Panel to focus on reproach

Jurupa leader promises action
By Mark Petix, Staff Writer

The Jurupa Community Services District Board of Directors will meet Monday to tackle a Grand Jury report that indicates the agency violated state law by selling four acres of public land without first offering it to other public agencies. The board's vice president, R.M. "Cook" Barela, is promising action and accountability. "We don't want it to drag out," he said.

The Riverside County Grand Jury report released Tuesday cites the services district for selling a 4-acre parcel off Limonite Avenue to Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Riverside, and his business associates for $1.2 million.

The Grand Jury is recommending that money from the sale be given to the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District, which had long expressed interest in buying the land.

The Grand Jury also wants the services district to adopt and enforce specific policies requiring it to work with the county Economic Development Agency in future land sales.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Friday called on Calvert to explain the land purchase.

"Representative Ken Calvert is a land developer first - he put his business' profits before a public park for his constituents," said Jennifer Crider, DCCC spokeswoman.

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