I’m not a political analyst by any stretch of the imagination, but I do know a hawk from a handsaw when I see them together, and Russia’s President Putin is easy to read as a Halloween pumpkin head. Yes, once Putin believes he can bedevil Estonia with impunity, lookout NATO. 

Imperialism is a disease, and a contagious one. Most of us know when enough is enough, and are satisfied with our lot. But the imperialist is never satisfied with his lot, he is too eager to gobble up the next-door neighbor along with the neighbor’s neighbor…

But now if we step on Putin’s toes, and down one of his jets inside NATO airspace, he just might take a step back, or at least hold the line. The risk of escalation always remains a factor in the equation, but it’s either deter, or fold our cards at the table. 

So the idea is to hamstring Putin when he commits future aggressions, and do it with this caveat: “Do that again and we will kick you in the knee, and if that does not dissuade you, we will kick you in the…other knee.”

President for Life Putin has no accountability. There is no future election or threat of impeachment. He has free reign to become Dennis the Menace and fly in the face of all usual and expected challenges to his revanchist ambitions. So our world does need to display steadfast might in discouraging him from invading another of his neighbors in the name of his beloved Russian Empire, the largest empire in Europe in the 19^th century.

To the imperialist, a body count is merely a number. KIA’s have no faces, no mothers, no souls, they are merely fodder for the Empire to roll over on the way to expansion. Imperialism is a heartless march for domain and is a threat to peace, and quite possibly, a full-throated threat to engage in warfare. No longer is the question, “How many fighter jets do you have,” but, “How many drones do you have?” 

Russia claims it can produce 4,000 drones per day. An attack by Russian drones could feel like, well, as Mark Twain might say, “An attack of Russian drones might feel like being in a wasps’ nest in a short shirttail.”

I read that President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Budapest has been scrapped, so I would hope President Trump might be busy in the kitchen concocting a mixture of restraint and resolve to present to President Putin…

State boundaries of 2025 are too well established to be challenged or threatened by heads of state. Yet there are those few who refuse to be pulled out of the 19^th century. I’m one of them, so I know one when I see one. In the course of extraordinary events, Russia might be one of the biggest challenges on the horizon, and I, as one small member of the peanut gallery, wish everyone the best of outcomes… 

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

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/3/2025, Staff Report

Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) has completed its Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project, an ambitious research and cleanup effort exploring litter accumulation and aquatic health between 35 and 55 feet beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe. Using Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) and Nitrox, the team tested advanced deep-water methods to increase diver efficiency and safety while gathering critical data to guide future large-scale underwater cleanup operations.

THE STATISTICS

From February through July 2025, CUTL conducted 14 cleanup days totaling 29 dives, engaging 26 unique volunteers who filled 80 volunteer positions and contributed 480 hours both underwater and onshore. The team removed 1,933 pounds of litter, consisting of 1,042 individual items, from 6.1 miles of lakebed and 4.75 miles of Placer County shoreline. Commonly recovered materials included 248 glass bottles, 21 anchors, and a range of metal, plastic, and recreational debris.

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Photo: Clean up the Lake

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™)— to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful,” said Fire Marshal James. “If you hear a pop, see smoke, or notice fire — get out immediately and call 911. The gases are toxic, and a household extinguisher won’t stop it. Your safety comes first.”

Buy only listed products.

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit https://www.call2recycle.org/ to find a recycling spot near you.

NLTFPD encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”

Fire Prevention Week in Our Community

NLTFPD welcomed local elementary school students for fun and educational station tours. Students had the opportunity to step into our smoke trailer to learn how to safely exit a home during a fire and practice real-life fire safety tips alongside our crews. These interactive experiences reinforced lessons about home fire safety, family escape plans, and the importance of working smoke alarms.

“These hands-on activities allow our firefighters to connect directly with students,” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “It’s about empowering kids — and by extension, their families — to take proactive steps toward safety.”

Traveling around Lake Tahoe means crossing invisible borders—one moment you’re in California, the next in Nevada. For residents and visitors accessing Lake Tahoe’s world-renowned outdoor recreation areas, the transition feels seamless, but behind the scenes, careful coordination is taking place.

The Tahoe Basin is managed by a network of overlapping jurisdictions, all of which play vital roles in caring for public lands, protecting the lake’s environment, and supporting the communities that surround it. To bring these voices together, the states of California and Nevada established the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) in 1969 through a bi-state compact, providing a framework for collaboration across the basin.

Through the Regional Plan and the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), TRPA works with partners at every level to advance projects that protect Tahoe’s natural resources while supporting outdoor recreation and community well-being.

One of the clearest examples of this partnership in action is Van Sickle Bi-State Park on Tahoe’s South Shore.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/26/2025, Written by Victoria Mastrocola

Completion of a new access ramp is cause for celebration in Tahoe Meadows at the trailhead of Ophir Creek, with a ribbon cutting ceremony taking place to commemorate a milestone for accessibility in the Tahoe Basin.

Tahoe Fund partnered with the Tahoe Meadows Access Ramp Committee (TMAR) to bring improvements to Tahoe Meadows through a project that took six years to complete. 

Roberta Ross, one of the founding members of TMAR, noticed people out in Tahoe Meadows using canes and wheelchairs, and she couldn’t shake the thought of making the area more accessible. 

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Photo: Tahoe Fund

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/26/2025, Staff Report

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) invites the community to celebrate 15 years of connecting people with the natural world during its anniversary celebration at Rubicon Pizza in Northstar Village on Monday, Nov. 3. 

Guests will enjoy live music, a raffle featuring local prizes, and an all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, and salad buffet for $25 for adults and $15 for kids. All proceeds from the evening will directly support TINS’ research, education, and conservation programs thanks to Rubicon Pizza’s generous donation. 

“This event is all about our amazing community,” said Will Richardson, TINS co-founder and executive director. “Our members, donors, partners, and friends have made TINS what it is today. This is a chance for us to celebrate with them and thank them for everything we’ve accomplished together.” 

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Photo: TINS

Originally published in the Sierra Sun, 10/26/2025, Tahoe Fund

With wet winter weather on the way, Take Care Tahoe is asking residents to bring in their “Take it Slow, Tahoe” yard signs for the season.

More than 1,200 signs were distributed earlier this year and proudly displayed in neighborhoods across the Basin, reminding everyone to take it slow and drive mindfully.

“We live in an incredible community, and the participation in this campaign has been inspiring,” said Jaclyn Tain, Outreach Coordinator for the Tahoe Fund. “As we requested earlier this year, we’re asking folks to be good stewards by storing their signs indoors for the winter and ensuring they don’t end up in the environment.”

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