BVAC recommends Kambara and McIntire for board seats; Brand named alternate

At its May 13 meeting the Big Valley Area Council voted to recommend Margaux Kambara and Daniel McIntire as regular members and Je Brand as an alternate to the Lake County Board of Supervisors. The board carried a motion to forward the recommendations to the BOS; the transcript does not include a roll‑call vote tally.

The action followed introductions from the candidates. Je Brand said he is a retiree who operates a walnut ranch in Finley and serves as president of the local Grange, and that he has worked for the local water company and PG&E. Margaux Kambara described herself as a roughly 20‑year Lake County resident, a member of the General Advisory Plan Committee and a citizen scientist who contributed to the Hitch Count and the Point‑in‑Time Count. Daniel McIntire said he was born and raised in Big Valley, owns a family cattle ranch, and is CEO of North Coast Opportunities with experience in affordable housing development.

Tom Leipcik stood during introductions and withdrew his application, acknowledging the other candidates. Board discussion included whether the BVAC should designate alternates; County Counsel stated the bylaws are silent on selecting alternates and advised the board could ask for volunteers. Board member Lipps moved to nominate Kambara and McIntire as members and Brand as alternate; Arnaud Hubert seconded and the motion carried. Members were reminded to send a recommendation memo to the Board of Supervisors for placement on a BOS agenda prior to the next BVAC meeting.

The recommendation does not guarantee BOS appointment; Arnaud Hubert noted the Board of Supervisors may not nominate all three recommended candidates. The BVAC’s minutes show the recommendation and the next procedural step is the BOS agenda process.