The Casa de Oro Alliance was excited to learn recently of the organization’s recognition by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. More importantly, donors to the Casa de Oro Alliance may be eligible to claim their generosity as charitable donations on their income taxes.

Bob Yarris, president of the Casa de Oro Alliance congratulated the organization’s board of directors. “Along [with the County’s]  decision to select a planning consultant in the next couple of weeks , the Casa de Oro Alliance is strategically positioned to successfully move into our second generation of existence.”  The Casa de Oro Alliance was formed four years ago in response to local high school student efforts to improve the Casa de Oro Campo Road business corridor.

“We have much to celebrate and look forward to. We do have a very promising future indeed,” said Yarris

Tom Causey, the County Code Compliance Officer assigned to monitor Casa de Oro privately-owned areas, spoke at the General Assembly Meeting of the Alliance on July 18.  As a Code Compliance Officer, Causey responds to calls of community members, giving priority to those concerns involving health and safety issues. He works to find solutions in conjunction with other county agencies.  Causey investigates violations on private property, and the Department of Public Works oversees violations located on easements, on school property, on Helix water district property, and on other public areas.

Some of the types of cases that Causey investigates include violation of zoning ordinances and building codes, grading and clearing issues, inoperable vehicles, unsafe structures, and noise.  In the Casa de Oro business area, Causey has been instrumental in the removal of illegal flag banners and “A-frame” signs, as well as temporary signage. He was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Alliance for his efforts.

Although prior to his and additional staff being hired a backlog of several hundred cases piled up, he currently is addressing about 140 cases, which includes 72 CDO cases filed this past year and about 35 new cases each month.  Each case begins with a determination of whether a violation exists. If so, a warning ticket is written and a discussion is held to inform the owner of the needed remedy. Another inspection is then held weeks later, and if no action has been taken, a ticket is written.  After a two-week appeal period, if there has been no response or corrective action taken, a fine is issued. The fine amount is doubled every two weeks, to a maximum of $10,000 if the violation is not corrected. Obviously, it is to the community and the owner’s advantage to work with Causey to quickly bring their property into compliance!

If you believe there is an issue which Causey should investigate, you may e-mail him at the following address:  Thomas.Causey@sdcounty.ca.gov

All are welcome to attend the next General Assembly meeting on September 19.