LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to give a financial contribution to a new summer recreation program for at-risk youth in Clearlake.
The board – which has supported the Westshore Pool in Lakeport – agreed to give $5,000 to help kickstart the new Clearlake Summer Recreation Program, which will be launched this summer.
Dr. Bill MacDougall, who retires June 30 as superintendent of the Konocti Unified School District, has created the program, and is partnering with the Lake Community Pride Foundation – the group which now runs the Clearlake Youth Center – to make it happen.
“There’s a dearth of recreation programs for young people in Lake County,” MacDougall told the board.
Ultimately, MacDougall hopes to provide recreation programs for students throughout Lake County, but he plans to begin with a six-week program for 40 of Clearlake’s neediest students.
“What we're going to provide them with is the best summer of their life,” he said.
Next year there will be “The Sky’s the Limit” hot air balloon festival, which will be a fundraiser for the recreation program, said MacDougall.
“If you prime the pump we'll take it from here,” he said.
Supervisor Jim Comstock – who along with Supervisor Jeff Smith had taken the funding request to the board – said he had discussed the idea with MacDougall over the course of several months.
“Bill’s enthusiasm for everything he does is infectious,” MacDougall said.
Comstock said MacDougall isn’t retiring, he’s opening another chapter.
“I’m paying it forward,” MacDougall replied.
Smith said MacDougall’s “get it done” attitude reminded him of County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox, and he thought it would be great to see them as a team at some point.
Supervisor Denise Rushing said it was exciting to see this kind of organizing energy around the youth program.
Cox said he would find money somewhere in the budget, noting there is now a salary savings in the County Administrative Office. That’s because Cox – who officially retired in March – is working now in a volunteer capacity, and is not being paid a salary.
“There are many nonprofits we’ve turned away this year,” said Rushing, but none have come forward with a “prime the pump” strategy, just asking for help getting started.
Cox said making the contribution was appropriate, since the county has given $5,000 to support the Westshore Pool.
“This is transformational,” said Rushing.
Comstock moved to approve the funding, which the board voted 5-0 to support.
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