The popcorn stand

Today’s Popcorn Stand comes from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency:

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board on June 22, recognized the extraordinary and lifelong contributions of Coe Swobe.

Swobe is considered the “father of TRPA” for his bipartisan work to create the agency and its mission to conserve and restore Lake Tahoe’s environment.

Swobe died May 26, 2016, at age 87.

As a Nevada state senator, Swobe brokered the landmark 1969 agreement between then-Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt and then-California Gov. Ronald Reagan and the two state legislatures to create TRPA and the nation’s first environmental bi-state compact.

Swobe later served on the TRPA Governing Board from 2001-08. A third-generation Nevadan, Swobe prioritized and championed prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction projects to reduce wildfire risk.

That work continues today and remains a top priority for the health and protection of Lake Tahoe’s forests and watershed and the safety of Lake Tahoe communities.

Shelly Aldean, who represents Carson City on the TRPA Governing Board, said she had the privilege of working with Swobe.

She recalled his passion and tireless work for Lake Tahoe, as well as his work with the late Jerry Waldie, a U.S. Representative in California who also served on the TRPA Governing Board.

“They were in opposing parties and there was a constant exchange of jabs, but they were very much aware of their duty to do what was best for Lake Tahoe and for the constituents that they represented,” Aldean said. “I think we can all take a lesson from that, given how divisive politics has become. Coe will be missed.”

The Popcorn Stand is written Tuesday through Saturday by the editorial staff of the Nevada Appeal. It tackles topics of a different nature or topics that make us go “hmm.” We welcome your thoughts and suggestions at editor@nevadaappeal.com.