My View: Notes from the Front Row ™
Local Musings
· It’s the end of an era: the Rec Center is closing. I swam my last laps on the last day the old Rec Center was open. I had been coming to the Rec Center since I rolled into town decades ago, and it’s filled with countless fond memories. From Little League sign-ups to countless hours spent in the pool, this place has been a significant part of my life. I’ve logged many laps there, often reflecting. I watched my daughter learn to swim and compete on the swim team. While I may not be the most graceful swimmer, I’d call myself a “dirtbag swimmer”; I’ve put in my share of laps. Swimming has played a vital role in my life, helping me manage a torn rotator cuff without surgery and providing a quiet space to think. Many ideas were born or refined in the water. This Rec Center has served the community well, and I know everyone has their own stories and memories tied to it. But, like many places on the South Shore, this chapter is closing, and a new one is beginning. I’m ready to turn the page and look forward, excited about the new pool and what it will bring.
· If you haven’t had a chance to watch the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority’s three-part documentary Beyond Awestruck, it’s well worth your time. The series follows a University of California, Irvine research team as they explore the effects of awe inspired by Lake Tahoe, and how those moments influence well-being, deepen social connection, and foster a greater sense of environmental stewardship.
What’s particularly compelling is that it attempts to measure something we’ve all felt but rarely quantify. The cinematography is stunning, complemented by thoughtful reflections from local residents. It’s a powerful and refreshing look at the deeper value of place, and not the traditional highlight reel of things to do, definitely worth checking out.
· For the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as chair of El Dorado County’s SEED Economic Development Committee. It’s been an invaluable experience, one that has given me a clearer understanding of how the County operates and a broader perspective on the dynamics shaping our local economy.
One observation stands out: communities on the East Slope often seem able to move initiatives forward more quickly than those on the West Slope. That contrast raises important questions about process, alignment, and the ability to act with urgency.
At the same time, El Dorado County is entering a period of significant economic change. The Board of Supervisors has faced difficult budget decisions, including major reductions, including the elimination of the El Dorado County Visitors Authority tourism office and funding for Arts and Culture El Dorado, as well as cuts across other areas. These are not isolated decisions; they reflect deeper structural challenges.
Adding to this pressure is a structural decline in the wine industry, which has long been a cornerstone of the County’s rural economy. Shifting consumer preferences, increased competition, and broader market dynamics are creating headwinds for local wineries and growers, raising important questions about long-term viability and diversification.
Too often, the County Supervisors default to “no” on economic initiatives rather than a “how can we make it happen” approach. The reasons vary, ranging from individual perspectives among elected officials to organized opposition within communities. But the cumulative effect is a pattern of inaction. And at some point, a do-nothing approach is simply not sustainable.
While there are diverse views on what economic development should look like, it’s increasingly clear that a more community-centered, pragmatic approach is needed, one that aligns with El Dorado County’s character while still allowing for progress. That will require change, and communities will need to become more comfortable with that reality.
Otherwise, deeper cuts are likely ahead. And when they come, they won’t primarily affect core services like police and fire; they will be felt across much of the County’s budget.
With an election approaching in November, there will inevitably be political consequences. My hope is that this moment leads to broader recognition: that thoughtful, well-managed economic development must become a higher priority if the County is to close future budget gaps and maintain the quality of life residents expect.
It’s a Wrap
For decades, we’ve operated under an assumption of relative stability, predictable markets, steady growth, and institutional continuity. That era feels like it’s fading. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain shifts, and economic fragmentation are creating a more volatile environment. The real question is whether our institutions and our local decision-making are built for stability or adaptable to volatility. We are going to find out…
Carl Ribaudo is a columnist, consultant, speaker, and writer in South Lake Tahoe. You can reach him at carl@smgonline.net.
