White Christmas 2009

Snow on the ground

   Skiing is good? Wait a bit, it will get better.  More fresh powder is on the way, especially Monday and Tuesday.  Tuesday thru Friday looks great.  A holiday to remember is in the offing.

ENJOY!

Bear Numbers: Census figures

Seen a few bears?

      As reported in today's Chronicle, the bear population in California has more than tripled in the last 29years.  From approx. 10,000 bruins in 1980 to over 35,000 in 2009.  So, yes, you've seen different bears, not the same one over and over.

     Keep your garbage secure, your doors closed night and day, and make noise when out on the trail for that wilderness hiking experience.

Fishing

       Good news: DFG has relented on license display.  Sportsmen and women  will no longer have to wear the license exposed on the front of the body.  It must be " in possession" only.  Yea, some common sense from a regulator.  Who would believe it?

bears on the lam

Pray for bears? Pray for more bears?

        The pastor of Incline Village Church asked parishners to pray for the capture of a 700lb. Bruin, called The Peanut Butter Bandit, that has caused concern among all local residents.  No sightings have been reported lately, despite his/her having spent considerable time @ church eating Christmas goodies,ie. 22 jars of peanut butter.  No doubt, he/she will learn that churches are a great place to find foodstuffs w/o  the necessity of tearing open the minivan doors.

       I expect Tahoma Bear Rescue teams will find the miscreant in short order.  I have been reassured by their staff that churches on the West Shore have nothing to worry about.  However, we advise a sharp lookout for 700 pounders lurking in the forests.  The wildlife managers @ Fish & Game are of the opinion that this behavior is one result of the severity of the present recession: this bear is probably unemployed and has exhausted his unemployed benefits, his skills are not in great demand, and he's worried about his family.  He's praying,too, asking for Divine intervention and maybe a turkey carcass or two.

       Should you see a sow bear outside of any church with her cubs, don't intervene; she's giving instructions on survival techniques during a recession.

Skiing on Turkey Day

The storm is on the radar and it looks like a good one.  Forecasters are looking @ 1'-3' of new powder.  Snow level to 1500' with very high winds at upper elevations.  These winds should abate by Sat. afternoon(no guarantee here).

     Temps will be in the 20's, so it should stick.  Friday drivers will have challenges coming up the Hill.  Be patient, be careful, be smart.

      Wednesday's snow was insignificant, w/ barely 1/2" @ lake level.  But, better than nothing.  The fish bite is off, w/ anglers reporting no action.  It could be awhile before things change.  Builders are keeping the weather eye out, but working normally otherwise.  Highway workers have topped off their tanks and have made ready for night operations Fri/Sat.

Want info?  Go to CHP site, CalTrans, or NOAA Weather for updates.  Lake monitoring stations might be helpful to some: UCDavis/CalTech provides streaming data from 6 stations.

Firewood

      It's that time again.  Complaints are arriving with regularity about delivery of "short" cords of wood among town folks.   It seems woodcutters down the hill are sending more short cut pieces than we remember.( short pieces are anything under 16 inches).

Points to remember when purchasing a Cord  of wood:

1. the measure is of volume

2. it is NOT nominal: the measure is constant: 4' X 4'X 8'= 128 cubic feet

3. wood is tightly packed, not dumped in a pile(on site or in yard).

4. wood should be delivered and stacked for accuracy; or stacked tightly on the delivery truck; or picked up at yard where it has been stacked!

What does a 6" shortage equal? 16 cubic feet! or more than 10% of a cord.

Pay attention and question any delivery/sale that doesn't measure up- it's your money, spend it wisely.

Bear Alert!

     Reports out of Incline Village mention repeated sightings of a very large brown bear.  While we take these seriously, no photos have been forthcoming(@ a time when everybody has a camera cell phone).  Usual precautions are advised.  Bear Control services notified by mayor's office.  Stay tuned.

Down the hill:weekend

Flew down the mountain early Wednesday for the late afternoon NCS soccer match in Santa Rosa. It was a D-5 game Roseland Prep vs. Oakland's College prep.  The Roseland team possessed great skills and easily outscored their opponents.  The game was played under the lights ifo a small crowd.  It was followed by a D1 game :Elsie Allen vs. Montgomery.  We didn't stay.  Mike G., Chris L. and the mayor had to drive back to Marin. Roseland won,4-nil.   They played on the turf field, which is nice for all.

       Friday breakfast @ Raintree cafe was well attended.  Hank M. noted that he was going to Tahoma on assignment for his Production Co, staying in a lakeside chalet that is going to be featured in local publications.  More PR for Tahoma town!  He consented to a ride by the Mayor's office for a "pass-in-review".

       Friday night at the flicks.  Saw "SKIN" @ the Rafael Theater.  This film is well done.  Shot in South Africa, it tells a true story of growing up in a family torn by racial differences in an Afrikaaner life.  The time capsule captures the end of apartheid and the new individual freedoms restored to citizens who lived under its boot for over 50 years.  The star actor is a noted performer with many credits to her name.   An emotional drama, it underscores traditional values with a new reality.  4 stars by Minister of Culture , Tahoma.

Sunnyside construction

Talked with my friend Ken, from the Peninsula.  His project is coming along.  He was in the process of installing a new lockset in an exterior door on the garage unit: a beautiful fir door, craftsman style, w/3 lights.  We talked about salvage wood fromold SF warehouses, how we both passed on great sources of old growth VG fir.Oh well.  His wife was supervising, and it was time for the Mayor to head for the office.

November's Child

Fall back, as they say.  With daylight saving time extended, it seems like fall lasts a longer time than I remember.  But, I'll take it!  The last few days at lakeside have demonstrated the incredible beauty of the Tahoe environent.  The days and nights have been warm, clear, windless:serene comes to mind.  Having the opportunity to extend any stay now, seems  to offer the best life has to offer.  Most visitors now appreciate the quiet,  the lack of traffic and noise, and the ready access to trails and beaches.   Where is everybody?  I feel most people would enjoy the lake right now , if they could.

        After breakfast at the Firesign cafe, the mayor and his chief of staff returned to headquarters. After a few small jobs on the plant, the chief left town for a few days of staff meetings off site.  Then the mayor loaded the town marine launch for a water front inspection.  A simple insert was made near Blackwood beach.  The water was glassy and air temp was about 70 degrees.  Remarkable.  There wasn't  another craft of any type to be seen.  A few gulls kept me company as I cruised by Sunnyside and then some.  I met a couple from Truckee out in their new kayaks.  We agreed it is a great fall day to be on the water.   After a 2 hour run(and 5 miles by GPS pts), I returned to the beach, now in shadows, deserted.  My wet clothes became an issue, and I was grateful for the dry clothes in the Chevy.  While loading the boat, a dude parked his JEEP,  off loaded the canoe, and began setting up for some trolling.  We chatted and agreed:it's the experience, not the fish.  They're just an added bonus.  He set out and I headed home.

         More work awaited.  The CEO is always working.  Light cans in the kitchen needed the freshly painted trim kits installed. Done.  Then on to Westside Pizza for some World series: Game 4.  (It's close: 4-4 in the 8th).

       Joaquin, the owner, came in ,said hello.  Mentioned the Halloween party.  Said the music was good, crowd light, and lots of fun.  Mentioned the recent family trip to Ventura County, Monterey, and Morro Bay.  Sounds like he could live there.  He told me he's going to B.A. next month for his Granny's 90th bday.  He enjoys his birth place, but wouldn't want to live there.

So, November, welcome.  Keep up the good work.    

October finale

The Mayor is in the office

       After 3 days of windy, cold weather, glorious autumn days have returned.  For several days this week, temps were 20 degrees below normal, pushing ski resorts to scramble and break out the snow making gear.   Perhaps they were a little too hopeful, and their efforts were for naught.

The Mayor had breakfast on the deck, warmed by the sun, now much lower in the southern sky.

Folks have laid up their wood, and a few late comers are experiencing rising prices for cord wood. Contractors are also scrambling to get closed up before the inevitable snow flurries just around the corner.   Mixed hardwoods are in the $325-350/cord range, and will go higher.

       Smoke plumes rolled up to Rubicon Peak this week as Forest Service personnel lit off dried piles of cleared cuttings stacked 2 seasons ago.  The 20-30 knot winds shifted the plume into the high country and kept the lake surface free of ash debris.  Late Wednesday night, a snag ignited on the north face of Meeks Ck. terrain, providing a roman candle effect in its stark loneliness.

Further efforts were observed higher up the mountain on Thursday, more to the Rubicon side of the watershed.

        Ongoing Forest Service efforts will continue to abate dangerous buildup of forest litter.

Westside Pizza reports midseason conditions(bus. slowdown) and looks forward to the 1st snow.   No bear reports or incidents have come across our desk.  We will keep an eye out for those late hibernators who show up during the Halloween post party!

       Watch out for T&T'ers this Sat. night!

Cold here, cold there.

     Tahoe City was listed as the cold low for the state yesterday, recording 21 degrees.  Not bad, for late October.  Rain is not in the forecast, and snow is not quite ready to make an appearance.

Meanwhile, lay up some cut logs, keep your shovels @ ready, and your snowblowers lubed and placed conveniently.

Where there's smoke.......

        Unconfirmed report of a small fire @Pisano's Pizza in Homewood on Hiway 89.  Report stated serious damage to the structure and contents.  No reported injuries to occupants or Firemen @ scene.  Pisano's had closed for the season and no plans were known by this office of future plans to continue operations.  FD is said to be investigating the cause.  This is a blow to the landscape in Homewood, where business(es) have struggled through the recession, hoping for any signs of an improved economy. Despite a comeback for the stockmarket, job creation has continued to stagnate and companies are still laying off workers, and hiring new employees does not seem to be on anyone's agenda, especially El Dorado County.  Pray for an early winter w/ good powder!!!

Movie Review

       Mayor and staff assistant attended a sold out special showing of a documentary film based on the memoir of Daniel Ellsberg, of Pentagon Papers fame during the Nixon administration/ Vietnam war.  This detailed, compelling film captures the times and the life of this American hero.  The film is true to the memoir and has the support of Dr. Ellsberg as he travels the continent to speak at a number of showings before general release.

      For those of us who lived through the times of the events chronicled in the film, it truly is a trip down memory lane.  The film clips of Nixon, before and after his resignation, are excellent displays of this American political personality who ended up occupying the White House for almost 6 years.   The quotes from the "tapes" are disturbing to any American.  Rather than displaying paranoia, they instead portray a coldly calculating rational mind bent on staying in power without obstacles, of any kind, upsetting his war plans in SE Asia.

      In light of current events, the film could not be more timely.  I recommend the film for all citizens of Tahoma, without reservation.  

     We will be hearing more from Dr. Ellsberg soon.  I can suggest that the book is better than the film.  I read it from cover to cover and it answered questions I've had for over 40 years; namely, "How did I end up in Vietnam in 1968?

Snow or s'now?

I believe it's to warm,according to our local meteorology experts.  Skiers: be patient!  I guarantee real snow on the ground @ lake level by 1 November.  And you can quote me on this.

War Fronts

      Thankfully, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are on the front page, with discussion from a very high level.  Two books are high lighted in today's WSJ: "Lessons in Disaster" by Gordon Goldstein, and "A Better War" by Lewis Sorley.   Both examine strategies of that era's decisions, in light of more recent information and most recent interventions in the Middle East.  Mr. Obama has read at least one, and neither is available in DC bookstores.  The WSJ article, written by Peter Spiegel and J. Weisman, offer insights into the effect of the authors' info on today's leaders and pols.  The jury is still out on actual effects.  The Mayor is on his way to the bookstore.

Fall Colors

The President's Cup is in full swing in San Francisco.  Crowds are considerable and the weather is October perfect!  On the front page of today's Chron, former pres Bill Clinton is in a foto w/ Justin Leonard, "Lefty" Mickelson. Michael Jordan, and Hunter Mahan.  Bill looks relaxed and Hil is nowhere in sight.   Gavin is not in the foto(much to his regret).

     Of equal import is the article concerning the Terminator's threat to veto 700 bills on his desk unless lawmakers reach agreement on a system wide overhaul of the state's water system. Legislators expressed sentiments that Arnold is not playing politics, but an extortion racket.  Ha, those idiots wouldn't know a racket unless it hit them in the head.

Town transport

The mayor's Staff car

The official mayor's vehicle: the vintage 1975 Honda Civic, was finally running after consultations with a number of automotive engineers.  It was determined that the carb was the issue and after direct application of carb booster fluid, the golden buggy was purring like the proverbial kitten.  A test ride through the 'hood demonstrated the vehicle's readiness to resume duties as the mayor's office No. 1 staff economy ride.  Future projects may include new upholstery, new seats, and new safety equipment(roll bar), air bags, sirens, light bars, loudspeakers, and undercarriage armorplate.

New Orleans Conference

New Orleans

     The Minister Of Health and Welfare and the Mayor caught a flight out of SFO on 28th to be in NOLA for a conference w/ Souther mayors to discuss disaster preparedness issues.  Of course, C. Ray Nagin, sitting mayor of NOLA, was not available due to current work loads.  By the way, Sunday's NY Times published a front page(magazine) article on NOLA, focusing on the activities @ Memorial Hospital during the post Katrina handling of patients,trapped in the facility by events.  The article was written by Sherri Fink, an MD, who did 2 years of research and interviewed most of the staff on site during the evacuation period.  She also interviewed the families of survivors and relatives of deceased patients.  The story is grim and offers many lessons for all communities; those with and w/o hospitals.

       I had a personal interview w/ a local MD who is currently a staff physician @ a large hospital in NOLA.  Her candid remarks revealed professional commitments that are most commendable.  With young, dedicated staff like this, conditions are sure to improve in the community.  Tulane Univ. is dedicated to ensure NOLA will come back, and continue to grow as viable place to live in Louisiana.

       I also interviewed medical students, grad students in Public Health and was deeply impressed with their vision for NOLA's future.  I was very encouraged by what I heard from each of them.  Several of these young students had relocated after the hurricane, but decided to return to help.  I'm not easily impressed, but, they did cause me to reconsider the future of NOLA!

       Despite the heavy schedule of meetings, the mayor and his entourage found many restaurants able to provide excellent examples of NOLA cuisine.  Of course, a dinner @ Mr. B's is a must.  The mayor enjoyed a homemade ravioli stuffed with crabmeat. The atmosphere was relaxed and cordial, and the staff very attentive.  One guest at our table had left her infant in the care of her spouse, but was able to enjoy her temporary freedom of 2 hours!!!!

       On another occasion, the mayor escorted his staff to the Commander's Palace for the Jazz Brunch.  This early afternoon meal was memorable from start to finish.  One guest at the table provided the mayor with details of the charter schools flourishing in NOLA.  As we have found in El Do Cty, there's a place for charter schools.  With more effort, we can overcome the opposition of the teachers union and improve the product, ie. better students coming through the system!  The jazz musician's, playing favorites, added a nice NOLA touch to a fine meal.  The mayor enjoyed a veal loin w/ eggs and blanched spinach with a light wine sauce.  I may bring this recipe back to my friends in Tahoma town.

      As a guest of the International House Hotel, we had to try the Rambla Restaurant.  With tapas on the menu, the advice of the wait staff, we enjoyed a most delicious meal, including empanadas, salumis, cheeses, and fine wine.  This spot is popular with downtown business types who can easily walk over from Shell, or Regions Bank, and other businesses nearby.  The hotel is located in the old International building, converted to hotel use from a language learning center and locale of numerous embassies and consulates.

We also had to sample the beverages @ The Hotel Monteleone's carousel bar- always a treat.

      As a bonus, the mayor and staff were invited to a private home for a strictly social event-no business discussed.  Our hosts, local NOLA residents personified southern gentility, and made us feel right at home.  The food was wonderful and the evening breeze complemented all the festivities.  Several other guests were from out of state and we all shared thoughts of significant local improvements made in the last year.

       As a bonus, we rode the ferry to the Algiers neighborhood, to look at the architecture.  A walk in the vicinity of the ferry dock provided the staff with a plethora of styles, some dating back almost 150 years.  Much recent work was in evidence: new paint, roofs, concrete flatwork, and street repaving.  Despite the improvements, many 'For Sale' signs indicated some turnover is ongoing.

      All in all, it was a great trip: much seen, much learned, and NOLA, much improved!

Saturday night, as a bonus, we had a cold front roll through with significant thunder, lightning, and rain.  Fortunately, the staff had already retreated to our hotel, so we watched the storm from the comfort of our rooms.  By morning, the storm had passed on to the Gulf of Mexico.  This has to have been one of the best August trips that the mayor has made to The Big Easy.

Oregon/Ashland Ag Inspection Trip

Oregon Inspection Trip

      Flew to Ashland, OR to examine certain agricultural operations, east of the center of the city.

Flying from Gnoss Field direct on a beautiful summer day was exciting.  The Minister of Transportation is also the chief pilot of Tahoma Town.  We flew @10500' altitude where the air was calm the entire flight.  We bypassed Mt. Shasta, where a few patches of snow remained from last winter's below average snowfall.  We skimmed Pilot Knob and made a smoothe landing after an 1hr 40min flight.

      The weather for our brief stay was perfect: temps in the 80's with a light breeze.  We visited the nearby community of Jacksonville, the 19th century gold rush town w/ a preserved town center that is the envy of many a community.

      The inspection included a sampling of local wines, handmade by local vintners, and I must say, their expertise is to be complimented.  Oregon winemakers have made great strides, and the Ashland product is terrific.  We tasted temperanillo, sauvignon blanc, and viognier.  Sitting under an arbor, discussing methods and styles was most rewarding.  My staff took copious notes and we'll make a complete report of our trip in Sept.

End of Summer '09

Here we are: late August, pundits looking @ winter weather conditions come December.  Hey, enjoy the month of summer remaining.

Visit Sugar Pine Park and listen to the rangers lecture about local black bears and their impact on local inhabitants; or listen to local environmentalists lambast our friends @ TRPA.  Yes, as reported in the Reno Gazette, the TRPA is being called the lackey of developers/builders in the basin,citing numbers of permits for new construction and new buoys. Has any of these folks applied for a permit of any kind recently? Perhaps not.

       Or, listen to reports of the recent guv'mnt Tahoe summit: the clams are coming, the clams are coming-hide your children, lock your doors, buy more chlorine bleach, and of course, pay more to launch your water craft as inspectors hover around every boat ramp/marina w/ their hands out. Paga, paga ,paga.

       Tune in to Sen. Ensign's speeches as he claims he never lied like Bill C.- he admitted having the affair w/ his friend's wife!!!! Now, he's moving on.

Keep on truckin' in Tahoma

The Last Big Summer Weekend

Summer '09 is in the books.  Actually, quite a success.  The summer theme: stay close to home-no Hawaii, no European junkets, no east coast road trips, California(Tahoe) here we come.  Businesses were experiencing better than expected visitors, always good news for the seasonal resort operations.  The No Vacancy signs were in evidence in many places.

         Tahoma was no exception as downtown crowds jostled for parking, restaurant seating, and beach blanket space.  On the Lake, I haven't seen such a variety of floating craft in years, if ever.  More sailboats of all types, jet skis, and kayaks everywhere.  The topper: a Hawaiian style canoe w/double outriggers.  It wasn't a typical design, but fiberglass w/ seating for 3.  It put up a sail of maybe 45sq. ft. and looked a bit ungainly(needed some breaking surf?).  A 30'+ cabin cruiser anchored in Meeks Bay and off loaded 3 kayaks and a dinghy- it looked very comfortable on board.

Karaoke @ Westside Pizza was standing room only and the crowd enjoyed the experience, revelling in one act after the other.   Tahoma Aroma ran out of ice cream by Sunday pm, but managed to keep the kids happy.  Earliar, guests included a family from Netherlands on holiday w/ 3 chidlers in tow.   They enthusiastically embraced all things Tahoma and vowed to return soon.  They are both lawyers, working in Amsterdam and asked many questions about Tahoma's legal system (ie. case loads, rep. lawyers, law type)  They were surprised to learn we handled our legal matters w/ contractors as needed.

      The Mayor's Office hosted 3 engineers from Germany's Otto Fuchs Industries.   They are on holiday and enjoyed the many benefits of lakeside living.   As a primary supplier of Boeing Industries, they are well versed in American economic issues(recession,etc).

        French Day@Tahoe

      Mayor and Minister of Culture and Music hosted a breakfast for a couple from Paris, France.

        This is their first visit to Tahoe and they were duly impressed, although they said the lake temp was cold(wait 'til Dec!). A school teacher and an architect by professions, it was a trip they had planned for many months.  Yosemite is their next stop, and were advised to travel Hiway 49 for a taste of the historic Gold mining era of California.

Willie Nelson/ Bob Dylan Show

   First: interesting pairing from the same era.  Local fans did not give the experience rave reviews: Dylan's voice is showing signs of wear, and Willie is Willie(Thank you, Jessica!)

Smoke Alert

    The Yuba/Oroville Fire is sending a fair amount of smoke into the basin, and early am conditions reflected this western slope event.  Containment is still a problem.  Hopefully, we'll be spared any such events near Tahoma.

French Day Continues

       In TC, the Mayor had to conference w/ a local BoA official, and lo and behold, she's a French native(married to American) w/ long experience in international banking.   She is the consumate professional and answered all the Mayor's questions concerning the town's investment portfolio.   She illuminated a few of the differences in the Euro system and provided many examples of strategies for investments, short term.  

Animal Kingdom

A resident reported a bear stuck in a tree.  Tahoma Bear Rescue was dispatched.  Upon close inspection, it was found to be a sleeping cub.  Resident was informed this is normal behavior and bruins have never had to be rescued from such situations.  Report filed.

Obamacare

       President addressed a VFW group today and his statements indicate a change of position on his Healthcare Plan.   The bill is still being analyzed, and its final form is a long way off .Staytuned!

Stargazers

What a summer visual feast:  Jupiter and Mars:  same night.  Look South@ 1030pm and observe this hugh planet-can't be missed.   As an additional attraction, watch for 2 satellites traveling side by side at 12O'clock high- a rare sight.  A good pair of binocs will suffice.

A domani

Week end Activities

      Summer visitors enjoyed another banner weekend on the West Shore:  beaches were full, restaurants were hoppin', and drinks were flowing @ the usual spots.  Parasailors were cruisin' high over the littoral, getting the hawk's view of beach front homes .

The minister of tourism passed on info that he will be hosting a delegation of travel professionals from several east European capitols, assisting in their quest for destination  ideas for their clents with Euros to spend.  We look forward to encouraging more guests to West Shore from abroad.

Bear alert

Resident reported a possible bear cub in a drainage cistern.  Tahoma Bear Rescue was notified and an extrication was made w/o harm to the little fellow.  He was returned to the mother and she was admonished to keep closer tabs on the cub.  

Meeks Bay Fire Dist.

Results of the tax increase vote will be posted shortly.  This measure would increase property taxes significantly for all owners in the MBFD.

Cycling/cyclists on H89

All drivers are advised to continue their vigilance while driving north and south as seasonal riders ride on the hghway pavement, ignoring the bike path a few feet away.  DOT continues to repair portions of H89, keeping up w/ blacktop potholes.

Recent  events:

Meeks Bay fire had a neighborhood info gathering last Sat that was well attended.  Fire Prevention staff explained defensible space parameters for local homeowners.  Much info was shared and discussed.

 County(El Do) DOT had a crew in Glenridge, cleaning drainage channels when the truck blew the transmission plug.  It was well managed and cleaned immediately.

Sugar Pine Park continues to enjoy high visitor rates as summer season crowds keep staff on their toes.

Weather

A low pressure system lowered temps throughout the basin midweek, bringing some precip to the lake area.  Tahoe City had an unusual traffic slowdown as cabin fever brought many guests to local restaurants, Evergreen being very popular!

Mayor's Office

A citizen suggested Iphones would help constituents communicate w/ town staff.  A committee was formed to study the idea.  Thank you Mrs. Brown.

Homewood Music Fest

This weekend , Homewood will continue a summer tradition: local music for all to enjoy!

livimg history weekend

Living history weekend was a great success @ Sugar Pine Point State Park. Scores of local residents combined with Park staff to make a memorable day for the 2000 plus daytrippers.  The weather was classic Tahoe July: warm, sunny, w/ a breeze.  The raffle/ silent auction did well and our own Rosie and her partner Don, will join in the City's Bluegrass Festival in GG Park come October(joining Warren, etc, etc.).

      Local businesses felt the impact of the festivities, with restaurants seeing full tables all day long and into the evening.  Tahoma Aroma had a line out the door for their ice cream scoops.  Bravo Tahoma Aroma!