Ponderings and conversation about rights, responsibility, and privilege seem to swirl among us humans and our inhabitance of “our” pocket of the Sierra.
This month’s question is: What does it mean to be a Truckee/Tahoe local?
Leighanna Pillgram-Larsen, Truckee
Mom to three girls
Anybody who wants to come up here and live and take care of the land and be respectful to our neighbors.
Tony D., Tahoe Vista
Earth local
A true local is someone born and raised here. But other than that I would also consider someone who has been a resident for over a year and through at least one big winter.
Kenny Kehoe, South Lake Tahoe
Community member
Dirty feet, sunburns, and dog hair.
Heidi Euer Martin, Truckee
5th generation Truckee local
Loads of memories from the Truckee/Tahoe area
Nicole Benter, Sierra Meadows
Therapeutic mentor, Gateway Mountain Center
I prefer to not get too hung up on the definition of a local, and instead focus on treating other people and the environment with respect and love and understanding, which I think Truckee people do pretty well. I kinda wanted to throw something in with nature — having a sense of awe for these amazing, natural surroundings.
Author
My definition has changed over the years. Now, it’s not about how long you’ve lived here it’s about how involved you are in the community. I know many who live here part-time yet support our local kids and buy everything with just a knock on the door, show up for local fundraisers, and always chip in when the neighborhood needs a helping hand. I’ve also known many a full-time resident whose door is always closed and will never help a neighbor. Yes, they live here but do they really LIVE here?