Christina Wind, et al. v. State of California, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California granted the parties’ joint motion to stay the entire action pending private mediation. The court vacated the initial scheduling conference and related deadlines, required a joint post-mediation status report, and set procedures for reporting settlement or proposing future case deadlines.

Holdings

1. The court granted the parties' joint motion and stayed the entire action until further order because the parties' mediation provided an appropriate justification for the stay.
2. During the stay, all proceedings, discovery, pending deadlines, and hearings are vacated, including the initial scheduling conference, although the parties may informally exchange information under the protective order to prepare for mediation.
3. Within fourteen days after mediation, the parties must file a joint post-mediation status report; mediation communications are confidential subject to the court's stated exceptions; and the parties must promptly file notice of settlement if mediation results in settlement.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should grant the parties' joint request to stay the entire action for purposes of private mediation.
2. What proceedings, deadlines, and post-mediation reporting requirements should apply during and after the stay.

Disposition

other