Mayor says city pursuing Rancho Sierra Golf Course through deed in lieu as part of plan to house veterans; residents and church leaders raise concerns

Mayor Paris told residents at a public-comment hearing that the city is “working with the water master to take possession” of Rancho Sierra Golf Course through a deed in lieu of foreclosure and is exploring use of the property to house primarily veterans experiencing homelessness.

Resident Lisa Stoner asked repeatedly who was buying the golf course and why, saying she and neighbors had heard only rumors. Mayor Paris responded that the property is in foreclosure for unpaid water fees and that the city is pursuing possession through a deed in lieu. "Which means the city is gonna own it," Stoner said after the mayor's remarks; the mayor confirmed that characterization on the record.

The mayor framed the proposal as part of an effort to centralize services for those experiencing homelessness and to provide options for veterans who prefer to remain outdoors. "Primarily. That's that's the focus of it," the mayor said, describing veterans as a principal population the city is trying to house and saying the property "has water. It has…