Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_06-cv-00942/USCOURTS-caed-1_06-cv-00942-7/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 535
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Death Penalty
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Ptn for Writ of H/C - Stay of Execution

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06dp00942.OFollPhaseICMC.SanNic.wpd 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RODNEY JESSE SAN NICOLAS, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. )

)

ROBERT L. AYERS, JR., as Warden )

of San Quentin State Prison, )

)

Respondent. )

)

Case No. 1:06-CV-00942-LJO

DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER FOLLOWING PHASE I CASE

MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

DATE: March 29, 2007

TIME: 9:00 a.m.

COURTROOM FOUR

This matter came on for hearing March 29, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in the above referenced Court, the

Honorable Lawrence J. O’Neill presiding. Petitioner Rodney Jesse San Nicolas (“San Nicolas”) was

represented by appointed CJA attorney Wesley A. Van Winkle. Also appearing on behalf of San Nicolas

was Assistant Federal Defender Harry Simon, who the Court understands will be assigned to the case

once the Federal Defender is formally appointed as co-counsel. Respondent Robert L. Ayers, Jr., as

Warden of San Quentin State Prison, (the “Warden”) was represented by Deputy Attorney General

Charles A. French. All counsel appeared telephonically.

The topics normally addressed at a Phase I Case Management Conference (“CMC”) include

determination of the expiration of the statute, the time petitioner’s counsel estimates will be needed for

preparation of the federal petition, how long the phase will last, and a statement from counsel for the

Warden as to how much time will be needed to lodge the state record.. In this case, the first two of these

topics have been resolved. On March 9, 2007, the Court granted San Nicolas’s request for equitable

tolling, and in so doing, extended the limitations period from July 12, 2007 to January 16, 2008. The

duration of Phase I is estimated by Mr. Van Winkle to last through mid-June, 2007. With respect to

Case 1:06-cv-00942-KES Document 39 Filed 03/30/07 Page 1 of 2
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06dp00942.OFollPhaseICMC.SanNic.wpd 2

lodging the state record, Mr. French represented that the Warden would be able to fulfill his obligation

to lodge the state record within two weeks. The Court accepts this representation.

Following discussion of these topics, the Court excused Mr. French from further participation

in the CMC so matters of funding and budget preparation could proceed ex parte with Messrs. Van

Winkle and Simon. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3599(f), ex parte consideration of funding applications requires

a showing of the need of confidentiality. Since budget applications require disclosure of matters

protected by the attorney-client and/ or work product privileges, the need for confidentiality is inherent

in the budgeting process. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(3). Accordingly, budget forms and supporting

documentation are filed under seal and court proceedings, though reported, similarly are maintained

under seal. An order filed concurrently herewith, under seal, documents the results of the ex parte

proceedings regarding a budget for San Nicolas’s case.

Three other matters must be addressed. First, because the Federal Defender will be appointed

as co-counsel in this case, Mr. Van Winkle does not anticipate the need for further equitable tolling in

order to permit second or consulting counsel sufficient time to review the record for possible missed

appellate claims. Second, the Court acknowledges the courteous apology from Deputy Attorney General

Patrick Whalen to the Court and Court staff filed on March 26, 2007. Third, at the culmination of the

ex parte budgeting conference, the Court established a date for the parties to participate in a Phase II

CMC. That date will be June 21, 2007, at 8:45 a.m. The Phase II CMC will be conducted

telephonically, with the Court initiating the conference call. At the Phase II CMC, the parties should

be prepared to discuss efforts to prepare petition and responsive pleadings.

 The Warden shall lodge the state record with the Court within 15 calendar days from the filing

of this order. The parties are directed to be available for a Phase II CMC on June 21, 2007 at 8:45 a.m.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 30, 2007 

 /s/ Lawrence J. O’Neill 

Lawrence J. O’Neill

 United States District Judge

Case 1:06-cv-00942-KES Document 39 Filed 03/30/07 Page 2 of 2