Recession grabs another local business

     The Old Tahoe Cafe has closed its doors and turned out the lights.   The husband and wife owners decided they could no longer wait for the "turn around" to hit the west shore.  For over 4 years, they struggled mightily to make a go of their business, but it was not to be.
     The past winter did not provide the ski buffs normally expected during the 'season'.  Low snow fall, few storms to capture the attention of visitors, and stubborn economic malaise all affected the local business.
     Who can predict an end to this "Mother of All Recessions"?  When can we say, "It's over"?  Officially over for 3 1/2 years, it hardly matters if you can't find work, can't get hired full time, and are stuck in a dead-end job to pay bills?
     The CalTrans work on 89, combined with SW Gas line work, make a trip down 89 a slog from Tahoe City to Sugar Pine Park.
     So, don't think you can stop for breakfast in Homewood again anytime soon.  Stop at "The Firesign" before continuing south.

Transit Center Open for Business
      Passed the new transit center several times over the last few days and it appears to be open: some buses were stopping and looping through the circle.  However, few riders were in evidence no matter when I went by.  Hmmmm?  Good decision?   Time will tell.

 Tahoe City Recreation Center(old golf course)
      TPUD is hailing the success of the rec center's winter program which included snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and other outdoor sports(tubing?).   Now, discussions are to begin about proposed expansion of same and a search for community opinions about the utility's money(customer's money).
      Keep your eyes on the money.  Again.

On the road to Tulum

         One of the highlights of any trip to the Yucatan peninsula is the opportunity to inspect and view the cultural sites found in several locations.  Chitchenitze is one of the largest sites in Mexico and one of the most visited despite its relatively remote locations.   It requires a one way trip of about 3 hours from the nearest airport city(Cancun).   The site of Tulum, however, is much closer, reachable in about 1hour and 45 minutes.  It is located right on the east coast, and is a  beneficiary of cooling ocean breezes as opposed to the inland sites where temperatures can soar to uncomfortable heights.
        Most visitors will hire a van or bus for pick up and return; a sensible move.   Our driver/guide, Ariel, did a fine job as our driver and site guide.   He had an excellent grasp of the site history and of the overall culture of the Mayans.
       During the trip, Ariel and I chatted about his experience and how he learned his English.   Turns out, he has lived in Minnesota for 3 years working for a private company.   He also procured a Green Card, that necessary US document that allows one to work legally in the States.   However, he has decided that working in the Guest Services business in Quintana Roo state works best for him and his family of 6.   He is not the first Mexican who has opted for this return to work in Mexico decision.  It speaks volumes about the many options available to those willing to seek the best circumstances for their lives.

Yucatan Conference II

     The Sandos Resort is one of the smaller venues along the Cancun Riviera with about 200 rooms and suites.  Presenting its narrow face to the beach, most rooms have some view of the ocean while those at the opposite end have a nice lagoon view to the west.  Higher floor suites offer a few more amenities with a club level and a concierge.  For an extra fee, one can avail oneself to these comforts.
    As hotels go, this establishment gets high marks.  Without the necessity of tipping constantly, without the requirement to find parking for the rental car, without the problem of "going out to eat" 3 times a day,  all one's energy could focus on self indulgence and relaxation on site.  It's almost like being at home.
      The staff are young and enthusiastic, and willing to make every effort to assist the guests.  How refreshing!   Paola, our event coordinator, did a fine job managing the time table, the logistics, and getting the 'word' out to participants.  Everybody showed up on time(although the father of the bride was a bit late to the ceremony!).
     The three distinct groups: friends, family(groom), and family(bride) mixed and mingled very well, connecting on many levels across four generations.  The family elders were an obvious focus of concern because of mobility issues related to the many levels across the beachfront site.  As a storyteller, Grandpa was the best.
More later.

Yucatan Conference-2013

      The Mayor went to the Yucatan for a meeting with many of the Tahoma ministers who participated in our first international conference on small town administration.  The site was chosen by the Minister of Manufacturing and the Minister of Metalurgy.  The precise location was in the vicinity of Playa Del Carmen, Islas de Mujeres, and Cancun, or the northeast coast of the Yucatan peninsula which juts into the Caribbean sea, pointing to its near neighbor, the island of Cuba.
       This location, in the way south of Mexico, is also the ancient home of the Mayas, the Aztecs, and the Toltecs, those pre-Columbian cultures overrun by Spanish conquistadors during the age of exploration and colonization.
      One aspect of the Cancun location is the prevalence of the "all inclusive resort hotel". Never having this experience before, it was a novel experience in every respect.  
     The first aspect of the location is the beachfront position of the hotel(s).  Each is located within steps of the white sandy beaches.   This affront position does not remove the necessary hotel swimming pool(s), of which there are several cascading downhill, each surrounded by cabanas with appropriate shade coverings.   All pools are curved, tiled, and attractively landscaped.  In the vicinity are shaded cocktail bars, snack bars, and a place for the mobile barbecue grill.   The pool service bar provided towels and mats for bathers and loungers.   Needless to say, the smart set had their favorite cabana selected by 7:30 am.  
   More later.

Temperatures Rising

      Global warming hysterics, those afflicted with temperature hysterics, will, no doubt, take note of record setting high temperatures around the Bay Area today.  Although they are not high enough to cause personal concern, they do reflect an ongoing claim of global warming by armchair climatologists.   Records for the last 15 years demonstrate a flat line in global temperature change.  But this fact does not mean anything to warmers.  They point to the continuing rise in CO2 amounts being put into the atmosphere and the rice of CO2 levels in the world's oceans.
      I'm not in a position to influence the debate; it was warm in Sonoma County wine country today period!....

Las Vegas 2013

     Visited Vegas over the weekend with the Minister of Senior Citizens.   She wanted to visit some relatives who live there.  The Mayor hasn't been to Vegas in about 8 years, before the real estate crash that has devastated the city.  LV was ground zero for the boom and bust in property values with many locations losing 2/3'ds of value in a short time.
     The weather was springlike: 70's and breezy.  Perfect for walking around.   We didn't spend any time on "The Strip", but we saw the lights.  Crowds were nonexistent, but there were many visitors in evidence.   Restaurants were busy, but seats were always available, no waiting.
     Maybe the turn around has begun someplace, but not much going on in LV.   New terminals have opened at the airport, but the vast spaces looked empty and waiting for passengers to show up.   The recovery still has a ways to go here in Nevada, Harry Reid's fiefdom.

Tax Day 2013

    Time to pay; pay up.   Your returns must be post marked today.  That includes your state tax returns.  Jerry Brown must be fed,too.   Recently, I read that the time involved for an individual to 'prepare' his return is about 9.8 hours.  At $20/hour, that's almost $200 per payer. Times 150 million
returns= lots of money.
     So Washington imposes this burden on the nation without regard of the actual cost.  It amounts to another tax all by itself. 
     Ahhhh, the wisdom.   Now, if you need an extension, it's available, but at a cost.  An individual must estimate the amount due and include the payment when the request for extension is filed.  Any under payment will necessitate a bill and a fine; but the extension is automatic.  What fun!

Final Ski weekend @ Homewood Mtn

       Goodbye 2012/13 season.   Not a bad one, but not close to a good one.   As we reflect on the past 4+ months of winter weather, we realize how our lives our affected by nature's whims and annual variations.   Seems like only a year ago we had more snow than we ever wanted.  This year, not enough.  Oh,well, let's move on.  It will be a great summer season.
       Maybe the "new" village at Homewood Mountain Resort will actually begin construction.  Maybe.

Tax Time
      A few more days, and you will be late to pay both income and property taxes, due on the 10th and on the 15th of this month.   How did our brain dead solons figure this one out?  Oiija Board?  Who knows?   But if you haven't finished, do it now and avoid those harsh penalties.  Not pleasant dealing with computers.

Obama in Bay Area
     Yep, your Prez, down on the Peninsula, raising even more money.  Let's see: is he running for office?  No.  Does he need money?  College tuition for the girls, but at $400K /year, he can afford if ,if anybody can.   I guess it comes down to party loyalty.

Easter Come and Gone: Now: Baseball

    We had a bit of weather over the weekend which provided some powder on the high slopes.  This also provided those souls who made the effort with some fresh powder to play with on the runs.  Actually, the conditions were fairly good: cold temps. overcast skies, and little to no wind.   No afternoon slush.
      At the bar, plenty to watch on TV: Elite 8 games with the NCAA Tournament.  The surprise(men's) Wichita State.

Baseball 2013
     The first game of the season played out on Easter Sunday.  Then a large number were played yesterday.   Giants lost to the Dodgers in LA, 4-0.  Oh, well.  Can't win 'em all.
     So now the long season, winding up again in October, which seems a long way from April 1st.  It is, especially if you have to play another 161 games.  But if you're being paid millions per year for your swings and throws, it's not too bad.
Prediction: a team from the West will win it all again!