An Italian Minister of Internal Affairs. I think there's more here than meets the eye. Investigation is warranted. The Minister of Latin American Affairs may have to take a side trip to Italy this month and conduct an interview. This could be combined with his planned side trip to Poland where he will scan the horizon to the east and try to discern any Russian activity on the border.
A complete report will be prepared by our own minister upon his return.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Election Day: early returns
Pundits predicted a light turnout and, by gazing at various polling places, they are correct. Generally speaking, the American voter is somewhat complacent in June, the month of primaries and party face offs. It's also a time when local tax districts attempt to float a bond, or a parcel tax, or increase a pay package for a local pol.
Californians are even more reluctant to vote because the Democratic Party appears to be unbeatable. Everywhere. Some Republican hopefuls could not even qualify for the ballot-not enough signatures of supporters. Now that's embarassing. Maybe there's some hope. Two Republicans: John Donnelly and Neal Kashkari are vying for the Republican nomination. Donnelly appears to shoot from the mouth first, while Karshkari is more moderate and studied in his approach. He could light up a following if California's unemployment rate(8.5%) continues to remain hhigher than most other states.
El Dorado county has little wiggle room over it's budget and has not asked much of voters at election time. More eyes are looking toward November's election.
Californians are even more reluctant to vote because the Democratic Party appears to be unbeatable. Everywhere. Some Republican hopefuls could not even qualify for the ballot-not enough signatures of supporters. Now that's embarassing. Maybe there's some hope. Two Republicans: John Donnelly and Neal Kashkari are vying for the Republican nomination. Donnelly appears to shoot from the mouth first, while Karshkari is more moderate and studied in his approach. He could light up a following if California's unemployment rate(8.5%) continues to remain hhigher than most other states.
El Dorado county has little wiggle room over it's budget and has not asked much of voters at election time. More eyes are looking toward November's election.
Lake Shore: Calm and Serene
The Mayor took the day off, ahead of election day, and walked to Meeks Bay beach. A light breeze was felt, coming out of the east. A school bus full of students had found the beach almost deserted, and made good use of all the empty space. A young family of 3 had their gear right up to water's edge, enjoying a classic Tahoe beach day.
It amazes me to see this expansive space almost empty on a beautiful day. I ask myself, "Where is everybody?" School is still in session, with a week to go. So that sums up most of it. But then, in a state of 35 millions, it seems more would enjoy the scene.
I guess it is just far enough away from population centers to make it a challenge to arrive midweek. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce has to step up the advertising a little.
Old Tahoe Cafe
Rehab is in progress in Homewood on the Old Tahoe Cafe. It seems that Obexers is investing in a complete makeover of the building. Ultimately, it remains to be seen what will go there. It is not a surefire winner in that location, or any location on the West Shore, for that matter.
Gas prices have crossed the $4.50/gal. price and it;s only June 2. The Great Recession is lingering, too, and economists are warning that more speed bumps are ahead for the sluggish recovery. Mortgage interest resets are coming up for many who refinanced and used a line of credit to buy stuff(called HELOCS). A loan of this type could see payments double overnight. Not a good thing, for the borrower(s).
But, Meeks Bay was again, gorgeous. By 3pm, the surface of the lake flattened out, and a few paddle boarders took advantage and crisscrossed the bay, standing or sitting on their boards.
Nice.
The Minister of Far Eastern Culture and Religion took a bold step and plunged head first into the clear water. She remarked that it was very cold. Very cold, indeed. The mayor himself put a toe in and proclaimed the same: cold!
Real summer is still a few weeks off. We can wait.
It amazes me to see this expansive space almost empty on a beautiful day. I ask myself, "Where is everybody?" School is still in session, with a week to go. So that sums up most of it. But then, in a state of 35 millions, it seems more would enjoy the scene.
I guess it is just far enough away from population centers to make it a challenge to arrive midweek. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce has to step up the advertising a little.
Old Tahoe Cafe
Rehab is in progress in Homewood on the Old Tahoe Cafe. It seems that Obexers is investing in a complete makeover of the building. Ultimately, it remains to be seen what will go there. It is not a surefire winner in that location, or any location on the West Shore, for that matter.
Gas prices have crossed the $4.50/gal. price and it;s only June 2. The Great Recession is lingering, too, and economists are warning that more speed bumps are ahead for the sluggish recovery. Mortgage interest resets are coming up for many who refinanced and used a line of credit to buy stuff(called HELOCS). A loan of this type could see payments double overnight. Not a good thing, for the borrower(s).
But, Meeks Bay was again, gorgeous. By 3pm, the surface of the lake flattened out, and a few paddle boarders took advantage and crisscrossed the bay, standing or sitting on their boards.
Nice.
The Minister of Far Eastern Culture and Religion took a bold step and plunged head first into the clear water. She remarked that it was very cold. Very cold, indeed. The mayor himself put a toe in and proclaimed the same: cold!
Real summer is still a few weeks off. We can wait.
Latin American Update
The world is beginning to focus on Latin America: it's time for the World Cup Soccer extravaganza to begin in Brazil. Normally, it's a time of friendly rivalry, intense competition, a swelling of national pride, and not a little wagering on the outcome of every contest.
However, this year, Brazil has faced increased criticism for its games preparations. Many of the venues are only just now available for teams to use. Transportation networks and related systems are still in question in many areas. But the most significant issues revolve around the Brazilian economy.
Just a few years ago, Brazil was booming. President Lula was the darling of many economists and politicians, a rare combination. When he stepped down and was replaced by Dilma Rousseff, things have not gone well. The economy has stalled, inflation has increased(but not like Argentina), and job creation remains stagnant. All these factors have contributed to unrest, especially in the large urban areas surrounding Rio Di Janeiro and Sao Paolo where poor sections of these cities have been the focus of riots and confrontations with police.
Complaints against excessive government spending for the World Cup, along with graft and corruption have already tainted the world event. This could also be a warm up for the Olympic Games of 2016.
The whole world is now watching as the beginning rounds commence in 1 week.
Minister Returns
Our Minister of Latin American Affairs has just returned from a last minute trip to Trinidad. This trip popped up on his radar just after he graduated last week from George Washington. His boss thought he needed some extra travel time, so off he went, back to Trinidad for a quick conference.
London is his next stop- the EU Security Conference for 2014.
The hot topic here will be : (pick one) a) defense spending among NATO member states; b) counter security moves to Russian moves in Ukraine and Crimea, c) requests for military assistance in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia d) Turkish unrest and Pres. Erdogan's future, e) war in Syria, f) Palestinian statehood and Hamas, f) Libya and future of democracy there, g) Germany and the rest of EU countries.
He will be busy this summer.
However, this year, Brazil has faced increased criticism for its games preparations. Many of the venues are only just now available for teams to use. Transportation networks and related systems are still in question in many areas. But the most significant issues revolve around the Brazilian economy.
Just a few years ago, Brazil was booming. President Lula was the darling of many economists and politicians, a rare combination. When he stepped down and was replaced by Dilma Rousseff, things have not gone well. The economy has stalled, inflation has increased(but not like Argentina), and job creation remains stagnant. All these factors have contributed to unrest, especially in the large urban areas surrounding Rio Di Janeiro and Sao Paolo where poor sections of these cities have been the focus of riots and confrontations with police.
Complaints against excessive government spending for the World Cup, along with graft and corruption have already tainted the world event. This could also be a warm up for the Olympic Games of 2016.
The whole world is now watching as the beginning rounds commence in 1 week.
Minister Returns
Our Minister of Latin American Affairs has just returned from a last minute trip to Trinidad. This trip popped up on his radar just after he graduated last week from George Washington. His boss thought he needed some extra travel time, so off he went, back to Trinidad for a quick conference.
London is his next stop- the EU Security Conference for 2014.
The hot topic here will be : (pick one) a) defense spending among NATO member states; b) counter security moves to Russian moves in Ukraine and Crimea, c) requests for military assistance in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia d) Turkish unrest and Pres. Erdogan's future, e) war in Syria, f) Palestinian statehood and Hamas, f) Libya and future of democracy there, g) Germany and the rest of EU countries.
He will be busy this summer.
Highway 89; a Shambles
Work crews of all stripes have descended into our neighborhood, posting signs, parking everywhere, and horror of horrors, imposing restrictions on our movements through the 'hood. Traffic flagmen/women have been posted in a variety of locations, stopping and starting the 1 lane operations around the construction sites.
First, there are the forestry dudes. They are hard at it, wielding their vicious chain saws, leveling all types of standing trees, but mostly white firs, the curse of the basin. They are cutting down quite a few dead snags, reducing fire loading to prevent the spread of wild fires. Meeks Bay Fire Dist. has had a hand in these efforts by continuing to provide brush removal in the neighborhoods surrounding Tahoma.
CalTrans has been heavily involved, constructing run off barriers on the shoulder of 89. This imposing concrete curb/gutter is intended to prevent the runoff from carrying contaminants and sand into Lake Tahoe. These efforts will, in turn, keep our lake clean and clear. The heavy equipment in use is impressive, given the actual size of the curbs in place. But, grading is a necessary factor for all the preparations before the concrete pour.
AT&T is also on the scene(right near downtown Tahoma), pulling cables over the tall power poles spanning the highway. Is it cable, at last? More info needed on this question.
Subsurface excavations are ongoing in 2 areas, north and south of Tahoma. This no doubt involves adding new piping for utilities, gas, water, and probably sewer lines. This effort is the big deal, requiring steel plates to cover the trenches prior to placement of the new pipes. Signs indicate this project will necessitate day time closures of various lengths, from 7am-until 6pm, Mon.-Fri, until October(winter onset).
Weekends could get interesting. Especially now that Highway 50, our neighbor to the south, is being widened for many miles in El Dorado county. Will this activity discourage visitors? Of course, everybody is on the internet and can read Caltrans updates.
Pay Attention When Driving, especially when daredevil bike riders drift onto the blacktop.
First, there are the forestry dudes. They are hard at it, wielding their vicious chain saws, leveling all types of standing trees, but mostly white firs, the curse of the basin. They are cutting down quite a few dead snags, reducing fire loading to prevent the spread of wild fires. Meeks Bay Fire Dist. has had a hand in these efforts by continuing to provide brush removal in the neighborhoods surrounding Tahoma.
CalTrans has been heavily involved, constructing run off barriers on the shoulder of 89. This imposing concrete curb/gutter is intended to prevent the runoff from carrying contaminants and sand into Lake Tahoe. These efforts will, in turn, keep our lake clean and clear. The heavy equipment in use is impressive, given the actual size of the curbs in place. But, grading is a necessary factor for all the preparations before the concrete pour.
AT&T is also on the scene(right near downtown Tahoma), pulling cables over the tall power poles spanning the highway. Is it cable, at last? More info needed on this question.
Subsurface excavations are ongoing in 2 areas, north and south of Tahoma. This no doubt involves adding new piping for utilities, gas, water, and probably sewer lines. This effort is the big deal, requiring steel plates to cover the trenches prior to placement of the new pipes. Signs indicate this project will necessitate day time closures of various lengths, from 7am-until 6pm, Mon.-Fri, until October(winter onset).
Weekends could get interesting. Especially now that Highway 50, our neighbor to the south, is being widened for many miles in El Dorado county. Will this activity discourage visitors? Of course, everybody is on the internet and can read Caltrans updates.
Pay Attention When Driving, especially when daredevil bike riders drift onto the blacktop.
Where We Met Reopens
After a 5 month absence, Liz F., owner operator of everybody's favorite gelato bar and espresso palace, has returned to open for business. Not quite in time for Memorial Day(it was early this year), but, timely, none the less.
She featured salty caramel gelato as one of her first summer season flavors. Cookies and cream also had its fans, including this one.
Locals look forward to a fine summer with mornings beginning at our own Tahoma espresso bar.
Welcome back, Liz!
Mary Slezak Park
The park looked good if not quiet over the weekend passed. No indication of custom made seat signage. I guess it's too much to ask the park management to give a realistic date of installation. Oh, well, maybe by August annual meeting time.
She featured salty caramel gelato as one of her first summer season flavors. Cookies and cream also had its fans, including this one.
Locals look forward to a fine summer with mornings beginning at our own Tahoma espresso bar.
Welcome back, Liz!
Mary Slezak Park
The park looked good if not quiet over the weekend passed. No indication of custom made seat signage. I guess it's too much to ask the park management to give a realistic date of installation. Oh, well, maybe by August annual meeting time.
Norfolk Hotel: the update
Finally, it appears that the title of ownership of the property(s) of the old Norfolk Hotel has been completed. Work has begun after all these years of bankruptcy, partnership issues, lender disagreements, and plain old stupidity. The clean up has been diligent: trash has been removed and an orderly appearance has taken the place of a trashed and disheveled look.
Several of the cottages have been cleaned up: doors secured, windows boarded over, locks installed, and old mattresses removed to the land fill in T.C. Apparently, the new owners are well known in the area, and while their ultimate plans for the property are unknown at this time, it seems they are willing to make a significant investment in the future of the site. Rumor has it that the owners also own two recently sold motels in Tahoma. And, it seems they are also interested in the lakefront property "Cedars Lodge" across Highway 89. Wouldn't be the first time a well heeled buyer came in and took over.
Mr. Tahoma, Mr. Mariani, is still going strong and is not vulnerable to any offers on the plaza.
Enjoy the new look on Pine St. and smile as work progresses. The roof is off and the ice and water shield underlayment is in place. The log cabin has been pressure washed and it looks good.
Be Happy.
Several of the cottages have been cleaned up: doors secured, windows boarded over, locks installed, and old mattresses removed to the land fill in T.C. Apparently, the new owners are well known in the area, and while their ultimate plans for the property are unknown at this time, it seems they are willing to make a significant investment in the future of the site. Rumor has it that the owners also own two recently sold motels in Tahoma. And, it seems they are also interested in the lakefront property "Cedars Lodge" across Highway 89. Wouldn't be the first time a well heeled buyer came in and took over.
Mr. Tahoma, Mr. Mariani, is still going strong and is not vulnerable to any offers on the plaza.
Enjoy the new look on Pine St. and smile as work progresses. The roof is off and the ice and water shield underlayment is in place. The log cabin has been pressure washed and it looks good.
Be Happy.
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