PLUG

A recent decision to close California courts for a day a month could slow down already-crowded Inland area courts.

Inland Empire courts have some of the highest caseloads in the state.

Populations have grown so fast in the past two decades that the courts haven’t been able to keep up.

Starting in September, these courts ­–– along with every other in the state –– will close their doors the third Wednesday of every month.

The move is expected to save the court system just a portion of its nearly half a billion-dollar shortfall.

The closures are part of a new deal struck to close the state’s 24-billion-dollar budget deficit. Riverside and San Bernandino county courts will each lose nearly 10-million-dollars.

Local courts have already been cutting positions to save money. New judges were expected to come in this year, but those positions are history.

The reduced hours will also mean a pay cut for court workers. State law protects judges from pay cuts, but some may choose to voluntarily reduce their salaries.