Judge Grants Priority to Landslide Lawsuit

A Ventura County judge granted a request by La Conchita property owners Monday to prioritize their lawsuit against a nearby landowner.

The citrus ranch is accused of weakening the hillside above La Conchita that collapsed two years ago, destroying nine homes and damaging dozens of others.

The ruling by Superior Court Judge William Peck ensures that a jury will hear the case within the next 120 days.

“This case has a priority to start trial over those just moving through the system,” said attorney John F. McGuire, who is representing the La Conchita homeowners. “That was the best news we could have possibly heard.”

More than 100 homeowners filed a lawsuit in July 1995 against the owners of La Conchita Ranch Co., blaming irrigation of citrus and avocado trees situated above the seaside town for triggering the March 4, 1995, mudslide.

The suit seeks unspecified damages and asks a judge to order the ranch to clean up the mess and stabilize the hill, at an estimated cost of $30 million.

Homeowners who joined in the lawsuit say they are frustrated by how long it has taken to reach a county courtroom. They filed a motion seeking preference in their case in part because of the number of elderly residents who are joined in the action.

After a short hearing Monday morning, McGuire said he was optimistic that the long-awaited jury trial could begin within a few weeks.

“We won’t be continuously pushed back,” he said.