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Fraud Alert: Scam Text Messages Claiming DMV Penalties -

We have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to individuals claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court system. These messages often state that the recipient owes penalties or fees related to traffic violations or DMV infractions and may include a link or phone number to resolve the matter. 

Take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a text message scam:

  • Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts — If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Verify the source — If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels.
  • Call the DMV if you have concerns — The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133.

Please see DMV warning about fraudulent texts: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/dmv-warns-of-fraudulent-te…

Jury Scam alert -

The Santa Barbara Superior Court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials. The Jury Services office of the Santa Barbara Superior Court does not call citizens to request payments for failing to appear for jury duty. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury duty. If you receive such a call simply hang up and, if the scammer persists, call your local law enforcement agency. Learn more about the recent scam warning.

Notice to Jurors:

Prospective jurors summoned for jury service can expect to receive their jury summons in postcard form. Please check your mail for a postcard with important instructions to fulfil your jury service. Visit the Jury Services page for more information.

News Release

Superior Court Judges Elect Von T. Deroian as Assistant Presiding Judge

October 4, 2024

PDF found here.

Santa Barbara, California, October 2, 2024 – The Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara unanimously elected Judge Von T. Deroian as their incoming Assistant Presiding Judge for the term beginning January 1, 2025 and concluding December 31, 2026. The election was held during a Countywide Judges meeting in Solvang, on Friday September 20, 2024.

Current Presiding Judge Pauline Maxwell said, “Congratulations to Judge Deroian. She will bring a new perspective to this role, along with a commendable work ethic which will serve her and our bench well in tackling the challenges in the coming years.”

Governor Brown appointed Von T. Deroian, of Santa Barbara, to the Santa Barbara Superior Court in June of 2018. Judge Deroian previously served as a commissioner with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court beginning in 2017. Prior to that she served as a deputy district attorney with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2017. She currently presides over a criminal trial court in the South County Santa Barbara Division.

Judge Patricia L. Kelly, who currently serves as Assistant Presiding Judge, will begin her term as Presiding Judge on January 1, 2025, when Judge Deroian undertakes the position as Assistant Presiding Judge. Upon announcing Judge Deroian’s election, Judge Kelly remarked, “It’s an honor to lead the Court in partnership with Judge Deroian and I look forward to working collaboratively with her in addressing the issues impacting our court.

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