Agencies Deny Blame for Flood Damage

A flooding problem in east Simi Valley is at the heart of a tangled web of litigation which has resulted in Ventura County and the Ventura County Flood Control District filing a complaint against the city regarding a homeowner’s lawsuit.

During El Nino storms last year, a clogged drainage system caused water to flow into the Katherine Road home of Stella and Robin Kewish, destroying their yard, filling their pool with mud and damaging some of their home’s interior, said their attorney, Larry Clough.

The couple sued the city of Simi Valley, Ventura County, Metrolink and the Calleguas Water District, alleging that each of the agencies had a role in causing the flood damage. Clough said the couple are seeking about $45,000 in damages.

In an effort to indemnify themselves from liability in the case, each of the agencies filed cross-complaints, blaming the other parties mentioned in the suit for the damage.

In the latest round of accusations, the county filed a cross-complaint April 22, denying any responsibility for the flood damage and, instead, alleging that the city failed to properly maintain the drainage system.

The county’s attorney, Bruce Alan Finck, could not be reached for comment Thursday, and Alex Sheydayi, the county’s deputy director of public works, declined comment.

“This is the kind of positioning that goes on when you’re sued and you don’t think it’s your fault,” said David Hirsch, Simi Valley city attorney. “We’re certainly vigorously defending [the case]. We are taking steps to protect the city’s interest.”

But Clough, calling the maneuvering “insane,” said the agencies should stop blaming one another and compensate his clients.