In what circumstances will a court grant a plaintiff attorney fees if they are successful in their claim that they were the "catalyst" for the amendment of a city ordinance that prohibits firearms dealers?

In Suter v. City of Lafayette (1997) 57 Cal.App.4th 1109, the plaintiffs filed suit challenging the validity of a city ordinance placing restrictions on firearms dealers. Prior to any judicial ruling on the matter, the city amended the ordinance, mooting the plaintiffs' action. (Id. at p. 1117.) The trial court sustained the defendant's demurrer without leave to amend and dismissed the action. The plaintiffs sought attorney fees pursuant to section 1021.5, asserting their action was the catalyst for the amendment of

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