Clearlake marketing committee outlines digitized event playbook, signage and park upgrades to draw visitors

The Clearlake marketing committee met to map a strategy for drawing more visitors and supporting local businesses, focusing on a digitized event playbook, coordinated marketing with county partners and modest infrastructure fixes to make parks event-ready.

Committee members traced the group's early work — "We started doing the wildlife mural contest with the kids," Speaker 1 said — and argued that public art and curated events give visitors activities beyond fishing tournaments. Speaker 2 noted larger marketing efforts already run by county agencies: "They have 200 k annually for the most part, for traditional SEM marketing campaigns," and urged the committee to identify complementary strengths before seeking public funds.

The committee emphasized two practical tracks: preparing hosts and improving venues. Speaker 3 proposed assembling pre-approved, location-specific playbooks so event organizers can submit a near-complete application (permits, insurance, vendor contacts) rather than starting from scratch: "If we had actually the plan already in place ... here's the plan for Highlands Park," Speaker 3 said. Speaker 2 said staff members Tina and Melissa had begun compiling materials and that a digitized, user-friendly packet could be a 2022 deliverable.

Members debated whether the committee should run events or support the Chamber. Several speakers said the Chamber historically organizes events while the committee should provide marketing, fundraising support and standardized plans. On funding, Speaker 4 said large events typically rely on outside sponsors: "That sponsor usually puts up the prize money, which could be $20 to $30,000." The group discussed pursuing grants and partnerships — Speaker 1 said they had discussed the Clean California grant with the Rural Arts Initiative and Caltrans to improve Lakeshore entry points.

Practical constraints also shaped the discussion. Multiple members flagged a shortage of basic facilities at prospective venues — restrooms, water and electricity — limiting what could be hosted at Highlands Park and other sites. Speaker 4 raised a safety and usability concern about exposed rocks in the harbor during low water and urged coordination on shoreline cleanup before future tournaments.

The committee closed by identifying follow-ups: refine a clear plan the city can back, digitize event templates, inventory parks for minimal upgrades to support events and coordinate with county and media partners. Speaker 8 said staff are "in progress" on radio branding with Bicoastal Media, and Speaker 2 said they will present an initial plan in January. The committee did not take formal votes at the meeting.