Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_90-cv-00520/USCOURTS-caed-2_90-cv-00520-882/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

RALPH COLEMAN, et al., 

Plaintiffs, 

v. 

EDMUND G. BROWN, JR., et al., 

Defendants. 

No. 2:90-cv-0520 KJM DB P 

ORDER 

 On January 25, 2018, defendants were ordered to show cause in writing why 

inadequate wall ventilation grates at the mental health crisis bed (MHCB) unit at California State 

Prison-Corcoran (CSP-Corcoran) could not be replaced within six months. ECF No. 5762 at 4. 

Defendants have filed a response to the order to show cause. ECF No. 5775. In the response, 

defendants represent that they have obtained funding and Fire Marshal approval for their plan to 

replace the ventilation grates, and that they “expect” to complete replacement of the grates 

“within the next six months.” Id. at 1-2. Defendants also represent that they will have to take all 

twenty-four MHCBs offline during construction and that, as required by court order, ECF No. 

5573, they “will continue to meet and confer with the Special Master over any reduction in beds, 

and provide updates on the status of these beds during the parties’ regular bed planning 

discussions.” Id. at 2. 

Case 2:90-cv-00520-KJM-SCR Document 5782 Filed 02/14/18 Page 1 of 2
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 In an order filed October 10, 2017, now on appeal, the court noted but did not 

address “the underlying causes of the systemic delays in access to MHCBs,” including “too few 

MHCBs to meet needs.” ECF No. 5710 at 17. While it is apparent the ventilation grates must be 

replaced and that MHCBs will have to be taken offline during the construction, the record also 

suggests a reduction in the number of available MHCBs risks will exacerbate systemic delays in 

transfer to crisis bed care. 

 To minimize the risk of harm to class members, the court will direct defendants to 

consult with the Special Master in person or by telephone, or both, in the next fourteen days to 

develop a specific back-up plan for continuity of access to MHCB care while these twenty-four 

MHCBs are offline at CSP-Corcoran. During that consultation, the defendants shall work with 

the Special Master to develop a schedule for completion of the necessary work at CSP-Corcoran, 

including but not limited to any periodic reporting the Special Master may require to ensure that 

the work remains on track to be completed within the projected six-month time frame. If the 

Special Master at any time requires further direction from the court to effect the purpose of this 

order, he shall seek such direction promptly. 

 In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: 

 1. The January 25, 2018 order to show cause is discharged; and 

 2. Within fourteen days from the date of this order defendants shall consult and 

work with the Special Master to develop the plan and schedule required by this order. 

DATED: February 13, 2018. 

Case 2:90-cv-00520-KJM-SCR Document 5782 Filed 02/14/18 Page 2 of 2