Cavazos

INTRODUCTION

Plaintiff Robert Cavazos alleges that two correctional officers at Salinas Valley State Prison violated his constitutional rights in separate incidents. His 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaint containing these allegations is now before the Court for review pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(a). Cavazos has stated a cognizable Eighth Amendment excessive force claim against Officer Ambriz and an Eighth Amendment deliberate indifference claim against Officer Gasca, both correctional officers at Salinas Valley State Prison. The Court directs defendants Ambriz and Gasca to file in response to the complaint a dispositive motion, or a notice regarding such motion, on or before May 1, 2024.

DISCUSSION

A. Standard of Review A federal court must conduct a preliminary screening in any case in which a prisoner seeks redress from a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(a). In its review, the court must identify any cognizable claims and dismiss any claims that are frivolous, malicious, fail to state a claim upon which relief may be granted or seek monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. See id. §…