The California Court of Appeal has upheld civil harassment restraining orders against Heidi Putallaz in favor of her former physical therapists, Jesse Young and Daniel Deldo. The court ruled that substantial evidence supported the issuance of the restraining orders and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in awarding attorney fees to the therapists. This decision, filed on November 4, 2026, affects Putallaz's ability to contact the therapists and reinforces the legal protections available to individuals facing harassment.

The case, Young v. Putallaz (B330359), centers around allegations of stalking and harassment by Putallaz against Young and Deldo, who treated her at Vargo Physical Therapy's San Fernando office. The court's ruling is significant as it reinforces the legal framework surrounding civil harassment and the responsibilities of healthcare providers to ensure their safety.

Background

Heidi Putallaz was a patient at Vargo Physical Therapy, where Jesse Young served as the clinical director and Daniel Deldo worked as a licensed physical therapy assistant. The relationship between Putallaz and her therapists began positively, with her expressing fondness for them and even giving gifts. However, the situation deteriorated when Putallaz began to exhibit concerning behavior, including stalking Young and Deldo.

In January 2021, Putallaz expressed a desire to transfer to the Valencia office, where Deldo had recently moved. Young suspected that Putallaz had romantic feelings for Deldo, which led to increased tension. By February 2021, both therapists reported incidents of Putallaz following them and exhibiting inappropriate behavior. Young subsequently informed Putallaz that Vargo PT would no longer treat her, prompting her to threaten complaints to the Physical Therapy Board.

The Ruling

The California Court of Appeal affirmed the restraining orders issued by the Los Angeles County Superior Court, stating, "substantial evidence supports the issuance of the restraining orders." The trial court found that Putallaz engaged in a course of conduct that seriously alarmed and harassed Young and Deldo, causing them significant emotional distress. The court also upheld the attorney fee awards for both therapists, indicating that the trial court acted within its discretion.

The judges involved in the ruling were not specified in the court opinion. However, the decision emphasized the importance of protecting individuals from harassment, particularly in professional settings where personal safety is a concern.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for both the parties involved and the broader legal landscape regarding civil harassment. It reinforces the ability of individuals to seek protection from harassment in professional settings, particularly in healthcare, where the safety of both patients and providers is paramount. The decision may set a precedent for similar cases, encouraging victims of harassment to seek legal recourse without fear of retribution.

Furthermore, the ruling highlights the importance of mental health and emotional well-being in the workplace. The court's acknowledgment of the emotional distress experienced by Young and Deldo underscores the need for protective measures in situations where individuals may feel threatened or unsafe.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding the possibility of an appeal. However, given the nature of the case and the court's ruling, it is likely that Putallaz may seek further legal options. There are no related cases pending mentioned in the opinion.