Case: Ridgeway v. TW Services/Denny's, U.S. v. TW Services, and

5:93-cv-20208 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Filed Date: March 26, 1993

Closed Date: 2001

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On March 26, 1993, the United States Justice Department filed this lawsuit under Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000a et seq. (the Public Accommodations Act), in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against TW Services and its subsidiary, Denny's, Inc., which operates Denny's Restaurants, alleging discriminatory treatment of African Americans by Denny's restaurants in California. Specifically, the complaint alleged that Denny's implemented term…

On March 26, 1993, the United States Justice Department filed this lawsuit under Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000a et seq. (the Public Accommodations Act), in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against TW Services and its subsidiary, Denny's, Inc., which operates Denny's Restaurants, alleging discriminatory treatment of African Americans by Denny's restaurants in California. Specifically, the complaint alleged that Denny's implemented terms and conditions for service of black customers, such as the requirement of prepayment and cover charges, that were not required of white patrons, that African Americans received poorer service, and that they were discouraged from patronizing the restaurant.

The complaint was filed contemporaneously with a consent decree, which was approved by the Court on April 1, 1993. On July 2, 1993, the Court, on its own motion, consolidated the case with Ridgeway v. Denny's Corporation, a class action filed on March 24, 1993, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Both actions alleged violations of the Public Accommodations Act in relation to Denny's treatment of African American customers. The class action also alleged violations of 42 U.S.C. § 1981, 42 U.S.C. § 1985(3), California Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq., California Civil Code §§ 51 et seq. and California Civil Code §§ 1750 et seq.

Following execution of the original decree, numerous complaints of racial discrimination were submitted to the Plaintiff Class and the United States. The United States investigated the complaints and, on May 24, 1994, submitted an amended consent decree to expand the protections to customers and prevent future discrimination. The amended consent decree prohibited Denny's from engaging in discriminatory treatment of African Americans and established procedures for compliance, including a comprehensive non-discrimination training program, as well as provisions for notice, advertising, testing, monitoring and record keeping. It also required the defendants to establish a $28 million settlement fund for the plaintiff class, and appointment of a Special Master. The Amended Consent Decree was given final approval by the Court (Judge James Ware) on July 29, 1994.

After preliminary approval of the Amended Consent Decree, the parties received reports that a number of individuals and organizations in California were charging fees for services related to the preparation and/or filing of claims in the case. The court (Judge Ware) issued several cease and desist orders to counsel concerning processing of potential claimants. Ridgeway v. Flagstar Corporation, Nos. C 93-20202, C 93-20208, 1994 WL 525553 (N.D.Cal. Sept. 22, 1994.), Ridgeway v. Flagstar Corporation, Nos. C 93-20202, C 93-20208, 1994 WL 564571 (N.D.Cal. Oct. 3, 1994)). The court (Judge Ware) also issued orders vacating depositions scheduled by class counsel. Ridgeway v. Flagstar Corporation, Nos. C 93-20202, C 93-20208, 1994 WL 665250 (N.D.Cal. Nov. 3, 1994), Ridgeway v. Flagstar Corporation, Nos. C 93-20202, C 93-20208, 1994 WL 665243 (N.D.Cal. Nov. 8, 1994), and denying requests of non-party lawyers to amend the judgment and get for fees defending motions to compel. Ridgeway v. Flagstar Corporation, Nos. C 93-20202, C 93-20208, 1994 WL 665414 (N.D.Cal. Nov. 8, 1994). The court (Judge Ware) further denied a second motion from the lawyers, vacated a scheduled hearing, and ordered the lawyers to prepare a list of any Denny's claimants who had signed contingency fees with them. Ridgeway v. Flagstar Corporation, Nos. C 93-20202, C 93-20208, 1994 WL 669935 (N.D.Cal. Nov. 18, 1994).

In July and August of 1996 the court issued orders clarifying the confidentiality provisions of the decree and modifying dates for distribution of residual funds. After several years of status reports, the United States submitted a final report on January 16, 2001, recommending early dismissal of the consent decree. On April 4, 2001, the Court (Judge Ware) terminated the consent decree's provisions effective November 11, 2000, and dismissed the case.

Summary Authors

Denise Lieberman (12/2/2006)

People


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Demchak, Teresa (California)

Hancock, Paul F. (District of Columbia)

Heffernan, Brian F. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bazile, Leo (California)

Farrell, Joseph B. (California)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

5:93-cv-20208

Docket (PACER)

U.S. v. TW Services, Inc., et al

April 4, 2001

April 4, 2001

Docket

5:93-cv-20202

Docket (PACER)

Ridgeway v. Denny's Corporation

April 4, 2001

April 4, 2001

Docket
1

5:93-cv-20208

Complaint

U.S. v. T.W. Services, Inc. and Denny's, Inc.

March 26, 1993

March 26, 1993

Complaint
4

5:93-cv-20208

Consent Decree

U.S. v. TW Services, Inc.

April 1, 1993

April 1, 1993

Order/Opinion
8

5:93-cv-20208

5:93-cv-20202

Amended Consent Decree

U.S. v. Flagstar Corporation and Denny's, Inc.

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

Settlement Agreement
119

5:93-cv-20208

5:93-cv-20202

Order to Cease and Desist

U.S. v. Flagstar Corporation and Denny's, Inc.

Sept. 22, 1994

Sept. 22, 1994

Order/Opinion
134

5:93-cv-20208

5:93-cv-20202

Order to Cease and Desist

U.S. v. Flagstar Corporation and Denny's, Inc.

Oct. 3, 1994

Oct. 3, 1994

Order/Opinion

5:93-cv-20208

5:93-cv-20202

Order Vacating Depositions of Gerald Salaam and Paul Jackson and Requiring Production of Claimant List to Class Counsel

U.S. v. Flagstar Corporation and Denny's, Inc.

Nov. 3, 1994

Nov. 3, 1994

Order/Opinion
144

5:93-cv-20208

5:93-cv-20202

Order Denying Motion to Alter or Amend Judgment

U.S. v. Flagstar Corporation and Denny's, Inc.

Nov. 8, 1994

Nov. 8, 1994

Order/Opinion

5:93-cv-20208

5:93-cv-20202

Order Vacating Deposition of Jerry Varnado and Requiring Production of Claimant List to Class Counsel

U.S. v. Flagstar Corporation and Denny's, Inc.

Nov. 8, 1994

Nov. 8, 1994

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

Last updated Jan. 23, 2024, 3:03 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT (no process) Fee status wv entered on 3/26/93. (bfv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 03/30/1993)

March 26, 1993

March 26, 1993

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE by plaintiff USA of related case(s) C93-20202 JW (bfv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 03/30/1993)

March 26, 1993

March 26, 1993

RECEIVED consent decree submitted by plaintiff USA (bfv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 03/30/1993)

March 26, 1993

March 26, 1993

3

ORDER by Mag. Judge Patricia V. Trumbull setting status conference for 2:00 8/3/93 (cc: all counsel) (bfv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 03/30/1993)

March 26, 1993

March 26, 1993

4

CONSENT JUDGMENT by Judge James Ware dismissing case ; appeal filing ddl 5/3/93 (cc: all counsel) ( Date Entered: 4/2/93) (bfv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 04/02/1993)

April 1, 1993

April 1, 1993

Clearinghouse
5

REASSIGNMENT ORDER by Assignment Committee granting related case notice [2-1] Case reassigned to Judge James Ware ( Date Entered: 4/22/93) (cc: all counsel) (bfv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 04/22/1993)

April 6, 1993

April 6, 1993

6

JOINT MOTION before Judge James Ware plaintiff USA in 5:93-cv- 20208 for preliminary approval of consent decree, certification of settlement class and scheduling order [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/24/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

7

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff USA in 5:93-cv-20208 in support of motion for preliminary approval of consent decree, certification of settlement class and scheduling order [67-1] in 5:93-cv-20202 [5:93-cv- 20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/24/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

RECEIVED Order ( plaintiff USA in 5:93-cv-20208) granting preliminary approval of class action settlement [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv- 20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/24/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

8

DECLARATION by Mari Mayeda on behalf of plaintiffs in 5:93-cv- 20202 and C 93-20208 in support of joint application for preliminary approval of consent decree [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/24/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

Clearinghouse

RECEIVED Amended Consent Decree submitted by plaintiff USA in 5:93-cv-20208 [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/24/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

9

ORDER by Judge Ware granting motion for preliminary approval of consent decree, certification of settlement class and scheduling order [6- 1] In court hearing for final approval of the settlement will be held 11am 7/29/94 (Date Entered: 5/25/94) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20208] (mh, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/25/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

11

MOTION before Judge Ware by pla for preliminary approval of consent decree , certification of settlement class , approval of calss settlement notice & scheduling order [5:93-cv-20208] (mh, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/25/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

12

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff in 5:93-cv-20208 in support of motion for preliminary approval of consent decree [11-1], of motion certification of settlement class [11-2], of motion approval of calss settlement notice [11- 3], of motion scheduling order [11-4] [5:93-cv-20208] (mh, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/25/1994)

May 24, 1994

May 24, 1994

13

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge James Ware : amending claim form and special note (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 06/17/1994)

June 16, 1994

June 16, 1994

14

ORDER by Judge James Ware granting motion for final approval of amended consent decree and certification of settlement class [80-1] in 5:93-cv-20202 ( Date Entered: 8/9/94) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 08/09/1994)

July 29, 1994

July 29, 1994

15

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE why The Law Offices of Melvin Belli should not be restrained from engaging and advertising (see attached exhibit to order: by Judge James Ware ; hearing set for 9:00 9/22/94 in 5:93-cv-20202, in 5:93-cv-20208 (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93- cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/16/1994)

Sept. 16, 1994

Sept. 16, 1994

16

ORDER to cease and desist by Judge James Ware ( Date Entered: 9/26/94) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/26/1994)

Sept. 22, 1994

Sept. 22, 1994

17

PROOF OF SERVICE of Order to SHow Cause and Letter [5:93-cv- 20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/26/1994)

Sept. 22, 1994

Sept. 22, 1994

18

ORDER by Judge James Ware to clarify Order to cease and desist ( Date Entered: 9/26/94) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/26/1994)

Sept. 23, 1994

Sept. 23, 1994

19

OPPOSITION to the contempt motion. [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 26, 1994

Sept. 26, 1994

20

MEMORANDUM in support of opposition [124-1] in 5:93-cv-20202 [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 26, 1994

Sept. 26, 1994

21

EX-PARTE APPLICATION before Judge James Ware to extend time to file opposition to the order to show cause re contempt [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 26, 1994

Sept. 26, 1994

22

DECLARATION by Leo Bazile in support of motion for extention of time [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 26, 1994

Sept. 26, 1994

RECEIVED Order ( ) re motion for order to show cause re contempt [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 26, 1994

Sept. 26, 1994

23

MOTION before Judge James Ware to extend time to file opposition to motion to compel with Notice set for 9/30/94 at 9 am [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 27, 1994

Sept. 27, 1994

24

DECLARATION by Theresa Demchak on behalf of Plaintiff in 5:93-cv- 20202, Plaintiff in 5:93-cv-20208 in reply to opposition of Jerry Varnado to contempt motion [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 27, 1994

Sept. 27, 1994

25

REPLY by Plaintiffs in 5:93-cv-20202 to motion to show cause re contempt [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 28, 1994

Sept. 28, 1994

26

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge James Ware : re amendment to notice plan (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 28, 1994

Sept. 28, 1994

27

MINUTES: ( C/R Irene Rodriguez) that the motion to compel responses to deposition [99-1] is submitted in 5:93-cv-20202, that the motion for attorney fees [99-2] is submitted in 5:93-cv-20202, that the motion for an injunction against Jimmy Sims, Jewell Kearney, Sims & Associates and others [88-1] is submitted in 5:93-cv-20202 [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv- 20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/04/1994)

Sept. 30, 1994

Sept. 30, 1994

28

ORDER and special notice by Judge James Ware ( Date Entered: 10/7/94) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/07/1994)

Sept. 30, 1994

Sept. 30, 1994

29

ORDER to cease and desist by Judge James Ware ( Date Entered: 10/7/94) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/07/1994)

Oct. 3, 1994

Oct. 3, 1994

30

MOTION before Judge James Ware to alter or amend judgment with Notice set for 11/4/94 at 9 am [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cgb, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/14/1994)

Oct. 11, 1994

Oct. 11, 1994

31

MOTION for reconsideration denial of claim. [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/18/1995)

Sept. 15, 1995

Sept. 15, 1995

32

STIPULATION and ORDER AND AGREE that the distribution of the settlement funds to claimantd shall occur no later than 12/8/95. by Judge James Ware : (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/19/1995)

Sept. 18, 1995

Sept. 18, 1995

33

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge James Ware : to clarify confidentiality provisions of amended consent decree. (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 07/16/1996)

July 15, 1996

July 15, 1996

35

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge James Ware : modifying amended consent decree provision re: date of distribution of residual funds (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 08/29/1996)

Aug. 28, 1996

Aug. 28, 1996

36

JOINDER by Plaintiff USA in 5:93-cv-20208, defendant TW Services, Inc. in 5:93-cv-20208 report to the court on final accounting of class settlement fund and stipulation extending until 1/20/97 the date for distribution of residual funds and approving final distribution of residual funds. [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 12/18/1996)

Dec. 18, 1996

Dec. 18, 1996

37

ORDER by Judge James Ware granting join/joinder [36-1] report to the court on final accounting of class settlement fund and stipulation extending until 1/20/97 the date for distribution of residual funds and approving final distribution of residual funds. ( Date Entered: 12/27/96) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 12/27/1996)

Dec. 20, 1996

Dec. 20, 1996

38

STIPULATION and ORDER re: Disclosure of Confidential information by Judge James Ware : (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 03/26/1997)

March 26, 1997

March 26, 1997

39

STATUS REPORT by Plaintiff USA in 5:93-cv-20208, defendant TW Services, Inc. in 5:93-cv-20208, defendant Denny's Inc. in 5:93-cv-20208 [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 07/11/1997)

July 11, 1997

July 11, 1997

40

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge James Ware : for disbursement of all remaining monies in the class settlement fund, closing of class settlement fund trustee account and relieving claims administrator of its duties and responsibilities under the consent decree (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 07/17/1997)

July 16, 1997

July 16, 1997

41

FINAL REPORT by Plaintiff USA to the court concerning dfts completion of requirements of the consent decree and recommendation for early dismissal of the decree. [5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 01/16/2001)

Jan. 16, 2001

Jan. 16, 2001

42

ORDER by Judge James Ware dismissing of the Consent decree Governing this action shall be deemed terminated effective 11/14/00, and the case shall be dismissed.. , dismissing case ( Date Entered: 4/4/01) (cc: all counsel) [5:93-cv-20202, 5:93-cv-20208] (cv, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 04/04/2001)

April 4, 2001

April 4, 2001

Case Details

State / Territory: California

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 26, 1993

Closing Date: 2001

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

United States Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Denny's Restaurants, Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Restaurant

Case Details

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Attorneys fees

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: $28,000,000

Order Duration: 1993 - 2000

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Retaliation Prohibition

Develop anti-discrimination policy

Provide antidiscrimination training

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Reporting

Monitor/Master

Recordkeeping

Auditing

Monitoring

Issues

General:

Access to public accommodations - privately owned

Racial profiling

Discrimination-area:

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Discrimination-basis:

Race discrimination

Race:

Black

Type of Facility:

Non-government for-profit