We are a culture with a gun problem exacerbated by a rage problem, resulting in an era of political violence. So here we are, in this hot summer of ‘24, recognizing that we are the canaries in the coal mine. It’s hotter than the hinges on The Gates of Hades, and The Gates of Hades are hotter than usual with the heavy flow of traffic passing through them these days… 

The question festers, how do we restore a modicum of respect for the next fellow’s beliefs? Well, first, a little history…

As Mark Twain told us back in 1897 in his excellent book, Following the Equator…

“The ordinary reverence, the reverence defined and explained by the dictionary, costs nothing.  Reverence for one’s own sacred things -parents, religion, flag, laws, and respect for one’s own beliefs -these are feelings which we cannot even help. They come natural to us; they are involuntary, like breathing. There is no personal merit in breathing. But the reverence which is difficult, and which has personal merit in it, is the respect which you pay, without compulsion, to the political and religious attitude of a man whose beliefs are not yours. 
You can’t revere his gods or his politics, and no one expects you to do that, but you could respect his belief in them if you tried hard enough.  But it is very, very difficult; it is next to impossible, and so we hardly ever try.  If the man doesn’t believe as we do, we say he is a crank, and that settles it.  I mean it does nowadays, because now we can’t burn him.”

Thank you, Samuel, for reminding us that our irreverence is not new. What is new, is that while hate continues to diminish all haters, both major political parties are suffering from primordial instincts of rage. Both continue to call each other hard names, names derived from primeval emotions that eclipse reason.

Even our revered Supreme Court is no longer above reproach, as we come to realize that although our justices are very smart people, they have no better grasp of what’s right and what’s wrong than that fella selling ice cream from his stand on the corner. 

The way I see it, a president who knows right from wrong will not have any need for immunity, so to avoid the immunity issue, we need to elect a president who knows right from wrong…

Being an Ancient Father of Unborn Historical Incidents, I do hope I live to see the day that Beethoven wrote about with his Ode to Joy, when our world is ruled by women, and all men have become brothers. My good VA doctor tells me I will not live to see that day unless I quit smoking cheap cigars, drinking cheap whiskey, and staying up half the night swapping stories with wonderful characters. Life’s a crapshoot, so I will rub my lucky horseshoe, and take note with keen interest…

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fhv4PrH1UuwlhbnTT23zO

Event is growing the region’s commitment to sustainable transportation

Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. – The 19^th annual Tahoe Bike Month achieved record-breaking participation this year, according to the organizers. Through the month of June, a diverse community of 474 Tahoe residents and visitors embraced biking as a sustainable transportation option, collectively logging 9,890 trips covering 78,798 miles and climbing 5,512,602 vertical feet.

The celebration organized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition helps reduce reliance on private automobiles in the region, which protects the environment and encourages healthier, safer communities. TRPA and the Bicycle Coalition saw record participation in more than 20 bike-friendly events and activities, including bike kitchen pop-ups, bike path clean ups, and the Pride Bike Ride.

Reflecting on the success of the event, TRPA senior transportation planner Kira Richardson expressed gratitude.

“We commend all participants for getting out of their cars and experiencing Tahoe’s magnificent paths and trails,” Richardson said. “Your efforts not only promote healthier lifestyles but also contribute significantly to preserving our environment.”

Participants logged their rides on tahoebike.org/bike-month, competing for prizes donated by local businesses. Noteworthy achievements included:

• In the team category, “Competitive Commuters” emerged victorious, amassing 156 points over the month.
• “Carson ‘the’ Guy” recorded an impressive 152 rides.
• Joshua Hutchens dominated in elevation gain with 85,981 vertical feet and covered 1,176 miles, securing the top spot in distance traveled.
• Mark Hoefer completed the biggest ride, covering 139 miles and ascending 14,423 vertical feet.
• Of the 474 total participants, 39 biked every day throughout June.

One of those participants who biked every day was Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition president Nick Speal.

“The community’s enthusiasm and commitment to biking not only set new records, but also exemplifies our mission to make it safer and more fun to get around Tahoe on two wheels,” said Speal.

The success of the 19th Annual Tahoe Bike Month was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Gear Lab, Pine Nut Cycle Cafe, Heavenly Epic Promise, Blue Granite Climbing Gym, and many others.

Looking ahead, organizers hope the momentum from this year’s event will encourage continued biking, walking, and transit use throughout the summer and beyond. For more information on sustainable transportation options in Tahoe, visit LinkingTahoe.com and explore the interactive bike map at map.tahoebike.org.

Tahoe Bike Month will return in June 2025.

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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment.

The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition works to make Tahoe more bicycle-friendly by providing the free Tahoe Bike Map, free and discounted bike racks, promoting bike safety, bike valet at events, and ongoing advocacy. Learn more at www.tahoebike.org.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/11/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The serene shores of Lake Tahoe are alive with the sound of music as the Classical Tahoe Music Festival and Institute is back for its 12th year. 

“The music that Classical Tahoe performs matches in sound the splendor and perfection of beautiful Lake Tahoe,” according to classicaltahoe.org. 

It will run through Aug. 4 with most events at the University of Nevada’s Lake Tahoe campus.

“People can come early to enjoy a picnic and a glass of wine in our courtyard before enjoying the performance under the stars,” said Classical Tahoe Communications Manager Erin Lensing. “The size of the venue (400 seats) creates an intimate, magical and mesmerizing experience where – from any seat in the house – you feel like you are up close with the music.”

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Originally published in Lake Tahoe this Week, 07/12/24, Written by Kirsten Alexis

When you think of Lake Tahoe, images of Sand Harbor State Park probably come to mind. Its iconic crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches, views of surrounding snow-capped peaks and adventure-seekers on their boats, paddleboards and kayaks are what makes Sand Harbor an internationally sought-after destination.

You might also think of summertime crowds.

Sand Harbor is one of the most visited beaches in Lake Tahoe, and over the past few years it has seen a dramatic spike in tourism. This has led to overcrowding at the beach, significantly impacting the fragile ecosystem. The increase in traffic congestion has negatively impacted tourists and locals, especially those commuting to their jobs. Cars line up for miles just waiting for a chance to get into the park.

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Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/12/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees faced a dual challenge Wednesday, grappling with a forensic report warning of “high risk of fraud” while simultaneously approving increases to sewer and water rates. 

Certified public accountants and business consultants RubinBrown, LLP, of St. Louis, Missouri, presented a draft forensic due diligence report to the IVGID Board. 

“We see high risk of fraud and abuse until management represents an appropriate tone at the top to develop, maintain and monitor an appropriate internal control environment,” Thomas Zetlmeisl, a partner at RubinBrown said during the presentation. 

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