South Bay Irrigation District v. California-American Water Co.

In this eminent domain action defendant, California-American Water Company, hereinafter referred to as The Company, appeals from an interlocutory judgment condemning its water works identified as the Sweetwater District of The Company’s San Diego division, hereinafter referred to as The Sweetwater System, and awarding compensation therefor in the sum of $14,485,000, with costs of suit in the additional sum of $17,295.97, subject to The Company’s right to a supplemental trial to determine the amount of compensation to be awarded for designated additional items. The overriding issue on appeal is whether the amount of the award is proper under the evidence and the law in the case.

Plaintiff, South Bay Irrigation District, hereinafter referred to as The Irrigation District, by an amended complaint, and intervener, the City of National City, hereinafter referred to as The City, by a complaint in intervention, pursuant to a joint powers agreement between The Irrigation District and The City, sought acquisition of The Sweetwater System, in its entirety, for the purpose of establishing an integrated, publicly owned water works system.

The Company appeals from the whole…