We are informed that the case of Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency v. Souza, Sacramento Superior Court, Case No. 34-2010-00083124, was decided at the trial court level on February 5th, 2013, after the jury deliberated for one hour and 15 minutes. This was a taking of 2.256 acres from the front of a larger parcel of 4.68-acres.
Condemnor’s pretrial offer was $250,000; the owner’s demand was $330,000. At trial, the condemnor’s evidence of value was lowered to $195,000. The condemnee’s evidence of value was $465,000. Neither side testified to severance damages. The jury verdict wa $455,000.