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Opinion
In response to the letter to the editor submitted by Rebecca Curry (“Curry: Measure N is bad policy,” Friday, May 2, http://bit.ly/1mM4Uue ), I can relate to Ms. Curry’s position regarding bad policy and I agree that the California State Democratic Party’s adopted 2014 platform supports the legalization, taxation and regulation of marijuana.
Ensuring the “safety and quality of life” of our citizens is also a part of the Democratic Party’s 2014 Platform and why I support a Yes vote on Measure N.
I have seen what has happened here in Lake County to its citizens, neighborhoods and communities in the last few months under the interim ordinance; I don’t even want to think about what will likely happen if no ordinance is in place to regulate marijuana cultivation.
California Proposition 215, known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, was good policy, but something went terribly wrong.
In my opinion, the blatant abuse of the compassionate intent of Proposition 215 has resulted in an inability to ensure the safety and quality of life for many citizens and the communities in which they live, work and play.
Likewise, the interim marijuana cultivation ordinance was a good policy, but once again, badly abused by many and impossible to enforce in a timely and meaningful manner.
The parties involved on both sides of Measure N knew the interim ordinance was approaching a sunset (early July 2014). I wish we could’ve worked proactively together to create a balanced ordinance instead of spending time and energy on campaigns for and against Measure N.
But, as I recall, that united effort was attempted. A committee was formed, led by Supervisor Denise Rushing, then it was too quickly disbanded because one member (a marijuana grower) filed suit against the county in the midst of the committee discussions. A valiant and reasonable attempt at democracy failed because of one player.
In a recent letter to the editor, Ron Green concedes, “Of course, there are some bad players that are growing cannabis, but they are a small minority.”
There are many bad players and even more who are pushing the envelope based on greed and profit, not medicinal needs, resulting in county citizens – youth, adults and seniors – subjected to unsafe and unreasonable living situations.
The marijuana cultivation in Lake County is adversely affecting the health, safety and well-being of the county, its residents and the environment.
Contrary to the statements made by opponents of Yes on N, Measure N is enforceable and provides the framework for safer communities; Measure N is endorsed by the Lake County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
I respect your point of view Ms. Curry; my point of view is based on the Democratic peoples right to safety and quality of life.
Vote Yes on N.
Monica Rosenthal lives in Middletown, Calif. She is treasurer for the citizens committee to support Measure N.
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- Written by: Monica Rosenthal
The purpose for setting aside recreational areas by federal, state and local levels of government is for publicly owned lands to simply be … enjoyed.
With these thoughts in mind, I recently rode my horse at Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest on Cobb Mountain.
We met mountain bikers training for an event. The first person engaged us in conversation, stating she and fellow bikers were aware of trail etiquette, and were therefore making best efforts to work with equestrians in sharing the park. We thanked her, and agreed that horses and bikers could peacefully enjoy the same areas, with education and etiquette being the key to success.
After a long, peaceful ride for miles through pleasant pine, newly greening oak trees and flowering dogwood, we circled back toward the mountain biker camp. I took my horse through their tape corridors and finish line to check her reaction to a new experience. She hesitantly started through and then enjoyed the challenge of overcoming her fears.
Then, for the first time, my horse saw a mountain biker riding a different trail in the distance. She stopped and watched with alert interest. The next mountain biker we met approached us on the same trail. He stopped, pulled his bike off the path and waited for us to pass. We thanked him. Our horses were not afraid, because the biker was not speeding. The biker was polite and used proper trail etiquette, as did our group.
There may be a few mountain bikers who speed, with a disregard for other park enthusiasts. And there may be a few equestrians, who overreact to the infrequent horse / mountain biker incident. But these people are few, and could benefit by following trail etiquette.
The majority of people who delight in recreational park use visit these areas for reclaiming the solace that nature provides our souls. They seek the opportunity for observing beauty, discovering inner reflection and relaxation from a hurried life style. Others recognize the important daily experience that exercise provides to the human body.
After all, the intent of designating publicly owned land is to set aside areas for public enjoyment.
Anna Ravenwoode is a lifelong equestrian. She lives in Kelseyville, Calif.
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- Written by: Anna Rose Ravenwoode
It seems appropriate to respond to Nelson Strasser’s letter to the editor in the Lake County News last Thursday (“Strasser: Mobile home park owners lose their way,” May 1, http://bit.ly/1o57ijF ) as he failed to include valuable information regarding the efforts of the owners of Fairgrounds Village to offer affordable housing to our residents.
Nelson has been a one man tour de force the past few years in Lakeport trying to pass a mobile home rent control ordinance, meeting with city officials, qualifying an initiative and even defending it himself, unsuccessfully, before a judge.
By the number of supporters that show up at Lakeport City Council meetings to support the rent control effort, no one seems to be upset except Nelson. It seems more like a personal quest than a broad-based community effort.
Is there a need for rent control in Lakeport? This is one of the most affordable communities in the state. Property owners within Lakeport have been modest with rent increases.
Nelson lives at Fairgrounds Village Mobile Home Park. Most residents pay $312 per month for space rent, the lowest rent for a senior mobile home park in town. Rents for other mobile home parks in Lakeport range from $382 to $743.
Rent control ordinances tend to be costly to administer as they often result in expensive legal battles paid by taxpayers and they create acrimonious relationships between property owners and tenants.
Recognizing the need to provide affordable housing and peace of mind for our residents we are offering a long-term lease effectively locking existing residents in at below market rents as long as they live at Fairgrounds Village.
Annual increases are tied to CPI with a minimum increase of 3 percent (10-year average is 2.5 percent) and in no event to exceed 8 percent protecting residents from runaway inflation.
The business terms of the lease are substantially similar to a lease negotiated and approved several years ago by Lake County mobile home residents, park owners and elected officials.
The lease terms proposed were warmly received in a preliminary meeting with a group of Fairgrounds Village residents, Nelson excepted.
Nelson failed to mention that the property owners have invested $75,000 since purchasing the property including a new park and remodeled clubhouse and have yet to take any profits.
Nelson also failed to mention that we offer an affordable housing rent credit to widows who struggle financially so they can remain in their home? Are these lies by omission?
We are hopeful that our residents will accept the lease offered and everyone can go back to doing what they came to Lakeport for in the first place … to enjoy this wonderful community.
McKay Florence is owner of Fairgrounds Village Mobile Home Park in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: McKay Florence
I left my Kindle in a shopping cart in Grocery Outlet in Lakeport.
The case was marked with my name and phone number.
The store surveillance tape showed the young man taking my Kindle out of the case and discarding it, then hiding the Kindle under his groceries.
If I get it back, I will not press charges, thanks.
Dave Gebhard lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Dave Gebhard