In an eminent domain proceeding, the property owner and the condemning agency each typically introduce evidence of just compensation through valuation experts. The jury is then required to render a verdict in between the...more
Like the vast majority of general civil litigation, eminent domain matters usually settle before going to trial. The resolution is typically documented in either a stipulated judgment or a settlement agreement. ...more
More than 50 years ago, Caltrans purchased roughly 500 homes under threat of eminent domain within the planned right-of-way for the anticipated construction of the I-710 freeway (linking Monterey Park to Pasadena). ...more
As any experienced California eminent domain lawyer knows, there is a unique statutory mechanism that allows parties to bring a legal issues motion to secure a court’s ruling on a litany of issues that impact compensation....more
With the passing of California’s new gas tax (SB1) earlier this year, local government agencies have come across a new source of funding to complete public infrastructure projects. According to an article in the Ceres...more
When a business is taken as a result of a public improvement, the business is entitled to seek compensation for, among other things, loss of business goodwill. Typically, this loss is calculated by measuring the business’...more
For several years, we’ve been following an eminent domain lawsuit in Marin County involving Caltrans’ acquisition of 34 acres for a $29.7 million interchange project at the Redwood Sanitary Landfill, which would widen the...more
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“LA Metro”) is pursuing new public-private partnership (P3) legislation, Assembly bill ABX 1-12 (“Bill 12”). Bill 12, introduced and read for the first time on August...more
The City of Temecula is moving forward with the French Valley Parkway. The project involves constructio of a new arterial, as well as improvements to the I-15 Winchester Road interchange. Phase I of the project included...more
The California Transportation Commission met in Riverside on Wednesday. On the agenda was the allocation of $254 million in funding for transportation projects throughout the state. You can read Caltrans’ press release...more
Environmental and Policy Focus - Richmond approves massive Chevron refinery project with $90 million in community benefits: Contra Costa Times - Jul 30: Chevron's five year-plus quest to initiate a $1 billion upgrade...more
In Souza v. California Department of Transportation, No. 13-cv-04407 (N.D. Cal. May 2, 2014), plaintiffs sought to enjoin a project proposed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to modify U.S. Route 199...more
In a partially-published opinion filed January 30, 2014, the First District Court of Appeal, Division 3, reversed the trial court’s judgment denying a writ petition, and held that Caltrans must correct certain deficiencies in...more
More than 50 years ago, Caltrans purchased roughly 500 homes under threat of eminent domain within the planned right-of-way for the anticipated construction of the I-710 freeway (linking Monterey Park to Pasadena). That...more
The California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”), in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“Metro”), issued on May 31, 2013 a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for teams...more
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the owner of Silveira Ranch are involved in an interesting valuation dispute stemming from Caltrans' acquisition of part of the ranchland needed for Highway 101...more
As we mentioned in our recent 2012 Eminent Domain Year in Review, we've seen a boom of infrastructure projects in California -- a trend we expect to continue into the near future. So what exactly are we talking about? ...more
On Saturday November 10, the California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) converted the I-110 Harbor Transitway lanes (“ExpressLanes”) from High...more