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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 Frederick James Villa

Case Number

25PR00096

Case Type

Decedent's Estate

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 06/09/2025 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

Petition for Letters of Administration (Contested)

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required.

On February 28, 2025, Michelle Villa filed a Petition for Letters of Administration in case number 25PR00096.  On May 23, 2025, Stephanie Milner filed a Petition for Letters of Administration in case number 25PR00096.  While the Milner petition mentions no objection to the appointment of Michelle Villa as personal representative, the two petitions seek relief that cannot be both granted.

When appointment of a personal representative is contested, Probate Code section 8004 requires a competing petition be filed and served in accordance with Probate Code section 8110 [15 days, mail or personal service to all entitled to take by intestate, and each devisee, executor, and alternative executor].  (Prob. Code, § 8004, subd. (a).)  The competing petition need not be published as long as publication of the first petition was completed according to statute.

Therefore, the Petition of Stephanie Milner places the Petition of Michelle Villa at issue, 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.)

Written objections should be filed as to each petition, outlining why the proposed administrator is unqualified to serve as personal representative.

Parties must come prepared to set hard discovery cut-off deadlines and trial dates.

Appearances:

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

Meeting ID: 161 797 5412

Passcode: 8749009

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