Cities Index.
Litigation Report

Santa Rosa City Council
August 18, 2026

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Litigation Report
Meeting
August 18, 2026
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Santa Rosa City Council
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on legistar.granicus.com. That file is the official record.

Case Name Case NumberDate SettledAmount Description Notes SETTLEMENTS AND JUDGMENTS OVER $50,000

AND ANY SETTLEMENTS AUTHORIZED BY COUNCIL IN CLOSED SESSION FINALIZED IN JULY 2026
NoSettlements or Judgments to Report
Claimant Name Date of Claim Date of Incident Claim Amount Location Description of Claim Tedesco, Karen M. 7/21/2026 1/29/2026 Over $35,000 Fulton Road & San Miguel Ave, Santa Rosa
Claimant alleges they sustained injuries when a Cal
Fire vehicle rear-ended her vehicle while they were
stopped at a red light.

Ridout, Kathryn 7/14/2026 5/4/2026 Over $35,000 2120 Hidden Valley Dr., Santa Rosa
Claimant alleges she suffered personal injuries due to
tripping on a large heave in the sidewalk.

Johnson, Derek Lee 7/27/2026 1/30/26 Over $35,000 Mendocino Ave at 5th Street, Santa Rosa
Claimant alleges that Officer Andrade caused motor
vehicle accident by entering an intersection on a solid red light resulting in bodily injuries.

Ramirez-Perez, Francisco 7/21/2026 2/22/2026 Over $35,000 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa
Claimant alleges violations of the 4th & 5th
amendments, emotional distress, assault & battery,
and false arrest
Lall, Anjan and Freedman, Alyssa7/16/2026 1/20/2026 Over $35,000 1920 Marsh Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Claimant alleges he was directed by SRPD to remove
a tree limb from his property. While doing so, he fell
and sustained serious injuries. Loss of Consortium
claim by spouse Freedman.

Ainsworth, Laura 7/13/2026 1/12/2026 Over $35,000 Emeritus Hall at SRJC located on Elliott Ave, Santa
Rosa
Claimant alleges that the SRPD engaged in an
unlawful search and seizure, false arrest, and false
imprisonment.

Wierschem, Jean 1/21/2026 Over $35,000 1311-1331 Guerneville Rd. (near Steele Lane entrance),
Santa Rosa
Claimant alleges they tripped and fell over uneven
portion of pathway.

Lowe, Kenneth 7/2/2026 1/16/2026 To be determined Near 3612 Industrial Dr, Santa Rosa
Claimant alleges they fell into an uncovered utility
vault due to inadequate lighting from nonfunctioning
city streetlights, resulting in bodily injuries.

Enrique, Jasmine 7/1/2026 1/15/2026 Over $35,000 Hwy 101 North freeway entrance at 5100 Commerce
Blvd, Rohnert Park
Claimant alleges they sustained injuries as a result of a rear-end collision involving a Rohnert Park Public
Safety Officer Nino.

Kelley, Kermit Alan 7/1/2026 2/12/2026 Over $35,000 Sidewalk near 228 Silver Creek Circle, Santa Rosa
Claimant alleges they sustained injuries after tripping and falling on a raised concrete slab on the sidewalk.

Siler, Dwayne obo Gabriel Siler6/30/2026 3/1/2026 Over $35,000 Elsie Allen High School, 599 Bellevue Ave, G17, Santa
Rosa
Claimant alleges Gabriel Siler sustained injuries as a
result of a physical altercation with another student
while at school.

NEW CLAIMS REFERRED TO THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IN JULY 2026 https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-portal https://pcl.uscourts.gov
Case Number Court/Venue Full Case Name Status Case Description Dismissed DateSettled DateSettlement Details 24CV01397 So. Co. Superior MARIA GONZALEZ v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, SARAH ELAINE SOLOMON and DOES 1 through 25
Settlement PendingPlaintiff alleges a dangerous condition of public property resulted in injuries
24CV02519 So. Co. Superior LUCAS BOHANAN v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, and DOES 1-25 Active - Set for TrialPlaintiff alleges disability discrimination, failure to provide reasonable accommodation and retaliation
24CV05523 So. Co. Superior ELIZABETH VAZQUEZ and RICHARD MILLER vs. CITY OF SANTA ROSA and DOES 1-10Dismissal PendingComplaint for damages for alleged taking of private property (Inverse condemnation).
24CV05980 So. Co. Superior ROBERT LUNDGREN vs. CITY OF SANTA ROSA; and DOES 1-20, inclusiveJudgment Claimant alleges they sustained injuries when they fell over an asphalt patch surrounding a water utility cover while riding a scooter in the bike lane
24CV07836 So. Co. Superior Erika Martinez Gomez v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, a Government Entity; MICHAEL EVAN STASSE, an individual; TAYLOR CHRISTIAN HOMER, an individual; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive
Active - Set for TrialClaimant alleges dangerous conditions of public property contributed to vehicle accident causing injuries
25CV02452 So. Co. Superior FOUNTAINGROVE 2013, LLC, a California limited liability company, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, and DOES 1-50, inclusive
Active - Set for TrialNotice of appeal of decision of administrative hearing officer in re 2005 Stagecoach Road, Santa Rosa, CA (Govt. Code § 53069.4)
25CV02453 So. Co. Superior FOUNTAINGROVE 2013, LLC, a California limited liability company, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, and DOES 1-50, inclusive,
Active - Set for TrialAppeal of decision of administrative hearing officer in re 2097 Stagecoach Road, Santa Rosa, CA (Govt. Code § 53069.4)
25CV02915 So. Co. Superior ORWITZ ASSOCIATES, L.P. v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA AND ROES 1 THROUGH 20,

INCLUSIVE
Active - Set for TrialLitigation for equitable indemnity in cross-complaint. Claimant was served with lawsuit by Laken Ray after she tripped on a crack in sidewalk.
25CV04135 So. Co. Superior MICHAEL KOSZALKA V. MICHAEL'S REFLEXOLOGY CENTER; MICHAEL AND WAY INC.; CITY OF
SANTA ROSA; WCM VENTURES LLC ET AL.; AND DOES 1 to 30
Dismissed Claimant alleges he tripped and fell on a raised sidewalk.7/13/2026 6/2/2026 Case was resolved at mediation on 6/2/2026 for $770,000 globally, apportioned as
follows: $750,000 from WCM; $10,000 from
Michaels; and $10,000 from City.
25CV04325 So. Co. Superior LILI PIGSLEY, GARY PIGSLEY v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, CODE ENFORCEMENT, and DOES 1-10
Active Plaintiffs allege a cause of action for general negligence against the City and challenge the Administrative Enforcement Order issued following a hearing on Code Enforcement violations at their property located at 961 Stony Point Road.
25CV06089 So. Co. Superior CORNERSTONE COMMUNITIES II, LLC, a California limited liability company, v. THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA, and DOES 1 through 1-10, inclusive
Active Plaintiff Cornerstone Communities II, LLC filed a Writ of Mandate and/or Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief requesting the Court set aside Council's actions taken on 07/08/2025 in exercising the City's Call Notice Rights pursuant to the Purchase and Sale for Future Infill Development Agreement for 410 B Street.
25CV07259 So. Co. Superior PAMELA KEZER v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, KONE, INC., DOES 1 TO 20Active Claimant alleges she tripped and fell due to a chain link fence that was sticking out resulting in several bodily injuries.
26CV00347 So. Co. Superior Amy E. Thorstad v. City of Santa Rosa Active Petition for Writ of Mandate seeking judicial review of a decision upholding a citation and associated penalties for an unpermitted Short- Term Rental.
26CV00564 So. Co. Superior RICK DIONNE, an individual; and JENNIFER DIONNE, an individual, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, and DOES 1-50, inclusive
Active Petition for judicial relief from denial of Petitioners' Request for permission to file a late claim pursuant to Government Code 946.6.

Claimants allege hillside saturation and property damage that they attribute to the City's approval of subdivision improvement plans and non-installation of a v-ditch.
26CV00636 So. Co. Superior SANTA ROSA REFORM JEWISH CONGREGATION, INC. dba CONGREGATION SHOMREI TORAH, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA and DOES 1-50, inclusive Active Landslides(s) to the plaintiff congregation's hillside in 2023-2024 allegedly related to the failure of the City's hillside stabilization project in 2019 - City has a V-Ditch/easement within the hillside and retained a design engineer and contractor to perform the work.
26CV01041 So. Co. Superior GORDON N. BALL, INC., a California corporation, Petitioner, vs. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, a public entity, Respondent. GHILOTTI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., a California corporation; DOES 1-10, inclusive, Real Party of Interest Dismissal PendingPetition for Writ of Mandate filed by bidder Gordan N. Ball, Inc. challenging the City's contract award related to construction of the Route 101 Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing project.
26CV01096 So. Co. Superior Nagib Khallouf v. City of Santa Rosa and Does 1-10 Active Claimant alleges bodily injuries from trip and fall incident due to an uneven grate surrounding the base of a City-maintained tree. 26CV01544 So. Co. Superior Michael Graham v. City of Santa Rosa, County of Sonoma, and Does 1 to 20Active - Set for TrialClaimant alleges bodily injury due to dangerous road condition while riding his bike.

County of Sonoma Superior Court Portal:

Federal Court Lookup PACER:

ACTIVE & RECENTLY ADJUDICATED LITIGATION AS OF AUGUST 6, 2026 To access court documents, please use the links below depending on the Court Location. Please note, you may need to set up a personal account to access court documents. https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-portal https://pcl.uscourts.gov
Case Number Court/Venue Full Case Name Status Case Description Dismissed DateSettled DateSettlement Details County of Sonoma Superior Court Portal:

Federal Court Lookup PACER:

ACTIVE & RECENTLY ADJUDICATED LITIGATION AS OF AUGUST 6, 2026 To access court documents, please use the links below depending on the Court Location. Please note, you may need to set up a personal account to access court documents. 26CV01863 So. Co. Superior HARPER GRAYER, a minor; by and through his Guardian Ad Litem CASSANDRA QUINTANIA v. SANTA ROSA CITY SCHOOLS, a public entity; CITY OF SANTA ROSA, a public entity; COUNTY OF SONOMA, a public entity; SONOMA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION, a public entity; and DOES 1- 50, inclusive
Dismissed Claimant (minor) alleges injury after an assault by an unidentified student at James Monroe Elementary School.
6/16/2026
26CV01905 So. Co. Superior CAMILLE COPELAND, an individual, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, a Government Entity; WOODSTOCK PROPERTIES LLC, MOLLYBELLE PROPERTIES LP, and DOES 1 through 50, Inclusive.

Active - Set for TrialClaim for trip and fall over an alleged crack in sidewalk. 26CV02353 So. Co. Superior OSCAR ESPINOZA AGAPITO, an individual, Plaintiffs, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, a Government Entity; AUSTIN CHANDLER HOTCHKISS, an individual; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive
Active Claimant alleges City vehicle swerved into the middle lane and collided head-on to the claimant's vehicle
26CV02805 So. Co. Superior CITY OF SANTA ROSA, Plaintiff, v. JIM BEAL, an individual; LEHMAN BROTHERS BANK, FSB; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.; HUNT & HENRIQUES, ATTORNEYS AT LAW; THE DUNNING LAW FIRM APC; and DOES 1 to 50, inclusive Active Complaint in Eminent Domain
26CV03128 So. Co. Superior PHILLIP M. MENDELSON v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA; DOES 1 TO 10 Active Claimant alleges City vehicle struck his vehicle 26CV03183 So. Co. Superior JANET LEVY v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, JOSE SANCHEZ, BLANCA AYALA CHAVEZ and DOES 1 TO 100
Active Claimant alleges bodily injury due to trip and fall on sidewalk 26CV03303 So. Co. Superior William Hoban v. Jerry White and Valerie White, individually and as Jerry B. White and Valerie J. White, Trustees under the Jerry B. White and Valerie J. White Trust Agreement dated March l, 2006; The City of Santa Rosa, DOES l to 10 Active Claimant alleges bodily injury due to trip and fall sidewalk incident as a result of a 2.5 inch height difference between concrete panels in the sidewalk
26CV03329 So. Co. Superior MASON NORMAN, a minor, LOGAN NORMAN, a minor, and TYLER NORMAN, a minor, all appearing by and through their mother and Guardian AdLitem, NATASHA HALTOM, Plaintiffs, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, TIMOTHY NORMAN, and DOES 1-20 Defendants.

Active Claimants allege Timothy Norman was driving with passengers Logan, Tyler and Mason Norman, when a City vehicle executed an unsafe lane change that struck and caused their vehicle to go into the center median where it collided head-on with a tree.
26CV03528 So. Co. Superior ERICA ELIZABETH FALK, an individual; Plaintiff, vs. COUNTY OF SONOMA, a public entity; CITY OF SANTA ROSA, a public entity, and DOES 1-25, inclusive Dismissed Claimant alleges bodily injury due to trip & fall incident over a pothole7/31/2026 26CV04636 So. Co. Superior JANICE MOTLEY, Plaintiff, v. CITY OF SANTA ROSA; and DOES 1 through 100, inclusive
Active Claimant alleges bodily injuries due to trip and fall incident from uneven/raised bricks
SCV-264530 So. Co. Superior David Pelayo, Roberto Hernandez, Edmond Andre, Bryan Munoz, and Brian Medeiros, each as an individual, and on behalf of the general public for all those similarly situated v Utility Partners of America, LLC, a Delaware corporation; City of Santa Rosa and DOES 1 through 250, inclusive.

Appeal Plaintiffs allege failure to pay prevailing wages and related compensation versus employer UPA for public works project; UPA alleges City is obligated to defend and indemnify UPA.
6/14/2023 $250,000.00
SCV-268752 So. Co. Superior Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association and Rincon Valley dba Rincon Valley Mobilehome Park v. City of Santa Rosa; Department of Housing and Community of the City of Santa Rosa; Megan Basinger, in her official capacity as Interim Director of the Department of Community Services of the City of Santa Rosa; and DOES 1 through 20, inclusive
Judgment Complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief; Petition for Writ of Traditional Mandamus; regarding mobile home park rent control ordinance - application of State price gouging limitations SCV-270898 So. Co. Superior Cindy Gemignani, as conservator of the Estate of Daryl W. Titus v. City of Santa Rosa, Jose Andrade and DOES 1-20 inclusive
Active - Set for TrialClaimant alleges they suffered injuries when struck by a vehicle after an off duty SRPD officer instructed them to cross street SCV-272340 So. Co. Superior JOHN DOE #1 J.B., an individual, vs. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION; SANTA ROSA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION dba CAMP WA-TAM; DAY; and DOES 4 through 100
Active Alleges sexual abuse of a minor; intentional infliction of emotional distress; sexual harassment; negligence; negligent supervision; violation of civil rights; battery. Conduct alleged to have occurred in the early 1980s.

SCV-273655 So. Co. Superior People of the State of California, by and through Sue Gallagher, City Attorney for the City of Santa Rosa; and City Of Santa Rosa, V. Jorge Luis Calderon Caballero, Daniel Felix Nunez Serna, Roberto Carrillo, Emiliano Bautista Rodriguez, Manuel Andres Garfia, George Michael Patino Flores, Alexys Aguirre-Serrano, Joel Vasquez Cortez, Jersain Lezama Meza, Jesus Calderon Avalos, Neri Alberto Orea-Vasquez, Richard Murillo Robles, Rodrigo Lopez-Tapia, and Does 1-100
Active Complaint for Public Nuisance, Civil Conspiracy, Willful Misconduct, and Violation of Fish and Game Code§ 5650(a)(l).
3:22-cv-05196-VCUSDC - Northern James Earl Lindsey v. Santa Rosa Police Officer Jason Jucutan Judgment Violation of civil rights; false arrest. 7/20/2026 https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-portal https://pcl.uscourts.gov
Case Number Court/Venue Full Case Name Status Case Description Dismissed DateSettled DateSettlement Details County of Sonoma Superior Court Portal:

Federal Court Lookup PACER:

ACTIVE & RECENTLY ADJUDICATED LITIGATION AS OF AUGUST 6, 2026 To access court documents, please use the links below depending on the Court Location. Please note, you may need to set up a personal account to access court documents. 3:25-cv-01350-WHO USDC - NorthernCity and County of San Francisco, et al. v. Donald J. Trump, et al.Appeal Lawsuit brought by cities and counties nationwide against the President and federal administration, challenging executive orders and directives that try to withhold federal funding from local governments unless the local governments help with enforcement of federal civil immigration laws.
3:25-cv-08330-WHO USDC - NorthernCounty of Santa Clara, et al. v. Kristi Noem, et al. Appeal On September 30, 2025, Santa Rosa joined more than two dozen other local governments nationwide – including City of Petaluma, County of Sonoma, and Sonoma Water -- in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the heads of those agencies. The lawsuit, County of Santa Clara v. Noem, challenges unlawful attempts by the Trump administration to require local governments receiving DHS and FEMA grants to use local resources to implement federal policies. 4:26-cv-01230-KAW USDC - NorthernLYDIA JONES; ISAIAH HARRIS; SHEA FLEMING, vs. CITY OF SANTA ROSA; OFFICER WESTIN SCHINDLER; OFFICER DANE SCHINDLER; DOES 1-10
Active Claimant alleges SRPD violated their 4th amendment rights CV26-08177-EMC USDC - NorthernMERLIN DAVIS, Plaintiff, vs. CITY OF SANTA ROSA, JENNY MARQUEZ, TIM BARRETT, CASSIDY ANDERSON, Defendant
Active Complaint filed for alleged violation of USC 1983, 5th and 4th Amendment, and for Peremptory Writ of Mandate to Enforce California Public Records Act and ex parte application for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Peremptory Writ of Mandate 2:25-cv-00814-BJR USDC - Western WAMartin Luther King, Jr. County (King County), et al. v. Turner, et al.Appeal Santa Rosa joined what is now nearly 60 other public agency plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging unlawful attempts by the federal administration to require local governments receiving federal grants from DOT, HUD, and HHS to implement the President’s expansive anti- immigration, anti-DEI, anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-choice policies. Because Santa Rosa does not receive HHS grants, Santa Rosa challenges only the unlawful DOT and HUD grant funding conditions. Motion for a preliminary injunction in favor of new plaintiffs (including Santa Rosa) granted on 8/12/25.

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