In the Matter of Alden Gigax & Cian Justinger

CASE NUMBER: CVPG19-0030230 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 Cian Justinger filed by the minor’s uncle, Jason Justinger. Letters of Temporary Guardianship were requested but denied pending hearing. This matter is also on calendar for further proceedings on a Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian of both minors filed by the minors’ uncle. Ridge Gigax. Letters of Temporary guardianship issued to Ridge Gigax on March 26, 2026, and are set to expire today unless further extended. The current guardian is Patricia Schoepflin, who has passed away.

Justinger Petition. The Court dispenses with notice to the deceased guardian/maternal grandmother. There is no proof of service of the Notice of Hearing and Petition for the temporary guardian, mother, father, maternal grandfather, paternal grandparents, or siblings. Insufficient information has been provided to permit the Court to dispense with notice to these parties. The Court has reviewed the Court Investigator’s memorandum received on July 30, 2026, which states that Mr. Justinger is withdrawing his Petition. Considering the memorandum and failure to file and serve the documents necessary to move forward, the Petition is DENIED without prejudice.

Gigax Petition. A new Notice of Hearing has not been filed and served for today’s date. There is no proof of service of the Notice of Hearing and Petition for the paternal grandparents of Alden or paternal grandparents of Cian and insufficient information has been provided to permit the Court to dispense with notice. The Court has reviewed the Court Investigator’s report filed on April 21, 2026, which recommends granting the Petition. At the last hearing, Petitioner expressed his intention to withdraw his Petition. Considering Petitioner’s intent and failure to file and serve the documents necessary to move forward, the Petition is DENIED without prejudice.

This matter is also on calendar for confirmation of counsel. Kristin Anderson has been appointed as counsel for the minors. In light of the denial of both Petitions, Attorney Anderson is relieved as counsel. Mr. Gigax was directed to contact Children’s Services after the last hearing regarding his concerns regarding the minors. The Clerk is ordered to send a copy of today’s minute order to Children’s Services for placement of the minors. This matter is continued to Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 42 for status of Children’s Services report. No appearance is necessary on today’s calendar.