The City has published its response — an 11-page letter signed by Mayor Kris Valstad (but likely written by the City Attorney and City Manager) — to the Contra Costa County Grand Jury’s scathing report released last month.

Brief analysis to follow.

UPDATE — The letter is testy: “The ‘appearance of impropriety’ is yet another baseless accusation.”

UPDATE — A distortion:

One loan was made to one family member of the City Council, not two family members as the Grand Jury reported. That City Council member had absolutely nothing to do with the loan.

Vice Mayor Ed Balico — as a board member of the Redevelopment Agency — effectively approved the loans provided by the agency, including the loan for his daughter.

UPDATE — Puffery:

In the case of NEO/AHSG, competitive bids were initially solicited. The initial contract was awarded and the results speak for themselves. Hercules has an exemplary affordable housing program.

UPDATE — The City agrees with 7 of 8 grand jury findings.

UPDATE — The City says it does comply or will comply with 4 of 5 grand jury recommendations.

UPDATE — The City Attorney’s conclusion:

All of these accusations of misconduct are inaccurate; some (such as the “title” of the report) are inexcusable and, as such, should be stricken from the record. As stated at the outset of the present discussion, the Grand Jury found no instances of impropriety on the part of the City of Hercules … because none have occurred.

UPDATE — The city, including the City Council, needs a new lawyer.