Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-4_04-cv-00448/USCOURTS-cand-4_04-cv-00448-9/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Civil Rights Act

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PAGE 1 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

LAW OFFICE OF MARK E. MERIN

Mark E. Merin, SBN. 043849

2001 P Street, Suite 100

Sacramento, California 95814

Telephone: (916) 443-6911

Facsimile: (916) 447-8336

CASPER, MEADOWS, SCHWARTZ & COOK

Andrew Charles Schwartz, SBN 064578

2121 N California Boulevard, Suite 1020

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Telephone: (925) 947-1147

Facsimile: (925) 947-1131

Attorneys for Plaintiffs

THOMAS F. CASEY III, COUNTY COUNSEL, SBN 47562

Carol L. Woodward, Deputy, SBN 084197 

Hall of Justice and Records

400 County Center, 6th Floor

Redwood City, CA 94063

Telephone: (650) 363-4746

Facsimile: (650) 363-4034

PORTER, SCOTT, WEIBERG & DELEHANT

Terence J. Cassidy, SBN 99180

P.O. Box 255428

Sacramento, CA 95865

Telephone: (916) 929-1481 

Facsimile: (916) 927-3706

Attorneys for Defendants

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SHANNON GALLAGHER, ROBERTA

BAUCCIO, GRACE CARLAND, and all others

similarly situated, 

Plaintiffs,

vs.

COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, SAN MATEO

COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT; SAN

MATEO COUNTY SHERIFF DON HORSLEY, in

his individual and official capacity; SAN MATEO

COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES DOES 1

THROUGH 100; and DOES 1 THROUGH 150,

INCLUSIVE, et al., 

Defendants.

CASE NO: C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY

APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF

CLASS ACTION 

DATE: April 3, 2007

TIME: 1:00 p.m.

CTRM: 3

JUDGE: Hon. Saundra Brown

Armstrong

Case 4:04-cv-00448-SBA Document 58 Filed 04/03/07 Page 1 of 8
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PAGE 2 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

WHEREAS, plaintiffs SHANNON GALLAGHER, ROBERTA BAUCCIO, and GRACE

CARLAND, on behalf of themselves and all persons similarly situated, by and through their

attorneys, Mark E. Merin of the Law Office of Mark E. Merin and Andrew C. Schwartz of

Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, and defendants, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, SAN

MATEO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT and SAN MATEO COUNTY SHERIFF DON

HORSLEY, by and through their counsel, Thomas F. Casey, III, County Counsel, Carol L.

Woodward, Deputy County Counsel and Terence J. Cassidy of the law firm Porter, Scott,

Weiberg & Delehant, have entered into a Stipulation of Settlement intending to resolve all

claims raised in this class action pending in this Court; 

WHEREAS, the Stipulation of Settlement, together with the supporting materials, sets

forth the terms and conditions for a proposed settlement and dismissal with prejudice of the

pending above-captioned class action against all defendants;

WHEREAS, the Court has before it and has reviewed the parties’ Stipulated Motion for

Preliminary Approval of Settlement of Class Action together with the Stipulation of Settlement

and supporting materials; and

WHEREAS, the Court is satisfied that the terms and conditions set forth in the

Stipulation of Settlement were the result of good faith, arms’ length settlement negotiations

between competent and experienced counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants, after mediation

before both Chief Magistrate Judge James Larson and the Honorable Raul Ramirez (Retired);

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:

I. PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT 

1. The terms of the Stipulation of Settlement are hereby preliminarily approved,

subject to further consideration thereof at the Fairness Hearing provided for

below. The Court finds that the settlement is sufficiently within the range of

reasonableness and that notice of the proposed settlement should be given as

provided in this Order. 

2. The Court further finds that plaintiffs SHANNON GALLAGHER, ROBERTA

BAUCCIO, and GRACE CARLAND are adequate class representatives for the

Case 4:04-cv-00448-SBA Document 58 Filed 04/03/07 Page 2 of 8
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PAGE 3 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

settlement class.

3. The Court further finds that plaintiffs’ counsel Mark E. Merin of the Law Office

of Mark E. Merin and Andrew C. Schwartz of Casper, Meadows, Schwartz and

Cook are adequate class counsel.

4. The Court approves the Notice of Proposed Settlement of Class Action Strip

Search Case attached hereto as Exhibit A and further approves the method by

which notice is proposed to be given. 

5. If, pursuant to the terms of the Stipulation of Settlement, the settlement is not

consummated, the preliminary approval of the Stipulation of Settlement shall be

void and the parties shall have reserved all of the rights to continue with any

litigation or further mediation or settlement discussions.

6. The Bar Date, as defined in paragraph 2 of the Stipulation of Settlement shall be

October 5, 2007.

II. NOTICE TO SETTLEMENT CLASS MEMBERS, APPROVAL OF CLASS

COUNSEL, AND EMPLOYMENT OF CLASS CLAIM ADMINISTRATOR

7. Counsel for the class (“class counsel”) are as follows:

Mark E. Merin, Esq.

Law Office of Mark E. Merin

2001 P Street, Suite 100

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 443-6911 - Telephone

(916) 447-8336 - Facsimile

Andrew Charles Schwartz, Esq.

Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook

2121 N California Boulevard, Suite 1020

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

(925) 947-1147 - Telephone

(925) 947-1131 - Facsimile

8. Counsel for defendants are as follows:

Thomas F. Casey, III, County Counsel

Carol L. Woodward, Deputy County Counsel

Hall of Justice and Records

400 County Center, 6th Floor

Redwood City, CA 94063

(650) 363-4746 - Telephone

(650) 363-4034 - Facsimile

Case 4:04-cv-00448-SBA Document 58 Filed 04/03/07 Page 3 of 8
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PAGE 4 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

Terence J. Cassidy, Esq.

Porter Scott Weiberg & Delehant 

P.O. Box 255428

Sacramento, CA 95865

(916) 929-1481- Telephone

(916) 927-3706 - Facsimile

9. Class Claims Administrator is as follows:

Gilardi and Company, LLC

3301 Kerner Blvd

San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 461-0410 - Telephone

(800) Toll Free Number to be arranged.

(415) 461-0412 - Facsimile

10. Beginning no later than 30 days from the date of this Order, counsel for the

parties acting with the Class Claims Administrator shall cause to be disseminated

the Notice and Claim Form, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibits

A and B, in the manner set forth in paragraphs 58 through 63 of the Stipulation of

Settlement. Such summary notice as the parties agree will be published in

accordance with the Stipulation of Settlement and announcements following a

script approved by the parties will be made on such radio stations with the

frequency provided in the Stipulation of Settlement. Class members will have up

to and including [four months from date of Court Order on a date certain to be

inserted?], in which to object to this settlement or file claims. Prior to the

Fairness Hearing, the Claims Administrator shall file and serve a sworn statement

attesting to compliance with the provisions of this paragraph.

11. The notice to be provided as set forth in the Stipulation of Settlement is hereby

found to be the best means practicable of providing notice under the

circumstances and, when completed, shall constitute due and sufficient notice of

the proposed settlement and of the Fairness Hearing to all persons and entities

affected by and/or entitled to participate in the settlement, in full compliance with

applicable statutes and Constitution of the state of California, due process, the

Constitution of the United States and all other applicable laws. The notices are

accurate, objective, informative and provide class members with all of the

Case 4:04-cv-00448-SBA Document 58 Filed 04/03/07 Page 4 of 8
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PAGE 5 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

necessary information to make an informed decision regarding their participation

in the settlement and its fairness. 

12. Counsel for the respective parties are authorized to retain Gilardi and Company,

LLC, 3301 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901, as Class Claims Administrator in

accordance with the Stipulation of Settlement and this Order.

13. Members of the Settlement Class were given an opportunity to be excluded (“opt

out”) from the Settlement Class by filing their request to be excluded on or before

March 31, 2006. No persons have elected to exclude themselves by filing

requests for exclusion. 

14. Members of the Settlement Class who did not properly and timely request

exclusion from the Settlement Class shall be bound by all the terms and

provisions of this Stipulation of Settlement, including but not limited to the

releases, waivers, and covenants described in the Stipulation of Settlement,

whether or not such person object to the settlement and whether or not such

person made a claim upon or participated in the Settlement Fund created pursuant

to the Stipulation of Settlement. 

III. THE FAIRNESS HEARING

15. A hearing on final approval, the “Fairness Hearing,” is hereby scheduled to be

held before this Court on November 6, 2007, at 1:00 p.m., to consider the

fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the proposed settlement, the dismissal

with prejudice of this class action complaint with respect to the released parties

herein, and the entry of final judgment in the class action. Class counsels’

application for award of attorneys’ fees and costs shall be heard at the time of the

Fairness Hearing.

16. The date and time of the Fairness Hearing shall be set forth in the Notice, but the

Fairness Hearing shall be subject to adjournment by the Court without further

notice to the members of the settlement class other than that which may be issued

by the Court. 

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PAGE 6 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

17. Any person who did not elect to be excluded from the settlement class may, but

need not, enter an appearance through his or her own attorney. Settlement class

members who do not enter an appearance through their own attorneys will be

represented by class counsel.

18. Any person who did not elect to be excluded from the settlement class may, but

need not, submit comments or objections to the proposed settlement. Any class

member may object to the proposed settlement, entry of the final order and

judgment approving the settlement, and class counsels’ application for fees and

expenses by filing and serving a written objection.

19. Any class member making the objection (an “objector”) must sign the objection

personally. Any objection must state why the objector objects to the proposed

settlement and provide the basis to support such position. If an objector intends

to appear personally at the Fairness Hearing, the objector must include with the

objection a notice of the objector’s intent to appear at the hearing. 

20. Objections, along with any notice of intent to appear, must be filed with the Court

no later than October 5, 2007. If counsel is appearing on behalf of more than one

class member, counsel must identify each such class member and each class

member must have complied with the requirements of this order. The documents

must be filed with the clerk of the Court at the following address: United States

District Court, Northern District of California, 1301 Clay Street, Courtroom 3,

Oakland, California 94612.

21. Objections, along with any notice of intent to appear, must also be mailed to class

counsel and counsel for defendants at the addresses listed below:

Counsel for the class (“class counsel”) are as follows:

Mark E. Merin, Esq.

Law Office of Mark E. Merin

2001 P Street, Suite 100

Sacramento, CA 95814 

(916) 443-6911 - Telephone

(916) 447-8336 - Facsimile

Case 4:04-cv-00448-SBA Document 58 Filed 04/03/07 Page 6 of 8
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PAGE 7 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

Andrew Charles Schwartz, Esq.

Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook

2121 N California Boulevard, Suite 1020

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

(925) 947-1147 - Telephone

(925) 947-1131 - Facsimile

Counsel for defendants are as follows:

Thomas F. Casey, III, County Counsel

Carol L. Woodward, Deputy County Counsel

Hall of Justice and Records

400 County Center, 6th Floor

Redwood City, CA 94063

(650) 363-4746 - Telephone

(650) 363-4034 - Facsimile

Terence J. Cassidy, Esq.

Porter Scott Weiberg & Delehant 

P.O. Box 255428

Sacramento, CA 95865

(916) 929-1481- Telephone

(916) 927-3706- Facsimile

22. Only class members who have filed and served valid and timely notices of

objection shall be entitled to be heard at the Fairness Hearing. Any class member

who does not timely file and serve an objection in writing to the settlement, entry

of final order and judgment, or to class counsels’ application for fees and

expenses, in accordance with the procedure set forth in the class notice and

mandated in the order, shall be deemed to have waived any such objection by

appeal, collateral attack, or otherwise. 

23. Persons wishing to be heard at the Fairness Hearing are required to file written

comments or objections and indicate in their written comments or objections their

intention to appear at the Fairness Hearing. Settlement class members need not

appear at the hearing or take any other action to indicate their approval. 

24. All members of the settlement class who did not timely request to be excluded

from the class are enjoined from proceeding against the defendants until such

time as the Court renders a final decision regarding approval of the settlement

and, if the settlement is approved, enters final judgment as provided in the

Stipulation of Settlement.

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PAGE 8 OF 8

SHANNON GALLAGHER, et al. v. COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, et al. USDC, Northern District, Case No. C 04-0448 SBA

ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION [PROPOSED]

V. OTHER PROVISIONS

25. Upon approval of the settlement provided for in the Stipulation of Settlement,

each and every term and provision thereof shall be deemed incorporated herein as

if expressly set forth and shall have the force and effect of an order of this Court. 

26. The Honorable Raul Ramirez, United States District Court Judge, retired, is

hereby appointed to serve as Special Master to review and resolve certain disputes

which may arise pursuant to the terms of the Stipulation of Settlement.

27. All reasonable costs incurred in notifying members of the settlement class as well

as administering the Stipulation of Settlement shall be paid as set forth in the

Stipulation of Settlement.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: 4/2/07 ________________________________________________

HON. SAUNDRA BROWN ARMSTRONG

JUDGE OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Case 4:04-cv-00448-SBA Document 58 Filed 04/03/07 Page 8 of 8