NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS

California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

OPINION

RAMIREZ, P. J.

In this matter we have reviewed the petition and the opposition filed by real party in interest. 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.)

DISCUSSION

The record does not reflect that the trial court ever issued a contempt citation or that one was personally served on petitioner. This is essential to confer jurisdiction to hear the contempt proceeding. (Cedars-Sinai Imaging Medical Group v. Superior Court (2000) 83 Cal.App.4th 1281.) Petitioner has not waived the requirement; she objected at the hearing at which the court determined that a citation should (but did not) issue. Nor, of course, has she defended on the merits because the contempt hearing has not yet been held, but has been stayed by this court.

DISPOSITION

The petition for writ of prohibition is granted. Let a peremptory writ of prohibition issue, directing the Superior Court of Riverside County to vacate the proposed contempt hearing date. This order is without prejudice to renewed proceedings should a citation issue in the future and be properly served upon petitioner.

Petitioner is directed to prepare and have the peremptory writ of prohibition issued, copies served, and the original filed with the clerk of this court, together with proof of service on all parties. The parties shall bear their own costs.

The previously ordered stay is lifted.

HOLLENHORST, J. and KING, J., concurs.