Supervisors rescind tax sale for Juan Sandoval amid notice disputes

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors convened on July 8, 2025, to address several agenda items, including a significant hearing regarding a tax sale dispute. The meeting commenced with the approval of consent agenda items, followed by a unique situation involving three supervisors who had to recuse themselves from a particular item due to conflicts under the Levine Act. A drawing was held to determine which of the conflicted supervisors would participate in the discussion, resulting in Supervisor Bretefeld being selected.

The board then moved to item number 7, where they conducted a hearing on a petition by Juan Sandoval. Sandoval sought to rescind the county's sale of a 33.3% undivided interest in a property due to claims of improper notification and lack of due process. The property in question is a 14.81-acre parcel located in District 4, previously owned jointly by Sandoval and another party, Michelle Jose.

During the hearing, Oscar Garcia, the Auditor Controller Treasurer Tax Collector, presented the case, detailing the statutory processes followed for notifying all parties involved in the tax sale. Sandoval argued that he did not receive proper notice of the impending sale, which he claimed deprived him of the opportunity to redeem his property. He expressed frustration over the lack of personal notification and the failure of his co-owner to inform him about the tax bill split that had occurred in 2017.

The board heard from both Sandoval and representatives of the purchaser, who acknowledged receiving notices but assumed that Sandoval would also receive them due to their joint ownership. The discussion highlighted the complexities of property ownership and tax responsibilities, with board members expressing sympathy for Sandoval's situation while emphasizing the importance of following legal procedures.

After deliberation, the board voted on Sandoval's petition. Supervisor Pacheco, along with other members, voiced support for rescinding the sale, citing the procedural shortcomings in notifying Sandoval. A motion was made and seconded to rescind the tax sale, which passed unanimously.

The meeting concluded with the board moving on to the next agenda item, reflecting a commitment to addressing the concerns raised while ensuring adherence to legal protocols in property tax matters.