Jan 8, 2007 7:16 pm US/Pacific
Judge: Farmers' Market Civil Cases Can Go To Trial
SANTA MONICA (CBS) ―
Civil cases against the organizers of the Santa Monica farmers' market where 10 people were fatally struck by a car driven by a man, 86, can go to trial, the first beginning March 20, a judge ruled.
Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Valerie Baker on Friday denied a renewed motion by Bayside District Corp. to dismiss them as defendants.
The lawsuits allege Bayside and the city of Santa Monica were negligent and reckless in conducting the event. Part of the plaintiffs' case against the city was dismissed last year, but another portion remains under submission by Baker.
The deadly crash occurred July 16, 2003. The motorist, George Weller, who is now 90, was convicted last Oct. 20 of 10 counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He was sentenced a month later to five years probation.
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