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Real Property
Eminent Domain
Land Use

Los Angeles Unified School District v. Maria Mercedes Serrano, Zapopan Auto and Electric

Published: May 17, 2008 | Result Date: Sep. 4, 2007 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC358672 Settlement –  $450,000

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Artin Schaverdian


Defendant

Mark R. Fox


Experts

Plaintiff

Gordon Hjelmstrom
(technical)

Aaron D. Amster
(technical)

Scott Delahooke
(technical)

Facts

Plaintiff Los Angeles Unified School District filed an eminent domain action against defendant Maria Serrano in 2006. Defendant wanted to build a new school on property that defendant and her business, Zapopan Auto and Electric, did not wish to sell.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff offered $350,000 for the land and building and $19,015 for fixtures and equipment.

Damages

The plaintiff's appraiser valued the property at $375,000 and the fixtures and equipment at $19,015 with no loss of goodwill value. The defendant sought the $400,000 in addition to the $19,015 for fixtures and equipment. She also claimed unspecified damages for loss of goodwill.

Result

The case was resolved for $450,000. The parties agreed to a settlement whereby plaintiff paid defendant $380,000 for the real estate (land and building) and $70,000 for the loss of business goodwill and for fixtures and equipment.


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