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Cthulhu
07-29-2014, 02:07 PM
State vs. City on what is more important, drought management or green lawns.

Government at its best.



CBS News is reporting (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/despite-drought-california-couple-in-trouble-for-not-watering-lawn/) on an unusual case in which a California husband-and-wife duo found themselves trapped between conflicting state and local regulations. With California suffering under an extreme drought, Governor Jerry Brown has asked residents to reduce their usage of water. In fact, this request recently took a mandatory tone as California’s State Water Resources Control Board approved (http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/State-water-board-expected-to-OK-500-a-day-fines-5623907.php) a measure penalizing those who refuse to cut back on water use with a $500 fine.
Glendora residents Michael and Laura Korte, concerned about the drought like many other Californians, opted against watering their lawn in an effort to conserve water, causing their grass to turn brown. However, on the same day that the state government announced that those who over-water their lawns will face a $500 fine, the Korte household received a notice from Glendora’s city government requiring them to green up their lawn in 60 days or else face penalties. According to CBS News, Michael Korte said, “…the penalty was fines of $100 to $500 and criminal prosecution, whatever that means.”
Essentially, city regulations on the appearance of lawns are coming into direct conflict with an emergency state rule aimed at dealing with an unprecedented drought. If Michael and Laura Korte comply with city regulations and water their lawn until the grass turns green again, they could face a $500 fine from Jerry Brown’s state government. If they comply with state rules and refuse to water their lawn, they could face a $500 fine and criminal prosecution by Glendora city officials.

Damned if you do, and damned if you don't. The end result of two government entities thinking and making policy on the same topic.

Captain Obvious
07-29-2014, 02:13 PM
One of the several drawbacks to federalism.

CreepyOldDude
07-29-2014, 02:14 PM
State vs. City on what is more important, drought management or green lawns.

Government at its best.



Damned if you do, and damned if you don't. The end result of two government entities thinking and making policy on the same topic.[/FONT][/COLOR]

How is the state government being morons, then? They've certainly got a valid concern.

Chris
07-29-2014, 02:21 PM
One of the several drawbacks to federalism.

Of non-federalism since federalism would divide up powers at various levels so only one entity would be in charge, hopefully yourself.

warwulf
07-29-2014, 03:11 PM
Friggin CA! You can smoke the baloney pony in public at some bus stop but you can't water your lawn. That state needs an enema!

CreepyOldDude
07-29-2014, 05:24 PM
Friggin CA! You can smoke the baloney pony in public at some bus stop but you can't water your lawn. That state needs an enema!

Because, during a years long drought, it's important to water your lawn.

PolWatch
07-29-2014, 05:29 PM
they made the choice to move into a city/area that has zoning rules for how green the lawns have to be. They were not aware that the state suffers from droughts? or did they think they were insulated in their zoned community and it would not bother them?

Cthulhu
07-29-2014, 05:48 PM
How is the state government being morons, then? They've certainly got a valid concern.

State yes, city no - in this instance.

Why a fine on a state level? Couldn't they possibly see that this was going to create a conflict in more affluent areas? Are they going to use that money to buy more water from somewhere? Rationing would make more sense and let people decide where to put their water.

Or simply tell the city/HOA/retarded entity to stuff it and get rid of retarded codes.

Dr. Who
07-29-2014, 07:04 PM
State vs. City on what is more important, drought management or green lawns.

Government at its best.



Damned if you do, and damned if you don't. The end result of two government entities thinking and making policy on the same topic.[/FONT][/COLOR]
Generally speaking State legislation or State executive orders trump City ordinances unless the latter are more restrictive than the former. They cannot be in conflict.

Cthulhu
07-29-2014, 08:44 PM
Generally speaking State legislation or State executive orders trump City ordinances unless the latter are more restrictive than the former. They cannot be in conflict.

Well california may as well be Narnia then. It's a magical adventure in legal land over there.

Dr. Who
07-29-2014, 08:48 PM
Well california may as well be Narnia then. It's a magical adventure in legal land over there.
The State should come down on the Municipality. If it doesn't it could create bad precedent.

Cthulhu
07-29-2014, 08:50 PM
The State should come down on the Municipality. If it doesn't it could create bad precedent.

Agreed. But I'm not hopeful.

But then again, this is day verses night here. They are in direct conflict, so in theory the state should be able to strong arm the city/HOA or whatever green lawn nazi there is.

Dr. Who
07-29-2014, 08:52 PM
Agreed. But I'm not hopeful.

But then again, this is day verses night here. They are in direct conflict, so in theory the state should be able to strong arm the city/HOA or whatever green lawn nazi there is.
Cali can be a little too loosey goosey for its own good.

PolWatch
07-29-2014, 08:58 PM
https://sp1.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608049506850505097&pid=15.1&w=135&h=126&p=0