Rancho Mirage City Council Takes Up Jail Debate

Riverside County wants to put a jail on a 200-acre site along I-10 in Whitewater. It would eventually hold up to 7,200 people.

But opponents worry thousands of inmates will cost the Coachella Valley millions in tourism dollars.

Thursday, the Rancho Mirage City Council took up the issue.

“I do not believe enough attention has been given to exploring alternate locations, as well as what this facility’s footprint and population will be some years from now,” said Councilman Gordon Moller.

“I don’t think any good can come from it,” said Jean Laurin, a Rancho Mirage resident.

Laurin says she’s spent years working as a consultant — to study the impact of jails and prisons in other areas.

“We’re going to need temporary transient housing. The services in our community aren’t going to be used by the facility. People aren’t going to want to come here because of the facility,” said Laurin.

County supervisors John Benoit and Marion Ashley sent the city council a letter — asking for “restraint” on opposition — until a study can be done to get a better idea of the economic impact the jail will have.

The council agreed.

“If the report indicates there is a significant impact, it would be our intention to support the removal of that site as a site under consideration and help the county find a different location,” said Councilman Dana Hobart.

Included in that vote was Councilman Scott Hines who caught some heat from tourism groups about his role as an adviser to the county.

Hines says he’s no longer under contract with the county and there’s no conflict of interest.

Meanwhile, as part of it’s study, the county says it will start looking at alternative sites for the jail.