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Letters
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- Written by: Elizabeth Montgomery
The HVL Community Services District is proposing rates that would cause the average household's monthly water bill to go up 78 percent, from $63 currently to $112 in July of 2024. The steepest increases would come immediately, first in January and again in July of the new year.
In justifying the increases, the district has cited a backlog of infrastructure maintenance, needed upgrades, and the impact of natural disasters and public safety power shutoffs. However, community members have named a number of potential cost-saving measures, such as having employees share a portion of health insurance costs or postponing salary increases.
Another way of easing the burden of sudden large rate hikes would be to finance needed infrastructure upgrades through a bond. A bond would be paid off, with interest, over a longer period.
At an informational meeting last week, General Manager Dennis White said that bond financing would be explored in the future, but he gave no explanation for why it hasn't been considered to date. Neither did he offer any hope of relief from the looming rate changes.
With many people out of work, now is not the time for exorbitant utility fee increases. Homeowners and landlords are likely to watch their property values decline in reaction, and renters already on the edge may be forced out.
Enough letters of protest could stop the increases under Prop. 218 law and send the district back to the drawing board. Such letters must meet specific criteria and be hand-delivered to the district office or mailed for receipt by Dec. 15.
A local citizen's group, HVL Now, has been distributing a fill-in-the-blank template letter. Their email is
Elizabeth Montgomery lives in Hidden Valley Lake, California.
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- Written by: Rep. Mike Thompson
Thank you to all the incredible health care workers who deliver hospice care day in and day out.
To the providers, nurses, aides and staff, we are in awe of your compassion, dedication and selflessness.
And we are so grateful that you help those patients who need this care, often in the most vulnerable time of their lives.
As the husband of a former hospice nurse, I know this work can be daunting. But we are forever grateful to you for what you do.
Let’s all take a moment this month to express our gratitude to hospice workers and to help raise awareness as to the critical nature of this care.
Rep. Mike Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
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- Written by: Jessica Pyska
We have a rare opportunity to set ambitious priorities in economic development, health and safety, and disaster mitigation by leveraging the $7.5 million in cannabis funding that has the potential to significantly impact life in our community. This is the time to think big, collaborate creatively, and build the capacity that we need to achieve long-term goals and new priorities. I intend to make absolutely sure that these tax-revenue funds are used as the voters intended, to elevate life in Lake County for all our residents.
It has been an exciting journey these past few years, and an absolute pleasure meeting so many of you and listening to your ideas, concerns and priorities. I want to thank everyone who has supported me through this journey, from across District 5 and countywide, to our state electeds. My campaign has been 100-percent powered by local volunteers who also believe in the power of our community, the bright future that lies ahead, and my ability to lead.
This is an awesome responsibility, and I promise you that I am ready to serve and fully committed to doing everything necessary to make Lake County stronger, safer and more vibrant than ever.
I would be honored to win your vote on Nov. 3.
Please visit my website, www.JessicaPyskaforSupervisorD5.com.
Jessica Pyska lives in Cobb, California.
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- Written by: Bill Brunetti
As president of the board of directors, Bill’s leadership was instrumental in saving Lakeside Hospital from bankruptcy. His actions helped preserve local medical services for thousands of Lake County residents.
Bill ran a successful local pharmacy business for 40 years – providing the kinds of personal service you don’t get at a corporate chain drug store.
Bill Kearney is a workhorse who will get the job done for us on the county board. That’s the kind of supervisor we need to help Lake County rebuild and recover.
Please join me in supporting Bill Kearney for Lake County supervisor in District 5.
Bill Brunetti lives in Lakeport, California.