Board authorizes county counsel to defend two dangerous-condition lawsuits

After an in-camera session, Tulare County legal counsel reported the Board of Supervisors directed counsel to defend and authorize the defense of individually named defendants (with reservation of rights) in two Superior Court cases alleging dangerous conditions and personal injury.

County Counsel reported the board’s direction related to: Monique Alejandres v. City of Visalia et al., Tulare County Superior Court case number VCU322060, and Elizabeth Leone v. County of Tulare et al., Tulare County Superior Court case number VCU322061. In both matters the adverse party is the named plaintiff alleging a dangerous condition. The board’s vote to defend each case was made by Supervisor Dennis Townsend and seconded by Supervisor Amy Shucklian; the motions passed 4–0 with Supervisor Larry McCarrie absent.

The public report out described the board’s action as authorizing county counsel to provide defense of the named defendants and any additional individuals to be named later, with a reservation of rights. No further details about the claims, potential exposures, settlement authority or litigation strategy were disclosed in open session.