Park Foundation Argues Rescinding Wildcat Ranch Sale Was Illegal

Archive Photo by: BJ Hansen

Sonora, CA — The non-profit Park Foundation has sent a letter to the Sonora Union High School District critical of the recent decision to rescind the $1-million planned sale of a majority of the Wildcat Ranch property.

The letter, signed by the group’s President/Chairman Ron Jacobs, argues that the purchase and sale agreement was a “bilateral and legally binding” agreement between two entities, following nearly two years of discussions and negotiations. The Sonora High board of trustees rescinded the sale because of rising legal fees related to a lawsuit filed by the Tuolumne County Farm Bureau.

The letter adds, “close of escrow was delayed by Court Order in the form of a Preliminary Injunction issued by the Tuolumne County Superior Court on April 12, 2019. The Court had identified errors and omissions made by SUHSD Board of Trustees, its representatives and counsel, in the process of selling the surplus land as well as during the legal defense before the Court. It is noted that the Court did not rule that the PSA (Purchasing Sale Agreement) was illegal or should be rescinded. In fact, given the temporary nature of the Preliminary Injunction, SUHSD has a fiduciary and contractual obligation to remedy the errors and omissions as identified by the Court.”

The letter concludes that the Park Foundation remains committed to the binding terms of the sale, and expects the high school to respond to this open letter.

It now puts the ball in Sonora High School’s court. You can view the letter by clicking here.