Several lawsuits were filed last week against the County of
Ventura and the La Conchita Ranch Company claiming a “breach of
legal duties” leading up to last January’s fatal mudslide,
including wrongful death, negligence, dangerous condition of public
property, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. While
ranch and county officials contend they are not to blame for the
tragedy – some 200 similar suits filed immediately following the
slide were all denied – the 39 plaintiffs claim a retaining wall
built after the 1995 slide actually diverted mud onto the afflicted
areas and a county warning device not only failed, but also gave
locals a false sense of security. Residents also claim the
ranch – located on the bluff above the small seaside
community – should have anticipated the possibility of the slide
since they were sued under similar circumstances several years
ago.
