1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 11 ABRAHAM G. PINZON, No. 2:23-cv-0008 DJC DB PS 12 Plaintiff, 13 v. ORDER AND 14 CALIFORNIA DEPT. OF HEALTH FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CARE SVCS., 15 16 Defendants. 17 18 Plaintiff Abraham G. Pinzon. is proceeding in this action pro se. This matter was referred 19 to the undersigned in accordance with Local Rule 302(c)(21) and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). Pending 20 before the court are plaintiff’s complaint, motion to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 21 U.S.C. § 1915, and motions to appoint counsel. (ECF Nos. 1, 2, 4 & 6.) The complaint consists 22 of allegations asserted against the Northern District of California. 23 The court is required to screen complaints brought by parties proceeding in forma 24 pauperis. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2); see also Lopez v. Smith, 203 F.3d 1122, 1129 (9th Cir. 25 2000) (en banc). Here, plaintiff’s complaint is deficient. Accordingly, for the reasons 26 stated below, the undersigned will recommend that plaintiff’s complaint be dismissed without 27 leave to amend. 28 //// 1 I. Plaintiff’s Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis 2 Plaintiff’s in forma pauperis application makes the financial showing required by 28 3 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). However, a determination that a plaintiff qualifies financially for in forma 4 pauperis status does not complete the inquiry required by the statute. “‘A district court may deny 5 leave to proceed in forma pauperis at the outset if it appears from the face of the proposed 6 complaint that the action is frivolous or without merit.’” Minetti v. Port of Seattle, 152 F.3d 7 1113, 1115 (9th Cir. 1998) (quoting Tripati v. First Nat. Bank & Trust, 821 F.2d 1368, 1370 (9th 8 Cir. 1987)); see also McGee v. Department of Child Support Services, 584 Fed. Appx. 638 (9th 9 Cir. 2014) (“the district court did not abuse its discretion by denying McGee’s request to proceed 10 IFP because it appears from the face of the amended complaint that McGee’s action is frivolous 11 or without merit”); Smart v. Heinze, 347 F.2d 114, 116 (9th Cir. 1965) (“It is the duty of the 12 District Court to examine any application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis to determine 13 whether the proposed proceeding has merit and if it appears that the proceeding is without merit, 14 the court is bound to deny a motion seeking leave to proceed in forma pauperis.”). 15 Moreover, the court must dismiss an in forma pauperis case at any time if the allegation of 16 poverty is found to be untrue or if it is determined that the action is frivolous or malicious, fails to 17 state a claim on which relief may be granted, or seeks monetary relief against an immune 18 defendant. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). A complaint is legally frivolous when it lacks an 19 arguable basis in law or in fact. Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989); Franklin v. 20 Murphy, 745 F.2d 1221, 1227-28 (9th Cir. 1984). Under this standard, a court must dismiss a 21 complaint as frivolous where it is based on an indisputably meritless legal theory or where the 22 factual contentions are clearly baseless. Neitzke, 490 U.S. at 327; 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e). 23 To state a claim on which relief may be granted, the plaintiff must allege “enough facts to 24 state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.” Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 25 570 (2007). In considering whether a complaint states a cognizable claim, the court accepts as 26 true the material allegations in the complaint and construes the allegations in the light most 27 favorable to the plaintiff. Hishon v. King & Spalding, 467 U.S. 69, 73 (1984); Hosp. Bldg. Co. v. 28 Trustees of Rex Hosp., 425 U.S. 738, 740 (1976); Love v. United States, 915 F.2d 1242, 1245 1 (9th Cir. 1989). Pro se pleadings are held to a less stringent standard than those drafted by 2 lawyers. Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972). However, the court need not accept as true 3 conclusory allegations, unreasonable inferences, or unwarranted deductions of fact. Western 4 Mining Council v. Watt, 643 F.2d 618, 624 (9th Cir. 1981). 5 The minimum requirements for a civil complaint in federal court, as explained by Rule 8 6 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (“Rules”), are as follows: 7 A pleading which sets forth a claim for relief . . . shall contain (1) a short and plain statement of the grounds upon which the court’s 8 jurisdiction depends . . . , (2) a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief, and (3) a demand for 9 judgment for the relief the pleader seeks. 10 Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a). 11 II. Plaintiff’s Complaint 12 The complaint alleges that the court of the “S.F. Division” of the Northern District of 13 California “has denied accommodation to procedures from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,” 14 and provided “aid and comfort to violators that conspire to commit wire fraud against the United 15 States.” (Compl. (ECF No. 1) at 5-6.) In this regard, the complaint alleges that “Clerk for Judge 16 Beeler treats this Plaintiff differently,” and that “Judge Illman acted automatically to interfere 17 with Plaintiff’s civil rights.” (Id. at 6.) That “Judge Chhabria was absent from judicial duties in 18 his abandonment.” (Id.) And that the “Northern District’s intent; with their low balled level of 19 sub standard accommodations” is to “intimidate” plaintiff. (Id.) 20 “[T]he in forma pauperis statute . . . ‘accords judges not only the authority to dismiss a 21 claim based on an indisputably meritless legal theory, but also the unusual power to pierce the 22 veil of the complaint’s factual allegations and dismiss those claims whose factual contentions are 23 clearly baseless.’” Denton v. Hernandez, 504 U.S. 25, 32 (1992) (quoting Neitzke, 490 U.S. at 24 327). “Examples of the latter class are claims describing fantastic or delusional scenarios, claims 25 with which federal district judges are all too familiar.” Neitzke, 490 U.S. at 328. 26 Here, the complaint’s allegations are clearly baseless. Even assuming, arguendo, that the 27 complaint’s allegations were not baseless, judges are generally absolutely immune from civil 28 liability for actions taken in their judicial capacity. Mireles v.
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 11 ABRAHAM G. PINZON, No. 2:23-cv-0008 DJC DB PS 12 Plaintiff, 13 v. ORDER AND 14 CALIFORNIA DEPT. OF HEALTH FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CARE SVCS., 15 16 Defendants. 17 18 Plaintiff Abraham G. Pinzon. is proceeding in this action pro se. This matter was referred 19 to the undersigned in accordance with Local Rule 302(c)(21) and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). Pending 20 before the court are plaintiff’s complaint, motion to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 21 U.S.C. § 1915, and motions to appoint counsel. (ECF Nos. 1, 2, 4 & 6.) The complaint consists 22 of allegations asserted against the Northern District of California. 23 The court is required to screen complaints brought by parties proceeding in forma 24 pauperis. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2); see also Lopez v. Smith, 203 F.3d 1122, 1129 (9th Cir. 25 2000) (en banc). Here, plaintiff’s complaint is deficient. Accordingly, for the reasons 26 stated below, the undersigned will recommend that plaintiff’s complaint be dismissed without 27 leave to amend. 28 //// 1 I. Plaintiff’s Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis 2 Plaintiff’s in forma pauperis application makes the financial showing required by 28 3 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). However, a determination that a plaintiff qualifies financially for in forma 4 pauperis status does not complete the inquiry required by the statute. “‘A district court may deny 5 leave to proceed in forma pauperis at the outset if it appears from the face of the proposed 6 complaint that the action is frivolous or without merit.’” Minetti v. Port of Seattle, 152 F.3d 7 1113, 1115 (9th Cir. 1998) (quoting Tripati v. First Nat. Bank & Trust, 821 F.2d 1368, 1370 (9th 8 Cir. 1987)); see also McGee v. Department of Child Support Services, 584 Fed. Appx. 638 (9th 9 Cir. 2014) (“the district court did not abuse its discretion by denying McGee’s request to proceed 10 IFP because it appears from the face of the amended complaint that McGee’s action is frivolous 11 or without merit”); Smart v. Heinze, 347 F.2d 114, 116 (9th Cir. 1965) (“It is the duty of the 12 District Court to examine any application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis to determine 13 whether the proposed proceeding has merit and if it appears that the proceeding is without merit, 14 the court is bound to deny a motion seeking leave to proceed in forma pauperis.”). 15 Moreover, the court must dismiss an in forma pauperis case at any time if the allegation of 16 poverty is found to be untrue or if it is determined that the action is frivolous or malicious, fails to 17 state a claim on which relief may be granted, or seeks monetary relief against an immune 18 defendant. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). A complaint is legally frivolous when it lacks an 19 arguable basis in law or in fact. Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989); Franklin v. 20 Murphy, 745 F.2d 1221, 1227-28 (9th Cir. 1984). Under this standard, a court must dismiss a 21 complaint as frivolous where it is based on an indisputably meritless legal theory or where the 22 factual contentions are clearly baseless. Neitzke, 490 U.S. at 327; 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e). 23 To state a claim on which relief may be granted, the plaintiff must allege “enough facts to 24 state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.” Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 25 570 (2007). In considering whether a complaint states a cognizable claim, the court accepts as 26 true the material allegations in the complaint and construes the allegations in the light most 27 favorable to the plaintiff. Hishon v. King & Spalding, 467 U.S. 69, 73 (1984); Hosp. Bldg. Co. v. 28 Trustees of Rex Hosp., 425 U.S. 738, 740 (1976); Love v. United States, 915 F.2d 1242, 1245 1 (9th Cir. 1989). Pro se pleadings are held to a less stringent standard than those drafted by 2 lawyers. Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972). However, the court need not accept as true 3 conclusory allegations, unreasonable inferences, or unwarranted deductions of fact. Western 4 Mining Council v. Watt, 643 F.2d 618, 624 (9th Cir. 1981). 5 The minimum requirements for a civil complaint in federal court, as explained by Rule 8 6 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (“Rules”), are as follows: 7 A pleading which sets forth a claim for relief . . . shall contain (1) a short and plain statement of the grounds upon which the court’s 8 jurisdiction depends . . . , (2) a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief, and (3) a demand for 9 judgment for the relief the pleader seeks. 10 Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a). 11 II. Plaintiff’s Complaint 12 The complaint alleges that the court of the “S.F. Division” of the Northern District of 13 California “has denied accommodation to procedures from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,” 14 and provided “aid and comfort to violators that conspire to commit wire fraud against the United 15 States.” (Compl. (ECF No. 1) at 5-6.) In this regard, the complaint alleges that “Clerk for Judge 16 Beeler treats this Plaintiff differently,” and that “Judge Illman acted automatically to interfere 17 with Plaintiff’s civil rights.” (Id. at 6.) That “Judge Chhabria was absent from judicial duties in 18 his abandonment.” (Id.) And that the “Northern District’s intent; with their low balled level of 19 sub standard accommodations” is to “intimidate” plaintiff. (Id.) 20 “[T]he in forma pauperis statute . . . ‘accords judges not only the authority to dismiss a 21 claim based on an indisputably meritless legal theory, but also the unusual power to pierce the 22 veil of the complaint’s factual allegations and dismiss those claims whose factual contentions are 23 clearly baseless.’” Denton v. Hernandez, 504 U.S. 25, 32 (1992) (quoting Neitzke, 490 U.S. at 24 327). “Examples of the latter class are claims describing fantastic or delusional scenarios, claims 25 with which federal district judges are all too familiar.” Neitzke, 490 U.S. at 328. 26 Here, the complaint’s allegations are clearly baseless. Even assuming, arguendo, that the 27 complaint’s allegations were not baseless, judges are generally absolutely immune from civil 28 liability for actions taken in their judicial capacity. Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 11-12 (1991). 1 And “[a]bsolute judicial immunity is not reserved solely for judges, but extends to nonjudicial 2 officers for ‘all claims relating to the exercise of judicial functions.’” In re Castillo, 297 F.3d 3 940, 947 (9th Cir. 2002) (quoting Burns v. Reed, 500 U.S. 478, 499 (1991) (Scalia, J., concurring 4 in part and dissenting in part)). In this regard, judicial personnel “have absolute quasi-judicial 5 immunity from damages for civil rights violations when they perform tasks that are an integral 6 part of the judicial process.” Mullis v. U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Dist. of Nevada, 828 F.2d 7 1385, 1390 (9th Cir. 1987). Thus, the complaint’s allegations concerning defendants’ conduct as 8 it relates to the judicial process in the Northern District are barred by immunity. 9 III. Leave to Amend 10 For the reasons stated above, plaintiff’s complaint should be dismissed. The undersigned 11 has carefully considered whether plaintiff may further amend the complaint to state a claim upon 12 which relief can be granted. “Valid reasons for denying leave to amend include undue delay, bad 13 faith, prejudice, and futility.” California Architectural Bldg. Prod. v. Franciscan Ceramics, 818 14 F.2d 1466, 1472 (9th Cir. 1988); see also Klamath-Lake Pharm. Ass’n v. Klamath Med. Serv. 15 Bureau, 701 F.2d 1276, 1293 (9th Cir. 1983) (holding that while leave to amend shall be freely 16 given, the court does not have to allow futile amendments). 17 Here, given the defects noted above, the undersigned finds that granting plaintiff leave to 18 amend would be futile. 19 IV. Appointment of Counsel 20 On February 15, 2023, and April 3, 2023, plaintiff filed motions seeking the appointment 21 of counsel. (ECF Nos. 4 & 6.) Plaintiff is informed that federal district courts lack authority to 22 require counsel to represent indigent plaintiffs in civil cases. See Mallard v. United States Dist. 23 Court, 490 U.S. 296, 298 (1989). The court may request the voluntary assistance of counsel 24 under the federal in forma pauperis statute, but only under exceptional circumstances. See 28 25 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1); Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991); Wood v. 26 Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1335-36 (9th Cir. 1990). The test for exceptional circumstances 27 requires the court to evaluate the plaintiff’s likelihood of success on the merits and the plaintiff’s 28 //// 1 ability to articulate his or her claims. See Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d 1328, 1331 (9th Cir. 2 | 1986); Weygandt v. Look, 718 F.2d 952, 954 (9th Cir. 1983). 3 Here, in light of the above analysis, the undersigned cannot find at this time that the 4 | exceptional circumstances test has been satisfied. 5 CONCLUSION 6 Accordingly, for the reasons stated above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: 7 1. Plaintiff's February 15, 2023 motion to appoint counsel (ECF No. 4) is denied 8 without prejudice to renewal; and 9 2. Plaintiff's April 3, 2023 motion to appoint counsel (ECF No. 6) is denied without 10 prejudice to renewal. 11 Also, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that: 12 1. Plaintiff's January 3, 2023 application to proceed in forma pauperis (ECF No. 2) be 13 || denied; 14 2. The complaint filed on January 3, 2023, be dismissed without prejudice; and 15 3. This action be dismissed. 16 These findings and recommendations will be submitted to the United States District Judge 17 | assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). Within fourteen days 18 | after being served with these findings and recommendations, plaintiff may file written objections 19 | with the court. A document containing objections should be titled “Objections to Magistrate 20 | Judge’s Findings and Recommendations.” Plaintiff is advised that failure to file objections within 21 | the specified time may, under certain circumstances, waive the right to appeal the District Court’s 22 | order. See Martinez v. YIst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991). 23 || Dated: April 24, 2023 24 25 26 | DLB:6 ONEEED Ci acies SiSTENG JUDGE 97 DB\orders\orders.pro se\pinzon0008.dism.f&rs 28