Op/Ed: Creating a community without the divide of a state line

On October 31, 2016 I wrote an editorial "Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork" due to a growing vibe of discourse and anger across the country as well as in South Lake Tahoe.

Since we are once again in the midst of a contentious national election I saw a need to once again look at the definition of community as we focus on our local situation in El Dorado County and Douglas County.

com·mu·ni·ty:

A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

As I wrote four years ago, in order to be a successful community on the South Shore, the state line needs to become a blur and both sides need to work together. There should be no "us" and "them" but a collective "we." What is good for one side must be good for the other side or the imbalance becomes obvious and not sustainable.

When travelers come to Lake Tahoe they don't see a state line, or a direction on the compass, they see a beautiful recreational paradise that just a few people are able to call home, but millions can call a vacation destination.

Those using social media can see the discourse, the bickering, fighting, blaming and complaining on a plethora of subjects and the vibe goes out into "real life." Unfortunately, much of that is aimed at tourists and second-home owners, people that are all part of the "we." The traveler of today wants to have a sense of community where they stop, no matter if for a day, a month, or several decades.

Of course, the big difference between 2016 and today has been the coronavirus and a ban on travel. Lake Tahoe saw large amounts of tourism, trash and traffic during a time when travel was not encouraged as it would aid in the spread of COVID-19. As we get a handle on protecting ourselves and those we come in contact with by wearing masks, washing hands and socially distancing ourselves, it isn't a time to forget about "community" as we get back to our new normal.

Maybe we have seen things we haven't like over the past six months. The only way to work on those issues is by working with others to fix them.

Just as in 2016, wouldn't it be great for people in our community to become a collective "we"?

Teamwork and collaboration makes not only a successful business, but also a successful community. If our agencies can change from acting solely in their own interest to now having a collaborative effort to succeed on the environment, the economy and the future of Lake Tahoe, why can't the residents?

As we vote on November 3, why not vote for the candidates that will continue this collaborative teamwork, and not those who continue to have the focus of "us" and "them"?

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." --Helen Keller

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." --Henry Ford

Who wouldn't want success? It can only be accomplished by a collaborative effort towards a goal. What is our goal as a community who works together? Better income, better housing, better economy, more tourists, more jobs? Yes.

Again in this election there is mention of Nevada influences in the South Lake Tahoe, California but without that "line" between us don't we really want the same thing? There are service clubs, business organizations, nonprofits that serve both sides of the South Shore, all for the common success of those around them.
On Thursday the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and American Century Championship gave out $250,00 to the community. They didn't care what state the nonprofits were in, just that they helped others on the South Shore.

So remember, be a "we," not a "they."

As we continue to hear the US 50 Revitalization and Main Street Management plans, just as we did in 2016, take time to participate in the process.

There are some factions that believe the change is Nevada-backed, but the 30-plus-year process has been a federal process for the federal highway that runs along the south end of the lake. This is time to ask questions are the draft plans are being prepared and there are virtual meetings that allow easy participation.

Ask them, and yourself, what benefit would Nevada have to complete this road? People are coming to Lake Tahoe to be at the lake, and maybe their accommodations end up being in the casino corridor, or at the Y, they won't limit their stay to one area. They certainly already have a route planned and don't happen to bypass South Lake Tahoe businesses for a casino trip because a road took them there. The quality of an experience will guide where they visit.

What many seem to miss is the work "revitalization." Our town was looking tired and run down before redevelopment and recent influxes in the local economy. WE are creating a destination where people want to walk and bike, talk and share, stay and play, and a place where people want to live and work.

If one side of a state line can look pretty, be successful, and thrive, the other side will easily be the same.

So remember, we are a "we," not a "they."

The five SLT City Council members are elected by the voters to lead their town so use your vote for someone you trust to work collaboratively with the others. Look for those that can lead by a positive example, because as you know, it is only then that others will follow. It was coach Phil Jackson who said, "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team."

We are a "we," not a "they."