Excerpt: ...es that the Court may enter judgment pursuant to the terms of a settlement and, if requested by the parties, the Court may retain jurisdiction over the parties to enforce the settlement. “Section 664.6 permits the trial court judge to enter judgment on a settlement agreement without the need for a new lawsuit.” (Osumi v. Sutton (2007) 151 Cal.App.4th 1355, 1360.) “Although a judge hearing a section 664.6 motion may receive evidence, determi...

Excerpt: ...ntiff alleges in his complaint that while he was a minor and a patron of Defendant BGCS, Defendant Paul Kilgore, an employee of BGCS, sexually assaulted him during the course and scope of Defendant Kilgore's employment duties. Plaintiff alleges that Kilgore sexually assaulted numerous children during his employment as an athletic director, counselor, and mentor for children at BGCS. It is alleged that numerous complaints were made about Kilgore's...

Excerpt: ... The demurrer is SUSTAINED with leave to amend. I. Legal Standard A demurrer can be utilized where a complaint discloses some defense that would bar recovery, including where it shows that the statute of limitations has run. Guardian North Bay, Inc. v. Sup. Ct. (2001) 94 Cal.App.4th 963, 971- 972. But to be subject to a general demurrer, the running of the statute must appear “clearly and affirmatively” from the face of the complaint; it is n...

Excerpt: ...110. c. The pleading does not indicate when the actual injury occurred or when Plaintiff discovered the injury and the wrongdoing which caused it. d. It is therefore not clear when any cause of action accrued. 2. Failure to allege a misrepresentation of fact and inquiry notice. a. Plaintiff has alleged factual misrepresentation or concealment, claiming the Defendants secretly treated him as an independent contractor when Plaintiff thought he was ...

Excerpt: ...ction for: 1) injunctive relief; 2) accounting; 3) judicial dissolution; 4) breach of fiduciary duty; 5) aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty; 6) fraud; 7) unjust enrichment; and 8) breach of contract. This matter is on calendar for the demurrer by Defendants to the FAC pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) § 430.10(e) for failure to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action as to the sixth cause of action for fraud. ...

Excerpt: ...oson and Lesly Oporto as GAL for Jacob Oporto, a minor (“Plaintiffs”), allege that Young, while in the course and scope of his employment with Services, struck decedent Allen Joson from behind, causing his death. A criminal action is currently pending against defendant Young based upon the same facts at issue in this case. (See SCR‐748635‐1.) “To the extent that such privilege exists under the Constitution of the United States or the St...

Excerpt: ....12, 15.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, and 16.6; and Special Interrogatories, Set One, numbers 14 and 15. The motion is DENIED as to Form Interrogatories 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, and 14.1. Sanctions are awarded in Plaintiff's favor against Defendants and their counsel of record in the amount of $3,044.00. Plaintiff served Form Interrogatories, Set One, on Defendants on April 15, 2022. (Declaration of Josh West [“West Decl.”], ¶¶ 2, 3, Exs. 1‐2.) Plaint...

Excerpt: ...Plaintiffs”). The motion is DENIED. Plaintiff's second cause of action in their cross‐complaint alleges that plaintiffs William Tourady and Ginger Tourady (“Touradys”) are the owners by adverse possession of certain real property comprising a rectangular strip of land consisting of fifteen (15) acres, more or less, between the eastern border of Sonoma County Assessor's Parcel Number 106‐250‐011 as marked by a very old fence line runni...

Excerpt: ... of fiduciary duty; 5) elder abuse; and 6) nuisance. This matter is on calendar for the motion by Defendant to compel responses to request for production of documents (“RPODs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) § 2033.280(b). I. Relevant Law Regarding RPODs, a demand for production may request access to “documents, tangible things, land or other property, and electronically stored information in the possession, custody, or cont...

Excerpt: ...pay wages due at separation of employment. 1. PAGA standards Under PAGA, an aggrieved employee may bring a civil action personally and on behalf of other current or former employees to recover civil penalties for Labor Code violations. (Cal Labor Code section 2699(a).) 75 percent of any penalties recovered go to the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (“LWDA”), leaving the remaining 25 percent for the employees. (Id. at (i).) PAGA is inten...

Excerpt: ...any action which has resulted in the enforcement of an important right affecting the public interest if: (a) a significant benefit, whether pecuniary or nonpecuniary, has been conferred on the general public or a large class of persons, (b) the necessity and financial burden of private enforcement, or of enforcement by one public entity against another public entity, are such as to make the award appropriate, and (c) such fees should not in the i...

Excerpt: ...l interrogatories (SIs) against Defendant under Code of Civil Procedure (“CCP”) § 2030.300 and to compel production of documents (“RPODs”) from Defendant under CCP § 2031.310. Aguilera filed an opposition on September 29, 2022, only four court days prior to hearing. The opposition is untimely and is not considered. The Motion is DENIED. I. The Discovery Requests Stonecushion served Aguilera with SIs Set One and RPODs on December 8, 2021...

Excerpt: ... ICW and Defendant All-Terrane Excavating, Inc. entered into a written Settlement Agreement to resolve the issues raised in the complaint. Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, it was agreed that commencing on September 15, 2021, Defendant would make to ICW, five (5) equal payments of $2,831.11 per month, and one final payment of $2,831.13, for a total of $16,986.68. All payments were due and were to be received by ICW on or before t...

Excerpt: ...valid. Plaintiff argues that the offer was invalid because a section 998 offer cannot include a requirement that Plaintiff indemnify and hold Defendant harmless against third party claims; rather, a section 998 offer must be unconditional. (MPA iso motion to strike/tax, p. 2.) This overstates the matter. In Valentino v. Elliott Sav-On Gas, Inc. (1988) 201 Cal.App.3d 692, cited by Plaintiff, the 998 offer required the plaintiff to release the defe...

Excerpt: ...t a case management conference for September 20, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., in Department 16. Accordingly, this motion is MOOT. #2: Motion for Terminating Sanctions This matter is also on calendar for the motion of Defendants Sutter Bay Hospitals dba Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Cristina Cuellar (“Defendants”) for an order for terminating sanctions and entering judgment by default against Plaintiff Dan Diaz (“Plaintiff”). The motion i...

Excerpt: ...rt's tentative ruling as he did not believe verifications would be provided prior to the hearing, but only that morning had received and provided the verifications to moving parties. He expressed uncertainty about whether he was required to request oral argument given that he had provided the verifications, but done so after the time to request oral argument had passed. He indicated he wished to argue the issue of sanctions. The Court concluded t...

Excerpt: ...Court granted the motion to quash because the Court determined that service was not properly effectuated through electronic means. The Court refers the parties to the Court's April 20, 2022 Minute Order. Petitioners argued at the time that the 100 day deadline for service set forth in CCP § 1288 had not yet passed because it had not begun to accrue. Petitioners argued this was because the arbitration award was served upon them electronically, no...

Excerpt: ...record. Facts and History Petitioner, an unincorporated association, brought a petition for writ of mandate enforcing the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) as to the alleged plan of Real Parties in Interest (“RPIs”) to expand RPIs' Sonoma Cheese Factory (“the Factory”) (“the Project”), which Respondents City of Sonoma (“the City”) and City Council of the City of Sonoma (“the Council”) approved in 2019. Petition...

Excerpt: ...tian Bowie, a branch manager at Chase Bank in Plainfield, was served in person with the Complaint and a Summons on May 2, 2022. See Exhibits “A” (POS) and “E” (Summons) to the Hamilton Declaration. It does not appear that Plaintiffs have attempted to serve Chase bank in any other manner. Chase Bank did not file a response; its default was entered on June 24, 2022. Chase Bank has moved for an Order quashing the service on the grounds that ...

Excerpt: ...Dale decl., ¶1.) Due to his position with RAC, he has access to, and is familiar with, RAC's business records, including personnel records. (Id., ¶¶2, 4.) Mr. Dale states that Plaintiff was hired by RAC as a Customer Service Representative on February 4, 2016. (Id., ¶5.) He states: “As part of Plaintiff's onboarding process, Plaintiff reviewed and completed new hire documents using Taleo, RAC's online onboarding platform. As part of the onl...

Excerpt: ...on by Defendant for leave of court to file a compulsory cross-complaint pursuant to CCP §§ 428.50. Defendant wishes to file a cross-complaint for declaratory relief (“Cross-Complaint”) for additional clarification as to the rights and responsibilities of the parties at issue in the Complaint. Defendant argues that he should be allowed to file the cross-complaint as it is compulsory. Plaintiff and Defendant are both owners of the Property. C...

Excerpt: ...l Holzman arising out of the alleged wrongful termination, Plaintiff further alleged that there existed between him and Defendants Hines, Harper, and MacKenzie a “side-agreement” in which the three defendants agreed to pay Plaintiff $300,000 if he were terminated without cause. Defendants Hines, Harper, an MacKenzie have now entered into an agreement with Plaintiff to pay Plaintiff $352,500 in exchange for release of all the claims against th...

Excerpt: ...e set at premium 2022 local rates; (2) time spent on and costs relating to the “tree claims” were ordered excluded; (3) Defendant was ordered to submit an updated memorandum of costs which reflects deductions of the costs related to the tree claims and other costs conceded by Defendant as not recoverable; and (4) Costs for models, enlargements, and photocopies were ordered recoverable. The Court now issues the following ruling on the remainde...

Excerpt: ...g party entitled to have fee award offset by the amount already paid in settlement by the other parties]; Bravo v. City of Santa Maria (9th Cir. 2016) 810 F.3d 659, 667 [non-moving party entitled to an offset of costs to the extent that the litigation expenses have already been reimbursed].) Not doing so would result in an improper windfall for Defendant. (Corder, supra, at 839.) Accordingly, Defendant Landmark is ordered to submit to the Court, ...

Excerpt: ... (the “Cross-Complaint”). This matter is on calendar for the County's demurrer to the Cross Complaint pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) § 430.10(e) for failure to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action, as well as the County's motion to strike pursuant to CCP § 435 et seq. An amended answer was filed June 7, 2022 which appears to address the County's concerns regarding the lack of verification of answer. Therefore...

Excerpt: ...r sanctions pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure sections 128.5 and 128.7 in the amount of $50,000 for Plaintiffs' allegedly meritless demurrer to JRK's amended answer. In their First Amended Complaint (“FAC”), Plaintiffs allege that JRK Residential is a large residential property owner, manager, operator, and lessor, which owns 25,273 multifamily units in the United States and 12 apartment complexes in California. JRK Residential is a subsidi...

Excerpt: ...me”. Private Properties filed a cross-complaint against Renascent Builders for indemnity. Plaintiffs' insurer, Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford (“Insurer”) brought a separate subrogation case against both Private Properties and Nathan Antonio Serratore dba Renascent Builders (“Renascent”) as defendants in a subrogated complaint (“Consolidated Complaint”). Private Properties filed a cross complaint against Renascen...

Excerpt: ...ff includes filed documents to be put in the record demonstrating compliance with this requirement. Whether Plaintiff files the documents prior to the hearing, or provides them at the hearing, however, Plaintiff must demonstrate to the court that LWDA notice has been satisfied. Should Plaintiff fail to cure this defect, the court will be required to continue the motion. Assuming the notice issue is satisfied, the court is inclined to approve the ...

Excerpt: ...GRANTED. I. Facts and Procedure This matter arises out of a credit line extended to Defendant by Plaintiff. As part of the cardmember agreement (see Defendant's Declaration in Support of Motion to Compel Arbitration, Exhibit 1 (“Defendant's Exhibit 1”), Plaintiff's Declaration in Support of Summary Judgment, Exhibit A [the “Cardmember Agreement”]), the parties have agreed to an arbitration provision. See Cardmember Agreement, pg. 6, (“A...

Excerpt: ...(3),(b),(d); and for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability based upon Plaintiff's purchase of a 2015 Ford F-350 vehicle. Pursuant to this motion, Ford argues that each of Plaintiff's claims are subject to mandatory arbitration pursuant to the Retail Installment Sale Contract (“RISC Agreement”) which states that all disputes between the parties are subject to arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”). Under the FAA,...

Excerpt: ...ated, Defendant brandished a firearm at a third party driving a Honda Civic. Defendant allegedly drove his Chevy Silverado into the Honda Civic multiple times causing both vehicles to block southbound US-101 in a perpendicular position. At the same time, Plaintiff was driving her Hyundai Tucson southbound on US-101. She was unable to avoid the vehicles obstructing the highway and collied into them. She obtained serious injuries. Plaintiff's compl...

Excerpt: ...e complaint, which is GRANTED. Trial currently set for October 7, 2022, is hereby vacated. Discovery is reopened. The Court hereby sets this matter for a Case Management Conference on January 17, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., in Department 16. The Court will reset the matter for trial at that time. Plaintiff is ordered to file the proposed amended complaint within 10 days of this order. “The court may, in furtherance of justice, and on any terms as may b...

Excerpt: ...ories, Set One, Numbers 2.3, 4.1, 12.1, 12.2, 12.4, and 17.1; Special Interrogatories, Set One, Numbers 3-17, and 19-45; and Request for Production of Documents, Set One, numbers 1, 3-8, and 10-34 is GRANTED. The motion is DENIED as to Plaintiffs' Request for Production of Documents numbers 2 and 9. Sanctions are awarded against Defendant and her counsel of record, Raymond N. Stella Erlach, in the amount of $2,000. The motion to compel defendant ...

Excerpt: ...t set of form interrogatories (the “FIs”), its first set of special interrogatories (the “SIs”) and its first set of requests for production of documents (the “RPODs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2030.300, 2030.030, 2031.310, and 2033.290. Defendant opposes the motion, arguing that it is untimely, and in turn asks for monetary sanctions. Defendant is granted their request for sanctions in the amount of $4,200, w...

Excerpt: ...er service of a deposition notice, a party to the action or an officer, director, managing agent, or employee of a party, or a person designated by an organization that is a party under Section 2025.230, without having served a valid objection under Section 2025.410, fails to appear for examination, or to proceed with it, or to produce for inspection any document or tangible thing described in the deposition notice, the party giving the notice ma...

Excerpt: ...r Warranty Act, Civ. Code § 1790 et seq. (the “Act”) (against Defendants); and 2) negligent repair (against both Defendants). This matter is on calendar for the motion to compel arbitration filed the Defendants pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), 9 USC §§ 1-16. The Motion is GRANTED. This matter is stayed until conclusion of the ordered arbitration. I. The Basis for the Motion The Retail Installment Sales Contract for the ...

Excerpt: ...d. This matter is on calendar for the motions by Defendant to compel answers to requests for production of documents (“RPODs”) and requests for admission (“RFAs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2031.300(b) & 2033.280(b), and monetary sanctions. Plaintiff has provided subsequent responses, and therefore the motion to compel appears to be MOOT, leaving the matter of sanctions. The Defendant's request for sanctions is GRA...

Excerpt: ...e Defendant's designated bank account, sent by check, or to a third-party designee as requested by Defendant. (UMF, 5.) As the Account Holder, Defendant agreed to be individually liable for the amount on the account. (UMF, 6.) Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, so long as there was a balance on Defendant's account, Defendant was required to make a monthly payment to Plaintiff. (UMF, 7.) Defendant has failed to make regular payments on the acc...

Excerpt: ...iff will be discharged from liability with respect to the funds deposited with the court. Defendants are ordered restrained, pursuant to CCP § 386(f), from instituting or further prosecuting any other action in any state affecting the rights and obligations as between the parties to the interpleader until further order of the court. Plaintiff's counsel shall submit a written order consistent with this tentative ruling. Due to the default of all ...

Excerpt: ...rator Patrick Galligan, has filed a complaint against Plaintiff which has been consolidated into this case with a cause of action for unlawful detainer (“Estate's Consolidated Complaint”). Harold Petersen, Edward Petersen, James Petersen, Steve Petersen and Robert Keith (“Cross-Complainants”) have filed a cross-complaint (“Cross-Complaint”) against cross-defendant Patrick Galligan (“Cross-Defendant”) with two causes of action for ...

Excerpt: ...sioner pursuant to FC § 31154 as a business and industrial corporation and that on September 18, 2017 the Commissioner took possession of the property and business of SAFE-BIDCO and is proceeding with the liquidation of its property and business pursuant to her exclusive authority under FC §§ 592, 601, 603. Petition Ex. A. On September 18, 2017 the Commissioner also appointed Robb Evans as Special Deputy Commissioner to act as her agent to ass...

Excerpt: ...ng allegations at Comp.¶¶ “4, (1) (2), 10, CC-1 (6), CC-4,” and admitting the rest. He otherwise adds only that he has tried to work out a monthly payment plan but Defendant has refused and he informed Defendant of financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Motion Plaintiff moves the court for summary judgment or, alternatively, summary adjudication in its favor on its complaint and each cause of action against Defendant. Service and ...

Excerpt: ...endant General Motors, LLC (“Defendant”) for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability and breach of express warranty under the Song-Beverly Warranty Act. The parties settled pursuant to Defendant's Offer of Compromise wherein Defendant agreed to settle this case for $17,000 and permitting Plaintiff to keep the nine-year old vehicle at issue in this case. The Offer of Compromise was signed by Defendant's counsel on August 16, 2021 and...

Excerpt: ...es of action 1-5 in the cross-complaint and imposing monetary sanctions on the grounds that the causes of action lack merit and are objectively unreasonable and frivolous. Defendants oppose the motion, arguing that they have evidentiary and legal support for their claims. CCP section 128.7 imposes a requirement that every motion, pleading, and the like be represented as brought in good faith, with a good-faith belief that it is valid and not for ...

Excerpt: ...d was mailed on February 22, 2021 and that more than thirty days had passed since the service on respondent, yet Respondent had not rejected the award or requested trial. After Petitioner filed this petition, it brought an ex parte application for an order to show cause as to why the award should not be confirmed but this court denied that application without prejudice and directed Petitioner to file a noticed motion for a hearing instead. Petiti...

Excerpt: ...nt sale contract (“the Contract”), subject to warranties from Defendants, but that the Truck was defective and Defendants breached the warranties by failing to repair or replace the Truck. Plaintiffs allege that Defendant FCA, US, LLC (“FCA”) is the manufacturer of the Truck. Discovery Plaintiffs served Defendant FCA with Form Interrogatories, Set No.1, Special Interrogatories, Set No.1, and Request for Production, Set No. 1 (“RFPs”) ...

Excerpt: ...on against the Graton Resort & Casino alleging that he was profiled and harassed because of his race by two Graton Security Officers in the Casino's parking lot. Plaintiff states he was approached by the security officers while sitting in his car and explained to them his medical reasons for his prolonged time in his car. Plaintiff complains that other patrons sitting in other vehicles were not approached. Plaintiff's complaint is based upon peac...

Excerpt: ... under the Agreement. Plaintiff on December 9, 2021 filed proof of service for the summons and complaint purporting to show substituted service on Defendant at 11:56 a.m. on December 7, 2021, at 675 Aviation Blvd Ste A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (“the Aviation Address”). The proof of service demonstrates that the summons and complaint were left at the Aviation Address in the presence of ‘Austin “Doe”' (“Austin”), identified as “employe...

Excerpt: ... the parties, the Court issues the following new tentative ruling. Defendants' Anti-SLAPP motion pursuant to CCP § 425.16 to strike the Fifth cause of action is GRANTED. The motion to strike the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Sixth causes of action is DENIED. Defendants' request for judicial notice is GRANTED. Plaintiffs' request for sanctions for failure to meet and confer is DENIED. Defendants' counsel shall submit a written order consisten...

Excerpt: ... Statute of Limitations – Defendant argues that the complaint is untimely based on the applicable statutes of limitations. The normal standard for determining accrual, whether tort or contract, requires a wrongful act, as well as discovery not only of the injury itself but its wrongful cause. With respect to contract claims, a party's conduct or statement after the possible initial breach that either admits the liability or indicates anew that ...

Excerpt: ...ed in a timely exchange of expert witnesses. (CCP § 2034.610(a).) Absent “exceptional circumstances,” the party must bring the motion early enough to allow the opponents to depose the experts prior to the 15-day cut-off before trial for expert depositions. (CCP § 2034.610(b); see also CCP § 2024.030.) CCP section 2034.620 states that the court “shall” grant the motion “only if all of the following conditions are satisfied: (a) The co...

Excerpt: ...alysis: On January 21, 2022, County of Sonoma filed a Complaint to Abate a Public Nuisance, to Permanently Enjoin Building and Zoning Code Violations, and for Money Judgment and Costs, Fees, and Civil Penalties against Defendants James Sorrells and Geraldine Sorrells. James and Geraldine Sorrells are the owners of the property underlying this action, 969 Elm Court in Sonoma, California. Defendant Geraldine Sorrells was personally served with the ...

Excerpt: ...sioner pursuant to FC § 31154 as a business and industrial corporation and that on September 18, 2017 the Commissioner took possession of the property and business of SAFE-BIDCO and is proceeding with the liquidation of its property and business pursuant to her exclusive authority under FC §§ 592, 601, 603. Petition Ex. A. On September 18, 2017 the Commissioner also appointed Robb Evans as Special Deputy Commissioner to act as her agent to ass...

Excerpt: ...er service of a deposition notice, a party to the action or an officer, director, managing agent, or employee of a party, or a person designated by an organization that is a party under Section 2025.230, without having served a valid objection under Section 2025.410, fails to appear for examination, or to proceed with it, or to produce for inspection any document or tangible thing described in the deposition notice, the party giving the notice ma...

Excerpt: ...ry 15, 2015 and the date of class certification; (2) Meal Period Class ‐ All persons employed by Defendants in a call center as hourly or non‐exempt employees in California who worked a shift of at least five (5) hours between February 15, 2015 and the date of class certification; (3) Off‐the‐Clock Class ‐ All persons employed by Defendants in a call center as hourly or non‐exempt employees in California between February 15, 2015 and ...

Excerpt: ...er Warranty Act, Civ. Code § 1790 et seq. (the “Act”) (against Defendants); and 2) negligent repair (against both Defendants). This matter is on calendar for the motion to compel arbitration filed the Defendants pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), 9 USC §§ 1-16. The Motion is GRANTED. This matter is stayed until conclusion of the ordered arbitration. I. The Basis for the Motion The Retail Installment Sales Contract for the...

Excerpt: ... answers to form interrogatories (“FIs”) and requests for production of documents (“RPODs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2030.290(b)-(c) and 2031.300(b), and monetary sanctions. Plaintiff has provided subsequent responses, and therefore the motion to compel appears to be moot, leaving the matter of sanctions. The Defendant's request for sanctions is GRANTED. I. Relevant Law There is no requirement to meet and confer ...

Excerpt: ...t set of form interrogatories (the “FIs”), its first set of special interrogatories (the “SIs”) and its first set of requests for production of documents (the “RPODs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2030.300, 2030.030, 2031.310, and 2033.290. Defendant opposes the motion, arguing that it is untimely, and in turn asks for monetary sanctions. Defendant is granted their request for sanctions in the amount of $4,200, w...

Excerpt: ...d. This matter is on calendar for the motions by Defendant to compel answers to requests for production of documents (“RPODs”) and requests for admission (“RFAs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2031.300(b) & 2033.280(b), and monetary sanctions. Plaintiff has provided subsequent responses, and therefore the motion to compel appears to be MOOT, leaving the matter of sanctions. The Defendant's request for sanctions is GRA...

Excerpt: ... answers to form interrogatories (“FIs”) and requests for production of documents (“RPODs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2030.290(b)-(c) and 2031.300(b), and monetary sanctions. Plaintiff has provided subsequent responses, and therefore the motion to compel appears to be moot, leaving the matter of sanctions. The Defendant's request for sanctions is GRANTED. I. Relevant Law There is no requirement to meet and confer ...

Excerpt: ... himself, his wife Sheri Peterson, and his daughter Brittney Peterson. The Petition stated that Respondent had stalked Brittney Peterson for years, assaulted her, and threatened to shoot Petitioner. After the hearing on this matter on March 23, 2022, a Civil Harassment Restraining Order was filed against Respondent (“the Order”). The Order requires the Respondent stay at least 500 yards away from each of the protected people, which also inclu...

Excerpt: ..., 2021. Thereafter, on August 17, 2021, in a Ruling on defendant's Demurrer and Motion to Strike the FAC, the Court addressed the scope of its prior MSA ruling on the question of whether it made findings that plaintiff's employment was probationary or permanent. See 8/17/21 Order, p. 4, ls. 6-19. The Court grants Requests for Judicial Notice submitted with the MSA. Evidentiary objections are unpersuasive and are all denied. CCP 437c(f)(1) allows ...

Excerpt: ...sioner pursuant to FC § 31154 as a business and industrial corporation and that on September 18, 2017 the Commissioner took possession of the property and business of SAFE-BIDCO and is proceeding with the liquidation of its property and business pursuant to her exclusive authority under FC §§ 592, 601, 603. Petition Ex. A. On September 18, 2017 the Commissioner also appointed Robb Evans as Special Deputy Commissioner to act as her agent to ass...

Excerpt: ...T. Barnes and United Employees Law Group, PC, as Class Counsel. The motion is GRANTED. A settlement or compromise of an entire class action, or of a cause of action in a class action, or as to a party, requires the approval of the court after hearing. (Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 3.769(a).) Any party to a settlement agreement may serve and file a written notice of motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. (Rule 3.769(c).) The settlement ag...

Excerpt: ...er Warranty Act, Civ. Code § 1790 et seq. (the “Act”) (against Defendants); and 2) negligent repair (against both Defendants). This matter is on calendar for the motion to compel arbitration filed the Defendants pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), 9 USC §§ 1-16. The Motion is GRANTED. This matter is stayed until conclusion of the ordered arbitration. I. The Basis for the Motion The Retail Installment Sales Contract for the...

Excerpt: ...er service of a deposition notice, a party to the action or an officer, director, managing agent, or employee of a party, or a person designated by an organization that is a party under Section 2025.230, without having served a valid objection under Section 2025.410, fails to appear for examination, or to proceed with it, or to produce for inspection any document or tangible thing described in the deposition notice, the party giving the notice ma...

Excerpt: ...t set of form interrogatories (the “FIs”), its first set of special interrogatories (the “SIs”) and its first set of requests for production of documents (the “RPODs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2030.300, 2030.030, 2031.310, and 2033.290. Defendant opposes the motion, arguing that it is untimely, and in turn asks for monetary sanctions. Defendant is granted their request for sanctions in the amount of $4,200, w...

Excerpt: ...��the burden is on the plaintiff to prove the existence of jurisdiction by proving, inter alia, the facts requisite to an effective service.” (Summers v. McClanahan (2006) 140 Cal.App.4th 403, 413.) A registered process server's declaration of service establishes a presumption affecting the burden of producing evidence of the facts stated in the declaration. (American Express Centurion Bank v. Zara (2011) 199 Cal.App.4th 383, 390.) Proof of ser...

Excerpt: ... RULING: Plaintiffs' motion to tax costs claimed by Landmark Builders is CONTINUED to September 28, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in Department 18 to be heard in conjunction with Landmark Builders' motion for attorney fees and costs. 3.) Plaintiffs' Motion to Tax Costs Claimed by Pacific Plastering TENTATIVE RULING: Plaintiffs' motion to tax costs is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. $7,051.06 shall be taxed from Defendant Pacific Plastering's memorandum ...

Excerpt: ...d. This matter is on calendar for the motions by Defendant to compel answers to requests for production of documents (“RPODs”) and requests for admission (“RFAs”), pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 2031.300(b) & 2033.280(b), and monetary sanctions. Plaintiff has provided subsequent responses, and therefore the motion to compel appears to be MOOT, leaving the matter of sanctions. The Defendant's request for sanctions is GRA...

Excerpt: ...e as narrowly tailored as possible, and in light of the proximity of the properties involved. Pending final determination of this action on the merits, Defendant, any of his employees or agents, or any other person acting on his behalf, are restrained from: 1) Entering the fenced property located at 13817 Village Avenue, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California 95448, which is owned by plaintiff Russian River Mutual Water Company. 2) Disturbing the ...

Excerpt: ...� 664.6 and the attached settlement agreement and release of all claims (the “Agreement”) to dismiss the case, as Defendants allege they have tendered the agreed pair of $4,250 payments required under the agreement. There is no opposition to the motion. The Motion is CONTINUED for Defendants to submit a declaration providing a foundation for the evidentiary documents. CCP § 664.6(a) provides: “If parties to pending litigation stipulate, in...

Excerpt: ...- 16.5, and 17.1. In opposition, Defendant has agreed to amend his responses to these form interrogatories. The motion is GRANTED. Sanctions are awarded on this motion in the amount of $1,206.50. Defendant argues that, despite agreeing that his answers to these form interrogatories should be amended, sanctions are not appropriate because of the total number of discovery requests that were made in this case, because he provided responses and has a...

Excerpt: ...in Defendant's favor in the amount of $1,576.65. On August 4, 2022, this Court filed an Amended Notice and Order of Appointment of Eric Young as Discovery Facilitator. Mr. Young met with the parties and has filed his report with the Court. The Court thanks Mr. Young for his time and service in this matter. First, the Court notes that Defendant has not provided a separate statement as required by Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 3.1345. However, as this ...

Excerpt: ... Repair. It alleges that on or about September 30, 2020, Plaintiff purchased a new 2020 Mercedes GLC350E4 (“the Vehicle”) from Defendants. (Complaint, ¶6.) The Vehicle had 180 miles on the odometer at the time of delivery. (Ibid.) The Vehicle came with an express warranty. (Id., at ¶7.) Plaintiff alleges she tendered the Vehicle with 13,152 miles on the odometer to Dealer on June 23, 2021, for various malfunctions, including an error messag...

Excerpt: ...n pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) § 437(c). For the reasons set forth below, the Motion is GRANTED. I. Underlying Facts Plaintiff began working as a Human Resources Data Technician working for Oak Grove on February 4, 2020. Defendants' Separate Statement (“DSS”) ¶ 1. Plaintiff had no background in work with school districts, but she had background working in human resources and was certified in human resources administration. D...

Excerpt: ...a complaint against Defendants on November 23, 2021, alleging seven causes of action: 1) Slander Per Se, 2) Defamation by Slander, 3) Intentional Interference with Prospective Advantage, 4) Interference with Contract, 5) Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, 6) Unfair Competition, and 7) Third-Party Beneficiary Breach of Contract. Defendants have filed the instant motion seeking to strike the first six causes of action pursuant to the Ant...

Excerpt: ...t, and also $8,157.50 for client communications. Defendant awards no fees for Sarah Baxter or paralegal time. Plaintiff and Cross-Defendant (“Plaintiff”) is a person with physical disabilities and uses a wheelchair for mobility. Defendant and Cross-Complainant is the Rio Nido Roadhouse, a restaurant and bar, the dba of Lowbrau, LLC (“Defendant”). Brad Metzger (“Metzger”) is the owner and operator for Defendant (collectively, Meztger a...

Excerpt: ...en order consistent with this tentative ruling and in compliance with Rule 3.1312. The Court notes that Plaintiff has not filed an opposition to this demurrer. The Court also notes that while a demurrer facilitator was appointed on this matter, no demurrer facilitator report was filed. Analysis: I. Standard on Demurrer A demurrer tests whether the complaint sufficiently states a valid cause of action. (Hahn v. Merda (2007) 147 Cal.App.4th 740, 74...

Excerpt: ...aintained and constructed improvements on its property in violation of applicable zoning and building ordinances and a use permit (“the Permit”), which constitute a nuisance. They contend that TRVFD obtained the Permit by an application (“the Application”) for construction of a garage and storage building (“the Garage”) on Defendant's Property, with various restrictions (“the Project”), but TRVFD has used Defendant's Property and ...

Excerpt: ...ther improvements and uses on the Property, and alleges that its efforts to obtain compliance have been in vain. Plaintiff filed proofs of service on February 4, 2022 showing that it effected personal service of the summons and complaint on each Defendant at 1324 E. Cotati Avenue #104, Rohnert Park, on December 31, 2021. Plaintiff requested and obtained entry of default against both Defendants on February 9, 2022. Defendants, both self-represente...

Excerpt: ...ant and Christina were co-owners. The parties stipulated before the court to partition of the Property and to interlocutory judgment regarding the Property on November 28, 2018. The court found Christina and Defendant to be co-owners in joint tenancy, each with a 50% interest, and the court appointed Kevin Singer (“Singer” or “Referee”) to be the Referee for purposes of selling the Property. Eventually the matter went to trial on the othe...

Excerpt: ...ant summary judgment on the basis of Markel Service's failure to oppose because the moving party has not met its initial burden. Standards on Summary Judgment A party moving for summary judgment must show that there is no triable issue as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. (CCP § 437c(c).) “A defendant or cross-defendant has met his or her burden of showing that a cause of action has no meri...

Excerpt: ...ndant for leave of court to file a compulsory cross-complaint pursuant to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) §§ 428.50. Defendant wishes to file a cross-complaint for declaratory relief for additional clarification as to the terms of the contract at issue in the Complaint. Defendant argues that they should be allowed to file the cross-complaint as it is compulsory. The motion is unopposed. CCP § 428.50(c) provides: “The court, after notice to ...

Excerpt: ..., and unintelligible. The demurrer is SUSTAINED WITHOUT LEAVE TO AMEND. Plaintiff's complaint alleges causes of action for (1) Tax Refund; and (2) Quasi- Contract/Unjust Enrichment. Plaintiff alleges that the County assessor assessed Plaintiff for property taxes denominated as “sewer fees” in connection with certain parcels of commercial real property owned by Plaintiff. Plaintiff alleges that the methodology for collecting taxes against comm...

Excerpt: ...tests whether the complaint sufficiently states a valid cause of action. (Hahn v. Merda (2007) 147 Cal.App.4th 740, 747.) Complaints are read as a whole, in context and are liberally construed. (Blank v. Kirwan (1985) 39 Cal.3d 311, 318; see also, Stevens v. Superior Court (1999) 75 Cal.App.4th 594, 601.) In reviewing the sufficiency of a complaint, courts accept as true all material facts properly pleaded, but not contentions, deductions, or con...

Excerpt: ...ies in this action. The right to attorney fees is based upon the Deed of Trust and Promissory Note that was at issue in this case. Code of Civil Procedure sections 1032 and 1033.5(a)(10) together allow the prevailing party in an action to obtain attorney fees as costs when authorized by contract, statute, or law. Code of Civil Procedure section 1032(a)(4) defines a “prevailing party” as including “the party with a net monetary recovery, a d...

Excerpt: ..., Wrongful Foreclosure, and Unfair Business Practices (Bus. & Prof. Code, §§ 17200 et seq.). The complaint alleges that Plaintiff's real property was sold via a trustee's sale despite her belief that she timely filed a bankruptcy petition prior to the sale, and despite no Notice of Default and Election to Sell Under Deed of Trust having been recorded. Defendant's request for judicial notice of recorded documents is granted. 1. First Cause of Ac...

Excerpt: ...2022, the Court granted Defendant's motions, compelling Plaintiffs to respond to Defendant's discovery requests within 30 days of the date of the hearing and awarding total sanctions in the amount of $720.00 to Defendant (“Order”). On June 8, 2022, Defendant filed two separate, but substantively identical, Motions for Terminating Sanctions for Plaintiffs' Noncompliance with Court Orders (“Motion”) for Plaintiffs failure to fully abide by ...

Excerpt: ...ments requested in the deposition notices. Plaintiff requests sanctions. 1. Deposition of Michael Mallatt, P.A. In opposition, Defendant Michael Mallatt indicates that his deposition was taken on July 12, 2022. Thus, except as to the issue of sanctions, this motion is moot. Sanctions are sought, in part, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 2025.450(g)(1), which provides: “If a motion under subdivision (a) is granted, the court shall imp...

Excerpt: ...or any cloud on Plaintiffs' title thereto, and Does 1-20. Plaintiffs and the Ress Defendants own neighboring properties, sharing a common property line. (FAC, ¶7.) Plaintiffs allege the Ress Defendants have built a concrete pad encroaching on a portion of their property. (FAC, ¶8.) Plaintiffs further allege that the Ress Defendants maintain the concrete pad, that they periodical store various personal property items on it, that they “have int...

Excerpt: ...o Cal. Code Civ. Proc. (“CCP”) § 437c. Defendants' motion for summary judgment is DENIED due to the presence of triable issues of material fact. I. Underlying Facts On June 12, 2019, Plaintiff approached Defendants' store. Separate Statement of Undisputed Facts, Undisputed Material Fact (“UMF”) 2. Plaintiff approached a set of doors in front of the store. UMF 8. The automatic doors did not open as Plaintiff approached them. UMF 9. Plaint...

Excerpt: ...��), and specifically preparation of a sufficient Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”). Petitioner claims that the Project approval violates both the Sonoma County Code (“SCC”) and CEQA. The Project consists of establishing and operating a cannabis dispensary (“the Dispensary”) in an existing 3,847- square-foot commercial building (“the Project Building”) on a 0.33-acre parcel at 15499 Arnold Drive (“the Project Site”), the int...

Excerpt: ...Cabinets (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 59, 69.) The Court presently does not have before it the information necessary to determine whether appointment of a receiver for this purpose is appropriate and in compliance with the EJL. Plaintiff's request for judicial notice of item numbers 1-6 is GRANTED; but DENIED as to 7-8, as Plaintiff fails to provide copies of the documents. CRC Rule 3.1306(c). Defendants' request to present oral testimony at the hearin...

Excerpt: ...tter for contempt proceedings. The Court notes that the proposed order contains findings that will be at issue in the contempt hearing. County Counsel is directed to provide an amended order which only contains the language of the order to show cause as contempt proceedings have not commenced and, therefore, no findings have been made. The application is made on the grounds that on August 4, 2021, this Court entered a judgment regarding real prop...

Excerpt: ...ssue of sanctions. The Court thanks the discovery referee for his time and his continued attention to this matter. The referee has recommended that the Court issue $24,000 in sanctions against Defendant Acrisure for Acrisure's delays in producing their witnesses for deposition. The referee also recommends that no sanctions be awarded to either party regarding the written discovery because both parties had legitimate positions to stake out. The re...

Excerpt: ...aintained and constructed improvements on its property in violation of applicable zoning and building ordinances and a use permit (“the Permit”), which constitute a nuisance. They contend that TRVFD obtained the Permit by an application (“the Application”) for construction of a garage and storage building (“the Garage”) on Defendant's Property, with various restrictions (“the Project”), but TRVFD has used Defendant's Property and ...

Excerpt: ... Inc.; Chad Cooper; Kellin A. Baker; and Kellin A. Baker DBA Accurate Maintenance & Janitorial aka Accurate Property Services ("Defendants") to post a bond, undertaking, or other security in the amount of their statutory exposure, or any other sum that the Court deems appropriate to protect the public and prevent Defendants from having the opportunity to transfer, dissipate, or conceal their assets. Alternatively, ex rel. Plaintiffs seek other eq...

Excerpt: ...ers, Inc. and GRS Funding, Inc. (“Responding Parties”) under California Code of Civil Procedure (“CCP”) §§ 1987.1, 1987.2 and 2023.030. The Motion is DENIED. I. Evidentiary Issues Responding Parties' objections are all asserted against the contents of Defendant's motion, and not to any of the evidence provided by Defendant. Therefore, the objections are OVERRULED. However, the Court will not take judicial notice of the case submitted by...

Excerpt: ...ns. The unopposed Motion is GRANTED. Plaintiff shall attend a properly noticed deposition from Defendants within thirty (30) days' notice of this order. Plaintiff shall pay $660 in sanctions to Riley within thirty (30) days of notice of entry of the order on this Motion. I. Relevant Law CCP § 2025.450(a), provides: “If, after service of a deposition notice, a party to the action or an officer, director, managing agent, or employee of a party, ...