2024 Annual Report

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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