Federation meets Tuesday, June 26, 2012, 7 p.m. - Courts and hearings boards: When and how to file a case or appeal What reforms, if any, are needed? Featuring Jeffrey M. Eustis, partner in the law firm Aramburu & Eustis

Courts and hearings boards:  When and how to file a case or appeal

What reforms, if any, are needed?

Featuring   Jeffrey M. Eustis, partner in the law firm Aramburu & Eustis 

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Monthly Meeting –Tuesday, June 26, 2012, 7 p.m.

Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South  98144

[This beautiful facility with free parking and unmatched view of Lake Washington is just three blocks east of

Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S. and one block south of S. Jackson Street]

http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/

AGENDA

Courts and hearings boards:  When and how to file a case or appeal

What reforms, if any, are needed?

Featuring   Jeffrey M. Eustis, partner in the law firm Aramburu & Eustis

Sometimes going to court or an administrative appeal is the only way to get government to obey the law.  What do citizens face when contemplating legal action?   Join us for a discussion led by one of Washington’s leading environmental and land use attorneys--Jeff Eustis, who has argued cases before state and federal courts; state hearings boards for shorelines, pollution control, and growth management; and local hearings examiners. 

Some cases virtually require an attorney, an expert witness, and a court reporter; some can be argued by a volunteer alone.  Seattle’s Hearing Examiner was intended as a quick and inexpensive alternative to court, but now is a graveyard for appeals (92 percent under SEPA are thrown out), as citizens’ issues and documents are disallowed or undervalued.  Can the process be rebalanced?

The June 26 meeting also includes an update on “regulatory reforms” of the Land Use Code that the City Council is considering.  And in our monthly Round Robin, share the news from your neighborhood.  If you have informational materials to distribute at the meeting, please bring them or e-mail electronic copies or links to jeannieh@serv.net.

7:00     Administration

1.     Call to order and introductions

2.     Minutes /Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report

7:10     Courts and hearings boards:  When and how to file?  What reforms are needed?

1.     Overview:  Jeffrey M. Eustis, Aramburu and Eustis, L.L.P. (30 minutes)

2.     Discussion   

8:15     Update on the C.B. 117430, “regulatory reform” of Seattle’s Land Use Code

8:25      Round Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood

9:00     Adjourn

The Federation is one of the nation’s oldest and most active federations of community associations.  It was founded in 1946 to facilitate resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese residents who had returned from wartime internment to find their homes and businesses gone; and to help black veterans facing their own inequities.  Yearly dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are always welcome.  Individual donations are also welcome, and go very far, as SCCF is all-volunteer.  Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102-3310. For questions, contact treasurer Chris Leman, (206)322-5463, cleman@oo.net.