2 Verdicts on Small Claims Judge

The observations expressed by Joseph N. Bell in his Orange County Life article (July 6) titled “Small Claims Court Has Smallness of Demeanor” bore many similarities to our recent experience in the same court.

We had been stiffed by a tenant occupant of one of our apartment units who departed without paying his last month’s rent, and leaving behind considerable damage to the premises. The triplex we own and in which we also reside is a source of income during our retirement years. This undesirable situation lead us to our first-ever appearance in small claims court (and hopefully our last). Although we were awarded the judgment for partial payment, the experience was demeaning.

I had previously talked by phone with a small claims court adviser who instructed me to have all “exhibits” such as receipts, invoices, before and after photographs of damages, rental agreement and copy of damages listing and costs sent to the tenant by certified mail.

All these documents were arranged in order in a 12-page folder for the convenience of the presiding judge, (the same Commissioner Richard Sullivan). We were not permitted to present them. The experience, as Joseph Bell expressed in his article, was intimidating. Most of the time allotted for our case was directed to the defendant. Our frustration was complete.

As Bell said: “This small protestation is not going to change the system (and) you are not going to get any help from the system.” Prosit to Joseph N. Bell.

REGINALD G. JONES

CORONA DEL MAR