Santa Barbara, Calif. – Andrea Ridgell, owner of Mishay Hair Salon & Spa, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Santa Barbara, asserting that the municipality has not honored its legal obligation to fully reimburse her for relocation expenses incurred under the De La Vina Bridge Replacement Project.
Background of the dispute
In 2021, the city exercised eminent domain to acquire several properties, including Ridgell’s salon, to make way for the new bridge. Under California law, a municipality must pay business owners for relocation fees and any construction costs directly attributable to the taking.
Ridgell says the city initially offered roughly $200,000, far short of the amount required. She contends that the total amount owed exceeds $1.5 million, a figure supported by documents she and her attorney have filed with the court.
Claims of non‑compliance
According to Ridgell, the city rejected 15 potential relocation sites over the past five years, delaying her move and inflating costs. After a judge approved a new location at 1126 Santa Barbara Street, the city allegedly failed to provide the necessary permits and improvements, leaving the salon to shoulder additional expenses.
“Because they haven’t paid me in years, I’m spending $250,000 to $300,000 a year on interest, plus hundreds of thousands on lawyers’ fees and expert costs,” Ridgell told the press. “All the money I’m spending is literally going into just surviving this nightmare they’ve put me in.”
City’s response
City Administrator Kelly McAdoo declined to comment on the specifics of the pending litigation, noting that the matter is currently before the courts.
Legal and financial implications
If the court finds the city in violation of eminent‑domain statutes, it could be required to pay the full amount claimed, plus interest and attorney fees. The case also highlights the broader challenges businesses face when displaced by public‑works projects, underscoring the importance of transparent, timely compensation.
Local business groups have expressed concern that prolonged disputes like this can deter investment and strain small‑business owners who rely on predictable operating costs. While the lawsuit is still pending, it serves as a reminder to municipal officials to adhere strictly to statutory reimbursement requirements.
What’s next?
The lawsuit is expected to proceed through the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Ridgell and her legal team say they will continue to seek full payment and hold the city accountable for any additional costs incurred as a result of the delayed relocation.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
