John Rios v. City of Baldwin Park, et al., 19STCP05465

Tentative decision on motion for attorneys’ fees: denied

Petitioner John Rios (“Rios”) moves for an award of attorneys’ fees against Respondents the City of Baldwin Park and City Attorney Robert Nacionales-Tafoya (“Tafoya”) (collectively, the “City”) in the amount of $17,850, pursuant to CCP section 425.16(c).

The court has read and considered the moving papers, opposition,[1] and reply, and renders the following tentative decision.

A. Statement of the Case

1. Petition

Petitioner Rios commenced this proceeding on December 18, 2019, alleging causes of action for mandamus and declaratory relief pursuant to the California Public Records Act (“CPRA”). The verified Petition alleges in pertinent part as follows.

After the City published its annual budget on October 15, 2019, Rios emailed the City a CPRA request regarding Tafoya’s billi........