Lake Tahoe News asked a variety of people and agencies in the Lake Tahoe Basin to talk about what their resolutions, so to speak, are for 2017. Here are the responses:

John Rice, general manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe: “We are hoping for another ‘normal’ winter of 450 plus inches of snow, followed by a nice wet spring to put water back in our lake, give our thirsty forest a drink and keep the bark beetles at bay.  We would also like a minimum of 30 powder days in 2017 please!  We don’t ask for much.”

Andy Wirth, president and CEO, Squaw Valley Ski Holdings LLC: “Professionally:  A complete reboot and reestablishment of folks being civil, polite, courteous, gracious, cordial and respectful to each other and reverential of diverse opinions — globally, nationally, state-wide, regionally and locally. Personally:  Lots of time spent on our horses with my daughter and a great outcome for her 4H steer project at the Nevada and then Placer County fairs!”

Brandi Ledbetter Brown, owner of Tahoe Production House in South Lake Tahoe: “I am looking forward to watching my new business laikastream.com launch, be involved in the community as much as I can with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals — big things are coming, and watch my daughter grow up in this beautiful place we call home. If you can make it in Tahoe, you can make it anywhere!”

Jerry Goodman, longtime South Lake Tahoe resident: “To see the reduction of vacation home rentals in our residential neighborhoods and lots more snow.”

Suzanne Kingsbury, El Dorado County Superior Court judge: “In terms of a personal wish, it is that all of Tahoe’s citizens — as well as my friends, coworkers and family — have a healthy and happy 2017. From the perspective of my agency, we hope for less repeat customers!  And if I could get through the year without having any dental work, that would be a blessing. Sorry Dr. Gordon, but I prefer to see you outside your office.”

Evon J. Yakar, rabbi Temple Bat Yam: “In 2017, I am looking forward to great ways to strengthen our Tahoe community through economic opportunities and social justice efforts. On a global scale, I am hopeful that our human values of equality and care for the Earth will be held in high regard.”

Duane Wallace, South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce president: “I’m hoping that the two chambers will find some common ground. I’m hoping that real progress will be made so that those who work here or grew up here will be able to afford to live here.”

Todd Offenbacher, founder of Tahoe Adventure Film Festival: “My new year’s resolution is to make Tahoe better through more community events and activities that connect us and our guest (visitors) to the outdoors. I want to see more rock climbing, mountain trails, bike paths, exploration, and adventures for everyone. Plus, we need more parking for this recreation in Tahoe.”

Tim Alameda, Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District chief: “1. Biggest and best Firefighters Ball ever – held on March 10, 2017 at Edgewood

2.     Only free range organic eggs at this year’ s Easter Egg hunt at Tahoe Paradise Park

3.     A celebration of remembrance for the 10-year anniversary of the Angora Fire – June 24, 2007

4.     Please, no illegal fireworks during the 4th of July … how about for the whole summer

5.     Sept. 11 – Never Forget

6.     Oct. 13 – Anniversary of Chief Alameda’s first year at Lake Valley Fire and the anniversary of the Emerald Fire

7.     Thanksgiving – do not try the fried turkey routine in your garage

8.     Lake Valley Fire’s Christmas Engine makes its rounds.  See you then, here comes 2018!

9.     Everyone have a safe and fun 2017 and hike Mt. Tallac, at least once!”

Ellie Waller, Tahoe Vista resident and local activist: “Tahoe specific: Real agency – local jurisdictions as well as TRPA – transparency with more clarity in code of ordinance, goals and policies and not subjective interpretation that is tailored to an outcome. Actual public participation: Example, the environmental groups and members of the public that consistently come to meetings are not necessarily represented by the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s views when it comes to compromise with developers.” 

Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board staff: “1. Working collaboratively with stakeholders to adapt to climate change by creating more resilient watersheds, conserving and recycling water and protecting infrastructure from flooding.

2. Continuing to support Caltrans and local government efforts to reduce stormwater pollutants from entering Lake Tahoe through stormwater treatment and road sweeping. 

3. Ensuring clean surface and groundwater is available to all users, including disadvantaged communities.

4. Supporting private-public partnerships in tackling aquatic invasive species and near shore water quality concerns. The Lake Tahoe marina association is setting the example in working with Lahontan, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, League to Save Lake Tahoe and TRPA to tackle these issues.

Nevada Department of Transportation staff: “As 2016 ends, preliminary data tragically shows approximately 32 deaths on Nevada roads. In 2017, the Nevada Department of Transportation and partners will continue work to save lives on Nevada roads, from enhanced enforcement of traffic laws to roadway improvements such as the shared use path and safety enhancements under construction on Highway 28 near Incline Village. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting that approximately 94 percent of traffic deaths are the result of driver behavior, the top wish for the new year is for lives saved thanks to continued safety efforts and everyone on the road being safer and more attentive.”

Clint Purvance, CEO and president Barton Health: “My hope is to find additional and innovative ways to meet the health and wellness needs of our community. Barton oncology will begin seeing patients as a member of UC Davis’ Cancer Care Network, work will finish on the expanded Women’s Health Suite at Medical Imaging, and the Robert Maloff Center of Excellence will open and begin serving our community and patients. We are taking big steps in 2017 toward our commitment to our community’s health, and wellness will continue to be top of mind as we shape our future.”

Molly Hucklebridge Coolidge, South Lake Tahoe resident: “In 2017, I want to prioritize spending time with positive, genuine, and loving people. I also hope to be considered a strong advocate for peace on our planet and for preservation of our natural surroundings.”

Jeff Marsolais, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit forest supervisor: “Beyond hoping for a happy and healthy 2017 for all, looking forward, I’d like to continue to expand the collaborative efforts between agencies, partners, communities, and interested citizens to tackle the challenges of the basin like improving forest resiliency and providing for sustainable recreation. I am hopeful we can do so while engaging our local and visiting public, involving and inspiring our youth, and visioning for a future we will be proud to say we had a small part in shaping.”