Tahoe Deserves Better
It is time for Palisades/Alterra to rethink what they are proposing for Olympic Valley. At a hearing on Aug. 17, the community turned out in force to state their displeasure with the size and scale of the project, which has not materially changed in size and scope since its unveiling. Many spoke of how the pristine valley, with its spectacular mountainous views, would be forever marred by the proposed structures. Who thinks that a nearly 10-story indoor water park is right for the valley, let alone anywhere in the Tahoe region? People come to the Tahoe area and the valley to experience the incredible natural beauty and numerous recreational opportunities, which certainly does not need to include an indoor water park.
Exposing residents and even more tourists to elevated fire risks is a significant concern related to this project as well. In the valley, there is only one viable exit point, which is counter to normal emergency protocols. Depending on the positioning and direction of [a potential] fire, it is not realistic to believe that everyone would be able to be evacuated from the valley in a timely manner and many would be stuck in their cars, so shelter-in-place in the Palisades parking lot has been presented as an alternative. Shelter-in-place is considered by fire agencies to be the last option during a fire evacuation event because it holds the greatest risks due to the unknown implications of fire behavior during an incident.
The reduced size alternative project proposed by the Friends of Olympic Valley is a reasonable, logical, and viable compromise, but Palisades and Placer County seem unwilling to give it fair consideration. Profits over people should never be implemented in government, and unfortunately, that appears to be the case happening now.
~ Wayne Nader, Auburn, via email
In response to Is the Alpine Meadows Fire Station Closed? in the August print edition.
We Need Fire Protection
ASCWD needs to stop this ridiculous posturing over a $25k chipping dispute. My experience having owned property for over 50 years at Alpine is that the water district will never concede to simple disputes even between their rate payers over charges for unexpected leaks to almost anything. Now we have no fire protection at a time when ASCWD and the community needs the assistance of NTFPD.
~ Bruce Olson, Alpine Meadows, via Facebook
In response to Drama on the Docks published online Aug. 12.
Justice Should Be Served
And the sweetest local gals being attacked by middle-aged ladies while doing nothing wrong. I hope justice prevails and those women who should know better than that and face some humbling repercussions.
~ Sunny Rogers, Olympic Valley, via Facebook
Families Should Sue
Next step, the families of the minors should sue for damages in civil court. This was abusive behavior by so-called adults on a group of 14-year-old children who were clearly very distressed by the situation, and those women need to be held accountable for it.
~ Julie Morcaldi, Truckee, via Facebook
