History: Reflecting on when S. Tahoe first incorporated

Publisher’s note: This is reprinted with permission from the November 1975 Lake Tahoe Historical Society Newsletter.

On Sunday afternoon, November 9th, the Historical Society and the City of South Lake Tahoe jointly commemorated the City’s Tenth Anniversary with an informal reception in the new Recreation Complex.

A collection of memorabilia from the election campaign and the first year of city operation was displayed in the lobby. Who will forget the bright ping DON’T BE AN ABOMINABLE NO-MAN posters which sprouted up all over town that Fall ten years ago – or the hand-printed FOR stickers worn on one’s lapel. In addition to campaign posters, news clippings, and photos selected from a scrapbook compiled by Lauri Ames, the official 1965-66 City Scrapbook was displayed with copies of both volumes of Fourteen Thousand Planners, the City’s first general plan.

Former Mayor Norm Woods, one of the original councilmen, served as Master of Ceremonies, and noted there had been 17 Councilmen, 11 of whom served 13 terms as Mayor. Speakers were: Karl Lowe who recalled the first yearnings toward home rule and formation of F.A. C. T. which ultimately led into the Citizen for Local Government and the November 9, 1965 election which brought the 398th California city into being. John Williams remembered the tiny news announcement datelined Tahoe City in the Los Angeles Times the following day which led eventually to his becoming the first City Manager. He briefly led his listeners through the setting up of the departments and hiring the staff for the fledgling city. The fist elected City Clerk Evelyn Roberson, a legal secretary for the first City Attorney at the time, well remembered the election excitement. Frank Souza, chairman of the first Planning Commission, recalled when the only building inspector for the area covered five counties. First Police Chief Ray Lauritzen spoke of having a local tailor shop stay open until midnight to make all the uniform pant legs the same length for the new police force going on duty the next morning. Of the original 32 officer chosen from 235 applicants, five have since been appointed to Police Chief positions throughout the state. Don Clarke of the original Council and the first to serve two terms as Mayor, related his pride in having been a part of the city formation. Ed Sauer of the first Planning Commission told of his making the motion which started the program of undergrounding power lines on Highway 50, the fight for which was carried on so diligently by former Planning Commissioner Ray Petragallo. Closing remarks were made by Mayor Roger Capri followed by the cutting of the official birthday cake, beautifully decorated with the City Seal and flanked by floral decorations in blue and gold, the city colors.

Among other original city officials seen at the gathering were Planning Commissioners Clancy Kirk, Walt Kashuba, Ray Petragallo, Recreation Commissioner Ethel Clarke, Council Secretary and temporary City Clerk Grace Carriker, and Jerry Martin, councilman and second Mayor. Also former Mayor Dr. Ken Smith.

Out of town guest were Bob Norris (the very first City Staff member), of Meeks Bay, Ray and Margy Lauritzen and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Sauer, Sacramento; John and Lois Williams, San Francisco; Mr. and Mrs. Murray, Colfax and Walt Wilson, Santa Rosa.

Regretting they were unable to attend but sending good wishes were First Planning Director and later City Manager Gary Chase of Moraga, former Assistant City Manager Howard Nies of Sacramento, and first City Attorney Mel Beverly.

Presiding at the refreshment table were Pat Amundson, Linda Mendizabal and Jeanette Porter, assisted by Suzanne Northrup and Ron Porter. Punch was provided through the courtesy of Harold Heiser of Inks Market.