SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Lake Tahoe City Clerk Susan Blankenship, in her role as the custodian of the City Seal, gave an emotional introduction to a call by councilmember Scott Robbins to amend the historic seal that has been in place since the City’s first fire department in 1966.
Robbins had an issue with the dotted line through the middle, and now, through approval of the new ordinance, all seals will be changed.
The City logo can be updated as often as the City deems necessary to reflect new focuses and design ideas. The seal has remained unchanged and is on all proclamations and other official business.
Blankenship questioned the need to change the seal at the time.
“The seal has stood as the link between our past and our present; it has marked every chapter of our city’s history,” said Blankenship as she fought back tears. “It remains a powerful emblem of who we are.”
She told Council that staff suggests retaining the original seal as it respects the City of South Lake Tahoe’s history and the community it represents.
This request did not come from any residents or receive their input, and the public only had a chance to weigh in as the last agenda item during the almost eight-hour-long council meeting on Tuesday. It was solely the City Council’s decision, and the three remaining councilmembers at the time voted to approve the change.
After nearly six decades, the City Seal has become a valuable historical artifact and a powerful symbol of the community’s heritage. It represents the City’s continuity and legacy, similar to a historical monument, according to the council’s agenda. The seal is a reminder of the City’s past. Retaining the traditional Seal honors this history rather than erasing it. At their May 6, 2025, City Council meeting, Councilmember
Robbins (seconded by then Mayor Pro Tem Bass) requested that the City Seal be altered to more accurately reflect Lake Tahoe’s California and Nevada boundaries.
The City hired a design company to reflect Robbin’s request:
One member of the public, Scott Loberg, spoke to the council, stating how the change of a seal is a waste of time, money, and effort. He said there is nothing wrong with the seal as it stands. He said he’s never heard one resident say the seal should be changed.
“This is just grandstanding,” said Loberg.
Robbins said the seal has been corrected on things like car doors. “This is a pretty minor thing,” said Robbins. He said he has long wanted the seal to better reflect the actual state border.
Bass said this is a symbol from the past, and he understands that, but wants the seal to be geographically correct. Councilmember Keith Roberts said he was taken aback by Blankenship’s passion and asked his fellow councilmembers if they should reach out to the community for input. Bass said if they did that, possibly more suggestions not close to the current seal might be received.
“It’s just one dash line,” said Robbins.
Only three councilmembers remained at the meeting at this time as David Jinkens left shortly before hearing this item. They voted 3-0 for the first reading on the change, and it will come back for final passage at the November 18, 2025, meeting.
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