SAN DIEGO — Lawsuits over the January 22, 2024, flooding that displaced thousands of residents and destroyed countless homes and businesses continue to inundate the city of San Diego.
On November 21, a dozen residents and one business owner filed the latest legal challenge in San Diego Superior Court. The latest lawsuit brings the total number of those suing the city for damages to nearly 1,500 since the flooding occurred, totaling hundreds of millions in damages.
As with several prior lawsuits, the plaintiffs said the city failed to maintain and clear the Chollas Creek storm channel of trash, trees and sediment. By failing to do so, the storm channel could not absorb the heavy bands of rain that blanketed the area in less than an hour.
The lawsuit also states that while the city was unaware of the severity of the January 22 storm, it was well aware of the potential flooding hazards in Chollas Creek. Other less severe storms flooded homes and overtook the storm channel in 2018 and 2019.
The plaintiffs report extensive damage to their properties, with flood waters reaching 4-6 feet inside homes.
Their alleged losses include damage to walls, carpets, furniture, electronics and vehicles. Many residents were forced to evacuate and seek temporary housing.
Due to pending litigation, the City Attorney's Office declined to comment on the latest lawsuit.
