Woody's Group, Inc. v. City of Newport Beach

Opinion

BEDSWORTH, Acting P. J.

I. INTRODUCTION

The language of the law is replete with synonyms for fairness: due process, equal protection, good faith, and harmless error are all ways of expressing our commitment to fairness. The City Council of Newport Beach violated at least two basic principles of fairness in overturning a permit application approved by the city’s planning commission. It should come as no surprise, then, that their action also violated California law.

First basic principle: You cannot be a judge in your own case. In this case Councilmember Mike Henn, having already voiced…