Dennis Perry, a 78-year-old combat veteran with multiple disabilities, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Morgan Hill and several local organizations, accusing them of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other related laws. The complaint was filed on May 1, 2025, in the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Perry alleges that events organized by these entities have consistently failed to provide adequate accessibility for disabled individuals like himself.
Perry's complaint targets the City of Morgan Hill, Mohi Farms Inc., Morgan Hill Farmers Market, and Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District. He claims that these defendants have created significant barriers to accessibility at public events by blocking handicapped parking spaces and failing to provide alternative accommodations. "Each defendant blocked handicapped parking spaces in their events," Perry states in his filing, adding that vendors were allowed to use these spaces without providing alternatives for disabled attendees. As a result, Perry says he was denied equal access and suffered physical and mental injuries while attempting to navigate these barriers.
The plaintiff details numerous instances where he faced discrimination due to inadequate parking facilities at various events held between January 2023 and April 2025. Despite filing grievances with both the city and market organizers, Perry received unsatisfactory responses denying any obligation to provide temporary handicapped spaces. His attempts to attend events often ended in frustration as he struggled with health issues exacerbated by long walks from distant parking spots.
Perry seeks a permanent injunction requiring the defendants to comply with state and federal accessibility laws. He also demands compensatory damages for the harm caused by their alleged negligence and punitive damages against certain defendants for their actions. Additionally, Perry requests attorney fees as part of his relief.
Representing himself in this case, Dennis Perry is seeking justice not only for himself but also for other disabled individuals who may have been similarly affected by these accessibility issues. The case is being heard under Case No.: 5 CV464-704 in front of judges at the Superior Court of Santa Clara County.