Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-01053/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-01053-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 791
Nature of Suit: Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
Cause of Action: 29:1132 E.R.I.S.A.: Employee Benefits

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KEN WALTERS, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

FRANK GEORGE SILVERIA, JR., et al.,

Defendants.

___________________________________/

No. C-07-1053 EMC

ORDER RE SUPPLEMENTAL

BRIEFING AND EVIDENCE

Plaintiffs in the above-referenced case have moved for default judgment. Having reviewed

Plaintiffs’ motion and accompanying submissions, the Court hereby orders Plaintiffs to provide

supplemental briefing and evidence as follows.

1. The proof of service for the summons and complaint indicates that Frank George Silveria,

Jr., was served by substitute service pursuant to California law. See Cal. Code of Civ. Proc.

§ 415.20(b). However, under § 415.20(b), substitute service on an individual is permitted

only when “the summons and complaint cannot with reasonable diligence be personally

delivered to the person to be served.” Id. Plaintiffs should provide evidence that the

summons and complaint could not, with reasonable diligence, be served on Mr. Silveria. In

addition, under § 415.20(b), the summons and complaint should be served “at the person’s

dwelling house, usual place of abode, usual place of business, or usual mailing address other

than a United States Postal Service post office box, in the presence of a competent member

of the household or a person apparently in charge of his or her office, place of business, or

usual mailing address.” Id. The proof of service indicates that the summons and complaint

Case 3:07-cv-01053-CRB Document 19 Filed 07/11/07 Page 1 of 2
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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were served at Mr. Silveria’s residence but does not establish that the documents were left

with a member of the household. Rather, the proof of service reflects that the documents

were left with a “Jane Doe” “apparently in charge,” the standard generally applicable to

businesses. Plaintiffs should provide evidence (such as revised proof of service) that the

requirements of § 415.20(b) were satisfied (i.e. the person served was a member of the

household). Cf. Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(e) (authorizing service by leaving papers with a person

“residing” in defendant’s dwelling house or usual place of abode).

2. Based on the papers submitted, it appears that Silveria Construction is a sole proprietorship,

with Mr. Silveria as the owner. See McBride Decl., Ex. C. Hence, service under § 415.20(b)

-- and the analysis above -- would be applicable with respect to Silveria Construction as well

(as opposed to § 415.20(a)).

3. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55, a default judgment may not be entered against an

infant or incompetent person unless represented in the action by a general guardian or other

such representative who has appeared. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 55. Furthermore, a default

judgment may not be entered against an individual in military service until after the court

appoints an attorney to represent the defendant. See 50 U.S.C. App. § 521. While it may be

inferred that Mr. Silveria as a business owner is a competent adult, Plaintiffs should provide

some evidence or indication that Mr. Silveria is not in military service as the statute requires.

4. The McBride declaration refers to the Annuity Trust Fund for Operating Engineers, see

McBride Decl. ¶ 9 & Ex. E; however, the Annuity Trust Fund does not appear one of the

trust funds at issue in the case). Plaintiffs should clarify this matter.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 11, 2007

_________________________ EDWARD M. CHEN

United States Magistrate Judge

Case 3:07-cv-01053-CRB Document 19 Filed 07/11/07 Page 2 of 2