header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
July 25
1915 - Pioneer Juan Batista Suraco buried in a family graveyard, currently unmarked, in Bouquet Canyon near Benz Road [story]
Suraco family


| Wednesday, Oct 9, 2019
Canyon View Mobile Home Estates hillside solar panels in Canyon Country. | Photo: Stephen K. Peeples
Canyon View Mobile Home Estates hillside solar panels in Canyon Country. | Photo: Stephen K. Peeples.

 

Santa Clarita is seeking an end to its ongoing legal dispute with Canyon View Limited for placing about 6,000 solar panels on an open Canyon Country hillside.

A hearing requesting a summary judgment is set for Dec. 12 in Chatsworth.

The hearing was granted after a request from the city to seek “injunctive relief against the defendants (Canyon View Limited)” for violating the Santa Clarita Municipal Code regarding open space, according to city documents.

“In 2017, long after the property became part of the city of Santa Clarita, the defendants installed approximately 120,000 square feet of solar panels on an open hillside,” reads the court document. “The project violates the 50% open space requirement and constitutes a new use of the property in violation of applicable zoning regulations.”

To obtain summary judgment, one party has to show the opposing party’s pleadings lack evidence to support its claims.

City Attorney Joe Montes said some of Canyon View’s claims rested on past statements the city has made with respect to the solar panels, which is why the city would not be commenting on the upcoming proceedings in December.

“The city is in the midst of active litigation and the defendants are attempting to use statements allegedly made by the city over the last couple of years concerning these matters,” Montes said. “For that reason, the city will not comment at this time so as to avoid having to address further statements in the litigation.”

The defendants, which include Canyon View managing partner Kerry and Mark Seidenglanz, and lawyers with Murphy and Evertz LLP representing them, have not responded to requests for comment.

The city asked the court to favor “the city on its first Cause of Action and against the defendants on their fourth and fifth Causes of Action,” according to the memorandum.

Santa Clarita is asking Canyon View to remove the solar panels on the basis that the “installation and maintenance of solar panels on the open hillside of the Canyon View Estates property violated (conditional use permit) by further reducing the amount of required open space.”

In Canyon View’s amended answer, which was filed in late September, the defendants contend the city said in February 2017 no city permits were required for the solar panel installation at Canyon View Estates, the mobile home park that uses the solar panels.

In response, attorneys for the city stated such an argument is invalid as a defense because, according to the city, “the defendants were not ‘ignorant of the facts’ regarding the limits on their use of the Canyon View Estates property.”

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Thursday, Jul 25, 2024
State’s Top Court Rules Ride-Share Drivers to Remain Independent Contractors
(CN) — The California Supreme Court on Thursday rebuffed a union-backed challenge to the voter-approved law that exempts app-based drivers working for companies such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash from being classified as employees rather than independent contractors under the state's labor code.
Thursday, Jul 25, 2024
Thursday, Jul 25, 2024
CalArtians Help Propel ‘Inside Out 2’ to Highest-Grossing Animated Film
"Inside Out 2," the sequel to Pixar’s 2015 hit, is taking the worldwide box office by storm.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
(CN) — The California Supreme Court on Thursday rebuffed a union-backed challenge to the voter-approved law that exempts app-based drivers working for companies such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash from being classified as employees rather than independent contractors under the state's labor code.
State’s Top Court Rules Ride-Share Drivers to Remain Independent Contractors
Daniel Rush has been named the head coach for The Master's University's cross country and track & field teams.
TMU Names Daniel Rush Mustangs XCTF Head Coach
Nothing says Santa Clarita like our beautiful mountains, pristine parks, paseos meandering through our neighborhoods, lush trees and amenities for residents of all ages.
Jason Gibbs | Santa Clarita’s New, Upcoming Projects
"Inside Out 2," the sequel to Pixar’s 2015 hit, is taking the worldwide box office by storm.
CalArtians Help Propel ‘Inside Out 2’ to Highest-Grossing Animated Film
In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, the second annual "Game. Set. Hope. Charity Tennis Tournament" will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, beginning 9:30 a.m., at the West Ranch High School tennis courts.
Sept. 7: ‘Game. Set. Hope.’ Tennis Tourney Benefiting Mental Health Awareness
Building on California’s ongoing work and unprecedented investments to address the decades-long issue of homelessness, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday ordering state agencies and departments to adopt clear policies that urgently address homeless encampments while  respecting the dignity and well-being of all Californians.
Newsom Issues Executive Order to Clear Homeless Encampments
1915 - Pioneer Juan Batista Suraco buried in a family graveyard, currently unmarked, in Bouquet Canyon near Benz Road [story]
Suraco family
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
Ocean Water Warning for July 24
The Los Angeles County Departments of Mental Health and Public Health have centralized access to mental health and substance use services into one 24/7 call center at (800) 854-7771.
Los Angeles County Revamps 24/7 Help Line to Integrate Access to Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Adopt a Pet and help the Castaic Animal Shelter "Clear the Shelter" with their kick-off Party on Aug. 10. 
Aug. 10:  “Clear the Shelter Kick off Party” at Castaic Shelter Next Month
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Engineering and Operations Committee will hold a meeting Thursday, Aug 1, at 5:30 p.m., in the Engineering Services Section Boardroom, 26521 Summit Circle in Santa Clarita.
Aug. 1: SCV Water’s Engineering and Operations Committee Meeting
The California Department of Motor Vehicles invites businesses, public agencies and innovators to apply to join two community “hackathons” to promote additional uses for the California mobile Driver’s License.
DMV to Host Community Hackathons to Facilitate Additional Uses for Mobile Driver’s License
In an effort to maintain transparency with the entire Saugus Union School District community, SUSD is announcing that the Governing Board of the Saugus Union School District will consider placing a school facility measure onto the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot.
Saugus Union School District to Put Facility Measure on November Ballot
Princess Cruises, the leading cruise line in Alaska, today unveiled its biggest-ever Alaska season for 2026, highlighted by the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, Star Princess.
Princess Cruises Reveals Epic 2026 Alaska Season
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on, July 24 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
July 24: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce today announced the honorees for its second Annual Black Business Month Celebration, taking place at California Institute of the Arts on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
SCV Chamber Announces Honorees For Second Annual Black Business Month Celebration
1864 - Walker/Reynier family patriarch Jean Joseph Reynier, then 15, arrives in Sand Canyon from France; eventually homesteads 1,200 acres [story]
Joseph Reynier
College of the Canyons graduating sophomore Jonah El-Farra has been named a California Community Colleges Men's Basketball Coaches Associations (CCCMBCA) student-athlete scholarship recipient for the 2023-24 season. 
El-Farra Earns Coaches Associations’ Student-Athlete Scholarship
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Tuesday a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Chair Lindsey P. Horvath that directs the creation of an independent Ethics Commission and ethics reform measures to improve transparency and create greater oversight in County government.
Supes Unanimously Approve Creation of Ethics Commission, Reform
The city of Santa Clarita is inviting artists to submit artwork for consideration for its upcoming “Body & Presence” juried exhibition, which will be on view at the Canyon Country Community Center during the City's annual Business for Artists Conference.
Aug. 4: Call for Art ‘Body & Presence’ Exhibit Deadline
Zach Schroeder, the head coach for The Master’s University track and cross country programs, is stepping down to be closer to family.
After Historic Run, TMU Coach Zach Schroeder Steps Down
The community is invited to an SCV Senior Center Health and Wellness program lecture “Let’s Talk About Kidney Health” on Wednesday, July 24, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
July 24: SCV Senior Center Wellness Program Lecture on Kidney Health
College of the Canyons baseball is sending five players to four-year universities to continue their academic journeys and athletic careers following the 2024 season.
Five Cougars Taking Skills to Next Level
SCVNews.com