Motion to Compel Arbitration
26CV004296: IN THE MATTER OF: LORI SACCO-NELSON 06/15/2026 Hearing on Motion to Compel Arbitration in Department 8C
Tentative Ruling
NOTICE:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any oral arguments regarding this tentative ruling will be heard at 1:30 p.m. in Department 8C, located at the Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Courthouse located at 500 G. Street, Sacramento, CA, the Hon. Richard C. Miadich presiding.
Any party who wishes to contest the tentative ruling below must:
(1) request a hearing by calling the Law and Motion Oral Argument Request Line at (916) 874-2615, by 4:00 p.m. the Court day before the noticed hearing date, and leave a voicemail message (a) identifying themselves as the party requesting oral argument; (b) indicating the specific matter/motion for which they are requesting oral argument; and (c) confirming that they have notified the opposing party of their intention to appear; and
(2) advise the opposing party of the location and time of hearing pursuant to Local Rule 1.06.
If a hearing is not requested by 4:00 p.m. on the Court day before the noticed hearing date, the tentative ruling will become the final order of the Court.
If a hearing is requested, the Court prefers in-person attendance by the parties. However, parties may appear by Zoom unless the Court specifically orders in-person attendance. Parties choosing to appear by Zoom are reminded, however, that a Zoom appearance is still a formal appearance before the Court. Parties appearing via Zoom should do so from a quiet location, free from undue distractions, and wear attire suitable for an in-person court appearance.
The parties may join the Zoom session for hearing on the tentative ruling by audio and/or video through the following link:
https://saccourt-ca-gov.zoomgov.com/j/16039062174
SIP Address:
16039062174@sip.zoomgov.com
(833) 568-8864
ID: 16039062174
Parties requesting services of a court reporter will need to arrange for private court
26CV004296: IN THE MATTER OF: LORI SACCO-NELSON 06/15/2026 Hearing on Motion to Compel Arbitration in Department 8C
reporter services at their own expense, pursuant to
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A Stipulation and Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore (CV/E-206) is required to be signed by each party, the private court reporter, and the Judge prior to the hearing, if not using a reporter from the Courts Approved Official Reporter Pro Tempore list.
Once the form is signed it must be filed with the clerk. If a litigant has been granted a fee waiver and requests a court reporter, the party must submit a Request for Court Reporter by a Party with a Fee Waiver (CV/E-211) and it must be filed with the clerk at least 10 days prior to the hearing or at the time the proceeding is scheduled if less than 10 days away. Once approved, the clerk will be forward the form to the Court Reporters Office and an official reporter will be provided.
TENTATIVE RULING
***NOTICE: EFFECTIVE APRIL 13, 2026, THIS DEPARTMENT HAS MOVED TO THE TANI G. CANTIL-SAKAUYE COURTHOUSE LOCATED AT 500 G. ST. SACRAMENTO, CA. ALL MOTIONS NOTICED FOR DEPARTMENT 28 WILL BE HEARD IN DEPARTMENT 8C OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE. ALL PAPERS FOR THIS DEPARTMENT MUST BE FILED AT THIS NEW LOCATION AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE HALL OF JUSTICE. ALL HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THIS NEW LOCATION****
Claimant Lori Sacco-Nelsons (Claimant) motion to compel arbitration in an underinsured motorist action is UNOPPOSED and GRANTED.
This matter arises from an automobile collision that occurred on September 20, 2025.
According to Respondent's Declaration page, at the time of the subject collision Claimant was insured under USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY's policy of insurance, including Uninsured Motorist coverage with limits of $100,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 per incident within the meaning of California Insurance Code, Section 11580.2(f). (Decl. Wood, ¶ 5.)
On December 12, 2025, Claimants counsel sent a written demand to Respondent for
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO
26CV004296: IN THE MATTER OF: LORI SACCO-NELSON 06/15/2026 Hearing on Motion to Compel Arbitration in Department 8C
Binding Arbitration under Claimant's Uninsured Motorist policy and suggested using Fred Wiesner, Esq. as the arbitrator. (Decl. Wood, ¶ 6.) Concurrent with the arbitration demand, on December 12, 2025, Claimants counsel also served Form Interrogatories, Special Interrogatories, Requests for Admissions, and Requests for Production of Documents on Respondent. (Decl. Wood, ¶ 7.) Claimant asserts that Respondent has ignored Claimants requests for binding arbitration to date. (Decl. Wood, ¶8.)
Claimant now seeks order compelling arbitration. Claimant requests the Court to appoint Fred Wiesner, Esq. or Nicholas K. Lowe, Esq. to serve as arbitrator. Claimant also seeks an order to compel arbitration to take place in a timely manner, within 120 days of this hearing date. (Motion, 4:7-9.)
Respondent does not oppose the motion.
Claimants motion to compel arbitration is therefore GRANTED. Fred Wiesner, Esq., is appointed to serve as arbitrator. Arbitration is to take place within 120 days of the date of this order.
The minute order is effective immediately. No formal order pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1312 or further notice is required.