5DCA Oral Argument - 2026/05/13 - May 13, 2026
argument5DCA Oral Argument - 2026/05/13
California Fifth District Court of Appeal
8h 29m
8 chapters
transcribed 9 days ago
official recording ↗
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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
What is the background of Ms. Cruz’s self‑representation in case F089341?
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Morning. Welcome to our court. At this time, the court will call case number F089341. This is a matter of Louisa Cruz and Gloria Stevens et al. Ms. Cruz is present representing herself. Yes. And there's been no brief file on behalf of the respondents. So Ms. Cruz, this is your opportunity to approach the podium and tell us your position on the case. We are very familiar with the facts and circumstances of your case. And you may proceed.
Okay, I'm a little nervous. That's okay.
No, we don't bite. I've
come a long way to just be able to speak on me and my daughter's behalf. This is very important to me because this is me and my daughter's life. So when I attended one of the court hearings, I was ordered to take the mental health psychosocial evaluation, which I did. Eventually, I was ordered to complete it in New York. I didn't complete it until I came to California. And it never stated that I had mental health issues or I was unfit as a parent to be able to take care of my child. I, at the time, did not have a stable place to live, which is why I reached out to her biological aunt for a helping hand, which I kept all of the text messages from the beginning that I was only allowing her to stay with her biological aunt until I got back on my feet.
And I didn't want to put her through poverty or having to live in the car. We actually did at one point. And I never wanted to put my daughter through that again. I have since then been leasing a two bedroom apartment for the last two years. And since my daughter's been born, I've been taking care of her since birth. And 11 of those years, I was a single parent. And not a lot of people can achieve what I've achieved in a short period of time. So since August of 2023, when we moved back from New York, I actually have been working I would have never have thought that I would have done this well, and I've been working as an in-home supportive services provider where I'm able to take care of seniors and adults with special needs, and I can provide very good references, which I have filed with the court as well.
They have been very supportive. And I've never thought that I would have ever been able to say that I actually have $15,000 saved in the bank. But within the last six months, I have also been able to save $20,000. And if I have to do so, if things don't go the way that I planned today, I do plan on hiring a lawyer, but I was hoping that from a mother that I have worked very hard for that money, but if I have to, I will hire a lawyer because I know that I'm not in the wrong and I feel that I am very well and there's nothing wrong with my mental health, which I have filed with the court. When I did file the... Proof that I did complete the psychosocial evaluation with no issues. The judge spoke to me, the commissioner spoke to me as if I did not take the psychosocial evaluation.
He actually stated at one point, no, you did not. And I told him, it says so right there on the paperwork. As far as I can remember, I can't remember what else was said exactly after that because I would get so emotional at the court hearings. But I'm hoping to be able to be reunited with my daughter and you can see how well that I've done and that I would, if I have to, like I said, if I have to, I will hire a lawyer to be able to be reunited with my daughter and be able to regain custody. I have done so. I've fought every step of the way and I would like to use that money towards furthering my education and stay in the health care medical field but like I said I'm gonna do what I have to do to continue to fight for my daughter I know that she just turned 17 April 24th I have never been more than a few days without my daughter before this situation took place so it was very hard it was very hard I was very emotional so there was a lot of times and I've never been through a legal situation
Regarding custody of my daughters. So I was going and learning as I went along and I was representing myself.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the background of Ms. Cruz’s self‑representation in case F089341?
0:41–25:46
2
How does Ms. Cruz describe her efforts to reunite with her daughter and her financial situation?
25:46–4:11:36
3
What legal arguments does the appellant raise about the commission’s authority and procedural defects?
4:11:36–5:06:30
4
Why is the missing statement of decision a contested issue in the appeal?
5:06:30–5:24:59
5
What are the appellant’s main arguments in case F089858 (HC) concerning the domestic‑violence restraining order?
5:24:59–5:45:27
6
How does the respondent argue that the trial court’s ruling was correct and the evidence was properly evaluated?
5:45:27–6:02:55
7
What facts are presented in the Rosa Cuevas case about police use of force and the injury to the detainee?
6:02:55–7:06:03
8
What conclusions does the appellate court reach at the end of the hearing?
7:06:03–8:28:02