West Covina : BKK Civil Trial Delayed

The Los Angeles Superior Court trial of a lawsuit by 166 homeowners against the BKK landfill in West Covina and a Santa Monica builder has been delayed for 35 to 45 days while attorneys discuss possible settlements in the case.

Herbert Hafif, who represents the homeowners, said the parties agreed to a delay while attorneys make another attempt to settle the suit and hold additional meetings to determine how to manage the trial should the case proceed to court. The trial had been scheduled to begin Wednesday before Judge Bonnie Lee Martin.

The homeowners are seeking $125 million in damages from BKK Corp., alleging the dump damaged their health and interfered with their right to enjoy their property, charges denied by BKK. The residents also are seeking several million dollars in damages from W & A Builders Inc.