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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.

Estate of John Anthony Trujillo

Case Number

22PR00245

Case Type

Decedent's Estate

Hearing Date / Time

Tue, 02/13/2024 - 09:00

Nature of Proceedings

Hearing Re: Blocked Account or Successor Guardian ad Litem

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required. 

The following is noted for the Court at the hearing:

On May3, 2023, this Court signed two order relevant to this matter: 1) An Order re: Final Distribution, and 2) an Order to Deposit Funds Into Blocked Account (Form MC-355).  The Order for Final Distribution contained language at paragraph 38 that appointed minor’s mother as guardian ad litem for purposes of distribution from the estate.  The Order to Deposit Funds Into a Blocked Account contained an order naming Jennifer Guthrie-Verrette as guardian ad litem for purposes of placing the funds into a blocked account. 

The matter on calendar was schedule due to a document that was filed with the court by the attorney for Guthrie-Verrette titled “DECLARATION RE; MINOR’S BLOCKED ACCOUNT AND ORDER THEREON.” This declaration contained within it a procedurally improper request for relief.  A declaration is not a pleading, and all requests for relief must be made on pleadings that cite to authority authorizing this court to grant such requested relief.  The declaration is not a pleading, and does not cite to any authority to grant the relief requested.

Thus, this matter was set for hearing to allow attorney for Ms Guthrie-Verrette to clarify the relief requested, and to point to authority for that relief.

It is noted that it appears the relief being sought is to, at minimum, clarify the person in the role of guardian ad litem of the minor, and make the minor’s mother that person for purposes of the Order to Deposit Funds Into a Blocked Account.  However, the proper procedure for that request would be to file a Petition for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem-Probate (DE-350/GC-100) requesting the minor’s mother be appointed, and include a request to discharge Ms. Guthrie-Verrette as Guardian ad Litem.  This can be done by attaching the request to paragraph 5 of the petition as “attachment 5” and carefully articulating the order discharging Ms. Guthrie-Verrette at paragraph 8 of the proposed order (form DE-351/GC-101).  Further orders to the bank that order the replacement of the guardian ad litem on the blocked account can also be placed in paragraph 8, or an attachment thereto.

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