SAVE KELSEYVILLE

Citizens for Healing is an outlier group of Lake County residents who have filed an application to the federal Board on Geographic Names in Reston, Virginia. They are proposing to change the name of Kelseyville.

The decision for their campaign is based on the unjust actions toward the Native Americans of this valley by Andrew Kelsey and his business partner, Charles Stone, who lived here from 1847 to 1849. Andrew Kelsey and Charles Stone were killed by local Native Americans in 1849. 

The history of the Native Americans, who were the first stewards of this area 10,000 years ago, is appreciated and respected. Their story is essential to the history and culture of this region. This period is a significant part of the history of Kelseyville, and it is acknowledged. 

Changing the name of Kelseyville will not change the past. This initiative has divided our community rather than offered any healing. The platform to discuss the past may disappear with the name. It is best to educate about history instead of trying to erase it.

In 1854, new settlers, moving westward, came into this valley. The new settlers were mainly farmers, but there were also merchants, blacksmiths, teachers, and pastors. These families came from areas such as Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri. They blended to make up the tapestry of this evolving town. They were the new faces of this community and created an honorable town. 

Kelseyville was officially named in 1882, more than 20 years following the death of Andrew Kelsey. No documentation indicates the town was named in honor of Andrew Kelsey, just as no one honors Andrew Kelsey today. 

Kelseyville is a diverse, rural town of different ethnicities. Throughout the last century, It has thrived because of its residents, who have worked diligently to make it a respected and inclusive town. 

Kelseyville is situated at the base of Mount Konocti, a powerful and beautiful mountain. The Native Americans of this valley value it as sacred land that belongs to the whole County of Lake. 

Changing Kelseyville's name to Konocti would create confusion and a burden on the historic school district in the community of Lower Lake, which is called Konocti Unified School District. 

There is great pride in the town of Kelseyville. The Kelseyville Business Association presents five significant festivals each year: Bacon Fest; Dia de la Independencia, honoring the Kelseyville Hispanic families; the Kelseyville Pear Festival, honoring the agricultural heritage of Kelseyville; the Farm to Fork Dinner on Main Street, celebrating the food of Lake County; and Christmas in the Country, celebrating the joy of the season with the Light Parade. 

The leaders of this town have worked tirelessly for the past 30 years, building the brand of Kelseyville. This town draws thousands of visitors all year.

The Kelseyville community is open to anyone who wishes to have a seat at the table. It works hard to make Lake County a better place for everyone. 

If the name is changed, there will be no winners. It will be divisive, creating irreparable harm and financial hardship for the businesses, the school district, the fire department, the post office, the townspeople, and the Lake County government.

 
Kelseyville is rich in history and beauty. Let’s celebrate each other.