Given my direct involvement with the Westshore Pool for over 25 years, I wanted to clear up a few misconceptions about the maintenance and operation of the pool.

The city of Lakeport was the only public entity that paid for the operating costs of Westshore Pool. The Channel Cats paid rent for the use of the pool (and paid for heating costs during the winter). Without the city of Lakeport, the Westshore Pool would have been closed over a decade ago. The city’s maintenance staff was responsible for the chemicals, cleaning and repair; and
the city provided lifeguards and staff that maintained the pool when the Channel Cats were not in the water.

Further, the Clear Lake High School swim team was completely funded by the Lake County Channel Cats. The district did not participate financially in the operation of the pool while its swim team used it. There has been no cost sharing involving the district. The city of Lakeport and the Lake County Channel Cats were the only participants in its operation and maintenance
financially. The current $3,000 budget that the city has allocated is because of their commitment to our children and is their effort to help continue offering swim lessons at the Quail Run Fitness Center.

What the voters asked the school to do with the bond proceeds of Measure T was improve/renovate the pool. That fact was indisputably clear in the ballot language before voters. The bond was advertised in such a way that the pool was shown to be a major priority. One of the two advertisements mailed to voters for Measure T included six pictures – three of the six pictures were for the pool.

The voters were clear – they wanted a pool. It is heartbreaking to think that the voters might never again vote for a school bond when their trust in the system has been eroded. It’s time for our elected school board to make good on their promises.

Robert Dinsmore lives in Lakeport, Calif.