Coalition rallies against shutting courts

James Upshaw with Good Jobs L.A. participates in the Save Our Courts Coalition rally. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

March 14, 2013 12 AM PT

Protesting a cost-cutting plan that includes closing eight Los Angeles County courts, a crowd consisting of court workers, union members, community groups and religious organizations gathered Thursday outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown L.A.
Read more: Protesters decry planned cuts at L.A. County courts

Demonstrators march up 1st Street during the rally. The Los Angeles County Superior Court system’s cost-cutting plan also includes consolidating court services and laying off hundreds of employees. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Kristian Huling with SEIU Local 721 holds a sign. The union represents 3,400 court workers. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The court system is struggling to close an $85-million budget shortfall by July 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)