Del Laine, South Lake Tahoe trailblazer, dies at the age of 90

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A true trailblazer in the forming of the City of South Lake Tahoe has died at the age of 90. Del Laine, passed away from natural causes with her family at her side.

She served on South Lake Tahoe's City Council from 1976-1980, and then again from 1984-1988 and became the City's first female Mayor in 1977. She would go on to serve one more term as Mayor during her time on council.

Laine served on South Lake Tahoe's City Council from 1976 - 1980, and then again from 1984-1988. She became the City's first female Mayor in 1977. She would go on to serve one more term as Mayor during her time on council.

"She paved the way for women to have a voice in shaping what South Lake Tahoe would become," said Mayor Tamara Wallace, "Her dedicated service to our community and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to make Tahoe a better place for years to come."

Laine was an avid supporter of the arts in Tahoe, co-founding the first Lake Tahoe Children's theater and a supporter of local non-profits. Soroptimist International South Lake Tahoe was one of the organizations dearest to Del's heart. She served as president, regional governor and was founder/ coordinator of the Soroptimist Legislative Workshop. To her, women helping women was a concept she embraced all of her life.

She was also a founding member and second president of the Lake Tahoe Historical Society from 1968-72.

Some of the boards and committees she served included: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Urban Design Committee, Tahoe Basin Transportation Authority, Tahoe Regional Transportation District, advisory committee to California Department of Transportation, Happy Homestead Cemetery board, Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, South Tahoe Women's Center, and National Women's Political Caucus.

She was instrumental in getting redevelopment off the ground in the City as a way to compete with other tourist destinations. Del was also a key player in creating the original loop road as it exists today.

Laine was involved with the Olympic training center at Echo Summit in 1968 where for 100 days athletes trained, lived, and became part of the South Lake Tahoe community. She later sold pins for the City to raise funds to move the track from the summit to South Tahoe Middle School.

"A life of public service is a challenging path and one Del Laine never shied away from," said City Manager Joe Irvin. "Through her work on City Council and in our community, she stood up for what is right, made tough decisions, and did it all with an eye on a better future for the place we call home."

Laine's political legacy lived on long after she left City Council. Her daughter Brooke followed in her footsteps. Brooke served on City Council for years and also served as Mayor twice.

City flags will fly at half-staff for the next five working days in memory of Del Laine.