City of San Diego v. All Interested Persons (Illegal Convention Center Tax) (2012)

Reason for Suing: The City of San Diego sued the public in order to obtain a judge’s approval of a new tourist tax that would be dedicated entirely to expand the San Diego Convention Center and not for any general public purposes.  The City refused to put the new tax on the ballot for voter approval, in violation of the California Constitution and the San Diego City Charter.

Outcome: San Diegans for Open Government (represented by Briggs Law Corporation) and Mel Shapiro won in the appellate court, after losing in the trial court.

Documents: Court of Appeal Opinion.