Petition for Termination of Guardianship
CASE NUMBER: CVPG20-0030500 Disclosure Re: guardianship cases involving Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency-Judge Wood discloses that her step-daughter, Erinn Watts, is the Administrative Branch Director of the Health and Human Services Agency. In that position, Judge Wood’s step-daughter does not have any involvement in the investigation, management, prosecution or defense of guardianship cases. However, the Court makes this disclosure of an employment relationship between an investigating agency and the Court’s first degree relative as required by California Code of Judicial Ethics.
The matter is on calendar for further proceedings on the Annual Review and an Order to Show Cause issued to the Guardian for failure to file a Confidential Guardianship Status Report and failure to appear on April 6, 2026. The Confidential Guardianship Status Report has been submitted and accepted by the Court. A response to the Order to Show Cause has been filed and in light of the response, the Order to Show Cause is discharged.
Additionally, this matter is on calendar for further proceedings on a Petition for Termination of Guardianship filed by the mother, Jamie Gutzman. A new Notice of Hearing was filed on June 15, 2026. However, the proof of service of the Notice of Hearing is invalid as it indicates service by Petitioner and with only fourteen days notice. The Petitioner may not serve the documents herself and all parties must receive notice at least fifteen days in advance of the hearing. Additionally, a copy of the Petition must be served with the Notice of Hearing. The minor, Guardian, father, maternal grandmother, paternal grandfather, or siblings have not been served. Insufficient information has been provided to permit the Court to dispense with notice to these
parties. The Court has reviewed the Children’s Services report filed on May 14, 2026, which recommends granting the Petition.
This matter is continued to Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 42 for further proceedings on the Petition to Terminate. The Petitioner is required to file and serve a new Notice of Hearing for the continued hearing date, along with a copy of the Petition, on the parties identified above. Petitioner is reminded that someone over the age of 18 who is not a party to the action must effectuate service and complete the proof of service. In the alternative, if Petitioner cannot serve the parties identified, the Court will require a declaration explaining in detail all efforts of Petitioner to locate and serve them and why they cannot be served, to permit the Court to dispense with notice.
Warning: Failure to properly effect service or provide adequate basis to dispense with service as to the necessary parties will result in denial of the Petition. Notice is preserved. No appearance is necessary on today’s calendar.
GUARDIANSHIP OF MARCUS MITCHELL
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