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Opinion
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- Written by: Jessica Pyska
I have been frustrated with this from the beginning because it is a bureaucratic process that does not involve the people, and the decision will ultimately be made by people who will never even come here.
I spent the past year pushing both the state and federal committees to show up to engage with the people. They did not and it has compounded the problem.
What was most important to me this year were two things. The first was to keep my promise to remain neutral so that I could be available to all constituents. Over the last year I sat with and listened to people from all sides of this issue, and I deeply value those perspectives. The second was to involve the people.
I called the special meeting in July to bring an advisory vote so we could see where the people stood on the name change. To be clear, no one asked me to do this, I did it because I wanted the people to participate.
This Tuesday, the item came back to the Board of Supervisors for a final decision. I said we needed to honor the vote of the people and suggested we pass it on to the state and federal committees as the recommendation of the people. Three of my colleagues disagreed and wanted to make a recommendation for the name change.
Before the vote was taken, I insisted the people’s vote be included in the recommendation. The vote was 3-2, in favor of the name changing, and with the results of the vote included. I voted “no” because I could not support the board making the recommendation.
I understand why people are so angry and feel like their vote did not matter. It does matter. The vote is on record, it happened, it is part of the history that is unfolding, and it is included in the final recommendation approved by the Board of Supervisors.
I take my role as your elected representative very seriously and I worked hard to ensure you had a place in this process. You may not agree with my decisions, and that is OK. Please know that as difficult as this year has been, I learned from you, I supported you, and I will always show up for you.
If you have questions or comments, as always, I am available to you at
Comments to the Board on Geographic Names (BGN) can be sent to:
Comments to the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names can be sent to
Jessica Pyska is the District 5 representative on the Lake County Board of Supervisors.
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- Written by: Michael Froio
As I near the completion of my first term, I hope the dedication and hard work I’ve put into representing Lakeport over the past four years have been evident.
Serving as a councilmember has been a privilege. It is a challenging position, requiring countless hours of listening to residents, researching key issues and preparing for council meetings.
Beyond that, it involves representing Lakeport on various boards and committees, attending special events, and ensuring that citizen concerns are not only heard but addressed.
This year, I had the honor of serving as mayor. It has been a rewarding experience that deepened my connection to both the city staff and our community. In this role, I’ve worked closely with constituents to tackle critical issues and continue the progress toward making Lakeport an even better place to live, work, and do business.
However, there is still much more to do.
One of my top priorities is revitalizing our city’s appearance. To achieve this, I’ve proposed adding a new code enforcement officer position that will be focused on cleaning up areas of blight throughout Lakeport. My vision is to ensure that the buildings along our busiest streets are well-maintained and aesthetically appealing, with fresh paint and colors that reflect a thriving, prosperous community.
Enhancing the look and feel of our city will not only boost civic pride but also attract more visitors and business opportunities. It’s clear that no amount of advertising dollars can improve our economic prospects if we don’t first invest in beautifying Lakeport. We need to update our city’s entrances, and ensure that visitors are greeted by a clean, welcoming environment that says, "We’re open for business."
When people visit Lakeport, we want them to leave excited to return. Our hospitality sector plays a vital role in this, and I believe our lodging partners need support in upgrading their offerings. I have a plan to encourage them to enhance their accommodations to better reflect the beauty and charm of our city.
You may have noticed my campaign signs around town alongside those of Kim Costa. Kim was appointed to the city council two years ago, following the resignation of a previous member, and has proven to be a tireless advocate for Lakeport. Her passion for increasing housing options in the city aligns well with my vision for its future, and I’m proud to be running for reelection alongside her.
As we approach Election Day, I urge voters to focus on experience, dedication and the proven ability to get things done. In city government, where partisan politics can lead to unnecessary division, it’s crucial to elect leaders who are committed to serving the community’s best interests and who have a track record for doing so.
Please vote for the candidates who have the vision and commitment to continue moving Lakeport forward. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city.
Michael Froio is completing his first term on the City Council for Lakeport, California.
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- Written by: Catherine Dunne
These endorsements underscore the credibility and trust she has earned from those in the educational sector, and her profound connection with the district.
Her candidacy is also endorsed by the North Bay Labor Council (NBLC), and supported by the California Teachers Association (CTA).
Cat Dunne brings 24 years of teaching experience to her candidacy, having worked closely with students, families and staff.
Her background as a retired teacher and parent of a CLHS graduate positions her uniquely to understand the needs and aspirations of the community.
Throughout her career, Dunne has served on various committees, including Site Council, Safety, PTO, PBIS, and Wellness, advocating for policies that prioritize student needs and overall well-being. She has been a steadfast advocate for employee working conditions as an active member of the teacher association.
Cat Dunne is running for the Lakeport School Board to bring a new perspective with her insights into the challenges and opportunities being faced. Her campaign centers around strengthening employee and community relations through improved communication.
“Our community deserves a school board that listens, understands, and acts on its priorities,” Dunne emphasized. “I will ensure that policies are followed and that our schools are a safe and nurturing environment for all students.”
Electing Cat Dunne to the Lakeport Unified School Board is a vote for hands-on experience, dedication, and a proven track record of advocacy and support for both students and employees.
Catherine Dunne lives in Lakeport, California.
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- Written by: John Hess
As Election Day approaches, I ask for your vote as your next District 1 supervisor for Lake County.
My diverse background includes almost 25 years of public service, time as a small business owner, eight years serving as a Lake County planning commissioner, and as a local nonprofit board member. I have developed strong relationships across party lines with federal, state, and local officials and have the skills necessary to navigate complex government bureaucracies, identify new funding sources, and advocate effectively for District 1 and Lake County starting on Day 1.
As a candidate, I have spent the past year meeting with residents in Middletown, Anderson Springs, Hidden Valley Lake, Lower Lake and the southern portion of Clearlake, attending community meetings, and sitting down with county department heads, Cal Fire officials, our next sheriff, and other key stakeholders to understand their priorities to ensure I am fully prepared.
I attended the multi-day county budget hearings, gaining a clear understanding of our fiscal landscape and opportunities for improvement. My research only served to deepen my respect for the struggles many families face, the resilience of our communities, and my determination to keep building a brighter future for all.
As District 1 supervisor, my agenda focuses on five key priorities:
• Building affordable housing: Lake County is facing a housing crisis, and I am committed to finding practical solutions that increase the availability of affordable housing. I will work to secure funding for new development, streamline the approval process for building permits, and support programs that help working families find homes. My goal is to ensure that everyone, from young families to seniors, has access to housing that meets their needs. Growth is going to happen. Let’s make sure it’s smart growth that protects our local appeal and charm.
• Road repairs and infrastructure improvements: The state of our roads affects all residents, from daily commuters to emergency responders. I will push for increased investment in road repairs and maintenance, prioritize fixing critical roadways that pose safety risks, and work to expand infrastructure in areas that need it most. I’ll also see to it that projects are completed efficiently, with transparency and input from the community.
• Technology and job growth: Lake County's future depends on its ability to attract new businesses and create well-paying jobs, especially for our young people. I will advocate for policies that make Lake County a hub for technology and innovation, focusing on expanding high-speed internet access and working with state and federal partners to create incentives for businesses who invest here. By prioritizing education and job training programs, we can equip our workforce with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.
• Protecting Clear Lake: Clear Lake is not only a natural treasure but also a key economic driver for tourism and recreation. I will prioritize protecting and preserving its health by supporting environmental restoration projects, addressing water quality issues, and partnering with local tribes, environmental groups, and government agencies to ensure long-term sustainability. A healthy Clear Lake means a thriving economy and a stronger community.
• Fire safety and emergency preparedness: We must continue the work already underway to be proactive in protecting our homes, businesses, and natural resources from the dangers of wildfire and other natural disasters. I will work closely with local Cal Fire officials, first responders, and community organizations to support comprehensive emergency plans, improve communication systems, and secure funding for fire prevention and recovery efforts.
Public service has always been my passion, and even in these divided times, I know we can come together to solve the pressing issues that face our county. By focusing on collaboration and shared solutions, we can make Lake County an even better place to live and work.
For information on my background, in-depth plans, and the endorsements and testimonials I have been grateful to receive, please visit https://hessforsupervisor.com/.
I would be honored to earn your support in this election. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for District 1 and all of Lake County.
John Hess is a candidate for District 1 supervisor in Lake County, California.