Swan song: Weekend Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa shows mark the e...

LAKE COUNTY An all-pro awards event for Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa employees before the last show tonight morphed into an early Christmas party, minus the tree and presents.

[the phantom bubbler]

Only damn job I ever loved, and its closing. What a shame.

[scorpio]

i loved my job there as a security guard last summer had a blast great people to work for i thank you so much for giving me a job and saving my ass during hard times thanks for the memories konocti.

[lyniepooh]

The Plumbers Union is at fault here, they used hard earned money that most plumbers thought were going to their retirement....no better than any of those that did the same thing in recent years, with the downfall of our economy...shame on you Local 38.

[coly]

I like the rumor's of George Lukas buying the property. Really don't care if it sells but do care if it goe's to a company with great thoughts on making it into anything other than what it has been. And of course that the LOCAL 38 does not have not one inch of their fingers in it. But I'll bet they are already dreaming up some way to keep it with them. Even if a shady side partner is the way to go! I'm looking to not only keep people working but to keep a spot of glam around this lake and at least one place people will talk good about. Come on to the greats like Lukas and buy a little heaven.

[Ali B]

it'll never be the same when it does some day sell. Think about all the money it will take to even bring the place up to code! Greg has done an awesome job there. I'm sure he'll receive a generous new contract as part of the sale of the resort. I'm certain most of Lake County will agree that Greg has made the resort what it is today. Unfortunately, Greg isn't a miracle worker. He can't pull a new buyer out of thin air. It's a shame what Konocti's closure will do to Lake County's overall tax revenues. I wish the families of soon to be former employees the best of luck in this economy.

[WOW]

I just think we should all thank Rob Brown for preventing the last attempt at a sale. 900 layoffs! Thanks Rob!

[Sad Times]

You can place the blame wherever you choose, the reality is that this is the end of an era.
I am sorry to see it end, and I don't think it will ever be what it has been in the past.
I hope someone has the vision and the capital to make Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa what it could be.
Good luck to all the employee's and as Greg Bennett said, "when one door closes, there is an opportunity for another to open..."

[Richard Hertz]

Sad Times wrote:

You can place the blame wherever you choose, the reality is that this is the end of an era.
I am sorry to see it end, and I don't think it will ever be what it has been in the past.
I hope someone has the vision and the capital to make Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa what it could be.
Good luck to all the employee's and as Greg Bennett said, "when one door closes, there is an opportunity for another to open..."

You are absolutely right it will never be what it was, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Obviously what it was, is no longer a viable alternative, or it would still be in business. Everyone is getting laid off except for a handful of people and guess who is still there leading the cause and collecting a check?

[Lowell Grant]

It is sad to see it go. Too much competition for the entertainment $ from Cache Creek Casino (closer to the city, golf, gambling, sparkling new), Robinson Rancheria and all the other indian casinos. If we're going to have casinos all over the place, why not make them legal, let the people of California share in the bounty and cut state income tax ala Nevada? We now have all the debauchery of gambling with non of the benefit. We are stupid.

[Donna Christopher]

Lowell, not all the drop in business was because of other attractions at other locations. The last time I went to Konocti was the last time because it was quite obvious they didn't want my business. Spent to many years in my youth waitressing and bar tending - you want to keep customers then you act like it, not like they are interrupting your day dreamin'. And the last time I got indoor concert tickets they were up in the balcony - hard to enjoy the show when your worried the place is going to fall down. Water was pouring through the roof through the header of the doorway where they take your ticket.

[heart-broken]

I'm a past employee of KHRS who had to leave to raise my son with special needs. Mr. B. has been nothing but supportive, kind and encouraging. His were some of the few encouraging words after we rec'd the diagnosis. Seldom was a favor asked, not granted. Even after leaving Konocti these past 13 years, I've still felt a part of the family. Its that kind of place.

After over 14 years in the hospitality industry, mostly in management, I have nothing but respect for the amazing skills and commitment this man has shown. In the industry, he is considered a miracle-worker, pulling off feats of marketing and management that were just plain thought impossible.

I'm praying along with the current employees for just one more Konocti miracle.

[NO miracle worker]

heart-broken wrote:

I'm a past employee of KHRS who had to leave to raise my son with special needs. Mr. B. has been nothing but supportive, kind and encouraging. His were some of the few encouraging words after we rec'd the diagnosis. Seldom was a favor asked, not granted. Even after leaving Konocti these past 13 years, I've still felt a part of the family. Its that kind of place.
After over 14 years in the hospitality industry, mostly in management, I have nothing but respect for the amazing skills and commitment this man has shown. In the industry, he is considered a miracle-worker, pulling off feats of marketing and management that were just plain thought impossible.
I'm praying along with the current employees for just one more Konocti miracle.

The few times we spent the weekend at Konocti we were appalled at how RUN DOWN the resort had become. The couches were so bad, when you tried to sit down, you fell to the bottom of the frame. The walkway down to the concert/showroom was an accident waiting to happen. The Spa was filthy, amazed the Health Dept. didn't fine them or shut it down. The outdoor concert stage fell apart, hence having the concert cancelled....where was Mr. Bennett? Out of town managing his Lost Boys. We DO hope this resort is purchased soon. I was told there was a purchase "in the works" by an employee. With focus on repairs, upgrading etc. this resort could be a great entertainment revenue once again.

[Past employee]

Lowell Grunt wrote:

The place became a run down shopworn drag. Midget troll Greg has the management skills of a pimp.

Greg Has done a spectacular job at Konocti Harbor. From when he took over the place has become a good place to go and have a good time in Lake County. He did the best job he could with what he had to work with. This is an extremely old resort. I stand and applaude the work that he has done. On the other hand for you to call him names doesn't suprise me. you are an angry little man. Midget troll isn't that calling the kettle.

[pot head]

Lowell Grunt wrote:

The place became a run down shopworn drag. Midget troll Greg has the management skills of a pimp.

What does that make Donna Christ?

[Lowell Grant]

Please understand the cowardly loser who is too scared to us his/her own name smears mine.

The place has indeed become very run down but keep in mind, Konocti had been draining cash from the Union pension fund for years, the courts put a stop to it years ago and since then Konocti has just been stumbling along waiting for a buyer. Meanwhile, shiny new Cache Creek Casino opened up and brings in many of the same names while offering gold and gambling at half the distance.

[pot head]

We know both who and what he/she is