Ione City Council faces potential closure of Castle Oaks Bar and golf course

The Amador County Special Council Meeting held on March 18, 2025, brought urgent concerns to the forefront regarding the future of the Castle Oaks Golf Course. Community members expressed growing anxiety over the potential closure of the facility, which has become a vital part of local life and recreation.

During the meeting, residents highlighted troubling signs from the Castle Oaks bar, which has ceased ordering liquor and is now selling shots from open bottles at a discounted price to reduce inventory. This shift raises alarms about the golf course's viability, with some suggesting that the establishment may soon stop offering food altogether. The community fears that these actions indicate an imminent closure, which would have significant repercussions for local residents who value the course as a recreational space.

One resident, Mr. Fernandez, urged the council to explore all options to keep the golf course operational. He proposed lowering the lease price to attract potential buyers and suggested bringing in a mediator to facilitate negotiations. Fernandez emphasized that proactive measures could save the city from future financial losses associated with the course's closure.

As the deadline for a potential closure approaches on April 14, the council faces mounting pressure to act. Residents are eager for transparency and clarity regarding the negotiations, especially after the city manager was replaced by a lawyer as the lead negotiator, signaling a shift towards legal considerations in the discussions.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to communicate openly with the community about the ongoing situation. As the future of the Castle Oaks Golf Course hangs in the balance, residents are left wondering what steps will be taken to preserve this cherished local asset. The council's next actions will be crucial in determining the course's fate and its impact on the community's recreational landscape.