Opinion
No. CIV S-05-1859 FCD KJM PS.
February 22, 2006
ORDER
This matter was referred to the undersigned by order filed February 15, 2006. Upon review of the file, and good cause appearing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. In light of defendants' statements of nonopposition, plaintiff's motion to strike affirmative defenses is granted. The hearing date of March 22, 2006 is vacated.
2. The defendant corporation previously has been advised by the court in the February 15, 2006 order that a corporation may not proceed pro se. Within thirty days from the date of this order, defendant Data Day USA, Inc. shall obtain counsel. Failure to comply with this order shall result in a recommendation that this defendant's answer be stricken and that default be entered.
3. This matter is set for status conference on April 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom no. 26. All parties shall appear by counsel or in person if acting without counsel. Any defendants proceeding pro se must each appear at the status conference and are reminded that they may not make appearances for other defendants proceeding pro se. The parties shall submit to the court and serve by mail on all other parties, no later than seven days before the Status (Pretrial Scheduling) Conference, a status report addressing the following matters:
a. Service of process;
b. Possible joinder of additional parties;
c. Any expected or desired amendment of the pleadings;
d. Jurisdiction and venue;
e. Anticipated motions and the scheduling thereof;
f. The proposed discovery plan developed pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(f);
g. The potential for settlement and specific recommendations regarding settlement procedures and timing, including whether a settlement conference should be scheduled and if so when, and whether referral to the court's Voluntary Dispute Resolution Program (see Local Rule 16-271) is appropriate in this case;
h. Future proceedings, including setting appropriate cutoff dates for discovery and law and motion and the scheduling of a pretrial conference and trial;
I. Modification of standard pretrial procedures specified by the rules due to the relative simplicity or complexity of the action or proceedings;
j. Whether the case is related to any other case, including matters in bankruptcy;
k. Whether the counsel will stipulate to the magistrate judge assigned to this matter acting as settlement judge and waiving any disqualifications by virtue of her so acting, or whether they prefer to have a settlement conference before another judge;
l. Any other matters that may add to the just and expeditious disposition of this matter.
4. Plaintiff's and defense counsel are reminded of their continuing duty to notify chambers immediately of any settlement or other disposition (see Local Rule 16-160). In addition, the parties are cautioned that as provided by Local Rule 78-230(c), opposition to the granting of a motion must be filed fourteen days preceding the noticed hearing date. The Rule further provides that "[n]o party will be entitled to be heard in opposition to a motion at oral arguments if written opposition to the motion has not been timely filed by that party." Moreover, Local Rule 78-230(j) provides that failure to appear may be deemed withdrawal of opposition to the motion or may result in sanctions. Finally, Local Rule 11-110 provides that failure to comply with the Local Rules "may be grounds for imposition by the Court of any and all sanctions authorized by statute or Rule or within the inherent power of the Court."