Beauty or big box?
I have grave concerns for what the goals and focus of the County’s Economic and Tourism Development Departments really are.
In the three years I have worked and lived in Lake County, I’ve heard people involved with the County Chamber, Marketing and Economic Development, Wine Growers’ Association, and Board of Supervisors tout the slogans: “Big Beautiful Lake”; “Clean-air Outdoor Adventure”; “A Fine Wine Destination”; “Spectacular Beauty, Unsurpassed Recreation; Welcome to Lake County for Making Futures” and “A destination for all seasons”. Hearing these sentiments, I quickly joined these efforts by actively serving with the LC Chamber two years, becoming a Certified Tourism Ambassador one year, and serving as a volunteer at Fire Victim Relief Fundraisers and other locally-offered fairs and festivals for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike.
However, there seems to be a discordant message of what actually is approved and supported by these same County entities. So I’ve had to take pause recently and ask myself, Do these County efforts to build our area into a Destination Location say,: “Big Box Stores and Mega Franchises making their Financial Futures Here”, “Lots of poorly-made imports manufactured outside the USA … come and get em cheap … and you might as well have some $2 buck chuck while you’re at it!”
Case in point: When Cross Development filled out the Planning Department application to build yet another 9,000sq ft+ Dollar General store, this time in the Clear Lake Riviera, they marked the box “No” on question# II 26: “Is the project part of a larger project or series of projects?” Their response appears to be a dishonest one as this is their sixth such request to build including one store each already built in Nice and Clearlake Oaks, one defeated application in Downtown Kelseyville, one now approved in Middletown, this one in the CLRCA area (Point Lake View and Soda Bay Roads) about to go before the Planning Commission, and most recently, an application for a Hwy 29 and Live Oak site in Kelseyville. If this aggressive building isn’t a series of projects or a larger project, please tell me what is.
So I am asking myself why am I spending my energy fighting this uphill battle instead of looking to a different place to retire that really appears to want to retain a pristine destination with a country feel and beautiful views while supporting local farmers and “mom and pop” shops where some of the dollar actually gets returned to support the populace of the county?
Barbara Nuckols, Lakeport
Rosenthal will represent all residents
For the first time in many years, the voters of District 1, have had the opportunity to elect a new person to represent us on the Lake County board of Supervisors. I support Monica Rosenthal because she offers the energetic, dedicated leadership that our fire-damaged communities need from our County Supervisor.
After the Clayton Fire, Monica was there to provide constant volunteer help for the people of Lower Lake. As our Supervisor we can count on her to expedite the County’s permit process so that residents can begin rebuilding their homes, without unfair delays or excessive costs.
Monica is truly committed to representing all the people of District 1. She is a farmer with hands-on experience in working the soil and supporting agriculture. She’s been actively involved with community organizations throughout South Lake County, not just those in her home town.
Most importantly, Monica will bring high standards of integrity and independence to the Board of Supervisors.
Her allegiance is to the people of District 1, not to any special interest group. She is a County Supervisor that we can all be proud to support!
Katherine Tucker, Lower Lake
Scott has a proven record of service
In today’s political climate it is evident that honesty and integrity are so sadly lacking in many candidates for public office. This is one of the reasons that I strongly support Tina Scott for Lake County Supervisor District 4. Tina has a proven record of caring for and serving her community in an honorable and dignified manner. She also has proven results — as a school board member securing passage of a $17M bond that will bring much needed additional funding to Lakeport students; as a foster parent, providing a stable and loving home to more than 60 foster children. And so many more examples.
As a business person, I am concerned about the current economics in Lake County. We must put much more emphasis on bringing in businesses and marketing our greatest assets, including our spectacular lake, our award-winning wineries, our clean air and the fact that Lake County an incredible place to live and work. Tina Scott understands this and has many great ideas to implement change. Most importantly, she has the leadership ability and respect of the people to inspire and motivate others around a common goal. As icing on the cake, she has pledged to provide 20 percent of her salary to non-profits focused on youth and senior programs.
Please join me in voting for Tina Scott on November 8th so that we can elect a full-time, educated, intelligent, honest candidate with fresh eyes and forward-thinking ideas as the Supervisor for District 4.
Anita McKee, Kelseyville,
