O.C. Beachfront Tenants Lose Suit; Evictions Set
A federal judge on Friday reaffirmed his tentative ruling and denied a request from El Morro Village tenants to stop the state from evicting them from their beachfront mobile homes.
U.S. District Judge David O.Carter determined that the removal or demolition of the trailers would not violate the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which tenants had alleged in a lawsuit.
The suit was one of the last-minute efforts to remain at Crystal Cove State Park. The state plans to convert the park into a public campground.
The eviction process will begin next week, said Ken Kramer, Crystal Cove park superintendent.
El Morro Village, more than 75 years old, is home to about 295 families. Many signed 20-year leases in 1979, when the Irvine Co. sold the land to the state. In 1999, the mobile home park residents were given a five-year lease extension, which expired Dec. 31.
About 10% of the residents signed an agreement with the state to pay $3,000 for a 90-day extension that allows them to stay until April 1, Kramer said. The amount covers cost of the mobile home removal and demolition, plus water and utility bills.
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