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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 Sheila Victoria Garcia

Case Number

24PR00375

Case Type

Decedent's Estate

Hearing Date / Time

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:00

Nature of Proceedings

1. Petition: Probate Will and Letters Testamentary, 2. OSC, 3. Petition: Letters Administration

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required.

On June 25, 2024, a Petition for Probate of the Decedent’s Will and Letters Testamentary was filed by Mary Scott. That Petition received written objection by Michael Thibault on August 19, 2024, placing this matter at issue, and requiring evidentiary hearing to resolve. (In re Estate of Lensch (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 667, 676; Conservatorship of Farrant (2021) 67 Cal.App.5th 370, 377.) 

Mr. Thibault amended his objection on September 23, 2024.  Mr. Thibault’s objection appears to be contesting both the will and the appointment of Mary Scott as personal representative.  Ms. Scott filed an answer to the Amended Objection of Mr. Thibault.

Mr. Thibault filed a competing petition for administration, but did so erroneously in a separate, new case (25PR00007).  The Petition should have been filed in the same case, thus was stricken on the Court’s own motion pursuant to CCP section 436(b). (See Min. Ord. of Jan. 14, 2025.)  Mr. Thibault re-filed the petition in case no 24PR00375 on January 22, 2025.

All procedural issues have been resolved, and the parties should come prepared to set the matter for trial.

Appearances:

The court is open to the public for court business. The court is also conducting hearings via Zoom videoconference.

Meeting ID: 160 543 3416

Passcode: 5053334

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