People’s California, LLC (“People’s California”) Subsidiary ‘Peoples Vape’ Evicted for Non-Payment of Rent at Blüm Santa Ana

Rhea-AI Summary

On June 12, 2024, Blüm Holdings (OTCQB: BLMH) announced a favorable court ruling in an unlawful detainer action against Peoples Vape, , a subsidiary of People's California. The court's June 6, 2024 Minute Order permits Blüm Santa Ana to obtain a writ of possession, cancels People’s Vape’s rental agreement due to non-payment since March 2023, and allows for a money judgment of $102,530 in unpaid rent, $34,487 in holdover damages, and $435 in costs. The court dismissed all defenses raised by People’s Vape. Subsequently, Unrivaled Brands agreed not to enforce the order, and People’s Vape agreed to vacate the premises.

Positive

• Court granted Blüm Santa Ana the right to obtain a writ of possession.
• Rental agreement cancellation for People’s Vape.
• Money judgment awarded: $102,530 in unpaid rent, $34,487 in holdover damages, and $435 in costs.
• Court dismissed all affirmative defenses raised by People’s Vape.

Negative

• Non-payment of rent by People’s Vape since March 2023.
• Legal proceedings indicating internal conflicts with tenants.

SANTA ANA, Calif., June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blum Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: BLMH) (the “Company,” “Blüm,” “we” or “us”), a cannabis company with subsidiaries operating throughout California, announces the successful outcome in the unlawful detainer action brought by Unrivaled Brands, Inc.’s then subsidiary People’s First Choice, LLC (“Blüm Santa Ana”) against Peoples Vape, LLC (“People’s Vape”), formerly known as PF-People's Grand TC, LLC, a subsidiary of People's California. On June 6, 2024, the Court issued a Minute Order ordering that permits Blüm Santa Ana to obtain a writ of possession for the premises, cancels People’s Vape’s rental agreement, and allows Blüm Santa Ana to obtain a money judgment against People’s Vape resulting from People’s failure to pay rent since at least March 2023.

The Court found that People’s Vape’s Managing Member, Bernard Steimann, who is also the founder and majority owner of People’s California, executed a settlement agreement with Unrivaled that validly amended People’s Vape’s sublease and increased the rent to $9,321 per month. But, People’s Vape failed to pay any rent. On January 25, 2024, Blüm Santa Ana served People’s with a Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit, demanding $102,530, or 11 months, in unpaid rent. People’s failed to comply.

In an effort to defend the case, People’s Vape claimed, among other things, that, even though Mr. Steimann controls both People’s California and People’s Vape, the settlement did not require People’s Vape to pay rent, that Blüm Santa Ana had failed to execute an amended lease, and that Blüm Santa Ana had refused a tender of rent. The Court found that “none of the affirmative defenses raised by People’s Vape have any merit.” In addition to cancelling People’s Vape’s rental agreement and ordering a writ of possession, the court awarded Blüm Santa Ana $102,530 in rent due, $34,487 in holdover damages, and costs of suit amounting to $435. Blüm Santa Ana was also entitled to seek attorney’s fees. The Court’s June 6, 2024 Minute Order was issued days before Unrivaled agreed to not enforce the Minute Order and People’s Vape agreed to vacate the premises pursuant a separate agreement.

People’s Vape is a subsidiary of People’s California whose managing members include Frank Kavanaugh, CEO of Medalist Diversified REIT, Inc. (“MDRR”), Bernard Steimann, managing member of People’s California, and Jay Yadon of New Patriot Holdings. People’s was represented by Deron Colby of Janus Capital Law Firm and General Counsel of MDRR and Blüm Santa Ana was represented by Roger Scott of Buchalter law firm.

About Blüm Holdings

Blüm Holdings is a leader in the cannabis sector. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service makes us a trusted name in the cannabis industry, dedicated to shaping its future. Blüm Holdings, through its subsidiaries, operates leading dispensaries throughout California as well as several leading company-owned brands including Korova, known for its high potency products across multiple product categories, including the legendary 1000 mg THC Black Bar.

For more info, please visit: https://blumholdings.com.

Contact:
Jason Assad
LR Advisors LLC.
jassad@blumholdings.com
678-570-6791

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FAQ

What was the court ruling on Blüm (BLMH) and People’s Vape’s rental dispute?

The court ruled in favor of Blüm Santa Ana, allowing them to obtain a writ of possession and a money judgment due to People’s Vape’s non-payment of rent.

How much unpaid rent was People’s Vape ordered to pay Blüm (BLMH)?

People’s Vape was ordered to pay $102,530 in unpaid rent, $34,487 in holdover damages, and $435 in costs.

When did People’s Vape fail to pay rent, according to the court ruling involving Blüm (BLMH)?

People’s Vape failed to pay rent since at least March 2023.

What was the outcome for Blüm Santa Ana in their legal action against People’s Vape (BLMH)?

Blüm Santa Ana was granted a writ of possession, cancellation of People’s Vape’s rental agreement, and awarded monetary judgment.

Who represented People’s Vape and Blüm Santa Ana in the court case?

People’s Vape was represented by Deron Colby, and Blüm Santa Ana was represented by Roger Scott.