Brian Whitaker, a California resident with a spinal cord injury, has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Sunny Garden restaurant for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The complaint was filed on February 19, 2026, in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, naming Lijian Ma and Qihong Li as defendants. Whitaker alleges that during his visit to Sunny Garden in December 2025, he encountered several barriers that impeded his access to the restaurant’s facilities due to his disability.
Whitaker’s lawsuit outlines multiple accessibility issues at Sunny Garden, located at 25085 Blue Ravine Road in Folsom, California. As a wheelchair user, Whitaker claims he faced significant challenges when attempting to use the restroom facilities. He describes encountering a restroom entry door with round twist-type hardware that was difficult for him to operate due to limited hand function. Additionally, he noted that the mirror was mounted too high for someone seated in a wheelchair and that obstructions such as cleaning supplies and trash receptacles blocked access to necessary amenities like the sink and soap dispenser. Furthermore, Whitaker points out that grab bars near the toilet were not within permissible height ranges, making them ineffective for support.
The complaint asserts that these conditions violate both federal and state laws designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in public accommodations. Whitaker emphasizes that these barriers are not only easily removable but should have been addressed long ago given the ADA’s existence since 1990. He argues that removing these obstacles would benefit not just himself but also other individuals with mobility disabilities who frequent public establishments.
In his legal action against Ma and Li, Whitaker seeks injunctive relief compelling them to remove all architectural barriers within ninety days or another timeframe deemed appropriate by the court. He also requests permanent changes ensuring ongoing compliance through regular Certified Access Specialist (CASp) inspections and employee training on accessibility standards. Additionally, Whitaker is pursuing actual damages under the Unruh Civil Rights Act along with treble damages or statutory minimums for each instance he was denied full access.
Representing Brian Whitaker is Amanda Seabock from Seabock Price APC law firm based in Pasadena, California. The case is being heard by Judge B. Delira under Case Number bBtlwOOSHOH in Sacramento County’s Superior Court.
Source: 26CV003909_Brian_Whitetaker_v_Lijian_Ma_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
