Last Monday night the Citizens’ Association of Sunset Beach held a public informational meeting at the Sunset Beach Community lot. Attending the meeting were CASB members, the majority of the Sunset Beach Community Association board and other community members who were interested in gaining information about this grassroots volunteer organization and the lawsuit that has temporarily halted Huntington Beach’s forcible annexation of Sunset Beach.
The issue of taxation without a vote and the conflicts in California law were explained. The legal conflicts of HB providing services to Sunset Beach without requiring taxes to be paid, all while charging their own residents for the same services was discussed. A concerned 38-year Huntington Harbour resident spoke about the history of the HB City Council and Administrations’ lack of response to the residents’ needs and non-existent services for his area. He stated he was very concerned for Sunset Beach and how diluted the small community’s rights would become if it were to be absorbed by the large populated HB.
During the open dialog the question was asked “What would happen to Sunset Beach after the legal issues are resolved?”
Some time after the Aug. 11 hearing at the Orange County Superior Court, the Judge will make his ruling. The CASB board did not want to speculate on the length of time for this legal process to be completed, which may include appeals. After the final outcome of the legal process, Sunset Beach’s future options will be determined and explored by the entire community.
Additional information, membership and donation forms and court documents filed by all parties can be found on the CASB website: www.SaveSunsetBeach.org.
It was announced at the meeting that a fundraising dinner and live auction event will take place a few days after the hearing date, on Saturday, Aug. 13. Save the date. This will be an event to remember in the Sunset Beach traditional style. Details to follow.
The CASB continues to welcome new members and donations. The lawsuit has been funded solely by donations by concerned community members and Sunset Beach supporters. Additional funds are needed for this legal battle on the issue of the right to vote.
The CASB lawsuit seeks to clarify conflicts in the law regarding Prop 218 and the “small island annexation” provision which expires in 2014. This lawsuit regarding taxation without representation, freedom of self-determination, not only affects Sunset Beach but all of California.
Diana Dodson is a member of the Citizens’ Association of Sunset Beach.
