CLEARLAKE ? Rotary Club of Clearlake brought a request to the Clearlake City Council Thursday asking for support in an effort to designate Highway 53 in honor of all veterans. The council unanimously granted the request.
Acting in his capacity as president of the rotary club, Allan McClain presented the request informing the council that the support of the Lake County Board of Supervisors was garnered on Tuesday. McClain said that the rotary club would like to present its request to the state to designate Highway 53 in its entirety from the junction with Highway 29 in Lower Lake to the junction with Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks. He said that support by both the Clearlake City Council as well as the board of supervisors is important in the club”s pursuit of legislation to achieve the endeavor.
“All Lake County citizens are indebted to our local veterans who have served our country and our community by defending those rights and privileges that we enjoy as citizens of the United States,” McClain stated. “This is brought home when we remember the death of Lance Corporal Ivan Wilson from Clearlake who was killed in action last year in Afghanistan. One of the traditional methods to honor veterans is the designation of a highway, bridge or other public works as a Veterans Memorial.”
According to McClain, Phil Frisbie of CalTrans has indicated that all of Highway 53 is available for adoption. He also said that Assemblyman Wes Chesbro has indicated through his staff that he would be willing to introduce a bill in the next session of legislature to accomplish the dedication and that the rotary club has agreed to pay the costs associated with the signs and their installment.
“It”s important I think. We have a lot of veterans in our community and we want to honor the things that they”ve done,” McClain said Friday. “This is the best way to do it.”
Members of the council commended the club”s initiative. “To me it just serves as a reminder as to why we have our freedom,” Vice Mayor Judy Thein said.
Members of the public also voiced support in the effort. “It”s an honor to those who fallen and given their lives. I would commend the city if they support this,” Rick Mayo said.
Should the endeavor be successful, the designation will honor all veterans of all wars, living or deceased.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
