Answer of Defendant City of Carmel to Plaintiff's Amended Verified Petition and Complaint Mcinchak
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Transcript of Answer of Defendant City of Carmel to Plaintiff's Amended Verified Petition and Complaint Mcinchak
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8/9/2019 Answer of Defendant City of Carmel to Plaintiff's Amended Verified Petition and Complaint Mcinchak
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STRADLING YOCCA
CARLSON
RAUTH
LAWYERS
NeWPORT BEACH
JEFFREY A. DINKIN, SBN 111422
jdinkin@sycr com
ALLISON
E
BURNS, SBN 198231
aburns@sycr com
DAVID C PALMER, SBN 251609
dpalmer@sycr com
S1RADLING YOCCACARLSON RAUIH
A Professional Corporation
800 Anacapa Street, Suite A
Santa Barbara, California 93101
Telephone: (805) 730-6800
Facsimile: (805) 730-6801
Attorneys for Respondent/Defendant
City
of
Carmel-by-the Sea
Exempt from filing fee
Government
Code
6103
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF MONTEREY
STEVEN MCINCHAK
Petitioner/Plaintiff,
v.
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, JASON
STILWELL, CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF
THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA,
SUSAN PAUL, ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA; and DOES 1
through 50, inclusive,
Respondents/Defendants.
CASE NO. M128062
ANSWER
OF
RESPONDENT/DEFENDANT CITY OF
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
TO
PETITIONER/PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED
VERIFIED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
Action Filed: June 4, 2014
Discovery Cutoff: Not Set
Trial Date: Not Set
ANSWER TO AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
DOCSOC/168183
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8/9/2019 Answer of Defendant City of Carmel to Plaintiff's Amended Verified Petition and Complaint Mcinchak
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STRADLING YOCCA
CARLSON RAUTH
LAWYERS
NEWPORT BEACH
PETITIONER PLAINTIFF
AND ATTORNEYS
OF
RECORD:
Respondent/Defendant the City of Cannel-By-The-Sea ( City ) for itself and for no othe
defendant, hereby answers the Amended Verified Petition for Writ of Mandamus and Complain
for Declaratory Judgment, Breach
of
Contract, Defamation and Intentional and Negligen
Infliction of Emotional Distress filed in the above-captioned action ( Amended Complaint ) by
Petitioner/Plaintiff Steven Mclnchak ( Petitioner ) as follows:
PRELIMINARY
STATEMENT
In
response to the introductory paragraph of the Amended Complaint, the City admits
that Petitioner has been employed by the City since 1997 as its Information Systems Network
Manager, responsible for managing and supervising the City's entire computer system. The
City further admits that on June 5 2013 the City
of
Carmel-by-the Sea unilaterally placed
Petitioner on paid administrative leave from his position as Information Systems Network
Manager without notice or hearing because no such notice or hearing was required. The City is
not able to admit or deny whether there was cause for placing
Petitioner on paid administrative
as the term without cause
as
used in the context
of
the Amended Complaint is uncertain and
indefinite, and while cause was not required to place Petitioner on paid administrative leave,
there was cause for doing so. The City further admits that the City has kept Petitioner on paid
administrative leave, preventing him from performing his job duties or returning to work since
June 6, 2013, a period
of
nearly 12 months at the time the Amended Complaint was filed. The
City further responds that the balance
of
the allegations set forth in the introductory paragraph
constitute legal argument or legal conclusions and the City is not required to admit or deny the
same. To the extent the balance of
the introductory paragraph contains factual allegations, the
City denies the same. The City further denies the implication that any
of
actions refened to in
the introductory paragraph violated any statute or other legal right held by Petitioner.
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ANSWER TO AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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8/9/2019 Answer of Defendant City of Carmel to Plaintiff's Amended Verified Petition and Complaint Mcinchak
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P RTIES
1 Answering Paragraph 1
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits all allegations
therein.
2
Answering Paragraph 2
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits all allegation
therein.
3
Answering Paragraph 3 of the Amended Complaint, the City admits all allegation
therein.
4 Answering Paragraph 4
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits all allegation
therein.
5 Answering Paragraph 5
of
the Amended Complaint, the City is without sufficien
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth
of
the allegations contained therein, and
on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
COMMON F CTS
6
Answering Paragraph 6
of
the Amended Complaint, the City denies that Petitione
reported directly to the City Administrator until 2013 when he was directed to report instead to
the administrative Services
Director. The City admits the balance
of
the allegations contained i
Paragraph
6
7 Answering Paragraph 7
of
the Amended Complaint, the City denies that Petitione
was required to be accessible to the City, its Administrators, its elected officials and employee
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to solve problems or answer questions about the
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ANSWER TO AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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STRADLING YOCCA
CARLSON RAUTH
LAWYERS
NEII PORT BEACH
City's Computer system. The City admits the balance
of
the allegations contained in Paragraph
7.
8. Answering Paragraph 8 of the Amended Complaint, the City denies all allegations
contained therein.
9.
Answering Paragraph 9
of
the Amended Complaint, the City denies that:
(i
Petitioner is a permanent, long-term employee of the City
of
Carmel; (ii) Petitioner accrued a
property interest in his employment as a public employee under the Constitution of the State o
California, including the right to retain his employment in the absence
of
just cause for
termination; (iii) Petitioner was informed that he was required to sign that Agreement as a
condition of remaining employed
by
the City of Carmel ; (iv) Petitioner received no ..
consideration or other benefit in connection with the Employment Agreement; (v) Petitione
was compelled to sign ... with no notice or intent to waive his vested rights and under threa
that
if
he did not sign the Employment Agreement his employment would be immediately
terminated without cause. The City admits the balance
of
the allegations contained in Paragraph
9, except those that constitute legal argument or legal conclusions which the City is not required
to admit or deny the same.
10. Answering Paragraph 10
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits that on June
5
2013: agents
of
the City
of
Carmel appeared at Petitioner/Plaintiff's home together with the
Chief
of
Police and three law enforcement officers from the City of Carmel and the Monterey
County Sheriff's Department who served upon Petitioner/Plaintiff a search warrant and
proceeded to search his residence. The City admits
...
he City of Carmel took possession o
Petitioner/Plaintiff's home computer
...
[and] ... [c ]ity laptop computer and multiple thumb drives
and disks, including all back-up disks ... None of the property taken on June 5, 2013 has been
returned to Petitioner/Plaintiff. The City denies each and every other allegation contained in
Paragraph 10.
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ANSWER TO AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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11.
Answering Paragraph
11 of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits that Karen
Mclnchak is not now, and never has been, an employee
of
the City
of
Carmel. The City admit
that Petitioner's home computer was not returned from June 5, 2013 to the date this action was
filed. The City is informed and believes that
Petitioner has retrieved his home computer during
the pendency
of
this action. The City is without sufficient knowledge or infonnation to form
belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations
of
Paragraph 11 and on that basis denies eac
and every remaining allegation.
12.
Answering Paragraph 12
of
the Amended Complaint, the City denies the allegatio
that at the same time on June 5 2013 agents
of
the City
of
Carmel includin
Respondent/Defendant Susan Paul notified Petitioner/Plaintiff that he was placed on
administrative leave pending investigation of criminal charges against him. The City admit
that no criminal or other charges have ever been filed against Petitioner and that the Carme
Police Department has not requested the filing
of
any criminal charges against Petitioner. Th
City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth
of
th
allegation that nor any other law enforcement agency has requested the filing
of
any crimina
charges against Petitioner/Plaintiff, Steven Mclnchak, and on that basis denies the foregoin
allegation.
13. Answering Paragraph 13
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits that to date
Petitioner has not received notice of charges from the City of Carmel. The City further admits (i
that Petitioner was directed to appear at an investigative interview, (ii) that not appearing at said
investigative interview would be insubordination, (iii) that an attorney engaged by the City wa
present with Ms. Paul at the investigative interview. The City admits that Petitioner did not hav
an opportunity to review, respond to or rebut charges because the interview was investigatory
and there were no charges yet alleged to which Petitioner could respond. The City denies tha
Petitioner was not given the opportunity to respond to the questions about his activity
Petitioner's allegation that the allegations against Petitioner by the City of Carmel are false i
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ANSWER TO AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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not sufficiently definite to allow The City to form a belief
as
to the truth of the foregoing
allegation and on that basis the City denies the same. The City is without sufficient knowledg
or information to form a belief as to the truth of the following allegations, and on that basis the
City denies the same: (i) Petitioner had no knowledge or notice of any allegations against him
by the City
of
Carmel prior
to
the search of his home and seizure
of
his property; and (ii) tha
any purported allegations of wrongdoing made by the City
of
Carmel against [Petitioner] ..
have been widely published and republished throughout the community. The City denies each
and every other allegation contained in Paragraph 13.
14. Answering Paragraph 14, the City responds that the following allegation constitute
legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is not required to admit or deny the same: such
false and defamatory allegations, including allegations
of
criminal conduct, irreparably damaged
Petitioner/Plaintiff's reputation
in
his profession, his employment and his community, violated
his privacy, impaired his contract of employment, and violated his liberty interest in hi
employment, all in violation of his right to due process of law under the Constitution of the Stat
of Califomia, and in violation of Califomia law. The City denies each and every othe
allegation contained in Paragraph 14.
15.
Answering Paragraph 15
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits that from the
time Petitioner was placed on paid administrative leave on June
5 2013
to the present, Petitione
has been prevented from performing his job duties and accessing his work computers. The City
admits that from the time Petitioner was placed on paid administrative leave on June 5 2013 to
the date this action was filed, Petitioner was prevented from retrieving the personal property
seized by the Police pursuant to the search warrant, or accessing his home computer. The City i
informed and believes that Petitioner has since retrieved the personal property seized by the
Police pursuant to the search warrant, and his home computer, during the pendency of thi
action. The City further responds that the remaining allegations in Paragraph 15 constitute lega
argument or legal conclusion and the City is not required to admit or deny the same
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ANSWER TO AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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STRADLING
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CARLSON
RAUTH
LAWYERS
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Notwithstanding, to the extent the remaining allegations constitute factual averments, the Cit
denies the same.
16. Answering Paragraph
16
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits that Petitione
is 62 years
of
age. The City admits that employees of the City
of
Carmel by-the-Sea over the ag
of 40 years old have been terminated since March
1
2013. The City denies that ... at least seve
long-term employees over the age
of
40 years who have been terminated, placed on involuntar
leave
of
absence pending an investigation
of
allegations
of
misconduct, placed under disciplinar
investigation by the City
of
Carmel or forced to resign since on or about March
1
2013. Th
City denies that the City Administrator and other agents
of
the City
of
Carmel have instituted
pattern and practice of discrimination based on age causing a disparate impact on olde
employees which is continuing in violation of California law. The City denies that Petitione
has been subjected to disparate treatment because
of
his age. The City is without sufficien
knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth
of
the allegation that Petitioner ha
never been convicted
of
any crime
of
moral turpitude , and on that basis, denies the allegation
With regard to Petitioner's allegations that a female employee who is more than twenty year
younger than Petitioner was convicted
of
welfare fraud during her employment with the City a
its Finance Specialist without suffering any discipline, discharge, involuntary leave
of
absence o
investigation of wrongdoing, such allegation is inflammatory and irrelevant
as
well
as
factuall
incorrect; the City denies the same. The City admits that in May 16 2014 Petitioner filed
Complaint
of
Discrimination with the California Department
of
Fair Employment and Housin
against the City
of
Cmmel-by-the-Sea and certain individuals. The City further responds that th
remaining allegations
of
Paragraph 16 constitute legal argument or legal conclusions and th
City is not required
to
admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent the remaining
allegations constitute factual averments, the City denies the same.
17. Answering Paragraph 17
of
the Amended Complaint, the City admits that on o
about December 4 2013 Petitioner submitted a Notice
of
Government Claim to the City Clerk
o
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STRADLING YOCCA
LAWYERS
NEWPORT BEACH
the City of Cannel-by-the-Sea. The City admits that on January
9
2014 the City rejected
Petitioner s Government Claim. The City further responds that the remaining allegations o
Paragraph 17 constitute legal argument or legal conclusions and the City is not required to admi
or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent the remaining allegations constitute factual
averments, the City denies the same.
18. Answering Paragraph 18 of the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 18 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph
18 contains
factual allegations, the City denies the same.
FIRST
CAUSE
OF ACTION
Petition
for
Writ of
Mandamus:
Performance of Ministerial Duty CCP Section 1085)
(Against AU Respondents/Defendants
their
Official Capacities)
19. Answering Paragraph 19
of
the Amended Complaint, the City incorporates by
reference each and every response in paragraphs 1 through 18 as though fully set fmih herein.
20. Answering Paragraph 20
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 20 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 20 contains
factual allegations, the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to
the truth of such allegations and on that basis denies the same.
21. Answering Paragraph 21
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 18 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph
21
contains
factual allegations, the City denies the same.
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ANSWER TO AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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STRADLING YOCCA
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22. Answering Paragraph 22 of the Amended Complaint, the City admits that on June 5
2013 agents
of
the City
of
Cmmel placed, and now continue to maintain, Petitioner on paid
administrative leave pending an investigation that remains ongoing. The City denies that the City
is without good cause, without investigation and without any evidence
of
grounds to believe
that he is guilty
of
conduct which warrants disciplinary action. The City further respond tha
the remaining allegations of Paragraph 22 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the
City is not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent the remaining
allegations constitute factual averments, the City denies the same.
23. Answering Paragraph 23
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that each
and every allegation
of
Paragraph
23
constitutes legal argument or legal conclusion and the City
is not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 23 contain
factual allegations, the City denies the same.
24. Answering Paragraph 24 of the Amended Complaint, the City admits tha
Respondents/Defendants have refused, and continued to refuse, to permit him to perform hi
duties as Information Systems Network Manager for the City
of
Carmel. The City denies tha
Respondents/Defendants have refused, and continued to refuse, to reinstate Petitioner/Plaintiff
as Petitioner remains employed by the City. The City further responds that the remainin
allegations
of
Paragraph 24 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is no
required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent the remaining allegation
constitute factual averments, the City denies the same.
25. Answering Paragraph 25
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that th
allegations set f01ih therein constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is no
required to admit or deny the same. To the extent Paragraph
25
contains factual allegations, th
City denies the same.
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ANSWER
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AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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26. Answering Paragraph 26 of the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 26 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 26 contain
factual allegations, the City denies the same.
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
Petition For Writ of Mandate: Abuse
of
Discretion
(Against All Respondents/Defendants in their Official Capacities)
27. Answering Paragraph 27 of the Amended Complaint, the City incorporates by
reference each and every response in paragraphs 1 through 26
as
though fully set forth herein.
28. Answering Paragraph 28 of the Amended Complaint, The City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 28 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 28 contain
factual allegations, the City denies the same.
THIRD
CAUSE
OF ACTION
Breach of
Written Contract
of Employment
(Against Respondent/Defendant
Employer
Only)
29. Answering Paragraph 29
of
the Amended Complaint, the City incorporates by
reference each and every response in paragraphs 1 through 28 as though fully set forth herein.
30. Answering Paragraph 30 of the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the City
is without sufficient knowledge or infonnation to form a belief as to the truth of the allegation
that Petitioner has not engaged in any such conduct, nor has he been charged or convicted
o
any crime ... . The City admits that Petitioner has not been charged or convicted
of
any crime
As for the allegation that Petitioner has not engaged in any such conduct, the City respond
that the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as
to the truth
of
the
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allegation as Petitioner's conduct remains under investigation as of the date of this Answer. Th
City denies each and every other allegation contained in Paragraph 30
31. Answering Paragraph
31 of
the Amended Complaint, the City denies each and every
allegation contained therein.
32. Answering Paragraph 32
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that th
allegations set forth in Paragraph 32 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 26 contain
factual allegations, the City denies the same.
FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION
Defamation
(Against All Respondents/Defendants)
33. Answering Paragraph 33
of
the Amended Complaint, the City incorporates by
reference each and every response in paragraphs 1 through 32
as
though fully set forth herein.
34. Answering Paragraph 34
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the City
without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth
of
the allegation tha
The City caused excessive and unsolicited internal and external publications
of
defamation
o
and concerning Petitioner/Plaintiff to third persons and to the community and on that basi
denies the same. The City denies each and every remaining allegation contained in Paragrap
34.
35. Answering Paragraph 35
of
the Amended Complaint, the allegations are uncertain
and general, and on that basis the City is without sufficient knowledge or inf01mation to form a
belief as to the truth
of
each and every allegation contained therein, and on that basis denies the
same.
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36. Answering Paragraph 36
of
the Amended Complaint the allegations are uncertain
and general and on that basis the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form
belief as to the truth
of
each and every allegation contained therein and on that basis denies the
same.
37. Answering Paragraph 37 of the Amended Complaint the City responds that the
allegations set forth
in
Paragraph 37 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding to the extent Paragraph 37 contain
factual allegations the City responds that the allegations are uncertain and general and on tha
basis the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as
to the truth
o
the allegations and on that basis denies the same.
38. Answering Paragraph 38 of the Amended Complaint the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 3 8 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding to the extent Paragraph 38 contains
factual allegations the City responds that the allegations are uncertain and general and on tha
basis is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as
to the truth
of
the
allegations and on that basis denies each and every allegation therein.
39. Answering Paragraph 39 of the Amended Complaint the allegations are uncertain
and general and on that basis the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a
belief as to the truth
of
each and every allegation contained therein and on that basis denies the
same.
40. Answering Paragraph 40
of
the Amended Complaint the allegations are uncertain
and general and on that basis the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a
belief as to the truth
of
each and every allegation contained therein and on that basis denies the
same.
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41. Answering Paragraph 41
of
the Amended Complaint the City responds that th
allegations set forth in Paragraph 41 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding to the extent Paragraph 41 contain
factual allegations the City responds that the allegations are uncertain and general and on tha
basis is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth
of
th
allegations and on that basis denies each and every allegation therein.
42. Answering Paragraph 42 of the Amended Complaint the City responds that th
allegations set forth in Paragraph 42 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding to the extent Paragraph 42 contain
factual allegations the City responds that the allegations are uncertain and general and on tha
basis the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth
o
the allegations and on that basis denies each and every allegation therein.
43. Answering Paragraph 43 of the Amended Complaint the City responds that th
allegations set forth in Paragraph 43 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is
not required
to
admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding to the extent Paragraph
43
contain
factual allegations the City denies each and every allegation therein.
44. Answering Paragraph 44
of
the Amended Complaint the City responds that th
allegations set forth in Paragraph 44 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding to the extent Paragraph 43 contain
factual allegations the City denies each and every allegation therein.
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Intentional
(Against
of
Emotional Distress
Respondents/Defendants)
45. Answering Paragraph 45 of the Amended Complaint, the City incorporates b
reference each and every response in paragraphs 1 through 44 as though fully set forth herein.
46. Answering Paragraph 46 of the Amended Complaint, the City admits that on o
about June 5 2013 agents of the City, including Ms. Paul, entered Petitioner s home pursuant to
a search wanant. The City further responds that the remaining allegations set forth in Paragrap
46 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City is not required to admit or deny th
same. Notwithstanding, to the extent the remaining allegations constitute factual averments, th
City denies the same.
4
7.
Answering paragraph 4 7 of the Amended Complaint, the City denies each and ever
allegation therein.
48. Answering Paragraph 48 of the Amended Complaint, the City responds that th
allegations set forth in Paragraph
48
constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph
48
contain
factual allegations, the City is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to
the truth of the allegations and on that basis denies each and every allegation therein.
SIXTH
CAUSE OF CTION
Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress
(Against AU Respondents/Defendants)
49. Answering Paragraph 49 of the Amended Complaint, the City incorporates b
reference each and every response in paragraphs 1 through 48 as though fully set forth herein.
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RAUTH
LA\VYERS
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BEACH
50. Answering Paragraph 50
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 50 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph
5
contain
factual allegations, the City denies each and every allegation therein.
51. Answering Paragraph 51 of the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 51 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 51 contain
factual allegations, the City denies each and every allegation therein.
SEVENTH
CAUSE OF
ACTION
Declaratory Relief
Against All Respondents/Defendants their Official Capacities)
52. Answering Paragraph 52 of the Amended Complaint, the City incorporates by
reference each and every response in paragraphs 1 through
51
as though fully set fmih herein.
53. Answering Paragraph 53 of the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 53 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 53 contain
factual allegations, the City denies each and every allegation therein.
54. Answering Paragraph 54
of
the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set forth in Paragraph 54 constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 54 contain
factual allegations, the City denies each and every allegation therein.
55. Answering Paragraph
55 of the Amended Complaint, the City responds that the
allegations set fmih in Paragraph
55
constitute legal argument or legal conclusion and the City i
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not required to admit or deny the same. Notwithstanding, to the extent Paragraph 55 contain
factual allegations, the City denies each and every allegation therein.
PR YER
FOR
RELIEF
The City denies each and every allegation and request for relief, including all subparts, set
forth in Petitioner's PRAYER FOR RELIEF.
FFIRM TIVE DEFENSES
FIRST
FFIRM TIVE
DEFENSE
Failure to State a laim
As a first and separate affirmative defense, the City is informed and believes and on tha
basis alleges that the Amended Complaint and all
of
the purported causes
of
action therein ar
barred in whole or in part, by the failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
SECOND FFIRM TIVE DEFENSE
Standing
As a second and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that Petitioner lack
standing to bring his Amended Complaint and all
of
the purported causes
of
action therein.
THIRD FFIRM TIVE DEFENSE
Waiver
As a third and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that the Amended Complain
and all the purported causes
of
action therein are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrine
o
wmver.
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ANSWER
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AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
DOCSOC/168183 7v3/l 02910-0006
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FOURTH
AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSE
As a fourth and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that all
of
Petitioner
purported causes
of
action, and each
of
them, are not ripe for adjudication.
FIFTH
AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSE
Justification
nd
Privilege
As a fifth and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that the City s actions
respecting the subject matters in the Amended Complaint and all the purported causes
of
action
therein were undertaken in good faith, with the absence
of
discriminatory and/or malicious inten
to injure Petitioner, and constitute lawful, proper and justified means to further the purpose
o
engaging in and continuing the City s affairs.
SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
onformance with Statutes
nd
Regulations
As a sixth and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that to the extent any
of
the
City s activities
as
alleged in the Amended Complaint and all the purpmied causes
of
action
therein were pursuant to state or local law or govemment regulations, Petitioner s claims mus
fail in that such activities were authorized, appropriate or permitted and therefore cannot form
the basis
of
any liability.
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SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSE
to
As seventh and separate affirmative defense the City is informed and believes and on
that basis alleges that the Amended Complaint and all the purported causes
of
action therein are
barred in whole or in part by the failure to exhaust administrative remedies.
EIGHTH
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Protectable Property Interest
As an eighth and separate affirmative defense the City alleges that the Amended
Complaint and all the purported causes
of
action therein are barred because the City has no
interfered with any protectable prope1iy interest alleged in the Amended Complaint.
NINTH AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSE
No amages
As an ninth and separate affirmative defense the City alleges that the Amended
Complaint and all the purported causes
of
action therein are barred because Petitioner has failed
to show any cognizable damages.
TENTH
AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSE
Unclean Hands
As a tenth and separate affirmative defense the City alleges that the Amended Complain
and all the purported causes
of
action therein are barred by the doctrine
of
unclean hands.
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ELEVENTH FFIRM TIVE DEFENSE
As an eleventh and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that the Amended
Complaint and all the purported causes
of
action therein are baned because the relief sough
would improperly interfere with the City s discretionary authority.
TWELFTH
FFIRM TIVE
DEFENSE
Employment
t
Will
As a twelfth and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that all
of
Petitioner s
purpotied causes
of
action are barred, in whole or in part, on the basis that at all times relevant
hereto, Petitioner was an at-will employee
of
the City.
THIRTEENTH FFIRM TIVE DEFENSE
Other efenses Reserved
As a thirteenth and separate affirmative defense, the City alleges that all
of
Petitioner s
purported causes
of
action are barred, in whole or in part, on the basis
of
other facts and
allegations which are either not yet known or whose materiality or relevance are not yet fully
appreciated, and the City reserves the right to amend this answer and to assert additiona
defenses.
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AMENDED PETITION AND COMPLAINT
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PR YER FOR
RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the City prays as follows:
1.
That Petitioner take nothing by way
ofhis
Amended Complaint;
2. That this Comi deny every item of relief requested in the Amended Complaint;
3. That judgment be entered in favor of the City;
4. That the City recover attorneys fees, as applicable;
5.
That the City recover costs of suit incurred herein; and
6. That the City receive such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
DATED: October
7
2014
STRADLING YOCCA CARLSON RAUTH
A Professional Corporation
By:
Attorneys for Respondent/Defendant
City of Carmel-by-the
Sea
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1 0
STRADLING YOCCA
CARLSON
RAUTH
LAWYERS
NE\\ PORT
BEACH
PROOF
OF SERVICE
I am a resident of the State
of
Califomia, over the age
of
eighteen years, and not a party
to the within action. My business address is 660 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1600, Newpmi
Beach, Califomia 92660-6422. On October
7
2014, I served the within documents:
ANSWER OF RESPONDENT/DEFENDANT CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA TO
PLAINTIFF S
AMENDED
VERIFIED PETITION
AND
COMPLAINT
D
D
BY FACSIMILE: by transmitting via facsimile the document(s) listed
above to the facsimile number(s) set forth below. I certify that said
transmission was completed without error and that a report was generated
by facsimile machine (949) 725-4100 which confirms said transmission.
BY
EMAIL: by transmitting via electronic mail the document(s) listed
above to the email address(es) set forth below.
BY
OVERNIGHT
DELIVERY: by placing the document(s) listed
above in a sealed envelope with postage thereon fully prepaid, and
delivering via overnight courier and addressed as set forth below,
respectively.
BY MAIL: by placing the document(s) listed above in a sealed envelope
with postage thereon fully prepaid, in the United States Mail in Newport
Beach, California, addressed as set forth below.
BY PERSONAL
DELIVERY:
by causing personal delivery by
Nationwide Legal, Inc.
of
the document(s) listed above to the person(s) at
the address(es) set forth below.
PLEASE SEE
ATTACHED
SERVICE
LIST
I am readily familiar with the firm s practice
of
collection and processing correspondence
for mailing. Under that practice it would be deposited with the U.S. Postal Service on that same
day with postage thereon fully prepaid in the ordinary course
of
business. I am aware that on
motion
of
the party served, service is presumed invalid
if
postal cancellation date or postage
meter date is more than on day after the date
of deposit for mailing in affidavit.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Califomia that the above
is true and conect.
Executed on October 7 2014 at Newport Beach, California.
PROOF
OF
SERVICE
DOCSOC/168183 7v3/l 02910-0006
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et
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Case1Vo A1128062
3
Michelle A Welsh
Attorneyfor Plaintiff/Petitioner
4
Stoner, Welsh Schmidt
Steven
fclnchak
413 Forest A venue
5
Pacific Grove, CA 93950-4201
6
Telephone: 831) 373-1993
Facsimile: 831) 373-1492
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