Alfonso Blake v. Renee Baker

OPINION

TASHIMA, Circuit Judge:

Alfonso Manuel Blake, a state prisoner, filed a habeas corpus petition under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 based on, inter alia, alleged ineffective assistance of trial counsel (“IAC”). Because this claim was not exhausted, Blake moved for a stay and abeyance under Rhines v. Weber, 544 U.S. 269, 125 S.Ct. 1528, 161 L.Ed.2d 440 (2005), so that he could return to state court and exhaust this claim. The district court denied the motion. We must decide whether Blake’s explanation for failure to exhaust this claim met the “good cause” requirement of Rhines. Because we answer that…