The Mayor visited San Francisco today at the request of the Museo Italiano at Fort mason Center in SF's Marina District. It was a typically SF summer day: thick fog rolling through the Gate on a stiff ocean breeze sending temperatures plunging and tourists scurrying for shelter. The Museo, a long time tenant like its neighbor-Green's restaurant, is holding a special exhibition devoted to the history of baseball in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and the USA in general.
The curator did a fantastic job, utilizing mixed media to warm the viewer to America's great pastime. With photos,old and new, memorabilia of all types: bats, balls, gloves, bobble-heads, programs, magazines, jerseys, cleats, and various souvenirs, the story is told how Italians embraced the sport as second generation young boys became baseball fanatics.
Soon they had heroes with names ending in vowels: Dimaggio, Crosetti, Lazzari, Berra, Rizzuto, and some not so famous : Benedetti, Bosio, Pixei, Cirimeli, to name a few.
They learned their craft on the City's sandlots, giving the name to a time honored venue for a game of pick up baseball. The City embraced these determined young men, and the press told story after story of their heroics at bat, in the field, and on the mound throwing heat.
Baseball cards were included and many a fan had his favorites among the TOPPS editions.
Tommy Lasorda, Tony LaRussa, Frank Lucchese, and Joe Girardi were some of the players who went on to manage successfully at the minor and major league levels.
Of course, as a San Francisco product the Mayor noted some glaring omissions. On the one hand they include Jim Gentile, a long time slugger with the Baltimore Orioles, on the other they omitted his teammate Frank Bertaina, the hard throwing lefty who graduated from Sacred Heart in 1961 and played 8 years, including the World Series winning team of 1968. They also omitted the NCAA Player of the Year of 1968 who played at Santa Clara and was drafted after graduation and never played at the pro level despite the promise and the offer: Vince Bigoni.
Despite these shortcomings, it's a fine testimony to the local Italian community and one of the many contributions made to the City during its long and proud history.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
BURNING MAN 2012
A delegation of Tahoma residents left for the 2012 edition of the Burning Man 2012 festival at BlackRock Desert city in northern Nevada. Preparations have been ongoing here on Pine St. with residents gathering goods and equipment necessary to survive a week on the playa.
Part of the rules include self sufficiency-one must bring enough food and water to get by because one can't buy anything at the playa except ice(?) . Most information about the festival can be had from their web site: Burningman.org. Most visitors set up group camps and provide enough food and water to share, at least. The party is billed as an arts gathering for enthusiastic living art types who enjoy a communal experience of sharing and group living.
I can't wait to see photos from our delegation.
Part of the rules include self sufficiency-one must bring enough food and water to get by because one can't buy anything at the playa except ice(?) . Most information about the festival can be had from their web site: Burningman.org. Most visitors set up group camps and provide enough food and water to share, at least. The party is billed as an arts gathering for enthusiastic living art types who enjoy a communal experience of sharing and group living.
I can't wait to see photos from our delegation.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
South Lake tahoe aircrash Update
News accounts of the crash include the facts about the pilot and passengers. Sadly, iy appears to have been a family returning to Fresno, their home, from a day trip to the lake to beat the heat.
The pilot was having engine trouble on the ground before takeoff, according to airport operations staff. However, the pilot was cleared to his return trip that ended just after takeoff in the trees adjacent to the runway's east end.
NTSB investigators were on the scene Sunday and Monday conducting their inspection.
The pilot was having engine trouble on the ground before takeoff, according to airport operations staff. However, the pilot was cleared to his return trip that ended just after takeoff in the trees adjacent to the runway's east end.
NTSB investigators were on the scene Sunday and Monday conducting their inspection.
Hurricane Isaac NOLA
Well, after 7 years New Orleans is back in the weather news. Hurricane Isaac is camped over the Crescent City dumping copious amounts of rain, blowing winds of 50-60mph and flooding some unprotected areas south of the city in Plaquemines Parish. It appears the storm is now a tropical storm, downgraded from hurricane status, much to the relief of locals. Tulane University closed until after Labor Day and keeping students on campus during the storm.
The storm track will continue northeastward bringing much needed rain to the cornbelt, although much to late for most farmers.
The good news is that the Army Corps' work over the last 5 years was completed just in time. Storm walls have been in place around the city for a few years and the weakest areas around Lake Ponchartrain are holding as per the design.
It may help the city to have this test after all these years, but it is also a reminder that they can expect another hurricane at anytime.
The storm track will continue northeastward bringing much needed rain to the cornbelt, although much to late for most farmers.
The good news is that the Army Corps' work over the last 5 years was completed just in time. Storm walls have been in place around the city for a few years and the weakest areas around Lake Ponchartrain are holding as per the design.
It may help the city to have this test after all these years, but it is also a reminder that they can expect another hurricane at anytime.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
South Lake tahoe aircrash
News reports this morning tell of a small private plane crashing into the trees near the airport last night about ten o'clock. Details are sketchy, but witnesses say the plane dipped its wings, then rolled over into the ground with no apparent survivors.
Reward for Information on Bear Shooting
The bear League, based in Tahoma, has posted a reward of $15,000 for info leading to the arrest of the shooter of "Sunny", the local bruin/mascot.
Locals seem to believe that the resident property owner may have been involved. If so, there is likely legitimate cause for the owner to deal with the bear as he sees fit.
Locals seem to believe that the resident property owner may have been involved. If so, there is likely legitimate cause for the owner to deal with the bear as he sees fit.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Beasts of the Southern Wild
A new 'indie' film is making the rounds and having an impact. "Beasts" is a low budget film that accomplishes much in its 93 minutes of screen time. Blessed with amateur actors and a gritty, swampy landscape completely foreign to most viewers, the film captures the viewer in a tumultuous world of poverty, survival, primitive surroundings(physical geography), and life on the bayou/delta, all seen through the eyes of a six year old.
The emotional tug of the child's plight cannot be overlooked by any audience: motherless, living on life's margins with an alcoholic,abusive father who insists she live in her 'own quarters' on their property. The trials and tribulations are highlighted by encounters with other locals afflicted with similar conditions; a violent storm that displaces all the group members; contact with the outside world via government's benevolent intervention; and a determined return to their community after all.
The mixed cast of blacks and whites places the rural community in context: geography over rules race! The director does an excellent job of placing the thoughtful 6 year old girl as central to the storyline. Her father is the antagonist, continually placing her future at risk, whether as anarchist bomber, careless boozer, or absent leader of the family unit.
The film has its detractors, critics, and advocates from Oprah to the Obamas, to New Orleans medical professionals. Criticism is heaped on its portrayal of impoverished individuals who are accused of portraying stereotypes. Locals opine that the characters are true representations of many of the rural, Delta poor: fixed in their geographical setting, unable or unwilling to seek change despite the best or minimal efforts of government programs.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable film: Mayor awards 5 Tahoma stars!
The emotional tug of the child's plight cannot be overlooked by any audience: motherless, living on life's margins with an alcoholic,abusive father who insists she live in her 'own quarters' on their property. The trials and tribulations are highlighted by encounters with other locals afflicted with similar conditions; a violent storm that displaces all the group members; contact with the outside world via government's benevolent intervention; and a determined return to their community after all.
The mixed cast of blacks and whites places the rural community in context: geography over rules race! The director does an excellent job of placing the thoughtful 6 year old girl as central to the storyline. Her father is the antagonist, continually placing her future at risk, whether as anarchist bomber, careless boozer, or absent leader of the family unit.
The film has its detractors, critics, and advocates from Oprah to the Obamas, to New Orleans medical professionals. Criticism is heaped on its portrayal of impoverished individuals who are accused of portraying stereotypes. Locals opine that the characters are true representations of many of the rural, Delta poor: fixed in their geographical setting, unable or unwilling to seek change despite the best or minimal efforts of government programs.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable film: Mayor awards 5 Tahoma stars!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Standing in the River
Summer offers many sensations and one of the best is that of standing in the Truckee River, up to your waist for more than a few seconds. After an hour or two of fruitless fishing for elusive 'bows below the 267 bridge, it seemed permissible to shed vest, hat, rod and staff, socks and boots and dive in. With the outside airtemp well above 80 degrees, the plunge had a terrific effect: cool, refreshing relief from the dust and heat of mid-August.
Three gates are open at Tahoe City and nowhere is it more appreciated than in the stretch of the river below the town. With few exposed boulders, deep runs of fast water, and crystal clear at that, the 63 degree water is just what one needs at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Swimming against the current, alternating from midstream rush to side eddy slack, the exhilaration is complete. The solitude is joined only by the sound of rushing water. By and by, it's time to move on, but the experience lingers in the mind, leaving a feeling of great joy and relaxation, a time of immense physical pleasure, a time captured moment by moment, slowly, in 2012 summer, on the Truckee.(@ Horner's Corner!)
Three gates are open at Tahoe City and nowhere is it more appreciated than in the stretch of the river below the town. With few exposed boulders, deep runs of fast water, and crystal clear at that, the 63 degree water is just what one needs at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Swimming against the current, alternating from midstream rush to side eddy slack, the exhilaration is complete. The solitude is joined only by the sound of rushing water. By and by, it's time to move on, but the experience lingers in the mind, leaving a feeling of great joy and relaxation, a time of immense physical pleasure, a time captured moment by moment, slowly, in 2012 summer, on the Truckee.(@ Horner's Corner!)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Obama and the Mayor
The Mayor had to catch a flight to LA to conduct some business. He booked a flight on Virgin America airlines, Sir Richard Branson's USA air operation. Arriving an hour plus ahead of takeoff, the mayor noticed a number of media types hanging around Gate 54 in the new Terminal 2 building at SFO. Then,a number of SFPD on Segues showed up. And then, State Senator Leland Yee showed up with escorts and more security. What's going on?
Then the red, white, and blue hats came out, then the balloon archway went up, and then Obama, and then Mitt Romney!!!!!
Incredible you say. Their flight was leaving for Washington,DC at 8am. Inaugural service for Virgin America. Reaching across the aisle, so to speak. Cameras rolling, lights flashing, media running about for position. It was a frenzy. Obama began shaking hands, everybody w/i arms length, and Mitt the Mormon, too. I introduced myself and shook hands all around. I was so proud.
Then, I looked close, real close. They're all actor/doubles, hired for the event. The mayor felt dirty, cheapened by these imposters(except for Sen. Yee).
So, corporate promotion, hype, etc.
Nice event. The Mayor made his flight and landed safely an hour and ten mins. later.
Then the red, white, and blue hats came out, then the balloon archway went up, and then Obama, and then Mitt Romney!!!!!
Incredible you say. Their flight was leaving for Washington,DC at 8am. Inaugural service for Virgin America. Reaching across the aisle, so to speak. Cameras rolling, lights flashing, media running about for position. It was a frenzy. Obama began shaking hands, everybody w/i arms length, and Mitt the Mormon, too. I introduced myself and shook hands all around. I was so proud.
Then, I looked close, real close. They're all actor/doubles, hired for the event. The mayor felt dirty, cheapened by these imposters(except for Sen. Yee).
So, corporate promotion, hype, etc.
Nice event. The Mayor made his flight and landed safely an hour and ten mins. later.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Curiosity Ready to Land
Within hours, the NASA Martian landing vehicle will make its attempt to be the largest vehicle to land on Mars. This vehicle, the size of a small car, will land with the help of the 'mother' ship, which will lower Curiosity by elevator-like cables, to ensure the sophisticated laboratory equipment on board is delivered secure and intact.
NASA engineers have given last minute instructions to the delivery systems and now the waiting begins. The crew at Curiosity Command will know of success or failure shortly.
Standby.
London Olympic Notes
The Phelps Aquatic event is over. He is now the most medaled participant in Olympic history. Two Americans qualified for the 1500meter(metric mile)-Manzano and Chenowitz.
Beach Volleyball
American team, led by Misty May, defeated the Italian pair, and advanced to the semifinals where they will play against a strong pair from China.
NASA engineers have given last minute instructions to the delivery systems and now the waiting begins. The crew at Curiosity Command will know of success or failure shortly.
Standby.
London Olympic Notes
The Phelps Aquatic event is over. He is now the most medaled participant in Olympic history. Two Americans qualified for the 1500meter(metric mile)-Manzano and Chenowitz.
Beach Volleyball
American team, led by Misty May, defeated the Italian pair, and advanced to the semifinals where they will play against a strong pair from China.
Where We Met Summer 2012
After my 213 latte at our local espresso bar, I'm convinced that Tahoma cannot do without this neighborhood treasure. Opening at about 7am every morning, Liz, the owner, races about the compact space to prepare for her customers. All the coffee(s) are arranged, milk types placed, cups stacked, and signs arranged outside to alert Highway 89 autos of espresso drinks.
Then an inventory of gelato(i) is taken and the work of making the various flavors of the day begins. Usually, 8 flavors are on hand. The mix changes everyday. And, depending on outside temps, day of the week, and other local events, the 8 flavors may or may not make it through the day, until 7pm.
Katy and Colman, partners, are often here in the afternoons to help scoop gelato into cups and bowls. Business has been booming, perhaps a sign that the economy is rebounding. This could be true, if reading the gelato index of indicators!
Liz is enjoying the uptick in business and has had to hire some part time helpers to make it through the summer. Come September, a decision about winter/fall hours will be made.
Hopefully, she will extend her operation into the transition season before the first snowfall.
Keep up the good work, Liz.
Then an inventory of gelato(i) is taken and the work of making the various flavors of the day begins. Usually, 8 flavors are on hand. The mix changes everyday. And, depending on outside temps, day of the week, and other local events, the 8 flavors may or may not make it through the day, until 7pm.
Katy and Colman, partners, are often here in the afternoons to help scoop gelato into cups and bowls. Business has been booming, perhaps a sign that the economy is rebounding. This could be true, if reading the gelato index of indicators!
Liz is enjoying the uptick in business and has had to hire some part time helpers to make it through the summer. Come September, a decision about winter/fall hours will be made.
Hopefully, she will extend her operation into the transition season before the first snowfall.
Keep up the good work, Liz.
Summer Thunder
Weather gurus advised local along the west shore that a thunderstorm with attendant fireworks would arrive Saturday night. It was a good one. Lots of electricity, lots of noise(sturm und drang).
The volume of rain was modest-perhaps a 1/4". Enough to put the humidity up to the comfort level(50+%). This morning, the air had a distinct smell that had a post downpour odor. Nice!
TCPOA Annual Meeting
The annual meeting was held in Sluchak Park yesterday. It was well attended with over 50 attendees. Guest speakers included Meeks Fire Chief Pang, Commission pres. Ed Miller, ElDo Cty Dep Sheriff, and a few others. The highlights(low lights) included discussion by the treasurer of buoy field expenses. $8,000 this year just to TRPA for "rent/maintenance. Outrageous.
Mention was also made of park bench plaques that will be placed soon. The bench renovations are complete and the seats looked good: green and beige.
The post meeting barbecue was great, with enough hot dogs and hamburgers for all takers.
The sheriff's deputy was asked about the bear shooting in Homewood last week, but had no more info than that found in the Sierra Sun. The possibility of a shotgun as the weapon involved is disturbing, to say the least.
Chief Pang, with the assistance of a volunteer, demonstrated the use of a residential fire extinguisher. The cloud of dust sent homeowners scurrying for a clear spot! Nice work, chief.
Ed Miller announced that property owners would be receiving bills from CalFire for state req'd participation in defensible space provisions. He noted it is unrelated to Meeks Bay Fire. Amounts could vary from $130 to $150 dollars per parcel! Outrageous, again.
Wedding Bells
Mayor observed a ceremony at Sugar Pine Point Park along the water. About 100 guests were on hand to witness the nuptials. The weather cooperated, at least during the official portions. Most of the picnickers had departed in anticipation of stormy weather. Ah, summer.
The volume of rain was modest-perhaps a 1/4". Enough to put the humidity up to the comfort level(50+%). This morning, the air had a distinct smell that had a post downpour odor. Nice!
TCPOA Annual Meeting
The annual meeting was held in Sluchak Park yesterday. It was well attended with over 50 attendees. Guest speakers included Meeks Fire Chief Pang, Commission pres. Ed Miller, ElDo Cty Dep Sheriff, and a few others. The highlights(low lights) included discussion by the treasurer of buoy field expenses. $8,000 this year just to TRPA for "rent/maintenance. Outrageous.
Mention was also made of park bench plaques that will be placed soon. The bench renovations are complete and the seats looked good: green and beige.
The post meeting barbecue was great, with enough hot dogs and hamburgers for all takers.
The sheriff's deputy was asked about the bear shooting in Homewood last week, but had no more info than that found in the Sierra Sun. The possibility of a shotgun as the weapon involved is disturbing, to say the least.
Chief Pang, with the assistance of a volunteer, demonstrated the use of a residential fire extinguisher. The cloud of dust sent homeowners scurrying for a clear spot! Nice work, chief.
Ed Miller announced that property owners would be receiving bills from CalFire for state req'd participation in defensible space provisions. He noted it is unrelated to Meeks Bay Fire. Amounts could vary from $130 to $150 dollars per parcel! Outrageous, again.
Wedding Bells
Mayor observed a ceremony at Sugar Pine Point Park along the water. About 100 guests were on hand to witness the nuptials. The weather cooperated, at least during the official portions. Most of the picnickers had departed in anticipation of stormy weather. Ah, summer.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Olympian Efforts in London
Here are the Olympians: runners, archers, fencers, swimmers, shooters, gymnasts, footballers, volleyballers, weightlifters, cyclists, to name a few. The grand opening last Friday highlighted the English contributions to the advancement of mankind through the efforts of the "English" led industrial revolution. So this uniquely British effort, including an appearance of Queen, opened the 2012 Games. So far, so good. Only a couple of athletes have been sent home for some communication gaffs and maybe one doping incident.
Lots of thrills and chills to come. All events are on the net, as they should be. Twitter has become the media of choice, among others, for better or worse.
Watch your fave and enjoy this once-in-four- years extravaganza.
Lots of thrills and chills to come. All events are on the net, as they should be. Twitter has become the media of choice, among others, for better or worse.
Watch your fave and enjoy this once-in-four- years extravaganza.
Election and Campaign
Yes, I know there is an election coming up in less than 100 days. And yes, it is presidential. And yes, many attendant issues surround the outcome(s).
What would a change mean for you and me? What would be best for Tahoma? What is best for poor California? Democrats? Republicans?
Mitt Romney went on the road to meet with foreign leaders and dignitaries. He produced a few choice comments(gaffs) that reverberated across the spectrum of reportage. The photo ops were taken advantage of but they were offset by some of his comments. All part of the campaign.
Pres. Obama has his hands full as weak economic data underscored the recovery effort at home from 3 1/2 years of recession. Ben Bernanke announced his request for Europe to do more because recovery in Europe is essential for recovery in America. He stated that the FED is prepared to do more(read more stimulus money in the fragile economy). But it also appears that nobody really understands the connections between global efforts. What is the answer? Who knows at this point, after the meltdown in 2008.
Unemployment data does not offer much relief, here or abroad. While Germany continues to be a stable influence on the Continent, its economy is slowing, too. A bright spot is found in Scandinavia: Sweden is making great strides, expanding her economy ahead of the rest. What can we learn from Sweden? Let's find out soon.
The party conventions will begin soon and they will help focus voters as each candidate will highlight their vice presidential selections. Perhaps Obama will dump Joe Biden, but that is hardly likely unless he develops a serious illness and begs off(unlikely). Mitt has quite a group to pick from: lots of republican up-and-comers. He could pick the numbers guy, Paul Ryan. He could pick the Florida guy, Marco Rubio. Or any of a number of governors who would enjoy the national spotlight. It will get interesting, especially given the international landscape, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Israel, France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Then there is the Affordable Healthcare Act and all its problems of implementation. Can one man/woman deal with it all? We'll see, won't we?
What would a change mean for you and me? What would be best for Tahoma? What is best for poor California? Democrats? Republicans?
Mitt Romney went on the road to meet with foreign leaders and dignitaries. He produced a few choice comments(gaffs) that reverberated across the spectrum of reportage. The photo ops were taken advantage of but they were offset by some of his comments. All part of the campaign.
Pres. Obama has his hands full as weak economic data underscored the recovery effort at home from 3 1/2 years of recession. Ben Bernanke announced his request for Europe to do more because recovery in Europe is essential for recovery in America. He stated that the FED is prepared to do more(read more stimulus money in the fragile economy). But it also appears that nobody really understands the connections between global efforts. What is the answer? Who knows at this point, after the meltdown in 2008.
Unemployment data does not offer much relief, here or abroad. While Germany continues to be a stable influence on the Continent, its economy is slowing, too. A bright spot is found in Scandinavia: Sweden is making great strides, expanding her economy ahead of the rest. What can we learn from Sweden? Let's find out soon.
The party conventions will begin soon and they will help focus voters as each candidate will highlight their vice presidential selections. Perhaps Obama will dump Joe Biden, but that is hardly likely unless he develops a serious illness and begs off(unlikely). Mitt has quite a group to pick from: lots of republican up-and-comers. He could pick the numbers guy, Paul Ryan. He could pick the Florida guy, Marco Rubio. Or any of a number of governors who would enjoy the national spotlight. It will get interesting, especially given the international landscape, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Israel, France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Then there is the Affordable Healthcare Act and all its problems of implementation. Can one man/woman deal with it all? We'll see, won't we?
Science in Action
Get ready, set, Mars! By Monday, we earthlings will have another world view. Or should I say, another Mars view? Our good friends at NASA and JPL will be losing sleep this weekend as they await the landing of the most recent effort to examine the surface of the planet Mars, close up. The newest rover will be dropped, quite gingerly, by a cable system cleverly constructed by space engineers, onto the martian surface. This vehicle, like its 3 predecessors, will rove the area and begin sampling rocks from above and below the surface. The material will be heated and the ash(?) will be analyzed and the results transmitted back to us. This rover has state of the art equipment and will be especially good at searching material for carbon-the building block of life forms.
This craft could work for many years or it could fail upon landing if things don't go well. So, much excitement and frayed nerves throughout the scientific community. Standby on Monday for announcements, etc. Perhaps some "earth shaking" discovery will be made that will change our isolationist views. Maybe we have some relatives beyond our 'known' world.
Stay tuned.
This craft could work for many years or it could fail upon landing if things don't go well. So, much excitement and frayed nerves throughout the scientific community. Standby on Monday for announcements, etc. Perhaps some "earth shaking" discovery will be made that will change our isolationist views. Maybe we have some relatives beyond our 'known' world.
Stay tuned.
Balloons Up
Balloons of Tahoe continues to mesmerize. Every morning the striped gas bag appears over the south lake just after dawn. The mother ship, a very mobile craft, finds a suitable launching spot somewhere close to the Richardson resort area. By 6:30am the balloon is inflated and ready to fly. Soon the imposing vehicle with passengers on board lifts off the lake for its scheduled flight of the day.
Within minutes, the basket, passengers, and hot air are ascending above the surface waters for the most incredible experience: a bird's eye view of the most beautiful lake in the entire world. After an hour or so, it begins its descent from 10,000 feet back to the mother ship. Of course, the only sounds during the flight is the occasional rush of gas into the burner and a little conversation.
I can only imagine the photos being taken, given the lightweight devices in use today. At $250/per each, it's almost worth it!
Someday...................................
Within minutes, the basket, passengers, and hot air are ascending above the surface waters for the most incredible experience: a bird's eye view of the most beautiful lake in the entire world. After an hour or so, it begins its descent from 10,000 feet back to the mother ship. Of course, the only sounds during the flight is the occasional rush of gas into the burner and a little conversation.
I can only imagine the photos being taken, given the lightweight devices in use today. At $250/per each, it's almost worth it!
Someday...................................
Tahoma Notes
Bear Casualty- a local bear, ambling along the shore @Homewood beach, was shot and killed early this week by unknown shooter(s). The carcass was taken to DFG lab for examination. What's disturbing is the fact that the circumstances of the take down are unknown. More later.
Annual Meeting
Saturday, August 4th, the Tahoe Cedars Property Owners Assoc. will hold their annual meeting at Marie Sluchak Park, to be followed by a neighborhood picnic lunch in the park. The usual suspects will speak on various topics and issues.
Hopefully, it will be well attended. Seems participation has been declining over the last few summers due to different reasons, not the least the price of gas, etc.
Perhaps the subject of Meeks Bay Fire District directors benefits will be discussed. This topic will certainly raise eyebrows when it becomes widely known that Ed Miller and company are taking compensation in the form of extravagant health benefits for their limited activity /participation on the local board. Really, does anybody deserve compensation to the tune of $9,000/year for 10-12hours of board meetings? I think not, given that Meeks Bay Fire Dist. is one of the smallest districts in California(pop. and parcels). They have slipped under the local radar for years because of the number of absentee owners/vacation ,2nd home owners who generally don't get involved with local issues beyond snow plowing/road clearing.
Gas lines and Road Constructions
The summer road repair scenario has taken a new turn this summer. The west side of Hiway 89 has been the scene of continuous activity all summer. The new pipeline(s) have already reached Homewood. The dual pipes-water drainage and natural gas lines will continue southward for quite a few more miles. This project will be ongoing for a number of years until the entire West Shore has an upgraded infrastructure that improves utility services for all residents and affected parcels, commercial and residential. This is good news for all residents and businesses that have had to endure propane delivery and service issues forever. It seems nobody wanted to make the effort to lobby for those whose properties were located beyond the service delivery areas. Perhaps the idea of a major commercial venture in Homewood prompted the contractor perhaps the stimulus package filtered down to Lake Tahoe(thank you, Bill Clinton).
The timetable is not certain, but it seems to be a major project; and it seems that it has a high priority given that work crews are on the job evenings and weekends(except Saturdays). Yes, there is some inconvenience-20+minute delays in both directions near Homewood).
Nonetheless, it will be a huge improvement to the local infrastructure and eliminate the problems surrounding the use of propane,e.g.-frozen drains, tank locations, tank access, tank fires, heating issues, reduced dependence on wood fires w/ smoke and creosote. Perhaps one of the best results will be a savings across the board as the price of natural gas continues to fall! This will save many dollars for all locals and make vacations in the winter months more affordable- an economic boom! Can't wait.
Annual Meeting
Saturday, August 4th, the Tahoe Cedars Property Owners Assoc. will hold their annual meeting at Marie Sluchak Park, to be followed by a neighborhood picnic lunch in the park. The usual suspects will speak on various topics and issues.
Hopefully, it will be well attended. Seems participation has been declining over the last few summers due to different reasons, not the least the price of gas, etc.
Perhaps the subject of Meeks Bay Fire District directors benefits will be discussed. This topic will certainly raise eyebrows when it becomes widely known that Ed Miller and company are taking compensation in the form of extravagant health benefits for their limited activity /participation on the local board. Really, does anybody deserve compensation to the tune of $9,000/year for 10-12hours of board meetings? I think not, given that Meeks Bay Fire Dist. is one of the smallest districts in California(pop. and parcels). They have slipped under the local radar for years because of the number of absentee owners/vacation ,2nd home owners who generally don't get involved with local issues beyond snow plowing/road clearing.
Gas lines and Road Constructions
The summer road repair scenario has taken a new turn this summer. The west side of Hiway 89 has been the scene of continuous activity all summer. The new pipeline(s) have already reached Homewood. The dual pipes-water drainage and natural gas lines will continue southward for quite a few more miles. This project will be ongoing for a number of years until the entire West Shore has an upgraded infrastructure that improves utility services for all residents and affected parcels, commercial and residential. This is good news for all residents and businesses that have had to endure propane delivery and service issues forever. It seems nobody wanted to make the effort to lobby for those whose properties were located beyond the service delivery areas. Perhaps the idea of a major commercial venture in Homewood prompted the contractor perhaps the stimulus package filtered down to Lake Tahoe(thank you, Bill Clinton).
The timetable is not certain, but it seems to be a major project; and it seems that it has a high priority given that work crews are on the job evenings and weekends(except Saturdays). Yes, there is some inconvenience-20+minute delays in both directions near Homewood).
Nonetheless, it will be a huge improvement to the local infrastructure and eliminate the problems surrounding the use of propane,e.g.-frozen drains, tank locations, tank access, tank fires, heating issues, reduced dependence on wood fires w/ smoke and creosote. Perhaps one of the best results will be a savings across the board as the price of natural gas continues to fall! This will save many dollars for all locals and make vacations in the winter months more affordable- an economic boom! Can't wait.
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