Opinion: 1 complaint not worth destroying 30-plus year Lake Tahoe fireworks tradition
By Carol Chaplin
Since 1986, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority has supported the tourism industry on the South Shore. Events, such as the July 4 and Labor Day fireworks are included in our strategy to increase visitation. During the 30-year tradition of fireworks, we have no history of complaints.
Pyro Spectaculars is one of the best fireworks companies and has gained us national recognition for our display. Their strict clean-up protocol includes a boat sweep with nets and a diver sweep that extends well past the shoot zone the following days. This protocol is not mandated by any regulatory authority and efforts typically result in 20 bags of trash, most of which has nothing to do with fireworks.
Carol Chaplin
After this past July display, we were contacted by the [Tahoe Regional Planning Agency] alerting us to a possible anomaly to the usual debris-free display. Events Manager Mike Frye, who coordinates the pre-event safety meetings with our partner law enforcement agencies, began extensive conversations with Pyro and with residents who contacted us directly. No contact with the Truxlers was received. Mike engaged with the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District several times to implement a more stringent strategy for the Labor Day fireworks. In his discussions with Tahoe Douglas, officials indicated that most of the fireworks debris was not from our show.
On Tuesday following the Labor Day festivities, we confirmed that TRPA and LTVA had received no complaints. However, more than 72 hours later, we were contacted by a Nevada Beach area resident who alerted us to a debris situation. No communication from the Truxlers was received. Mike organized LTVA staff, spending hours combing Nevada Beach and cleaning up everything including bottles, cans, bags, etc.
The notice of intent to sue was received immediately after Labor Day, so our assumption is that conversations with attorneys began long before. In my mind, any non-litigious negotiations were likely never contemplated. Our settlement effort was to emphasize LTVA is committed to working with the community to assure impacts from fireworks are mitigated. Our outreach was not fruitful. Subsequent mediation efforts were not successful, and the litigation threatens over $70 million in penalties. Our funds are sourced through lodging tax with the purpose of helping this community thrive after recession and marginal winters. It is a sober and serious consideration the board is faced with to continue draining resources meant for promotion in the direction of contentious and punitive litigation that will ultimately not serve any of us.
The accusation that we have violated the Clean Water Act is one that no other legal body has wanted to consider. Our request for Nevada Department of Environmental Protection to issue a permit was directed back by that agency as a matter for local oversight. The TRPA has not indicated that it is the appropriate agency, nor has Lahontan Water Quality Control Board. In fact, Lahontan released a water quality study in 2001 with no significant results that informed a permit strategy. While regulatory oversight was what the Truxlers requested, the agency governing oversight disagreed with their contention. It is evident the Truxlers feel that neither Pyro, the LTVA nor the community, for that matter, can be trusted. We disagree.
The March 27 LTVA board meeting was attended by over 100 prominent elected officials, residents and business owners. All were impressive in their impassioned support and echoed the same themes: our community finds resolution through cooperation; our already fragile economy will be crippled by the event cancellation; and the solution is for the Truxlers to find reasonableness and trust and return to the table for productive conversations that result in a lawsuit dismissal and a satisfying remedy to debris on the beach.
How proud I was of our residents. I was reminded how spirited this environment makes us here. We play and work hard. We sacrifice salary and amenities for the rural mountain environment. We are scrappy and happy because of it. Thank you for giving up your personal time to join in the discussion. One speaker asked a telling question: “Who here will help clean the beaches after the fireworks?” All hands were raised. We will all clean the beaches. Because we always have. We clean the trails we run and hike, we teach our children the same. But, perhaps – and this is the silver lining to this mess – we will do it as a unified community and in our own unique Tahoe South way, we’ll make a party of it.
The good news is that Monday finds us back in mediation. The better news would be that we make an agreement to love this lake enough to strike the deal. And that deal will allow our economy to hum strong, our fireworks to burst bright and our beaches to be swept clean. See you all on the beach. I can’t wait.
Carol Chaplin is executive director of Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.
Has anyone thought about the fact that there is a possibility that flotsam and jetsam could have drifted to Marla Bay from the Glennbrook fireworks display? Wouldn’t the prevailing winds have blown the debris from the LTVA show farther South (since the show is a couple of miles South of Marla Bay) to the actual South Shore of The Lake?
Just a thought.
Wow! What a spectacular piece of literature! It should come with FIREWORKS!!!
And mothers in uniforms holding babies and flags! Babies, flags, fireworks and apple pie!
A big sign saying “Mission Accomplished” would be good too!
Ya know Haddi, have all the contempt for this country you would like. Men in my family have fought (dad) and died (grandfather) for your right to express that contempt.
What have you done Haddi?
“Tahoe South way”
Just using the right to comment the way I see fit. Just as the people in my family who have fought to make this country great would have wanted it.
Please note this was NOT contempt for my country but simply a little sarcasm directed at this particular posting. Sorry if you took it to mean I am un patriotic. Love this country. Just don’t like it when we are lied to or misled by political hacks spewing propaganda. “Just close your eyes and drink the Kool-Aid” doesn’t work for me.
Wow. What’s this new thing with folks accusing those with different opinions of hating the country? This is the second time in as many days that I’ve seen it on this site.
Just stop it. It’s idiotic AND anti-American. Remember, we have a 1st Amendment? How much more American can we be than to have CIVIL discussions and disagreements here?
LTVA keeps saying: “We’ll do anything to protect the fireworks and the lake.”
But, what have they done to date: pass a resolution to CANCEL the fireworks! Whose side are you on, Carol? Nice job protecting tourism and small businesses! If that’s your idea of “striking a deal,” Tahoe’s economy is screwed.
What’s more, the Board’s resolution didn’t even address the underlying issue: pollution. All the meeting did was instill economic fear in the community, run a couple out of town, and hold small business owners hostage by LTVA’s refusal to take any action.
Now, Carol Chaplin–who is apparently romantically involved with her legal counsel–says: “It is evident the Truxlers feel that neither Pyro, the LTVA nor the community, for that matter, can be trusted.” Gee, I wonder why…?
Try acting, Carol. Try doing something positive for the small businesses. Try protecting the lake. Try hiring an attorney that doesn’t have a conflict of interest. His advice might be a bit more–I don’t know–objective, factual, valid…? Pick an adjective.
Great opinion piece, Carol. Maybe there’s a job opening near Crater Lake. I’m sure you can find something–like a copy of your article or retainer agreement with your boyfriend, I mean, attorney–to dump in the last pristine lake in America.
Yes, there could be a personal conflict of interest in this matter. For instance what if the Truxlers agreed to settle, but partially on the condition that the LTVA admitted some mistakes in the handling the matter? After the Truxlers have been excoriated like they have, they may want it made clear to the public that they had reached out to the LTVA and other authorities before resorting to litigation?
Such a settlement would make the LTVA, and those that run it, look bad! (And it is interesting how the LTVA keeps! trying to make the point that they believe the Truxlers obviously wanted to sue from the start. Why be so defensive on that, unless previous overtures had been mishandled?)
Anyway, would the LTVA’s attorney agree to such a settlement that would resolve the matter, if it made the LTVA, and its Director, look bad?
Wait, she lives with the attorney? Does she sign his paycheck? No conflict of interest here, move along.
“Pyro Spectaculars is one of the best fireworks companies”
http://www.allgov.com/usa/ca/news/top-stories/11-million-payout-for-the-rockets-fireworks-and-flares-superfund-140204?news=852341
Do you all remember after the 4th, this was all over the news. Why didn’t LTVA reach out to the Truxlers?
The Truxlers filed a lawsuit directed at whether or not the fireworks display complies with the Clean Water Act. If it does, then LTVA will win the suit. End of story. However, the question is, does it comply or does it not. It is not a popularity contest. There is a famous case on the issue of interpreting the law objectively. It says, what the law states must be interpreted objectively and it does not matter “if 20 bishops testify otherwise.” It seems that LTVA only needs to agree to follow the law, and this case is over. Following the law is not a popularity contest. Of course, we and our guests all love the fireworks, but we all love clean water, too. There is a simple resolution to this and it is hoped the mediation this week will resolve it.
CommonSence implies to me that a little discretion is appropriate before unleashing personal attacks, but I guess you don’t live up to your name?
The fundamental flaw with the recent editorial comments on the Truxlers lawsuit is to presume that the issue of law presented, whether or not the fireworks displays violate The Clean Water Act, is a popularity contest. Law is to be interpreted objectively. A famous case opinion on that issue stated that it did not matter if 20 bishops testified to the contrary, the words in a contract (or in this case, the law) are to be interpreted objectively. So, do the fireworks violate The Clean Water Act or not? If they comply, LTVA wins. If not, they lose. We and our visitors all love the fireworks, but we all love the clean water, too. An easy solution is for the LTVA and it’s fireworks providers to stipulate to comply with the law. Issue and lawsuit are resolved. Seeking public support in favor of violating the law makes no sense. Blaming the Truxlers who want a court ruling on it is not helpful either. Claiming you are right, because you have many who agree with you is not helpful either. Majority rules does not work in court cases. We are a nation of laws.
Two things Judy: (1) “Common Sense” is a reference to Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, “Common Sense,” which helped inspire the American Revolution. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Sense_(pamphlet)) Perhaps you’ve heard of that event. It’s actually celebrated on the Fourth of July. Fireworks are involved. You know–the fireworks that the Truxlers DONT want to stop, which LTVA VOTED to stop.
(2) Common sense also refers to applying common reasoning skills and understanding to facts. My attack against Carol was based of facts. Please re-read above. By contrast, an ad homienem argument (also known as a “personal attack”) is a logical fallacy that rejects an argument not because of the facts the speaker used but because of who is speaker is. There’s a difference. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem
Have a good day!
Carol, are finally admitting that in fact you did get notification from TRPA that there was an issue following the 4th of July? That’s a lot different than the lies you told the public earlier. And by the way, who do you think notified the TRPA in the first place? Could it have been the Truxlers?
How many other lies are you still hiding behind? It is time to come out and tell the entire truth and stop hiding behind LTVA’s lawyer (and your lover?!?), who was responsible for supporting the Ta Hole and for forcing small businesses out. Way to promote the community, LTVA . . .
By the way Carol, do you authorize the payments to Lew Feldman for his work with LTVA? Conflict of interest?
And Carol, lets be clear: many people on our end of town and through out Marla Bay knew it was the Truxlers who called TRPA after both the 4th of July and Labor Day events…where you been???? Are you going to continue to promote the pollution of the lake? It is 2014!
Looks like there is a gun to the head of the South Shore rather than a question about if a permit should be required which isn’t today.
If the fireworks were allowed until the legal question is settled, wouldn’t that address both sides of the matter?
Deborah, there are groups out there whose sole reason for existence is to enforce the Clean Water Act. The CWA is actually administered by the states. Thus EPA has entered into agreements with the California Water Quality Control Board or Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.
Both agencies have looked at whether fireworks cause regulated pollution – the answer was no.
Well said Deborah, I found this article from the editorial board of the Tahoe Tribune very insightful.
http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/southshore/10804081-113/fireworks-shows-truxlers-ltva
I, like a lot of people have jumped to conclusions about the Truxlers based on what I was hearing from the LTVA. But if you look at Facebook, anyone who has reached out to the Truxlers have come back and said they are very reasonable, approachable people, much different than the imagine LTVA has painted.
For those who want to bash them, email them or call them. I hear they are taking calls and emails all day every day since Thursday’s meeting.
At the end of the day LTVA is a marketing firm. Their job is to control the message and to get people to come to Tahoe. They have the expertise in getting the message out, and that is what they have done to the Truxlers.
The biggest irony is, LTVA has gotten more press and more marketing about the 4th of July show then they could have ever dreamed of. If the show goes on, they will have more visitors than ever. Carol and Lew can sit back in their house pat themselves on the back, he got a nice pay day and she put heads in beds.
This story and its boozy details just keep getting better and better. And messed up only as Tahoe South could do. Party on.
Northbowl, con artists are also very reasonable and charming. They are also liars and thieves.
The Truxlers made only a half hearted attempt at notifying agencies and Mrs. Truxler was offended that people didn’t “jump to” when she called. I guess she is accustomed to that. Now they file a lawsuit to shut down fireworks but publicly they say they don’t want to shut down fireworks.
That is exactly what you should expect from a con artist.
In America we judge people by their actions.
“How proud I was of our residents. I was reminded how spirited this environment makes us here. We play and work hard. We sacrifice salary and amenities for the rural mountain environment. We are scrappy and happy because of it.”
This is the same LTVA that recently asked to join with TRPA in defending the Regional Plan against the lawsuit – the RPU brings in more resort hotels and corporate development and more people, which will ruin the rural mountain environment that makes us “spirited,” “scrappy and happy.”
There seems to be this ongoing failure among our ‘authorities’ to recognize that Tahoe is special BECAUSE of the environment and because it’s not downtown LA (which they want to bring to Tahoe under the guise of Sustainable Communities). On the fireworks – it’s a matter of cleaning up afterwards, not shutting them down. Get over it and take some responsibility, LTVA.
As for Carol’s happy puppies and kittens spiel, look at how much resistance Meyers has seen from these authorities for just trying to protect our rural mountain community from the big downtown Anywhere developments being pushed by our ‘authorities’?
Deborah Palmer is correct. Does the LTVA, Carol Chaplin, Tom Davis, Hal Cole, Ted Gaines, affiliated agencies etc actually want to go into court in front of a judge while the Truxler’s empty out the trash containers of Pyro Technique garbage? Or, do they want to really improve the garbage collection process associated with the show and stipulate via a permitting process? They had better think this through.
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
Its too bad that everyone involved in this entire fiasco didn’t foresee this mess and (if for no other reason) enter into the process with honesty and transparency. The ugliness of all this will probably affect the negotiations to some degree and people’s careers as well. I have a sense that the Truxlers will be willing to rise above the personal nature of this. Its not too late–although increasingly awkward– for the major players to lay down all pretense and self-righteousness and simply go back to the beginning and start with the truth. Possible conflicts of interest and all the rest of it.
I do think that as a general rule the LTVA, Forest Service, TRPA and others simply feel immune from public opinion or criticism perhaps thinking that they need only respond when a lawsuit is initiated. This is a good lesson about ignoring problems and thinking that your entity is powerful enough to pull it off. Think how different this might have been had everyone taken a different attitude at the beginning and pitched in with an “all hands on deck” attitude.
J&B makes some excellent points.
Has anyone considered the realistic approach to this? Lets spend a couple hundred thousand dollars and a few years on studies concerning fireworks on the Lake. Then this whole fiasco will have some non-partial third party data to make the final determination.
“…efforts typically result in 20 bags of trash…”
“…72 hours later, we were contacted by a Nevada Beach area resident who alerted us to a debris situation. Mike organized LTVA staff, spending hours combing Nevada Beach and cleaning up everything including bottles, cans, bags, etc.”
Which means the lake does have many problems and maybe the blowing off of fireworks by the locals makes other people think it’s ok to trash the lake.
Have you ever heard of leading by example?
I agree with Worldcycle. Until we know more, we should proceed with caution. Tourism and businesses depend on the lake’s health.
Also, this was posted elsewhere on this site. Since Worldcycle brought it up again, I thought I’d copy and paste the previous comment:
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/es0700698
This is a 2007 study which was not available to regulators a decade ago. Regardless of their motives, the science is clear that fireworks influence lake water quality.
It seems that almost none of the commentors on this post really cared enough about this issue to attend last thursdays meeting, if they did they would be better informed about the issue. Just because they recieved notice from the TRPA about last 4 july does not mean that they were told who complained. The board was forced to cancel the fireworks show to protect themselves in the case of they lose in court. The LTVA has in the past gone to both of the entitities that issue the permits that the Truxlers want, and both of them refused to issue them as they were deemed un necessary. It seems Deborah that they did follow the law as told to them by the agencies that are required to regulate and enforce the Clean Water Act. This is new law or new interpretation of law that is the issue of this lawsuit.
Why would someone who ignores the TRPA be more likely to take action because they knew the names?
RELO. Some people have to work for a living and obviously cannot attend every meeting on every matter.
However. We do Expect our Elected Officials and Leaders in these endeavors to Do Their Jobs and NOT put it off until crisis time kicks in.
Reloman… the Truxlers have been all over the news (print and broadcast) for months starting in July. It’s no secret who complained. LVTA was even interviewed and asked to respond to the Truxlers in several broadcasts. Here’s just one:
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/07/12/fireworks-mess-lake-tahoe-residents-still-cleaning-up-july-4-show-a-week-later/
And, don’t be fooled by the board’s actions. If–as the board says–they canceled the show simply to protect themselves from litigation, then that’s not a valid defense under the Clean Water Act. Do you think a judge would buy that? “Your Honor, I promise I wont do it again, so I’m not responsible for what I’ve done two times before! Honest!”
The meeting and the resolution were designed to frustrate business owners at the Truxler’s expense. Why do you think they gave out the Truxler’s personal information? That obviously wasn’t done to protect the lake…
Finally, the articles make it pretty clear that LVTA has an easy way out that it is simply ignoring: start the permit process now. The Truxlers have said that if LVTA takes steps towards getting an enforceable permit now, then this is all over.
But, what did LVTA do instead: they voted the stop the fireworks and they ignored the pollution issue. And even if LVTA has previously asked agencies before whether a permit is required, what are we going to do now? Just throw our hands up in the air? Clearly, something should be done.
Here’s the article where LTVA is asked to respond to the Truxlers. It was July 10.
http://www.ktvn.com/story/22810035/fireworks-debris-left-in-lake-tahoe
I think July Fourth was on the 4th last year… correct me if I’m wrong but I also think that means LTVA knew about the Truxlers six days after the incident.
Maybe Carol can help me with my math…
Let’s apply more common sense. If LTVA knew about the problem since July 10, 2013, how long has the LTVA ignored the risk to the economy? How long has LTVA had to plan their response? How long has LTVA turned its back on Tahoe?
My guess: since about July 10, 2013.
If reporters and the TRPA didn’t get LTVA’s attention, it’s pretty clear that a lawsuit is necessary.
Deborah A. Palmer, You seem to be the only one on this fireworks issue who knows what they’re talking about. I’ve thrown out my ideas as to what could be a solution to this conflict with some positive response and some negative. I’m glad youv’e entered the fray, maybe YOU can get cooler heads to prevail.
Just follow the law. Thanks, OLS
Thanks Common…. I read the report thoroughly, my science background was not enough to fully comprehend the report, yet I did garnish one very penetrate fact. That fact is, each body of water and ignition site needs to be studied individually related to wind, water flow, currents, concentration exposure etc…. This is not something that can be resolved with an all encompassing blanket resolution. Yes, all parties concerned must proceed with caution. Otherwise we will end up with a mandate that will become the law of the land and in many cases, a very unreasonable and unjust one.
Reloman, it was all over the news after the 4th.
If I was in charge of a show, and news crews were interviewing me and people complaining about the pick up from my show. I might pick up the phone and talk to them. As we have all seen, the Truxler’s personal info is pretty easy to get.
I am glad to hear that things are taking a positive turn, but please stop calling this place Tahoe South… It has an awful ring to it, and there is no need to rebrand our community.
One comment that has stuck with me all day, “We sacrifice salary and amenities for the rural mountain environment.”
Carol, your salary is public record, you made $123k in 2012 and $111k in 2011. Thanks for the sacrifice. The median household income in south lake is $34k. I only have your salary and not Lew’s, so I can’t calculate your household income.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Lake_Tahoe,_California
If you ever want to look at a non-profit’s tax returns, go to guidestar.org. Good stuff in there.
Dave it’s really hard to rebrand all the Cal Trans signs from S.F. and Sac from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe South. I are confused? Where am I?
Holy $#%@!!! Carol makes $123,000…? Some sacrifice. Can’t drink champagne every night I guess…
Common Sense, I have a feeling that on a lot of issues we’d disagree. But you’re hitting the nail on the head on this one! So the LTVA did know, and instead of addressing it, dismissed it?!
Maybe the Truxlers would’ve sued anyway? But still, that’s why the LTVA had that rah, rah meeting last week to demonize the Truxlers. They, esp. the person in charge, is trying to misdirect their own mishandling and fumbling of this!
And is that why Lew Feldman went to the podium and stated this shouldn’t be fought in court? Certain embarrassing things could come out that would make certain people look bad? There’s a reason conflicts of interest are to be avoided!
Does anyone have this meeting on tape? I’d love to see it. I couldn’t go because I had to work and I couldn’t take time off because I don’t make $123,000/year…
And, thanks Parker. Nice of you to say. I also probably wouldn’t agree with everyone on everything here. However, the facts compel the conclusion–in my mind–that the Truxlers did the right thing. What else could they have done? I mean, its not their job. It’s LTVA’s job. And they just sat there and let the small businesses and lake suffer… It’s sad and appalling.
Perhaps a lawyer with no conflict of interest would have been better for LTVA….
Sleeping with your attorney who represents your employer LTVA…so Carol, are you the one that authorizes the payments to Lew Feldman for his work with LTVA??
seems it would be monetarily advantageous to both of you to keep the suit going and NOT settle. By the way, how much did you and Lew get paid to incite a riot mentality last Thursday night? Nice money making strategy Carol.
Carol your credibility is on shaky ground here…now you are finally admitting that in fact you did get notification from TRPA that there was an issue following the 4th of July. That’s a lot different than the lies you told the public earlier. I’m sure the TRPA told you that the Truxler’s were the ones who contacted them. why did you not contact the truxler’s immediately??
How many other lies are you still hiding? Time to come out and tell the entire truth and stop hiding behind your lover/attorney, who, by the way, was responsible for supporting the TAhole and for forcing small businesses out? wonder if that affected “our fragile economy”??
your statement “the truxlers feel they can’t trust the LTVA”, well why should they???? now half of Tahoe doesn’t trust you! you say you are so proud of our residents…are you proud that they sent hate mail, made threatening calls, ran the truxler’s out of town? was that your agenda at this meeting?
I say you should be fired for ignoring the complaints, making false statements to the public and sleeping with your employer’s attorney! now we hold you accountable! damn, I’m getting all worked up!!!
I am building a 20 foot x 20 foot deck in my backyard for family and friends to enjoy and calling it a fireworks launch pad. Fortunately, this launch pad will not require any government agency permits. I encourage anyone else who wants to build or add to an existing deck to do the same.
Rebel, there will be fireworks.
They may not be sponsored by the LTVA, and they may be launched by private citizens, but this much I assure you, there will be fireworks on July 4th over the lake.
There is a citizens group that has already raised $50,000 for an independent fireworks display over the lake. No litigation or government intervention can stop them.
@Rebel with a cause
I’d hate to have to impart more common sense, but–yeah–that may require a building permit. And, some fireworks are actually regulated. You can’t just shoot off whatever you want from a 20 x 20 box in your backyard. And–uh– drought? Fire hazard? Do you really want to risk being the cause of another Angora fire…?
Come on… apply some common sense. We should have fireworks this year. The Truxlers want it. LTVA stopped them. We can find the right agency to do it. It will be awesome. Just don’t be stupid. No fires people.
Whoa! Carol makes how much?!
Northbowl Trees states “Carol, your salary is public record, you made $123k in 2012 and $111k in 2011. Thanks for the sacrifice. The median household income in south lake is $34k. I only have your salary and not Lew’s, so I can’t calculate your household income.”
Thanks for that info!
Max Dog, so this is about poor little Miss Truxlers ego? TRPA got a call, they dealt with it, they told Carol. And by gosh, Carol didn’t jump-to fast enough. So Truxler has money so lets destroy an event that has gone on for generations.
Great….
Max Dog, most people wouldn’t have called back. If Truxler wanted to talk to Carol, call her. Its pretty simple.
And just what does Carol’s salary have to do with anything and where can you buy a marketing expdert for only $123,000?
The fact that the Truxlers reached out contradicts what had been previously stated! Makes one question all other claims made by the LTVA!
And who says the LTVA Dir. is an ‘expert’? Plus, such a salary is worth noting when the one who makes it talks about people in Tahoe making an economic sacrifice.
I am also hearing what AB stated. That there will be fireworks in some form. Which would be a very good thing! But the LTVA as an organization really needs better oversight & scrutiny!
Parker, you are right on with my intent, the reason I posted Carol’s salary of $123k was it made me laugh when she talks of economic sacrifice.
Wasn’t there a meeting today between both sides? Any news on the outcome?
This is classic straw-man fallacy.
Lets analyze this a bit: We have fireworks. $30 million comes into the economy and Carol gets $123k.
Truxlers file lawsuit and stop fireworks, $30 million is ripped from the economy, and Carol gets $123k.
Doesn’t seem like they are related…because they aren’t related.
Parker, Truxler did not reach out. She made a call to TRPA and then filed a lawsuit because she didn’t like the way people didn’t jump when she snapped her finger.
She owns her actions. She made a couple phone calls and filed a lawsuit to hurt an entire community. She is what she does.
I think the biggest problem with LTVA’s position is that they’re refusing oversight. Carol, if you want to ensure the fireworks are on for 2014, just fill out the permit form and the lawsuit goes away. That sounds pretty darn cheap, and if Lahontan provides written proof that a permit isn’t required, then show the Truxlers, maybe that’s your settlement agreement.
In the meantime, think hard about a clean up process that is not limited to a fixed amount of time after the fireworks. Anyone on a motor boat in Tahoe sees those buoys conducting studies of the currents. The result (here: http://terc.ucdavis.edu/news/LakeSurfaceCurrents.pdf) shows that anything out in the water in south lake will spread out and circulate every 1.5 days, allowing debris to show up on beaches after the official cleanup process is already suspended.
Good point Moral Hazard. Let’s back LTVA and just screw the lake and the businesses that depend on it.
LTVA’s mission is to bring tourism in. It’s their job to support local businesses via trickle down economics.
What did the Truxlers do? Try to protect the lake on which everyone depends. Damn right the Truxlers own their actions. They should be commended.
And to say they only contacted the TRPA is flat out wrong. If you’re going to comment, at least read the comments in the string. The Truxlers contacted media, among others, who DIRECTLY asked the LTVA to respond. As stated above, if the LTVA ignored the TRPA and the media, what options are left?
It’s not the Truxlers job to cater to the community–it’s LTVAs job. Get your facts straight Moral Hazard.
I think the biggest problem with LTVA’s position is that they’re refusing oversight. Carol, if you want to ensure the fireworks are on for 2014, just fill out the permit form and the lawsuit goes away. That sounds pretty darn cheap.
In the meantime, think hard about a clean up process that is not limited to a fixed amount of time after the fireworks. Anyone on a motor boat in Tahoe sees those buoys conducting studies of the currents. The result (here: http://terc.ucdavis.edu/news/LakeSurfaceCurrents.pdf) shows that anything out in the water in south lake will spread out and circulate every 1.5 days, allowing debris to show up on beaches after the official cleanup process is already suspended.
moral hazard you are an idiot
Moral, talk about faulty arguments. $30 million comes in because people have time off for a national holiday and come to the lake, and yes they do come for fireworks, but will we lose $30 million if there are no fireworks, come on now?? But I guess when you believe everything the chamber of commerce and LTVA spouts, what ya gonna do?
My point is Carol’s salary of $123k in 2012 which in Tahoe dollars is pretty damn good, no “sacrifice” there, especially when you get to write the paycheck for your boyfriend. In 2012 I was hard hit from the recession… Just sayin…
First off, I really don’t know if the Truxlers are good people or bad people in this? I really don’t! I do know what the LTVA originally said about them was inaccurate. Even your version of events Moral Hazard contradicts what the LTVA said about them.
The LTVA Dir. is not the one who brought or created the Fireworks at the Lake! She may be the one that’s caused it to end though. That’s sure earning the salary?
The salary was brought up though in the context of her talking about Tahoe people making a sacrifice to live here. Has she turned down higher paying work to live here? If she has, I’d love to know from whom?
Her inexperience may cost us a Firework display though, and then what marketing plan does the LTVA have other than reversing the name South Tahoe?
But I guess for that big salary the LTVA has been able to save by not hiring consultants and ad agencies because of the Director’s ‘expertise’?
Of course private fireworks are illegal in the basin and I would never shoot off fireworks in my backyard. Yes, I love the fireworks show every year and it would be a shame if they were cancelled.
Everyone is aware that I was being facetious about being able to get around the permit process by claiming my 20×20 foot deck was to be used as a fireworks launching pad.
Lew and company seem to appear when there is controversy. Does the Tahole come to mind? They, with the help of the city and TRPA, are usually the ones who seem to avoid the rules and regulations that the rest of us follow. And when things aren’t going their way, they put on a very charming “dog and pony” show for the benefit of the community.
They would make Barnum and Bailey proud!
Another tactic used is to denigrate individuals that try to question anything they do.
Sound familiar?
Once these appointed agencies, the LTVA, TRPA, LAHONTAN, TTD and all the rest get uncovered you’ll see what’s really goin’ on and it ain’t pretty!
These are groups that say they are here to protect the lake and the whole area, to make it better but from what I’ve seen nothing could be further from the truth.
That may have been their original stated goal but, to me, they either have gone off the tracks or have been bought off and did a 180 degree turn. They can be bought off in the bat of an eye.
Now the TRPA allows all kinds of development…if you’ve got the big bucks! The LTVA has taken up harassing people who point out a problem with pollution flowing into the lake. TTD wants to put in an unwanted loop road to benefit the casinos and Park Cattle Co. while taking away people’s homes via emminent domain and hurting local businesses.
These groups are not here to help us or the lake and our enviroment! They are working for the highest bidder!!!
Don’t be fooled by Snidley Whiplash and the rest of his evil minions. They may say they are only protecting the lake but secretly they will sell it off to someone with the right connections only to be built upon by someone with enough dollars. Good Night, OLS
Snidley Whiplash? I think a more appropriate comparison is Simon Bar Sinister (from the Underdog cartoons of old). Look up the meaning of “Bar Sinister” and you’ll understand.
Glad to see that most of you understand how the money is all this whole thing is about. Money and the huge egos that go with it. Check out the membership of these entities that say they are here to help Lake Tahoe. They consist of folks whom are very schooled in the craft of manipulation of others to achieve their goals.
Mark Twain’s famous quote about the air the Angels breath comes to mind. Why wouldn’t you exploit something like that if you had the money to do so? If a town has as much intrinsic beauty as “Tahoe South” does, someone needs to watch out for the Snake Oil salesmen. They could be anywhere. They get smarter and trickier all the time.
Maybe if we all work hard enough we can get up 30 bags of trash collected in just one day next year at this rare and beautiful south side of the lake.
It’s important to have goals.
Just sayin.
NPR articles/audio focusing on South Lake Tahoe
http://www.capradio.org/20921
http://www.capradio.org/20485
Carol Chaplin gets paid $123k to cut checks to her boyfriend….? Some sacrifice. Sounds like its time for someone to step down. Forget the fireworks–this sounds like city sponsored embezzlement.
@Haddi T. Uptahere: what else do you know?
Stay on point folks. Obviously none of you know the professionalism of Carol Chaplin, or have seen her in action. She is fantastic at what she does! As for legal counsel, it would be hard to find a better attorney to represent the LTVA in this matter. Sounds like sour grapes that some of you don’t make the same money. I don’t know who most of you are because you hide behind screen names, but I doubt your worth it. As stated in prior posts legal action should be the last resort. Great article Carol, keep up the great work.
Results of the marketing failures of the LTVA for the past several years have been utterly disastrous. Rebranding misfires such as Tahoe Blue, Tahoe South, Come to the Wild Side and so on have made South Shore the marketing laughingstock of the Lake.
The fireworks debacle, with its poor oversight and lack of adequate cleanup, followed by its shaky aftermath of cowardly spin and blaming others, is the latest in its string of blunders. Instead of making “a party of it”, as the executive director concludes, it’s time for LTVA to start over, its credibility has been lost.
Joby, totally agree, she is worth every penny of the $123k. She is a marketer, and she is using the Truxlers to market the 4th of July. She could not have asked for a better marketing plan if she tried. National press covering the story for free? She didn’t have to pay her San Francisco marketing firm additional millions to promote “Tahoe South” fireworks.
As for Lew “Tahole”, you are right, Carol could not have asked a better roommate to pay to fight this case.
Joby — we all just saw Carol in action. Guess what happened? She resorted to an “emergency meeting” because she couldn’t figure out a better alternative. Want more facts?
Fact: TRPA contacted LTVA on July 8. Carol failed to respond.
Fact: Reno’s broadcast media asked LVTA to respond to the Truxlers on July 10. http://www.ktvn.com/story/22810035/fireworks-debris-left-in-lake-tahoe LVTA failed to respond
Fact: The conflict of interest. There’s nothing more “on point” than that. It’s unprofessional to date a client. And, it’s unprofessional for LVTA to cut checks to one of the board member’s boyfriends.
Fact: Carol talks about “sacrifice” when she makes $123/year and the average “Tahoe South” salary is 30k.
Inference from facts: You just got used by Carol and you thanked her for it.
Channel 2 is reporting that a settlement has been reached. Better cleanup required.
It’s being reported that a settlement has been reached. Don’t know the terms, but as previously stated, had been led to believe that would happen.
But good at what she does? What’s she done?
Before I finish reading all of these incredible responses – I must say that I AGREE WITH DAVE totally: I hate the brand “Tahoe South”. We are SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, not a re-brand of some marketing nightmare. Sort of like calling San Francisco “Frisco” – it’s an insult to a place that has established its brand!
I agree with Steve…. LTVA has been way off the mark, with all the re-branding. Who recognizes any of their new handles: Tahoe Blue; Tahoe South, etc. It would be better if a marketing organization just found a sound and solid way to market South Lake Tahoe – beautiful beaches; alpine lakes in close proximity; 4 world class ski resorts within a short drive; casino gambling and entertainment; adjacent to alpine destinations without a gridlock drive; etc. South Lake Tahoe! NOT Tahoe South; Tahoe Blue; Tahoe to be decided by LTVA, etc.
I’m glad the fireworks issue has been resolved. All that was asked was for better clean up afterwards. Done deal. I don’t know why so much drama but at least that’s behind us.
Now lets drop this stupid “Tahoe South” name as well as calling El Dorado beach “Lakeview Commons”. Who comes up with these ideas? OLS
LTVA lied to the public; tried to demonize those protecting the lake from their poor oversight; put on a dog and pony show instead of addressing the real problem and continues to behave in an arrogant manner making poor decisions. Boyfriends are hired for high attorney fees and the list goes on.
This organization and its Executive Director lack credibility.
Thank you to the Truxlers.
Fact: problem solved…..
Need I say more? Great job Carol!
Sure, some problems may be solved: the fireworks are on and the lake now has better protections against pollution.
But… “great job”? Need I re-post the series of articles that demonstrate that the LTVA knew about this and did nothing for months?
Anyway, public service isn’t easy. I think everyone involved in this learned at a lot.
@Irish and OLS…I LOVE the moniker ‘TahoeSouth”(NOT!), it cleverly plays on psuedo-gang affilliations to bring more drug money into the area…next comes TaHO Serrano(and i loved BlueTahoe as well…I think THEIR tagline was “come to Tahoe cause you can’t afford VEGAS, get drunk, try to get laid, lose a bunch of money, get into a fight, get a DUI )…because it shows how absolutely and ridiculously out of touch LTVA is about so many things…they ARE the one’s feeding growth hormones to the Golden Goose!
Thank you to the truxlers for caring so much about the lake…..they are a class act!
Does the Clean Air Act. come into this in any way