COURT HEARING ON LOYALTON MOBILE ESTATES

THE SIERRA COUNTY COURT HEARING brought about by W.H. Whitaker of Legal Services of Northern California on behalf of Loyalton Mobile Estates (LME) residents was held Thursday at the Sierra County Courthouse in Downieville. Many residents were in attendance as well as Tom Yatteau, Assistant Director of Operations for the California Receivership Group, and  Joe Lamour, Sierra County Counsel. Presiding over the court hearing was Judge Charles Irvin. The Court proceedings were held in the Judge’s chambers and then Whitaker addressed the crowd with the agreed upon terms for moving out of the Park. He stated because it was an emergency item, the Judge was willing to hear the case. Whitaker said he talked about hardships for residents to have to move so quickly. He stated he was able to negotiate and the Court agreed to authorize the Receiver to pay $3,000 per unit for relocation if residents can vacate by Monday, November 13th. Whitaker stated if residents were not out by the end of November 13th, they would forfeit that money. He continued that wood burners and electrical heaters are banned from use and if caught would forfeit the money. Residents were worried about no other heat.  Jim Rimmer stated that many double-wide trailers were built with the wood stoves in them. Whitaker said the Receiver could sort through on a case by case basis. He said after November 13th the Receiver would have the City of Loyalton shut off utilities. Whitaker stated residents could take their trailers out, but would need to provide the title. Resident, Lynette Canepa asked why the homes on Hill Street were not being evacuated due to sewage leaking near them. Whitaker didn’t know the answer, but stated the Receiver was most worried about fire. Other residents were upset about having to move right at Thanksgiving and in winter. Whitaker told them November 13th was what was negotiated and if they worked with the Receiver they would receive their compensation. He said those who wanted to file damage claims would have to forfeit their money, warning them it would be a long shot. Yatteau addressed the crowd and said as residents exit the Park, they would have to sign a release and then would be given their compensation. Whitaker stated this was an Order from the Court and understood it was still bad news for residents, but felt it was substantially better than it was. Long time resident, Ben Gallegos stated if they destroy the Park, they’ll need to destroy the cemetery as it was for the soldiers after war and they are buried in the cemetery. Yatteau stated they wouldn’t be touching the cemetery.