No One is Above the Law, Including a County Supervisor
Today I am angry, disgusted, and disappointed. Recently, after reviewing records from the Community Development Department (known to many as the Planning Department), I discovered that an elected official, District 1 Supervisor Mike Holland, owner of Granite Land Holdings, LLC, violated the law while constructing a storage facility on High School Road in Jamestown (1,2,3).
Is it not illegal for a property owner to tap into a government water supply and install a fire hydrant without either authorization or a permit?
I would think so and, in fact, I know so. The California Penal Code 498 prohibits diverting utility services and tampering with utility property without authorization. Misdemeanor penalties can include fines up to $10,000, jail time up to three years, and further administrative fines imposed by local water districts (4). Also, the federal Clean Water Act prohibits tampering with a drinking water supply.
When an individual punches into the water system without a permit, improperly installed pipes can introduce contaminants such as dirt, chemicals, or sewage into the water supply, creating a serious public health hazard. This can happen through cross-connections and backflow, where a drop in water pressure can draw contaminated water into the system. If contamination occurs, the individual could face more serious criminal charges, such as negligent or knowing violations of environmental laws. Unauthorized taps increase the demand on the water system, which can lower water pressure for legitimate users and place a strain on infrastructure.
So what should happen to an individual who violates these laws?
The individual should be held accountable by the District Attorney, County Counsel, and Sheriff. That is their job. The community counts on it. We must ALL abide by our local ordinances and state and federal laws, regardless of our status as citizens or elected officials. Status as an elected official does not put a person above the law.
Our residents should not be threatened with contaminated water because violators face no repercussions. I ask the public, county staff, and elected officials to take on the responsibility of making sure our community is safe. More than one voice needs to be heard on this issue.
Laws are there to protect us, not to be broken for personal benefit.
Take Action
1. Contact all of the following county officials and offices to investigate this violation of California Penal Code 498.
Owner: Granite Land Holdings, LLC (Mike Holland)
Site Address: 17411 High School Road, Jamestown, CA 95327
Assessor Parcel Number: 058-210-065
Permit Number: B2023-01728
- District Attorney: 209-588-5450
- County Counsel: 209-533-5624
- Sheriff: 209-533-5815
- Public Health: 209-533-7401
- Tuolumne Utility District (TUD): 209-532-5536
- Union Democrat: 209-532-7151, editor@uniondemocrat.com
- Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors
2. Attend the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors meeting on October 7, 9 am, at 2 S. Green Street, BOS Chambers, and request an investigation into this issue.
3. Request permit information (Permit # B2023-01728) for this New Commercial Building/Self Storage project from the Community Development Department – 209-532-3508. It is public information.
NOTES
- “Plan Review Correction Letter,” Community Development Department, County of Tuolumne, California, 9.25.2024.
- “Plan Review Correction Letter,” Community Development Department, County of Tuolumne, California, 3.19.2025.
- “Opportunity to Correct,” Community Development Department, County of Tuolumne, California, 7.28.2025.
- “CHAPTER 5. Larceny [484 – 502.9] (Chapter 5 enacted 1872),498” California Law, California Legislative Information.