As has been reported in Lake County News, on March 2 the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2, with Supervisors Anthony Farrington and Denise Rushing dissenting, to grant the general plan amendments, rezones, and other entitlements requested by the Cristallago developers.

Despite this misguided decision, it is unlikely that such an outdated, unimaginative, financially implausible project will become a reality in an era when potential investors nationwide are demonstrating a strong inclination to keep their checkbooks in their pockets.

Cristallago’s most probable destiny is to join the ranks of Lake County’s many paper subdivisions, hopefully BEFORE woodlands are demolished, asbestos-laden soil is disturbed and the county is forced out of compliance with air quality standards.

Nonetheless, this board action is calamitous news for our community, because by eviscerating our excellent new general plan it cripples our ability to guide the future.

The smart growth principles at the core of the plan depend primarily on community growth boundaries designed to promote infill and prevent the relentless march of subdivisions from consuming farmland and other open space.

But now, according to the precedent three shortsighted supervisors set Tuesday, suburban density housing developments will be allowed just about anywhere as long as they include a "resort" component, which in accordance with the arguments that prevailed with the supervisors will be deemed “primary” by definition.

By leaving us vulnerable to the sprawl that has defaced so much of the rest of California they have acted in a way that is completely contrary to the expressed wishes of the citizenry.

Please take a moment to call 707-263-2368 to thank Supervisors Farrington and Rushing for defending the long term welfare of our county, and for the well-reasoned, eloquent arguments that they presented in support of their positions.

Victoria Brandon lives in Lower Lake.