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