Filed: Jan. 06, 2012
Latest Update: Jan. 06, 2012
Summary: FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS GREGORY G. HOLLOWS, Magistrate Judge. Plaintiff's motion for default judgment against Defendant Laura Dawn Apartments LLC, filed October 12, 2011, was submitted without a hearing. Defendant filed no opposition. Upon review of the motion and supporting documents, and good cause appearing, the court issues the following findings and recommendations. BACKGROUND On February 25, 2011, plaintiff filed the underlying complaint in this action against defendant Laura Daw
Summary: FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS GREGORY G. HOLLOWS, Magistrate Judge. Plaintiff's motion for default judgment against Defendant Laura Dawn Apartments LLC, filed October 12, 2011, was submitted without a hearing. Defendant filed no opposition. Upon review of the motion and supporting documents, and good cause appearing, the court issues the following findings and recommendations. BACKGROUND On February 25, 2011, plaintiff filed the underlying complaint in this action against defendant Laura Dawn..
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FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
GREGORY G. HOLLOWS, Magistrate Judge.
Plaintiff's motion for default judgment against Defendant Laura Dawn Apartments LLC, filed October 12, 2011, was submitted without a hearing. Defendant filed no opposition. Upon review of the motion and supporting documents, and good cause appearing, the court issues the following findings and recommendations.
BACKGROUND
On February 25, 2011, plaintiff filed the underlying complaint in this action against defendant Laura Dawn Apartments LLC, an apartment complex located at 7301 Florin Wood Drive, Sacramento, California.1 See Complaint, at p. 2; Ownership & Operations Documentation, attached as exhibit B to Complaint.2 Plaintiff alleges he visited the apartments on or about January 6, 2011, and one other time, but encountered architectural barriers in the form of the lack of "correct number and type of properly configured disabled parking space(s) including the lack of a van accessible disabled parking space, ..., accessible route ..., accessible entrance..., accessibility signage and striping...." Complaint, at p. 3-4. Plaintiff has supplied facts pertaining to each alleged defect and its effect on him. He asserts that these defects constitute violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act and state law. The summons and complaint were personally served on Joe Wu, agent for service, on June 3, 2011. Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(h)(1). Pacific Atlantic Trading Co. v. M/V Main Express, 758 F.2d 1325, 1331 (9th Cir. 1985) (default judgment void without personal jurisdiction). Defendant has failed to file an answer or otherwise defend in this action. On August 24, 2011, the clerk entered default against defendant Laura Dawn Apartments LLC.
The instant motion for default judgment and supporting papers were served on defendant. Plaintiff seeks an entry of default judgment in the amount of $8,000 pursuant to California Civil Code section 52(a) as well as injunctive relief.3
DISCUSSION
Entry of default effects an admission of all well-pleaded allegations of the complaint by the defaulted party. Geddes v. United Financial Group, 559 F.2d 557 (9th Cir. 1977). The court finds the well pleaded allegations of the complaint state a claim for which relief can be granted. Anderson v. Air West, 542 F.2d 1090, 1093 (9th Cir. 1976). The memorandum of points and authorities and affidavits filed in support of the motion for entry of default judgment also support the finding that plaintiff is entitled to the relief requested. There are no policy considerations which preclude the entry of default judgment of the type requested. See Eitel v. McCool, 782 F.2d 1470, 1471-1472 (9th Cir. 1986). Plaintiff is entitled to statutory damages for each "offense," i.e., each obstructed visit. Feezor v. DeTaco, Inc., 431 F.Supp.2d 1088 (S.D. Cal. 2005).
CONCLUSION
In view of the foregoing findings, it is the recommendation of this court that:
1. Plaintiff's motion for entry of default judgment be GRANTED as to Laura Dawn Apartments LLC in the amount of $8,000; and
2. Injunctive relief be granted against defendant Laura Dawn Apartments LLC requiring the correct number and type of properly configured disabled parking space(s) for the rental office, including a van accessible disabled parking space, with an accessible route to an accessible entrance to the rental office, accessability signage and striping, located at 7301 Florin Wood Drive, Sacramento, California, in conformity with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as set forth in 28 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 36.
These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of Title 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within fourteen days after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned "Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations." Any reply to the objections shall be served and filed within seven days after service of the objections. The parties are advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).