Stockdale Villa Mobile Home Park v. Chavez CA5

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Introduction This matter has a complicated background. The plaintiff in the underlying case is Stockdale Villa Mobile Home Park, Ltd. (Stockdale), and defendants are Mario Chavez- Chavez (Mario) and his adult daughter, Seanna Ramirez (Seanna). Non-party Adriana Ramirez (Adriana) is also implicated in this matter.2 Adriana is married to Mario and is Seanna’s mother. Stockdale has indicated that it inadvertently failed to name Adriana Ramirez as a defendant when it commenced this action in the trial court and that it intends to serve Adriana Ramirez (as a Doe defendant) should this matter be remanded for further proceedings in the trial court. Stockdale filed the underlying complaint in Kern County Superior Court on July 11, 2024, against Mario, Seanna, and a few Doe defendants. The complaint alleged a single cause of action for breach of contract. The complaint noted: “The action is brought as a Limited Civil Case under Code of Civil Procedure Section 85 because the ‘amount in controversy does not exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) … exclusive of attorneys’ fees, interest, and costs.’ ” The complaint sought “liquidated damages of not less…