September 1,, 2005

ASK FRANK IWAMA, ESQ.

   "COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION"

On 8/31/05, J.P.  sparkymom@msn.com  wrote:
Congressman Thompson is siding with the Bureau.  I've written to him and emailed to him and he hasn't changed his positon on the Berryessa matter.  Give it up!

JP, Petaluma, CA

From:  Frank Iwama frankiwama@gmail.com
Reply-To:   frankiwama@gmail.com
To:  J.P. sparkymom@msn.com
Subject:  Re: Congressman Thompson
Date:  Wed, 31 Aug 2005 22:40:07 -0700

J.P.,
 
Thank you for the information about your experience with Congressman Mike Thompson.  Fortunately, the ultimate decision regarding the fate of long-term permittees at Lake Berryessa is not a decision for the congressman to make.  He may be the congressional representative for the district in which Lake Berryessa is located but that does not make it his private domain. Yes, the congressman has a voice in the matter but he certainly is not the final word on the fate of Lake Berryessa.  
 
In response to your comment, "Give it up!", the private stakeholders at Lake Berryessa are not giving up without a fight.  In the immortal words of Captain John Paul Jones: "I have not yet
begun to fight."  ( In reply to the British ship Serapis, September 23, 1779).    
 
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Bureau of Reclamation's (BOR) policy and budgetary matters are under the purview of the House Committee on Resources (Chaired by Congressman Pombo, Tracy) and the Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power (Chaired by Congressman Radanovich, Fresno).  In addition, most of the long-term permittees and recreational users of Lake Berryessa live outside of the Napa County area and are represented by other members of congress.  The Bush administration is also reviewing policy and budgetary matters pertaining to Lake Berryessa (levels above DOI and BOR).  
 
You may want to contact Congressman Thompson again for his latest position in view of the recent events raising issues about Lake Berryessa and Pleasure Cove.  Also, contact other public and government officials expressing your views as a concerned citizen.  Best regards.  
 
On 9/1/05, J.P. sparkymom@msn.com wrote:

I've also written to the members of congress in my district and their reply was that Lake Berryessa is not in their district and to contact the representative serving that district.  I've also written and emailed Congressman Pombo and received no reply.  I think the congressman aspect is a dead end. 

I am still fighting to save my mobile home at the lake that I've owned since 1983.

J.P.,
Thanks for the information about congressional contacts.  Please understand that most politicians, including their overworked staff, are overwhelmed and inundated with countless inquiries from constituents and the public.  In this situation, it is easy for them to refer the matter to others, placing your inquiry in the pending "in box," and  hoping that the issue will somehow be resolved or go away. 
 
Nevertheless, all politicians are always concerned with their image and standing with the "court of public opinion."  (The bottom line is politicians are elected and must seek the vote and assistance of voters.)  If enough momentum is generated to focus attention on a public official's lack of responsiveness or attention to a matter of genuine concern to substantial members of the public, you will generate enough interest to warrant a response.  This pressure can be created by contacting and writing letters to the local press and media pointing out that public officials have not responded to your concerns despite numerous attempts calling for action.  One complaint may have little effect but hundreds of similar complaints will attract the attention of public officials.  This is why it is so important to have an organized campaign to voice your concerns.
 
The grass roots "Court of Public Opinion" campaign can be supplemented by appropriate legal action. These remedies are not mutually exclusive and can be initiated at the same time.  This strategy is often successfully pursued by organized groups in campaigns to change government policies and actions disfavored by the public.  
 
Please keep up the fight.  You have owned your mobile home at the lake since 1983.  Remember: BORever's deadline date of November 1, 2005 for the removal of personal property owned by long-term permittees at Pleasure Cove Resort/Marina is only 61 days away. 

 
Regards,
Frank A. Iwama