Wrecking crews last March leveled a Santa Monica home before the family moved out. Landlord Stan P. Sowa must now reimburse the family up to $15,000 for property that was lost or damaged in the 33rd Street home.
After being served with a 30-day notice and successfully lobbying for an extension, the Takedas, whose house was torn down, said they were halfway done with their move when the rental house they had lived in for years was demolished — two days before the agreed upon date.
Ms. Takeda said 90 percent of their belongings were lost or damaged as a result. And at least one item was adopted by the wrecking crew.
“The demolition guys were surprised (when we showed up looking for our belongings),” Takeda said. “But one of them was wearing my flannel shirt.”
Peeved by the workman’s poor manners and angered over the early destruction of her old home, Takeda called her landlord and demanded answers.
But Takeda said Sowa wasn’t cooperative. “He said, ‘I asked the demolition guy if there was any stuff (in the house) and he said no, so I went ahead.’ But (Sowa) broke in because I had new keys and locks made,” Takeda told the court. She explained that Sowa had a history of entering the property without notice.
Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Pro Tem Jane Dubovy awarded Takeda’s daughter and son $5,000 each, plus court costs, the maximum allowable amount in small claims court. Ms. Takeda also filed a small claims lawsuit against her old landlord which will be heard later this month.
Sowa did not appear to defend himself. An expensive car wash
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 7, 2002. Read the original PDF.