California Sportfishing Protection Alliance v. Paradise Ready Mix, Inc. et al
Filing
139
ORDER and FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS signed by Magistrate Judge Gregory G. Hollows on 8/20/13 DENYING 132 Motion for Sanctions and DENYING 135 Request for Attorney Fees; RECOMMENDING that 118 MOTION to DISMISS filed by California Sport fishing Protection Alliance be granted and 123 MOTION to DISMISS filed by William Callaway be denied. Referred to Judge Troy L. Nunley; Objections to F&R due within 14 days after being served with these findings and recommendations. (Meuleman, A)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
9
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
10
11
12
CALIFORNIA SPORTFISHING
PROTECTION ALLIANCE,
Plaintiff,
13
ORDER AND FINDINGS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
v.
14
15
No. 2:10-cv-1801 TLN GGH PS
WILLIAM CALLAWAY, dba PARADISE
READY MIX,
16
Defendant.
17
Previously pending on this court’s law and motion calendar for August 1, 2013, was
18
19
defendant Callaway’s amended motion for sanctions, filed June 17, 2013. Also pending before
20
the court are Callaway’s original motion for sanctions, filed May 9, 2013, (ECF No. 124), taken
21
under submission without a hearing, as was Callaway’s motion to dismiss, filed April 29, 2013,
22
(ECF No. 123) and CalSpa’s motion to dismiss, filed April 29, 2013. (ECF No. 118). See ECF
23
No. 130. 1 William Callaway appeared in pro se. CalSpa was represented by Andrew Packard.
24
Having reviewed the papers in support of and in opposition to the motions, the court now issues
25
the following order and findings and recommendations.
26
27
28
1
In objections filed June 14, 2013, defendant claims he did not stipulate to having the motions
taken under submission without a hearing, and requests that the hearing be rescheduled. (ECF
No. 131).
1
1
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
2
This action was filed on July 13, 2010, and it is proceeding on the amended complaint,
3
filed June 21, 2011. California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (“CalSpa”) is proceeding as a
4
“citizen enforcer,” under the Clean Water Act (“CWA”), 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq., alleging that
5
William Callaway, dba Paradise Ready Mix, Inc. (“PRM”) is continuing to violate the terms of
6
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit based on storm water
7
discharged to a “wash” at the border of the cement facility from Callaway’s ready mix concrete
8
facility in Paradise (hereinafter “Facility”). In addition to these alleged violations, CalSpa further
9
alleges that Callaway failed to implement the required Best Available Technology Economically
10
Achievable (“BAT”) for toxic and non-conventional pollutants, and Best Conventional Pollutant
11
Control Technology (“BCT”) for conventional pollutants, and that he failed to develop and
12
implement an adequate Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and adequate Monitoring and
13
Reporting Program. CalSpa seeks civil penalties, injunctive relief and costs.
14
On November 28, 2012, the undersigned issued findings and recommendations,
15
recommending that Callaway’s motion for summary judgment be denied and CalSpa’s motion for
16
partial summary judgment be granted for Claims Three, Four and Six. On March 7, 2013, the
17
district court adopted the findings and recommendations in full. CalSpa then filed a motion to
18
dismiss the case without prejudice on April 29, 2013, explaining that its limited resources are
19
better spent on other polluters. (ECF. No. 118). Also on that date, Callaway filed his own motion
20
to dismiss with prejudice for failure to join an indispensable party under Fed. R. Civ. P. 19. (ECF
21
No. 123.) Callaway also filed a motion for sanctions on May 9, 2013, followed by an amended
22
motion for sanctions on June 14, 2013 (ECF. Nos. 124, 132). All motions are opposed.
23
The grant of partial summary judgment was based in part on Callaway’s delay and failure
24
to completely respond to Requests for Admissions (RFAs) propounded on him during the
25
discovery phase of this litigation which resulted in the admissions being deemed admitted as to
26
material aspects of CalSpa’s case. The details of Callaway’s initially deficient responses,
27
followed by further responses which were deficient in timing, manner and substance, followed by
28
a court order to respond, and extensions of time to respond, are outlined in the order deeming
2
1
most of the RFAs admitted. (ECF No. 86.2) When CalSpa filed its partial summary judgment
2
motion based for the most part on these admissions, Callaway opposed the motion, filed a cross-
3
motion, and was represented by counsel appearing specially at the hearing. Callaway also had the
4
opportunity to file objections to the findings and recommendations which recommended granting
5
partial summary judgment, and he did so only after being granted two extensions of time by the
6
undersigned. The district court adopted the findings and recommendations on March 7, 2013.
7
The admissions deemed admitted are set forth in the Findings and Recommendations filed
8
November 28, 2012. See ECF No. 102. Specifically in regard to the issues raised by Callaway
9
in his instant motions and in opposition to CalSpa’s motion, included were the admissions that the
10
Facility3 is subject to the general permit, that storm water associated with industrial activity was
11
discharged from the facility into navigable waters, and that pollutants in the water discharged
12
13
14
2
That order, issued May 31, 2012, recounted the following in regard to Callaway’s responses to
the RFAs:
Plaintiff’s first set of requests for admissions were served on
Callaway on January11, 2011. [fn omitted.] Although Callaway did
respond, the responses contained “myriad deficiencies and
improprieties,” according to plaintiff. (Dkt. no. 70 at 7.) On
November 2, 2011, Callaway provided amended responses;
however, as they were insufficient, on November 14, 2011, plaintiff
moved to compel amended responses to these requests. (Dkt. no.
49.) The original hearing date of December 15, 2011 was continued
a few times, and was finally heard on March 15, 2012. By orders
filed March 16 and 20, 2012, Callaway was directed to respond to
discovery, including CalSpa’s First Set of Requests for Admissions,
numbered 1-16, and 19-22. (Dkt. nos. 72, 74.) Callaway was
admonished that his discovery efforts in this case up to that point
were obfuscative.
…
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
At that time, Callaway was warned that “failure to properly respond
to the discovery requested would result in sanctions, including the
possibility of some or all admissions being deemed admitted. (Dkt.
no. 72.) After Callaway filed objections and they were considered,
the court extended Callaway’s deadline to respond from March 31
to April 20, 2012. Despite being contacted by CalSpa, Callaway
still did not produce any further responses in a separate pleading.
23
24
25
26
27
28
(Id. at 2-3.)
3
The term “Facility” refers to “the ready mix concrete facility at issue in this action.” (ECF No.
32 at 2:2.)
3
1
exceeded certain permitted concentrations. (RFA nos. 1, 2, 3, 11-13.) The order finally
2
concluding that admissions numbered 1 through 16, and 19 through 22 were deemed admitted
3
was issued on May 31, 2012. (ECF NO. 86.)
4
Although Paradise Ready Mix was originally named as a defendant in the complaint along
5
with William Callaway, the parties filed a stipulation on June 2, 2011, agreeing that “Callaway
6
operates the ready mix facility at issue in this action (“Facility”) as a sole proprietorship under the
7
business name, Paradise Ready Mix; and that Defendant Paradise Ready Mix, Inc. is a non-
8
existent corporate entity.” Based on this stipulation, the parties agreed that CalSpa could file its
9
first amended complaint (“FAC”) which removed Paradise Ready Mix, Inc. as a defendant.4
10
(ECF No. 32.) The FAC named only “William Callaway, an individual, dba Paradise Ready
11
Mix” as the defendant. (ECF No. 34.)
12
DISCUSSION
13
I. The Parties’ Motions to Dismiss
14
CalSpa first filed its motion to dismiss on April 29, 2013, based on its determination that
15
its limited resources would be put to greater use in pursuing other violators. CalSpa indicates that
16
it has already obtained a $29,000,000 default judgment against Callaway in a different case, and
17
based on its experience with this defendant, who has represented that he is no longer the operator
18
of the Facility, it wishes to dismiss this action without prejudice. Callaway has not filed an
19
opposition to this motion; however, he has filed his own motion to dismiss with prejudice, based
20
on failure to join required parties Bill Jennings and/or Chris Shutes, who CalSpa claims have
21
been injured in support of organizational standing.
22
This court has already addressed the issue of organizational standing in a fully developed
23
opinion on summary judgment. (ECF No. 102 at 11-16.) These Findings and Recommendations
24
were adopted in full by the district court. (ECF No. 111.) This issue will not be revisited, and
25
Callaway’s motion to dismiss should be denied.
26
/////
27
28
4
Defendant Brian Harrison was also removed as a defendant at this time. (Id.)
4
Callaway has not opposed CalSpa’s motion to dismiss which asserts that Callaway has no
1
2
legal claims in this action which would be affected by the dismissal; Callaway will not lose any
3
defenses as a result of the dismissal; plaintiff has no intention to refile this action in any forum
4
and therefore Callaway will not be prejudiced by forum shopping; and CalSpa is not seeking to
5
temporarily avoid an adverse ruling from a pending motion by filing this motion to dismiss.
6
Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a), a voluntary dismissal after defendant has answered but
7
where all parties have not stipulated to the dismissal, is permissible “at the plaintiff’s request only
8
by court order, on terms that the court considers proper.” A voluntary dismissal, unless stated
9
otherwise, is without prejudice. Id., 41(a)(2).
10
The undersigned finds the reasons proffered for the dismissal request are appropriate, and
11
that Callaway will not be prejudiced by such a dismissal. See Smith v. Lenches, 263 F.3d 972,
12
975 (9th Cir. 2001) (finding defendant must show “plain legal prejudice” to avoid voluntary
13
dismissal under Rule 41(a)(2). Therefore, CalSpa’s voluntary motion to dismiss should be
14
granted.
15
II. Callaway’s Amended Motion for Sanctions
16
In his amended motion,5 Callaway seeks sanctions against CalSpa,6 its attorneys of record
17
Andrew Packard, Erik Roper, Emily Brand, Robert Tuerck, and geologist John Lane.7 The
18
grounds for the motion are Callaway’s belief that certain declarations filed in support of CalSpa’s
19
oppositions to Callaway’s motions to dismiss and for summary judgment, contained false and
20
misleading statements which were relied upon by the undersigned in denying those motions.
21
Callaway complains that despite having been provided a copy of Callaway’s motion more than
22
twenty-one days earlier, CalSpa has not withdrawn or modified the declarations in accordance
23
24
25
26
27
28
5
The amended motion supersedes the original motion, filed May 9, 2013. See Dkt. No. 124.
Therefore, sanctions previously sought against non-attorneys and CalSpa executives Jennings and
Shutes will not be considered because they are no longer sought against these individuals. See
also Fed. R.Civ. P. 11(c)(1) (sanctions may be imposed against attorneys, law firms or parties
only).
6
Monetary sanctions against CalSpa itself for violations of Rule 11(b)(2) are also impermissible
because it is a represented party. Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(c)(5)(A).
7
Callaway incorrectly refers to this geologist as Joseph Lane. See ECF. No. 64. Sanctions may
not be imposed against this non-attorney. Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(c)(1).
5
1
with Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(c)(2). Callaway also contends that both the complaint and amended
2
complaint are “shotgun” pleadings because they are “totally void of any substantive facts.”
3
“Rule 11 requires the imposition of sanctions when a motion is frivolous, legally
4
unreasonable, or without factual foundation, or is brought for an improper purpose.” Conn v.
5
Borjorquez, 967 F.2d 1418, 1420 (9th Cir. 1992). “The central purpose of Rule 11 is to deter
6
baseless filings.” United States ex rel. Robinson Rancheria Citizens Council v. Borneo, Inc., 971
7
F.2d 244, 254 (9th Cir.1992) (quoting Cooter & Gell v. Hartmarx Corp., 496 U.S. 384, 110 S. Ct.
8
2447, 110 L.Ed.2d 359 (1990)). An “improper purpose” is a purpose to “harass or to cause
9
unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(b)(1). The
10
test for improper purpose is an objective one. G.C. and K.B. Invs., Inc. v. Wilson, 326 F.3d 1096,
11
1109 (9th Cir.2003). If the court finds that Rule 11(b) has been violated, it may impose a
12
reasonable sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that violated the rule. Fed. R. Civ. P.
13
11(c). A Rule 11 motion for sanctions “must not be filed or be presented to the court if the
14
challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected
15
within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(c)(2). This
16
safe harbor provision is mandatory and strictly enforced in the Ninth Circuit. Radcliffe v.
17
Rainbow Constr. Co., 254 F.3d 772, 789 (9th Cir. 2001); Holgate v. Baldwin, 425 F.3d 671, 678
18
(9th Cir. 2005).
19
In the instant case, Callaway served his motion for sanctions on CalSpa on March 7, 2013.
20
He then filed his 46 page motion on May 9, 2013; however, the filed version is different and
21
longer than the served version by about nine pages. See Packard Dec., ¶ 2, Ex. A, dkt. no. 129;
22
Dkt. no. 125. Nevertheless, the amended motion, filed June 17, 2013, (ECF No. 133), is 36 pages
23
and appears to be the same motion previously served on CalSpa. Therefore, Callaway has
24
(belatedly) complied with the safe harbor requirement of Rule 11.
25
In regard to the merits of the motion, Callaway first contends that the amended complaint
26
is a shotgun pleading. Callaway is informed that under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, only
27
notice pleading is required. Fed. R. Civ. P. 8 sets forth general rules of notice pleading in the
28
Federal Courts. See Swierkiewicz v. Sorema, 534 U.S. 506, 122 S. Ct. 992 (2002). Complaints
6
1
are required to set forth (1) the grounds upon which the court’s jurisdiction rests, (2) a short and
2
plain statement of the claim showing entitlement to relief; and (3) a demand for the relief plaintiff
3
seeks. Rule 8 requires only “sufficient allegations to put defendants fairly on notice of the claims
4
against them.” McKeever v. Block, 932 F.2d 795, 798 (9th Cir. 1991). As the Ninth Circuit
5
found in Bautista v. Los Angeles County, 216 F.3d 837, 843 (9th Cir. 2000) (Reinhardt, J.,
6
conc.): “True, the complaint states the relevant facts at a high level of generality. But that is the
7
point of notice pleading: a plaintiff need only provide the bare outlines of his claim. As one
8
authoritative treatise has summarized the matter, “except when specific pleading is required . . .,
9
evidentiary facts need not be set forth in the complaint: ‘(F)ederal courts and litigants must rely
10
on summary judgment and control of discovery to weed out unmeritorious claims.’ ” 2 William
11
W. Schwarzer et al., Federal Civil Procedure Before Trial ¶ 8:16, at 8-4 (2000) (quoting
12
Leatherman [v. Tarrant Co. Narcotics Intelligence & Coordination Unit], 507 U.S. [163], 168-
13
169, [113 S. Ct. 1160 (1993)]).”
14
Callaway has waived any argument that the amended complaint is a “shotgun pleading”
15
because he had the opportunity to challenge it on this basis much earlier in the proceedings, prior
16
to summary judgment. In any event, the amended complaint complies with all of the
17
requirements of Rule 8.
18
Callaway’s main contention is that certain declarations filed in this case contained
19
erroneous information. For example, Mr. Roper’s declaration in support of the motion for partial
20
summary judgment states that attached is a Notice of Intent to Comply with the Terms of the
21
General Permit to Discharge Storm Water, as Exhibit A to his declaration, filed September 20,
22
2012. (Dkt. no. 94 at 2:15-19, 6-7.) The NOI contains Callaway’s signature. Callaway states
23
that he never signed a NOI in his private capacity, and that he never signed on behalf of Paradise
24
Ready Mix, but only did so on behalf of Paradise Ready Mix, Inc. (ECF. No. 133 at 6:12-14,
25
7:11-12, 8:11.) Callaway claims that Roper should have been aware of this fact. Callaway
26
further claims that Roper’s representation to the court that Callaway was the de jure operator of
27
the Facility was materially false and misleading. Id. at 12:3-5. These arguments were previously
28
made by Callaway and rejected by the court. See Order and Findings and Recommendations,
7
1
filed March 20, 2012 (ECF No. 74 at 16:11-13) (finding that since the Regional Board never
2
approved a Notice of Termination, Callaway continued to be the de jure operator of the Facility).8
3
In this same order, the court denied Callaway’s motion to dismiss on this basis, further noting that
4
although discovery was ongoing at that time, CalSpa had evidence that Callaway was operating
5
the facility as recently as October, 2011, and Callaway had not presented evidence that he had
6
ceased all business. See id. at 12-13. After this order was issued, the RFAs were deemed
7
admitted and established that the Facility was subject to the General Permit. Findings and
8
Recommendations, filed November 28, 2012. (ECF No. 102 at 5.) Furthermore, Callaway
9
separately signed a stipulation on June 21, 2011, agreeing that he was operating the Facility as a
10
sole proprietorship under the name, “Paradise Ready Mix,” and that “Defendant Paradise Ready
11
Mix, Inc. is a non-existent corporate entity.” (ECF No. 32 at 2.)
12
With respect to these contentions, plaintiff did everything possible to name the proper
13
defendant, including amending the complaint on June 21, 2011, as soon as it became evident that
14
the originally named defendant, Paradise Ready Mix, Inc., was (or had become) a non-existent
15
corporate entity, and that originally named defendant Harrison filed a declaration that he was
16
merely an employee of Callaway and does not operate or manage the Facility. In fact, Callaway
17
signed the stipulation to this effect. (ECF No. 32, 34.) Callaway’s precise signing status at the
18
time of the NOI is an immaterial fact.
19
Furthermore, the overriding issue in this case was whether pollutants were discharged into
20
navigable waters and that issue was resolved by the Admissions which were deemed admitted
21
against Callaway. See ECF No. 102 at 5. Callaway was given at least three opportunities to
22
respond to the RFAs; however, he failed to do so, intentionally dragging his feet and behaving in
23
an obstreperous manner. See ECF No. 86 at 2-3. Therefore, for all intents and purposes, the case
24
against Callaway was decided on the RFAs at the discovery stage of the process.
25
/////
26
27
28
8
At some time not disclosed by Callaway, but demonstrated by his representations herein, he
took over whatever corporation existed in respect to operation of the Facility including its
licenses and right to operate under the applicable environmental laws.
8
1
Although the motion for sanctions is frivolous on its merits, the filing of CalSpa’s
2
voluntary motion to dismiss also requires denial of the motion. CalSpa argues that its voluntary
3
motion to dismiss its amended complaint constitutes a withdrawal of the allegedly violative
4
pleading for purposes of Rule 11, and therefore the sanctions motion is not permitted, citing Fed.
5
R. Civ. P. 11(c)(2) and numerous cases in support. Callaway has not responded to this
6
contention.
7
The Ninth Circuit, as referenced by CalSpa, has held that amendment or dismissal of
8
claims after a motion for sanctions has been presented, but within the safe harbor period, acts as a
9
withdrawal of challenged claims and therefore obviates a Rule 11 motion. Sneller v. City of
10
Bainbridge Island, 606 F.3d 636, 639 (9th Cir. 2010). Here, CalSpa actually filed its motion to
11
dismiss prior to Callaway’s initial motion for sanctions, which sequence of events provides
12
further support for a decision that Rule 11 sanctions should not be permitted. See Gomes v.
13
American Century Companies, Inc., 2010 WL 1980201, *3 (E.D. Cal. May 17, 2010) (reasoning
14
that to permit sanctions where plaintiff had filed voluntary dismissal prior to defendant bringing
15
sanctions motion “would be contrary to the spirit of Rule 11”).
The court’s own research located very few cases decided after the addition of the safe
16
17
harbor provision pursuant to the 1993 amendments9 which supports Rule 11 sanctions despite a
18
voluntary dismissal, but they are not binding precedent.10 In at least one case, the court addressed
19
particularly egregious behavior, violation of a duty to conduct a reasonable inquiry into the law,
20
9
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
In Morroni v. Gunderson, 169 F.R.D. 168, 171 (M.D. Fla. 1996), the court noted that “Cooter
and Gell v. Harmarx Corp. was decided in 1990, three years prior to the 1993 amendments,
including the addition of the 21 day ‘safe harbor’ period to Rule 11. Thus, the 1993 amendments
to Rule 11 had the effect of overruling Cooter and Gell v. Hartmarx to the extent that under the
1993 version of Rule 11, a party who seeks Rule 11 sanctions based upon allegations in a
complaint, cannot wait until the action has been voluntarily dismissed by the opposing party
because the party who voluntarily dismisses a case has withdrawn the offending pleading by
dismissing the case.”
10
There are of course cases which impose sanctions under 28 U.S.C. § 1927, despite a
voluntary dismissal, where a party unduly multiplies the proceedings, but Callaway has moved
under Rule 11 only, and in any event there is no indication that CalSpa has prolonged these
proceedings. See Macheska v. Thomson Learning, 347 F.Supp.2d 169, 179 (M.D. Pa. 2004)
(citing cases after the 1993 amendments which upheld Cooter & Gell and Bolivar v. Pocklington,
975 F.2d 28 (1st Cir. 1992), insofar as they applied to post-dismissal filing of a § 1927 motion).
9
1
which is not the case here. See Horton v. Trans World Airlines Corp., 169 F.R.D. 11, 15-16
2
(E.D. N.Y. 1996) (sanctions motion permissible against pro se litigant who was not aware of
3
privilege against defamation for statements in documents filed for judicial proceeding when he
4
filed his complaint for defamation). See also Macheska, 347 F.Supp.2d at 179 (finding Rule
5
41(a) does not deprive court of jurisdiction to decide collateral matters such as sanctions). The
6
vast majority of apposite cases are those cited by plaintiff which preclude consideration of a
7
sanctions motion after a voluntary dismissal: Aerotech, Inc. v. Estes, 110 F.3d 1523, 1528 (10th
8
Cir. 1997) (voluntary dismissal prior to motion for Rule 11 sanctions served to “cure” alleged
9
violation because this is purpose of safe harbor provision); Hockley by Hockley v. Shan
10
Enterprises Ltd. Partnership, 19 F.Supp.2d 235, 241 (D.N.J. 1998) (voluntary dismissal acts to
11
withdraw party’s position that was challenged by Rule 11 motion); Nagle Industries, Inc. v. Ford
12
Motor Co., 173 F.R.D. 448, 458 (E.D. Mich. 1997) (noting Rule 11(c)(1)(A)’s provision that a
13
motion for sanctions may not be filed if the challenged claim is withdrawn after receiving notice
14
of the violative conduct); Morroni v. Gunderson, 169 F.R.D. 168, 171-72 (M.D. Fla. 1996)
15
(finding defendants should not have filed a Rule 11 motion where plaintiffs had already
16
voluntarily dismissed action in compliance with safe harbor provision); Photocircuits Corp. v.
17
Marathon Agents, 162 F.R.D. 449, 452 (E.D.N.Y. 1995) (noting partial rationale behind safe
18
harbor provision was to reduce Rule 11 volume and eliminate abuses proscribed by that rule, and
19
holding that withdrawal of complaint “immunized” counsel in that case).
CalSpa’s motion to dismiss is brought on the basis that, despite its success in prevailing
20
21
on the third, fourth and sixth claims, it is not efficient to proceed further against this particular
22
defendant when its limited resources would be better utilized against other polluters. Thus,
23
although its motion is not based on an attempt to eliminate claims that might be the subject of a
24
sanctions motion, the result of its motion is that it obviates the need for such a motion. Therefore,
25
Callaway’s motion for sanctions is denied.11
26
27
28
11
To the extent that Callaway seeks monetary sanctions, he is advised that attorneys’ fees are
generally not available to a party proceeding without counsel. Kay v. Ehrler, 499 U.S. 432, 435
n. 5, 111 S. Ct. 1435, 1436-37, n. 5 (1991).
10
1
III. CalSpa’s Request for Attorneys’ fees
2
In its opposition to the sanctions motion, CalSpa requests attorneys’ fees in the amount of
3
$4,547.50 for work expended in opposing the initial and amended motions for sanctions.
4
Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11(c)(2), “[i]f warranted, the court may award to the
5
prevailing party the reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred for the motion.”
6
Although Callaway’s motion was devoid of merit, the Court does not find that the circumstances
7
of this motion warrant an award of attorneys’ fees. The effect of sanctions on top of a
8
$29,000,000 default judgment is devoid of practical meaning. Moreover, CalSpa has determined
9
to dismiss this case. The court is unwilling to expend further resources in this case for no
10
apparent purpose.
However, the court’s ruling works both ways. Except for filings made to seek review of
11
12
these Findings and Recommendations and Order, or as otherwise permitted by the District Judge,
13
or as otherwise appropriate for an appeal to the Ninth Circuit, Callaway is hereby prohibited from
14
filing any further documents in this case. Further filings in violation of this order will simply be
15
ignored. And, except as necessary to respond to Callaway filings permitted by this order, CalSpa
16
is under no obligation to respond to further Callaway filings.
17
CONCLUSION
18
Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that:
19
1. Defendant Callaway’s amended motion for sanctions, filed June 14, 2013, (ECF No.
20
132), is denied; and
2. Plaintiff CalSpa’s request for attorneys’ fees, filed July 18, 2013,(ECF No. 135), is
21
22
23
denied.
3. Defendant Callaway, whether represented or unrepresented, is prohibited from making
24
further filings in this case except as set forth above. CalSpa has no duty to respond to further
25
Callaway filings except as to those Callaway filings permitted by this order.
26
For the reasons explained herein, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that:
27
1. Plaintiff CalSpa’s motion to dismiss without prejudice pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P.
28
41(a)(2), filed April 29, 2013, (ECF No. 118), be granted; and
11
1
2
2. Defendant Callaway’s motion to dismiss with prejudice, filed April 29, 2013 (ECF No.
123), be denied.
3
These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge
4
assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of Title 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within fourteen
5
(14) days after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written
6
objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned
7
“Objections to Magistrate Judge’s Findings and Recommendations.” Any reply to the objections
8
shall be served and filed within seven (7) days after service of the objections. The parties are
9
advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the
10
District Court’s order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).
11
Dated: August 20, 2013
12
/s/ Gregory G. Hollows
13
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
14
GGH:076/CSPA1801.mtn-san
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
12
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?