Ione residents press council to save Castle Oaks; council reports ongoing negotiations after closed session

Public commenters urged the Ione City Council to act to prevent a threatened closure of Castle Oaks Golf Course, telling the council on March 18 that the leaseholder may close the course in mid-April and that the facility contributes materially to local revenue and property values.

Ernie Fernandez, who identified himself as a 25-year resident formerly of Sutter Creek and the president of a 94-member Castle Oaks Golf Club, told the council the club accounted for about 14% of rounds played at Castle Oaks in 2023 and that club-related spending contributed more than $300,000 in green fees, food and other purchases. Fernandez said the club wants the city to “do whatever it takes to save Castle Oaks” and suggested lowering the lease temporarily or engaging a mediator to facilitate a sale.

Another member of the public said the city had changed negotiators and asked whether that reflected an imminent lease termination; the commenter said media posts indicated an April 14 projected closing and urged the council to clarify the city’s strategy. Commenters warned of potential lawsuits, declines in sales-tax revenue and falling property values if the course closes.

The council moved into closed session to discuss three items, including conference with real property negotiators for Castle Oaks and related liabilities and anticipated litigation. A council member announced a recusal from the Castle Oaks discussion on the record, saying they own real property on the golf course.

After returning to open session, legal counsel reported that special counsel provided an update on one closed-session item and that, for the Castle Oaks negotiations, “offers have been made” but “an agreement has not been reached.” The council reported it was exploring all options, said it was prepared to enforce lease obligations if a default occurs, and directed legal counsel to continue negotiations.

No sale, transfer, purchase, eminent-domain action, or final agreement was announced on the public record. The council did not provide specific financial terms, identities of potential buyers, or a timetable for a public decision during the portion of the meeting recorded in the transcript.

Ernie Fernandez’s remarks and the council’s post–closed-session report indicate the city is engaged in ongoing negotiations and that residents expect a prompt update if a default or closure becomes imminent.