The San Mateo Superior Court will close to the public on Inauguration Day on Wednesday, Jan. 20, due to reports of possible protests and plans for violence at state capitols and other government buildings.
All court hearings scheduled for Jan. 20 will be rescheduled and moved to Thursday, Jan. 21, or later.
According to San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos, “At this point in time, there are no known threats of violence or disruptions in San Mateo County.” He said local law enforcement will continue to work with state and federal agencies “to ensure we are taking all necessary precautions.”
The temporary closure of the Superior Court includes “juvenile courts at the County Youth Service Center, court proceedings at its South San Francisco branch, as well as court operations at the County Center in Redwood City.
The court will resume limited operations under the latest pandemic emergency orders, on Jan. 21, 2021.”
Meanwhile, local law enforcement agencies say they’re working with state and federal partners to monitor any potential local threats. The Redwood City Police Department said it is planning to be “adequately staffed and equipped to respond to any spontaneous demonstrations that may develop” or “to assist our partner law enforcement agencies in the event they request mutual aid assistance.”
For more information on the impending closure and the Court’s limited operations under the latest emergency orders, visit www.sanmateocourt.org.
