United States Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada: 73203-001/DOCS - SF:68647.1
United States Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada: 73203-001/DOCS - SF:68647.1
United States Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada: 73203-001/DOCS - SF:68647.1
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
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James I. Stang, Esq. (CA Bar No. 94435) Shirley S. Cho, Esq. (CA Bar No. 192616) Werner Disse, Esq. (CA Bar No. 143458) PACHULSKI STANG ZIEHL & JONES LLP 10100 Santa Monica Blvd., 11th Floor Los Angeles, California 90067-4100 Telephone: 310/277-6910 Facsimile: 310/201-0760 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Zachariah Larson, Esq. (NV Bar No. 7787) LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Ste. 104 Las Vegas, NV 89101 Telephone: 702/382.1170 Facsimile: 702/382.1169 Email: [email protected] Attorneys for Debtors and Debtors in Possession
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UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF NEVADA In re: THE RHODES COMPANIES, LLC, aka Rhodes Homes, et al.,1 Debtors. ____________________________________ Affects: All Debtors Affects the following Debtor(s): Apache Framing, LLC 09-14818 Hearing Date: December 17, 2009 Hearing Time: 9:30 a.m. Courtroom 1 Case No.: BK-S-09-14814-LBR (Jointly Administered) Chapter 11
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The Debtors in these cases, along with their case numbers are: Heritage Land Company, LLC (Case No. 0914778); The Rhodes Companies, LLC (Case No. 09-14814); Tribes Holdings, LLC (Case No. 09-14817); Apache Framing, LLC (Case No. 09-14818); Geronimo Plumbing LLC (Case No. 09-14820); Gung-Ho Concrete LLC (Case No. 09-14822); Bravo, Inc. (Case No. 09-14825); Elkhorn Partners, A Nevada Limited Partnership (Case No. 09-14828); Six Feathers Holdings, LLC (Case No. 09-14833); Elkhorn Investments, Inc. (Case No. 09-
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DEBTORS OBJECTION TO DANIEL BRENNANS CLAIM PURSUANT TO SECTION 502(b) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND BANKRUPTCY RULES 3003 AND 3007 (BOOKS & RECORDS CLAIM); DECLARATION OF PAUL D. HUYGENS IN SUPPORT THEREOF Pursuant to section 502(b) of title 11 of the United States Code (the Bankruptcy Code) and Rules 3003 and 3007 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the Bankruptcy Rules), the above-captioned debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, the Debtors) hereby object (the Objection) to the claim (the Books & Records Claim) of Daniel Brennan (Mr. Brennan), attached hereto as Exhibit A, because the Debtors books and records indicate that no sums are owing. The Debtors request the entry of an order (the Order) disallowing and expunging in full the Books & Records Claim.2 In support of this Objection, the Debtors rely on the Declaration of Paul D. Huygens in Support of Debtors Objection to Daniel Brennans Claim [Books & Records Claim]. In further support of this Objection, the Debtors respectfully represent as follows: BACKGROUND 1. On March 31, 2009, the above-captioned Debtors (the Primary Filers), except
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
Tuscany Golf Country Club, LLC, Pinnacle Grading, LLC, and Rhodes Homes Arizona, LLC (the Secondary Filers), filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On April 1, 2009, the Secondary Filers filed voluntary petitions for relief
14837); Jarupa, LLC (Case No. 09-14839); Rhodes Realty, Inc. (Case No. 09-14841); C & J Holdings, Inc. (Case No. 09-14843); Rhodes Ranch General Partnership (Case No. 09-14844); Rhodes Design and Development Corporation (Case No. 09-14846); Parcel 20, LLC (Case No. 09-14848); Tuscany Acquisitions IV, LLC (Case No. 09-14849); Tuscany Acquisitions III, LLC (Case No. 09-14850); Tuscany Acquisitions II, LLC (Case No. 0914852); Tuscany Acquisitions, LLC (Case No. 09-14853); Rhodes Ranch Golf Country Club, LLC (Case No. 0914854); Overflow, LP (Case No. 09-14856); Wallboard, LP (Case No. 09-14858); Jackknife, LP (Case No. 0914860); Batcave, LP (Case No. 09-14861); Chalkline, LP (Case No. 09-14862); Glynda, LP (Case No. 09-14865); Tick, LP (Case No. 09-14866); Rhodes Arizona Properties, LLC (Case No. 09-14868); Rhodes Homes Arizona, L.L.C. (Case No. 09-14882); Tuscany Golf Country Club, LLC (Case No. 09-14884); and Pinnacle Grading, LLC (Case No. 09-14887).
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The Debtors reserve the right to file additional objections, whether on substantive or non-substantive grounds, to any and all other claims filed against their estates.
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under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. All references to Petition Date herein shall mean March 31, 2009 for the Primary Filers or April 1, 2009 for the Secondary Filers, as applicable. 2. The Debtors are continuing in possession of their property and are operating and
managing their businesses, as debtors in possession, pursuant to sections 1107 and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. RELIEF REQUESTED 3. By this Objection, the Debtors seek entry of an order, pursuant to section 502(b)
of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules 3003 and 3007, disallowing and expunging in full the Books & Records Claim. OBJECTION 4. The Books and Records Claim is for an alleged mortgage note. The Debtors are
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
not engaged in the business of mortgage lending, and have no such obligation to Mr. Brennan, as indicated by the Debtors books and records. Furthermore, Mr. Brennan failed to provide any documentation to support his claim against the Debtors. Therefore, the Debtors believe that the Books & Records Claim is invalid and should be disallowed and expunged in full by the Court. 5. Bankruptcy Code section 502 authorizes a party in interest to object to claims.
See 11 U.S.C. 502(a). Upon such objection, this Court, after notice and a hearing, shall determine the amount of such claim in lawful currency of the United States as of the date of the filing of the petition . . . . 11 U.S.C. 502(b). Although a proper proof of claim is presumed valid under Bankruptcy Rule 3001(f), once an objection controverts the presumption, the creditor has the ultimate burden of persuasion as to the validity and amount of the claim. Ashford v. Consolidated Pioneer Mortg. (In re Consolidated Pioneer Mortg.), 178 B.R. 222, 226 (B.A.P. 9th Cir. 1995), affd, 91 F.3d 151 (9th Cir. 1996) (quoting In re Allegheny International, Inc., 954 F.2d 167, 173-74 (3d Cir. 1992)). The Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Ninth Circuit explained the shifting burdens of proof with respect to objection to proofs of claim as follows:
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The burden of proof for claims brought in the bankruptcy court under 11 U.S.C.A. 502(a) rests on different parties at different times. Initially, the claimant must allege facts sufficient to support the claim. If the averments in his filed claim meet this standard of sufficiency, it is prima facie valid. In other words, a claim that alleges facts sufficient to support a legal liability to the claimant satisfies the claimants initial obligation to go forward. . . . The burden of persuasion is always on the claimant. Id. (emphasis added). Following this decision, the District Court for the Northern District of California emphasized, unless the claimant has alleged facts sufficient to support a legal liability, the claim is not prima facie valid. In re Hongnisto, 293 B.R. 45, 50 (N.D. Cal. 2003) (quoting Consolidated Pioneer Mortg., 178 B.R. at 266) (holding that the claimants proof of claim failed to allege sufficient facts to support a legal liability and consequently disallowed the proof of claim); see Consolidated Pioneer Mortg., 178 B.R. at 227 (holding that because the proof of claim did not allege sufficient facts to support the claim, the proof of claim was disallowed). 6. Based on the Debtors review of their books and records and the proof of claim
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
filed by Mr. Brennan, the Debtors believe that the Books & Records Claim should be disallowed and expunged in full by the Court. CONCLUSION 7. The Debtors object to the allowance of the Books & Records Claim for the
reasons stated herein, and the Debtors hereby move this Court for an Order disallowing and expunging in full the Books & Records Claim identified as the proof of claim attached hereto as Exhibit A. NOTICE 8. Notice of this objection has been provided to (i) the United States Trustee for the
District of Nevada, (ii) counsel to the Creditors Committee, (iii) the claimant to whose claim the Debtors are objecting in this Objection in accordance with the address provided in the proof
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of claim for such Books & Records Claim, (iv) each person or entity that has filed a notice of appearance and request for special notice, and (v) other required parties pursuant to the Courts case management order entered in these cases. The Debtors submit that in light of the nature of the relief requested herein, no other or further notice is required. 9. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3007, the Debtors have provided the claimant
affected by the Objection with at least thirty (30) days notice of the hearing on the Objection. WHEREFORE, the Debtors respectfully request that the Court enter an Order, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, disallowing and expunging in full the Books & Records Claim attached as Exhibit A, and granting such other and further relief as the Court deems just an proper under the circumstances of these chapter 11 cases. DATED this 17th day of November, 2009. LARSON & STEPHENS /s/ Zachariah Larson, Esq. Zachariah Larson, Bar No. 7787 Kyle O. Stephens, Bar No. 7928 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, NV 89101 702/382-1170 Attorneys for Debtors and Debtors in Possession
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
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DECLARATION OF PAUL D. HUYGENS IN SUPPORT OF DEBTORS OBJECTION TO DANIEL BRENNANS CLAIM [BOOKS & RECORDS CLAIM] I, Paul D. Huygens, declare as follows: 1. I am the Senior Vice President of Special Projects of the above-captioned
debtors and debtors in possession (the Debtors). The facts set forth in this Declaration are personally known to me and, if called as a witness, I could and would testify thereto. 2. This declaration is submitted in support of the Debtors Objection to
Daniel Brennans Claim [Books &Records Claim] (the Objection). 3. I am one of the persons responsible for overseeing the claims
reconciliation and objection process in the Debtors chapter 11 cases. I have read the Debtors Objection and am directly, or by and through my personnel or agents, familiar with the information contained therein, the exhibits attached thereto, and the proposed form of order. 4. Daniel Brennans claim was carefully reviewed and analyzed in good
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
faith, and the Debtors books and records were referenced for additonal support, utilizing due diligence by appropriate personnel of the Debtors. These efforts have resulted in the identification of the disputed Books & Records Claim, indentified as the proof of claim attached hereto as Exhibit A. I have personally reviewed the Books & Records Claim. 5. The Books and Records Claim is for an alleged mortgage note. The
Debtors are not engaged in the business of mortgage lending, and have no such obligation to Mr. Brennan, as demonstrated by the Debtors books and records. Furthermore, Mr. Brennan failed to provide any documentation to support his claim against the Debtors. As a result, I believe the Books & Records Claim should be disallowed and expunged in full by the Court. 6. I believe that granting the relief requested in the Objection is in the best
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I declare under penalty of perjury pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1746 that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this 17th day of November, 2009, at Las Vegas, Nevada. /s/ Paul D. Huygens Paul D. Huygens
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
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EXHIBIT A
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
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EXHIBIT B
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
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UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF NEVADA Case No.: BK-S-09-14814-LBR (Jointly Administered) Chapter 11 Hearing Date: December 17, 2009 Hearing Time: 9:30 a.m. Courtroom 1
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THE RHODES COMPANIES, LLC, aka Rhodes Homes, et al.,1 Debtors. Affects: All Debtors Affects the following Debtor(s): Apache Framing, LLC 09-14818
ORDER SUSTAINING DEBTORS OBJECTION TO DANIEL BRENNANS CLAIM PURSUANT TO SECTION 502(b) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND BANKRUPTCY RULES 3003 AND 3007 [BOOKS & RECORDS CLAIM] [DOCKET NO. ]
The Debtors in these cases, along with their case numbers are: Heritage Land Company, LLC (Case No. 0914778); The Rhodes Companies, LLC (Case No. 09-14814); Tribes Holdings, LLC (Case No. 09-14817); Apache Framing, LLC (Case No. 09-14818); Geronimo Plumbing LLC (Case No. 09-14820); Gung-Ho Concrete LLC (Case No. 09-14822); Bravo, Inc. (Case No. 09-14825); Elkhorn Partners, A Nevada Limited Partnership (Case No. 0914828); Six Feathers Holdings, LLC (Case No. 09-14833); Elkhorn Investments, Inc. (Case No. 09-14837); Jarupa, LLC (Case No. 09-14839); Rhodes Realty, Inc. (Case No. 09-14841); C & J Holdings, Inc. (Case No. 09-14843); Rhodes Ranch General Partnership (Case No. 09-14844); Rhodes Design and Development Corporation (Case No. 09-14846); Parcel 20, LLC (Case No. 09-14848); Tuscany Acquisitions IV, LLC (Case No. 09-14849); Tuscany Acquisitions III, LLC (Case No. 09-14850); Tuscany Acquisitions II, LLC (Case No. 09-14852); Tuscany Acquisitions, LLC (Case No. 09-14853); Rhodes Ranch Golf Country Club, LLC (Case No. 09-14854); Overflow, LP (Case No. 09-14856); Wallboard, LP (Case No. 09-14858); Jackknife, LP (Case No. 09-14860); Batcave, LP (Case No. 09-14861); Chalkline, LP (Case No. 09-14862); Glynda, LP (Case No. 09-14865); Tick, LP (Case No. 09-14866); Rhodes Arizona Properties, LLC (Case No. 09-14868); Rhodes Homes Arizona, L.L.C. (Case No. 0914882); Tuscany Golf Country Club, LLC (Case No. 09-14884); and Pinnacle Grading, LLC (Case No. 09-14887).
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Upon consideration of Debtors Objection to Daniel Brennans Claim Pursuant to Section 502(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules 3003 and 3007 [Books & Records Claim] [Docket No. ___] (the Objection),2 filed by the above-captioned debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, the Debtors), requesting that the Court enter an order disallowing and expunging in full the disputed claim; and the Court having jurisdiction to consider the Objection and the relief requested therein pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 157 and 1334; and the relief requested therein being a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 157(b); and venue being proper before this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1408 and 1409; and the Court having reviewed the Objection; the Court hereby finds and determines that, pursuant to Rule 3007 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, due and proper notice has been provided to the holder of the claim attached as Exhibit A to the Objection and all other parties entitled to notice; and no other or further notice is necessary; and the relief requested in the Objection is in the best interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors; and that the legal and factual bases set forth in the Objection establishes just cause for the relief requested therein; therefore IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: 1. Claim number 5 of Daniel Brennan in the amount of $200,000.00, filed against
LARSON & STEPHENS 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite 104 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Tel: (702) 382-1170 Fax: (702) 382-1169
Apache Framing, LLC is hereby disallowed and expunged in full. 2. This Court shall retain jurisdiction to hear and determine all matters arising from
APPROVED/DISAPPROVED: DATED this ___ day of December, 2009. By: UNITED STATES TRUSTEE August B. Landis Office of the United States Trustee 300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Ste. 4300 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Objection.
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Submitted by: DATED this 17th day of December, 2009. By: /s/ Zachariah Larson LARSON & STEPHENS Zachariah Larson, Esq. (NV Bar No 7787) Kyle O. Stephens, Esq. (NV Bar No. 7928) 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Ste. 104 Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 382-1170 (Telephone) (702) 382-1169 (Facsimile) [email protected] Attorneys for Debtors
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In accordance with LR 9021, counsel submitting this document certifies as follows (check one): ___ The court has waived the requirement of approval under LR 9021. _ No parties appeared or filed written objections, and there is no trustee appointed in the case. ___ I have delivered a copy of this proposed order to all counsel who appeared at the hearing, any unrepresented parties who appeared at the hearing, and any trustee appointed in this case, and each has approved or disapproved the order, or failed to respond, as indicated below.
Submitted by: DATED this 17th day of December 2009. By: /s/ Zachariah Larson LARSON & STEPHENS Zachariah Larson, Esq. (NV Bar No 7787) Kyle O. Stephens, Esq. (NV Bar No. 7928) 810 S. Casino Center Blvd., Ste. 104 Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 382-1170 (Telephone) (702) 382-1169 [email protected] Attorneys for Debtors
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