The designation would apply to Highway 53 between its junctions with Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks and Highway 29 in Lower Lake.
On Thursday evening, the Clearlake City Council voted 5-0 to approve a request for support presented by Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain, in his capacity at Clearlake Rotary's president, and Rotary Secretary Carl Webb.
In a letter McClain had sent to both the supervisors and the council, he said that Caltrans has indicated that all of Highway 53 is available for adoption.
The council agenda had incorrectly stated that the Rotary was seeking to have the portion of highway named after Lance Cpl. Ivan Wilson, killed last year in Afghanistan.
McClain said the intent wasn't to honor one person but, rather, all veterans.
He added, however, that Wilson's death had brought home to many community members the high cost that can come with service to the country.
“This was started because of the emotions and the things that people felt when we brought one of our own home,” McClain said.
Webb agreed that everyone has a special spot in their hearts for Wilson, but they want to honor all veterans of all wars with the effort.
Vice Mayor Judy Thein said she thought it would be a powerful gesture, and pledged 100-percent support.
Councilman Roy Simons said the thought of what veterans have given for this country “breaks my heart. I don't know what else to say.”
The council's 5-0 vote for the proposal earned a round of applause.
On Tuesday, Webb and fellow Rotarian Bill Cornelison spoke to the Board of Supervisors about the plan.
Webb and Cornelison indicated they had support from Caltrans, but that the Rotary would have to pay for the signs.
Cornelison said Assemblyman Wes Chesbro has indicated through his staff that he's willing to introduce a bill dedicating the highway, which would go to the Legislature early next year.
District 1 Supervisor Jim Comstock pointed out that the effort is especially appropriate in Lake County, which has a very high percentage of veterans.
“I think this is a great spot to offer this honor,” said Supervisor Rob Brown, noting that the county received a great when it hosted The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial, in June.
He pointed out that the stretch of highway set for the designation overlooks a property that the county has dedicated for a memorial park to Wilson. Brown said it's a good spot, with a good organization to head up the effort.
“I too support this. It's a very good idea,” said Board Chair Denise Rushing.
The Board of Supervisors approved the request for support unanimously.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
