Two or three months ago, I told you about Chuck Yeager, the famous Air Force test pilot who was the first human being to cross the sound barrier. I also told you how the now-retired Brigadier General was being sued by a Homeowners Association, which Yeager claimed did not include his two units in Fresno. The 91 year old pilot says the HOA simply doesn’t have jurisdiction over his property, and he had the records to prove it.
Well, a Fresno judge has ruled that Yeager has to pay the HOA $43,000 in fees. The HOA’s original lawsuit demanded $270,000. The HOA feigns success. But it looks like Yeager comes out the big winner despite not having a total victory. From outward appearances it looks like the HOA’s demand was excessive and the judge probably saw through that.
HOA officials are talking about how satisfied they are with getting a judgment. Funny thing is, Yeager cut short his losses because he won’t have to pay legal expenses while these out-of-control HOA lawyers try to run up Yeager’s legal costs.
Besides, says Yeager, “I’m very pleased with the agreement. What’s best is that the judge did not order me to join the HOA!”
(link to Sacramento Bee story)
Somebody please help me understand. The previous article said he was not a member of an HOA. This article says he was not ordered to be part of the HOA. The previous article said he never asked for or received any services from the HOA….so why/what did the judge order him to pay for? Sharing the air with an HOA?
I don’t know for sure, but it appears the HOA actually did some work on his property even though he wasn’t an HOA member. The financial agreement apparently paid for the work but not the fines and legal costs.