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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.

Matter of The Kenneth J and Carol R Plumlee Trust

Case Number

20PR00039

Case Type

Trust

Hearing Date / Time

Wed, 06/18/2025 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

1. Accounting, 2. Petition to Appoint Successor Trustee

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required. 

The following is noted for the Court at the hearing:

Accounting                

On June 18, 2024, Nathan Shaw, in his capacity as trustee, filed a Petition for Approval of the First Accounting.  That petition received written objection by Kenneth S. Plumlee on July 9, 2024, placing this matter at issue and requiring evidentiary hearing to resolve. (In re Estate of Lensch (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 667, 676; Conservatorship of Farrant (2021) 67 Cal.App.5th 370, 377.) 

Before the Court could set the evidentiary hearing, Nathan Shaw died in February of 2025.  The death of Mr. Shaw created a vacancy in the trustee position, as well as a procedural hurdle to the accounting gaining approval.

As it currently stands, the accounting submitted for approval by Mr. Shaw in his capacity as trustee should not be approved due to the following defects:

Defective Accounting Period In Amended Account.  The Court Order compelling this accounting specified the accounting period as “May 17, 2019 to the present date.” (Form. Ord. Aft. Hear., filed Feb. 21, 2024.)  Paragraph two of the amended petition alleges the Accounting period as June 14, 2022 – June 30, 2023, far earlier and shorter than the accounting period ordered. 

Proof of Service of Amended Accounting. “An amended pleading or an amendment to a pleading requires the same notice of hearing (including publication) as the pleading it amends.” (CRC, Rule 7.53(a).)  There is no proof of service of the Notice of Hearing (DE-120) for the amended pleading on file.

Petition to Appoint Successor Trustee

On March 12, 2025, Kenneth S. Plumlee filed a Petition requesting the Court to appoint Mr. Plumlee (an objector to the accounting) as successor trustee to fill the vacancy at the trustee position. It was previously noted that if the Court granted that petition, it would put Mr. Plumlee in a conflict of interest to advocate for the rejection of an accounting that he would also have to advocate for the approval of as the successor trustee.  Supplement filed on May 1, 2025, admits Mr. Plumlee still does not approve of the accounting.

On June 6, 2025, Angella Shaw filed a written objection to the Mr. Plumlee’s Petition to Appoint Successor Trustee.  Ms. Shaw makes several allegations that claim Mr. Plumlee is unfit to serve as trustee.

Due to the contentious nature of the dispute before the Court, it is recommended the Court appoint a neutral Private Professional Fiduciary to administer the trust, wind it down, and distribute the corpus.  Parties must come prepared to discuss appointment of a PPF, and be ready to offer names of PPFs that can be appointed as trustee.  In the absence of agreement by the parties, it will be recommended that the Court appoint either Shell McConnell or Barry VanderKelen.

Appearances:

The court is open to the public for court business. The court is also conducting hearings via Zoom videoconference.

Meeting ID: 161 956 1423

Passcode: 137305

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