In The News . . . . City of Costa Mesa Has Won Sober Living Operator Disputes, But Has Spent $7 Million On Fees So Far

Operators’ Attorney Said His Clients Will Appeal Summary Judgment Rulings To The Ninth Circuit.

            As reported by The Orange County Register in an April 15, 2020 online article entitled, “Winning streak for Costa Mesa as it battles sober living home lawsuits,” the City of Costa Mesa has obtained several favorable summary judgment rulings against sober living operators challenging restricted zoning laws, but at quite a price tag—some $7 million in legal fees (compared to its 2019 budget of $174 million).  One of operators’ lead attorneys, Isaac R. Zfaty, was quoted as saying that all of these matters will be appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

            BLOG COMMENT—Co-contributor Mike had the pleasure of trying a seven-week jury trial with Mr. Zfaty (who has his own firm, Zfaty Burns) and Mr. Mark Adams (a partner with Jeffer Mangels), both of whom were superb attorneys and colleagues for the defense side of the case.