SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Aimi Xistra, who came in third in the previous city council race and ran for the open seat last year, feels that she’s in a good position to snag a seat this time. Her stance, similar to last time, is to serve as a voice for local business, workforce and youth. Xistra said she has lived and served the community for many years and has a good concept of what constituents want. “We need that representation on city council.”

Xistra has been a resident of South Lake Tahoe for 30 years, working for snow sports and tourism industries, the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation and the Tahoe Daily Tribune. She became the development director of the Boys & Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe in 2022, citing a long history of advocating for youth access to programs.

To her, the most important thing to consider as a public servant is longevity of Tahoe. “We need to start thinking about Tahoe in 10, 15, 20 years and what we want that Tahoe to be. I’d love to know that I influenced what that Tahoe is like when I’m 70.” Xistra emphasized the importance of electing somebody with a long-range vision.

One of those elements is housing. Notably, Xistra was against Measure N, the controversial “vacancy tax” from a citizens’ initiative that was on the ballot two years ago. While it failed to pass, housing is still an important part of most platforms for candidates now. Xistra said she is interested in a “careful” approach, evaluating the impacts of developments and changes to regulations, such as taller buildings.

“We still have yet to fill Sugar Pine Village and other housing projects. I don’t feel pressured right now to build additional units, but to support what we currently have in place, such as the long-term rental incentive,” said Xistra, who has participated in the program herself. She believes that such programs should have messaging that allows it to get to J-1s and seasonal workers, and also advocated for improvements in programs around things like accessory dwelling units.

“I don’t feel like I’m getting voted in to create the new wheel. I think there are communities already succeeding in things, and we should look to them and how they try to remain sustainable cities,” Xistra continued.

Vacation home rentals (VHRs) have also been a hot topic and were a primary concern during the open seat application. Xistra told the Tribune she felt as if she had been “blackballed” by city council at the time, who told her that she was not going to be considered for it. “I didn’t get the feeling that they wanted my vision of Tahoe that represents the local population.”

Xistra went on to say that she felt the city’s decision on VHRs was rash given the pending lawsuits and litigation. “Sometimes the short-term solution is not the right one.”

“Being a part of a community on the level I am makes it a natural transition into a position where I represent the people who live and work here,” said Xistra. She has also served on the Arts, Culture and Tourism Commission, Embarc Advisory Board, Multicultural Celebration Committee and the Reno Brewery District Board of Directors. She says that her experience there and her connections will likely prove helpful in collaborating with surrounding counties and agencies in the basin.

This time around, she says she’s spread less thin and excited to dedicate time to the campaign. “My passion, true love and care for the community makes me a different candidate.”

Xistra listed some of her top priorities as strengthening city infrastructure, improving evacuation plans, educating guests on the environment for sustainable tourism and supporting businesses. However, she said she chose not to comment on specific economic vitality measures, though she agreed that “we need to breathe life back in to our unused, empty storefronts.”

Overall, Xistra said, she felt there wasn’t a need to rush. “There’s a vibe I get from city council that things are rushed, that they’re not working together collaboratively. I would want to bring more collaboration and preparation… and a wiser use of time.”

Xistra also spoke about her extensive involvement and how she would handle it as a councilmember. “I’m a very transparent person, I know how to carry myself and how to act. I agree and understand the sentiment that special interests influence council and I don’t operate that way. We’re representing people and constituents, not the entities operating within our city.”

She went on to say that while she would rightfully recuse herself from certain items, that it was no secret that she supported nonprofits in the community that benefited South Lake Tahoe. “I don’t feel like it’s rocket science. I stand with the people.”

“I want people to understand I’m the type of person who isn’t giving up just because I didn’t get it the first time,” said Xistra of her third shot at city council. “Working collaboratively to move success forward is rewarding. I want to do that at the highest level I can, which would be city council.”

While Xistra made it clear she is not actively fundraising for her campaign, she has said she is excited to get out and make community connections. “It’s not about yard signs, it’s about getting to know people,” she said. She plans to do coffee chats and other public get-togethers so that people can learn about her. “I’m interested in doing what’s best for the community.”

To read more about Aimi Xistra’s campaign and platform, visit https://electaimix.com/.

Eli Ramos is a reporter for Tahoe Daily Tribune. They are part of the 2024–26 cohort of California Local News Fellows through UC Berkeley. Learn more at https://fellowships.journalism.berkeley.edu/cafellows/.