Case: Rodriguez v. Stanislaus County

1:90-cv-00601 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Filed Date: Sept. 26, 1990

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On September 26, 1990, prisoners in the Stanislaus County jail system filed a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the county and the county sheriff, challenging their conditions of confinement. The prisoners, represented by the Prisoner Rights Union and private counsel, brought suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging a violation of their rights under the Eight Amendment. Specifically, they claimed that the county jails were overcrowded an…

On September 26, 1990, prisoners in the Stanislaus County jail system filed a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the county and the county sheriff, challenging their conditions of confinement. The prisoners, represented by the Prisoner Rights Union and private counsel, brought suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging a violation of their rights under the Eight Amendment. Specifically, they claimed that the county jails were overcrowded and, among other things, provided inadequate access to law libraries and to medical, dental and mental health care. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief.

On October 12, 1990, the plaintiffs moved the District Court for a preliminary injunction, and on February 27, 1991, following discovery, the Court (Chief Judge Robert E. Coyle) adopted the recommendations of Magistrate Judge John F. Moulds and granted a limited injunction, prohibiting prisoners from being bedded on the floor, prohibiting the addition of more beds to the prison during the case, and authorizing the Sheriff to release prisoners when the jail was 90% full. The Court also certified the case as a class action.

The parties began negotiations to settle the case in 1991, and in March 1992 they came to an agreement. Like the preliminary injunction, the settlement enjoined the County from bedding prisoners on the floor and allowed the Sheriff to deny new prisoners and release current prisoners when the jail came within ten percent of its maximum capacity; in addition, it settlement also addressed issued with law library access and medical, dental and mental health care. It applied to the Men's Jail, the Public Safety Center, the Men's Honor Farm, and the Female Facility (closed in 1993).

The Court (Judge Oliver W. Wanger) approved the settlement and terminated the case on May 4, 1992. Three days later, the Court (Magistrate Judge Moulds) ordered defendants to pay plaintiffs' attorney fees.

In 2008, a class member filed a motion seeking enforcement of the settlement, but the Court referred the movant to class counsel. The settlement was still in effect in 2012, and played a part in the County's application for state funds to finance an expansion of its jail facilities.

Summary Authors

Christopher Schad (7/20/2012)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5786944/parties/pc-rodriquez-v-stanislaus-county/


Judge(s)

Coyle, Robert Everett (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Comiskey, Paul Wayne (California)

Goodfellow, James F. (California)

Herman, Richard P. (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Hagar, John H. Jr. (California)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:90-cv-00601

Docket (PACER)

June 18, 2008

June 18, 2008

Docket

1:90-cv-00601

First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Class Action

Rodriguez v. Stanislaus

Dec. 19, 1990

Dec. 19, 1990

Complaint
28

1:90-cv-00601

Findings and Recommendations

Rodriguez v. Stanislaus

Jan. 10, 1991

Jan. 10, 1991

Order/Opinion
33

1:90-cv-00601

Order Re: Preliminary Injunction and Class Certification

Rodriguez v. Stanislaus

Feb. 25, 1991

Feb. 25, 1991

Order/Opinion

Stanislaus County's Application for State Funding for Jail Extension Project

Rodriguez v. Stanislaus

No Court

Jan. 10, 2012

Jan. 10, 2012

Other

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5786944/pc-rodriquez-v-stanislaus-county/

Last updated Feb. 10, 2024, 3 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT for Declaratory Relief and Injunctive Relief to Magistrate John F. Moulds Summons issued; fee status pd; Receipt # 130040; Notice re: Consent forms. (old) (Entered: 10/02/1990)

Sept. 26, 1990

Sept. 26, 1990

2

NOTICE of Transfer of action to Sacramento; case referred to Magistrate Moulds; case sent to Staff Attorney. (old) (Entered: 10/02/1990)

Oct. 2, 1990

Oct. 2, 1990

3

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 ; points and authorities and declarations in support thereof. (old) Modified on 10/16/1990 (Entered: 10/15/1990)

Oct. 12, 1990

Oct. 12, 1990

4

LODGED proposed preliminary injunction (old) (Entered: 10/15/1990)

Oct. 12, 1990

Oct. 12, 1990

5

PROOF OF SERVICE by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine of lodged [4−1], motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1], notice [2−1], complaint [1−1] (old) Modified on 10/16/1990 (Entered: 10/15/1990)

Oct. 12, 1990

Oct. 12, 1990

6

ANSWER by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena (old) (Entered: 10/30/1990)

Oct. 15, 1990

Oct. 15, 1990

7

MEMORANDUM by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena in opposition to plaintiff's motion for class certification; motion for more definate statement set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

LODGED proposed order denying class certification. (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

8

OBJECTIONS to Evidence by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena to (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

9

MOTION by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena to strike portions of plaintiffs' points and authorities set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00. (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

LODGED proposed order granting defendatns' motion to strike. (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

10

APPENDIX OF DECLARATIONS re motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1] (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

11

MEMORANDUM by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena in opposition to motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1] (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

LODGED order denying plaintiffs' motion for Preliminary injunction (old) (Entered: 11/02/1990)

Nov. 1, 1990

Nov. 1, 1990

12

SUPPLEMENTAL Exhibits by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine (old) (Entered: 11/09/1990)

Nov. 9, 1990

Nov. 9, 1990

13

REPLY by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine to response to motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1] (old) (Entered: 11/09/1990)

Nov. 9, 1990

Nov. 9, 1990

14

EXHIBIT list of 1a Jail Roster including inamtes sleeping on floor by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine (old)

Nov. 9, 1990

Nov. 9, 1990

16

DECLARATION of John Hagar re prisoner characteristics in the Mens jail re motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1] (old) (Entered: 11/15/1990)

Nov. 15, 1990

Nov. 15, 1990

17

MINUTES of plaintiff's motion to certify Class, motion submitted; court to prepare order. (old) (Entered: 11/19/1990)

Nov. 19, 1990

Nov. 19, 1990

18

PLAINTIFFS'SUPPLEMENTAL EXHIBIT IN SUPPORT by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine re motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1] (old) (Entered: 11/21/1990)

Nov. 21, 1990

Nov. 21, 1990

19

OBJECTIONS by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena to supplemental [18−1] made after motion submitted to court. (old) (Entered: 11/28/1990)

Nov. 28, 1990

Nov. 28, 1990

entry 20 was a duplicative entry of [19−1] (old) Modified on 04/01/1993 (Entered: 11/28/1990)

Nov. 28, 1990

Nov. 28, 1990

21

STATUS REPORT by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena (old) (Entered: 12/13/1990)

Dec. 13, 1990

Dec. 13, 1990

22

SUPPLEMENT declarations in support by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine re motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1] (old) (Entered: 12/17/1990)

Dec. 17, 1990

Dec. 17, 1990

23

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine to amend complaint set for 1/31/91 @ 9:00 (old) (Entered: 12/27/1990)

Dec. 26, 1990

Dec. 26, 1990

24

NOTICE by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena of non opposition to plaintiffs' motion to amend complaint. (old) (Entered: 12/27/1990)

Dec. 26, 1990

Dec. 26, 1990

LODGED First Amended complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief. (old) (Entered: 12/27/1990)

Dec. 26, 1990

Dec. 26, 1990

25

OBJECTIONS by defendant County of Stanislaus, defendant Jim Trevena to declaration [16−1] after motion was submitted. (old) (Entered: 01/03/1991)

Jan. 2, 1991

Jan. 2, 1991

26

LETTER to court from Mike Hagar regarding the request for status conference on two issues: Medical discovery and Law library. (old) (Entered: 01/08/1991)

Jan. 4, 1991

Jan. 4, 1991

27

ORDER by Magistrate John F. Moulds granting motion to amend complaint set for 1/31/91 @ 9:00 [23−1] (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 01/10/1991)

Jan. 10, 1991

Jan. 10, 1991

28

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION concerning motion for preliminary injunction set for 11/15/90 @ 9:00 [3−1]; recommending granting class certification, no prisoners will be bedded on the floor pending outcome of action, no beds will be added during action, Sheriff has permission to release prisoners when the prison is 90% full, all other respects to the injunctive relief motion will be denied. (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 01/10/1991)

Jan. 10, 1991

Jan. 10, 1991

29

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief [1−1] by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine (old) (Entered: 01/10/1991)

Jan. 10, 1991

Jan. 10, 1991

30

OBJECTIONS by defendant Stanislaus County, defendant Jim Trevena to Report and Recommendation [28−1] (old) (Entered: 01/18/1991)

Jan. 18, 1991

Jan. 18, 1991

31

MINUTES of status conference parties to meet and confer. (old) (Entered: 02/04/1991)

Feb. 1, 1991

Feb. 1, 1991

32

TRANSMITTAL of documents recd orig file from Sacto w/ord denying prelim for EDP; forward to EDP (old) (Entered: 02/20/1991)

Feb. 19, 1991

Feb. 19, 1991

34

ORDER by Senior Judge Edward D. Price Case reassigned from EDP to Chief Judge Robert E. Coyle Case now is CVF 90−601−REC−JFM−P (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 02/28/1991)

Feb. 28, 1991

Feb. 28, 1991

35

RECEIPT of case file from Fresno for further consideration (old) (Entered: 03/06/1991)

March 5, 1991

March 5, 1991

36

ORDER Status conference set for Thursday 5/9/91 at 9:00 am before Magistrate John F Moulds (cc: all counsel) (kh) (Entered: 03/28/1991)

March 28, 1991

March 28, 1991

37

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine in support class notice. (old) (Entered: 04/04/1991)

April 4, 1991

April 4, 1991

38

MINUTE ORDER by Deputy Clerk: Scheduling conf CONTINUED to 6/6/91 at 9:00 am before JFM (cc: all counsel) (kh) (Entered: 05/13/1991)

May 13, 1991

May 13, 1991

39

SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez re posting. support (old) (Entered: 06/06/1991)

June 5, 1991

June 5, 1991

40

MINUTES of status conference: Case to be set for settlement conference. (old) (Entered: 06/07/1991)

June 6, 1991

June 6, 1991

LODGED Notice of class action. (old) (Entered: 06/24/1991)

June 18, 1991

June 18, 1991

41

NOTICE by plaintiff Alex Rodriquez, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine of change of address of change of address for Paul Comiskey to 2310 J Street P.O. BOX 1019 Sacramento ca 95814 (old) (Entered: 08/13/1991)

Aug. 13, 1991

Aug. 13, 1991

42

ORDER by Magistrate John F. Moulds ; Settlement conference set for 12/4/91 @ 2:30 before GGH (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 10/15/1991)

Oct. 15, 1991

Oct. 15, 1991

43

ORDER by Magistrate John F. Moulds; settlement conference is set for 12/4/91 @ 2:30 before GGH; if the case settles, parties are directed to inform chambers ; Scheduling conf set for 12/4/91 @ 4:00 (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 11/15/1991)

Nov. 15, 1991

Nov. 15, 1991

44

NOTICE by plaintiff Lorraine Fountaine, plaintiff George Butler, plaintiff Alex Rodriquez of association of attorney James F Goodfellow (old) (Entered: 12/03/1991)

Dec. 3, 1991

Dec. 3, 1991

LODGED Stipulation for continuance of settlement conference and status conference to 2/5/92; proposed order thereon (old) Modified on 12/06/1991 (Entered: 12/04/1991)

Dec. 4, 1991

Dec. 4, 1991

45

STIPULATION and ORDER by Magistrate Gregory G. Hollows: granting lodged Stipulation of 12/4/91 Scheduling conf continued to 2/5/92 at 4:30 before JFM; Settlement conference continued to 2/5/92 at 2:30 before GGH (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 12/06/1991)

Dec. 6, 1991

Dec. 6, 1991

MAIL to Fresno Office: original case file in 2 volumes, docket sheet, transmittal letter and stipulation (old) (Entered: 04/27/1992)

April 27, 1992

April 27, 1992

46

TRANSMITTAL of documents recd orig file (2vols) from Sacto, forwarded to Judge Wanger ofc per note from Sacto (old) (Entered: 04/29/1992)

April 29, 1992

April 29, 1992

47

Order Re: Stipulated CONSENT JUDGMENT by Judge Wanger terminating case (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 05/05/1992)

May 4, 1992

May 4, 1992

48

ORDER by Magistrate John F Moulds ORDERING: defendants are directed to pay plaintiffs attorneys' fees in the agreed sum (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 05/07/1992)

May 7, 1992

May 7, 1992

49

LETTER to court from John Hagar RE: procedure for class approval of settlement (old) (Entered: 07/21/1992)

July 20, 1992

July 20, 1992

MAIL to Sacramento Office case file in 2 vol to the attn: of Tim. Also certified copy of the docket sheet (lm) (Entered: 03/11/1993)

March 11, 1993

March 11, 1993

MAIL from Fresno Office CONSISTING of transmittal letter, docket sheet, case file in 2 volumes (docs 1−48) attn: Haven (old) (Entered: 03/15/1993)

March 15, 1993

March 15, 1993

MAIL to Fresno Office CONSISTING of transmittal letter, docket sheet, case file in 2 volumes (docs 1−49) and proposed DISPOSITIONAL order for Judge Oliver Wanger (old) (Entered: 04/01/1993)

April 1, 1993

April 1, 1993

MAIL from Sacramento Office: original case file (2 vols, doc's 1 − 49) and forwarded to chambers (old) (Entered: 04/09/1993)

April 8, 1993

April 8, 1993

MAIL from Sacramento Office: original case file (3 vols, doc's 1−118) and forwarded to chambers (old) (Entered: 04/09/1993)

April 8, 1993

April 8, 1993

50

ORDER by Judge Wanger: 10 days defendant shall post jdugment in accordance with secton VII of order filed 5/4/92. Within 30 days written objections may be file. If no objections judgment will become final. Case mgmt ddl 5/24/93, no objections to 50 , judgment becomes final (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 04/19/1993)

April 19, 1993

April 19, 1993

MAIL to Sacramento Office: returned to Sacramento (2 vols, doc's 1 − 50) (old) (Entered: 04/19/1993)

April 19, 1993

April 19, 1993

MAIL from Fresno Office RECEIVED consisting of transmittal letter, docket sheet and case file in 2 volumes (docs 1−50) returned as defendants are to file judgment within 10 days; objections after 30 days and then final judgment (old) (Entered: 04/21/1993)

April 21, 1993

April 21, 1993

51

NOTICE of Completion of posting period by defendant Stanislaus County and deft Sheriff Les Weidman (old) (Entered: 08/13/1993)

Aug. 12, 1993

Aug. 12, 1993

MAIL from Sacramento Office; volumes 1 and 2 to Fresno file room (old) (Entered: 04/21/1994)

April 21, 1994

April 21, 1994

52

MOTION Seeking Enforcement of Settlement Agreement, (filed by non−party filer: Alvis Vernon Rhodes). (Martin, S) (Entered: 05/13/2008)

April 18, 2008

April 18, 2008

53

ORDER Disregarding 52 Motion for Enforcement of Settlement Agreement; ORDER Directing Clerk's Office to Send Rhodes a Civil Rights Complaint Form, and Serve a Copy of This Order on Rhodes signed by Judge Oliver W. Wanger on 5/15/08. (Attachments: # 1 Complaint Form and Instructions) (Verduzco, M)

1 Complaint Form and Instructions

View on PACER

May 16, 2008

May 16, 2008

RECAP
54

MAIL RETURNED as Undeliverable 53 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief. Mail sent to Richard P Herman; envelope reads "wrong address". (Esteves, C) (Entered: 06/19/2008)

June 18, 2008

June 18, 2008

Case Details

State / Territory: California

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

California Jail Population Caps

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 26, 1990

Case Ongoing: Perhaps, but long-dormant

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

prisoners in the Stanislaus County jail system

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Hadsell, Stormer & Renick

Prisoners Rights Union

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

County of Stanislaus (Stanislaus), County

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Litigation

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Order Duration: 1991 - 0

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Law library access

Crowding / caseload

Pre-PLRA Population Cap

Medical/Mental Health:

Dental care

Medical care, general

Mental health care, general

Type of Facility:

Government-run