Opinion

Are you over the winter? Over shoveling, snow blowing, dodging potholes, scraping ice off of windshields, wearing at least three layers, losing power, and being cold? We all are. For most of us, this winter has been cold, tiresome, and long, long, long. We have, however, had a warm place to stay or call home, food on the table, a bed to sleep in each night, and some heat.

El Dorado County Board of Supervisors is planning to dissolve the Human Rights Commission through the consent calendar on their agenda for March 21 at 10 a.m.

Dear Editor: As a long-time resident of South Lake Tahoe, a native San Franciscan, retired city chief executive, and good government advocate, I offer these comments to your readers and to Senator Feinstein.

The South Lake Tahoe Republican Women Federated hosted its February luncheon and meeting featuring guest speakers Nevada State Controller Andy Matthews, and Tamara Wallace, South Lake Tahoe city councilmember.

As Nevada’s State Controller, Matthews is acting as the Chief Fiscal Officer for the State. Mr. Matthews spoke to the group about increasing government transparency and accountability in governmental financial matters. One transparency goal would be to develop a plan to put all government spending online.

The recent glimpses of clear skies, frosted forests, and Lake Tahoe’s mesmerizing blue hues have a way of perfectly framing nature’s power and beauty. Amidst a series of no less than nine extreme storm systems, we find ourselves simultaneously grateful for the abundance of snow and belittled by the size of the berms.

It is with bitter-sweet emotions I write this letter to everyone in our wonderful county.

We have been through much together these past twelve years. We have experienced tragedies and blessings. We have celebrated successes and mourned losses.

And, while I have accomplished much these past twelve years, I have all of you and all the superb staff at your Sheriff’s Office to thank for making it possible. Without their hard work and your support, we wouldn't be where we are as an agency and able to serve you at the level we do.

Christmas is the season for joy.
Christmas is the season for giving.
Christmas is the season for spending time with friends and family, far and near.
Christmas is the season for kindness.
Christmas is the season to celebrate by giving the light of love to those who need it most.
Christmas is the season to share treasured stories, legends, and songs.

While I love the season, why couldn't we have a little bit of Christmas all year long?

The Caldor Fire was a reminder to our community that wildfires have and will continue to threaten the Lake Tahoe Basin. Since then, the California Tahoe Conservancy has received over four times the usual number of calls and emails about our open space lots. Most people contacting us have questions about wildfire risk and dead or dying trees.

I don't normally write the Kudos in South Tahoe Now, I leave that to the public, but I wanted to take time to highlight action by the El Dorado County Department of Transportation (DOT).

I have lived off Black Bart Avenue since 1983, and have seen many things change from a stop light on Pioneer Trail, the addition of a 25-mph zone, and the addition of new homes. During this time the road has also become a main cut-through for drivers going from lake Tahoe Blvd. to Pioneer Trail.

I am writing to congratulate the newly elected and returning South Lake Tahoe City Council members. I wish for them, and all of us, success and good fortune. As policymakers, our community’s future is in their hands. I also wanted to congratulate all who ran for office for their energy and for conducting a positive campaign. People at other levels of government running for office could learn from our experience on how to conduct themselves.

With Americans firmly planted in red and blue camps, rarely coming together to talk about solving our shared problems, it’s easy to get disgruntled about the state of our politics. Elections at the national level have become largely spectator sports, with very few clear opportunities to participate meaningfully in government as intended – of, by, and for the people.

I have lived in South Lake Tahoe for 35 years and have worked, played, and raised my son here. I am supporting Joby Cefalu for City Council because he cares for our community, works hard for what he believes, and gets things done.

Have you met him? Perhaps you've read his many newsletters outlining our city's challenges and his commitment to developing solutions. Maybe you remember his outstanding tenure as our City Manager.

In essence, David Jinkens is a "bridge builder." He has been an active community advocate for many years including his tenure as our city manager.

In a time of divided national politics, nearly everybody I talk to here in South Lake Tahoe agrees that the most important issue we need to face at the local level is the crisis of skyrocketing housing costs. Widespread agreement is an opportunity for far-reaching collaboration, and if I'm elected to City Council I will be a champion for partnerships with the TRPA and the State of California to tackle the housing shortage head-on.

It’s nice to know that you can depend on support from your local representatives when needing help from bureaucrats in our government.

The Lake Tahoe Marathon just finished their 27th successful running two weeks ago, but just barely. We did not get our CalTrans permit until two days before the event started. And we might not have gotten it without the help of Duane and Tami Wallace who interceded due to their relationship with the higher-ups in the CalTrans food chain.

As City Manager I am happy to have the opportunity to share facts about Measure G.

By now, most know that Measure G was placed on the ballot as an administrative measure to streamline the collection of an existing cannabis business fee with a comparable tax, after engagement with local Cannabis businesses.

As this fee currently exists and businesses can and do pass on the cost to local customers, customers will not likely see any difference in price for legal cannabis products in South Lake Tahoe if Measure G is enacted.

Facts matter in an election. People on both sides of an issue will passionately share their views, trying to get others to vote their way. It is more important now than ever to weed through the rhetoric before the ballots are marked with that important checkmark.

Measure G

There is an important measure on the ballot for the City of South Lake Tahoe residents, a possible tax on cannabis, Measure G.

I support Brooke Laine for District V Supervisor because she has proven to be a voice of reason on the tough issues. She has shown amazing tenacity and a willingness to dig in and do her homework. She not only has the temperament to navigate the tough issues she has the professional experience needed when dealing with different points of view.

As an observer in this election year, when El Dorado County issues are so important, I am noticing how important collaboration and consensus efforts will be in the long run.

We need a District V Supervisor who can bring people together to develop solutions. As such, I see that Brooke Laine has garnered endorsements from two very diverse groups in the vacation rental arena-the residents who are opposed to VHRs in their neighborhoods, and the realtors who support them.

It’s been said countless times that elections are important, but this November it’s imperative that you vote to save our country.

These past two years have seen America go from greatness, with high employment numbers, low gas and grocery prices, secure borders, no wars, a strong military, no dependence on foreign oil, tremendous growth in domestic manufacturing, and a thriving stock market with everyone’s retirement investments doing well.

The South Tahoe High Climate Crew Club and Key Club asked questions of this year's candidates for South Lake Tahoe city council. Not all candidates replied and there are no responses from Brad Jacobson, Tamara Wallace, or Sherry Eddy.

Due to the length of the questions and answers (there were seven of them) they were split up and this is the fourth and final day of answers with two more questions answered below:

6.What ideas do you have concerning how our town can better facilitate access to mental health organizations and resources?

The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce wants to alert our local businesses that there is a man driving around town taking photos and videos of buildings, focusing on the access points (doors, ramps, and walkways) and parking lot signage. The man said his name is “Alex.”

“Livin’ the Tahoe Dream!” has been a standard response to the casual check-in greeting between basin residents for a very long time. The “dream” may entail something a little different for everyone. Ingredients may be the enjoyment of Tahoe’s vast outdoor recreation spaces, the incredible changes of season like the one we are experiencing now, or the different pace of life. For many, the Tahoe dream is simply having a great place to work and raise a family. In just a few words, a sense of community is established among all who care for Lake Tahoe.

David Jinkens is a person of his word and has very high integrity, two characteristics that have always been valued by me. He would be a valuable asset to the community and the city council as a council member.