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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.

Marcus E vs David Ellinwood and County of Santa Barbara

Case Number

22CV05139

Case Type

Civil Law & Motion

Hearing Date / Time

Wed, 03/06/2024 - 10:00

Nature of Proceedings

1. Law and Motion set for 10am. Motion to compel any discovery responses, and a motion for deemed admissions; and, 2. CMC set for 8:30am. To be called at 10am; the Court confirms - MSC 6/7/2024 – Trial 6/26/2024

Tentative Ruling

Plaintiff is self-represented.

Defendant David Ellinwood by Miguel Avilla.

Defendant County of Santa Barbara by Sean Andrade.

Matters

1. L&M set for 10am. Motion to compel any discovery responses, and a motion for deemed admissions.

2. CMC set for 8:30am. To be called at 10am; the Court confirms - MSC 6/7/2024 – Trial 6/26/2024.

Ruling on L&M Matters

On November 21, 2023, Defendant County of Santa Barbara served Plaintiff with Form Interrogatories (Set 1) and Requests for Admissions (Set 1) by mail at his residence address, and by direct service at the Santa Barbara County Jail, where Plaintiff is currently incarcerated, through personal service on the deputy authorized to accept on behalf of inmates. No responses were provided by Plaintiff.

On January 26, 2024, Defendant County filed the current motions (1) to compel responses to the form interrogatories, without objections, and (2) to have the matters set forth in the requests for admissions deemed admitted. Neither motion seeks an award of sanctions. The motions were served by mail upon Plaintiff at the Santa Barbara County Jail. Plaintiff has not opposed the motions.

The motion to compel responses to the Form Interrogatories is granted. The Court will order Plaintiff to provide verified responses to the Form Interrogatories, without objections, to counsel for Defendant County of Santa Barbara. Given Plaintiff’s current incarceration, and the logistical difficulties he might have preparing and serving responses, the Court will permit him and extended period of time to provide such verified responses, and will order them to be provided to defense counsel no later than April 10, 2024.

With respect to the requests for admissions, if verified responses to the Requests for Admissions are provided to counsel for Defendant County of Santa Barbara prior to the time of the hearing on this motion, the motion will be denied. If Plaintiff fails to provide verified responses to the Requests for Admissions prior to the time of the hearing on this motion, the motion for deemed admissions will be granted.

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