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)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

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 March 13, 2024, 3:05 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

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

View on PACER

Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

RECAP
2

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

Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

PACER
3

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)

Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

PACER
4

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

Nov. 19, 2015

Nov. 19, 2015

PACER
5

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

Nov. 20, 2015

Nov. 20, 2015

PACER
6

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

Nov. 20, 2015

Nov. 20, 2015

PACER
7

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)

Dec. 1, 2015

Dec. 1, 2015

PACER
8

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

Jan. 15, 2016

Jan. 15, 2016

PACER
9

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

Jan. 20, 2016

Jan. 20, 2016

RECAP
10

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

Jan. 25, 2016

Jan. 25, 2016

PACER
11

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)

Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

PACER
12

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)

Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

PACER
13

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

Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

PACER
14

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

Feb. 16, 2016

Feb. 16, 2016

PACER
15

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

Feb. 19, 2016

Feb. 19, 2016

PACER
16

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)

Feb. 23, 2016

Feb. 23, 2016

PACER

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

Feb. 25, 2016

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings

Feb. 25, 2016

Feb. 25, 2016

PACER
17

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)

March 11, 2016

March 11, 2016

PACER
18

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

March 15, 2016

March 15, 2016

PACER
19

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)

March 29, 2016

March 29, 2016

PACER
20

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)

March 30, 2016

March 30, 2016

PACER
21

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

April 1, 2016

April 1, 2016

PACER
22

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)

April 27, 2016

April 27, 2016

PACER

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

April 28, 2016

April 28, 2016

PACER

Case Referred to Magistrate Judge for Settlement

April 28, 2016

April 28, 2016

PACER
23

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)

April 28, 2016

April 28, 2016

PACER
24

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

June 7, 2016

June 7, 2016

PACER
25

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

June 7, 2016

June 7, 2016

PACER
26

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

June 7, 2016

June 7, 2016

PACER
27

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)

June 14, 2016

June 14, 2016

PACER
28

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

View on PACER

Sept. 9, 2016

Sept. 9, 2016

PACER
29

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)

Sept. 9, 2016

Sept. 9, 2016

PACER
30

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

View on PACER

2 Exhibit F through H

View on PACER

3 Exhibit I through L

View on PACER

Sept. 9, 2016

Sept. 9, 2016

PACER
31

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)

Sept. 9, 2016

Sept. 9, 2016

RECAP
32

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)

Sept. 9, 2016

Sept. 9, 2016

PACER
33

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)

Sept. 19, 2016

Sept. 19, 2016

PACER
34

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)

Sept. 20, 2016

Sept. 20, 2016

RECAP
35

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)

Sept. 20, 2016

Sept. 20, 2016

PACER
36

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

Sept. 22, 2016

Sept. 22, 2016

PACER
37

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

View on PACER

Oct. 4, 2016

Oct. 4, 2016

PACER
38

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)

Oct. 6, 2016

Oct. 6, 2016

RECAP
39

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

View on PACER

Nov. 28, 2016

Nov. 28, 2016

PACER

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

Nov. 29, 2016

PACER

Electronic Filing Error

Nov. 29, 2016

Nov. 29, 2016

PACER
40

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

View on PACER

Nov. 29, 2016

Nov. 29, 2016

PACER
41

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)

Dec. 5, 2016

Dec. 5, 2016

PACER
42

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)

Jan. 17, 2017

Jan. 17, 2017

PACER
43

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

View on PACER

Jan. 20, 2017

Jan. 20, 2017

PACER
44

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)

Jan. 24, 2017

Jan. 24, 2017

PACER
45

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)

Feb. 3, 2017

Feb. 3, 2017

PACER
46

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)

March 20, 2017

March 20, 2017

PACER
47

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)

April 4, 2017

April 4, 2017

PACER
48

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)

April 11, 2017

April 11, 2017

PACER
49

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)

May 23, 2017

May 23, 2017

PACER
50

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

May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings

May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017

PACER

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

May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017

PACER
51

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)

June 16, 2017

June 16, 2017

PACER
52

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

Sept. 18, 2017

Sept. 18, 2017

PACER
53

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

Sept. 18, 2017

Sept. 18, 2017

PACER
54

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)

Sept. 19, 2017

Sept. 19, 2017

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings

Sept. 19, 2017

Sept. 19, 2017

PACER

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)

Sept. 19, 2017

Sept. 19, 2017

PACER
55

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

Sept. 19, 2017

Sept. 19, 2017

PACER
56

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)

Nov. 6, 2017

Nov. 6, 2017

PACER
57

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)

Dec. 8, 2017

Dec. 8, 2017

PACER
58

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

Jan. 9, 2018

Jan. 9, 2018

PACER
59

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)

Jan. 9, 2018

Jan. 9, 2018

PACER
60

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)

Jan. 22, 2018

Jan. 22, 2018

PACER
61

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)

Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

RECAP
62

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)

March 6, 2018

March 6, 2018

PACER
63

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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March 20, 2018

March 20, 2018

PACER
64

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)

April 24, 2018

April 24, 2018

PACER
65

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)

May 1, 2018

May 1, 2018

PACER
66

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

June 1, 2018

June 1, 2018

PACER
67

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)

June 11, 2018

June 11, 2018

PACER
68

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

June 20, 2018

June 20, 2018

PACER
69

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

June 21, 2018

June 21, 2018

PACER
70

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)

June 22, 2018

June 22, 2018

PACER
71

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)

Oct. 5, 2018

Oct. 5, 2018

PACER
72

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)

Oct. 16, 2018

Oct. 16, 2018

PACER
73

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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Oct. 23, 2018

Oct. 23, 2018

PACER
74

Declaration of Donald Specter in Support of 73 Joint MOTION for Settlement Joint Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary Approval of Consent Decree and Notice to the Class filed byBrandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Related document(s) 73 ) (Specter, Donald) (Filed on 10/23/2018) (Entered: 10/23/2018)

Oct. 23, 2018

Oct. 23, 2018

PACER
75

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman: Further Case Management Conference held on 10/23/2018. The parties advised the court on their joint notice of settlement and discussed dates. The court will vacate the trial date and attendant deadlines. FTR Time: 2:06-2:14. Plaintiff Attorneys: Don Specter, Addison Litton and Mark Zambarda all by phone. Defendant Attorneys: Aryn Harris and Douglas Press both 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: 10/23/2018) (Entered: 10/24/2018)

Oct. 23, 2018

Oct. 23, 2018

PACER
76

Declaration of Donald Specter in Support of 73 Joint MOTION for Settlement Joint Notice of Motion and Motion for Preliminary Approval of Consent Decree and Notice to the Class filed byBrandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Related document(s) 73 ) (Specter, Donald) (Filed on 10/25/2018) (Entered: 10/25/2018)

Oct. 25, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

PACER
77

Order by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman granting 73 Motion for Settlement. NOTICE - the parties requested that the Final Approval Hearing be held in San Jose for the convenience of the parties and any persons wishing to attend or be heard at the hearing. While the court endeavored to accommodate the request, as it turns out, the San Jose courthouse will be undergoing extensive renovations to the courtrooms in 2019, leaving a shortage of available courtrooms and no video-telephonic capabilities. Accordingly, the court has set the matter for hearing at the San Francisco courthouse. (rmilc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/27/2018) (Entered: 11/27/2018)

Nov. 27, 2018

Nov. 27, 2018

RECAP

Set/Reset Hearings

Nov. 27, 2018

Nov. 27, 2018

PACER

Set/Reset Hearing re 77 Order on Motion for Settlement, Motion Hearing, Final Approval Hearing, set for 2/27/2019 10:00 AM in San Francisco, Courtroom 14, 18th Floor before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman. (glmS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/27/2018) Modified on 11/27/2018 (glmS, COURT STAFF).

Nov. 27, 2018

Nov. 27, 2018

PACER
78

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman: Motion Hearing held on 11/27/2018. Final Approval Hearing scheduled for 2/27/2019. FTR Time: 10:05-10:26. Plaintiff Attorneys: Donald Specter and Thomas Nosewicz by phone and Kendall Wasley 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.) (glmS, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 11/27/2018) (Entered: 11/28/2018)

Nov. 27, 2018

Nov. 27, 2018

PACER
79

MOTION for Attorney Fees filed by Brandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. Motion Hearing set for 2/27/2019 10:00 AM in San Francisco, Courtroom 14, 18th Floor before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Illman. Responses due by 12/28/2018. Replies due by 1/4/2019. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 12/14/2018) (Entered: 12/14/2018)

1 Proposed Order

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Dec. 14, 2018

Dec. 14, 2018

RECAP
80

Declaration of Jessica Valenzuela Santamaria in Support of 79 MOTION for Attorney Fees filed byBrandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Related document(s) 79 ) (Santamaria, Jessica) (Filed on 12/14/2018) (Entered: 12/14/2018)

Dec. 14, 2018

Dec. 14, 2018

PACER
81

Declaration of Donald Specter in Support of 79 MOTION for Attorney Fees filed byBrandon Bracamonte, Brian Chavez. (Related document(s) 79 ) (Specter, Donald) (Filed on 12/14/2018) (Entered: 12/14/2018)

Dec. 14, 2018

Dec. 14, 2018

PACER
82

Declaration of Kendall Dawson Wasley in Support of 79 MOTION for Attorney Fees filed byBrian Chavez. (Related document(s) 79 ) (Wasley, Kendall) (Filed on 12/14/2018) (Entered: 12/14/2018)

Dec. 14, 2018

Dec. 14, 2018

PACER
83

Declaration of CAPTAIN AMY LE AFFIRMING COMPLIANCE OF ORDER DATED NOVEMBER 27, 2018 filed byCounty of Santa Clara. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 12/20/2018) (Entered: 12/20/2018)

Dec. 20, 2018

Dec. 20, 2018

PACER
84

Declaration of LT. MARK PADGET AFFIRMING COMPLIANCE OF ORDER DATED NOVEMBER 27, 2018 filed byCounty of Santa Clara. (Harris, Aryn) (Filed on 12/20/2018) (Entered: 12/20/2018)

Dec. 20, 2018

Dec. 20, 2018

PACER
85

Letter from Jose Eduardo Perez "Objection To Class Action Settlement." (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(msrS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 12/24/2018) (Entered: 12/26/2018)

1 Envelope

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Dec. 24, 2018

Dec. 24, 2018

PACER
86

Letter from Raymond Vasquez requesting copy of Consent Decree and other issues. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(msrS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 12/26/2018) Modified on 12/27/2018 (msrS, COURT STAFF). (Entered: 12/27/2018)

1 Envelope

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Dec. 26, 2018

Dec. 26, 2018

PACER
87

Objections to Class Action Settlement by Mark Weber (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(msrS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 12/26/2018) (Entered: 12/27/2018)

1 Envelope

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Dec. 26, 2018

Dec. 26, 2018

PACER
88

Request for copy of Decree and Remedial Plan and copy of Motion for Fees by Joey Oaxaca Martinez. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(msrS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 12/26/2018) (Entered: 12/27/2018)

1 Envelope

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Dec. 26, 2018

Dec. 26, 2018

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: California

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Post-PLRA enforceable consent decrees

Solitary confinement

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

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 of Santa Clara (Santa Clara), County

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

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):

Due Process

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Attorneys fees

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 1,600,000

Content of Injunction:

Monitoring

Issues

General:

Conditions of confinement

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Administrative segregation

Disciplinary segregation

Solitary confinement/Supermax (conditions or process)

Disability and Disability Rights:

disability, unspecified

Type of Facility:

Government-run