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Opinion: ‘Change is going to happen’

Carl Ribaudo
MY VIEW
Tribune Opinion Columnist

LOCAL MUSINGS

• One of the challenges that we face as a community in the new year is change. Change is going to happen one way or the other. It used to be that South Shore was isolated and marched to its own drummer. No more — technology has changed everything we do and change is coming in every aspect of our community, be it socially/demographically, health care, tourism/recreation, the environment, education and more. Change has also divided this community when it doesn’t have to. The question is, are we open to change; and more importantly how do we take advantage of these changes that are coming?

• The SnowGlobe music festival is great example of the divided community dealing with change. On one side, you have those that are progressive, seeing the short- and long-term benefit of the event. Then there are the event attendees that for the most part are young, under 30 and enjoy the music and the scene — just as their parents did when they went to rock concerts when they were young. On the other side you have those that detest the event. They don’t like the music, the music is too loud, they don’t like the party atmosphere and they don’t like the image.



There is no compromise in this country and often times none in this community. Be it parking meters, SnowGlobe, the Meyers Community Plan (and I’m sure a variety of other issues), divisiveness is not the way to run a community.

Here’s the deal — it’s a compromise and no side of the issue gets all it wants. Now, we can spend a lot of time arguing about issues for our position or we can start seeking a third position (compromise) that helps propel the community forward. The win-lose dynamic does no one any good when a small community like ours should be looking for a win-win solution on issues.



• I had a chance to go to the book reading by Bill Morgan over the weekend. He was the very first executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. His new memoir, “Morgan’s Tahoe,” is about his time as the head of the U.S. Forest Service and TRPA. Bill was the first to use a consensus process to resolve tough environmental issues. The process he pioneered in the basin is still being used, and not just for environmental issues. He literally changed the trajectory of this region for the better. He’s a true innovator. It was a privilege to hear his candid thoughts and memories.

THE BIG PICTURE

Like many, I am shaking my head at the trademark issues regarding Yosemite and, while Delaware North is suspect, what really bothers me is why the federal government doesn’t have these trademarks handled. I don’t expect the government to get it all right, but I do expect them to get the basics right — and in this case it appears they haven’t. You would never see Disney make a mistake like this and not have their trademarks protected.

RECOMMENDATION

Don’t miss the Super Bowl commercials. The game might be good, but the commercials are always fun.

IT’S A WRAP

Sadly this column is dedicated to David Bowie, Glen Frey (thank you for the music of our youth), Olympic downhill skier Bill Johnson (who gave us one of greatest ski runs in Olympic history) and, finally, a local friend (since the day I arrived on the South Shore) — Malcom Prybl. Malcom was a great guy.

You all left us way to soon; you are already missed.

Carl Ribaudo is a contributing opinion columnist for the Tahoe Daily Tribune. He is also a consultant, speaker and writer who lives in South Lake Tahoe. He can be reached at carl@smgonline.net.


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