Anaheim Hills Session : Black Star Canyon Likely Jail Site, Clark Aide Says

Black Star Canyon, in the Santa Ana Mountain foothills about six miles east of Tustin, is the most likely site for a new maximum security jail, a top aide to Supervisor Ralph Clark told Anaheim Hills residents Friday night.

Clark aide Gary Granville, in a meeting with about 200 residents who are battling to keep the jail out of Coal or Gypsum canyons in north county, said that of eight proposed sites, Black Star Canyon is the number one prospect. In terms of remoteness, terrain, accessibility and seismic activity, Coal and Gypsum canyons are fourth and fifth on the list, respectively, he said. The proposed facility would house about 2,000 inmates.

The residents gathered to express concerns on several issues, including the jail site, a proposed landfill in Coal or Gypsum canyon, proposed development of the Anaheim Hills golf course and extension of arterial streets in north county. For most of them, the landfill and its potential to contaminate water supplies was the primary concern.

Last month, a report by independent consultants said that the sites pose several problems, including potential contamination of the Santa Ana River but that the problems could be overcome by taking precautions. Ronald Lofy of Lockman & Associates, which prepared the study, said after the meeting that any site considered for a dump would face opposition from neighboring residents.

Anaheim Mayor Don Roth told residents that City Council members “would oppose to our dying breath” a landfill in Gypsum or Coal canyons.