Residents for an Independent Sanitary District

Judge Pauses Takeover of EPASD to Allow Hearing

August 16 Set for Crucial Step in District’s Pursuit of Justice

East Palo Alto, CA — In a ruling by the San Mateo County Superior Court, the Honorable Judge Roger Piquet ruled in a legal conference today that the San Mateo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) and the City of East Palo Alto must not take action to displace the East Palo Alto Sanitary District (EPASD) Board prior to a hearing on August 16, 2024. This ruling grants EPASD an opportunity to present its case regarding the “abuse of discretion” by the City of East Palo Alto in its proposal to merge the District into the City.

“I appreciate the Court’s viewpoint that our ratepayers deserve a hearing on critical concerns the District has with the actions of LAFCo and the City of East Palo Alto. The takeover being forced on EPASD deserves full and due consideration, and we will clearly articulate the flaws of the City’s attempted action and harm to ratepayers and voters during the hearing,” said Dennis Scherzer, president of the EPASD Board. “We seek justice for our community, and we will have our day in court."

EPASD continues to provide services for its ratepayers while the case advances. The San Mateo LAFCo voted on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to advance the takeover pending actions to be taken by the City of East Palo Alto. The East Palo Alto City Council would possibly have taken over governance of EPASD on August 1, 2024. However, the Court’s ruling today will likely defer that date to at least September 1, 2024, or longer pending the outcome of the August 16 hearing.

Media Contact:Kelly Fergusson
(415) 405-6673
kj@fergusson.com

WE'RE FIRED UP!

WE WON'T TAKE IT NO MORE!!

Each day, more members of our community are becoming aware that should the City of East Palo Alto assume control of the East Palo Alto Sanitary District (EPASD), it would lead to increased property taxes to finance sewer infrastructure for new developments. At present, everyone in EPASD territory, including homeowners, renters, businesses, schools, and churches, benefits from the lowest rates in San Mateo County, at $50 monthly.

However, if the City takes over, not only will this rate double, but it could soar by an additional $200 monthly as the City diverts our funds into its accounts, subsequently burdening us with the cost of new sewers for the benefit of billionaire developers.

We, the Residents for an Independent Sanitary District, believe that the developers should bear the cost of their own projects, not us!

In solidarity, we extend our gratitude!

Mission

Our mission is to safeguard the autonomy and fiscal integrity of the East Palo Alto Sanitary District (EPASD), ensuring it remains a standalone entity dedicated to providing affordable, efficient, and sustainable sewer services to our community. We oppose the proposal to establish EPASD as a subsidiary district of the City of East Palo Alto, believing it is essential to maintain direct oversight and control of our local resources and infrastructure. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of our community's interests against unnecessary financial burdens and the centralization of control.

STOP THE TAKEOVER!