guest blog by Nila Ridings
This might be breaking news: California is having a terrible drought! And Fran Paxton is trying to do her part to reduce water consumption for outdoor use.
Using her ingenuity, Ms. Paxton created landscaping using mint that requires little water. It even earned her a rebate on her landscaping from the local water district.
But the Twin Creeks HOA board in San Ramon demands she replace it with sod! Until she does they are fining her $50 per month.
In steps attorney, Micheal Mau who says the HOA could be violating the California law. He’s going to help Ms. Paxton settle this mess.
It’s no surprise that Twin Creeks board of directors says this case should not be settled on television. Heck no! It’s so much easier to bully the elderly out of the spotlight of television cameras. Good for Fran for calling out the investigative reporter!
(link to CBS San Francisco)
Ever notice that HOA Boards and Managers tend to target disadvantaged residents with violation notices – senior citizens on fixed incomes, veterans deployed overseas, people with disabilities, people under financial stress, etc. ? Meanwhile their buddies get to do whatever they like.
The entire notion of rules meant to “maintain property values” is flawed, because there are no legal limitations to ensure that such rules are reasonable, or that they support true human values.
Indeed Deborah. Let’s pick on the old lady, she doesn’t have enough money to fight the HOA.