Aklilu

SUMMARY

This is an eminent domain case involving the Inglewood Redevelopment Agency (the Agency) and Elias Aklilu doing business as Auto Inn Lube and Oil (Auto Inn). Commencing in 1997, Aklilu operated Auto Inn on the real property at 3300 West Century Boulevard, which he leased from the Nix Family Trust (the Nixes). Auto Inn was profitable in 1998 but lost money each of the succeeding four years. Aklilu attributed this downturn to the construction of the Marketplace at Hollywood Park across the street from Auto Inn. When completed in 2003, the Marketplace at Hollywood Park featured a Home Depot and a Target. Auto Inn returned to profitability and its future looked bright.

In October of 2004, the Agency filed a complaint in condemnation with respect to the property at 3300 West Century Boulevard in furtherance of a redevelopment plan. The Agency was unable to relocate Auto Inn within the redevelopment area. Consequently, Aklilu suffered a total loss of goodwill, which is defined by Code of Civil Procedure, section 1263.510, subdivision (b), as “the benefits that accrue to a business as a result of its location, reputation for dependability, skill or quality, and any…