South Lake Tahoe Police Advisory Commission filled with five local members

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a new subcommittee on mental health, a commission on arts, culture and tourism, and filled five positions on the newly created Police Advisory Commission during its meeting Tuesday, August 3.

Business owner Claudia Andersen and South Tahoe High Principal Justin Zunino will serve one-year terms, while former Mayor Tom Davis, Multicultural Alliance representative Erika Gonzales, and community member Ayana Morali will serve two-year terms on the Police Advisory Commission. All of them are El Dorado County residents.

The Police Advisory Commission was established by Resolution 2021-038 on May 18, 2021. The purpose of the Commission is to enhance transparency and accountability, build trust and increase confidence in the Police Department, help manage risk, support effective policing, build bridges, and protect civil rights. The Commissioners will participate in 6 strategic areas: Police Department policy, officer personnel complaints, transparency reports, hiring and recruitment, community collaboration, and open forums. The Chief of Police will act as the official staff liaison to the Commission.

“Following a turning point in our nation, the creation of the Police Advisory Commission will allow for increased community collaboration and will build trust between the residents and Police Department," said Mayor Tamara Wallace. "The Council did not take the appointments lightly and I feel those appointed to serve on the inaugural Commission will faithfully represent the public’s interests.'

City Council also established the Mental Health Subcommittee Tuesday, appointing Council Member Cristi Creegan, who requested the subcommittee’s creation, and Mayor Pro Tem Devin Middlebrook to serve 1-year terms. The Mental Health Subcommittee is intended to act as an Ad Hoc Council committee serving to support the implementation of the STLPD's South Tahoe Alternative Collaborative Services (STACS) and other mental health service concerns in South Lake Tahoe.

Another commission was approved by the City Council, the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Commission (ACT). The Council altered the proposed commission composition from five seats to five voting members from the public and one Ad Hoc, non-voting member to be appointed by the tourism/lodging industry. Council voted to change the title to move the word "tourism" to the end to show their focus on the community's arts and culture. They felt tourism is enhanced when these are thriving. Applications will be solicited soon.