LUCERNE – In a Saturday update meeting on Lucerne's water problems and progress, more than 30 residents heard from District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing that "This is a very complex problem. It's going to take a great deal of time, and some political will from Lucerne."

Lucerne Community Water Organization (LCWO) and LucerneFLOW (Friends of Locally Owned Water) sponsored the afternoon gathering.

The groups had earlier approached the Lake County Board of Supervisors to consider intervening on the town's behalf in the latest rate increase requested by California Water Service (CWS).

The board is considering both that request and a feasibility study on whether Lucerne can acquire the current system as a public entity.

"The problem with these feasibility studies," Rushing said, "is that the answer is usually it costs too much."

She noted there have been recent sharp increases in construction materials such as concrete and pipe, and that water systems throughout the county are not the only infrastructure in serious need of replacement or upgrades.

Bob Stark, manager of the Cobb Water District, was in the audience and confirmed that prices are rising. He said the cost per linear foot of pipe now is $83.

Stark said that for years he has been advising his district not to put its money in the bank, but "in the ground."

Rushing said Kelly Cox, Lake County's administrative officer, is well aware of the need for money to stay in Lucerne, rather than leave the area as utility payments.

She added that most community improvement projects on the Northshore have failed for lack of volunteers, including proposed youth activities. Volunteers also have been vital to the operation of the Cobb and Clearlake Oaks water districts, she and Stark said.

Rushing advised the Lucerne group to "start small, stay organized and support your existing organizations."

The meeting ended with a free drawing for tickets to Sol Fest, sponsored by the Solar Living Institute over the weekend in Hopland.

LCWO and Lucerne flow will hold elections for each group's five-member board of directors on Sept. 15 at a 12:30 p.m. meeting at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, Country Club Drive at 10th Ave.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}