Petition for Appointment of Guardian
CASE NUMBER: 26PG-0033408 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 further proceedings on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of the Person. The Petition was filed by the minor’s non-relative caregivers, Christian and Heather Data. Letters of Temporary Guardianship issued on May 29, 2026, and are set to expire today unless further extended. The Court dispenses with notice to the paternal grandfather. There is no valid proof of service of the Notice of Hearing and Petition for the father or paternal grandmother. The proofs of service for the father filed on July 7, 2026, and July 10, 2026, fail to indicate a copy of the Notice of Hearing was served. Considering father has filed an objection, the Court will find him to have sufficient notice of the proceedings. The Court notes a proof of service was filed on July 6, 2026, however it does not state who was served and fails to indicate a copy of the Petition was provided.
The paternal grandmother may be served by mail. Prob. Code § 1511(c). Alternatively, the paternal grandmother can sign a consent and waiver of notice (GC-211, section 4), in lieu of being served.
The Court has reviewed the Children’s Services report filed on June 22, 2026, which recommends granting the Petition. The Court will inquire whether the child is or may be an Indian child. If Petitioners have reason to know that the child is an Indian child, they must make further inquiry to learn about the child’s Indian heritage.
The mother and father previously filed an objection. In light of the objections, the Court will appoint private counsel to represent the minor pursuant to Prob. Code § 1470. This matter is continued to Monday, August 31, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 42 for further proceedings on the Petition and confirmation of counsel. The Temporary Guardianship is ORDERED to remain in effect until the continued hearing date. Petitioners are 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.
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In the alternative, if Petitioners cannot serve the paternal grandmother, the Court will require a declaration explaining in detail all efforts of Petitioners to locate and serve her and why she 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 ISABELLA PIACITELLI