Couple says ordered to pay prior to service
A judge says she has been advised of the failure of the parties to settle a lawsuit brought by a Black woman who alleges she was a victim of civil rights violations at the downtown Los Angeles IHOP in 2022, even though the plaintiff’s attorney stated in court papers filed in December that an accord was reached.
According to a minute order issued on May 3 by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Holly J. Fujie’s clerk, a case review of plaintiff Lisa Hines’ lawsuit that does not require the appearance of the parties is scheduled for June 23.
Arthur Kim, Hines’ lawyer, filed court papers on Dec. 28 with Fujie stating that the case was resolved, but he subsequently informed the court that on May 1 that no resolution had taken place after all.
“I sincerely apologize to the court for any inconvenience or confusion that I have caused the court,” Kim stated in a sworn declaration.
Hines and her husband, Joshua Williams, went to the restaurant on Flower Street on April 29 and waited about 15 minutes to be seated even though the restaurant was not busy, the suit filed last Aug. 10 states. Williams’ race is not stated in the complaint, nor is that of the manager.
