The complaint accuses the cities of San Diego and National City, along with the county and other entities, of negligence, claiming they failed to maintain the drains and keep them clear of debris.business owners are joining a growing list of businesses suing the city, county and other organizations for the Jan. 22 floods.
The complaint, which was filed on Dec. 3, accuses these entities of being responsible for the damages caused to their businesses and properties. Two business owners told NBC 7 they want the cities and entities listed on the complaint to be held accountable for the damages and losses their negligence has caused them.“Every minute, the water kept rising to the point of reaching our knees,” Cesar Alcaraz said in Spanish.
His neighbor, Jesus Garcia, understands his struggle. Garcia owns Star Auto Group, a used car dealership. Garcia said, like Alcaraz, he also tried to get the city to send someone to unclog the storm drains when they noticed the water levels rising.“The first three times that I called them, they pretty much told me they were on their way. They were going to send help,” Garcia said.“That’s when they told me that, unfortunately, they don’t have any personnel to come help us, so pretty much to get out and make sure that we’re safe on our own,” Garcia said.
He estimates the damages to his cars totaled $130,000, in addition to $70,000 in revenue. Those are expenses, he said, have forced him to close shop.Both Alcaraz and Garcia are joining in a lawsuit hoping to regain some of what they’ve lost. The complaint accuses the cities of San Diego and National City, along with the county and other entities, of negligence, claiming they failed to maintain the drains and keep them clear of debris.“I’ve lost so much," Garcia said.