Judge Steven A. Ellis, Case Number: 22STCV29629, Date: 2024-08-20 Tentative Ruling

Judge: Steven A. Ellis, Case: 22STCV29629, Date: 2024-08-20 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22STCV29629 Hearing Date: August 20, 2024 Dept: 29

Buenaventura v. City of Pasadena
22STCV29629
Defendant’s Motion to Continue Trial

Tentative

The motion is granted.

Background

On September 12, 2022, Emelita Buenaventura (“Plaintiff”) filed a complaint against City of Pasadena (“Defendant”) and Does 1 through 50 for general negligence and premises liability arising out of a trip and fall occurring on October 21, 2021.

Defendant filed an answer on October 10, 2022.

On May 29, 2024, Defendant filed a motion for summary judgment set to be heard on April 24, 2025. Trial is currently set for September 16, 2024.

On June 25, 2024, Defendant filed this motion to continue trial to a date on or after May 26, 2025.

On July 10, Plaintiff filed a “conditional non-opposition,” stating that she did not oppose the motion but requesting that trial be set no earlier than July 2025.

The hearing on this motion was initially set for July 23 and was continued to August 20.

Legal Standard

Code of Civil Procedure section 128, subdivision (a)(8), provides that the court has the power to amend and control its process and orders so as to make them conform to law and justice. “The power to determine when a continuance should be granted is within the discretion of the trial court.” (Color-Vue, Inc. v. Abrams (1996) 44 Cal.App.4th 1599, 1603.) “A trial court has wide latitude in the matter of calendar control including the granting or denying of continuances.” (Park Motors, Inc. v. Cozens (1975) 49 Cal.App.3d 12, 18.)

“To ensure the prompt disposition of civil cases, the dates assigned for trial are firm. All parties and their counsel must regard the date set for trial as certain.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1332(a).)

“Although continuances of trials are disfavored, each request for a continuance must be considered on its own merits.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1332(c).) “The court may grant a continuance only on an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance.” (Ibid.) Circumstances that may support a finding of good cause include:

“(1) The unavailability of an essential lay or expert witness because of death, illness, or other excusable circumstances;

(2) The unavailability of a party because of death, illness, or other excusable circumstances;

(3) The unavailability of trial counsel because of death, illness, or other excusable circumstances;

(4) The substitution of trial counsel, but only where there is an affirmative showing that the substitution is required in the interests of justice;

(5) The addition of a new party if: (A) The new party has not had a reasonable opportunity to conduct discovery and prepare for trial; or (B) The other parties have not had a reasonable opportunity to conduct discovery and prepare for trial in regard to the new party's involvement in the case;

(6) A party's excused inability to obtain essential testimony, documents, or other material evidence despite diligent efforts; or

(7) A significant, unanticipated change in the status of the case as a result of which the case is not ready for trial.”

(Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1332(c).)

“In ruling on a motion or application for continuance, the court must consider all the facts and circumstances that are relevant to the determination.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1332(d).) California Rules of Court, rule 3.1332(d) sets forth a non-exhaustive list of factors that the court may consider:

“(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.”

(Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1332(d).)

“A trial court may not refuse to hear a summary judgment motion filed within the time limits of section 437c.” (Sentry Ins. Co. v. Superior Court (1989) 207 Cal.App.3d 526, 529; accord Cole v. Superior Court (2022) 87 Cal.App.5th 84, 88.)

Discussion

Defendant requests a trial continuance so that its motion for summary judgment, scheduled for hearing on April 24, 2025, may be heard before trial. Trial is currently set for September 16, 2024.

Defendant’s motion for summary judgment was timely filed, and thus, Defendant has the right for the motion to be heard before trial. Plaintiff does not oppose the continuance, but requests trial be set for July 2025 instead of May 2025, to accommodate the schedule of Plaintiff’s counsel.

Good cause has been shown. The request to continue trial is granted.

Conclusion

The Court GRANTS Defendant’s motion to continue trial.

The Court CONTINUES the trial to a date on or after July 7, 2025. The Final Status Conference and all deadlines are reset based on the new trial date.

Moving Party is ORDERED to give notice.