Volume 48 — Washington Appellate Reports

<bold>[1] Statutes — Construction — Legislative Intent — Statutory</bold> <bold>Language — In General.</bold> The courts interpret statutory language to determine and give effect to the intent of the Legislature by examining the enactment as a whole and by giving otherwise undefined terms their ordinary meaning. <bold>[2] Liens — Statutory Liens — Construction — In General.</bold> Statutory liens are in derogation of the common law and are to be strictly construed. <bold>[3] Homestead — Liens — Statutory Liens — Homeowners Association</bold> <bold>— Exemption to Homestead.</bold> A homeowners association assessment lien is not exempt from the protection of a homestead offered by RCW 6.12.100, it does not have any superiority over homestead rights, and an attempt to foreclose on it amounts to an execution within the prohibition of RCW 6.12.090.

<bold>[1] States — Torts — Nonclaim Statutes — Validity.</bold> The requirement of RCW <cross_reference>4.92.110</cross_reference>, that a claim against the State be filed with a specified officer sometime prior to the running of the statute of limitations, is a mandatory condition precedent to commencing an action on the claim and does not violate equal protection concepts. <bold>[2] Estoppel — Elements — Burden and Degree of Proof.</bold> The party seeking to establish equitable estoppel must prove every element by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence. <bold>[3] States — Estoppel — Elements — Inconsistency — State</bold> <bold>Inactivity.</bold> Inaction by a state agency or governmental entity, alone, does not constitute an inconsistent act for purposes of applying the doctrine of equitable estoppel.