Since 1978 the North Tahoe Public Utility District has managed the state-owned Kings Beach State Recreation Area. While the agreement between the two parties expired in December 2008, the NTPUD has continued to manage the park on a month-to-month basis. Last month State Parks indicated its interest in assuming management in November 2014, and has a plan to close the gate and restrooms between November and March. This decision, if taken, would effectively curtail use of the park in the “off season.” Visitors may continue to walk into the park, but will have no access to parking or restrooms. This news is just breaking and has already caused strong community reaction. Click here for an example of the comments that are being made: Sierra Sun (My Turn) February 27, 2014
The proposed closure would have a severe impact on the North Tahoe Event Center which relies on the parking lot to support its events throughout the year. The Center provides a venue for weddings, conferences, conventions, fundraisers and other local events. It also provides a location for recreation classes within the District. With a capacity of up to 400 guests, the Event Center is a significant contributor to the local economy, and that contribution is threatened by the proposed closure.
This action is proposed in spite of recommendations of the Little Hoover Commission (an independent state oversight agency). The Commission released a report in March 2013 addressing issues of management of the State Park System. One of its recommendations was that “The state, through a public process, should assess which parks presently under state ownership have statewide significance and which parks serve primarily regional or local needs. Parks that lack statewide significance should be transferred to local control.” It seems as though this is precisely the situation they are referencing.
The North Tahoe PUD has done a good job of managing the park for the last five years, and all indications are that it would continue to do so. The PUD has recently implemented a parking fee. This fee would have no direct effect on residents who take advantage of the Residents’ Benefit Program. It would, however, collect user fees from non-residents who do not contribute to the community through property taxes. The purpose of this fee is to increase funding for deferred maintenance. Paul Schultz, district general manager and CEO, has stated that the North Tahoe PUD is willing to assume ownership to prevent the closure.
In an article in the Sierra Sun Vicky Waters, deputy director of public affairs for California State Parks, was quoted saying that community input will be taken before a decision is made. Unfortunately, I have been unable to determine that any formal process is in place to receive that input. I received a response to my inquiry from Marilyn Linkem, superintendent of the Sierra district of State Parks, who indicated comments may be sent to her by email (marilyn.linkem@parks.ca.gov ) or snail mail (P O Box 266, Tahoma, CA 96142).
There is some good news: Senator Ted Gaines is hosting a Town Hall Meeting at 6:00 pm on March 20th at the North Tahoe Event Center to hear your concerns and ideas about preserving this local treasure. I am confident that he would also be happy to hear from you at his Capitol office, Room 3070, Sacramento CA 95814-4900 or by telephone at (916) 651-4001.
Click on the following links for more information:
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