Case: Chavez v. County of Santa Clara

1:15-cv-05277 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Filed Date: Nov. 18, 2015

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On November 18, 2015, pretrial detainees at the Santa Clara County Jail filed this class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Northern California. The plaintiffs had been imprisoned in solitary confinement from November 2014 to November 2015 without knowing why they had been placed there or opportunities to appeal the decision. While in solitary, the prison denied the plaintiffs access to adequate medical care. The plaintiffs sued Santa Clara County under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the American…

On November 18, 2015, pretrial detainees at the Santa Clara County Jail filed this class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Northern California. The plaintiffs had been imprisoned in solitary confinement from November 2014 to November 2015 without knowing why they had been placed there or opportunities to appeal the decision. While in solitary, the prison denied the plaintiffs access to adequate medical care. The plaintiffs sued Santa Clara County under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. They alleged class-wide violations of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Represented by the Prison Law Office and several private attorneys, they asked the court for a declaration that Santa Clara County violated their constitutional rights. In addition, the plaintiffs sought an order to enjoin Santa Clara County from holding people in solitary confinement for prolonged periods and from using unnecessary and excessive force, and to require that the County provide constitutionally adequate healthcare and meaningful opportunities to challenge solitary confinement decisions.

The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on January 20, 2016, adding an excessive use of force claim. The case was referred to Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins for settlement discussions on April 28, 2016.

The plaintiffs moved for class certification, and Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas granted the motion on September 20, certifying a class of "All people who are now, or in the future will be, incarcerated in the Santa Clara County jails." The court also certified a subclass of "All people who are now, or in the future will be, incarcerated in the Santa Clara County jails and who have a psychiatric and/or intellectual disability, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act . . . and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act."

On January 17, 2017, the parties agreed to vacate the trial date and stay motions practice so they could pursue settlement. In April, the parties updated the court with the status of a possible consent decree. The court then scheduled to visit the facilities the following June. However, by November 6, 2017, the case was reassigned to Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman. The parties continued to meet over settlement conferences in front of Judge Cousins.

On October 23, 2018, the parties reached a proposed settlement, filed for a consent decree with the court, and proposed a plan to deliver notice to the class. On November 27, 2018, the magistrate judge approved the proposal and set a date for a final approval hearing. Nearly a dozen members of the class wrote expressing concerns and objecting to the class action settlement. Despite these letters, the court granted final approval of the consent decree on March 20, 2019. 2019 WL 1281981.

The defendant agreed to collaborate with the plaintiffs' counsel in drafting the policies to fulfill their obligations under the remedial plan. Thirty days prior to implementing new policies, the defendant would submit these plans to the plaintiffs' counsel for review. The jail agreed to cease using unlawful segregation and force, as well as ensure compliance with the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. The remedial plan mandated that the parties agree on neutral experts to monitor compliance. The experts would complete comprehensive reviews of the county's progress and would have access to all parts of the jail. Additionally, the plaintiff's counsel would have the ability to monitor compliance and access to the jails to inspect at least twice per year. In the event of a dispute, the parties agreed to first engage in informal resolution with a mediator. The court retained jurisdiction in the event that mediation failed. Finally, the County agreed to pay the plaintiff's counsel $1.6 million for merits fees and expenses, and $200,000 per year for monitoring fees and expenses. The consent decree will remain in effect until the County is found in substantial compliance with the Remedial Plan for one year.

Pursuant to the decree, the court ordered the clerk to close the case. The court noted that the court is closing the case simply as a “housekeeping matter”; as of this writing, the court retained continuing jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the decree.

Summary Authors

Kat Brausch (1/30/2016)

Virginia Weeks (3/24/2018)

Keagan Potts (8/4/2020)

Related Cases

Cole v. County of Santa Clara, Northern District of California (2016)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4585924/parties/chavez-v-county-of-santa-clara/


Judge(s)

Cousins, Nathanael M. (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Hutt, Jacob Joseph (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Fedman, Emily L (California)

Harris, Aryn (California)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Ells, Lisa Adrienne (California)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1:15-cv-05277

Docket [PACER]

Jan. 23, 2020

Jan. 23, 2020

Docket
1

1:15-cv-05277

Class Action Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

Complaint
9

1:15-cv-05277

First Amended Class Action Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Jan. 20, 2016

Jan. 20, 2016

Complaint
34

1:15-cv-05277

Order Certifying Action as Class Action

Sept. 20, 2016

Sept. 20, 2016

Order/Opinion
77

1:15-cv-05277

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Approval of Consent Decree and Notice to the Class

Chavez et al v. County of Santa Clara

Nov. 27, 2018

Nov. 27, 2018

Order/Opinion
99

1:15-cv-05277

Joint Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement

Chavez et al v. County of Santa Clara

Feb. 27, 2019

Feb. 27, 2019

Pleading / Motion / Brief
109

1:15-cv-05277

Consent Decree

March 20, 2019

March 20, 2019

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4585924/chavez-v-county-of-santa-clara/

Last updated July 29, 2026, 4:21 a.m.

Docket for: Chavez v. County of Santa Clara
ECF Number Date Description Link
Nov. 18, 2015

~Util - Case Assigned by Intake

1 Nov. 18, 2015

COMPLAINT against County of Santa Clara ( Filing fee $ 400, receipt number 0971-10002259.). Filed byBrian Chavez, Brandon Bracamonte. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 11/18/2015) (Entered: 11/18/2015)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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RECAP
2 Nov. 18, 2015

Proposed Summons. (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 11/18/2015) (Entered: 11/18/2015)

RECAP
3 Nov. 18, 2015

Case assigned to Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. Counsel for plaintiff or the removing party is responsible for serving the Complaint or Notice of Removal, Summons and the assigned judge's standing orders and all other new case documents upon the opposing parties. For information, visit E-Filing A New Civil Case at http://cand.uscourts.gov/ecf/caseopening.Standing orders can be downloaded from the court's web page at www.cand.uscourts.gov/judges. Upon receipt, the summons will be issued and returned electronically. Counsel is required to send chambers a copy of the initiating documents pursuant to L.R. 5-1(e)(7). A scheduling order will be sent by Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) within two business days. by 12/2/2015. (as, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/18/2015) (Entered: 11/18/2015)

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4 Nov. 19, 2015

Summons Issued as to County of Santa Clara. (msr, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/19/2015) (Entered: 11/19/2015)

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5 Nov. 20, 2015

NOTICE of Appearance by Donald H. Specter (Specter, Donald) (Filed on 11/20/2015) (Entered: 11/20/2015)

RECAP
6 Nov. 20, 2015

NOTICE of Appearance by Kelly Jean Knapp (Knapp, Kelly) (Filed on 11/20/2015) (Entered: 11/20/2015)

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7 Dec. 1, 2015

CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez.. (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 12/1/2015) (Entered: 12/01/2015)

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8 Jan. 15, 2016

NOTICE of Appearance by Addison Mills Litton (Litton, Addison) (Filed on 1/15/2016) (Entered: 01/15/2016)

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9 Jan. 20, 2016

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants. Filed byBrian Chavez, Brandon Bracamonte. (Knapp, Kelly) (Filed on 1/20/2016) (Entered: 01/20/2016)

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10 Jan. 25, 2016

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez re 4 Summons Issued (Litton, Addison) (Filed on 1/25/2016) (Entered: 01/25/2016)

RECAP
Feb. 2, 2016

Clerk's Notice

11 Feb. 2, 2016

CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by County of Santa Clara.. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 2/2/2016) (Entered: 02/02/2016)

RECAP
12 Feb. 2, 2016

CLERK'S NOTICE Case Management Statement due by 2/16/2016. Case Management Conference set for 2/23/2016 02:00 PM in Eureka/McKinleyville. Parties may appear by phone by dialing 888-684-8852 and entering access code 1868782. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (glm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 2/2/2016) (Entered: 02/02/2016)

RECAP
13 Feb. 2, 2016

NOTICE of Appearance by Kendall Dawson Wasley (Wasley, Kendall) (Filed on 2/2/2016) (Entered: 02/02/2016)

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14 Feb. 16, 2016

CASE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT -Joint filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 2/16/2016) (Entered: 02/16/2016)

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15 Feb. 19, 2016

ANSWER to Amended Complaint byCounty of Santa Clara. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 2/19/2016) (Entered: 02/19/2016)

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16 Feb. 23, 2016

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas: Initial Case Management Conference held on 2/23/2016. Bench Trial is set for May 8, 2017 at 9:00 am. Final Pretrial March 21, 2017 at 10:00 am. Further Case Management Conference is set for June 14, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Parties may appear by phone. Initial disclosure and discovery is stayed until experts have reports on conditions and parties have exchanged their reports. Parties will discuss magistrate judge settlement conference at June further case management conference.Plaintiff Attorneys Donald Specter and Jessica Valenzuela SantaMaria by phone. Defendant Attorney Aryn Harris by phone. This is a text only Minute Entry (glm, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 2/23/2016) (Entered: 02/24/2016)

RECAP
Feb. 24, 2016

Case Management Conference - Initial

Feb. 25, 2016

Set/Reset Hearing re 16 Case Management Conference − Initial,,, Bench Trial set for 5/8/2017 09:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. Case Management Conference set for 6/14/2016 02:00 PM. Final Pretrial Conference set for 3/21/2017 10:00 AM. (glm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 2/25/2016) (Entered: 02/25/2016)

PACER
Feb. 25, 2016

Set/Reset Hearing re 16 Case Management Conference - Initial,,, Bench Trial set for 5/8/2017 09:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. Case Management Conference set for 6/14/2016 02:00 PM. Final Pretrial Conference set for 3/21/2017 10:00 AM. (glm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 2/25/2016)

Feb. 25, 2016

Set/Reset Hearings

17 March 11, 2016

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER - Stipulated Protective Order for Standard Litigation filed by County of Santa Clara. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 3/11/2016) (Entered: 03/11/2016)

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18 March 15, 2016

Order by Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas granting 17 Stipulation.(njvlc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 3/15/2016) (Entered: 03/15/2016)

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19 March 29, 2016

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER FOR DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INMATE MEDICAL RECORDS SUBJECT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER filed by County of Santa Clara. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 3/29/2016) (Entered: 03/29/2016)

RECAP
20 March 30, 2016

Proposed Order re 19 STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER FOR DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INMATE MEDICAL RECORDS SUBJECT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER by County of Santa Clara. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 3/30/2016) (Entered: 03/30/2016)

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21 April 1, 2016

Order by Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas granting 19 Stipulation.(njvlc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 4/1/2016) (Entered: 04/01/2016)

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22 April 27, 2016

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins for Settlement. Signed by Judge Nandor J. Vadas on 4/27/2016. (glm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 4/27/2016) (Entered: 04/27/2016)

RECAP
April 28, 2016

CASE REFERRED to Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins for Settlement (ahm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 4/28/2016) (Entered: 04/28/2016)

PACER
April 28, 2016

Case Referred to Magistrate Judge for Settlement

23 April 28, 2016

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins: Settlement conference initiated; discussions continuing; parties to contact Magistrate Judge Cousins to schedule in person conference; Magistrate Judge Cousins to contact defendants' counsel to schedule facilities visit. Plaintiffs' Attorneys: Don Specter, Addison Litton. Defendant's Attorney: Aryn Paige Harris. (FTR Time Not recorded.) This is a text only Minute Entry. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 4/28/2016) (Entered: 04/28/2016)

RECAP
April 28, 2016

CASE REFERRED to Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins for Settlement (ahm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 4/28/2016)

24 June 7, 2016

JOINT CASE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Walker, Jeffrey) (Filed on 6/7/2016) (Entered: 06/07/2016)

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25 June 7, 2016

NOTICE of Appearance by Margot Knight Mendelson (Mendelson, Margot) (Filed on 6/7/2016) (Entered: 06/07/2016)

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26 June 7, 2016

NOTICE of Change In Counsel by Margot Knight Mendelson (Mendelson, Margot) (Filed on 6/7/2016) (Entered: 06/07/2016)

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June 14, 2016

Case Management Conference - Further

27 June 14, 2016

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas: Further Case Management Conference held on 6/14/2016.FTR Time 2:21-2:27. Plaintiff Attorneys Donald Specter, Jeff Walker, Kendall Wasley, all by phone. Defendant Attorney Aryn Harris by phone. This is a text only Minute Entry (glm, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 6/14/2016) (Entered: 06/14/2016)

RECAP
28 Sept. 9, 2016

Joint MOTION to Certify Class filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. Motion Hearing set for 10/25/2016 10:00 AM in Eureka before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. Responses due by 9/23/2016. Replies due by 9/30/2016. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 9/9/2016) (Entered: 09/09/2016)

1 Proposed Order

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29 Sept. 9, 2016

STIPULATION re 28 Joint MOTION to Certify Class (Joint Stipulation of Facts) filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 9/9/2016) (Entered: 09/09/2016)

RECAP
30 Sept. 9, 2016

Declaration in Support of 28 Joint MOTION to Certify Class of Jessica Valenzuela Santamaria filed byBrandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A through E, # 2 Exhibit F through H, # 3 Exhibit I through L)(Related document(s) 28 ) (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 9/9/2016) (Entered: 09/09/2016)

1 Exhibit A through E

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2 Exhibit F through H

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3 Exhibit I through L

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31 Sept. 9, 2016

Declaration of Donald Specter in Support of 28 Joint MOTION to Certify Class filed byBrandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Related document(s) 28 ) (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 9/9/2016) (Entered: 09/09/2016)

RECAP
32 Sept. 9, 2016

Declaration of Kendall Dawson in Support of 28 Joint MOTION to Certify Class filed byBrandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Related document(s) 28 ) (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 9/9/2016) (Entered: 09/09/2016)

RECAP
Sept. 19, 2016

Clerk's Notice

33 Sept. 19, 2016

CLERK'S NOTICE (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) Telephonic Conference set for 9/20/2016 02:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. The parties shall attend by dialing 888-684-8852 and entering access code 1868782. (njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/19/2016) (Entered: 09/19/2016)

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34 Sept. 20, 2016

Order by Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas granting 28 Motion to Certify Class.(njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/20/2016) (Entered: 09/20/2016)

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35 Sept. 20, 2016

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas: Status Conference held on 9/20/2016. Court will sign class certification. Status Conference set for 1/17/2017 02:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. Parties may appear by phone using the previously provided phone instructions. FTR Time 1:05-1:19. Plaintiff Attorneys Addison Litton, Jeffrey Walker, Donald Specter and Kendall Wasley all by phone. Defendant Attorney Aryn Harris by phone. This is a text only Minute Entry (glm, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 9/20/2016) (Entered: 09/21/2016)

RECAP
Sept. 21, 2016

~Util - Set Hearings AND Status Conference

36 Sept. 22, 2016

NOTICE of Appearance by Rita Katherine Lomio for Plaintiffs (Lomio, Rita) (Filed on 9/22/2016) (Entered: 09/22/2016)

RECAP
37 Oct. 4, 2016

Proposed Order APPROVING CLASS NOTICE by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Litton, Addison) (Filed on 10/4/2016) (Entered: 10/04/2016)

1 Exhibit A

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38 Oct. 6, 2016

ORDER Approving Class Notice. Signed by Judge Nandor J. Vadas on 10/6/2016. (njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 10/6/2016) (Entered: 10/06/2016)

RECAP
39 Nov. 28, 2016

Erroneous Entry--Please Ignore--See Below for Correct Document MOTION to Relate Case 16-cv-06594-LHK filed by David Cole. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Lisa Ells in Support of Administrative Motion to Consider Whether Cases Should Be Related)(Ells, Lisa) (Filed on 11/28/2016) Modified on 11/30/2016 (msr, COURT STAFF). (Entered: 11/28/2016)

1 Declaration of Lisa Ells in Support of Administrative Motion to Consider Whether

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Nov. 29, 2016

Electronic filing error. Incorrect Case Number [err201]Please re−file in its entirety. Re: 39 MOTION to Relate Case 16−cv−06594−LHK filed by David Cole (msr, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/29/2016) (Entered: 11/29/2016)

PACER
40 Nov. 29, 2016

ADMINISTRATIVE MOTION Decline to relate cases filed by David Cole. Responses due by 12/5/2016. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Ells, Lisa) (Filed on 11/29/2016) (Entered: 11/29/2016)

1 Declaration

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RECAP
Nov. 29, 2016

Electronic filing error. Incorrect Case Number [err201]Please re-file in its entirety. Re: 39 MOTION to Relate Case 16-cv-06594-LHK filed by David Cole (msr, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/29/2016)

Nov. 29, 2016

Electronic Filing Error

41 Dec. 5, 2016

OPPOSITION/RESPONSE (re 40 ADMINISTRATIVE MOTION Decline to relate cases ) - JOINT RESPONSE OF CHAVEZ PARTIES REQUESTING THAT THE CHAVEZ AND COLE CASES BE RELATED AND ASSIGNED TO A SINGLE JUDGE filed byCounty of Santa Clara. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 12/5/2016) (Entered: 12/05/2016)

RECAP
42 Jan. 17, 2017

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas: Status Conference held on 1/17/2017. Parties to prepare stipulation and proposed order vacating the trial date, staying motions practice and setting further case management conference in June. Stipulation due by end of this week.FTR Time 2:10-2:27. Plaintiff Attorneys Addison Litton, Rita Romeo, Kendall Wasley all by phone. Defendant Attorney Eryn Harris by phone. This is a text only Minute Entry (glm, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 1/17/2017) (Entered: 01/18/2017)

RECAP
Jan. 18, 2017

Status Conference

43 Jan. 20, 2017

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER To Vacate Trial Date and Stay Related Motions Practice Until Further CMC filed by Brian Chavez. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Litton, Addison) (Filed on 1/20/2017) (Entered: 01/20/2017)

1 Declaration

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44 Jan. 24, 2017

ORDER by Judge Nandor J. Vadas granting 43 Stipulation. Case Management Conference set for 6/6/2017 02:00 PM.. (njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 1/24/2017) (Entered: 01/24/2017)

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45 Feb. 3, 2017

Order by Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas terminating 40 Administrative Motion Regarding Relating Cases.(njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 2/3/2017) (Entered: 02/03/2017)

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46 March 20, 2017

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER Joint Stipulation and [Proposed] Order to Set Trial Date filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 3/20/2017) (Entered: 03/20/2017)

RECAP
April 4, 2017

Clerk's Notice

47 April 4, 2017

CLERK'S NOTICE : Status Conference regarding setting of trial date set for 4/11/2017 01:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. Parties may appear by phone by dialing 888-684-8852/Access Code 1868782. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (glm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 4/4/2017) (Entered: 04/04/2017)

RECAP
48 April 11, 2017

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas: Status Conference held on 4/11/2017. Status Conference re status of consent decree set for 9/19/2017 01:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas. Parties may appear by phone using previously-provided instructions. FTR Time 1:43-1:48. Plaintiff Attorneys Donald Specter by phone, Addison Litton by phone. Defendant Attorney Aryn Harris by phone. This is a text-only Minute Entry (glm, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 4/11/2017) (Entered: 04/12/2017)

RECAP
April 12, 2017

~Util - Set Hearings AND Status Conference

49 May 23, 2017

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER Joint Stipulation and [Proposed] Order to Vacate June 6, 2017 Case Management Conference filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 5/23/2017) (Entered: 05/23/2017)

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May 24, 2017

Set/Reset Hearing re 50 Order on Stipulation. (njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/24/2017) (Entered: 05/24/2017)

PACER
50 May 24, 2017

Order by Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas granting 49 Stipulation.(njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/24/2017) (Entered: 05/24/2017)

RECAP
May 24, 2017

Set/Reset Hearings

May 24, 2017

Set/Reset Hearing re 50 Order on Stipulation. (njvlc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/24/2017)

June 16, 2017

Remark

51 June 16, 2017

REMARK: The Court will be visiting Santa Clara County main jail and Elmwood on June 23, 9:00 AM; If counsel for the parties (limited to two attorneys per side) would like to join for the portion of tour of facilities relevant to the trial in this case, they must alert Courtroom Deputy via email at lili_harrell@cand.uscourts.gov by noon June 20; Counsel must also alert Litigation Coordinator at SVSP and return forms by that same deadline. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/16/2017). (Entered: 06/16/2017)

RECAP
52 Sept. 18, 2017

NOTICE of Appearance by Sara Linda Norman (Norman, Sara) (Filed on 9/18/2017) (Entered: 09/18/2017)

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53 Sept. 18, 2017

NOTICE of Appearance by Mark Anthony Zambarda (Zambarda, Mark) (Filed on 9/18/2017) (Entered: 09/18/2017)

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Sept. 19, 2017

Set/Reset Hearing re 54 Telephone Conference: Telephonic Status Conference set for 1/9/2018, at 01:00 PM, in Eureka/McKinleyville Courthouse before Magistrate Judge Robert Illman. (rmm2S, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/19/2017) (Entered: 09/19/2017)

PACER
54 Sept. 19, 2017

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas: Telephone Conference held on 9/19/2017.FTR Time: 1:01-1:04. Total Time in Court: 11 minutes.Plaintiff Attorney: Addison M. Litton, Esq., Sara L. Norman, Esq., Mark A. Zambarda, Esq. Defendant Attorney: Aryn P. Harris, Deputy County Counsel. Attachment: Telephonic Status Conference held. Further Telephonic Status Conference scheduled for January 9, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., before Magistrate Judge Robert Illman. See attached minutes for phone conference number. (rmm2S, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 9/19/2017) (Entered: 09/19/2017)

RECAP
55 Sept. 19, 2017

NOTICE of Change In Counsel by Mark Anthony Zambarda (Zambarda, Mark) (Filed on 9/19/2017) (Entered: 09/19/2017)

RECAP
Sept. 19, 2017

Set/Reset Hearings

Sept. 19, 2017

Set/Reset Hearing re 54 Telephone Conference: Telephonic Status Conference set for 1/9/2018, at 01:00 PM, in Eureka/McKinleyville Courthouse before Magistrate Judge Robert Illman. (rmm2S, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/19/2017)

56 Nov. 6, 2017

ORDER REASSIGNING CASE. Case reassigned to Magistrate Judge Robert M Illman for all further proceedings. Magistrate Judge Nandor J. Vadas no longer assigned to the case.. Signed by the Executive Committee on 11/6/17. (srnS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/6/2017) Modified on 11/6/2017 (srnS, COURT STAFF). (Entered: 11/06/2017)

RECAP
57 Dec. 8, 2017

ORDER re 40 ADMINISTRATIVE MOTION Decline to relate cases filed by David Cole. The Court finds that the cases are not related. (rmilc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 12/8/2017) (Entered: 12/08/2017)

RECAP
58 Jan. 9, 2018

NOTICE of Appearance by Ling Yang Lew (Lew, Ling) (Filed on 1/9/2018) (Entered: 01/09/2018)

RECAP
59 Jan. 9, 2018

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman: Status Conference held on 1/9/2018. Status Conference set for 3/6/2018 01:00 PM in Eureka before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman. The parties may appear by phone using the same telephone instructions as provided previously. FTR Time: 1:18-1:27. Plaintiff Attorneys: Donald Specter, Addison Litton and Mark Zambarda all by phone. Defendant Attorney: Ling Lew by phone. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (glm, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 1/9/2018) (Entered: 01/10/2018)

RECAP
Jan. 10, 2018

Status Conference AND ~Util - Set Hearings

60 Jan. 22, 2018

CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by County of Santa Clara.. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 1/22/2018) (Entered: 01/22/2018)

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61 Jan. 23, 2018

ORDER Denying Request for Reassignment. Signed by Judge Robert M. Illman on 1/23/2018. (rmilc1s, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 1/23/2018) (Entered: 01/23/2018)

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62 March 6, 2018

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman: Status Conference held on 3/6/2018. Bench Trial set for 2/4/2019 09:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman, Courtroom D, San Francisco. Final Pretrial Conference set for 1/15/2019 02:30 PM in McKinleyville. Parties may appear by phone for pretrial and should seek instructions from the court to do so. Motion Hearing set for 11/5/2018 10:00 AM in McKinleyville before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman. Dispositive motion filing date 9/4/2018. Opposition due 10/3/2018. Reply 10/22/2018. Settlement Conference with Judge Cousins to be held within 90 days. FTR Time: 1:17-1:38. Plaintiff Attorneys: Donald Specter, Mark Zambarda, Addison Litton, Thomas Nosewicz all by phone. Defendant Attorney: Aryn Harris by phone. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (glm, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 3/6/2018) (Entered: 03/07/2018)

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March 7, 2018

Status Conference AND ~Util - Set Deadlines/Hearings

63 March 20, 2018

NOTICE AND ORDER SETTING Settlement Conference set for 4/23/2018 09:30 AM. The parties will meet at the Santa Clara County Jail, 150 W. Hedding Street, San Jose. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins on 3/20/2018. (Attachments: # 1 Standing Order)(lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 3/20/2018) (Entered: 03/20/2018)

1 Standing Order

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64 April 24, 2018

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. Settlement Conference held on 4/24/2018: Discussions continue; Further conference contemplated for June 11 or 12, to be confirmed. Plaintiffs' Attorneys: Donald Specter, Thomas Nosewicz, Jessica Valenzuela Santamaria, Mark Zambarda, Kendall Wasley. Defendant's Attorneys: Aryn Harris, Ling Lew. (FTR Time: Not recorded.) (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 4/24/2018). (Entered: 04/24/2018)

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65 May 1, 2018

CLERK'S NOTICE SETTING Further Settlement Conference for 6/11/2018 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Cousins in San Jose, Courtroom 5, 4th Floor. Parties to submit and exchange updated settlement statements (with proposed agenda, and current draft of any settlement proposals) by 6/7/2018. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/1/2018) (Entered: 05/01/2018)

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66 June 1, 2018

NOTICE of Appearance by Douglas Michael Press (Press, Douglas) (Filed on 6/1/2018) (Entered: 06/01/2018)

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67 June 11, 2018

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. Further Settlement Conference held on 6/11/2018: Response to proposal and updated settlement status report due 6/22. Plaintiffs' Attorneys: Donald Specter, Thomas Nosewicz, Addison Litton, Mark Zambarda, Kendall Wasley. Defendant's Attorneys: Aryn Harris, Douglas Press. (FTR Time: Not recorded.) (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 6/11/2018) (Entered: 06/11/2018)

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68 June 20, 2018

NOTICE of Appearance by Emily L Fedman (Fedman, Emily) (Filed on 6/20/2018) (Entered: 06/20/2018)

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69 June 21, 2018

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas M. Nosewicz (Nosewicz, Thomas) (Filed on 6/21/2018) (Entered: 06/21/2018)

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70 June 22, 2018

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Nathanael M. Cousins: Settlement Conference session held on 6/22/2018: discussions continue; Further status report due to be submitted (not filed) by 7/13. Plaintiffs' Attorneys: Donald Specter, Thomas Nosewicz, Addison Litton. Defendant's Attorneys: Aryn Harris, Douglas Press. (FTR Time: Not reported.) (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 6/22/2018) (Entered: 06/22/2018)

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71 Oct. 5, 2018

CLERK'S NOTICE Further Case Management Conference set for 10/16/2018 02:00 PM in McKinleyville. The parties may appear by phone by dialing 888-684-8852/Access Code 1868782. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (glm, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 10/5/2018) (Entered: 10/05/2018)

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72 Oct. 16, 2018

CLERK'S NOTICE The Further Case Management Conference previously set for 10/16/2018 is reset to 10/23/2018 02:00 PM in McKinleyville. Phone instructions remain the same. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (glmS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 10/16/2018) (Entered: 10/16/2018)

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73 Oct. 23, 2018

Joint MOTION for Settlement Joint Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary Approval of Consent Decree and Notice to the Class filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. Motion Hearing set for 11/27/2018 10:00 AM in McKinleyville before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman. Responses due by 11/6/2018. Replies due by 11/13/2018. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 10/23/2018) (Entered: 10/23/2018)

1 Proposed Order

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Post-PLRA enforceable consent decrees

Solitary confinement

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 18, 2015

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Pretrial detainees at Santa Clara County Jail alleging inhumane treatment by prolonged solitary confinement.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Prison Law Office

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

County

County of Santa Clara

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

Constitutional Clause(s):

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Due Process

Other Dockets:

Northern District of California 1:15-cv-05277

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Monitoring

Amount Defendant Pays: 1,600,000

Issues

General/Misc.:

Conditions of confinement

Disability and Disability Rights:

Disability, unspecified

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Administrative segregation

Disciplinary segregation

Solitary confinement/Supermax (conditions or process)

Recommended Citation