Hillcrest water battle intensifies

Yuba City's mayor fired a salvo in the Hillcrest water war prior to Monday's protest hearing, claiming in a letter to Hillcrest residents that door-to-door canvassers are misrepresenting facts.

"They just continue to lie and misrepresent the truth and the facts," Mayor Rory Ramirez said in an interview Wednesday.

Ramirez also says in his letter that he will recommend the city sell the Hillcrest water plant if the surface water conversion is not approved.

A citizen who has been canvassing neighborhoods was skeptical of Ramirez's statement that the plant would be sold. Lynn Horn said Ramirez doesn't have the authority to sell the system.

"Just like everything else they have been doing, it's a threat," said Horn.

Ramirez said Horn is "lying" about a water pipe issue, after Horn has repeatedly said the city needs a 30-inch pipe — bigger than what is needed for Hillcrest residents — for development.

City officials have said that residents won't pay for the upsized pipe to handle future growth. They have also said an alternative pipe from Shanghai Bend wouldn't be big enough.

Horn declined to respond to Ramirez's claims. Two other individuals associated with Murky Waters, a citizens group, Bob van Oosterhout and Don Kessel, declined to comment on Ramirez's letter.

Hillcrest water customers received letters to correct what Ramirez describes as misinformation. The letter also gave a form that people could use to withdraw their protest — or file a new protest.

The mayor's letter is one of a number of mailings to try and mold public opinion on the controversial issue. The city sent out a series of mailers. And a group supporting the city's surface water proposal sent out postcards last week and posted a video on YouTube.

Opponents have been gathering signatures for the protest hearing set for 7 p.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial Building.

In his letter, Ramirez says the city has adequate water supplies, water customers will continue to receive high-quality water regardless of any state rationing, and water meters are required under law.

The letter says Ramirez has been contacted by two potential purchasers. Ramirez said he has spoken with Golden State Water Co. and California American Water Co.

"If the city looks to sell the system, we're ready to talk with them," said Roland Tanner, vice-president of customer support services for Golden State Water Co., a private company based in San Dimas.

Tanner said Golden State Water Co. has talked with the city once or twice but didn't get into detailed discussions.

California American Water officials could not be immediately reached for comment late Wednesday.

Though Ramirez would recommend the plant be sold, he has only one vote on the City Council. If a sale became necessary, it would have to be approved by other council members as well as the California Public Utilities Commission.

Councilman Tej Maan said he would have to vote for a Hillcrest water plant sale given the lack of other alternatives.

Council members Leslie McBride and Kash Gill could not be reached for comment. Councilman John Miller has recused himself in past City Council votes because he lives in the Hillcrest area.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter John Dickey at 749-4711 or jdickey@appealdemocrat.com.