Cristallago: Let the Courts decide

On March 2 the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2, with Supervisors Anthony Farrington and Denise Rushing dissenting, to approve the Cristallago subdivision. Although it is unlikely that such an outdated, unimaginative, financially implausible project will become a reality in an era when potential investors nationwide are demonstrating a strong inclination to keep their checkbooks in their pockets, this action is calamitous news for our community, because by eviscerating the Community Growth Boundaries at the heart of our excellent new General Plan it cripples our ability to guide future growth.

On April 2 the Sierra Club filed suit against the county and and the Cristallago developers to reverse this shortsighted, destructive action. There are three fundamental grounds for the suit:

• project approvals violate State law by their reliance on an inadequate EIR
• necessary "findings of overriding considerations" assumed economic benefits that are untenable in reality
• the project is fundamentally inconsistent with the Lake County General Plan

Read the Lake Group position on Cristallago, and for additional information on the project, visit the Cristallago??? website

JULY 31, 2-3:30PM -- McLaughlin Reserve lecture, "Why is our region a hotspot of botanical diversity?" presented by Reserve co-director Cathy Koehler. In California, a unique climate and complex geologic history have produced tremendous species variation, making this bioregion one of 25 recognised global hotspots. The lecture is FREE, but registration is required: to reserve your place, send an email to koehler@ucdavis.edu or call 995 9005.

AUGUST 2 -- Lake County tire amnesty program begins: residents can dispose of up to 9 tires for free at either Lake County Waste Solutions (230 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport) or South Lake Refuse & Recycling (16015 Davis Street, Clearlake, just outside the landfill) For information on recycling and disposal programs call the Recycling Hotline at 263-1980 or visit recycling.co.lake.ca.us.

AUGUST 3, 5:30PM -- get-acquainted BBQ/potluck hosted by Transition Lake County (local affiliate of the national Transition Towns Initiative. Bring something to barbeque or your favorite dish to share, also a beverage and place setting. At the little park behind the Kelseyville Senior Center on Third St., just south of Main in Kelseyville. For more info, call 279-2957 or (208) 420-7459.

AUGUST 3, 6PM -- first of two scheduled BOS hearings on the Middletown Area Plan, at the Calpine Visitor Center in Middletown (15500 Central Park Rd).

AUGUST 7, 8AM -- nature walk at Clear Lake State Park, led by local naturalist Brad Barnwell. Meet at the visitor center, wear comfortable shoes, and carry water. Park entry fee waived for walk participants.

AUGUST 7, 9AM-12PM -- Konocti Regional Trails Workshop at the Board of Supervisors Chamber in the Courthous, 255 N. Forbes in Lakeport. The agenda will include an update on the KRT planning process, trail project review, and a hands-on opportunity to preview draft master plan maps.

AUGUST 7-28 -- 17th Annual Quilt and Textile Exhibition in the Weaver Auditorium at the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum, 11AM-4PM Wednesday through Saturday.

AUGUST 8 -- Sierra Club hike in Boggs Mountain State Forest. Hike various trails. Appropriate footwear required, water/snack advised. Neutered dogs on leash welcome. Class M-5-A. Meet 9am - covered kiosk - main parking area. Entrance Forestry Road 1.3 miles north of Cobb Village on Hwy 175. Carpooling to more remote trails possible. Leader Boone Lodge friendsofboggsmountain@earthlink.net (707) 928-5819.

AUGUST 11, 6PM -- kickoff fundraiser for Jeri Spittler's campaign for Clearlake City Council. Cabo's Restaurant, 14868 Olympic Dr in Clearlake $20 suggested minimum donation. To reserve (REQUIRED) contact the campaign at girlfriends26@mchsi.com or 994-8634

AUGUST 14, 12PM -- Lake County Democratic Club meeting at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center (corner of 10th & Country Club). Special guest speakers will be Clearlake City council candidates Joey Luiz and Jeri Spittler. Free, open to the public.

AUGUST 14, 6PM -- Fall campaign kickoff for District Attorney candidate Doug Rhoades, at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro in Kelseyville. Light buffet and wine, $10 per person. To RSVP or for more information e-mail info@dougrhoadesforda.com or call 279-9769.

AUGUST 15, 5-8PM -- third annual Summer Harvest Celebration sponsored by the Lake County Democratic Club: food, music, local wines & local art. At the Lakeport Yacht Club, 15 Fifth Street. 

AUGUST 21, 8AM -- easy ADA-accessible guided nature walk at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park (Hwy 53 between Clearlake and Lower Lake), followed by a tour of the 19th Century ranch house, sponsored by the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association. For more information email info@andersonmarsh.org or call 995-2658.

SEPTEMBER 11, 10AM-6:30PM -- Fifth annual Old Time Bluegrass Festival at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: crafts, food, informational tabling, and LOTS OF GREAT MUSIC. Sponsored by the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, Children¹s Museum of Art & Science, and Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

SEPTEMBER 25 -- Kelseyville Pear Festival, with parade, quilt Show, music, antique tractors, craft booths, informational tabling, and pears pears pears.