Hannett, et al. v. Serendipity Hearing, Inc., et al.

representative? See, e.g., J.P. Morgan & Co., Inc. v. Superior Court (2003) 113 Cal.App.4th 195, 212 (“‘[t]he adequacy inquiry . . . serves to uncover conflicts of interest between named parties and the class they seek to represent’”).

The parties’ decision to renegotiate a material term of the settlement (i.e., the gross settlement amount) during the pendency of the motion requires denial of the motion. The denial is without prejudice to enable the parties to seek approval of the settlement in the form in which it now exists, including submitting valuation analysis of the settlement amount, the average, high and low individual class and PAGA payments, and any other information necessary for the court to determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate. In addition, should plaintiff continue to seek an enhancement award, plaintiff should explain why an enhancement award would be appropriate in light of plaintiff’s apparent decision to reduce the gross settlement amount to obtain more money for herself.

A status conference is scheduled for September 24, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Department CX105. The parties are ordered to file a joint status conference statement at least 5 court days in advance.

Plaintiff is ordered to give notice, including to the LWDA, and to file a proof of service.

8 Hannett, et al. v. Plaintiffs’ Motion for Final Approval of Class Action and PAGA Serendipity Hearing, Inc., Settlement et al. The court has reviewed and considered the papers filed in support 2021-01216930 of plaintiffs’ motion for final approval of a $325,000 class action and PAGA settlement. The court grants the motion as follows:

$5,000.00 for enhancement award to each plaintiff ($10,000.00 total);

$97,500.00 for attorneys’ fees;

$18,477.54 for litigation costs;

$8,950.00 for settlement administration costs; and

$30,000.00 total PAGA penalties ($22,500.00 to the LWDA).

The objection is overruled, as it states no grounds for objection. Lee Decl. (ROA 233) Ex. C.

The final accounting hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2027 at 9:00 a.m. in Department CX105. Plaintiffs shall submit a final accounting report at least 9 court days before the final accounting hearing regarding the status of the settlement administration. The final report must include all information necessary for the court to determine the total amount actually paid to class members and aggrieved employees and any amounts tendered to the State Controller’s Office under the unclaimed property law.