Kelseyville officials reject name change proposal amid policy concerns

In a recent meeting of the Lake County Board of Supervisors, tensions flared over the proposed name change for Kelseyville, with supervisors questioning the legitimacy and process behind the initiative. The discussion, held on February 4, 2025, revealed deep concerns about the lack of community engagement and the policies of the Board on Geographic Names (BGN) that govern such changes.

As the meeting unfolded, Supervisor Owens emphasized that the application for the name change lacked public support, stating, “There was no input for that, it should just die.” This sentiment echoed throughout the room, as supervisors expressed frustration over the perceived dysfunction within the BGN and the absence of meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders, including businesses and tribal representatives.

Critics of the name change pointed out that the BGN's existing policies do not support the proposed name, "Kanakta," for Kelseyville. They argued that without clear guidelines or community backing, the application should not proceed. One supervisor remarked, “I think we could have done more to talk about maybe geographic features instead,” highlighting a desire for a more thoughtful approach to naming that considers local history and geography.

The meeting also touched on the role of the group "Citizens for Healing," which initially proposed the name change. Supervisors noted that the initiative seemed to lack a solid foundation, as it did not originate from a broad community consensus.

As the discussion concluded, there was a palpable sense of uncertainty about the future of the name change proposal. Supervisors expressed hope for a more collaborative approach moving forward, but the path ahead remains unclear. The board's next steps will be crucial in determining whether the name change will gain traction or fade into obscurity.