Rodriguez v. County of Stanislaus, et al.

Filing 58

SCHEDULING CONFERENCE ORDER, signed by Judge Oliver W. Wanger on 1/30/2009.(Discovery due by 6/1/2010, Non-Dispositive Motions due by 6/15/2010., Dispositive Motion due by 7/1/2010, Settlement Conference set for 6/10/2010 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 10 (GSA) before Magistrate Judge Gary S. Austin, Pretrial Conference set for 9/7/2010 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 3 (OWW) before Judge Oliver W. Wanger., Jury Trial set for 10/19/2010 at 09:00 AM in Courtroom 3 (OWW) before Judge Oliver W. Wanger) (Martin, S)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 II. I. Date of Scheduling Conference. January 30, 2009. Appearances Of Counsel. Carcione, Cattermole, Dolinski, Okimoto, Stucky, Ukshini, Markowitz & Carcione, LLP by Joseph W. Carcione, Jr., Esq., and Aaron B. Markowitz, Esq., appeared telephonically on behalf of Plaintiffs. Dan Farrar, Esq., appeared on behalf of Defendant County of 1 LUCIO CORRAL RODRIGUEZ, individually, and as Successor in Interest to the decedents, MARICRUZ CORRAL, and LUCIO ANTHONY CORRAL, ) ) ) ) ) ) Plaintiffs, ) ) v. ) ) COUNTY OF STANISLAUS, CITY OF ) MODESTO, CITY OF RIVERBANK, ) STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMTRAK ) CALIFORNIA, BURLINGTON NORTHERN ) SANTA FE RAILWAY; and DOES 1 to ) 200, ) ) Defendants. ) ) ) 1:08-cv-0856 OWW GSA SCHEDULING CONFERENCE ORDER Discovery Cut-Off: 6/1/10 Non-Dispositive Motion Filing Deadline: 6/15/10 Dispositive Motion Filing Deadline: 7/1/10 Settlement Conference Date: 6/10/10 10:00 Ctrm. 10 Pre-Trial Conference Date: 9/7/10 11:00 Ctrm. 3 Trial Date: 10/19/10 9:00 Ctrm. 3 (JT-40 days) UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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Stanislaus. Richard B. Evans, Esq., appeared on behalf of Defendant City of Modesto. Borton Petrini, LLP by Cornelius J. Callahan, Esq., appeared on behalf of Defendant City of Riverbank. Lauren Machado, Esq., appeared on behalf of Defendant State of California, Department of Transportation. Lombardi, Loper & Conant, LLP by Jason B. Shane, Esq., appeared on behalf of Defendant National Railroad Passenger Corporation, erroneously sued as Amtrak California, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. III. Summary of Pleadings. A. Plaintiffs' Summary. 1. At the intersection of Claribel Road and Terminal

Avenue in the County of Stanislaus, on the border between the City of Modesto and the City of Riverbank, there is a four-way stop sign. Approximately 45 feet west of the stop sign of the

eastbound lane of Claribel Road, there is a railroad grade crossing, where a single track of BNSF's Stockton Subdivision crosses Claribel Road, heading in a north-south direction. 2. On or about May 8, 2007, Maricruz Corral was She was driving the

traveling eastbound on Claribel Road.

Chevrolet Tracker owned by Plaintiff Lucio Corral Rodriguez. Ivan Alexander Corral, Lucio Anthony Corral, Diana VillarealLopez, Ramona Lopez-Verduga, and Brian Armenta-Lopez were all passengers in the vehicle. As Maricruz Corral approached the

railroad grade crossing on Claribel Road, just west of Terminal Avenue, there were cars backed up behind the stop sign at the 2

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intersection of Claribel Road and Terminal Avenue.

Maricruz

Corral pulled up behind the stopped cars as is typical of cars traveling on that road. directly behind her. Similarly, the car behind her pulled up

As a train, owned by the State of

California and operated by Amtrak-California was approaching, traveling in a northbound direction, Maricruz Corral was unable to move backward and clear the tracks due to the vehicle stopped behind her. Then, the crossing arm came down, further blocking

Maricruz Corral's exit from the tracks in a westward direction. Maricruz Corral attempted to clear the tracks in an eastward direction, and the train struck the vehicle. 3. All of the vehicle's occupants died at the scene

as a result of the collision. 4. Plaintiff has brought claims against the County of

Stanislaus, the City of Modesto, the City of Riverbank, the State of California, BNSF Railroad, and Amtrak-California, for dangerous conditions of land, and negligence, and Plaintiff is seeking to add National Railroad Passenger Corp. as a Doe to these claims. 5. categories. Plaintiff's claims fall into two distinct There are those claims based on the ownership,

maintenance, condition, and operation of the train, on the one hand, and those claims based on the condition of the grade crossing and the surrounding area, on the other. 6. Plaintiff has brought all claims as against each

Defendant, but more specifically, Plaintiff is informed and believes that the State of California owns the subject train, and Amtrak-California is responsible for its operation. 3 Plaintiff is

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further informed and believes that Amtrak-California is comprised of two other entities, the State of California and National Railroad Passenger Corp. 7. National Railroad Passenger Corporation cross-

claimed against Plaintiff for negligent ownership and maintenance of the subject vehicle; against decedent Maricruz Corral for negligent operation of the subject vehicle; and against all other Defendants for indemnity and contribution. B. Defendants National Railroad Passenger Corporation and

BNSF Railway Company contend as follows: 1. At the intersection of Claribel Road and Terminal

Avenue in an unincorporated section of the County of Stanislaus, there is a four-way stop sign. Approximately 45 feet west of the

stop sign of the eastbound lane of Claribel Road, there is a railroad grade crossing, where a single track of BNSF's Stockton Subdivision crosses Claribel Road, heading in a north-south direction. The railroad crossing is equipped with train-

activated warning devices, including, but not limited to, mastmounted flashing lights, gongs and crossing gates. 2. On or about May 8, 2007, Maricruz Corral was She was driving the

traveling eastbound on Claribel Road.

Chevrolet Tracker owned by Plaintiff Lucio Corral Rodriguez. Ivan Alexander Corral, Lucio Anthony Corral, Diana VillarealLopez, Ramona Lopez-Verduga, and Brian Armenta-Lopez were all passengers in the vehicle. As Maricruz Corral approached the

railroad grade crossing on Claribel Road, just west of Terminal Avenue, there were cars backed up behind the stop sign at the intersection of Claribel Road and Terminal Avenue. 4 Maricruz

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Corral pulled up behind the stopped cars and stopped her car on the tracks. As a train, owned by the State of California and

operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, was approaching traveling in a northbound direction, Maricruz Corral failed to clear the tracks, and the train struck the vehicle. All of the vehicle's occupants died at the scene as a result of the collision. Defendants National Railroad Passenger

Corporation and BNSF Railway Company contend that Maricruz Corral's presence on the tracks and inability to clear the tracks were the result of her own negligence. 3. Plaintiff has brought claims against the County of

Stanislaus, the City of Modesto, the City of Riverbank, the State of California, BNSF Railroad Company (erroneously sued as Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway), and National Railroad Passenger Corporation (erroneously sued as Amtrak-California), for dangerous conditions of land, and negligence. 4. National Railroad Passenger Corporation cross-

claimed against Plaintiff for negligent ownership and maintenance of the subject vehicle; against decedent Maricruz Corral for negligent operation of the subject vehicle; and against all other defendants for indemnity and contribution. 5. Finally, Defendants National Railroad Passenger

Corporation and BNSF Railway Company object to any and all references herein to "Defendant Amtrak-California." 6. Defendant City of Modesto contends that at the

intersection of Claribel Road and Terminal Avenue, in an unincorporated section of the County of Stanislaus, there is a four-way stop sign. 5

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IV.

Orders Re Amendments To Pleadings. 1. Any motions to amend pleadings shall be filed within

fifteen (15) days following this conference, on or before February 15, 2009. Responses shall be due March 2, 2009. Any

reply shall be filed by March 9, 2009.

The matter shall be heard

on April 13, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 3. V. Factual Summary. A. Admitted Facts Which Are Deemed Proven Without Further

Proceedings. 1. At the intersection of Claribel Road and Terminal

Avenue in the County of Stanislaus, there is a four-way stop sign. 2. Approximately 45 feet west of the stop sign of the

eastbound lane of Claribel Road, there is a railroad grade crossing, where a single track of BNSF's Stockton Subdivision crosses Claribel Road, heading in a north-south direction. 3. On or about May 8, 2007, Maricruz Corral was She was driving the

traveling eastbound on Claribel Road.

Chevrolet Tracker owned by Plaintiff Lucio Corral Rodriguez. 4. Ivan Alexander Corral, Lucio Anthony Corral, Diana

Villareal-Lopez, Ramona Lopez-Verduga, and Brian Armenta-Lopez were all passengers in the subject vehicle. 5. A train collided with the vehicle being operated

by Maricruz Corral at the above-described grade crossing. 6. California. 7. BNSF Railway. 6 The subject train was operating on tracks owned by The subject train was owned by the State of

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8.

All of the occupants in the subject vehicle died

at the scene as a result of the collision. B. Contested Facts. 1. All other facts are contested.

Legal Issues. A. Uncontested. 1. 2. Removal jurisdiction is contested. If jurisdiction exists, venue is proper in the

Eastern District of California, Fresno Division, under 28 U.S.C. § 1331. 3. Plaintiff contends that California State law Defendant, National Railroad

governs the entire action.

Passenger Corp., and BNSF Railway Company, contend that Federal law governs to the extent it preempts state law under the Federal Rail Safety Act, and any other applicable Federal statutes and related case law. B. Contested. 1. As an example, state law claims of unreasonable

train speed are pre-empted if the train was traveling within the speed restrictions set by the Federal Railroad Administration. CSX Transp., Inc. v. Easterwood, 507 U.S. 658, 675-76 (1993). 2. Ownership of the subject train, whether the State

of California is legal owner. 3. Whether Plaintiff is entitled to recover damages

for wrongful death under California law, C.C.P. § 377.60, or under the State Survival Statute, California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.20. VII. Consent to Magistrate Judge Jurisdiction. 7

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1.

The parties have not consented to transfer the

case to the Magistrate Judge for all purposes, including trial. VIII. 1. Corporate Identification Statement. Any nongovernmental corporate party to any action in

this court shall file a statement identifying all its parent corporations and listing any entity that owns 10% or more of the party's equity securities. A party shall file the statement with

its initial pleading filed in this court and shall supplement the statement within a reasonable time of any change in the information. IX. Discovery Plan and Cut-Off Date. 1. 2. The parties agree that discovery shall be phased. The first phase, which shall commence February 2, 2009,

and continue through and including April 6, 2009, shall address ownership and control issues, status and capacity of the parties, legal relationship of the parties, and all other facts that concern the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the track grade crossing, train, and any other instrumentalities that are involved in this case and the status and relationship of all potentially responsible parties as well as the claimants. A. Plaintiff's Proposed Discovery Plan 1. Plaintiff intends on seeking discovery including

depositions of individuals; deposition(s) pursuant to Rule 30(b)(6); and request for production of documents pursuant to Rule 34 on Defendant Amtrak-California and the State of California as follows: a. Documents and a PMK on the nature of the

relationship between the State of California and National 8

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Railroad Passenger Corp. b. Documents and a PMK on any and all agreements

between the State of California and National Railroad Passenger Corp. c. Documents and a PMK on any and all

correspondence between the State of California and National Railroad Passenger Corp. concerning any and all agreements. d. Documents and a PMK on any and all

correspondence between the State of California and National Railroad Passenger Corp. concerning the operation of the AmtrakCalifornia train routes. e. Documents and a PMK on any division of

responsibility between the State of California and National Railroad Passenger Corp. for operation of the Amtrak-California train routes. f. Documents and a PMK on the State of

California's participation in operation of trains owned by the State and operated by Amtrak-California. g. Documents and a PMK on the State of

California's participation in safety oversight on trains owned by the State and operated by Amtrak-California. 2. Plaintiff intends on seeking discovery including

depositions of individuals; deposition(s) pursuant to Rule 30(b)(6); and requests for production of documents pursuant to Rule 34 on Defendant County of Stanislaus, City of Modesto, and/or City of Riverbank as follows: a. land. 9 Documents and a PMK on title to the subject

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 train. 3. 4. train. 2.

b.

Documents and a PMK on any easements and/or

rights of way for the subject crossing and subject intersection. c. Documents and a PMK on any agreements between

County of Stanislaus and any other public or private entity for control, maintenance, design, repair, and/or oversight of the subject intersection and subject crossing. B. Plaintiff's Discovery Plan - Phase II

Plaintiff intends on seeking discovery including depositions of individuals; deposition(s) pursuant to Rule 30(b)(6); and request for production of documents pursuant to Rule 34 on Defendant Amtrak-California, BNSF Railway, National Railroad Passenger Corp., and/or the State of California as follows (it should be noted that this is a preliminary list, and additional discovery will be formulated as this case progresses): 1. Deposition of the conductor(s) on the subject

Deposition of the engineer(s) on the subject

Deposition of the Manager of Operating Practices. Documents and PMK on Defendant's document

retention policy for 10 years before the subject accident to the present. 5. Documents and PMK on policies and procedures

relating to an engineer observing a vehicle fouling the tracks at a grade crossing. 6. Documents and PMK on operation of the trains on

the subject route, including such things as schedules, shift times, number of personnel, operating procedures, safety 10

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procedures, etc. 7. engineers. 8. 9. Documents and PMK on safety training of engineers. Discovery of any and all video from any and all Documents and PMK on training provided to

trains operating on the subject route, including but not limited to the subject train on the date of the accident. 10. crossing. 11. Discovery of any and all video from any and all Discovery of any and all video from the subject

trains that were in the area at or around the time of the subject accident. 12. Documents and PMK on the safety committee minutes

from 10 years before the subject accident to the present. 13. Documents and PMK on any and all near misses of

vehicles crossing at grade crossings throughout the AmtrakCalifornia system. 14. Documents and PMK on any and all collisions with

vehicles crossing at grade crossings throughout the AmtrakCalifornia system. 15. training. 16. Documents and PMK on safety issues that have Documents and PMK on the engineer's safety

arisen in the engineer's history. 17. Documents and PMK on the consist of the train,

including the Train Consist Report, Consist List, Conductor's Wheel Report, and/or Switch List, as well as specifications of each car such as weight and dimensions, manufacturer, model, and 11

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type of car, capacity. 18. Documents and PMK on the defendant's Operating

Rules; Safety Rules; Railroad Train Handling/Air Brake Rules. 19. Documents and PMK concerning the braking system of

the train, including the braking system (e.g., pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, electronically-controlled pneumatic, etc.); the specifications of the braking system and wheels. 20. Documents and PMK on any testing of the braking

system, for the past 10 years, for all locomotives on the train. 21. Documents and PMK on any known or potential

defects in the subject train. 22. Documents and PMK on data from all train,

locomotive, crossing, wayside, or remote recording devices showing the performance of the subject train and the signals at the crossing. 23. Documents and PMK on the load of the train,

including passengers, baggage, freight, etc. 24. Documents and PMK on any and all operating,

service, and technical manuals for the locomotive and its control system, as well as the development of those manuals. 25. Documents and PMK on any and all inspection,

maintenance, and test reports for the lead locomotive, horn, lights, and brakes for the history of the subject locomotive. 26. Documents and PMK on any data downloaded from the

train after the subject accident/incident. 27. Documents and PMK on any data downloaded

concerning the signals at the subject crossing, after the subject accident/incident. 12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Rules.

28.

Documents and PMK on any inspections, for the past

10 years, for all locomotives on the train. 29. Documents and PMK on the General Code of Operating

30.

Documents and PMK on any and all safety procedures

provided to engineers. 31. Documents and PMK on any and all safety training

provided to engineers. 32. 33. Documents and PMK on Defendant's drug policies. Documents and PMK on defendant's drug testing

policies, including those policies for testing after a fatal collision. 34. Discovery of any and all results of any and all

drug testing of the engineer on the subject train. 35. Documents and a PMK on the nature of the

relationship between BNSF Railway and Amtrak-California. 36. Documents and a PMK on any and all agreements

between BNSF Railway and Amtrak-California. 37. Documents and a PMK on any and all correspondence

between BNSF Railway and Amtrak-California concerning the subject route. 38. Documents and a PMK on any and all correspondence

between BNSF Railway and Amtrak-California concerning the subject crossing. 39. Documents and a PMK on any and all maintenance

performed on the subject train. 40. Documents and a PMK on the identity of any and all

engineers that have operated trains on the subject route in the 13

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past 10 years. 41. Documents and a PMK on any easements and/or rights

of way that defendant had or has as to the subject crossing. 42. Documents and a PMK on any easements and/or rights

of way that defendant had or has as to the subject crossing. 43. Documents and a PMK on the Track Chart or Track

Profile encompassing an area of at least five (5) miles either side of the location of the accident/incident. 44. Discovery on witness statements, interview

transcripts and summaries, and affidavits taken by or provided to any defendant's personnel or their consultants or agents; measurements of the accident site and vehicles taken by the defendant or any of its consultants or agents. 45. train crew. 46. Documents and PMK on the number of train movements Any and all accident/incident reports filed by the

through the subject crossing, and the nature of those movements (freight, passenger, identity of rail operator, etc.). 47. Documents and a PMK on Defendant's Internal

Control Plan as required per 49 CFR 225.33. 48. Discovery of Dispatcher's Train Sheet and

Dispatcher's Train Graph for the division/subdivision and train involved in the accident/incident. 49. Discovery and PMK on the whistle posts and/or horn

sounding requirements for the subject crossing. 50. Documents and PMK on the operation of the horn

and/or whistle, and its performance on the day of the subject accident. 14

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51.

Documents and a PMK on any train braking tests,

re-enactments, or sight distance or visibility studies related to the accident/incident or investigation of the accident/incident. 52. Documents and PMK on any inspections of the grade

crossing and/or the subject intersection, the reason for such inspections, and the results of those inspections. 53. Discovery of any correspondence with the County of

Stanislaus or any other third-party concerning the grade crossing and/or the subject intersection. 54. Documents and PMK on any internal memorandum,

reports, or meeting minutes concerning the grade crossing and/or the subject intersection. 55. Discovery of dispatcher-train crew audio tapes for

at least one hour before the accident/incident until the crew involved in the accident/incident went off duty. 56. Documents and a PMK on All Railroad-generated

reports, summaries, sheets, and attachments filed with the FRA and related to the subject accident or incident, including but not limited to: Form FRA F 6180.54-Rail Equipment Accident/Incident Report; Form FRA F 6180.55-Railroad Injury and Illness Summary; Form FRA F 6180.55a-Railroad Injury and Illness (Continuation Sheet); Form FRA F 6180.57-Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Accident/Incident Report; Form FRA F 6180.81-Employee Human Factor Attachment; Form FRA F 6180.78-Notice to Railroad Employee Involved in Rail Equipment Accident/Incident Attributed to Employee Human Factor; Employee Statement Supplementing Railroad Accident Report. 57. Documents and PMK on any reports or complaints of 15

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near misses of vehicles at crossings with trains owned by the State and operated by Amtrak-California. 58. Documents and PMK on any reports or complaints of

collisions with vehicles at crossings with trains owned by the State and operated by Amtrak-California. 59. Documents and PMK on any reports or complaints of

vehicles fouling the tracks on the subject route. 60. Documents and PMK on policies and procedures for

braking when a vehicle is fouling the tracks in front of a moving train. 61. Documents and PMK on any procedures that the State

requires for the operation of trains owned by the State. Plaintiff intends on seeking discovery including depositions of individuals; deposition(s) pursuant to Rule 30(b)(6); and request for production of documents pursuant to Rule 34 on Defendant County of Stanislaus, City of Modesto, and/or City of Riverbank as follows (it should be noted that this is a preliminary list, and additional discovery will be formulated as this case progresses): 1. Documents and PMK on any prior accidents at grade

crossings in the County of Stanislaus for 10 years prior to the subject accident. 2. Any photologs for the subject crossing, the

subject intersection, and the two roads intersecting at the subject intersection. 3. intersection. 4. Documents and PMK on the design of the subject 16 Documents and PMK on the design of the subject

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crossing. 5. Documents and PMK on the decision to put stop

signs at the subject intersection rather than traffic signals. 6. Documents and PMK on changes in population in the

area of the subject crossing and subject intersection. 7. Documents and PMK on changes in traffic patterns

on the subject roadways and at the subject intersection since the design of the subject crossing and intersection. 8. Documents and PMK on any warrants for the subject

intersection and roadways. 9. Documents and PMK on any recommendations by other

government entities for changes to the design of the subject intersection and crossing. 10. Documents and PMK for any meetings by defendant

where accidents at the subject crossing were discussed. 11. Documents and PMK for any meetings by defendant

where changes to the subject crossing and/or intersection were discussed. 12. Documents and PMK for any investigation by

defendant of the subject crossing and/or intersection. 13. Documents and PMK on any studies, reports, traffic

counts, calculations, hazard indices, forms, inspections, and correspondence relating to the subject crossing and/or intersection. 14. Discovery of identity of what entity placed each

of the traffic control devices at the subject crossing and intersection, and what entity has responsibility to maintain, repair, etc., those devices. 17

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15.

Documents and PMK on whether any modifications to

the grade crossing, the intersection and/or other traffic control that had been proposed, approved, or planned prior to the time of the accident, and the nature of those modifications, plans, etc. 16. Documents and PMK as to whether the subject

crossing was ever within the limits of or near the terminus of a Federal-aid highway project for construction of a new highway or improvement of the existing roadway, and if so, the nature of that involvement. Plaintiff intends to subpoena documents and witnesses from third parties as follows (it should be noted that this is a preliminary list, and additional discovery will be formulated as this case progresses): 1. All photographs and unedited video of the

accident/incident site and vehicles taken by the police, media, or other third parties. 2. Any notes, reports, articles, or accounts of the

accident produced by any third-parties. 3. Any notes, reports, articles, or accounts of any

prior accidents at the subject crossing and/or on the subject route, produced by any third-parties. 4. 5. Police accident report(s). Discovery of any reports, data, or information on

the subject accident from any governmental agencies or entities including the police, DOT, FRA, NTSB and/or the PUC. 6. Discovery of any reports, data, or information on

any prior accidents at the subject crossing and/or on the subject route, from any governmental agencies or entities including the 18

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police, DOT, FRA, NTSB and/or the PUC. 7. 8. 9. Any security camera video of the accident. Recorded interviews and witness statements. Cell phone records for the engineer.

Additionally, Plaintiff objects to Defendants' proposal of reducing the amount of Requests for Production of Documents and Requests for Admissions. As this is a complex matter composed of

two entirely separate bases for liability, each against multiple defendants, with dozens of witnesses, and hundreds of issues, arbitrarily reducing the number of discovery requests would deny Plaintiff a fair opportunity to acquire the necessary discovery in this matter. C. Defendant's Discovery Plan. Defendants reserve the right to conduct all discovery permitted by law. Further, Defendants propose the following

limits on discovery in this matter: 1. 2. 3. FRCP). 4. party. 5. Requests for Admissions: 25 per party. Requests for Production of Documents: 25 per Oral depositions taken by Plaintiff: 15 Oral depositions taken by Defendants: 10 (total). Written interrogatories: 25 per party (per the

Defendants continue to maintain that any party may, for good cause shown, move the Court for additional discovery. Additionally, Defendants National Railroad Passenger Corporation and BNSF Railway Company request that discovery be coordinated between the instant matter and the matter of Estate of Bryan 19

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Lopez, supra.

More specifically, Defendants request that should

any party to the instant litigation wish to notice a deposition, that party provide notice of said deposition in both actions. Defendants object to Plaintiff's characterization of this matter as "complex" and believe that Plaintiff's Discovery Plan is so staggering simply for the purposes of harassing Defendants. Because Defendants believe that this is a simple and straightforward matter, they request that the Court adopt their Discovery Plan and require that the parties file a motion with the court showing good cause should they wish to conduct additional discovery beyond that allowed in the Discovery Plan. If the defendants believe discovery should be limited, they may seek a Discovery Conference to decide the matter. D. The Court 1. The parties shall make their Rule 26 initial

disclosures on or before March 13, 2009. 2. The parties agree that the second phase of

discovery shall commence April 1, 2009, and shall continue through April 1, 2010, whereupon all percipient and fact discovery shall be concluded. experts April 1, 2010. 3. The parties are directed to disclose all expert Any rebuttal The parties shall designate

witnesses, in writing, on or before April 1, 2010.

or supplemental expert disclosures will be made on or before May 3, 2010. The parties shall comply with the provisions of Federal

Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(2) regarding their expert designations. Local Rule 16-240(a) notwithstanding, the written

designation of experts shall be made pursuant to F. R. Civ. P. 20

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Rule 26(a)(2), (A) and (B) and shall include all information required thereunder. Failure to designate experts in compliance

with this order may result in the Court excluding the testimony or other evidence offered through such experts that are not disclosed pursuant to this order. 4. The parties are ordered to complete all expert

discovery on or before June 1, 2010. 5. The provisions of F. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(4) shall

apply to all discovery relating to experts and their opinions. Experts may be fully prepared to be examined on all subjects and opinions included in the designation. result in the imposition of sanctions. X. Pre-Trial Motion Schedule. 1. All Non-Dispositive Pre-Trial Motions, including any Failure to comply will

discovery motions, will be filed on or before June 15, 2010, and heard on July 16, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Gary S. Austin in Courtroom 10. 2. In scheduling such motions, the Magistrate

Judge may grant applications for an order shortening time pursuant to Local Rule 142(d). However, if counsel does not

obtain an order shortening time, the notice of motion must comply with Local Rule 251. 3. All Dispositive Pre-Trial Motions are to be

filed no later than July 1, 2010, and will be heard on August 2, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. before the Oliver W. Wanger, United States District Judge, in Courtroom 3, 7th Floor. In scheduling such

motions, counsel shall comply with Local Rule 230. XI. Pre-Trial Conference Date. 21

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1.

September 7, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 3, 7th

Floor, before the Oliver W. Wanger, United States District Judge.

2.

The parties are ordered to file a Joint Pre-

Trial Statement pursuant to Local Rule 281(a)(2). 3. Counsel's attention is directed to Rules 281

and 282 of the Local Rules of Practice for the Eastern District of California, as to the obligations of counsel in preparing for the pre-trial conference. The Court will insist upon strict

compliance with those rules. XII. Motions - Hard Copy. 1. The parties shall submit one (1) courtesy paper copy to

the Court of any motions filed that exceed ten pages and any motions that have exhibits attached. Exhibits shall be marked

with protruding numbered or lettered tabs so that the Court can easily identify such exhibits. XIII. 1. Trial Date. October 19, 2010, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom

3, 7th Floor, before the Honorable Oliver W. Wanger, United States District Judge. 2. 3. This is a jury trial. Counsels' Estimate Of Trial Time: a. 4. 40 days.

Counsels' attention is directed to Local Rules

of Practice for the Eastern District of California, Rule 285. XIV. Settlement Conference. 1. A Settlement Conference is scheduled for June 10, 2010,

at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 10 before the Honorable Gary S. 22

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Austin, United States Magistrate Judge. 2. Unless otherwise permitted in advance by the

Court, the attorneys who will try the case shall appear at the Settlement Conference with the parties and the person or persons having full authority to negotiate and settle the case on any terms at the conference. 3. Permission for a party [not attorney] to attend

by telephone may be granted upon request, by letter, with a copy to the other parties, if the party [not attorney] lives and works outside the Eastern District of California, and attendance in person would constitute a hardship. If telephone attendance is

allowed, the party must be immediately available throughout the conference until excused regardless of time zone differences. Any other special arrangements desired in cases where settlement authority rests with a governing body, shall also be proposed in advance by letter copied to all other parties. 4. Confidential Settlement Conference Statement.

At least five (5) days prior to the Settlement Conference the parties shall submit, directly to the Magistrate Judge's chambers, a confidential settlement conference statement. The

statement should not be filed with the Clerk of the Court nor served on any other party. Each statement shall be clearly

marked "confidential" with the date and time of the Settlement Conference indicated prominently thereon. Counsel are urged to

request the return of their statements if settlement is not achieved and if such a request is not made the Court will dispose of the statement. 5. The Confidential Settlement Conference 23

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Statement shall include the following: a. case. b. A brief statement of the claims and A brief statement of the facts of the

defenses, i.e., statutory or other grounds upon which the claims are founded; a forthright evaluation of the parties' likelihood of prevailing on the claims and defenses; and a description of the major issues in dispute. c. d. A summary of the proceedings to date. An estimate of the cost and time to be

expended for further discovery, pre-trial and trial. e. f. The relief sought. The parties' position on settlement,

including present demands and offers and a history of past settlement discussions, offers and demands. XV. Request For Bifurcation, Appointment Of Special Master,

Or Other Techniques To Shorten Trial. 1. The Defendants will request bifurcation of liability This is not agreed to, and will be addressed by

and damages. motion.

XVI. Related Matters Pending. 1. Estate of Bryan Armenta Lopez, et al., v. National

Railroad Passenger Corp., 1:08-cv-1496 LJO GSA (previously in Stanislaus County Superior Court, Case No. 627076). Also, State

Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., (Interpleader) Stanislaus County Superior Court Case No. 634210. XVII. 1. Compliance With Federal Procedure. The Court requires compliance with the Federal 24

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Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of Practice for the Eastern District of California. To aid the court in the

efficient administration of this case, all counsel are directed to familiarize themselves with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of Practice of the Eastern District of California, and keep abreast of any amendments thereto. XVIII. 1. Effect Of This Order. The foregoing order represents the best

estimate of the court and counsel as to the agenda most suitable to bring this case to resolution. The trial date reserved is If the parties determine at

specifically reserved for this case.

any time that the schedule outlined in this order cannot be met, counsel are ordered to notify the court immediately of that fact so that adjustments may be made, either by stipulation or by subsequent scheduling conference. 2. Stipulations extending the deadlines contained

herein will not be considered unless they are accompanied by affidavits or declarations, and where appropriate attached exhibits, which establish good cause for granting the relief requested. 3. Failure to comply with this order may result in

the imposition of sanctions.

IT IS SO ORDERED. Dated: January 30, 2009 emm0d6 /s/ Oliver W. Wanger UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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