Spring Into----Spring 2014

     So, here we are: winter is gone for '13-'14.  Now, snow melt, rushing rivers, the 'tween season, such as it is.   Many locals on the West Shore take off, head down the western slope, and have a Spring Break before summer kicks in in about 2 1/2 months.   Seems hard to believe, but with little snow on the ground, no draw for college aged "breakers", there isn't much incentive to stick around to work on the house/apt./condo/business/car/truck.
      One of our neighborhood ski areas, Bear Valley, made the papers this week: economics, as is not enough business to keep the lights on.   With wage stagnation for the middle class, broader interests of the upper class= marginal areas suffer.  Our own West Shore has experienced the effects of not only the recession, but also a change in tastes and lack of family vacation time due to school calendar changes.  Until educators and parents change their programs, summer seasons will get shorter.
     My friend, Larry, bought a house in Myers near the South lake airport.  3000+ sq. ft, 3 stories, 6 years new.  About $500 grand.   The materials cost more than that.  This transaction underscores the lingering effects of the real estate bust inside the basin.   Yes, it's on the Highway 50 side, but it's close to golf, the lake, and stateline.   It originally sold for $950 grand.   Hmmmm.   Anybody take a hit?   A few.
      Enjoy this first day of Spring.  Take a walk, take a run, take a friend to the lake shore, enjoy the incomparable views.  We do.