Doctor Alleges Discrimination in Lawsuit Filed Against City of San Gabriel

SAN GABRIEL, CA - A kidney disease specialist is suing San Gabriel for disability discrimination, alleging in federal court that the city is refusing to allow construction of a dialysis center because it would serve low-income patients who rely on Medi-Cal.

Dr. Lakhi Sakhrani contends the city blocked the clinic "because of the opposition of wealthy homeowners of neighboring properties," according to an amended version of the lawsuit filed last week in Los Angeles.

A San Gabriel city spokeswoman said she had not seen the complaint and could not comment.

Sakhrani said he was "shocked by the city's decision to allow a group of wealthy, powerful residents to block a dialysis center that would serve the community and save lives. People who need dialysis will die without receiving these treatments."

Nilay Vora, lead counsel to Sakhrani, alleged that the refusal to allow the center was a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The city cannot grant similar zoning permits to other applicants but refuse to grant those permits to a dialysis center because of the nature of services it provides," the attorney said. "We are confident a federal court will agree and order the city to permit the project to move ahead."

Sakhrani said there is a growing need for dialysis centers in the city as an increasing number of people suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure.

The doctor contends he worked closely with city staff for almost 18 months to ensure that the building would comply with the city codes.

According to the suit, the city's planning commission approved permits for the project, but construction was blocked on appeal due to the opposition of homeowners of neighboring properties on Country Club Drive.

Attorney Daron Tooch, who also represents the plaintiff, said the city issued a conditional use permit for a liquor store down the street.

"The city council is more interested in granting a permit to a liquor store that sells a product that can cause liver disease than to grant a permit to a dialysis center (that) treats patients that suffer from kidney disease," Tooch alleged.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock