The decision by Robert Simmons, retired University of San Diego law professor, means that only one plaintiff remains on the case, the 16th lawsuit filed against the ballpark project. Superior Court Judge Frederic Link was assigned to hear the trial on Friday.
Simmons challenged Judge Kevin Enright, who disqualified himself after denying Simmons' motion for him to remove himself from the case. Simmons had alleged that Enright was biased, among other things, because he contributed money to ballpark supporter Mayor Dick Murphy's campaign.
Attorneys for the city and the Padres earlier this month got an early trial date from Enright, after Simmons filed the suit Dec. 6.
The $1 billion redevelopment project -- which includes the ballpark -- faces a Feb. 12 deadline, after which the Padres would be exposed to significant costs due to expiring agreements with subcontractors.
Construction on the ballpark in the East Village area was halted more than a year ago.
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