Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Mendocino Voice. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor feel free to write to info@mendovoice.com.
Dear Editor:
Lake County’s Community Action Project (CAP) wholeheartedly supports the Lake County Board of Supervisors’ decision to send letters to state and federal government agencies, urging a halt to PG&E’s attempt to decommission Scott Dam on Lake Pillsbury. This issue is far too significant to be decided without meaningful input from Lake County residents, yet our community has been sidelined from critical discussions about our own future.
Scott Dam’s removal will profoundly and detrimentally affect our local economy, environment, and public safety. Both Scott Dam and Lake Pillsbury are completely inside Lake County’s boundaries. Yet for years, PG&E, along with agencies and coalitions from outside of Lake County systematically failed to engage with the people who will bear the greatest burden of such an action and continue to trivialize the negative impact on Lake County. It is unacceptable that such a major action is being pushed forward without ensuring the residents of Lake County—those who live, work, and rely on Lake Pillsbury—have a real seat at the table.
Lake Pillsbury is not just a body of water; it is a vital resource for our region. Economically, the lake supports tourism, recreation, and local businesses, all of which depend on its existence. Without the lake, we risk devastating financial losses for small businesses and property owners who rely on its steady flow of visitors. The dam also plays a crucial role in wildfire mitigation, as it provides an essential water source for firefighting efforts in an area that has been repeatedly ravaged by wildfires.
The potential removal of Scott Dam without a clear plan to protect Lake County’s interests is reckless and irresponsible. That is why the Board of Supervisors is right to demand that the state and federal governments intervene. PG&E must not be allowed to move forward without a thorough, transparent process that genuinely includes local stakeholders.
Lake County deserves better. We deserve the right to be heard, to have our concerns addressed, and to ensure any decision about Scott Dam prioritizes the well-being of our community. LC CAP urges all residents to stand with the BoS in calling for a fair and inclusive process—one that recognizes the undeniable importance of Lake Pillsbury to our county’s economy and wildfire resilience.
Lake County Community Action Project founding members:
Peter Luchetti
Angela Amaral
Jesse Cude
Holly Harris
Margaux Kambara
Tom Lajcik
Chuck Lamb