Judge: Steven A. Ellis, Case: 20STCV49096, Date: 2023-11-08 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 20STCV49096    Hearing Date: November 8, 2023    Dept: 29

TENTATIVE

The motion to continue trial and related deadlines is granted.

Legal Standard

California Rules of Court, rule 3.1332, subdivision (c) states that although disfavored, the trial date may be continued for “good cause,” which includes (without limitation): (1) unavailability of trial counsel or witnesses due to “death, illness, or other excusable circumstances”; (2) the addition of a new party depriving the new party (or other parties) from conducting discovery and preparing for trial; (3) “excused inability to obtain essential testimony, documents, or other material evidence despite diligent efforts”; or (4) “[a] significant, unanticipated change in the status of the case” preventing it from being ready for trial.  (Id., Rule 3.1332(c).)   

Other relevant considerations may include: “(1) The proximity of the trial date; [¶] (2) Whether there was any previous continuance, extension of time, or delay of trial due to any party; [¶] (3) The length of the continuance requested; [¶] (4) The availability of alternative means to address the problem that gave rise to the motion or application for a continuance; [¶] (5) The prejudice that parties or witnesses will suffer as a result of the continuance; [¶] (6) If the case is entitled to a preferential trial setting, the reasons for that status and whether the need for a continuance outweighs the need to avoid delay; [¶] (7) The court's calendar and the impact of granting a continuance on other pending trials; [¶] (8) Whether trial counsel is engaged in another trial; [¶] (9) Whether all parties have stipulated to a continuance; [¶] (10) Whether the interests of justice are best served by a continuance, by the trial of the matter, or by imposing conditions on the continuance; and [¶] (11) Any other fact or circumstance relevant to the fair determination of the motion or application.”  (Id., Rule 3.1332(d).) 

Code of Civil Procedure section 2024.050 allows a court to grant leave to complete discovery proceedings.  In doing so, a court shall consider matters relevant to the leave requested, including, but not limited to: (1) the necessity of the discovery, (2) the diligence in seeking the discovery or discovery motion, (3) the likelihood of interference with the trial calendar or prejudice to a party, and (4) the length of time that has elapsed between previous trial dates.  (Code Civ. Proc. § 2024.050.) 

Discussion

Defendants move to continue trial to March 25, 2024, arguing good cause exists as the parties have agreed to mediate this matter in January.  Additionally, Defendants argue, the fact that the remaining parties are seeking to mediate this dispute shows a high degree of diligence in litigating the matter and bringing it to some resolution. 

The motion is not opposed.

The Court finds that there is good cause for continuing the trial date as the parties have agreed to attend mediation on January 8, 2024, where the case may be resolved entirely. Additionally, it does not appear that Plaintiffs would be prejudiced by a continuance and Plaintiffs did not file an opposition to the instant motion.  Thus, the motion is granted.

Conclusion

Accordingly, the motion to continue trial and all related deadlines is GRANTED. Trial is continued to approximately March 25, 2024. The Final Status Conference and all deadlines are reset based on the new trial date.

Moving party is ordered to give notice.