For many it was a forgone conclusion.
The California Supreme Court rejected hearing the appeal last Monday, Jan. 7, of the lawsuit filed by the Citizens Association of Sunset Beach in its last ditch attempt to block Huntington Beach from annexing the seaside neighborhood.
The CASB group had fought hard and long to stop the annexation of the tiny, yet historic community by what they referred to as “the mega city of Huntington Beach.” Many in the small community had worried that they would lose their identity along with their local representation in governmental affairs.
The case regarded clarification of the conflict in the 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.
The hopes of CASB and others who wanted Sunset Beach to remain an independent unincorporated “island” of Orange County saw a glimmer of hope when Superior Court Judge Frederick P. Horn opened one set of 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.
However, CASB lost that legal bid. While most Sunset Beach residents began to fold their hand, CASB continued to hold on and push the issue through the courts. However, now even CASB members have accepted the fact that he annexation is complete—albeit without any happiness.
“Personally, I registered to vote on my 18th birthday and have considered voting not only a right but a civic responsibility,” said longtime Sunset Beach resident Diana Dodson, a member of CASB.
“I would never have thought in America that your vote or self determination would be taken from you because you live in a small community under 150 acres,” she said.
Dodson said she hoped that other small communities in California would not be forcibly annexed by a neighboring city against its will. ‘They should have the right to vote to determine their future,” she said. “Even after such a horrendous violation, the many members of our community still unite to defend our uniquely flavored community, dedicated volunteerism and spirit of continued dedication to our rights and way of life.”
Dodson said her comments were her personal opinion and not made as a representative of CASB.
By the time of the recent court decision, many in the Sunset Beach Community Association had come to accept the annexation.
“The Sunset Beach Community Association was not involved in the lawsuit,” said Mike Van Voorhis, association president.
“Our position was to work with Huntington Beach assuming the annexation was final. Huntington Beach is doing a good job of providing our services so far,” Van Voorhis said.
