Rising from the ashes
The Caldor Fire created a lunar landscape on national forest lands in and around Sierra-at-Tahoe. This month, we take a look at efforts to restore the forest and the ecosystem it supports as well as shape the future of the resort.
Photo Mark Egbert
Sierra-at-Tahoe's West Bowl one year post-Caldor.
Serving Lake Tahoe’s South Shore Since 1994
NATURALFOODS MARKET
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PRODUCE DEPARTMENT
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GRATEFUL TO SUPPORT OUR VETERANS
Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, honors those who have served in the US military to protect our rights & freedoms. We are pleased to offer veterans one Physical Therapy session or one Pilates class FREE during November. You served – we support –thank you for your service!
I admit it. We got caught out. Following former Mayor Tamara Wallace’s confession of embezzlement from the Presbyterian Church where she worked, a previous court case where she admitted to theft of funds came to light. It was something we failed to discover in our coverage of her candidacy for city council in 2018 and 2022 and her primary run for El Dorado County supervisor, also in 2022.
We don’t have a big staff with a dedicated court reporter who can routinely check filings and for many years searching court files was a highly cumbersome process. I guess I thought someone in the community who knew of this case would have alerted me or other local news media outlets, prompting us to take a look. Clearly, that did not happen and we will be stepping up our vetting and research of candidates for public office going forward. We still need the community’s help, though. If you know of something that you think should be investigated, please get in touch. News tips, questions and information sharing are part of the way we cover the town, so let us know if you know something.
Interestingly, several years ago, the Tahoe Chamber asked candidates to submit to a background check as part
of its endorsement process. Several candidates balked and the chamber dropped that provision.
I have attended the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church a few times in the past month, just to get a sense of what is going on with the congregation in the aftermath of the mayor’s financial misdeeds. I have found the people friendly and welcoming and the messages thoughtful, relevant and humorous. I have enjoyed my attendance there, even though I don’t consider myself a Presbyterian. I only have one complaint. Why did they have to take out those beautiful, wooden pews?
In response to an outpouring from the community regarding how it can support the church given this significant blow to its operations, LTCPC has initiated a fund drive. Text Restore to 530/201-3555 and follow the prompts to donate.
As I write this, there is about a week to go until the application period closes for residents who would like to be considered for appointment to Wallace’s now-vacant seat on the city council. Already, 12 people have applied, mostly dark horse candidates. The remainder of the city council will take up the issue at its November 18 meeting.
In other city news, the council voted to update the
city seal, which has remained the same since our founding 60 years ago. The proposal was to adjust the Nevada/California boundary that runs through the center of the seal to more accurately reflect the actual state line. The debate centered on whether the current seal should be considered a timeless tradition or an anachronism. Councilmembers Roberts, Robbins and Bass voted for the update, which will be brought back for final approval, also on November 18.
If all goes as planned, this edition of the Mountain News will be up online before it hits the streets in print. All the online activity surrounding local news in the past month or so has convinced me that we need to be as timely and relevant as possible, and posting as soon as we are able is part of the strategy going forward. We’ve identified as a print publication for decades and the online portion of this publication was sort of tacked on, but I’m hoping to make it more front and center going forward.
-Heather
Former mayor Tamara Wallace’s Presbyterian Church heist created a media shitstorm, that put South Lake Tahoe on the pages of newspapers all over the country in the worst possible way. The headline: “Mayor embezzles $360,000 from a local church where she worked as the trusted bookkeeper” was the October surprise no one saw coming.
Suddenly, the community was thrust into a Civics 101 crash course: “How local government works.” Many people are not keeping up with the business of the city. That is until the shit hits the fan and people get off the couch and show up at a council meeting to ask, “WTF is going on?” We all need to pay attention. Having a “trusted citizen” (who happened to be the mayor) embezzle $360,000 (and counting) from a local church has a citizens’ group calling for the DA to arrest her while others are shell shocked from the lies and deception.
SLT ISN’T MAYBERRY
The South Shore was born out of gambling and booze. Pit bosses hooking up players with call girls, alcohol-fueled parties at the casinos and cash flowing like water are all part of our history. Today Hwy. 50 is lined with massage parlors and breweries. Our pedigree doesn’t exactly
The October Surprise
scream respectability. Nevertheless, stealing a boatload of money from a church has become a bridge too far for most locals. The distinction of being the city’s first mayor to face criminal charges while serving on the council went to Terry Trupp, who was arrested in 1989 for cocaine sales and money laundering. Law enforcement dubbed the investigation “Deep Snow” because of the large amount of cocaine involved along with the $845,000 of laundered drug money. Trupp lived in a modest house on Glenwood, was married to his former foster daughter and drove a Maserati. He was sentenced to nine years in federal prison. Tami Wallace is now the second mayor in our city’s 60-year history to face prison time for criminal activities.
THE WOMAN HAS A PAST
If the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, then the embezzlement by Ms. Wallace could have been predicted. In 2006, a local business was the victim of her $122,000 embezzlement that was handled quietly without Ms. Wallace being arrested.
This is not uncommon as businesses and non-profits look to avoid a spectacle and bad press that could undermine the trust of their customers and donors. The insurance company that covered the loss required Tami to sign a promissory note (witnessed by Duane Wallace) to repay the stolen funds. Nineteen years later, that note remains unpaid. Learning that the church was struggling to cover expenses, while Tami and Duane were on their “church sponsored” 25-day tour of Europe has certainly angered church members. The Wallaces’ lack of concern for the survival of the church and the National Enquirer-style publicity that followed has disgusted just about everyone. Duane and Tami presented themselves as upstanding community members who served on boards and volunteered for service clubs. They were quick to share that they are Christians. What kind of Christians enrich themselves with other people’s money to elevate their status in a community?
WHAT’S NEXT?
A cattle call has gone out for the city to receive applications to replace Ms.
Wallace now that she has resigned. It is anticipated that many aspiring politicians will apply, while the odds are that the four council members will split their vote and no applicant will get the three votes needed to be confirmed. This would postpone filling the seat until the June 2, 2026, election when the voters would elect a candidate for the six months remaining on her term. Those applying should know that being on council is a thankless job. You will be criticized for things you have no control over. You will be expected to magically fix all the streets and when it snows more than an inch you may be called in the middle of the night to explain why the plows aren’t running.
FAREWELL
On a blue-bird day in November, friends and family gathered at Valhalla to share their memories of a revered woman who spent her lifetime working to protect the natural environment of the Tahoe Basin. Her legacy is the many public spaces she fought to save and preserve. Hail and farewell to Laurel (Wakeman) Ames.
To be continued…
“What in the world is the purpose of the orange cable/pipe that construction crews appear to be gradually, but unwaveringly, burying beneath Highway 89?”
California is in the process of bringing more than 8,000 miles of broadband network to the state, including the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Locally, about 43 miles of cable are going in across El Dorado, Alpine and Placer counties—mostly beneath highways 50, 89 and 28. Caltrans is overseeing projects along all state highways.
El Dorado County has 32.1 miles installed, all in the basin between the borders of Placer and Alpine counties. This means conduits and electronics have been installed, vault and huts are in place, fiber pulling and splicing is done, and the power connection is ready.
The county has another 88 miles in preconstruction phase on the East Slope and along Highway 88 bordering Amador County.
The statewide project started in June and is expected to be finished next October.
The final phase, or ready-to-connect status, is when the network service center is established, and testing is done to confirm the line is operational and secure.
It’s called the Middle-Mile Broadband Network Initiative. It was established in 2021 through state Senate Bill 156. The total projected cost is $3.873 billion. Money is coming from state and federal coffers.
“The goal is to build a statewide, open-access fiber network that enables
internet service providers to extend affordable, high-speed connections to unserved and underserved communities,” the California Department of Technology said in an email to the Mountain News
The pandemic highlighted the digital divide throughout the country, including in California where rural areas like Lake Tahoe can have spotty, limited or lowspeed internet connections. Classes were remote and all but essential employees were working from home five years ago. Through no fault of their own, not everyone could connect.
This project is designed to bridge the technology gap.
The state describes the Middle-Mile as “the physical infrastructure required to enable internet connectivity for homes, businesses and community institutions. The middle-mile is made up of highcapacity fiber lines that carry large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances between local networks and global internet networks.”
This fiber optic infrastructure is essentially the high-capacity backbone to the whole system.
However, more is needed beyond the Middle-Mile to bring internet to a home, business or school. Also pulling federal funds, the “last-mile” infrastructure connects to the middle-mile and is managed by
Photos Heather Gould
Broadband cable being installed along Highway 89 near Luther Pass.
Mayoral embezzlement scandal continues unabated
In May 2023, the Mountain News interviewed now-disgraced and now former South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace in her home; a modest rental where she lived with her husband, Duane, which also variously housed kids, grandkids, family friends and others. She told the Mountain News that several years prior she and Duane had “reprioritized” their lives, turning away from the pursuit of high salaries and toward serving the community as volunteers and public officials while devoting lots of quality time to their family. She said this was a more valuable legacy than a bunch of assets and money.
Unbeknownst to the public, Tamara Wallace said all of that while regularly embezzling from Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church, where she worked as church administrator. From about 2019 to 2025, she embezzled approximately $360,000 that has been substantiated by the church. Whether that figure changes remains to be seen.
After Wallace’s stunning public admission last month that she had stolen the funds, a previous court case involving Wallace came to light. In 2006, Federal Insurance Company sued Wallace for “theft of funds” to the tune of about $120,000. The company had apparently paid a claim to a business from which Wallace stole, then came after Wallace to recoup its costs. Wallace agreed to a monthly repayment plan.
In 2021, the insurance company
took her back to court as she had stopped making payments and obtained another judgment against her for the $110,000 remainder.
In the early 2000s, Wallace worked as the business manager for the Stardust Lodge. Speculation has run rampant that this is the South Lake Tahoe company she originally stole from. While not directly denying Wallace was the culprit, Stardust owner Jan McCarthy told the Mountain News “I don’t know anything about that (alleged embezzlement).”
Wallace had her tentacles into the finances of other organizations as well. From 2016 to 2018, Wallace was the executive director of the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, after which her husband took over. Chamber President Brandi Bannister said the organization hasn’t encountered anything financially amiss thus far, but is conducting an audit to make sure.
In the meantime, Duane Wallace has “stepped away” from the Chamber, said Bannister. She added he is free to rejoin or apply for employment or leadership positions in the future.
As a board member of Clean Tahoe, Wallace was authorized to sign checks on the organization’s behalf. Clean Tahoe requires checks to be signed by two people, so Wallace could not have unilaterally taken funds. Clean Tahoe has since changed its banking signature cards, removing Wallace.
The church has also changed its
There are no exceptions
with congregants that the DA’s office noted the complexity of the investigation and said it could take one to two years
financial practices, requiring multiple people to sign off and oversee financial transactions, among other measures, so no one person has control over various aspects of its books, accounts or monies.
Both Wallaces are listed as board members on the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe website.
The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation, though spokesperson Melanie Torres emphasized a “thorough and comprehensive investigation is being conducted.”
At the Oct. 12 Sunday service, the Rev. Dr. Greg Hughes, LTCPC pastor, shared
for completion and the filing of any charges. He called it a “marathon, not a sprint.” At the Nov. 1 service, interim church administrator Jean Rey told the congregation that the DA’s office had informed church officials that subpoenas had been issued and search warrants executed in the case.
If Wallace were to flee before she could be indicted, she could face an additional criminal charge of flight to avoid prosecution, which could result in another one to seven years in prison if convicted.
Torres refused to state whether the investigation had been widened to include Duane Wallace. Many wonder how much he knew and when, especially considering additional hundreds of thousands of dollars were potentially flowing into the household along with his awareness of his wife’s past history of theft from an employer. He signed as a witness to the promissory note she signed to settle the case with Federal Insurance Company. In a brief, one-sentence email to the Mountain News, Duane said he did not know about his wife’s misdeeds.
In Wallace’s 2024 Form 700, a statement of economic interest all elected officials are required to file with the state of California every year, she shows at least $10,000 in income paid to her then-business/bookkeeping company Wallace Business Services, by Tahoe Investment Capital and Stewardship, a company that manages a consortium of Stateline businesses, mostly restaurants. Councilman Keith Roberts is chief operating officer for TICS. Roberts told the Mountain News Wallace was hired to help TICS’s controller with bookkeeping and that the company is reviewing its books to see if an audit is warranted.
About this same time, Roberts was a candidate for City Council, and was supported by Wallace. He told the Mountain News, “Many people were incredibly helpful to me during my campaign, including Ms. Wallace … her poor choices were beyond my view other than being disappointing to be sure; I can’t really comment beyond that.”
Neither Wallace nor her attorney, Steven Bailey, responded to Mountain News questions by deadline.
Publisher’s note: This is one in a series of stories written about immigrants living on the South Shore. Names are being withheld to protect the individual who wrote the story and their family.
I’ve sat here for what feels like hours, trying to find the words to describe the past ten years. How do you tell a story that doesn’t have a happy or sad ending—or an ending at all?
That’s the hardest part. The story continues. The possible outcome seems to change daily, at the whim of our current administration.
I’m the wife of an indigenous man from the Americas—or, as many like to label him, an immigrant. I’ve struggled to articulate the emotions my family and I carry every single day. I don’t even know what I hope to achieve by sharing this. Do I want you to care? To understand? To be judge and jury? To join us in the fight against racism?
What will it take for our story—and the thousands like it—to matter?
At first, I considered writing a straightforward narrative—a timeline of what we’ve been through. Maybe I’d start with the night over a decade ago when ICE showed up at our door during our Friday family movie. They didn’t identify themselves and didn’t say where they were going to take him. That night shattered the normalcy of our lives. Everything changed.
Maybe I’d talk about how now in his mid-40s, my husband is still being threatened with deportation over a party he threw in a vacation home when he was 19—a youthful mistake that has haunted us far longer than it should.
This is the criminal that Trump is talking about deporting. A person who gives back to his community at every opportunity, has been a mentor to teenagers to show them a different path, is the best father and husband a family could hope for. But because of his non-violent criminal record from well over 20 years ago, he is labeled as a criminal immigrant that Trump is trying to get rid of. It’s not right or fair, and most
obviously, not logical. It makes zero sense to deport people like my husband.
But racism is not logical. I considered writing about even basic things that those of us with legal status take for granted. For instance, when you are in deportation proceedings, you cannot renew your green card, which means he can’t get a Real ID, making travel nearly impossible. He can’t get on a domestic flight. While he could go to the place of his birth, he could never come back in.
Even driving into Nevada carries the risk of being detained if he gets pulled over with his license that has federal limitations on the card. It is such a little part of what we go through but can have a big impact on our lives. There are countless stories from the past ten years—so many that it’s impossible to choose which ones might matter most to you, the reader. They all matter. Every sleepless night. Every tear. Every comforting hug our children needed. Every plan we’ve had to put on hold. It all matters.
Maybe I would talk about the effects on children. The trauma of the possibility of deportation to our children is real. Their story and their experience with this possibility is theirs to tell, not mine. I will only say that there is real trauma and pain that is caused when there is always the possibility of your dad being taken away. They carry that with them on a daily basis. No child should have to experience that because of racist policies. I thought about sharing how our “winnable” court date has been delayed year after
year—due to COVID, the firing of immigration judges, and a very broken immigration system. We prepare, we wait, we get our hopes up … and then it’s postponed. Again.
Or maybe I’d talk about the ICE check-ins—and the fear we carry every single time he goes. There’s no reason for them to detain him, but they could. They might. Detainment is at their discretion, and if there’s room in a new facility, they could take him just to wear us down emotionally and financially, hoping we’ll give up and self-deport.
I could write about dreams—the ones everyone has. Our dream to travel. To open a business. Even the simple dream of planting a garden in the backyard. All of it put on pause. We can’t risk investing in our future when it could all be taken away at a moment’s notice. Even fixing something in the house has to wait until after the next ICE check-in—just in case the worst happens.
I could tell you about my husband. How kind, hardworking, and generous he is.
But what’s the point if you only see him as the exception? That’s what hurts the most.
When people—bosses, coworkers, friends, even family— see him as the good immigrant, the one who’s different. They miss the truth. We are one of thousands of families going through this. We’re not special. There are countless others just as worthy of love and protection.
And yet, even people who have walked beside us, cried with us, prayed for us—some of them still vote for the very people and policies that threaten
our lives. There is nothing more dehumanizing than being someone's “exception to the rule.” It’s happened to us more times than I can count—in workplaces, in friendships, even in our own family. They separate my husband from “those other immigrants” because he’s the only one they know personally. They see us as better, more worthy. The truth is, they don’t know anyone else like us because it’s not safe for others to open up around them. Yes, many of them care, but their caring doesn’t go beyond words. When it’s time to act, to vote, to take a stand, they turn their backs. Then they say, “I’ll be praying for you.”
The hypocrisy is suffocating.
Some of my own family have said, “It’s just politics,” when confronted with our reality. They ask, “Are you really going to cut ties over this?” Yes. We are. Because this isn’t about politics. It’s about morality. About core values that get dismissed and diminished when labeled “political.” We refuse to be anyone’s exception. We won’t stay silent to preserve fake friendships or family ties rooted in conditional acceptance. Thankfully, we are not alone anymore.
When we stopped trying to explain our situation to people who had already made up their minds, we found others who were ready to fight not just for us, but for everyone in our situation. We’ve built a new kind of family—a patchwork of people who don’t see us as the exception, but as part of the rule worth fighting for.
Together, we advocate against racism, for disability inclusion, for immigrants’ rights, for Palestinian lives. We don’t always agree on the how, but we stand united in the why. Life can feel hopeless. I know this intimately. I’ve learned that the antidote to despair is action. When I act, I find hope. When I engage, I find energy. When I speak out, I feel less alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, heartbroken, please get involved. We need community now more than ever. We need each other to survive what’s ahead. It is going to get worse and we need more people actively engaged.
I read something somewhere that said, “You do not have to do everything, but everyone has to do something.” What is your something? When you are asked years from now, what you did to stop this, what will be your answer? Will you say how sad you were every time you watched the news? Will you say that you were only one person? That it was hopeless? Or will you say confidently that you got involved, made a difference in your community, volunteered for a local ICE watch, made calls and wrote letters incessantly to your very annoyed political representatives? There is an action for you to take that makes a difference in my family’s life and people just like us. We are not the exception—we are the rule. We are all deserving of a community that stands up for what is right.
Photo Heather Gound
Court papers detail a previous embezzlement by former Mayor Tamara Wallace.
Former LTUSD administrator gone after sexual harassment allegation sustained
A Lake Tahoe Unified School District investigation into a sexual harassment complaint filed against nowformer Human Resources Director John Simons has substantiated that complaint and uncovered further allegations of misconduct that are continuing to be investigated, according to records released to the Mountain News in response to a California Public Records Act request.
The Mountain News broke the story of the allegations against Simons in the October issue.
What LTUSD did not provide, which was requested, included actual copies of any or all complaints filed against Simons, records of any past disciplinary action taken against Simons and for what reason, any threats of litigation against the district because of Simons’ conduct, and district correspondence in writing or by email or by text involving Simons’ past conduct or work.
In a letter to the Mountain News , LTUSD public information officer Teresa Schow wrote that such records “cannot be produced at this time due to the ongoing investigation, as disclosure
would potentially taint the results of this investigation.”
She said the district should be able to provide more documents and information by Dec. 3.
The Mountain News first started requesting information in September. Simons official last day of work
for LTUSD was Oct. 31. He had been on administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry into the sexual harassment complaint and continued to receive his salary of more than $156,000 plus benefits.
According to the severance agreement provided by the district, he would receive no further financial remuneration. He is also barred from working for the district in any capacity going forward.
A letter addressed to Simons by the school district’s investigator, whose name was redacted, states LTUSD’s investigation “substantiated that unwelcome conduct occurred, as corroborated and supported by documentary evidence and witness interviews that contradicted your denials. The investigation supports findings of harassment, unprofessional conduct, and a breach of trust.“
The complainant, another administrator in the district who spoke to the Mountain News last month on condition of anonymity, said Simons tried to flirt with her during an alcohol-soaked event following a district team-building exercise, then followed her home in his car and tried to romantically engage her.
A letter from the investigator to the victim also confirmed her complaint had
been substantiated and the district would take “prompt remedial action.” Whether that will be enough to stave off a lawsuit by the victim remains to be seen. She could not be reached for comment by deadline.
The severance agreement provided to the Mountain News references the instance of confirmed misconduct as well as additional allegations that came to light and also notes that Simons denies and disputes he is guilty and technically resigned/retired under terms of the agreement.
As required by state law, the district will also be notifying the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing of Simons’ departure and details of his misconduct, according to the agreement.
The severance agreement also contains language to the effect that the district could choose to go after Simons legally, if necessary, if it discovers additional information that would have changed the terms of the agreement had it been known.
Superintendent Todd Cutler is now LTUSD interim human resources director.
LTCC disputes cost study
Lake Tahoe Community College officials are taking issue with a study that says it takes 5.2 years for someone earning an associate’s degree at LTCC to recoup the net costs of paying for that education.
This figure is according to College Futures Foundation, a nonprofit in Oakland. CFF with the research and consulting agency HEA Group analyzed data from 327 institutions in California to determine when people achieve an economic return on their education.
“The underlying data used in the report is misleading and does not provide an accurate picture of the true cost to attend LTCC, which is extremely low for in-state students,” LTCC spokesperson
Mark Thomsen said. “We are reaching out to the report authors, but we can confirm that the data used is inaccurate to the reality of what students experience at LTCC.”
The report’s authors said they used a price-to-earnings premium metric, with the study covering 1.2 million students across 327 institutions—121 public, 186 for-profit, and 20 private non-profit.
The study shows the net cost of two years at LTCC is $21,950. The median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $36,657.
The college disputes the costs.
"Lake Tahoe Community College’s in-state tuition annually is $1,131. Most local South Lake Tahoe students also qualify for the Lake Tahoe College Promise program, providing free tuition for up to three years,” Thomsen said. “A three-year tuition program with book support such as Lake Tahoe College Promise is very rare statewide and nationally. This makes the ROI very significant for most local students as their cost of attendance is very low.”
CHP proposes charges in young teen’s death
The Tahoe division of the California Highway Patrol has recommended criminal charges for the 56-year-old driver who struck and killed Giada Lancellotti, 13, with her car as the youngster was crossing Lake Tahoe Blvd. at Sawmill Pond in June. According to local CHP spokesperson, Officer Ruth Loehr, the agency’s investigation has been completed and forwarded to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office for review, with suggested charges of failure to yield to a person in a crosswalk and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
The difference between misdemeanor and felony vehicular manslaughter depends on the level of driver negligence, with a misdemeanor charge resulting from ordinary negligence and gross negligence being required for a felony charge. Loehr declined to share any of the details or
factors uncovered by the investigation that led to the decision regarding these particular charges. Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter carries a penalty of up to a $1000 fine, a year in jail and possible community service. Loehr referred to the event as a “collision, not an accident.”
“Accident means nothing could have prevented it,” she said. Several years ago, the driver in this case received a citation for travelling at an unsafe speed for conditions, according to court records reviewed by the Mountain News
Melanie Torres, spokesperson for the El Dorado County District Attorney, said the office has received the case and it is being evaluated. She declined to provide more information at this time.
The Lancellotti family did not respond to a Mountain News inquiry made through a third party by deadline.
Alpine County supe is out
Ken Burkhart, who was hired in August 2022 to be Alpine County Unified School District’s superintendent and principal of Bear Valley Elementary School, is no longer employed there.
“The Alpine County Unified School District and the Alpine County Office of Education have come to an agreement with Ken Burkhart to end his employment as of Oct. 21,” Amber Watts, president of ACUSD, told the Mountain News
The reason for Burkhart’s departure has not been made public. He did not return a phone call.
Even though he is gone, as of early November his name and photo remained on the district’s website.
The board had special meetings on Oct. 13 and Oct. 21 with the closed session agenda items being superintendent employment and potential litigation.
According to Watts, “We are unable to appoint an interim superintendent until our next regular board meeting, which is on Nov. 13. The board will consider appointing an interim superintendent at this meeting.”
Todd Cutler, Superintendent
Photo Kathryn Reed Lake Tahoe Community College is an educational bargain, according to the institution's officials.
Photo Heather Gould
A memorial marks the intersection of 13-year-old Giada Lancellotti's death.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is inviting community members to share feedback and ideas on addressing the shortage of affordable housing in the basin. A public governing board workshop will be held on November 19 and an advisory planning commission meeting on December 10. For more information, visit https://www.tahoeliving.org/get-involved. Email comments accepted at publiccomment@TRPA.gov. TRPA is also accepting applications and offering scholarships for participation in its community academy (https://www.tahoeliving.org/engagement-approach).
The California Department of Housing and Community Development will be accepting grant applications from designated “prohousing” communities including the city of South Lake Tahoe, for various programs to provide and support affordable housing. Visit https://www.hcd. ca.gov/grants-and-funding/programs-active/prohousing-incentive-program. Applications due March 31.
Barton Health is hosting its annual Light Up a Life remembrance ceremony on December 3 at Edgewood from 6pm to 7pm. Inspirational readings, messages of remembrance and the lighting of a memorial tree will be featured. To participate or submit a name, call (530) 543-5592 or email tbruess@bartonhealth.org.
The city of South Lake Tahoe is sponsoring its annual gingerbread house competition as part of the Festival of Winter Lights. Cash prizes for the top three finishers! For more information and to register (November 24 deadline), visit cityofslt. gov/LakeTahoeGingerbread.
St. Joseph’s Community Land Trust is hosting its annual, free community appreciation spaghetti dinner on November 20 at 5:30pm at Grace Hall, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.
Catch South Tahoe High’s annual fall musical, Chicago November 14 and
November 15 at 7pm and November 16 at 2pm. Premium “speakeasy” seating available. Email sthspabamama@gmail.com.
The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will be held at the South Lake Tahoe Library on November 15 from 10am to 3pm. Books will be sold for $10 a bag or individually priced $2 hardback, $1 paperback, children's 25 cents or less. Bring your own bag, the bigger the better. Cash or check only.
Greg Piteo from the University of Maryland athletic department and Blaine Taylor, previously with the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds have joined Barton Health as performance coaches for local athletes.
Dec. 10 is the deadline to comment on Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board’s initial draft of its Racial Equity and Environmental Justice Action Plan. Go here for details: https://shorturl. at/gKTov.
South Tahoe Parks Foundation received $50,000 from Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe in memory of Bob Baunhauser for naming rights for scoreboards in the gym.
Inspectors this year intercepted 72 watercraft traveling to Tahoe with aquatic invasive species 14 had invasive mussels. In all, 4,700 motorized vessels were decontaminated, with 60 percent of boats arriving clean, drained, and dry.
BLDG Management and Metrovest Equities bought the Beach Retreat & Lodge in SLT for more than $40 million. Plans are to have spent at least $45 million by early 2027 to remodel the property, which will be known as Gurney’s Lake Tahoe. What they aren’t disclosing is if the public beach will remain open during renovations.
El Dorado County with partners opened a dental clinic at 3443 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in SLT for Medi-Cal patients. Call (530) 497-5016 for an appointment.
South Tahoe PUD has expanded its program for qualifying low-income households to receive up to a 25 percent discount off monthly water and sewer bills. Apply online (https://stpud.watersmart.com/) or at the district office, 1275 Meadow Crest Drive, SLT. Tahoe Transportation District added a late-night transit route Thursday through Saturday connecting the Y and Kingsbury transit centers.
The speed limit on Sierra Boulevard in SLT is now 30 mph, a decrease of 5 mph.
Barton Health must pay Douglas County $50,000 for stormwater violations at its Stateline property where it wants to build a hospital. Per the agreement with TRPA the county is to use the money for stormwater enhancements along Kahle Drive.
Work on Marlette Dam means some trails at Spooner Lake State Park Backcountry will be closed all winter. For info, email marlettelakedam@gmail.com or dial (775) 391-4119.
Sydney Morrow, Glenbrook Homeowners Association director and Firewise coordinator, and Tom Berndt, lead roving inspector with the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program, are TRPA Lake Spirit honorees. Jim Baetge ED of the bistate org from 1994-2000, received a lifetime achievement award.
Douglas County is working on an area plan for most of the lake that excludes properties in the South Shore Area Plan. A workshop is slated for Nov. 13 from 5:307:30 p.m. at TRPA, 128 Market St., Stateline.
Lake Tahoe Airport’s next art installation will focus on Heavenly Mountain Resort turning 70.
The seasonal, outdoor BBQ charcoal ban has been lifted in the city of South Lake Tahoe. Open flames are never allowed in city limits.
Lake Tahoe Community College stu-
dents with an interest in economics can receive a two-year scholarship to continue their studies at a four-year school, thanks to a $1 million donation from the Schiller Foundation, established by nationally renowned economist Dr. Bradley Schiller. The gift will fund up to two, two-year scholarships of $10,000 each.
Sign-ups continue for the Kahle Community Center youth basketball league Register in person or visit https://communityservices.douglascountynv.gov/recreation/community_centers/kahle_community_center/sports. Coaches needed, too. Email epekar@douglasnv.us
The Lucky Beaver Golf Tournament raised over $60,000 for charity, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Truckee-Tahoe Humane Society.
The city of South Lake Tahoe has announced awards for first responders following actions taken during catastrophic storms that rocked Lake Tahoe on June 21 and resulted in capsized boats and aquatic emergencies. The Marine 17 fire boat crew—Trent Renner, Lance Hubbard and Stuart Bogle—were awarded medals for heroic efforts. From shore, Brent Tajkowski and Paul Bias of the fire department assisted people in distress and earned meritorious service awards. South Lake Tahoe Police Boat Marine 1 officers Shannon Laney and Michele Gigante were awarded medals of valor for their actions and public safety dispatchers Nicole Herrington and Melissa Dube were honored for meritorious service.
Got a community item for Heard? Email mountainnews2@gmail.com, subject line “Heard.”
Photo Courtesy of City of SLT
First responders who went above and beyond during the catastrophic storms in June were honored last month.
Acting squirrely
What is up with all the squirrels finding their way under wheels this fall and summer? I’ve seen them fairly often—sometimes flat and gone, sometimes maimed and flailing—it just seems a bit more than usual.
Is it the EVs that they can’t hear or judge properly by sound? Is it an increase in traffic? Is the ecosystem out of balance such that there are more squirrels around in the first place? Or something else?
And before you accuse me of driving too fast or erratically, let me tell you first that I do, but one of them ran under my bike tire completely on his own . . a beach cruiser—on an uphill at that. Maybe I was going so slowly that it threw his timing off. He was able to squirm out and make his way off, so hopefully no harm done there. But no, I am not the problem—this time.
So, all this made me curious, and well . . .
Steve Tschanz of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control explains that despite their seeming-death wish or lack of intelligence when they scamper out into the roadway, darting back and forth, squirrels are intelligent in many ways. They sort nuts by taste, type and size, store them in various locations, access homes and feed sources creatively, and much more. So why the road issue?
Well, no one is certain, but the theory is that they avoid predators like hawks by running back and forth to confuse them long enough to get away, and a car is perceived as a predator.
As far as the uptick in the fall goes, Tschanz explains that due to the birth cycles in the spring and fall, the younger, inexperienced squirrels are out on the roads for the first time and generally more active as they’re adding to their stores of nuts for the winter.
I’ll buy some of this, but it doesn’t explain why it’s happening more often than in previous years. I go back to wondering if cars are getting quieter or something like that.
But clearly something is up with squirrels beyond my little observations because various major news outlets in the Bay Area reported in September that squirrels were “terrorizing” a neighborhood in San Rafael, even sending some victims to the ER. FOX8 reported “nasty bites or scratches” as in the case of Joan Heblack, who had a squirrel “clomp on”
to her thigh and proceed to cling and bite. A neighbor of hers had a squirrel jump on his head when he tried to make it stop chewing on his wood fence.
ABC7 reported that Isabel Campoy was out for a walk in that same area and was amused by the sight of a squirrel following her—until it attacked by climbing up to her face and scratching her arms as she tried to defend herself. She commented, it “almost killed me.” Squirrels Gone Wild, indeed.
Eventually, it was suspected that this was all the work of one “rogue” squirrel, and flyers went up around the neighborhood about the “very mean squirrel” that “comes out of nowhere” —adding, “This is not a joke.”
Even the LA Times got in on the action, tasking poor staff writer Rube Vives to cover this breaking news about the flier, which includes a photo of a squirrel “leaping in midair” with the caption, “attack squirrel beware.”
I don’t know—maybe Bay Area squirrels are tired of getting run over. Perhaps, eventually their network will reach our squirrels up here and they, too, will launch a rebellion at our faces.
Speaking of launching, it’s time for Tahoe Knight Monsters hockey again!
Your Tahoe Knight Monsters opened their second season with a win over the Idaho Steelheads on Oct. 17 but then dropped the next two games at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.
This season, you’ll see that about half the roster has turned over, which is not unusual in this league—some through transactions with other ECHL teams, some to the American Hockey League’s Henderson Silver Knights (the league just below the NHL), some to other roles and locations.
Following opening weekend, the TKM headed out on a long road trip, returning to the TBEC on Nov. 20 with home games through Dec. 6 before heading out of town again.
It looks to be another fun season in the home barn— “Let’s go Ta-hoe!”
As always, email mikesmutterings@gmail.com
Linda Monje,
Court. During the last twelve years of her life, up until the time of her death, she was employed at the Law Office of Bruce Grego.
Linda enjoyed the outdoors. In the Spring and Summer, she would bike throughout the South Lake Tahoe area, hike local mountains, and even run in local marathons. She was also active in her local church, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her children, Mike, Paul and Lena Monje, her grandchildren, Samantha and Frances, her sister Mildred, her daughter-in-law, Mary Jane, and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She earned a Juris Doctorate, was an intelligent, kind and gentle person. She had a fiercely independent soul and will be missed by all who knew her.
a longtime resident of South Lake Tahoe, passed away on October 23, 2025. Linda was born in Alameda, California to the late Sarah and Alvin Torres. She worked as a legal assistant in several local law offices over the years, and also worked as a court clerk for the El Dorado County Superior
Sierra at Tahoe working toward a forested future
Sometimes Mother Nature needs help.
Because the August 2021 Caldor Fire burned so hot through Sierra-at-Tahoe, humans are being called upon to make the forest a healthy, living organism again.
“Any area with high severity tree loss like Sierra-at-Tahoe and Grizzly Flats is our priority for reforestation,” said Jesse Cone, silviculturist with the Placerville Ranger District of the Eldorado National Forest.
More than 34,000 charred trees were removed from the ski resort. Salvageable wood was sent to the mill in Carson City.
“The wind affects us very differently now without those trees,” Sarah Sherman, director of sales and marketing at Sierra, said. Of the resort’s 2,000 acres, 80 percent were affected by the wildfire.
So hot was the inferno—
use permit from the U.S. Forest Service to operate in the Eldorado National Forest, is working with that agency as well as the El Dorado Resource Conservation District to design the resort for future generations.
“This is a cool opportunity where we get to plant trees with skiing and snowboarding in mind,” Sherman said.
Surveys by the Forest Service proved little to no natural regeneration was occurring in the West Bowl area.
A year from now, more than 55,000 trees are expected to have been planted by experts and volunteers. Of those, about 15,000 went in this year across 70 acres, with 1,000 planted in 2024.
“We are trying to plant a mix that is representative of that site and will be resilient going into the future,” Cone said of the red fir, Jeffrey pine, white fir, Western white pine and sugar pine.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE
Continued from page 16
because it is not a timber species, the Forest Service doesn’t normally have its seeds at nurseries.
“We had to collect them ourselves. We just completed that last year,” Cone said of the hemlock. “It will probably be 2027 at the soonest that we get those into the ground.”
Plants are primarily coming from the USFS nursery in Camino, with some from the Sugar Pine Foundation.
The survival rate of these young trees, which are 12 to 18 inches tall, is being monitored.
“People will see trees and the mountain coming back, but nobody who plants a tree ever expects to see that tree to grow up in our lifetime. This is a commitment we make to future generations,” Mark Egbert, district manager of the El Dorado and Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts, said.
In other words, many people who ride at the resort will likely never encounter tree and glade skiing like it was preCaldor. After all, some of that was old-growth forest, with trees more than 100-years-old.
“West Bowl is an actively skied area so we wanted to
create conditions that are good to ski in,” Cone said. “So we are planting a lower density of trees than we typically would.”
It could be three years before the trees are big enough
cordoned off to protect the trees.
It may be a decade before any sense of tree skiing is possible.
Ultimately, the tree skiing could be even better than it was.
more sustainable design, which probably means fewer trees than there were before,” Egbert said.
temperatures hit 3,000 degrees— the West Bowl area of the resort was roasted, leaving behind a moonscape that looked even
worse than the remnants of a clear-cut forest.
This is where some of the resort’s best tree skiing was.
Now, it’s wide open. The wind howls, creating snow drifts and cornices, and trees no longer hold in the snow. Without points
of reference—like towering conifers—whiteout conditions are even more dangerous.
Sierra, which has a special
Hemlock was a predominant species on the mountain, but
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE
Continued on page17
to poke through the snowpack.
At that time the resort and others will figure out if areas need to be
A glade experience is the goal with how the trees are spaced out.
“We want to replant a
“And we don’t want to have high stock around the edges so if fire comes in that area, it is not hitting a huge amount of fuel.”
He said a substantial amount of natural reforestation is occurring by Castle and Jack’s Bowl runs as well as on the Back Side.
“We want to protect the natural regeneration,” Egbert said. “Those are the babies of the trees no longer there.”
The project is also focusing on the soil, ecology of the mountain, and hydrological functions.
The fire has also allowed Sierra to reimagine other aspects of the resort, including looking at the mountain’s service roads and possibly adding trails, Sherman said. She sees Sierra’s story much like that of the forest’s—one of resilience.
In all, the Caldor Fire consumed 221,835 acres in El Dorado, Alpine and Amador counties. It was started Aug. 14, 2021, by humans, according to authorities, but no one has been prosecuted. The fire ripped through Sierra on Aug. 29. Firefighters fully contained the fire Oct. 21.
Photo Kathryn Reed
No longer is the West Bowl area of Sierra-at-Tahoe known for its stashes of powder and tree skiing.
Photo Kathryn Reed
Nearly all of these trees in Sierra-at-Tahoe’s West Bowl region were burned to the ground in the 2021 Caldor Fire.
Photo Mark Egbert
Reforestation of Sierra-at-Tahoe is a team effort, with crews planting thousands of trees in June.
Photo Sierra-at-Tahoe Tree planting in June at Sierra-at-Tahoe is strategically designed with the environment and skier in mind.
El Dorado County residents in the Tahoe Basin can receive
Getting saucy in the kitchen
Knowing how to make a few versatile sauces can be a game-changer because often they can be frozen or kept in the fridge for at least a few days. It means making one yummy thing that has the potential to be used in multiple meals.
When I was on vacation over my birthday week in September, I took a cooking class at the Stanfords Inn in Mendocino where I was staying. It was all about sauces.
Sid Garza-Hillman, the wellness programs director at the inn, made Cashew Ranch Dressing/Dip, Hemp and Sunflower Ricotta, and Roasted Tomato Chipotle Sauce.
They were all delicious. Bonus was that I brought them all home with me. It’s the latter that I am sharing with you because I’ve indulged in the chipotle sauce in more ways than I have the others. Plus, it’s probably the easiest when it comes to sourcing ingredients and has a flavor profile that hopefully has broad appeal.
The recipe Garza-Hillman shared with me is a version of what is in the inn’s cookbook, Dining at the Ravens (BenBel-
As with many recipes, it has evolved over time, with people putting their own spin on things based on personal preferences and available ingredients. So, the fact that this isn’t what was published nearly ten years ago isn’t a surprise.
Twice I had a version of the sauce at the inn—on the Stanford ranchero and breakfast enchiladas.
On the day of the class, we dipped tortilla chips in the sauce. It was so good warm, but would be tasty chilled, too. At home I made chile rellenos, reheating the sauce, putting a layer on the bottom of a wide bowl, then placing the stuffed chile in the center, with a drizzle of the remainder of the sauce on top. (Bonus was I used the ricotta from the class in the chile.)
Enjoy discovering uses for this sauce—maybe with eggs, meat dishes, as an appetizer or ways I can’t even imagine.
Tip: Using parchment paper or a silicon mat on the pan to prevent sticking eliminates the need for oil.
la Books, 2016) by Jeff and Joan Stanford (the Stanford’s own the lodging property.)
Medical team essential to international snow sports competitions
Lake Tahoe doctors are credited with being the founders and backbone of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard medical program.
To this day they remain integral to the health of these elite competitors.
In less than 100 days, athletes from around the world will compete in the Milano Cortina (Italy) Winter Olympics.
While no doctors from Tahoe will be at the Games, they are at preseason camps/ training, World Cup races, and other competitions.
“Typically, a Barton physician will serve a one-week rotation at a team event each season. Some may extend for two weeks, though this depends on their clinical schedules,” said Chris Proctor, director of Business Development and Community
Benefit for Barton. “Additional opportunities exist to support off-season training camps in the southern hemisphere, Europe or events closer to home, such as at Mammoth Mountain.”
This season, Jeffrey Orr, Will McClain and Caleb Davis are the local docs in the pool of medical professionals assisting the team, along with athletic trainer Jeremy Vanderhurst.
Orr is the son of the legendary Terry Orr, who retired from medicine in 2019. The senior Orr was the head team physician for the men’s U.S. Alpine Ski Team from 1999-2014. He was at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics. He also served on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Medical Committee for nearly two decades.
SPORTS SIMULATORS
He has worked on several Tahoe area athletes, including repairing the right anterior cruciate ligament of Olympian Marco Sullivan of Truckee.
“When (Dr. Terry Orr) talks, you lis-
so by volunteering at an Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in 1973 at what was known at Heavenly Valley.
Other Barton doctors who have been part of Team U.S. include: Ran-
ten,” said Daron Rahlves, the most accomplished U.S. downhill racer, years ago. “He has seen me throughout my career about ten times; he’s also taken care of my family and friends.” Rahlves’ home resort was Sugar Bowl.
Local surgeon and former ski team doc Kyle Swanson is credited with repairing multiple bones on professional snowboarder Joanna “PNut” Dzierzawski. First it was shoulder surgery, and in 2024 it was an ACL repair.
“Remarkably, after two major surgeries within 16 months, she is back on the mountain pursuing her favorite activities,” Barton posted on its website earlier this year.
South Shore’s Piper Arnold, who still has hopes of making next year’s Olympic team, is another patient of the Barton docs.
The late Paul “Papa” Fry with Bob Oden of Aspen were the two doctors who created formal medical care for the U.S. Ski Team in 1960 when the Olympics were at what was Squaw Valley.
Three years after Richard Steadman became an orthopedic surgeon at Barton Memorial Hospital in 1970 he began his relationship with the national team. He did
dy Watson, Keith Swanson, Eddie Tapper, Steve Abelow, Steve Bannar, Dan Robertson, Jeff Cummings, and Alison Ganong. Jonathan Finnoff and Katie Gollotto were part of the pool both before and after joining Barton’s staff.
Experience, certification, onboard training and a recommendation from physicians already in the U.S. medical pool are the criteria to be part of the team’s medical entourage. Head team physicians for each discipline attend the Olympics.
“Physicians serve as the primary onsite medical resource for U.S. athletes as well as on-course coverage during training, course inspections, and competitions to ensure the immediate medical care and safety of athletes,” Proctor said. “They are equipped and authorized to provide on-site evaluation, emergency stabilization, and approved medications. When additional care is needed, the physician will facilitate the athlete's treatment at a nearby hospital and if necessary, will assist with returning the athlete home for definitive care. Some athletes later choose to continue their care with a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team medical provider, including those from Barton.”
Straight to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $400,000
To the editor:
Please, stop with the "poor Tamara" pity party and consider that the Church congregation members and our city that were ripped off by Wallace! She has taken our towns collective "soul" into the gutter by stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a local Church and apparently an insurance company too. This theft is despicable and required "no bravery," just greed with no empathy for the victims.
In your October issue, "from Heather" you threw a lot of misplaced "shade" at Wallace. She is a thief and a liar, plain and simple. Your sugared psycho-babble excuses along with her "reasons" insult the victims. Every crook has a story, excuses, and reasons why they stole a car, robbed a store, or hit a bank. But most crooks don't get to hop onto a Freudian couch for analysis to avoid "justice" for
the victims. Why should Wallace get any "special treatment?" Because she is our mayor? She needs to steal more money?
You endorsed her for office? Shame on all who "endorsed” her and again making South Lake Tahoe the butt end of a bad joke via the internet.
How could anyone endorse such a crook and liar? The Tahoe Mountain News, the Tahoe Daily Tribune South Tahoe Now the Mountain Democrat, the Tahoe Conservancy, Hal Barker, Keith Roberts, The El Dorado County Association of Realtors, Kathy Lovell, South Tahoe Republican Women's Club, Trans Sierra Investments, The Shops at Heavenly Village and others need to look into a mirror and ask themselves some hard questions about the theft of $122,193 from the Federal Insurance Company in 2006 that was not vetted by anybody, in-
cluding the press!
In 2018 the Tahoe Daily Tribune endorsed Wallace saying, "Tamara has a passion for this community and espouses a fiscally conservative philosophy." Fail Tribune!
In 2018 South Tahoe Now's Paula Peterson said, "It's time to vote for Wallace" because Tamara said, "I have a servant's heart." Really Paula?
In his 2022 endorsement, Keith Roberts (yes, he is on the City Council now) said, "I have always felt she (Wallace) has this town’s best interest behind all her decisions." Sure Keith, stealing $400,000 shows where Tamara's "interests" lie.
I had to pass a background check before I could Coach Little League in town, but apparently there is no background checks when running for city offices while the press is asleep.
Tamara Wallace needs to go straight to jail, not to therapy for crooks and thieves. The former places she represented or worked for over the years, from South Lake Tahoe to Tulare County, should be warned to look for theft and fraud too. I ask police and investigators to "follow the money," and stay away from any endorsements of Wallace in local press since the "collective judgment" about all candidates is now in serious doubt. Since Tamara has now "lawyer'd up," what does Duane Wallace have to say? Or is that question just as "taboo" as asking for sympathy for victims these days?
Garden fairies key to LTCC garden’s regrowth
To the editor,
The Lake Tahoe Community College Demonstration Garden has been an important part of our community for many years. Many were involved in originally building and providing the funding for that garden and maintaining it over many successful years. The garden that also demonstrated the importance of environmental stewardship with the correct way to install BMPs for our homes as well as demonstrating some drought tolerant vegetation.
During this year’s Earth Day celebration earlier this year, I took a walk through the garden and was surprised with the poor condition of just about everything there. I contacted Jeff DeFranco, LTCC College
president, to discuss how improvements could be made to the garden area. He at the time was very involved with the new student housing project and also with the construction staging area set up in front of the garden. We chatted and agreed that his plate was full with the housing project and any conversation would have to wait until after the student housing was complete. I was later informed by another staff member management of the garden would be most likely taken over by the Washoe. This brings us to this last month’s article in the Tahoe Mountain News where I see others besides myself have some concerns. I have since had several discussions with people who have had a long history
with the Garden and many are concerned about the future of this valuable community asset.
Our idea is this area would be a great area for the community to take on as a community project. People who love to garden and make a difference. Seniors who want to get involved as well as anyone who loved the outdoors and can commit some time to assist in making the necessary improvements. The Garden needs a lot of clean up, some drip line repairs, along with some replacement signage and some stain and paint. This will go a long way to put this garden back in good shape
The Pay It Forward Project strongly supports community volunteerism as with
all of the challenging things going on in our world today. Why not change the focus and work on something positive and take some pride in your community? Hopefully if LTCC supports this idea, then they can continue to focus on the important work they are doing in building a better education facility for our community. I am sure there would be some challenges to accomplishing this, however with a commitment on all sides, I feel this is a valuable resource that should be protected and managed in the future for years to come.
John McDougall
Cross purpose uplifts church, community
To the editor,
With the upsetting news of embezzlement of funds from the Presbyterian Church, I think some history of the large white cross that stands at the church might be helpful and of interest to our community.
In 1964, the Buyten family immigrated from Holland, landing at South Tahoe. Five years later, Frits Buyten showed great
promise in the skill of welding in his shop class at South Tahoe High. Pastor Morris of the church asked Frits if he could create a cross for the church. Thinking it would be roughly five feet tall, Frits readily accepted the challenge. But Pastor Morris had another idea. His vision was a 35-foot cross, for which he had blueprints developed! This larger project represented quite a challenge. The cross was too large to fit within the shop, so much of it was
fabricated outdoors, and constructed in two sections. Frits was the welder, given his skills and steady hands. Bob Hooper provided important assistance, with others in the class both helping and learning through the process.
The cross was constructed and erected at the church in 1969, and it was entered in a nation-wide engineering competition, taking second place among 48 state entrants.
The fact that this high school project has stood the test of time over 56 years speaks to the value of vocational education. Further, It is a great testament to what the cross stands for; hope, not only for the Presbyterian Church, but for our entire community.
Janet McDougall
Larry Pedigo, South Lake Tahoe
Photo Provided/2017
Son-father duo Jeff and Terry Orr each have represented Barton Health as U.S. Ski & Snowboard doctors.
State releases more salary stats
South Tahoe Public Utility District has the highest payroll of any special district in the basin on the California side, which in part has to do with having the largest staff and the specialized nature of the work.
In 2024, wages for the 150 workers totaled $14,499,763, with retirement and health contributions coming to $4,581,081.
The State Controller’s Office in September released last year’s data for special districts. These districts are governmental entities created by residents to deliver specialized services. California’s 3,100 special districts provide 172,854 jobs, more than $12.66 billion in wages, and more than $3.38 billion in health and retirement benefits.
STPUD is No. 127 on the list when it comes to total wages. The general manager is the top paid employee at $334,262 a year, with retirement-health benefits at $65,939.
Four STPUD employees made more than $200,000 a year and between $33,000
and $57,000 in benefits. Sixty-eight people made in the $100,000s.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is the next local entity on the list at No. 224 for top payroll at $7,055,430. Retirement and health expenses for the 93 workers was $2,029,740.
The executive director had the biggest paycheck at $200,124, plus retirement and health benefits of $50,197. Twenty-two people made at least $100,000 a year.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District’s payroll of $4,585,762 places it at No. 308. Retirement and health contributions total $900,184.
The highest paid positions were battalion chief ($294,700 salary/$62,059 retirement-health), captain ($222,689/$51,519), battalion chief ($206,962/$45,534), captain ($204,092/$37,643) and fire chief ($203,199/$54,149).
Of the five board members, one was paid $1,000, another $900 and the other three nothing.
Tahoe Transportation District’s 97 employees’ wages of $3,946,482 put it at No. 340. Retirement-health contributions
$21,025 with no benefits. Three board members were paid $500, one received $400, and zero for the fifth position.
were $788,379.
Six people made six figures, with the district manager topping the list at $165,606 for salary and $40,010 in benefits.
Tahoe Resource Conservation District is No. 479 on the list with total wages of $2,284,701, and retirementhealth at $335,521.
Of the 78 employees, the executive director and director of finance and administration were the only two in six figures.
At No. 528 is the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operation Authority with total wages of $1,865,631 and retirement-health costs at $155,832.
The executive director had a salary of $264,520, and benefits of $15,030. Two paramedics made more than $100,000 as did an emergency medical technician. The agency has 42 employees.
No. 598 on the list is Fallen Leaf Lake Community Services District. Its 34 workers had a combined salary of $1,472,901, and $14,667 in retirementhealth benefits.
Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District is No. 1,577 with a payroll of $39,964 and no paid benefits. The bulk of the wages ($24,356) was for a maintenance worker. Four other workers received paychecks. Board members were not compensated.
Meeks Bay Fire Protection District is No. 1,794 on the list. The only people receiving a check were the four directors. Three were paid $840, one received $720. One of the higher paid board members also received $3,737 in retirement-health benefits.
The above salaries may include payment for jobs that exceed a standard 40-hour-work week, including some where overtime is mandated by law. Where the funding for salaries comes from—local coffers, state funds, grants or other sources is not specified. Also, several of these jobs require unique skill sets.
Of the 68 special districts not filing a report or filing a non-compliant one, eight were in El Dorado County. They are:
• South Lake Tahoe Basin Solid Waste Management Authority
The general manager, who is also the fire chief, made $274,430 and is the only person with benefits. Three firefighters made more than $100,000.
Farther down the list is Happy Homestead Cemetery District at No. 1,208. The district manager, who is also clerk of the board, was responsible for more than half of the payroll at $124,022. The position came with $54,192 in retirementhealth benefits.
The grounds foreman made $81,734/$39,127 and the groundskeeper
• South Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities Joint Powers Authority
• El Dorado County Risk Management Authority
• El Dorado County-City of Folsom Joint Powers Agency
• El Dorado County-City of PlacervilleCity of South Lake Tahoe
LETTERS
Continued from page 21
Laurel and Lake Tahoe: a match made in heaven
To the editor,
Laurel Ames is now my whispering angel. She was a true Jewel of the Sierra. She had a strong moral compass; not present in many we encounter today. Laurel had ethical principles and an innate set of values that guided her. Clearly these qualities describe Laurel: honest, respectful, loyal, kind, compassionate, to name a few.
I’m honored to have called Laurel my friend and mentor.
She inspired and encouraged me to get involved in community issues, research codes, read reports, find historical documentation, etc. Meet with land use planners, attend community and legislative hearings, encourage others to do the same. And as many of you know, she also said: don’t be afraid to challenge staff reports, question interpretations, write thorough and comprehensive comments, do your best to impart the truth and always, always be factual.
Her tenacity and fortitude will always be recognized far and wide, past, present and in the future.
She was not only an inspiration to me, but many others who honored her at Valhalla, a special iconic place, just like Laurel, that recognizes the significance of maintaining Tahoe heritage, beauty, serenity and inspires all to want to preserve Lake Tahoe’s treasures for many years to come.
Her dedication to many, many organizations is unrivaled. Her profound dedication and pursuit in protecting Lake Tahoe set a strong foundation for future generations to embrace and follow. In turn, supporting her legacy so future generations can hopefully set a course correction, a priority, that brings Tahoe back to its crowning glory—the Jewel of the Sierra—that Laurel and others had the opportunity and privilege to experience.
Ellie Waller
The perks of being an RVer
Are you comfortable? I mean, right now. A gigantasaurus drink cup in hand, a bag of chips tucked in crotch, strictly for survival purposes. I imagine you’re sitting on a chair, or better yet, a squishy comfortable couch. Maybe the one with your back impressions deeply embedded into the cushions. Surprisingly similar to the fossilized footprints embedded in mud by dinosaurs in their search for snacks and energy drinks.
These actions are “evidence of an organism’s behavior and activity.” Or, let’s be honest, in our case, inactivity. And they provide “unique insights” into “whether we traveled alone or in a herd.”
Despite my Neanderthal tendencies, I find herds to be loud, combative, disorganized and confusing—with a strong tendency to leave behind trails of trash and fossilized dung. Remember your last rock concert? PTA meeting? Bachelor party? Bridal gown fitting? Baby gender reveal? Complete chaos and dinosaurish dung.
Which brings me to my recent experience in herd travel, although some call it RVing. I looked it up before I agreed to sign the waiver my hubby placed in front of me. And it is officially defined as “traveling in recreational vehicles designed for human habitation or other occupancy.”
Other occupancy? Like . wasps? Field mice? Nomadic senior citizens? Stoned millennials wandering through the door of the first RV they bang into? Your husband, after mixing experimental cocktails all evening over the fire pit? Or the drifter cruising the campground looking for free merch? As an eyewitness to all the above, this should be enough of a warning.
However, being an experienced RVer, Hubby reminded me of the perks that came with signing my life away. And they are:
1. You can save money by cooking your own meals.
That’s about it for perks. Oh sure. You’ll hear RVers rave about the cost savings
compared to homeownership. But most are paying for that traditional home along with their RV. And that RV guzzles fuel like a frat boy at a kegger.
And, I discovered, the cost of a campsite is equivalent to the cost of running a hot tub for a month, which, coincidentally, is where I’d rather be.
However, Hubby assured me that our RV trip was going to offer us “new experiences in diverse locations,” which, if you interpret mansplaining as well as I do, means you’re going to be doing sh*t you don’t want to do in weird places you would normally avoid.
Of course, I’ve heard about the RV lifestyle and its “supportive community.” We met them at
the RV park the very first day we arrived when we joined the Find Your Campsite conga line. This is an eternal crawl through a looping maze. But you won’t feel lost or scared as soon as you realize you aren’t really going anywhere.
The other benefit being, you irritate your fellow campers by circling them repetitively for hours.
Along the way, you’ll see RVers displaying a wide variety of camp decor and jigsaw puzzles. Yes, some feel these are mind-numbing activities, but that’s their purpose. The real joy of RVing appears to be setting stuff up, scrubbing and repairing it, then breaking it down. Much to their satisfaction, this can take a lifetime.
Everyone remains happy until it gets dark. That’s when RVers turn on every light for the sole purpose of annoying each other.
Then they sit around the barbecue, stoking the fire and complaining about other RV parking lights, motion detectors, headlamps, solar string lights, flash-
lights, lanterns, glow sticks and reflective dog collars.
But, in the end, it is a supportive community. Everyone is equally blinded by each other’s light displays. And they all agree that the blinding prison yard lights ringing the perimeter of the campground toilets are fantastic.
And their glare eliminates the night sky, so you won’t waste your time trying to see the stars.
Although the calendar insists we were RVing for one week, it felt like the Jurassic era by the time these two dinosaurs departed the herd and returned home.
And, as dinosaurs were known to do, I fell to my knees in the driveway and kissed the ground.
We quickly immersed ourselves in the hot tub waterhole, our gigantasaurus cups in hand, and began planning our next trip.
Two tickets to Hawaii. We may not be RVers, but wherever we go, we definitely need to see the stars.
Small town, big city traffic
I love dialogue, debate, and even a little rancorous discord. It’s what keeps democracy alive. Speech is our first, seminal right; thank you for engaging, whether through emails or letters to the editor. I’m glad we disagree; otherwise, what would we even talk about? The mayor?
Readers may have noticed I’ve been stuck in an asphalt rut these past few months advocating for a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly town and urging everyone to take it easy behind the wheel. Slow down, watch for kids, and keep an eye out for the inebriated tourists zipping by on every imaginable form of e-transport.
One person who agrees is Charles Lancellotti, whose daughter was killed by a motorist earlier this year. “I’d love for something good to come from Giada’s death,” he said. “It would be a shame if nothing changed. I’d love for our town to be safer.”
Not everyone feels this way. One recent letter argued it “behooves us to keep traffic flowing,” claiming SLT isn’t particularly dangerous and that traffic fatalities are rare. I really wish that were true. It’s not.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), which compiles crash and victim data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, NHTSA, Caltrans, DMV, and local sheriff and law enforcement agencies, SLT ranks sixth most dangerous out of 104 similar-sized cities. Include alcohol-involved crashes
and we climb to fourth most fatal. The TRPA Vision Zero report tallied 41 roadway deaths from 2013–2021, while South Tahoe Now reported 12 pedestrian and cyclist deaths in just six years. In 2022, Mammoth Lakes had 21 collisions. We had 102. What is perhaps more telling than statistics or dangerous city rankings is to ask the simple question, which California city are we most similar to in terms of road safety? The answer: Oakland. Statistically speaking, you’re just as safe biking through SLT as you are in Oakland. The above per capita data sets are skewed somewhat by nonconstant variables; Oakland has much larger pedestrian frequency of incidence and South Lake Tahoe has a notably higher degree of alcohol-involved crashes, but the rate of people killed or injured relative to the resident population is disconcertingly similar. I used to live in Oakland and loved it: the culture, the food, the funk, but my wife and I chose to raise our children here in Tahoe; you know, it might be safer… ughhhh whoops, sorry kids. This isn’t a matter of blaming drivers, teenagers, or even the tourists (tempting though that may be). The real problem is our roads and speed limits.
Thankfully, despite the recent proper-public-shellacking at City Hall, SLT has launched an important effort: the US 50/89 Multimodal Mainstreet Corridor Plan. Funded by a Caltrans
Sustainable Transportation Grant, the plan will identify and propose safety enhancements along U.S. 50 and Hwy 89 — improving access for walkers and cyclists. According to the city’s website, the project will include “robust public outreach” and a full evaluation of traffic calming, mobility, and transit options.
To understand what’s already happening, I spoke with City Manager Joe Irvin and City Attorney Heather Stroud. They explained that SLT has used Assembly Bill 43, a state law that lets cities lower speed limits beyond the traditional “85th percentile” rule. Speed limits have already dropped on Ski Run, Sierra Blvd, and parts of Pioneer Trail. “We have a lot of tools in our toolbox,” Stroud said, “and over the past few years we’ve done a better job of using those for safety projects like bikeways and stop signs.”
Our neighborhood near the new flashing stop signs at Washington Ave. and Tahoe Keys Blvd. is proof. It’s safer, friendlier, and more connected: kids run lemonade stands, police chat with residents, and families walk to bus stops without fear. But as Stroud noted, AB 43 doesn’t apply everywhere. “Caltrans still controls state highways,” she said. “We can’t just unilaterally lower speed limits on 50 or 89. It has to be a collaborative.”
That collaboration is exactly what the new Multimodal Mainstreet Corridor Plan aims to achieve. Irvin explained that the
current Hwy 50 Safety Project with new green bike lanes, four pedestrian flashers, and a signalized intersection at Johnson Blvd. began in 2018. “Caltrans moves slowly,” he admitted, “but they’ve been willing to work with us on safety issues.”
Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Some locals worry that adding more lights might train drivers to ignore crosswalks. Honestly, this is a valid concern worth reviewing through the Multimodal Corridor study. SLT is full of passionate, sometimes opposing viewpoints, but we don’t need to be a circular firing squad.
“Most main streets in historic towns are designed to be pedestrian-oriented,” Irvin said. Not us. SLT’s main artery was designed as a highway to speed people to the casinos.
And that’s the crux. Our main street wasn’t built for locals; it was built for throughtraffic.
Recently, the kids and I did a Walmart run through Gardnerville and Minden, nearly ten miles of 25mph zones. It’s not quick, but it feels calm, safe, and community-centered. Drivers slow down, notice local businesses, and actually stop to shop. Contrast that with SLT, where pulling onto Hwy 50 can feel like merging onto the Autobahn. There’s a message with the slower pace: this town is worth slowing down for. The people who live here matter more than shaving two minutes off your drive. Their roads reflect their values: that motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists aren’t opponents in the Daytona 500, but neighbors sharing the same main street.
M.C. Behm can be reached at mcbehmbooks@gmail.com.
I roll over, then again and again and unbelievably again. In no time, it’s like four or five rolls, horrible. No, I am not crashing . . . uh, well, that is exactly the problem—I am not crashing. I mean, I cannot fall asleep!
I would consider myself a poor sleeper. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it feels great to get a good night’s sleep. It is just that I would probably rather be
Sleepless in Tahoe
doing something else. We only get so much time allocated to us on this ride we are on here; why do I have to spend so much of it lying there with my eyes closed? I am probably missing out on something!
I should be out on the Rim Trail with my headlamp—oh, that
would be magnificent; what if the snow from that first storm melts off that one bowl up there and it doesn’t get filled in again the rest of the season? (oh shoot, my tongue was burning on that one, don’t talk like that), or what if 3I/Atlas reverses course and goes back the way it came while I am sleeping? Did I pay that utility bill? I roll over again. This is my brain trying to fall asleep.
Of course, sleep finally does come. Then, guess what? Three a.m.—wide awake again. Damn it. Okay, don’t get angry or frustrated; that will just get you all fired up again . relax, breathe deep. Try not to notice the part-time neighbor across the street with the new lights lining the walkway, burning through our bedroom curtains every night. And there go the coyotes again—that’s okay, they are kind of fun except that they want to eat our pets.
The remedies . . . oh, the
sleep remedies. There are plenty of knockyour-butt-out pharmaceuticals out there to help you wake up in the morning feeling fully refreshed, but actually you wake up and cannot figure out where you are. Won’t do that.
The gentler, milder, healthier stuff. What about tryptophan? It’s natural—you can get it from a lot of foods. Why do you think you want to pass out after that Thanksgiving turkey dinner? Melatonin—your body produces that itself. I have a few friends who like CBDs, which sound effective. Masks— yeah, they just allow you to ignore the world outside; nope, I’m not a horse, and besides, it’s the world inside that is my sleep demon. Do I really need to spend money to go to sleep?
I know caffeine is a big problem and I do love a couple of strong cups in the morning, but my hard and fast rule is no coffee after 10am in the morning. It’s weird because I remember my mom could have dinner, then drink a cup of coffee and fall asleep right there on the couch, seemingly unaffected by the caffeine. I would be able to feel my heart pounding in my chest well into the night if I did that. Five more roll overs. At least. And then there’s the evil screen time. I have some rules
here, too, which I find very easy to follow. If I must look at the computer in the afternoon, I will turn on the nightlight setting to get rid of the dreaded blue light; then I won’t look at the computer after 5pm (great excuse, too: “no, it’s too late for me to work on that”.
Same thing for my phone. I barely know where it is anyway, but after 5 pm, I will not even try to find it; most of my friends know this.
I do have a not-so-secret weapon—to get out in the woods and do something, the bigger the better. Of course, going out and getting at it always makes sleep better. But what works best for me is if I can get up high somewhere. I love high places; I can get there and do nothing but enjoy the view. A little water, maybe lick a few wounds and catch my breath. No conversations about the worlds’ problems, no exclamations about how great your gear is. Just let it in!
Then, later that night, when that first roll over is about to happen, go back to that spot and just hang out in my head. Oh what, it’s morning? Can I go back up there?
Let’s play
Photo Gary Bell
Zany escapades and a fiery film
Two very different films this month. First up, the 30 years later sequel to The Naked Gun a series of three films, the last of which was released in 1994.
The original film series was taken from the six-episode TV series called Police Squad which premiered in 1982. The series was the brainchild of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, the creators of Airplane! in 1980.
The threesome specialized in fastpaced slapstick comedy, including visual and verbal puns, gags, running jokes and dark humor. Their parodies often made fun of the Hollywood treatment of different film genres and the gags were fast and furious. Sometimes things moved so fast it was hard to notice everything going on in any given scene.
Airplane!, a parody of the airport disaster films of the ‘70s, is still considered one of the greatest comedies ever made. The
Zucker-Abrahams trio then went to the small screen, releasing six episodes of Police Squad in 1982. It was canceled after the fourth as the network big wigs thought that audiences simply did not get the humor.
The trio moved back to the big screen in 1988, releasing The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! It starred Leslie Nielsen (who had come over from Airplane!) as Lt. Frank Drebin, along with Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalbán, George Kennedy, and O. J. Simpson (who was arrested shortly after completing the third film in the series). The first Naked Gun film was a hit. Not quite as big as Airplane!, but also considered a comedy classic. The next two films had only David Zuker involved and were not nearly as successful.
So, 30 years later, can a sequel capture the same audience and create as many laughs? The
new film has Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr. of the LAPD Police Squad hunting down bad guys just like his dad, Frank Sr. Frank Jr. is played by Liam Neeson, using his usual gruff machismo for all-out comic effect.
The plot is standard: Drebin blunders into a case involving his father’s mysterious death and a stolen high-tech device called P.L.O.T. Aided (and distracted) by crime novelist and femme fatale, Beth, played by Pamela Anderson, he chases down villainous tech mogul Richard Cane before the device is triggered at a New Year’s Eve MMA match and everyone is turned into a riotous angry mob. Neeson is decent as Drebin. He doesn’t have Nielson’s ability to really add comedy to the character’s actions, but he is game for all the silly stuff they make him do. Pamela Anderson is very solid as Beth, the femme fatale with heart.
Where the film falls a bit short is on the gags. The first films constantly parodied the TV and movie tropes from all the police procedurals. This film does that, but less so, and relies more on other gags that are hit and miss. Plus, the originals seemed to average about ten gags per minute and this film seems more around three. There’s still plenty to laugh at, but it just isn’t as fast and clever. Overall, the new Naked Gun is a mostly solid, silly comedy with an Oscar-winning action star being
funny, but without the Zuckers' and Abraham's writing and directing, it doesn’t measure up to the originals.
The film had a theatrical release, but you can now catch it streaming on Paramount. Teresa didn’t watch it with me but checked it out later and wasn’t impressed.
And now for something completely different. There’s a new film out on Apple TV that hits us pretty close to home called The Lost Bus It’s based on the true events of the 2018 Camp fire, which obliterated the town of Paradise. It deals with Kevin McKay, played by Matthew McConaughey, a downon-his-luck school bus driver who has returned to his hometown to take care of his aging mother. He has a teenaged son who hates being there and subsequently says he hates his dad, and an ex-wife who thinks he’s going nowhere.
On November 8, Kevin finished his morning route and was headed back. The day was extremely windy. When a PG&E powerline sparked a fire near Highway 70 and the North Fork Feather River, it quickly grew. With the high winds, embers were blown way out ahead of the main fire, igniting spot fires in Paradise. At the time, emergency dispatchers were not aware that the spot fires had erupted in town and the order to evacuate was delayed. This left the 27,000 people to sud-
Foreign workers essential to local business
Millions of people from other countries are in the United States legally with one of a multitude of visas that allows them to go to school or work here.
It’s F-1 visas that permit students to attend Lake Tahoe Community College, while it’s usually a J-1 visa that has them working at ski resorts, hotels and other hospitality-oriented businesses.
One benefit for LTCC is these students pay full price and are not subsidized by the state. Plus, it adds a cultural depth to campus life.
In the last decade students have come from Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, U.K., United Arab
denly evacuate with a completely inadequate system, causing gridlock in many places as the fire hit. And most of us will remember how it played out.
In the meantime, Kevin hears that there are 22 students up at Paradise Elementary School who need evacuating, so he heads up to get them out. What follows is the harrowing five hours it takes for them to get through the fire to safety.
The film impressively captures the horrifying power of wildfire with an amplified reality. We, of course, remember both the Angora and Caldor fires, and this film will reignite those memories. Besides the fire itself, there are dramatic moments outside the real story to give it more dramatic depth, but most everything has a “you are there” feel to it.
McConaughey is playing one of his low-key characters as Kevin, which is good because it keeps him a normal human being in extraordinary circumstances.
America Ferrera plays a composite of the two teachers who were on the actual bus and like McConaughey, comes across as a regular person. Though they could have done without some of the overdone backstory (which is mostly fictional), the pace and editing are tight and along with the fire effects, The Lost Bus will keep you on the edge of your seat. Teresa and I both were glued to ours.
The most popular degrees pursued by these students are business accounting and management, computer science, kinesiology, and psychology.
Barton Health does not have any workers on the payroll today requiring a visa, but it does employ “a small number of team members” who have an employment authorization document or EAD.
The difference between a visa and EAD is that a visa allows entry into the U.S. usually for a specific job, while an EAD allows foreigners who are already here to work.
“Although we do not typically recruit within international markets, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of nationality,” Elizabeth Stork, Barton’s chief administrative officer, said. “Barton complies with all employment and immigration laws, and we do not publicly disclose individual employee information to protect the privacy of our team members.”
Emirates, Vietnam and Zambia.
In each of the last four academic years, excluding this one because numbers are not available, LTCC has enrolled more than 40 international students.
“The overall interest among international students in applying to U.S. colleges and universities declined during the first two quarters of the year, a trend we also observed at LTCC,” Marta Sternal, international student program coordinator, said in late October. “Some prospective international applicants were negatively affected by the temporary suspension of visa appointments during spring 2025. However, in recent weeks, LTCC has seen a renewed surge in interest from international applicants wanting to pursue their higher education degree at LTCC (this) academic year.”
“Most F-1 students, after completing their studies at LTCC, transfer to four-year universities to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree,” Sternal said. Sometimes LTCC has students on J-1 visas who may attend for up to two quarters.
Uncertainty with visas
It’s H1-B visas that have made headlines of late because President Trump via executive order mandated a $100,000 fee with these applications in what the administration says is an attempt to encourage companies to hire U.S. citizens.
In 2024, Congress voted against two budget amendments that would have eliminated the J-1 program.
The U.S. Department of State is issuing fewer J-1 and F-1 visas, with a 13 percent decline for J-1s from 2024 to 2025, and a 22 percent drop in F-1s. The department does not disclose the number of visa applicants.
In Trump’s first term he placed a ban on foreign workers that included J-1s. A judge suspended it and then President Joe Biden revoked the ban in 2021.
Trump is still looking to limit J-1 and F-1 visas.
According to the National Ski Areas Association, nearly 60 percent of all U.S.
ski resorts use J-1 workers, averaging 50 J-1s per resort each winter. In 2024, ski areas used 8,600 J-1s in winter, and 3,000 in summer.
“While wages at ski areas have increased significantly in recent years, the seasonal nature of many ski area jobs and the fact that mountain communities often have low-to-zero percent unemployment mean that ski areas face perennial structur-
“We can’t get enough locals for the right times and specific positions we are looking for,” General Manager Jerry Bindel said.
J-1 workers have to be in school and a cultural component must be provided by the employer.
An advantage to those working at Forest Suites is they may live on property. Bin-
Some of the types of visas the U.S. offers
• F-1: Foreign academic student, when conditions are met
• H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, H-3: Temporary worker
• I: Foreign information media representative
• J-1: Exchange visitor, when conditions are met
• K-1: Fiancé of a U.S. citizen
• M-1: Foreign vocational student
al workforce shortfalls,” a spokesperson at NSAA told the TMN. “It’s critical that ski areas have access to J-1 and H-2B visas to supplement conventional staff on the mountain.”
Ski California is also keeping an eye on J-1 workers, with President John Rice saying, “So far, resorts have not experienced any issues related to those who are still coming in on the J-1 visa this season, and there is optimism that there will be sufficient human resources to meet demand as the season gets under way.” Foreigners needed locally
Forest Suites Resort has been hiring J-1 workers for years. The South Lake Tahoe property uses a third party to ensure everything is legit. About five of these international workers are hired in the winter, a few more for summer.
Mostly summer help comes from Eastern Europe, while winter workers hail from South America, and sometimes China and Malaysia.
• O-1, O-2: Temporary worker in the sciences
• P-1, P-2, P-3: Temporary worker in the arts, athletics in an exchange or cultural program
• R-1: Temporary religious worker with a nonprofit • TN: Professional business worker admitted under NAFTA.
Source: Social Security Administration
del said it’s a requirement of the employer to assist with finding housing for workers, but they don’t have to actually provide it.
This is why it’s easier for larger establishments like the Stateline casinos, Edgewood, and the two Marriott properties to hire J-1s—they have lodging to offer.
Vail Resorts, which owns Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, has made a concerted effort to reduce its dependence on foreigners.
“For the past several years, Vail Resorts has been working to build a strong domestic seasonal workforce that comes back year after year. Through dedicated investments to the employee experience, we have seen record high retention and return rates,” Cole Zimmerman, spokesman for Heavenly, said. “Employees with a visa make up a very small percentage of our employee base—just about five percent total (companywide).”
Photo Paramount Pictures
Thirty years on, Liam Neeson stars in the latest Naked Gun reboot.
Photo LTCC
Among Lake Tahoe Community College’s 2025 graduates are these eight who came from different countries to study in the U.S.
ABC Mini Storage
Sierra-at-Tahoe settles suit
The 330 plaintiffs in the case against Sierra-at-Tahoe should soon receive money or lift ticket vouchers per the settlement agreement.
Court in March 2021.
Please call for pricing and specials (530)542-4463
Court proceedings came to a close in September, with the ski resort agreeing to reimburse people for lift tickets purchased online that they could not use because of lack of parking.
“We are committed to vindicating consumer rights when they have been harmed,” attorney James Davis with Blood, Hurst & O’Reardon in San Diego said of the results.
Sierra's attorney deferred comment to resort officials, but they didn't comment.
The class-action complaint was filed in Contra Costa County Superior
The lawsuit claimed that on 11 days during the 2020-21 season lift tickets sold online were not honored by Sierra because parking was at capacity. Plaintiffs were given the option of a cash refund or a voucher to the resort.
Davis did not have the total amount Sierra would have to pay because he didn’t have the number of tickets each plaintiff had purchased. The maximum price for a lift ticket on Sierra’s website this month is $175. This would equate to about $60,000 worth of lift tickets.
According to Davis, the resort must also pay about 20 percent of plaintiff's attorney’s fees, or about $100,000.
Buena vista!
Photo Kathryn Reed
Good-bye Motel 6. Hello wide open spaces!
www.alpinecarpetonesouthlaketahoe.com