Stonelake HOA sends mailer opposing controversial CNU project in days leading up to Elk Grove elections

In an election season that has seen an influx of independent expenditures in Elk Grove's mayoral race, another group has sent a mailer, while not in support or opposition to a particular candidate, that could sway enough voters in the hotly contested race.

The mailer from the Stonelake homeowners association, formally organized as the Stonelake Master Association, was received last week by Elk Grove voters regarding California Northstate University proposed hospital in the Stonelake neighborhood. Since its December 2018 unveiling, the 400-bed $900 million proposed hospital has generated controversy. 

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The project, which is proceeding through the City of Elk Grove's review and approval process, would require the demolition of the Stonelake Landing Shopping center, which the school owns. Among the many objections to the project is the 12-floor structure, when fully built out, would cast large shadows on Stonelake residential dwellings. 

While not taking a position in support or opposition to any of the three mayoral candidates, the mailer notes the campaign contributions the for-profit school has made. The mailer states, "California Northstate University (CNU) has abought support for its CNU Wetlab/Hospital project by donating thousands of dollars to local politicians - trying to buy support and rush approval of an out-of-scale project that would damage bird habitat, destroy neighborhood business and clog local roads." 

Among those elected officials that have taken donations from CNU or people associated with the school are Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly and Elk Grove District 1 City Councilmember Darren Suen. While Suen has back away from his support of the project after the city switched to by-district voting and he was subjected to criticism from voters over his initial position on the project, Ly continues to be supportive of the project.

Although she has not received donations from CNU or people associated with the project, Ly's primary opponent Bobbie Singh-Allen has received $1,000 from Fresno-based California Hearth Medical Associates. That group has also donated $1,000 to Ly earlier this year before Singh-Allen's entry into the race.

Singh-Allen has also received $1,799 from Operating Engineers Local 3. That construction trade union is among many who are supportive of the CNU project, which would bring jobs to their members. 

In addition to their mailer, the Stonelake piece also included links to their Facebook and website. The mailer also notes, "Demand The Elk Grove City Council put community and neighborhoods ahead of big donors." 

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