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Request for city to solve sand problem denied
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More from Local NewsA Superior Court judge has denied a request by Pierpont homeowners in Ventura for an injunction to force the city to remove sand blowing from the public beach onto their properties.
Superior Court Judge David Walsh denied the request Friday, saying homeowners had not pursued remedies to obtain permits to remove the sand themselves.
But Walsh denied the injunction request without prejudice, which allows homeowners to return to court at a later date to seek another injunction.
The judge said the residents have a right not to get stuck in "a bureaucratic black hole of delay."
The city has a hearing set for the end of this month to try to dismiss the homeowners' lawsuit altogether.
Ventura officials maintain the state, not the city, is responsible for the beach from where the sand is coming.
Posted by patticakepatti on May 13, 2008 at 6:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Of course the city of Ventura is going to blame the state, they don't take responsibility for any wrongdoing!
Hey city attorney, keep in mind what the judge said:
The judge said the residents have a right not to get stuck in "a bureaucratic black hole of delay."
Sounds like the judge is aware of your underhanded tactics, good luck at your hearing at the end of the month trying to get this dismissed, looks like the judge has got your back! NOT!
Posted by venturajack on May 13, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is unfortunate that the beach residents had to incur this action and waste time and money when the city should step up and taken care of the situation. It seems with this City Council it's a "them against us" mentality on a number of issues. Having lived in Ventura for over 30 years, I have never seen such an arrogant city council. If others feel as I do, I hope they all remember this at election time.
Posted by patticakepatti on May 13, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You hit the nail on the head venturajack. Not only is it the city council with a "them against us" mentality but it's that way with the brass at the pd as well as at city hall. You have to be a "team player" to acquire one of those positions and by being a team player, you have to agree with their philosophy or your not going anywhere as far as promotions...It's high school on steroids!
Posted by pyro152 on May 13, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There should be no "bureaucratic black hole of delay." The city, state, or whoever should immediately reject the request. Why is any of this the responsibility of anyone except the homeowners?
There is sand at the beach. There always has been.
There is wind at the beach. There always has been.
The homeowners whining about the sand makes about as much sand as someone floating in a pool on a raft and whining about getting splashed.
Get a broom!
Posted by downtownresident on May 13, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still say the way to solve this problem is to reopen the road and then the City will have to remove the sand. It would provide better access and more parking for residents who want to go to the beach.
Posted by meander on May 13, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
my thoughts exactly, pyro--did these BEACH homeowners realize when they bought their homes that sand would blow onto their sidewalks and require upkeep?
Since when is routine maintenance of personal property the responsibility of the TAXPAYER [it's not "the city" or "the state" who foots the bill, it's the taxpayer who shouldn't have to pay for private property maintenance].
If you can afford a home on the beach, you can afford it's upkeep...
Posted by shaver_one on May 13, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sand from the beach is blowing onto your property at the beach. What did you expect?
Here's an easy solution for all of you who complain about the natural progression of sand from the beach. Buy a leaf blower. Blow the sand back onto the beach. Duh!
Posted by carexpritch on May 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I did not know that the rainfall would flow through the leak in my roof.
I demand the city repair my roof and pay for that.
Posted by juandeveras on May 13, 2008 at 11:32 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by UncleRico on May 14, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Juan- it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool (and a bigot) than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Posted by venturajack on May 15, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am saddened to read how insensitive many of you are regarding this issue. Here we have citizen taxpayers unable to receive help from the city where they live and many of you have made light of the situation.
What is wrong with these property owners turning to the city officials for help? It appears that for years they received help from the city but not now for some reason.
I hope none of you EVER have a similar situation where the finger pointing never ends as your problem grows without help.
I would urge each of these taxpayers to appeal their property tax assessment because I think we would all agree that a view of the sand is not worth as much as a view of the ocean.
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