Plaintiffs’ Motions in Limine (Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5); Defendants’ Motion in Limine No. 1
24CV018649: OKAMOTO, et al. vs HARVEST CHURCH, et al. 07/24/2026 Jury Trial (pretrial conference) in Department 8A
Tentative Ruling
APPEARANCE REQUIRED
The Court issues the following tentative rulings with regard to the Parties' motions in limine:
Plaintiffs Motions in Limine:
No. 1 To Exclude Witnesses And Documents Not Disclosed In Defendants Verified Responses To Form Interrogatory No. 15.1
Denied as to any witnesses that were deposed and documents that were produced. Granted with regard to undisclosed witnesses and documents. The motion is moot with regard to the affirmative defenses that have been withdrawn by Defendant (Third, Fourth, Seventh, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-Second, Twenty- Fourth, Twenty-Fifth, Twenty-Sixth, Twenty-Seventh, Twenty-Ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-First, Thirty-Second, Thirty-Third, and Thirty-Fourth Affirmative Defenses).
No. 2 To Exclude Evidence And Testimony Of Communications Purporting To Release Restrictions On The Okamoto Donation
Denied.
[There does not appear to be a Plaintiffs Motion in Limine No. 3]
No. 4 To Exclude Testimony And Exhibits Regarding The November 2024 Membership Meeting Based On Defendants Improper Assertion Of Attorney-Client Privilege
Granted.
No. 5 Declaration Of W. Scott Cameron In Support Of Plaintiffs Showing Of Good Cause Under Local Rule 2.96(4) To Admit Evidence, Testimony, And Argument Concerning The Revocation Of Jon Smith's Ministerial Credentials, The Withdrawal Of Harvest Church's Assemblies Of God Affiliation, And The Assemblies Of God District Council's Action Against Harvest Church; Request For Hearing
It is undisputed that Plaintiffs made a $2 million donation to the Harvest Church in November 2021. However, the Parties dispute whether the donation was restricted for the sole purpose of building a Family Life Center, or if it was unrestricted and could be used for any church purpose. Defendants contend that the donation was made without any enforceable written restrictions. In their proposed Statement of the Case, Defendants state:
24CV018649: OKAMOTO, et al. vs HARVEST CHURCH, et al. 07/24/2026 Jury Trial (pretrial conference) in Department 8A
Looking for case law or statutes not cited here? Search published authorities
Examples: “Why did the court rule this way?” · “What were the procedural grounds?” · “Is appearance required?”
Defendant has placed the churchs future ability and intent to perform the restricted purpose squarely in dispute. The status of the church and its pastor is directly relevant to whether the donated funds are currently being maintained and treated as restricted and whether it is feasible that a Family Life Center will be built in the future.
Therefore, Plaintiffs are permitted to introduce evidence that the Harvest Church is no longer an Assemblies of God church, no longer holds Assemblies of God endorsement, and is no longer led by a pastor holding Assemblies of God credentials. The motion is denied in all other respects.
Defendants Motions in Limine:
NO. 1 To Exclude All Evidence And Argument Regarding Pastor Jon Smiths Credential Proceedings With The Assemblies Of God And The Litigation With The District
Denied in part, see the above ruling. Plaintiffs are permitted to introduce evidence that the Harvest Church is no longer an Assemblies of God church, no longer holds Assemblies of God endorsement, and is no longer led by a pastor holding Assemblies of God credentials. The motion is granted in all other respects.
The Court orders the parties to appear. The parties may appear by Zoom with the links below.
To join by Zoom link https://saccourt-ca-gov.zoomgov.com/j/16108301121 To join by phone dial (833) 568-8864 / ID: 16108301121
Counsel for Plaintiff is directed to notice all parties of this order.