CLEARLAKE — About a dozen people gathered at Main Street Bar & Grill this week in effort of forming a working alliance to address current and future aquatic situations. The first meeting of the Resort Owners, Business Owners and Residents Association (RBRA) welcomed people representing interests in Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks and Nice.
The RBRA is being spearheaded by Sunset Fishing Resort Owner Dian Gibson and Clearlake City Councilwoman Joyce Overton. Lake County District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith has also been instrumental in forming the association. Representatives from Laguna Beach Association and Lottawana Resort, of Clearlake; Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, 20 Oaks Resort, in Clearlake Oaks; and the Nice Watershed Council joined the effort on Monday. Main Street owner Sam Polo also attended.
The organizational meeting followed a series of town hall meetings and public discussions regarding the prolific algae situation that is currently hindering economic and recreational activity in the south county.
“What we expected to happen, happened. We went down to a smaller group,” Gibson said. “The people who were there are committed and willing to take on the work.”
Those at the meeting shared personal assessments of this year”s algae situation. Consensus was that no one has ever seen it this bad.
Smith said that past solutions are just not working this year. “I”ve never seen it this bad and the things we did in the past aren”t as effective this year,” he said. “We are trying anything and everything we can think of.”
Doug Coddling, of Laguna Beach Association echoed Smith”s remarks.
Those in attendance agreed that a more proactive approach must be achieved. The group agreed to continue monthly meetings throughout the winter in order to better position itself for the next recreational season.
“The attitude we have to have now is this could happen any year at any time,” Smith said.
Overton provided additional comments stating “If we don”t get rain this isn”t going away. Hopefully, by next year we”ll have a solution to the problem.”
For more information regarding the Resort Owners, Business Owners and Residents Association contact Dian Gibson at 994-6642.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
