Memorandum
Date: February 4, 2025
To: The Honorable E.J. Crandell, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Jessica Pyska, District 5 Supervisor
Subject: Consideration of Letters to (a) the United States Board on Geographic Names’ (BGN’s) Domestic Names Committee and (b) the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN) recommending changes to BGN’s Principles, Policies, and Practices, in light of the January 20, 2025, Presidential Executive Order, “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness”
Executive Summary:
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order, “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness.” Section 2(c) of the Executive Order expressly permits the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) to update its Principles, Policies, and Procedures with respect to all applications proposing a name change within BGN’s authority. This Executive Order signals a clear change in the priorities of past administrations, with all naming and renaming applications to be reviewed by a newly constituted and expanded BGN to advance the new policies. In light of the direction to return Mt. Denali to Mt. McKinley, it appears very likely that the name of Kelseyville will remain.
Given the potential for updates, the County of Lake has the opportunity to submit feedback on the current process based on our experiences of the past year. The current Principles, Policies, and Practices of the BGN and Domestic Names Committee are vague and inconsistent. Most importantly, they do not consider the unique nature of renaming “Populated Places,” or towns, where people live, work, and own businesses. Special consideration must be given to renaming a populated area (rather than a monument), particularly with expanded robust policies to encourage public engagement, transparency around the process, public comment, decision-making criteria, and the ability for the community to have input on alternate names.
Over the past year, I urged the federal and state committees to recognize that the application submitted to change the name of Kelseyville to Konocti was rare, potentially precedent-setting, and deserved to be resourced in a way that would allow for clear communication and public participation. This issue has been controversial and divisive, leaving District 5 and Lake County residents deeply frustrated.
I recommend we approve these Letters and authorize Chair Crandell to sign. The proposed policy changes are needed to ensure people all over the United States living in unincorporated populated areas, including in Lake County, have a voice in the names of the places we live.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Approve the Letters to (a) the United States Board on Geographic Names’ (BGN’s) Domestic Names Committee and (b) the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN) recommending changes to BGN’s Principles, Policies, and Practices, in light of the January 20, 2025, Presidential Executive Order, “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” and Authorize the Chair to Sign.