Judge: Glenda Sanders, Case: 2019-01046095, Date: 2022-09-02 Tentative Ruling

Motion to Seal Exhibit A to Joint Stipulation

The Motion to Seal brought by the Plaintiffs is granted pursuant to California Rules of Court Rules 2.550 and 2.551. The monetary apportionment of funds payable in accordance with the January 5, 2022 Settlement Agreement, attached as Exhibit A to the Joint Stipulation Re: Non-Opposition of the Ferrado Defendants’ and the Estate Defendants’ Motions for Determination of Good Faith Settlement and Motion to Seal (ROA 373) is ordered sealed. The Clerk of the Court is hereby ordered to seal ROA 373. A public, redacted version of that document appears in the record at ROA 367.

Courts generally recognize the confidentiality of settlement discussions and agreements, and the importance of protecting private financial information. (See, e.g., Hinshaw Winkler, Draa, Marsh & Still v. Superior Court (1996) 51 Cal.App.4th 233, 236-40 (overruled in part on a different issue)).

Based on the above, the Court finds the existence of an overriding interest which overcomes the right of public access and supports sealing. Additionally, the Court finds the sealing is narrowly tailed and no less restrictive means exist to protect the settling parties’ privacy rights.

The court does not require any physical or remote appearance at the hearing scheduled for 9/2/2022.