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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.

Robert Maron, Inc. et al v. Timothy Brown et al

Case Number

21CV01747

Case Type

Civil Law & Motion

Hearing Date / Time

Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:00

Nature of Proceedings

Motion for deemed admissions

Tentative Ruling

Plaintiffs: Daniel A Friedlander  

Defendant Timothy Brown: Eric Arevalo, Bryan M Thomas

Defendant SB Smokehouse: Bryan M Thomas, Douglas Kirk

Claimant: James B Cole

Issue

Motion for deemed admissions.

Ruling

Cross-complainant The Santa Barbara Smokehouse, Inc. served cross-defendant Robert Maron (an individual) with Requests for Admissions (Set 1) on May 12, 2023. In response to a reminder sent to Maron’s counsel on June 23, 2023, that responses were overdue, and seeking responses no later than July 3, 2023, Maron’s counsel agreed to provide full and complete responses. When no responses had been provided by July 3, cross-complainant filed the current motion for an order deeming the matters set forth in the Requests for Admissions to be admitted, and for sanctions of $2,910 against cross-defendant Maron only. Maron has not opposed the motion.

On 9/1/23 J. Douglas Kirk, for Smokehouse, filed a Supplemental Declaration: On August 25, 2023, his office was served with Cross-Defendant Maron’s Responses to Requests for Admission, Set One (The “Responses”); after receipt of the Responses, he emailed counsel for Maron to discuss resolving the monetary sanctions issue; Maron’s counsel did not respond to his email. The issue of monetary sanctions remains outstanding.

An award of sanctions is mandatory pursuant to the terms of Code of Civil Procedure section 2033.280(c). The Court notes that cross-complainant’s sanction request included two hours of time it anticipated spending in preparation of reply papers and appearing at the hearing. The necessity for reply was obviated by the lack of an opposition to the motion. Consequently, the Court will order cross-defendant Maron to pay to cross-complainant sanctions in the amount of $2,435 to be paid by 9/20/23.

The MSC on 2/2/2024 and the TCC on 2/28/2024 are CONFIRMED.

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