The Barker family has been a pillar in the Nicolaus community for 72 years, ever since J.C. Barker, affectionately known as Ted, took over ownership of the East Nicolaus Market. Built in 1926, the market has served as a favorite spot by locals and visitors alike in the area and serves as the only grocery store in Nicolaus. James Barker, son of Ted Barker, assumed ownership of the store in the late 70’s, following his father’s retirement.
On January 24 of this year, James Barker was faced with a lawsuit by a quadriplegic lawyer, one Scott Johnson of Carmichael, California, for failing to meet ADA standards. Barker is not the first to face a lawsuit by Johnson. A News10 analysis of federal court records in the Eastern District of California indicated Johnson has been the plaintiff in at least 1,079 ADA lawsuits since 2003. Johnson said he hadn’t kept count, but did not dispute the number. He said his average settlement with business owners has been between $4,000 and $6,000.
Debbie Vincent Coupe, a resident of the Nicolaus community and active member on the East Nicolaus High School Board, said that she has used the East Nicolaus Market since she was very young.
“I went to school with both of James Barker’s daughters,” Coupe said, “my own dad died when I was very young and he has always been a sort of father figure to me. He is a really good guy.” According to Coupe, her own children often frequented the market.
“That was my son’s first stop after school everyday,” she said with a laugh. “The high schoolers often stop in for chips or a soda.”
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