George E. McDonald Hall of Justice to Close Early Tuesday

Courthouse to close one hour early at the advice of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Alameda, Calif. – March 16, 2026 – At the request of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the Superior Court of Alameda County will be closing the George E. McDonald Hall of Justice at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The clerk’s office at this courthouse will close at 2 p.m.

The one-hour early closure will limit the public’s ability to call the courthouse or access its drop box after 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Typically, phones are answered and the drop box is accessible until 4 p.m.

The Court decided to close early due to warnings from the City of Alameda Police Department and the East Bay Regional Parks Police that an unpermitted “beach takeover” will occur at the Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, a portion of which is across the street from the courthouse.

A similar “beach takeover” two weeks ago resulted in more than 400 people gathering, causing severe traffic congestion, transit delays and unsafe situations in and around the beach, according to law enforcement officials.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Court has agreed to close its courthouse one hour early to allow for court employees to safely leave the area and to prevent court visitors from getting caught in a potential gathering.

The George E. McDonald Hall of Justice will resume regular hours on Wednesday.