LESLEY GISELLE HOWARD VS. THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO ET AL

Set for Law and Motion/Discovery Calendar on Monday, February 23, 2026, Line 16.

Defendant's motion to compel compliance and production of documents is granted. Plaintiff's mental health records are discoverable since her alleged emotional distress is an issue in this case. "[P]laintiffs . . . may not withhold information which relates to any physical or mental condition which they have put in issue by bringing th[e] lawsuit." (Britt v. Superior Ct. (1978) 20 Cal.3d 844, 864.)

To the extent it has not already occurred, the court orders plaintiff to execute all required authorizations that are necessary for production of the documents identified in requests for production 1 - 7 within five days of notice of entry of this order. Alternatively, plaintiff may serve written confirmation that she has requested complete copies of records from each identified provider for the relevant period and executed any authorizations necessary for release, and (i) produce all responsive documents presently in her possession, custody, or control, and (ii) produce any additional responsive documents received from any provider within three business days of receipt, and in no event later than twenty-one calendar days from entry of the order, absent a declaration demonstrating good-faith efforts and provider-specific delay beyond Plaintiff's control.

Defendant contends that plaintiff has stonewalled the discovery process and acted without substantial justification. Defendant's notice of motion and the motion itself, however, do not seek monetary sanctions so the court awards none.

For the 9:00 a.m. calendar, all attorneys and parties may appear in Department 302 remotely or in person. Remote hearings will be conducted by videoconference using Zoom. (Dept. 302 Zoom ID 160 409 7690; Passcode 516287.) To appear remotely at the hearing, go to the court's website at sfsuperiorcourt.org under "Online Services," navigate to "Tentative Rulings," and click on the appropriate link, or dial the corresponding phone number.

Any party who contests a tentative ruling must send an email to contestdept302tr@sftc.org with a copy to all other parties by 4pm stating, without argument, the portion(s) of the tentative ruling that the party contests. The subject line of the email shall include the line number, case name and case number. The text of the email shall include the name and contact information, including email address, of the attorney or party who will appear at the hearing.