Anthony Bouyer, a California resident with mobility impairments, has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Chapala Mexican Restaurant in Santa Paula, California, citing violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The complaint was filed on January 27, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County against Everardo Grandos Ramos and Maria De Lourdes Ramos.
Bouyer's lawsuit alleges that the defendants' property at 245 S 10th St is not compliant with ADA standards, presenting significant barriers to access for individuals with disabilities. According to Bouyer, these barriers include improperly sloped parking areas, inadequately marked accessible aisles, and cracked surfaces in designated parking spaces. These conditions have reportedly denied Bouyer full and equal access to the restaurant's facilities. The plaintiff argues that such architectural barriers are not only discriminatory but also easily removable without significant difficulty or expense.
The complaint details how Bouyer visited the restaurant on March 7, 2024, both as a customer and as an advocate for disability rights. During this visit, he encountered several accessibility issues that violated both the ADA and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. Bouyer asserts that these violations are ongoing and that there is no policy in place by the defendants to ensure compliance with accessibility laws.
Bouyer is seeking declaratory relief from the court to acknowledge that the defendants have operated their business in a manner discriminatory to disabled persons. He also requests preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to compel compliance with accessibility standards. Additionally, Bouyer seeks statutory damages of at least $4,000 per occurrence of violation under California law, along with reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs.
The case underscores broader issues of disability discrimination akin to race or sex discrimination by impacting individuals' self-worth and access to public accommodations. It highlights how businesses must adhere to legal standards ensuring facilities are accessible to all patrons regardless of physical ability.
Representing Anthony Bouyer is Joseph R. Manning Jr., Esq., from Manning Law APC. The case is presided over by Judge Brenda L. McCormick under Case No. 2025CUCRO37 546.