Navarro v. County of Los Angeles

Filed 5/16/06  Navarro v. County of Los Angeles CA2/5

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS

California Rules of Court, rule 977(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 977(b).  This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 977.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION FIVE

                      APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.   Emilie  H.  Elias, Judge.  Affirmed.

                      Mark T. Clausen and Steven M. Bidd for Plaintiff and Appellant.

                      Manning & Marder, Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez LLP, Edwin A. Lewis and Scott Wm. Davenport for Defendants and Respondents.

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                      Plaintiff and appellant Eddie Navarro appeals from a judgment following a court trial in favor of defendant and respondent County of Los Angeles in this action arising out of the impoundment of Navarro's truck by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Carson Station (Carson Station).  Navarro contends:  (1)  he presented sufficient evidence of damages; (2)  the County is liable for the policy of the Carson Station; and (3)  he properly brought an unrelated taxpayer cause of action to preclude enforcement of a local ordinance concerning speed contests.  We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Carson Station Policy Regarding Vehicle Code section 14602.6

                      Vehicle Code^[1] section 14602.6 allows a peace officer to arrest a person driving a vehicle without a license, or with a suspended or revoked license, and impound the vehicle for 30 days.  (§  14602.6, subd. (a).)  The registered and legal owner of the impounded vehicle must be provided an opportunity for a storage hearing â€