Sierra Club
Redwood Chapter Newsletter
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Lake Group Report Victoria Brandon | |
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Rattlesnake Island Victory! On May 5 the State Historical Resources Commission recommended the inclusion of Rattlesnake Island (the largest island in Clear Lake, and an archeological site beyond price and almost beyond time) in the National Register of Historic Places, and a formal announcement of approval is expected from Washington next month. In effect, this decision means that granting any permits for building or other activities that might damage its treasury of cultural heritage has been forbidden. Although the risk of unpermitted (illegal) wanton destruction remains, and some of this, for example, the construction of a three-hole pitch-and-putt golf coursemay have already occurred, the island has become in any real sense undevelopable. Rattlesnake's preservation has been one of Lake Group's conservation priorities for several years, and we rejoice in this outcome, while extending fervent commendations to Elem Colony leaders Ray and Jim Brown and archeologist John Parker. Let's have Bike Lanes Our campaign to persuade the county to implement the comprehensive network of bike lanes that have been included (on paper) in the new General Plan continues to gather momentum. These amenities are important for the safety and pleasure of residents and tourists alike, so volunteer activist Linda Marie has posted copies of a petition in likely locations throughout Lake County, including Watershed Books in Lakeport, and also to the Lake Group website. Please take a moment to add your name (wherever you may live) by visiting redwood.sierraclub.org/lake/bike.htm. For more information give Linda a call at 263-8902. |
Subdivisions on the March On April 4 the Board of Supervisors unaccountably disregarded the advice of its own staff by letting the massive (1200 units, 18-hole golf course, commercial space) Cristallago project move ahead despite its variance from planning documents, lack of infrastructure, and potential environmental hazards. A full environmental impact report will be required, and many opportunities still exist to mitigate the destructive effects of development on this site, but in the meantime the Board's decision in effect declared Open Season on Open Land in Lake County, by telling developers that if putative economic benefits are presented persuasively, then the rules can be rewritten at will. This is a dangerous message indeed, especially given the apparent readiness on the part of the Planning Commission and BOS to grant General Plan amendments on demandsometimes without even requiring an EIR. On a more positive note, the Lake Group was delighted to have an opportunity to refute the "no growth" accusation frequently leveled at the Sierra Club by publicly supporting Jim Fetzer's Ceago del Lago project, which will combine resort and residential facilities with a biodynamic vineyard and winery. In our opinion Ceago promises to construct a new model by which local agriculture can not only survive but also thrive, while cherishing the land itself. As evidenced by the chorus of approval at the April 25 meeting when Ceago got the green light, a lot of people seem to agree with us. |