Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Mayor's Visit to Washington

The Mayor and some senior staffers will be in DC to discuss the economy with elected reps of various stripes. Perhaps somebody will listen to the sage advice of one of california's more experienced pols. Why not? Maybe they'll learn something.

Then the party will head to new Orleans to advise the Crescent City group about the schools system and to look at the Army Corps's progress on the levee system they've been working on for almost 6 years.
A full report will follow in November. Don't miss this one.

Police blotter Tahoma

El Do County Sheriff reported a domestic disturbance on 8th St, near Pine. Woman said her partner came home from work drunk again and demanded "favors". She refused and he threatened her with badminton racket. She called 911 but the man disappeared before officers arrived on the scene. Report taken. No action.

Elm St. Property owner reported theft of a pair of snowshoes worth more than $40. Report taken.

*9 & Pine. Bear invasion reported in local business. Dog food eaten, stuffed animal shredded. No dollar amount stated. Bruin entered through the rear window. Filed.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Marathon Sunday

Tomorrow is the annual Tahoe Marathon around the lake. Highway 89 will be closed in the vicinity of Tahoma from 7:15am until 10:30 am. Watch for runners, avoid the road if you can. Have a nice weekend.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Hotel sold

The Mayor's office of development has it on good authority that the Norfolk Woods Hotel has closed escrow on the lender's sale. What will happen is anybody's guess. Another older motel has a sold sign from Oliver realtors down Highway 89 a few yards. What's going on? If Tahoe cedars property sells, we'll have 3 commercial props turnover in days. Have real estate and mortgage rates achieved some "bottom" figure that warrants new thinking?
Given the economic uncertainties around the world, I don't think anything unusual is happening in the short term. With TRPA still thrashing any business with draconian rules/decisions, Tahoe and the basin will continue to lag the broader economic recovery.
The Mayor's Economic Development Czar is closely watching events in Sacramento, where Jerry Brown is struggling to turn the Golden State around from its direction south bound.
Stay tuned.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Bear Invasion or Bears in Real Estate

This morning there was ample evidence of a bear invasion inside of Tahoma realty. Entering through a rear window, the hungry animal encountered the stuffed kangaroo, office mascot. After shredding the hapless icon, the bear proceeded to devour the supply of dog biscuits, he then opened the refrigerator and helped himself to a variety of taste treats. He then apparently strolled the office, looking for more treats. Judging by the footprints, this fellow is a yearling. His prints on the desktop were about the size of a human teenager's hand print!

This same morning, a resident from 8th and Fir St. reported a window knocked in and an apparent attempt was made to climb in, without success. Local folks called Tahoma Bear Control
Services whose truck was on the scene in downtown Tahoma.
Damage assessment in the realty continues this morning. Postal patrons were cautious as they picked up their mail nearby. Owner operators of Where We Met espresso were delighted the bear did not attempt to grab some gelato while in the 'hood'.
More later

Thursday, September 1, 2011

minister of aviation and aerospace

The minister of aviation was on the ground in Tahoma for a long stay- 1 week. We picked him up at the Tahoe/Truckee Airport. While there, we were able to observe the construction of the new terminal and tower. It looks like it will be enclosed for the cold weather and the interior finishing can be continued uninterrupted.
Not much general aviation was in evidence: few planes were on the tarmac tie downs, and very little traffic in the pattern. Gliders were not in the sky, so it figures not much happening with the towing operations. Grading work continues on the west apron and service road as dozers cranked over the ground, making a wide swath in the commercial area. Despite the gorgeous weather, not much happening.
The minister predicted that aviation, in regards to Tahoma, will continue to be a challenge as the price of fuel and that lack of economic progress erodes flying opportunities in California and the west.
The Minister and his assistant, Courtney, joined the Mayor and his assistant for cocktails at the River Grill in Tahoe City. We met a flying associate who had just returned from Africa on a flying safari, covering hundreds of miles and several countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Fortunately, no problems were encountered and they enjoyed the trip, flying planes-Cessna 182's, provided by the safari company. Each American pilot had to qualify for a South African license to complete the arrangements, which included a test. Ken, the long time Tahoe City resident, said it was the trip of a lifetime that allowed them to experience the south of Africa in a way few ever do- from a few thousand feet above to as low as a few hundred feet above. It was not cheap- running to $25,000 per couple, tips extra. Ken, the engineer pilot said he would do it again if he had the money; but the economy requires prudence in spending and his firm is in the process of shutting down after many, many successful years in the basin.
The Mayor had dinner at the West Shore cafe on Monday and it was a nice experience- a table over looking the lake which was perfect as the sun set on the Nevada side casting long shadows across the water. A good crowd populated the terrace, including a party of 18 for dinner. Our server, Meaghan, from Rochester, NY, was very pleasant and shared some stories about her New Zealand odyessy on the north island. We were hoping to make it to the aviation event at the South Lake Tahoe Airport, but, it didn't happen. The aviation minister said it was a well attended event, with many exhibitors in attendance. Bravo South Lake City.

Labor day Weekend
It's here: the final shot of summer. Don't miss it. Many events our going to complement the usual suspects:rafting the Truckee River, wake boarding the early morning calm on the lake, and hiking the back country trails. Have fun and be safe. It was reported in the Sun that an unfortunate victim of a boating accident died in front of Homewood marina on Friday after being struck by the propeller of the boat he fell from. Be careful out there.

FSB: Massive Incompetence Lead By Sycophants

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