Something everyone should enjoy
I hope our present leadership in the county and City of Clearlake blocks the destruction of Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, which would result if they allowed the building of private homes on sites that once were resorts.
Look at what has happened in the park, where it has put private use of the precious shoreline of our lake into only benefitting a very few folks, with private homes there being able to enjoy the gift of our lakefront. The lakefront is important to a successful future, and everyone should be able to enjoy this area. The lakefront is worth fighting for and saving for future generations.
It would be tragic to establish the wrong precedent here. Look to the importance of the State of Oregon purchasing that state’s entire ocean shoreline for everyone to enjoy over just the few. Nothing beats the knowledge that you’ll have ample shoreline to enjoy for your vacation.
Adding new upgraded resorts and social centers, like eating and beverage establishments which can offer wonderful views for both locals and tourist, has a far greater value than private homes will ever have..
The wine industry has and will, far into the future, help bring back the grander days of Clearlake and allow for the area to prosper once again.
Jim Hall, Clearlake Oaks
Mushrooming vineyard plans opposed
The odyssey continues for Hidden Valley area residents concerned about development of Wild Diamond Vineyard.
Last March, after a grueling day at the Lake County Planning Commission, we were told we would not get an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). We appealed. A year of official silence followed while the developers proceeded, over our objections, using a permit grandfathered in from the year 2001.
Now we learn there will be an EIR, but like a Hydra the beast has morphed. Where we knew of one “existing well” we now see five. Forty “additional” acres of grapes have become eighty. An undisclosed winery slated for an old barn (which we only learned about from the state after our hearing) is replaced by a 52,800 case-per-year production facility of 17,850 square feet as well as a tasting room/event center of 14,350 square feet.
Our concerns about water and pesticides have been joined by concerns about amplified outdoor music and traffic snarls of drunken revelers.
This is the future about which our Wine and Water Watch friends from Napa and Sonoma have been warning us. Rick Coel, our erstwhile Planning Director, leaves no legacy of a vision or a regulatory framework for the coming inundation of wine industry development in Lake County.
Please help us argue against the ill-conceived Wild Diamond plans and in favor of genuine, far-sighted, and honest governmental oversight. Join us at a public meeting next Thursday or send comments to Peggy.Barthel@lakecountyca.gov
The EIR “scoping meeting” will be held Thursday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Middletown Public Library.
Not in Hidden Valley? Come anyway. You could be next.
Elizabeth Montgomery, Hidden Valley Lake
Thanks for the help
Thank you to Beta Sigma Phi for donating $415 to our first grade classes at Upper Lake Elementary. The money will be used for publishing our classroom books into hardbound copies.
In addition, it is also assisting us in paying for buses in order to travel to Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Since we live in a small community we are grateful for the support that has been provided.
Sincerely, Mrs. Villanueva, Mrs. O’Meara, and Miss Hart, Upper Lake Elementary
