KELSEYVILLE ? A year later, the phone rings and rings and rings. Families, fans and rock stars all want to know if the place sold or will open again anytime soon.
Greg Bennett, President and General Manager, offers the same answer to the curious, “not yet.” But he remains hopeful.
He looks out the window at the picturesque setting and watches deer graze where party revelers used to be.
Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa quietly ushered in a sad anniversary. It has been one year since the popular vacationing area and concert venue closed its doors.
The owners of Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, Local 38, the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Journeymen, announced the resorts” closure Sept. 8, 2009.
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Labor filed a lawsuit against Local 38 alleging that trustees violated federal law by diverting more than $36 million from retirement, health, scholarship, apprenticeship and vacation/holiday funds to renovate and operate Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa. Local 38 settled a lawsuit in 2007, saying the union will repay trust funds with the sale of the resort.
In a recent effort to facilitate a re-opening, Board of Supervisors Chair Anthony Farrington, County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox and Deputy CAO of Economic Development of the County of Lake Debra Sommerfield, drafted a letter to Larry Mazzola Sr., business manager of Local 38 Plumbers and Pipefitters and James Bishop of Whitestar Advisors LLC.
The letter urges consideration to re-opening the resort as soon as possible.
“The closure of Konocti has left a huge void in the entertainment and employment opportunities for Lake County residents,” Melissa Fulton, CEO of Lake County Chamber of Commerce said. “I really hope someone will purchase this unique property and revitalize this major attraction for the County of Lake. It”s a prime investment opportunity.”
An emotional connection to the place and the people there is echoed by many.
Aimee Milota, 8, of Sacramento, cannot believe the place is closed. She visited first at 4 years old as a guest of the Sea Breeze Foundation. The Sea Breeze Foundation provided opportunities for children and families going through difficult times, to experience the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, by providing tickets, Konocti getaways, back stage visits, and more.
Aimee has Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a condition that can cause third-degree burns and premature skin cancer from minutes of exposure to the sun.
“You can”t go in the sun, if you do, you have to go to the emergency room,” she explained. Her family had never been to Lake County before visiting Konocti. She said she loved it for the nighttime concerts. She could take her protective mask , gloves and full-body UV protection off and be a kid. She loves the staff and “most of all, her favorite person is Greg (Bennett).” Her mother Michele said, “It”s like we don”t see our family now.” Lake County is a hidden treasure. We love coming up there.
Konocti became like a second home to Aimee and her family. She can”t remember how many times she”s been treated to shows, but said she got to go on stage four times and even sang the Boot-Scoot Boogie with Brooks and Dunn. Her favorite show was Hillary Duff.
Entrepreneur Steven Flynn said during the course of the last 15 years, he”s been to Konocti more than 100 times and had some of the best times of his life there. He came in by helicopter and seaplane. He recalls Tom Jones picking up his mother and swinging her around and giving her a kiss. She still has the photo with her favorite singer. He brought his father to see Ray Charles there. “Of all the venues I”ve been to, it”s by far the most fun,” he said. “I”ve had all of ZZ Top over for breakfast there. I had lots of good times and good memories.” Flynn voice filled with laughter as he described a boating escapade with Travis Tritt and his band. “We ended up at someone”s wedding on the shore and the band jumped in and played. What a surprise for the couple,” he said.
Flynn said he”s looking forward to a group coming in that can sustain the facility year-round.
“I”ll be the first one there. I”ll bring a gang. We”ll load up the planes and helicopters.”
Ken Ingels of the band II Big said he misses the place big time after playing there for 15 years.
“It was a great place for local bands to get to play,” Ingels said. “It was great place to stay.”
Fisherman loved Konocti, too.
President of Future Pro Tour Vince Harris said, “We brought our fishing organization up to another level with how inviting the place was. The hospitality and the ambiance of that property transformed our tournament in to a grand-style event.”
Harris said of the closure, “I miss it terribly.”
Mark Wotherspoon of Buckingham Golf and Country Club said Lake County was on the map with Konocti, bringing in Joe Montana for the Shoot-Out.
“I remember that day. Greg left me a message ?Joe Montana confirmed. Kid”s on the phone, keep trying.””
Wotherspoon said he still has that note.
His best times include playing golf with Alice Cooper and numerous other celebrities and athletes.
This year Wotherspoon has seen a marked decline in attendance at tournaments and rounds of golf.
Supervisor Denise Rushing said though small venues around the lake are sponsoring live music, it was tragic to lose such a significant part of Lake County and she would like to see it re-open.
“It”s a gorgeous piece of property and a wonderful venue,” Rushing said.
Supervisor Rob Brown said, “Having Konocti closing has been really bad. If it were resurrected it would be a big deal. I”m looking to the second coming of Konocti.”
Konocti Harbor is located on more than 90 pine-studded acres, situated at the base of Mount Konocti. It features 250 hotel rooms, an amphitheater and indoor venue.
