The State - News from March 13, 1986

Claims totaling $200 million and involving 11 government agencies were filed on behalf of 252 victims of last month’s Yuba River flood, a law firm announced. Ted Hansen of the Marysville firm of Curry, Vasquez, Engle & Hansen Inc. said the total amount of damages sought would probably rise as more flood victims join the action. Claims were being served on behalf of people in Linda, Olivehurst and the Peach Tree Mall whose property was flooded when a levee gave way Feb. 13. Hansen said the separate claims alleged that water managers and levee commissioners operating waterways, levees and dams were responsible for the flooding that forced about 20,000 people from their homes and businesses. The $200-million claim total included $75 million in mental distress and suffering. Defendants included a levee commission in Marysville, boards of supervisors of Yuba and Sutter counties, Yuba County’s water agency and reclamation districts.