Although lake water levels are low, outrage is high, and building, after the latest Bureau of Reclamation bid process fiasco. Reclamation announced that no successful bids were received in response to the latest Prospectus (the third failed bid process since 2006). Three California companies each bid on one area (Berryessa Point, Monticello Shores and Steele Canyon). All three bids were found to be "non-responsive." But Reclamation won't actually say what that really means.

Many of you may remember Task Force 7 at Lake Berryessa whose logo is reproduced above. Thousands of people who loved Lake Berryessa spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, donated thousands of hours of effort, sent thousands of letters to the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of the Interior, and Congress. Some of us delivered more than 10,000 petition signatures to Washington, D.C. supporting a common sense, fiscally responsible plan simply described as "Preserve the Best, Improve the Rest."

But no one in power listened, and we finally lost the "Battle for Berryessa" - resulting in the ghost lake we see now.

This major recreational destination, and its residential and business communities, have been severely damaged - resources important to the State of California and Napa County, both from a social and financial perspective.

If the government could pay millions to demolish the lake resorts why can't they pay millions to construct new basic infrastructure like launch ramps, power, water, sewer facilities? Will they be allowed to reject reasonable bids just to continue interim contracts with minimal "amenities"?

Congressman Thompson got money during the economic crisis which was used to demolish the resorts. He should now get money to help restore them. How does $50 million sound?

It is again time to demand accountability from the Bureau of Reclamation, the Federal Government represented by Congressman Mike Thompson, the California State Government, and the Napa County Supervisors.

They must make it right, but will only take action if we all demand it!

Come to the Public Forum Meeting on March 2 and Make a Statement. Bring Your Friends and Neighbors.

Wednesday, March 2, 5-7 p.m.

Berryessa Senior Center

4380 Spanish Flat Loop Road