California's eHarmony case

Yesterday's big news had the Pasadena dating service agreeing to create a Web site for gays and lesbians as part of a settlement in New Jersey. Getting lost in the shuffle was the latest in a lawsuit filed in California against the company. Superior Court Judge Victoria Chaney granted a plaintiffs' motion to certify a class to seek damages against eHarmony. The lawsuit had been filed earlier this year on behalf of SF resident Linda Carlson, who was denied access to eHarmony because she is gay. The eHarmony attorneys say the Jersey settlement essentially makes the California case moot, given that the company has already agreed start up the gay-oriented Web site. But an attorney for the plaintiffs says his case will continue despite the settlement. By the way, eHarmony is being represented by none other than Ted Olson, former U.S. Solicitor General, conservative lightning rod, and now a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. (Am Law)