Judge lets California raisin growers keep seeking payment for crops taken by the government

Numerous California raisin growers are seeking federal compensation for crops surrendered years ago as part of an old supply management system. In two lawsuits that seek to become a large class action, and a separate suit filed by a single Fresno County farm, growers seek government payments to offset what's been deemed a government "taking" of their property. A federal judge last week kept all three lawsuits alive, rejecting Justice Department efforts to dismiss them. "At this point, the government should just settle and write the checks," said attorney James A. Moody, who represents Fresno County-based Lion Farms. "In my view, the case is over at this point."