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Clear Lake extends temporary road closures to curb illegal dumping; city will meet affected homeowners
Summary
Council renewed temporary closures of several undeveloped roads (the "Gobi Desert" area and Burns Valley corridor) to prevent illegal dumping and protect public health; the resolution passed unanimously with direction that the city manager meet with affected property owners to address access and insurance concerns.
The Clear Lake City Council on Nov. 20 voted unanimously to extend temporary closures of several undeveloped roads used repeatedly for illegal dumping and other unsafe activity.
Public Works staff described the geographic footprint (the area referred to in staff remarks as the "Gobi Desert" — west of Acacia, north of Sonoma, east of Park and south of Eastlake) and said closures would include all or portions of Oleander, Mint, Peony, Toyon, Oregon and Burns Valley Road from Arrowhead Drive to Acacia. Staff said the operation has been effective at reducing dumping but that barriers and gates frequently require repair or replacement.
Becky Salado, a local school superintendent, told council the closures have reduced hazardous material and needle debris near Pomo Elementary School and urged the city not to reverse the closures. Neighbors raised concerns at the public hearing about insurance impacts and potential ingress/egress issues for property owners; one resident asked whether gated/locked solutions with shared access could ease those burdens.
Vice Mayor (audio-identified) moved to approve Resolution 2025-40 to extend temporary closures; the motion included a caveat that the city manager will meet with any interested property owners to identify solutions so access is not unduly curtailed. The motion passed unanimously. Staff said the closures were established after large, costly cleanups and that staff will continue to seek cost-effective ways to secure the areas while minimizing impacts to residents.
