Opinion
Case No. 2:11-cv-06584-JHN -SSx
09-21-2011
Federal National Mortgage Association v. Arturo Arredondo et al.
CIVIL MINUTES - GENERAL
Present: The Honorable JACQUELINE H. NGUYEN
+-----------------------------------------------+ ¦Alicia Mamer¦Not Reported ¦N/A ¦ +------------+-------------------------+--------¦ ¦Deputy Clerk¦Court Reporter / Recorder¦Tape No.¦ +-----------------------------------------------+
Attorneys Present for Plaintiffs:
Not present
Attorneys Present for Defendants:
Not present
Proceedings: ORDER REMANDING CASE TO SANTA BARBARA SUPERIOR COURT (In Chambers)
On June 24, 2011, Plaintiff Federal National Mortgage Association ("Plaintiff") brought a Complaint for unlawful detainer against Defendants Arturo Arredondo, Roberto Mendoza, and Esmerelda Mendoza ("Defendants") in state court. On August 10, 2011, Defendants removed the case to federal court. (Docket No. 1.) Having considered the Notice of Removal, the Court finds no federal jurisdiction and hereby REMANDS the case to the Santa Barbara Superior Court.
I. Discussion
Removal to federal court is governed by 28 U.S.C. § 1441, which in relevant part states that "any civil action brought in a State court of which the district courts of the United States have original jurisdiction, may be removed by the defendant . . ." 28 U.S.C. § 1441(a). However, the Court may remand a case to state court for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. 28 U.S.C. § 1447(c). "The burden of establishing federal jurisdiction is on the party invoking federal jurisdiction." U.S. v. Marks, 530 F.3d 799, 810 (9th Cir. 2008).
Under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, the Court has original jurisdiction over civil actions "arising under" federal law. "The presence or absence of federal-question jurisdiction is governed by the 'well-pleaded complaint rule,' which provides that federal jurisdiction exists only when a federal question is presented on the face of the plaintiff's properly pleaded complaint." Caterpillar Inc. v. Williams, 482 U.S. 386, 392 (1987). The only exception to this rule is where plaintiff's federal claim has been disguised by "artful pleading," such as where the only claim is a federal one or is a state claim preempted by federal law. Sullivan v. First Affiliated Sec., Inc., 813 F.2d 1368, 1372 (9th Cir. 1987).
Here, although Defendants allege that the claims arise under federal law, Plaintiff's only cause of action is for unlawful detainer in violation of California Code of Civil Procedure § 1161a. (Notice of Removal, Compl. 1.) No federal question is presented on the face of the Complaint. Therefore, no federal question jurisdiction exists.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332, the Court also has original jurisdiction over civil actions where there is complete diversity of citizenship and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. Morris v. Princess Cruises, Inc., 236 F.3d 1061, 1067 (9th Cir. 2001). However, neither the Complaint nor the Notice of Removal alleges the citizenship of the parties. Without an allegation as to citizenship, Defendants cannot meet their burden of establishing diversity. Moreover, the Complaint specifically alleges that the damages have accrued at the daily rental rate of $60.00 per day from March 21, 2011, which amounts to approximately $10,800. Thus, the amount in controversy does not exceed $75,000. For these reasons, no diversity jurisdiction exists.
II. Conclusion
Defendants have failed to meet their burden of establishing federal jurisdiction. Accordingly, the Court hereby REMANDS this matter to the Santa Barbara Superior Court.
IT IS SO ORDERED.