Judge rules against lawsuit challenging Sunset Beach annexation

Update: Orange County Superior Court Judge Frederick P. Horn has denied the Citizens Association of Sunset Beach’s writ to stop the annexation of Sunset Beach by the city of Huntington Beach.

In response, the president, vice president and treasurer of CASB issued a statement by e-mail to supporters and the press.

“The court’s decision says nothing about lifting the injunction, so we believe that the injunction is still in place until the court issues a final judgment. Once the court issues a final judgment, which can take a while, we need to file our notice of appeal. Our appeal is with the Fourth District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana,” wrote Jack Markovitz (president), Diana Dodson (vice president) and Larry Crandall (treasurer).

A copy of the judge’s minute order is on the CASB Web site, www.savesunsetbeach.com.

Editor’s note: Diana Dodson is a member of the Citizen’s Association of Sunset Beach.

A large group of Sunset Beach residents were present last Thursday, Aug. 12, at the hearing conducted on the matter of the Citizens’ Association of Sunset Beach versus Huntington Beach and the Orange Count Local Agency Formation Commission.

This case is regarding clarification of the conflict in law that allows the annexation of a territory in the state of California without a vote by the residents concerning new taxes and the Huntington Beach City Council’s attempt to forcibly annex Sunset Beach.

Superior Court Judge Frederick P. Horn opened the proceedings by stating he was leaning towards his initial findings, which supported the Citizens Association’s arguments in the case.

In January the judge issued a preliminary injunction stopping any further action on the annexation.

Judge Horn said he also recognized that this is new legal territory and would most likely be decided by the appellate court.

Judge Horn asked the attorneys from all sides address a few points made in their written arguments.

Judge Horn’s decision will be published in the coming weeks.

After the judge’s decision, if either side should seek an appeal the case could go on for at least another year.

In any case, the members and supporters of the Community Association’s efforts are committed to continue any legal action necessary and to keep the community informed.

CASB fundraising event

Last Saturday Night was the Community Association’s first fundraising event, held at Meadowlark Golf Club.

Many supporters attended the event from Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach, including two Huntington Beach City Council members. It was a beautiful evening enjoyed by all with a bounty of appetizers, Casino “play,” dinner and socializing.

A plethora of live and silent auction items lined the large banquet room.

“Mr. Bill” Sebring was the top “Casino High Roller” of the night, taking home the grand prize Gift Certificate donated by Captain Jacks.  Seven other “high roller” winners were Geri Eckner, Laurie Krein, Bob Campregher, Aurea Hoad, Elayne Poy, Rainy Stout and Peter Voss.

Many thanks to the volunteers of this grass roots organization who put this amazing night together in just three weeks:  Gretchen Hoad, Julie Lurie, Debbie Culling, Beverly Paquin, Theresa Bavaro, Graham and Aurea Hoad, Scot and Diana Dodson, Larry, Susan and Tyler Crandall, Greg Griffin, Susan Forsey and our Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer Tommy Teissere.

Thank you to all who supported the CASB by attending this special gala event and all those who donated even though they were unable to attend.  It was a fun night to remember!

Funds raised from the event will go towards the cost of keeping the community informed and paying the continuing legal costs of this case.