NOTICE OF JUDGE BARRY RUSSELL’S PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS TO BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON AND/OR VIA ZOOM FOR GOVERNMENT
(Updated September 28, 2023)

Judge Russell will be holding hearings both in person and via Zoom for Government (“ZoomGov”) (https://cacb.zoomgov.com). It is extremely important that counsel and all interested parties read the Judge’s tentative rulings on his law and motion/trial calendar very carefully as the tentative rulings will indicate whether an in person appearance at a hearing is mandatory.

The calendar with tentative rulings will be posted approximately one week prior to the scheduled hearing(s) and can be accessed at the following web address: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=BR Click on the “Select Judge” tab on the upper left side of the screen and select Judge Russell.

All participants (whether attending in person or remotely) must observe the formalities of the courtroom, exercise civility, and otherwise conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the dignity of the Court. This includes appropriate courtroom attire for those participants appearing in person or by video.

In Person appearances:  If an in person appearance is required, all counsel, parties and witnesses are to appear in Courtroom 1668 at 255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 and no appearance(s) will be allowed by any person either telephonically or via ZoomGov.

All persons present in the courtroom must abide by all Covid 19-related safety procedures at all times including, but not limited to, the wearing of face masks and the observation of social distancing. For the sake of everyone’s safety and respect for others, there will be no exceptions to this Covid 19 policy. Water is no longer provided at the counsel tables.

ZoomGov appearances: For ZoomGov hearings, the first page of Judge Russell’s publicly posted hearing calendar will provide video and audio connection information for the hearings. All ZoomGov appearances by attorneys shall be by video on a laptop computer or on a ZoomGov interface on a mobile device or tablet.

If an unexpected emergency arises on the day of the hearing, attorneys who wish to appear by calling in to the ZoomGov telephone conference line must contact chambers at (213) 894-6091 and obtain approval to appear telephonically on ZoomGov. The Courtroom Deputy will be in court and unavailable to contact by phone on the day of each hearing.

Attorneys who are aware prior to the hearing date that they cannot appear at an in person hearing must contact the Courtroom Deputy at  (213) 894-3687 prior to the hearing date to obtain approval to appear telephonically via ZoomGov.

All parties must notify the Court of his/her appearance, whether in person or via ZoomGov, no later than 2:00 p.m. on the day prior to the hearing by emailing the Courtroom Deputy at stacey_fortier@cacb.uscourts.gov. In the subject line of the e-mail, please specify the date, time and calendar number(s) of the hearing(s) (for example: Re: September 15, 2023, 10:00 a.m., Calendar No. # , In Person/ZoomGov).

The audio portion of each hearing will be recorded electronically by the Court and shall constitute its official record.

IMPORTANT MEMORADUM REGARDING PROHIBITIONS OF PUBLIC
VIDEO AND AUDIO BROADCASTING OF COURT MATTERS

The Judicial Conference of the United States Courts has set forth the following policies with respect to video and audio broadcasting (aka remote conduct and appearances) of courtroom matters.  The full policy is attached to this memorandum.

1. The current exceptions to “Cameras in the Courtroom Policy” terminate on September 21, 2023.
    
2. The new policies will govern all civil and bankruptcy proceedings (District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts).  They do not apply in criminal matters.
    
3. Importantly, the policy change addresses only public access and does not impact a judge’s authority to use teleconferencing and videoconferencing technology to facilitate civil and bankruptcy proceedings with respect to case participants, including parties, counsel, witnesses, and interpreters.
    
4. The new policy permits judges, in their discretion, to provide remote audio access to members of the public and the media for certain proceedings (see more detail below). This means that members of the public and media may access some proceedings without physically attending the proceeding by listening to live audio.  Video is not permitted for use by the public or the media.
    
5. The new policy does not have an expiration date and may be a first step toward increased public access (i.e., video) at a later date.
    
6. The new policies are as follows:
   

   1. In district and bankruptcy courts, a judge may permit remote public audio access to any portion of civil and bankruptcy non-trial proceedings as long as a witness is not testifying. (Video is not permitted.)

   2. The judge may not offer remote public audio access to any portion of a proceeding in which a witness is testifying. In addressing this situation, a judge may choose to mute the remote public audio access line while the witness is testifying (which may be practical if the testimony is expected to be brief) or to terminate remote public audio access for the remainder of the hearing.

   3. The policy does not permit a judge to offer remote public audio access to any trial proceeding or portion thereof, even if the proceeding involves no witness testimony.
       

Revised: October 4, 2023

Printable version of Judge Russell's Telephonic and Video Appearance Procedures

NOTICE RE VIDEO AND TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE PROCEDURES FOR
JUDGE SANDRA R. KLEIN’S CASES

Although the Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse is open for in-person proceedings, the bankruptcy bar has indicated its overwhelming support for continued virtual appearances.  Judge Klein will continue utilizing ZoomGov in a hybrid format holding hearings by video, with an option for in-person hearings for evidentiary hearings, trials and other matters specially set with the Court’s prior approval.  Parties are directed to review Judge Klein’s self-calendaring instructions for calendaring hearings, either by ZoomGov or in-person.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PROHIBITIONS OF PUBLIC 
VIDEO AND AUDIO ACCESSIBILITY OF COURT MATTERS

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts has now mandated that the public may not observe by video any court proceedings unless they are actual parties or counsel with matters before the Court in which they have an official interest. As an accommodation to the public, many court proceedings will still be accessible by audio. The audio accommodation is limited to: 1) non-trial matters; and 2) non-live witness testimony hearings. 

During non-trial matters and hearings where no live testimony is being given, the Court may permit the public to access the hearings by audio, but not video.  Please note that the Court may choose to terminate audio accessibility at any time, regardless of the type of hearing. Audio services for hearings that will not include live testimony are accessible through ZoomGov, and the public may utilize the telephone number login, but not the video login, presented by the Court on its publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=SK and then selecting “Judge Klein” from the tab on the left-hand side of the page.

The public may always appear in court for any proceedings.  Judge Klein’s courtroom is located in the Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 255 E. Temple Street, Courtroom 1575, Los Angeles, CA 90012. 

On virtual hearing days, Judge Klein’s courtroom will be open so that individuals who wish to observe a hearing will be able to view ZoomGov participants. There will be video monitors on and viewable during all hearings.  The parties, including counsel, their clients, and self-represented individuals, may virtually join the hearing via ZoomGov. No testimony, however, will be permitted by ZoomGov unless specifically authorized by the Court either before or during the hearing.  

For matters set for an in-person hearing in which any party does not wish to appear in-person, virtual appearances may be permitted utilizing ZoomGov, with prior Court approval, by contacting Judge Klein’s chambers at least seventy-two (72) hours before the hearing09 to arrange the virtual appearance.

ZoomGov: Video and audio connection information for each hearing are posted on Judge Klein's hearing calendar, which is available at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=SK and then selecting “Judge Klein” from the tab on the left-hand side of the page.

As noted above, hearing participants may view and/or listen to hearings before Judge Klein using ZoomGov free of charge.  Individuals may appear by ZoomGov video and audio using a personal computer (equipped with camera, microphone and speaker), or a handheld mobile device (such as an iPhone).  Individuals may participate by ZoomGov audio only using a telephone (standard telephone charges may apply).  Neither a Zoom nor a ZoomGov account are necessary to participate, and no pre-registration is required.  The audio portion of each hearing will be recorded electronically by the Court and constitute its official record. Members of the general public, however, may only view the hearings from the Courtroom, which will remain open, or by audio access, as noted above.

 Important: All persons are strictly prohibited from making any recording of court proceedings, whether by video, audio, "screenshot," or otherwise. Violation of this prohibition may result in the imposition of monetary and non-monetary sanctions. The Clerk of the Court maintains an audio recording of all proceedings, which recording constitutes the official record of those proceedings.
 

Tips for a Successful ZoomGov Court Experience

1. Test the video and audio capabilities of your computer or mobile device before the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance).
   
   1. You can do this by clicking on the ZoomGov meeting link posted for the hearing and/or check your video and audio using the ZoomGov app.
2. If you intend to speak during the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.
3. If you are connecting to a hearing using a wireless device, make sure to have a strong wireless signal.
4. Until your matter is called, please turn off your video and mute your audio to minimize distractions and background noise.
   
   1. If you are connecting to ZoomGov by video, you can turn your video on/off by clicking on the video camera on the lower left side of the screen and mute/unmute your audio by clicking on the microphone on the lower left side of your screen.
   2. If you are connecting to ZoomGov by telephone, you can mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on your phone.
5. If you are participating via video:
   
   1. Please change your Zoom screen name to include your calendar number, your first initial and last name, and your client’s name in parentheses (e.g., 1, R. Jones (ABC Corp.)).  You can change your Zoom screen name by moving the cursor over the upper right corner of your video tile, clicking on “. . .” and then clicking on “rename.”
      1. If you are appearing on more than one matter, after your first matter is finished, please change your screen name to reflect the next matter on which you will appear.
   2. Please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.
   3. If you choose to use a virtual background, please avoid backgrounds that are offensive or distracting.
   4. Try to avoid having a window or bright background behind you. Otherwise, you may appear on video as a shadow.  If you cannot avoid a bright background, a desk lamp or other light source might help to brighten your face.
6. When you first speak—and each time you speak after someone else has spoken—please say your name.  This is essential to make a good court record.  The only part of the hearing being recorded is the audio.  If a transcript is requested, it is sometimes difficult for the transcriber to know who is speaking.  
7. If available, a headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking.
8. Participants and members of the public should remember that although conducted remotely, ZoomGov hearings are official court proceedings, and individuals should act accordingly.

Updated 09/22/2023

Click here for a printable version of these procedures

Judge Brand’s Procedures Regarding Phone/Video Appearances and Requests for Priority and Second Call

Phone/Video Appearances

Phone/video appearances before Judge Julia W. Brand in Courtroom 1375 are generally allowed without prior approval. Parties may file an application to appear via Zoom for Government (“ZoomGov”) on in person matters for good cause shown. No phone/video appearances are allowed on the following types of matters: 

1. Sale Motion
2. Cash Collateral Motion
3. Motion for Post-Petition Financing
4. Disclosure Statement
5. Chapter 11 Plan Confirmation
6. Trials and Other Evidentiary Hearings
7. Chapter 13 Plan Confirmation
8. Motion to Dismiss Adversary 
9. Motion for Summary Judgment 

Parties may appear via phone/video for hearings remotely using the services of ZoomGov, which permits remote participation by video or by telephone.  Hearing participants and members of the public may view and listen to hearings before Judge Brand using ZoomGov free of charge.  Video and audio connection information for each hearing will be provided on Judge Brand’s publicly posted hearing calendar, which can be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted aand going to “Select Judge” Julia W. Brand to see the Court’s Tentative Rulings Viewing Calendar.  Individuals may appear by ZoomGov video and audio using a personal computer (equipped with camera, microphone and speaker), or a handheld mobile device (such as an iPhone).  Individuals may participate by ZoomGov audio only using a telephone (standard telephone charges may apply).  Neither a Zoom nor a ZoomGov account are necessary to participate and no pre-registration is required.

Please read “Tips for a Successful ZoomGov Court Experience” posted on Judge Brand’s section of the Court’s website.  If you appear by video, you must have a professional background.  If you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.

All participants (whether attending in person or remotely) must observe the formalities of the courtroom, exercise civility, and otherwise conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the dignity of the Court. This includes appropriate courtroom attire for those participants appearing in person or by video.

Individuals choosing to appear via phone/video do so at their own risk.  Hearings generally will not be rescheduled due to missed connections.   Furthermore, in deciding to appear via phone/video, counsel is agreeing to waive any prejudice attributable to quality deficiencies or irregularities of the record that may result.

Please be advised that poor reception will cause counsel’s appearance to be disconnected. Repeated poor connections may cause counsel to be barred from future phone/video appearances.

If an individual fails to respond to the call of the matter on calendar, the Court may pass the matter or may treat the failure to respond as a failure to appear. Before  appearing via phone/video, please  check  Judge  Brand’s  calendar  and  review  any tentative rulings which can be found on webPACER.

Requests for Priority and Second Call

The attorney cannot request second call for more than 5 matters on a relief from stay or chapter 13 confirmation calendar.  When the attorney requests priority or second call, a reason must be given for the judge to consider the request.  If no reason is given, then the request for priority or second call will be denied.

Updated 10/13/2023

Printable version of Judge Brand's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

PROCEDURES REGARDING TELEPHONIC AND VIDEO APPEARANCES
BEFORE THE HONORABLE SHERI BLUEBOND

Tips for a Successful ZoomGov Court Experience

1. Test the video and audio capabilities of your computer or mobile device in advance of the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance). You can do this by clicking on the ZoomGov meeting link posting for the hearing and/or check your video and audio using the ZoomGov app.
2. If you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.
3. If you are connecting to the hearing using a wireless device, you should situate yourself in a
   location with a strong wireless signal.
4. Unless and until it is your turn to speak, please mute your audio to minimize background noise. (If connected to ZoomGov audio by telephone, you can mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on your phone.) 
5. When you first speak—and each time you speak after someone else has spoken—please say your name. This may seem awkward but is essential to making a good court record. The only part of the hearing being recorded is the audio. If a transcript is requested, it is sometimes difficult for the transcriber to know who is speaking.
6. If you are participating by video, try to avoid having a window or bright background behind you. (You may, as a result, appear on video as a shadow.) If you cannot avoid the bright background, try using a desk lamp or other light source to brighten your face.
7. If available, a headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking. 
8. Participants and members of the public should at all times remember that although conducted remotely, these hearings are official court proceedings, and individuals should act accordingly.
   
   1. If video is enabled, please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.
   2. ZoomGov permits the use of virtual backgrounds to safeguard your privacy. If you choose to use a virtual background, please avoid backgrounds that are offensive or distracting. 
9. ZoomGov video participants are permitted to specify a display name. If using video, please specify your complete name to assist the Court in creating a record of the proceedings. 

Updated 10/02/2023

Printable version of Judge Bluebond's Telephonic Appearances Procedures

1. Test the video and audio capabilities of your computer or mobile device in advance of the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance).
   
   1. Click on the ZoomGov meeting link posting for the hearing and/or check your video and audio using the ZoomGov app.
2. If you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.

3. If you are connecting to the hearing using a wireless device, situate yourself in a location with a strong wireless signal.
    
4. Unless and until it is your turn to speak, please mute your audio to minimize background noise.
   
   1.  If connected to ZoomGov audio by telephone, you can mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on your phone.
5. When you first speak—and each time you speak after someone else has spoken—please say your name.  This may seem awkward but is essential to making a good court record.  The only part of the hearing being recorded is the audio.  If a transcript is requested, it is sometimes difficult for the transcriber to know who is speaking.
    
6. If you are participating by video, try to avoid having a window or bright background behind you (a bright background can make you appear on video as a silhouette or shadow).  If you cannot avoid the bright background, try using a desk lamp or other light source to brighten your face.
    
7. If you are participating by video using a personal computer, you may separately connect to the audio feed by telephone (for improved audio) using the call-in information provided for the hearing.
   
   1. If you do this, please connect to the video feed first.  In the ZoomGov app, you will be assigned a Participant Code.  Use this code to associate your video and audio feeds.

8. If available, a headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking.

9. Participants and members of the public should at all times remember that although conducted remotely, these hearings are official court proceedings, and individuals should act accordingly.

   1. If video is enabled, please wear suitable attire. A suit isn’t necessary, but “business casual” would be appropriate.

   2. ZoomGov permits the use of virtual backgrounds to safeguard your privacy.  If you choose to use a virtual background, please avoid backgrounds that are offensive or distracting.

10. ZoomGov video participants are permitted to specify a display name.  If using video, please specify your complete name to assist the Court in creating a record of the proceedings.

Revised 10/02/23

Printable version of Judge Saltzman's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

COVID-19 and PROCEDURE FOR APPEARING AT COURT HEARINGS

Updated February 24, 2022

PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK THIS WEBPAGE FOR UPDATES

Judge Zurzolo’s Courtroom 1368 
is OPEN to the public  
Roybal Federal Building & Courthouse
255 E. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Do I have a choice to appear in person or appear by phone?  Yes
    
Is there a choice to appear by video?  No

Do I wear a face covering in the courtroom?  Yes, unless excused by the judge. 

How do I find out if my hearing is going forward as scheduled?

Please view “Tentative Rulings / Posted Judicial Calendars” to determine if your hearing is going forward.   Calendars are posted on the court’s website:  Home page, Left side

How do I check in for a hearing?

All parties must register in advance to indicate whether you will appear in person or by phone. 
This includes trustees, attorneys, and self-represented parties.  
 

Updated February 24, 2022

Printable version of Judge Zurzolo's Telephonic Appearance Procedures

IN-PERSON AND REMOTE APPEARANCE PROCEDURES 
FOR COURT HEARINGS IN JUDGE KWAN’S CASES

Notwithstanding the opening of the courthouses in this judicial district to in-person court hearings, in recognition of the overwhelming support of the organized bar for allowing continued virtual (or remote) appearances in hearings before the court as measured by court surveys, Judge Kwan will continue to use Zoom for Government (ZoomGov) videoconferencing technology in a hybrid format holding hearings in-person in the courtroom and remotely by video, but with in-person hearings for evidentiary hearings, trials and other matters specially set by Judge Kwan.  Counsel and self-represented parties may choose to appear in person in the courtroom or remotely on ZoomGov at a hearing on their matters unless otherwise ordered by the court.  Parties are directed to review Judge Kwan’s self-calendaring instructions for calendaring hearings, whether by in-person and/or ZoomGov.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: UPDATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR IN PERSON AND REMOTE PARTCIPATION IN, AND ACCESS TO, COURT HEARINGS, AND RESTRICTIONS ON BROADCASTING COURT HEARINGS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA

The Judicial Conference of the United States has now clarified its policy on Cameras in the Courtroom and mandated that the Public and the Media may not observe by video any court proceedings unless they are actual parties or counsel with matters before the court in which they have an official interest. However, as an accommodation to the Public and the Media, the Judicial Conference of the United States has also clarified that many court proceedings will still be accessible by audio, but that this audio accommodation for the general public (or the Public) and the Media is limited to (1) non-trial hearings; and (2) non-live witness evidentiary hearings.

To be clear, during hearings where no live testimony is being received by the court, the court may permit hearing accessibility remotely by audio, but not video, to the Public and the Media. No trials may ever be accessible remotely by audio to the Public and the Media. The court has the final control regarding remote audio accessibility and may choose to terminate remote audio accessibility at any time, regardless of the type of hearing. These remote audio services are accessible through ZoomGov, and the Public and the Media may utilize the telephone number login, but not the video login, presented by the court on its publicly posted hearing calendar, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=RK and then selecting “Judge Kwan” from the tab on the left-hand side of the page.

Members of the Public and the Media may always personally attend hearings before the court in open court in-person in the courtroom. Judge Kwan’s courtroom is located in Courtroom 1675, 16th Floor, Roybal Federal Building, 255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, California  90012. 

On hearing days, Judge Kwan’s courtroom will remain open during hearings for in-person public and media attendance, so that the courtroom observers will have video and audio access to ZoomGov participants. The court will have video monitors on and viewable within the courtroom for viewing. The parties, including counsel, their clients, and self-represented individual parties, may virtually join the hearing and appear remotely or virtually on ZoomGov. 

No live testimony, however, will be permitted at a hearing by ZoomGov unless specifically authorized by the court either prior to, or during, a hearing.  If a party intends to call a witness to testify by remote transmission, the party calling the witness should state such intention in the joint pretrial stipulation filed before the final pretrial conference or file a written application for permission to call a witness by remote means at least 21 days before the evidentiary hearing or as soon as practicable if the evidentiary hearing is set on less than 21 days notice. 

ZoomGov: Video and audio connection information for each hearing will be provided on Judge Kwan's publicly posted hearing calendar on the court’s website, which may be viewed online at: http://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=RK and then selecting “Judge Kwan” from the tab on the left-hand side of the page.

As noted above, hearing participants may view and/or listen to hearings before Judge Kwan using ZoomGov free of charge.  Individual participants may appear at a hearing by ZoomGov video and audio using a personal computer (equipped with camera, microphone and speaker), or a handheld mobile device (such as an iPhone or Android phone).  Individual participants may also participate in a hearing by ZoomGov audio only using a telephone (standard telephone charges may apply).  Neither a Zoom nor a ZoomGov account are necessary to participate in a hearing, and no pre-registration is required.  The audio portion of each hearing will be recorded electronically by the court and constitute its official record.

Members of the general public and the media, however, may only view the hearings in person from the courtroom, which will remain open, or by audio access, as noted above.  To implement the mandate of the Judicial Conference of the United States that the general public and the media may not access the video feed of a court hearing, only the audio feed, Judge Kwan or court personnel may inquire as to the status of a person accessing ZoomGov as either an official hearing participant or a member of the general public or the media, and the court may place persons attempting access to video feed of a court hearing in a Zoom waiting room for a status inquiry and otherwise restrict a member of the general public or the media to audio access only if accessing the hearing remotely.  Individual members of the public and the media may access a hearing by ZoomGov audio only using a telephone (standard telephone charges may apply).  Neither a Zoom nor a ZoomGov account are necessary to access the live audio feed of a hearing, and no pre-registration is required. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: All persons are strictly prohibited from making any recording of court proceedings, whether by video, audio, "screenshot," or otherwise. Violation of this prohibition may result in the imposition of monetary and non-monetary sanctions. The Clerk of the Court maintains an audio recording of all proceedings, which recording constitutes the official record of those proceedings.

Tips for a Successful ZoomGov Court Appearance

1. Test the video and audio capabilities of your computer or mobile device in advance of the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance).

• You can do this by clicking on the ZoomGov meeting link posting for the hearing and/or check your video and audio using the ZoomGov app.

2. If you intend to speak at the hearing, please find a quiet place from which to participate.
3. If you are connecting to the hearing using a wireless device, you should put yourself in a location with a strong wireless signal.
4. Dial in or connect early so that you have time to check in and make adjustments to your screen name, etc. before the hearing begins. The hearing process becomes very cumbersome if everyone waits until the last minute to dial in.
5. Unless and until it is your turn to speak, please mute your audio to minimize background noise. Please consider keeping your video off until your matter is called to make it easier for the Court and the parties to identify who is actually participating on a specific matter.

• If connected to ZoomGov audio by telephone, you can mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on your phone.

6. When you first speak—and each time you speak after someone else has spoken—please say your name. While this may seem awkward, it is essential to making a clear court record. The only part of the hearing being recorded is the audio as the official court hearing record. If a transcript of the hearing is needed, saying your name before speaking helps the court transcriber to identify who is speaking for a clear record. 
7. If you are participating by video, please try to avoid having a window or bright background behind you. (You may, as a result of being backlit, appear on video as a shadow.) If you cannot avoid a bright background, try using a desk lamp or other light source to brighten your face.  
8. If you are participating by video using a personal computer, you may separately connect to the audio feed by telephone (for improved audio) using the call-in information provided for the hearing.

• If you do this, please connect to the video feed first. In the ZoomGov app, you will be assigned a Participant Code. Use this code to associate your video and audio feeds.

9. If available, a headset/microphone generally provides better sound quality for listening and speaking.
10. Participants and members of the public should at all times remember that although conducted remotely, these hearings are official court proceedings, and individuals should act with proper courtroom decorum.

• If your video is enabled, please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.
• ZoomGov permits the use of virtual backgrounds to safeguard your privacy. If you choose to use a virtual background, please avoid backgrounds that are offensive or distracting.  The Court’s website has courtroom backgrounds available for downloading for your use.

11. ZoomGov video participants are permitted to specify a display name. If using video, please specify your calendar number, first initial and last name, and client name (ex. 5, R. Smith, ABC Corp.) to assist the Court in creating a proper record of the proceedings.

Revised 10/04/2023

Printable version of Judge Kwan's In-Person and Remote Appearance Procedures

Judge Bason's
Procedures for In-Person, Video & Telephonic Appearances

**Hearings in Judge Bason’s courtroom (1545) are now simultaneously (1) IN PERSON in the courtroom, unless the Court has been closed (check the Court’s website for public notices), (2) via ZOOMGOV video, and (3) via ZOOMGOV telephone.  You are free to choose any of these options, except that evidentiary hearings/trials must be in person in the courtroom (unless otherwise ordered). 

• For chapter 13 matters, such as the procedures for showing the Chapter 13 Trustee proof of last-minute payments, check the Trustee’s procedures. 
• For trials, see the two forms of sample trial procedure orders posted on Judge Bason’s portion of the Court’s website (www.cacb.uscourts.gov under Judges > Bason > Instructions/Procedures).  Meet and confer with other parties about the precise procedures you would like for your evidentiary hearing, and when appropriate lodge a proposed pretrial order.

For instructions to appear via ZoomGov (either telephonically or by video), please see the tentative ruling for the first matter on calendar for the date of your hearing (i.e., page 1 of the posted tentative rulings).  You do not need to call Chambers for advance approval.  ZoomGov appearances are free for all participants.  The audio (but not video) will be recorded as the official record.  See also https://www.cacb.uscourts.gov/news/zoom-video-hearing-guide-participants.

Appearances via CourtCall are no longer permitted (for technical reasons, it is not possible to have both Zoomgov and CourtCall running simultaneously).  Please continue to monitor this website for updates.  Thank you.

To appear by telephone or video, follow these procedures:

1. Mute your microphone to avoid interfering with other hearings in progress.  If you are appearing by phone you can un-mute by pressing *6 on Zoomgov..
2. Noise, poor sound quality, or lack of standard telephone/video etiquette must be immediately corrected or it will result in terminating your privilege to appear by telephone/video, and possibly other sanctions or remedies such as being disconnected from the hearing – you are permitted to use mobile phones etc., but you do so at your own risk. 
3. Identify yourself for the record every time you speak.  Note: The judge permits parties to listen in without identifying themselves, subject to the usual rules about sealing the courtroom etc. 
4. Recording or retransmission is strictly prohibited and may result in sanctions.