CLEARLAKE>>> At this week’s Judge’s Breakfast in Clearlake District 3 Supervisor E.J. Crandell shared some updates and ongoings from his district, which spans from Blue Lakes to the Colusa County line. With many major projects at hand, the decommissioning of the Scott Dam has taken center stage.
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier introduced Supervisor Crandell, noting that the two share a common ground on the board as they were both elected in 2018. Crandell began his presentation with a basic overview of his district which contains Blue Lakes, Upper Lake, Nice Lucerne, Glenhaven, Spring Valley, Indian Valley Reservoir, and Clearlake Oaks. It also includes three tribes, the Elem, Habematolel, and Robinson Rancheria. Crandell also sits on several committees including the Risk Reduction Authority, Potter Valley Project, Middle Creek Restoration, and also the Area Agency on Aging among others.
Crandell first spoke on the Lucerne Harbor, an ongoing project that began in 2017. Crandell noted “Now we are looking at docks… so that’s the goal.” This project coincides with the Highway 20 project which was a focus for Crandell since at one point there were many fatal traffic accidents. In a conversation with an administrator for the state’s transportation department Crandell shared, “We have had four deaths in the last six months.” Since then there has been construction efforts along that corridor to increase the road’s safety.
Rent Stabilization was also an idea Crandell mentioned as he had bought it to the board of supervisors earlier this week. He shared “There have been issues with folks on fixed incomes in the mobile home parks that have seen rent increases.” Continuing he explained they are in the process of putting together an ad hoc committee to explore a potential ordinance further.
Although the Middle Creek Restoration project has been ongoing for many years it is moving faster now as the county has been acquiring properties in order to break ground. According to Sabatier there are only three properties left that remain unpurchased as they closed on three very recently. Crandell did say there was a possibility of invoking eminent domain for the remaining few properties as they have been unable to reach any agreements up to this point. Crandell noted that they have used funds from the cannabis tax revenues as well as funds from Congressman Thompson of around $750,000 to purchase these properties.
Discussing the state of the Potter Valley Project (Lake Pillsbury) Crandell shared “There’s just so much talk about it, it is a big issue, and we’re hoping for a Hail Mary catch.” Outlining the history of the dam Crandell went back to the beginnings of exploring other options through meetings like the Potter Valley Project – Two Basin Solution. This group focused on the Russian and Eel Rivers and Crandell often felt like they were in a “shark tank” any time they would mention Lake Pillsbury. Next they tried the Russian River Water Forum where Crandell noted “It was like a Potter Valley Project Two Basin Solution 2.0.” Ultimately any attempts at collaboration with any of these groups did not work out.
Most recently the supervisors decided to reach out the new federal administration, writing a letter to the President. Crandell shared “Keeping dams, lakes, and reservoirs was one of the important things we were looking at, somehow in this situation it’s not.” The county does have a meeting scheduled with the Department of the Interior and Crandell looks forward to discussing their options with them. Breakfast moderator Diane Watson noted that Lake Pillsbury is the only emergency source of water for the residents and businesses up there, to which Crandell responded “Yes, the Rice Fire, Mendocino Complex, August Complex – it’s been a crusader for us.” In conclusion Crandell noted “Just know we are staying the course.”
