PG&E is out with the final draft of its application to give up its license for the Potter Valley Hydo project. It’s the latest–but hardly the last–step in the effort to decommission the project and remove two aging dams on the Russian River, The more than 2,000-page application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission outlines the history and plans to seasonally divert water to the Eel River.. Public comment on the draft application is due by March 3rd, with the final application due to the F E RC by July 29th. There are still plenty of hurdles for PG&E, including approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and state regulators
A report says a big name in the hospitality business is getting involved with two boutique hotels in Mendocino. SF Gate says The Hill House Inn and Mendocino Hotel Garden and Suites are being added to Marriott International’s worldwide stable. The investment firm that owns the places says it’s a long-term agreement to live under the Marriott brand, not a sale. Some local business owners are worried those investors have no local ties but Traiborn Properties, says it is committed to bringing in more visitors–and revenue–to the community while maintaining its local vibe. Trailborn paid $10 million for the two hotels in 2022, which are closed as they undergo a makeover.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors is considering sending a letter to the federal agency that oversees geographic names, but it is NOT about changing the name of Kelseville. Lake County News reports Supervisors will ask about the agency’s policies in the wake of some of President Trump’s executive orders about place names. Those who want to keep the name Kelseyville say that’s not what they hoped the board would write. One of the leaders of the Save Kelseyville group says federal policy is not the issue and expected the board would pull support for a name change and end the controversy. Countywide voters said no to changing the name in a nonbinding referendum in the fall. Those who want the name changed say Kelseyville is named for a town amen who committed atrocities against the native population in the 1840s they’d like to see the name changed to Konocti. The topic is on the agenda at the supervisor’s regular meeting tomorrow at 9 am
