Pismo Beach candidate says neighbor threatened her husband

September 14, 2026

OPINION by CLARE MALONE PRICHARD

My husband and I did initiate a spite-fence complaint concerning the Stahlmans’ property, with the goal of requiring a reduction in the height of their hedge along our shared property line—not to obtain monetary compensation.

After mediation was unsuccessful, we proceeded to court.

Mr. Stahlman states that all of the trees in question were planted approximately 20 years ago. While that is true of six of the trees, he planted an additional four in 2020, after becoming upset about landscaping changes we were making on our own property.

Witnesses who observed Mr. Stahlman’s aggressive behavior towards my husband and threats to block our view testified on our behalf in court.

Mr. Stahlman is also incorrect in stating that we have failed to pay his court costs. When we were presented with the requirement to pay the defendants’ court costs in Aug. 2023, our attorney advised us that it was customary to make such payments through his firm’s trust account.

We followed that advice and wrote the check to our attorney’s trust account in Sept. 2023. The suggestion that we refused to comply with a court order is therefore untrue.

There are two sides to every story. I believe our community deserves to have accurate information when matters involving neighbors and public disputes are discussed. I welcome the opportunity to speak with anyone who has questions or concerns about this matter and to share my perspective.

I can be reached through my campaign website  at www.ClareForPismoBeach.com.