Judge: Mark H. Epstein, Case: 22SMCV02858, Date: 2023-02-14 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22SMCV02858    Hearing Date: February 14, 2023    Dept: R

The motion to transfer venue is DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.  This is not a venue motion.  Venue is proper in Los Angeles County.  This is a motion to transfer the case from one district (the West District) to another (the Central District).  Such a motion must be brought in Division 1, not in the home court.  The court had considered transferring the motion there, but does not do so because the motion is not ready for that.  The motion looks to case law involving true venue motions.  As such, were this a motion to transfer, say, to Ventura County, the case law might be apposite.  But for an intra-County transfer, the law is different.  It is governed solely by the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Local Rules.  If counsel wants to pursue the motion, counsel should re-tool it in that fashion.