The Future of the New Tahoma

        Volunteer workers appeared this morning @ 89 & Pine, at the long empty Norfolk Woods Hotel. Jumping from cars, trucks, and SUVs, the enthusiastic group began unloading every tool in the garderner's inventory: rakes of all sizes; shovels large and small, brooms, mowers, blowers, generators, electric motors and appliances; debris bags, pitchforks, pick axes, pole saws, pruning shears, loppers, trimmers, and not least buckets and scoop shovels. They came to work.

       They came from Rocklin, California, home of their church, the 180 Church or the Four Square Church, the better known name for this venerable organization. They've come to re-establish a chapel and a retreat center on ground that has a long history regarding religious groups and religious activities. While talking with one of the workers, the Mayor was able to grasp the general plan as to the disosition of the sizeable property consisting of 5 individual lots and a number of cottages and homes, plus the hotel structure. Since purchased about 15 years ago, this property and at least three others within a half mile, they have all been closed, boarded up, and essentially abandoned. The owners were circumsoect as to their plans, but even then, a retreat center was mentioned and noted to be the ultimate goal. And, here we are in 2023. It's happening.  The heirs of the owners decided that this property would better serve the community as a retreat center with a support staff and some units available to local workers; units that are sorely needed on the West Shore, and all over the Tahoe Basin.

       The first building to be restored will be the largest home on the property which will house the caretaker and partner. This will keep the lights on and maintain the condition of all units. Plumbing is a priority as defects in systems caused considerable damage over the years. Local plumber Hoffman noted that un-insulated pipes had leaked in many of the units. Of considerable note is the log cabin on the property which dates to c. 1930. It is called the Aimee Cabin, as this was supposed to be Aimee Semple McPherson's cabin. She was the famous preacher from Los Angeles who led a large congregation in California until her untimely death in 1944 from an accidental overdose of drugs. It will be restored to livable condition. While a firm timetable has not been published, church leaders have been candid with the community and with Placer County planners about their future growth and occupancy. The former owners signed away the property in December, 2022. For the past 5+ months, the leadership has formulated a plan for all to see.

      Local Tahoma residents are in a state of shock: finally, this eyesore will be transformed into a wonderful local site that will be admired by all.