Estate of Arthur Lee Landmark

Estate of Arthur Lee Landmark 26PR000077

PETITION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADMINISTER UNDER THE INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT

TENTATIVE RULING: The Petition is GRANTED. Michael Torr is appointed as probate referee. The matter is set for a Status Hearing Re: Final Distribution on May 21, 2027, at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. B. The Status Hearing may be vacated or continued without appearances needed if, prior thereto, the Personal Representative files a petition for an order for final distribution or a report of status of administration pursuant to Probate Code section 12200. The Clerk is directed to provide notice to the parties.

CIVIL LAW & MOTION CALENDAR – Hon. Joseph J. Solga, Dept. B (Historic Courthouse) at 8:30 a.m.

Julianne Wurm v. James Pitkow et al 24CV000921

PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO TAX COSTS

TENTATIVE RULING: The motion is DENIED. As a result, Defendants are entitled to their costs in the amount of $32,167.99.

The moving party failed to include in the notice of this motion proper notice of the Court’s tentative ruling system as required by Local Rule 2.9. Moving party is directed to immediately provide, by telephone call AND email, the missing notice to opposing party/ies forthwith. The requirements for requesting oral argument under Local Rule 2.9 remain in effect. However, the Court may grant belated requests for oral argument or continuance of hearing, made by any party who represents it did not timely receive the required notice, regardless of whether or not moving party is present at the hearing.

A. PROCEDURAL MATTER

Plaintiff Julianne Wurm (“Plaintiff”) moves, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure sections 1032 and 1033.5 and Rules of Court, rule 3.1700,4 for an order taxing costs claimed in Defendants’ Memorandum of Costs (“Costs Memo”) filed March 27, 2026 in the amount of $32,167.99. Plaintiff so moves on the grounds that the claimed costs are not allowable, not reasonably necessary to the conduct of the litigation, unsupported, and excessive. (Notice of Motion, p. 1.)

B. LEGAL STANDARD

“Except as otherwise expressly provided by statute, a prevailing party is entitled as a matter of right to recover costs in any action or proceeding.” (Code Civ. Proc. § 1032