In re Christian F. CA2/2

BACKGROUND

The section 602 petition alleged that minor had been in possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana on school grounds in violation of Health and Safety Code section 11357, subdivision (e), a misdemeanor. Minor brought a motion to suppress evidence pursuant to section 700.1 After hearing the evidence, the juvenile court denied the motion, and minor admitted the allegations of the petition. On June 3, 2013, minor was declared a ward of the court and was placed at home on probation under specified conditions. Minor filed a timely notice of appeal, challenging only the denial of his motion to suppress evidence. At the hearing on the suppression motion, the juvenile court heard the testimony of the following witnesses: Randy Castillo (Castillo), Whittier High School Dean of Students; Paul Garcia, Whittier Police Department School Resource Officer; and Probation Officer James Mendez (Mendez), also assigned to Whittier High School. Castillo testified that On November 14, 2012, at approximately 12:30 p.m., he saw minor and two companions on the steps of the school auditorium, in a part of the campus that was outside the gates and off limits during lunchtime. Unless the…