(Ventura Co) Grand jury declines to investigate Simi Valley redevelopment grant

By Mike Harris, Ventura County Star -

The Ventura County grand jury has declined to investigate a 2010 Simi Valley Community Development Agency grant, which a local tea party leader says might have been improperly authorized.

Grand jury officials wrote in a Nov. 1 letter to Doug Crosse, executive director of the Simi Valley/Moorpark Tea Party, that their investigating committee rejected his request for a probe "because some of your allegations may be criminal in nature" and beyond the jury's civil jurisdiction.

Grand jury foreman Jay Whitney on Thursday characterized the letter as essentially a form letter, saying it should not be interpreted as meaning that the jury made any findings as to possible criminal violations with the grant.

"That would be erroneous," Whitney said, adding that the grand jury did not refer the matter to the District Attorney's Office for a possible criminal investigation.

Crosse asked the grand jury to look into the $70,000 redevelopment grant awarded in 2010 to used-car dealer Kelly Kolarek, arguing the grant violated program guidelines. Assistant City Manager Frank Catania said it did not.

City Council members Steve Sojka and Glen Becerra approved the grant while serving on a redevelopment committee.

Crosse also questioned Kolarek's monetary contribution to Sojka's council campaign this year, suggesting the possibility of a "quid pro quo" arrangement. Sojka has denied it, saying Kolarek didn't contribute to his failed mayoral run in 2010, when the grant was authorized.

Crosse said Thursday he is considering referring the matter to the district attorney.

"I believe there is overwhelming, compelling evidence of questionable process," he said.

Sojka and Becerra have dismissed Crosse's grand jury request as "bad politics" — a failed attempt to undermine Sojka's campaign for City Council. Sojka won re-election to a fourth full term Tuesday, finishing first among seven candidates for two seats. Challenger Keith Mashburn, who was endorsed by Crosse and the tea party, also was elected.

Mashburn has said he had nothing to do with Crosse's grand jury request, which Crosse denies was politically motivated.

Crosse made the request Oct. 10, a month before the election and about two years after the grant was approved.

Sojka and Becerra have said they welcome any investigation and that the grant was properly authorized. Becerra said Thursday that if the grand jury thought "there was something criminal going on," it would have referred the matter to the district attorney.