Case: Dolores Huerta Foundation v. Panama-Buena Vista Union School District

1:22-cv-00226 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Filed Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Closed Date: March 6, 2023

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case concerns the constitutionality of the electoral boundaries of a California school district, the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. On February 22, 2022, Dolores Huerta Foundation (a non-profit) and four Latino electors in the school district filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District and the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District Board of Education. The plaintiffs, represented by priva…

This case concerns the constitutionality of the electoral boundaries of a California school district, the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District.

On February 22, 2022, Dolores Huerta Foundation (a non-profit) and four Latino electors in the school district filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District and the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District Board of Education. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, claimed that the districts by which the school district trustees were elected were drawn in a way that diluted Latino turnout, in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the California Constitution. The plaintiffs sought both injunctive and declaratory relief.

The defendants moved to dismiss the case on July 18, 2022. The court granted this motion on December 8, 2022. District Judge Anthony W. Ishii found that the electoral boundaries and electoral method of the school district at issue had been changed as part of decennial redistricting since the suit had been filed. As such the Voting Rights Act claim was moot, and the case was dismissed.

Summary Authors

Andrew Ulbrich (11/4/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63108665/parties/dolores-huerta-foundation-v-panama-buena-vista-union-school-district/


Judge(s)

Ishii, Anthony W. (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Rafferty, Scott (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Leoni, Marguerite Mary (California)

Skinnell, Christopher Elliott (California)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:22-cv-00226

Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Feb. 22, 2022

Feb. 22, 2022

Complaint
8

1:22-cv-00226

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss and for Judgment on Pleadings

June 9, 2022

June 9, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
20

1:22-cv-00226

Judgment in a Civil Case

Dec. 8, 2022

Dec. 8, 2022

Order/Opinion
19

1:22-cv-00226

Order Granting Motion to Dismiss

Dec. 8, 2022

Dec. 8, 2022

Order/Opinion

2022 WL 17542498

27

1:22-cv-00226

Order Denying Motion to Extend Time to File Notice of Appeal

March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63108665/dolores-huerta-foundation-v-panama-buena-vista-union-school-district/

Last updated Aug. 9, 2025, 9:44 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT for declaratory and injunctive relief against Panama-Buena Vista Union School District by Selena Ramirez, Alexander Ramirez, Celeste Hernandez, Dolores Huerta Foundation, Inc., Lila Perez. Attorney Rafferty, Scott added. (Filing fee $ 402, receipt number ACAEDC-10087253) (Rafferty, Scott) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

Feb. 22, 2022

Feb. 22, 2022

Clearinghouse
2

CIVIL COVER SHEET by Dolores Huerta Foundation, Inc., Celeste Hernandez, Lila Perez, Alexander Ramirez, Selena Ramirez (Rafferty, Scott) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

Feb. 22, 2022

Feb. 22, 2022

PACER
3

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY MAGISTRATE JUDGE REFERRAL: Due to the elevation of Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to the position of U.S. District Judge, this action is temporarily referred to *Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean* until such time as a new Bakersfield magistrate judge is appointed. Documents filed in this case shall include the temporary magistrate judge initials *(EPG)* (Martin-Gill, S) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
4

SUMMONS ISSUED as to *Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District* with answer to complaint due within *21* days. Attorney *Scott Rafferty* *1913 Whitecliff Ct* *Walnut Creek, CA 94596*. (Martin-Gill, S) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
5

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; Initial Scheduling Conference set for 6/28/2022 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 10 (EPG) before Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean. (Attachments: # 1 BAK Worksheet, # 2 Consent Form, # 3 VDRP) (Martin-Gill, S) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
6

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: All Defendants. (Rafferty, Scott) (Entered: 02/25/2022)

Feb. 25, 2022

Feb. 25, 2022

PACER
7

ANSWER by Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Attorney Leoni, Marguerite Mary added.(Leoni, Marguerite) (Entered: 03/18/2022)

March 18, 2022

March 18, 2022

PACER
8

MOTION to DISMISS, MOTION for JUDGMENT on the Pleadings ( Motion Hearing set for 7/18/2022 at 01:30 PM in Courtroom 2 (AWI) before District Judge Anthony W. Ishii.) by Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Priscilla Quinn, # 2 Declaration Declaration of Elynor Cherie Olgin, # 3 Declaration Declaration of Grant Herndon, # 4 Notice Request for Judicial Notice)(Leoni, Marguerite) (Entered: 06/09/2022)

1 Declaration Declaration of Priscilla Quinn

View on RECAP

2 Declaration Declaration of Elynor Cherie Olgin

View on PACER

3 Declaration Declaration of Grant Herndon

View on PACER

4 Notice Request for Judicial Notice

View on PACER

June 9, 2022

June 9, 2022

Clearinghouse
9

MINUTE ORDER, signed by Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean on 6/14/2022: In light of the pending Motion to Dismiss/Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings, the Court VACATES the Scheduling Conference set for 6/28/2022 before Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean. Within ten days after the issuance of the ruling on the Motion to Dismiss/Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings, should the matter go forward, the parties are directed to contact Courtroom Deputy Susan Hall (shall@caed.uscourts.gov) to secure a new scheduling conference date. (Text Only Entry) (Hall, S) (Entered: 06/14/2022)

June 14, 2022

June 14, 2022

PACER

~Util - 1 Terminate Deadlines and Hearings AND Minute Order

June 14, 2022

June 14, 2022

PACER
10

REPLY by Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District to RESPONSE to 8 Motion to Dismiss,,, Motion for Judgment,,. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Defendants' Motion to Dismiss and for Judgment on the Pleadings, # 2 Notice Notice of Unavailability of Counsel, # 3 Proof of Service)(Leoni, Marguerite) (Entered: 06/30/2022)

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2022

PACER
11

OPPOSITION by Dolores Huerta Foundation, Celeste Hernandez, Lila Perez, Alexander Xavier Ramirez, Selena Maya Ramirez to 8 Motion to Dismiss,,, Motion for Judgment,,. (Rafferty, Scott) (Entered: 07/07/2022)

July 7, 2022

July 7, 2022

PACER
12

MINUTE ORDER signed by District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on 7/8/2022: (Text Only Entry) Currently pending and set for hearing on July 18, 2022, is Defendants' motion to dismiss. On July 7, 2022, Defendant file late opposition and request to accept the late opposition. After consideration, the Court will permit the late opposition, moving the July 18, 2022 hearing date, and set a new date for Defendants to file a reply. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: (1) Plaintiffs' request to accept a late opposition is GRANTED; (2) on or by July 20, 2022, Defendants shall file a reply to the July 7 opposition; (3) the July 18, 2022 hearing is VACATED; and (4) hearing on Defendants' motion to dismiss is RESET to August 1, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2 (AWI) before District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. IT IS SO ORDERED. (Apodaca, P) (Entered: 07/08/2022)

July 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

PACER

~Util - 1 Set/Reset Deadlines and Hearings AND Minute Order

July 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

PACER
13

REQUEST for Reconsideration of 7-8-22 Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File Late Opposition by Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District re 12 Minute Order,,,, Set/Reset Deadlines and Hearings,,,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration M Leoni in support of Request for Reconsideration, # 2 Proof of Service of Request for Reconsideration, Declaration)(Leoni, Marguerite) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

July 11, 2022

July 11, 2022

PACER
14

OPPOSITION by Dolores Huerta Foundation, Celeste Hernandez, Lila Perez, Alexander Xavier Ramirez, Selena Maya Ramirez to 13 Request,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Scott J Rafferty in Opposition to Request to Reconsider Order Granting Late-filing to Opposition to Motion to Dismiss)(Rafferty, Scott) (Entered: 07/12/2022)

July 12, 2022

July 12, 2022

PACER
15

MINUTE ORDER (Text Only Entry): On July 8, 2022, the Court granted Plaintiffs' request to accept and consider a late opposition to a motion to dismiss. See Doc. No. 12 . The Court reset the hearing date and gave Defendants a new date by which to file a reply. See id. On July 11, 2022, Defendants filed a motion for reconsideration of the Court's procedural order. See Doc. No. 13 . On July 12, 2022, Plaintiffs' counsel filed an opposition to the motion for reconsideration. See Doc. No. 14 . After review, the Court does not find that reconsideration is warranted. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: (1) Defendants' motion for reconsideration (Doc. No. 13 ) is DENIED; (2) the Court's July 8, 2022 order (Doc. No. 12 ) remains in full force; and (3) no further requests or responses regarding either the Court's July 8 order or Defendants' July 11 motion will be considered or permitted. IT IS SO ORDERED. Minute Order signed by District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on 7/12/2022. (Apodaca, P) (Entered: 07/12/2022)

July 12, 2022

July 12, 2022

PACER

Order on Request AND Minute Order

July 12, 2022

July 12, 2022

PACER
16

REPLY by Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District to RESPONSE to 8 Motion to Dismiss,,, Motion for Judgment,,. (Attachments: # 1 Supplement Supplemental Request for Judicial Notice, # 2 Proof of Service of Reply to Opposition, Supplemental RJN)(Leoni, Marguerite) (Entered: 07/20/2022)

July 20, 2022

July 20, 2022

PACER
17

MINUTE ORDER (TEXT ENTRY ONLY) The Court has deemed the MOTION TO DISMISS and for JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS, Doc. No. 8 noticed for hearing on 8/1/2022, before District Judge Anthony W. Ishii, suitable for decision WITHOUT oral argument pursuant to Local Rule 230(g). As such, the hearing on same is VACATED and the motion will be taken under submission as of that date. Minute order signed by District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on 7/27/2022. (Rivera, O) (Entered: 07/27/2022)

July 27, 2022

July 27, 2022

PACER

~Util - 1 Terminate Deadlines and Hearings AND Minute Order

July 27, 2022

July 27, 2022

PACER
18

ORDER REASSIGNING CASE by Chief Judge Kimberly J. Mueller: Due to the appointment of Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker to the bench of the Eastern District of California, the court hereby reassigns this case from Bakersfield Magistrate Judge (BAK) to Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker for all further proceedings. (Lundstrom, T) (Entered: 10/06/2022)

Oct. 6, 2022

Oct. 6, 2022

PACER
19

ORDER GRANTING 8 Motion to Dismiss, signed by District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on 12/07/2022. CASE CLOSED.(Maldonado, C) (Entered: 12/08/2022)

Dec. 8, 2022

Dec. 8, 2022

Clearinghouse
20

JUDGMENT dated *12/08/2022* pursuant to order. (Maldonado, C) (Entered: 12/08/2022)

Dec. 8, 2022

Dec. 8, 2022

Clearinghouse
21

USCA APPEAL FEES received in the amount of $ 505.00 (Receipt # ACAEDC-10632854) from Rafferty Scott on 1/9/2023. (Lundstrom, T) The appeal fee was paid, but no appeal was filed. Refunded receipt ACAEDC-10632854 Modified on 1/11/2023 (Woodson, A). (Entered: 01/10/2023)

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

PACER

Receipt of Appeal Fee

Jan. 10, 2023

Jan. 10, 2023

PACER
22

MOTION for 5 days from order-DAY EXTENSION OF TIME to File Notice of Appeal re 20 Judgment by Dolores Huerta Foundation, Celeste Hernandez, Lila Perez, Alexander Xavier Ramirez, Selena Maya Ramirez. Motion Hearing set for 2/27/2023 at 01:30 PM in Courtroom 2 (AWI) before District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Scott J. Rafferty ISO Motion to Extend TIme to File Notice of Appeal, # 2 Exhibit Notice of Appeal as filed 1/9/23)(Rafferty, Scott) (Entered: 01/30/2023)

Jan. 30, 2023

Jan. 30, 2023

PACER
23

OPPOSITION by Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District to 22 Motion for Extension of Time,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Marguerite Leoni in support of Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion to Extend Time)(Leoni, Marguerite) (Entered: 02/10/2023)

Feb. 10, 2023

Feb. 10, 2023

PACER
24

REPLY by Dolores Huerta Foundation, Celeste Hernandez, Lila Perez, Alexander Xavier Ramirez, Selena Maya Ramirez re 22 Motion for Extension of Time,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration 2nd Rafferty Declaration ISO extension of time to appeal)(Rafferty, Scott) (Entered: 02/16/2023)

Feb. 16, 2023

Feb. 16, 2023

PACER
25

OBJECTIONS by Defendants Board of Education of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District to 24 Reply,. (Leoni, Marguerite) (Entered: 02/22/2023)

Feb. 22, 2023

Feb. 22, 2023

PACER
26

MINUTE ORDER: (TEXT ENTRY ONLY) The Court has deemed the MOTION for 5 days from order-DAY EXTENSION OF TIME to File Notice of Appeal re 20 Judgment, Doc. No. 22, noticed for hearing on 2/27/2023, before District Judge Anthony W. Ishii, suitable for decision WITHOUT oral argument pursuant to Local Rule 230(g). As such, the hearing on same is VACATED and the matter will be taken under submission as of that date. Minute order signed by District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on 2/27/2023. (Apodaca, P) (Entered: 02/23/2023)

Feb. 23, 2023

Feb. 23, 2023

PACER

~Util - 1 Terminate Deadlines and Hearings AND Minute Order

Feb. 23, 2023

Feb. 23, 2023

PACER
27

ORDER DENYING 22 MOTION TO EXTEND TIME TO FILE NOTICE OF APPEAL. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiffs' motion to extend time to file a notice of appeal (Doc. No. 22 ) is DENIED. Further, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that no party may file any additional motion in this closed case without prior leave from the Court. Order signed by District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on 3/6/2023. (Apodaca, P) (Entered: 03/06/2023)

March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory: California

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Closing Date: March 6, 2023

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Dolores Huerta Foundation, a non-profit, and four Latino electors in the defendant school district

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Panama-Buena Vista Union School District Board of Education (Kern), School District

Defendant Type(s):

Elementary/Secondary School

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Voting Rights Act, section 2, 52 U.S.C. § 10301 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1973)

State law

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Hispanic