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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.

Maria Ayala et al vs Ford Motor Company

Case Number

22CV04952

Case Type

Civil Law & Motion

Hearing Date / Time

Fri, 11/17/2023 - 10:00

Nature of Proceedings

Motion: Protective Order; Motion Compel

Tentative Ruling

In reviewing plaintiffs’ motion to compel, as well as defendant’s motion for a protective order, it appears that this case should have been filed in North County. “A corporation or association may be sued in the county where the contract is made or is to be performed, or where the obligation or liability arises, or the breach occurs; or in the county where the principal place of business of such corporation is situated, subject to the power of the court to change the place of trial as in other cases.” (Code Civ. Proc., § 395.5.) The plaintiff alleges that Ford Motor Company is a corporation with its registered office in the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County. (Complaint, ¶ 3.) That is the corporation’s “residence” for purposes of section 395.5. (See Rosas v. Superior Court (1994) 25 Cal.App.4th 671, 677.) That is the basis for venue given in the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum and does not support venue in South County. Because the plaintiffs are alleged to reside in Santa Maria (North County) (Complaint, ¶ 2), the liability as alleged appears to arise in Santa Maria. The matter should therefore be transferred to North County and the motions reset upon transfer unless the plaintiffs appear at the hearing and provide a factual basis for South County venue.

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