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DCFS USA v. Superior Court (S.A.F. Forged Wheels, Inc.)

California Court of Appeals, Fourth District, Second Division
Sep 15, 2008
No. E046354 (Cal. Ct. App. Sep. 15, 2008)

Opinion

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED

ORIGINAL PROCEEDINGS; petition for writ of mandate. No. CIVRS702125 Ben T. Kayashima, Judge. (Retired judge of the San Bernardino Super. Ct. assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to art. VI, § 6 of the Cal. Const.)

Caley & Associates, and Rebecca A. Caley and Tina M. Starr for Petitioner.

No appearance for Respondent.

Sanford M. Ehrmann for Real Party in Interest.


OPINION

McKINSTER, Acting P. J.

In this matter, we have reviewed the petition, the response filed by real party in interest, and the reply. We have determined that resolution of the matter involves the application of settled principles of law and that issuance of a peremptory writ in the first instance is therefore appropriate. (Palma v. U.S. Industrial Fasteners, Inc. (1984) 36 Cal.3d 171, 178.)

The Legislature has provided a remedy for suppliers of materials and performers of work on automobiles—the lien described in Civil Code section 3068. Real party in interest did not contest its failure to perfect that lien in the manner prescribed by statute. Hence, real party in interest has no claim for compensation from petitioner, with whom real party in interest had no contractual relationship.

The trial court’s reliance on the more flexible lien provisions of Civil Code section 3051 was misplaced, as that statute expressly does not apply to motor vehicles.

DISPOSITION

Accordingly, the petition for writ of mandate is granted. Let a peremptory writ of mandate issue, directing the Superior Court of San Bernardino County to vacate its order denying petitioner’s motion for summary judgment and to enter a new order granting said motion.

As the trial court relied on authority not cited by real party in interest, and as real party in interest’s opposition below did not challenge the facts asserted by petitioner, it is appropriate that the parties shall bear their own costs.

Petitioner is DIRECTED to prepare and have the peremptory writ of mandate issued, copies served, and the original filed with the clerk of this court, together with proof of service on all parties.

We concur: GAUT J., MILLER J.


Summaries of

DCFS USA v. Superior Court (S.A.F. Forged Wheels, Inc.)

California Court of Appeals, Fourth District, Second Division
Sep 15, 2008
No. E046354 (Cal. Ct. App. Sep. 15, 2008)
Case details for

DCFS USA v. Superior Court (S.A.F. Forged Wheels, Inc.)

Case Details

Full title:DCFS USA, Petitioner, v. THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY…

Court:California Court of Appeals, Fourth District, Second Division

Date published: Sep 15, 2008

Citations

No. E046354 (Cal. Ct. App. Sep. 15, 2008)