Excerpt: ... to the opposing party to make a prima facie showing of the existence of a triable issue of material fact. Id. Plaintiff submits evidence establishing an agreement to provide legal services to defendant Paul Nau. (Pltf. SSUMF 1.) During the course of that representation, plaintiff sent defendant monthly billing statements which detailed the services provided, the time expended, the costs incurred, and the balance due. (Pltf. SSUMF 4.) Defendant m...

Excerpt: ... may be made on the grounds that a cause of action does not state facts sufficient to constitute a valid cause of action. Code Civ. Proc. § 438. Defendant's motion seeks judgment on the complaint on the grounds that the complaint is not verified. As a preliminary matter, a motion for judgment on the pleadings does not appear to be the proper vehicle to challenge the complaint due to the lack of verification. The proper objection where a party fa...

Excerpt: ...g objections are overruled. Plaintiffs' objections to the declaration of William Flournoy are ruled on as follows: Objection Nos. 3, 7 and 8 are sustained. The remaining objections are overruled. Plaintiffs' objections to the declaration of Frieda Fisher‐Dubois are ruled on as follows: Objection No. 2 is sustained. The remaining objections are overruled. Plaintiffs' objections to other evidence submitted by defendants are ruled on as follows: O...

Excerpt: ...ed the “supplemental opposition” filed by plaintiff on May 8, 2020. The court notes that plaintiff first filed opposition to defendant's motion on August 30, 2019. After the court granted a continuance pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 473c(h), plaintiff filed a subsequent opposition on March 6, 2020. The supplemental opposition would be the third responding memoranda to plaintiff's motion, and considering the supplemental oppositio...

Excerpt: ...expired. Code Civ. Proc. § 438. The same rules governing demurrers apply. Cloud v. Northrop Grumman Corp. (1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 995, 999. 5 Tort liability against a public entity requires an authorizing statute or enactment. Gov. Code § 815(a); Searcy v. Hemet Unified School Dist. (1986) 177 Cal.App.3d 792, 802. Plaintiff points to no statutory authority to assert a claim against a public entity for general negligence, or for premises liability...

Excerpt: ...fession. Code Civ. Proc. § 483.010(c). Damages must be measurable by reference to the contract itself, and the basis for computing damages must be reasonable and certain. CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc. v. Super DVD, Inc. (2004) 115 Cal.App.4th 537, 541. Based upon review of the plaintiff's application, the court finds pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 483.010 that plaintiff has established the probable validity of the claim exceed...

Excerpt: ..., 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 are overruled. Defendant's objections nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 19, 21, 22 and 23 are sustained. Ruling on Motion Defendant European Rocklin, Inc., doing business as Audi Rocklin, seeks summary adjudication against what Audi Rocklin frames as a claim for negligent entrustment alleged in plaintiffs' complaint. The trial court engages in a specific analysis when reviewing a motion for summary adjudication. First, it...

Excerpt: ...to make a prima facie showing that there are no triable issues of material fact, the burden shifts to the opposing party to make a prima facie showing of the existence of a triable issue of material fact. Id. The motion for summary judgment must be supported by evidence establishing the moving party's right to relief. Regents of Univ. of Cal. v. Superior Court (1996) 41 Cal.App.4th 1040, 1044. “There is no obligation on the opposing party … t...

Excerpt: ...ng, by affidavit, facts establishing every element necessary to sustain a judgment in favor of the party. Consumer Cause, Inc. v. Smilecare (2001) 91 Cal.App.4th 454, 468. If the moving party carries its initial burden of production to make a prima facie showing that there are no triable issues of material fact, the burden shifts to the opposing party to make a prima facie showing of the existence of a triable issue of material fact. Aguilar v. A...

Excerpt: ...ments which he contends are responsive to these requests, and states that he has produced all responsive documents. Defendant submits no evidence suggesting that plaintiff may have additional documents which are responsive to these requests which have not been produced. The motion is denied as to Request Nos. 13 and 14. Plaintiff did not waive applicable objections as to these requests, as the objections were timely served within the one week ext...

Excerpt: ...conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v. City of Berkeley (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1, 6. However, the court does not assume the truth of contentions, deductions, or conclusions of facts or law. Id. Pride's dem...

Excerpt: ...tion includes (1) the county where the agreement was made or is to be performed; (2) the county where any party to the court proceeding resides or has a place of business; and (3) any county in the state. Petitioner's corporate headquarters are located in Placer County and petitioner executed the agreement in Placer County. These facts provide the court with both jurisdiction and venue over the current petition. Turning to the substance of the re...

Excerpt: ... before the court with a unique posture. The motion is aimed at the original notice of lis pendens and the original complaint, neither of which is operative at this juncture. Plaintiff filed an unverified first amended complaint on February 3, 2020, followed by an amended notice of lis pendens filed on February 28, 2020. To further complicate matters, defendants insist that the first amended complaint should not be considered and the motion shoul...

Excerpt: ...nce; and (3) medical negligence, against defendants County of Placer, Devon Bell, and Does 1‐10. Defendants moved for judgment on the pleadings as to the second and third causes of action. On September 19, 2019, the court entered a ruling on submitted matter, granting defendants' motion for judgment on the pleadings without leave to amend. On January 15, 2020, the Third Appellate District filed notice that it was considering issuing a peremptor...

Excerpt: ... Civil Procedure section 430.10(e).) A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the plaintiff's allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. (Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787.) The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed fac...

Excerpt: ... are ruled on as follows: Objection Nos. 4 (as to the last sentence only), 8, 10, 11 (as to the second sentence only), 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 29, 32, 40, 41 and 42 are sustained. The remaining objections are overruled. 8 Ruling on Request for Judicial Notice Defendants' request for judicial notice is granted. With respect to Exhibits 15, 16, 18‐ 25, 28, 30, 32‐34, and 36‐40, the court takes judicial notice of the fact that these documents ...

Excerpt: ... amount of $810 from plaintiffs' counsel. Code Civ. Proc. § 2033.280(c). Motion to Quash Depositions Subpoenas and for Protective Order As a preliminary matter, the court has considered plaintiffs' untimely reply in ruling on this motion. Plaintiffs move to quash a deposition subpoena for production of business records served on law firm Wells, Small, Fleharty & Weil, and depositions subpoenas served on Steve A. Small, Esq. and Dara Stead. Depos...

Excerpt: ...on. (Code of Civil Procedure section 1290; Mercury Ins. Group v. Superior Court (1998) 19 Cal.4th 332, 349.) Ruling on Motion The motion is denied. In the current request, Hilt seeks to compel arbitration between the parties based upon the arbitration provision found in the parties' residential purchase agreement (RPA). A threshold question for any motion to compel arbitration is whether there exists an agreement to arbitrate. (Cruise v. Kroger C...

Excerpt: ...ful anti‐ SLAPP motion. A motion for judgment on the pleadings has the same function as a demurrer but is brought where the time for a demurrer has expired. (Code of Civil Procedure section 438(g); Southern California Edison Co. v. City of Victorville (2013) 217 Cal.App.4th 218, 227.) A defendant challenging a complaint must show either (1) the court has no PLACER COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT THURSDAY, CIVIL LAW AND MOTION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE ...

Excerpt: ... A.M. PLACER SUPERIOR COURT – DEPARTMENT 42 Thursday Civil Law and Motion – Tentative Rulings Page 4 of 16 with the defendants. The dispute is in the amount of fees that should be awarded in this instance. Determining the reasonable amount of attorney's fees begins with the lodestar method, i.e. the number of hours reasonably expended multiplied by the reasonable hourly rate. (PLCM Group v. Drexler (2000) 22 Cal.4th 1084, 1095; Serrano v. Pri...

Excerpt: ...he legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the plaintiff's allegations or accuracy of the described conduct. (Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787.) The allegations in the pleadings are deemed to be true no matter how improbable the allegations may seem. (Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, 604.) The complaint and its three pleaded causes of action are reviewed keeping this in mind. �...

Excerpt: ...e ruling on submitted matter issued September 2, 2019, upon which the November 4, 2019 judgment is based, and enter an amended ruling on submitted matter and new and different judgment. Code of Civil Procedure section 663 empowers the trial court to set aside a judgment based on a decision by the court., where there is an incorrect or erroneous legal basis for the 2 decision, not consistent with or not supported by the uncontroverted facts. Glen ...

Excerpt: ... of the plaintiff's allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v. City of Berkeley (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1, 6. However, the court does not assume the truth of content...

Excerpt: ...iff's allegations or accuracy of the described conduct. (Picton v. Anderson Union High School (1996) 50 Cal.App.4th 726, 733.) All properly pleaded facts are assumed to be true as well as those that are judicially noticeable. (Blank v. Kirwan (1985) 39 Cal.3d 311, 318.) A review of the complaint shows that it suffers from significant pleading deficiencies. The complaint does not identify causes of action, making unclear claims of discriminatory a...

Excerpt: ... of Business and Professions Code section 17200. Plaintiffs' fourth and fifth causes of action are wholly based on the purported violations of Civil Code sections 2923.5, 2924.11, and 2923.7. Nationstar's motion for judgment on the pleadings was granted with respect to plaintiffs' first, third and fourth causes of action. Subsequently, Nationstar moved for summary judgment on the 14 second and fifth causes of action, which motion was granted. A j...

Excerpt: ... accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v. City of Berkeley (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1, 6. However, the court does not assume the truth of contentions, deductions, or conclusions of fa...

Excerpt: ...guage of Code of Civil Procedure section 643(c) does not expressly allow for the filing of reply briefs when an objector files objections to a referee's recommendations. Monier's reply brief, however, is limited in scope and addresses a significant issue surrounding the payment of claims. The brief addresses further 3 legal arguments on issues raised by the parties. The court will consider Monier's reply brief in light of the significance of the ...

Excerpt: ...ion including (1) fraud in the inducement – intentional misrepresentation; (2) negligent misrepresentation; (3) fraud in the inducement – concealment; (4) fraud in the performance of contract – intentional misrepresentation; (5) violation of the SongBeverly Act; and (6) violation of the Consumers Legal Remedies Act. Defendants contend that each of plaintiffs' claims is barred by the applicable statute of limitations. Defendants also contend...

Excerpt: ...ble of being made certain by calculation, and the right to recover which is vested in the person upon a particular day, is entitled also to recover interest thereon from that day, except when the debtor is prevented by law, or by the act of the creditor from paying the debt. As a preliminary matter, the court finds that the motion is not barred as untimely. Neither Civil Code section 3287 nor any other rule specifies when prejudgment interest mus...

Excerpt: ...1.2, 945.4. If the application is not timely presented, the injured party may apply for leave to present a late claim within a reasonable time, not to exceed one year. Gov. Code § 911.4. If the application is denied, the injured party may petition to the trial court for relief from the provisions of Government Code section 945.4. Gov. Code § 946.6. In order to be entitled to relief under Government Code section 946.6, petitioner must establish ...

Excerpt: ... lack of diligence of the party seeking the discovery or the hearing of a discovery motion, and the reasons that the discovery was not completed or that the discovery motion was not heard earlier; (3) the likelihood that permitting the discovery or hearing the discovery motion will prevent the case from going to trial on the date set, or otherwise interfere with the trial calendar, or result in prejudice to any other party; and (4) the length of ...

Excerpt: ...adings, not the truth of the allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v. City of Berkeley (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1, 6. However, the court does not assume the truth o...

Excerpt: ... The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v. City of Berkeley (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1, 6. However, the court does not assume the truth of contentions, deductions, or conclusions of facts or law. Id. Plaintiff's third cause of action alleges negligent infliction of emot...

Excerpt: ...omply with the court's prior order entered on June 14, 2019. Initially, the court declines to plaintiff's request for terminating sanctions or monetary sanctions. Terminating sanctions are an extreme sanction for those cases where misuses of the discovery process are so pervasive that a less drastic sanction will not sufficiently address the discovery derelictions. (Deyo v. Kilbourne (1978) 84 Cal.App.3d 771, 796‐797.) The purpose of discovery ...

Excerpt: ...t may, in furtherance of justice, and on any terms as may be proper, allow a party to amend any pleading”. Code Civ. Proc. § 473(a)(1). The court's discretion will generally be exercised liberally to permit amendments to pleadings, “at any stage of the proceedings, up to and including trial”. Atkinson v. Elk Corp. (2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 739, 761. However, the policy of liberality in permitting amendments to the complaint should be applied ...

Excerpt: ...rays for holdover damages beginning on November 1, 2019, a date that is prior to expiration of the 3‐day notice, in addition to seeking past‐due rent of $3,800. The 3‐day notice suggests that the total requested may include amounts that do not constitute unpaid rent, such as “late penalties or other fees accumulated”. Finally, the 3‐day notice fails to comply with Code of Civil Procedure section 1161(2), as it fails to state how the r...

Excerpt: ...duction to make a prima facie showing that there are no triable issues of material fact, the burden shifts to the opposing party to make a prima facie showing of the existence of a triable issue of material fact. Aguilar v. Atlantic Richfield Co., supra, 25 Cal.4th at 850. The motion for summary judgment must be supported by evidence establishing the moving party's right to relief. Regents of Univ. of Cal. v. Superior Court (1996) 41 Cal.App.4th ...

Excerpt: ...of Civil Procedure section 415.20(b), which states: If a copy of the summons and complaint cannot with reasonable diligence be personally delivered to the person to be served, as specified in Section 416.60, 416.70, 416.80, or 416.90, a summons may be served by leaving a copy of the summons and complaint at the person's dwelling house, usual place of abode, usual place of business, or usual mailing address other than a United States Postal Servic...

Excerpt: ...or judicial notice is granted under Evidence Code section 452. Ruling on Motion In the current motion, defendants The Frank Law Group, P.C. and Brett Rosenthal seek summary judgment as to plaintiff's second cause of action for professional malpractice, which is the only remaining cause of action aimed at these defendants. The trial court engages in a specific analysis when reviewing a motion for summary judgment. First, it must define the scope o...

Excerpt: ...ent to constitute a cause of action. Code Civ. Proc. § 430.10(e). A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The allegations in the pleadings are deemed true no matter how improbable the allegations may seem. Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, 604. The first amended comp...

Excerpt: ... for a fixed or readily ascertainable amount not less than $500, that is unsecured or secured by personal property, and arising against a defendant who is a natural person for claims arising out of conduct by the defendant of a trade, business or profession. Code Civ. Proc. § 483.010(c). Damages must be measurable by reference to the contract itself, and the basis for computing damages must be reasonable and certain. CIT Group/Equipment Financin...

Excerpt: ...mary judgment, or in the alternative, summary adjudication of plaintiff American River Bank's (“ARB's”) causes of action for breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unfair business practices. The party seeking summary judgment bears the burden of showing there is no triable issue of material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Aguilar v. Atlantic Richfield Co. (200...

Excerpt: ... objections, which included objections to RPD no. 4. From April 2019 through October 2019, the parties engaged in a significant informal discussion regarding the scope of discovery. During this meet and confer process, the parties agreed to limit the scope of RPD no. 4 to “dental records for patients whose treatment was billed to Denti‐Cal from March 11, 2015 to June 13, 2016 for the following dental procedures that are identified in the comp...

Excerpt: ...d an opportunity to respond. (Plenger v. Alza Corp. (1992) 11 Cal.App.4th 349, 362, fn. 8.) Ruling on Objections Defendants' objections nos. 1 through 3 are sustained in their entirety. Plaintiff's objection and request for continuance of the motion is denied. Code of Civil Procedure section 437c(h) allows for a party to seek a continuance to obtain discovery. The party seeking such a continuance must make a good faith showing, by affidavit, to e...

Excerpt: ...1. Nevertheless, the court maintains discretionary power to grant relief. Id. at 289‐290; Lee v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (2001) 88 Cal.App.4th 1187, 1200. In this case, the court finds that plaintiff's failure to timely file its motion for fees was due to the excusable neglect of counsel. The court further finds that the motion for relief was made within a reasonable time, and that defendant will not be prejudiced by permitting relief. According...

Excerpt: ... not the truth of the plaintiff's allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v. City of Berkeley (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1, 6. However, the court does not assume the tr...

Excerpt: ...oes not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action. Code Civ. Proc. § 430.10(e). A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The allegations in the pleadings are deemed true no matter how improbable the allegations may seem. Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, ...

Excerpt: ...Ins. Services, Inc. v. Gaddy (2009) 159 Cal.App.4th 1292, 1307‐1308.) Ruling on Motion In the current motion, plaintiff seeks leave to amend her original complaint to include additional defendants along with adding allegations regarding punitive damages. Plaintiff's request is granted as to the naming of additional PLACER COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT THURSDAY, CIVIL LAW AND MOTION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE CHARLES D. WACHOB TENTATIVE RULINGS FOR JAN...

Excerpt: ... in the pleadings are deemed to be true no matter how improbable the allegations may seem. (Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, 604.) All properly pled facts are assumed to be true as well as those that are judicially noticeable. (Blank v. Kirwan (1985) 39 Cal.3d 311, 318; Gomes v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (2011) 192 Cal.App.4th 1149, 1153.) The court reviews the complaint keeping these principles in mind....

Excerpt: ...erit to one or more of the causes of action. (Code of Civil Procedure section 437c(f)(1).) However, a motion for summary adjudication shall only be granted where it completely disposes of a cause of action. (Ibid.) The moving party bears the initial burden of establishing every element of the cause of action. (Id. at 437c(p)(1).) Only when this initial burden is met does the burden shift to the opposing party to establish a triable issue of mater...

Excerpt: ...e of Civil Procedure section 436(a), (b).) The grounds for a motion to strike must appear on the face of the pleading or from judicially noticeable matters. (Code of Civil Procedure section 437(a).) Here, defendant seeks to strike various allegations within paragraph 10 of the complaint that refer to negligence per se presumptions along with presumed statutory violations of Business & Professions Code section 725 and 1680. The court has carefully...

Excerpt: ....16(a); see also Sylmar Air Conditioning v. Pueblo Contracting Svcs., Inc. (2004) 122 Cal.App.4th 1049, 1055‐1056. In determining whether an action or claim is a SLAPP suit subject to a special motion to strike , the court evaluates first whether the claim arises out of the defendant's protected speech or petitioning activity, and second whether plaintiff can show a probability of success on the merits. Navellier v. Sletten (2002) 29 Cal.4th 82...

Excerpt: ...court approval of S.W.'s transfer of future life‐contingent payments in the amount of $835,048.21 in exchange for $10,000. S.W. states that he is 35 years old, with no minor children. He states that he is currently unemployed, experiencing a financial hardship, and that he will use the money to purchase an RV or mobile home, and an affordable car. S.W. states that he has applied to the court for approval of prior transfers of his structured set...

Excerpt: ...en moves to compel further responses to special interrogatories and requests for production of documents from defendant Hotel Heritage Group, Inc. (“HHG”). Precertification class discovery is not a matter of right. CVS Pharmacy, Inc. v. Superior Court (2015) 241 Cal.App.4th 300, 307. In determining whether discovery should be permitted, the court must employ the balancing test from Parris v. Superior Court (2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 285, 300‐30...

Excerpt: ... favor of arbitration that is frequently approved and enforced by the courts. Madden v. Kaiser Foundation Hospitals (1976) 7 17 Cal.3d 699, 706; Laswell v. AG Seal Beach, LLC, et al (2010) 189 Cal.App.4th 1399, 1405. Under both federal and state law, a threshold question for any petition to compel arbitration is whether there exists an agreement to arbitrate. Cruise v. Kroger Co. (2015) 233 Cal.App.4th 390, 396. The claims in this action arise fr...

Excerpt: ...n if she contends that there is no merit to one or more causes of action alleged in the complaint. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(f)(1). A moving defendant has the initial burden of showing that a cause of action has no merit, or there is a complete defense to the cause of action. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(p)(2). If defendant meets her initial burden, the burden shifts to plaintiff to show the existence of a triable issue of material fact as to the cause ...

Excerpt: ...in defendant being unable to amount any defense against plaintiff's action. Practically speaking, all three of these requests seek terminating sanctions. The imposition of terminating sanctions is generally limited to extreme cases of discovery misuses that are so pervasive a less drastic sanction will not sufficiently address the discovery derelictions. (Deyo v. Kilbourne (1978) 84 Cal.App.3d 771, 796‐797.) In light of the extreme effect of te...

Excerpt: ...R COURT THURSDAY, CIVIL LAW AND MOTION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE CHARLES D. WACHOB TENTATIVE RULINGS FOR JANUARY 9, 2020 AT 8:30 A.M. action for injunctive relief. The court file, however, does not reflect plaintiffs have dismissed the third and fourth causes of action. In light of defendant's framing of his demurrer, the court will only address the challenge to the first cause of action for prescriptive easement and second cause of action for ...

Excerpt: ...ngs are deemed true no matter how improbable the allegations may seem. Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, 604. Plaintiff alleges that Lacy Hart, a probation officer, submitted a falsified or inaccurate report in connection with a criminal action involving plaintiff. As a probation officer, defendant is entitled to absolute immunity from claims relating to the preparation, provision and filing of presenting re...

Excerpt: ...jurisdiction. Greener v. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (1993) 6 Cal.4th 1028, 1037. However, plaintiff's moving papers raise certain issues which must be addressed before discharge may be granted. First, plaintiff's notice of motion indicates that the subject funds total $251,837.19, which plaintiff proposes to interplead. However, the declaration of Chere Tait indicates that the subject funds total $264,337.19, and the opposition filed by ...

Excerpt: ...927. Defendant must show that a suitable alternative forum exists, and that the balance of private and public interest factors makes it just that litigation proceed in the alternative forum. Stangvik v. Shiley Inc. (1991) 54 Cal.3d 744, 751. Where plaintiff is a California resident, there is a strong presumption in favor of plaintiff's choice of forum. Nat'l Football League v. Fireman's Fund Ins. Co., supra, 216 Cal.App.4th at 926‐927. “[E]xc...

Excerpt: ...uses of action for reformation of instrument and declaratory relief. The party seeking summary judgment bears the burden of showing there is no triable issue of material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Aguilar v. Atlantic Richfield Co. (2001) 25 Cal.4th 826, 850. The moving party has the burden of showing, by affidavit, facts establishing every element necessary to sustain a judgment in favor of the party. Cons...

Excerpt: ...ily Trust (“Maehler”), and defendant and cross‐complainant Rex Harrison (“Harrison”). Following two days of mediation, the parties entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release of claims (“the Settlement Agreement”), attached as Exhibit A to the declaration of Gregory Koonce. In relevant part, the Settlement Agreement states: b. Each Party shall grant to the other Parties an express non‐exclusive easement for ingress and ...

Excerpt: ... overruled. Defendants' objection to the supplemental declaration of Jay Brown is sustained. 3 Ruling on Motion Defendants move for summary adjudication as to plaintiff's prayer for punitive damages. A defendant may move for summary adjudication as to a claim for punitive damages if the party contends that there is no merit to the claim. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(f)(1). A moving defendant has the initial burden of showing that a claim has no merit....

Excerpt: ...TION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE CHARLES D. WACHOB TENTATIVE RULINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M. NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES WHO REQUEST ORAL ARGUMENT: UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ORAL ARGUMENT WILL BE HEARD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M. IN DEPARTMENT 42. PLACER SUPERIOR COURT – DEPARTMENT 42 Thursday Civil Law and Motion – Tentative Rulings Page 3 of 7 is generally limited to extreme cases of discovery misuses that are so pervasive...

Excerpt: ...tion of the state judicial proceeding to collect on a claim against the debtor. (Eskanos & Adler, P.C. v. Leetien (9th Cir. 2002) 309 F.3d 1210, 1214.) Since the automatic stay is selfexecuting and effective upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition, it was improper for the judgment to be entered in this case. (In Re Marriage of Sprague & Spiegel‐Sprague (IRMO Sprague) (2003) 105 Cal.App.4th 215, 219.) The default judgment, entered on April 3, 2...

Excerpt: ...ure section 430.10(e).) A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the plaintiff's allegations or accuracy of the described conduct. (Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787.) The allegations in the pleadings are deemed to be true no matter how improbable the allegations may seem. (Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, 604.) The cross‐ complaint is reviewed keeping this...

Excerpt: ...ual statements therein. The request for judicial notice is otherwise granted. Defendant BBV Profit Sharing Plan, a 401 K Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (“BBV”) demurs to plaintiffs' third amended complaint. A party may demur to a complaint where the pleading does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action. Code Civ. Proc. § 430.10(e). A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the plainti...

Excerpt: ...tinuance under Code of Civil Procedure section 437c(h) as facts essential to justify opposition to defendants' motion may exist, but cannot, due to difficulties in obtaining necessary discovery, be presented at this time. Appearance is required in order to determine a reasonable continued hearing date for the motion. Motion to Expunge Lis Pendens The parties' requests for judicial notice are granted. 4 Defendants' motion to expunge lis pendens is...

Excerpt: ...arty contends that there is no merit to the claim for punitive damages. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(f)(1). A moving defendant has the initial burden of showing that a claim has no merit. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(p)(2). If defendant meets its initial burden, the burden shifts to plaintiff to show the existence of a triable issue of material fact. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(p)(2). The trial court views the supporting evidence, and all inferences reasonably...

Excerpt: ...intiff's objections to the declaration of Gary Sage are overruled. Defendant's objections to evidence are ruled on as follows: Objection No. 1 is sustained. The remaining objections are overruled. Ruling on Motion Summary judgment may be granted where there is no triable issue as to any material fact, and moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(c). A defendant moving for summary judgment bears the burden o...

Excerpt: ...ction 452. Plaintiff's request for judicial notice, filed on September 3, 2019, is denied. Ruling on Motion In the current motion, plaintiff seeks an injunction to prevent defendants from foreclosing on the property subject to this litigation. The motion is denied. A preliminary injunction may be issued where it appears from the complaint that the plaintiff is entitled to the demanded relief and the plaintiff will suffer irreparable injury if the...

Excerpt: ...intiff's allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v. City of Berkeley (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1, 6. However, the court does not assume the truth of contentions, deduc...

Excerpt: ...rief. Defendants' request for judicial notice is granted. Defendants County of Placer and Devon Bell move for judgment on the pleadings as to the complaint filed by plaintiff Barbara Boyle. A motion for judgment on the pleadings has the same function as a general demurrer, but is made after the time for demurrer has expired. Code Civ. 5 Proc. § 438. The same rules governing demurrers apply. Cloud v. Northrop Grumman Corp. (1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 9...

Excerpt: ...led a dismissal of the action without prejudice. The memorandum of costs includes expert witness fees of $4,318.75, which are requested pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 998. Plaintiff moves to tax the expert witness fees on the grounds that defendant's Code of Civil Procedure section 998 offer was a token offer not made in good faith. 4 An offer to compromise under Code of Civil Procedure section 998 must be made in good faith, “real...

Excerpt: ...(Code of Civil Procedure section 430.10(e).) Further, a challenge PLACER COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT THURSDAY, CIVIL LAW AND MOTION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE CHARLES D. WACHOB TENTATIVE RULINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M. PLACER SUPERIOR COURT – DEPARTMENT 42 Thursday Civil Law and Motion – Tentative Rulings Page 14 of 15 that a cause of action is barred by res judicata is available by demurrer if that ground appears on the face of the com...

Excerpt: ...on. (Code of Civil Procedure section 430.10(e).) The demurrer functions as a test regarding the legal sufficiency of the pleading; it does not address the truth of the allegations or accuracy of the described conduct. (Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787.) For the purposes of a demurrer, the allegations in the pleading are deemed to be true no matter how improbable they may seem. (Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981)...

Excerpt: ...tion 452.) Ruling on Motion In the current request, plaintiffs seek the issuance of a preliminary injunction to prohibit defendant from removing improvements they made to an encroachment area. A preliminary injunction may be issued where it appears from the complaint that the plaintiff is entitled to the demanded relief and the plaintiff will suffer irreparable injury if the enjoined action were allowed to proceed. (Code of Civil Procedure sectio...

Excerpt: ...ally set trial date. Such an interpretation would be inconsistent with the overall purpose of Section 437c to dispose of meritless claims. (Green v. Bristol Myers Co. (1988) 206 Cal.app.3d 604, 609.) The court shall proceed to consider the merits of the motion. /// PLACER COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT THURSDAY, CIVIL LAW AND MOTION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE CHARLES D. WACHOB TENTATIVE RULINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M. PLACER SUPERIOR COURT –...

Excerpt: ...e arbitration statutes evidence a strong public policy in favor of arbitration that is frequently approved and enforced by the courts. Madden v. Kaiser Foundation Hospitals (1976) 17 Cal.3d 699, 706; Laswell v. AG Seal Beach, LLC (2010) 189 Cal.App.4th 1399, 1405. “A strong public policy favors the arbitration of disputes, and doubts should be resolved in favor of deferring to arbitration proceedings.” Rowe v. Exline (2007) 153 Cal.App.4th 12...

Excerpt: ...her takes judicial notice of the fact that the motion was granted on June 14, 2019. Defendant Wells Fargo Bank (“Wells”) moves for judgment on the pleadings as to the first cause of action for violation of Civil Code section 2923.5, second cause of action for violation of Civil Code section 2923.7, seventh cause of action for violation of Civil Code section 2924.12, and ninth cause of action for unfair business practices, alleged in plaintiff...

Excerpt: ...e Civ. Proc. § 430.10(e). A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the plaintiff's allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The court assumes the truth of all facts properly pleaded, and accepts as true all facts that may be implied or reasonably inferred from facts expressly alleged, unless they are contradicted by judicially noticed facts. Evans v....

Excerpt: ...76, 885. In making this determination the court considers the extent the defendants' Fifth Amendment rights are implicated; the interests of the plaintiff in proceeding expeditiously and the potential prejudice of a delay; the burden the proceedings may impose on the defendants; the convenience of the court to manage cases and efficient use of judicial resources; the interests of others not involved in the civil litigation; and the interests of t...

Excerpt: ...ather, defendant appeared at trial and signed a stipulation for entry of judgment. Defendant seeks to have the stipulated judgment set aside on grounds of mistake. Code Civ. Proc. § 473(b). Specifically, defendant asserts that she was mistaken in believing a statement by plaintiff's counsel that a continuance of the trial date “was not going to happen.” Defendant further claims that she was in a weakened frame of mind because she had been ho...

Excerpt: ...s, set one, are deemed admitted as to defendant Michele Laudon. Sanctions in the amount of $60.00 are imposed on defendant Michele Laudon pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 2033.280(c). /// PLACER COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT THURSDAY, CIVIL LAW AND MOTION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE CHARLES D. WACHOB TENTATIVE RULINGS FOR AUGUST 29, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M. PLACER SUPERIOR COURT – DEPARTMENT 42 Thursday Civil Law and Motion – Tentative Rulings Pa...

Excerpt: ...as been described as follows: “ ‘Sometimes, the exchange reveals that one party plans to call experts on subjects the opposing party assumed would not require expert testimony. In such cases, the opposing party has the right to supplement its expert witness exchange by adding experts to cover subjects on which the other party indicates it plans to offer expert testimony, and on which the opposing party has not previously retained an expert to...

Excerpt: ...es of discovery misuses that are so pervasive a less drastic sanction will not sufficiently address the discovery derelictions. (Deyo v. Kilbourne (1978) 84 Cal.App.3d 771, 796‐797.) In light of the extreme effect of terminating sanctions, courts do not impose such a sanction lightly. The totality of the circumstances surrounding the discovery violations are considered when ordering terminating sanctions: (1) whether the party's conduct was wil...

Excerpt: ...aswell v. AG Seal Beach, LLC, et al (2010) 189 Cal.App.4th 1399, 1405. Under both federal and state law, a threshold question for any petition to compel arbitration is whether there exists an agreement to arbitrate. Cruise v. Kroger Co. (2015) 233 Cal.App.4th 390, 396. It is the petitioner that carries this initial burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, the existence of a valid arbitration agreement. Engalla v. Permanente Medical ...

Excerpt: ... for damages or issue of duty. Code Civ. Proc. § 437c(f)(1). The moving party bears the initial burden of production to make a prima facie showing that there are no triable issues of material fact. Aguilar v. Atlantic Richfield Co. (2001) 25 Cal.4th 826, 850. If the moving party carries this burden, the burden shifts to opposing party to show the 5 existence of a triable issue of material fact. Id. The trial court views the supporting evidence, ...

Excerpt: ...overruled. Ruling on Motion Respondent County of Placer moves for summary judgment with respect to the claims set forth in petitioner's verified petition for alternative and peremptory writ of mandate and complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief. Alternatively, respondent requests summary adjudication. Summary judgment may be granted where there is no triable issue as to any material fact, and moving party is entitled to judgment as a matt...

Excerpt: ... 995, 999. Defendants contend that the applicable statute of limitations bars plaintiff's action. Plaintiff's claims in this action are governed by the limitations period set forth in Government Code section 945.6(a), which states: Except as provided in Sections 946.4 and 946.6 and subject to subdivision (b), any suit brought against a public entity on a cause of action for which a claim is required to be presented in accordance with Chapter 1 (c...

Excerpt: ...ollows: 1. Enjoining defendants from using any recipe obtained from plaintiffs that looks like plaintiffs' menu offerings of an Asian vegan nature, and specifically the items photographed and attached to plaintiffs' second amended complaint; 10 2. Enjoining defendants from offering for sale the menu items photographed and attached to plaintiffs' second amended complaint anywhere in Placer County; 3. Enjoining defendants from advertising for sale ...

Excerpt: ...ils to establish that the Release is not reasonably subject to dispute, and/or is capable of immediate and accurate determination by resort to sources of reasonably indisputable accuracy. Further, it is unclear, for the purposes of the demurrer, that the Release must apply to plaintiff's claims, which are based on defendant's alleged actions in barring plaintiff from the subject premises, setting forth ambiguous conditions regarding plaintiff's u...

Excerpt: ... Civ. Proc. § 430.10(e). A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the pleadings, not the truth of the plaintiff's allegations or the accuracy of the described conduct. Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787. The allegations in the pleadings are deemed to be true no matter how improbable the allegations may seem. Del E. Webb Corp. v. Structural Materials Co. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, 604. The court assumes the truth of all facts prop...

Excerpt: ...ry Restaurants, Inc. and The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated move for judgment on the pleadings as to plaintiff's complaint in this action. A motion for judgment on the pleadings has the same function as a general demurrer, but is made after the time for demurrer has expired. Code Civ. Proc. § 438. The same rules governing demurrers apply. Cloud v. Northrop Grumman Corp. (1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 995, 999. The complaint in this action alleges an enf...

Excerpt: ...it. Trackman v. Kenney (2010) 187 Cal.App.4th 175, 180. However, where extrinsic fraud or mistake exists, or where the judgment is facially void without resort to extrinsic evidence, the motion may be made at any time. Id. at 181. In this case, default judgment was entered against defendant based on the proof of service filed October 30, 2007. The proof of service indicates that defendant was served by substituted service at her dwelling house or...

Excerpt: ...established principles. A defendant may demur to a complaint where the pleading does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action. (Code of Civil Procedure section 430.10(e).) The demurrer functions as a test regarding the legal sufficiency of the pleading; it does not address the truth of the allegations or accuracy of the described conduct. (Bader v. Anderson (2009) 179 Cal.App.4th 775, 787.) For the purposes of a demurrer, the al...

Excerpt: ...tion 452.) Ruling on Motion PLACER COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT THURSDAY, CIVIL LAW AND MOTION DEPARTMENT 42 THE HONORABLE CHARLES D. WACHOB TENTATIVE RULINGS FOR AUGUST 8, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M. NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES WHO REQUEST ORAL ARGUMENT: ORAL ARGUMENT WILL BE HEARD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M. IN DEPARTMENT 42. PLACER SUPERIOR COURT – DEPARTMENT 42 Thursday Civil Law and Motion – Tentative Rulings Page 15 of 23 In the current request,...

Excerpt: ...limited to extreme cases of discovery misuses that are so pervasive a less drastic sanction will not sufficiently address the discovery derelictions. (Deyo v. Kilbourne (1978) 84 Cal.App.3d 771, 796‐797.) In light of the extreme effect of terminating sanctions, courts do not impose such a sanction lightly. The totality of the circumstances surrounding the discovery violations are considered when ordering terminating sanctions: (1) whether the p...

Excerpt: ...ure §437c(c).) The trial court engages in a specific analysis when reviewing a motion for summary judgment. First, it must define the scope of the motion by looking to the operative pleading. The pleadings serve as the “outer measure of materiality” for a motion for summary judgment in addition to determining the scope of the motion. (Government Employees Ins. Co. v. Superior Court (2000) 79 Cal.App.4th 95, 98; Laabs v. City of Victorville (...