LAKEPORT — The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Feb. 6 to oppose the developer”s efforts to put add a casino to Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa. Representatives of several homeowners” associations around the resort expressed the need for the BOS to act quickly to stop such a development.
After almost two hours of discussion and 15 speakers appearing, with one in favor of waiting for more information about the developer”s plans, the decision to adopt a resolution against any potential casino was made.
Dist. 5 Supervisor Rob Brown cited several reasons for the resolution, including Kenwood Investment”s contact with five tribes in its effort to get the land into trust, and the BOS” opposition to the concept of “reservation shopping.”
Dist. 1 Supervisor Ed Robey suggested giving the developers two weeks to present their plans to the board formally, saying the BOS” decision would be strengthened by having given Kenwood Investments a chance to make its case.
Ed Calkins, president of the Riviera West homeowners” association disagreed, claiming two weeks could make a big difference because of the developer”s political connections and their efforts to get the land into federal trust.
Several other speakers voiced similar opinions. Clearlake Homeowners Association representative Angie Siegel quoted a saying on a T-shirt, “”If you can”t run with the big dogs don”t get off the porch.” We need to run with these big dogs on our terms.” Siegel commended Brown for his efforts in “getting off the porch,” and referred to Anderson, Kenwood Investments and his Platinum Advisors as the “big dogs” capable of getting the land into federal trust. Farrington symbolically dedicated his vote in Siegel”s honor, saying “the big dogs are off the porch.”
Brown said he was impressed with the response from state representatives he had contacted about the issue, and indicated that they were waiting for the BOS to take a position in the form of a resolution.
Brown also presented signatures he had gathered on a petition he had circulated among his constituents around the resort to oppose the development of a casino there.
Brown said he will meet with representatives from Gov. Schwarzenegger”s office, Senator Don Perata and Assemblymember Pat Nunez, along with other representatives Feb. 26. He is also meeting with Congressman Mike Thompson”s office March 6, and is planning a trip to Washington D.C. at his own expense to meet with Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
