6.8 25-1061:00 P.M. - Consideration of Letters to (a) the United States Board on Geographic Names' (BGN's) Domestic Names Committee and (b) the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN) recommending changes to BGN's Principles, Policies, and Practices, in light of the January 20, 2025, Presidential Executive Order, "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness"
As someone who works in history, it has been incredibly disheartening to see how many people who claim deep family roots in our community remain unaware of Lake County’s full history. I’m also disappointed by the narrative that Kelseyville is only defined by its recent past, while ignoring the violent actions of Stone and Kelsey—men whose legacy is built on the exploitation and brutalization of Indigenous people. Our community should honor a name that reflects our shared values of respect and inclusivity, rather than one tied to such a painful history. Recognizing the truth of our past isn’t about erasing history—it’s about ensuring that we build a future based on justice and understanding.
Citizens For Healing welcomes this motion and had already planned to offer "advice" to all parties once the process is complete.
The proposed letters reflect the viewpoint of the Board of Supervisors but do not adequately express the frustration of the proponents of the name change—nor, I suspect, that of the opponents or of the Tribes.
Your plea for a better solution, coupled with my lifetime's experience, has already inspired me to draft potential procedures. (Some of you may know that I was a 'supervisor' of an English town that merged with its neighbor, a process that involved a name change. My past job titles include 'Principal Systems Analyst'.)
At the very least, I recommend sending a single letter to both the BGN and CACGN, as there is significant procedural and jurisdictional overlap in their activities.
The renaming process is still ongoing, so I suspect we will have more to add once it is complete. Furthermore, CACGN has not yet announced the replacement committee member for our case and is preparing for its February meeting (as am I). Beyond that, the BGN recently lost a critical, experienced staff member. I doubt that a letter sent now would receive the attention it deserves from either party.
I therefore propose waiting until after this case is resolved and hope that the letter will include input from all parties involved.
Alan Fletcher, CEO, C4HA (the organized version of C4H) alanf777@gmail.com
Requesting guidance from the BGN is fine, but not to stir the pot any further. The Board’s stance on the name change recommendation should remain. As you stated to both the state and federal entities that assess name changes, “…our collective awareness of the violent acts of Kelsey and Stone demands change. Therefore it is our collective recommendation your Committee approve the proposed name change.”
Your recommendation is in alignment with both the spirit and intent of the laws and policies of this land regarding naming conventions. The communities most impacted by the current name have already spoken their peace and they have requested the name change. Thank you for standing up for what’s right.
The board of supervisor needs to uphold the 2/3 vote measures U keep the name of Kelseyville. The indigenous American board members should have been recuse themselves from vote if they can't vote with the people they are voted to represent.
From the very beginning, the BGN/CACGN process appeared to be vague and unhelpful. Neither "side" of this incredibly nuanced and contentious issue was ever going to truly win. The *process* must be changed, regardless of the outcome. The recent EO calls for an update to policies and procedures to the BGN's work...this is EXACTLY the time to propose a new process, as our community has spent the last year plus trying to make sense of the process. We have knowledge and experience now, on both sides. What an incredible opportunity we are presented with, to come together and say, "no, the BGN was not set up to help us, but you can fix it and here are our suggestions from our lived experience."
This comment isn't about whether the name should stay Kelseyville or be changed to something else, as that is not the topic on the agenda. I'm focusing solely on the proposed letters.
The debate over the Kelseyville name change isn’t just a local controversy; it’s a moral test of our community’s values. While the majority’s decision is often final, it should not seal our conscience when it comes to righting historical wrongs. Ignoring the suffering linked to the Kelseyville name because it’s convenient or cheaper dismisses the voices of those who continue to feel the sting of that legacy.
Those who have naturally positioned themselves, shifting burden to outside agencies, are active participants in denying a painful truth. Their neutrality is complicity, a shield behind which lies a refusal to confront our dark past. By sidestepping this issue, they and their supporters within the community are effectively endorsing a historical narrative that glorifies oppression.
Changing the name of Kelseyville will not erase the stories of trauma endured by our Indigenous neighbors. However, maintaining the name continues to honor a legacy of brutality, rape, and theft. How can we claim to be a community that values all of its members while we hold on to symbols of their subjugation?
Those who resist this change under the guise of financial concern or respect for a flawed majority vote are engaging in a form of moral evasion. It’s easier to cite budgets and democratic outcomes than to face the ethical obligations of justice and reconciliation.
We must challenge not only the Board but also ourselves. Leadership that cannot face history with honesty does not deserve to steer our future.
This is not just about a name; it’s about what we stand for as a NATION. Will we choose comfort over justice, or will we have the courage to build a legacy that truly honors all of our citizens? The time for neutrality has passed. Now is the time for action.
I am writing in hopes of convincing people to stop fighting about the name of Kelseyville.
I do not have any 'skin in the game;' I do not own a business that incorporates the name; I am not a native American whose ancestors were mistreated by someone with the name. I am a merely a local citizen upset that mere nomenclature is causing pain and division.
I urge members of this community to acknowledge that sentiment against the name is real and valid. Descendants of native peoples involved in the unfortunate incidents of the 19th century really do have legitimate feelings about the name of the town. And people who own businesses incorporating the name; have invested decades in marketing the name; have grown up and used the name to honor successes in sports, academics, etc. all have very strong feelings too. Those feelings are likewise valid.
This fight is making the whole town look bad. No longer does Kelseyville seem to be a "friendly country town."
Please consider becoming a hero and reaching across the fence and shaking hands.
What the opposition doesn't understand is that the vote was to see if there's a significant portion that finds the name offensive, 29% of cast ballots do...
That's significant.
Yes all tribes were consulted before the application and yes we will survive a simple name change.
Listen to Michael Green and the tribal leaders.
Don't let the opposition bully you into continuing harm on the local tribal descendants of Kelsey and stones atrocities that led to their demise and the bloody Island massacre.
The national Congress of Indian affairs has voted to stand with the tribes the opposition needs to stop ignoring them like they don't matter.
The draft letters propose new policies and procedures to weigh petitions for proposed name changes for populated places. This thoughtful supplement to the board's previous, non-binding statements is intended to be helpful to newly appointed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who was confirmed with bipartisan support. In his opening statement, Secretary Burgum highlighted his experience working with tribal nations as Governor of North Dakota:
“In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations. The current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen. At Interior, we will strengthen our commitment to enhancing the quality of life, promoting economic opportunities, and empowering our tribal partners through those principles.”
Lake County residents share geography, history and economic interests with seven federally recognized tribes. Tribal voices are important, as are the voices of non-native people living in unincorporated Kville in Big Valley and in the much younger communities built on the slopes of Mt. Konocti. Secretary Burgum and BGN should take every opportunity to fairly consider ALL such interests, not just the voices of those who would willingly turn a blind eye to Andy Kelsey's atrocities.
To that point, the draft letters to BGN and CACGN do not attempt to erase past board actions or the robust public input received to date, including the Advisory County Measure U results. Rather, they seek to shape and improve the policies and procedures used to consider populated place name changes within the context of applicable state and federal laws. Any opposition to sending these highly relevant and purposeful letters is ironic and counterproductive, regardless of one's position on the name change itself. If we can agree on one thing, as a start, let's all agree a better process is needed.
Do not send the letters you drafted to send to BGN and CAGCN. They are irrelevant to the submitted application to change the name of Kelseyville.
Your responsibility is to recommend to the BGN the Kelseyville town name does not change as per Measure U voter results. Yes, Measure U was an advisory Measure, but key to the Measure is the action the voters expected you to take per the Measure U No verbiage.
Measure U: “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.”
How about you send a letter to the BGN with a cc to the CACGN stating that you rescind your Dec 10, 2024 letter and you now recommend BGN to disapprove the request to change the name of Kelseyville.
Lorna Sue Sides even spoke out about the importance of towns’ community (Lake County News article).
“If you feel that a river has a right to flow, people have a right to control what happens in their own towns…”
Changing Kelseyville’s name is not in alignment with BGN policy.
Change in existing name does not have a compelling reason; Kelseyville is not a derogatory word.
The long-standing use of "Kelseyville" supports community identity and cultural heritage, which the BGN values.
There was no public involvement in the Domestic Geographic Name proposal.
A name change will cause confusion as the requested name is already used elsewhere in the county.
The Domestic Geographic Name Proposal includes inaccuracies.
There was no collaboration with Kelseyville residents and local indigenous tribe authorities.
Evidence does not exist that proves that Kelseyville, CA is named after Andrew Kelsey.
Non-cited news articles and Wikipedia cannot be used as evidence.
Events that occurred in 1849 are not reason enough to change the town’s name.
The BGN's authority is to rename the town of ~3,900 residents itself but does not have the authority to rename the town name for the ~8,000 residents who live outside the town's boundaries but within the same zip code.
Kelseyville, the town’s name will continue to exist.
This board is missing the mark, the first thing that needs to happen is for this board to reciend the previous ill guided letter and sed a new letter to the BNG stating the will of the citizens of Lake County. Now is the time for you to stand up and truly represent your constituents. This letter does not. After you have addressed the current issue, then and only then can you move forward with this item.
Save our heritage..... Save Kelseyville!!
Steve Stangland- Proud Kelseyville resident.
Save the Kelseyville name. Represent the majority of the will of the people and drop this ridiculous circus of the woke clowns. You (not new members) have failed miserably in your elected position to stand up and represent the majority of citizens who do not want the town name changed. The division and anger created in this town might in years to come calm down, but your black mark will never be erased. The supplemental letter written in no way represents “Kelseyville” but instead says Lake County, nor does it refer to the vote taken and the majority of the will of the people. Be clear. Not dividing and know what is truly right instead of evasion unclear requests. Praying President Trump has our back because the BOS as it stood does not.
As a District 1 voter, I was shocked when our BOS recommended a name change after 70% of our county voted NO on Measure U. I feel like my supervisor of District 1 was biased in his decision making, that my vote was disregarded, and that he never listened to his constituents ideas or beliefs. He was a self serving supervisor, and I am glad that his time as supervisor has ended.
Due to these issues, the people of District 1 voted for change, and voted in Helen Owen. I hope Helen can bring this recommendation back to the board so this can be reevaluated and hopefully her constituents beliefs can be honored.
Thank You,
Lifelong Lake County Resident
Jacob Green
Board of Supervisors,
The letter you are proposing to send to BGN is off the mark. It should have been sent at the time the application to change the name of Kelseyville was first known to the BOS.
The residents of Kelseyville as well as the County of Lake as a whole voted overwhelmingly to keep the name of Kelseyville. This proposed letter does not address the voice of the people at all. I believe you have an obligation to put an end to this issue once and for all by stating to the BGN that the county wants to keep the name of Kelseyville.
Please support the people of Lake County. More than 70% of Lake County chose to keep the name Kelseyville. This issue has caused so much hate and loss of friends in our beautiful town of Kelseyville. Please help us keep the name Kelseyville .
Thank you.
The results of Measure U should be the ONLY thing considered when the Board of Supervisors decides whether or not to recommend a name change to the BGN. The will of the People have spoken loud and clear. I also would like to ask a rhetorical question. How would changing the name of Kelseyville change the continued “generational trauma “ I keep hearing about? The Indigenous people are known for their storytelling as a part of keeping their history alive. These stories will not suddenly seize with the changing of a name. The stories will not suddenly stop being told, nor should they be. The uniqueness of our local Indigenous should be recognized, but not through changing of the town of Kelseyville. A Cultural Center has been suggested. A land acknowledgment prior to sporting events is another way of acknowledging our local Indigenous community members.
Keeping this name change issue in limbo does nothing but keep conflict alive. Please put it to rest. The Board needs to do the obvious. Please forward to the BGN that the Lake County Board of Supervisors does not recommend a name change for the unincorporated town of Kelseyville.
We must rescind the prior name change recommendation due the presidents executive order. The fact two lame Duck supervisors went against the will of the voters on their way out is unacceptable. We have to correct their mistake. The BOS is a board for everyone, not certain groups or tribes. The people voted and their vote should be respected.
As someone who works in history, it has been incredibly disheartening to see how many people who claim deep family roots in our community remain unaware of Lake County’s full history. I’m also disappointed by the narrative that Kelseyville is only defined by its recent past, while ignoring the violent actions of Stone and Kelsey—men whose legacy is built on the exploitation and brutalization of Indigenous people. Our community should honor a name that reflects our shared values of respect and inclusivity, rather than one tied to such a painful history. Recognizing the truth of our past isn’t about erasing history—it’s about ensuring that we build a future based on justice and understanding.
Citizens For Healing welcomes this motion and had already planned to offer "advice" to all parties once the process is complete.
The proposed letters reflect the viewpoint of the Board of Supervisors but do not adequately express the frustration of the proponents of the name change—nor, I suspect, that of the opponents or of the Tribes.
Your plea for a better solution, coupled with my lifetime's experience, has already inspired me to draft potential procedures. (Some of you may know that I was a 'supervisor' of an English town that merged with its neighbor, a process that involved a name change. My past job titles include 'Principal Systems Analyst'.)
At the very least, I recommend sending a single letter to both the BGN and CACGN, as there is significant procedural and jurisdictional overlap in their activities.
The renaming process is still ongoing, so I suspect we will have more to add once it is complete. Furthermore, CACGN has not yet announced the replacement committee member for our case and is preparing for its February meeting (as am I). Beyond that, the BGN recently lost a critical, experienced staff member. I doubt that a letter sent now would receive the attention it deserves from either party.
I therefore propose waiting until after this case is resolved and hope that the letter will include input from all parties involved.
Alan Fletcher, CEO, C4HA (the organized version of C4H) alanf777@gmail.com
Requesting guidance from the BGN is fine, but not to stir the pot any further. The Board’s stance on the name change recommendation should remain. As you stated to both the state and federal entities that assess name changes, “…our collective awareness of the violent acts of Kelsey and Stone demands change. Therefore it is our collective recommendation your Committee approve the proposed name change.”
Your recommendation is in alignment with both the spirit and intent of the laws and policies of this land regarding naming conventions. The communities most impacted by the current name have already spoken their peace and they have requested the name change. Thank you for standing up for what’s right.
The board of supervisor needs to uphold the 2/3 vote measures U keep the name of Kelseyville. The indigenous American board members should have been recuse themselves from vote if they can't vote with the people they are voted to represent.
From the very beginning, the BGN/CACGN process appeared to be vague and unhelpful. Neither "side" of this incredibly nuanced and contentious issue was ever going to truly win. The *process* must be changed, regardless of the outcome. The recent EO calls for an update to policies and procedures to the BGN's work...this is EXACTLY the time to propose a new process, as our community has spent the last year plus trying to make sense of the process. We have knowledge and experience now, on both sides. What an incredible opportunity we are presented with, to come together and say, "no, the BGN was not set up to help us, but you can fix it and here are our suggestions from our lived experience."
This comment isn't about whether the name should stay Kelseyville or be changed to something else, as that is not the topic on the agenda. I'm focusing solely on the proposed letters.
The debate over the Kelseyville name change isn’t just a local controversy; it’s a moral test of our community’s values. While the majority’s decision is often final, it should not seal our conscience when it comes to righting historical wrongs. Ignoring the suffering linked to the Kelseyville name because it’s convenient or cheaper dismisses the voices of those who continue to feel the sting of that legacy.
Those who have naturally positioned themselves, shifting burden to outside agencies, are active participants in denying a painful truth. Their neutrality is complicity, a shield behind which lies a refusal to confront our dark past. By sidestepping this issue, they and their supporters within the community are effectively endorsing a historical narrative that glorifies oppression.
Changing the name of Kelseyville will not erase the stories of trauma endured by our Indigenous neighbors. However, maintaining the name continues to honor a legacy of brutality, rape, and theft. How can we claim to be a community that values all of its members while we hold on to symbols of their subjugation?
Those who resist this change under the guise of financial concern or respect for a flawed majority vote are engaging in a form of moral evasion. It’s easier to cite budgets and democratic outcomes than to face the ethical obligations of justice and reconciliation.
We must challenge not only the Board but also ourselves. Leadership that cannot face history with honesty does not deserve to steer our future.
This is not just about a name; it’s about what we stand for as a NATION. Will we choose comfort over justice, or will we have the courage to build a legacy that truly honors all of our citizens? The time for neutrality has passed. Now is the time for action.
I am writing in hopes of convincing people to stop fighting about the name of Kelseyville.
I do not have any 'skin in the game;' I do not own a business that incorporates the name; I am not a native American whose ancestors were mistreated by someone with the name. I am a merely a local citizen upset that mere nomenclature is causing pain and division.
I urge members of this community to acknowledge that sentiment against the name is real and valid. Descendants of native peoples involved in the unfortunate incidents of the 19th century really do have legitimate feelings about the name of the town. And people who own businesses incorporating the name; have invested decades in marketing the name; have grown up and used the name to honor successes in sports, academics, etc. all have very strong feelings too. Those feelings are likewise valid.
This fight is making the whole town look bad. No longer does Kelseyville seem to be a "friendly country town."
Please consider becoming a hero and reaching across the fence and shaking hands.
It is time to move on.
Maile Field
What the opposition doesn't understand is that the vote was to see if there's a significant portion that finds the name offensive, 29% of cast ballots do...
That's significant.
Yes all tribes were consulted before the application and yes we will survive a simple name change.
Listen to Michael Green and the tribal leaders.
Don't let the opposition bully you into continuing harm on the local tribal descendants of Kelsey and stones atrocities that led to their demise and the bloody Island massacre.
The national Congress of Indian affairs has voted to stand with the tribes the opposition needs to stop ignoring them like they don't matter.
The draft letters propose new policies and procedures to weigh petitions for proposed name changes for populated places. This thoughtful supplement to the board's previous, non-binding statements is intended to be helpful to newly appointed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who was confirmed with bipartisan support. In his opening statement, Secretary Burgum highlighted his experience working with tribal nations as Governor of North Dakota:
“In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations. The current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen. At Interior, we will strengthen our commitment to enhancing the quality of life, promoting economic opportunities, and empowering our tribal partners through those principles.”
Lake County residents share geography, history and economic interests with seven federally recognized tribes. Tribal voices are important, as are the voices of non-native people living in unincorporated Kville in Big Valley and in the much younger communities built on the slopes of Mt. Konocti. Secretary Burgum and BGN should take every opportunity to fairly consider ALL such interests, not just the voices of those who would willingly turn a blind eye to Andy Kelsey's atrocities.
To that point, the draft letters to BGN and CACGN do not attempt to erase past board actions or the robust public input received to date, including the Advisory County Measure U results. Rather, they seek to shape and improve the policies and procedures used to consider populated place name changes within the context of applicable state and federal laws. Any opposition to sending these highly relevant and purposeful letters is ironic and counterproductive, regardless of one's position on the name change itself. If we can agree on one thing, as a start, let's all agree a better process is needed.
Do not send the letters you drafted to send to BGN and CAGCN. They are irrelevant to the submitted application to change the name of Kelseyville.
Your responsibility is to recommend to the BGN the Kelseyville town name does not change as per Measure U voter results. Yes, Measure U was an advisory Measure, but key to the Measure is the action the voters expected you to take per the Measure U No verbiage.
Measure U: “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.”
How about you send a letter to the BGN with a cc to the CACGN stating that you rescind your Dec 10, 2024 letter and you now recommend BGN to disapprove the request to change the name of Kelseyville.
Lorna Sue Sides even spoke out about the importance of towns’ community (Lake County News article).
“If you feel that a river has a right to flow, people have a right to control what happens in their own towns…”
Changing Kelseyville’s name is not in alignment with BGN policy.
Change in existing name does not have a compelling reason; Kelseyville is not a derogatory word.
The long-standing use of "Kelseyville" supports community identity and cultural heritage, which the BGN values.
There was no public involvement in the Domestic Geographic Name proposal.
A name change will cause confusion as the requested name is already used elsewhere in the county.
The Domestic Geographic Name Proposal includes inaccuracies.
There was no collaboration with Kelseyville residents and local indigenous tribe authorities.
Evidence does not exist that proves that Kelseyville, CA is named after Andrew Kelsey.
Non-cited news articles and Wikipedia cannot be used as evidence.
Events that occurred in 1849 are not reason enough to change the town’s name.
The BGN's authority is to rename the town of ~3,900 residents itself but does not have the authority to rename the town name for the ~8,000 residents who live outside the town's boundaries but within the same zip code.
Kelseyville, the town’s name will continue to exist.
I am opposed to the name change of Kelseyville. There is no evidence that the town was named after Andrew Kelsey.
This board is missing the mark, the first thing that needs to happen is for this board to reciend the previous ill guided letter and sed a new letter to the BNG stating the will of the citizens of Lake County. Now is the time for you to stand up and truly represent your constituents. This letter does not. After you have addressed the current issue, then and only then can you move forward with this item.
Save our heritage..... Save Kelseyville!!
Steve Stangland- Proud Kelseyville resident.
Save the Kelseyville name. Represent the majority of the will of the people and drop this ridiculous circus of the woke clowns. You (not new members) have failed miserably in your elected position to stand up and represent the majority of citizens who do not want the town name changed. The division and anger created in this town might in years to come calm down, but your black mark will never be erased. The supplemental letter written in no way represents “Kelseyville” but instead says Lake County, nor does it refer to the vote taken and the majority of the will of the people. Be clear. Not dividing and know what is truly right instead of evasion unclear requests. Praying President Trump has our back because the BOS as it stood does not.
As a District 1 voter, I was shocked when our BOS recommended a name change after 70% of our county voted NO on Measure U. I feel like my supervisor of District 1 was biased in his decision making, that my vote was disregarded, and that he never listened to his constituents ideas or beliefs. He was a self serving supervisor, and I am glad that his time as supervisor has ended.
Due to these issues, the people of District 1 voted for change, and voted in Helen Owen. I hope Helen can bring this recommendation back to the board so this can be reevaluated and hopefully her constituents beliefs can be honored.
Thank You,
Lifelong Lake County Resident
Jacob Green
Support keeping the name Kelseyville and rescind your previous recommendation to change it.
Board of Supervisors,
The letter you are proposing to send to BGN is off the mark. It should have been sent at the time the application to change the name of Kelseyville was first known to the BOS.
The residents of Kelseyville as well as the County of Lake as a whole voted overwhelmingly to keep the name of Kelseyville. This proposed letter does not address the voice of the people at all. I believe you have an obligation to put an end to this issue once and for all by stating to the BGN that the county wants to keep the name of Kelseyville.
Thank you,
Trena Moore Pauly
Please support the people of Lake County. More than 70% of Lake County chose to keep the name Kelseyville. This issue has caused so much hate and loss of friends in our beautiful town of Kelseyville. Please help us keep the name Kelseyville .
Thank you.
The results of Measure U should be the ONLY thing considered when the Board of Supervisors decides whether or not to recommend a name change to the BGN. The will of the People have spoken loud and clear. I also would like to ask a rhetorical question. How would changing the name of Kelseyville change the continued “generational trauma “ I keep hearing about? The Indigenous people are known for their storytelling as a part of keeping their history alive. These stories will not suddenly seize with the changing of a name. The stories will not suddenly stop being told, nor should they be. The uniqueness of our local Indigenous should be recognized, but not through changing of the town of Kelseyville. A Cultural Center has been suggested. A land acknowledgment prior to sporting events is another way of acknowledging our local Indigenous community members.
Keeping this name change issue in limbo does nothing but keep conflict alive. Please put it to rest. The Board needs to do the obvious. Please forward to the BGN that the Lake County Board of Supervisors does not recommend a name change for the unincorporated town of Kelseyville.
We must rescind the prior name change recommendation due the presidents executive order. The fact two lame Duck supervisors went against the will of the voters on their way out is unacceptable. We have to correct their mistake. The BOS is a board for everyone, not certain groups or tribes. The people voted and their vote should be respected.
Do the right thing, support the vote of the people of Lake County!