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Case TitleLOS PADRES FORESTWATCH v. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2018cv00579
Date Filed2018-03-15
Date Closed2022-05-06
JudgeJudge Reggie B. Walton
PlaintiffLOS PADRES FORESTWATCH
Case DescriptionLos Padres Forestwatch submitted a FOIA request to the Department of the Interior for records concerning the Secretary's recommendations regarding changes to national monuments, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Los Padres Forestwatch also requested a fee waiver. The agency acknowledged receipt of the request and took a 10-day extension. After hearing nothing further from the agency, Los Padres Forestwatch filed suit.
Complaint issues: Litigation - Attorney's fees, Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Public Interest Fee Waiver

DefendantOFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2018-03-151COMPLAINT against OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0090-5374593) filed by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons for US Attorney Civil Process Clerk, # 3 Summons for US Attorney General, # 4 Summons for Defendant Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior)(Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 03/15/2018)
2018-03-152Corporate Disclosure Statement by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 03/15/2018)
2018-03-15Case Assigned to Judge Reggie B. Walton. (zsb) (Entered: 03/15/2018)
2018-03-153SUMMONS (3) Issued Electronically as to OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zsb) (Entered: 03/15/2018)
2018-03-154MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Rene Voss, :Firm- Natural Resources Law, :Address- 15 Alderney Rd., San Anselmo, CA 94960. Phone No. - (415) 446-9027. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0090-5375720. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Rene Voss, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 03/15/2018)
2018-03-16MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the plaintiff's 4 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, and it appearing to the Court that the attorney referenced therein meets the requirements for pro hac vice admission under this Court's rules, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that Rene Peter Voss, of Natural Resources Law, located at 15 Alderney Rd., San Anselmo, CA 94960, is ADMITTED to practice before the Court pro hac vice. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on March 16, 2018. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 03/16/2018)
2018-03-225RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 3/22/2018. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 4/21/2018. (Attachments: # 1 Return Receipt)(Kenna, Matt) (Main Document 5 replaced on 3/23/2018) (znmw). (Entered: 03/22/2018)
2018-03-226RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 3/22/18. (Attachments: # 1 Return Receipt)(Kenna, Matt) (Main Document 6 replaced on 3/23/2018) (znmw). (Entered: 03/22/2018)
2018-03-227RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR served on 3/20/2018 (Attachments: # 1 Return Receipt)(Kenna, Matt) (Main Document 7 replaced on 3/23/2018) (znmw). (Entered: 03/22/2018)
2018-04-208NOTICE of Appearance by Jason Todd Cohen on behalf of OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (Cohen, Jason) (Entered: 04/20/2018)
2018-04-239First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, by OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Cohen, Jason) (Entered: 04/23/2018)
2018-04-2310RESPONSE re 9 First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, filed by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 04/23/2018)
2018-04-24MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the 9 Defendant's First Motion for Extension of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond to Complaint and the plaintiff's response thereto, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that the defendant's motion is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART nunc pro tunc. It is further ORDERED that the defendant shall file its response to the plaintiff's Complaint on or before May 8, 2018. The Court cautions that no further extensions will be granted absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on April 24, 2018. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 04/24/2018)
2018-04-24Set/Reset Deadlines: Answer to the Complaint due by 5/8/2018, (hs) (Entered: 04/24/2018)
2018-05-0811ANSWER to Complaint by OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.(Cohen, Jason) (Entered: 05/08/2018)
2018-05-1512NOTICE of Four Related Cases by OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit ECF No. 23 in SUWA v. DOI, Civ. A. No. 17-2314 (EGS))(Cohen, Jason) (Entered: 05/15/2018)
2018-07-1713STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 6-22-18 Order in 1:17-cv-02314-EGS, # 2 Exhibit 3-20-18 Order in 1:17-cv-02314-EGS, # 3 Exhibit 7-2-18 Order in 1:17-cv-02314-EGS)(Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 07/17/2018)
2018-07-19MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the 13 Plaintiff's Scheduling Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that on or before August 3, 2018, the parties shall file a joint status report with the Court indicating the parties' positions as to how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on July 19, 2018. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 07/19/2018)
2018-07-19Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 8/3/2018 (hs) (Entered: 07/19/2018)
2018-08-0314Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 08/03/2018)
2018-08-06MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 14 Joint Scheduling Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that the defendant shall continue its monthly records production process in response to the plaintiff's and others' National Monument FOIA requests, specifically identifying those documents which are particular to the Carrizo Plain National Monument in California. It is further ORDERED that the defendant shall issue a final determination letter and Vaughn index within thirty days of when its response to the plaintiff's FOIA request is complete. It is further ORDERED that on or before October 5, 2018, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on August 6, 2018. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 08/06/2018)
2018-08-06Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 10/5/2018 (hs) (Entered: 08/06/2018)
2018-10-0515Joint STATUS REPORT (SECOND) by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 10/05/2018)
2018-10-09MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 15 Joint Scheduling Report (Second), and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that the defendant shall continue its monthly records production process in response to the plaintiff's and others' National Monument FOIA requests, specifically identifying those documents which are particular to the Carrizo Plain National Monument in California. It is further ORDERED that the defendant shall issue a final determination letter and Vaughn index within thirty days of when its response to the plaintiff's FOIA request is complete. It is further ORDERED that on or before December 5, 2018, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on October 9, 2018. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 10/09/2018)
2018-10-10Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 12/5/2018 (hs) (Entered: 10/10/2018)
2018-12-0616Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 12/06/2018)
2018-12-11MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 16 Joint Scheduling Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that the defendant shall continue its monthly records production process in response to the plaintiff's and others' National Monument FOIA requests, specifically identifying those documents which are particular to the Carrizo Plain National Monument in California. It is further ORDERED that the defendant shall issue a final determination letter and Vaughn index within thirty days of when its response to the plaintiff's FOIA request is complete. It is further ORDERED that on or before February 5, 2019, and every thirty days thereafter, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on December 11, 2018. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 12/11/2018)
2018-12-12Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 2/5/2019 and every thirty days thereafter. (hs) (Entered: 12/12/2018)
2019-02-0517Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 02/05/2019)
2019-03-0718Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 03/07/2019)
2019-04-0819Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 04/08/2019)
2019-05-0820Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 05/08/2019)
2019-06-0721Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 06/07/2019)
2019-07-0322Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 07/03/2019)
2019-08-0523Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 08/05/2019)
2019-09-1624Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 09/16/2019)
2019-10-1125Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 10/11/2019)
2019-11-1526Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 11/15/2019)
2019-11-2127NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL by Sean Michael Tepe on behalf of OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Substituting for attorney Jason Cohen (Tepe, Sean) (Entered: 11/21/2019)
2019-12-1628Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 12/16/2019)
2020-01-1529Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 01/15/2020)
2020-02-1430Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 02/14/2020)
2020-03-1631Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 03/16/2020)
2020-04-1532Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 04/15/2020)
2020-05-1533Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 05/15/2020)
2020-06-1634Joint STATUS REPORT by OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Tepe, Sean) (Entered: 06/16/2020)
2020-07-1535Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 07/15/2020)
2020-08-1436Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 08/14/2020)
2020-09-1437Joint SCHEDULING REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) Modified on 9/20/2020 (zjf). (Entered: 09/14/2020)
2020-10-1438Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 10/14/2020)
2020-11-1339Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 11/13/2020)
2020-12-1440Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 12/14/2020)
2021-01-1341Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 01/13/2021)
2021-02-1242Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 02/12/2021)
2021-03-1543Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 03/15/2021)
2021-04-1444Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 04/14/2021)
2021-04-16MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 44 Joint Status Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that, on or before May 14, 2021, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall appear before the Court for a status conference on May 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., via teleconference by calling 1-877-873-8017 and entering the Court's access code (8583213) followed by the pound key (#). Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on April 16, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 04/16/2021)
2021-04-16Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings: Joint Status Report due by 5/14/2021. Status Conference set for 5/19/2021 at 02:00 PM by Telephonic/VTC before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (hs) (Entered: 04/16/2021)
2021-04-18Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 5/14/2021 (hs) (Entered: 04/18/2021)
2021-05-1345Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 05/13/2021)
2021-05-19Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Reggie B. Walton: Status Conference held on 5/19/2021. Parties inform the court of the status of the case. Next status report shall be filed by 6/14/2021. Next Telephone Status Conference is set for 8/26/2021 at 9:00 AM before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (Court Reporter:Cathryn Jones) (tj) (Entered: 05/19/2021)
2021-05-1946ORDER. In accordance with the attached Order, it is hereby ORDERED that, on or before June 14, 2021, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall appear before the Court for a status conference on August 26, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., via teleconference by calling 1-877-873-8017 and entering the Court's access code (8583213) followed by the pound key (#). Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on May 19, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 05/19/2021)
2021-06-1147Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 06/11/2021)
2021-06-15MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 47 Joint Status Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that, on or before July 14, 2021, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on June 15, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 06/15/2021)
2021-06-18Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 7/14/2021 (hs) (Entered: 06/18/2021)
2021-07-1448Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 07/14/2021)
2021-07-14MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 48 Joint Status Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that, on or before August 13, 2021, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on July 14, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 07/14/2021)
2021-07-14Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 8/13/2021 (hs) (Entered: 07/14/2021)
2021-08-1349Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 08/13/2021)
2021-08-26Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Reggie B. Walton: Status Conference held on 8/26/2021. Status Conference set for 11/5/2021 at 09:15 AM by Telephonic/VTC before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (Court Reporter Cathryn Jones) (hs) (Entered: 08/26/2021)
2021-08-3150ORDER. In accordance with the attached Order, it is hereby ORDERED that on or before September 13, 2021, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall appear before the Court for a status conference on November 5, 2021, at 9:15 a.m., via teleconference by calling 1-877-873-8017 and entering the Court's access code (8583213) followed by the pound key (#). Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on August 31, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 08/31/2021)
2021-09-01Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 9/13/2021 (hs) (Entered: 09/01/2021)
2021-09-1351Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 09/13/2021)
2021-09-20MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 51 Joint Status Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that, on or before October 13, 2021, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on September 20, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 09/20/2021)
2021-09-20Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 10/13/2021 (hs) (Entered: 09/20/2021)
2021-10-1352Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 10/13/2021)
2021-10-14MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 52 Joint Status Report, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that, on or before November 12, 2021, the parties shall file another joint status report describing the status of the defendant's records production and how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on October 14, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 10/14/2021)
2021-10-16Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 11/12/2021 (hs) (Entered: 10/16/2021)
2021-11-05Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Reggie B. Walton: Status Conference set for 12/17/2021 at 11:45 AM by Telephonic/VTC before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (Court Reporter Cathryn Jones) (adh) (Entered: 11/05/2021)
2021-11-0553ORDER. In accordance with the oral rulings issued by the Court at the status conference held on November 5, 2021, via teleconference, it is hereby ORDERED that the November 12, 2021 joint status report deadline remains in place. It is further ORDERED that, on December 17, 2021, at 11:45 a.m., the parties shall appear before the Court for a status conference, via teleconference, by calling 1-877-873-8017 and entering the Court's access code (8583213) followed by the pound key (#). Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on November 5, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 11/05/2021)
2021-11-1254Joint STATUS REPORT by LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH. (Kenna, Matt) (Entered: 11/12/2021)
2021-12-17Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Reggie B. Walton: Status Conference held on 12/17/2021. A joint oral request for a sixty (60) day continuance; heard and granted. Status Conference set for 2/28/2022 at 11:30 AM by Telephonic/VTC before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (Court Reporter Cathryn Jones) (adh) (Entered: 12/17/2021)
2021-12-1755ORDER. In accordance with the oral rulings issued by the Court at the status conference held on December 17, 2021, via teleconference, it is hereby ORDERED that, on February 28, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., the parties shall appear before the Court for a status conference, via teleconference, by calling 1-877-873-8017 and entering the Court's access code (8583213) followed by the pound key (#). Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on December 17, 2021. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 12/17/2021)
2021-12-17Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference set for 2/28/2022 at 09:00 AM by Telephonic/VTC before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (adh) (Entered: 12/17/2021)
2022-02-28MINUTE ORDER. It is hereby ORDERED that the status conference originally set for February 28, 2022, is CONTINUED to March 4, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall appear before the Court, via teleconference, by calling 1-877-873-8017 and entering the Court's access code (8583213) followed by the pound key (#). Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on February 28, 2022. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 02/28/2022)
2022-02-28Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference reset for 3/4/2022 at 01:00 PM by Telephonic/VTC before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (adh, ) (Entered: 02/28/2022)
2022-03-04Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Reggie B. Walton: Status Conference held on 3/4/2022. Status Conference set for 5/6/2022 at 09:15 AM by Telephonic/VTC before Judge Reggie B. Walton. (Court Reporter Cathryn Jones.) (adh, ) (Entered: 03/04/2022)
2022-03-0456ORDER. In accordance with the oral rulings issued by the Court at the status conference held on March 4, 2022, via teleconference, it is hereby ORDERED that, on May 6, 2022, at 9:15 a.m., the parties shall appear before the Court for a status conference, via teleconference, by calling 1-877-873-8017 and entering the Court's access code (8583213) followed by the pound key (#). Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on March 4, 2022. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 03/04/2022)
2022-05-0457STIPULATION of Dismissal by OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Tepe, Sean) (Entered: 05/04/2022)
2022-05-04MINUTE ORDER. In light of the parties' 57 Stipulation of Dismissal, it is hereby ORDERED that this case is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE. It is further ORDERED that the status conference currently scheduled for May 6, 2022, is VACATED. It is further ORDERED that this case is CLOSED. Signed by Judge Reggie B. Walton on May 4, 2022. (lcrbw3) (Entered: 05/04/2022)
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