Homeowners in the small western Stanislaus County community of Diablo Grande are moving to recall their homeowners association board, saying the group has prioritized cosmetic fines over addressing a looming water crisis .

Residents have already seen their monthly bills spike after agreeing to steep rate hikes this summer to keep water flowing through the end of 2025. Kern County Water Agency extended deliveries until Dec. 31 after the Western Hills Water District committed to payments on its $13 million debt.

But with uncertainty over whether water will continue past January, residents say their HOA is issuing fines for brown lawns and other minor violations.

"Several community members have come to me… and notified me that they were getting fines for things that really right now sh

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