I retired to Lake County in 1995. It has been the only place I have ever lived that won my heart. I have a few acres with a view of Mt. Konocti.
Wes and his wife were my neighbors. He taught me to love the land from the time I moved here. He planted beautiful native trees and used hand tools to clear the weeds on his eight acres. He sang beautiful church songs as he worked. This was a labor of love. A wonder to behold. He was 80 years old.
Virginia was my other neighbor. She and her husband worked hard with their tractors and, yes, shovels and hoes. When he passed on, Virginia would put on her sun bonnet and the Caterpillar tractor and disc would turn the soil. She hand-hoed the walnut trees. This was when she was well into her 70s.
Tony lived across the street. He was a very proud man of Spanish decent. He was the Grand Master in his lodge and took great pride in his home and property.
When Virginia passed on, the 75 acres were sold to a cash buyer. The property became a large marijuana operation. The first raid produced over 500 pounds of marijuana, packaged and ready for sale. The weeds have never been controlled. The entire property is a fire hazard. Dogs run loose and threaten the livestock in the area. Who are these people?
Across the street a large home was built on 13 acres. The place was never sold. Different growers come and go year after year. All you hear is dogs barking and loud music. Who are these people?
The renters where Tony used to live left in a rush when the property across the highway was raided. Who were those people? The little ranch would make Tony weep if he saw it today.
I remember a painting I saw years ago of a proud Native American looking down on the destruction of his land. A tear ran down his cheek. We live in a time of great sadness.
William R. Hillman, Kelseyville
