Beth Winegarner, The Examiner
2007-05-11 10:12:27.0
Current rank: Not ranked

Belmont, Calif. -

Belmont’s San Andreas Youth Soccer Organization has no right to use San Carlos’ soccer fields or advertise its own teams with signs in San Carlos, a U.S. District Court judge ruled Wednesday.

SAYSO sued San Carlos in 2006, alleging that the city discriminated against the Belmont league by refusing it access to San Carlos athletic fields, even though the league serves players from both cities.

San Carlos filed a motion for summary judgment Tuesday, asking Judge Saundra Armstrong to dismiss the case.

“She agreed there was no case,” said San Carlos Parks and Recreation Department Director Barry Weiss. “I’m thrilled.”

SAYSO made two primary allegations against San Carlos. It claimed that San Carlos’ fields use policy, which limits use to San Carlos-based teams, was applied unevenly.

San Carlos created the rule to protect its already overburdened and deteriorating soccer fields.

SAYSO’s lawsuit also claimed that San Carlos was wrong to forbid the league from erecting A-frame signs to recruit new players into its teams.

SAYSO Director Michael Lundeberg did not return calls for comment Thursday.

SAYSO’s claims elicited a colorful response from Armstrong.

“Plaintiffs spin a yarn alleging a vast conspiracy involving soccer-moms, the City Planning Board, the City Attorney, the City Council, and two nonprofit soccer leagues,” Armstrong wrote in her ruling.

Next, San Carlos will weigh whether to counter-sue for the $75,000 to $100,000 the city spent defending itself, City Attorney Bob Lanzone said.

The City Council is scheduled to discuss the concept in closed session Monday.

bwinegarner@examiner.com