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Fraud Alert: Scam Text Messages Claiming DMV Penalties -

We have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to individuals claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court system. These messages often state that the recipient owes penalties or fees related to traffic violations or DMV infractions and may include a link or phone number to resolve the matter. 

Take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a text message scam:

  • Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts — If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Verify the source — If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels.
  • Call the DMV if you have concerns — The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133.

Please see DMV warning about fraudulent texts: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/dmv-warns-of-fraudulent-te…

Jury Scam alert -

The Santa Barbara Superior Court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials. The Jury Services office of the Santa Barbara Superior Court does not call citizens to request payments for failing to appear for jury duty. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury duty. If you receive such a call simply hang up and, if the scammer persists, call your local law enforcement agency. Learn more about the recent scam warning.

Notice to Jurors:

Prospective jurors summoned for jury service can expect to receive their jury summons in postcard form. Please check your mail for a postcard with important instructions to fulfil your jury service. Visit the Jury Services page for more information.

Mark Sellars et al v Patrick Leahy et al

Case Number

20CV04132

Case Type

Civil Law & Motion

Hearing Date / Time

Wed, 12/27/2023 - 10:00

Nature of Proceedings

Two Motions to Compel any responses (to form interrogatories, seeking sanctions of $2,107.50, and to a demand for production of documents, seeking sanctions of $1,207.50) set for hearing.

Tentative Ruling

Plaintiff: David Tappeiner

Defendant Channe Coles & Law Office of Channe Coles: Chris Kroes

Defendant Patrick Leahy: Pro Per

Defendant Susan Reynolds & Patricia Wollum: Gabriella Sternfeld

Cross Complainant Help Unlimited: Brandt Caudill

 

Issue

Two Motions to Compel any responses (to form interrogatories, seeking sanctions of $2,107.50, and to a demand for production of documents, seeking sanctions of $1,207.50) set for hearing.

Ruling

There is no evidence in the Court’s computer of any opposition to the motions, nor is there any evidence that the motions are not going forward on 12/27.

Defendants Channe Coles and The Law Office of Channe G. Coles served Form Interrogatories (Set 1) and a Demand for Production of Documents (Set 1) upon Plaintiffs on September 7, 2023. Plaintiffs have never responded to the discovery, despite reminders to Plaintiffs’ counsel and his responsive assurances that he would provide them. Defendants have therefore filed motions to compel responses, without objections, and for sanctions.

The Court has no information whether verified responses to discovery have been provided by Plaintiffs following the filing of the motions. Consequently, the Court will grant the motions, and will order Plaintiffs to provide verified responses to the Form Interrogatories (Set 1) and Demand for Production of Documents (Set 2), without objection, on or prior to January 10, 2024. Sanctions of $2,500 are awarded to Defendants, payable by Plaintiffs, their attorney, or both on or before 1/10/24.

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