Letter: S. Tahoe event subsidies not equitable

Publisher’s note: The following letter was sent last week to South Lake Tahoe City Manager Nancy Kerry.

Dear Mrs. Kerry,

I am Joby Cefalu, director of South Tahoe Basketball Academy. We rent the Recreation Center gym for two tournaments May 24-26 and June 20-22. Each of these tournaments brings over 200 youth basketball teams to our community during the shoulder season.

The Rec Center is one of 11 gyms and 15 courts we use to put on these tournaments. All of the proceeds are put back into the local youth sports, both male and female from elementary school through high school.

This year I have already reserved and paid for the use of the Recreation Center under the direction of Lauren Thomaselli and Cheryl Candiff, both of which are extremely competent and very helpful I might add.

Our tournaments have been sponsored by the LTVA with the help of [Executive Director] Carol Chaplin. Based on the numbers they provide we bring to town over $1,500,000 to the local economy.

Last year’s estimates were closer to $2,000,000 as we did one more tournament that was a bit smaller.

After reading that the SnowGlobe event was going to be subsidized by the city I felt compelled to reach out. Based upon the logic used by the city and the free use of facilities and subsidy, I believe it very unfair that we are charged over $2,500 for the use of one gym. The city of South Lake Tahoe is the primary beneficiary of our event through TOT and sales tax. The other venues which include Lake Tahoe Unified, Kahle Community Center, and Douglas County School District charge a very nominal fee with really no benefit other than indirectly through the youth we serve. Lake Tahoe Community College allows us use of their facility free of charge.

With that said, I would really appreciate your consideration in waiving use fees. Last year there was a Gatorade spilled and we were told it was our responsibility to pay to have the carpets cleaned, which we did. I will be happy to provide a security deposit in case of damage. I very much appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Joby Cefalu, South Tahoe Basketball Academy