Lake County Board OKs use of county seal on private ranch’s 250th‑anniversary plaque in 4–1 vote

The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 to allow the county seal to appear on a bronze plaque to be installed at a private ranch in Lakeport as part of an event marking America’s 250th anniversary. The board took the vote after a short public comment period and a discussion among supervisors about whether the county should sponsor the plaque or simply grant permission for seal use.

Supporters said the plaque and a planned flag‑raising would honor veterans, first responders and the wider community. Supervisor Pysco moved the approval, and the chair seconded; the board recorded one formal objection from Supervisor Sabatier and the chair announced the motion carried 4–1.

The motion approved only the use of the county seal on the privately hosted plaque. Supervisor Sabatier argued the county should not authorize others to use the seal and proposed that, if the county wants the seal on an item, the county should instead sponsor and pay for it. “I don’t think we should ever provide our seal for someone else to use, but I think we should support this,” Sabatier said.

Members of the public raised similar concerns. Betsy Khan told the board she opposed the county seal appearing on an item sponsored by a private entity, saying, “I do not believe that the county seal should be on that.” Tom Lacy suggested county sponsorship could address appearance and legal concerns but also said a case‑by‑case policy discussion is needed. “I do think it may be a way forward,” Lacy said.

Other board members said they were comfortable allowing the seal for this request while reserving judgment for future applications. The chair noted there is no clear precedent or ordinance covering external use of the county seal and said the board will treat such requests on a case‑by‑case basis and schedule a separate discussion about countywide plans for the 250th celebration. The ranch’s event was noted as coming up on May 2; whether the county will pay for the plaque was left unresolved.

The vote recorded voice 'ayes' after the motion; one supervisor voiced opposition and the chair announced the tally as 4–1 in favor. No ordinance or written policy governing external use of the seal was enacted; the board agreed to consider a separate agenda item to plan county observances and clarify seal‑use policy.