HomeMy WebLinkAbouthearing officer EmailsFrom:Symens, Sadie <ssymens@slocity.org>
Sent on:Tuesday, March 10, 2026 5:17:38 PM
To:Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>; Sargsyan, Thomas <TSargsya@slocity.org>
Subject:Hrg officer code enforcement discussion
Attachments:FW Code Enforcement revoked citations .msg (173 KB)
Adding a Teams link for Mark
________________________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Teams meeting
Need help? | System reference
For organizers: Meeting options
________________________________________________________________________________
From:Symens, Sadie <ssymens@slocity.org>
Sent on:Tuesday, March 10, 2026 3:42:29 PM
To:Sargsyan, Thomas <TSargsya@slocity.org>
Subject:FW: Code Enforcement revoked citations
Attachments:Rev-1 42007 Decision- Unpermitted Use.docx (35.26 KB), 42008 Decision on Record-
Unpermitted Use.docx (31.87 KB)
Hi Thomas – I sent you a calendar invite for this morning at 10:30 to discuss a couple decisions on appeals of
administrative citations. Please review the attachments and Mark’s email below before our meeting. Thanks!
From: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 12:44 PM
To: Symens, Sadie <ssymens@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: Code Enforcement revoked cita ons
Mark Amberg
Assistant City Attorney
City Attorney's Office
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mamberg@slocity.org
T 805.783.7837
From: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 3:59 PM
To: Dietrick, Chris ne <cdietric@slocity.org>
Cc: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Subject: Code Enforcement revoked cita ons
As an update, Alex has revised his decision re unpermitted use citation#42007 that he initially upheld.
After I corrected some details in his decision that were not consistent with the admin record, he changed his
decision to only upholding the first citation and dismissing the 2nd and 3rd citations.
I’ve attached his revised decision that also contains his concerns regarding the code enforcement citation
process and the lack of evidence.
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Belghoul, Amel
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 11:27 AM
To: Dietrick, Chris ne <cdietric@slocity.org>
Cc: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Subject: Correc on re revoked cita ons
To correct my previous email, Alex has revoked only the attached citation from code enforcement and upheld
the second one [the same citation opened twice for some reason, and I mistakenly thought it was both
citations.]
In addition, I asked him this morning if he reached out to code enforcement as he mentioned he would after the
hearings, and he responded that he wants to speak with you or Mark first.
Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else.
Thanks!
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin <askenvirolaw@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 2:16 PM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Five Decisions
Amel
Attached are my five decisions. The "unpermitted use" citations were new and more time
consuming. In my opinion, the Community Development Department needs to put some
actual evidence into the record.
If you have any comments, edits or questions please do not hesitate to contact me>
Thanks
Alex
Find the path where there is no if or when.
From:Symens, Sadie <ssymens@slocity.org>
Sent on:Thursday, March 5, 2026 6:50:47 PM
To:Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>; Sargsyan, Thomas <TSargsya@slocity.org>
Subject:Hrg officer code enforcement discussion
Attachments:FW Code Enforcement revoked citations .msg (172.5 KB)
From: <ssymens@slocity.org>
Sent on:Wednesday, March 4, 2026 9:20:54 PM
To:Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Subject:RE: Code Enforcement revoked citations
Hi Mark,
From: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 12:44 PM
To: Symens, Sadie <ssymens@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: Code Enforcement revoked cita ons
Thanks.
Mark Amberg
Assistant City Attorney
City Attorney's Office
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mamberg@slocity.org
T 805.783.7837
From: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 3:59 PM
To: Dietrick, Chris ne <cdietric@slocity.org>
Cc: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Subject: Code Enforcement revoked cita ons
As an update, Alex has revised his decision re unpermitted use citation#42007 that he initially upheld.
After I corrected some details in his decision that were not consistent with the admin record, he changed his
decision to only upholding the first citation and dismissing the 2nd and 3rd citations.
I’ve attached his revised decision that also contains his concerns regarding the code enforcement citation
process and the lack of evidence.
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Belghoul, Amel
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 11:27 AM
To: Dietrick, Chris ne <cdietric@slocity.org>
Cc: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Subject: Correc on re revoked cita ons
To correct my previous email, Alex has revoked only the attached citation from code enforcement and upheld
the second one [the same citation opened twice for some reason, and I mistakenly thought it was both
citations.]
In addition, I asked him this morning if he reached out to code enforcement as he mentioned he would after the
hearings, and he responded that he wants to speak with you or Mark first.
Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else.
Thanks!
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin <
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 2:16 PM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Five Decisions
Amel
Attached are my five decisions. The "unpermitted use" citations were new and more time
consuming. In my opinion, the Community Development Department needs to put some
actual evidence into the record.
If you have any comments, edits or questions please do not hesitate to contact me>
Thanks
Alex
Find the path where there is no if or when.
From: <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Sent on:Monday, March 2, 2026 6:10:13 PM
To:Dietrick, Christine <cdietric@slocity.org>
CC:Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Subject:FW: Five Decisions
Attachments:42008 Decision on Record- Unpermitted Use.docx (31.87 KB), 42007 Decision- Unpermitted
Use.docx (33.52 KB)
Hi Christine,
Alex has revoked both citations from code enforcement; he has raised his concerns in the decisions and he
would like to talk to you or to Mark in this regard
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin < >
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 2:16 PM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Five Decisions
Amel
Attached are my five decisions. The "unpermitted use" citations were new and more time
consuming. In my opinion, the Community Development Department needs to put some
actual evidence into the record.
If you have any comments, edits or questions please do not hesitate to contact me>
Thanks
Alex
Find the path where there is no if or when.
From:Alex Karlin < >
Sent on:Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:55:28 PM
To:Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>; Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject:Re: Discussion re Code Enforcement Citations
No problem
Find the path where there is no if or when.
On Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 9:54 AM Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org> wrote:
Alex, I am running a li le late - can we talk at 10:30?
Mark Amberg
Assistant City Attorney
City of San Luis Obispo
City Attorney's Office
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mamberg@slocity.org
T 805.783.7837
slocity.org
Inst You Fac Twi LinkStay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the CONFIDENTIAL use of the
designated addressee named above. The information transmitted is subject to the attorney-client
privilege and/or represents confidential attorney work product. Recipients should not file copies of
this email with publicly accessible records. If you are not the designated addressee named above or
the authorized agent responsible for delivering it to the designated addressee, you received this
document through inadvertent error and any further review, dissemination, distribution or copying of
this communication by you or anyone else is strictly prohibited. IF YOU RECEIVED THIS
COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONING THE SENDER
NAMED ABOVE AT (805) 781-7140. Thank you.
From: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 8:36 AM
To: askenvirolaw < >
Cc: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Re: Discussion re Code Enforcement Cita ons
Sure 10:00 will work. I’ll look forward to talking then.
From: Alex Karlin < >
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 8:17 AM
To: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Cc: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Re: Discussion re Code Enforcement Cita ons
Mark
Excellent. Perhaps we can talk today at 10AM?
Does 10 work for you? I can call your office at that time.
Alex
Find the path where there is no if or when.
On Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 8:03 AM Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org> wrote:
Alex, I am generally available today and tomorrow if there is a good me for you to talk. Let me know a me or mes
that work and I can call.
Thanks.
Mark Amberg
Assistant City Attorney
City of San Luis Obispo
City Attorney's Office
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mamberg@slocity.org
T 805.783.7837
slocity.org
Inst You Fac Twi LinkStay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the CONFIDENTIAL use of the
designated addressee named above. The information transmitted is subject to the attorney-client
privilege and/or represents confidential attorney work product. Recipients should not file copies of
this email with publicly accessible records. If you are not the designated addressee named above
or the authorized agent responsible for delivering it to the designated addressee, you received this
document through inadvertent error and any further review, dissemination, distribution or copying
of this communication by you or anyone else is strictly prohibited. IF YOU RECEIVED THIS
COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONING THE SENDER
NAMED ABOVE AT (805) 781-7140. Thank you.
From: Alex Karlin <
Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 6:38 PM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Cc: Amberg, Mark <mamberg@slocity.org>
Subject: Re: Discussion re Code Enforcement Cita ons
Amel
Sorry I did not get back to you during business hours. If Mark has the time and availability, just talking
on the phone would be fine.
Thanks again.
Alex
Find the path where there is no if or when.
On Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 3:48 PM Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org> wrote:
Hi Alex,
I let Mark know that you wanted to talk to him about the concerns you have with the code enforcement
citations and the lack of evidence submitted. Do you want to make an appointment and come to the city
for a conversation or do you prefer to set up a time for a phone call.
Let me know what works best.
Thanks!
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City of San Luis Obispo
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
slocity.org
Inst YouFac TwitLinkStay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the CONFIDENTIAL use of
the designated addressee named above. The information transmitted is subject to the attorney-
client privilege and/or represents confidential attorney work product. Recipients should not file
copies of this email with publicly accessible records. If you are not the designated addressee
named above or the authorized agent responsible for delivering it to the designated addressee,
you received this document through inadvertent error and any further review, dissemination,
distribution or copying of this communication by you or anyone else is strictly prohibited. IF YOU
RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY
TELEPHONING THE SENDER NAMED ABOVE AT (805) 781-7140. Thank you.
From:Alex Karlin < >
Sent on:Monday, March 2, 2026 8:32:40 PM
To:Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject:Re: Five Decisions
Amel:
Thank you for catching this!
As soon as I get back to my home office I will study the situation and revise my decision accordingly. Very
helpful.
Alex
Searching for my lost shaker of Salt
On Mar 2, 2026, at 11:39 AM, Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org> wrote:
I let them know that you want to talk to one of them first.
Also, I noticed in the decision relating to Citation# 42007
The second entry in the CCA Report says that the City issued an NOV on 11/20/25. The record in
this case includes an NOV dated 9/25/25 but does not seem to have one dated 11/20/25.
The 11/20/25 is in the admin record and was provided by code enforcement. You can find it on page
5 of the notice of hearing.
The 9/25/25 NOV was not provided by code enforcement, it was provided by the appellant as part
of the appeal; however, it relates to the 6/4/25 violations, which are not the subject of the citations
and it is unclear why the appellant made them part of this appeal.
I am sorry about this confusion, I should have attached it to the appeal or saved it in a specific file
for documents provided by the appellant.
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin < >
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 10:32 AM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Re: Five Decisions
No. I thought maybe I should talk with Mark first. What do you think?
Searching for my lost shaker of Salt
On Mar 2, 2026, at 10:19 AM, Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org> wrote:
Hi Alex,
Have you reached out to code enforcement at all?
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin < >
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 2:16 PM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Five Decisions
Amel
Attached are my five decisions. The "unpermitted use" citations were
new and more time consuming. In my opinion, the Community
Development Department needs to put some actual evidence into the
record.
If you have any comments, edits or questions please do not hesitate
to contact me>
Thanks
Alex
Find the path where there is no if or when.
From:Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Sent on:Tuesday, March 3, 2026 12:00:32 AM
To:Alex Karlin < >
Subject:RE: Revised Decision 42007
Received thank you! I will add your concerns in this decision to the discussion you want to have with Mark or
Christine.
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin < >
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 3:05 PM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Revised Decision 42007
Amel
Here is my revised decision.
Thank you for catching my big faux pas!!
Alex
Find the path where there is no if or when.
From:Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Sent on:Thursday, February 26, 2026 9:12:50 PM
To:askenvirolaw < >
Subject:Code enforcement contact info
Hi Alex,
Below is the contact information for the code enforcement department and their manager. Let me know if you
need anything else.
Code enforcement contact info:
Email: code@slocity.org
Phone Number: 805.781.7180
John Messapesa contact info:
Email: JMezzape@slocity.org
Phone Number: 805.781.7179
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City of San Luis Obispo
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
slocity.org
I
nst Yo Fa Tw LinStay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the CONFIDENTIAL use of the
designated addressee named above. The information transmitted is subject to the attorney-client
privilege and/or represents confidential attorney work product. Recipients should not file copies of this
email with publicly accessible records. If you are not the designated addressee named above or the
authorized agent responsible for delivering it to the designated addressee, you received this document
through inadvertent error and any further review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this
communication by you or anyone else is strictly prohibited. IF YOU RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION
IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONING THE SENDER NAMED ABOVE AT
(805) 781-7140. Thank you.
From:Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Sent on:Monday, February 23, 2026 4:40:07 PM
To:askenvirolaw < >; Zion, Sarah <SZion@slocity.org>
Subject:RE: 2/24 Hearings
Good morning Alex,
Linked below are the files for tomorrow’s hearings. Please let me know if you can access them or if
you want to stop at the office today to pick up a flash drive.
27138_Admin Record
42007_Admin Record
42008_Admin Record
42931 & 42932_Admin Record
Thank you,
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin < >
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 9:28 AM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>; Zion, Sarah <SZion@slocity.org>
Subject: 2/24 Hearings
Amel
Could you please send (Re-send?) the hearing files for the cases we are handling on
2/24. I can't seem to find them. Please send them on Monday at your earliest
convenience.
Thanks
Alex
The centre cannot hold.
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.
From:Alex Karlin < >
Sent on:Wednesday, January 28, 2026 12:06:10 AM
To:Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject:Re: Scheduling Administrative Citation Appeals Hearings in February 2026
Great. See you on 2/24.
On Tue, Jan 27, 2026 at 8:56 AM Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org> wrote:
Hi Alex,
Thank you for sending the decision.
Regarding the hearings, we can do Tuesday 1/24 starting 1:30pm
Have a wonderful day!
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
From: Alex Karlin < >
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 5:46 PM
To: Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org>
Subject: Re: Scheduling Administra ve Cita on Appeals Hearings in February 2026
Amel
I can conduct hearings starting at 1:30 on Feb 24 to 27. Just let me know as soon as
you have set the date.
Meanwhile, here is my decision in the Hix case.
Thanks
Alex
On Mon, Jan 26, 2026 at 2:46 PM Belghoul, Amel <ABelghou@slocity.org> wrote:
Hello Alex,
Do you have any availability in the last week of February to schedule the admin citation appeals hearings?
We currently have 4 appeals: 2 Code Enforcement, 2 noise violations. 2 are in person and 2 decisions only.
Please let me know.
Thank you,
Amel Belghoul
Legal Assistant I
City Attorney's Office
E ABelghou@slocity.org
T 805.781.7555
The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the CONFIDENTIAL use of the
designated addressee named above. The information transmitted is subject to the attorney-client
privilege and/or represents confidential attorney work product. Recipients should not file copies of
this email with publicly accessible records. If you are not the designated addressee named above
or the authorized agent responsible for delivering it to the designated addressee, you received this
document through inadvertent error and any further review, dissemination, distribution or copying
of this communication by you or anyone else is strictly prohibited. IF YOU RECEIVED THIS
COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONING THE SENDER
NAMED ABOVE AT (805) 781-7140. Thank you.