Farmer Sues County Over Flooded Land

A Camarillo farmer whose property was flooded during a 1992 rainstorm sued Ventura County on Wednesday, contending that the decision by officials not to clear debris from Calleguas Creek caused it to overflow its banks.

Elmer Fontes said his property at 1931 Lewis Road sustained extensive damage Feb. 2, 1992, including the destruction of fences, roads and acres of flower crops. The Superior Court lawsuit also says Fontes had to temporarily remove all his cattle and livestock from the property and move them to nearby ranches.

The lawsuit says county officials could have foreseen that flooding would occur when they decided not to remove dirt and debris from Calleguas Creek. When heavy rains fell in February, 1992, the creek and adjoining flood control channel overflowed, completely covering Fontes’ property, the suit says.

The water carried silt, vegetation and other waste materials onto Fontes’ property and into two homes he owned, according to the lawsuit.

Fontes contends that the value of his property has decreased because of the flooding. He is seeking $500,000 in punitive damages, more than $50,000 reimbursement for the costs to repair his property, and a court order forcing the county to keep Calleguas Creek free of debris in the future.