Man’s Home Is His Castle, Unless It’s in a Storm Drain

A man who lived in a downtown storm drain was forced to give up his subterranean home at the insistence of city officials.

“We can’t allow people living in those drains. What if the drain filled with water and someone drowned?” asked Zeke Gonzales, city utility supervisor. He said concern over possible liability problems also was a factor in Richard Thompson’s eviction.

Thompson, 54, said he wasn’t too upset--”Actually, it’s a little damp down there. I got cold.”

City workers dismantled the drain dwelling Tuesday, retrieving clothing, a cooler, lawn chairs, a barbecue grill, and Thompson’s self-fashioned bed. Only Thompson’s two pet rats eluded capture.

“It’s OK,” Thompson said. “It’s just junk I found.”