A court battle between Stockton City Council Member Brando Villapudua and 209 Times owner Motecuzoma Patrick Sanchez was postponed on Thursday by Judge W. Stephen Scott, citing the need for a longer hearing than initially anticipated.
The hearing will now take place on May 10 to determine whether a temporary restraining order against Sanchez will become permanent.
The restraining order request originated in March when Villapudua sued Sanchez over alleged harassment. Villapudua claimed that Sanchez had sent text messages attempting to influence his position on a city council proceeding involving a performance review for Stockton City Manager Harry Black.
Sanchez denies these allegations, suggesting that Villapudua's lawsuit is a form of retaliation.
In response to the postponement, Sanchez expressed his desire for the case to proceed, stating that he has received regular threats against his life as a result of the allegations.
No evidence was presented in court on Thursday, and the temporary restraining order remains in effect until the case returns to court. Both parties are set to appear at the rescheduled hearing at 8:30 a.m. on May 10.
