The Court Calendar

Starting this week, I'm going to start posting status updates for criminal court cases of interest to the San Fernando Valley, courtesy of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. I'll also post a bit of information I might have on each case. The especially newsworthy court happenings will probably be covered in a full Daily News story. Check back here every Monday, and check back for extra information during trials as details come in.

Today:

San Fernando Courthouse
• Jury selection in the case of Roberto Mendez Alba and Edwardo Medina, charged in kidnapping for ransom.
• Pretrial conference and motions in the case of Antonio Rodriguez and Debby Saravia, charged with child abuse, murder in death of 5-year-old girl, alleged abuse of 6-year-old boy. Saravia and Rodriguez were arrested in November 2004 after paramedics were called to a home in the 28000 block of Sturbridge Drive in Castaic and found the girl in convulsions, sheriff's officials said shortly after the two were taken into custody.

Tuesday, July 15

Van Nuys Courthouse
• Preliminary hearing setting in the case of Pedro Ortiz, who was charged in San Fernando Valley child molestations.

Wednesday, July 16

Van Nuys Courthouse
• Pretrial conference in the case of Jay Selznick, who was charged with carjacking.

Pasadena Courthouse
• Mental competency report in the case of Song Nam Chang, who was charged with the murder of his son.

Thursday, July 17

Pasadena Courthouse
• Pretrial conference in the case of Ara Grigoryan, who was charged with murder.

San Fernando Courthouse
• Pretrial conference in the case of Jacquelin Linaras, charged in the death of an infant.

Friday, July 18

San Fernando Courthouse>
• Pretrial conference in the case of Anthonio Llerenas, accused of using a child as a shield.