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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As we continue to confront the delicacy of our American democracy, even I, who am no prophet, foresee a new dispensation dawning over America.  Granted, a benevolent autocracy might be the laziest way to govern, but if you are older than twenty years of age, you can foresee the inevitable tragedy of tyranny and oppression inherent in autocracy. No, my mate, democracy remains the best possible form of government, and tattered as Old Glory appears to be, we cannot let our democracy slip away.

I used to have the honor of reading the Declaration of Independence on the Village Green on the Fourth of July, and it became my responsibility to trim the number of grievances toward King George, to coincide with the timing of a Marine Corps flyover. Timing was all important, and when it worked, well, it gives me chicken skin to think about it…

How could we have guessed that in 2024 one little caveat from that wonderful document would jump out at us: “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes…” 

I shall record a few of the 1776 grievances here to see if they might reveal a harbinger of possible perils to come…

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people…

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws…

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury.

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us…

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Wow! How prescient, that our grievances of 1776 should herald cause to sound the alarm of the threat of similar abuses in this Year of Our Lord, 2024…

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

Originally Published in LIVE.WORK.PLAY, Summer 2024 edition

A recent project at Incline Middle School (IMS) has led to cleaner shores at Lake Tahoe and fostered creativity and environmental stewardship among students. The innovative “Trash to Treasure” program was part of IMS’s weekly Exploratory curriculum, offering hands-on experiences beyond traditional academics.  

The project began in the fall with the robotics class identifying areas needing cleanup. This led to a series of “community clean-up days,” during which nearly 500 pounds of trash were collected. Phase two involved University of Nevada Reno, Lake Tahoe student Callia Schell, who helped students transform the collected waste into art.  

Schell, a student in the University’s interdisciplinary service-learning pathway, proved instrumental in guiding students through the artistic process. Collaborating with IMS teacher Ginny Holmes’, Schell taught students to imagine, design and create tangible art pieces while also learning how to be good stewards of Lake Tahoe.   

The students’ creations were as diverse as they were inspiring. From bottle cap flowers to captivating mosaics of Tahoe, they repurposed the collected trash and brought their artistic visions to life, while simultaneously advocating for environmental sustainability. Their efforts culminated in building a landscape of Lake Tahoe, serving as a reminder of the natural beauty they strive to protect. The artworks were exhibited at the UNR Holman Arts Center.

Students were also able to enroll in an IMS video production class. Under the guidance of Incline local Baxter Gentry, they produced a compelling PSA advocating for the preservation of Lake Tahoe. Students created slogans like “Love Our Lake” and “Don’t Mess with Tessie” and recorded a rap song at Tanglewood Productions in Reno.

The Trash to Treasure project received support from the Incline Education Fund (IEF) and the Tahoe Fund. IEF Co-founder Mary Danahey hopes the partnership model between IMS, IEF, and UNR will inspire similar initiatives, fostering innovation and environmental consciousness for future generations.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/01/2024, Written by Kayla Anderson

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – On Wednesday, June 26, the Incline Village General Improvement District Board of Trustees held its regularly scheduled board meeting where the Trustees talked about everything from golf play pass rates and recreation fees to Public Works capital improvement projects in its six-page agenda. Despite technical difficulties of people trying to call in their public comment remotely and two Trustees coming in and out of Zoom, there was also a lot of discussion about IVGID’s financial situation and the general improvement district’s ever-changing staff.

One of main General Business items that the board tried to tackle was what to do with filling the newly open General Manager position. Bobby Magee was hired by IVGID in June 2023 to serve as its interim finance director before being appointed to the IVGID general manager position on March 6. Considering Magee put in his letter of resignation on June 7, his intent to depart IVGID after his three-month stint as GM came as a surprise to the board.

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