Excerpt: ...his treatment program. On May 31, 2022, Plaintiff served a Civil Subpoena Duces Tecum (the Subpoena) on Defendant. The Subpoena sought “all audio/video recordings of the interactions between John E. Odum and Larry Curlee that took place on April 17, 2019, and May 15, 2019.” The documents were to be produced on July 18, 2022. The parties have a history of discovery disputes regarding Plaintiff's attempts to obtain any audio/video recordings of...

Excerpt: ...‐ complaint against Plaintiffs. The dispute concerns the use and maintenance of an easement which crosses Defendant's property for the benefit of Moonstone's and Mr. Rust's parcels.1 Plaintiffs now seek leave to file a first amended complaint to add causes of action for nuisance and negligence. Plaintiffs state they realized their entitlement to assert such claims after attending mediation in February 2022. (Carrasco Decl., ¶ 5.) Replogle oppo...

Excerpt: ...Inc., Hanson Aggregates, LLC, and Hanson Aggregates Mid‐Pacific, LLC (formerly known as Hanson Aggregates Mid‐Pacific, Inc.) (HAMP) (collectively, Defendants), and sought preliminary approval of the class action settlement.1 Plaintiff's motion for preliminary approval was granted on June 1, 2022. Now before the Court is Plaintiff's unopposed motion for final approval of the class action settlement. Plaintiff moves the Court for an order appro...

Excerpt: ...5.16 (i.e., the anti‐SLAPP statute)1 and dismissed the matter. The Court also found that Defendants were entitled to recover their costs and fees in connection with the anti‐SLAPP motion. Two months later, the Court awarded Defendants their attorney's fees and costs in the amount of $17,200. (§ 425.16(c).) Plaintiff has appealed both decisions. 2 An appeal of an order granting an anti‐SLAPP motion automatically stays all further proceeding...

Excerpt: ...es a claim against Wood's contractor's license bond. Wood and ACIC answered the complaint on July 18, 2019, and filed a cross‐complaint against Plaintiff that same day. Currently on calendar is ACIC's Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. ACIC argues the claim on the contractor's license bond is barred by the relevant statute of limitations. (Code Civ. Proc., § 438(c)(1)(B)(ii)). Plaintiff opposes the motion arguing the parties agreed to toll ...

Excerpt: ...gh her company Wapita, was Machado's bookkeeper for more than 20 years and during that time misappropriated over $3 million worth of Machado's assets. The FAC reports that the Mankins have repaid a portion of the converted funds. On June 23, 2020, B&D Farms, Inc. and Gary McKinsey (collectively McKinsey) filed a separate action against Ginger, Mark, and Wapita (20CV‐0310). Like Machado, Ginger, who served as McKinsey's long‐time bookkeeper fr...

Excerpt: ...(SAC, p. 4.) Plaintiffs allege that Defendant knew Thomas, 21 years old at the time of his death, was an alcoholic but supplied him with an excessive amount of alcohol on the night of his death. Plaintiffs allege that, after encouraging Thomas to become excessively intoxicated, Defendant failed to call 911, or otherwise report Thomas's intoxication. Plaintiffs further allege Defendant abandoned Thomas on the night of his death. Plaintiffs allege ...

Excerpt: ... open book account and account stated in the amount of $11,909.78. WP Group failed to file an answer, and default was entered as to it on May 24, 2022. FNB now moves for summary judgment against Westbay1 on both Westbay's complaint, and FNB's cross‐complaint. The Court grants FNB's unopposed request for judicial notice pursuant to Evidence Code section 452, subdivisions (d) [Exhibits D‐H] and (c) [Exhibit I].) Westbay opposes the motion. I. S...

Excerpt: ...ive fraud; (5) conversion; and (6) breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and request for appointment of receiver. This lawsuit concerns the parties' ongoing disputes regarding the commercial development known as the SLO Public Market at Bonetti Ranch (the Project). On November 4, 2020, this Court granted Defendants' motion to compel arbitration, staying the lawsuit as to all claims with the exception of claims for the appointm...

Excerpt: ...reatment program. On March 10, 2022, Defendant propounded a Deposition Subpoena for Production of Business Records (the Subpoena) on CSH. The Subpoena seeks, “[a]ll documents and communications relating or referring to Larry Curlee and his participation in the Sex Offender Treatment Program at [CSH].” (Voss Decl., Ex. A.) Defendant objected to the Subpoena by completing an “Objection by Non‐Party to Production of Records.” (Curlee Decl....

Excerpt: ...and Marco Specchierla on December 31, 2020 (the “Cziraki Action”). Plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint on March 22, 2021. They assert causes of action for: (1) wrongful interference with easement; (2) quiet title to easement; (3) trespass: (4) nuisance; (5) intentional infliction of emotional distress; (6) declaratory relief; and (7) injunctive relief. Now before the Court is Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction.1 At a hearing...

Excerpt: ...ide rest periods and premium wages; 3) inaccurate wage statements; 4) waiting time penalties; 5) unfair competition pursuant to Business and Professions Code sections 17200 et seq.; and 6) civil penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA). The parties mediated the dispute over a full day with experienced professional mediator Scott Radovich. (Declaration of Ruben Escobedo. ¶ 4.) Plaintiff and Defendant settled, and Plaintiff...

Excerpt: ...iability. This lawsuit arises out of a series of shootings that occurred on June 10, 2020 in Paso Robles. A man named Mason Lira, now deceased, shot Plaintiff Nicholas Dreyfus in the face; Nicholas1 survived. At the time, Nicholas was a San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Deputy. Tyler is Nicholas's wife. Lira also shot and killed James Watson, the father of Plaintiff Johnny Watson. Plaintiffs have sued Robert Bettencourt, an attorney, whom Plaintif...

Excerpt: .... The petition alleges the Adopted Map violates the Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions Act (the Fair Maps Act) (Elec. Code, § 21500, et seq.) and the free and fair elections clause of the California Constitution (art. III, § 3). (Pet., ¶¶ 99, 100.)1 Petitioners now seek leave to file a First Amended and Supplemental Petition for Writ of Mandate. Specifically, Petitioners seek to add (1) allegations ...

Excerpt: ...opted Map). The petition alleges the Adopted Map violates the Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions Act (the Fair Maps Act) (Elec. Code, § 21500, et seq.) and the free and fair elections clause of the California Constitution (art. III, § 3). (Pet., ¶¶ 99, 100.)1 On February 24, 2022, Petitioners propounded on the County of San Luis Obispo and the Board (collectively, the County) a first set of requests...

Excerpt: ...intiff alleges that various defects and nonconformities have manifested since she signed this contract, and that Defendant has been unable to conform the Vehicle to the applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts. (Comp., ¶¶ 15, 17, 18.) Plaintiff's complaint sets forth two causes of action for violations of the Song‐Beverly Act: (1) breach of express warranty and (2) breach of implied warranty. Defendant moves to...

Excerpt: ...on, unpaid wages, and unreimbursed business expenses. Plaintiff now moves for leave to file a proposed First Amended Complaint (FAC). Plaintiff seeks to add causes of action for violations of Labor Code sections 1194, 510, 221, 2802, 201‐203, 226, 558.1 and 1102.5, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and defamation in violation of Civil Code sections 44‐46. (See Ex. A. to Supplemental Declaration of Rebecca Peterson‐Fisher (...

Excerpt: ...he sole trustee. On November 22, 2016, Decedent's son, Keith McKibben (Petitioner), filed a petition under Probate Code section 17200 seeking Respondent's removal as trustee for various alleged breaches of trust. Petitioner filed an amended petition in July 2017. Phase I of the trial has been completed, and Phase II of the trial is set to begin on January 9, 2023. Currently before the Court are Petitioner's motions to compel further responses to ...

Excerpt: ...ior to filing the demurrer. (See Declaration of Donald L. Mabry.) Plaintiff opposes the demurrer. I. Legal Standard A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of the allegations in a complaint. It raises issues of law, not fact, regarding the complaint's form or content. (Code Civ. Proc., § 589; Donabedian v. Mercury Ins. Co. (2004) 116 Cal.App.4th 968, 994; Lewis v. Safeway (2015) 235 Cal.App.4th 385, 388.) The court must draw all reasonable infere...

Excerpt: ...li that same day. On June 18, 2019, Laurie Siegenthaler (Siegenthaler) filed a petition under Probate Code section 850 to determine ownership of certain shares of stock.1 On March 19, 2020, Andreoli filed a counterpetition against Siegenthaler alleging financial abuse and fraud, and alleging Siegenthaler and her husband had coerced Decedent out of approximately $3.5 million prior to his death. On June 24, 2022, Andreoli propounded a Demand for Pr...

Excerpt: ...now move for leave to file a Second Amended Petition (SAP). (Ex. A.) Defendants oppose the motion. No trial date is set in the action. Plaintiffs seek to amend the petition to add an additional cause of action for preliminary and permanent injunction based on allegations that Defendant has been accessing its water company equipment via a road on Plaintiff's proper that it has no right to. (Declaration of Andrew W. Hays (Hays Dec.), ¶ 2.) Plainti...

Excerpt: ... and fair dealing re written grape purchase agreement, and (3) enforcement and foreclosure of producer's lien under Food & Agriculture Code section 55631 et seq. On July 18, 2022, both Defendants (hereinafter referred to as Cross‐Complainants) filed a first amended cross‐complaint (FACC) against Plaintiff and Joanne Russell (collectively referred to herein as Cross‐Defendants) asserting causes of action for (1) breach of contract, (2) fraud...

Excerpt: ...Petitioner now brings its petition seeking to compel the District to arbitrate a dispute regarding a disciplinary action taken by the District against a Union member, Andrew Kranes (Kranes), pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Union and the District. (Petition, Ex. A.) Kranes filed a Level One and Level Two grievance under the CBA in regard to the disciplinary action, namely a Letter of Reprimand dated September 22, 20...

Excerpt: ...uly 14, 2022, the Court ordered the Defendant to produce her telephone records as requested in Plaintiff's Request for Production. This order came after Plaintiff filed an unopposed motion to compel further responses to Request for Production (Set Three). The responses were due on or before August 4, 2022, but Defendant did not provide the responses as ordered. (Declaration of Tanya Ortega (“Ortega Dec.”) ¶ 3.) On August 11, 2022, Defendant ...

Excerpt: ...rial or supervisory position at FDI's Morro Bay location, and that on July 7, 2020, Carroll ordered Plaintiff, who was patronizing the FDI's premises, to leave the store. (FAC, ¶¶ 7, 9,10.) The FAC further alleges that Carroll then followed Plaintiff out to the parking lot and attacked him. (FAC, ¶ 10.) The FAC seeks to hold FDI liable for Carroll's actions based on the rule of respondeat superior. (FAC, ¶ 8.) The rule of respondeat superior ...

Excerpt: ...Obispo and the State of California. (Comp., ¶ 4.) Plaintiff alleges that she worked for Defendants as a non‐exempt Sales Advisor from approximately 2008 to June 2018. Plaintiff's job duties consisted of passing out food samples at demonstration tables inside Costco retail locations. (Comp., ¶ 9.) Defendants now move to compel arbitration of Plaintiff's claims pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act and Code of Civil Procedure sections 1281.2 ...

Excerpt: ...eneral contractor for the Project. In furtherance of the Project, Specialty hired subcontractors. At some point, for disputed reasons, payments stopped, resulting in Specialty and various subcontractors recording mechanics' liens. On October 4, 2019, one of those subcontractors, Sahara Construction Co., Inc. (Sahara), filed a complaint against Specialty for damages. On March 13, 2020, Specialty filed a complaint in a separate lawsuit (20CV‐0167...

Excerpt: ... by Accessor's Parcel Number 017‐041‐036 in San Luis Obispo (“Property”). Pavao originally took title with Michael Szulborski (“Szulborski”), unmarried, on April 5, 2019. (Complaint ¶ 4.) At the time, Pavao and Szulborski were in a long‐term relationship but are no longer. (Id.) Pavao and Szulborski purchased the vacant land with the intention of establishing a cannabis farm. (Id.) Pavao put in the funds and was 80% owner while Szu...

Excerpt: ...ow moves pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 708.610, et. seq., to appoint a receiver for the purpose of transferring Rabbit Ridge's interest in two liquor licenses and for an order applying the proceeds from the sale of the licenses. The motion was served by mail on Rabbit Ridge by Leroy Codding, its registered agent and CEO. No opposition is on file. The Court grants Aggreko's Request for Judicial Notice (RJN) of the judgment in this ma...

Excerpt: ...es pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 437c for summary judgment on the complaint or in the alternative summary adjudication as to damages and each of the causes of action. Plaintiff opposes the motion. I. Standard of Review on Summary Judgment A party may move for summary judgment in an action or proceeding if it is contended that there is no defense to the action or proceeding. (Code Civ. Proc., § 437c(a)(1).) A party may, in the alter...

Excerpt: ... the Russell M. Sheppel 2009 Irrevocable Trust; PB Opportunities, LLC; JB Devco, LLC; The Obispo Company, LLC; John W. Belsher and Jody Belsher, trustees of the El Cerrito Irrevocable Trust; Jody Belsher, individually; 2130 Morro Bay, LLC; and Belsher Law, PC. The TAC asserts thirteen causes of action against the various Defendants. Plaintiffs' lawsuit arises from their investments in various real estate projects through Defendants John Belsher a...

Excerpt: ...s Mondragon and Jiminez, dba Paradise Grill (“Lessee”) leased the Property, as well as furniture and fixtures contained therein, for the purpose of running a sit down family restaurant. Plaintiff alleges that Defendants failed to pay rent as required and that rent is now due in excess of $194,663.20. Now before the Court is Plaintiff's Application for the Right to Attach Order and Order for Issuance of Writ of Attachment (“Application”) a...

Excerpt: ...uly 14, 2022, the Court ordered the Defendant to produce her telephone records as requested in Plaintiff's Request for Production. This order came after Plaintiff filed an unopposed motion to compel further responses to Request for Production (Set Three). The responses were due on or before August 4, 2022, but Defendant did not provide the responses as ordered. (Declaration of Tanya Ortega (“Ortega Dec.”) ¶ 3.) On August 11, 2022, Defendant ...

Excerpt: ...ia. No response was filed, and default was entered against Defendant on June 14, 2022. Defendant now brings a motion to set aside the default pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 473, subdivisions (b) and (c), and section 473.5. The motion was filed within six months after the entry of default. Defendant's motion and supporting documents were properly served by mail on August 29, 2022. No opposition was filed. Defendant declares that altho...

Excerpt: ...nch Limited Partnership (the Partnership); and other Defendants who are no longer party to the lawsuit. Intervening Plaintiff Daniel Eddleman (Dan2 ) joined the lawsuit shortly before trial, on October 26, 2020. A court trial commenced on October 27, 2020. On July 20, 2021, this Court issued its Statement of Decision, wherein the Court found in the Jones Defendants' favor and declined to award any relief to Plaintiffs. On May 6, 2022, this Court ...

Excerpt: ...ants' special motion to strike pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 (“anti‐SLAPP statute”) and dismissed the matter. Now before the Court is Defendants' motion for mandatory attorney fees and costs pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure 426.16(c).1 Under this section, any SLAPP defendant who brings a successful motion to strike is entitled to mandatory attorney fees.” (Ketchum v. Moses (2001) 24 Cal.4th.1122, 1131‐32.) Thus, ...

Excerpt: ...ot 1), which is located in a neighborhood known as Spanish Lakes (the Development). The Development is subject to both the Davis‐ Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civ. Code, § 4000 et seq.; the Davis‐Stirling Act) and a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, which was recorded in December 1999 (the CC&Rs). (Cmp., Ex. 1.) The Association exists to serve the Development, and the Water Company provides water to the Deve...

Excerpt: ...nt on June 28, 2021 (TAC). In May 2022, the Court sustained Scott's demurrer, without leave to amend, as to all the causes of action in which he was named as a defendant in the TAC. Scott filed a Memorandum of Costs on June 8, 2022, in which he seeks total costs of $33,678.92. Plaintiffs move to strike or tax those costs. No opposition has been filed despite proof that the motion was served electronically on Scott's counsel. 2 The Court rules as ...

Excerpt: ...erson, Deceased v. John Crane, Inc. (Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Case No. 2019‐012850) (the Illinois Action). In the Illinois Action, the plaintiff alleges that the decedent, Bruce Torgerson (“Decedent”), was exposed to asbestos from the acts and omissions of various companies, including John Crane, Inc., the petitioner in the instant action (“Crane”). (Petition p. 2.) Crane contends that Decedent's exposure to asbestos and ...

Excerpt: ...executed Stipulation for Settlement (“Stipulation”) and the matter was dismissed. Plaintiff now seeks to enforce the parties' Stipulation and have judgment entered pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 (“Section 664.6”). Specifically, Plaintiff seeks judgment in the amount of $7,956.36, which represents the amount still owing under the Stipulation, plus court costs of $265. The Court entered a dismissal on October 25, 2021. Cu...

Excerpt: ...o recover $167,686.23 from Defendant, representing unpaid overtime, meal and rest period premiums, liquidated damages, and penalties. The ODA states: The parties herein are notified and advised that this Order, Decision or Award of the Labor Commissioner shall become final and enforceable as a judgment in a court of law unless either or both parties exercise their right to appeal to the appropriate court within ten (10) days of service of this do...

Excerpt: ...hysical harm; 5) elder abuse‐financial fraud; 6) conversion; 7) misappropriation of trade secrets, unjust enrichment; 8) false imprisonment; and 9) intentional infliction of emotional distress. Defendants demurred to the complaint and to each cause of action pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 430.10(e) on the grounds that they each were barred by the doctrine of res judicata based on a limited civil lawsuit filed by Plaintiff against D...

Excerpt: ...executed a Stipulation for Settlement (“Stipulation”) and the matter was dismissed. Plaintiff now seeks to enforce the parties' Stipulation and have judgment entered pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 (“Section 664.6”). Specifically, Plaintiff seeks judgment of $7,956.36, which represents the amount still owing under the Stipulation, plus court costs of $265. The Court entered a dismissal on October 25, 2021. Currently befo...

Excerpt: ...ace at McLintock's. Plaintiff alleges Breig, who was employed by McLintock's, was one of his assailants. Plaintiff brings causes of action for 1) negligence; 2) premises liability; 3) negligent hiring; and 4) intentional tort.1 Defendant Breig moves for summary judgment on all claims against him. The Court grants Breig's request for judicial notice of the complaint and answer filed in this matter. Breig's evidentiary objections to the declaration...

Excerpt: ... behalf with various film studios and sports entities for scripts or other work performed by Plaintiff. It is unclear whether Defendant failed to send the work in as promised, or whether it is alleged that she took money for the work and did not pay Plaintiff. Now before the Court is Plaintiff's motion to toll the statute of limitations in order to file a complaint and serve Defendant Westphal. Plaintiff states that the statute of limitations on ...

Excerpt: ...veira. Funke‐Bilu served as counsel for Oliveira in a criminal prosecution where Oliveira was charged with felony counts for sexual assault, false imprisonment, and criminal threats. During the course of the underlying criminal matter, Plaintiff alleges that Funke‐Bilu's office subpoenaed medical records directly from Plaintiff's health care providers without notice to Plaintiff. The health care providers supplied a copy of the medical record...

Excerpt: ...hired subcontractors. At some point, for disputed reasons, payments stopped, resulting in Specialty and various subcontractors recording mechanics' liens. On October 4, 2019, one of those subcontractors, Sahara Construction Co., Inc. (Sahara), filed a complaint against Specialty for damages. On May 8, 2020, Specialty filed a cross‐complaint for indemnification against Garden Street. Garden Street responded by filing its own cross complaint on O...

Excerpt: ...C) alleging causes of action for negligence and breach of contract. Plaintiffs' lawsuit centers around their purchase of a mobile home located at 3960 South Higuera Street, Unit 178 in San Luis Obispo (the Property). (FAC, ¶ 12.) Plaintiffs allege they purchased this home from Newitt for approximately $213,741.54 on April 29, 2019. (Ibid.) Plaintiffs allege Newitt was represented by Engle of Defendant BHG. (FAC, ¶ 13.) Plaintiffs allege BHG hel...

Excerpt: ...tiff alleges that on this date, a murphy bed in her room was negligently maintained and set up so that a bar was sticking out into a pathway. Plaintiff alleges she tripped over this bar, suffering three pelvic fractures which required hospitalization. Plaintiff alleges she has constant pain, uses a cane, and has sustained medicals of more than $100,000. On May 8, 2020, a registered process server served both Defendants with the summons, complaint...

Excerpt: ... Paul A Flinn Revocable Living Trust, dated May 2, 2012 (“Trust”). Petitioners and Respondents are the children of Paul A. Flinn (“Paul”) and are the successor co‐ trustees of the Trust. However, Respondent's powers as co‐trustee were suspended by this Court on July 19, 2021. Respondent now asks the Court to dismiss the Petition based on forum non conveniens. (Code Civ. Proc., § 418.10(a)(2).) As the moving party, Respondent bears th...

Excerpt: ... the alleged misuse of a business name. Defendants demur to each claim pursuant to Code Civil Procedure sections 430.10(e) and 430.10(f). Defendants have simultaneously filed a Motion to Strike that will be addressed herein. Defendants request judicial notice of multiple exhibits labeled 1‐12. Plaintiffs oppose both motions and the request for judicial notice. I. Background Gavin is the owner and president of Patriot Sportfishing, Inc. dba Morr...

Excerpt: ...is Respondent's motion to dismiss the amended petition. Respondent raises three grounds for dismissal: (1) statute of limitations (Code Civ. Proc., § 366.3); (2) failure to join an indispensable party (Code Civ. Proc., § 389); and (3) failure to prosecute (Code Civ. Proc., § 583.410). Petitioners oppose the motion. Respondent reports that service of Petitioners' opposition was untimely and requests a continuance to address the merits of the op...

Excerpt: ...at on or about December 4, 2018, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Plaintiff was walking towards the elevator at Sierra Vista, when she suddenly and without warning was caused to slip where a clear liquid having the appearance of water had accumulated. As Plaintiff slipped, she fell to the ground landing on both knees and both hands as she tried to break her fall. As a result of the fall, Plaintiff sustained serious bodily injury. (Comp., p. 4, ¶ GN�...

Excerpt: ... before the Court is Defendants' demurrer or in the alternative motion to stay on the grounds that another action is currently pending and that the primary rights doctrine prohibits Kimball from splitting a cause of action and maintaining two separate lawsuits. Defendants allege that Plaintiff only filed the Second Action because the parties could not agree on allowing Plaintiff to file an amended complaint in a different pending action. Plaintif...

Excerpt: ...tiffs' injuries because their father (also named, Andrew McTaggart)1 was killed by Maneely on Defendant's premises. Both McTaggart and Maneely rented storage units at Defendant's facility. Defendant now moves for summary judgment. Defendant's motion raises a single issue, i.e., whether it owed a duty to Plaintiffs' father.2 For the reasons set forth below, the motion is granted. I. STANDARD Summary judgment is proper when there are no triable iss...

Excerpt: ...ers filed a First Amended Petition on March 29, 2022, for (1) invalidation of trust amendment; (2) invalidation of will; (3) to suspend and remove successor trustees; (4) for constructive trust and equitable lien to recover trust property; (5) breach of trust, (6) undue influence, and (7) for an accounting. The Amended Petition seeks damages, special damages, and punitive damages.1 On March 30, 2022, Petitioners filed an Ex Parte Application for ...

Excerpt: ... at property located at or near 650 Tank Farm Road in San Luis Obispo on October 6, 2021, when a large tree branch fell on him. Plaintiff now moves for an order granting trial preference pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure2 section 36(a). Oppositions are on file from Agera, Bunyon, and Covelop. The City has filed a joinder to all three oppositions; Covelop has filed a joinder to the oppositions filed by Ager and Bunyon. Legal Authority. Section 3...

Excerpt: ...for necessary expenditures or losses and unfair competition. Plaintiff seeks penalties and damages under the Labor Code, Business and Professions Code, and the Private Attorney General's Act (“PAGA”). The action was settled and on May 4, 2022 the Court preliminarily approved the settlement. Plaintiff has now filed a Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement (“Motion”.) The Motion is unopposed. The settlement Class consists of �...

Excerpt: ...y evidentiary hearing, on August 1, 2022, this Court (Hon. Hernaldo J. Baltodano, presiding) issued a ruling in Petitioners' favor, ordering a three‐year civil harassment order against Respondent. On August 23, 2022, Petitioners filed a cost memorandum seeking $7,660.70 in costs. Now before the Court is Respondent's motion to tax costs. Respondent first argues that Petitioners' memorandum of costs is untimely. A memorandum of costs must be serv...

Excerpt: ...tiff alleges that Jefferson is the owner of 1650 Buggy Whip Lane in Paso Robles, California (the Property) and is a member of the HROA. Plaintiff alleges that Jefferson constructed a twenty‐five foot fence on the Property (the Fence) without approval from the HROA and in violation of the HROA's Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, recorded in the Official Records of the County of San Luis Obispo on May 25, 1972, as Document N...

Excerpt: ..., and specifically a sum of $60,000 rent paid in advance. Plaintiff alleges Defendants misrepresented or concealed various conditions, including that they were subtenants and not authorized to sublease. On May 7, 2021, Plaintiff filed proofs of personal service of the summons, complaint and related documents on Dugan, Eagle Oak and Raylyn Farms. The documents were served by a registered process server on April 5, 2021. No response was filed or se...

Excerpt: ...Laguna Shores‐‐Tract 718 (“CC&Rs”), which was recorded on May 10, 1980, and the Association is regulated by its Articles of Incorporation (“Articles”) and its Amended and Restated Bylaws of Laguna Shores Homeowner's Association (“Bylaws”).1 On July 7, 2022, Petitioner filed a Petition to Reduce the Required Voting Percentages to Amend the CC&Rs (“Petition”), pursuant to Civil Code section 4275. On July 25, 2022, this Court iss...

Excerpt: ...sing the action under the conditions stipulated to by the parties and retaining jurisdiction under Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 (the Order). The Order provides that: The court hereby approves the settlement of the parties and orders that judgment be entered upon the application of plaintiff pursuant to stipulation in the event the defendant shall default on any of the terms of the settlement as set forth in the stipulation. Plaintiff's a...

Excerpt: ...ner in a personal injury action against the other driver (Case No. 18CVP‐0338).1 The personal injury action ultimately settled for $37,000. CCPMS and Galileo asserted liens, totaling $23,475.36, against the settlement proceeds. After payment of attorney's fees and costs, Harris currently holds $16,165.02 in her client trust account. In light of the competing claims, Harris filed this complaint in interpleader on April 20, 2022, against CCPMS, G...

Excerpt: ...s of record in the amount of $2,205. Ford opposes the motion. Plaintiff served his first set of requests for production (RFPs) on May 17, 2022. (Declaration of Armando Lopez (Lopez Dec.), ¶ 3; Ex. A.) On June 16, 2022, Ford served responses. (Id., ¶ 4; Ex. B.) Plaintiff contends the responses were not code‐ compliant, contained numerous objections, and failed to include a production of documents. (Ibid.) On June 27, 2022, Plaintiff initiated ...

Excerpt: ...d against Defendants on December 27, 2021. On January 12, 2022, a default judgment was entered against Defendants. An amended judgment was filed on February 1, 2022 and notice of entry of judgment was filed and served on Defendants on February 2, 2022. On March 21, 2022, Defendants filed a motion to set aside the default and default judgment pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure, section 473, subdivision (b), on the grounds of excusable neglect. Pl...

Excerpt: ...on for declaratory relief and quiet title. On May 2, 2019, Eureka filed a cross‐complaint against Plaintiffs and HomeFed Corporation (HomeFed), also alleging causes of action for declaratory relief and quiet title. 1. The Parties The parties' dispute centers around a lease agreement (the 1968 Lease) entered into between Luigi Marré Land and Cattle Company (LMLCC), the lessor, and Diablo Canyon Corporation (Diablo), the lessee,1 for use of the ...

Excerpt: ... (Business and Professions Code section 17200, et. seq.). Plaintiff moved for summary adjudication. The Court granted summary adjudication of the first two causes of action for civil penalties under Labor Code section 226, subdivision (f) [payroll records], and Labor Code section 1198.5, subdivision (k) [personnel records], as well as Plaintiff's claim for attorney fees and costs under Labor Code section 1198.5 pursuant to motion. The Court denie...

Excerpt: ...court places its imprimatur when submitted to the clerk for entry. [Citation.]” (Efstratis v. First Northern Bank (1997) 59 Cal.App.4th 667, 672 (Efstratis).) The Confession of Judgment was accompanied by the required declaration of counsel confirming he had advised his clients, Nicola Allegretta and Carmen Escobeda (Defendants), of the waiver of their rights and defenses under the confession of judgment procedure. (Merzon Supp. Decl., ¶ 2; Co...

Excerpt: ...26, 2022 after the Court sustained, in part, Defendant Puckett's demurrer. A hearing on the Plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction was held on July 12, 2022 at which time the Court denied the Plaintiff's motion. Now before the Court is Plaintiff's motion for reconsideration pursuant to Code Civil Procedure section 1008. Under that section, a party affected by a prior court order “may, within 10 days after service upon the party of writte...

Excerpt: ...ed the demurrer as to the defamation claim and granted leave to file an amended complaint against Puckett for intentional infliction of emotional distress. On April 26, 2022 Plaintiff filed her First Amended Complaint (FAC). The FAC outlines the escalating feud between the parties regarding noises alleged caused by roosters, dogs and explosives kept or used by Defendants. As a result of the ongoing conflict, Puckett3 and Beltran III4 both obtaine...

Excerpt: ...2022, Daniel's wife, Kristin Ciecek, filed a CHRO request against Ingham (San Luis Obispo Superior Court Case No. 22CV‐0072). ‐ On February 22, 2022, Ingham filed a CHRO request against Daniel (San Luis Obispo Superior Court Case No. 22CV‐0085). On April 25, 2022, after two days of hearings, the Court denied Ingham's request for a restraining order and granted Kristin's request for a restraining order. The Court issued a three‐ year restr...

Excerpt: ... Trust UDT dated 2/27/01, and Marco Specchierla on December 31, 2020 (the “Cziraki Action”). Plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint on March 22, 2021. They assert causes of action for: (1) wrongful interference with easement; (2) quiet title to easement; (3) trespass: (4) nuisance; (5) intentional infliction of emotional distress; (6) declaratory relief; and (7) injunctive relief. Now before the Court is Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary R...

Excerpt: ...lileo) to undergo a spinal tap. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to be “put to sleep,” and that after a second injection, he felt “like he was going to die.” Plaintiff alleges he could not move his body, could not speak, and vomited. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to stop the vomiting, but that Dr. Cruz wanted to proceed with the “surgery” without anesthesia. Plaintiff alleges he refused and postponed...

Excerpt: ...ud and deceit; and (4) dissolution and accounting. On December 27, 2021, Defendants (hereinafter referred to as Cross‐Complainants) filed a cross‐ complaint against all three Plaintiffs (hereinafter referred to as Cross‐Defendants) alleging causes of action for (1) breach of contract; (2) breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (3) negligent misrepresentation of a material fact; (4) intentional misrepresentation of a ...

Excerpt: ... to undergo a spinal tap. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to be “put to sleep,” and that after a second injection, he felt “like he was going to die.” Plaintiff alleges he could not move his body, could not speak, and vomited. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to stop the vomiting, but that Dr. Cruz wanted to proceed with the “surgery” without anesthesia. Plaintiff alleges he refused and postponed his s...

Excerpt: ... appear at a case management conference. As a result, the Court set an OSC re Dismissal for hearing on September 14, 2021. On May 24, 2021, Plaintiff filed an ex parte Application for Writ of Possession and a request for a TRO. At a hearing conducted on July 6, 2021, the Court found that Plaintiff had established the probable validity of his claim to possession of the Jeep, and probable cause to believe it was located at Defendant's property in A...

Excerpt: ...es against Ulberg only. Ulberg now moves to strike Plaintiff's claim for punitive damages. (FAC, p. 3, ¶ 14; Exemplary Damages Attachment.) Ulberg contends that the allegations of Plaintiff's FAC are conclusory and that she fails to allege sufficient facts to establish malice or despicable conduct. Plaintiff opposes the motion. Counsel for Ulberg met and conferred with counsel for Plaintiff prior to filing the motion, but the parties were unable...

Excerpt: ...hn W. Jones, Jr.; Shannon Jones; Katie Jones Pascoe1 ; The Morro Bay Ranch Limited Partnership (the Limited Partnership); and other Defendants who are no longer party to the lawsuit. Intervening Plaintiff Daniel Eddleman (Dan2 ) joined the lawsuit shortly before trial, on October 26, 2020. A court trial commenced on October 27, 2020. On July 20, 2021, this Court issued its Statement of Decision, wherein the Court found in favor of the Jones Defen...

Excerpt: ...and damages under the Labor Code, Business and Professional Code, and the Private Attorney General's Act (“PAGA”). The action was settled and on May 4, 2022, the Court preliminarily approved the settlement. Plaintiff has now filed a Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement, Class Representative's Enhancement Payment, and Attorneys' Fees and Costs (“Motion”). (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.769.) The Motion is unopposed. The settl...

Excerpt: ...t yet been issued. The City of Atascadero (the City) nonetheless responded by filing a demurrer and motion to strike. Although not specifically named as a defendant, the City assumed that Plaintiff intended it as a defendant because (1) Plaintiff wrote the short title of the case as “Brasuell v. Atascadero Police” and “Brasuell v. Atascadero,” and (2) paragraph 5 of the complaint states it is against the “Atascadero Police,” which is ...

Excerpt: ...fered severe burns to her wrist and thigh when a vape device in her purse exploded. Plaintiff asserts causes of action for strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty against Defendants. Vapor filed an answer on July 23, 2021. Now before the Court are two unopposed discovery motions filed by Plaintiff: (1) Motion for evidentiary sanctions based on Vapor's failure to respond to requests for admissions (RFAs); and (2) Motion to compel Vapo...

Excerpt: ...aintiff alleges that Defendant presented a check in the amount of $2,000 to Plaintiff as a payment in an unrelated case, San Luis Obispo Superior Court case no. 14CV‐0279, and the check was returned for insufficient funds. Plaintiff's complaint seeks damages in the amount of the check ($2,000), plus treble damages pursuant to Civil Code section 1719, subdivision (a)(2), prejudgment interest, and attorney fees pursuant to Civil Code section 1717...

Excerpt: ...2, plus court costs (per a memorandum of costs). Plaintiff, however, agreed to hold off seeking entry of judgment provided Stroub followed a payment plan set forth in the Agreement. The parties also jointly requested that the Court retain jurisdiction under Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 (Section 664.6) to enforce the Agreement's terms. The Court agreed to such retention, ordering: The court hereby approves the settlement of the parties an...

Excerpt: ...enforcement; and (2) breach of fiduciary duty against Kern Legacy Classic Choice a/k/a/ County of Kern Point of Service Employee Medical Plan a/k/a Ken Legacy Health Plan a/k/a Kern Legacy Health Plan Employee and Retiree Medical Benefit Plan a/k/a County of Kern Health Plan POS Medical Plan a/k/a POS Medical Plan a/ka/a county of Kern Health Plan a/k/a County of Kern Medical Plan; the County of Kern (collectively the County). Plaintiffs now move...

Excerpt: ...oute 41 in San Luis Obispo County. The named Defendants include Haneul Kyung Lee (Lee), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), CHG Medical Staffing, Inc. (CHG), DaVita, Inc. (DaVita), and Foundation Medical Staffing (FMS). On July 22, 2021, the Court granted Plaintiffs' motion for leave to file a fourth amended complaint (4th AC). On August 3, 2021, Plaintiffs filed the 4th AC. On August 16, 2021, Defendants CHG, DaVita, and FMS ...

Excerpt: ...eo) to undergo a spinal tap. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to be “put to sleep,” and that after a second injection, he felt “like he was going to die.” Plaintiff alleges he could not move his body, could not speak, and vomited. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to stop the vomiting, but that Dr. Cruz wanted to proceed with the “surgery” without anesthesia. Plaintiff alleges he refused and postponed hi...

Excerpt: ... undergo a spinal tap. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to be “put to sleep,” and that after a second injection, he felt “like he was going to die.” Plaintiff alleges he could not move his body, could not speak, and vomited. Plaintiff alleges he was injected with something to stop the vomiting, but that Dr. Cruz wanted to proceed with the “surgery” without anesthesia. Plaintiff alleges he refused and postponed his surg...

Excerpt: ...inst Successor Trustee, Kristen R. Barba (“Respondent”). On April 3, 2021, the parties entered into settlement agreement pursuant to which they agreed to the Court's retention of jurisdiction under Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 (“Section 664.6”) (“Agreement”.) On January 24, 2022, the parties appeared before the Court for an Order to Show Cause re: Dismissal hearing. At that time, all the terms of the Agreement had been comple...

Excerpt: ..., or in the alternative summary adjudication (MSJ). On July 19, 2022, Plaintiff filed a motion to continue the County's MSJ pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 437c(h).1 The County opposed the motion. Prior to the initial hearing on the motion, the Court posted a tentative ruling that anticipated denying the motion on the grounds that Plaintiff had not made the requisite showing. At the hearing, counsel provided further information, and t...

Excerpt: ...n subpoenas that were personally served on two non‐party witnesses: Kevin De La Cruz (De La Cruz) and Jimmy Cervantes (Cervantes) (the Deponents). The Deponents both failed to appear at their depositions, and Defendant's counsel made a record of the non‐appearances and now seeks monetary sanctions against the deponents, as well as an order compelling them to comply. When the motions initially came on calendar, they had not been served on the ...

Excerpt: ...adero (the City) nonetheless responded by filing a demurrer and motion to strike. Although not specifically named as a defendant, the City assumed that Plaintiff intended it as a defendant because (1) Plaintiff wrote the short title of the case as “Brasuell v. Atascadero Police” and “Brasuell v. Atascadero,” and (2) paragraph 5 of the complaint states it is against the “Atascadero Police,” which is “a public entity.” Despite two c...

Excerpt: ...r part of a tree when the lift came into contact with an electrical wire. (FAC, ¶¶ 1, 10.) The contact caused electric current to pass through his body causing him injury. (FAC, ¶ 1.) The incident took place on November 23, 2019. (FAC, ¶ 10.) The FAC names PG&E as a defendant in the fourth (strict liability), fifth (loss of consortium), and sixth (negligence) causes of action. Before the Court is PG&E's demurrer to the fourth cause of action....

Excerpt: ...��) is attached to the Petition. “[I]n the absence of the administrative record, the sufficiency of the evidence is not an issue open to question. Rather, we must presume that the findings were supported by substantial evidence.” (Caveness v. State Personnel Bd. (1980) 113 Cal.App.3d 617, 630.) I. BACKGROUND On March 31, 2021, the District sent a Notice of Intended Disciplinary Action – Termination to Crawford, which included an investigati...

Excerpt: ...xecuted a Stipulation for Settlement (“Stipulation”) and the matter was dismissed. Plaintiff now seeks to enforce the parties' Stipulation and have judgment entered pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 (“Section 664.6”). Specifically, Plaintiff seeks judgment of $7,956.36, which represents the amount still owing under the Stipulation, plus court costs of $265. The Court entered a dismissal on October 25, 2021. Currently befor...

Excerpt: ... the Court is Plaintiff's motion to compel Williams to appear at second deposition and request for monetary sanctions in the amount of $4,500.00. Legal Authority “Once any party has taken the deposition of any natural person, including that of a party to the action, neither the party who gave, nor any other party who has been served with a deposition notice pursuant to Section 2025.240 may take a subsequent deposition of that deponent.” (Code...

Excerpt: ...duce documents and for monetary sanctions in the amount of $4,500 against Guimaraes and/or his counsel. Discussion At the outset, it is unclear to the Court to which set of discovery Plaintiff seeks further responses and responsive documents. Plaintiff first outlines requests for production that were served on the Guimaraes Defendants (one to Guimaraes, and one to Central Coast Behavioral Health) on February 8, 2021. To the extent Plaintiff seeks...

Excerpt: ...ary adjudication (MSJ). On July 19, 2022, Plaintiff filed a motion to continue the County's MSJ pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 437c(h).1 The County opposes the motion. I. Legal Standard Section 437c(h) provides that: If it appears from the affidavits submitted in opposition to a motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication, or both, that facts essential to justify opposition may exist but cannot, for reasons stated, be present...

Excerpt: ... Lime Mountain Livestock, LLC (Lime Mountain) filed a lawsuit (San Luis Obispo Superior Court Case No. 18CVP‐0101) against Defendants Paul Richard Atkins, Schlegel North County Sand & Gravel, Inc. (Schlegel), David R. Batdorf Jr. (Batdorf), and Loretta Borges, as Trustee of the Loretta Borges Trust dated March 18, 20091 (Borges). On August 9, 2019, Plaintiffs Cheryl Dodge and Richard Dodge (the Dodge Plaintiffs) filed a lawsuit against Paul Ric...

Excerpt: ...vid R. Batdorf Jr. (Batdorf), and Loretta Borges, as Trustee of the Loretta Borges Trust dated March 18, 20091 (Borges). On August 9, 2019, Plaintiffs Cheryl Dodge and Richard Dodge (the Dodge Plaintiffs) filed a lawsuit against Paul Richard Atkins, Gary Robert Atkins, and Schlegel. Both lawsuits assert damages to properties near Lake Nacimiento due to the Chimney Fire. Shortly before the Chimney Fire, Plaintiff Paul Atkins and his brother Gary A...