Red Tagged! The local Lake Nazis, the TRPA, have turned the heavy hand to a project @ 204 Pine St- the mega bucks lakefront that is nearing completion after a lengthy delay. It seems the neighbor on one side is a little pissey about the fence that is encircling the lot/compound. Horrors!! Perhaps the fence was off an inch or two. Or maybe the neighbor is off an inch or two. Nonetheless, the phone call was made and now the 2 parties will have years of conflict and ill will to put a frown on their faces. Could this have been resolved before hand? Of course, but, it would have taken some effort on the part of each one.
Everybody knows dealing with the bi-state Fascist organization is difficult. The legislator who sponsored the bill creating the TRPA said he wished he could reverse the vote and kill the organization! He had no idea it would evolve into a monster that operates on the principle that " We have the power and we will use it, no matter what". Too often today, that's the attitude of all government agencies. THat attitude and its corollary: "Take it or leave it, you have no other choice".
You gotta love those modern Fascists.
How long does it take to remove a red Tag? Drive by, and count the days.
I wonder how the owner feels? Does he care? HOw about the offended neighbor? Does she have any remorse for being a snitch / tattletale? Doubt it.
So, life in Tahoma rolls along, summer 2010.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Bay Weather Cool
The Mayor's move down the hill exposed him to the latest summer treat along the Coast: cool, damp, fog, in copious amount throughout the SF Bay Area. What a summer they're having in the City! Have you watched a Giants' home game? All the fans have heavy jackets, hats, some gloves even: it's cold at AT&T Park. Last night's game featured flags whipped straight out on their poles, fly balls were a serious challenge, even for the Giants outfielders.
The lowly Cubs put the hurt on Cy Young winner Lincecum, sending him home with a loss and the worst 1st inning of his brief career. Tomorrow, they'll do better.
Meanwhile, the Mayor is gearing up for a jarring climate change. No, not global warming, but a visit to the Gulf Coast for a follow up inspection of oil blow out cleanup efforts by government/private operations. The mayor does not relish the weather at this time in Louisiana: high temps, high humidity(90+%), and rain-thundershowers. But, hotel rates are at their yearly rock bottom prices. Who would go there otherwise?
On the other hand, tourists will be in scarce numbers and many locals will have fled. However, schools have reopened, so the Big Easy will be functioning normally in most respects. The two named hurricanes so far have been weak systems, causing nothing more than temporary interruptions of offshore cleanup efforts by BP,etal.
My next report will be from River City!
The lowly Cubs put the hurt on Cy Young winner Lincecum, sending him home with a loss and the worst 1st inning of his brief career. Tomorrow, they'll do better.
Meanwhile, the Mayor is gearing up for a jarring climate change. No, not global warming, but a visit to the Gulf Coast for a follow up inspection of oil blow out cleanup efforts by government/private operations. The mayor does not relish the weather at this time in Louisiana: high temps, high humidity(90+%), and rain-thundershowers. But, hotel rates are at their yearly rock bottom prices. Who would go there otherwise?
On the other hand, tourists will be in scarce numbers and many locals will have fled. However, schools have reopened, so the Big Easy will be functioning normally in most respects. The two named hurricanes so far have been weak systems, causing nothing more than temporary interruptions of offshore cleanup efforts by BP,etal.
My next report will be from River City!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
August 2010
Ahhhh, summer.
Defined as consistently good weather, crowds of visitors and seasonal residents. Businesses busy, boats anchored in clusters off all beaches; and a little traffic. The traffic does go away in the earl evening, so it's acceptable.
The Mayor witnessed an amazing sight last evening, as a thunder storm, moving east to west, crossed the Lake. In slow motion, the Tahoe Princess, heading south, was illuminated in her crossing by the setting sun, reflecting light only from the boat while maintaining an absence from the lake surface. It would have made a great foto, but, alas, the battery was dead! Next time, a backup.
The Tahoe Cedars Home Owners held their annual meeting at Marie Sluchak Park, and to everyone present, Marie got up and said a few words. She praised the amenities of Tahoma and reminded all of its special place in the universe of places.
Defined as consistently good weather, crowds of visitors and seasonal residents. Businesses busy, boats anchored in clusters off all beaches; and a little traffic. The traffic does go away in the earl evening, so it's acceptable.
The Mayor witnessed an amazing sight last evening, as a thunder storm, moving east to west, crossed the Lake. In slow motion, the Tahoe Princess, heading south, was illuminated in her crossing by the setting sun, reflecting light only from the boat while maintaining an absence from the lake surface. It would have made a great foto, but, alas, the battery was dead! Next time, a backup.
The Tahoe Cedars Home Owners held their annual meeting at Marie Sluchak Park, and to everyone present, Marie got up and said a few words. She praised the amenities of Tahoma and reminded all of its special place in the universe of places.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Mayor in Alaska
The Mayor and his Deputy of Industry and Manufacturing spent a few days in the far north, examining the local fishing industry in the Kenai River area. The trip was most informative and the taxpayer got a lot for a little because the trip was paid for by Alaska State Tourism Board through its fund for public information and education.
The Kenai River, home to many annual salmon runs, was in the midst of the 2nd king salmon run of 2010. From all indications, it's a good run, with over 500,000 fish counted by July 21. The lower river, from the mouth to Soldatna, was choked with powered boats loaded with sport fishermen; the shore, in places, was lined with casters, hoping to hook one of the many sockeye reds. The weather is typical JUly: warm temps, slight overcast with sunshine a real possible event. Camp grounds were bursting at the seams with trailers, camper vans, p/u trucks of every stripe, and Harry and Irma relaxin' in their camp chairs. Redoubt volcano glistened in the morning sun on Tuesday as the clouds separated and the snow capped peak, with its steam jet, caught the rays. What a sight! Reminded me of Mts. Shasta and Lassen, although Redoubt has more snow.
We got a close look at Portage Glacier as we turned the corner of Turnagain Inlet on our way down the Kenai Peninsula. The toe of the glacier was a dirty brown color as it retreats during the summer thaw. Traffic was light on Monday after the weekenders returned to Anchorage on Sunday night. I've never seen so many campers caravanning in one direction-that's Alaska.
The Deputy accompanied the Mayor on a trip up the Cook Inlet to observe deep trolling near the town of Homer. The weather was actually pleasant: in the 50's, calm waters, no wind, and almost no swell, which can be a real problem for small fishing boats, commercial or sport type. Other folks on board the vessel put lines in the water to 300' and caught limits(2) of the famous bottom dwellers- the Alaskan halibut, known all over North America as the great game fish that it is. Our guide, Brian, and his deckhand, Tyler, proved able seamen, as they expertly handled the anchoring, navigation, and positioning of the boat for best results. With one exception, all passengers held up well during the 3 1/2 hour trip. Entry and exit was accomplished over the beach at Anchor River with the help of giant wheeled tractors, piloted by young men, probably just out of high school. These diesel behemoths push the trailered vessels through the surf out to deep water for launching; and then, upon our return, set the trailer on a perpendicular line to the surf waiting for the Captain to steer the vessel at high power onto the skids-very tricky. Sometimes, it's not always possible to keep everything lined up and many attempts are made before success is achieved.
Our day's activities were managed by a local legend, master of the Irish Lords Charter Company: Robbie Carroll, a character out of any description of fishing on the Inlet. This grand old man of Kenai revels in his role as provider of extraordinary excursions up and down the Cook Inlet. He's been doing it for so many years he's lost count. With a glowing cigarette hanging from his lip and a frosty Bud light in his hand, he is the consumate host, keeping his guides on their toes and all of his many clients happy and well looked after. At the end of the day, the Mayor and the Deputy enjoyed some of Robbie's homemade clam chowder, New England style, with a Bud Lite, too. It was a great day.
More on Alaska tomorrow.
The Kenai River, home to many annual salmon runs, was in the midst of the 2nd king salmon run of 2010. From all indications, it's a good run, with over 500,000 fish counted by July 21. The lower river, from the mouth to Soldatna, was choked with powered boats loaded with sport fishermen; the shore, in places, was lined with casters, hoping to hook one of the many sockeye reds. The weather is typical JUly: warm temps, slight overcast with sunshine a real possible event. Camp grounds were bursting at the seams with trailers, camper vans, p/u trucks of every stripe, and Harry and Irma relaxin' in their camp chairs. Redoubt volcano glistened in the morning sun on Tuesday as the clouds separated and the snow capped peak, with its steam jet, caught the rays. What a sight! Reminded me of Mts. Shasta and Lassen, although Redoubt has more snow.
We got a close look at Portage Glacier as we turned the corner of Turnagain Inlet on our way down the Kenai Peninsula. The toe of the glacier was a dirty brown color as it retreats during the summer thaw. Traffic was light on Monday after the weekenders returned to Anchorage on Sunday night. I've never seen so many campers caravanning in one direction-that's Alaska.
The Deputy accompanied the Mayor on a trip up the Cook Inlet to observe deep trolling near the town of Homer. The weather was actually pleasant: in the 50's, calm waters, no wind, and almost no swell, which can be a real problem for small fishing boats, commercial or sport type. Other folks on board the vessel put lines in the water to 300' and caught limits(2) of the famous bottom dwellers- the Alaskan halibut, known all over North America as the great game fish that it is. Our guide, Brian, and his deckhand, Tyler, proved able seamen, as they expertly handled the anchoring, navigation, and positioning of the boat for best results. With one exception, all passengers held up well during the 3 1/2 hour trip. Entry and exit was accomplished over the beach at Anchor River with the help of giant wheeled tractors, piloted by young men, probably just out of high school. These diesel behemoths push the trailered vessels through the surf out to deep water for launching; and then, upon our return, set the trailer on a perpendicular line to the surf waiting for the Captain to steer the vessel at high power onto the skids-very tricky. Sometimes, it's not always possible to keep everything lined up and many attempts are made before success is achieved.
Our day's activities were managed by a local legend, master of the Irish Lords Charter Company: Robbie Carroll, a character out of any description of fishing on the Inlet. This grand old man of Kenai revels in his role as provider of extraordinary excursions up and down the Cook Inlet. He's been doing it for so many years he's lost count. With a glowing cigarette hanging from his lip and a frosty Bud light in his hand, he is the consumate host, keeping his guides on their toes and all of his many clients happy and well looked after. At the end of the day, the Mayor and the Deputy enjoyed some of Robbie's homemade clam chowder, New England style, with a Bud Lite, too. It was a great day.
More on Alaska tomorrow.
Summer Season Peak ?
Mayor observes eastbound traffic jam
Well, boys and girls, this weekend could mark the high point of visitor trips to the basin. Interstate 80 was a parking lot, eastbound Friday, as travelers sought relief from valley heat and day-to-day humdrum. The basin is showing signs of near capacity crowds at every venue: campgrounds-full; beaches packed; boat ramps backed up, restaurants-full; stores running out of-fill in blanks; hotels:No Vacancy signs everywhere; rental shops:jammed; traffic:creeping; boaters all over the Lake. Now, this is summer!
The Chronicle helped out,too. The front page of the Travel section featured a spread on Lake Tahoe- at three levels of comfort: luxury,bargain/casino, and rustic/nostalgia. John Flinn, veteran travel writer, reminisced about camping at D..L. Bliss during his youth. He also described the venerable Zephyr Cove Lodge in Nevada, and nevada Beach near Harveys'. From there, he went to the Ritz Carlton Highlands at Northstar, an overdone hangout for the new rich of California. Finally, a glance at Harvey's completes this capsule view of basin accommodations. The article is full of current fotos, including a peek of the Truckee River complete with rafters enjoying a float down to River Ranch and it's burger patio grill. Check them out. Nice job, John Flinn!
Well, boys and girls, this weekend could mark the high point of visitor trips to the basin. Interstate 80 was a parking lot, eastbound Friday, as travelers sought relief from valley heat and day-to-day humdrum. The basin is showing signs of near capacity crowds at every venue: campgrounds-full; beaches packed; boat ramps backed up, restaurants-full; stores running out of-fill in blanks; hotels:No Vacancy signs everywhere; rental shops:jammed; traffic:creeping; boaters all over the Lake. Now, this is summer!
The Chronicle helped out,too. The front page of the Travel section featured a spread on Lake Tahoe- at three levels of comfort: luxury,bargain/casino, and rustic/nostalgia. John Flinn, veteran travel writer, reminisced about camping at D..L. Bliss during his youth. He also described the venerable Zephyr Cove Lodge in Nevada, and nevada Beach near Harveys'. From there, he went to the Ritz Carlton Highlands at Northstar, an overdone hangout for the new rich of California. Finally, a glance at Harvey's completes this capsule view of basin accommodations. The article is full of current fotos, including a peek of the Truckee River complete with rafters enjoying a float down to River Ranch and it's burger patio grill. Check them out. Nice job, John Flinn!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Bear Story: Tahoe Vista
The Mayor had a discussion with a local builder yesterday and was told the following story:
3 weeks ago, Bob received a call on the job from his wife at about 10:30 in the morning from home. She reported that a large mountain lion, complete with long, thich tail, was walking slowly through the front yard(in Tahoe Vista). What should I do was the question. Don't disturb him/her was the reply, and the feline moved on. A few hours later, Bob's wife called again to the job site. This time, she reported a full grown bear was attempting to open a patio door. Remain calm, was the reply, she'll go away. Minutes later, the wife called again: the bear was now walking up the stairs into the Kitchen, what now? With a rattling of pans, the bear walked down and out the door to the 2 cubs waiting for lunch. Then they moved on. Ah, summer at the lake.
3 weeks ago, Bob received a call on the job from his wife at about 10:30 in the morning from home. She reported that a large mountain lion, complete with long, thich tail, was walking slowly through the front yard(in Tahoe Vista). What should I do was the question. Don't disturb him/her was the reply, and the feline moved on. A few hours later, Bob's wife called again to the job site. This time, she reported a full grown bear was attempting to open a patio door. Remain calm, was the reply, she'll go away. Minutes later, the wife called again: the bear was now walking up the stairs into the Kitchen, what now? With a rattling of pans, the bear walked down and out the door to the 2 cubs waiting for lunch. Then they moved on. Ah, summer at the lake.
On Clams
The Mayor has taken note of the wider media attention given the recent recognition of the invasive species of clam that has been found in increasing numbers in the Lake. The Chron had a article(7/10/10) under a Hecht byline from the Sacto BEE that detailed the plans for intervention to forestall the negative effects of the clam(s). UC Davis scientists are working on the problem and will soon introduce a rubber matting that will cover 1/2 acre of sandy inshore lake bottom in an attempt to kill the clam by cutting off oxygen. It is an experiment with long term implications.
Meanwhile, TRPA is continuing boat inspections to keep the lake free of clams, mussels, and non native aquatic plants
Meanwhile, TRPA is continuing boat inspections to keep the lake free of clams, mussels, and non native aquatic plants
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