Opinion

Letter: Fire and police chiefs urge support of 911 funding in California

There is no greater responsibility in all of government than public safety and the public’s lifeline is the 9-1-1 system.

Every single day, people rely on 9-1-1 to connect with police, fire and EMS responders. For shooting events, wildfires, and even last year’s Oroville Dam incident, 9-1-1 call centers are regularly overwhelmed with calls from the public
requiring assistance. Unfortunately, an increasing reliance on cell phones and reduced “landline” usage is threatening the future of 9-1-1 services.

Letter: This shouldn't be happening

There ought to be a compromise letting city homeowners rent out their houses to vacationers, but the topic is controversial. The city once felt residents should know what was permissible in their neighborhoods and maintained an online database listing. This has been removed. Maybe residents shouldn't know about rentals allowing 22 guests?

Location

1360 June Way
United States
37° 5' 24.864" N, 95° 42' 46.4076" W

Letter: Former candidate reminds voters their voice counts

I ran for Supervisor as I thought I was the best candidate, with the best qualifications, that could solve the issues we face. After the race for Supervisor concluded with the top two advancing to November, I have bowed out of the public eye to focus on my business. I am hearing recently that I have endorsed a candidate for the November election. I declare I have not endorsed anyone. There are concerns with each of the remaining candidates. That was my whole motivation for running; to give voters a real choice.

Column: 10 years of fighting invasive species at Tahoe

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Lake Tahoe’s Watercraft Inspection Program. Under the program, every motorized watercraft is inspected to ensure it is clean, drained, and dry and not carrying aquatic invasive species before launching at Tahoe.

Column: Looking at other communities for housing solutions

Last month this column focused on the faces of Tahoe’s housing crisis. This month we look at a few promising solutions from other tourist communities.

One example is the Town of Vail’s “Vail InDEED” program. Like Tahoe, the Town of Vail is constrained by a lack of available land and high construction costs. Development of new housing is slow and costly. The Vail InDEED program was created to deed restrict existing properties to create a market for locals only.

Column: Time is now to prepare Lake Tahoe for our changing climate

Last month, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center released the Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, which included their finding of an average of 59.7 feet depth of water clarity for 2017, the lowest since they began taking measurements. In advance of the 2018 Lake Tahoe Summit, the following is from Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, chief executive officer for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, on the findings:

Letter: Support and empower fire department in keeping local lands safe

The following is a copy of a letter sent to City Council, USFS, Supervisor Sue Novasel, California Tahoe Conservancy Officers, and others, and shared with South Tahoe Now:

Dear Mayor David and Council Members:

Letter: STPUD board members need to show up - Time for change

The night before football tryouts in the 9th grade I can still hear the advice my father gave to me before I tried, but failed, to get a good night’s sleep. He didn’t comfort me to tell me I would make the team, or tell me how great I was, he simply told me, “the only thing you can control, is that you can outwork everyone else.” This advice had an impact on me and ultimately led to everything positive in my life.

Guest Columnist: Out in the forest with your forest supervisor

First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the communities and forests affected by the destructive and tragic wildfires across California, Nevada, and the West. Our Lake Tahoe Basin firefighters are responding to both local and national wildfires and providing assistance to those in need. I am very proud of each one and know their families go through added stress during their absence.

This time of year, wildfire suppression can overtake our thoughts and activities, however, a great amount of work is occurring around the Lake Tahoe Basin to create more resilient forests.

League to Save Lake Tahoe backs Upper Truckee River Project at Lake Tahoe Golf Course

The following is a comment in support of Preferred Alternative 2B of the Upper Truckee River Restoration and Golf Course Reconfiguration Project submitted by the League to Save Lake Tahoe to California State Parks:

Letter: South Lake Tahoe City Council must be leaders on affordable housing

The follow letter was given to South Tahoe Now and mailed to the South Lake Tahoe Mayor, City Councilmembers and staff:

Dear Mayor David and Council Members:

I am writing to you as a follow-up to my letter of May 12, 2018 (see at end of story) regarding Policy Priorities and Issues for City Government.

Quality and Affordable Housing for Residents is Very Important

Letter: El Dorado County residents need to attend VHR meeting Thursday

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (Ad Hoc Committee) will be meeting the public tomorrow, July 26, at the Magnet School in Meyers at 5:30 p.m.

This VHR meeting is especially important since this Board already voted yesterday in Placerville on VHR Ordinance changes that affect everyone in the County South Lake Tahoe area.

These new Ordinance changes are outline here under attachments – VHR Conceptual - Item #1 :

https://eldorado.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3579809&GUID=7BD4C4E0-9B86-4E06-9052-6A82B2C...

Column: Lake Tahoe Summit-recommitting to collaboration

Nearly 25 years ago, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and dozens of partners embarked on an unprecedented mission to conserve and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin’s treasured natural resources through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP).

Letter: Are public agencies keeping their properties in South Lake Tahoe fire safe?

The author shared the following letter with South Tahoe Now that was sent to SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston concerning fire safety and the responsibility of all public agencies to assist him and the Department in this effort. "Best wishes to you and the men and women of the Fire Department," said Jinkens.

Dear Chief Meston:

First of all, my sincere thanks to you and the men and women who serve our community in the Fire Service. I am grateful for all of your work and effort to keep our community fire safe and to respond to emergency calls for service.

Letter to the Editor: Beware of scary and violating phone scam

I felt it was important to make as many people aware of scam and psychological horror that was perpetrated on my wife just a few days ago.

Column: Drought, extreme winter reduce Tahoe’s clarity, but restoration remains on track

Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest lakes in the world, known around the globe for its spectacular scenery. The lake’s water clarity is one of the many attributes that make the Tahoe Basin such an amazing natural resource and a mecca for outdoor recreation.

Letter: Concerned VHR owner caught in crossfire

There are some “innocent” VHR owners caught in the crossfire between neighborhood residents and other VHR owners and tenants who have not observed simple and reasonable rules set forth by the city. I encourage you not to throw the baby out with the bath water and eliminate all VHR’s in residential neighborhoods.

Kudos: Thank You Ms. Maloff (AGAIN)

She has done it again... Lisa Maloff had created yet another opportunity to enrich the lives of South Lake Tahoe children. With her generous donation of $100,000, we have begun the F.E.E.T. Fund: a fund that will fulfill equitable educational trips for LTUSD school grades.

Letter: Mike Owen concedes to Joe Harn in disappointing loss

Mike Owen, candidate for El Dorado County Auditor-Controller, conceded the race to incumbent Joe Harn as the latest vote counts were released as of Friday June 15.

“I have to admit I am kind of surprised by the results” Owen said. “I had a great deal of community, grass-roots support and enthusiasm from both volunteers and donors along with some great endorsements.” he added.

Letter: Looking for tennis players at Tahoe Paradise Park

Tahoe Paradise Park is one of the most beautiful sites in the region. It offers a full array of activities including swimming, stand-up paddle, fishing ,picnicking, trail walking, and a playground. Last year pickle ball courts were added and they now draw players regularly.

On the other hand, the tennis court is rarely used.

I would like to see this changed and am inviting tennis players to contact me to set up friendly matches or just to hit. All players regardless of experience or ability are invited.

I can be reached at 530-600-2079 or at acupaiuolo@pace.edu.

Letter: Why treat all VHR owners the same?

I have been following the VHR news and comments. It appears that some view all VHR owners as irresponsible neighbors. While I can’t speak for all VHR owners, perhaps sharing our VHR’s story will illustrate that that perception is not always accurate. This is provided as one owner’s perspective.

In 1978, four families partnered to purchase a Tahoe Keys condominium.

Letter: Ms. Lisa Maloff’s lesson to South Lake Tahoe

In an ever more vitriolic, self-centered and money hungry culture, the magnificent moments appear to be farther and fewer between. However, in Tahoe, a constant bright spot has been found over the past several years with Ms. Lisa Maloff’s numerous charitable donations. Illustrated by the exhaustive list below, it is overwhelming to envision the impact she has had on our little community. And, while most would argue that the money has all the power to change everything, I disagree.

Letter: League to Save Lake Tahoe applauds California voters for passage of Prop. 68

California residents yesterday voted to pass Proposition 68, approving a $4 billion investment to protect the state’s unique natural resources and provide protections from the growing threat of climate change.

Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, the executive director for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, represented the League on the statewide Yes on 68 committee. The following is a statement by Dr. Collins:

Letter: VHR company concerned with unverified complaints

Note: The letter was send to South Tahoe Now, the City Enforcement team, Chief of Police, City Council, and City Manager.

Dear VHR Enforcement Team,

We are in receipt of a fourth “Advisory – Vacation Home Rental Complaint” since the City’s wonderful and effective ordinance which brought South Lake Tahoe national publicity. All four of these complaints were unverified.

Letter: Spencer for El Dorado County Supervisor

Dear Editor,

I don’t typically endorse political candidates, but with the serious issues facing El Dorado County and the need for good leadership in our Supervisor, I’m going to break my own rule in support of Jeffrey Spencer.

While Jeffrey Spencer’s name is not as well known around town as the other candidates, Jeffrey and his family have ties to our community that go back decades. He purchased his home ten years ago with plans to retire here, and has lived here full time for five years. His two sons have attended the Middle School and South Tahoe High.

Kudos: Bijou Community School thanks Ricky Reich

On behalf of the Bijou children, staff, and families I would like to send a sincere thank you to Ricky Reich.

Now, Ms. Lisa Maloff’s generosity is spreading even further. Mr. Ricky Reich, her loyal friend and fierce protector, has begun his own philanthropy in this town.

Guest Columnist: Tahoe South continues full speed into summer with national media exposure

The transition to summer brings new opportunities and once again South Lake Tahoe will be front and center a national stage in more ways than one.

Guest Columnist: Be Prepared for Wildfire at Lake Tahoe

Both California and Nevada suffered destructive wildfires last year. Nevada saw 768 fires burn more than 1.3 million acres. California experienced the deadliest, largest, and most destructive wildfires in its history. Just a few hours-drive from Tahoe, more than 40 people died and thousands of homes were destroyed in the wine country and North Bay last October. In Southern California, the Thomas Fire ravaged communities and forest lands last December with damaging flooding and landslides piled on after the fire subsided.

The View at 6229.1': #BeKindSLT

I’ve had this article in my head for months, bouncing around the walls of my brain, trying to decide where to go with it. There is an epidemic continuing to spread in this country. One that is curable without a vaccine, without drugs, without changing one’s diet. It’s called a Lack of Kindness.

Locals and tourists alike can feel it in South Lake Tahoe, as if a cloud of hate has descended over the lake. Pleasantries seem to be a forgotten art, as has simple kindness like holding a door open for another, or letting a car back out of a parking space, or a simple smile to a stranger.

Remembering Bill Morgan

We at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency are mourning the passing of Bill Morgan. In the pantheon of people who have contributed mightily to the agency’s success, Bill is in the top tier. He was executive director from April 1, 1985 to September 30, 1989, one of the most tumultuous times for TRPA. There is a high likelihood that there would be no TRPA if Bill had not been at the helm and found ways to bring disparate parties together.

Kudos: Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless thanks the community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On behalf of Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH), I would like to thank our community for its support during the third winter season of the South Lake Tahoe Warm Room project. Our organization received donations from over 150 different individuals and businesses and benefited from 64 volunteers who provided over 675 volunteer hours in the Warm Room.

Letter to the Editor: Moratorium on County VHRs now

We can always count on either Supervisors Novasel or Ranalli starting off each VHR public meeting discussing VHR’s with the reminder that VHR’s are an allowed use for single family dwellings under TRPA’s land use Ordinances. They have attempted to make us believe the word of God (TRPA) has set this in stone, and that we should all now work together to allow these nuisance businesses to coexist in our neighborhoods.

Opinion: May take years to recover from negative national VHR news

We recently received talking points from a local public relation firm relating to how we could handle the adverse publicity which occurred due to the CBS morning show about the draconian VHR ordinance and subsequent $1000 fine enforcements. We, as property managers and owners, have been requesting support from the Chamber of Commerce, LTVA, and the Lodging Association in helping us fight the selfish attitudes of some locals regarding their entitlement to Lake Tahoe without visitors to their neighborhoods.

Column: Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan on track

Lake Tahoe’s shoreline is a place of majestic beauty with sandy beaches and secluded, boulder-strewn coves. It’s where residents and visitors alike go to enjoy Tahoe’s famously cold, clear water, whether they are dipping their toes in for the first time or launching their boat, kayak, or paddleboard for a daily outing.

Opinion: Saddened by Laine's stunningly secretive display, hope we can find a path back

The last few months have been some of the most difficult for our City Council, for our City and for our community. Similar to the national conversation, with immediate access to social media in many forms, controversial opinion pieces go immediately out to the public, even before the accused have an opportunity to hear the allegations. Soon after, public comment and “opinion” on the opinion begins with little interest in whether there is truth.

Mayor: Thorough and independent investigation requested to look into claims

On April 14th, Brooke Laine, a fellow South Lake Tahoe City Council member, publicly brought forth serious accusations and allegations against our City leaders. Because of the gravity of Ms. Laine's allegations, I, as Mayor, believe I have a duty to ensure that the claims that the City Council, City Clerk, previous City Manager, Acting City Manager, previous City Attorney, Interim City Attorney, and indeed any city employee has violated the law are fully and adequately investigated.

Opinion: Secrecy, manipulation, lies, and power struggles rampant in South Lake Tahoe

To: The Community

I am providing the following information because I can no longer be a party to the violations of law, secrecy, manipulation, lies, and power struggles that are rampant at the City today.

Letter: There must be a difference between politics and administration in local government

Over the years I was employed by the City of South Lake Tahoe, I had the privilege to work with many fine City employees, far too many to mention in one letter. I found that most employees cared a lot about their community and wanted to be given the chance to do the best job possible for all residents of South Lake Tahoe. They take their public employment seriously, and they just need the support and help from management and elected City officials. They are committed to the public service.

Letter: South Lake Tahoe’s 2nd annual People’s Climate March

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. We are bombarded daily by those who seek to divide us on the issue of climate change. Those that sow the seeds of division understand the climate science and the catastrophic impacts if it goes unchecked, but yet they still work tirelessly and at great expense to keep us apart and create doubt.

The decades long campaign to mislead the public on climate change was done so for one very simple reason, to ensure the profits of a very select few at the cost of “we.”

Column: Funds needed to make fire response proactive instead of reactive

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Last October, California experienced a series of devastating wildfires that destroyed property and took lives. In a four month period the State endured fires and floods from San Diego to Mendocino that destroyed over 11,000 homes and commercial structures and killed 64 Californians. Local Government fire and rescue personnel and equipment comprised up to 80 percent available resources for mutual aid throughout the State. The City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department along with other fire agencies around the basin engaged in these critical fire fights.

Letter: SnowGlobe's token changes not enough

On Tuesday, April 3, 2018, the City of South Lake Tahoe will consider the permit requirements for the 2018 SnowGlobe Event. As of this writing there are no contractual changes to sound levels which were arbitrarily created the 2nd year of SnowGlobe.

Letter: A temporary VHR moratorium in the County is the answer

Editor,

We are a community divided. Even among the varying factions involved in the Vacation House Rental (VHR) issue [in El Dorado County], there is division and contention. There are those who want total bans, and those who want to buy up groups of houses to create VHR clusters. Some want to enjoy the financial benefits of renting their homes out to visitors, and others want the reassurance of a peaceful neighborhood again. We need to come together and find a solution to the problem that now plagues our neighborhoods and dominates the conversations over coffee.

Letter: Let the voters decide fate of Bypass Loop Road

The following was sent to the South Lake Tahoe City Council and was shared with South Tahoe Now:

Column: Working together for a healthier Lake Tahoe

Earth Day at Lake Tahoe has a special meaning. Working together through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, more than 50 local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners are implementing projects and programs to conserve the Tahoe Basin’s environment and fix past environmental harms.

Letter: Leave most of cannabis regulations to the voters

(The following was send to the SLT Mayor and City Council members and South Tahoe Now)

Dear Honorable Mayor David and Council Members:

I am writing as a follow-up to my email communication of March 6, 2018 regarding the regulation of cannabis within the City limits.

I once again applaud the City Council for studying the issue carefully. It is an important issue and the decision on it will impact the type of community we become well into the future.

Recommendation:

Letter: No Globe Alliance lays out plan

The following is an email sent to both the South Lake Tahoe City Council and the SnowGlobe Music Festival organizers:

1. Independent Engineer:
- a. Repeat previous dB tests for comparison
- b. Establish new dB tests and standards
- c. Establish Sound Czar with authority to adjust volume or end performance of artist
2. Must have standards, monitoring and fines for violations that are independently en-forced with a mechanism to have complaints responded to within 20 minutes of being reported (no unattended phone number for complaints).
3. Noise Engineering per Presentation.

Letter: Lake Tahoe Basin has been enriched by Senator Feinstein's leadership

I was pleased to learn that U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein has announced her intention to run for another term in the United States Senate. Senator Feinstein has been a tremendous Senator for my home state of California, and she has a distinguished career in public service. She has served in the United States Senate since 1992. She served as Mayor of San Francisco and was a member of the Board of Supervisors there. In my experience, she represents the best the elected public service has to offer.

Opinion: TRTA, USFS and partners more important now than ever

Non-profit partners of government agencies play a critical role in managing trails, recreation, planning and other essential activities taking place on public lands. Locally, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) is the region’s largest non-profit trail organization and has the primary responsibility for managing and maintaining about 200 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails in and around the Tahoe Basin in partnership with the US Forest Service (USFS) and NV State Parks.

Chad Donnelly, SnowGlobe, updates community on plans

To the South Lake Tahoe Community:

Per the February 6, 2018 City council meeting, the settlement agreement of $250,000 from SnowGlobe was approved for the rehabilitation of the Community Play fields. With the opportunities provided by the cooperative weather and with the ultimate goal of having the field play ready in time for soccer season, city engineers have developed a timeline for the field restoration to start as early as 4/16/18.

Opinion: More fires mean less funds for local USDA Forest Service projects

Last year, more than 1,500 wildfires burned over 640,000 acres on National Forest System lands in California, including the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California’s recorded history. The surrounding communities are still dealing with damage from debris flows caused by a charred and barren landscape that no longer has the protection of trees, grass and other vegetation. We see and empathize with those affected, and are working to reduce the potential for future loss by performing hazardous fuel reduction treatments which include thinning overstocked forests and prescribed burning.

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