By Kathryn Reed

Naming a North Shore mountain Gold Star Peak is closer to becoming a reality.

South Lake Tahoe councilmembers voted unanimously Tuesday to endorse the idea of Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Granite Bay.

McClintock has set up a memorial to active duty military members who have died in each sector of his district where a soldier has died in a conflict. A committee that included family members of those who died and local agency reps came up with the idea of the peak.

It would honor Pfc. Brandon Williams, Sgt. Tim Smith and Spc. Garrett Fant – all who had lived in South Lake Tahoe, and all who died in either the Iraq or Afghanistan wars.

The unnamed peak that would get the special name is between Mount Pluto (the highest point at Northstar ski resort) and Martis Peak. Because it is visible from Lakeview Commons, a plaque will go there pointing to the peak and expressing thanks to the three men. Mention of all veterans will also be included on the plaque.

Blair Clark with the local American Legion chapter said his group supports honoring these men, with the added hope no other names have to be added.

There was some discussion as to whether the peak should honor veterans and not just three people. It was pointed out that those who are killed in action are never veterans – so to have it be a veterans peak would actually exclude the three McClintock and others want to single out. Plus, there is Veterans Peak in Napa County already.