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Its election time and the only local issue is Measure C; an increase of one-half percent in local sales tax (excludes groceries and prescriptions) for a term of 15 years to fund road rehabilitation. I voted YES to the measure because there is no long term funding solution within the current budget or the foreseeable future. And, our roads are in terrible shape.

Many of South Lake Tahoe's roads are decades past their prime, and Measure C is in front of voters November 7 to increase taxes by one-half percent to pay for their maintenance and repair.

I support Measure C and let me tell you why, but it will have to start with a look back to see how we got here.

I never thought 20 years ago that SLT roads and pothole problems would still be a problem today, but it still is! Tahoe is a beautiful place, if you ignore the pothole problem. Finally we have a chance to do something. Measure C, a quarter percent sales tax, will replace another sales tax that is expiring, and that same money will be set aside for fixing our roads. The new measure will also mandate a citizens committee with legal clout to make sure this money is spent on roads. This is an amazing opportunity to get something done on our roads.

VOTE YES ON C.

- John Johnck, SLT

Ever since I moved to South Lake Tahoe, potholes and cracks have covered our city’s roads and presented a danger to residents. We have all seen cars swerve all over the road, only to realize it’s not a drunk driver, but rather someone trying to avoid potholes. Our roads should not be in such disrepair, that a simple trip to the grocery store can feel like an obstacle course. We need to solve this problem.

As a proud longtime resident of South Lake Tahoe, I find it embarrassing that our community has not been able to take care of our roads. From a lack of sidewalks to enormous potholes and cracks, our roads are dangerous and need to be fixed.

The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Tuesday night to stop issuing permits for vacation home rentals (VHRs), at least temporarily.

The Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) is holding their annual Blue Ribbon Awards dinner on Thursday, November 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Harrah's Lake Tahoe Ballroom. This gala event honors businesses, organizations, and individuals for civic contributions, tourism experiences, customer service, and entrepreneurial achievements. Tickets for the award ceremony are currently available online at www.TahoeChamber.org.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two local residents were appointed to the new Roads Management Authority Commission, but there are still three to five more members needed. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, MaryAnne Brand and Brent Goligoski were appointed to serve on the commission.

Only five applications were received and Brand and Goligoski were the only two of those to appear at the meeting.

"I am ready to vote on several of the applicants today,doesn’t preclude other applicants from staying in the applicant pool," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a “Healthy and Environmentally Sound Schools” resolution at its October 10 meeting. This supports expanded energy efficiency programs, and alignment with the City of South Lake Tahoe’s recent commitment to get 100 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight hours, and testimony from 29 people later, the City Council has crafted a new ordinance that attempts to strike a balance between locals and vacation home rentals (VHRs).

"While tourism is the lifeblood in our town, the residents are the heart and soul," said SLT City Councilman Jason Collin.

Passionate testimony from all sides was presented at Tuesday's meeting as has been the case for the 20+ meetings on the subject of VHRs.

The direction from the City Council to staff is to create an ordinance that will contain the following:

When I ran for City Council, I ran on a platform of repairing and maintaining our local roads in South Lake Tahoe. I knew our community needed a solution to fix the dangerous potholes and cracks that endanger drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. After much planning and thought, I voted yes to place Measure C, a half-cent sales tax measure, on the November 7, 2017 ballot to fix our roads once and for all.

If Measure C is approved by the voters on November 7, the City of South Lake Tahoe will need to appoint five to seven people to the new Roads Management Authority Commission.

The City Council promised the community to establish the commission that would approve road projects annually from funds generated from the proposed one-half of one percent sales tax increase. All monies collected are guaranteed to go solely to roads as dictated by law.

The monthly meeting of the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, August 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the park's clubhouse.

MEETING AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER AND CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe announces the 47th Annual "An Evening of Food, Wine, & Beer Tasting and Competition". This years event will include our local breweries in a competition for 2017 Best of Tahoe Award for the best brewery. The winner of this competition will enjoy a media package with free advertisements from many of our local news outlets.

Location

The Alpine County Grand Jury has released their 2016-17 report and in it they are recommending the County improve their relationship with South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) and work out a new financial deal with the South Lake Tahoe based water provider.

More money is on the way to the South Shore to fund ambulance services thanks to a unanimous vote by the El Dorado County Supervisors during their June 27 meeting. An amendment was made to the original contract between the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) and the County, giving an extra $790,000 per year as well as funds to buy a new ambulance.

The extra money will help fund a special team for interfacility transfers.

July kicks off the busiest time of the year for our city. Schools out, the temps are soaring in the valleys to the west and east of us, the roads are free of snow, and visitors from all over the world are getting away to see beautiful places and enjoy the great outdoors. For many of our businesses this is is the best time of the year. For many locals who like to play on the mountain trails and along the beach and eventually need to get to work, this is the hardest time of the year.

Ms. Lisa Maloff continues to impact the South Shore in a remarkable way. On May 18, 2017, Ms. Maloff gave a remarkable gift to the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund (TWCF). During the spring gala, which focused on the theme of impact, Ms. Maloff was able to experience the loving warmth in the room after her surprise gift of $100,000 was announced. The standing ovation that she received was only a small symbol of the gratitude that was felt by the membership. The night was filled with immense hope for the future of South Lake Tahoe. During the night, Ms.

The public is invited to the next Tahoe Paradise Improvement District Board of Directors on Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the park's clubhouse.

The following items are on the agenda for discussion and vote:

1. Special meeting in May (possibly May 11) on potential conversion to recreation and park district.
2. Approval of Prop 1 grant applications (due April 28)
3. Tennis/Pickleball Court usage and charges
4. Disc golf at park update
5. RVs in the park
6. Surplus equipment removal update
7. Beach sand project, deck, ADA and ADA Parking

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - Residents of South Lake Tahoe take pride in their city, its beauty, charm and recreational opportunities, and action during Tuesday's City Council gave people another reason to appreciate their community.

In honor of Earth Day, the City of South Lake Tahoe joined at least 26 other municipalities in the United States, and the latest in a growing coalition of mountain communities, to commit to 100 percent clean and renewable electricity by the year 2032.

The Republican Party’s decision on March 24 to pull the vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was met with disappointment and relief. While backers of the newly proposed legislation were disappointed that they could not find sufficient support, residents who depend on the Affordable Care Act’s medical protections and insurance options felt relief. Hope continues for a broad bipartisan approach to change this complex legislation resulting in improved coverage balanced with affordability for our citizens.

The GO Local: Business EXPO returned to the South Shore with huge success thanks to attendees, vendors, volunteers, and sponsors! Over 1,300 locals and visitors gathered inside the Harvey’s convention center, Friday, March 31, as Tahoe Chamber Member businesses showcased their latest programs, products, and services.

The night was highlighted with live entertainment from Heavenly Resort Mountain and The Loft Lounge, vendor giveaways including a raffle of two cruisers bikes courtesy of South Shore Bikes, and tasty food and beverage samples from all the generous restaurant vendors.

With the warm spell of late, at lake level it looks like the big snow storms never happened. However, go up above 8,000 feet and you see a much different picture. Atop Heavenly’s Dipper Chair there is an information shack that is between 8-10 feet high. Next to it is 10 foot high signage indicating where the runs are. As of today, you can’t see either of these. Over 50 feet of snow fell up there and even with the melt and the settling, there is still a ton of white stuff. I expect our streams will be flowing into August and our mountains might stay white throughout the summer.

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel and her fellow supervisors have taken the first steps to create a Traction Control Ordinance for Lake Tahoe. During their meeting on March 21, approval was given for the concept of an ordinance that, once created, will be back before the Supervisors in April for final adoption.

In coordination with the Community Development Agency, Transportation Division (DOT) and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO), Novasel presented the item for vote to create safer roads during heavy snowstorms in the Lake Tahoe area.