Guardianship of Strength Deleon

CASE NUMBER: 25PG-0033144 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.

This matter is on calendar for hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian of the Person. The Petition was filed by the minor’s sister, Freedom Fernalld. Letters of Temporary Guardianship were requested but denied pending hearing. The current Guardian is Jennifer Pierson.

The sister/Petitioner has consented to the guardianship. Proof of service has been filed for the paternal grandfather and remaining siblings. The Court dispenses with notice to the deceased father and maternal grandparents. There is no valid proof of service of the Notice of Hearing and Petition for the Guardian, minor, mother, and paternal grandmother. The Guardian, minor and mother have previously appeared and confirmed notice of these proceedings and expressed their consent of the

Petition before the Court. Therefore, the Court will accept the proof of service by mail for the Guardian, minor, and mother filed on July 10, 2026 as sufficient. The paternal grandmother may be served by mail. Prob. Code § 1511(c). Alternatively, the grandmother can sign a consent and waiver of notice (GC-211, section 4), in lieu of being served.

The Court has reviewed the Court Investigator’s report filed on July 21, 2026, which recommends granting the Petition. The Court will inquire whether the child is or may be an Indian child. If Petitioner has reason to know that the child is an Indian child, they must make further inquiry to learn about the child’s Indian heritage. This matter is continued to Monday, August 24, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 42 for further proceedings on the Petition. 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 paternal grandmother.

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.