Spin effort by Elk Grove backfires as The Sacramento Bee editorial board say AG Bonta 'was right to sue' them
Since the decision by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta to sue Elk Grove for alleged violations of fair housing rules, the city's elected officials and the public relations staff have tried spinning the story in their favor. However, their latest effort not only failed but has backfired.
An editorial published by the Sacramento Bee's editorial board was headlined, "Attorney General Rob Bonta was right to sue Elk Grove."
The city has come under legal and political scrutiny for its July 2022 denial of the Oak Rose supportive housing project in what the Bee called Elk Grove's "semi-historic district." As noted in the editorial, the city council approved a nearby market-rate apartment complex by waving the requirements it imposed on the Oak Rose project.
According to the editorial, which can be read here, city officials led by Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen invited the Bee's editorial board to hear their side of the story. That effort resulted in the unflattering headline now confronting Mayor Singh-Allen and her four councilmen.
The editorial has further tarnished the reputation of the city. In the last week, Singh-Allen, Vice Mayor Kevin Spease, and council members Rod Brewer and Darren Suen have defended and protected Councilmember Sergio Robles, who has admitted to his drunk driving arrest.
As the Oak Rose legal proceedings advance, it will be noteworthy to watch the actions of Singh-Allen. In recent months Singh-Allen has consolidated power over her councilmen and is now the singular voice and spokesperson for the city council.
With reported political aims beyond being Elk Grove mayor, will Singh-Allen dig in her heels and defend the city against the state? Conversely, will she push city attorney Jonathan Hobbs to settle lest she amplifies her already her anti-affordable housing and discriminatory reputation, which would dampen her ability to attain higher office?
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