569 E. Cnty. Boulevard LLC v. Backcountry Against the Dump, Inc.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
McDonald, J.
*128 Plaintiff 569 East County Boulevard, LLC, and others (plaintiffs) filed an action against numerous entities and individuals. Plaintiffs' complaint named Backcountry Against the Dump, Inc. (BAD) as a defendant and alleged a single cause of action against BAD for unlawful interference with prospective economic advantage. BAD moved to strike the action pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16, 1 commonly referred to as the anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) statute. ( Equilon Enterprises v. Consumer Cause, Inc. (2002) 29 Cal.4th 53 , 57, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 507 , 52 P.3d 685 .) After BAD's anti-SLAPP motion was granted, it sought attorney fees and costs in a total amount of $152,529.15 pursuant to section 425.16, subdivision (c)(1). Plaintiffs did not contest defendant's entitlement to a fees and costs award, but argued the amount sought was exorbitant. The court found BAD was entitled to attorney fees and costs incurred for the successful anti-SLAPP motion, but awarded a reduced amount of $30,752.86. BAD appeals from that order, arguing the reduced award was an abuse of discretion.