Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-01272/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-01272-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 443
Nature of Suit: Civil Rights Accommodations
Cause of Action: 42:12101 Americans with Disabilities Act

---

Page 1 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 KEITH D. CABLE (SBN 170055) 

CABLE LAW OFFICES 

2 101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 100 

Folsom, CA 95630 

3 Telephone: (916) 608-7995 

Facsimile: (916) 984-5775 

 

4 FARAH J. MARTINEZ (SBN 191862) 

CHRISTINA MCLAMORE (Florida Bar No. 36244) 

5 DE LA O, MARKO, MAGOLNICK & LEYTON 

3001 S. W. 3rd Avenue 

6 Miami, FL 33129 

Telephone: (305) 285-2000 

7 Facsimile: (305) 285-5555 

8 Attorneys for Plaintiff 

EDWARD L. KEMPER 

9 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

10 EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

SACRAMENTO DIVISION 

11 

12 EDWARD L. KEMPER, ) 

 ) 

13 Plaintiff, ) 

 ) 

14 v. ) Case No.: 2:07-cv-01272-WBS-KJM 

 )

15 CUMMINGS/MITCHELL, LLC, ) CONSENT DECREE 

16 ) (AND PROPOSED ORDER) 

17 Defendant. ) 

_____________________________________ ) 

18 CONSENT DECREE AND ORDER 

19 1. Plaintiff EDWARD L. KEMPER filed a Complaint in this action on 

20 September 5, 2006, to enforce provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 

21 ("ADA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq., the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §§ 701, 

22 et seq., and California civil rights laws, against Defendant CUMMINGS/MITCHELL, 

23 LLC. Plaintiff has alleged that Defendant violated Title III of the ADA and sections 51, 

24 and 54 of the California Civil Code by failing to provide full and equal access to their 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 1 of 9
Page 2 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 facilities located at Creekside Drive in Folsom, California, when Plaintiff visited the 

2 subject facility on February 8, 2007 and March 16, 2007. 

3 2. The Defendant denies the allegations in the Complaint and by entering 

4 into this Consent Decree and Order does not admit liability to any of the allegations in 

5 Plaintiff’s Complaint filed in this action. The parties hereby enter into this Consent 

6 Decree and Order for the purpose of resolving this lawsuit (the “Lawsuit”) without the 

7 need for protracted litigation, and without the admission of any liability. 

8 JURISDICTION: 

9 3. The parties to this Consent Decree agree that the Court has jurisdiction 

10 over this matter pursuant to 28 USC §1331 for claims under the Americans with 

11 Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC 12101 et seq. and pursuant to supplemental jurisdiction 

12 for claims under California Civil Code §§51 and 54. 

13 4. In order to avoid the costs, expense, and uncertainty of protracted 

14 litigation, the parties to this consent decree agree to entry of this Order to resolve all 

15 claims regarding injunctive relief and damages raised in the Complaint filed with this 

16 Court. Accordingly, they agree to the entry of this Order without trial or further 

17 adjudication of any issues of fact or law concerning Plaintiff’s claims for injunctive relief 

18 and damages. 

19 WHEREFORE, the parties to this consent decree hereby agree and 

20 stipulate to the Court’s entry of this Consent Decree and Order, which provides as 

21 follows: 

22 SETTLEMENT OF INJUNCTIVE RELIEF: 

23 5. This Order shall be a full, complete, and final disposition and settlement of 

24 Plaintiff’s claims against Defendant for injunctive relief and damages that have arisen 

25 out of the subject Complaint. The parties agree that there has been no admission or 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 2 of 9
Page 3 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 finding of liability or violation of the ADA and/or California civil rights laws, and this 

2 Consent Decree and Order should not be construed as such. 

3 7. The parties agree and stipulate that the corrective work will be performed 

4 in compliance with the standards and specifications for disabled access as set forth in 

5 the California Code of Regulations, Title 24-2, and the Americans with Disabilities Act 

6 Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG): 

7 (a) Remedial Measures: Defendant agrees to remove all barriers to 

8 access identified in Exhibit A, the accessibility survey report (the “Report”) prepared by 

9 ADAAG Consulting Services, LLC, as agreed to in columns L and M of the Report. 

10 Exhibit A is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in this document. 

11 (b) Timing of Injunctive Relief: The Defendant shall proceed with the 

12 remedial work on a schedule which it determines to be reasonable, taking into account 

13 the availability of funds; contractors and materials; the need to prepare plans and obtain 

14 permits; the weather; and the need to schedule and sequence the implementation of the 

15 Remedial Measures in order that they may result in the least interference with the use of 

16 the Building by tenants and visitors. Notwithstanding, all the Remedial Measures shall 

17 be completed by no later than twelve (12) months from the date of entry of this Consent 

18 Decree and Order by the Court. In the event that unforeseen difficulties prevent 

19 Defendant from completing any of the agreed-upon injunctive relief by the deadline, 

20 Defendant will notify Plaintiff’s attorney in writing within 15 days of discovering the 

21 delay, and will provide its best estimate of a date for completion. Defendants will notify 

22 the Plaintiff’s attorney when the corrective work is completed, and in any case will 

23 provide a status report no later than 120 days from the entry of this Consent Decree, 

24 and each 120 days thereafter until all the Remedial Measures are complete. 

25 (c) Within ten (10) days of completion of the work described in Exhibit “A,” 

26 Defendant shall notify Plaintiff’s attorney. Plaintiffs’ representatives shall be allowed to 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 3 of 9
Page 4 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 make a post compliance inspection to verify completion of the remediation described in 

2 Exhibit “A.” If all barriers identified in Exhibit A have been remediated, the time for the 

3 inspection is at Plaintiff’s expense, and, if not, Defendant is responsible for the 

4 reasonable cost of Plaintiff’s expert’s time for the re-inspection. If the work is not done 

5 correctly, then Defendant will have 90 days to cure any deficiencies after receipt of 

6 written notice from Plaintiff’s Counsel after the re-inspection. If the Defendant fails to 

7 cure the deficiencies within 90 days after receipt of such written notice, then Plaintiff 

8 may file a motion to enforce this Consent Decree, and will be entitled to recovery of 

9 reasonable attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 

10 12205 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, if Plaintiff prevails. 

11 DAMAGES, ATTORNEY FEES, LITIGATION EXPENSES, AND COSTS: 

12 8. The Defendant shall pay to Plaintiff the total sum of $19,498.54 (the 

13 “Settlement Payment”), which represents $8,000.00 for damages to Plaintiff, and 

14 Plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees and costs of $11,498.54. The Settlement Payment shall be 

15 made payable to de la O, Marko, Magolnick & Leyton (Federal Taxpayer Identification 

16 Number 65-0492134). The Settlement Payment shall be delivered to Charles Ferguson 

17 with fourteen (14) days of filing this Consent Decree and Proposed Order. De la O, 

18 Marko, Magolnick & Leyton will distribute Edward L. Kemper’s share of the Settlement 

19 Payment to by check made payable to Edward L. Kemper. This Settlement Payment 

20 compensates for all claims including but not limited to personal and physical injury, civil 

21 rights violations, emotional distress, and any other form of damages, allegedly 

22 sustained by Plaintiff. The parties agree that this Settlement Payment also resolves all 

23 claims for attorneys’ fees and costs related to this matter, with the exception of any fees 

24 and costs incurred by Plaintiff’s counsel and/or experts related to the re-inspection and 

25 any motion to enforce the terms of this Consent Decree as outlined in paragraph 7(c) of 

26 this Consent Decree. 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 4 of 9
Page 5 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 ENTIRE CONSENT DECREE AND ORDER: 

2 9. Issues resolved and issues reserved: 

3 a) This Consent Decree and Order and Exhibit A to this Consent 

4 Decree, which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in this document, 

5 constitute the entire agreement between Plaintiff and Defendant on the matters of 

6 injunctive relief and damages, and no other statement, promise, or agreement, either 

7 written or oral, made by the Plaintiff or any agents of the Plaintiff, to Defendant, or by 

8 the Defendant or any agents of the Defendant to the Plaintiff, that is not contained in 

9 this written Consent Order, shall be enforceable regarding the matters of injunctive relief 

10 and damages described herein. 

11 CONSENT ORDER BINDING ON PARTIES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST: 

12 10. This Consent Order shall be binding on Plaintiff EDWARD L. KEMPER, 

13 Defendant CUMMINGS/MITCHELL, LLC; and any successors in interest. The parties 

14 have a duty to so notify all such successors in interest of the existence and terms of this 

15 Consent Order during the period of the Court’s jurisdiction of this Consent Decree. 

16 MUTUAL RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542: 

17 11. Each of the parties to this Consent Decree understands and agrees that 

18 there is a risk and possibility that, subsequent to the execution of this Consent Decree, 

19 any or all of them will incur, suffer, or experience some further loss or damage with 

20 respect to the Lawsuit which are unknown or unanticipated at the time this Consent 

21 Decree is signed. Except for all obligations required in this Consent Decree, the parties 

22 intend that this Consent Decree apply to all such further loss with respect to the 

23 Lawsuit. Therefore, except for all obligations required in this Consent Decree, this 

24 Consent Decree shall apply to and cover any and all claims, demands, actions and 

25 causes of action by the Plaintiff against Defendant or Defendant against Plaintiff with 

26 respect to the Lawsuit, whether the same are known, unknown or hereafter discovered 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 5 of 9
Page 6 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 or ascertained, and the provisions of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code are 

2 hereby expressly waived. Section 1542 provides as follows: 

3 A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR 

4 DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF 

5 EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY 

6 AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR. 

7 This waiver applies to the injunctive relief and damages aspects of this action only and 

8 does not include resolution of plaintiff’s claims for attorney fees, litigation expenses and 

9 costs. 

10 12. Except for all obligations required in this Consent Decree, Plaintiff 

11 releases and forever discharges the Defendant, and all officers, directors, shareholders, 

12 subsidiaries, joint venturers, stockholders, partners, parent companies, employees, 

13 agents, attorneys, insurance carriers, heirs, predecessors, trustees, co-trustees or 

14 representatives of Defendant, and Defendant releases and forever discharges Plaintiff, 

15 from all claims, demands, actions, and causes of action of whatever kind or nature, 

16 presently known or unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with the Lawsuit or 

17 the subject matter thereof. 

18 In addition, Defendant has increased access to other facilities and buildings at 

19 Creekside Office Park, 1611-1675 Creekside Drive, Folsom, California, though not 

20 required by law or otherwise to do so. In general, defendant has installed pole-mounted 

21 directional path of travel signs with other handicapped symbols, installed detectible 

22 warning surfaces, installed new concrete ramps and curbs, cross-hatched path of travel 

23 areas, poured new sidewalks, and installed wheel stops (“New Improvements”). Plaintiff 

24 releases and forever discharges Creekside Office Park and its owners, officers, 

25 directors, shareholders, subsidiaries, joint venturers, stockholders, partners, parent 

26 companies, employees, agents, attorneys, insurance companies, heirs, predecessors, 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 6 of 9
Page 7 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 trustees, co-trustees or representatives from all claims, demands, actions and causes of 

2 action of whatsoever kind or nature, presently known or unknown, arising out of or in 

3 any way connected with the New Improvements or the subject matter thereof. 

4 TERM OF THE CONSENT ORDER: 

5 13. This Consent Order shall be in full force and effect for a period of twelve 

6 (12) months after the date of entry of this Consent Order, or until the injunctive relief 

7 contemplated by this Order is completed, whichever occurs later. The Court shall retain 

8 jurisdiction of this action to enforce provisions of this Order for twelve (12) months after 

9 the date of this Consent Decree, or until the injunctive relief contemplated by this Order 

10 is completed, whichever occurs later. 

11 NOTICES: 

12 14. Notices shall be given by certified or overnight mail, return receipt 

13 requested, if to Plaintiff to: 

14 Charles Ferguson 

15 de la O, Marko, Magolnick & Leyton 

16 3001 S.W. 3RD Avenue 

17 Miami, FL 33129 

18 

19 If to Defendant, to: 

20 Eric R. Garner 

21 Wagner Kirkman Blaine Klomparens & Youmans LLP 

22 10640 Mather Blvd., Suite 200 

23 Mather, CA 95655 

24 

25 or to such other address as the parties may from time to time specify by giving notice as 

26 provided herein. 

27 SEVERABILITY: 

28 14. If any term of this Consent Decree and Order is determined by any court 

29 to be unenforceable, the other terms of this Consent Decree and Order shall 

30 nonetheless remain in full force and effect. 

31 / / / 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 7 of 9
Page 8 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 SIGNATORIES BIND PARTIES: 

2 15. Signatories on the behalf of the parties represent that they are authorized 

3 to bind the parties to this Consent Decree and Order. This Consent Decree and Order 

4 may be signed in counterparts and a facsimile signature or pdf copy submitted by 

5 electronic mail shall have the same force and effect as an original signature. 

6 

7 Plaintiff EDWARD L. KEMPER 

8 

9 Dated: _____________ 

10 

11 

12 _s/original on file ______

13 Edward L. Kemper 

14 

15 

16 

17 Defendant CUMMINGS/MITCHELL, LLC, 

18 

19 Dated: _____________ 

20 

21 _s/original on file ______

22 Rod Mitchell 

23 Its: _______________________ 

24 

25 APPROVED AS TO FORM: 

26 

27 Dated: _____________ CHARLES FERGUSON 

28 DE LA O, MARKO, MAGOLNICK & LEYTON 

29 

30 

31 /s/ CHARLES D. FERGUSON 

32 Attorney for Plaintiff Edward L. Kemper 

33 

34 

35 Dated: _____________ ERIC GARNER 

36 Wagner Kirkman Blaine 

37 Klomparens & Youmans LLP 

38 

39 

40 /s/ ERIC GARNER 

41 Attorney for Defendant Cummings/Mitchell, 

42 LLC 

43 

44 

45 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 8 of 9
Page 9 of 9 Consent Decree (and Proposed Order) 

1 ORDER

2 

3 Pursuant to stipulation, and for good cause shown, IT IS SO ORDERED. 

4 

5 

6 Dated: December 28, 2007 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 CABLE LAW OFFICES

17 By: /s/ KEITH D. CABLE 

 KEITH D. CABLE 

18 Local Counsel for Plaintiff 

 and 

19 

DE LA O, MARKO, 

20 MAGOLNICK & LEYTON 

 

21 By: /s/ CHARLES D. FERGUSON 

 DANIEL L. LEYTON 

22 CHARLES D. FERGUSON 

 FARAH J. MARTINEZ 

 Attorneys for Plaintiff 

 

Case 2:07-cv-01272-WBS -KJM Document 24 Filed 01/02/08 Page 9 of 9