Lopez v. Merced County et al.
Jan 18, 2008OUTCOME: Case dismissed against City of Los Banos
The City of Los Banos was sued along with other cities and special districts in Merced County for alleged violations of the federal Voting Rights Act. While Merced County is unquestionably subject to ... the Act, its applicability to cities and independent special districts, which in California are independent co-equal units of local government, is still unsettled law. The City first defeated a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against certification of the November 2006 city election results, and then prevailed on a motion to dismiss the first amended complaint as moot. After consenting to and assisting Merced County in its efforts to comply with the VRA (and reconfirm earlier compliance), the second amended complaint became moot within days of its filing. The City demanded to be dismissed and plaintiffs ultimately complied. The City's motion for award of attorney fees is still pending.
