News Announcements

Check this page, or the News and Announcements box on the homepage, for the latest official news and announcements released by the court. You can also access archived news and announcements from this page.

Memorial Day Holiday

On Monday, May 25, 2020, the United States District Court, in Los Angeles, Santa Ana and Riverside, will be closed in recognition of Memorial Day. Limited service will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 pursuant to the Court’s Continuity of Operations...

New and Amended Local Rules Effective June 1, 2020

The new and amended local rules listed below will become effective June 1, 2020. A redlined version of these rules, as well as complete copies of the Local Civil Rules and the Local Criminal Rules that will be effective June 1, 2020, are available...

Further Measures Taken in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the following further measures taken in response to the threat posed by COVID-19, also known as the “Coronavirus.”

COVID-19 Notice (March 21, 2020)

The United States District Court for the Central District of California has activated its Continuity of Operations Plan (“COOP”), effective March 23, 2020 through and including May 1, 2020 necessary to ensure the continuous performance of essential...

Activation of Continuity of Operations Plan

Chief Judge Virginia A. Phillips announces the United States District Court for the Central District of California has activated its Continuity of Operations Plan (“COOP”), effective March 23, 2020 through and including May 1, 2020.  The activation...

Protective Measures Taken in Response to Coronavirus in the Central District of California

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the following measures in response to the threat posed by COVID-19, also known as the “Coronavirus.”  Effective immediately, the following persons shall not enter any...

Visitor Restrictions

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces visitor restrictions to all courthouses and probation and pretrial services offices in the District as a result of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) outbreak. The...

Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective June 1, 2020

The Court has preliminarily approved amendments to the local rules listed below. The proposed effective date is June 1, 2020. A redline of the proposed changes accompanies the electronic version of this notice and can also be found on the Court’s...

Washington's Birthday

On Monday, February 17, 2020, the United States District Court, in Los Angeles, Santa Ana and Riverside, will be closed in recognition of Washington’s Birthday. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.  

Third Notice - NextGen is Coming on February 18, 2020

ACTION REQUIRED NextGen is Coming on February 18, 2020 – Prepare Today!

Pedro V. Castillo Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of Pedro V. Castillo as a United States Magistrate Judge. Judge Castillo, who was sworn in on January 24, 2020, will sit in Los Angeles, the Court’s...

Magistrate Judge Paul L. Abrams Appointed Chief Magistrate Judge

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of Magistrate Judge Paul L. Abrams as Chief Magistrate Judge, which became effective January 1, 2020. He succeeds Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Walsh,...

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

On Monday, January 20, 2020, the United States District Court, in Los Angeles, Santa Ana and Riverside, will be closed in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.  Normal service will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2020...

Holiday Schedule

On Wednesday, December 25, 2019, the United States District Court, Central District of California, will be closed in recognition of the Christmas holiday. Regular service will resume on Thursday, December 26, 2019. *********************************

Capital Habeas Attorney Panel Recruitment

Applications for membership on the Capital Habeas Attorney Panel for the Central District of California are now being accepted. ABOUT THE PANEL

Notice - Thanksgiving Day Holiday

On Thursday, November 28, 2019 and Friday, November 29, 2019, the United States District Court, Central District of California, will be closed in recognition of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Normal service will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019.  

Amended Local Rules Effective December 1, 2019

The amended local rules listed below will become effective December 1, 2019.  A redlined version of these rules, as well as complete copies of the Local Civil Rules and the Local Criminal Rules that will be effective December 1, 2019, are available...

Veterans Day Holiday

On Monday, November 11, 2019, the United States District Court, in Los Angeles, Santa Ana and Riverside, will be closed in recognition of Veterans Day.  Normal service will resume on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.  

Passing of the Honorable George P. Schiavelli

Chief Judge Virginia A. Phillips announces the passing of former District Judge George P. Schiavelli, who died on August 28, 2019.  Judge Schiavelli was 71 years old. Judge Schiavelli received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 from Stanford...

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