Will two environmental justice advocates approve a 1.5 million sqft warehouse in Jurupa Valley?
Gary Conner, Jurupa Valley resident In the beautiful hills and open space of Jurupa Valley, where the environment and outdoors are not just landscapes but a way of life, it’s jarring to think of a mammoth warehouse occupying an empty lot beside the Santa Ana River, which borders the City of Riverside. As a longtime resident of the Inland Empire, my connection with this region goes beyond my love for its equestrian trails and wildlife. It’s where I, like many others, have lived and am now retired and proud to give back and stand up for my community. I have also consistently supported and donated to Democratic candidates, believing in their promise to protect our environmental legacy. Imagine the hope I felt learning that our Jurupa Valley Planning Commission had appointed two officials deeply rooted in environmental justice: Hakan Jackson and Penny Newman. Their history as advocates seemed like the dawn of a new era for our community. However, recent developments have cast shadows on my initial optimism. My regular attendance at local commission and council meetings has been an exercise in mounting concern. A
