Rodriguez v. Valleywide Farm Labor, Inc.

(03) Tentative Ruling

Re: Rodriguez v. Valleywide Farm Labor, Inc. Case No. 22CECG01009

Hearing Date: July 23, 2026 (Dept. 502)

Motion: Plaintiff’s Motion for Final Approval of Class and PAGA Settlement

Tentative Ruling:

To grant plaintiff’s motion for final approval of class and PAGA settlement.

Explanation:

1. Class Certification

The court has already granted preliminary approval of the request for certification of the class for the purpose of settlement. Nothing has changed that would cause the court to change its ruling. In fact, the lack of any objections from the class indicates that the class members agree that the class should be certified. Therefore, the court intends to grant certification of the class for the purpose of settlement.

2. Fairness and Reasonableness of the Settlement The court has already granted preliminary approval of the settlement, including finding that the amount of the settlement is fair, adequate and reasonable. After the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement, the class administrator served notice of the settlement on the class members, and no objections and only two requests for exclusion have been received. The class members’ lack of objections supports a finding that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. Therefore, the court intends to grant final approval of the settlement amount.

3. Attorney’s Fees and Costs The court has already granted preliminary approval of the request for attorney’s fees and costs. No class members have objected to the settlement or the requested fees and costs. Therefore, the court intends to grant final approval of the requested attorney’s fees and costs.

4. Payment to Class Representative The court has already granted preliminary approval of the $7,500 incentive award to the named plaintiff. No class members have objected to the requested incentive award. Therefore, the court intends to grant final approval of the incentive award to the named plaintiff.

5. Payment to Class Administrator

The court has already granted preliminary approval of the $8,000 payment to the administrator. No class members have objected to the $8,000 payment. Therefore, the court intends to grant final approval of the payment to the administrator.

6. PAGA Settlement The court has already found that settling the PAGA claims for $7,500 is fair, adequate and reasonable. Nothing has changed since the court’s preliminary ruling that would cause it to change its ruling. Therefore, the court intends to grant final approval of the PAGA portion of the settlement.