Bonilla v. Davis
Filing
3
ORDER OF DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE. Signed by Judge Vince Chhabria on 9/20/2016. (afmS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/21/2016)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
STEVEN WAYNE BONILLA,
Plaintiff,
v.
Case No. 16-cv-05046-VC (PR)
ORDER OF DISMISSAL WITH
PREJUDICE
RONALD DAVIS,
Defendant.
Plaintiff Steven Wayne Bonilla, an inmate at San Quentin State Prison, has filed a pro se
petition for a writ of mandamus under 28 U.S.C. § 1361 for this Court to issue an order requiring
Defendant Ronald Davis, Warden of San Quentin State Prison, to respond to Bonilla’s petition
for a writ of habeas corpus. Bonilla has been disqualified from proceeding in forma pauperis
under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g) unless he is “under imminent danger of serious physical injury” at
the time he filed his complaint. 28 U.S.C. 1915(g); In re Steven Bonilla, No. C 11-3180 CW
(PR); Bonilla v. Dawson, No. C 13-0951 CW (PR).
The allegations in this complaint do not show that Bonilla was in imminent danger at the
time of filing. Therefore, he may not proceed in forma pauperis. Furthermore, he may not
proceed even if he pays the filing fee because this court lacks authority to issue a writ of
mandamus under these circumstances. See 28 U.S.C § 1361. The federal mandamus statute
provides that “[t]he district courts shall have original jurisdiction of any action in the nature of
mandamus to compel an officer or employee of the United States or any agency thereof to
perform a duty owed to the plaintiff.” Id. The statute only allows mandamus to compel federal
actors and agencies; federal district courts are without power to issue mandamus to direct state
courts, state judicial officers, or other state officials in the performance of their duties. A petition
for a writ of mandamus to compel a state official to take or refrain from some action is frivolous
as a matter of law. See Demos v. U.S. District Court, 925 F.2d 1160, 1161-62 (9th Cir. 1991).
Furthermore, the relief Plaintiff seeks pertains to his ongoing attempts to invalidate his
conviction. Therefore, such claims, if raised, must be brought by Bonilla’s counsel in his
pending federal habeas corpus action, Bonilla v. Ayers, No. C 08-0471 YGR (PR).
Accordingly, this action is dismissed with prejudice because amendment would be futile.
The Clerk of the Court shall enter a separate judgment and close this case.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated:
9/20/2016
______________________________________
VINCE CHHABRIA
United States District Judge
2
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?