Facts

On February 2, 2021, Daniel Aranda sued Ovis LLC dba Ojai Valley Inn & Spa for wage-and-hour violations in Ventura Superior. Aranda sought to represent all non-exempt employees who worked for Ovis from February 21, 2017 through August 1, 2023.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendant failed to adopt standards that minimized excessive indoor heat in violation of Labor Codes Sections 6720, 226.7. As to other Labor Code violations, plaintiff asserted that defendant failed to: pay all wages during employment and on termination; provide accurate, itemized wage statements; and reimburse expenses. Plaintiff later added other causes of action relating to time-rounding and meal and rest break violations.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all material allegations.

Settlement Discussions

On June 6, 2023, the parties participated in full-day mediation with Tripper Ortman, resulting in a mediator's proposal accepted by both parties.

Result

The case settled for $800,000 encompassing individual class payments, class counsel fees and expenses, class representative service payment, and administrator's expenses. Released parties also included HCNI I LLC, Henry Crown and Company S, LLC and their affiliates.