The Power of Persistence
One court's commitment to bring justice to Santa Clara County families
With over 200 community members in attendance, the Superior Court of Santa Clara County broke ground on July 16, 2013 on a new family courthouse – the first new courthouse in the state dedicated solely to family law. The new eight-story building will be located in downtown San Jose at the edge of historic St. James Park.
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An office building, and then a bank
Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Richard J. Loftus, Jr. called the road to building the new courthouse long and rocky.
“In 1989 the Loma Prieta earthquake shut down the family courthouse due to irreparable earthquake damage," said Judge Loftus."Family court services were first moved to an office building, and then a bank.” Over the years, additional facilities were added to help serve the needs of a growing public. Soon, family law services were scattered among six facilities.
Because of the state’s economic crisis, for a while it looked as if the new courthouse might lose its funding. “We were in very difficult economic times,” said Judge Loftus, “and we were left off the list of courthouse construction projects to be funded in the 2012–2013 state budget. We needed a miracle.”
On July 16, 2013, hundreds gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Santa Clara Family Justice Center, the first new courthouse in the state devoted to family law.
The new courthouse will consolidate all family law operations and related services dispersed throughout six building in San Jose into a single, centrally located facility.
The new eight-story, 20-courtroom courthouse is designed to create a calming and stress-reducing environment, friendly to children and families. Completion is scheduled for fall 2015.
Presiding Judge Brian C. Walsh pointed out the benefits of having family court services and family-related social services under one roof.
The project is a collaboration between the state, the county, and the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. From L-R: Executive Officer David Yamasaki, Judge Richard Loftus, Jr., Presiding Judge Brian Walsh, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Senator Jim Beall, Assembly Members Paul Fong and Luis Alejo and San Jose Councilmember Sam Liccardo.
The miracle came from the unified support of local leaders: state senators, assembly members, and county and city representatives who convinced the legislative and executive branches about the need for the project.
San Jose City Councilmember Sam Liccardo called the effort a powerful lesson in persistence. “In every instance, whether negotiating over land or parking spots for the new courthouse, those involved were not only passionate, but persistent: At stake: the thousands of families who rely on the courts in their greatest need.”
Commitment to law and justice
Presiding Judge Brian C. Walsh drew a parallel with the building of the historic courthouse across the street. “Over 150 years ago, during the Civil War, civic leaders were committed to building a much-needed courthouse for Santa Clara County residents, even though there was a crisis atmosphere around the issue of massive public debt.”
This crisis did not deter the 19th century community leaders. They persisted, and the courthouse was built.
“Good leaders see clearly the needs of their community,” Judge Walsh said. “Great leaders not only see those needs, but persist to meet them regardless of temporary impediments. Our children and families will be better off because of the persistence our community has shown in bringing us here today to the groundbreaking for the new Santa Clara Family Justice Center.”