For my service learning idea I would like to help promote changing the name of Lakeview Commons Park in South Lake Tahoe to a native Washoe name. The name they would give it is 'Tahnu Leweh' which means 'all the people's place.' Darrel Cruz, the Culture and Language Director for the Washoe tribe said, "it is the name the Tribe would like to gift to El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe as a symbol of peace, prosperity and goodness." From the article, "Park name that's not so "common""written in the Mountain News, I learned that the Washoe Tribe likes to keep their opinions and ideas "quiet" and don't like to cause any type of commotion in the Tahoe community, and that is why they are "offering" the name as a peaceful suggestion, and they realize that even tho a lot of people might want the name change, but there are those that won't want it. That is why I feel like it would be great way to let their culture shine more and show their importance in our community. Here is a link to what some community members think about the name-change proposal:
http://www.laketahoenews.net/2012/04/some-el-dorado-county-officials-want-to-change-the-name-of-south-lake-tahoes-lakeview-commons-what-name-do-you-like/
I think that people in South Lake Tahoe need to show that our community has respect for the area we live in and respect and appreciate the people who were here first. "All the people's place" is such a great name because many people recreate at this beach and with the new 7.5 million dollars invested in improvements, I think a name change would provide a fresh, new feel along with the rebuilt area. It is not too much to ask for, but would be a big step forward in blending and embracing all cultures in South Lake Tahoe.
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