For most individuals and businesses there will be no impact: The Mail will get through, even if the name of the Zip code is changed. The old and new names will be held as "overlays". so no Change of Address has to be filed.

A few businesses, such as those with Alcohol or DMV licenses may have to file a simple change of address form.

No deed, contract or any other document has to be updated.

No business or organization is required to change its name. Those that do may have to file a fictitious business name with the county.

This analysis is based in part on the BGN's "Q&A" of October, 2024, and our original rebuttal of Save Kelseyville's arguments to the BGN

As noted in the Q&A, the BGN's authority extends to Federal use only, and specifically excludes the USPS, The US Census, and even local usage.

A separate application has to be made to the USPS to change the name of the Post Office ("last line") for the ZIP code.

There are three alternatives:

1. The USPS can accept the new name, in this case, "Konocti".
2. The USPS can keep the old name "Kelseyville"
3. The USPS can remove the old name, but use a different new name such as "Big Valley"

According the USPS representatives on the BGN, the old and new names would most likely both be held simultaneously as "overlays": Both will be acceptable as a mailing address. An official of the California USPS confirmed that "No change of Address is Required".

The USPS gave guidance concerning another Zip code where an "Overlay" was implemented. No change of address is required. USPS Guide Some institutions may automatically update their databases and send bills to the new address,

A few businesses (with DMV or Alcohol licensees) may have to submit a simple change-of-address form. Passport holders do NOT need to file a change of address. Registered non-citizens (such as Green Card holders) should probably submit a change of address.

A subsidiary question is then: do both addresses (Konocti and Kelseyville) serve as a "physical street address."

The answer is less definite, but probably "yes".

To the best of our knowledge, No deed, rental, will or other document needs to be changed. The Lake County Assessor routinely handles parcels at "Clear Lake Beach" (now Lucerne). The Assessor is the ultimate arbiter of physical street addresses.

An internet source says: If you receive postal mail at your home, your residential address is a physical address and a mailing address.(https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-a-physical-address-and-a-mailing-address)

Shipping Companies (UPS etc) mostly use the USPS database, and will accept either.

Mapping Companies (eg Google Maps) will probably switch to the official name, but queries to the old name will be automatically redirected. For example, "Sq*** Valley CA" is now shown as "Yokuts Valley CA".

No business or organization is required to change its name.

If they do change, they can continue their company registrations as "Kelseyville Diner", and just file a Fictitious Business Name of "Konocti Diner". No contracts of any kind need to be changed.

The most expensive single items are probably signage on buildings and vehicles. There are only about 6 state-maintained signs on Highway 29, and even fewer county signs. Aside from the school district there are only a handful of large, expensive signs.

There is no need to repaint vehicles bearing the Kelseyville name. Perhaps one could apply a sticker "Now Konocti". And on new vehicles, for a few years, a small "Previously Kelseyville" would not be offensive.

Many businesses in Kelseyville already use "Konocti" in their name.

The opposition claims that "The expenses for updating property titles, estate plans, business licenses, rental agreements, and other legal documents would be substantial.". But despite having a lawyer as a signatory for Measure U, and the full backing of the Kelseyville Business Association, they have quoted no legal basis for their claims, and no case studies of the costs to various types of local businesses.

A local minister, Clovice Lewis, has specifically addressed the emotional pain to ALL parties in his talk "What's In a Name". The emotional pain to Pomo of keeping the name was the subject of our meeting in Upper Lake. Some opponents of the change were there.