Paleno steps down as Western Region Town Hall chair

LAKE COUNTY— Citing health reasons, Gene Paleno resigned as chairperson of the Western Region Town Hall in Upper Lake effective Saturday. The nonagenarian author, Record-Bee columnist, occasional motivational speaker and historian, said he urged the Board to select a new chair as soon as possible.

“Because of sudden, unexpected illness, which does not promise to be cured quickly, I am resigning my post as chairperson and a member of WRTH effective immediately because I cannot perform with the strength and energy those posts require and which I owe to the Board of Supervisors and my fellow Lake County Citizens,” he said adding, “My resignation has nothing to do with the covd-19 Pandemic.”

“Serving as an arm of the Lake County Board of Supervisors, and, especially, under your guidance and supervision, has been one of the finest experiences of my life. I thank you,” he wrote in an email addressed to District Three Supervisor E.J. Crandell, and other prominent members of the community.

Formed on June 27, 2017, the purpose of the WRTH municipal advisory council is to increase the civic participation of the residents of the Western Region of District 3 in decisions affecting the community. The Western Region includes Upper Lake, Nice, Blue Lake, Bachelor Valley, and Lake Pillsbury. Up until early this year, meetings of the advisory council were being held at the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Community Building at 9460 Main St., Upper Lake, but their in person meetings have been halted during recent weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paleno also forwarded a copy of his resignation to each of his fellow WRTH board members, recapping some of the highlights and accomplishments during his time serving on the board.

“Thanks to you we have taken giant steps toward making our West Region of District Three freer of rubbish, have a continuing program to stop Dollar General from building on Highway 20, traffic mitigation on Highway 20, initial steps to a new County Area Plan and a good start in communicating the wishes of our fellow Towns people to the Board of Supervisors,” Paleno wrote.

“There are few things in my life I have enjoyed, and learned, as much as the time spent with each of such outstanding persons as my fellow board members,” he noted. “I (have) been proud for the opportunity to serve with such high-caliber individuals.”

WRTH Board member Linda Alexander said, “Gene, you performed your job as Chairperson to the highest level possible. It will be very hard to fill your shoes.”

“Gene’s energy and leadership will be greatly missed,” said Crandell after he was asked about Paleno’s announcement. “His work on the West Region Town Hall will always be appreciated and I pray for the recovery of his illness.”