S UM -10 0
SUMMONS
FOR COURT USE ONLY (SOLO PARA ((WOE LA CORTE)
(CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE
TO
\ —EU
DEFENDANT:
(AVISO AL DEMANDADO):
CITY OF SAN GABRIEL, a municipality;CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN GABRIEL;DAVID R GUTIERREZ(please see attached) YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE):
Vtit,kR - B UELES
L ob SgErtI\
CUU
I
SAN GABRIEL POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION; MARIAN ALVAREZ NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca .goviselfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.goviselthelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. jAVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuaci6n. Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citaciOn y pape/es legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una Ilamada telefOnica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que hays un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informaci6n en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentaci6n, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exenciOn de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra guitar su sue/do, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que !lame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede Ilamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org ), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 6 mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesiOn de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la code pueda desechar el caso.
The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direcci6n de la corte es):
CASE NUMBER: (NOmeno del Caso):
6 C 049042
Los Angeles Superior Court - Northeast District Court 300 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101-1566 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direcciOn y el flamer() de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):
Michael A. McGill, Esq. SBN 231613, 367 N. Second Ave., Upland, CA 91786 DATE: (Fecha)
ri15.1A. CLARra
MAR 0 8 2012
AMAIN MOORE-R i LEY,
(Secretario) (For proof of service of this summons, use Proof of Service of Summons (form POS-010).) (Para prueba de entrega de esta citation use el formulario Proof of Service of Summons, (POS-010)). NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served [SEAL] I as an individual defendant. 1. I I as the person sued under the fictitious name of (specify): 2. I
3. I
I
on behalf of (specify):
under: I
4. I Form Adopted for Mandatory Use Judicial Council of California SUM-100 [Rev. July 1, 2009]
I
, Deputy (Adjunto)
I CCP 416.10 (corporation) CCP 416.20 (defunct corporation) CCP 416.40 (association or partnership)
CCP 416.60 (minor) CCP 416.70 (conservatee) CCP 416.90 (authorized person)
I 1 other (specify): by personal delivery on (date): Page 1 of 1
SUMMONS
Code of Civil Procedure §§ 412.20, 465 www.courtinfo.ca.gov American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com
SHORT TITLE:
CASE NUMBER
Ge04q042
San Gabriel POA v. City of San Gabriel et al
CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET ADDENDUM AND STATEMENT OF LOCATION (CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO COURTHOUSE LOCATION) This form is required pursuant to LASC Local Rule 2.0 in all new civil case filings in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Item I. Check the types of hearing and fill in the estimated length of hearing expected for this case: JURY TRIAL?
3
YES CLASS ACTION?
YES LIMITED CASE?
q HOURS/ Ca DAYS
YES TIME ESTIMATED FOR TRIAL 5
Item II. Select the correct district and courthouse location (4 steps — If you checked "Limited Case", skip to Item III, Pg. 4): Step 1: After first completing the Civil Case Cover Sheet Form, find the main civil case cover sheet heading for your case in the left margin below, and, to the right in Column A, the Civil Case Cover Sheet case type you selected. Step 2: Check one Superior Court type of action in Column B below which best describes the nature of this case.
Step 3: In Column C, circle the reason for the court location choice that applies to the type of action you have checked. For any exception to the court location, see Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.0.
Applicable Reasons for Choosing Courthouse Location (see Column C below) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Class Actions must be filed in the County Courthouse, Central District. May be filed in Central (Other county, or no Bodily Injury/Property Damage). Location where cause of action arose. Location where bodily injury, death or damage occurred. Location where performance required or defendant resides.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Location of property or permanently garaged vehicle. Location where petitioner resides. Location wherein defendant/respondent functions wholly. Location where one or more of theparties reside. Location of Labor Commissioner Office.
Step A Civil Case Cover Sheet Category No. 0 I0
Auto (22) Uninsured Motorist (46)
Asbestos (04)
Other Pe rso nal Inj
Product Liability (24)
Medical Malpractice (45)
E
'a-) lat a o CD
c co 2 o
(Check only one) A7100
q
A7110 Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death — Uninsured Motorist
1., 2., 4.
q
A6070 Asbestos Property Damage
2.
q
A7221
Asbestos - Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
q
A7260
Product Liability (not asbestos or toxic/environmental)
1., 2., 3., 4., 8.
El
A7210
Medical Malpractice - Physicians & Surgeons
1., 2., 4.
q
A7240 Other Professional Health Care Malpractice
q
Other Personal Injury Property Damage Wrongful Death (23)
C Applicable Reasons See Step 3 Above
q
2 0,)
B Type of Action
A7250
Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death
2.
Premises Liability (e.g., slip and fall)
1. 2
A7270
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
q
A7220
Other Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death
q
A6029
Business Tort (07)
4.
1., 2., 4.
q A7230 Intentional Bodily Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (e.g., assault, vandalism, etc.) q
1., 2., 4.
1., 2., 4 1., 2., 3. 1., 2., 4.
Other Commercial/Business Tort (not fraud/breach of contract)
1., 2., 3.
Civil Rights (08)
q A6005
Civil Rights/Discrimination
1. 2., 3.
Defamation (13)
q A6010
Defamation (slander/libel)
1., 2., 3.
Fraud (16)
q
A6013
Fraud (no contract)
1., 2
3.
a) co 0- eg 0 M Z LACIV 109 (Rev. 01/07) LASC Approved 03-04
CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET ADDENDUM AND STATEMENT OF LOCATION
LASC, rule 2.0 Page 1 of 4
SHORT TITLE
E
CASE NUMBER
San Gabriel POA v. City of San Gabriel et al
>. 7 m 0 2 a 2- 0
A Civil Case Cover Sheet Category No.
A6017
(25)
q
A6050 Other Professional Malpractice (not medical or legal)
1., 2., 3.
Other (35)
q
A6025 Other Non-Personal Injury/Property Damage tort
2.,3.
Wrongful Termination (36)
III
A6037 Wrongful Termination
1., 2., 3.
Other Employment (15)
IZ
A6024 Other Employment Complaint Case
q
A6109
q
A6004 Breach of Rental/Lease Contract (not Unlawful Detainer or wrongful eviction)
2., 5.
Eil
A6008
Contract/Warranty Breach -Seller Plaintiff (no fraud/negligence)
2., 5.
q q
A6019
Negligent Breach of Contract/Warranty (no fraud)
A6028
Other Breach of Contract/Warranty (not fraud or negligence)
Collections (09)
q q
A6002
Collections Case-Seller Plaintiff
A6012
Other Promissory Note/Collections Case
Insurance Coverage (18)
q
A6015
Insurance Coverage (not complex)
q
A6009 Contractual Fraud
1., 2., 3., 5.
q
A6031
Tortious Interference
1., 2., 3., 5.
q
A6027
Other Contract Dispute(not breach/insurance/fraud/negligence)
1., 2., 3., 8.
q
A7300
Eminent Domain/Condemnation
2.
q
A6023
Wrongful Eviction Case
q
A6018
Mortgage Foreclosure
q
A6032
Quiet Title
q
A6060 Other Real Property (not eminent domain, landlord/tenant, foreclosure)
Professional Negligence
2 4-5 N a_ P) c c o 0 z
Employ men t
Breach of Contract/ Warranty (06) (not insurance)
Other Contract (37)
Rea lProp erty
C
Applicable Reasons -See Step 3 Above
q
c0 (7,
Ta
B Type of Action (Check only one)
Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation (14) Wrongful Eviction (33)
Other Real Property (26)
1., 2., 3.
Legal Malpractice
1., 2., 3.
Labor Commissioner Appeals
10.
1 , 2., 5. 1. 2., 5. 2., 5., 6. 2., 5 1., 2., 5., 8.
Number of parcels
2., 6.
2., 6. 2. 6.
Ju dic ia l Re v ie w Un lawfu lDe ta iner
2., 6. Unlawful DetainerCommercial (31)
0
A6021
Unlawful Detainer-Commercial (not drugs or wrongful eviction)
2., 6.
Unlawful DetainerResidential (32)
Ell
A6020
Unlawful Detainer-Residential (not drugs or wrongful eviction)
2., 6.
Unlawful DetainerDrugs (38)
0
A6022
Unlawful Detainer-Drugs
2. 6.
Asset Forfeiture (05)
q
A6108
Asset Forfeiture Case
2., 6.
Petition re Arbitration (11)
q
A6115
Petition to Compel/ConfirmNacate Arbitration
2
LACIV 109 (Rev. 01/07) LASC Approved 03-04
CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET ADDENDUM AND STATEMENT OF LOCATION
5
LASC, rule 2.0 Page 2 of 4
SHORT TITLE:
CASE NUMBER
Ju dic ial Rev iew ( Coned. )
San Gabriel POA v. City of San Gabriel et al
A
B
Civil Case Cover Sheet Category No.
Type of Action (Check only one) q
A6151
Writ - Administrative Mandamus
2., 8
Writ of Mandate
q
A6152
Writ - Mandamus on Limited Court Case Matter
2
(02)
q
A6153
Writ - Other Limited Court Case Review
Other Judicial Review (39)
q
A6150
Other Writ /Judicial Review
Antitrust/Trade Regulation (03)
2. 2., 8.
q A6003
Antitrust/Trade Regulation
1., 2
q
A6007
Construction defect
1., 2., 3.
Claims Involving Mass Tort (40)
q
A6006
Securities Litigation (28)
q
A6035
Toxic Tort Environmental (30)
q
A6036
Toxic Tort/Environmental
1., 2., 3., 8.
q
A6014
Insurance Coverage/Subrogation (complex case only)
1., 2
q
A6141
Sister State Judgment
2., 9.
q
A6160 Abstract of Judgment
q
A6107
q
A6140 Administrative Agency Award (not unpaid taxes)
q
A6114
Petition/Certificate for Entry of Judgment on Unpaid Tax
q
A6112
Other Enforcement of Judgment Case
Construction Defect (10)
Insurance Coverage Claims from Complex Case (41)
Enfo rc ement ofJu dg me nt
C Applicable Reasons See Step 3 Above
Enforcement of Judgment (20)
Claims Involving Mass Tort
8.
1., 2
8.
1., 2
8.
Securities Litigation Case
5., 8.
2., 6.
Confession of Judgment (non-domestic relations)
2., 9 2., 8. 2., 8.
Misce lla neous Civil Pe titio ns
Misce lla neous Civi l
2., 8., 9. q
A6033
Racketeering (RICO) Case
1., 2
q
A6030
Declaratory Relief Only
1
q
A6040
Injunctive Relief Only (not domestic/harassment)
2., 8.
q
A6011
Other Commercial Complaint Case (non-tort/non-complex)
1., 2., 8.
(42)
q
A6000
Other Civil Complaint (non-tort/non-complex)
1
Partnership Corporation Governance(21)
q
A6113
Partnership and Corporate Governance Case
2., 8.
q
A6121
Civil Harassment
2., 3., 9
q
A6123 Workplace Harassment
q
A6124
Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Case
L7
A6190
Election Contest
q
A6110
Petition for Change of Name
RICO (27)
8.
co
2.
4
a
E
Other Complaints (Not Specified Above)
0
Other Petitions (Not Specified Above) (43)
2
2., 8
3., 9
2 , 3., 9. 2 2
El A6170 Petition for Relief from Late Claim Law q
2., 8.
7
2., 3., 4., 8. A6100
Other Civil Petition 2., 9.
LACIV 109 (Rev. 01/07) LASC Approved 03-04
CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET ADDENDUM AND STATEMENT OF LOCATION
LASC, rule 2.0 Page 3 of 4
SHORT TITLE:
CASE NUMBER
San Gabriel POA v. City of San Gabriel et al
Item III. Statement of Location: Enter the address of the accident, party's residence or place of business, performance, or other circumstance indicated in Item II., Step 3 on Page 1, as the proper reason for filing in the court location you selected. REASON: CHECK THE NUMBER UNDER COLUMN C
ADDRESS:
WHICH APPLIES IN THIS CASE Z
1. Z2. Z3. E14. 1115. E16. 117.118. D9. 1110.
CITY:
STATE:
San Gabriel
CA
425 S.
Mission Drive
ZIP CODE: 91776
Item IV. Declaration of Assignment: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct and that the above-entitled matter is properly filed for assignment to the Pasadena
courthouse in the District of the Los Angeles Superior Court (Code Civ. Proc., ยง 392 et seq., and LASC Local Rule 2.0,
Northeast
subds. (b), (c) and (d)).
Dated:
March 8, 2012 (SIGNATURE
OF ATTORNEY/FILING PARTY)
PLEASE HAVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS COMPLETED AND READY TO BE FILED IN ORDER TO PROPERLY COMMENCE YOUR NEW COURT CASE: 1.
Original Complaint or Petition.
2.
If filing a Complaint, a completed Summons form for issuance by the Clerk.
3.
Civil Case Cover Sheet form CM-010.
4.
Complete Addendum to Civil Case Cover Sheet form LACIV 109 (Rev. 01/07), LASC Approved 03-04.
5.
Payment in full of the filing fee, unless fees have been waived.
6.
Signed order appointing the Guardian ad Litem, JC form FL-935, if the plaintiff or petitioner is a minor under 18 years of age, or if required by Court.
7.
Additional copies of documents to be conformed by the Clerk. Copies of the cover sheet and this addendum must be served along with the summons and complaint, or other initiating pleading in the case.
LACIV 109 (Rev. 01/07) LASC Approved 03-04
CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET ADDENDUM AND STATEMENT OF LOCATION
LASC, rule 2.0 Page 4 of 4
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
oR Gm" FILED
Dieter C. Dammeier, SBN 188759 dieter@policeattorney.com Michael A. McGill, SBN 231613 mcgill@policeattorney.com LACKIE, DAMMEIER & McGILL APC 367 North Second Avenue Upland, CA 91786 Telephone: (909) 985-4003 Facsimile: (909) 985-3299
UR -8 2012 LLES LOS SUPERIOR COURT
Attorneys for Plaintiffs SAN GABRIEL POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION; MARIAN ALVAREZ
9 10
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
11
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES — NORTHEAST DISTRICT
12 13
SAN GABRIEL POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION; MARIAN ALVAREZ,
Case No.:
14 15
COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
Plaintiffs, V S.
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
CITY OF SAN GABRIEL, a municipality; CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN GABRIEL; DAVID R GUTIERREZ, individually and in his official capacity as Mayor and Councilperson of the City of San Gabriel; KEVIN B. SAWKINS, individually and in his official capacity as ViceMayor and Councilperson of the City of San Gabriel; JULI COSTANZO, individually and in her official capacity as Councilperson of the City of San Gabriel; JOHN HARRINGTON, individually and in his official capacity as Councilperson of the City of San Gabriel; MARIO DE LA TORRE, individually and in his official capacity as Councilperson of the City of San Gabriel; STEVEN A. PRESTON, individually and in his official capacity as the City Manager of the City of San Gabriel; TOM MARSTON, individually and in his official capacity as the Finance Director for the City of San Gabriel; ROBERT KRESS, in his official
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
capacity as City Attorney for the City of San 1 COMPLAINT
1
2
Gabriel; JOHN JANOSIK, individually and in his official capacity as the Treasurer of the City of San Gabriel; and DOES 1 through 50, Inclusive, Defendants.
4 5 6
1.
Plaintiff SAN GABRIEL POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION ("SGPOA") is
7
the recognized exclusive bargaining representative for those employees of the City of San
8
Gabriel ("the City") with the job classification of Police Officer. The SGPOA can sue and be
9
sued in its name and on behalf of its members.
10
2.
Plaintiff MARIAN ALVAREZ brings this claim on behalf of herself and all other
11
similarly situated residents and taxpayers of the City of San Gabriel. She is a resident of the City
12
of San Gabriel who is liable or has been liable within one year of the filing of this complaint for
13
the payment of taxes, assessments and fees imposed and collected by the City.
14
3.
Defendant CITY OF SAN GABRIEL ("the City") is a duly constituted municipal
15
corporation operating under the laws of the State of California, wholly situated in the County of
16
Los Angeles.
17
4.
Defendant CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN GABRIEL ("City
18
Council"), the elected governing body of Defendant City, is responsible for establishing laws and
19
policies in the conduct of City business.
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
5.
Defendant DAVID R GUTIERREZ is the Mayor and a Councilperson for the City
of San Gabriel. Defendant Gutierrez is named in both his official and individual capacities. 6.
Defendant KEVIN B. SAWKINS is the Vice-Mayor and a Councilperson for the
City of San Gabriel. Defendant Sawkins is named in both his official and individual capacities. 7.
Defendant JULI COSTANZO is a Councilperson for the City of San Gabriel.
Defendant Costanzo is named in both her official and individual capacities. 8.
Defendant JOHN HARRINGTON is a Councilperson for the City of San Gabriel.
Defendant Harrington is named in both his official and individual capacities.
28 2 COMPLAINT
9.
Defendant MARIO DE LA TORRE is a Councilperson for the City of San
Gabriel. Defendant De La Torre is named in both his official and individual capacities. 10.
Defendant STEVEN A. PRESTON, the appointed City Manager of Defendant
4
City, is responsible for the administration of all City departments, and serves as the City's chief
5
executive to the City Council. Defendant Preston is named in both his official and individual
6
capacities.
7
11.
8 9
Defendant TOM MARSTON is the Finance Director for the City of San Gabriel.
Defendant Marston is named in both his official and individual capacities. 12.
Defendant ROBERT KRESS is the City Attorney for the City of San Gabriel. As
10
City Attorney, Kress owes a duty to residents and employees, including Plaintiff SGPOA's
11
members, of the City of San Gabriel to ensure that the City complies with the law. Defendant
12
Kress is named in his official and individual capacity.
13
13.
Defendant JOHN JANOSIK, the elected City Treasurer of Defendant City, is
14
responsible for establishing and maintaining the procedures and controls over City revenues and
15
expenditures. Defendant Janosik is named in both his official and individual capacities.
16
14.
The true names and capacities of the Defendants named herein as DOES 1
17
through 10, whether individual, government, corporate, associate, or otherwise, are unknown to
18
Plaintiffs who therefore bring this claim against Defendants by such fictitious names pursuant to
19
Code of Civil Procedure, ยง 474 et. seq.
20
15.
Defendants DOES 1 through 50, were at all times alleged herein, officers,
21
employees or public bodies of defendant City and in some capacity were responsible for the
22
wrongful acts herein complained of. Plaintiffs are informed and believe that the DOE individual
23
Defendants herein are California residents and will amend this claim to show their true names
24
and capacities once they have been ascertained. Based on information and belief, DOES 1
25
through 50 personally benefitted from the unlawful actions complained of herein.
26
16.
In 1948, the people of the City of San Gabriel voted upon and enacted Ordinance
27
No. 540, authorizing the City to enter its employees into the "State Employees' Retirement
28
System," and create a special tax to fund the obligations of this retirement system. (The "State 3 COMPLAINT
1
Employees' Retirement System" is now known as the "Public Employees' Retirement System",
2
or "PERS".)
3
17.
4
6
"...levy and collect annually...a special tax sufficient to raise the amount estimated...to be required to provide sufficient revenues to meet the obligations of said City to said retirement system..." (See "Exhibit A" attached hereto. Emphasis added.)
7
18.
5
8 9
Regarding the special tax, Ordinance No. 540 of 1948 authorized the City to:
Based on information and belief, since the adoption of this special tax, the City
has updated the tax by enacting annual rate-setting Resolutions. 19.
According to documents obtained by Plaintiffs, every rate-setting Resolution
10
enacted for the past eleven years, from fiscal year 2000-2001 through 2010-2011, specifically
11
references the purpose of the tax as the "City's indebtedness to Public Employees' Retirement
12
System as set forth in Ordinance No. 540..." (See "Exhibit B" attached hereto.)
13
20.
Since at least fiscal year 2000-2001, and most likely beginning before that year,
14
the revenue from this special tax has been placed outside the City's general fund and into the
15
City's designated "Retirement Fund."
16
21.
Despite the enumerated specified purpose for the revenues generated from this
17
special tax, documents obtained by Plaintiffs show that the funds instead are being, and have
18
been, diverted towards and used for purposes other than the City's indebtedness and contractual
19
obligations to PERS for the benefit of its employees, and attracting and retaining qualified
20
employees for the benefit of the City, and ultimately its residents, businesses and other
21
constituents.
22
22.
Specifically, documents show that at least $5,714,280 from the City's Retirement
23
Fund has been diverted by Defendants to fund numerous benefits for City staff personnel,
24
including deferred compensation accounts and retiree medical accounts. (See Exhibit C attached
25
hereto.)
26
23.
In addition, based on information and belief, interest received from the special tax
27
revenue was diverted to the City's General Fund by Defendants to assist in paying for City Staff
28
compensation increases. 4 COMPLAINT
1
24.
Based on information and belief, defendants MARSTON and PRESTON
personally received these benefits, and thus personally benefit from the diversions from the City 3
Retirement Fund.
4
25.
Upon information and belief, Plaintiffs estimate that more than $5,714,280 has
5
been impermissibly diverted from the City's Retirement Fund; the documents obtained by
6
Plaintiffs only extend back to fiscal year 2000-2001.
7
26.
As a result of these diversions, the Retirement Fund has been depleted to a point
8
where its continued solvency is in jeopardy, and as such the City's responsibility to fund its
9
PERS obligations is creating a fiscal crisis endangering the well-being of the City as a whole.
10
27.
Based on information and belief, Defendant
11
28.
In doing the things alleged herein, the individually-named Defendants acted under
12
color of state law, and within the course and scope of employment and official duties.
13
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
14
Failure to Comply with Mandatory Duty Under Gov't Code ยง 53724
15
Government Code ยง 815.6 29.
Plaintiffs re-alleges each and every preceding paragraph as though set forth in full
18
30.
California Government Code ยง 815.6 states:
19
Where a public entity is under a mandatory duty imposed by an enactment that is designed to protect against the risk of a particular kind of injury, the public entity is liable for an injury of that kind proximately caused by its failure to discharge the duty unless the public entity establishes that it exercised reasonable diligence to discharge the duty.
16 17
20 21
here.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
(Emphasis added.) 31.
California Gov't Code ยง 53724 imposes a mandatory duty on Defendants to
ensure that a special tax may be "used only for the purpose or service for which it was imposed, and for no other purpose whatsoever." Gov't Code ยง 53724 (emphasis added). 32.
The tax imposed pursuant to Ordinance No. 540 is a special tax, because it is a tax
"levied to fund a specific governmental project or program." Rider v. County of San Diego, 1
5 COMPLAINT
1
Cal.4th 1, 15 (1991); see also Gov't Code § 53721 ("Special taxes are taxes imposed for specific
2
purposes.").
3
33.
4
special tax revenue from the City's Retirement Fund towards purposes not specified in
5
enactment of the special tax, in violation of California Government Code § 53724. 34.
6
their pensions are now underfunded. Defendant's failure to comply with their mandatory duty to
8
fund the City's Retirement Fund as required by Ordinance No. 540 is the direct and proximate
9
cause of the depletion and underfunding of the City's Retirement Fund.
10
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
11
Illegal Expenditure of Taxpayer Funds
g 13 x c 14 .„
2c t u<
Plaintiffs have been harmed by the depletion of the City's Retirement Fund in that
7
C.C.P. § 526a
.d 6 12
AW
In doing the things alleged to have been done, Defendants unlawfully diverted
15
35.
Plaintiffs re-allege each and every preceding paragraph as though set forth in full
36.
C.C.P. § 526a provides in relevant part that a "taxpayer's suit", "...to obtain a
here.
16
judgment, restraining and preventing any illegal expenditure of...(the) funds...of a county, town,
17
city...may be maintained against any officer thereof, or any agent, or other person, acting in its
18
behalf, either by a citizen resident therein, or by a corporation, who is assessed for and is liable
19
to pay, or, within one year before the commencement of the action, has paid, a tax therein."
20
37.
Defendants diversion of funds from the specified purposes of the special tax is
21
unlawful, as it is made in violation of Gov. Code § 53724. Gov . Code § 53724 provides in
22
relevant part that revenues from a special tax may be "used only for the purpose or service for
23
which it was imposed, and for no other purpose whatsoever." (Emphasis added.) The tax
24
imposed pursuant to Ordinance No. 540 is a special tax, because it is a tax "levied to fund a
25
specific governmental project or program." Rider v. County of San Diego, 1 Ca1.4th 1, 15 (1991).
26
(Also see Gov. Code § 53721: "Special taxes are taxes imposed for specific purposes.")
27 28 6 COMPLAINT
1
38.
Plaintiffs also claim damages from the individually-named Defendants, in the
2
form of reimbursement into the City's General Fund all unlawfully diverted money, as their
3
unlawful acts herein described were done in an absence of "due care."
4
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
5
Legal Malpractice — Wrongful Act or Omission
6
Against Defendant Robert Kress Only
7 8
39.
Plaintiffs re-allege each and every preceding paragraph as though set forth in full
40.
As, City Attorney, Defendant Kress, owes a duty to Plaintiffs to use such skill,
here.
9 10
prudence and diligence as City Attorneys commonly possess. Specifically, Defendant Kress
11
owes to Plaintiffs to ensure that City officials do not violate state statutes and that they are
12
informed of their obligations under the law regarding the acts and omissions complained of
13
herein.
14
41.
Defendant Kress breached his duty to Plaintiffs. Based on information and belief
15
Kress was present and took part in the actions resulting in the illegal expenditure of taxpayer
16
funds.
17 18
42.
As a proximate cause of Kress' breach, Plaintiffs were harmed in the depleted
funding of their retirement accounts.
19 20
FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION
21
Violations of California Propositions 13 and 62
22 23 24 25 26
43.
Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 42 as though
fully set forth herein. 44.
In 1978, Proposition 13 added Article 13a to the California Constitution, requiring
that all special taxes be approved by two-thirds vote of the local electorate. 45.
In 1986, the California voters approved Proposition 62, requiring all proposals for
27
a new or higher general tax to be approved by two-thirds of the local agency's governing body,
28
and by a majority of the voters, and that proposals for special taxes contain specific information 7 COMPLAINT
1
concerning the proposed use, and penalizes local agencies for failing to comply with these
2
requirements, as well as requiring local agencies to stop collecting any new or higher general
3
taxes adopted after July 31, 1985 unless approved by a majority of voters.
4 5
46.
In doing things alleged hereinabove, the Defendants and each of them failed to
comply with either or both Proposition 13 and Proposition 62.
6 7
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs pray that this Court:
8
1.
Award general, compensatory, and special damages according to proof;
9
2.
Award injunctive relief ordering Defendants to cease the unlawful diversion of
10 11
funds from the City's Retirement Fund and the interest accrued from the same; 3.
return all unlawfully diverted funds back into the City's Retirement Fund;
12 1:3
4.
14 15
Award injunctive relief ordering Defendants to take all necessary actions so as to
Render a judicial determination that the actions of the City as described above is unlawful as it violates Gov't Code §§ 815.6, 53724 and C.C.P. § 526a;
5.
16
Award reasonable attorney's fees and costs under C.C.P. §1021.5, and as otherwise provided by law;
17
6.
Award interest as provided by law; and
18
7.
Award such other and further relief that the Court deems necessary and proper.
19 20
Dated: March 8, 2012
Respectfully Submitted, LACKIE, DAM ER & McGILL APC
21
24 -)
5
Dieter C. Dammeier Michael A. McGill Attorneys for Plaintiffs, SAN GABRIEL POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION; MARIAN ALVAREZ
26
77 28
8 COMPLAINT
DEMAND FOR TRIAL BY JURY
1 2
Plaintiff hereby demands a trial by jury.
3 4 5
Dated: March 8, 2012
Respectfully Submitted, LACKIE, DAMMEIER & McGILL APC
6 7 8 9 10
Dieter C. Dammeier Michael A. McGill Attorneys for Plaintiffs, SAN GABRIEL POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION; MARIAN ALVAREZ
11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20
21 22
24 25 "?6, 27 28 9 COMPLAINT
Reserved for Clerk's File Stamp
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
l' I .
COURTHOUSE ADDRESS:
FILED
300 EAST WALNUT STREET, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91101
EAR —8 2012
PLAINTIFF: DEFENDANT:
, L. n S CASE NUMRER_Atefb
LES
i (4 1.611.12
NOTICE OF CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE TO THE PLAINTIFF(S)/ATTORNEY(S) FOR PLAINT!
RECORD:
You are ordered to serve this notice of hearing on all parties/attorneys of record forthwith, and meet and confer with all parties/attorneys of record about the matters to be discussed no later than 30 days before the Case Management Conference. Your Case Management Conference has been scheduled at the courthouse address shown above on:
Dale:
JUL 1 2 2012me 8:3° a.m.
NEP
Dept.: a) r
NEP—JAN A. PLUIM --C . EDWARD SIMPSON NES—JOSEPH F. DE VANON
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: THE SETTING OF THE CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE DOES NOT EXEMPT THE DEFENDANT FROM FILING A RESPONSIVE PLEADING AS REQUIRED BY LAW. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 3.720-3.730, a completed Case Management Statement (Judicial Council form # CM-110) must be filed at least 15 calendar days prior to the Case Management Conference. The Case Management Statement may be filed jointly by all parties/attorneys of record or individually by each party/attorney of record. You must be familiar with the case and be fully prepared to participate effectively in the Case Management Conference. At the Case. Management Conference, the Court may make pretrial orders including the following, but not limited to, an order establishing a‘discovery schedule; an order referring the case to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); an order reclassifying the case; an order setting subsequent conference and the trial date; or other orders to achieve the goals of the Trial Court Delay Reduction Act (Gov. Code, § 68600 et seq.) Notice is hereby given that if you do not file the Case Management Statement or appear and effectively participate at the Case Management Conference, the Court may impose sanctions, pursuant to LASC Local Rule 7.13, Code of Civil Procedure sections 177.5, 575.2, 583.150, 583.360 and 583.410, Government Code section 68608, subdivision (b), and California Rules of Court, rule 2.2 et seq.
MARY THORNTON HOUSE
Dated:
Judicial Officer CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, the below named Executive Officer/Clerk of the above-entitled court, do hereby certify that I am not a party to the cause herein, and that on this date I served the Notice of Case Management Conference upon each party or counsel named below: q
, California, one copy of the original by depositing in the United States mail at the courthouse in filed herein in a separate sealed envelope to each address as shown below with the postage thereon fully prepaid.
[711 by personally giving the party notice upon filing of the complaint.
I41 11 40,
JOHN A. CLARKE, Executive/Officer Clerk
By
Dated:
DAWN Ft400:1E-Fin. Deputy Clerk
LACIV 132 (Rev. 09/07) LASC Approved 10-03
NOTICE OF CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
Cal. Rules of Court, rules 3.720-3.730 LASC Local Rules, Chapter Seven
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) INFORMATION PACKAGE [CRC 3.221 Information about Alternative Dispute Resolution] For additional ADR information and forms visit the Court ADR web application at www.lasuperiorcourt.org (click on ADR). The plaintiff shall serve a copy of this Information Package on each defendant along with the complaint (Civil only). What Is ADR:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the term used to describe all the other options available for settling a dispute which once had to be settled in court. ADR processes, such as arbitration, mediation, neutral evaluation (NE), and settlement conferences, are less formal than a court process and provide opportunities for parties to reach an agreement using a problem-solving approach. There are many different kinds of ADR. All of them utilize a "neutral", an impartial person, to decide the case or help the parties reach an agreement. Mediation:
In mediation, a neutral person called a "mediator" helps the parties try to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute. The mediator does not decide the dispute but helps the parties communicate so they can try to settle the dispute themselves. Mediation leaves control of the outcome with the parties. Cases for Which Mediation May Be Appropriate
Mediation may be particularly useful when parties have a dispute between or among family members, neighbors, or business partners. Mediation is also effective when emotions are getting in the way of resolution. An effective mediator can hear the parties out and help them communicate with each other in an effective and nondestructive manner. Cases for Which Mediation May Not Be Appropriate
Mediation may not be effective if one of the parties is unwilling to cooperate or compromise. Mediation also may not be effective if one of the parties has a significant advantage in power over the other. Therefore, it may not be a good choice if the parties have a history of abuse or victimization. Arbitration: In arbitration, a neutral person called an "arbitrator" hears arguments and evidence from each side and then decides the outcome of the dispute. Arbitration is less formal than a trial, and the rules of evidence are often relaxed. Arbitration may be either "binding" or "nonbinding." Binding arbitration means that the parties waive their right to a trial and agree to accept the arbitrator's decision as final. Nonbinding arbitration means that the parties are free to request a trial if they do not accept the arbitrator's decision. Cases for Which Arbitration May Be Appropriate Arbitration is best for cases where the parties want another person to decide the outcome of their dispute for them but would like to avoid the formality, time, and expense of a trial. It may also be appropriate for complex matters where the parties want a decision-maker who has training or experience in the subject matter of the dispute. Cases for Which Arbitration May Not Be Appropriate
If parties want to retain control over how their dispute is resolved, arbitration, particularly binding arbitration, is not appropriate. In binding arbitration, the parties generally cannot appeal the arbitrator's award, even if it is not supported by the evidence or the law. Even in nonbinding arbitration, if a party requests a trial and does not receive a more favorable result at trial than in arbitration, there may be penalties. Neutral Evaluation: In neutral evaluation, each party gets a chance to present the case to a neutral person called an "evaluator." The evaluator then gives an opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of each party's evidence and arguments and about how the dispute could be resolved. The evaluator is often an expert in the subject matter of the dispute. Although the evaluator's opinion is not binding, the parties typically use it as a basis for trying to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. Cases for Which Neutral Evaluation May Be Appropriate Neutral evaluation may be most appropriate in cases in which there are technical issues that require special expertise to resolve or the only significant issue in the case is the amount of damages. Cases for Which Neutral Evaluation May Not Be Appropriate Neutral evaluation may not be appropriate when there are significant personal or emotional barriers to resolving the dispute. Settlement Conferences:
Settlement conferences may be either mandatory or voluntary. In both types of settlement conferences, the parties and their attorneys meet with a judge or a neutral person called a "settlement officer" to discuss possible settlement of their dispute. The judge or settlement officer does not make a decision in the case but assists the parties in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the case and in negotiating a settlement. Settlement conferences are appropriate in any case where settlement is an option. Mandatory settlement conferences are often held close to the date a case is set for trial . LAADR 005 (05 - 09) LASC Approved
Page 1 of 2
LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT ADR PROGRAMS CIVIL: • Civil Action Mediation (Governed by Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) sections 1775-1775.15, California Rules of Court, rules 3.850-3.868 and 3.870-3.878, Evidence Code sections 1115-1128, and Los Angeles Superior Court Rules, chapter 12.) • Retired Judge Settlement Conference
• Neutral Evaluation (Governed by Los Angeles Superior Court Rules, chapter 12.) • Judicial Arbitration
(Governed by Code of Civil Procedure sections 1141.10-1141.31, California Rules of Court, rules 3.810-3.830, and Los Angeles Superior Court Rules, chapter 12.)
• Eminent Domain Mediation (Governed by Code of Civil Procedure section 1250.420.) • Civil Harassment Mediation • Small Claims Mediation FAMILY LAW (non-custody) •
Mediation
•
Forensic Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Settlement Conference • Settlement Conference
• Nonbinding Arbitration (Governed by Family Code section 2554.)
PROBATE: •
Mediation
•
Settlement Conference
NEUTRAL SELECTION Parties may select a mediator, neutral evaluator, or arbitrator from the Court Party Select Panel or may hire someone privately, at their discretion. If the parties utilize the Random SeleCt Mediation or Arbitration Panel, the parties will be assigned on a random basis the name of one neutral who meets the case criteria entered on the court's website. COURT ADR PANELS Party Select Panel
Random Select Panel
Private Neutral
The Party Select Panel consists of mediators, neutral evaluators, and arbitrators who have achieved a specified level of experience in court-connected cases. The parties (collectively) may be charged $150.00 per hour for the first three hours of hearing time. Thereafter, the parties may be charged for additional hearing time on an hourly basis at rates established by the neutral if the parties consent in writing. The Random Select Panel consists of trained mediators, neutral evaluators, and arbitrators who have not yet gained the experience to qualify for the Party Select Panel, as well as experienced neutrals who make themselves available pro bono as a way of supporting the judicial system. It is the policy of the Court that all Random Select panel volunteer mediators, neutral evaluators, and arbitrators provide three hours hearing time per case. Thereafter, the parties may be charged for additional hearing time on an hourly basis at rates established by the neutral if the parties consent in writing. The market rate for private neutrals can range from $300-$1,000 per hour.
ADR ASSISTANCE For assistance regarding ADR, please contact the ADR clerk at the courthouse in which your case was filed. COURTHOUSE
ADDRESS
Antonovich Chatsworth Compton Glendale Long Beach Norwalk Pasadena Pomona San Pedro Santa Monica Stanley Mosk Torrance Van Nuys
42011 4th St. West 9425 Penfield Ave. 200 W. Compton Blvd. 600 E. Broadway 415 W. Ocean Blvd. 12720 Norwalk Blvd. 300 E. Walnut St. 400 Civic Center Plaza 505 S. Centre 1725 Main St. 111 N. Hill St. 825 Maple Ave. 6230 Sylmar Ave.
ROOM None 1200 1002 273 316 308 109 106 209 203 113 100 418
CITY Lancaster, CA 93534 Chatsworth, CA 91311 Compton, CA 90220 Glendale, CA 91206 Long Beach, CA 90802 Norwalk, CA 90650 Pasadena, CA 91101 Pomona, CA 91766 San Pedro, CA 90731 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Torrance, CA 90503 Van Nuys, CA 91401
PHONE
FAX
(661)974-7275 (818)576-8565 (310)603-3072 (818)500-3160 (562)491-6272 (562)807-7243 (626)356-5685 (909)620-3183 (310)519-6151 (310)260-1829 (213)974-5425 (310)222-1701 (818)374-2337
(661)974-7060 (818)576-8687 (310)223-0337 (818)548-5470 (562)437-3802 (562)462-9019 (626)666-1774 (909)629-6283 (310)514-0314 (310)319-6130 (213)633-5115 (310)782-7326 (818)902-2440
Partially Funded by the Los Angeles County Dispute Resolution Program A complete list of the County Dispute Resolution Programs is available online and upon request in the Clerk's Office.
LAADR 005 (05-09) LASC Approved Page 2 of 2
NAME. ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY:
STATE BAR NUMBER
Reserved le Pinks Fie Wear
ATTORNEY FOR (Name):
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES COURTHOUSE ADDRESS: PLAINTIFF: DEFENDANT: CASE NUMBER:
STIPULATION TO PARTICIPATE IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR)
The undersigned parties stipulate to participate in an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process in the above-entitled action, as follows: q
Mediation
q
Non-Binding Arbitration
q
Binding Arbitration
(=I
Early Neutral Evaluation
q
Settlement Conference
IEJ
Other ADR Process (describe):
Dated:
Name of Stipulating Party 1:1 Plaintiff 1:1 Defendant
111 Cross-defendant
Name of Stipulating Party 1:1 Plaintiff 1,:j Defendant
q
Cross-defendant
q
Cross-defendant
Name of Stipulating Party 1:1 Plaintiff q Defendant
Name of Stipulating Party Defendant q Cross-defendant q Plaintiff
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
q
q Additional signature(s) on reverse
DR 001 10-04 ASC Approved Rev. 01 07) -
STIPULATION TO PARTICIPATE IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR)
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.221 Page 1 of 2
Short Title Case Number
Jame of Stipulating Party • q Cross-defendant
3 Plaintiff q Defendant
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
3 Plaintiff
Jame of Stipulating Party q Defendant
q Cross-defendant
Name of Party or Attorney Executing SlipulationSignature of Party or Attorney
lame of Stipulating Party Plaintiff 0 Defendant
q Cross-defendant
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party orAttorney
Jame of Stipulating Party ] Plaintiff 0 Defendant q Cross-defendant tiff
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
lame of Stipulating Party ] Plaintiff q Defendant
q
Cross-defendant
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
lame of Stipulating Party ] Plaintiff q Defendant
q
Cross-defendant
ame of Stipulating Party ] Plaintiff q Defendant
q
Cross-defendant
ame of Stipulating Party ] Plaintiff q Defendant
q
Cross-defendant
ame of Stipulating Party
] Plaintiff q Defendant q Cross-defendant
ame of Stipulating Party ] Plaintiff q Defendant q Cross-defendant
R 001 10-04 3C Approved At. 01-07)
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
Name of Party or Attorney Executing Stipulation
Signature of Party or Attorney
STIPULATION TO PARTICIPATE IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR)
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.221 Page 2 of 2
LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAMS ACT (DRPA) CONTRACTORS . following organizations provide mediation services under contract with the Los Angeles County Department of Community & Senior Services. Services are provided to parties in any civil case filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Services are not provided under this program to family, probate, traffic, criminal, appellate, mental health, unlawful detainer/eviction or juvenile court cases.
Asian-Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center (213) 250-8190 (Spanish & Asian languages capability)
California Academy of Mediation Professionals (818) 377-7250 Center for Conflict Resolution (818) 380-1840 Inland Valleys Justice Center (909) 397-5780 (Spanish language capability)
Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney Dispute Resolution Program (213) 485-8324 (Spanish language capability)
Los Angeles County Bar Association=Dispute Resolution Services toll free number 1-877-4Resolve (737-6583) or (213) 896-6533 (Spanish language capability)
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs (213) 974-0825 (Spanish language capability)
The Loyola Law School Center for Conflict Resolution (213) 736-1145 (Spanish language capability)
Martin Luther King Legacy Association Dispute Resolution Center (323) 290-4132 (Spanish language capability)
City of Norwalk (562) 929-5603 DRPA Contractors do not provide legal advice or assistance, including help with responding to summonses. Accessing these services does not negate any responsibility you have to respond to a summons or appear at any set court date. See the reverse side of this sheet for information on the mediation process and obtaining legal advice.
THIS IS A TWO-SIDED DOCUMENT. ADR 007 07-04 LASC Approved
Page 1 of 2
What is the goat of mediation? The goal is to assist the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement or understanding on some or all of the issues. The parties jointly become the primary decision maker in how to resolve the issues as opposed to the traditional judge and/or -jury system. Do I need an attorney for this? While it is recommended to have an attorney and/or receive legal advice before the mediation starts, you are not required to have representation. If you do have an attorney, they may participate in the mediation with you. How long does it take? Face-to-face mediations generally last one to three hours. Telephone conciliations, in which the parties do not meet face to face, vary from a few days to several weeks. Much depends on the number of parties involved and the complexities of the issues. When the mediation takes place depends on parties scheduling availability. A Mediator helps parties...
A Mediator does not...
+ Have productive discussions ♦Avoid or break impasses +Defuse controversy *Generate options that have potential for mutual gain Better understand each other's concerns and goals *Focus on their interests rather than their positions
+Provide advice or opinions ♦Offer legal information +Make decisions for parties +Represent or advocate for either side ♦Judge or evaluate anyone or anything *Conduct research ♦ "Take Sides"
What does it cost?
Legal Advice/Information
The first three hours of any mediation are free. Thereafter, charges are based on income or revenue. All fees are waived for low-income individuals.
If you want to retain an attorney, a list of state certified referral services is at courtinfo.ca.gov which also has an on-line self help legal center.
What is the difference between the contractors
Self-Help Legal Access Centers are at the Inglewood, Palmdale, Pomona, and Van Nuys courthouses. nls-la.orq and lalla.orq
listed and the Superior Court ADR Office?
The services offered by the contractors listed may be accessed immediately. Those offered by the Superior Court ADR Office, also a DRPA contractor, may not be accessed by parties until a court appearance, or at the directive of the judge assigned to the case.
Court Personnel can answer non-legal questions (forms, fees, fee waivers). lasuperiorcourt.orq
Low-income individuals may qualify for help from non-profit legal organizations. Court Personnel and DRPA contractors have such listings.
Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) Grants Administration Office (213) 738-2621 (The ORP Office Is not a Superior Court Office. Consult your phone directory to locate the number of the Court Office on your summons.)
THIS IS A TWO-SIDED DOCUMENT. ADR 007 07-04 IASC Approved
Page 2 of2