Judge: Mark H. Epstein, Case: 22SMCV00378, Date: 2024-09-16 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22SMCV00378    Hearing Date: September 16, 2024    Dept: I

The matter is here for a final status conference.  The court issued its final status conference order on October 6, 2022—almost two years ago.  However, no FSC materials have been filed.  The court assumes that this is because the case has settled.  If that is so, that is an outstandingly good reason not to file FSC materials and the court will either dismiss the action or set an OSC re: Dismissal (Settlement).  If it is not so, the court will need to discuss what ought to be done.  Plainly the matter is NOT READY FOR TRIAL, and the trial date is therefore VACATED.  The question is when the matter should be re-set for trial and the sanctions that will be imposed against the parties and their counsel.  The court will likely set that hearing for September 23, 2024, at 8:30—the day the trial was supposed to be.