Opinion: Stop using 911 for noise issues and realize this is a tourist town
The noise is not going away. Day 2 of SnowGlobe is under way. But concert promoters and South Lake Tahoe officials are taking steps to deal with people’s concerns.
The number to call to complain about noise involving SnowGlobe (or any loud event) is (530) 542.6100. Calling 911 for noise issues could endanger the life of someone not able to receive timely care because people were tying up 911 for a non-emergency. People — get a grip — noise can be a nuisance, but it’s not an emergency. Be responsible.
SnowGlobe officials are working on noise issues. Photo/LTN
Friday between 9:15-11pm the bass levels from the headliner BassNectar are expected be the loudest of the festival. After all, “bass” is in the name.
“While the overall sound levels have been reduced, the bass levels will continue to cause some vibrations. The producers have agreed to end Saturday evening’s concert earlier than scheduled and will be concluding the events at 12:30am (New Year’s Day),” said Nancy Kerry, spokeswoman for the city. (South Lake Tahoe City Manager Tony O’Rourke is out of town.)
SnowGlobe Music Festival producers have repositioned some of the equipment and are offering those with noise sensitivities to go to Murphy’s Irish Pub on Emerald Bay Road between 9-11pm Friday for drinks and appetizers on behalf of the SnowGlobe team. Just mention SnowGlobe sent you.
City officials report other festival operations have been successful, shuttles and parking operations are running smoothly and many businesses are reporting retail sales above expectations.
Remember, this is not the only event on the South Shore that produces noise. It just so happens the Al Tahoe neighborhood is experiencing unwanted noise presumably for the first time. Plenty of residents have learned to put the greater good of the South Shore tourism economy before themselves by putting up with noise from Harveys outdoor concerts, Street Vibrations, five days of constant airplanes during the celebrity golf tournament, and other events.
Maybe it’s time you decide if you want to live in a tourist town. We all depend on them. Now get out there and make some money off these people.
Noise happens.
— Kathryn Reed, Lake Tahoe News publisher
Thank you for a great common sense article, Kae!!!
Thanks Kae! Just did a driveby of Stateline, and it is pretty quiet down there, not many walking around at all.
Many people walking around from Ski Run all the way to the “Y”. Keepen it in Cali ;)
Ms. Reed: Perfectly stated! Especially the part about deciding if people want to live in a tourist town. We do all depend on them and their dollars!
I’m all for more music festivals! Though if I were a promoter, I’d think that rattling windows in town might not help the cause. (As I was writing this, a whomp car just rolled by on the street–nice, guys).
I can’t hear the Snowglobe from my house, but football games get loud sometimes. What are you gonna do? C’est la vie.
I can, however, think of a couple examples of SLTPD draconian enforcement of “party noise” that involved hassling musicians. I’m hoping that policy has been moderated. As in, patience with the waaa-mbulence calls–on both sides–to wit: Everybody chill.
Good job Kae!
really? seems a little snarky to me
she’s always a little snarky.
Chill out ,Get out and live it, enjoy it ,Its a Happy New year , shout it out,you may enjoy it,, Live it,like you mean it ,leave the negatives ,and think positive.Happy New Year,
Thank you for telling people to be reasonable. THIS IS A TOURIST TOWN! CALM DOWN NAYSAYERS, WE NEED THIS TYPE OF TOURISM. REALIZE PEOPLE NEED TO MAKE A LIVING. WE NEED TO FEED OUR CHILDREN. If you don’t like it, then give me your phone number so I can ask you for my donation to pay my rent and feed my kids.
You don’t have to have excessive noise until late into the night to promote tourism in this town! And, the concerts at Harvey’s end by 10:00, not 1:30!!!
Another amazing night at SnowGlobe :) I hope we are getting some tax on sales, cause their selling a lot of stuff in there!
Going good for S LAKE TAHOE ,It is a resort ,its time to wake up and live it ,Its the New Year ,be happy ,do not worry, keep those positive thoughts ,and you will live longer,and be happier,Happy New Year .The village is doing FANTASTIC.So are the people,rock on.Live it to the fulliest and be happy.life is short,Happy New Year.
I know of two young, local “entrepreneurs” who made $300 last night shuttling people from Snow Globe – now that’s fun, creative and good for putting some extra cash into locals’ pockets!
We could hear the base in Christmas Valley.
Kae, I agree with you completely. Thanks for speaking up!
I agree with you Kae. Some people are so into themselves and what is good for them that they can’t look at the overall picture and put up with a little inconvenience, especially when they know it is going to be over soon.
Excellent article. Truth. Happy New Year to everyone. Be safe and sane out there.
What the heck does living in a tourist town have to do with disturbing thousands of locals who live in residential areas far away from any commercial areas?
At least the promoters are offering some minor mitigation, but I don’t think I can take them up for drinks and appetizers yesterday.
Can’t our city do anything right? Wait, don’t answer that.
I live just under two straight-line miles from the venue and I can hear SnowGlobe. Telling nearby residents to put up with the event making their homes uninhabitable so that some promoter can make money is shameful. The purpose of government is to benefit the governed, not businesses.
I would be interested to hear from the Mayor and Council, not something put together from the city PR person. There’s are a lot of pro and con that need to be addressed in the interest of all. Again great reporting Kae.
Just talked to a friend 6 blocks from the college.. her family had to leave days early because the baby couldn’t sleep.. a mirror fell off the wall and broke.. dogs all over were howling.. why couldn’t the event be held at Pope Beach?? ..somewhere away from town?? ab\nd, what happened to our 10pm noise curfew?
I can understand people’s concerns re a series of loud concerts wedged between two residential neighborhoods. Would you want this commotion in YOUR neighborhood? I know I wouldn’t.
With regard to impact on the local economy, it would be interesting to know what percentage of the local population is dependent directly or indirectly on the tourist industry. That is not the case for telecommuters, second home owners or the increasing number of retired folks.
Whatever the answer to my query, imagine if the hole in the ground were developed into a park with a parking lot underneath. Set in a commercial area, it could be an appropriate venue for many activities of interest to permanent and seasonal residents and visitors alike. If it contained a reasonable sized convention center, that would be good, but the idea is that mostly pleasant open space would be a plus for the entire South Shore.
Great article Kae.
We live 3-1/2 miles from the college and can hear it slightly, but to understand what everyone’s concerns are, I will head over there tonight. I agree that as a tourist town, we can put up with periods of noise & traffic. I’m just glad we live here full time and can enjoy the quiet times!
This event should of been held at Camp Rich or another venue outside of the residential areas. I feel sorry for the people who live in Pioneer Village across from the College.
This event would serve our town better by being held the week after New Years (which is generally a slower weeekend than the holiday weekend). My analogy would be the years they held the celeb golf tourney on Fourth of July weekend. Those holidays are already maxed out and don’t CREATE any EXTRA business for our town.
Meant to say these kind of special events on either of these holidays don’t really create any extra business for our town.
Wait till they Start doing the “56 acre” forest remodel, in your face, we got have it, in-between your residential neighborhoods, it never be the Same ,so get ready for Big changes,you wanted it and you are going to Get It.
PEACE AND HAVE A GREAT 2012!
ONE MORE NIGHT OF GOOD VIBES,YOU’LL SURVIVE,>>>>>>>TRACE<<<<<<<>>>>> ACID>>>>>>> ON BABY!<<<<<<<<<<<<<!!:)
Have it at Sierra At Tahoe.
Ms.Reed. I think the b..tchy admin letter wasn’t called for.From what I have read on YOUR make shift news thingy here most people are very much FOR this concert and the benefits it is and will bring. WE ALL LIVE HERE FOR DIFFERENT REASONS. I did not buy my house 27 years ago with a clause for the kind of noise that has been assaulting my house. I am using ear plugs and they are working.I am all for this concert. At the airport or somewhere every one can agree on.Please don’t tell me because I live in the al tahoe area of town I am letting my town suffer because I disagree with you.You live in an area of town that isn’t subject to this right? And yes you all can call me names because I disagree with Ms. Reed and yourselves.I am taking your advice and will choose not to read your news anymore.
Skier, that would be a great places, except for the logistics for getting people in and out of there. Camp Rich would be enough of a stretch, put it in the Campground.
Lisa, I’m guessing the police(dispatch) expressed the need to communicate the proper use of 911, and there is an alternative non-emergency number to lodge a complaint.
It must be really frustrating to be working dispatch, and have 3 noise complaints, and one heart attack call coming in at the same time. A noise complaint is valid, just not an emergency.
I do agree with Toogee; push the date back a week…
Wow; the city hosted a huge event that could have gone anywhere, but SLT hosted it. In a year of no snow; a tourist town, all people do is complain.
Every New Years eve/day is always a money maker in this community, but usually its the Casinos in Nev. with business in California getting the extra for rooms, food skiing etc. So this yr we have a noise concert to make money just for us. We read the college is getting $10,000-, and the city maybe the same or a little more, now lets see what the promoters get. The 1st day reports of 9,000 people there at either $65-75 a ticket or $150 for 3 days. You due the math and tell me who’s making the money?
If the city wants to make money promote the damn thing yourself. Build a huge amphtheatre in our BIG OPEN HOLE, have the sound heading into Nevada. Now you can compete with Harvey’s Music Concerts.
Also question why schedule something in what always is the biggest weekend of the yr. Yes this is a tourist town but remember 30 yrs ago in the summer a 5 minute drive to Stateline might take an hour due to auto and bus traffic, we had Air Cal and PSA flying in daily. We had people monitor the sounds at the airport but it was nothing compared to this and i live in Pioneer Village the closest housing area to this. Its day 3 almost over but lets have much better planning if this continues in the future. And if you want Snow than have it in March. The idea of having a tourist town is that every month brings something New and Fresh to help local business. Dont double up the good times . If the city ran it local business could run the food and drink and extra’s. Give thought to an outdoor theatre, Rock-Country-Jazz-Blues Festivals, Build It and They Will Come.
Is it possible to compromise? Of course it’s a tourist town and the whole area has been suffering financially. Concerts are fun & loud events – let’s hope that the community prospers from this one. I’m asking that the sub-woofer be kept under control. The music volume can be mitigated with ear plugs, but the physical pounding and vibrating can’t. The energy is great, the publicity is great, let’s hope that the money is great… just turn down the sub-woofer!
I disagree with Ms. Reed and yourselves.I am taking your advice and will choose not to read your news anymore.
I wish you would,but I doubt it, I’ve seen you post this before Lisa.
You belong with the tribune,such a boring work of reporting,and Lisa you have no place to post your bit-h.I pity your family,FRIENDS?
HERE, HAVE A BOOM-BOOM- HIT FRESH AIR!
THAT DON’T MAKE YOU HAPPY ,NOTHNG WILL.
7 AND 1/2 HOURS TO 2012,IT’S GETTING BETTER BY THE HOUR.
CHEERS!!
I am glad we have an event in Tahoe. This may not be what we all want but hopefully it helps our town and we can learn how to do the next one better (and by using local vendors for food, drink and crafts).
I just saw the set up for the fireworks at the concert tonight…good thing the fire department is there because of all the dry brush and tree cover there. I am 4 blocks from the fireworks launch area so I’ll walk over to STPUD and enjoy the display, but with an open eye for debris on fire.
CHILL OUT AND STOP COMPLAINING,HAPPY NEW YEARS,BE HAPPY,DO NOT WORRY,ONE LIFE TO LIVE ,LIVE IT PEOPLE BEFORE YOU GET OFF THIS EARTH,YOU WILL BE AT PEACE WITH IN YOURSELF BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, LIFE IS SHORT ,HAVE FUN AND ENJOY IT YOURSELFS HAPPY NEW YEARS,PEACE.
A Lake Tahoe News reader emailed this in as an explanation as to why the website for SnowGlobe should be posted on this story/string of comments:
SLT was very fortunate in securing this venue; especially for this year.
Some people in SLT don’t seem to realize we have no snow, limited skiiing, no backcountry skiing, no snowmobiling no crosscrountry skiing, no snowshoeing, no free tubing,
We have incredible unemployment due to lack of snow and the economy, and some of the locals, all they do is piss and moan about this huge event that was brought to town during these very tough economic times with no snow.
I understand their concerns; first time around is always the toughest.
—
Here is the website so people can see this event is big: http://snowglobemusicfestival.com/.
Kathryn Reed, LTN publisher
I am curious – why, at Harveys Outdoor Concert Venue – (if I understsand correctly) fines are issued PER MINUTE when a concert goes past 10:00pm – and Snow Globe has the apparent OK to proceed well past this time??? Hmmm – follow the $$$$. I know, ss a small business owner, I have not seen any improvement in our stores’ gross receipts for this time of yr. However– can hear the “music” very LOUND AND CLEARLY from our home — a concert that I would not care to be at, and our dogs REALLY DON’T WANT TO BE AT right at our front door – I feel that this is an invasion of our privacy
You know the general consensus around town for years has always been that we need more special events. And I don’t like it when something is attempted and all that can be done is to criticize. So I especially hate that, if I’m coming across that way!
But there’s a high-level of hypocrisy of the City putting on an event of this nature! If someone ever throws a party on their own property here in town with any kind of music, you can be assured that the cops will be pulling up as soon as dusk is appearing with a noise complaint.
Throw in the fact that the City is cracking down on the marijuana dispensaries and I have to then ask-“So can I now throw a loud party late into the night in my own yard if say, I charge and then give the City cut? And what if I’m also bringing people in from out of the area? Then in turn what if some of my attendees are engaging in drug use?”
Can I then say, “Hey the City and community are profiting by my throwing this party, so deal with the problems it’s causing!”
And yes our economy is really hurting! So should we then have no restrictions on the “medicine” dispensaries in town? Hey they bring in business, dollars and provide jobs! (And so do Vacation Rentals!)
I’ll say it once again-The City is being very hypocritical by allowing and sponsoring this SnowGlobe concert!
We are lucky to have this event…….
Lets be clear, this event was happening with or without snow, and actually planned around a normal snow fall. Let’s just hope the city and businesses reap a large windfall. And let’s hope the event stays at the college for the colleges benefit, it’s hurting big time.
Kae, Very nice videos of the festivities at Snowglobe…. I’ve lived in Al Tahoe for almost 40 yrs. I remember when the neighborhood was going to go deaf from the noise we made at Rojo’s in 1975~
The City Council authorized this horrendous SnowGlobe event. The South Lake Tahoe PD requests that we do not call them to complain. And the City Manager leaves town during this sensitive time.
In most cases, the City Council members’ home phone numbers are listed in the phone directory. I suggest a call to them during the hours of 2:00-4:00am is appropriate. Since they have authorized this disturbance in our lives, let them and their families be disturbed themselves at that hour as well.
Perhaps this action by the City Council should be forefront in voters’ minds during the next election. Also perhaps the City Manager’s absence is due to a job search elsewhere. One can only hope.
he-he
I agree strongly with Parker, as a hotel owner, I have dealt with noise issue’s from weddings that disturb neighbors. I was thinking the same thing, can I get a wedding permit for amplified music at my weddings and have it ok’d til say 8pm?? Thinking after this Snowglobe I may have some leverage? The city should be happy, they get money, tot’s and a permit fee! And I will just add a little fuel to the fire, our noise ordinance is determined by decibels not a time frame. The law reads if one is disturbed by any noise 50ft from them, any amplified noise, then it gives cause to complain. There is no time of 9 or 10 for and end time. I would like to see many more of these events set in a proper setting because I think not only I but the town does benefit in the end from it. If they found a proper setting and rotated the type of music we just may get our town out of this slump.
Just one question… what about the ‘zoning’ for things like this?
10,000 people and a concert doesn’t seem like it should be legal in a RESIDENTIAL neighborhood.
there’s plenty of other places we could do this, and other times, yes. Hopefully the City will learn something and try to fix the issues if they want to have this event return. but, we ARE talking about the SLT City Council, and they don’t do the “learn from mistakes” thing very well…
Kathy Reed, Seen the vedio of the concert Great clip. Thank you, I went down there at the village and have to say It was a good show ,Gonola up in the air,all lit up, and the fireworks were beautiful, Lake Tahoe and Heavenly valley,did a beautiful job putting this on, ,seen no trouble at all, Happy New Years and again Thank you for the clip,Looked like it was all positive to me .
Yes this is a tourist economy. It was a tourist economy long before any of the events listed in Kathryn’s opinion piece came on the scene. And it will be a tourist economy long after these events are history. All the events that were listed in Kathryn’s opinion piece take place in Nevada. What’s exciting about the Snow Globe Music Festival is that it took place in California in the City of South Lake Tahoe. We all have the opportunity to help shape the future of this event and other special events that take place by giving the city and the college our feedback. The following are some numbers and email addresses that you can use to do that:City Manager Tony ORourke: 542-6045, torourke@cityofslt.us
Manager’s Staff Member Nancy Kerry: 542-6043, nkerry@cityofslt.us
Spec. Events Coordinator Lauren Tomaselli: 542-6058, lthomaselli@cityof slt.us
LTCC President KindredMurillo: 541-4660, ext.210, murillo@ltcc.edu
LTCC Board Member Roberta Mason: 544-2406, robertamason@hotmail.com
The college starts up again on Tuesday, so President Murillo’s phone may not be taking messages till then. Use “Snow Globe Music Festival” in your email subject line.
Next City Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 3rd at 9am at the City Council Chambers.
Next College Board of Trustees’ Meeting: Tuesday, January 10th, at 6:20pm at the College.
some of you might remember the Fun House
South Shores concert venue, it was closed in 1971.
the City had an ordinance for no more concerts within the City limits
that’s why the Starlight Jazz Festival
was at the Forest Service Visitor Center
then at the Top of the Tram
I bet the concert put almost as much money into the promoter’s pockets as it did the drug dealers. Obviously Kathy doesn’t know what those concerts really are about. I’ve been to pretty lights and bassnectar and 80% of the people are high as kites on Molly and acid and whatever else.
Loc I am a concert fan, Yes I do know what concerts are about . please do not judge me ,as I do not know you,Happy New Year and be positive will ya ?
so because half the people in this town want something the other half have to put up or shut up.
remember that we are here because of the lake and its beauty, I personally see Tahoe as a country getaway more than a tourist party town.
Kathy, you’re right. I don’t know you. Is your house on the meadow near the concert? If not, then shut up
Stop the childish name calling as well as the threats. Like or don’t like the event; suggest ways for it to improve; or for something else (or nothing) to take its place.
Once again, attack ideas, not people.
Maybe you could all read about the Random Acts of Kindness promotion Lake Tahoe News is doing and become inspired by others.
Kathryn Reed, LTN publisher
Loc ,I live near the casinos,I am just A old hippie ,no I do not smoke dope,or drink would love to meet you,Have a nice day,God told me not to shut up Be kind,and hope you have a good night.Peace.love and Happiness.TO YOU. .
I actually didn’t mean to aim my comments toward Kathy at all. That’s my bad. I meant Kathryn, the writer of the article, who attacked everyone that complained in her snide “opinion piece”, but then proceeded to say not to attack anyone.
Fine to attack me … I didn’t want others attacked. I hope you can understand that is what I was trying to stop.
We all have a right to our opinion. I don’t understand why the person has to be attacked and told to shut up. Why can’t the ideas be questioned, attacked, challenged, etc?
I believe too much in the First Amendment to shut up. And I believe in it too much to not let you have your opinion.
But I have not targeted a specific individual like you did when you originally said I should STFU — not just shut up.
Kathryn Reed, LTN publisher
Of course Ms. Reed believes in the 1st amendment,thats why some people arent allowed to comment at all.So now the city does a one day survey and even if you are out of town that day all of a sudden every one in town wants the snow globe back.Come on give me a break, do a real survey so everyone gets a chance not just city employees who cant say a word against management for fear of being fired under the pretense of saving money. Lets Take Back SLT! How about a recall of city council members? Not just for snow globe but for continuing mis management. Just one example amoung many,As the city goes broke lets give 0ne hundred forty thousand dollars of unrestricted reserves to business owners who have had years even in the good $$$ times to change their signs
Bill Crawford hates everything…bike lanes, fun, fun, fun, awesome music, anyone under the age of 55, sustainability, the younger generation, snow, puppies, kittens…the list goes on…HEY BILL!!!! TIME TO MOVE TO FLORIDA MAN…GENERATION X IS TAKING OVER MAN…SPROUTS AND CARROTS ARE GOOD FOR YOU! :0)