YORBA LINDA : City Acts to Bolster Opposition to Jail

The City Council has voted to draw up a resolution opposing the construction of a jail in Gypsum Canyon.

Council members Tuesday also voted to send a letter to the Orange County Board of Supervisors expressing their opposition to the jail, which would be less than a mile away from about 4,000 Yorba Linda homes, city officials say. They also contend that the site would be the most expensive of all other options.

“We just don’t want a jail next to residential neighborhoods,” said Mayor Mark Schwing. “It’s not a not-in-my-back-yard syndrome. We recognize the need for a new jail. . . . But if you have to build a new jail, why do it at the most expensive site?”

The council voted unanimously in September, 1989, to oppose construction of a Gypsum Canyon facility, but it wants to reaffirm its position in light of a ballot measure coming before voters in May that would fund the jail with a half-cent sales tax.

In addition, Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove) has proposed overturning a law that prevents a simple majority of county supervisors from acquiring land through condemnation. Supervisors might have to obtain the Gypsum Canyon site through condemnation if they cannot reach a settlement to purchase the land from the Irvine Co.

Although opposition to the proposed jail remains strong in Yorba Linda, City Atty. Leonard Hampel reminded the council that state law prevents the city from spending public money on a campaign against the ballot measure.