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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.

Commissioner Stephen Foley

On July 25, 2018, Presiding Judge Patricia L. Kelly announced the selection of Stephen Foley as the Superior Court Commissioner. Commissioner Foley was appointed to the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Von Deroian. Commissioner Foley's selection followed an extensive recruitment process conducted by the Court. He was chosen from a field of highly qualified candidates. Regarding his appointment, Judge Kelly stated, "Mr. Foley's breadth of experience, poise, professionalism, and integrity uniquely qualify him for this new role. He will serve the community with compassion, fairness, honor, and dignity. We are happy to have him join us in providing access to justice for the citizens of Santa Barbara County."

Commissioner Foley is a graduate of San Marcos High School. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from the UCLA School of Law in 1996. He began his legal career as a prosecuting attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney's Office. In 2004 he joined the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office and spent ten years working the Santa Maria Office and four years at the Lompoc Office.

Commissioner Foley serves as a judicial officer hearing child support, child custody, and visitation, restraining order, traffic court, and unlawful detainer cases. Commissioner Foley hears cases throughout Santa Barbara County in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc.

Before his appointment, Commissioner Foley spent ten years serving as a school board member for the Los Olivos Elementary School and Santa Ynez Valley Unified High School. He is a former board member for the Santa Maria Valley Boys and Girls Club (now known as Mid Central Coast). He has also volunteered as a Teen Court judge and Mock Trial coach.

Commissioner Foley presides over Dept 9 in Santa Barbara Figueroa Division, Dept 10 in Santa Maria Miller Division and Dept 2 in Lompoc Division.

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