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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 Teresa Alcantara, CPA vs Ensign Services Inc et a

Case Number

23CV05084

Case Type

Civil Law & Motion

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 05/05/2025 - 10:00

Nature of Proceedings

CMC; Motion: Leave to File FAC

Tentative Ruling

On November 17, 2023, plaintiff Maria Teresa Alcantara filed the original complaint in this action asserting 10 causes of action, including causes of action under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Gov. Code, § 12940 et seq.), against defendants Ensign Services, Inc. (Ensign Services), and Powers Park Healthcare, Inc., dba Channel Islands Post Acute (PPH). On July 10, 2024, defendant PPH filed its answer to the complaint generally denying the allegations thereof and asserting 46 affirmative defenses. Defendant Ensign Services has not yet appeared in this action.

On February 19, 2025, plaintiff filed this motion for leave to file a first amended complaint. PPH opposes the motion as improper.

As an initial matter, this motion may be superfluous because, in general, a plaintiff may file a first amended complaint as of right. “A party may amend its pleading once without leave of the court at any time before the answer, demurrer, or motion to strike is filed ….” (Code Civ. Proc., § 472, subd. (a).) The filing of an answer by one co-defendant does not cut off a plaintiff’s right to file a first amended complaint under section 472, subdivision (a), where there are other co-defendants. (Barton v. Khan (2007) 157 Cal.App.4th 1216, 1221.) In any case, however, there is no prejudice to defendants in permitting the filing of this amendment. Objections as to the viability of any claim as pleaded in the first amended complaint are best addressed by demurrer or other appropriate procedural vehicle. (See Atkinson v. Elk Corp. (2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 739, 760.)

The motion for leave to file a first amended complaint is granted. Plaintiff shall file the first amended complaint, in substantially the same form as attached to the motion, on or before May 12, 2025, with proof of service on parties who have appeared in this action. The first amended complaint will need to be served in the manner provided by law on parties who have not yet appeared.

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