Seeing clearly in 2020; A look forward to the new year in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A we say goodbye to 2019, 2020 is on the horizon with hopes, dreams and a list of wishes for the new year.

Instead of taking a look back at 2019 let's take a look forward to 2020 in South Lake Tahoe. What does this year have in store for us?

The past year was not always a good one. We saw hate, internet bullies, rampant misinformation, long-time businesses closing up, and a growing division in the community. But, we also saw new financial investments in town, a start of better communication, celebrations of what is good, and an increased police force and fire department.

What is waiting for us in 2020?

Leadership - In 2020 there will be a new fire chief and city manager in South Lake Tahoe, and perhaps another top-level manager. In November's election, two City Council seats will be on the ballot. Over in Douglas County, two commissioners ended up in a fight in 2019 and meetings can be very contentious, especially when talking about Lake Tahoe...will that change in 2020?

Cell Tower Ordinance - In the coming weeks a new communications ordinance will be voted on, one that will provide a guide for all future cell and microcell towers. The public has had, and will continue to have, input on what it will say.

Vacation Home Rentals - The issues of vacation home rentals in the city limits was covered in the last election, with the result requiring their being phased out. But, a lawsuit may put a hamper on that.

Elections - Three members of the City Council still have two years left in their terms, but two are at the end of their four-year term as mentioned above. It is unknown at this time if they, Mayor Jason Collin and former Mayor Brooke Laine, will run again.

New Taxes - Voters in the Lake Valley Fire Protection District will vote on a new parcel tax to fund new equipment. Also coming, El Dorado County will be asking local voters to add more to their parcel taxes for snow removal.

Recreation Center - The extra tourism taxes added onto hotel and vacation home rentals for a new recreation center have been sitting, waiting to be used for what the voters approved. That fund continues to grow. Hopefully, plans will be finalized this year.

Electric Buses - Tahoe Transportation District is having two new electric buses built for South Lake Tahoe. They will be docked at Lake Tahoe Community College's new bus charging stations. Will the school district follow their guide and order more of their own since grant funds are now available for infrastructure?

Courts - In the El Dorado County Superior, defendants accused of the murder of a pot dealer in South Lake Tahoe in 2016 are still in jail - will they ever be tried? Will a local teacher see his day in court?

Affordable Housing - Discussion has been going on for a long time, but is 2020 the year we see ground break on new project(s)?

Marijuana - New marijuana businesses should be opening in 2020, starting first with an approved microbusiness at the Y and another on James Street. Retail sales only businesses were stopped by court action in November.

There will be many more issues in town in 2020, some already known and some not. Hopefully, the public and leadership can discuss them in a thoughtful, constructive manner without the hateful conversations that took place last year. Nothing good can come out of division.

Let's have 2020 be the year of kindness, compassion, and progress. One where neighbors can be neighbors and unity is put back into community.

Happy New Year!

#BeKindSLT