Opinion
2:12-CV-1414 JCM (PAL)
10-24-2013
NANCY A. NOLETTE, Plaintiff(s), v. ROGER TOBLER, et al., Defendant(s).
ORDER
Presently before the court is defendants', Roger Tobler, Cam Walker, Duncan McCoy, and David Olsen, all in their official and individual capacities, and the City of Boulder City, motion to dismiss. (Doc. # 20). Pro se plaintiff Nancy A. Nolette filed a response in opposition (doc. # 22), and defendants filed a reply. (Doc. # 23).
I. Background
Plaintiff's complaint stems from three Eighth Judicial District Court cases summarized below. Case no. A523265 was filed in June 2006, heard, and ruled on in favor of the City of Boulder City ("Boulder City"). The case was appealed to the Supreme Court of Nevada. The Supreme Court of Nevada affirmed the district court's ruling in an unpublished decision. The Supreme Court of the United States denied petitioner's petition. Case nos. A629988 and A629989 were heard and ruled on in 2011, then consolidated for purposes of appeal. At the time the instant complaint was filed in this court, the consolidated appeal was pending before the Supreme Court of Nevada.
1. Eighth Judicial District Court case no. A523265, filed June 13, 2006.
The complaint was filed by Boulder City on June 13, 2006, against defendants Frank Fisher, Dolores Gabay, Nancy Nolette, Sherman Rattner, Don L. Shettel Jr., and Linda Robertshaw requesting a declaratory order providing that the "sell," and "preserve" petitions filed by defendants on April 13, 2006, violate federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations and contractual agreements and therefore cannot be placed on the ballots. In addition, the complaint asks for an injunction or writ prohibiting the Clerk of Boulder City from placing the petitions on the ballot.
According to the complaint, defendants, as residents of Boulder City, filed copies of initiative petitions they intended to circulate to gather signatures in order to amend the city charter and adopt city ordinances. Plaintiff, Boulder City, alleges the four petitions, referred to as "sell" and "preserve" petitions, unlawfully breach the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Permit and 50 C.F.R. § 13.27; unlawfully direct Boulder City to perform a discretionary administrative act through unlawful means; unlawfully direct Boulder City to perform a quasi-judicial act; to unlawfully violate NRS Chapter 278; violate Nevada Law, the Boulder City Charter, federal environment laws and contractual obligations of Boulder City; and that the petitions conflict with NRS § 406.2525 and section 140 of the Boulder City Charter.
Boulder City filed a motion for declaratory order, injunction and writ of mandamus or prohibition on June 23, 2006. Clark County filed a motion to intervene on July 3, 2006. Defendants answered the complaint on July 5, 2006. On July 20, 2006, the court issued an order granting declaratory, injunctive and extraordinary relief. The order stated:
1. Pursuant to NRS 30.040 the "sell" initiatives are hereby declared invalid on the basis that they are administrative, rather than legislative; andAfter the order was filed, defendants filed an appeal on July 31, 2006. The Supreme Court of Nevada issued an order of affirmance on September 8, 2006, stating:
2. Pursuant to NRS 30.040, the "preserve" initiative are hereby declared invalid on the basis that they are administrative, rather than legislative; and
3. Pursuant to NRS 33.010, NRS 34.170 and NRS 34.320, the City of Boulder City is hereby enjoined and prohibited from placing the "sell"
and "preserve" initiatives on the ballot of Boulder City's next general election;
4. The countermotion(s) of the Defendants are hereby denied as being without merit or basis;
5. Clark County's Motion to Intervene as a Plaintiff is granted; and
6. This Order is a final determination and judgment for all pending matters pursuant to NRCP 54.
...that neither the sell nor preserve initiatives propose measures subject to the electorate's initiative power, we affirm the district court's judgment.
As such, the Supreme Court of Nevada affirmed a judgment in favor of the City on September 12, 2006.
2. Eighth Judicial District Court case no. A629988, filed November 24, 2010.
The complaint was filed by Boulder City on November 24, 2010, against defendants James C. Douglas, Frank L. Fisher, Cynthia Harris, Daniel D. Jensen, and Walt Rapp requesting a declaratory order providing that the "debt initiative" violates state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. The complaint also requests a writ providing that Boulder City shall not be required to and/or shall be allowed to refrain from amending the Boulder City Code.
According to the complaint, defendants, as residents of Boulder City, intended to gather signatures in order to amend the Boulder City Code by adding the "debt initiative." The "debt initiative" sought to mandate and require Boulder City to incur no new debt obligation in the amount of $1,000,000.00 or more without the approval of the electors of Boulder City in a general or special election. The "debt initiative" was placed on the Boulder City ballot and passed. Plaintiff, Boulder City, alleges that budget and debt planning are administrative acts delegated to the discretionary decision making of a city's governing body through statute and charter. Boulder City alleges that the "debt initiative" fails to meet the constitutional and legal standards.
The defendants filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to NRS § 41.660 on December 20, 2010. On January 20, 2010, the court heard oral argument and issued an order regarding the motion to dismiss. The court found:
[A] conflict exists between NRS 41.650 and NRS 295.061(2); the term civil liability is broader than interpreted by Judge Earl as it appears to this Court the dictionary definition encompasses declaratory and/or injunctive relief; therefore, there is a conflict between the statutes which renders both statutes valid and enforceable. Court FURTHER FINDS, Defendants in this case are not immune automatically under NRS 41.650 as NRS 295.061(2) as interpreted by the Beers case does expressly permit them to be sued. In this case the relief that is sought is not based on individualized relief particular to these Defendants, the Court FURTHER FINDS, the immunity provisions of NRS 41.650 do not apply in this case; therefore, COURT ORDERED, Motion to Dismiss DENIED. Mr. Strickland requested based on the Court's ruling the case be stayed. FURTHER ORDERED, Request GRANTED; CASE STAYED and CERTIFIED FORPURPOSES OF APPEAL.
After the order was filed, the defendants filed an appeal on January 24, 2011. The appeal was still pending before the Supreme Court of Nevada when the case at bar was filed.
3. Eighth Judicial District Court case no. A629989, filed November 24, 2010.
The complaint was filed by Boulder City on November 24, 2010, against defendants James Douglas, Linda F. Henry-Schrick, Daniel D. Jensen, Norbert Kastl, and Nancy Nolette requesting a declaratory order providing that the "appointment initiative" violates state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. The complaint also requests a writ providing that Boulder City shall not be required to and/or shall be allowed to refrain from amending the Boulder City Code.
According to the complaint, defendants, as residents of Boulder City, intended to gather signatures in order to amend the Boulder City Code by adding the "appointment initiative." The "appointment initiative" purports to enact an ordinance and amend the Boulder City Code to provide that "the maximum amount of service of any person appointed to any particular city committee, board, or commission shall be 12 years for that committee, board or commission." The "appointment initiative" was placed on the Boulder City ballot and passed. Boulder City alleges defendants failed to draft the "appointment initiative" to a valid legal standard.
The defendants filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to NRS § 41.660 on December 20, 2010. On January 27, 2011, the court issued a decision and order regarding the motion to dismiss. The court ordered:
1. Defendant's special motion to dismiss is denied.
2. Pursuant to the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure §11(c)(1)(b), this Court orders Boulder City to show cause why it has not violated subdivision (c)(1)(b) with respect to this lawsuit. The hearing is set for February 25, 2011 at 9 a.m. The Court will consider sanctions in the form of dismissal of Defendants with leave to amend to challenge the ordinance under N.R.S. §43.00 and payment of Defendant's attorney's fees.
3. Except for the show cause hearing, this matter is stayed pending further order of this Court or the Nevada Supreme Court.
The order to show cause was heard on April 1, 2011, and an order was entered. The order stated:
THIS COURT FINDS that the multiple lawsuits strategy was unjustified. Multiple lawsuits naming individuals where another method is available without naming individuals is a needless increase in the cost of litigation rather than the stated goal of cost savings and invited the anti-slapp response.
Accordingly, THIS COURT FINDS that this litigation strategy of filing separate declaratory relief lawsuits, especially where a more targeted procedure is available in the form of a petition for judicial review, is a violation of NRCP 11(b)(1). Dismissal is not appropriate because no ruling has been made on the merits of the petition.
As sanctions, THIS COURT ORDERS Boulder City to pay the attorneys fees incurred by the Defendants in this third lawsuit in the amount of $10,000.00, (the court reduced the requested fees of $15,908.55 by an amount approximating savings from using the same research for both cases) plus costs of $925.49. In addition, Boulder City is ordered to consolidate this case with case number A629988, City of Boulder City v. Rapp, and to dismiss any Defendant who requests dismissal.
After the order was issued, Boulder City filed an appeal on May 6, 2011. The Supreme Court of Nevada concluded that the district court order is not substantively appealable and that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction. As such, on July 26, 2012, the appeal was dismissed. On February 5, 2013, defendants filed a motion to reinstate case to seek order of contempt on sanctions award and for further proceedings. On February 21, 2013, Boulder City filed a joinder to the motion to reinstate case and an opposition to the motion for order of contempt. The motion was heard on March 8, 2013, and the court minutes were issued. The March 8, 2013 minutes read, in pertinent part:
...this case was statistically closed in error and is now reactivated.
...
COURT ORDERED plaintiff's to pay the $10,000.00 for sanctions previously ordered, $925.49 for costs and $350.00 sanctions for contempt of court. Colloquy between Court and counsel regarding companion cases. Court directed counsel they can file a motion to consolidate after Supreme Court Stay has been lifted.
In summary case no. A523265 was resolved, and both case nos. A629988 and A629989 were pending before the Eighth Judicial District Court when the instant complaint was filed with this court. These cases are the basis for plaintiff's complaint.
On August 9, 2012, plaintiff filed a civil rights complaint in this court pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988. Plaintiff's complaint contains three causes of action: (1) constitutional and civil rights pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988, violation of the First Amendment speech rights; (2) constitutional and civil rights pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988, violation of First, Ninth, and Tenth popular sovereignty rights; and (3) constitutional and civil rights pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988, violation of constitutional rights protected by Nevada Ethics Law. (Doc. #1). Defendants now move to dismiss all claims for lack of jurisdiction under the Rooker-Feldman and Younger abstention doctrines. (Doc. #20). II. Legal standard 1. Motion to dismiss
A court may dismiss a plaintiff's complaint for "failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted." Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). A properly pled complaint must provide "[a] short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief." Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a)(2); Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 555 (2007).
District courts are to apply a two-step approach when considering motions to dismiss. Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 1949 (2009). First, the court must accept as true all well-pled factual allegations in the complaint; however, legal conclusions are not entitled to the assumption of truth. Id. at 1950. Second, the court must consider whether the factual allegations in the complaint allege a plausible claim for relief. Id. at 1950.
The Ninth Circuit addressed post-Iqbal pleading standards in Starr v. Baca, 652 F.3d 1202, 1216 (9th Cir. 2011). The Starr court stated, "factual allegations that are taken as true must plausibly suggest an entitlement to relief, such that it is not unfair to require the opposing party to be subjected to the expense of discovery and continued litigation." Id. 2. Rooker Feldman Doctrine
Federal district courts do not have authority to review the final determination of state courts. See District of Columbia Court of Appeals v. Feldman, 460 U.S. 462, 482 (1983); Rooker v. Fidelity Trust Co., 263 U.S. 413, 416 (1923); see also, Johnson v. DeGrandy, 512 U.S. 997, 105-06 (1994); Exxon Mobil Corp., v. Saudi Basic Indus. Corp., 544 U.S. 280, 283-84 (2005). ("[A] party losing in state court is barred from seeking what in substance would be appellate review of the state judgment in a United States District Court, based on the losing party's claim that the state judgment itself violates the loser's federal rights."). Review of state court decisions can be secured only in the Supreme Court of the United States. See Feldman, 460 U.S. at 482; Worldwide Church of God v. McNair, 805 F.2d 888, 890 (9th Cir. 1986) ("The United States District Court, as a court of original jurisdiction, has no has no authority to review final determinations of a state court's judicial proceedings.").
A district court should consider the following two factors in the "now-familiar test":
1) If the constitutional claims presented to a United States District Court are inextricably intertwined with the state court's denial in a judicial proceeding of a particular plaintiff's application for relief, then the District Court is in essence being called upon to review the state court decision. This the District Court may not do.Bianchi v. Rylaarsdam, 334 F.3d 895, 898 (9th Cir. 2003).
2.) United States District Courts . . . do not have jurisdiction, however, over challenges to state court decisions in particular cases
arising out of judicial proceedings even if those challenges allege that the state court's action was unconstitutional.
Parties need not directly contest the merits of a state court decision, Rooker-Feldman "prohibits a federal district court from exercising subject matter jurisdiction over a suit that is a de facto appeal from state court judgment." Kougasian v. TMSL, Inc., 359 F.3d 1136. 1139 (9th Cir. 2004) (citing Bianchi, 334 F.3d at 898). De facto appeals are claims raised in the federal court action that are "inextricably intertwined" with the state court's decision to the degree that if the federal court adjudicated the claims it would require the district court to interpret the application of state laws or undercut the state ruling. Bianchi, 334 F.3d at 898. 3. The Younger abstention doctrine
The Younger abstention doctrine prevents federal courts from enjoining pending state court criminal proceedings, even if there is an allegation of a constitutional violation, unless there is an extraordinary circumstance that creates a threat of irreparable injury. Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37, 53-54 (1971). Subsequently, the Supreme Court of the United States has applied Younger to civil cases between private litigants if there is an important state interest involved. See Juidice v. Vail, 430 U.S. 327 (1977); Pennzoil Co. v. Texaco, Inc., 481 U.S. 1 (1987). Under the Younger doctrine, federal courts will generally abstain from granting injunctive or declaratory relief that would interfere with pending state judicial proceedings. Martinez v. Newport Beach City, 125 F.3d 777, 781 (9th Cir. 1987). If Younger abstention applies, a court may not retain jurisdiction, and should dismiss the action. Juidice, 430 U.S. at 539.
The court has used a four part test to determine if Younger abstention is applicable: (1) whether the state proceedings are ongoing; (2) whether the proceedings implicate important state interests; and (3) whether the state proceedings provide an adequate opportunity to raise federal questions. Middlesex Cnty. Ethics Comm'n v. Garden State Bar Ass'n, 457 U.S. 423, 432 (1982); Kenneally v. Lungren, 967 F.2d 329, 331 (9th Cir.1992); Dubinka v. Judges of the Super. Ct., 23 F.3d 218, 223 (9th Cir. 1994). The Ninth Circuit has identified another criteria: (4) whether the federal action would enjoin the state proceeding or have the practical effect of doing so. San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce Political Action Comm. v. City of San Jose, 546 F.3d 1087, 1092 (9th Cir. 2008). Logan v. U.S. Bank N.A., 722 F.3d 1163, 1167 (9th Cir. 2013).
In evaluating the first prong of the Younger test, the court looks at the status of the state court proceeding at the time the federal complaint was filed. Mission Oaks Mobile Home Park v. City of Hollister, 989 F.2d 359, 360-61 (9th Cir. 1993), cert. denied, 510 U.S. 1110 (1994); Beltran v. California, 871 F.2d 777, 782 (9th Cir. 1988). State proceedings are considered ongoing if appellate remedies have not been exhausted. Huffman v. Pursue Ltd., 420 U.S. 592, 607-08 (1975).
In evaluating the second prong of the Younger test, the court must determine if the proceedings are necessary for the vindication of important state policies. Middlesex Cnty Ethics Comm'n, 457 U.S. at 432 (The state has an important interest in regulating persons who are authorized to practice law in their state and ethical complaints filled against them.); Trainor v. Hernandez, 431 U.S. 434, 444 (1977) (Court held safeguarding the fiscal integrity of public assistant programs were an important state policy.).
In evaluating the third prong of the Younger test, the court must determine if the plaintiff had an opportunity to raise federal questions. Constitutional claims do not have to be raised in the state court proceeding. See Ohio Civil Rights Comm'n v. Dayton Christian Schools, Inc., 477 U.S. 619, 629 (1986). It is sufficient that constitutional claims could have been raised. Id. Absent authority to the contrary, a federal court should presume state court procedures will afford an adequate opportunity for consideration of constitutional claims. Pennzoil Co., 481 U.S. at 14-15. An actual hearing is not necessary. Juidice, 430 U.S. at 337. Plaintiff need only to have sufficient opportunity to fairly pursue their constitutional claims in the ongoing state proceedings. Id.
In evaluating the final Younger prong, the court must determine if the federal suit would "interfere" with the ongoing state proceeding. San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce Political Action Comm., 546 F.3d at 1092. It is considered interference if the relief sought would enjoin the state proceedings. Green v. City of Tucson, 255 F.3d 1086, 1094 (9th Cir. 2001).
If all four of the Younger requirements are satisfied, abstention is required unless an exception to Younger applies. An exception to the Younger rule exists if there is a "showing of bad faith, harassment, or some other extraordinary circumstance that would make abstention inappropriate." Middlesex Cnty Ethics Comm'n, 457 U.S. at 435. Younger exceptions are vary rare as Younger was created to uphold the policies of equity, comity, and federalism. Id. at 437.
III. Discussion
As an initial matter, the court acknowledges that the complaint was filed pro se. (See doc. #1). Documents filed pro se are held to less stringent standards. Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 94 (2007) ("A document filed pro se is to be liberally construed, and a pro se complaint, however inartfully pleaded, must be held to less stringent standards than formal pleadings drafted by lawyers.") (internal quotations and dictations omitted). However, "pro se litigants in the ordinary civil case should not be treated more favorably than parties with attorneys of record." Jacobsen v Filler, 790 F.2d 1362, 1364 (9th Cir. 1986).
The court finds plaintiff is not entitled to relief because the Rooker-Feldman and Younger abstention doctrines prevent the court from adjudicating her claims. 1. Rooker-Feldman doctrine
Plaintiff's complaint and response to the motion to dismiss essentially ask the court to conduct a determination independent and separate from the state court proceedings. However, plaintiff's arguments are either identical to those in the state court proceedings (case no. A523265) or based on alleged constitutional violations arising from the decision of the state court. Such claims are clearly barred by the Rooker-Feldman doctrine.
First, the A523265 case is "inextricably intertwined" with the state court's finding against the plaintiff in that action. In this case and the state case, plaintiff is attempting to enjoin Boulder City from interfering with voter initiatives that have been deemed administrative. Any review of the federal claim asserted in this case would require this court to review the specific issues addressed in the state court proceedings. This court would be acting as an appellate court to the state court, something it is not permitted to do. Feldman, 460 U.S. at 482.
Second, plaintiff is alleging federal constitutional violations based on proceedings and determinations made by the state court. Plaintiff argues her political speech has been chilled and she has suffered unconstitutional invasions of her power and rights of popular sovereignty under the First, Ninth, Tenth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution because defendants challenged her voter initiatives. Such claims are clearly barred by the Rooker-Feldman doctrine.
Finally, the court agrees with the defendant's characterization of the arguments made by plaintiff in her response to the motion to dismiss. Plaintiff argues that she is "not seeking relief from state court judgment, past or present, erroneous or otherwise." (Doc. #22, 5:15-16). To the contrary, plaintiff relies on the same facts used to defend herself in the state court proceeding and states the state court cases were decided erroneously. Therefore, plaintiff's §§ 1983 and 1988 claims constitute a de facto appeal of a state court decision and case number A523265 is barred by the Rooker-Feldman doctrine. 2. Younger abstention doctrine
This court cannot interfere with pending state proceedings that meet the Younger four part test, absent extraordinary circumstances that caused irreparable injury. Here, all four parts of the Younger test have been met: 1. the federal complaint was filed while state court case nos. A629988 and A629989 were pending before the Eighth Judicial District Court; 2. the proceedings involve state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, which are important state interests; 3. plaintiff had the opportunity to raise federal questions in the state proceedings; and 4. plaintiff's requested relief enjoining the defendants would have the practical effect of enjoining the state court proceedings. Because all four parts of the Younger test have been met, plaintiff must demonstrate that "bad faith, harassment, or some other extraordinary circumstance would make abstention inappropriate." Middlesex Cnty Ethics Comm'n, 457 U.S. at 435. Plaintiff's facts as presented in this case do not rise to the level of bad faith, harassment or extraordinary circumstance. It follows that plaintiff's §§ 1983 and 1988 claims based on case nos. A629988 and A629989 are barred by the Younger abstention doctrine. Therefore the court must dismiss the action. . . .
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that defendants' motion to dismiss (doc. #20) be, and the same hereby is, GRANTED. The clerk of the court shall enter judgment and close this case.
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE