Excerpt: ...s March 23, 2022, order denying petitioner's fee waiver application in a prior case. Defendant Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye is absolutely immune from a suit for damages allegedly arising out of official court rulings as a matter of law. "The decisions of this state uniformly and consistently grant immunity from civil suit to judges in the exercise of their judicial functions. [citationl That is true even if the acts are in excess of the jurisdict...

Excerpt: ...t Wells Fargo was conducting sham interviews of racially and ethnically diverse candidates for job openings that had already been filled. (Petition, Para. 14.) Wells Fargo shareholder Cook sought to investigate. (Petition, Para. 1.) On October 3, 2022, Cook propounded a shareholder inspection demand under California and Delaware aw (Petition, Para. 20.) On August 14, 2023, Cook filed a petition before this court to enforce her shareholder inspect...

Excerpt: ...ired by California Rule of Court 2.550(d), a party moving to seal court records must present "specific enumeraton of the facts sought to be withheld and specific reasons for withholding them (See H.B. Fuller Co. v. Doe (2007) 151 Cal.App.4th 879, 894.) Here, while portions of 8TlG's complaint are laundry-listed, the specific facts sought to be withheld are not enumerated. Moreover, while broad reasons for withholding documents are also laundry-li...

Excerpt: ...nt does not comply with this rule. The "allegations" refer to extraneous matters and the complaint contains unnecessary exhibits. The pleading is unintelligible. Defendant contends that plaintiff's action is time-barred, but the court cannot discern whether it is given the pleading's incoherence. Plaintiff has leave to amend to clarify that he is suing defendant for legal malpractice, the precise action/s which support the claim, and when plainti...

Excerpt: ...safe harbor requirement of the sanctions statute. CCP 128.7(c)(1) requires "service of the motion' to trigger the safe harbor period. Paragraph 17 of the Drenski declaration states: "On October 18, 2023, Lyft served this Motion upon counsel for Plaintiff, along with a letter requesting immediate withdraw of his second motion for relief. Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a true and correct copy of the October 18, 2023, letter, and Proof of Service."...

Excerpt: ..."CCP 654.6 enforceable." (Harker Decl„ Ex. A.) The terms of the parties' Long-Form Release, confidentiality, and nan-disparagement agreements are sufficiently definite to be enforced. After entering into their initial settlement, they agreed on the terms of those covenants. (Harker Reply Decl., pars. 6-12.) Plaintiff is entitled to judgment for $147,500: $27,500 against the Sheehan defendants and $120,000 against the Heit defendants. Settling d...

Excerpt: ...NCISCO FIREFIGHTERS UNION LOCAL 798, SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION Notice Of Hearing For order Granting writ Of Mandate (C.C.P. section 1085), Declaratory And Injunctive Relief; Memorandum Of Points And Authorities; Declarations Of Tracy Mccray And Stephen Giacalone And Exhibits In Support Thereto The "petition for writ of mandate, declaratory and injunctive relief' is stayed underthe court's inherent powers. (OTO, L.L.C. v. Kho (2019...

Excerpt: ...ion Payward, Inc.'s motion to seal is denied without prejudice. To enable a court to make the specific findings required by California Rule of Court 2.550(d), a party moving to seal court records must present "specific enumeration of the facts sought to be withheld and specific reasons for withholding them." (See H.B. Fuller Co. v. Doe (2007) 151 Cal.App.4th 879, 894.) Here, while portions of documents are laundry-listed, the specific facts sough...

Excerpt: ...igation case (CGC-20-587022). In 2021, the parties stipulated that "resolution of the disputes currently pending in the arbitration may bear upon or relate to claims asserted in the instant litigation" and "the parties hereby agree that a stay of this litigation will avoid divergent outcomes and promote judicial economy." Thus, this court stayed the litgation "pending the final adjudication of all claims in the arbitration." Plaintiff first moved...

Excerpt: ...- a claim the City denied. Plaintiffs FAC, however, pleads a fall on a "negligently maintained sidewalk" some five blocks away "at or near 2501 Clement St." The City first demurs as to plaintiffs failure to meet the requirement that a government claim state the "place" of the alleged occurrence. (Govt. Code 910(c).) Plaintiff concedes the discrepancy between her government claim and her complaint, but argues that the former properly "listed the '...

Excerpt: ...ummary Judgment And Summary Adjudication Motions Conditionally Filed under Seal Payward, Inc.'s motion to seal is denied without prejudice. To enable a court to make the specific findings required by California Rule of Court 2.550(d), a party moving to seal court records must present "specific enumeration of the facts sought to be withheld and specific reasons for withholding them." (See H.B. Fuller Co. v. Doe (2007) 151 Cal.App.4th 879, 894.) He...

Excerpt: ...l 3, 2024. Plaintiffs allege that they developed silicosis from fabricating countertops. Defendant (one of 41 putative defendants) is a Texas LLC that distributes slabs supplied by a Vietnamese entity. (Nguyen Dec. 2:12-16.) Defendant manager/owner An Nguyen declares that its distribution is "primarily' outside California. (ld. at 2:22-26.) However, he acknowledges some California contacts. First, on "very rare occasions," defendant sells "quartz...

Excerpt: ...idence of asbestos exposure and causation. (Aguilar v. Atl. Richfield Co. (2001) 25 Cal.4th 826, 855.) Plaintiffs identified the deposition transcript of Decedent Arthur Hawkins, Jr., taken in In re Petition of Candy Knight, Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 34-2018-00230424, as a defendant-specific document in this wrongful death case. (Ohlsen Dec„ Ex. C [Plaintiffs' Amended Response to Defendant's Special Interrogatories, Set One] at 10:17-1...

Excerpt: ...et forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appears by telephone, the...

Excerpt: ...arties via e-mail. Defendants uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC and Rasier- CA, LLCs motion to compel arbitration and stay is granted. Plaintiff Marygrace Anaya agreed to arbitrate disputes with Defendant Uber Technologies, Inc. (See Ex. G, Section (2), subparts (a)(l) & (a)(4).) And the arbitration agreement appears to encompass the instant dispute. The parties delegated issues of arbitrability to the arbitrator. (See ADR Arbitration Rules an...

Excerpt: ...Attorney Timothy Silverman For Disobeying Two Court Orders To Provide Discovery Before the court is Plaintiff Ranier Mejia's Motion For Evidentiary And Monetary Sanctions Against Defendant CFAM Financial Services, LLC And Attorney Timothy Silverman For Disobeying Two Court Orders To Provide Discovery. The court adopts Judge Pro Tem William Lynn's report and recommendation in full. Thus, the court grants the motion for evidentiary sanctions and en...

Excerpt: ...enied without prejudice. The proposed amendments would prejudice defendants at this stage and are untimely with the case in its current procedural posture. (Record v. Reason (1999) 73 Cal.App.4th 472, 485-487.) Throughout the litigation, the parties acted as if Plaintiff was an exempt employee. The proposed amendments seek to change the tenor of the case, treating Plaintiff as non- exempt and treating her employment as governed by a different set...

Excerpt: ...is denied without prejudice. Key factors in an analysis under Tech-Bilt, Inc. v. Woodward- Clyde & Associates (1985) 38 Cal.3d 488 are "a rough approximation of plaintiffs' total recovery and the settlor's proportionate liability" and "the financial conditions and insurance policy limits of settling defendants." (ld. at 499.) However, beyond a little unsupported and imprecise hyperbole, this crucial information has not been provided to the court....

Excerpt: ...ation and (3) unfair competition. Defendants argue that plaintiffs view of the bonus is contrary to an "offer letter" referred to in the complaint, and thus the first and third counts are barred. However, the offer letter is not attached to the complaint as an exhibit, nor does the complaint plead all the offer's principal terms. Thus, defendants' demurrer improperly relies on unpled extrinsic matter. (Blank v. Kirwan (1985) 39 cal.3d 311, 318.) ...

Excerpt: ...Wednesday, December 20, 2023, line 10. Plaintiffs "motion to dismiss defendants Mike Smith and Linda Galijan's appeal of the order, decision, or award [OADI of the labor commissioner for failure to post undertaking mandated by Labor Code 98.2(b)" is denied. Plaintiff claimed unpaid employment by the San Francisco Zen Center, of which Smith and Galijan were managers. The September 6, 2022 OAD found for plaintiff in the amount of $149,177.15 agains...

Excerpt: ...t is "CCP 664.6 enforceable." (Harker Decl., Ex. A.) he terms of the parties' Long-Form Release, confidentiality, and non-disparagement agreements are sufficiently definite to be enforced. After entering into their initial settlement, they agreed on the terms of those covenants. (Harker Reply Decl„ pars. 6-12.) This motion, however, is premature. The settlement provides that payment is due "within 30 days of fully-executed agreement & W9." The ...

Excerpt: ...plaint's allegations must be accepted as true on demurrer. (Memo. 9:15-17; Del E. Webb v. Structural Materials Corp. (1981) 123 Cal.App.3d 593, 604.) Moreover, where, as here, a contract is attached to the complaint, plaintiff's interpretation of it must be accepted as correct on demurrer. (Aragon-Haas v. Family Security Ins. Services, Inc. (1991) 231 Cal.App.3d 232, 239.) The complaint adequately pleads breach of fiduciary duty against Gupta. (I...

Excerpt: ... under the elder abuse statute (Welfare & Institutions Code ("W&I") section 15657) must show physical abuse or neglect. W&I 15610.57 defines "neglect" and notes that it applies to persons "having the care or custody of an elder." In Winn v. Pioneer Medical Group, Inc. (2016) 63 Cal.4th 148, 158, the court explains that the neglect definition contemplates "the existence of a robust caretaking or custodial relationship-that is, a relationship where...

Excerpt: ...of James Zehnder, M.D. demonstrates that defendant did not breach its duty of care or cause decedent's death. When a defendant mcwes for summary judgment and supports its motion with an expert declaration that its conduct fell within the standard of care, the defendant is entitled to summary judgment unless the plaintiff comes forward with conflicting expert evidence. (See Munro v. Regents of the University of California (1989) 215 Cal.App.3d 977...

Excerpt: ...acts sufficient to state a cause of acton upon which relief can be granted. (See Code Civ. Proc., 430.10, subd. (e).) Indeed, the complaint includes no discernible facts and the court is unable to discern cognizable facts from the attachments, many of which are in Spanish unaccompanied by any translation. Additionally, the complaint is uncertain in that it is ambiguous and unintelligible as submitted. (See Code Civ. Proc„ 430.10, subd. Further,...

Excerpt: ...n is procedurally defective. Defendant fails to sustain its initial burden of showing Plaintiffs do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain needed evidence of asbestos exposure and causation. (Aguilar v. Atl. Richfield Co. 25 Cal.4th 826, 855.) Melvin Rodrick stated that he "installed asbestos-containing GARLXK gaskets and worked with asbestos-cement pipe, plumber's putty, gaskets, and other asbestos-containing materials that were supplied by CA...

Excerpt: ...al Act (PAGA) acton. It involves employees in one department at a Dignity Health hospital in Stockton. (SAC 5:16-19.) Plaintiff pleads that she and her cohort were ordered to work remotely starting with the Covid-19 pandemic, but have not been fully reimbursed for their internet and cellphone expenses. (ld. at 3:9-5:10.) Defendants argue that this action should be abated or stayed because it is duplicative of an earlier-filed PAGA action in Los A...

Excerpt: ...ents set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the moton will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appears by telephone...

Excerpt: ...assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the moton will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appears by telephone, the stipulation may be signed via fax or consent to sign given by ...

Excerpt: ...the suit commenced. (See Cal. Corp. Code sec. 800; Grossetv. Wenaas (2008) 42 Cal.4th 1100, 1119 [plaintiff brining derivative suit must maintain shareholder status throughout pendency of litigation].) Here, Ostrovsky has alleged she was a shareholder "at all relevant times [when] the transactons and occurrences set forth herein occurred." (Compl. Para. 27.) Drawing reasonable inferences from the pleadings, Ostrovsky has adequately pled she was a...

Excerpt: ...tach Order. Plaintiffs application for a writ of attachment is denied. Pretrial attachment is a harsh and disfavored remedy, so the requirements for issuance are strictly construed against the applicant, which bears the burden of proving every element. (CCP 484.090(a); Martin v. Aboyan (1983) 148 cal.App.3d 826, 831; Loeb & Loeb v. Beverly Glen Music, Inc. (1985) 186 cal.App.3d 1110, 1116; Pos-A-Tracton, Inc. v. Kelly-springfield Tire co. (C.D. c...

Excerpt: ...he California Department of Insurance and the Commissioner of the California Department of Insurance and, on the other hand, the contract and bad faith claims against Standard Insurance Company. Nor does the record show a basis for permissive joinder. The fourth cause of achon for writ of mandamus against the California Department of Insurance and the Commissioner of the California Department of Insurance is ordered severed from the other claims ...

Excerpt: ...nd To Increase Damages Claim Based On Subsequently Incurred Damages. Plaintiff Acme Integrated Services, Inc. 's motion for leave to amend its complaint is GRANTED. Defendant Top Line Engineers, Inc. ('ITLE") was the prime contractor to a public works project at the Bayshore CalTrain Staton. TLE subcontracted with ACME to provde scaffolding for the site. In February 2023, ACME began filing stop job notices with the public agency owner claiming TL...

Excerpt: ...r of the California State Bar who meets all the requirements set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority a...

Excerpt: ...ain needed evidence of causation for the following reasons. (Aguilar v. Atl. Richfield Co. (2001) 25 Cal.4th 825, 855.) First, Defendant does not show Decedent's deposition testimony is inadmissible in this case. (See Aguilar, supra, 25 Cal.4th at p. 851 [discussing role of trial burden of proof on summary judgment); Berroteran v. Super. Ct. (2022) 12 Cal.5th 867, 895 [discussing trial burden of proof regarding admissibility of deposition testimo...

Excerpt: ... (2006) 136 Cal.App.4th 604, 617 [denying discovery requestl.) Defendant fails to establish good cause for the discovery request. Perry denies the sexual assault charges and therefore, can establish falsity to support the defamation claims without information from Rogers. Perry is also privy to a text where Rogers allegedly stated that she "hates" Perry. (Moving points and authorities ("MP&A"), 2:11-12; Rogers Decl., Ex. A (10/26/23).) Conducting...

Excerpt: ...717 prevailing party is denied. In this construction defect action, plaintiff won a motion to compel arbitration in San Francisco of its dispute with Winco Window Co. Winco's simultaneous moton to compel arbitration in Missouri was declared moot. Plaintiff now seeks attorney fees for the two motions. The opinion plaintiffs memorandum primarily relies on - Otay River Constructors v. San Diego Expressway (2008) 158 Cal.App.4th 796 - is inapposite. ...

Excerpt: ...ees and costs is denied. (CCP 396b(b).) CCP 395(b) applies to "an achon arising from an offer or provision of goods, services, loans or extensions of credit intended primarily for personal, family or household use " The case shall be venued in "the superior court in the county where the buyer or lessee in fact signed the contract, where the buyer or lessee resided at the time the contract was entered into, or where the buyer or lessee resides at ...

Excerpt: ...actor Mountain Bay and developer WVN cross-complained against subcontractors including FSAC which installed fire alarm systems at the property. (Mot. 6:8-9; Terani Decl. Para. 3.) FSAC now demurs to the cross-complaint on ground the cross-complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute causes of action against for (1) express indemnity; (2) implied indemnity; (3) equitable indemnity; (4) breach of contract; and (5) negligence. The cross-c...

Excerpt: ...ult is denied. Defendant fails to show that plaintiffs service of the summons and complaint in May of 2023 was defective and the subsequent default is void. (CCP 473(d).) The Ko declaration does not clearly disclose where she resided at the time of the service. Moreover, defendant's other court filings suggest that she resided in Sunnyvale, California at the time of the service. Defendant fails to meet her burden for relief under CCP 473(b) and C...

Excerpt: ...ult is denied. Defendant fails to show that plaintiffs service of the summons and complaint in May of 2023 was defective and the subsequent default is void. (CCP 473(d).) The Ko declaration does not clearly disclose where she resided at the time of the service. Moreover, defendant's other court filings suggest that she resided in Sunnyvale, California at the time of the service. Defendant fails to meet her burden for relief under CCP 473(b) and C...

Excerpt: ...For Order Barring Him From Being Called As A Witness (Tentative Ruling Part 1 of 2) Pro Tem Judge Robert Kane, a member of the California State Bar who meets all the requirements set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the ...

Excerpt: ...rrogatories General And Request For $3750 In Monetary Sanctions Against Blue Note Therapeutics And Its Counsel, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (Tentative Ruling part 1 of 2) Pro Tem Judge Robert Kane, a member of the California State Bar who meets all the requirements set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreei...

Excerpt: ...had actual notice of the lawsuit but due to inadvertence/excusable neglect, the papers did not reach the proper person to respond to the complaint. (CCP 473; CCP 1008; Campbell and Fromholz Dec's.) Defendant was diligent and did not apprise the court of this new information because due to a personal emergency, defense counsel could not appear at the hearing on the motion to vacate. In light of this new evidence, the motion to vacate default is gr...

Excerpt: ...tion To Recall And Quash Writ Of Executon And To Return Property Levied Upon" is granted save that plaintiff can retain $816.15. All other funds must be returned to defendant. Judge Quinn is unavailable to hear this motion. Even if CCP 1008 applies, the court exercises its inherent power to grant the requested relief. (See Le Francois v. Goel (2005) 35 Cal.4th 1094, 1107 [court's inherent power to reconsider orders on its own moton].) The funds t...

Excerpt: ...m a retailer in July 2022, executing a contract which included an agreement to arbitrate. Ngo filed a complaint in July 2023 alleging violations of the Song- Beverly Act (breaches of express and implied warranty) and negligent repair. MBUSA now files this moton to compel arbitration and stay proceedings, alleging that it has standing to bring the motion on the grounds of equitable estoppel and its status as a third-party beneficiary of the arbitr...

Excerpt: ... Of Settlement Defendants City and County of San Francisco and John George Ford's motion for order determining the good faith of settlement is denied without prejudice. Assuming arguendo that CCP 877.6 applies to these circumstances, there is not substantial evidence showing that the settlement is in the "ballpark." When determining whether a settlement was entered into in good faith the court should take into account a rough approximation of pla...

Excerpt: ...additional security in the sum of $20,000 not later than December 8, 2023. The unopposed request for judicial notice is granted. The City seeks an increase in the security from $2,000 ordered in January 2023 to an additional roughly $45,000. This is said to be the result of unexpected costs: the facts that (1) plaintiff has not amended a complaint as expected, presumably necessitating a demurrer, and (2) plaintiffs discovery demands were served i...

Excerpt: ...en assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appears by telephone, the stipulation may be signed via fax or consent to sign given...

Excerpt: ..., LIP For A Protectve Order As To Plaintiff'S Order For Examination And Deposition (part 1 of 2) Pro Tem Judge Bruce Highman, a member of the California State Bar who meets all the requirements set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to th...

Excerpt: ...judication is denied. Defendants failed to maintain its burden of production. (CCP 437c(p)(2).) Plaintiff's evidentiary objections to the exhibits 2-11 and 13-14 attached to the Marquis declaration are sustained. Marquis does not properly authenticate the purported discovery responses and the court cannot take judicial notice of the truth of the content of the "court records" per Evidence Code sec. 452(d). (Kilroy v. State of California (2004) 11...

Excerpt: ...ewart Company' is denied. Plaintiff is a vexatious litgant whose case has now consumed an unprecedented 1,481 entries in this court's register of actions. Her current motion makes three arguments, all unavailing. First, plaintiff argues that this law-and-motion department could not hear the August dismissal motion, because plaintiff had filed other motions in other departments in the past. (Memo. 1:6-11, 18-22.) However, plaintiff cites no author...

Excerpt: ...ding existing facts are alleged. (See, e.g., FAC 2:21-24, 3:21- 27, 4:21-25, 5:18-19, 6:7-11, 7:2-4, 7:18-24, 9:16-20.) At the pleading stage, plaintiffs need not "show" defendants knew their representations were false (Memo. 6:5-5); that comes later in the case. Likewise, plaintiffs need not now "establish" justifiable reliance, just plead it, as they have. (ld. at 7:17-18; FAC 9:23- 27, 10:24-25.) Defendants' demurrer to the original complaint'...

Excerpt: ...ONSES TO FORM INTERROGATORIES (SET ONE) TO PLAINTIFF JENNIFER SPALDING AND REQUEST FOR MONETARY SANCTIONS OF $5,825.CO AGAINST JENNIFER SPALDING (PART 3 OF 3 TENTATIVE RULING) In contravention, however, Spalding herself concedes that the Discovery Motions were mail-served, on October 19, 2023. Emerald Fund theorizes that Spalding may have received the Motions on October 19, having been served on October 16. But Spalding submits of the envelope th...

Excerpt: ...PRODUCTION (PART 2 OF 3 TENTATIVE RULING) Result of Excusable Neglect. Under the second element of the Code, the movant must also establish that its "failure to serve a timely response was the result of mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect." Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.3Cqa). Here, Hua's attorney, Pete Clancy, explains the reason for the error: "In this instance my office apparently served responses not to the request for production at issue...

Excerpt: ...PRODUCTION (PART 2 OF 3 TENTATIVE RULING) Result of Excusable Neglect. Under the second element of the Code, the movant must also establish that its "failure to serve a timely response was the result of mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect." Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.3Cqa). Here, Hua's attorney, Pete Clancy, explains the reason for the error: "In this instance my office apparently served responses not to the request for production at issue...

Excerpt: ...liability; and (3) public nuisance. The City has demurred to all causes of action for failure to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action (CCP S431.10(e)). Plaintiff's First Cause of Action for General Negligence: The elements of negligence are: (1) defendant owed a duty of care to plaintiff; (2) defendant breached that duty; (3) defendant's breach was a substantial factor in causing the damages; and (4) plaintiff was damaged. (Ladd...

Excerpt: ...ameda County action (Jonathan Bullinger v. The Finish Line, Inc. (Case 23CV038515)) is transferred to San Francisco and that action is consolidated with this action (CGC-23-605200) for all purposes. All future filings shall be under case number CGC-23-605200. While plaintiff s dismissal of several of his Labor Code claims in this case reduces the overlap, there remains overlap regarding the enforceability of the parties arbitration agreement. Tha...

Excerpt: ...ent and is accompanied by an attorney's sworn affidavit attesting to his or her mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or neglect, the court must set aside the resulting default. (CCP 473(b).) Here, defense counsel Lawrence E. Hart has filed a sworn declaration attesting to his mistake and neglect in failingto answer plaintiff Jonathan Harms s complaint. (See Declaration of Lawrence E. Hart, paragraphs 10-11.) The motion was filed within six months of ...

Excerpt: ...s to recover statutory damages under Civil Code sec. 52(a). (See Angelucci v. Cent. Supper Club (2007) 41 Cal.4th 160, 175 [explaining Unruh Act standing]; Molski v. M.J. Cable, Inc., 481 F.3d 724, 731 (9th Cir. 2007)[ The litigant need not prove she suffered actual damages to recover the independent statutory damages of $4,000. l; Botosan v. Paul McNally Realty, 216 F.3d 827, 835 (9th Cir. 2000) [ [P]roof of actual damages is not a prerequisite ...

Excerpt: ... 204 owned the building. Thus, 204's $2,500 se
©lement is appropriate. (See Tech-Bilt, Inc. v. Woodward-Clyde & Associates (1985) 38 Cal.3d 488.) The one of the seven defendants that opposes the good-faith mo
Ÿon argues that discovery is not complete (Opp.10:7), but avoidance of crushing discovery costs is a purpose of CCP 877.6. For the 9:30 a.m. Law & Mo
Ÿon calendar, all a
©orneys and par
Ÿes may appear in Department 302 remotely. Remote ...

Excerpt: ...on a "special errand" for defendant when the accident occurred. (Sumrall v. Modern Alloys, Inc. (2017) 10 Cal.App.5th 961, 969 [triable issue of material fact whether defendant's employee was on a "special errand" when he was driving to the employer's work yard rather than his regular worksite]; CACI 3726.) For the 9:30 a.m. Law & Mo
Ÿon calendar, all a
©orneys and par
Ÿes may appear in Department 302 remotely. Remote hearings will be conducte...

Excerpt: ...stead of seeking arbitration, petitioners on two separate occasions sought to amend their petition to add civil causes of action. The reply for the first motion noted: "The purpose of the amended pleading is to provide Plaintiffs with the opportunity to litigate their claims in this Court, without having to proceed through arbitration." (Lazear Suppl. Decl., par. 2 (5/23/23.) he second moton similarly sought to litigate. (Lazear Decl., par. 3 (6/...

Excerpt: ... near an II-inch drop concealed by planter boxes. (ld. at 3:9-14.) The complaint also pleads a similar incident involving another patron a few days earlier that alerted defendants to the hazard. (ld. at 4:4-16.) With the complaint's other allegations, this suffices to support punitive damages at the pleading stage. Defendants appear to be under the misapprehension that "evidence" must be adduced at this stage. (Rply. 2:5-6.) For the 9:30 a.m. Law...

Excerpt: ...ment Agreement And Enter Judgment Pursuant To C.C.P. 664.6 And Stipulation Of The Parties. Plaintiffs' renewed motion to enforce settlement and enter judgment is denied. Plaintiffs previously sought this relief on November 19, 2009, and the court denied the motion. Plaintiffs' renewed motion does not comply with CCP 1008(b). Plaintiffs do not provide an affidavit setting forth "what application was made before, when and to what judge, what order ...

Excerpt: ...nish the drugs to decedent (undisputed Material Fact ("UMF") 5); (2) defendant did not have control of the apartment because possession was transferred to tenant Harken (LJMF 6; Civil Code sæ. 1954 [entry of dwelling by landlord]; and (3) defendant did not owe a duty to prevent or warn of the drug use because it did not have actual notice of the drug use in the apartment. (LJMF 7 - 12; Garcia v. Holt (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 604 ["[8]efore liabili...

Excerpt: ...pplemental memorandum) violates Cal. Rules of Court ("CRC") 3.1113(d) and this court's order of October 10, 2023, which denied plaintiffs request to file an oversized brief. Second, the opposition does not provide an opposing separate statement in compliance with CCP 437c(b)(3) and CRC 3.1350. "Failure to comply with this requirement of a separate statement may constitute a sufficient ground, in the court's discretion, for granting the motion." (...

Excerpt: ...to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appears by telephone, the stipulation may be si...

Excerpt: ...ugh their companies (East Rex, Yinrex, and Bonds) formed a general partnership (Seaker) to own, develop, operate, lease, and deal with real and personal property in San Francisco (specifically, real property at 135 Post Street). Cross-complainants Seaker, Yinrex, Anson Chan, and Bonds allege that cross-defendant Johnson Chan misappropriated assets, engaged in self-dealing behavior, and wasted corporate assets with the aid of a company attorney, J...

Excerpt: ...ugh their companies (East Rex, Yinrex, and Bonds) formed a general partnership (Seaker) to own, develop, operate, lease, and deal with real and personal property in San Francisco (specifically, real property at 135 Post Street). Cross-complainants Seaker, Yinrex, Anson Chan, and Bonds allege that cross-defendant Johnson Chan misappropriated assets, engaged in self-dealing behavior, and wasted corporate assets with the aid of a company attorney, J...

Excerpt: ... this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appears by telephone, the stipulation may signed via fax or consent to sign given by email. If not all parties...

Excerpt: ... the California State Bar who meets all the requirements set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a ...

Excerpt: ...on is a "consumer" arbitration and the protections of CCP 1281.97 et seq. apply. CCP 1280(c) defines a "consumer" as "an individual who seeks, uses, or acquires, by purchase or lease, any goods or services for personal, family, or household purposes." The JAMS initiating form similar defines consumer arbitrations as applying to "individuals." (Buchanan Decl., par. 7). Here, plaintiff Kwan signed the legal services agreement with defendant Thoits ...

Excerpt: ...r mandatory relief under CCP 473(b) is denied as follows. Elias argues his attorneys committed excusable neglect by failing to oppose defendant Lyft, Inc. 's motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens. The mandatory relief provision of CCP 473(b) directs the court to relieve a party from entry of judgment caused by their attorney's mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect. An application for mandatory relief, however, must be brought...

Excerpt: ...l the requirements set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appea...

Excerpt: ... denied. Defendants' request for judicial notice is granted. "Litigation of an anti- SLAPP motion involves a two-step process. First, the moving defendant bears the burden of establishing that the challenged allegations or claims arise from protected activity in which the defendant has engaged. Second, for each claim that does arise from protected activity, the plaintiff must show the claim has at least minimal merit." (Bonni v. St. Joseph Health...

Excerpt: ...der Staying Proceedings Defendant BB/CCs motion for declaratory relief and clarification of January 25, 2023 order staying proceedings" is denied. A focus of this construction litigation is whether Uponor, Inc. PEX plumbing pipes in an apartment building are defective. That is among issues being resolved in an arbitration between some of the same parties. Thus, the court granted a defense motion to stay this court case pending completion of the a...

Excerpt: ... Alireza Alavi's motion for summary judgment is denied. On a summary judgment motion, the court strictly construes the moving party's evidence and liberally construes the opposing evidence. (See Stratton v. First National Life Insurance Co. (1989) 210 Cal.App.3d 1071, 1083.) In opposition, plaintiff presents expert evidence that Alavi caused plaintiff's injuries. (Response to UMFs 27; Declarations of Deborah Gold, M.D. and Lance Downing, M.D.) "A...

Excerpt: ...e entered in 2005-some 18 years ago. Defendant cannot obtain relief under CCP 473(b) or CCP 473.5 because the motion is untimely. (CCP 473(b) [the motion "shall be made within a reasonable time, in no case exceeding six months, after the judgment"]; CCP 473.5(a) ["The notice of motion shall be served and filed within a reasonable time, but in no event exceeding the earlier of: (i) two years after entry of a default judgment against him or her; or...

Excerpt: .... Specially Appearing Defendant The SM Companies, LLC
Ea The Save Mart Companies, Inc.'s second mo
Ÿon to quash service of summons and mo
Ÿon to dismiss complaint with prejudice, which is unopposed, is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. The mo
Ÿon to quash service is GRANTED. The mo
Ÿon to dismiss with prejudice is DENIED. The la
©er mo
Ÿon is made under California Rules of Court, rule 3.110. Under that rule, a failure to
Ÿmely serve a ...

Excerpt: ...by reasons of the defendant's mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect. CCP 473(b). Courts liberally construe CCP 473 to dispose of the case on the merits where possible. Zamora v. Clayborn Contracting Group, Inc. (2002) 28 Cal.4th 249, 256. A mistake of law, however, only justifies relief if it is excusable. Fidelity Federal Savings and Loan Ass'n of Glendale v. Long (1959) 175 Cal.App.2d 149, 154. The determining factor is the reas...

Excerpt: ...d WAYMO LLC (collectively, "Waymo"). Plaintiff has leave to plead facts (e.g. Waymo controlled the means and manner of plaintiffs work) that show a employment or joint employment relationship. (Vernon v. State of Cal. (2004) 116 Cal.App.4th 114, 126- 127 [sustaining demurrer where there were insufficient allegations regarding a joint employment relationship].) It is not enough to note, as plaintiff does, that joint employment may be a viable theo...

Excerpt: ...rts are to liberally permit such amendments, at any stage of the proceeding, has been established policy in this state since 1901." (Hirsa v. Sup. Ct. (1981) 118 Cal.App.3d 486, 488-89; see also CCP 428.50(c).) A proposed amended complaint's validity is not considered when deciding leave to amend. (See Ki
©redge Sports Co. v. Sup. Ct. (1989) 213 Cal.App.3d 1045, 1048.) Opposi
Ÿon papers refer to a "stay," but not to any ordered by the court. Fo...

Excerpt: ...ssuing preliminary injunction in aid of receiver" in this dispute over a restaurant is denied for several reasons. First, as plaintiff concedes, receivership is an "extraordinary remedy ' (Memo. 9:7); it is "drastic" and "exercised sparingly" and unwarranted here. (In re Jamison Steel Corp. (1958) 158 Cal.App.2d 27, 35; Morand v. Sup. Ct. (1974) 38 Cal.App.3d 347, 350.) Second, plaintiff fails to carry her burden to show that the property 'is in ...

Excerpt: ...ational Life Insurance Co. (1989) 210 Cal.App.3d 1071, 1083.) Defendant maintained its initial burden of on the issues of breach and causation. (See CCP 437c(p)(2).) The declaration of Lakeisha N. Falwell, RN, NP, AOCNP, shows that defendant's employees and/or claimed agents complied with the standard of care and their conduct was not a substantial factor in causing injury to plaintiff. (Defendant's Evidence, Ex. 3; see also Ex. 2 [Johnson-Wicks ...

Excerpt: ...entire tentative ruling has been emailed to counsel. For the 9:30 a.m. Law & Motion calendar, all attorneys and parties may appear in Department 302 remotely. Remote hearings will be conducted by videoconference using Zoom. To appear remotely at the hearing, go to the court's website at sfsuperiorcourt.org under "Online Services," navigate to "Tentative Rulings," and click on the appropriate link, or dial the corresponding phone number. Any party...

Excerpt: ...prtnf to demonstrate proper service. (Floveyor Internat., Ltd v. Superior Court (1997) 59 Cal.App.4th 789, 793.) Where defendants have actual notice of the action (as in this case), the service statutes are liberally construed. (American Express Centurion Bank v. Zara (2011) 199 Cal.App.4th 383, 392.) Plaintiff demonstrates substantial compliance with the substitute service statute. Plaintiffs evidence shows that the summons and complaint were le...

Excerpt: ...Plaintiff?S Causes Of Acton Nos. 1-11. Defendant CCSF and Mabry's moton for summary judgment is denied. Defendants' alternative motion for summary judgment is granted and denied as follows: The moton for summary adjudication is granted as to causes of action (1) for breach of duty of common carrier under Civil Code Section 211N, (2) breach of duty to provide and maintain safe equipment under Civil Code Section 2101, (3) breach of duty of common c...

Excerpt: ... that plaintiff Creditors Adjustment Bureau, Inc. failed to properly serve SHA. Whether SHA generally appeared, thereby curing defective service, is a closer call. A general appearance requires participation in a manner which recognizes the court's jurisdiction. (Mansour v. Superior Court (1995) 38 Cal.App.4th 1750, 1756.) A defendant does not generally appear by participating in a status conference or similar proceeding to inform the court of ju...

Excerpt: ...ees And Costs Plaintiffs "motion for reconsideration pursuant to CCP sections 1008 and 473(b)" is denied. The moton is yet another attempt by plaintiff to avoid the arbitration he contractually agreed to - an arbitration this court ordered more than a year ago. Plaintiff is a sophisticated businessman who declares he has "spent more than $800,000 of my own money" on a marijuana dispensary. (7/26/23 Order 2:10-11.) A reconsideration motion must be...

Excerpt: ...t is a mere holding company and cannot be liable for the alleged torts. But the FAC alleges that PG&E Corporation was involved in the alleged wrongdoing and is liable. The court accepts those allegations as true on demurrer. PG&E Corporation's citation to PG&E Corp. v. Public Utilities Com. (2004) 118 Cal. App. 4th 1174, 1188, is not persuasive. At most, that decision shows that approximately twenty years ago it was a holding company. Factual iss...

Excerpt: ... and with as much detail as the facts which constitute the cause of action and are alleged in the complaint." (FPI Development, Inc. v. Nakashima (1991) 231 Cal.App.3d 367, 384; see also Edmon & Karnow, California Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (TRG 2016) 6:459.) Plaintiff says affirmative defenses 2-5, 8-9, 11-12, 14-15 and 23-28 do not meet this standard. (Memo. 4:7-10.) The court agrees and sustains this demurrer with leave to am...

Excerpt: ...quirements set forth in CRC 2.812 to serve as a temporary judge, has been assigned to hear this motion. Prior to the hearing all parties to the motion will be asked to sign a stipulation agreeing that the motion may be heard by the Pro Tem Judge. If all parties to the motion sign the stipulation, the hearing will proceed before the Judge Pro Tem who will decide the motion with the same authority as a Superior Court Judge. If a party appears by te...

Excerpt: ...or, in the Alternative, Summary Adjudication is DENIED. Defendant fails to sustain its initial burden of showing its moving evidence conclusively negates the essential element of causation in the survival and wrongful death causes of action. (Brantley v. Pisaro (1996) 42 Cal.App.4th 1591, 1598; Aguilar v. Atl. Richfield Co. (2W1) 25 Cal.4th 826, 855.) With regard to asbestos as the cause of death, Defendant's moving evidence ordinarily would be s...

Excerpt: ...s previous application was denied without prejudice, because the information provided was too sketchy. While still no model of clarity, the renewed application provides enough to allow a "rough approximation of plaintiffs total recovery and the settlor's proportionate liability." (Tech-Bilt, Inc. v. Woodward-Clyde & Associates (1985) 38 Cal.3d 488, 499.) Scott & Warner Builders, Inc. (SWB) was general contractor on a home reconstruction project t...

Excerpt: ...ary judgment motion was filed Augist 10, 2023. This type of motion has the longest notice period in California procedure: at least 75 days' notice, which is designed to allow the other side (Dadashian in this case) plenty of time to prepare an opposition. To obtain a continuance, Dadashian should have prepared an affidavit (or declaration under penalty of perjury, in accordance with CCP 2015.5) that shows " (1) the facts to be obtained are essent...

Excerpt: ...tion. Plaintiffs' objection to Paragraph 8 of the Haran Declaration on lack of foundation/personal knowledge and hearsay grounds is OVERRULED. The Court considered Exhibits A through B of the Rose Declaration. Defendant's objections to Exhibit A on prejudice, lack of foundation, and improper lay opinion grounds and to Exhibit B on prejudice, lack of foundation, improper lay opinion, and improper expert designation grounds are OVERRULED. Defendant...

Excerpt: ...In San Bernardino County The mo
Ÿon of defendants Bank of America, N.A., Bank of America Corpora
Ÿon and Nancy Becerra to transfer this ac
Ÿon to San Bernardino County Superior Court is denied. The case was Þled here in San Francisco in May 2021. It alleges that scammers used accounts at BofA and Wells Fargo in a scheme to defraud an elderly man. The BofA defendants were served in June 2021 and Þled a losing demurrer and mo
Ÿon to strike in...

Excerpt: ...asserted in this subsequent summary judgment motion. (Code Civ. Proc., sec. 437c, subd. (f)(2); Patterson v. Sacramento City Unified School Dist. (2007) 155 Cal.App.4th 821, 827.) Defendant "did not have and had not seen [Decedent's 2018 workers' compensation deposition] at the time of the August 18, 2022 hearing on its initial summary judgment motion." (Bruni Decl., par. 16 [4:15- 17].) Plaintiffs' objection to the motion is OVERRULED. The Court...

Excerpt: ...iff Waltson and Associates, Inc„ shall remove any encumbrances it recorded on defendants' property. CCP 473(d) enables the court to set aside void judgments. A judgment is facially void if service was improper, such that the court never acquired jurisdiction over defendants. Walston's purported service under CCP 415.40 is facially defective. Walston has not shown Ashar and Petroziello were out-of-state residents, as required by CCP 415.40. The ...