Couple Sues City Over Drain Flooding

A Thousand Oaks couple, who say a city storm drain has caused severe flooding on their property, sued the city in Ventura County Superior Court on Wednesday.

Donald and Jean Lowe claim that a storm-drain system fails to divert water from Moorpark Road, leading to serious damage to their home and property on Calle Jazmin. They asked for a restraining order to prevent the city from operating the system.

Their attorney, Steven E. Young, said that periodically the Lowe’s home “becomes a lake” because of the storm drain. He said the lawsuit was filed because city officials have ignored a claim for damages filed by the Lowes.

Thousand Oaks City Atty. Bob Rogers said the city settled an earlier claim with the Lowes, paying them $1,582 in 1991, after they won an appeal in small claims court.

Rogers said their latest claim, asking the city for $50,000, was filed after a drainage system overflowed in February, 1993. “They’re not going to get that,” Rogers said. “So, I guess they’re going to court.”

He said there is no proof the city is responsible for the couple’s dilemma.

Young said damage to the Lowes’ house is extensive. He said floors, carpet and drywall have been destroyed, among other things.

“The city has allowed this problem to continue over and over again,” Young said. He said no other residences appear affected by the flooding.