SOTO v. LHM CORPORATION TVW (2019)

MEMORANDUM ***

Robert R. Soto appeals pro se from the district court’s judgment dismissing his action alleging federal and state law claims arising out of his employment. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291. We review de novo a dismissal for failure to state a claim under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). Eclectic Props. E., LLC v. Marcus & Millichap Co., 751 F.3d 990, 995 (9th Cir. 2014). We affirm.

The district court properly dismissed Soto’s Title VII and 42 U.S.C. § 1981 claims because Soto failed to allege facts sufficient to set forth a prima facie case of discrimination, retaliation or hostile work environment. See Hebbe v. Pliler, 627 F.3d 338, 340-42 (9th Cir. 2010) (although pro se pleadings are to be liberally construed, a plaintiff must present factual allegations sufficient to state a plausible claim for relief); Surrell v. Cal. Water Serv. Co., 518 F.3d 1097, 1105-08 (9th Cir. 2008) (discussing McDonnell Douglas burden shifting framework applicable to Title VII and § 1981 claims; setting forth prima facie cases of discrimination, retaliation and hostile work environment).

The district court properly dismissed Soto’s contract claims because Soto failed to allege facts sufficient to state a plausible claim under Arizona law. See Chartone, Inc. v. Bernini, 207 Ariz. 162, 83 P.3d 1103, 1111 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2004) (setting forth elements of a breach of contract claim); see also FL Receivables Tr. 2002–A v. Ariz. Mills, L.L.C., 230 Ariz. 160, 281 P.3d 1028, 1037 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2012) (a contracting party breaches the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing by denying the other party the reasonably expected benefits of the contract).

The district court did not abuse its discretion by denying further leave to amend because amendment would have been futile. See Chappel v. Lab. Corp. of Am., 232 F.3d 719, 725-26 (9th Cir. 2000) (setting forth standard of review and explaining that “[a] district court acts within its discretion to deny leave to amend when amendment would be futile”).

AFFIRMED.