Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_11-cv-02839/USCOURTS-casd-3_11-cv-02839-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 220
Nature of Suit: Foreclosure
Cause of Action: 28:1331(a) Fed. Question: Real Property

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Wells Fargo Bank,

Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 11-CV-2839-LAB-WMC

ORDER REMANDING CASE

vs.

Charles Dittes Parker and Carol Ann

Parker,

Defendants.

On December 15, 2010, Wells Fargo filed an unlawful detainer action against the

Parkers in San Diego Superior Court. Almost one year later, on December 5, 2011, the

Parkers removed the action to this Court, asserting federal question jurisdiction under 28

U.S.C. § 1441(b).

The Court is obliged to examine its own jurisdiction, sua sponte if necessary, B.C. v.

Plumas Unified Sch. Dist., 192 F.3d 1260, 1264 (9th Cir. 1999), and to remand any removed

action over which it lacks jurisdiction. 28 U.S.C. § 1447(c). “Where doubt regarding the right

to removal exists, a case should be remanded to state court.” Matheson v. Progressive

Specialty Ins. Co., 319 F.3d 1089, 1090 (9th Cir. 2003). Under the well-pleaded complaint

rule, federal question jurisdiction only exists when the complaint is based on federal law;

federal questions in defenses or counterclaims are insufficient. Vaden v. Discover Bank, 556

U.S. 49, 129 S.Ct. 1262, 1272, 1278 (2009). Wells Fargo’s complaint contains no federal

Case 3:11-cv-02839-LAB-WMC Document 3 Filed 12/14/11 Page 1 of 2
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claims; here, the only federal question identified in the Parkers’ removal notice is their own

claim or defense arising under the Truth in Lending Act. That is an inadequate basis for

removal, and the Parkers have not identified any other basis. Because the notice of removal

does not show why this action was removable, it is REMANDED to the court from which it

was removed.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: December 13, 2011

HONORABLE LARRY ALAN BURNS

United States District Judge

Case 3:11-cv-02839-LAB-WMC Document 3 Filed 12/14/11 Page 2 of 2