Letters
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- Written by: Michael S. Green
CAP’s founding members state the cannabis “floodgates” opened in 2018, while permit approval has been more of a slow, steady drip spanning years for most applicants. For fiscal year 2022-23, Lake County had only 38 annual state licenses, less than 1% of all licenses issued statewide. The 2023 Lake County crop report showed 219 total acres of state-licensed cannabis cultivation, but more than 10,000 acres of wine grapes. Who’s flooding whom?
Yes, cannabis prices are trending down as state licensing comes online, and it doesn’t help when illicit growers continue to engage in unfair competition. State and local taxes certainly present a challenge. However, federal tax policy is the larger concern because cannabis business owners can’t deduct most business expenses under Internal Revenue Code Sec. 280(e). Don’t hold your breath waiting for cannabis tax reform as the DOGE wrecking ball takes aim at the IRS and other federal agencies.
CAP members suggest planning resources could be better used on other projects, but planners don’t get to pick and choose when and where projects are proposed. When an application is filed, they perform site-specific analysis and environmental review to ensure all state and local standards are met. The Lake County Planning Commission conducts public hearings, and its permit approvals can be appealed. Our robust cannabis ordinance protects public health and safety, not in theory but in daily practice.
CAP suggests processing new cannabis applications will “doom” small growers. Not so. As of today, there are nearly 150 licensed cannabis operations in Lake County, still less than 2% of licenses statewide. This slow but steady growth shows ingenuity and business savvy, not gloom and doom.
Measure C was not designed to deliver “return on investment” to anyone. It was designed to allow the county and its communities to see added value from the investments made by cannabis businesses, and it has done exactly that since its passage. Throttling cannabis permit applications after years of sustainable growth won’t protect local growers from competitors large and small, but it would seriously damage Lake County’s newest agricultural sector – and the jobs and taxes it generates.
Michael S. Green is the former District 4 supervisor. He lives in Lakeport, California.
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- Written by: Carolynn Jarrett
It is my understanding that the environmental impact report for the project was accepted by both the state of California and seven tribes, but not the Koi Nation.
They sued in court and lost, and now are appealing, as is their right. However, it may take from 12 to 18 months to settle this appeal, and while Clearlake city officials try to be confident of the outcome, there is a group, without a voice in this matter, which is bearing the brunt of this conflict: our kids.
The need for positive recreational opportunities for Clearlake youth is clear and overwhelming and has been for years.
A 12- to 18-month delay for this project means kids could still be facing teen pregnancy, drug abuse, truancy and delinquency when they could be developing social, cultural, artistic, and physical skills on the field and at the new recreation center.
As adults, we need to decide what we want for our kids. Our City Council has worked hard to get this project to this point. I respectfully ask the Koi Nation to reconsider their appeal of this court decision and put the best interests of our children at the forefront of all of our actions.
Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake, California.
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- Written by: Julia Carrera
My name is Julia Carrera, and as a dedicated member of our community, I’m excited to announce my candidacy for District 3 supervisor of Lake County. The election will take place on June 2, 2026, but this month I officially launched my campaign.
I’ve lived in Upper Lake since 2016, though I’ve called Lake County home for over 50 years, residing both part-time and full-time in Lakeport and Kelseyville. While my primary schooling was in Santa Rosa at Ursuline High School, I later attended St. Mary’s College of California for my undergraduate studies. I pursued a Master of Science degree afterward, which led me to find my calling in the healing arts — a career I am grateful for. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that nature — my true love — was where I wanted to spend my time.
Growing up playing among the tules and enjoying the natural hot springs of Clear Lake, I was inspired to become an environmental scientist. With my Potter Valley Pomo heritage, my deep-rooted connection to nature has always guided my path. After spending many rewarding years working in alternative medicine, I returned to my roots in the environmental field, founding my environmental compliance business, Julia Carrera & Associates. Over almost two decades, I’ve traveled the hills, creeks, rivers, and backroads of Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt and Trinity counties, retiring from my business in December 2023.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with various agencies and organizations, including local and state government bodies, environmental task forces, and the private sector. This diverse experience has equipped me with unique knowledge and skills to serve as your District 3 supervisor, where I am committed to creating a future that benefits everyone in Lake County.
District 3, with its vast geography and diverse communities, deserves strong leadership with a true work ethic. Through my campaign, I am committed to ensuring greater transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in our local government. I’ve launched Coffee with the Candidate as a way to engage with you directly — please check my facebook page for locations and times: https://www.facebook.com/juliaforsupervisor2026. And here is my website address: https://juliaforsupervisor2026.com.
I am also canvassing door-to-door and gate-to-gate to meet as many of you as possible. District 3 is the largest district in Lake County, and it will take me over a year to visit every home, but I’m dedicated to the process.
Since retiring, I’ve remained active in volunteering, sharing my experience with a variety of local organizations. I work with groups that support seniors, protect natural resources like California’s Oak Woodlands, and advocate for our neighborhoods, communities and their environment. I also serve in various business and civic organizations to promote innovation and collaboration throughout Lake County.
If elected as your District 3 supervisor, I promise to work tirelessly for the well-being of our beautiful Lake County. I will also commit 10% of the supervisorial salary to support innovative and action-oriented nonprofits, school districts, and individuals within our community and within our county government. I invite you to join me for Coffee with the Candidate to learn more about this and share your ideas for the well-being of Lake County.
I hope to earn your trust and your vote in 2026, and together, we can make Lake County a better place for all.
We can do better together.
Julia Carrera lives in Upper Lake, California.
- Details
- Written by: Carolynn Jarrett
Supervisor Brad Rasmussen presented Phil Kirby with a certificate acknowledging and thanking him for his 51 years of service in education in Lake County.
A representative of Congressman Mike Thompson gave Phil a similar framed declaration of thanks that had been read into the Congressional Record.
The board and the audience stood and clapped, and Phil remarked as you would expect him to that “it’s always been about the kids.”
Phil started out in Lake County as the principal of Lower Lake High School in the Konocti Unified School District. He then went to the County Office of Education and ran the School Attendance Review Board for many years.
The icing on his educational cake was 17 years as a trustee on the Lakeport Unified School Board. In between he often worked as a substitute administrator at various schools.
Phil just had this wonderful aura. He was all ears and heart. He would listen; he would care. But you also felt that there was absolutely no-nonsense about him.
When I was taking a student and their parents to the School Attendance Review Board board, it meant that all the school-based interventions had not worked. They were still truant.
Phil would preside like a Solomon; each side, the school, the kid, the parents, would walk away feeling like a solution had been reached. Responsibility had been properly laid out, and expectations and consequences were clear going forward.
When he came to sub for the principal at Pomo Elementary, he was out on the playground at every recess. He was always surrounded by kids.
I wish that more of Phil’s colleagues could have been present on Feb. 4 to witness him being honored.
I feel grateful that I have known and worked with Phil who has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many students throughout the county.
Thank you, Phil!
Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake, California.
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