The site of the original town, inland of State Route 20, was subdivided by the 1920s. Situated in a broad canyon mouth, the original townsite is about 4 blocks long and three deep, triangular in shape, with a plaza site in its center. Today the plaza is paved and used for parking by the church located along the west side. Most of the homes in the village remain true to their "fishing cottage" roots.
Later additions include hundreds of small lots along narrow roads running along the contours of the hills above town. Though the oldest home may be the 1930s rock house on Lakeview, most date from the 1960s and include popular second home styles, such as A-frames. Many homes have outstanding views to Clearlake.
The next addition was across the highway. The Keys, a neighborhood dredged from the marshes, provides a dock immediately behind almost every lot. This neighborhood exhibits a variety of two to five bedroom homes in late-mid-century Bay Region styles.
Just outside of town, "Orchard Shores" a homeowners association, consists of manufactured homes in a planned community. It's aging population considered changing it's status to an adult only community but found that the county and legal costs were prohibitive for the change and the onset of the 21st century Orchard Shores has started to get a younger demographic and families are starting to become commonplace. Orchard Shores is a financially sound association and many insurance companies give discounts for home policies there and consider it one of the ten best HOAs in California.
The relocation of the post office, the aging population, and the coming of Wal-Mart have combined to kill the "downtown". Fifteen years ago, there were two markets, a chain hardware store, two gas stations, video store, salon, and several restaurants and bars. A privately operated marina had fish and ski boats for rent. But by the late nineties, Clearlake Oaks was down to one market, one convenience store, and a struggling antique store.
The park, beach, and pier were refurbished a few years back. Recently, a wine-tasting room has opened and live music can be again be heard at The Barn. There is hope that something may be yet built at the sites of The Timbers or Sal's Market. As of 2007 the property next to the grocery store was being cleared and turned into a park.
Clearlake Oaks is a census-designated place in Lake County, California, United States. The population was 2,402 at the 2000 census.
Learn more about this city.
City of Clearlake Oaks, CA official site
City of Clearlake Oaks, CA Chamber of Commerce
City of Clearlake Oaks, CA newspaper
County of Clearlake Oaks, CA official site
State of California official site