Maria Azari vs Covenant Living West Inc

Case Number

22CV01556

Case Type

Hearing Date / Time

Fri, 01/16/2026 - 10:00

Nature of Proceedings

Motions to Compel

Tentative Ruling

For the reasons stated herein, the motions of defendant Covenant Living West to compel plaintiff’s further responses to defendant’s special interrogatories and requests for production of documents, and to compel plaintiff’s continued deposition and testimony, are each ordered off-calendar.  

Background:

The second amended complaint (SAC) filed on June 24, 2024, by plaintiff Maria Azari (Azari) against defendant Covenant Living West, Inc., (Covenant Living) is the operative pleading. The SAC alleges one cause of action for retaliation under Labor Code section 1102.5 et seq., which arises from Covenant Living’s alleged termination of Azari’s employment after Azari purportedly raised concerns about missed meal and rest breaks, and working overtime without pay. (SAC, ¶¶ 8-10, 12-20, 22-25.)

On November 7, 2024, Covenant Living filed an answer to the SAC, generally denying its allegations and asserting affirmative defenses.

Court records relevant to this proceeding reflect that on October 27, 2025, Covenant Living filed a motion for an order (Motion One) compelling Azari to serve further responses to Covenant Living’s set three requests for production of documents (the RPD) and set four special interrogatories (the SI). In addition, on November 10, Covenant Living filed a motion for an order (Motion Two) compelling Azari’s continued deposition and deposition testimony. Motion One and Motion Two were each set for hearing on February 13, 2026.

On November 14, Covenant Living filed an ex parte application for an order advancing the hearing date of Motion One and Motion Two. On November 17, the court entered an order granting that application, and advancing the hearing date on those motions to January 16, 2026.

On January 9, 2026, Covenant Living separately filed two notices (the Notices) stating that it withdraws Motion One and Motion Two.

Analysis:

As Covenant Living has filed the Notices withdrawing Motion One and Motion Two, those motions will be ordered off-calendar.

The court also notes that its docket reflects that the hearing on a motion filed by Azari on November 10, 2025, for an order compelling Covenant Living to comply with Azari’s set one request for production of documents, is also set for January 16, 2026. As this docket entry is erroneous, the court confirms that the Azari Motion remains set for hearing on February 13, 2026.