Today I and the other five members of The Civil Support Team, took a field trip up to the Paso Branch of the Superior Court in Paso Robles.

We’ve been wanting to visit the branches (the other one is in Grover Beach) to see how those offices differ from ours, to meet the people who work there and find out what they do, and most importantly, find out how we can help them make their work lives easier. 

We had a wonderful time! We were given a tour of the office, met many of the staff (those who were able to get away from the phones and the counter, that is!) and learned what it is that everyone does (and, boy! do they do a lot!). 

The best surprise was a lovely table set with chocolate-covered strawberries, various pasteries, bagles and fruit. Totally unexpected and utterly delicious!

After our repast, we were given a tour of the two courtrooms – one small the other wee.

They don’t have jury trials anymore, so the former jury seating area is now used for shakeling criminals so they don’t run away during their hearings.

After our tour, meeting people and learning about the work they do and needs they have, we walked over to The Odyssy World Cafe for lunch. Wonderful! I’ve been there before with my mom, and it was just as good as I remembered it! I managed to have something different than a chicken Caesar salad, and had their salad sampler (pesto pasta salad, red potato salad, apple walnut salad and greek salad – all were yummy except the greek salad, but that’s just because I don’t like those kalamata olives).

When we finished eating lunch, it was time to head back to work. Pity, as it was a beautiful day! But it was also a fun and interesting day, and we’re now really looking forward to visiting the Grover branch later this summer.