Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-00438/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-00438-11/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 442
Nature of Suit: Civil Rights Employment
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Employment Discrimination

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Plaintiff John Goold alleges Hilton Worldwide, Inc. and Doubletree DTW, LLC (“Defendants”) 

fired him in retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment suffered by another employee and 

complaining that the other employee’s firing was unlawful. Upon consideration of the Joint Pre-Trial 

Conference Statement (Doc. 111), the parties’ comments at hearing and the file in this case, the Court 

issues the following Pre-Trial Order. The Court addresses here only the issues that have changed since 

the original pretrial order was issued. (Doc. 49)

A. DISPUTED FACTS

Plaintiff’s Disputed Issues:

1. Whether Plaintiff’s protected conduct relating to Dora Medrano was a motivating factor 

in the decision to terminate Plaintiff’s employment?

JOHN GOOLD,

 Plaintiff,

v.

HILTON WORLDWIDE, et al.,

Defendants.

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Case No.: 1:13-cv-00438 - JLT

AMENDED FURTHER PRETRIAL ORDER

Deadlines:

Motions in Limine Filing: 8/5/15

Oppositions to Motions in Limine: 8/26/15

Hearing on Motions in Limine: 9/9/15, 10:00 a.m.

Trial Submissions: 9/11/15

Jury trial: 9/23/2015

Settlement Conference: 8/5/15, 10:30 a.m.

Case 1:13-cv-00438-JLT Document 114 Filed 07/23/15 Page 1 of 9
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2. Whether Plaintiff suffered damages as a result of any wrongful conduct of Defendants?

3. What are the extent of Plaintiff’s damages suffered as a result of any wrongful conduct 

of Defendants?

4. Whether Plaintiff failed to mitigate his damages?

Defendants’ Disputed Issues:

1. Whether Plaintiff’s complaint that Medrano’s termination was in retaliation for her 

2010 sexual harassment complaint was a motivating factor in the decision to terminate Plaintiff’s 

employment?

2. Whether Plaintiff’s complaint that Medrano’s termination was in retaliation for her 

2010 sexual harassment complaint was a substantial motivating factor in the decision to terminate 

Plaintiff’s employment?

3. Whether Plaintiff was terminated for a legitimate business reason?

4. Whether Plaintiff suffered damages as a result of any wrongful conduct of Defendants?

5. What are the extent of Plaintiff’s damages suffered as a result of any wrongful conduct 

of Defendants?

6. Whether Plaintiff failed to mitigate his damages?

B. WITNESSES

The witness lists remain the same except Defendant omits Melissa Stewart from its list.

C. EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES AND SUMMARIES

The exhibit lists remain the same except that Defendant adds, “Plaintiff’s pay records from 

Tejon Ranch for the period of August 2, 2014 to February 14, 2015 obtained via subpoena on 

February 24, 2015.” This exhibit will be marked as Defendant’s next in order.

Defendant indicates it intends to use “Trial Director” or other electronic software program to 

display evidence. Both sides are permitted to display evidence in this fashion.

Counsel will meet and confer to determine whether the exhibits admitted at the first trial may 

be admitted via stipulation. 

1. During their meet and confer, counsel will determine whether there are objections to 

the admission of each of the exhibits and will prepare separate indexes; one listing joint exhibits, one 

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listing Plaintiff’s exhibits and one listing Defendant’s exhibits. In advance of the conference, counsel 

must have a complete set of their proposed exhibits in order to be able to fully discuss whether 

evidentiary objections exist. Thus, any exhibit not previously provided in discovery SHALL be 

provided at least five court days in advance of the exhibit conference.

2. Likewise, counsel shall identify any duplicate exhibits, i.e., any document which both 

sides desire to introduce into evidence. These exhibits SHALL be marked as a joint exhibit and 

numbered as directed above. Joint exhibits SHALL be admitted into evidence on the motion of any 

party, without further foundation. If counsel agree that exhibits admitted in the first trial may be 

admitted in the trial, these exhibits will be included in the Joint Exhibit Binder, described below.

All Joint exhibits will be pre-marked with numbers preceded by the designation “JT” (e.g. 

JT/1, JT/2, etc.). Plaintiff’s exhibits will be pre-marked with numbers beginning with 1 by the 

designation PX (e.g. PX1, PX2, etc.). Defendant’s exhibits will be pre-marked with numbers 

beginning with 501 preceded by the designation DX (e.g. DX501, DX502, etc.). The Parties SHALL 

number each page of any exhibit exceeding one page in length (e.g. PX1-1, PX1-2, PX1-3, etc.).

If originals of exhibits are unavailable, the parties may substitute legible copies. If any 

document is offered which is not fully legible, the Court may exclude it from evidence. 

Each joint exhibit binder shall contain an index which is placed in the binder before the 

exhibits. The index shall consist of a column for the exhibit number, one for a description of the 

exhibit and one column entitled “Admitted in Evidence” (as shown in the example below).

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

ADMITTED 

EXHIBIT# DESCRIPTION IN EVIDENCE

3. As to any exhibit which is not a joint exhibit but to which there is no objection to its 

introduction, the exhibit will likewise be appropriately marked, i.e., as PX1, or as DX501 and will be 

indexed as such on the index of the offering party. Such exhibits will be admitted upon introduction 

and motion of the party, without further foundation.

4. Each exhibit binder shall contain an index which is placed in the binder before the 

exhibits. Each index shall consist of the exhibit number, the description of the exhibit and the three 

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columns as shown in the example below. 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

ADMITTED OBJECTION OTHER

EXHIBIT# DESCRIPTION IN EVIDENCE FOUNDATION OBJECTION 

5. On the index, as to exhibits to which the only objection is a lack of foundation, counsel 

will place a mark under the column heading entitled “Admissible but for Foundation.” 

6. On the index, as to exhibits to which there are objections to admissibility that are not 

based solely on a lack of foundation, counsel will place a mark under the column heading entitled 

“Other Objections.”

After the exhibit conference, each counsel SHALL develop four complete, legible sets of 

exhibits. Counsel SHALL deliver three sets of their exhibit binders to the Courtroom Clerk and

provide one set to opposing counsel, no later than 4:00 p.m., on September 18, 2015. Counsel 

SHALL determine which of them will also provide three sets of the joint exhibits to the Courtroom 

Clerk.

7. The Parties SHALL number each page of any exhibit exceeding one page in length.

D. DISCOVERY DOCUMENTS

The witness lists remain the same.

If either party wishes to rely upon discovery documents or deposition transcripts at trial, they 

SHALL lodge the original discovery requests and responses and/or the original or certified copy of the 

pertinent transcripts, no later than September 18, 2015. If the proffering party wishes the jury to view

the discovery document, only the request and response at issue may be visible on the page(s) and all 

extraneous material must be redacted or the request and the response re-typed on a clean page.

E. FURTHER DISCOVERY OR MOTIONS

Defendants seek “permission to subpoena Plaintiff’s employment records from Tejon Ranch 

from February 1, 2015 to the first day of trial pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 45. 

Defendants seek to obtain Plaintiff’s most current pay records for the purposes of calculating estimated 

damages.” (Doc. 111 at 20-21) Because these records will bear on the damage amount that may be 

sought, the request to subpoena these records for production at trial is GRANTED. 

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F. Motions in Limine

The evidentiary issues raised by the parties are the same as those raised in the original trial. At 

the hearing, counsel agreed that the Court would deem the motions in limine previously filed to be 

reasserted. The Court indicated that the orders on the deemed reasserted motions remained the same.

Any additional motions in limine must be served on the other party, and filed with the Court, 

by August 5, 2015. The motion must clearly identify the nature of the evidence that the moving party 

seeks to prohibit the other side from offering at trial. Any opposition to the motion must be served on 

the other party, and filed with the Court, by August 26, 2015. The Court sets a hearing on the motions 

in limine on September 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Appearances via Courtcall are authorized.

The parties are reminded they may still object to the introduction of evidence during trial.

G. SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS

The parties participated in a Settlement Conference before the last trial. They are considering 

whether they will engage in further formal settlement efforts.

H. SEPARATE TRIAL OF ISSUES

Once again, as requested by Defendants, the Court will bifurcate the issue of punitive damages. 

If the jury finds that the Defendants are liable for punitive damages, the Court will conduct a second 

phase of trial on the amount of punitive damages.

I. ATTORNEYS’ FEES

The Court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to Cal. 

Gov’t Code § 12965. Both sides indicate they will seek an award of fees, as appropriate.

J. TRIAL DATE/ ESTIMATED LENGTH OF TRIAL

Jury trial is set for September 23, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. before the Honorable Jennifer L. Thurston 

at the United States Courthouse, 510 19th Street, Bakersfield, California. Trial is expected to last 4-5

days.

K. TRIAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSIONS

1. Trial Briefs

The parties are relieved of their obligation under Local Rule 285 to file trial briefs. If any party 

wishes to file a trial brief, they must do so in accordance with Local Rule 285 and be filed on or before 

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September 11, 2015.

2. Jury Voir Dire

The parties are required to file their proposed voir dire questions, in accordance with Local 

Rule 162.1, on or before September 11, 2015.

3. Statement of the Case

The parties have filed a joint statement of the case in the joint pretrial statement. The Court 

will give this statement though it will omit reading the abbreviations set forth in parentheses.

4. Jury Instructions & Verdict Form

The parties shall serve, via e-mail or fax, their proposed jury instructions in accordance with 

Local Rule 163 and their proposed verdict form on one another no later than August 14, 2015. The 

parties shall conduct a conference to address their proposed jury instructions and verdict form no later 

than August 28, 2015. At the conference, the parties SHALL attempt to reach agreement on jury 

instructions and verdict form for use at trial. The parties shall file all agreed-upon jury instructions and 

verdict form no later than September 11, 2015, and identify such as the agreed-upon jury instructions 

and verdict forms. At the same time, the parties SHALL lodge via e-mail a copy of the joint jury 

instructions and joint verdict form (in Word format) to JLTOrders@caed.uscourts.gov. 

If and only if, the parties after genuine, reasonable and good faith effort cannot agree upon 

certain specific jury instructions and verdict form, the parties shall file their respective proposed 

(disputed) jury instructions and proposed (disputed) verdict form no later than September 11, 2015,

and identify such as the disputed jury instructions and verdict forms. At the same time, the parties 

SHALL lodge via e-mail, a copy of his/their own (disputed) jury instructions and proposed (disputed) 

verdict form (in Word format) to JLTOrders@caed.uscourts.gov. 

In selecting proposed instructions, the parties shall use Ninth Circuit Model Civil Jury 

Instructions or California’s CACI instructions to the extent possible. All jury instructions and verdict 

forms shall indicate the party submitting the instruction or verdict form (i.e., joint, plaintiff’s, 

defendant’s, etc.), the number of the proposed instruction in sequence, a brief title for the instruction 

describing the subject matter, the complete text of the instruction, and the legal authority supporting 

the instruction.

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Each instruction SHALL be numbered and SHALL contain citation to the supporting authority, 

and the customary legend, i.e., “Given, Given as Modified, or Refused,” showing the Court’s action, 

with regard to each instruction. 

L. TRIAL PROTECTIVE ORDER

Defendants clarify they seek no additional protective order other than the one which remains in 

force. (Doc. 27)

M. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE

A Settlement Conference is scheduled for August 5, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., Courtroom10 before 

the Honorable Gary S. Austin, located at the Robert E. Coyle Federal Courthouse, at 2500 Tulare Street, 

Fresno, California. 

Unless otherwise permitted in advance by the Court, the attorneys who will try the case shall 

appear at the Settlement Conference with the parties and the person or persons having full authority

to negotiate and settle the case on any terms1at the conference. Consideration of settlement is a 

serious matter that requires preparation prior to the settlement conference. Set forth below are the 

procedures the Court will employ, absent good cause, in conducting the conference.

At least 21 days before the settlement conference, Plaintiff SHALL submit to Defendant via 

fax or e-mail, a written itemization of damages and a meaningful2settlement demand which includes a 

brief explanation of why such a settlement is appropriate. Thereafter, no later than 14 days before the 

settlement conference, Defendant SHALL respond, via fax or e-mail, with an acceptance of the offer or 

with a meaningful counteroffer, which includes a brief explanation of why such a settlement is 

appropriate. 

If settlement is not achieved, each party SHALL attach copies of their settlement offers to their 

 

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Insurance carriers, business organizations, and governmental bodies or agencies whose settlement agreements are 

subject to approval by legislative bodies, executive committees, boards of directors or the like shall be represented by a person 

or persons who occupy high executive positions in the party organization and who will be directly involved in the process of 

approval of any settlement offers or agreements. To the extent possible the representative shall have the authority, if he or she 

deems it appropriate, to settle the action on terms consistent with the opposing party's most recent demand.

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“Meaningful” means that the offer is reasonably calculated to settle the case on terms acceptable to the offering 

party. “Meaningful” does not include an offer which the offering party knows will not be acceptable to the other party. If, 

however, the offering party is only willing to offer a settlement which it knows the other party will not accept, this should

trigger a recognition the case is not in a settlement posture and the parties should confer about continuing or vacating the 

settlement conference via stipulation.

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Confidential Settlement Conference Statement, as described below. Copies of these documents shall 

not be filed on the court docket. 

CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

At least five court days prior to the Settlement Conference, the parties shall submit, directly to 

Judge Austin’s chambers by e-mail to GSAOrders@caed.uscourts.gov, a Confidential Settlement 

Conference Statement. The statement should not be filed with the Clerk of the Court nor served on 

any other party, although the parties may file a Notice of Lodging of Settlement Conference 

Statement. Each statement shall be clearly marked "confidential" with the date and time of the 

Settlement Conference indicated prominently thereon. 

The Confidential Settlement Conference Statement shall include the following:

A. A brief statement of the facts of the case.

B. A brief statement of the claims and defenses, i.e., statutory or other grounds upon which the claims are 

founded; a forthright evaluation of the parties' likelihood of prevailing on the claims and defenses; and a 

description of the major issues in dispute.

C. A summary of the proceedings to date.

D. An estimate of the cost and time to be expended for further discovery, pretrial and trial. 

E. The relief sought.

F. The party's position on settlement, including present demands and offers and a history of past settlement 

discussions, offers and demands.

N. OBJECTIONS TO PRETRIAL ORDER

Any party may, within 10 days after the date of service of this order, file and serve written 

objections to any of the provisions set forth in this order. Such objections shall clearly specify the 

requested modifications, corrections, additions or deletions.

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O. COMPLIANCE

Strict compliance with this order and its requirements is mandatory. All parties and their 

counsel are subject to sanctions, including dismissal or entry of default, for failure to fully comply 

with this order and its requirements.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 23, 2015 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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