Deddehs May Sue Over Land-Use

State Sen. Wadie P. Deddeh (D-Chula Vista) and his wife are threatening to sue the city of San Diego, alleging that the City Council improperly refused to grant permits to develop property the couple owns.

At issue in the lawsuit, which will seek unspecified damages if it is filed, is the couple’s ability to develop a 4.5-acre parcel near Chollas Creek in Mid-City, a right they claim has been taken away by a council that stepped beyond its legal jurisdiction.

The complaint states that the Deddehs have already lost at least $1.2 million “stemming from the city’s permanent appropriation, taking and confiscation of the Deddehs’ property.”

The 26-page lawsuit would also ask a judge to order the city “to issue all permits and approvals in connection with the Deddehs’ project.”

Attorneys representing the Deddehs sent a draft of the lawsuit to city officials Thursday. The complaint was accompanied by a letter demanding a response by next Friday.

“If we do not hear from you, we will proceed to file the (lawsuit) with the court on that date and aggressively litigate the matter to what we believe will be a successful conclusion,” writes James C. Stevens, the attorney representing the Deddehs.

Contacted Friday, Deddeh said he had been instructed not to comment on the matter and referred questions to his attorney.

Stevens also declined to comment. “At this point, I don’t think it would be appropriate,” he said.

City officials could not be reached for comment.