Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Court date for Motion

The answer is specific to the court you're in. Some courts require that the losing party leave a voice message for the court if the ruling is going to be contested. Other courts require that the losing party only notify the winning party that it will contest the tentative. In other courts, the court might just hear the matter if a party shows up. Check the local rules for your county's courts. If the web site has a search function, search "tentative rulings" and/or "local rules".

Re: Court date for Motion

Unless the plaintiff notifies you and the court that he will accept the tentative ruling, you should expect him to show up at the hearing and argue the motion. The judge may find his arguments persuasive. She might find your arguments more persuasive, but only if you are there.