Menu Pages

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2014, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California found innovative ways to maximize efficiency, conserve resources, and prepare for the future, while continuing to manage the largest caseload in the nation. Highlights of the year include:

  • Judge Sheri Bluebond was selected to assume the post of Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the next four years. She will succeed Chief Judge Peter H. Carroll, who has served as Chief Bankruptcy Judge since 2011. Judge Bluebond will be the seventh Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the Central District and has served as a bankruptcy judge since 2001. On November 6, in recognition for her contributions to bankruptcy adjudication and service to the community, the Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Association (cdcbaa) presented Judge Bluebond with the Calvin Ashland Judge of the Year award.
  • Despite the ongoing decline in bankruptcy filings, the Central District of California led the nation in the number of cases initiated for the seventh consecutive year. A total of 57,356 petitions were filed in the Central District.
  • In August, Judge Barry Russell, who is the most senior bankruptcy judge actively serving in the United States, was reappointed to a fourth term. Judge Russell has served for nearly 40 years.
  • On May 9, Judge Robin L. Riblet retired and assumed recalled status on May 11. Judge Riblet, along with her family, friends, and colleagues, celebrated her 26-year career as a bankruptcy judge with heartfelt presentations by attendees after a buffet-style dinner on May 10.
  • At the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum (LABF) Annual Holiday Party, on December 8, 2014, the LABF paid tribute to Judge Alan M. Ahart upon his retirement after almost 27 years on the bench. He is retiring effective January 2, 2015 but will serve as a recalled bankruptcy judge beginning January 3, 2015.
  • For Judge Erithe A. Smith, this year marked the 20th anniversary of her first appointment to the bench. In May, the Santa Ana Division celebrated this milestone in Judge Smith’s career.
  • On June 20, Judge Scott H. Yun was appointed to his first term on the bankruptcy bench. Judge Yun serves in the Riverside Division.
  • In September, the Court made bankruptcy filing software available to pro se debtors through its website. The Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) program enables self-represented debtors to prepare and submit chapter 7 petitions electronically.
  • The Court adopted the electronic noticing pilot, DeBN, on a permanent basis, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) made the program available to bankruptcy courts throughout the nation. Electronic noticing saves money, reduces paper waste, and improves communication with debtors.
  • During its second year, the Court’s Shared Administrative Services (SAS) team increased the number of services offered to other courts and federal agencies. The Court completed 15 SAS agreements, resulting in over $80,000 in revenue.
  • In February, the Clerk’s Office launched the full version of its online chat program. Visitors to the Court’s website can enter into real-time chat with a representative of the Call Center to ask specific procedural questions about bankruptcy.
  • In preparation for the completion of the new Los Angeles Courthouse, the Court continued to collaborate with federal agencies, contractors, and other court units on the Roybal Realignment Project.
  • After over 40 years of service, Chief Deputy of Operations Michael E. Rotberg announced his retirement. At the conclusion of a nationwide search, the Executive Officer/Clerk of Court announced the selection of Operations Manager Benjamin Varela as chief deputy on November 3. Mr. Varela began transitioning immediately and replaced Mr. Rotberg upon his retirement.