LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Citizens for Healing, or C4H, will hold its next meeting in Lucerne’s Alpine Park, located between Second Avenue and Third Avenue on Highway 20, on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m.

C4H, the group wishing to change the name of Kelseyville to Konocti, held its last meeting in the tribal hall of the Habematolel of Upper Lake.

Elders from four local tribes came and spoke about their families’ gruesome histories here in Lake County, in particular those relating to Andrew Kelsey.

Some tribal members shared stories they heard from their grandparents and their great-grandparents, those who had survived the atrocities.

Ron Montez, tribal elder and historic preservation officer for the Big Valley Band of Pomos, focused on the profound psychological impact this history has had on the living descendants. “It wasn’t really that long ago, the stories are still fresh in their minds,” he said.

All the speakers agreed giving the town a new name would be an act towards healing. And changing the name of Kelseyville will be “a gift offered to the tribes.” They were thankful to the Citizens for Healing for inviting them to speak.

Dr. Jeanine Pfeiffer, author of “Language of Silence,” an essay on the ecocide and genocide occurring simultaneously in Lake County 150 years ago, addressed the economic concerns people have about changing the names of familiar places.

She pointed out towns that have changed their offensive names, contrary to some assumptions, have actually enjoyed a boon in their economies.

C4H believes that many other residents living in Lake County would like to see the name changed also.

To determine if that's true, the group has been holding its monthly meetings in different areas around the county to give everyone the opportunity to join the discussion.

The organizers of C4H are seeking Lake County residents to speak at meetings on the topic, or make other presentations that relate to the issue.

The group is preparing an initiative to submit for the spring 2024 elections and is looking for help from those with experience in the process.

For more information go to citizensforhealing.org, call or text Lorna Sue Sides at 707-367-8014 or Dallas Cook at 707-245-4118.