Preview
1 Kevin J. Gillispie (State Bar No. 220970)
kgillispie@wshblaw.com
2 Andrew M. Morgan (State Bar No. 266833)
amorgan@wshblaw.com
3 WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
1401 Willow Pass Road, Suite 700
4 Concord, California 94520-7982
Phone: (925) 222-3400 ♦ Fax: (925) 356-8250
5
Courtney A. Winzeler (State Bar No. 253394)
6 cwinzeler@lorberlaw.com
LORBER, GREENFIELD & POLITO, LLP
7 12975 Brookprinter Place, Suite 200
Poway, California 92064
8 Phone: (858) 513-1020 ♦ Fax: (858) 513-1002
9 Matthew S. Constantino (State Bar No. 211916)
mconstantino@clappmoroney.com
10 CLAPP, MORONEY, VUCINICH, BEEMAN + SCHELEY
5860 Owens Drive, Suite 410
11 Pleasanton, CA 94588
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
Phone: (925) 734-0990 ♦ Fax: (925) 734-0888
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
12
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
13 Attorneys for Defendant/Cross-Complainant, JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.,
Attorneys at Law
a California Corporation
14
15 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
16 COUNTY OF PLACER
17
18 BRYAN BERTRAND and CYNTHIA Case No. S-CV-0046490
BERTRAND, as individuals, CAROL L.
19 CABANA, as an individual and trustee of the
CAROL L. CABANA TRUST, EDUARDO MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND
20 AGUERO, as an individual and trustee of the AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF
AGUERO DAGDUG TRUST, JENKINS DEFENDANT AND CROSS-
21 DAVIS and JESSICA DAVIS, as individuals, COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
JOSEPH KIM and ANGELICA KIM, as CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO
22 individuals, RAJU LALANI, as an individual CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND
and trustee of the NILE BLUE LIVING EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED
23 TRUST, WILLIAM MCRIVETTE, an CUTOFF DATES
individual, JAYSON PRASAD and
24 SHALEENA PRASAD, as individuals, Date: December 21, 2023
LYDIA RANGER, an individual, KRISTEN Time: 8:31 a.m.
25 SPENCE, an individual, LEON VALDEZ and Dept.: 3
EDERLINDA VALDEZ, as individuals,
26 KATHLEEN NICHOLE BRADY, an
individual, Action Filed: 4/5/21
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Plaintiffs, Trial Date: January 22, 2024
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30298473.1:10752-0012 -1- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 v.
2 JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC., a
California Corporation, and DOES 1-500,
3 inclusive,
4 Defendants.
5
AND ALL RELATED CROSS-ACTIONS.
6
7 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES
8 I. INTRODUCTION
9 Pursuant to California Rules of Court (“CRC”) Rule 3.1332, defendant and cross-
10 complainant JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC. (“Defendant”) moves this Court for an
11 order continuing the trial date currently set for January 22, 2024, the pretrial conference scheduled
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
12 for January 12, 2024, and extension of all related cutoff dates, including the discovery cutoff date
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
13 and expert discovery dates related to the present trial date (the “Motion”).
Attorneys at Law
14 Defendant requests that the new trial date be a date on or after June 10, 2024. Good cause
15 for the requested continuance exists as the appointed special master and parties’ recent mediation
16 made great progress towards a global settlement. Accordingly, judicial economy is promoted by
17 the requested continuance sufficient to allow the finalization of the settlement to occur.
18 The number of parties and insurance carriers involved requires a finalization period
19 beyond the current trial date in order to resolve matters related to additional insured carriers
20 finalizing an allocation of defense costs and fees. The appointed special master, Peter Dekker,
21 Esq., recommends a continuance to facilitate this process, Plaintiffs are in agreement with such
22 relief, and it is not believed that any other party opposes, or will oppose, the Motion.
23 II. STATEMENT OF FACTS
24 On April 5, 2021, 12 Plaintiff homeowners filed this action (the “Complaint”.) Presently,
25 7 plaintiff homeowners remain in the action. The Complaint arises from real property sales and
26 construction related claims. (Declaration of Andrew M. Morgan in support of Motion [“Morgan
27 Decl.”] ¶, 3.) On January 30, 2023, the Court scheduled trial to commence on January 22, 2024.
28 A special master, Mr. Dekker, was appointed (“Special Master”) to oversee the litigation until the
30298473.1:10752-0012 -2- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 trial. On September 20, 2023, a mediation with the Special Master was held and a global
2 resolution in principle was reached contingent upon the participating additional insured carriers
3 each paying their allocated share of moving party’s outstanding defense fees and costs. (Morgan
4 Decl. ¶ 4.)
5 As part of the settlement participating additional insured insurance carriers for cross-
6 defendants must determine an allocation of payment of defense costs and fees. Absent a
7 continuance a clear prejudice exists to all parties, in that trial preparation would be required
8 concurrent with attempting to finalize the settlement reached in principle at the mediation. The
9 Special Master has recommended the requested continuance to facilitate the settlement process.
10 (Id. ¶ 5.)
11 Accordingly, Defendant requests an approximate 4 ½ month continuance to allow the
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
12 settlement to be finalized, due to the substantial number of parties and insurance carriers involved.
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
13 (Id. ¶ 6.)
Attorneys at Law
14 III. LEGAL ARGUMENT
15 The court is authorized to grant a continuance under CRC Rule 3.1332(c), subsection (7),
16 which provides, in relevant part, that although continuances of trials are disfavored, each request
17 must be considered on its own merits and the Court may grant a continuance upon an affirmative
18 showing of good cause (sub. (d).)
19 One circumstance establishing good cause is a sudden, unanticipated change in the status
20 of the case, such that trial may be inappropriate. Here, the parties, while hopeful for, could not
21 anticipate that a settlement would necessarily be achieved at the September 20, 2023 mediation.
22 Because that has resulted in principle, and relatively soon before trial is scheduled to commence, a
23 continuance sufficient to facilitate the settlement is appropriate based on this sudden,
24 unanticipated change in the case’s status. As noted, the Special Master recommends this.
25 The parties have diligently pursued the resolution the case prior to trial, as evidenced by
26 the mediation and resultant settlement. In the interests of justice and to avoid waste of judicial and
27 party resources better focused on resolution, a short continuance is required.
28 CRC Rule 1332 (d) – Other Factors to be Considered by the Court
30298473.1:10752-0012 -3- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 This subsection provides in pertinent part, that in ruling on a motion for trial continuance,
2 the court must consider all the facts and circumstances that are relevant to the determination. As
3 relevant here, these include: the proximity of the trial date and any previous continuance; the
4 length of the continuance requested; the availability of alternative means to address why the
5 continuance is requested; prejudice to parties or witnesses; the Court’s calendar and impact of
6 granting a continuance on other pending trials; whether the interests of justice are best served by a
7 continuance or the trial proceeding, and any otherwise appropriate conditions.
8 Here, these factors militate toward a continuance being granted in the interests of judicial
9 economy and ultimate resolution of this action. The trial date is approximately 2 months away, as
10 of the Motion’s filing. No continuance has previously been requested. (Morgan Decl. ¶ 7.)
11 Defendant is seeking an approximate 4 ½ month continuance to facilitate the settlement process.
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
12 (Id. ¶ 6.)
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
13 The requested continuance is in the best interests of all parties, witnesses and the Court’s
Attorneys at Law
14 calendar. No prejudice will result from the requested continuance. Additionally, if any party
15 believes they would be prejudiced by the continuance an opposition to the Motion may be filed.
16 However, an opposition is not anticipated at this time, based on the mediation. Absent a
17 continuance, the trial would have to commence in tandem with finalization of the settlement
18 achieved in principle. Accordingly, the issue is acutely and appropriately addressed via a
19 continuance and no other means. The proposed continuance length is to allow sufficient time for
20 the settlement details to be finalized.
21 Defendant reserves to the Court its evaluation of its calendar and any potential impact of
22 granting the requested continuance on other pending trials. The ends of justice are best served via
23 a relatively short continuance to permit the likely disposition of this matter. (CRC 3. 1332(d).)
24 ///
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27 ///
28 ///
30298473.1:10752-0012 -4- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 III. CONCLUSION
2 For the foregoing reasons Defendant respectfully requests the Court continue the trial to a
3 date on or after June 10, 2024, or which is convenient for the Court, from the present trial date of
4 January 22, 2024, including the trial readiness conference and all discovery cutoff dates.
5
6 DATED: November 27, 2023 WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
7
8
By:
9 KEVIN J. GILLISPIE
ANDREW M. MORGAN
10 Attorneys for Defendant/Cross-Complainant, JOHN
MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC., a California
11
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
Corporation
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
12
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
13
Attorneys at Law
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30298473.1:10752-0012 -5- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 PROOF OF SERVICE
2 Bertrand, et al. v. John Mourier Construction, Inc., et al.
Placer County Superior Court Case No. S-CV-0046490
3
I am employed in the County of Contra Costa, State of California. I am over the age of
4 eighteen years and not a party to the within action. My business address is 1401 Willow Pass
Road, Suite 700, Concord, CA 94520-7982.
5
On November 27, 2023, I served the following document(s) described as
6 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT
AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION
7 TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
on the interested parties in this action as follows:
8
SEE ATTACHED SERVICE LIST
9
BY E-MAIL OR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION: Based on a court order or an
10 agreement of the parties to accept service by e-mail or electronic transmission, I caused the
document(s) to be sent from e-mail address vcolvin@wshblaw.com to the persons at the electronic
11 notification address listed in the service list. I did not receive, within a reasonable time after the
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
transmission, any electronic message or other indication that the transmission was not successful.
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
12
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
13 foregoing is true and correct.
Attorneys at Law
14 Executed on November 27, 2023, at Concord, California.
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Vanessa Colvin
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30298473.1:10752-0012 -6- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 SERVICE LIST
Bertrand, et al. v. John Mourier Construction, Inc., et al.
2 Placer County Superior Court Case No. S-CV-0046490
3
Luke P. Ryan, Esq. Courtney A. Winzeler, Esq.
4 Megan M. Chodzko, Esq. Lorber, Greenfield & Polito, LLP
Shinnick & Ryan LLP 12975 Brookprinter Place, Suite 280
5 1650 Hotel Circle North, Suite 200 Poway, CA 92064
San Diego, CA 92108 Tel: (858) 513-1020 / Fax: (858) 513-1002
6 Tel: (619) 239-5900 / Fax: (619) 239-1833 Email: cwinzeler@lorberlaw.com
Email: lryan@srfirms.com LAultz@lorberlaw.com
7 mchodzko@srfirms.com DDoroshuk@lorberlaw.com
kcabralluna@srfirms.com rsimerson@lorberlaw.com
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Attorneys for Plaintiffs, BRYAN Attorneys for Defendant/Cross-Complainant,
9 BERTRAND and CYNTHIA BERTRAND, JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.
et al.
10
Matthew S. Constantino, Esq. Robert J. Hatem, Esq.
11 Clapp, Moroney, Vucinich, Beeman + Scheley Klinedinst PC
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
5860 Owens Drive, Suite 410 777 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 2800
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
12 Pleasanton, CA 94588 Los Angeles, CA 90017
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
Tel: (925) 734-0990 / Fax: (925) 734-0888 Tel: (213) 406-1100 / Fax: (213) 406-1101
13 Email: mconstantino@clappmoroney.com Email: rhatem@klinedinstlaw.com
Attorneys at Law
nmorales@clappmoroney.com
14 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, PROBUILD
Attorneys for Defendant/Cross- COMPANY, LLC
15 Complainant, JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.
16
Kaleigh E. Thomas, Esq. Clay A. Coelho, Esq.
17 Klinedinst PC Alexandra Rogoff-Green, Esq.
801 K Street, Suite 2100 Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker
18 Sacramento, CA 95814 LLP
Tel: (916) 444-7573 / Fax: (916) 444-7544
655 Montgomery Street, Suite 900
19 Email: kthomas@klinedinstlaw.com San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: (415) 433-0990 / Fax: (415) 434-1370
20 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, PROBUILD Email: clay.coelho@wilsonelser.com
COMPANY, LLC alexandra.rogoff-green@wilsonelser.com
21 Jessica.Perry@wilsonelser.com
22 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, ARTISAN
TILE COMPANY, INC.
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30298473.1:10752-0012 -7- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 Todd Bromgard, Esq. Ralph T. Kokka, Esq.
Law Office of Patrick J. Campbell Patton Sullivan Brodehl LLP
2 3880 Atherton Road 12647 Alcosta Blvd., Suite 430
Rocklin, CA 95765 San Ramon, CA 94583
3 Tel: (916) 630-3803 / Fax: (916) 630-3848 Tel: (925) 600-1800 / Fax: (925) 600-1802
Email: tbromgard@unitedfiregroup.com Email: rkokka@psblegal.com
4 kmildenhall@unitedfiregroup.com
Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, GARLAND
5 Attorneys for Cross-Defendants, AGUILAR SHOWER DOORS dba REPCOLD
FENCE, INC. and PICASSO DISTRIBUTORS
6 RENOVATIONS, INC.
7 John L. Boze, Esq. Matthew D. Peng, Esq.
Law Office of John L. Boze Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP
8 400 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850 275 Battery Street, Suite 2000
Sacramento, CA 95814 San Francisco, CA 94111
9 Tel: (916) 822-8700 / Fax: (916) 737-5658 Tel: (415) 986-5900 / Fax: (415) 986-8054
Email: jboze@lawburton.com Email: mpeng@grsm.com
10 nnewton@grsm.com
Attorneys for Cross-Defendants, CAPITAL
11 CITY DRYWALL, INC. and SIERRA WES Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, WHITE CAP
WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP
WALL SYSTEMS, INC. CONSTRUCTION
TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250
1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700
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CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982
Megan A. Shapiro, Esq. Donald S. Gottesman, Esq.
13 Nicholas S. Seliger, Esq. Matthew R. Mejia, Esq.
Attorneys at Law
Radoslovich | Shapiro, PC Kulik Gottesman Siegel & Ware, LLP
14 3600 American River Drive, Suite 200 15303 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1400
Sacramento, CA 95864 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
15 Tel: (916) 565-8161 / Fax: (916) 565-8170 Tel: (310) 557-9200
Email: megan@radshap.com Email: mmejia@kgswlaw.com
16 nicholas@radshap.com
Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, FERGUSON
17 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, BLAZONA ENTERPRISES, LLC
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
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Candice N. Hamant, Esq. Tina L. Schoneman, Esq.
19 Denae M. Olivieri, Esq. Fischer | Schoneman LLP
Tyson & Mendes 1500 Palma Drive, 2nd Floor
20 371 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Suite 100 Ventura, CA 93003
Novato, CA 94949 Tel: (805) 633-4650 / Fax: (805) 633-4655
21 Tel: (628) 253-5070 / Fax: (415) 785-3165 Email: tina@fsllp-law.com
Email: CHamant@tysonmendes.com Nicole@fsllp-law.com
22 DOlivieri@tysonmendes.com
jcintron@tysonmendes.com Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, MARK
23 SCANGARELLA PAINTING, INC.
Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, ELS
24 INVESTMENTS, INC. dba
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE
25 SOLUTIONS
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30298473.1:10752-0012 -8- Case No. S-CV-0046490
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER
CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES
1 Tim M. Agajanian, Esq. Stephen B. Welch, Esq.
Jennifer K. Letulle, Esq. Kara L. Wild, Esq.
2 Roper Majeski, PC
Preview
1 Kevin J. Gillispie (State Bar No. 220970) kgillispie@wshblaw.com 2 Andrew M. Morgan (State Bar No. 266833) amorgan@wshblaw.com 3 WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP 1401 Willow Pass Road, Suite 700 4 Concord, California 94520-7982 Phone: (925) 222-3400 ♦ Fax: (925) 356-8250 5 Courtney A. Winzeler (State Bar No. 253394) 6 cwinzeler@lorberlaw.com LORBER, GREENFIELD & POLITO, LLP 7 12975 Brookprinter Place, Suite 200 Poway, California 92064 8 Phone: (858) 513-1020 ♦ Fax: (858) 513-1002 9 Matthew S. Constantino (State Bar No. 211916) mconstantino@clappmoroney.com 10 CLAPP, MORONEY, VUCINICH, BEEMAN + SCHELEY 5860 Owens Drive, Suite 410 11 Pleasanton, CA 94588 WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP Phone: (925) 734-0990 ♦ Fax: (925) 734-0888 TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 13 Attorneys for Defendant/Cross-Complainant, JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC., Attorneys at Law a California Corporation 14 15 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 16 COUNTY OF PLACER 17 18 BRYAN BERTRAND and CYNTHIA Case No. S-CV-0046490 BERTRAND, as individuals, CAROL L. 19 CABANA, as an individual and trustee of the CAROL L. CABANA TRUST, EDUARDO MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND 20 AGUERO, as an individual and trustee of the AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF AGUERO DAGDUG TRUST, JENKINS DEFENDANT AND CROSS- 21 DAVIS and JESSICA DAVIS, as individuals, COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER JOSEPH KIM and ANGELICA KIM, as CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO 22 individuals, RAJU LALANI, as an individual CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND and trustee of the NILE BLUE LIVING EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED 23 TRUST, WILLIAM MCRIVETTE, an CUTOFF DATES individual, JAYSON PRASAD and 24 SHALEENA PRASAD, as individuals, Date: December 21, 2023 LYDIA RANGER, an individual, KRISTEN Time: 8:31 a.m. 25 SPENCE, an individual, LEON VALDEZ and Dept.: 3 EDERLINDA VALDEZ, as individuals, 26 KATHLEEN NICHOLE BRADY, an individual, Action Filed: 4/5/21 27 Plaintiffs, Trial Date: January 22, 2024 28 30298473.1:10752-0012 -1- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 v. 2 JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC., a California Corporation, and DOES 1-500, 3 inclusive, 4 Defendants. 5 AND ALL RELATED CROSS-ACTIONS. 6 7 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES 8 I. INTRODUCTION 9 Pursuant to California Rules of Court (“CRC”) Rule 3.1332, defendant and cross- 10 complainant JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC. (“Defendant”) moves this Court for an 11 order continuing the trial date currently set for January 22, 2024, the pretrial conference scheduled WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 for January 12, 2024, and extension of all related cutoff dates, including the discovery cutoff date CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 13 and expert discovery dates related to the present trial date (the “Motion”). Attorneys at Law 14 Defendant requests that the new trial date be a date on or after June 10, 2024. Good cause 15 for the requested continuance exists as the appointed special master and parties’ recent mediation 16 made great progress towards a global settlement. Accordingly, judicial economy is promoted by 17 the requested continuance sufficient to allow the finalization of the settlement to occur. 18 The number of parties and insurance carriers involved requires a finalization period 19 beyond the current trial date in order to resolve matters related to additional insured carriers 20 finalizing an allocation of defense costs and fees. The appointed special master, Peter Dekker, 21 Esq., recommends a continuance to facilitate this process, Plaintiffs are in agreement with such 22 relief, and it is not believed that any other party opposes, or will oppose, the Motion. 23 II. STATEMENT OF FACTS 24 On April 5, 2021, 12 Plaintiff homeowners filed this action (the “Complaint”.) Presently, 25 7 plaintiff homeowners remain in the action. The Complaint arises from real property sales and 26 construction related claims. (Declaration of Andrew M. Morgan in support of Motion [“Morgan 27 Decl.”] ¶, 3.) On January 30, 2023, the Court scheduled trial to commence on January 22, 2024. 28 A special master, Mr. Dekker, was appointed (“Special Master”) to oversee the litigation until the 30298473.1:10752-0012 -2- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 trial. On September 20, 2023, a mediation with the Special Master was held and a global 2 resolution in principle was reached contingent upon the participating additional insured carriers 3 each paying their allocated share of moving party’s outstanding defense fees and costs. (Morgan 4 Decl. ¶ 4.) 5 As part of the settlement participating additional insured insurance carriers for cross- 6 defendants must determine an allocation of payment of defense costs and fees. Absent a 7 continuance a clear prejudice exists to all parties, in that trial preparation would be required 8 concurrent with attempting to finalize the settlement reached in principle at the mediation. The 9 Special Master has recommended the requested continuance to facilitate the settlement process. 10 (Id. ¶ 5.) 11 Accordingly, Defendant requests an approximate 4 ½ month continuance to allow the WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 settlement to be finalized, due to the substantial number of parties and insurance carriers involved. CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 13 (Id. ¶ 6.) Attorneys at Law 14 III. LEGAL ARGUMENT 15 The court is authorized to grant a continuance under CRC Rule 3.1332(c), subsection (7), 16 which provides, in relevant part, that although continuances of trials are disfavored, each request 17 must be considered on its own merits and the Court may grant a continuance upon an affirmative 18 showing of good cause (sub. (d).) 19 One circumstance establishing good cause is a sudden, unanticipated change in the status 20 of the case, such that trial may be inappropriate. Here, the parties, while hopeful for, could not 21 anticipate that a settlement would necessarily be achieved at the September 20, 2023 mediation. 22 Because that has resulted in principle, and relatively soon before trial is scheduled to commence, a 23 continuance sufficient to facilitate the settlement is appropriate based on this sudden, 24 unanticipated change in the case’s status. As noted, the Special Master recommends this. 25 The parties have diligently pursued the resolution the case prior to trial, as evidenced by 26 the mediation and resultant settlement. In the interests of justice and to avoid waste of judicial and 27 party resources better focused on resolution, a short continuance is required. 28 CRC Rule 1332 (d) – Other Factors to be Considered by the Court 30298473.1:10752-0012 -3- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 This subsection provides in pertinent part, that in ruling on a motion for trial continuance, 2 the court must consider all the facts and circumstances that are relevant to the determination. As 3 relevant here, these include: the proximity of the trial date and any previous continuance; the 4 length of the continuance requested; the availability of alternative means to address why the 5 continuance is requested; prejudice to parties or witnesses; the Court’s calendar and impact of 6 granting a continuance on other pending trials; whether the interests of justice are best served by a 7 continuance or the trial proceeding, and any otherwise appropriate conditions. 8 Here, these factors militate toward a continuance being granted in the interests of judicial 9 economy and ultimate resolution of this action. The trial date is approximately 2 months away, as 10 of the Motion’s filing. No continuance has previously been requested. (Morgan Decl. ¶ 7.) 11 Defendant is seeking an approximate 4 ½ month continuance to facilitate the settlement process. WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 (Id. ¶ 6.) CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 13 The requested continuance is in the best interests of all parties, witnesses and the Court’s Attorneys at Law 14 calendar. No prejudice will result from the requested continuance. Additionally, if any party 15 believes they would be prejudiced by the continuance an opposition to the Motion may be filed. 16 However, an opposition is not anticipated at this time, based on the mediation. Absent a 17 continuance, the trial would have to commence in tandem with finalization of the settlement 18 achieved in principle. Accordingly, the issue is acutely and appropriately addressed via a 19 continuance and no other means. The proposed continuance length is to allow sufficient time for 20 the settlement details to be finalized. 21 Defendant reserves to the Court its evaluation of its calendar and any potential impact of 22 granting the requested continuance on other pending trials. The ends of justice are best served via 23 a relatively short continuance to permit the likely disposition of this matter. (CRC 3. 1332(d).) 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 27 /// 28 /// 30298473.1:10752-0012 -4- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 III. CONCLUSION 2 For the foregoing reasons Defendant respectfully requests the Court continue the trial to a 3 date on or after June 10, 2024, or which is convenient for the Court, from the present trial date of 4 January 22, 2024, including the trial readiness conference and all discovery cutoff dates. 5 6 DATED: November 27, 2023 WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP 7 8 By: 9 KEVIN J. GILLISPIE ANDREW M. MORGAN 10 Attorneys for Defendant/Cross-Complainant, JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC., a California 11 WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP Corporation TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 13 Attorneys at Law 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30298473.1:10752-0012 -5- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 PROOF OF SERVICE 2 Bertrand, et al. v. John Mourier Construction, Inc., et al. Placer County Superior Court Case No. S-CV-0046490 3 I am employed in the County of Contra Costa, State of California. I am over the age of 4 eighteen years and not a party to the within action. My business address is 1401 Willow Pass Road, Suite 700, Concord, CA 94520-7982. 5 On November 27, 2023, I served the following document(s) described as 6 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION 7 TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES on the interested parties in this action as follows: 8 SEE ATTACHED SERVICE LIST 9 BY E-MAIL OR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION: Based on a court order or an 10 agreement of the parties to accept service by e-mail or electronic transmission, I caused the document(s) to be sent from e-mail address vcolvin@wshblaw.com to the persons at the electronic 11 notification address listed in the service list. I did not receive, within a reasonable time after the WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP transmission, any electronic message or other indication that the transmission was not successful. TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the 13 foregoing is true and correct. Attorneys at Law 14 Executed on November 27, 2023, at Concord, California. 15 16 Vanessa Colvin 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30298473.1:10752-0012 -6- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 SERVICE LIST Bertrand, et al. v. John Mourier Construction, Inc., et al. 2 Placer County Superior Court Case No. S-CV-0046490 3 Luke P. Ryan, Esq. Courtney A. Winzeler, Esq. 4 Megan M. Chodzko, Esq. Lorber, Greenfield & Polito, LLP Shinnick & Ryan LLP 12975 Brookprinter Place, Suite 280 5 1650 Hotel Circle North, Suite 200 Poway, CA 92064 San Diego, CA 92108 Tel: (858) 513-1020 / Fax: (858) 513-1002 6 Tel: (619) 239-5900 / Fax: (619) 239-1833 Email: cwinzeler@lorberlaw.com Email: lryan@srfirms.com LAultz@lorberlaw.com 7 mchodzko@srfirms.com DDoroshuk@lorberlaw.com kcabralluna@srfirms.com rsimerson@lorberlaw.com 8 Attorneys for Plaintiffs, BRYAN Attorneys for Defendant/Cross-Complainant, 9 BERTRAND and CYNTHIA BERTRAND, JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC. et al. 10 Matthew S. Constantino, Esq. Robert J. Hatem, Esq. 11 Clapp, Moroney, Vucinich, Beeman + Scheley Klinedinst PC WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP 5860 Owens Drive, Suite 410 777 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 2800 TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 Pleasanton, CA 94588 Los Angeles, CA 90017 CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 Tel: (925) 734-0990 / Fax: (925) 734-0888 Tel: (213) 406-1100 / Fax: (213) 406-1101 13 Email: mconstantino@clappmoroney.com Email: rhatem@klinedinstlaw.com Attorneys at Law nmorales@clappmoroney.com 14 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, PROBUILD Attorneys for Defendant/Cross- COMPANY, LLC 15 Complainant, JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC. 16 Kaleigh E. Thomas, Esq. Clay A. Coelho, Esq. 17 Klinedinst PC Alexandra Rogoff-Green, Esq. 801 K Street, Suite 2100 Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker 18 Sacramento, CA 95814 LLP Tel: (916) 444-7573 / Fax: (916) 444-7544 655 Montgomery Street, Suite 900 19 Email: kthomas@klinedinstlaw.com San Francisco, CA 94111 Tel: (415) 433-0990 / Fax: (415) 434-1370 20 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, PROBUILD Email: clay.coelho@wilsonelser.com COMPANY, LLC alexandra.rogoff-green@wilsonelser.com 21 Jessica.Perry@wilsonelser.com 22 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, ARTISAN TILE COMPANY, INC. 23 24 25 26 27 28 30298473.1:10752-0012 -7- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 Todd Bromgard, Esq. Ralph T. Kokka, Esq. Law Office of Patrick J. Campbell Patton Sullivan Brodehl LLP 2 3880 Atherton Road 12647 Alcosta Blvd., Suite 430 Rocklin, CA 95765 San Ramon, CA 94583 3 Tel: (916) 630-3803 / Fax: (916) 630-3848 Tel: (925) 600-1800 / Fax: (925) 600-1802 Email: tbromgard@unitedfiregroup.com Email: rkokka@psblegal.com 4 kmildenhall@unitedfiregroup.com Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, GARLAND 5 Attorneys for Cross-Defendants, AGUILAR SHOWER DOORS dba REPCOLD FENCE, INC. and PICASSO DISTRIBUTORS 6 RENOVATIONS, INC. 7 John L. Boze, Esq. Matthew D. Peng, Esq. Law Office of John L. Boze Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP 8 400 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850 275 Battery Street, Suite 2000 Sacramento, CA 95814 San Francisco, CA 94111 9 Tel: (916) 822-8700 / Fax: (916) 737-5658 Tel: (415) 986-5900 / Fax: (415) 986-8054 Email: jboze@lawburton.com Email: mpeng@grsm.com 10 nnewton@grsm.com Attorneys for Cross-Defendants, CAPITAL 11 CITY DRYWALL, INC. and SIERRA WES Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, WHITE CAP WOOD, SMITH, HENNING & BERMAN LLP WALL SYSTEMS, INC. CONSTRUCTION TELEPHONE 925 222 3400 ♦ FAX 925 356 8250 1401 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 700 12 CONCORD, CALIFORNIA 94520-7982 Megan A. Shapiro, Esq. Donald S. Gottesman, Esq. 13 Nicholas S. Seliger, Esq. Matthew R. Mejia, Esq. Attorneys at Law Radoslovich | Shapiro, PC Kulik Gottesman Siegel & Ware, LLP 14 3600 American River Drive, Suite 200 15303 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1400 Sacramento, CA 95864 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 15 Tel: (916) 565-8161 / Fax: (916) 565-8170 Tel: (310) 557-9200 Email: megan@radshap.com Email: mmejia@kgswlaw.com 16 nicholas@radshap.com Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, FERGUSON 17 Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, BLAZONA ENTERPRISES, LLC CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, INC. 18 Candice N. Hamant, Esq. Tina L. Schoneman, Esq. 19 Denae M. Olivieri, Esq. Fischer | Schoneman LLP Tyson & Mendes 1500 Palma Drive, 2nd Floor 20 371 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Suite 100 Ventura, CA 93003 Novato, CA 94949 Tel: (805) 633-4650 / Fax: (805) 633-4655 21 Tel: (628) 253-5070 / Fax: (415) 785-3165 Email: tina@fsllp-law.com Email: CHamant@tysonmendes.com Nicole@fsllp-law.com 22 DOlivieri@tysonmendes.com jcintron@tysonmendes.com Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, MARK 23 SCANGARELLA PAINTING, INC. Attorneys for Cross-Defendant, ELS 24 INVESTMENTS, INC. dba ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE 25 SOLUTIONS 26 27 28 30298473.1:10752-0012 -8- Case No. S-CV-0046490 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT AND CROSS-COMPLAINANT JOHN MOURIER CONSTRUCTION, INC.’S MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE AND EXTENSION OF ALL RELATED CUTOFF DATES 1 Tim M. Agajanian, Esq. Stephen B. Welch, Esq. Jennifer K. Letulle, Esq. Kara L. Wild, Esq. 2 Roper Majeski, PC