County courts inactive Monday due to federal holiday
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Although it’s not a state holiday, Riverside County courts will be largely inactive Monday due to the Columbus Day federal holiday, which virtually all of the county’s collective bargaining units recognize and receive as a day off.
“This can affect courtroom scheduling, particularly in criminal matters, where proceedings often require the participation of the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office and Sheriff’s Office personnel, who are responsible for courtroom security,” Superior Court spokesman Kareem Gongora told City News Service Friday.
The state government, under which the county court system operates, has recognized Native American Day at the end of September as a paid holiday since 2021. Prior to that time, Columbus Day — or Indigenous Peoples’ Day — was observed as a state holiday.
The county does not include Native American Day in its annual list of recognized holidays, and the unions generally don’t advocate for it.
Due to the lack of prosecutors, public defenders and bailiffs, courtrooms often go dark on Columbus Day. Few, if any, criminal proceedings are scheduled Monday in Riverside County.
“Judicial officers may use this time to address other court-related responsibilities, including reviewing cases, preparing for upcoming proceedings and managing pending matters,” Gongora said. “Although the court remains open for business, courtroom calendars may be lighter than usual due to the unavailability of justice partners and other operational considerations.”
Proceedings are slated to get back on track Tuesday.
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