A Monterey County judge denied a temporary restraining order against mayoral candidate Vince Malfitano on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Judge Ian A. Rivamonte granted a continuance requested by Malfitano's attorney, Tracey Henderson, who told the court a key witness was traveling out of state, KSBW reported. The full evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, when both sides will present witnesses.

Seaside resident Jody Compagno Crossman, who is associated with Compagno's Deli in Monterey, filed the civil harassment complaint on Tuesday, Sept. 1. She is seeking a restraining order requiring Malfitano to stay 100 yards from her, her vehicle, her home and her workplace, according to Monterey County NOW.

Compagno Crossman's court filing describes two alleged incidents. The first was a meeting at the Starbucks at Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, attended also by her boyfriend Edward Voccola and her sister Fran Compagno.

In her filing, Compagno Crossman stated the group questioned Malfitano about his qualifications and proposed management responsibilities related to her family's LLC and properties. She alleged he "became verbally aggressive, hostile and confrontational."

The second alleged incident occurred at Compagno's Deli at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, when roughly 20 customers were present, according to the filing.

Malfitano, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Tyller Williamson in the November election, disputed the characterization. In an email to the Compagno siblings, he described the Starbucks meeting as "the so-called meeting … more like an ambush," KSBW reported.

Speaking to KSBW outside the courthouse on Sept. 22, Malfitano acknowledged the deli encounter but contested its severity. "It wasn't, I'm going to harm you, I'm going to stalk you, I stood in my place and just said, I know it was you that defamed me that's against the law, and I'm going to sue you, period," he told KSBW.

She had no attorney at the Sept. 22 hearing. Compagno Crossman left the courthouse without speaking to reporters, KSBW reported. Monterey County NOW reported that Malfitano did not respond to the Monterey County Weekly's interview requests.

To obtain the restraining order at the Oct. 20 hearing, Compagno Crossman will need to present "clear and convincing evidence," according to KSBW.