By Stephanie Hanson Rodriguez —
I am a member of Robinson Rancheria. My grandparents and great-grandparents were residents of the original Rancheria, formerly located on Highway 29 between Upper Lake and Lakeport.
I was fortunate enough, years ago, to be selected to purchase a home on the new Robinson Reservation adjacent to the resort and casino facility on Highway 20 in Nice. I have watched many changes take place in the landscape of Lake County. I know this county so well and hold it so dear.
As a lifelong resident of Lake County and a voter in District 3, I applaud the new business that now stands on Highway 20 between Nice and Upper Lake. I”m talking about the new convenience store, drive-through smoke shop and gas station, which recently opened for business. Robinson Rancheria”s Pomo Pumps is a welcome addition to the surrounding community. Passing travelers will find this gas station open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is the first of its kind to stay open 24 hours on Highway 20 along the stretch between Ukiah and Williams.
Up high on the front of the new store, mounted onto the building, are two dedication plaques. The first dedicates the business to the members of the Robinson Rancheria by those whose names appear on the second plaque, Robinson”s Business Council. The council governs its membership similar to the Board of Supervisors serving the citizens of Lake County — a group of six hard-working women and men whose unequalled persistence brought this new business to life.
There had to be obstacles to overcome in bringing this project to completion, but Robinson leaders knew what to do and collectively, they did it.
Such a place was spoken about by former tribal leaders in years past, so the concept was not a new one. But we can all acknowledge there is a world of difference between a great idea and a thriving business.
My pride deepens when it comes to this particular contribution to the growth and development here in Lake County.
I admire and commend the young council”s efforts. The efforts that now provide us with a valuable legacy we can take pride in. These efforts have confidently brought us ahead in business within our small community.
For this and so much more, I support and admire them. I congratulate them for their work as our leaders. I am very excited about our future in their capable hands. I was not involved in the project, nor did I personally suffer any hardships to bring this dream to fruition, but I will certainly benefit from those efforts. How could I feel anything less than pride and gratitude?
Lake County is a beautiful place to live. This is evident when I see the number of visitors we share our beauty with every summer. Lake County is also the home of many Indian tribes and reservations in addition to Robinson Rancheria.
Those tribes too, I am confident, have accomplished many well-deserved successes and have overcome many obstacles in the process. Small groups of people willing to work hard and sacrifice ultimately benefit so many others. For this and so much more, I am thankful.
Lake County Publishing is proud to introduce columnist Stephanie Hanson Rodriguez, a resident of Lake County and Secretary of Robinson Rancheria 2012 Economic Development Committee. She can be reached by email at stephanie.rodriguez88@yahoo.com.
