6.11 24-12491:30 P.M. - (a) Consideration of a Draft Response to the United States Board on Geographic Names' Domestic Names Committee Regarding Citizens for Healing's Proposal to Change the Name of Kelseyville to Konocti; (b) Modify and Approve the BGN's Standard Recommendation Form, for Submittal with Your Board's Response
No means NO. Keep the name. It is very odd timing to have this as an agenda item when in a few weeks we will have two BOS replaced. (I am not certain, but I'm pretty sure the two newly elected members are against the name change)
Citizens For Healing, with Lorna Sides, are the proponents for changing the name of Kelseyville to Konocti. We recommend that the Board of Supervisors support the proposal.
The policy of the Board on Geographic Names (BGN) allows a name to be changed which "is derogatory or is shown to be offensive to a particular racial or ethnic group, gender, or religious group."
The atrocities of Andy Kelsey, his brothers, and Stone are not disputed. But the commemoration of Kelsey in the name of the town is offensive to the descendants of those he abused, and a constant reminder of the 99% of land and 97% of the population that they lost. All seven Lake County Tribes have submitted letters to the BGN in support of the name change. In February 2021 the board issued a proclamation promoting "Tolerance, Respect, Equity and Inclusion". Keeping this offensive town name is not respectful to the Natives of Lake County.
We regard the Measure U ballot as an imprecise way of addressing a moral issue. Suppose all Native electors had voted "Yes" and all non-natives, "No" -- with the result 3% to 97%. Would this make the name no longer offensive to the 3%? Certainly not.
Our opponents (Save The Name of Kelseyville / Save Kelseyville) claim that the town was named for some other, benign Kelsey. But the history, mainly in census records and period newspaper articles, shows there were only two Kelsey families in Lake County around 1865, when the name Kelseyville first appears, and that William Kelsay lobbied for the town to be named after his distant cousin, Andy. A Lake County judge established "The Town of Kelseyville" as an assessor district in 1871.
Recent information from the BGN and USPS shows that if the name of the zip code is changed, then mail to either the old or new addresses will get through. For individuals, no change of address is required. For example, banks will automatically adjust to the new address. There is no need to change a drivers license, at least until it is renewed. No deeds or other documents need to be changed.
A few businesses - such as those with an Alcohol and Tobacco license - may need to file a change of address.
No business is required to change its name. Those that choose to do so would only have to file the new fictitious name with the county.
In conclusion, we are confident that the wonderful town will continue to thrive under the new name.
The choices listed are unnecessary. This is a simple decision for the BOS. The vote was a landslide in favor of keeping Kelseyville, Kelseyville. The people have spoken.
The decision is simple. A vote was taken by the entire county at the request of the BOS. Any vote other than a vote to reject the proposed name change (option 1) is irresponsible. I am totally confused why the BOS would think the same democratic process that put them in office should be ignored and not respected.
The idea that the town can only be "saved" by retaining the name of the rapist and murderer is absurd. Unlike Pomo communities in this region, the town is in no danger of being obliterated and its residents killed. Any business owner who wishes to continue to honor Kelsey is free to retain his name in their business name. I agree that Kelsey Creek should also be renamed and hope the County will respect the wishes of the Pomo community in doing so.
We elect the BOS to represent us because the community cannot vote on every issue that comes up. Because we did actually vote on this issue, your personal opinion in this instance is irrelevant. You must relay the overwhelming wish of the people of the county (70%) and the even more overwhelming wishes of the people of Kelseyville (80%) to stop the process of trying to change our name at this time. Option one is the only acceptable option. You are welcome to send a post card with your personal opinions to the BGN.
The people of our county overwhelming voted opposing the name change. Your job as a Supervisor is to represent those who elected you, not to have you go with your personal view in contrast to the vote of the people!
My Grandpa and my Dad were against this, as am I, and the rest of my family; we stand OPPOSED to any name changes!!
Braito's say NO along with the 70.5% of the county voters indicated NO CHANGE to the name of Kelseyville!!
Was Measure U a farce? A waste of taxpayers time, energy and money?
BOS: you must honor the voices of your constituents!
As elected officials it is your duty to represent the constituents who gave you the privilege of your positions as the Board of Supervisors. You chose to add Measure U to the ballot to measure how the citizens of Lake County felt about the name change of Kelseyville to Konocti & 70% of the voters opposed the name change. As representatives of those citizens, your constituents, it is your responsibility to represent the interests of the community & reject the name change.
Our board needs to listen and respect the vote of the people. Up until now, at no time has anyone reached out from the BOS, the tribes, or C4H to discuss issues regarding the vote, possible out comes, other options, etc. If the boards position is anything other than option one then this item should be postponed.
Considering the consequences of a name change of this magnitude, the community should have time to discuss options amongst itself the community, with the tribes, with other supervisors. With the exceptions of Mr. McCloud, Katie Ray, Gilbert Rangel and Supervisor Pyska, no one has reached out or had a discussion with our community to discuss other options. an example is the fact that the name to replace Kelseyville was chosen by one person, with no input from our community. One person decides our new name. Why??? Why was there not discussion on possibly the name change of a Natural Feature, say Kelsey Creek, first. Before changing the name of our town. If in fact the name changes, there will be conflict, there will be issues amongst community members, this should be discussed and worked out before a name change, not after. Again if anything other than option one is proposed then this item should be moved well into next year so that the community can take a shot at trying to remedy this problem ourselves. We the people have reached out to our BOS (Leaders) to help guide us through this difficult time. And to this point, with the exception of Supervisor Pyska, no one has put any effort out to help guide our community. we would like the time to address all issues and be better informed before moving forward. Just two working days after the vote is certified we're back in the Chambers, that is not enough time for any of us to deal with all that's going on. Please BOS, option 1, if we are not able to do that, then you should give the community more time and more support and help getting to the other side of this issue.
You had the county vote to see where the citizens stood on this issue. It was extremely overwhelming that the citizens of lake County oppose the name change. You were elected to be the voice of your constituents. It is your duty to vote against the name change. Any other vote and we will need to pursue recalls as you can not be trusted to vote as the true voice of the people that elected you.
Dear Board of Supervisors. Please leave the name Kelseyville as Kelseyville. I was born and raised and still live in Kelseyville. It has nothing to do with that person they say it does. The name Kelseyville came after 150 years. Please leave it as is.
Dear Board of Supervisors,
From the Voters Pamphlet: Measure U:
“Shall the Board of Supervisors recommend approval of the proposal to change the name of the town of Kelseyville to Konocti?”
“A No vote on this advisory measure is a vote against the County of Lake Board of Supervisors recommending approval of the proposal to change the name of the town of Kelseyville to Konocti.”
70.5% of the county voters say NO. No change to the name of Kelseyville is what you are required to recommend per Measure U.
All five of you must honor the results of your constituents’ votes.
No name change.
Option 1 in your December 10 Draft Letter.
If the 5 members of the BOS wanted to decide this matter on their own, they had that chance last summer. Instead, they left the decision up to the citizens of Lake County. A very good decision in my opinion. The resulting landslide vote against changing the name obviously answered the question on where Lake County stands on this issue. Option 1 is the only responsible decision the BOS can make. It would be hard to imagine a worse betrayal of the public's trust in government if their elected representatives ignored such an election mandate. What would be next, a Board refusing to certify an election after incumbents had lost? Be careful with this decision, the respect and integrity of the BOS is at stake here.
Fact: A majority of Lake County voters don't want to change the name of Kelseyville to Konocti.
Thankfully that fact will never change the fact that Andrew Kelsey committed enslavement, rape and murder of indigenous people.
Saleen Grace Waters
We have lived in Kelseyville for 47 yrs. we are invested, We voted and we expect our vote to be recognized. We are very familiar with people who's families have lived, invested, thrived in Kelseyville for many generations. We expect that the will of the people be known and
respected. Kelseyville should remain Kelseyville. You've heard all the pro's and con's, we voted to keep our name Kelseyville. This is not the government of the government...this is the government of the people and the PEOPLE want to keep the name Kelseyville...as was the determination of the vote.
No means NO. Keep the name. It is very odd timing to have this as an agenda item when in a few weeks we will have two BOS replaced. (I am not certain, but I'm pretty sure the two newly elected members are against the name change)
LISTEN TO OUR TRIBES!!!
this isnt a political issue its a moral one.
DO THE RIGHT THING
Citizens For Healing, with Lorna Sides, are the proponents for changing the name of Kelseyville to Konocti. We recommend that the Board of Supervisors support the proposal.
The policy of the Board on Geographic Names (BGN) allows a name to be changed which "is derogatory or is shown to be offensive to a particular racial or ethnic group, gender, or religious group."
The atrocities of Andy Kelsey, his brothers, and Stone are not disputed. But the commemoration of Kelsey in the name of the town is offensive to the descendants of those he abused, and a constant reminder of the 99% of land and 97% of the population that they lost. All seven Lake County Tribes have submitted letters to the BGN in support of the name change. In February 2021 the board issued a proclamation promoting "Tolerance, Respect, Equity and Inclusion". Keeping this offensive town name is not respectful to the Natives of Lake County.
We regard the Measure U ballot as an imprecise way of addressing a moral issue. Suppose all Native electors had voted "Yes" and all non-natives, "No" -- with the result 3% to 97%. Would this make the name no longer offensive to the 3%? Certainly not.
Our opponents (Save The Name of Kelseyville / Save Kelseyville) claim that the town was named for some other, benign Kelsey. But the history, mainly in census records and period newspaper articles, shows there were only two Kelsey families in Lake County around 1865, when the name Kelseyville first appears, and that William Kelsay lobbied for the town to be named after his distant cousin, Andy. A Lake County judge established "The Town of Kelseyville" as an assessor district in 1871.
Recent information from the BGN and USPS shows that if the name of the zip code is changed, then mail to either the old or new addresses will get through. For individuals, no change of address is required. For example, banks will automatically adjust to the new address. There is no need to change a drivers license, at least until it is renewed. No deeds or other documents need to be changed.
A few businesses - such as those with an Alcohol and Tobacco license - may need to file a change of address.
No business is required to change its name. Those that choose to do so would only have to file the new fictitious name with the county.
In conclusion, we are confident that the wonderful town will continue to thrive under the new name.
The choices listed are unnecessary. This is a simple decision for the BOS. The vote was a landslide in favor of keeping Kelseyville, Kelseyville. The people have spoken.
The people have voted to reject a name change. Your vote needs to reflect the majority vote.
The decision is simple. A vote was taken by the entire county at the request of the BOS. Any vote other than a vote to reject the proposed name change (option 1) is irresponsible. I am totally confused why the BOS would think the same democratic process that put them in office should be ignored and not respected.
The idea that the town can only be "saved" by retaining the name of the rapist and murderer is absurd. Unlike Pomo communities in this region, the town is in no danger of being obliterated and its residents killed. Any business owner who wishes to continue to honor Kelsey is free to retain his name in their business name. I agree that Kelsey Creek should also be renamed and hope the County will respect the wishes of the Pomo community in doing so.
We elect the BOS to represent us because the community cannot vote on every issue that comes up. Because we did actually vote on this issue, your personal opinion in this instance is irrelevant. You must relay the overwhelming wish of the people of the county (70%) and the even more overwhelming wishes of the people of Kelseyville (80%) to stop the process of trying to change our name at this time. Option one is the only acceptable option. You are welcome to send a post card with your personal opinions to the BGN.
The people of our county overwhelming voted opposing the name change. Your job as a Supervisor is to represent those who elected you, not to have you go with your personal view in contrast to the vote of the people!
My Grandpa and my Dad were against this, as am I, and the rest of my family; we stand OPPOSED to any name changes!!
Braito's say NO along with the 70.5% of the county voters indicated NO CHANGE to the name of Kelseyville!!
Was Measure U a farce? A waste of taxpayers time, energy and money?
BOS: you must honor the voices of your constituents!
As elected officials it is your duty to represent the constituents who gave you the privilege of your positions as the Board of Supervisors. You chose to add Measure U to the ballot to measure how the citizens of Lake County felt about the name change of Kelseyville to Konocti & 70% of the voters opposed the name change. As representatives of those citizens, your constituents, it is your responsibility to represent the interests of the community & reject the name change.
Our board needs to listen and respect the vote of the people. Up until now, at no time has anyone reached out from the BOS, the tribes, or C4H to discuss issues regarding the vote, possible out comes, other options, etc. If the boards position is anything other than option one then this item should be postponed.
Considering the consequences of a name change of this magnitude, the community should have time to discuss options amongst itself the community, with the tribes, with other supervisors. With the exceptions of Mr. McCloud, Katie Ray, Gilbert Rangel and Supervisor Pyska, no one has reached out or had a discussion with our community to discuss other options. an example is the fact that the name to replace Kelseyville was chosen by one person, with no input from our community. One person decides our new name. Why??? Why was there not discussion on possibly the name change of a Natural Feature, say Kelsey Creek, first. Before changing the name of our town. If in fact the name changes, there will be conflict, there will be issues amongst community members, this should be discussed and worked out before a name change, not after. Again if anything other than option one is proposed then this item should be moved well into next year so that the community can take a shot at trying to remedy this problem ourselves. We the people have reached out to our BOS (Leaders) to help guide us through this difficult time. And to this point, with the exception of Supervisor Pyska, no one has put any effort out to help guide our community. we would like the time to address all issues and be better informed before moving forward. Just two working days after the vote is certified we're back in the Chambers, that is not enough time for any of us to deal with all that's going on. Please BOS, option 1, if we are not able to do that, then you should give the community more time and more support and help getting to the other side of this issue.
You had the county vote to see where the citizens stood on this issue. It was extremely overwhelming that the citizens of lake County oppose the name change. You were elected to be the voice of your constituents. It is your duty to vote against the name change. Any other vote and we will need to pursue recalls as you can not be trusted to vote as the true voice of the people that elected you.
Dear Board of Supervisors. Please leave the name Kelseyville as Kelseyville. I was born and raised and still live in Kelseyville. It has nothing to do with that person they say it does. The name Kelseyville came after 150 years. Please leave it as is.
Measure U Failed by more than 70%.
Option 1 is the only option! Reject the name change!
Dear Board of Supervisors,
From the Voters Pamphlet: Measure U:
“Shall the Board of Supervisors recommend approval of the proposal to change the name of the town of Kelseyville to Konocti?”
“A No vote on this advisory measure is a vote against the County of Lake Board of Supervisors recommending approval of the proposal to change the name of the town of Kelseyville to Konocti.”
70.5% of the county voters say NO. No change to the name of Kelseyville is what you are required to recommend per Measure U.
All five of you must honor the results of your constituents’ votes.
No name change.
Option 1 in your December 10 Draft Letter.
If the 5 members of the BOS wanted to decide this matter on their own, they had that chance last summer. Instead, they left the decision up to the citizens of Lake County. A very good decision in my opinion. The resulting landslide vote against changing the name obviously answered the question on where Lake County stands on this issue. Option 1 is the only responsible decision the BOS can make. It would be hard to imagine a worse betrayal of the public's trust in government if their elected representatives ignored such an election mandate. What would be next, a Board refusing to certify an election after incumbents had lost? Be careful with this decision, the respect and integrity of the BOS is at stake here.
I fully support the name change. It is the right thing to do.
Fact: A majority of Lake County voters don't want to change the name of Kelseyville to Konocti.
Thankfully that fact will never change the fact that Andrew Kelsey committed enslavement, rape and murder of indigenous people.
Saleen Grace Waters
We have lived in Kelseyville for 47 yrs. we are invested, We voted and we expect our vote to be recognized. We are very familiar with people who's families have lived, invested, thrived in Kelseyville for many generations. We expect that the will of the people be known and
respected. Kelseyville should remain Kelseyville. You've heard all the pro's and con's, we voted to keep our name Kelseyville. This is not the government of the government...this is the government of the people and the PEOPLE want to keep the name Kelseyville...as was the determination of the vote.