Resolution Seeks to Reopen Domestic Court

The City Council has approved a motion calling for the reopening of the domestic violence courtroom at the Citrus Municipal Court in West Covina.

Glendora now joins three other San Gabriel Valley cities in approving a resolution that supports the reestablishment of the court.

The council resolution, which was approved 4-1 on Tuesday, also called for judges, prosecutors and public defenders with expertise in the field of domestic violence to cooperate in reopening the court.

Councilman Marshall Mouw cast the dissenting vote because he wanted the issue continued to the next council meeting.

The domestic violence courtroom, located at the Citrus Municipal Court, was discontinued in February after four years of operation. Presiding Judge Rolf Treu said at that time the judges believed they could handle the domestic abuse cases as part of their normal municipal court calendars.

However, domestic violence groups--joined by the National Organization of Women--have criticized the move and demanded the reopening of the court.

Such specialty courts, they argue, provide consistent sentencing, with a single judge also acting as a probation officer to ensure that convicted abusers comply with their sentences.