Case: Human Rights Defense Center v. County of Riverside

5:25-cv-03520 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Filed Date: Dec. 23, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenged Riverside County's practice of censoring and returning mail sent by the Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) to incarcerated individuals in its detention facilities, allegedly in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. On December 23, 2025, the Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) sued the County of Riverside, California and individuals in its Sheriff’s Office in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that Riverside jail offi…

This case challenged Riverside County's practice of censoring and returning mail sent by the Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) to incarcerated individuals in its detention facilities, allegedly in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

On December 23, 2025, the Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) sued the County of Riverside, California and individuals in its Sheriff’s Office in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that Riverside jail officials violated HRDC's First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by censoring and returning mail sent to incarcerated individuals. HRDC assists incarcerated persons who seek legal redress for infringements of their rights. To facilitate this goal, HRDC regularly distributes books, magazines, and other materials pertaining to the rights of incarcerated persons through the mail to incarcerated individuals. HRDC alleged that the defendants prohibited the delivery of mail sent by HRDC to Riverside County detention facilities under unduly broad and vague mail policies, which included prohibiting mailing publications with staples, and restricting vendors who could mail books to the facilities. Between April 2024 and December 2025, HRDC maintains that thirty three items were returned by the detention centers, marked with notices that the materials were not suitable for correctional facilities. It alleged that this conduct violated their Fourteenth Amendment due process rights, by failing to provide them notice and an opportunity to appeal the rejection of the mailed materials, and that it violated their First Amendment rights by interfering with their right to communicate with incarcerated persons. Furthermore, HRDC alleged that the defendants’ actions interfered with the exercise of HRDC's rights with the intent to frustrate HRDC's non-profit organizational mission and to deprive HRDC of its constitutional rights, in violation of California's Bane Act. Consequently, HRDC  requested that the court declare defendants’ policies unconstitutional, permanently enjoin them from implementing these policies, and issue damages for the constitutional injuries sustained. This case was assigned to District Judge Dale S. Fischer. 

Shortly after filing its complaint, on January 7, 2026, HRDC filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, requesting that the court enjoin the defendants from continuing to censor HRDC’s books, magazines, and correspondence mailed to incarcerated persons at Riverside County detention facilities. It argued that the defendants’ unconstitutional mail policies were not rationally related to any legitimate penological objectives, and that the defendants failed to provide alternative means for HRDC to communicate with incarcerated persons. 

The defendants opposed the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction on February 2, 2026, arguing primarily that their mail policies were necessary to provide for the safety of incarcerated individuals and detention facility staff, and that they did not specifically ban or target the plaintiff’s publications. HRDC filed their reply on February 9, 2026. 

The defendants then filed their answer to the plaintiff’s complaint on March 2, 2026, which echoed the arguments made in their opposition to a preliminary injunction, denied many of the factual allegations, invoked qualified immunity, and included a demand that the factual disputes at issue be resolved through a jury trial. 

On March 2, 2026, the court held a hearing on HRDC’s motion for a preliminary injunction. The court expressed concerns about the defendants' mail policies and indicated it would likely grant the injunction, but it asked the parties to meet and confer and file supplemental briefing on two points: how a notice policy for rejected mail should be structured, and whether the detention facilities' policies actually prohibited mail containing staples. 

The parties submitted their supplemental briefing on March 23, 2026. However, on April 2, 2026, the court issued an order allowing HRDC to respond to an argument the defendants made in their supplemental briefing about the constitutionality of prohibiting the receipt of mail with staples, which the defendants had not included in their supplemental response or raised at the preliminary injunction hearing. HRDC responded to these new arguments on April 8, 2026.

After briefing concluded, on April 20, 2026, the court granted in part and denied in part HRDC’s motion for a preliminary injunction. It found that the defendants’ practice of rejecting mail solely due to staples likely violated the First Amendment, and that the county failed to provide proper due process, in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, because the defendants did not consistently give HRDC notice or a means to appeal mail rejections. Consequently, the court enjoined the defendants from continuing to reject mail based solely on the grounds that it contains staples, required them to modify their stated mail policies on their website to be consistent with this order, and required them to provide adequate written notice and an administrative appeal process to both the sender and the incarcerated intended recipient whenever the defendants deny delivery of mail from HRDC. However, the court found little evidence that the defendants had a policy of rejecting books from unapproved vendors, and therefore declined to enjoin that apparently nonexistent policy. 2026 WL 1078098. 

HRDC filed a First Amended Complaint on July 21, 2026, which did not substantively differ from the original complaint, but did name most of the unnamed individual defendants included in the original complaint. These newly named defendants were largely individuals serving as administrative officials in Riverside County detention facilities to oversee the daily operations of mail intake and inspection. The original and newly added defendants filed their answers to the First Amended Complaint on August 4, 2026 and August 21, 2026 respectively. 

On July 29, 2026, both parties stipulated that sensitive discovery could be subject to a protective order. The court issued the protective order on the same day. 

As of September 22, 2026, a trial date has been set for August 17, 2027, and the court has ordered the parties to engage in private mediation no later than January 12, 2027. 

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Sofia Yoder (9/22/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72076280/parties/human-rights-defense-center-v-county-of-riverside/

Documents in the Clearinghouse
1

5:25-cv-03520

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages Under the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, California Civil Code § 52.1, and the California Constitution

Human Rights Defense Center v. County of Riverside et al.

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

Complaint
11

5:25-cv-03520

Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary Injunction; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Human Rights Defense Center v. County of Riverside et al.

Jan. 7, 2026

Jan. 7, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief
48

5:25-cv-03520

Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Dkt. 11)

Human Rights Defense Center v. County of Riverside et al.

April 20, 2026

April 20, 2026

Order/Opinion

831 F.Supp.3d 963

53

5:25-cv-03520

First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages Under the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C § 1983, California Civil Code § 52.1, And The California Constitution

July 21, 2026

July 21, 2026

Complaint
58

5:25-cv-03520

Stipulated Protective Order

Human Rights Defense Center v. County of Riverside et al.

July 29, 2026

July 29, 2026

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72076280/human-rights-defense-center-v-county-of-riverside/

Last updated Sept. 22, 2026, 10:25 a.m.

Docket for: Human Rights Defense Center v. County of Riverside
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 23, 2025

COMPLAINT Receipt No: ACACDC-41159719 - Fee: $405, filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Attorney Brenda Munoz added to party Human Rights Defense Center(pty:pla))(Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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2 Dec. 23, 2025

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Attachment)(Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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3 Dec. 23, 2025

Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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4 Dec. 23, 2025

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Plaintiff's Corporate and Business Entity Disclosure Statement filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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5 Dec. 29, 2025

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Dale S. Fischer and Magistrate Judge Steve Kim. (ghap) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

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6 Dec. 29, 2025

NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (ghap) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

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7 Dec. 29, 2025

Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (ghap) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

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8 Dec. 29, 2025

21 DAY Summons Issued re Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 as to Defendants Chad Bianco, Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Jane Does(individual), Jane Does(1-10, in thier official capacity), John Doe, John Does, Mike Koehler, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, Bruce Phillips. (ghap) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

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9 Jan. 6, 2026

STANDING ORDER FOR CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE DALE S. FISCHER upon filing of the complaint by Judge Dale S. Fischer. If a party would be entitled to attorneys fees, counsel are referred to the Order Re Fees found on Court's website under Judge Fischer's Procedures and Schedules contained in the Judge's Requirements tab. Read all Orders carefully. They govern this case and differ in some respects from the Local Rules. COUNSEL ARE ORDERED TO PROVIDE A MANDATORY CHAMBERS COPY OF THE COMPLAINT, NOTICE OF REMOVAL, AND ANY OTHER INITIATING DOCUMENTS. (pk) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

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10 Jan. 6, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center, upon Defendant County of Riverside served on 12/30/2025, answer due 1/20/2026. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Kate Flores, Receptionist, Authorized Person to Accept Service of Process in compliance with Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by service on a domestic corporation, unincorporated association, or public entity (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

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11 Jan. 7, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re Defendants' censorship of Plaintiff's publications and correspondence and denial of Plaintiff's due process rights Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary Injunction; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. Motion set for hearing on 2/23/2026 at 01:30 PM before Judge Dale S. Fischer. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Paul Wright in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit A to Wright Declaration, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit B to Wright Declaration, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit C to Wright Declaration, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit D to Wright Declaration, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit E to Wright Declaration, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit F to Wright Declaration, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit G to Wright Declaration, # 9 Exhibit Exhibit H to Wright Declaration, # 10 Exhibit Exhibit I to Wright Declaration, # 11 Exhibit Exhibit J to Wright Declaration, # 12 Exhibit Exhibit K to Wright Declaration, # 13 Declaration Declaration of Louis Christopher Eichenlaub in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 14 Exhibit Exhibit A to Eichenlaub Decaration, # 15 Proposed Order) (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/07/2026)

1 Declaration Declaration of Paul Wright in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for

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2 Exhibit Exhibit A to Wright Declaration

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3 Exhibit Exhibit B to Wright Declaration

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4 Exhibit Exhibit C to Wright Declaration

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5 Exhibit Exhibit D to Wright Declaration

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6 Exhibit Exhibit E to Wright Declaration

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7 Exhibit Exhibit F to Wright Declaration

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8 Exhibit Exhibit G to Wright Declaration

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9 Exhibit Exhibit H to Wright Declaration

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10 Exhibit Exhibit I to Wright Declaration

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11 Exhibit Exhibit J to Wright Declaration

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12 Exhibit Exhibit K to Wright Declaration

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13 Declaration Declaration of Louis Christopher Eichenlaub in Support of Plaintiffs

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14 Exhibit Exhibit A to Eichenlaub Decaration

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15 Proposed Order

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12 Jan. 12, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center, re Initial Order upon Filing of Complaint - form only,, 9 Plaintiff's Proof of Service re: Standing Order for Cases Assigned to Judge Dale S. Fischer served on 01/12/2026. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

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13 Jan. 12, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center, re NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re Defendants' censorship of Plaintiff's publications and correspondence and denial of Plaintiff's due process rights Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary 11 Plaintiff's Proof of Service re: Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction served on 01/12/2026. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

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14 Jan. 13, 2026

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. upon Chad Bianco waiver sent by Plaintiff on 12/30/2025, answer due 3/2/2026. Waiver of Service signed by Nathan A. Oyster, Attorney. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

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15 Jan. 13, 2026

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. upon Herman Lopez waiver sent by Plaintiff on 12/30/2025, answer due 3/2/2026. Waiver of Service signed by Nathan A. Oyster, Attorney. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

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16 Jan. 13, 2026

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. upon Mike Koehler waiver sent by Plaintiff on 12/30/2025, answer due 3/2/2026. Waiver of Service signed by Nathan A. Oyster, Attorney. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

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17 Jan. 13, 2026

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. upon Michael Moulton waiver sent by Plaintiff on 12/30/2025, answer due 3/2/2026. Waiver of Service signed by Nathan A. Oyster, Attorney. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

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18 Jan. 13, 2026

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. upon Bruce Phillips waiver sent by Plaintiff on 12/30/2025, answer due 3/2/2026. Waiver of Service signed by Nathan A. Oyster, Attorney. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

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19 Jan. 15, 2026

STIPULATION TO EXTEND TIME FOR FILING OF RESPONSIVE PLEADING OF DEFENDANT COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE filed by Defendant County of Riverside re: Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Oyster, Nathan) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

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20 Jan. 16, 2026

ORDER by Judge Dale S. Fischer Extending Time for Filing Responsive Pleading by Defendant County of Riverside 19 until 3/2/2026. (jp) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

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21 Jan. 16, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Caylin Jones counsel for Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. Adding Caylin W. Jones as counsel of record for COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS. (Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party County of Riverside(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Mike Koehler(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Jones, Caylin) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

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22 Jan. 16, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney David Elias Manrique counsel for Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. Adding David E. Manrique as counsel of record for COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS. (Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party County of Riverside(pty:dft), Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Mike Koehler(pty:dft), Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Manrique, David) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

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23 Jan. 16, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Nathan A. Oyster counsel for Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. Adding Nathan A. Oyster as counsel of record for COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS. (Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party County of Riverside(pty:dft), Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Mike Koheler(pty:dft), Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Oyster, Nathan) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

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24 Jan. 16, 2026

CERTIFICATION AND NOTICE of Interested Parties filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, identifying Human Rights Defense Center, Plaintiff; County of Riverside, Defendant; Chad Bianco, Defendant; Herman Lopez, Defendant; Mike Koehler, Defendant; Michael Moulton, Defendant; Bruce Phillips, Defendant;. (Oyster, Nathan) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

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25 Jan. 21, 2026

CERTIFICATION AND NOTICE of Interested Parties filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center, identifying Human Rights Defense Center, Plaintiff; County of Riverside, Defendant; Chad Bianco, Defendant; Herman Lopez; Defendant; Mike Koehler, Defendant; Michael Mouton, Defendant; Bruce Phillips, Defendant. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

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26 Feb. 2, 2026

OPPOSITION to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re Defendants' censorship of Plaintiff's publications and correspondence and denial of Plaintiff's due process rights Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary 11 filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Marco Velez ISO of Opp to Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Declaration of Michael Harter ISO of Opp to Preliminary Injunction, # 3 Declaration of Feng Vang ISO of Opp to Preliminary Injunction)(Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Mike Koheler(pty:dft), Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Manrique, David) (Entered: 02/02/2026)

1 Declaration of Marco Velez ISO of Opp to Preliminary Injunction

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2 Declaration of Michael Harter ISO of Opp to Preliminary Injunction

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3 Declaration of Feng Vang ISO of Opp to Preliminary Injunction

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27 Feb. 3, 2026

NOTICE OF ERRATA filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. correcting Response in Opposition to Motion,,, 26 RE: DECLARATION OF MARCO VELEZ IN SUPPORT OF OPPOSITION TO PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION (Jones, Caylin) (Entered: 02/03/2026)

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28 Feb. 9, 2026

REPLY NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re Defendants' censorship of Plaintiff's publications and correspondence and denial of Plaintiff's due process rights Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary 11 Plaintiff's Reply in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Derek Gronquist ISO Pls Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Exhibit A to Gronquist Declaration - Spreadsheet of Mail Returned on 12/19/25, # 3 Exhibit B to Gronquist Declaration - Copies of Items Received on 12/19/25, # 4 Exhibit C to Gronquist Declaration - Spreadsheet of Returned Items from Blythe Jail Since April 2024, # 5 Exhibit D to Gronquist Declaration - Copies of Items Rejected at Blythe Jail Since April 2024)(Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 02/09/2026)

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29 Feb. 13, 2026

DEFENDANTS EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO THE DECLARATION OF DEREK GRONQUIST IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION re: NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re Defendants' censorship of Plaintiff's publications and correspondence and denial of Plaintiff's due process rights Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary 11 filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. (Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney David Elias Manrique added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft))(Manrique, David) (Entered: 02/13/2026)

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30 Feb. 19, 2026

RESPONSE filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Centerto Objection/Opposition (Motion related),, 29 Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Evidentiary Objections to the Declaration of Derek Gronquist in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

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31 Feb. 20, 2026

TEXT ONLY ENTRY (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER by Judge Dale S. Fischer. On the Court's own motion, the hearing on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction 11 is continued to 3/2/2026 at 01:30 PM. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pk) (Entered: 02/20/2026)

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Feb. 20, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

32 March 2, 2026

ANSWER to Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 with JURY DEMAND filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips.(Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Mike Koheler(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Caylin Jones added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Jones, Caylin) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

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33 March 2, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Caylin Jones counsel for Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. David E. Manrique is no longer counsel of record for the aforementioned party in this case for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants CITY OF ONTARIO, BRANT RICHARD DEVEY (erroneously sued herein as BRYANT RICHARD DEVEY), BRENNAN VON DEVEY, and BRICE ROBERT DEVEY. (Jones, Caylin) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

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34 March 5, 2026

TRANSCRIPT ORDER as to Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center for Court Reporter. Court will contact Linda Woo at lwoo@rbgg.com with further instructions regarding this order. Transcript preparation will not begin until payment has been satisfied with the court reporter. (Shinn-Krantz, Marc) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

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35 March 12, 2026

TRANSCRIPT for proceedings held on 03-02-26, 1:37 pm. Court Reporter/Electronic Court Recorder: Miranda Algorri, phone number/email mirandaalgorri@gmail.com. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Electronic Court Recorder before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Notice of Intent to Redact due within 7 days of this date. Redaction Request due 4/2/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/13/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/10/2026. (Algorri, Miranda) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

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36 March 12, 2026

NOTICE OF FILING TRANSCRIPT filed for proceedings 03-02-26, 1:37 pm re Transcript 35 THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (Algorri, Miranda) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 03/12/2026)

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37 March 12, 2026

ORDER SETTING SCHEDULING CONFERENCE by Judge Dale S. Fischer. The Joint Report must include the completed Schedule of Pretrial and Trial dates. Lead trial counsel are ordered to appear in person unless counsel have been excused by the Court. Scheduling Conference set for 4/13/2026 at 11:00 AM before Judge Dale S. Fischer. (pk) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

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March 12, 2026

Notice of Filing Transcript

38 March 13, 2026

Motion Hearing AND Preliminary Injunction

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39 March 17, 2026

JOINT REPORT Rule 26(f) Discovery Plan Joint Status Report Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f) ; estimated length of trial 3-5 days, filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Schedule of Pretrial and Trial Dates)(Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

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40 March 23, 2026

SUPPLEMENT to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re Defendants' censorship of Plaintiff's publications and correspondence and denial of Plaintiff's due process rights Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary 11 Plaintiff's Supplemental Brief in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Shinn-Krantz, Marc) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

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41 March 23, 2026

SUPPLEMENT BRIEFING IN SUPPORT OF OPPOSITION TO PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. (Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Nathan A. Oyster added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Oyster, Nathan) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

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42 April 1, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Delaney Kennedy Sirmay counsel for Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. Adding Delaney K. Sirmay as counsel of record for COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CHAD BIANCO, HERMAN LOPEZ, MIKE KOEHLER, MICHAEL MOULTON, and BRUCE PHILLIPS. (Attorney Delaney Kennedy Sirmay added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney Delaney Kennedy Sirmay added to party County of Riverside(pty:dft), Attorney Delaney Kennedy Sirmay added to party Mike Koheler(pty:dft), Attorney Delaney Kennedy Sirmay added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Delaney Kennedy Sirmay added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Delaney Kennedy Sirmay added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Sirmay, Delaney) (Entered: 04/01/2026)

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43 April 2, 2026

TEXT ONLY ENTRY (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER by Judge Dale S. Fischer. Defendants' supplemental briefing in support of its opposition to Plaintiffs motion for preliminary injunction, Dkt. 41, contains argument regarding the constitutionality of prohibiting publications with staples that was not in their opposition, Dkt. 26, nor raised at the preliminary injunction hearing, Dkt. 35 . The Court GRANTS Plaintiff leave to file a response with respect to only that argument in no more than five pages and no later than April 8, 2026. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pk) (Entered: 04/02/2026)

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April 2, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

44 April 8, 2026

SUPPLEMENT to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re Defendants' censorship of Plaintiff's publications and correspondence and denial of Plaintiff's due process rights Plaintiff's Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary 11 Plaintiff's Supplemental Brief in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Munoz, Brenda) (Entered: 04/08/2026)

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45 April 9, 2026

TEXT ONLY ENTRY: (IN CHAMBERS) SCHEDULING ORDER. The Court takes the Scheduling Conference off calendar and establishes the case management dates as proposed by parties in the Joint Rule 26(f) Report as further described in the Schedule of Pretrial and Trial dates except as noted in the Order re Trial. (See Order re Trial for specific dates and times.) These dates and requirements are firm. The Court is very unlikely to grant continuances unless the parties establish good cause through a concrete showing. Failure to complete discovery in a timely manner does not constitute good cause, nor does the fact that a settlement conference is pending. Each side is limited to five motions in limine unless the Court orders otherwise. All fictitiously named defendants are dismissed. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pk) (Entered: 04/09/2026)

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46 April 9, 2026

Order re Jury Trial by Judge Dale S. Fischer. These dates and requirements are firm. The Court is very unlikely to grant continuances unless the parties establish good cause through a concrete showing. Failure to complete discovery in a timely manner does not constitute good cause, nor does the fact that a settlement conference is pending. Each side is limited to five motions in limine, unless the Court orders otherwise. See Trial Order for specifics. Final Pretrial Conference set for 3/8/2027 at 03:00 PM. Jury Trial set for 4/6/2027 at 08:30 AM. (pk) (Entered: 04/09/2026)

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47 April 9, 2026

ORDER/REFERRAL to ADR Procedure No 3 by Judge Dale S. Fischer. Case ordered to a private mediator based upon a stipulation of the parties or by the court order. ADR Proceeding to be held no later than 01/12/2027. (pk) (Entered: 04/09/2026)

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April 9, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

48 April 20, 2026

ORDER by Judge Dale S. Fischer GRANTING in Part and DENYING in Part Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Dkt. 11 ), as follows: (1) County of Riverside must not reject incoming mail sent from HRDC to persons incarcerated at any of its five Detention Facilities on the sole grounds that the mail contains staples,(2) No later than 5/4/2026, County of Riverside must modify its published "Rules for Regular Incoming Mail" consistent with its Corrections Division Policy concerning the treatment of mail containing staples as well as this Order. See Order for specifics. (jp) (Entered: 04/20/2026)

Clearinghouse
49 May 20, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos counsel for Defendants Chad Bianco, Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, Bruce Phillips. Adding Sydney M. Gronroos as counsel of record for County of Riverside, Chad Bianco, Herman Lopez, Mike Koehler, Michael Moulton, and Bruce Phillips for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants County of Riverside, Chad Bianco, Herman Lopez, Mike Koehler, Michael Moulton, and Bruce Phillips. (Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party County of Riverside(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Mike Koehler(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Mike Koheler(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Gronroos, Sydney) (Entered: 05/20/2026)

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50 May 21, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Hannah Davis counsel for Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. Adding Hannah Motley Davis as counsel of record for Human Rights Defense Center for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Attorney Hannah Davis added to party Human Rights Defense Center(pty:pla))(Davis, Hannah) (Entered: 05/21/2026)

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51 June 2, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Raymond W Sakai counsel for Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips. Adding Raymond W. Sakai as counsel of record for County of Riverside, Sheriff Chad Bianco, Herman Lopez, Mike Koehler, Michael Moulton, and Bruce Phillips for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants County of Riverside, Sheriff Chad Bianco, Herman Lopez,Mike Koehler, Michael Moulton, and Bruce Phillips. (Attorney Raymond W Sakai added to party Chad Bianco(pty:dft), Attorney Raymond W Sakai added to party County of Riverside(pty:dft), Attorney Raymond W Sakai added to party Mike Koehler(pty:dft), Attorney Raymond W Sakai added to party Herman Lopez(pty:dft), Attorney Raymond W Sakai added to party Michael Moulton(pty:dft), Attorney Raymond W Sakai added to party Bruce Phillips(pty:dft))(Sakai, Raymond) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

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52 July 21, 2026

STIPULATION to Amend, First STIPULATION to Continue Trial and Pretrial Dates from Those Set in ECF No. 46 to Those Listed in This Stipulation filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Marc J. Shinn-Krantz, # 2 First Amended Complaint)(Shinn-Krantz, Marc) (Entered: 07/21/2026)

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53 July 21, 2026

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against Defendants Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, Michael Harter, Marco Velez, Feng Vang, Christopher Crawford, Juan Viramontes, Janelle Huizinga, John and Jane Does amending Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1, filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center(Shinn-Krantz, Marc) (Entered: 07/21/2026)

Clearinghouse
54 July 22, 2026

Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Amended Complaint/Petition, 53 filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Shinn-Krantz, Marc) (Entered: 07/22/2026)

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55 July 23, 2026

21 DAY Summons Issued re Amended Complaint/Petition, 53 as to Defendants Chad Bianco, Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Michael Harter, Janelle Huizinga, John and Jane Does, Mike Koehler, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, Bruce Phillips, Feng Vang, Marco Velez, Juan Viramontes. (es) (Entered: 07/23/2026)

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56 July 23, 2026

TRANSCRIPT ORDER as to Defendants Chad Bianco, Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, Bruce Phillips for Court Reporter. Court will contact Terri Mehra at tmehra@bwslaw.com with further instructions regarding this order. Transcript preparation will not begin until payment has been satisfied with the court reporter. (Gronroos, Sydney) (Entered: 07/23/2026)

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57 July 29, 2026

STIPULATION for Protective Order filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, Bruce Phillips.(Gronroos, Sydney) (Entered: 07/29/2026)

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58 July 29, 2026

PROTECTIVE ORDER by Magistrate Judge Steve Kim re Stipulation for Protective Order 57 . (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS.) (hr)

Clearinghouse
59 July 31, 2026

ORDER by Judge Dale S. Fischer GRANTING Continuance of Trial and Trial Related Dates 52 . The Final Pretrial Conference is continued to 7/19/2027 at 3:00 PM. The Trial is continued to 8/17/2027. See Order for specifics. (jp) (Entered: 07/31/2026)

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60 Aug. 4, 2026

ANSWER to Amended Complaint/Petition, 53 filed by Defendants Chad Bianco, Chad Bianco, County of Riverside, Mike Koehler, Mike Koheler, Herman Lopez, Herman Lopez, Michael Moulton, Michael Moulton, Bruce Phillips, Bruce Phillips.(Gronroos, Sydney) (Entered: 08/04/2026)

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61 Aug. 12, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center, upon Defendant Christopher Crawford served on 7/31/2026, answer due 8/21/2026; Michael Harter served on 7/31/2026, answer due 8/21/2026; Janelle Huizinga served on 7/31/2026, answer due 8/21/2026; Feng Vang served on 7/31/2026, answer due 8/21/2026; Marco Velez served on 7/31/2026, answer due 8/21/2026; Juan Viramontes served on 7/31/2026, answer due 8/21/2026. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Kate Flores, Receptionist, Authorized Person to Accept Service of Process in compliance with Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by personal service (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Service of Summons and Complaint on Michael Harter, # 2 Proof of Service of Summons and Complaint on Marco Velez, # 3 Proof of Service of Summons and Complaint on Feng Vang, # 4 Proof of Service of Summons and Complaint on Juan Viramontes, # 5 Proof of Service of Summons and Complaint on Janelle Huizinga)(Shinn-Krantz, Marc) (Entered: 08/12/2026)

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62 Aug. 21, 2026

ANSWER to Amended Complaint/Petition, 53 filed by Defendants Christopher Crawford, Michael Harter, Janelle Huizinga, Feng Vang, Marco Velez, Juan Viramontes.(Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Christopher Crawford(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Michael Harter(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Janelle Huizinga(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Feng Vang(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Marco Velez(pty:dft), Attorney Sydney Marie Gronroos added to party Juan Viramontes(pty:dft))(Gronroos, Sydney) (Entered: 08/21/2026)

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63 Sept. 4, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Hannah Davis counsel for Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. Hannah Rose Motley Davis is no longer counsel of record for the aforementioned party in this case for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Davis, Hannah) (Entered: 09/04/2026)

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64 Sept. 9, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Natalie Smith counsel for Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. Adding Natalie Smith as counsel of record for Human Rights Defense Center for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff Human Rights Defense Center. (Attorney Natalie Smith added to party Human Rights Defense Center(pty:pla))(Smith, Natalie) (Entered: 09/09/2026)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Jail Conditions

Prison Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 23, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC)

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

County

County of Riverside

Riverside County Sheriff's Office

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

Central District of California 5:25-cv-03520

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Damages

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

General/Misc.:

Conditions of confinement

Mail

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Visiting

Recommended Citation