Szeto

FACTS

We take some streamlined facts from the first amended complaint, cross-complaints, declarations, and other evidence submitted on the motions. (Code Civ. Proc.,1 § 425.16, subd. (b)(2).) I.

THE UNPAID LOANS AND

THE RESULTING LAWSUITS AND PROPERTY TRANSFERS

This case arises from the nonpayment of two loans issued to Steve Yuk Woo and his corporation in 2014. First, Woo borrowed $100,000 from Szeto, a former business associate, to be paid back within 60 days. Woo failed to pay back any portion of the loan.

1 All further undesignated statutory references are to this code.

2 Second, Woo’s corporation borrowed $250,000 from a bank, with Woo and Yi (Woo’s longtime friend) each signing a personal guaranty. The corporation soon defaulted on the loan and filed for bankruptcy. This caused the bank to declare the loan in default and accelerate the amount due. These defaults led to multiple lawsuits. First, Szeto filed a lawsuit against Woo in San Bernardino Superior Court for breaching the $100,000 promissory note, and Woo cross-complained against Szeto for usury, defamation, conversion, and various other claims. Second, the bank filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court…