by Tahoe Daily Tribune | Oct 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
Dear Editor,
This November, El Dorado County voters face Measure S, a countywide 0.375% sales tax hike. While proponents push this as a critical safety measure, the wildfire prevention claims are entirely hollow. Only a tiny fraction of the generated funds goes to non-profits, with absolutely zero mandates or guarantees that even a single acre of forest land will actually be treated for fuels reduction.
Beyond these misleading safety claims, Measure S acts as an unfair siphon that will extract vital capital from the Tahoe Basin to fund projects on the West Slope. Having served as an El Dorado County Supervisor between 1993 and 2001 representing the Meyers community, Christmas Valley, and North and South Upper Truckee, I know how critical it is to preserve fair county allocations.
Yet, under this measure’s strict formulas, a massive share of the revenue will benefit a private health system in Placerville. Because basin residents rely on local healthcare like Barton Memorial Hospital rather than traveling over the Sierra Nevada crest, their local tax dollars will effectively leave their community.
Furthermore, the City of South Lake Tahoe already shoulders a heavy sales tax burden. Piling another countywide tax on top pushes local rates to a restrictive high, hitting working families and starving the city of future “tax room” to pass its own localized infrastructure measures. This deep dissatisfaction is why local political leadership stands united: every candidate running for the three South Lake Tahoe City Council seats opposes Measure S.
Voters should demand transparent measures that actually protect our forests rather than a 30-year tax that raises the cost of living while draining Tahoe’s tax base. Please vote No on Measure S.
Sincerely,
Ray Nutting
Co-Chair, California Taxpayers Protection Committee
by Tahoe Daily Tribune | Oct 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
Last week, the final Summer Free Farmer’s Market was held in the St. Theresa parking lot, with nearly 100 individuals and families picking up boxes of fresh vegetables, fruit, and essential grocery items. This was the fifth Free Farmer’s Market held this summer.
These foods are delivered by the Food Bank of El Dorado County, and throughout the summer, these events have been financially supported by Bread & Broth, the Marcella Foundation, and the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe. With escalating food prices, many of the recipients are so grateful for access to the fresh food.
Many thanks to those who came out to volunteer and support families in South Lake Tahoe and help them have access to nutritious, fresh and healthy food. Providing volunteers to pack and distribute the food at the events include the Family Resource Center, employees from Whole Foods, employees from the City of South Lake Tahoe, the Kiwanis Club, the Marcella Foundation, and Bread & Broth.
Special thanks to Roberta Strachan, Bread & Broth Chairperson of Food Coordination, who facilitated these events each month along with the Food Bank of El Dorado County.
by Tahoe Daily Tribune | Oct 15, 2026 | Uncategorized
April 7, 1938 – August 21, 2026
Sue was born in Detroit, MI to Margaret and Leo Bolger, and grew up in Wyandotte, MI. She was one of five children, as well as an identical, mirror twin, as she would always say. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1956. She moved to Los Angeles, CA in the 1960’s, and worked for Union Oil. She met Paul Hrbacek through a computer dating service, and they were married in August 1969. Their son, Rory, was born in 1975, and daughter, Stephanie, in 1978. They lived in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of LA until 1979 when they moved to South Lake Tahoe. Sue loved sewing, and playing the piano. She sang with the Tahoe Choir, and made some of her lifelong friends through the Montessori School carpool. She began working for STPUD in 1985, and retired as Contracts Administrator in 2001. In the same year, she met Don Miller. They married and moved to Florida to begin retired life together, eventually settling in Mesquite, NV. Sue passed away at the age of 88 in Mesquite.
When tragedy struck the family in 1991, with the death of Rory, Sue made it her mission in life to support other parents whose children had died by founding The Children’s Memorial. With the help of artist Dan Jones, the memorial was created using the tree that Rory, Sandy and Casey had crashed into on Pioneer Trail. The Memorial’s forever home is on Hwy 50 at Wildwood Ave. The memorial will live on as a testament to her faith, and determination to help others. “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
Sue is survived by husband, Don Miller, daughter Stephanie Hrbacek, brother Rory Bolger, granddaughter Chandre Pero, and eleven nieces and nephews. Sue is preceded in death by her son Rory Hrbacek, twin sister Dorothy Johnson, sister Maryann Seguin, sister Paddy McEntire, and former husband Paul Hrbacek.
Sue will be interred with her son Rory at Happy Homestead Cemetery.
by Tahoe Daily Tribune | Oct 15, 2026 | Uncategorized
– August 7, 2026
Natalie Lynn Spandau, 62, passed away on August 7, 2026. Natalie grew up in Diamond Bar, California and spent her youth playing soccer and driving race cars. She then followed her love for skiing to South Lake Tahoe, California. Missing the desert she grew up playing in, she made her way back to Anza Borrego State Park where she spent her evenings off-roading and taking sunset photos. She is survived by her brother, Chris Spandau, and daughters, Kelsi Buts and Janelle Spandau-Buts. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Virginia and Theodore Spandau, and brothers, Scott, Mark, and Kevin Spandau. A celebration of life will be held, details to follow.
