BATES vs CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, et al.

23CV000245: BATES vs CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, et al. 08/25/2026 Hearing on Motion for Leave to Complete Discovery in Department 16C

Tentative Ruling

Pro per plaintiff Thomas Mack Bates’ (“Plaintiff”) motion for leave to complete discovery is DROPPED as MOOT.

Plaintiff filed this action on April 24, 2023. Trial was initially scheduled for May 4, 2026. Trial was continued and is currently scheduled for September 8, 2026. Given this trial date, discovery closed on August 10, 2026.

Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 2024.050, Plaintiff “seeks an order that Defendant Nationwide Investment Advisors, LLC (“Nationwide”) serve responses to Plaintiff’s Requests for Admission, Set Two, and to Form Interrogatory 17.1. — served July 10, 2026 — with responses to be served on or before August 14, 2026, notwithstanding that those responses come due shortly after the discovery-completion date.” (Motion, 1:32-36.)

However, as Plaintiff notes in reply, Nationwide served responses to the Requests for Admission, Set Two and Form Interrogatory 17.1 on August 11, 2026. (Reply Declaration of Thomas Mack Bates, Ex. 6.) Since Nationwide has already served the responses, there is no need to re-open discovery to order Nationwide to serve the responses.

Plaintiff’s notice of motion does not provide notice of the Court’s tentative ruling system, as required by Local Rule 1.06. Moving counsel is directed to contact Defendants’ counsel and advise counsel of Local Rule 1.06 and the Court’s tentative ruling procedure and the manner to request a hearing. If moving counsel is unable to contact Defendants’ counsel prior to hearing, moving counsel is ordered to appear at the hearing.

NOTICE:

Consistent with Local Rule 1.06(B), any party requesting oral argument on any matter on this calendar must comply with the following procedure:

To request limited oral argument, on any matter on this calendar, you must call the Department 16C Oral Argument Request Line at (916) 874-1475 by 4:00 p.m. the Court day before the hearing and advise opposing counsel. At the time of requesting oral argument, the requesting party shall leave a voice mail message: a) identifying themselves as the party requesting oral argument; b) indicating the specific matter/motion for which they are requesting oral argument; and c) confirming that it has notified the opposing party of its intention to appear and that opposing party may appear via Zoom using the Zoom link and Meeting ID indicated below.

If no request for oral argument is made, the tentative ruling becomes the final order of the Court. Unless ordered to appear in person by the Court, parties may appear remotely either telephonically or by video conference via the Zoom video/audio conference platform with notice

23CV000245: BATES vs CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, et al. 08/25/2026 Hearing on Motion for Leave to Complete Discovery in Department 16C

to the Court and all other parties in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure §367.75. Although remote participation is not required, the Court will presume all parties are appearing remotely for non-evidentiary civil hearings.

The Department 16C Zoom Link is https://saccourt-ca-gov.zoomgov.com/j/16030877014 and the Zoom Meeting ID is 160 3087 7014. To appear on Zoom telephonically, call (833) 568-8864 and enter the Zoom Meeting ID referenced above. NO COURTCALL APPEARANCES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Parties requesting services of a court reporter will need to arrange for private court reporter services at their own expense, pursuant to Government code §68086 and California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956. Requirements for requesting a court reporter are listed on the Court Reporter Services webpage available on the Sacramento Superior Court website at https://saccourt.ca.gov/general-information/court-reporter-services-transcripts. Parties may contact Court- Approved Official Reporters Pro Tempore by utilizing the list of Court Approved Official Reporters Pro Tempore available at https://saccourt.ca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/227/639084034465370000.

A Stipulation and Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore (CV/E-206) is required to be signed by each party, the private court reporter, and the Judge prior to the hearing, if not using a reporter from the Court’s Approved Official Reporter Pro Tempore list.

Once the form is signed it must be filed with the clerk. If a litigant has been granted a fee waiver and requests a court reporter, the party must submit a Request for Court Reporter by a Party with a Fee Waiver (CV/E-211) and it must be filed with the clerk at least 10 days prior to the hearing or at the time the proceeding is scheduled if less than 10 days away. Once approved, the clerk will forward the form to the Court Reporter’s Office and an official reporter will be provided.