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.

The Central District of California Will Launch Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judges Program on December 1, 2024

The Central District of California will launch the Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judges Program on December 1, 2024.  Pursuant to that Program, a certain portion of new civil filings will be assigned directly to Magistrate Judges.  The parties...

The Central District of California Will Launch Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judges Program on December 1, 2024

The Central District of California is pleased to announce it will launch an Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judges Program on December 1, 2024.  Designed to relieve court congestion and utilize the breadth of the Central District’s Magistrate...

Columbus Day

On Monday, October 14, 2024, the United States District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office, in the Western, Eastern, and Southern Divisions, will be closed in recognition of Columbus Day.  Normal service will resume on Tuesday,...

Senate Confirms Superior Court Judge Michelle Williams Court as United States District Judge for the Central District of California

On September 18, 2024, the United States Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s nomination of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michelle Williams Court to serve as a federal district judge for the United States District Court for the Central...

One Hour Closure of Customer Services Windows on September 13, 2024

On Friday, September 13, 2024, the Customer Service Window at the First Street Courthouse as well as the Intake, Records and Fiscal Departments in all three divisions of the Central District of California will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m...

Labor Day

On Monday, September 2, 2024, the United States District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office, in the Western, Eastern, and Southern Divisions, will be closed in recognition of Labor Day. Normal service will resume on Tuesday,...

Public Notice of Intent to Consider the Reappointment of United States Magistrate Judge John D. Early

Notice is hereby given that a panel of citizens has been established to submit a recommendation to the Court regarding the matter of the reappointment of John D. Early to an additional eight (8) year term. Magistrate Judge Early’s term expires...

Additional Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective June 1, 2024

In February 2024, a Notice from the Clerk issued regarding amendments to the local rules proposed to be effective on June 1, 2024.  Since then, the Court has approved another amendment and an addition to the local rules listed below, proposed to be...

Judge Dolly M. Gee Succeeds Judge Philip S. Gutierrez as Chief Judge of the Central District Of California

Effective March 30, 2024, the Honorable Philip S. Gutierrez, having served as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California since June 26, 2020, has ended his tenure as Chief Judge.  Judge Gutierrez resumes...

Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective June 1, 2024

The Court preliminarily has approved amendments to the local rules listed below.  The proposed effective date is June 1, 2024.  A redline of the proposed changes accompanies the electronic version of this notice and can also be found on the Court’s...

Brian D. Karth Appointed as District Court Executive and Clerk of Court for the Central District of California

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of Brian D. Karth as District Court Executive and Clerk of Court.  Mr. Karth succeeds retired District Court Executive and Clerk of Court Kiry K. Gray.

David T. Bristow Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of David T. Bristow as a United States Magistrate Judge.  Judge Bristow, who was sworn in on November 22, 2023, will preside over matters in Riverside...

Senate Confirms Mónica Ramírez Almadani as United States District Judge for the Central District of California

On November 9, 2023, the United States Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s nomination of Mónica Ramírez Almadani to serve as a federal district judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California.  Ramírez Almadani...

Senate Confirms Magistrate Judge Kenly Kiya Kato as United States District Judge for the Central District of California

On November 7, 2023, the United States Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s nomination of Magistrate Judge Kenly Kiya Kato to serve as a federal district judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California.  Judge...

Changes to the District Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1914, the Judicial Conference of the United States approved several changes to the district court miscellaneous fee schedule, effective December 1, 2023.  The amended Schedule of Fees will be available on the Court’s website.

Termination of the Patent Program, Effective March 30, 2024

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces that the Court’s Patent Program will be terminated, effective March 30, 2024.  Judges participating in the Patent Program will continue to accept transfers of patent...

Relocation of Criminal Duty Courtroom

Effective August 21, 2023, the Criminal Duty Courtroom will relocate to Courtroom 640 on the 6th floor at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse (“Roybal Courthouse”). All initial appearances will be conducted in person...

A. Joel Richlin Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of A. Joel Richlin as a United States Magistrate Judge.  Judge Richlin, who was sworn in on July 31, 2023, will preside over matters in Los Angeles in...

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