Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-02189/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-02189-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 28:1441 Petition for Removal- Civil Rights Act

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

GERALD ISAAC PEASE, II,

Plaintiff,

v.

COUNTY OF NEVADA, et al.,

Defendants.

Case No. 2:24-cv-02189-CSK

PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER AND 

ORDER DISMISSING DOE DEFENDANTS

READ THIS ORDER CAREFULLY. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT DATES THAT 

THE COURT WILL STRICTLY ENFORCE AND WITH WHICH ALL COUNSEL AND 

PARTIES, INCLUDING THOSE PROCEEDING WITHOUT COUNSEL, MUST COMPLY. 

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THIS ORDER MAY RESULT IN THE 

IMPOSITION OF MONETARY AND ALL OTHER APPROPRIATE SANCTIONS.

On January 7, 2025, the Court conducted a status (pretrial scheduling) 

conference in this matter. At the status conference, attorney R. Ellis Harper appeared on 

behalf of Plaintiff, and attorney John Swafford appeared on behalf of Defendants. After 

considering the parties’ joint status report (ECF No. 17), and the status conference held, 

the Court issues the following pretrial scheduling order.1

1 This matter proceeds before the undersigned pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) on the 

consent of all parties. (ECF Nos. 6, 7, 10.)

Case 2:24-cv-02189-CSK Document 20 Filed 01/08/25 Page 1 of 13
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I. NATURE OF THE CASE2

Plaintiff’s Contentions:

Plaintiff was arrested on 7/06/23 after he posted a bail bond for a friend. The bail 

bond was revoked as the defendant-friend had been released under bond through 

'clerical error" attributed to the Nevada county Sheriff’s Office that administers the jail in 

Nevada County. Plaintiff filed an appropriate tort claim on December 29, 2023, against 

the public entities and the two officers they employ. On denial of the tort claim, plaintiff 

filed his complaint in the Nevada County superior court on 6/28/23. The complaint seeks 

relief for false arrest, false imprisonment, violation of 42 USC § 1983; a Bane Act 

violation under Civil Code section 52.1; and a tort claim for intentional infliction of 

emotional distress. On July 17, 2024, the defendants: Nevada County, Nevada County

Sheriff's Office, and Sheriff, Shannon Moon, were served with the complaint. The 

defendants retained counsel, and the matter was removed to federal court on August 15, 

2024. Plaintiff filed a motion to remand the cause to state court, with hearing set for 

October 29, 2024.

Defendants’ Contentions:

Defendants contend that while searching for an outstanding felony suspect, 

Plaintiff knowingly withheld information as to the suspect, his friend, and secreted his 

location from law enforcement. Defendants contend that Plaintiff directed the suspect to 

flee the residence to evade apprehension. Defendants contend that probable cause 

existed to arrest Plaintiff for harboring the suspect and obstructing the deputies, among 

other potential crimes. Defendants contest all other facts alleged by Plaintiff relating to 

liability and damages at this time, and deny all liability as to the federal and state claims 

alleged in Plaintiff’s Complaint.

II. SERVICE OF PROCESS, JOINDER OF PARTIES, PLEADINGS AMENDMENT 

All named Defendants have been served and have answered the Complaint. 

2 For the “nature of the case” statement, the parties’ contentions in the November 11,

2024 status report are provided.

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(ECF No. 17 at 4.) No further service, joinder of parties, or amendments to pleadings is 

permitted except with leave of Court, and only after good cause is shown.

Currently, one hundred (100) Doe Defendants are named in the Complaint. (See

ECF No. 1 at 4.) The inclusion of such “Doe” defendants is generally disfavored in the 

Ninth Circuit. Soo Park v. Thompson, 851 F.3d 910, 928 n.21 (9th Cir. 2017) (citing 

Gillespie v. Civiletti, 629 F.2d 637, 642 (9th Cir. 1980)). In addition, in the parties’ Rule 

26(f) report, Plaintiff indicates that “[a]ll defendants were served with the complaint filed 

in state court. There are no other named defendants. This matter is fully at issue.” (ECF 

No. 17 at 4.) At the scheduling conference, Plaintiff also confirmed that dismissal of the 

Doe Defendants was appropriate. The Doe Defendants are hereby DISMISSED from 

this case, and should Plaintiff wish to amend to add additional named defendants after 

discovering their identities, Plaintiff may file a motion to amend and submit this motion 

for the Court’s review. No further service, joinder of parties, or amendments to pleadings 

is permitted except with leave of Court, and only after good cause is shown.

III. JURISDICTION/VENUE

The parties assert that the Court has federal question jurisdiction (ECF No. 17 at 

4), which is found to be proper. Venue is proper and undisputed. (Id.)

IV. DISCOVERY DEADLINES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCOVERY DISPUTES

A. Initial Disclosures

The parties agreed to exchange Rule 26 Initial Disclosures on or before 

December 20, 2024 by agreement. (ECF No. No. 17 at 4.) At the scheduling 

conference, parties confirmed initial disclosures were exchanged as agreed.

B. Joint Mid-Discovery and Mediation Status Statement

By May 30, 2025, all parties shall file with the Court a Joint Mid-Discovery 

Statement summarizing the current status of discovery efforts. This statement shall 

include discovery completed to date and identification of issues, if any, preventing 

discovery from proceeding in a timely manner. The filing of this statement shall not 

relieve the parties or counsel of their obligations to meet and confer, comply with the 

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deadlines set by the Court, and comply with the discovery procedures set by the Court. 

C. Non-Expert Discovery

All non-expert discovery shall be completed by October 13, 2025. “Completed” 

means (1) all non-expert discovery shall have been conducted, including written 

discovery and depositions taken, and (2) any disputes related to discovery shall have 

been resolved by appropriate order if necessary and, where discovery has been 

ordered, the order has been complied with. Any discovery-related motions must conform 

to the requirements of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, this Court’s Local Rules,3 

including Local Rule 251, and Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders.4 Judge Kim hears civil 

motions on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

D. Expert Discovery

The parties shall disclose any expert witnesses in accordance with Federal Rule 

of Civil Procedure 26(a)(2) no later than November 3, 2025. Any rebuttal expert 

disclosures shall be made in accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) no later than 

December 19, 2025. Expert disclosures shall be served upon all parties. All expert 

discovery shall be completed by January 16, 2026. “Completed” means (1) all expert 

discovery shall have been conducted, including depositions taken, and (2) any disputes 

related to expert discovery shall have been resolved by appropriate court order if 

necessary and, where discovery has been ordered, the order has been complied with. 

The same procedures for discovery disputes applies to non-expert and expert discovery.

An expert witness not timely disclosed will not be permitted to testify unless the 

party offering the expert witness demonstrates that the failure was substantially justified 

or is harmless. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(c). Upon discovery of any such expert witness, 

3 The Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of 

California are available on the district court’s website: 

https://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/index.cfm/rules/local-rules/. 

4 Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders are available on Judge Kim’s webpage on the 

district court’s website: https://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/index.cfm/judges/alljudges/united-states-magistrate-judge-chi-soo-kim-csk/. 

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the party offering the late disclosed expert witness must promptly notify all parties in 

writing, promptly make the expert witness available for deposition, and promptly notify 

the Court in a written filling. This filing must include the case deadlines for expert 

disclosures, expert discovery cut-off, dispositive motions, final pretrial conference, and 

trial. Failure to timely provide the information required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) may 

lead to preclusion of the expert’s testimony or other appropriate sanctions. See Fed. R. 

Civ. P. 37(c).

E. Discovery Disputes

Prior to filing any discovery-related motions, the parties are required to meet and 

confer in good faith in an attempt to resolve their discovery disputes informally and 

without Court intervention. Such meet and confer shall take place in person, by 

telephone, or by video. The mere exchange of letters or e-mails alone is not sufficient. 

As part of their joint statement related to a discovery motion submitted pursuant to Local 

Rule 251, the parties shall also specifically outline: (a) what meet-and-confer efforts were 

taken, including when and where such discussions took place, who participated, how the 

parties’ disputes were narrowed as a result of such discussions; and (b) a summary of 

discovery completed to date. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in 

summary denial of any discovery motion. 

The Court strongly encourages the use of informal telephonic discovery 

conferences with the Court in lieu of formal discovery motion practice. The procedures 

and conditions for requesting and conducting such an informal telephonic discovery 

conference are set forth in Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders. In addition, and subject to 

availability, the Court will rule on disputes encountered during oral depositions. If a 

dispute arises during the deposition, the parties may contact Judge Kim’s Courtroom 

Deputy at (916) 930-4187 to inquire regarding Judge Kim’s availability. However, the 

parties are cautioned that these informal procedures are not to be abused, and the Court 

may impose appropriate sanctions. 

/ / / 

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V. MOTIONS

All pretrial law and motion, including motions for summary judgment under Fed. 

R. Civ. P. 56, shall be filed by February 17, 2026 and heard by March 24, 2026.

5 

Dispositive motions must be filed following the procedures of Local Rules 230 and 

260, and Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders. Counsel and parties proceeding without 

counsel should pay particular attention to the rules for Statements of Undisputed Facts 

for motions for summary judgment, cross motions for summary judgment, and general 

brief requirements in the Local Rules and Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders. If both 

Plaintiff and Defendant intend to file motions for summary judgment, the parties must 

follow the schedule and requirements set out in Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders for 

cross motions for summary judgment.6 Judge Kim generally hears civil motions on 

Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. This paragraph does not apply to motions for continuances, 

motions in limine related to trial, temporary restraining orders, or other emergency 

applications, for which the Court may set a special briefing schedule, if necessary or 

appropriate. 

All purely legal issues are to be resolved by timely pretrial motion. The purpose of 

law and motion is to narrow and refine the legal issues raised by the case, as well as to 

dispose of those issues that can be resolved by pretrial motion. Motions in limine should 

address trial-related issues, such as the admissibility of evidence. The Court will look 

with disfavor upon dispositive motions or other substantive legal motions presented as 

motions in limine at the time of trial.

VI. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE

The parties are scheduled to participate in a settlement conference on February 

5 Pursuant to Local Rule 230(b), a motion set for hearing on March 24, 2026 must be 

filed by February 17, 2026, which is 35 days before the hearing date. Please note that 

Judge Kim has a separate schedule for cross motions for summary judgment, which is 

set out in her Civil Standing Orders.

6 Pursuant to Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders, if both Plaintiff and Defendant intend 

to file motions for summary judgment, Plaintiff’s opening summary judgment motion must 

be filed by February 3, 2026.

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7, 2025 with Magistrate Judge Carolyn Delaney. 

VII. FINAL PRETRIAL CONFERENCE AND TRIAL 

The final pretrial conference is set for July 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and trial is set 

for August 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in in Courtroom No. 25 before United States Magistrate 

Judge Chi Soo Kim. Trial counsel must appear at the final pretrial conference. At the 

final pretrial conference, the Court will set the deadlines for other trial-related deadlines, 

including the submission of exhibits. 

A. Meet and Confer

At least 28 days before the final Pretrial Conference, lead counsel who will try the 

case shall meet and confer with respect to the following subjects: (1) settlement of the 

case; (2) preparation of the joint pretrial filings; and (3) clarifying and narrowing the 

contested issues for trial. Counsel in close geographical proximity are encouraged to 

meet in person.

B. Joint Pretrial Statement 

The parties shall file a joint pretrial statement pursuant to Local Rule 281(a)(2). 

The joint pretrial statement must be filed no later than twenty-one (21) days before the 

date set for the final pretrial conference and must also be emailed as a Word document 

to CSKorders@caed.uscourts.gov. Separate pretrial statements are not permitted 

unless a party is not represented by counsel. 

The pretrial statement must cover all topics identified in Local Rule 281 with the 

following additions and clarifications:

1. Statement of the Case: A concise, joint statement of the case must be 

included. 

2. Trial Length Estimate: An estimate of the length of trial must also be 

included. Unless otherwise ordered, trial hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 

4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

3. Procedural Status: A concise summary of the procedural status of the 

case must be included, including the disposition of any motions and 

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whether any motions are still pending. 

4. Factual Issues: The undisputed facts and disputed factual issues shall be 

set forth in separate sections of the pretrial statement. Each fact or factual 

issue should be numbered. For disputed factual issues, identify the cause 

of action or defense to which the factual issue is related.

5. Points of Law: In the points of law section of the pretrial statement, include 

the elements for each cause of action and each defense, with citation to 

the relevant legal authority. 

6. Motions In Limine: The parties shall also identify the motions in limine 

each party reasonably anticipates filing. 

7. Witness Lists: Each party’s witness list must be submitted as a separate 

attachment to the pretrial statement, and labeled as such. The witness list 

must include the witness’s name; the witness’s title or position; whether the 

testimony is offered in-person or by deposition; whether the witness is 

designated as an expert; and a concise statement of the anticipated 

subjects of testimony. Pursuant to Local Rule 281, only individuals on the 

witness list submitted with the pretrial statement will be permitted to testify 

at trial, except as may be otherwise provided in the pretrial order. The 

witness’s address does not need to be included.

8. Exhibit Lists: Each party’s exhibit list must be submitted as a separate 

attachment to the pretrial statement, and labeled as such. Plaintiff’s 

exhibits shall be listed numerically; Defendant’s exhibits shall be listed 

alphabetically. All exhibits must be individually identified with specificity, 

including a reasonable amount of detail such that other parties can identify 

each exhibit, including exhibit name/title, document/file date, bates 

numbers, and a concise description of the exhibit. Groups or categories of 

documents/records may not be listed as a single exhibit (e.g., it is improper 

to list “Initial Disclosure Documents,” “Cell phone records,” etc. as a single 

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exhibit). Pursuant to Local Rule 281, only exhibits on the exhibit list 

submitted with the pretrial statement will be permitted to be offered at trial, 

except as may be otherwise provided in the pretrial order. The parties are 

instructed to refer to and follow the Court’s Jury Trial Procedures available 

on Judge Kim’s webpage on the district court’s website: 

https://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/index.cfm/judges/alljudges/united-states-magistrate-judge-chi-soo-kim-csk/. This document 

includes important instructions and requirements for exhibit lists. 

9. Further Discovery or Motions: Inclusion of a section regarding further 

discovery or motions in the pretrial statement pursuant to Local Rule 

218(b)(13) will not be interpreted as a motion to request further discovery, 

a request to modify the scheduling order or any other order issued for this 

case, or as an actual motion or request. The parties must continue to follow 

the scheduling order(s) for this case, the Local Rules, and the Court’s 

standing orders to request further discovery or a modification of the 

scheduling order(s). 

C. Motions In Limine

Motions in limine shall be filed by the close of business fourteen (14) days before 

the date set for the final pretrial conference. Any opposition shall be filed by the close of 

business seven (7) days before the date set for the final pretrial conference. No replies 

shall be filed. 

Briefing for motions in limine shall be limited to 25 pages total for each side. Each 

motion in limine should be numbered and clearly identified. For example, “Plaintiffs’ 

Motion in Limine No. 1 Re: [subject].” The brief shall include a table of contents at the 

beginning that lists each motion in limine and the page number on which the motion 

begins.

Briefing for oppositions/ responses to motions in limine shall also be limited to 25 

pages total for each side. Each opposition/ response should be numbered and clearly 

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identified. For example, “Defendants’ Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion in Limine No. 1 Re: 

[subject].” The brief shall also include a table of contents at the beginning that lists each 

motion in limine opposition/ response and the page number on which the opposition/ 

response begins.

The parties should be prepared to argue their motions in limine at the final pretrial 

conference. The Court will endeavor to rule on motions in limine before trial begins to 

assist the parties in their trial preparations. 

D. Proposed Voir Dire, Jury Instructions, and Verdict Forms 

The parties must file proposed voir dire questions, proposed joint jury instructions, 

and proposed joint verdict forms by the close of business fourteen (14) days before the 

date set for the final pretrial conference. The parties must also email these filings as 

Word documents to CSKorders@caed.uscourts.gov. The parties should be prepared to 

address the proposed voir dire questions, jury instructions, and verdict forms at the final 

pretrial conference. The parties are instructed to refer to and follow the Court’s Jury 

Trial Procedures available on Judge Kim’s webpage on the district court’s website: 

https://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/index.cfm/judges/all-judges/united-statesmagistrate-judge-chi-soo-kim-csk/. This document includes important instructions and 

requirements for the submission of joint proposed joint jury instructions. 

*Proposed voir dire questions, jury instructions, and verdict forms should not be 

submitted in cases tried to the bench.

E. Trial Briefs

Parties are not required to file trial briefs. If a party chooses to file a trial brief, it 

shall not be longer than five pages and shall be filed no later than by the close of 

business fourteen (14) days before the date set for the final pretrial conference. Trial 

briefs shall not duplicate the contents of the joint pretrial statement and proposed order.

F. Courtesy Copies

Two binders containing courtesy copies of the Joint Pretrial Statement, witness 

lists, exhibit lists, proposed voir dire questions, proposed joint jury instructions, proposed 

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joint verdict forms, motions in limine, and optional trial briefs must be delivered to the 

Clerk’s office by noon thirteen (13) days before the date set for the final pretrial 

conference. This is the day after the filing deadline for the proposed voir dire questions, 

proposed jury instructions, proposed verdict forms, motions in limine, and optional trial 

briefs. Parties do not need to provide courtesy copies of the motion in limine oppositions.

All courtesy copies must be double-sided, three-hole punched at the left margin, 

and marked with the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page 

number) on the top of each page. These binders shall include labeled side tabs, and be 

clearly marked “Chambers Copy – Do Not File” with Judge Kim’s name, the case 

number, and the case name. 

G. Trial

A jury trial is set for August 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., in Courtroom No. 25. The 

parties estimate 5-7 days for trial. (ECF No. 7 at 5.)

VIII. SCHEDULE SUMMARY 

Event Deadline

Initial Disclosure Exchange December 20, 2024

Joint Mid-Discovery and 

Mediation Status Report

May 30, 2025

Non-Expert Discovery 

Completion

October 13, 2025

Expert Disclosures November 3, 2025

Rebuttal Expert Disclosures December 19, 2025

Expert Discovery Completion January 16, 2026

If cross-motions for summary 

judgment,7 Plaintiff’s Summary 

Judgment Motion Filed By

February 3, 2026

7 If both Plaintiff and Defendant intend to file motions for summary judgment, the parties 

must follow the schedule set out in Judge Kim’s Civil Standing Orders for cross-motions 

for summary judgment.

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Event Deadline

If no cross-motions for summary 

judgment, Dispositive Motion 

Filed By

February 17, 2026

Dispositive Motions Heard By March 24, 2026

Joint Pretrial Statement Filed By 21 days before the FPTC

Motions In Limine Filed By 14 days before the FPTC

Final Pretrial Conference 

(“FPTC”) and Motions In Limine 

Hearing

July 21, 2026 

Jury Trial (5-7 days) August 24, 2026 

IX. MODIFICATIONS OF THIS SCHEDULING ORDER

This case schedule will become final without further order of the Court unless 

written objections are filed within fourteen (14) days of the entry of this order. The parties 

are reminded that pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16(b)(4), this order shall 

not be modified except by leave of Court upon a showing of “good cause.” See Johnson 

v. Mammoth Recreations, Inc., 975 F.2d 604 (9th Cir. 1992). Agreement by the parties 

pursuant to a stipulation does not constitute good cause. Nor does the unavailability of 

witnesses or counsel, except in extraordinary circumstances, constitute good cause. 

Requests or stipulations to continue dispositive motion deadlines, the final pretrial 

conference, or trial dates must establish good cause and are not granted lightly.

Any request or stipulation to modify this scheduling order must set forth the 

following: 

1. the existing due date or hearing date as well as the discovery cutoff date, the last 

date for hearing motions, the final pretrial conference date, and the trial date; 

2. whether there have been prior requests for extensions, and whether these were 

granted or denied by the Court; and 

3. specific, concrete reasons supporting good cause for granting the extension. For 

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example, if the reason for the requested extension is that it “will promote 

settlement,” the requesting party or parties must indicate the status of negotiation 

efforts (e.g., whether a mediator has been selected, a mediation has been 

scheduled, etc.).

Dated: January 7, 2025

4, peas2189.24

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