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Opinion
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- Written by: Olga Martin Steele
I wrote about that meeting and thanks to Elizabeth Larson it was posted in the Lake County News. I’ve also been following the feedback posted by readers, which I appreciate. However, it is disappointing that those individuals posting negative comments do not have the courage of conviction to reveal their identity as I have.
Be that as it may, as to Lake County News Editor Elizabeth Larson, I am a fan. She gets raves from me for the thorough and unbiased job she did.
As to the closed meeting, I continue to believe the decision to exclude the public was flawed. Additionally, the editorial opinion issued in the Record-Bee stated the obvious but missed the point. While I agree with the editor’s opinion that the law enforcement union had the right to hold a closed meeting for their members and other law enforcement personnel, the question that needs addressing is, “Why was it so important to the public who showed up to be permitted access?” The answer lies in several points overlooked in the Record-Bee editorial opinion.
For good reason transparency in all aspects of government has taken hold throughout the nation. Law enforcement officials in many localities realize the value of citizen involvement and are taking steps to draw in the community by day-lighting their operations. The use of citizen advisory and oversight groups is proving to be a useful tool to help solve problems that really can’t be solved with just a police presence. With plenty of empty chairs in the public meeting room the union leadership would have been well served to thank the good people who showed up for their interest and invite in at least a few, if not all, as observers. This would have been a real class act. Instead, their actions simply perpetuated a slew of negative perceptions. And that’s a real shame.
One negative perception fueled by the decision to hold a closed meeting is the notion that law enforcement personnel don’t consider themselves as members of the public. In fact they are the public, employed as public servants, with special powers to enforce the law. They are in a very powerful position and it sends a bad message when instead of finding every opportunity to embrace transparency, openness, and partnership with the public they sometimes act in ways that can be interpreted as elitist – as though they are separate and above the public.
The closed meeting also perpetuated the notion that law enforcement in general didn’t want to hear from the public or for the public to hear them. At a time when negative aspersions against certain public officials appear strong in the community this meeting missed the opportunity to allow the general public to see how the candidates talk amongst themselves and, more importantly, to answer their co-workers. I observed how one candidate, Deputy Rivero, speaks to the public outside the debate on Monday night. It would have been helpful to observe him and the other candidates in a setting where they face their fellow officers and coworkers. Other debates will not offer this unique and important setting.
Further, the reasons given by the union leaders for not allowing the public to observe the meeting, i.e. they didn’t want their meeting somehow derailed by the public, could perpetuate another notion – that the very people we look to for protection from crime and criminals somehow fear the public. A few simple ground rules could have been issued for the public attendees and, frankly, violators could have been shown the door.
Sadly, another notion heard amongst the excluded group – that some cops are not truthful – was perpetuated. While the media reported the events at the meeting as a debate, at the front door we were told emphatically the meeting was not a debate. Among other things, a debate is a discussion of opposing reasons or views. Semantics? Maybe. But I think the media characterized the meeting as a debate because it was. Why the union leadership chose to argue the point is silly at best; a lie at worst. Either way, the notion was perpetuated.
It bears mention that the so-called “protesters” were a civilized group of individuals. In my view, there wasn’t one person there that was disruptive or couldn’t have been handled with just a modicum of diplomacy and tact if they became agitated. To my eyes, the group seemed to be a pretty good cross-section of the Lake County community. That 40 people (+/-) cared enough to show up at the meeting and stand in the cold, hoping to be allowed entry, speaks volumes about their commitment to engage as citizens in matters of great importance and their concern for the issues being discussed.
I am pro-law enforcement and I believe the vast majority of Lake County law enforcement personnel do a difficult job well. I also understand what it is to be a civil servant in law enforcement and the importance of good, responsible and accountable leadership. For these reasons, I want and expect more from the leadership. In this case, the union leadership missed an incredible opportunity to elevate the standing of its members and the broader law enforcement community.
A relevant and wonderful old Chinese saying going around right now is that the best time to plant a tree was 40 years ago; the second best time is now. Now is a good time for the union leadership to start using and promoting a different approach when dealing with the public. If they haven’t already done so, it would behoove the union leadership to take an honest look at how they handled this situation and consider what they could start doing differently, now, in the interest of a better public image and providing better public service.
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
The opportunity to represent District 3 is an honor. Today the board and our community can celebrate our successes thus far. Among these are lasting achievements such as the preservation of Mt. Konocti, a revision of the twenty-year General Plan of Development and the Shoreline Area Plan, certification of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the County, an analysis of the future water and wastewater infrastructure requirements, over 3 Megawatts of Solar Energy projects (among the largest in the Western U.S.), and the initial economic revitalization of communities on the Northshore even in the face of tough economic times.
There is so much more to do. Together we must continue the work of creating a healthy local economy, focus on job creation, encourage local food security and energy efficiency, improve the health of Clear Lake via Middle Creek wetlands restoration and watershed management, upgrade our community spaces and senior centers, and further even greater citizen involvement through easier access to information and regular town-hall collaboration.
Even with the economic challenges, I see huge opportunity and promise in the times ahead as we find new and creative ways to fund needed infrastructure. Anyone paying attention knows that we have much work to do to restore and renew our County, its communities and economy for the generations that follow us. This is not an easy task. Each of us who are able must put ourselves whole-heartedly into this work.
The good news is that much of what ails our system can be substantially impacted by our own individual decisions and direct local action: how we engage with the land, the water, the community of life around us and each other, what we buy, what we use, how we handle waste – all of these collectively can make a difference. Mostly, though, we need to approach Lake County, our home, with reverence and care – for the land and waters and our communities are a sacred trust and are what will sustain us in the times to come.
To the citizens of District 3 I say this: I am personally grateful to you for the opportunity to serve as your Supervisor thus far and am eager to continue our work together!
The election for District 3 Supervisor, and other county and statewide offices, will be held on June 8, 2010.
Denise Rushing represents District 3 on the Lake County Board of Supervisors. Visit her Web site at www.DeniseRushing.org .
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- Written by: Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit
Andre Williams, a well-known and world-traveled recording artist and business owner for the past 18 years in the city of Clearlake, recently leased with the option to purchase a previously closed bar and grill. The location is highly visible and easily accessible. Mr. Williams owns KMOB, 100.3 FM in Clearlake.
After the contract to lease the bar and grill was made Mr. Williams applied for a liquor license transfer from Alcohol Beverage and Control (ABC). However, numerous restrictions were placed on his license which will highly impact his ability to run his business as intended.
Mr. Williams' desire is to host live entertainment geared toward adults 35 and over. Anyone who has had the pleasure of attending one of his concert's can attest to the smooth vocal and very rhythmic and melodious tenor of his voice. The ambiance is always sophisticated, and attracts and caters to the middle and upper class crowds, only.
Yet, Mr. Williams' request to have the restrictions lifted from his license was met with much resistance from Chief Allan McClain.
According to McClain the restrictions were placed on the license by ABC because of problems that occurred at the business location.
Mr. Williams, with the assistance of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has attempted to reason with McClain to lift the restrictions on live music and other restrictions as well.
The NAACP believes that Mr. Williams has been singled out since other similar type businesses in the city of Clearlake enjoy live music, utilize disc jockeys, have happy hours, and remain open until 2 a.m. We also believe that Mr. Williams has been unduly singled out and held responsible for what occurred at that location prior to his lease agreement.
On Dec. 10, 2009, Lake County Branch President Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit and Vice President Rick Mayo spoke before the Clearlake City Council on behalf of Mr. Williams. They spoke about the continued need for civil rights and social justice protections, the unfairness in the process and procedures of restrictions placed on Mr. Williams’ license, the overt unfairness to deny Mr. Williams’ ability to compete against like businesses in Clearlake, and the long history of business conducted at the same location for more than six decades. An ABC representative visited Mr. Williams’ business location on or about Dec. 14, 2009, and instead of lifting any of the restrictions added additional restrictions to his license.
Mr. Williams is currently in the process of circulating a petition to gather signatures in support of live entertainment at his new bar and grill location. Councilman Roy Simons’ request to have Mr. Williams' concerns over restrictions to his license be agendized for discussion before the city council as quickly as possible was met with opposition by City Administrator Dale Neiman.
Recently the NAACP became aware of documents that show Chief McClain requested that ABC place the restrictions on Mr. Williams’ license even though McClain stated in previous communications with the NAACP and Mr. Williams that he had nothing to do with any of the restrictions.
And finally, the law should be equally applied to all.
Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit is president of the Lake County Branch of the NAACP.
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- Written by: Dave Hughes
– Clearlake Vision Task Force: There is no reason attempts to revitalize the waterfront and Lakeshore Drive should not continue to be emphasized and encouraged. The lake is certainly one of our largest assets but much effort will have to be set forth to attract viable year around tourism. How do you attract tourists in the winter when the lake is not as attractive for use? A plan needs to be developed for Lakeshore Drive to encourage new business and waterfront use. I have lived and worked here for 35 years, still live in the city of Clearlake and still hear “this area has such potential,” words that were actually part of my incentive to relocate from Southern California. I can see where this project can generate more funds for development of Lakeshore Drive. Unfortunately we do not have a “core” downtown like Middletown, Kelseyville, Lakeport or Upper Lake, as we developed in more of a “helter-skelter” manner and spread our commercial area all along the waterfront. This makes even more of a planning/development challenge as we are still a small, poor community with over 25 percent unemployment.
– Transfer of existing revenues: This development will not affect storefronts along Lakeshore Drive nor should it board up any additional businesses there. Certainly there will be a transfer of some tax revenues but I envision people from the Middletown and Hidden Valley area coming to Clearlake to shop Lowe's and hopefully spin off into other local businesses – people who probably now head toward Santa Rosa; I envision people from Lakeport coming to the south county to shop Lowe's rather than going to Ukiah or Santa Rosa to shop Home Depot and hopefully spin off to shop other local businesses; I envision this development keeping more of our dollars in Lake County where they should be spent.
I've shopped a local lumber store since 1975 but more often than not they don't have what I need; I shop another lumber company that has improved its service along with its expansion but still lacks what I need at times and is more expensive. I've shopped a large new lumber company in Kelseyville and even purchased lumber for remodels to my home but still went to Santa Rosa for better selection (and by the way the new Kelseyville Lumber store did not have an environmental impact report, or EIR, completed – I've heard it took four years so it should be pointed out that the Clearlake development has been worked on for almost 2 1/2 years); a good local economy is what's really needed to reverse the blight on Lakeshore.
– Impacts on local businesses: I touched on this above and I HOPE the effects are countywide; again there will certainly be some loss of revenue in some businesses, some lost or relocated jobs, but the overall impact should be positive to the county as a whole employing more people, keeping more people spending their dollars in Lake County, generating additional sales tax revenues, real estate tax revenues and dollars for the redevelopment agency.
– The sewer collection system in the south county, which includes Lower Lake, has had capacity problems for probably 20 years. Special Districts even does pumping of the sewer lines in the Highlands Harbor subdivision in the summer. The Carl's Jr. project had to put up around $100,000 so that Special Districts could place devices into a couple of manholes that will alert septic pumping trucks on standby when the sewer level gets too high. The sewage is pumped into the trucks and driven to the treatment facility north of Clearlake. Why? Because a few years ago there was a spill and the District was fined, I believe, $60,000 and they are using the developer's money as a temporary solution to a problem that has existed for years. Lower Lake sewage is pumped to the same point which means the dollars spent on upgrades will not only benefit this development, it will benefit Lower Lake and vacant lots on the east side of Highway 53, and solve a long existing capacity problem. And since the board of the district can't seem locate funds to correct the problem, and it is a COUNTY district, not a city-run sewer, we use some of Clearlake's dollars and Special Districts' dollars to correct the problem. I understand a new fee will be imposed on new development to repay.
– Site improvements: My understanding is that the airport was developed years ago by cutting a hill and filling with the cut, rocks, boulders, tree cuttings, whatever they could find at the time to develop a level runway. So there is a lack of good compaction in a large portion of the site, thus the need to remove and recompact. This will be necessary regardless of what gets built on the site. Maybe the Clearlake Redevelopment Agency Board in place when the airport was purchased in 1996 didn't make the wisest move but it's ours so let's develop it while someone is interested in coming to town.
While the thought of not having an EIR may be disquieting to some, the need for one is really not justified nor would it point out anything we don't already know. The site has been studied by engineers indicating the lack of compaction. There have been traffic studies completed. The property is currently zoned for the use, unlike Kelseyville Lumber, which was developed on ag land. The Clearlake Business Park Feasibility Study was completed specific to this site in the late 1990s and suggests there should be “building materials, hardware, garden supply” usage on the site. This land was purchased by the city of Clearlake in 1996 to specifically attract a Lowe's-type use.
There are also “overriding concerns” that I feel offset the need for an EIR: 1) unemployment in Lake County was recently reported at 17.7 percent and in Clearlake at 24.3 percent; we need some decent paying full-time jobs; 2) sewer capacity problems are “regional,” will be corrected and have existed for years; 3) sales tax revenues and less “leakage” out of the county; 4) the benefits to the redevelopment agency in new revenue; 5) the property is properly zoned and has been previously studied for this kind of use.
Let’s not forget that employing people will give them dollars to spend which may encourage a new business on Lakeshore Drive. This development is the “shot in the arm” Lake County needs to improve its economic health. The hearing is in place to allow public participation in the process and I also encourage all with interest or concerns to attend.
Dave Hughes lives in Clearlake.