs. Veterans Treatment Court connects justice-involved veterans to appropriate services in a court setting, surrounded by an interdisciplinary team. Veterans Treatment Court was established in San Bernardino County in 2010, acknowledging that veterans have special needs that cannot be adequately served in the traditional drug court or mental health court model.

500+ PROGRAM GRADUATES SINCE 1994

FOCUS PROGRAMS: Adult & Juvenile Drug Courts Adult & Juvenile Mental Health Courts Veterans Treatment Court GIRLS’ Court - serving at-risk juveniles Shelter Court - serving homeless & transient offenders

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY COLLABORATING AGENCIES: Behavioral Health District Attorney’s Office Probation Department Public Defender Sheriff’s Department FEDERAL Department of Veterans Affairs

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS/OUTREACH SCHOOL OUTREACH Power of Democracy

In 2024, the Judicial Community Outreach Committee participated in the Judicial Council of California's Power of Democracy civic education initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen civic learning and engagement among California's students, empowering them to understand the structure of government, the role of the courts, and their rights and responsibilities as members of society. Through this program, our court collaborated with schools and educators to inspire and educate students on the judicial system. In 2024, judicial officers participated in 39 outreach events, including school visits, career fairs, and more. During the school visits, judicial officers would deliver a presentation based on the teachers' choosing, and frequently included a time for students to don a judicial robe to act as judicial officers in front of their classmates. The feedback from teachers and schools has been tremendously positive, with requests for future visits already being expressed.

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance practical legal education and promote diversity within the judiciary, the San Bernardino Superior Court (SBSC) launched its inaugural Judicial Intern/Extern Program in 2024. This initiative welcomed nearly two dozen students from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), California State University, San Bernardino (Cal State San Bernardino), and the University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service . The driving force behind the creation of this program was to create opportunities for aspiring legal professionals from our community. The goals of this program included increasing the pipeline to careers within our court and legal community, enhancing public access and confidence in our court, and JUDICIAL INTERNSHIP / EXTERNSHIP PILOT

providing our judicial officers with a unique opportunity to give back to the community.

Organized by Judge Erin Alexander, Judge Aruna Rodrigo, Carol Evans, & Nadya Avakian, the 8-week program was designed to offer a transformative experience within the judicial system. It enabled students to work closely with judges and court staff. Volunteer staff, judges, and justice partners facilitated meaningful topical discussions and provided unique insights not typically available in a classroom setting. This hands-on approach offered participants invaluable insights into court procedures, legal research, and the decision-making processes of the judiciary.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS/OUTREACH

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY AND IN PERSON FOR LAW DAY

A welcome video provided virtual students a personal greeting from the court.

This year's Law Day events, themed "Voices of Democracy" by the American Bar Association, resonated with our efforts to connect with San Bernardino County's diverse communities. The theme highlighted our commitment to equal access to justice and inspired younger generations to engage in democracy and the court system. Through 20 events, the San Bernardino Superior Court reached over 750 students from elementary to college, including the Fontana Adult School. Supported by 26 judicial officers, the Chief Judge of the San Manuel Tribal Court, 50 court staff, and various justice partners, we received numerous submissions for the Art, Essay, and Poetry Contest: 41 art pieces, 46 poems, and 14 essays. Special thanks to 2024 Judicial Fellow Andrea Ruiz Alvarez, whose leadership was crucial to this year's success

LEGISLATIVE OPEN HOUSE In 2024, Presiding Judge Lisa Rogan and Court Executive Officer Anabel Romero hosted a Legislative Open House at the Victorville and Historic districts, welcoming lawmakers and local leaders. This marked the second year of inviting legislators and local leaders to tour the court and experience the daily challenges faced by judicial officers, court staff, and court users. Judge Rogan and Anabel delivered a comprehensive State of the Court address, including a video that brought to life a day in the life of our Victorville and Barstow courthouses, highlighting the current challenges presented by lack of facility space in our High Desert region. Attendees toured the facilities and saw firsthand the challenges that San Bernardino Superior Court faces.

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III. EMPOWERING A PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE Establishing the Court as an Employer of Choice

DEVELOPING A STRONG WORKFORCE Behind the services the court provides to the public are approximately 1,100 staff members who drive and support the judicial officers and daily operations of the court. They offer expertise in customer service, legal processing, technology, finance, data analytics, behavioral health, and other fields . Managing a dynamic post-pandemic workforce that is reflective of the community it serves required strategies to ensure that the ideal candidates are filling vacancies from new positions, retirements, promotions, and the typical employment cycles of a large organization. In 2024, Human Resources (HR) focused on implementing new recruitment methods while also utilizing previously successful strategies, such as hosting job-specific hiring fairs and partnering with staffing agencies for leadership positions. We are committed to the continuous training and development of all our staff. 2024 IN NUMBERS

13 CAREER FAIRS ATTENDED

PROMOTIONS STAFF 1,126 68

RECRUITMENT EFFORT ADDRESSES COURT REPORTER SHORTAGE The statewide court reporter shortage required Human Resources to employ short and long-term solutions to ensure the verbatim record. In the fall, the San Bernardino Superior Court’s Recruitment Team attended the California Court Reporters Association Annual Conference to attract top talent and address the shortage of court reporters. They showcased the benefits of working with the court and highlighted available opportunities. Additionally, the court launched the Pilot Pathway Program, a strategic initiative offering comprehensive training and support for employees aspiring to become court reporters/voice writers. This program aligns with the Court’s Strategic Plan, “Right Services in the Right Places,” aiming to enhance court services, provide career advancement opportunities, and improve access to justice by ensuring accurate and timely transcription services.

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EMPOWERING A PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE

WELLNESS FOCUS The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino’s TIME FOR YOU Campaign was recognized by the American Heart Association for its high-quality workforce health and well-being programs. In 2024, the Human Resources Department launched the Wellnessphere initiative, introducing new programs and resources to support judicial officers and court employees well-being, including a user-friendly wellness website, Mental Health Awareness Month, Judicial Officer Wellness Workshops, the Walktober Challenge, and ergonomics education at Open Enrollment fairs. These efforts aim to foster a supportive and healthy work environment, aligning with the Court’s Strategic Plan to become an employer of choice.

SBSC's TIME FOR YOU Campaign has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a Well-Being Works Better Workplace Organization! This prestigious recognition celebrates our commitment to implementing high-quality workforce health and well-being programs, fostering a culture of best practices. https://www.wellbeingworksbetter.org/en/recognized organizations

378 LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES SKILLS TRAININGS 6,991 ONLINE COMPLIANCE TRAININGS TAKEN 553 ATTENEDED IN-PERSON SOFT

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT The Court’s HR Business Partner Team was established to support leadership and staff, driving impactful HR initiatives and fostering a positive work environment. Their key contributions include strategic advising, employee relations, change management, and performance management. In 2024, the Training and Development Team introduced new courses on DISC, 7 Habits, and Crucial Conversations to enhance leadership skills. These initiatives align with the Court’s Strategic Plan to foster continuous improvement, effective leadership, and a thriving workplace culture.

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ENRICHING THE BENCH

2024 IN NUMBERS

NEW JUDICIAL OFFICERS

EXPERIENCED JUDICIAL OFFICERS

13 NEW JUDGE ORIENTATIONS

PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT ORIENTATIONS 14

ATTENDED B.E. WITKIN JUDICIAL COLLEGE 7

50%

3,300+ EDUCATION HOURS REPORTED FROM 2022-2024

MORE EDUCATION HOURS COMPLETED ON AVERAGE THAN REQUIRED BY RULES OF COURT

ONBOARDING, MENTORING, & NETWORKING New judicial officers are set up for success through the Onboarding Learning Track , which includes New Judge Orientation , integrated into the Judicial Mentor Program , and technical training such as the SCRIPTA instructional course, the court’s custom developed case management tool for judicial officers. The Judicial Mentor Program pairs new judicial officers with tenured mentors for one year in order to facilitate a smooth transition into their roles. Mentors are also available for existing JOs transferring case types. JUDICIAL MENTOR CLASS The new Judicial Mentor Classes consist of two full day sessions, each with an average participation of 25 judicial officers. Education is provided by judges, court staff, and justice partners.

JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENT The court’s Judicial Services Team supports educational opportunities for judicial officers (JO) to complement the mandated trainings provided externally by the Judicial Council through CJER. Consisting of faculty and instructors from within the San Bernardino Superior Court and justice partners, these trainings provide new and tenured judicial officers with opportunities to develop and refine their skills and knowledge through valuable lessons taught by peers who are experts or experienced in a particular field. Two Annual Meetings bring all judicial officers together for additional selected training from guest speakers, small group exercises, and feedback sessions.

LEFT: The San Bernardino Sheriff's Specialized Enforcement Division offers judicial officers a comprehensive security and safety orientation, showcasing the various rescue tools they utilize.

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JUDICIAL RECOGNITION IN 2024

JUDGE R. GLENN YABUNO 2024 Kaufman-Campbell Judicial Excellence Award

JUDGE ARUNA RODRIGO 2024 Tri-Bar Judge of the Year

COMMISSIONER DANIEL LOUGH Child Support Directors Association Judicial Partner of the Year for 2024

JUDGE KHYMBERLI APALOO California Judges Association Elected President 2024-2025

PRESIDING JUDGE LISA M. ROGAN Selected Chair of the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee

JUDGE ERIN ALEXANDER 2024 Judge Morris Bench Officer of the Year Award

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JUDICIAL RECOGNITION IN 2024

JUDGE MICHAEL SACHS San Bernardino Legal Aid Society’s Annual Access to Justice Gala

JUDGE THOMAS S. GARZA Western San Bernardino County Bar Association Judicial Officer of the Year

JUDGE DAMIAN GARCIA Crafton Hills College Outstanding Alumni Award

JUDGE BRIAN S. MCCARVILLE Western San Bernardino County Bar Association Judicial Lifetime Achievement Award

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IV. LOOKING FORWARD Building a Future Ready Court

THE NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE FUNDING

FUNDING INSTABILITY IN THE LAST 10 YEARS

FY 2013-14 to FY 2024-25

95.0% FY ‘23-‘24

FY ‘18-‘19 82.9%

88.3% FY ‘24-‘25

50%

HALF FUNDING

47.6% FY ‘13-‘14

AREAS OF INVESTMENT INCLUDE: Historic Annex Courtrooms Revamped Jury Management System and Juvenile Case Management System Jury Space Improvements Digital Transformation Project Courtroom Audio/Visual Equipment Mobile Court/Community Outreach Vehicle

PRESERVING SERVICES DURING TIMES WITH UNSTABLE FUNDING Despite a year-over-year reduction in funding, the court remains committed to investing resources in initiatives designed to strengthen its infrastructure and increase access to justice for the community it serves. This is evident in the continued expansion of services to areas within the county that were previously devoid of them. Because economic uncertainty exists, the court will continue to operate with a strategic mindset and evaluate the return on investment of all actions taken. This will ensure resources are optimized to their fullest potential and the overarching goals of the court are achieved. COURT

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SBSC's case filings and workload require an additional 27 judges to provide adequate case management and timely adjudication for our caseload. Despite the judicial additions in 2023 and 2024, SBSC continues to lead the state of California as the most underjudged county by percentage and count since 2008, especially as retirements occur. JUDICIAL NEED HIGHEST UNMET JUDICIAL NEED OF THE STATE

Part of the court’s strategy to help meet this need is to continue raising awareness and inviting qualified candidates to explore the opportunity to become judicial officers.

JUDICIAL NEED

FINANCE - 34 HUMAN RESOURCES - 26 EXECUTIVE & ADMINISTRATION - 41 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - 37 LEGAL SERVICES - 22 -27 SHORT 27 OR MORE JUDGES SINCE 2008 RESULTING IN HIGH WORKLOAD AND LONGER TIME TO CASE RESOLUTION

2,864

OUR JUDICIAL OFFICERS HANDLE AN AVERAGE OF 2,864 FILINGS ANNUALLY - A CASELOAD 18% HIGHER THAN THE STATE AVERAGE

JUDGESHIP VACANCY HISTORY The San Bernardino Superior Court has consistently been the most underjudged court in the State , with an unmet judicial need ranging from 57 in 2014 to 30 in 2022 and now 27 in 2025.

Nov 2024 6

16 15

14 13 7 8 5

5

July 2024 Sept 2024 6 7

Dec 2024 6

Dec 2022 June 2023 July 2023 Oct 2023

July 2022 August 2022 Sept 2022

April 2024

JUDICIAL OUTREACH & MENTORSHIP PANEL SBJC hosted its second Judicial Outreach and Mentorship Panel, which had nearly 60 attendees. Speakers included Presiding Judge Lisa Rogan, Judge R. Glenn Yabuno, Judge Rasheed Alexander, and Riverside Presiding Judge Judith Clark, who shared their career journeys and guidance on becoming a judge. The governor’s Judicial Appointments Secretary, Luis Céspedes, explained the application process, and Deputy Judicial Appointments Secretary Adam Hofmann moderated the Q&A session. The panel highlighted the importance of character, mentorship, and patience in the application process. The court looks forward to continuing to work with the governor and the legislature to advocate for funded judgeships.

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San Bernardino Superior Court (SBSC) serves the largest geographic county in the contiguous U.S., with over 2.19 million residents. The High Desert , the county's largest area, borders Inyo, Los Angeles, Kern, and Riverside counties and the states of Nevada and Arizona . The High Desert includes several unincorporated cities and five major cities— Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, and Victorville—all with poverty rates surpassing the national average of 11% ( Adelanto: 16%; Apple Valley: 17%; Bartsow: 23%; Hesperia: 17.5%; Victorville: 19.9% ). Limited or unavailable public transit, long travel distances, and inadequate courthouse facilities create significant barriers for over 416,000 residents. BEYOND CAPACITY: JUSTICE IN THE HIGH DESERT

1 High Desert courthouses face daily overcrowding, forcing tough operational decisions. Due to lack of in-custody cell space, inmates already transported on crowded buses are held in jury boxes prior to their hearing or turned away due to lack of holding space. In some instances, inmates may not be transported for hearings. Hallways are congested, raising safety concerns among visitors and jurors. While the court has made and will continue to make difficult adjustments to ensure cases are heard, the demand far exceeds available resources and facility space, underscoring the critical need for solutions to ensure access does not continue to be denied.

High Desert

Valley

The High Desert region (in pink) borders Inyo, Los Angeles, Kern, and Riverside counties and the states of Nevada and Arizona. The Valley region of the county is represented in blue. Population: 416,718 and growing

LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT FACILITIES

BARSTOW AND VICTORVILLE COURTHOUSES SEE 426,000 COURT USERS AND VISITORS EACH YEAR 426K

BARSTOW AND VICTORVILLE COURTHOUSES HAVE ZERO AVAILABLE COURTROOMS TO HEAR CRIMINAL CASES 0

IMPACT OF A NEW JUSTICE CENTER

ELIMINATES NEED TO TRAVEL TO DISTANT COURTHOUSES IN OTHER REGIONS OF THE COUNTY CREATES SPACE FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF AND EXPANDED PUBLIC SERVICES ADDS CRITICALLY NEEDED NEW COURTROOMS FOR MORE JUDGES TO SERVE THE REGION PROVIDE FOR THE SECURE TRANSPORT OF IN-CUSTODY DEFENDANTS ACCESS TO BASIC COURT SERVICES THAT DON’T GET PROVIDED TO THE HIGH DESERT COMMUNITY

ACCESS DENIED DUE TO INADEQUATE FACILITY SPACE: SEVERE SPACE LIMITATIONS PREVENT US FROM PROVIDING ESSENTIAL COURT SERVICES LEAVING MANY IN HIGH DESERT COMMUNITIES WITHOUT ACCESS TO JUSTICE

COMMUNITY GROWTH

THE HIGH DESERT CITIES GREW MORE THAN 2.5 TIMES FASTER THAN THE STATE AS A WHOLE FROM 2010 TO 2023 2.5X

THE HIGH DESERT ADDED NEARLY 48,000 NEW RESIDENTS BETWEEN 2010 AND 2023 416,000+ 1 TOTAL RESIDENTS

1: United States Census Bureau, QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ HIGH-SPEED RAIL LINK BETWEEN LAS VEGAS AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ​ TAPESTRY PROJECT: HESPERIA​ADDING OVER 16,000 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, PARKS, TRAILS, RECREATIONAL AREAS,​SCHOOLS, AND TOWN CENTERS​

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DATA DRIVEN DECISIONS

San Bernardino Superior Court’s role in the Judicial Council’s Resource Assessment Study (RAS) in 2024 serves as another example of the court’s commitment to data analytics initiatives. As one of 19 participating courts across the state, SBSC staff tracked and submitted detailed data about their duties each day for a 4-week period. The study will result in a more accurate assessment of the workload and challenges facing courts across the state. As one of the most under resourced counties with respect to judges in California, SBSC’s participation was essential in translating operational challenges into measurable data that could inform discussions on judicial resource allocation. DART coordinated the initiative, ensuring precise data collection and analysis for reporting to the Judicial Council of California. The central investment the court is making in this area is the development of a cloud data warehouse. The warehouse will serve as a single, consolidated location for storing and organizing the court’s most critical case management, financial, and human resources data. The Data Analytics and Research Team (DART), Financial Services, and Human Resources units, with the assistance of Court Technology Services, are collaborating to ensure the data behind each team’s most frequently referenced performance metrics is accurately extracted, transformed, and loaded onto the platform. As soon as 2025, the court will have access to real-time reporting tools that make use of the warehouse to transform raw data into meaningful insights, allowing court leadership to make informed decisions that directly influence court operations and service improvements. The court continues to embrace data-driven decision-making to enhance operations, improve efficiency, and support strategic planning. By leveraging advanced analytical tools and reporting systems, the court is strengthening its ability to assess workloads, allocate resources, and improve service delivery. ADVANCING DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING

FILINGS STATISTICS SUMMARY FY 2023-24

% CHANGE FROM 22-23

CASE TYPE

Appellate Division -

121 14% Civil Limited - 27,192 53% -9% Civil Unlimited - 13,707 8% Family Law - 15,241 -4% Child Support - 7,873 1% Felony - 13,633 0%

Unlawful Detainer (Limited) - 9,571

Juvenile Delinquency - 1,783 -2% Juvenile Dependency - 3,182 -8% Mental Health - 3,074 -1% Misdemeanor & Infraction - 191,245 16% Probate - 3,888 7% Small Claims - 5,073 -10% TOTAL 295,583 14%

Another priority of data-driven decisions is maintaining accurate and high-quality data within case management systems like Odyssey and JNET, ensuring that reporting is reliable and reflective of actual workload demands. These systems provide a foundation for assessing court operations, advocating for additional resources, and improving the overall administration of justice. DART continues to support these initiatives by managing data integrity and developing analytical tools that enhance reporting and resource planning. The court reinforces its commitment to operational transparency, efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making by enhancing data capabilities. These investments support internal planning and contribute to broader efforts to improve access to justice and resource distribution across the judicial system.

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V. APPENDIX

COURT LOCATIONS & SERVICES

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF COURT LOCATIONS

BARSTOW COURTHOUSE - (760) 718-3700 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Child Support, Civil Restraining Orders, Family Court Services, Family Law, Landlord-Tenant, Self-Help Services, Small Claims, and Traffic Cases 235 East Mountain View Street, Barstow, CA 92311

BIG BEAR COURTHOUSE - (760) 974-3020 Open the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Civil/Restraining Orders, Traffic Cases, and Traffic Hearings 477 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

FONTANA COURTHOUSE - (909) 350-9322 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Landlord-Tenant, Probate, Self-Help Services, Small Claims, and Traffic Cases 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE - (909) 384-1888 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Family Court Services- 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Child Support, Family Law, Family Court Services, and Self-Help Services 351 North Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92415

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COURT LOCATIONS & SERVICES ALPHABETICAL LIST OF COURT LOCATIONS

JOSHUA TREE COURTHOUSE - (760) 974-3047 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Civil Harassment, Criminal, Family Law, Landlord-Tenant, Name Changes, Restraining Orders, Small Claims, Traffic Cases **Self-Help assistance with Family Law, Small Claims & Landlord Tenant cases 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month 9:00 am – 2:00 pm** 6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY - (909) 269-8840 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 900 East Gilbert Street, Bldg. 2, San Bernardino, CA 92415

JUVENILE DEPENDENCY - (909) 269-8900 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 860 East Gilbert Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

MENTAL HEALTH COURT - (909) 498-2296 Mental Health Court hearings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays The facility is not open to the public except during court hearings. Court staff is only available by phone. Arrowhead Regional Medical Center 400 North Pepper Avenue, Colton, CA 92324

APPENDIX | 33

COURT LOCATIONS & SERVICES ALPHABETICAL LIST OF COURT LOCATIONS

NEEDLES COURTHOUSE - (760) 269-4962 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Civil Harassment, Family Law, Landlord Tenant, Name Changes, Probate (Limited Filings) , Small Claims, and Traffic

**Self-Help assistance with Family Law, Small Claims & Landlord Tenant cases 1st Friday of the month: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm**

1111 Bailey Ave, Needles, CA 92363

RANCHO CUCAMONGA COURTHOUSE - (909) 350-9764 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appeals, Civil, Criminal, and Shelter Court**

**Shelter Court Scheduling via San Bernardino County Probation Department: (909) 756-0014

8303 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

SAN BERNARDINO JUSTICE CENTER - (909) 384-1888 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Civil, Criminal 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

VICTORVILLE COURTHOUSE - (760) 245-6215 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Civil, Criminal, Family Court, Probate, Juvenile, Traffic, and Self-Help Services 14455 Civic Drive, Criminal Department: Suite 200, Victorville, CA 92392

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2024 ANNUAL REPORT

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE COURTS-PIO@SB-COURT.ORG