Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-00006/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-00006-5/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

---

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

IGordOn D. Meador 

Plaintiff(s) 

No·ll:14-CV-00006 DLB PC VB. 

IDr. K. Aye, et at, REQUEST FOR AUTHORITY TO INCUR

COSTS (APPOINTED COUNSEL) AND 

Defendants. REQUEST FOR PAYMENT 

______________~I 

REQUEST OF PRO BONO FOR PRE-APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES 

Complete this form and return it to the court (with two copies) for approval prior to incurring the 

cost for which reimbursement is requested. 

I, IBrian C. McComas • attorney for plainliff(s), declare as follows: 

r"""-",,-'-"Jj=='-I!J!!ill""'.!l.2.L-"in!....t,,,h!,2is action on /February 11,2015 , by the 

Honorable Dennis Beck , United States District Judge/Magistrate Judge. 

I believe that the following course of action is reasonably necessary to the prosecution of this 

action: 

Please see Declaration of Counsel (Attachment A). 

Counsel seeking refmbul"sement must support aU daimed expenses by submitting invoites, receipts or similar 

documentation. Without sutl. documentation, counsel will not be reimbursed. 

I have made reasonable inquiry and believe that the cost of this course of action will not exceed 

the amount of $1700 

1therefore request that this court authorize the expenditure in an amount not to exceed that stated 

above for the completion ofthis contemplated course ofaction. 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 1 of 8
REQUEST OF PRO BONO FOR PRE-APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES - PAGE 2 

Case Number: 11:14-CV-00006 DlB PC 

The following payments of costs have been heretofore approved in this matter: 

Amount Amount 

Approved Purpose Paid 

IN/A IN/A IN/A I 

I I I 

I I I 

I I I 

I I I 

I I I 

. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. 

Signed this I13th day of IMarch • 20 rs ,at ISan Francisco , California. 

I/G.~~ --~ Attorney for PIal IS) 

The above expenditure is Y- " Approved Denied ---­ " ~ Or, 

____Good cause appearing therefore, this matter is set for discovery conference, pursuant 

to rule __--", on _________, at _____, .M. in Courtroom 

Number I 

Dated: :sJz 5>-- LOI S-­

I I ~\~L United States.9isWiillo ~II~/Magistrate Judge 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 2 of 8
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

BRIAN C. McCOMAS 

California SBN 273161 

The Law Office of B.C. McComas 

PMB 1605,77 Van Ness Ave., Ste. 101 

San Francisco, CA 94102 

Telephone: (208) 320-0383 

Facsllnile: (415) 520-2310 

Email: mccomas.b.c@gmaiLcom 

Limited Pumose Attorney for Plaintiff 

GORDON D. MEADOR 

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

GORDON D. MEADOR, 

Plaintiff, 

v. 

DR. K. AYE, et al., 

Defendants. 

I, Brian C. McComas, declare: 

I. INTRODUCTION. 

Case No. 1:14-cv-0006 DLB PC 

DECLARATION OF COUNSEL IN 

SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S 

REQUEST FOR AUTHORITY TO 

INCUR COSTS (APPOINTED 

COUNSEL) AND REQUEST 

PAYMENT 

The Honorable Magistrate Judge Dennis Beck 

1. The undersigned counsel is an attorney licensed to practice in the State 

ofCalifornia and authorized to appear before the California State Courts, the United 

States Court ofAppeals for the Ninth Circuit and the United States District Courts 

for the Northern, Eastern, and Central Districts ofCalifornia. The undersigned also 

has been admitted to practice pro hac vice before the United States District Court 

for the District ofNevada and the Montana Supreme Court. The undersigned owns 

and operates the Law Office of B.C. McComas. 

2. The undersigned has been appointed by this Court to represent 

plaintiff, Gordon Meador. Order Appointing Counsel, Meador v. Aye, et ai., 

E.D.Cal. Case No. I: 14-cv-00006 DLB PC, Civil Docket Report ("Doc") # 14. Mr. 

1 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 3 of 8
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

Meador alleges that six doctors and one nurse at the California State Prison, 

Corcoran inflicted intentional pain and suffering in treating his "Osteomyelitis and 

Discitis"l of the spine. Complaint, at 5 (Doc #1). He alleges that the doctors' 

maltreatment resulted in severe back pain and paralysis. ld. 

3. The undersigned submits this declaration in support ofhis request for 

expenses necessary to obtain case files and visit Mr. Meador. The expenses 

requested herein are reasonably calculated so that the undersigned can complete 

necessary tasks, including preparation of the amended complaint, as ordered by this 

Court. The undersigned respectfully requests that the Court authorize the requested 

expenses. 

n. PROCEDURAL HISTORY. 

4. On January 2,2014, Plaintiff filed his complaint pro per and 

moved to proceed in forma pauperis. Docs #1 and 2. This Court granted the 

motion. Doc #5. 

5. On January 8,2015, Plaintiff moved for a preliminary injunction. 

Doc #6. He requested that he be placed in the medical hospital because he was 

confmed to a wheelchair and had suffered numerous falls. ld. at 3. 

6. On January 16, 2015, this Court denied the motion for a preliminary 

injunction. Doc #7. The Court also denied the complaint with leave to amend. Doc 

#8. The Court found: "Plaintiffs complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief 

may be granted under section 1983. The Court will provide Plaintiff with an 

opportunity to file an amended complaint:' ld. at 9. The Court ordered plaintiff to 

L The undersigned is informed that "Osteomyelitis" is a rare but serious 

infection of the bone. See WebMd, Osteomyelitis, available at: http://www. 

webmd.comlpain-managementlosteomyeltis-treatment-diagnosis-symptoms (last 

accessed March 2, 2015). The undersigned is informed that "Discitis" (or 

"Diskitis") is a rare but serious infection of the spinal vertebrae. Healthline, 

Discitis, available at: http://www.healthline.comihealthidiskitiS#Overviewl (last 

accessed March 2, 2015). 

2 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 4 of 8
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

to 

II 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

file an amended complaint within 30 days of its order. ld. at 10. 

7. On February 3,2015, the undersigned counsel was contacted by the 

Court's ADR and Pro Bono Program Director, Sujean Park. The undersigned was 

informed ofthis Court's desire to appoint counsel to meet with Plaintiff and prepare 

and file an amended complaint on his behalf. The undersigned agreed to represent 

Plaintiff. 

8. On February II, 2015, the Court appointed the undersigned as 

Plaintitrs counsel for the "limited purpose ofinvestigating the claim. then drafting 

and filing an amended complaint." Doc #14, at 1. The Court ordered that the 

amended complaint be filed within 90 days (May 23, 2015). ld. 

9. Prior to February 11,2015, Plaintiff was incarcerated at California 

State Prison, Corcoran. On February 13,2015, the Undersigned was infOImed that 

he was being transferred to Califorina State Prison, R.I. Donovan in San Diego, 

California. That day, the undersigned wrote to Plaintiff and informed him of 

counsel's appointment. 

10. The undersigned is informed that on February 14,2015, Plaintiffwas 

transferred from R.I. Donovan to the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo 

due to medical concerns. The undersigned is informed that Plaintiff was then 

transferred back to RJ. Donovan on February 28, 2015. On March 4, 2015, the 

undersigned confirmed that Plaintiff was incarcerated at R.I. Donovan. 

1 L On March 4, 2015, the undersigned counsel submitted a request for 

authorization to visit with Plaintiffon April 22 and 23, 2015 from 9:00 am to 2:00 

pm at RJ. Donovan. On March II, 2015, the request was approved. 

TIL REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO INCUR COSTS FOR 

SERVlCESMtPUIRED TO MEET WITH PLAINTIFF AND 

PREPARE AMENDED COMPLAINT. 

12. The undersigned counsel is in the process ofreviewing records in 

Plaintitrs case and researching grounds for his amended complaint. The 

undersigned wants to facilitate investigation ofthe case and drafting ofthe 

3 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 5 of 8
5 

10 

15 

20 

25 

I 

2 

3 

4 

6 

7 

8 

9 

11 

12 

13 

14 

16 

17 

18 

19 

21 

22 

23 

24 

26 

27 

28 

complaint as expeditiously as possible. Accordingly, the undersigned is submitting 

this request for authorization of funds prior to expending any monies on the below 

described services and expenses. See General Order 510, In re Modification of 

General Order No. 230 (September 29, 2011). 

A. The undersigned needs to collect and review Plaintiff's 

correctional and medical records from the California Department ofRehabilitation 

and Corrections. The undersigned is informed that production ofthe records could 

cost up to $150 in photo-copying and delivery expenses. The undersigned requests 

authorization to incur these costs should they be necessary to obtain and review 

Plaintiff's correctional and medical records. See General Order 401, Section 4A(l). 

B. The undersigned needs to meet with Plaintiff pursuant to the 

directions ofthe Court and its ADR and Pro Bono Coordinator. The undersigned 

believes that meeting with Plaintiff is essential to learn about his case and assess his 

disability. The undersigned anticipates visiting Plaintiff twice on April 22 and 23, 

2015, during one trip from San Francisco to San Diego, so as to maximize 

investigation and save time. Accordingly, the undersigned requests authorization to 

incur the following costs, which are necessary to meet with Plaintiff: 

1. Airline Tickets. To visit PlaintitT, the undersigned 

must travel from his office, in San Francisco, to the California State Prison, R.J. 

Donovan, in San Diego. The undersigned is informed that driving between the 

cities will take approximately 16-18 hours. Accordingly, the undersigned believes 

that flying is a more efficient means of visiting PlaintitT. The undersigned is 

informed that airline tickets cost approximately $184 round trip. See Fed Travel, 

San Francisco to San Diego Flights, available at: http://www.fedtravel.coml 

flight-search.html (last accessed March 12,2015). 

II. Car Rental. The undersigned will need to rent a car to 

travel from the San Diego Airport to R.J. Donovan Prison. The undersigned is 

informed that renting an economy car for two days will cost approximately $130. 

4 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 6 of 8
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

See Fed Travel, San Diego Car Rentals, available at: http://www.fedtraveLcom! 

car-search.html #TopResult (last accessed March 12, 2015). 

iii. Lodging. The undersigned will need one night stay at a 

hotel in San Diego between visits with Plaintiff. The undersigned is infonned that 

the per diem rate for a one night stay in San Diego is $142. See Fed Travel, San 

Diego Hotels, available at: http://www.fedtraveLcomihotel-search.html (last 

accessed March 12, 20IS). 

IV. Food and Miscellaneous Expenses. The trip from San 

Francisco to San Diego and back will take more than 10 hours. Thus, the 

undersigned is authorized to incur food and miscellaneous expenses at per diem 

rates. See U.s. General Services Administration, Office Travel Basics, available at: 

http://gsa.gov /portaV category/1021Sl (last accessed March 12,2015). The 

undersigned is infonned that the current per diem rate for meals and expenses for 

two days is $142. See U.S. General Services Administration, FY 2015 Per Diem 

Rates for San Diego, California. available at: http://www.gsa.gov!portaV 

category!100120 (last accessed March 12,2015). 

C. In sum, the undersigned requests authorization ofapproximately 

$700 for copying and travel costs necessary to visit with Plaintiff and prepare the 

amended complaint. See General Order 401, Section 4A( 5-6). 

13. The undersigned believes that the above requested expenses are 

reasonable and necessary to effectively represent Plaintiff. The undersigned intends 

to prepare and file the amended complaint by its current due date ofMay 12, 2015, 

or as reasonably soon as possible before or after that date. To do so, the 

undersigned requests authorization ofthe above described costs for expenses 

necessary to obtain documents and interview Plaintiff. 

I declare under penalty ofperjury, as defined by the laws ofCalifornia and 

the United States, that the foregoing is true and correct, and that this declaration was 

executed in San Francisco, California. 

5 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 7 of 8
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

Dated: March 12,2015 lsi Brian C. McComas 

BRIAN C. McCOMAS 

Limited Purpose
 Attomey_ for Plaintiff 

GORDON D. MEADOR 

6 

Case 1:14-cv-00006-DAD-EPG Document 23 Filed 03/27/15 Page 8 of 8