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Opinion
- Details
- Written by: Kathy Windrem
Every board member is to be commended for his handling of this very sensitive situation. By example, they showed our community – and especially our children – how to handle a challenge with objectivity and compassion.
They did their homework (hours of it for each member, I am sure), they listened respectfully to all perspectives, then each made his own decision based upon a fair and impartial consideration of the issue.
I am very proud to live in a community which has shown a commitment to treat all people with dignity and respect. What better message can we give our children?
Kathy Windrem lives in Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Carol J. Huchingson
Locally, these professional employees work in Lake County’s Child Protective Services program, Adult Protective Services program, In-Home Supportive Services program and in the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work program.
Social Workers are responsible for screening, evaluating, referring, counseling, encouraging and empowering their clients while also responding in crisis situations. And, they are required to understand and comply with complex government regulations that change all too frequently.
The services these women and men provide through federal, state and county funded programs make it possible for many of our citizens to lead safer, more productive lives.
In 2007 in Lake County hundreds of families, children and elders received life-changing services with the assistance of social workers.
The Lake County Department of Social Services acknowledges the valuable contributions these dedicated employees are making to our county. The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed March 2008 as Social Worker Appreciation Month.
Carol J. Huchingson is director of Lake County Social Services.
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- Written by: Franz Bingel
Clear Lake is owned by the State of California and administered under the Public Trust Doctrine, which dictates that you and I, as citizens of this state, have the right to access this body of water 24/7. This right cannot be revoked.
The Department of Fish and Game has jurisdiction over closing a body of water to fishing or hunting for specific reasons, but they can't legally stop you from accessing the lake for boating, swimming, etc.
Closing the lake to public access would violate the Public Trust Doctrine.
What that meeting failed to mention was about birds transporting the mussels from one body of water to another.
Cache Creek is the only natural outlet of Clear Lake. The creek runs 79.8 miles and feeds into the Sacramento River. Otters arrive into Clear Lake via traveling from the Sacramento River. They could possibly carry the mussels in, or out of Clear Lake.
Closing a body of water would mean no release of any water from that source. Yolo County owns the water rights to Clear Lake and are irrevocable, unless 1) they fail to use the water, or 2) fail to adhere to the Solano Decree for discharge from the lake via the Cache Creek Dam. Closing the lake would violate their water rights.
I don't believe the state could feasibly close Clear Lake without legal ramifications.
Just my honest opinion.
Franz Bingel lives in Clearlake.
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- Written by: Suzanne Schneider
A recent article in the Record-Bee (3/18/08) about the rate study for water and sewer rates contains quotes by county officials that point to the need for change.
Farrington's comments about "improper management and financial irresponsibility" are hilarious. Any improper management or irresponsibility are a DIRECT reflection on him and other Board of Supervisors members. As with most things that are not hand fed to him Farrington is incapable of getting the facts straight or being able to add two and two and come up with four.
History will show that every Special Districts administrator in memory has tried to have appropriate rates and connection fees. The Board of Supervisors has been less than supportive even in the light of obvious shortfalls.
We have supervisors who think their cronies should have their fees waived. We have supervisors who refuse to consider any increase during election years. We have supervisors who do not have a clue how to run a business. We have supervisors who believe they know better than health department rules and regulations.
As long as the water and sewer districts are governed by POLITICIANS instead of being operated like nonprofit BUSINESSES there will be problems. It won't matter what this rate study says because the Board of Supervisors won't support adequate increases because it is an election year.
Farrington was quoted as wanting to consolidate districts. Of course he does because HIS constituents stand to gain the most – while others will lose.
The best thing for all water and sewer districts governed by the county would be to set up a board with zero allegiance to elected officials.
Suzanne Schneider lives in Kelseyville.
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