Judge: Kerry Bensinger, Case: 20STCV15305, Date: 2024-12-06 Tentative Ruling

Counsel may submit on the tentative ruling by emailing Dept. 31 before 8:30 the morning of the hearing. The email address is smcdept31@lacourt.org. Please do not call the court to submit on the tentative. Please do not submit to the tentative ruling on behalf of the opposing party. Please do not e-mail the Court if you plan to appear and argue.

In deciding whether to submit on the tentative ruling or attend the hearing and present oral argument, please keep the following in mind:

The tentative rulings authored by this court reflect that the court has read and considered all pleadings and evidence timely submitted to the court in connection with the motion, opposition, and reply (if any). Because the pleadings were filed, they are part of the public record.

Oral argument is not an opportunity to simply regurgitate that which a party set forth in its pleadings. Nor, is oral argument an opportunity to "make a record" when there is no court reporter present and the statements and arguments of counsel are already part of the record because they were set forth in the pleadings. Finally, simply because a party or attorney disagrees with the court's analysis and ruling or is not satisfied with it does not necessarily warrant oral argument when no new arguments will be articulated.

If you submit on the tentative, you must immediately notify all other parties email that you will not appear at the hearing. If you submit on the tentative and elect not to appear at the hearing, the opposing party may nevertheless appear at the hearing and argue the motions. If all parties to the motion submit, this tentative ruling will become the final ruling after the hearing date and it will be memorialized in a minute order. This tentative ruling is not an invitation, nor an opportunity, to file further documents relative to the hearing in question. No such document will be considered by the Court.

**Tentative rulings on Motions for Summary Judgment will only be available for review in the courtroom on the day of the hearing.

Case Number: 20STCV15305    Hearing Date: December 6, 2024    Dept: 31

Tentative Ruling

Judge Kerry Bensinger, Department 31

HEARING DATE:     December 6, 2024                  TRIAL DATE:  April 1, 2025

CASE:                         Randi Winter v. El Camino Community College District, et al.

CASE NO.:                 20STCV15305

MOTION TO COMPEL PLAINTIFF RANDI WINTER TO PROVIDE VERIFIED RESPONSES TO DEFENDANT’S SPECIAL INTERROGATORIES, SET TWO, AND REQUEST FOR MONETARY SANCTIONS

MOVING PARTY:               Defendant El Camino Community College District

RESPONDING PARTY:     Plaintiff Randi Winter

            On April 4, 2024, Defendant, El Camino Community College District, filed this Motion to Compel Plaintiff Randi Winter to Provide verified responses to Defendant’s Special Interrogatories, Set Two, without objections.  Defendant also seeks monetary sanctions against Plaintiff and his attorney. 

            The motion was heard on August 14, 2024.  In advance of the hearing, the court issued a tentative ruling granting Defendant’s motion.  Plaintiff argued the discovery requests improperly sought information protected by attorney-client privilege.  The parties stipulated to continue the hearing to September 23, 2024. 

            On September 23, 2024, the parties stipulated to continue the hearing to December 6, 2024.  Additionally, the court set a briefing schedule directing the parties to address the issues raised by Plaintiff.  The parties have not submitted supplemental briefing.  The court is aware that Plaintiff’s counsel is facing uncertain medical issues.  The court will continue the hearing to       January 21, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.  The parties are directed to file a status report by December 20, 2024, apprising the court of the status of discovery and the status of Plaintiff’s counsel’s health.

            Clerk of the court to give notice.

Dated:   December 6, 2024