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Quail Ranch Estates Association

9120 Quail Terrace Way

Elk Grove , CA 95624

(916) 685-3381

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

October 8, 2006

 

Conflict of Interest Charges Against Sophia Scherman to

Remain in Lawsuit vs. City of Elk Grove

 

On Friday a Sacramento County Superior Court ruled after a hearing on the merits, that there was sufficient evidence of an illegal conflict of interest by Elk Grove City Councilwoman Sophia Scherman that the matter should be heard and determined by a trial court. The suit was filed by Quail Ranch Estates Association, a group of homeowners battling the city’s ruling allowing for the destruction of environmentally sensitive wetlands along with the rezoning of the north west corner of Bond & Waterman Roads to allow for increased residential density in a largely rural area of Elk Grove. This project has become known as “ Vintara Park,” the name given it by Centex Homes, the proposed developer.

 

As well as sitting on the current Elk Grove City Council, Ms. Scherman sits on the Board of Directors of the CSD-1, the owner of the land in question. Ms. Scherman voted to approve the project instead of recusing herself due to the conflict of sitting on both boards. Superior Court Judge Gail Ohanesian made her ruling after reviewing written briefs submitted by attorneys for Quail Ranch Estates and from attorneys hired by the City of Elk Grove based out of Walnut Creek.

 

The judge’s tentative ruling was based solely on the written briefs supported the homeowner’s contention that Ms. Scherman committed an actionable conflict of interest by voting on the project. Judge Ohanesian confirmed her tentative ruling after hearing oral arguments from both sides, ruling that there was sufficient evidence of a conflict and that a trial court should make the definitive ruling.

 

 

Contact: Steve Lee, Representative, QREA (916) 685-3381 or Rachelle Reinwald, Representative, QREA (916) 417-3522