Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-01921/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-01921-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 190
Nature of Suit: Other Contract Actions
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Other Contract

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

DARLENE GOMES,

NO. CIV. S-06-1921 LKK/KJM

Plaintiff,

v. O R D E R

MICHAELS STORES, INC.;

BROADSPIRE SERVICES, INC.;

KRISTINE BLAS AND DOES 1-100,

Defendants.

 /

Defendants have removed this case on the grounds that

plaintiff fraudulently joined defendant Kristine Blas, whose

presence deprives the court of diversity jurisdiction. Defendants

argue that plaintiff makes no independent allegations against Blas

and that she cannot be held personally liable as merely an agent

of an insurance carrier. However, plaintiff’s complaint states

that all defendants’ acts “were performed partly within and partly

outside the course and scope of their authority and employment.”

Case 2:06-cv-01921-LKK -KJM Document 13 Filed 09/29/06 Page 1 of 2
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Compl. ¶ 7. While plaintiff did not file a motion to remand, the

court has an independent duty to ensure that subject matter

jurisdiction exists. See 28 U.S.C.A. § 1447.

Accordingly, the court orders as follows:

1. Plaintiff shall file additional briefing by October 6,

2006 as to whether subject matter jurisdiction is

proper, given the presence of defendant Blas in the

case. Defendant shall file an opposition by October 13,

2006, and plaintiff may file a reply by October 18,

2006.

2. The current hearing set for October 10, 2006 at 10:00

a.m. is hereby CONTINUED to November 13, 2006 at 10:00

a.m.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: September 29, 2006.

Case 2:06-cv-01921-LKK -KJM Document 13 Filed 09/29/06 Page 2 of 2