Kathleen Lentini v. California Center for the Arts, Escondido Alan Corbin Randy Vogel, and Does 1-10

This case comes to us following a bench trial that resulted in a judgment against the defendants-appellants. For the reasons discussed below, we affirm the district court’s judgment in all respects.

BACKGROUND

A. Factual History

Appellee Kathleen Lentini is a quadriplegic and uses a wheelchair for mobility. At all relevant times, Lentini had a small, black Shih Tzu/Poodle mix named Jazz. Jazz functions as Lentini’s service dog by providing minimal protection and retrieving small dropped items.

Appellant California Center for the Arts — Escondido (the “Center”) is a not-for-profit public benefit corporation, founded to promote the advancement of artistic entertainment and education. At all relevant times, appellant Alan Corbin was the Center’s House Manager, and appellant Randall Vogel was the Director of Center Sales and Event Services. At all relevant times, the Center had a written policy stating that “animals are not permitted in the theater, except for certified assistance animals accompanying people with disabilities.” “Certified” meant any animal officially trained to assist a person with a disability. The Center also had an unwritten policy that ticket takers were to…