Esslinger land case settled

A settlement was announced Tuesday in the suit for control of a South Laguna mobile home park that sundered the Esslinger family.

The suit filed in April 2004 on behalf of Paul R. “Duke” Esslinger accused his son, Stephen, and daughter-in-law, Amy, of cheating him out of his share of the profits from the park and asked the court to transfer ownership to him and award damages of $25 million.

No details of the settlement were made public, but sources indicate control of the property will remain with the younger Esslinger.

“All I can say is that it was a mutually agreeable settlement and everybody is pleased that it is over,” said Craig P. Kennedy, co-counsel for the elder Esslinger.

Defense attorney Robert Coldren declined to comment.

“There is a confidentiality clause,” said Dan Freeman, president of the park’s tenant association. “But Duke’s attorney told me that Steve kept control and his other attorney confirmed it.”

The settlement was mediated by Judge Stephen J. Sundvold, who volunteered his services to trial Judge Gail Andler. Three days into the trial, Andler ordered the feuding family to take advantage of the Sundvold’s offer, lecturing them on the horrible effects on the family, not to mention legal issues that could have taken the case to higher courts, and the emotional cost to the family.

Previous attempts to settle had failed, most recently in February.

Freeman would have preferred a different outcome to the trial.

“I was hoping Duke would get control so we [tenants] could buy it,” Freeman said. “I don’t think Steve is a willing seller.”

Freeman discounted letters sent prior to the earlier, failed settlement conference by father and son, both indicating the park would be up for sale. Athens Group and Montage Hotels and Resorts also were approached, but declined to pursue a purchase.

The Esslingers have owned the property since Stephen’s grandfather began buying up parcels throughout Laguna in the 1940s. However, the family has scattered.

At one time Stephen lived in Laguna and played an active role in city politics, one of the first to fund a PAC to defeat a specific candidate. He now lives with his wife and children in San Juan Capistrano, where he serves on the board and reportedly financially supports a Christian school.