In an effort to help save County coffers 1.7 million dollars, the Santa Cruz County Court system begins a consolidation effort today. While all criminal hearings will continue to take place in Santa Cruz, along with the majority of civil cases, ALL juvenile proceedings will be moved from the county juvenile hall in Felton to Watsonville. Traffic court will also remain in Santa Cruz, however fines can still be paid in Watsonville. The money saved from consolidation efforts will come mostly from reduced staff hours, in addition, county officials also plan to lay off 20 people as well.
