David Dodd 2:33 a.m., May 19
Robert Bush 6:31 p.m., May 18
Eva Knott 10:44 a.m., May 18
5 p.m., May 17
Ken Harrison 2 p.m., May 17
Let’s Assess the Assessments
Back to the Golden Hill MAD. The City is launching a vindictive attack against the entire community. First by creating as many blocks to refunds as possible. SECOND, taking the position only MAD's can provide these services. On the trash can front, their position is property owners who want to assume responsibility for a trash can must agree to maintain them but also must get an annual permit to do so (fee attached). This seems more like a war than government by the people. Syria anyone?— April 27, 2012 8:17 p.m.
City to Implement "Pay First, Litigate Later" on Disputed Tax Assessments?
Dorian, I wonder if you could find out how much the City spent/wasted on the GGH MAD litigation. At some point they will have to disclose it if they are seeking damages in the suit against SCI but it would be nice to know sooner. Thanks for your wonderful coverage of this saga.— April 24, 2012 12:55 p.m.
Judgment Finalized In Legal Battle Over Golden Hill Maintenance Assessment District
Yes!! Thank you for being the only media source to cover this slimy little misuse of government powers. Congrats to the few who tenaciously fought to bring out the truth and force the City to do the right thing. The City will have yet another chance to show its character by the way it handles the refunds. If they do not man up and send the money back, we will organize 1500 small claims actions. And of course, there is always a class action lawsuit. It is important to note the Courts essentially held the MAD was never formed because of the rigged election. That is different from dissolving a MAD. It means all this time the City has been spending General Fund dollars and not property assessments. And then there is all the money they squandered on the unsuccessful, silly defense of obvious illegality. We are talking millions of dollars. And, Todd Gloria (remember Prop D) says the City needs more money. Would like to see a Reader follow up on how much money the City has spent on the GGH MAD and its defense.— February 10, 2012 4:51 p.m.
The After-MAD in Golden Hill
To put the GGH MAD in perspective: it's annual budget was $500,000+, that is the same amount the San Diego Schools need to keep an elementary school open for one year. During its lifetime, the MAD was dominated by a small group of individuals with no qualifications in organizational management or community design. The result was tasteless clutter. Real community input was quashed. Hopefully the death of the GGH MAD will inspire a new life into genuine, inclusive community spirit. The court decision offers hope to residents who want to challenge oppressive MADs in their own neighborhoods.— October 21, 2011 7:55 p.m.
Mad About Getting Rid of MAD
Per several reliable CDC sources the City Attorney has a top attorney writing a "legal" MAD. A Todd Gloria staff member is orchestrating the letter writing campaign down to suggesting language. Signatures are being gathered from anyone, ignoring the fact that it is only property owners who pay assessments and vote. The proponents of the MAD are right on. There is a dire shortage of City services but these services should be paid for by taxpayers, not a few property owners.— October 5, 2011 8:42 p.m.
Golden Hill Residents Aren't MAD Anymore
Only the City of San Diego would try to impose a transparently illegal MAD on Golden Hill/South Park, a community full of lawyers. Of course this is the same City Attorney who is suing the civil engineer for negligently forming Maintenance Assessment Districts (see City of San Diego v. SCI Consulting Group) and simultaneously representing to the Appellate Court that the same engineer's work is just fine. "We couldn't have won without their help." Wonder how much money the City squandered on this pointless fiasco?— September 23, 2011 10:05 p.m.