In re Cabrera , 158 Cal. Rptr. 3d 121 ( 2013 )

Filed 6/11/13 Opinion following remand from Supreme Court
CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
F059511
In re ELVIN CABRERA,
OPINION
On Habeas Corpus.
ORIGINAL PROCEEDINGS; petition for writ of habeas corpus.
Elvin Cabrera, in pro. per.; and Michael Satris, under appointment by the Court of
Appeal, for Petitioner.
Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Jennifer A. Neill, Senior Assistant Attorney
General, Jessica N. Blonien and Amy Daniel, Deputy Attorneys General, for Respondent.
INTRODUCTION
In 2008, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
determined that inmate Elvin Cabrera was an associate of the Mexican Mafia prison gang
(EME) based on his possession of photocopies of four drawings, two of which included
part of the names of EME affiliates as the artists.1 Cabrera challenged his gang
validation2 in a petition for writ of habeas corpus.
1 In this opinion, the noun “affiliate” is used to include both gang members and
gang associates.
2 “Validation” is the term given the process of identifying which inmates in
California prisons are gang associates or members. (See Cal. Code Regs., tit. 15, § 3378,
This court granted Cabrera‟s petition in a September 2011 opinion, but the
California Supreme Court reversed, concluding our decision was based on an improper
interpretation of the CDCR‟s regulation. (In re Cabrera (2012) 55 Cal.4th 683.) The
Supreme Court remanded for further proceedings and directed us to resolve two issues,
the first being: “Whether the evidence is sufficient, under the regulation as properly
construed, to uphold the validation of Cabrera as a gang associate .…” (Id. at p. 692.)
Applying the deferential “some evidence” standard of judicial review, we
conclude that two of the photocopied drawings, containing part of the names of EME
affiliates as the artists, do not support a finding that Cabrera had an “association” (i.e., a
loose relationship) with a gang-affiliate artist that constituted a “direct link” (i.e., a
connection without interruption) as required by section 3378, subdivision (c)(4).
Cabrera therefore is entitled to the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus on that
ground.3
BACKGROUND
In February 2003, Cabrera was convicted of robbery, burglary, receiving stolen
property and possession of drug paraphernalia. In April 2003, he was sentenced to a
prison term of 62 years to life. Since 2003, Cabrera has been an inmate at the California
Correctional Institution at Tehachapi (CCI). While at CCI, Cabrera was enrolled in a
hobby craft program for nearly three years and possessed a large quantity of drawings
from a variety of artists. Cabrera acknowledges that his artwork collection included the
photocopies of drawings that CDCR relied upon to validate him as a gang associate.
subd. (c)(3), (4); Madrid v. Gomez (N.D.Cal. 1995) 889 F.Supp. 1146, 1241.) All further
regulatory references are to title 15 of the California Code of Regulations.
3 Because of this conclusion, we need not address the second issue remanded
to us: “[W]hether the validation and placement in the SHU otherwise violates any
of Cabrera‟s rights .…” (In re Cabrera, supra, 55 Cal.4th p. 692.)
2.
On April 3, 2008, Hispanic inmates in yard 4-A were involved in an assault on
prison staff. Cabrera was assigned to yard 4-A, but was in his cell at the time of the
assault and was not involved in the incident.
Five days after the assault, prison officials conducted an operation named “Swift
Response” that scrutinized every Hispanic inmate assigned to yard 4-A. Pursuant to the
operation, Institutional Gang Investigator (IGI) E. Sanchez inspected the personal
property of Cabrera, including Cabrera‟s collection of artwork. IGI Sanchez believed
that four of the drawings were evidence of Cabrera‟s association with EME. He prepared
three general chronos4 dated April 8, 2008, to document the four drawings and the
reasons he believed the drawings evidenced that Cabrera was associating with affiliates
of EME.
Generally, CDCR regulations specify the evidence that can be used to identify or
validate a California prisoner as a member or associate of a prison gang. Cabrera was
validated as a gang associate, not a member. The regulatory foundation for validation as
an associate is section 3378, subdivision (c)(4), which provides:
“An associate is an inmate ... who is involved ... with members or
associates of a gang. This identification requires at least three (3)
independent source items of documentation indicative of association with
validated gang members or associates. Validation of an inmate ... as an
associate of a prison gang shall require at least one (1) source item be a
direct link to a current or former validated member or associate of the gang
....” (Italics added.)
“[S]ource items” are defined in subdivision (c)(8) of section 3378, which lists
various categories of “source items” that support a gang identification. In this case, only
4 “General Chrono” is defined by the regulation as “a CDC Form 128-B (Rev. 4-74)
which is used to document information about inmates and inmate behavior. Such
information may include … records of disciplinary or classification matters .…”
(§ 3000.)
3.
two types of source items were used—symbols and an inmate‟s association with
validated gang affiliates.
Two of the general chronos prepared by IGI Sanchez concern drawings containing
part of the names of EME affiliates Fermin Garcia and Fernando Bermudez, which
CDCR determined established a “direct link” between Cabrera and these two affiliates of
EME. The other two drawings were referenced in the third general chrono and were
treated as a single source item of symbols indicative of Cabrera‟s affiliation with EME.
Drawing by Associate Fermin Garcia
The first drawing at issue was presumably made by Fermin Garcia, a prisoner
validated as an associate of EME in 2003. The drawing contains a female Mesoamerican
warrior holding the shaft of a spear in her left hand. A circular standard is mounted at the
top of the shaft. “Matlactlomei” symbols appear at the three o‟clock and nine o‟clock
positions on the standard. The matlactlomei consists of two vertical lines and a vertical
column of three dots, which is the Mayan symbol for the number 13. Each line has a
numerical value of five and each dot has a numerical value of one. Thus, the sum of the
two lines and three dots is 13. Matlactlomei is translated to mean 13 within the Nahuatl
language. The number 13 is used as a designation for EME because the 13th letter in the
alphabet is “M.” (See People v. Gonzalez (2005) 126 Cal.App.4th 1539, 1544 [13 used
to designate EME].)
The lower right hand corner of the drawing contains “FERMIN 00” printed in
block letters. The double zeros mean that the drawing was completed in the year 2000.
The general chrono relating to this drawing, prepared by IGI Sanchez, states that he
“identified the person who drew the picture, as inmate Fermin Garcia, D-88896, aka Fox,
a validated associate of … [EME], (date of validation 7-15-2003).”5
5 We note that Fermin Garcia also was the artist who drew, signed and copyrighted
the sketches on the greeting card that was one of the source items in In re Villa (2013)
4.
Immediately following the first paragraph of text in the general chrono, near the
left-hand margin, is a two-inch by two-and-a-half-inch copy of the drawing. To the right
of the drawing are two boxes for text. A line extends from the upper box to a
matlactlomei symbol in the drawing. Another line extends from the lower box to
“FERMIN 00.” The text inside each box reads: “Direct link identified as Fermin Garcia
D-88896.”
The general chrono also contains a paragraph that explains how the matlactlomei
represents 13 and, in turn, how 13 is used to designate EME. The third and final
paragraph of the general chrono states: “This chrono (Direct link) should be used as one
(1) source towards validating Cabrera as an associate of the prison gang known as the
Mexican Mafia.”
Drawing by Member Fernando Bermudez
The second drawing at issue contained the abbreviated name of Fernando
Bermudez, a prisoner validated as a member of EME. The drawing assembles diverse
elements or fragments, including a dragon, a jaguar‟s face, the face of a man in which the
left half is a skeleton, a woman on a veranda with her head framed by a full moon, a
chain, prison bars, and other components. None of the elements of the drawing were
identified as being connected with or indicative of EME. At the bottom center of the
drawing, the following letters are written: “F.BERMÚDEZ,” with the “F” in a stylized
form and “BERMÚDEZ” in block letters. The general chrono relating to this drawing,
prepared by IGI Sanchez, states that he “identified the person who drew the picture, as
214 Cal.App.4th 954, 959. In that case, the court did not decide whether the greeting
card was some evidence of a direct link between inmate Villa and Fermin Garcia. (Id. at
p. 963, fn. 6.) The court did conclude that a confidential memorandum did not provide a
direct link to a validated gang affiliate because the memorandum linked Villa to EME in
general and not to a specific person who was a validated member or associate of that
prison gang, as required by the regulation. (Id. at p. 972.)
5.
inmate Fernando Bermudez B-53002, aka Angon Fidel, a validated member of …
[EME], (date of validation 8-11-1995).” It concludes: “This chrono (Direct link) should
be used as one (1) source towards validating Cabrera as an associate of the prison gang
known as the EME.”
Drawings with Symbols
The third general chrono prepared by IGI Sanchez concerns photocopies of two
drawings that contain gang-related symbols. The first drawing shows a young woman
wearing a sombrero and holding a revolver in her right hand. Parts of an eagle and
serpent appear from behind the sombrero. Symbols are written on the brim of her
sombrero with a matlactlomei representing the number 13 appearing near the center. The
second drawing contains a female Mesoamerican warrior armed with a sword in her right
hand, a shield on her left, and a bow and quiver of arrows slung over her back. Cabrera
photocopied the drawing directly from a Low Rider magazine, one of many publications
that are allowed to enter CCI by mail. The artist was Mary Trujillo, a participant in the
magazine‟s monthly art contest.
The third general chrono states that the “Eternal War Shield is located in the center
of the female Aztec warrior chest area .… The Eternal War Shield is known through
gang intelligence, to demonstrate loyalty to the Mexican Mafia as many of the members
and associates identify themselves as being warriors of the EME.” In addition, it asserts
that the matlactlomei and eternal war shield are used by members and associates of EME
to show their loyalty and that “[b]oth these symbols are recognized by the department as
being symbolic to membership/association with the Mexican Mafia.”
Validation and Cabrera’s Administrative Appeals
On May 13, 2008, CDCR validated Cabrera as an associate of EME based on the
three general chrono‟s prepared by IGI Sanchez. CDCR prepared a CDC Form 128-B-2
to document the validation and notify Cabrera of its decision.
6.
Cabrera pursued administrative appeals to challenge his validation. His appeals
were denied at each of the three levels of CDCR‟s administrative review, with the last
denial coming on December 31, 2008.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
In October 2009, Cabrera filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the Kern
County Superior Court. The superior court denied the petition, concluding there were
three valid sources of gang validation with two direct links to gang affiliates.
In February 2010, Cabrera filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus with this court.
Subsequently, this court considered various submissions from the parties and issued an
order to show cause why the relief requested should not be granted and directed the
appointment of counsel for Cabrera.
Pursuant to the order to show cause, the Attorney General filed a return with
supporting memorandum of points and authorities. Cabrera responded by filing a
traverse and memorandum of points and authorities.
In September 2011, this court filed an opinion (1) interpreting the “association”
and “direct link” requirements in section 3378, (2) concluding the gang validation was
not supported by some evidence of a direct link between Cabrera and a validated gang
affiliate, and (3) granting Cabrera‟s petition for writ of habeas corpus.
The California Supreme Court granted review. On October 29, 2012, the court
filed an opinion that concluded “the Court of Appeal failed to accord due deference to the
CDCR‟s interpretation of its own regulations.” (In re Cabrera, supra, 55 Cal.4th at p.
686.) Based on this error, the Supreme Court reversed the judgment awarding Cabrera
habeas corpus relief and remanded the matter to this court for further proceedings. (Id. at
p. 693.) The Supreme Court directed us to resolve the following issues:
“Whether the evidence is sufficient, under the regulation as properly
construed, to uphold the validation of Cabrera as a gang associate .…”
(In re Cabrera, supra, 55 Cal.4th at p. 692.)
7.
“[W]hether the validation and placement in the SHU otherwise violates any
of Cabrera‟s rights .…” (In re Cabrera, supra, 55 Cal.4th at p. 692.)6
DISCUSSION
I. STANDARD OF JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE
EVIDENCE
Our November 1, 2012, letter advised counsel that “in addressing the sufficiency
of the evidence, this court will apply the „some evidence‟ test used in In re Furnace
(2010) 185 Cal.App.4th 649, 659, unless presented with a compelling argument to the
contrary.”
A. Contentions of the Parties
Cabrera‟s supplemental opening brief does not address the appropriate standard of
review.
CDCR presents two arguments as to why the “some evidence” test does not apply
to its validation decisions. First, CDCR contends that the due process clause does not
apply to decisions to validate an inmate as a gang affiliate because the inmate has no
protected liberty interest. Alternatively, CDCR contends that if the due process clause is
implicated, the only procedural protections that apply are notice and an opportunity to be
heard.
B. Due Process Requires Some Evidence to Support Validation Decision
1. Gang Validation Precedent
The United States Supreme Court has not addressed whether the due process
clause creates a minimum standard for the sufficiency of the evidence used by prison
officials to identify an inmate as a gang affiliate. Similarly, the California Supreme Court
has not explicitly addressed the issue.
6 See footnote 3, ante.
8.
The California Supreme Court‟s decision in In re Cabrera, supra, 55 Cal.4th 683could be interpreted as implying that there is a minimum evidentiary standard established
by the due process clause because the court remanded to us the question whether the
evidence was sufficient to uphold the gang validation of Cabrera. We conclude,
however, that it would be inappropriate to read our Supreme Court‟s decision as
impliedly deciding the question. The court explicitly stated that the question presented
for its review was “very narrow.” (Id. at p. 686.) This statement makes us reluctant to
infer that the court decided other issues by implication.
At least three published decisions of the Courts of Appeal have addressed the
standard that should be used to determine whether the evidence supporting a gang
validation decision is sufficient to satisfy procedural due process. Those decisions
identify the “some evidence” standard as the quantum of evidence necessary to satisfy the
demands of due process. (In re Villa, supra, 214 Cal.App.4th 954, 962 [applied “some
evidence” test]; In re Fernandez (2013) 212 Cal.App.4th 1199, 1207 [deferential “some
evidence” standard applies to gang validations]; In re Furnace, supra, 185 Cal.App.4th at
p. 659 [gang validation supported by “some evidence”]; cf. In re Efstathiou (2011) 200
Cal.App.4th 725, 733 [some evidence supported finding that prisoner chose to continue
as active gang member after statutory amendment regarding denial of conduct credits].)
The “some evidence” test also has been applied by federal courts with jurisdiction
in California. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has applied that test to prisoner due
process claims challenging a gang validation. (Castro v. Terhune (9th Cir. 2013) 712
F.3d 1304, 1307; Bruce v. Ylst (9th Cir. 2003) 351 F.3d 1283, 1287 [summary judgment
in favor of prison officials on the due process claim upheld because gang validation was
supported by “some evidence”]; see Lopez v. Horel (9th Cir. 2010) 367 Fed.Appx. 810[evidence used to validate plaintiff as gang member met “some evidence” standard].)
Federal district courts sitting in California have followed this precedent. (Stewart v.
Alameida (N.D.Cal 2006) 418 F.Supp.2d 1154, 1167-1168 [“some evidence” standard
9.
applied to prisoner‟s claim that he was validated as a gang associate without adequate
evidentiary support in violation of the due process clause].) One court stated that a
“prison gang validation proceeding is subject to the „some evidence‟ standard where it is
an administrative strategy rather than a disciplinary action. [Citation.]” (Avina v.
Crondagar (E.D.Cal. May 14, 2010, No. 1:09-CV-00343-LJO-DLB) 2010 Lexis 47796.)
Based on the foregoing cases, we conclude that (1) the due process clause does
address the sufficiency of the evidence supporting a gang validation under section 3378
and (2) the standard to be employed is extremely deferential—specifically, the
administrative findings underlying the validation of an inmate as a gang affiliate must be
supported by “some evidence.” (In re Furnace, supra, 185 Cal.App.4th at p. 659.)
2. Description of Some Evidence Test
The United States Supreme Court articulated the “some evidence” standard in
Superintendent v. Hill (1985) 472 U.S. 445, a case involving the denial of good time
credits that could have reduced the inmate‟s time in prison:
“We hold that the requirements of due process are satisfied if some
evidence supports the decision by the prison disciplinary board …. This
standard is met if „there was some evidence from which the conclusion of
the administrative tribunal could be deduced .…‟ [Citation.] Ascertaining
whether this standard is satisfied does not require examination of the entire
record, independent assessment of the credibility of witnesses, or weighing
of the evidence. Instead, the relevant question is whether there is any
evidence in the record that could support the conclusion reached by the
disciplinary board.” (Id. at pp. 455-456, italics added.)
We believe the “evidence” the United States Supreme Court‟s reference to
“evidence from which the conclusion of the administrative tribunal could be deduced”
(Superintendent v. Hill, supra, 472 U.S. at p. 455) means evidence “having any tendency
in reason to prove … [the] disputed fact .…” (Evid. Code, § 210 [definition of “relevant
evidence”].) As for the meaning of “some evidence,” the California Supreme Court has
described the line between sufficient and insufficient evidence in a variety of ways. For
10.
example, “some evidence” is the equivalent of “„a modicum of evidence to support a
decision.‟” (In re Rosenkrantz (2002) 29 Cal.4th 616, 658, quoting Superintendent v.
Hill, supra, at p. 455.)7 The court also referred to a decision without sufficient
evidentiary support as “arbitrary and capricious.” (In re Lawrence (2008) 44 Cal.4th
1181, 1205.) In addition, the “some evidence” test means that there must be “a rational
nexus” between the evidence presented and the finding of fact made. (Id. at p. 1227.) In
other words, a decision cannot be supported “merely by a hunch or intuition.” (Id. at p.
1213.)
The some evidence “standard is unquestionably deferential, but certainly is not
toothless .…” (In re Lawrence, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 1210.)8 Application of this
deferential standard “does not mean that courts simply rubber-stamp” the administrative
decision. (In re Ross (2009) 170 Cal.App.4th 1490, 1503; In re Singler (2008) 169
Cal.App.4th 1227, 1239.)
II. VALIDATION UNDER SECTION 3378
A. Regulatory Text
Regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the CDCR specify the procedures
and describe the evidence that can be used to identify or validate a California prisoner as
a member or associate of a prison gang. In this case, Cabrera was validated as a gang
7 “Modicum” means “a small portion : a limited quantity or amount.” (Webster‟s
3d New Internat. Dict. (1993) p. 1452.)
8 In re Lawrence illustrates that the standard is not toothless because it is a case
where an appellate court determined that the administrative decision under review was
not supported by some evidence. In that case, the Governor determined that the inmate
posed a current threat to public safety and reversed the Board of Parole Hearings‟
decision to grant parole. The court concluded that the unchangeable circumstances of the
inmate‟s murder offense did not constitute “some evidence” of current dangerousness.
(In re Lawrence, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 1227.)
11.
associate, not a member. The regulatory foundation for validation as an associate is
section 3378, subdivision (c)(4), which provides in full:
“An associate is an inmate/parolee or any person who is involved
periodically or regularly with members or associates of a gang. This
identification requires at least three (3) independent source items of
documentation indicative of association with validated gang members or
associates. Validation of an inmate/parolee or any person as an associate
of a prison gang shall require at least one (1) source item be a direct link to
a current or former validated member or associate of the gang, or to an
inmate/parolee or any person who is validated by the department within six
(6) months of the established or estimated date of activity identified in the
evidence considered.” (Italics added.)
The reference to “source items” in this provision leads to subdivision (c)(8) of
section 3378, which lists various categories of “source items” that support a gang
identification. In this case, only two types of source items were used—symbols and
association. The relevant parts of section 3378, subdivision (c)(8) provide:
“The determination of a gang identification shall reference each
independent source item in the inmate/parolee‟s central file. The sources
shall be based on the following criteria: [¶] … [¶]
“(B) Tattoos and symbols. Body markings, hand signs, distinctive
clothing, graffiti, etc., which have been identified by gang investigators as
being used by and distinctive to specific gangs. Staff shall describe the
tattoo or symbol and articulate why it is believed that the tattoo or symbol
is used by and distinctive of gang association or membership.… [¶] … [¶]
“(G) Association. Information related to the inmate/parolee‟s
association with validated gang affiliates. Information including addresses,
names, identities and reasons why such information is indicative of
association with a prison gang or disruptive group.…”9
Regarding the source items relied upon to validate an inmate, “[s]taff shall
document and disclose this information to the inmate/parolee in a written form that would
9 Other types of source items include an inmate‟s admission of involvement with a
gang, written material, photographs, communications evidencing gang activity, and
offenses reflecting gang affiliation. (§ 3378, subd. (c)(8).)
12.
not jeopardize the safety of any person or the security of the institution.” (§ 3378, subd.
(c)(8).)
Unlike the term “source items,” the CDCR‟s regulations do not define the terms
“direct link” or “independent.” Furthermore, neither term is defined or explained in the
settlement agreement pursuant to which the regulations regarding gang validation were
amended.10
B. Interpretation of Regulatory Terms
1. Direct Link
We accepted the CDCR‟s definition of a “direct link” as “encompassing a
connection [i.e., the link] that is „“without interruption or diversion” and “without any
intervening agency or step.”‟” (In re Cabrera, supra, 55 Cal.4th at p. 690.) Because this
interpretation was approved by the California Supreme Court and has been used by this
court in an earlier published opinion, we will apply this interpretation of the “direct link”
requirement in this case. (See In re Furnace, supra, 185 Cal.App.4th at p. 661
[dictionary definition of “direct” used to define “direct link”].)
10 Sections 3341.5 and 3378 were amended by CDCR pursuant to the terms of a
class action settlement agreement in Castillo v. Alameida (N.D.Cal. 2004, No. C 94-2847
MJJ). The class action began in 1994 and the settlement agreement was executed on
September 23, 2004. (Garcia v. Stewart (N.D.Cal. Mar. 16, 2009, No. C 06-6735 MMC)
2009 U.S.Dist. Lexis 20886, at p. 8; Note, Resistance and Repression: The Black
Guerrilla Family in Context (2012) 9 Hastings Race & Poverty L.J. 167, 181.)
Prior to the amendments adopted pursuant to the settlement agreement, the
CDCR‟s operations manual addressed the direct link requirement. The court in Madrid v.
Gomez (N.D.Cal. 1995) 889 F.Supp. 1146 quoted the manual in the following statement:
“At least one of the three sources must be a direct link to a validated member, such as „a
validated member or former member identifying the inmate/parolee as an associate;
correspondence with a validated member; photographed with a validated member; staff
or informant observations of being in company with a validated member; identified as an
associate by a validated associate who has a documented direct link; etc.‟ DOM §
55070.19.3.” (Id. at p. 1242, fn. 188.)
13.
2. Association
We also accept the CDCR‟S definition of an “association with validated gang
affiliates” (§ 3378, subd. (c)(8)(G)) to mean “„a “loose relationship as a partner, ...
colleague, friend, companion, or ally” with a validated gang affiliate.‟” (In re Cabrera,
supra, 55 Cal.4th at p. 690; see Webster‟s 3d New Internat. Dict. (1993) p. 132
[definition of verb “associate”].) The California Supreme Court considered CDCR‟s
interpretation of the term “association” under subdivision (c)(8)(G) of section 3378 and
concluded it was a reasonable interpretation. (In re Cabrera, supra, at p. 686, fn. 1.)
Consequently, CDCR‟s definition of “association” is the one that we will apply in this
case.
With the foregoing regulatory provisions and definitions in mind, we turn to the
evidence relied upon by CDCR to establish that Cabrera had “a direct link to a current or
former validated member or associate of the gang .…” (§ 3378, subd. (c)(4.)
III. EVIDENCE OF A DIRECT LINK BY ASSOCIATION
The evidence relied upon by CDCR to find that Cabrera had a direct link to a gang
affiliate is not complex. It consists of Cabrera‟s possession of photocopies of two
drawings, each of which was drawn by an EME affiliate and contained a part of that
artist‟s name.
Early in this proceeding, this court had questions regarding the nature and scope of
the evidence relied upon by CDCR. Consequently, we directed the Attorney General to
file a supplemental informal response stating (1) the basis upon which IGI Sanchez
determined that the drawings containing the name of an EME affiliate provided a direct
link, (2) whether any of the subject drawings contained an original signature, and (3)
what information was available regarding how Cabrera came into possession of the
subject drawings.
In a letter dated September 20, 2010, the Attorney General provided the following
answers to these questions. First, “[p]ossession of the drawings containing the signatures
14.
of the validated members or associates is enough to demonstrate the direct link under
section 3378.” Second, the documents obtained from Cabrera were photocopies of
drawings and, therefore, the IGI was unable to confirm that the signatures were original.
Third, information regarding the manner in which Cabrera obtained the drawings
containing the name of a gang affiliate was unavailable. To summarize these responses,
the only information available was that Cabrera was in possession of the photocopies and
the photocopies contained part of the name of gang affiliates, which name might, or
might not, have been placed on the original drawing by the artist.
A. Contentions of the Parties
1. Cabrera’s Contentions
Cabrera contends that the evidence fails to demonstrate a “direct link” between
himself and Fernando Bermudez or Fermin Garcia, the gang affiliates who allegedly
drew pictures included among the photocopies in Cabrera‟s possession.
Cabrera argues that the intervening step of the photocopying of the drawings
negates any direct link between Cabrera and the artists. Applying the definition that a
direct link is a connection without interruption or diversion and without any intervening
agency or step, Cabrera argues that photocopying is an intermediate step that renders
indirect any possible link between him and artists incarcerated at another CDCR facility.
2. CDCR’s Contentions
The Attorney General‟s September 20, 2010, letter, which answered our questions
about the evidence relied upon by IGI Sanchez, asserted that the “link between the
signatures and Cabrera are evident without the addition of some further step or
information.” Thus, in the Attorney General‟s view, how Cabrera obtained the drawings
was irrelevant to the question whether the drawings constitute a direct link.
Approximately four months later, CDCR‟s January 2011 return used the definition
of direct link discussed earlier in this opinion and argued: “As was the case in Furnace,
15.
the information contained on the drawings connects Cabrera to the gang member or
associate without the addition of some further step or information; the connection is
evident from the face of the document. ([In re Furnace, supra, 185 Cal.App.4th] at p.
662.)”
In January 2013, after remand from the California Supreme Court, CDCR filed a
supplemental respondent‟s brief contending that “direct link” is “a broad, flexible term
that does not require anything more than a straight-forward connection.” That brief also
argues: “The connection is direct in that Cabrera personally possessed the affiliates‟
drawings. [Citation.] Nothing more is needed to create a direct link. [Citations.] A
showing of an interactive relationship is not needed. [Citation.] Additionally, the direct
link itself is not required to be independently indicative of gang association—a direct link
is shown by any form of straight-forward connection.”
B. Case Law Applying Some Evidence Standard to Direct Link Finding
As stated earlier, we will assess the sufficiency of the evidence by applying the
“some evidence” standard. (In re Fernandez, supra, 212 Cal.App.4th at p. 1207.)
Two recent cases involving the direct link requirement provide examples where
the “some evidence” standard was not met. In In re Villa, supra, 214 Cal.App.4th 954,
the court concluded that the confidential memorandum was not some evidence that
inmate Villa had the requisite direct link. (Id. at p. 972.) The court indicated that the
memorandum provided evidence that Villa had a direct link to the Mexican Mafia in
general, but failed to show that he had a direct link to a specific person affiliated with the
gang. (Ibid.)
In In re Fernandez, supra, 212 Cal.App.4th 1199, the court considered whether a
confidential debriefing report of a validated member of the Northern Structure prison
gang provided evidence of a direct link between inmate Saldana and a member or
associate of the gang. (Id. at p. 1212.) The court stated that it reviewed the confidential
debriefing report itself and concluded it was inadequate. (Id. at p. 1213.) The report
16.
simply described Saldana as an associate, but failed to describe the nature of his
involvement with the gang. (Ibid.) In particular, the report (1) did not mention any
specific acts or incidents involving Saldana, (2) made no mention of Saldana serving a
particular role or job for the gang, and (3) did not “otherwise describe how Saldana
interacted with [Northern Structure] members or was otherwise involved with the
[gang].” (Ibid.) Consequently, the court concluded that the confidential material did not
constitute some evidence that Saldana had a direct link to an affiliate of the Northern
Structure prison gang. (Ibid.)
In contrast to these 2013 cases, our decision in In re Furnace, supra, 185
Cal.App.4th 649 provides an example of a case where the CDCR‟s finding of a direct
link was supported by some evidence. In that case, inmate Furnace was found in
possession of (1) a piece of paper with the name, CDCR number, and institutional
housing of a validated member of the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) prison gang housed
at Pelican Bay State Prison, (2) a book written by George L. Jackson, the person who
provided the example and teachings used as the basis for the BGF ideology, (3) an audio
compact disc about the life, death and ideology of George L. Jackson, (4) a photocopied
flyer promoting a 2005 Black August event in Oakland, California, and (5) a photocopied
newspaper article explaining the meaning of Black August. (Id. at pp. 654-655.) We
concluded that the piece of paper with the gang member‟s contact information (i.e.,
name, CDCR number and institutional housing) was the source item that satisfied the
requirement for a direct link between the inmate and a validated gang member. (Id. at p.
661.)
In concluding that the evidence in In re Furnace supported a finding of a direct
link, we relied on the contents of the piece of paper with the specific contact information
of a validated gang member, Furnace‟s statement that he was going to contact the inmate
as research for a children‟s book he was writing on staying away from gangs and prison,
and the inclusion of the inmate‟s name in an article explaining Black August. (In re
17.
Furnace, supra, 185 Cal.App.4th at pp. 655, 661.) This evidence showed that Furnace
knew the inmate identified on the piece of paper was a gang member and had a
significant role in the BGF. We held that the evidence showing Furnace knew that the
other inmate was a gang member together with Furnace‟s possession of the gang
member‟s contact information was sufficient under the “some evidence” test to establish
a direct link between the inmate and the gang member. (Ibid.)
Similarly, in Castro v. Terhune, supra, 712 F.3d 1304, the court concluded there
was some evidence that the inmate had direct links to gang affiliates in satisfaction of
section 3378, subdivision (c)(4). (Id. at p. 1309, fn. 1.) One of the direct links was
established by a hand-drawn birthday card for a validated Mexican Mafia associate. The
card had been signed and sent by inmate Castro, other prisoners who either were
validated Mexican Mafia associates or suspected associates of the gang and, conversely,
the card was not signed by other inmates who resided in the same cell area, but were not
part of the Mexican Mafia. The court stated that the evidence showed that Castro had
collaborated with validated gang associates to send the birthday card to another validated
gang associated. Thus, Castro v. Terhune is distinguishable from the instant case because
there was ample evidence of inmate Castro‟s personal involvement in gang activity and
communication with gang affiliates.11
C. Analysis of Evidence of a Direct Link by Association
Applying the definitions of “direct link” and “association” approved by our
Supreme Court and used by CDCR, some evidence must support a finding that (1)
Cabrera had a loose relationship as a partner, colleague, friend, companion or ally with
the artists (i.e., an association) and (2) at least one of the relationships constituted a
11 In addition, debriefing reports indicated that Castro was the gang member who
supervised a portion of the prison and also indicated he was involved in a gang-related
plot to stab another inmate.
18.
connection to the artist that was without interruption or any intervening agency or step
(i.e., a direct link).
In assessing the sufficiency of the evidence, we acknowledge the Supreme Court‟s
conclusion that proof of an inmate‟s direct link to a validated gang affiliate based on an
“association” with the gang affiliate does not require evidence of reciprocal (i.e., mutual
or two-way) interaction between the inmate and the validated gang affiliate. (In re
Cabrera, supra, 55 Cal.4th at pp. 691-692.)
Because the only evidence in this case is Cabrera‟s possession of photocopies of
two drawings, each of which was drawn by an EME affiliate and contained a part of that
artist‟s name, CDCR argues that Cabrera‟s personal possession of the gang affiliates‟
drawings establishes a connection between Cabrera and the artists that is direct and
nothing more is needed to create a direct link.
At oral argument, the following hypothetical was presented to counsel for CDCR.
Suppose an inmate author or artist gives an item to inmate B, who gives it to inmate C,
who gives it to inmate D, who gives it to inmate E, who crumples it up and throws it in
the prison yard. Suppose further that Cabrera comes by and says “what‟s this” and then
picks it up and takes it to his cell. Counsel for CDCR asserted that, so long as the item
was a source item, Cabrera‟s possession of the item is direct and is sufficient to establish
a direct link to the artist.
We conclude that Cabrera‟s possession of part of a gang affiliate‟s name on a
drawing created by that gang affiliate is not some evidence that Cabrera had a loose
relationship with the artist that formed a connection between Cabrera and the artist that
was without interruption or any intervening agency or step.
To satisfy the some evidence test, there must be “a rational nexus” between the
evidence presented and the findings of fact. (In re Lawrence, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p.
1227.) The gap between the evidence and the findings cannot be bridged “merely by a
hunch or intuition.” (Id. at p. 1213.)
19.
In In re Furnace, supra, 185 Cal.App.4th 649 there was a rational nexus between
the evidence and the finding that a connection without interruption or diversion and
without any intervening agency or step existed. Furnace possessed the gang member‟s
full name and his contact information. In addition, Furnace knew of the gang member‟s
affiliation with the gang. In contrast, there is no evidence that Cabrera knew who
“FERMIN” or “F.BERMÚDEZ” were, much less that he knew Fermin Garcia was an
EME associate or Fernando Bermudez was an EME member. Also, there is no evidence
that Cabrera knew how to contact them. We recognize that the application of the “some
evidence” test does not necessarily require that evidence of this type of knowledge be
presented and that evidence of other facts could be sufficient to demonstrate a direct link.
Nonetheless, we have referred to evidence regarding contact information and the
validated inmate‟s knowledge as an example of evidence that is sufficient to create a
rational nexus (i.e., more than a hunch) for the finding that a connection without
interruption exists.
Here, there is no rational nexus between an inmate‟s possession of a photocopied
drawing bearing the partial name of the artist and the ultimate determination that the
inmate had a loose relationship with the artist that constituted a connection without
interruption or any intervening agency or step. Instead, the leap from the evidence to the
conclusion that a direct link exists is based on speculation or a hunch.
The speculative nature of the direct link between Cabrera and the artists is
illustrated in part by the following example. Suppose someone had a photocopy of a
painting signed by David Hockney, a watercolor signed by Adolf Hitler, or a Peanuts
cartoon containing Charles M. Schulz‟s signature. Mere possession of such photocopies
would not justify inferring that the person had a loose relationship constituting a direct
link to Hockney, Hitler or Schulz. Further information is necessary to rationally reach a
conclusion that such a connection exists. Similarly, a prisoner‟s possession of a
photocopied drawing bearing part of another inmate‟s name does not provide a finder of
20.
fact with sufficient evidence to determine that the prisoner has a loose relationship
constituting a direct link with the artist. More information is necessary —without
additional information, finding a direct link is present amounts to speculation or
conjecture.
Therefore, we conclude that the evidence relied upon by CDCR in this case does
not constitute some evidence of a direct link under the regulatory category of association.
(§ 3378, subd. (c)(4) & (8)(G).)
DISPOSITION
Let a writ of habeas corpus issue directing the California Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation to (1) void and expunge the 2008 validation of Elvin
Cabrera as an associate of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, (2) report the expungement to
all gang-related law enforcement databases and clearinghouses to which the original
validation previously was reported, (3) remove all documents related to the validation
from Cabrera‟s prison file and (4) cease housing Cabrera in the security housing unit
based on the gang validation.
_____________________
Franson, J.
WE CONCUR:
_____________________
Kane, Acting P.J.
_____________________
Poochigian, J.
21.