Angel Garcia v. Alcides Cervantes

Summary

The United States District Court for the Central District of California ordered Plaintiff to show cause why the court should exercise supplemental jurisdiction over claims under California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act and other state laws. The response must address the statutory damages sought and whether Plaintiff or counsel qualifies as a high-frequency litigant under California Code of Civil Procedure section 425.55, with a deadline of July 7, 2025.

Holdings

1. A federal court may raise the question of subject matter jurisdiction sua sponte at any time during the pendency of an action.
2. The court may decline to exercise supplemental jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1367(c), including where substantial federal-state comity concerns are presented by ADA-based Unruh Act claims.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the Unruh Civil Rights Act claim and other state-law claims.
2. Whether Plaintiff should be required to provide information concerning the amount of Unruh Act statutory damages sought and whether Plaintiff or counsel qualifies as a high-frequency litigant under California Code of Civil Procedure section 425.55.

Disposition

other