Brickelltown Christmas in Historic Truckee

Truckee's recently renovated and re-invigorated Brickelltown, just west of Tahoe Dave's Ski Shop on Donner Pass Road, has instituted a holiday celebration every week through the festive season. Visit Riverside Studios, Fair & Green - "Gifts with Conscience", The Feather's Edge Finery and Drake & Lulu's Art Shed each Friday in December for a taste of holiday cheer and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Enjoy seasonal snacks and refreshments, carolers and local art displays. Also, donations for infants and teenagers enrolled in the Truckee Community Christmas will be accepted on Dec. 5, 12 and 19. 4 to 8 pm. Go to http://www.fair-and-green.com/ or call 530-582-0908 for more information!

A Night in Bethlehem

Sierra Bible Church and Cavalary Chapel of Truckee have come together this season to provide our residents and guests a special event for the first time. "A Night in Bethlehem" will be an interactive event held at Sierra Bible Church, where the ancient Judean town shall be re-created, complete with shops, shepards, innkeepers, and of course, Mary and Joseph with Child. Activities include baking bread with the baker over an open fire, making jewelry or pottery, tasting some first century sweets, or even speaking to Mary and Joseph, and learning about the story of Christmas and the times of Jesus' birth. "A Night in Bethlehem" will occur both Sunday (14th) and Monday(15th) evenings, from 6-9 pm. Won't you please come join us for this very unique and original event? Admission is free! Sierra Bible Church is located at 11460 Brockway Road, across the street from The Mountain Home Center. Parking is available in the church parking lot, or across the street in the Sierra Tech center.

Northstar At Tahoe opens it's slopes!

Tomorrow, Saturday December 6th, marks opening day at Northstar At Tahoe for skiers and riders! With this week's unexpected overnight cold snap, the snowmachines were able to create enough snow to cover runs for both Arrow and Vista lifts to accomodate those eager to get their ski on! Not a skier? The ice rink is open too, and with $5 skate rentals, it is a fantastic and cost-effective way to have some family fun. After skating or skiing, stop on by Mikuni for a spicy tuna roll or a shot of sake, spend some time strolling the Village shops!

Town planners OK riverside hotel

Truckee planners have recently approved a new hotel build, to be located on the southside of West River Street in downtown Truckee. Hotel Avery will be nearly 50,000 square feet and include 40 condo/hotel units, a restaurant, and underground parking. JMA Ventures, owners of Alpine Meadows and Homewood ski resorts, will develop the property, and offer the condos for sale to be used part-time, up to 90 days a year. The rest of the time the units will be rented out as hotel rooms. In the past, the area has remained vacant and undeveloped, being used primarily as unpermitted over-flow parking for downtown events. Once built, owners, guests, and shoppers alike will be able to use a connecting bike trail and sidewalk to access the hotel and restaurant and walk downtown safely.

Full Circle Movement Opens its Doors

You are invited to an open house celebrating the opening of Truckee's newest Pilates, Gyrotonics and Gyrokinesis center, Full Circle Movement. Owners Paula Smith and Sarah Bailey come with many years experience in these specialised movement systems, and are offering interactive demonstrations and short massages, given by their in-house therapist Jen Fluharty, on Saturday, November 8th, from 9 am to 1 pm. As Pilates has become more of a house-hold word, many have never heard of Gyrotonics or Gyrokinesis, a movement System that focuses on spiral and circular motions, with the help of apparatus, to strengthen the core and improve joint articulation and mobility as well as increasing overall flexibility. It is much like Pilates in that there is no impact on the joints, and uses equipment to attain position.
Full Circle Movement is located in The Rock on Old Brockway Road, at the Sierra Meadows Roundabout. Hope to see you there!

Happy Halloween-Be Safe Out There!

I wanted to send a quick message out to all Truckee/Lake Tahoe locals who are planning on going trick or treating or attending parties tonight. Please be aware, we have a winter storm warning today through monday, and although we will see mostly rain this evening, those slick roads and glared lights will make it hard for all drivers to spot pedestrians. So be safe, carry lots of lighting with you, hold your child's hand, and please don't drink and drive!!

Happy Halloween!!

Foam Fest supports Disabled Sports USA, Far West!

Support Disabled Sports at the 19th Annual Foam Fest!

Purchase your tickets online!
CLICK HERE to purchase event tickets and raffle tickets online!
Beer enthusiasts can sample from more than 35 microbreweries on Saturday, October 18 when Disabled Sports USA Far West hosts its 19th annual FOAM FEST at the Tahoe Biltmore Hotel and Casino. The festival goes from 7:00 to 10:30 PM and attendees can taste great beer, dance to "Sol Jibe" and get chances to win cool raffle prizes such as season passes to Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl & Northstar !
Admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door, which includes a commemorative glass.CLICK HERE to purchase event tickets and raffle tickets online! Or call 530-581- 4161 for tickets and information. Must be 21 or older to attend. All proceeds benefit the winter and summer adaptive sports programs of Disabled Sports USA Far West

In the Mood, Friends of Fro

Local writer and good friend to many in the Lake Tahoe community, Robert Frolich, AKA Fro, has been diagnosed with, and is fighting, cancer. On Sunday October 19th 2008 please show your support by attending "In the Mood, Friends of Fro" fundraiser. The event will take place at Alpine Meadows from 4:30 to 9:30pm. Help spread the word and get 'in the mood' with an amazing evening of food and audio/visual entertainment to support our good friend Fro.

Look forward to: Dinner by a selection of Tahoe's finest restaurants including; Christy Hill, Wolfdales, Grahams, River Ranch, River Grill, Garwoods, Treats by Melanie Jackson, Tahoe House, Moody's Bistro, Mamasake, Jakes on the Lake, Dragonfly, Plumpjacks, Granlibakken, Blue Coyote, Sunnyside and more;. Music will include an all-star lineup of Tahoe's Favorite musicians; a multimedia show by Tahoe's renowned cameramen including Tom Day, Hank DeVre, Court Leve, Dave Norad, Scott Gaffney, Steven Siig and Keoki Flagg; Silent Auction and Raffle, featuring incredible prizes from our community and abroad including great trips, vacation rentals, dining, cool gear and full season passes from our favorite ski areas. Suggested ticket donation is $60.00 per person or $100.00 per couple. Tickets are available at Tahoe Daves, Porters, Wild Cherries and Alices Market. Please join us and support our friend, Fro!!

Reno Air Races this weekend

The Reno Air Races have begun, and you don't want to miss the action! Open to the public, the all-day event incorporates mutiple race classes with air demonstrations by the USAF Thunderbirds and aerobatic pilot John Klatt and his single-prop Staudacher S-300D. Races typically begin at 8:00 at the Stead airport, just 10 minutes north of Reno off of 395N, and action continues until 4 pm. Children under 8 are free, so gather up the whole family! There is always something going on in the sky, so don't miss this rarely occuring event!

Property Taxes got you down? Reassess with Nevada County!

Over the summer I overheard a conversation from a fellow Realtor about her property taxes and how she and her husband had called the Nevada County Assessor's office and asked to have their property value re-assessed. You see, they had just purchased their Truckee home in 2006, and according to current market valuations, their home was worth nearly $170,000 less than what they had purchased it for. Upon hearing this, I promptly went home and told my husband about their situation, as it mirrored ours; we had bought our new primary residence in September of 06, and we clearly had seen a downturn in value as well. A quick call to the assessor's office confirmed the talk: They lowered my home value by nearly $70,000, and as of this November, we will see the adjusted value resulting in lower property taxes. If you are in a similar situation, and purchased your primary residence in 2005 or 2006, I urge you to call the Nevada County Assessor's office and confirm that they are indeed lowering your home's value to today's property valuation. The number to call is: 530-265-1232

Stand Up Paddle on the Lake

Stand Up Paddleboarding (or SUP) isn't just for surfers any more, and Lake Tahoe is the perfect scenic location to get your feet wet and enjoy this old sport tradition. There are 2 more opportunities this summer to sample this sport in environmentally-focused "competitions":

Ta-hoe Nalu, a non-profit local group, is hosting the second annual Stand Up Paddle Classic on August 16th, with a recreational open paddle and an all day family-friendly atmosphere. Another event, called "Stand up for Tahoe", will circumnavigate the lake, with plans to hold beach clean-ups along the way. This event benefits the Washoe Elders Cultural Program.

And if you just want to try the sport on your own, with no pressure, be sure to call Phil at Tahoe Paddle and Oar in Kings Beach, he can set you up with a board and paddle, and some initial instruction, if you like! You can reach Phil at (530) 581-3029

Shakespeare at the Lake isn't just for Adults

When we think of the Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor, we often plan a night out with our significant others or friends, a night sure to be filled with laughter and good food and drink. But did you know that the folks at production provide a way for youngsters to be involved in theater too? The D.G. Menchetti young Shakespeare program offers fourteen free matinee productions geared towards the younger patron, and is a great introduction to William's works as well as theater production in general. Also available this summer are week-long theater camps designed for children and young adults. Theater performers and educators work all week with students, and end the training with a short performance to be performed on the Sand Harbor Stage. What an experience! As Longfellow said, "Youth comes but once in a lifetime"-Give your youth something special this summer! To learn more, go to:
http://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com/education

Downtown Truckee Thursdays-Be Local!

A new weekly event has come to town, one that is sure to get most Truckee locals out and about on Thursday nights: Downtown Truckee Thursdays is a new concept to get people to "Think local. Be local. Buy local. Give local." Encompassing Commercial Row, Jibboom Street, Brickletown, West River and Church Street, the idea is to provide art, children's entertainment, outdoor activities, shopping, and dining all in one evening, every week. Free parking is available, and among the activities are a climbing wall, puppet show, wine tasting (at several locations), food tasting (also at several locations), live music, art displays (from local artists), caricature drawings, and of course, shops and restaurants will be open for patronage. This is an appropriate outing for the whole family, and who knows, you may discover a shop, delicacy, winery, artist, or new/old friend you never knew existed in our delightful little town! Truckee Thursdays begins at 4pm and shuts down around 8 pm every thursday, and offers free parking and bike parking as well. Can't wait to see you there!

Losing a friend and role model

I've had better weeks. With the 4th of July approaching, a long weekend of time with my family to look forward to, I was in great spirits. But when I learned of my client and friend's disappearance on July 2 during a routine flight in his experimental aircraft, my spirit sank, and thus ensued a 2 day roller coaster of searching, hopeful feedback, random pieces of information, and devastation. My friend Clay Beck tragically is gone, and our community is a lesser one because of it. He shaped the lives of many, from the athletes he coached, to his wife he fell in love with in a heartbeat, to the old generation of skiers who longed for the days of longboards and leather straps. An avid pilot, Clay had that undeniable pull to the skies, and enjoyed talking about it with anyone who shared the passion of flight. I was lucky enough to enjoy a birthday flight last fall with him in the same aircraft that crashed last wednesday, and I will tell you, it will stand out in my collection of memories as one of the most thrilling hours of my life. My heart breaks for Clay's family, his wife Lisa, and their two young sons...may his children hold firm in their heart their father's stories and memories, and through them, come to know their father as the spectacularly kind, giving, loving and magnetic individual that so rarely comes into our world.

California's Ablaze!

Enough said!! Despite our high altitude, we are still experiencing heavy smoke cover and unsafe breathing conditions up here in the Sierras. Some people, like myself, are having a hard time catching breath and keeping energy levels up, and now my daughter's preschool has elected to keep the children indoors until the smoke lifts a little. This weekend's forecast only dims the light even more, with lightning and thunderstorms forecasted for the next 3-4 days...yikes! I'd stay put if you don't live in the area, as things could get even more interesting up here.

Incline Lake to Become Public Property

A scenic alpine lake and private enclave overlooking Lake Tahoe that once served as a playground for the rich and famous should be in the public's hands this summer, under a compromise announced Wednesday.
"Today marks another historic milestone in our efforts to preserve the Lake Tahoe Basin," Ensign said. "The Incline Lake property is truly spectacular, including some of the most breathtaking views in Nevada that will now be protected for all of the public to enjoy. It's an awe-inspiring site, and through this agreement we are ensuring that this oasis will be enjoyed by our grandchildren and generations beyond."
The lake will remain closed until next year while all improvements, including buildings, foundations, water tanks and utilities, are removed, landowners said. While Preservation won over Development, Norm Nash, president of Incline Lake Corp., responded to the sale with some sadness, stating "As much as I am pleased the property will be preserved for the public, part of me will always see a great development opportunity lost." Thank goodness the U.S. Forest Service had an extra $46 million (+) hanging around in it's pocket!

Tahoe WonderGirl celebrates Good Health!

Looking for something to do this weekend that is great for families? Girls on the Run will host the Tahoe WonderGirl 5K event at Truckee River View Sports Park on June 8 starting at 9 a.m. A non-competitive, family-friendly run/walk, the event is open to Girls on the Run members as well as family, friends and community members who want to join in on the celebration of good health. Day-of registration is $20. Girls on the Run/Sierras is a local chapter of a nationally organized group focused on educating young elementary school aged girls on the benefits of exercise and good health habits. Coaches and mentors support the young participants weekly and provide an extra shoulder to lean on or ear to bend. For more information on this event and the group itself, please visit www.girlsontherunsierras.org.

Memorial Day Weekend in Truckee

Take a moment to remember our Vets and our courageous actives in Military this holiday weekend. The true essence of Memorial Day is to honor those who have served, are serving, are injured or ill, or have lost their lives for the freedoms our country provides.

Looking for something to do while in Truckee? The Annual Truckee Home and Building Show (with Green Building Symposium) is occurring all weekend long at Truckee High School. Admission is $5 and benefits our local schools. The Historic Jail will be open for touring all weekend long, so pop on in and get a taste of Truckee's "dark" past!

Prudential CA Realty is holding a Parade of Open Homes all weekend, with a $300 Gas Giveaway to a lucky prospective home buyer! A variety of homes in Truckee, Tahoe City, Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley will be open, times and locations are listed in the Sierra Sun. I will be at 15399 Glenshire Drive this Sunday from 10 am to noon, so look for the sign and balloons!

Truckee has a New Running Club!

I have been running on and off for roughly 10 years, almost always alone, so when my neighbor Lucia Lake decided to create a local running group on Yahoo!Groups, I was thrilled and immediately signed up. Within one month of originating, the group has nearly 60 members and regularly scheduled runs of all types every week. This is great news for anyone who is sick of their iPod music and is game for meeting like-minded people who enjoy a little fresh air now and then. The group also lists events on the calendar, like upcoming running events/races and local socials. The first social is coming up May 24th at 50/50 Brewery. Bring the family and get to know other local runners of all ages and abilities, from Olympic hopefuls to the new mom workin' that stroller! For more information, or to become a member, go to:
Truckee Running Club Come join the fun!

Squaw hosts Earth Day today, Cushing Classic tomorrow!

It's a busy weekend at Squaw Valley, with the Village hosting a myriad of green and earth-friendly themed booths and exhibits today, Saturday April 26th. Live music, food and drink will also be available, and an eco-parade just for the kids. Don't miss this all-day event! Tomorrow marks the 18th Annual Cushing Classic, or pond-crossing, an event that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Registration is at noon, and the competition begins at 2pm, with a 2008-2009 season pass awarded to the crosser with the most style and ingenious costume! It's a beautiful weekend, so come on out to Squaw Valley!

Truckee Kidzone Museum offers new exhibit, "Texas Hold 'Em" Night

The Truckee Kidzone Museum, located in the tent building next to Truckee High School, has it's doors closed this week while it readies itself for a new exhibit, called "into Africa". With all the support, donations, and talented artists our town offers, I'm sure the exhibit will be just as impressive as past exhibits. The museum will reopen on April 29th, and following quickly next month will be the museum's largest annual fundraiser, "Texas Hold 'Em" at the Olympic Village Inn (OVI) in Squaw Valley on Saturday, May 31. This event is very popular, so call up a friend, pull those chaps out of hiding, and get your bull-riding skills in order...and new this year, mechanical calf ropping! You don't want to miss it!

Truckee Follies Returns-let the Roasting Begin!

If you haven't gone yet to see this outrageous show, produced "quasi-annually", then don't let another year pass! The Truckee Follies returns on April 23-26 at the Truckee Community Center, and this year's performance is sure to ease the tension we're all feeling right about now. Themed "Round-about Truckee" after our ever-growing concrete crop-circles, highly public persons and local issues will be torn at and publically humiliated in front of an audience enjoying drink, food and the luxury of being on the other side of the roast. “It’s a great tradition because we get to see friends make an ass of themselves,” Lynelle Tyler, the show's director, said. “If you’re the target of a joke, it’s only because you’re popular.” Tickets are already on sale, and all four performances are expected to sell out. The event is sponsored by the Truckee Downtown Merchant’s Association, and proceeds benefit the beautification projects in Truckee — from Christmas decorations to spring foliage. Revenue from ticket sales will also provide $1,000 scholarships to four Truckee high school students.

Benefit Bash coming up! Get Your Dancin' Shoes On!

The 14th Annual Benefit Bash is this Saturday night, at Alpine Meadows Lodge. This event is one of Disabled Sports' biggest fundraisers, and is a blast for all who participate. Entertainment this year is brazilian band, Sambada. Tickets are $55 in advance or $60 at the door and include fine wine and microbrew tasting, buffet dinner, silent auction and mystery raffle. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go HERE. The night starts at 7:00, with doors opening at

6 pm, and goes until 10:00 pm. Come support one of Tahoe's neatest organizations, and bring a friend! See you on Saturday!

Dinner with the Nations provides outreach

If you live or visit Lake Tahoe or Truckee during the winter time, the sight of kids trying to hitch a ride on the side of the road is a common one. If you have ever stopped to help, you will often find these young adults are from Argentina, or Chili, or maybe even New Zealand. Every year a new batch appears in our towns, looking for housing, usually already set up with work, and buying up the cheapest cars for sale to help them get through our harsh winters. But have you ever gone beyond the occasional lift, and delved deeper into who these young men and women are? Well, Beverly Schnobrich thought about it, and after giving numerous rides, decided to start asking these people to dinner. With more dinners, a plan was hatched between Beverly, Pastor Wayne Hoag and the deacons of Sierra Bible Church to provide a weekly dinner prepared just for our international workforce. And so ensued The Dinner with the Nations, an ever growing event that has served over 100 people at a time a plentiful meal, friendship, and thankfullness for their service to our community, no matter how short. To read more about this amazing ministry, check out Dinner with the Nations.

Squaw's Spring Pass is Now Available!

Squaw Valley USA is offering a Spring Pass this season, for $179 per passholder. This pass is valid from March 30, 2008 everyday (including weekends) through the end of the season, and the amount may be applied to next years' full season pass. The Spring Pass also allows a passholder access to the Lagoon and Spa at High Camp without charge. What a great gift for a client or dear friend/family member! Go to http://www.squaw.com/ to download the order form or pay online! Rock on, Squallywood!

Statewide MLS approved, Tahoe Sierra Board not "on board" yet!

The C.A.R. (California Association of Realtors) Board of Directors has approved the establishment of a statewide MLS. The hybrid multiple listing service for California (the “California MLS”) will be owned and operated by C.A.R. The next step is to determine which local associations and regions MLSs are ready to move forward in this effort. C.A.R. has already collected statements of intent from the local associations and regional MLSs who wish to participate. The Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service DID NOT sign a letter of intent and is taking a “watch’ position at this time. Stay tuned for further updates as the year progresses!

Truckee's Winter History is Rich

Considered by many to be the birthplace of the winter sports industry, Truckee's Hilltop and surrounding areas were once hosts to activities such as ski-jumping, tobagganing, dog-sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing during various special events like "The Fiesta of the Snows" and The Great Truckee Winter Carnival. Designed to counter-act the economic repercussions of a diminishing lumber industry (Truckee's primary industry) in the late 1800s, town leaders brilliantly realized other options to bring the town together economically, with the first Ice Palace constructed in 1895 in the heart of downtown Truckee, followed in 1909 and 1910 with the Winter Carnival showcasing ski jumping exhibitions and the revolutionary steam powered toboggan lift. More people started to participate in winter sports on a weekly basis, and the events grew to such popularity that the Truckee Chamber of Commerce took over the winter operations in 1912. By 1913 an average of 700 people attended the weekend winter carnival. Not too shabby for a town with a population of 2000! To learn more about Truckee's wild beginnings and revel in our rich history, check out http://www.truckeehistory.org/.

Tahoe Donner Home for Sale!

I am selling a wonderful second home/investment property or first home in the Tahoe Donner community. Priced at $415,000, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1 car garage has seen plenty of updates over the past 6 years, including:

30 year comp roof

Low-E windows

Bamboo Flooring

Slate Tile

bathroom vanity and lighting updates

Recessed lighting in kitchen and living room

Newer fridge, range, microwave and dryer

Interior/Exterior paint

deck

2,000 square feet of irrigated lawn and landscaping (front and back)

Rental history too! For more information, go to: http://www.katiebentyhomes.com/

Snowfest comes to Lake Tahoe!

Snowfest 2008, beginning tomorrow February 29 and continuing through the following weekend, is here, and many new events have been added to the schedule this year. Every day is packed with activities for the whole family and for the party hardy, so check it out! Here are a few events to get you warmed up:

Friday February 29:
Fireworks, D.J.s and live music from the Space Cowboys, and the Opening Night Party are being held at Squaw Valley USA, and begin at 7 pm at the base of KT 22...little ones welcome!

Saturday March 1:
The remarkable Jimmie Huega Mountain Challenge runs through the weekend at Squaw Valley, challenge you and your team members to ski/snowboard GS races and a poker run, or just come out and watch the fun!
SnowBomb Sick and Twisted Big Air Contest is being held all day at Homewood ski resort on the west shore.
The annual SnowFest Parade begins at 11:30 am in Tahoe City, this is a great event for your children to check out after stuffing themselves with pancakes at the T.C. Fire Station!

Sunday March 2:
The notorious Dog Pull is held this year at the Tahoe City golf course, and begins at 12 sharp.
Sunnyside hosts once again it's famous Luau, with an all you can eat buffet and drink specials beginning at 5:30...bring an empty stomach!

2+ Feet of Snow, Now We're Talkin'!

Yesterday, February 25, was quite a scene at Squaw Valley. After nearly 4 days of snow, the mountain was a blanket of white, and the sky was the bluest blue. Temps rose to nearly 50 degrees, and the vibe was sheer joy and elation. You could feel the energy wherever you went, whether it was sitting on a chair, flying through chutes that were unpassable last week, or hanging out at one of the many haunts apres ski. My hang-out choice was Le Chamois, at the base, where the average age of patrons appeared to be 26...hmmm, maybe a little out of my league, with 4 year old in tow, but it was great none the less! It was my daughter's second true powder day, and she finished strong by skiing the 3 mile long Mountain Run at 2pm-a great day, indeed! This week we're expected to have beautiful skies and warm temps throughout, so until the next storm, I guess it's California sun!

Economy Contributes to Non-Traditional Sales Types

It has been some time since the real estate industry, on a large-scale basis, has had to deal with foreclosures, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, short sales and the like. Unfortunately, distress sales of real property, resulting from a convergence of tightening credit, falling property values, and the consequences of prior lending practices, are all too common, and Lake Tahoe/Truckee is not immune. Whether the property falls under the above scenarios, or is REO (Real Estate Owned), certain tax surprises may lurk for the homeowner/seller/defaulter. Here is a comprehensive

Q and A that the California Association of Realtors has published to help de-mystify some tax implications and definitions behind these predicaments. And as always, a quick phone call to your trusted Real Estate Agent, Tax Accountant or Loan Broker can help clear the fog. Use these professionals, they are here to help!

North Lake Tahoe PUD rescinds sewer ordinance

North Tahoe sewer lateral ownership overturned
North Tahoe utility responds to outcry

By Julie Brown, Sierra Sun

The North Tahoe Public Utility District board of directors surrendered to public complaints and criticisms at their meeting Tuesday and rescinded Ordinance 371, which would have given district property owners full responsibility over their entire sewer lateral. Board member Sue Daniels made the motion to take back the ordinance, which was originally adopted in December 2007. “That is the heart and soul of what we are,” Daniels said. “The public utility district is supposed to take on the tasks to take sewage out of the Basin.” The ordinance, which would have held individual property owners responsible for the entire pipeline that connects their residence to the sewer main, was drafted in reaction to the state’s Waste Discharge Requirements. The state legislation calls for stricter reporting of wastewater overflows where the district must report any spill caused by a blockage in a publicly owned sewer pipe. The ordinance was intended to protect the district from any increased liability that would be affected by the number and frequency of reported sewer spills. “This comes from legislation and having to report these spills,” said board President Lane Lewis, who was the sole member of the board to vote against Daniels’ motion. But the district’s property owners said they felt the ordinance was a way for the district to avoid responsibility.“From the public side, it just seems the [pud] is trying to shirk it’s responsibility,” said Peter Morris at the meeting. “It appears that in order to avoid reporting, you’re trying to hand it over to the private sector.” Jennifer Merchant of the Placer County’s executive office said the county was concerned the ordinance would place too much of a burden on property owners, especially if a lateral needs repair beyond the private property line and in the public’s right of way, which would require extensive permitting.“We would prefer that you rescind the ordinance,” Merchant said. “We respectfully request that that would occur.” After listening to the public at Tuesday's meeting, several board members agreed that the ordinance was implemented without thinking it through. “I think we made a hasty decision,” said board director Frank Mooney. Board Director John Bergmann said the district never implemented the ordinance to avoid responsibility. However, he felt the way the ordinance was drafted was not suitable for the North Tahoe district.

Statewide MLS approved by California Association of Realtors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF STATEWIDE MLS!

C.A.R.'s board of directors has approved a plan to establish a statewide hybrid multiple listing service for California (the "California MLS"), which will be owned and operated by C.A.R. This effort is focused on providing the most innovative and cost effective MLS services delivered to members through their local association or regional MLS. Its goal is to provide statewide coverage of listing data to all those who choose to participate. The next step is to determine which local associations and regional MLSs are ready to move forward in this groundbreaking effort.
This is promising news that our industry and reigning entity C.A.R. is stepping up to take back control of real estate information that has been so loosely and incorrectly thrown around by other information meccas like Google and Zillow. With so much information on the internet, and no one governing the validity and current correctness of any of it, consumers are being misled on issues such as home prices, comparison studies, values, and number of homes sold or on market. A statewide MLS will harness the most accurate sales data, and current market stats to provide our clients and consumers the best information possible and enable accurate home-buying desicions. Way to go, C.A.R.!!

48 Straight comes to Squaw Valley!

Called "The Loudest Show on Snow", this montage of ski racing, big names, fashion shows and live music comes to Squaw Valley on February 8-11. A re-make of last years' Honda Ski Tour, Jeep King of the Mountain has picked up extra "cool" points by climbing on board the ski/snow culture celebration not to be missed. Squaw receives a major face-lift as enormous tents are placed in the middle of parking lots, every venue is packed with live music or D.J.'s, and persons like Daron Rahlves and Sarah Burke wander the village when they're not killing it on the snow. If there was ever a time to come up and experience an energy that is simply uncontainable, it is this weekend. So check it out; tickets are available through local shops like New Moon Natural Foods in Truckee, Alice's market in Squaw (next to Post Office), or online at TicketWeb. I'll be there, will you?

Ritz Carlton/Northstar taking Sales Reservations

Make your reservation NOW for this outstanding fractional ownership opportunity. Be a part of the Ritz Carlton Club and have access to Sister Clubs located in beautiful locations such as St. Thomas, Hawaii, and Aspen, CO. For more information, contact Katie Benty at (530) 318-8280 or email: katie.benty@prurealty.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON CLUB, LAKE TAHOE OVERVIEW:

• 78 Club Residences • Rotating & Fixed Calendars• Two-, Three- and Four-bedroom • 21 days of use per year (1/12 interest)• 1,533 – 2,658 square feet • Additional use available on space available basis

PRICING:

• Two-bedroom starting at $200,000• Three-bedroom starting at $300,000• Four-bedroom starting at $450,000

RESIDENCE AMENITIES:

• Master Suites • Gas Fireplaces• Bathrooms with double vanities • Balconies• Fully equipped gourmet kitchens • Washer and Dryers

CLUB AMENITIES:

• Heated Pool & Whirlpool Hot Tubs • Members’ Lounge• Ski Valet and Locker Facilities • Poolside Grille• Fitness Center • Multi-purpose Boardroom• Tahoe Mountain Club • Member Storage

SERVICES:

• Twice-Daily Housekeeping • In-Residence Dining• Ski Valet • Dedicated Concierge Services• Pre-Stock Groceries • Storage/Set-Up of Personal Items• Hotel Benefits

SISTER CLUBS:

The following portfolio of Clubs has been announced:• Aspen Highlands (in current operations)• Bachelor Gulch (in current operations)• St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. (in current operations with a sequel announced)• Jupiter, Fl (in current operations)• Kapalua Bay• Kauai Lagoons• San Francisco (accepting contracts)• South Beach (accepting contracts)
Reciprocal use is available at these Clubs by trading allocated time or on a space-available basis.

Fed Drop Rates 3/4 Point-What does this Mean?

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Hoping to halt a market meltdown and prevent a recession, the Federal Reserve lowered its overnight lending rate by three quarters of a percentage point to 3.50% on Tuesday in a rare move between formal meetings.
The 75 basis-point surprise cut came after global financial markets sold off in dramatic fashion on Monday on fears that bad bets in credit markets could spread further and drive the U.S. economy into recession. .
"The committee took this action in view of a weakening economic outlook and increasing downside risks to growth," the Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement.
The Fed also lowered its discount rate by 75 basis points to 4%.
It was the largest cut in the federal funds rate since 1982, after the FOMC had driven rates to 20% to kill inflation.
U.S. stocks opened with huge losses. At mid-day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down about 150 points, or more than 1%. Treasurys rallied.
"This move is not an instant fix," wrote Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S.
economist for High Frequency Economics. "The economy is still staring recession in the face, but at least the Fed now gets it."
By cutting rates now instead of waiting a week, the FOMC showed that it's much more concerned about the financial markets and the economy slipping into recession than it was just a month ago, when the committee cuts its target for the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point to 4.25%.
Over time, rate cuts should stimulate economic growth by making it cheaper to borrow money for consumption or investment. Banks typically lower their prime lending rate for their best customers in lockstep with the Fed. Many consumer and business loans, however, are based on interest rates set in competitive markets, which may or may not follow the Fed's lead.
The Fed has now lowered interest rates by 1.75 percentage points since Sept. 18.

For more on what this means, and how it affects our real estate industry, read HERE.

Upcoming Resort Events you don't want to miss!

Looking for something unique to do in the next 7 days? Squaw Valley has a number of different events and clinics lined up for just about anyone.

This weekend, Squaw hosts the Teen Freeride Camp, a premiere camp for teens focusing on the origins of the freeride movement and sharpening skills for mastering terrain park and big mountain skiing & riding.

All new this year is Tubbs Guided Mountaintop Full Moon Snowshoe tours, occurring January 20-22. Enjoy the beauty and stillness of a mountaintop under the glow of the full moon-a truly memorable event!

And the following weekend offers a rare opportunity to see legendary British band, The English Beat, performing at the Squaw Valley Olympic Village Lodge on January 26th. Tickets are $20 in advance, and doors open at 8pm. For more information, go to http://www.renegadeshows.com/.

Also along the music scene, Northstar at Tahoe has a special musical event lined up on January 24th, featuring local musician and pro-skier Matt Reardon and band performing at the Village ice-rink. Matt's talent is undeniable, and if you like moving and intelligent lyrics matched with a solid rock sound, then you CANNOT miss this special event! I will post more Reardon information next week, so stay tuned!

Truckee Railyard Master Plan Public Workshop

The town of Truckee is holding a Public workshop on the issue of the Railyard Project and it's development wednesday night, January 16th, at the Truckee Town Hall by the Truckee Airport. If you are not familiar with the Railyard Project, it is a development plan for the area just east of historic downtown, encompassing the railyard balloon, Tahoe Truckee Lumber land, and other privately owned parcels, including Union Pacific Railroad and Truckee Development Associates, LLC. The developed area will extend Donner Pass Road eastwardly toward Trout Creek, and then reconnect with Glenshire Drive at the Trout Creek/Tahoe Tree Company landscaping business. According to the Vision statement for the Railyard Project,
"The Master Plan goals and policies support creating a seamless transition between the new development and the historic core, developing greater diversity and intensity of activities, including retail, restaurant, local services, and entertainment uses. The Master Plan also provides opportunities to increase the Town’s supply of affordable and workforce housing", a topic of concern and constant review within our sierra community.

The Railyard Project is an exciting one to learn about, as it has the capabilities of pulling several sections of our downtown community together in a more cohesive and coherent unit, and can allow for the conjunction of the Trails and Pathways from the southside of Truckee river with the commerce northside, increasing foot/bike traffic and commercial abilities in otherwise under-utilized zones. Please check it out, this could further change the face of Truckee!

Fed to Cut Rates Again!!

“We stand ready to take substantive additional action as needed to support growth and to provide adequate insurance against downside risks,” says Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke just 2 hours ago in a prepared statement.

(courtesy of the Associated Press)

Pledging to slash interest rates yet again to prevent housing and credit problems from plunging the country into a recession, the Fed Chief made clear the central bank was prepared to act aggressively to rescue a weakening economy. The above statement is a bold one that flies in the face of recent criticism that Bernanke has not acted more aggressively to deal with the economy's problems.

Some economists believe the Fed will slice its key interest rate by a half percentage point when the Fed meets next on Jan. 29 and 30. Others, however, think the Fed will go with a more modest one-quarter percentage point reduction, given concerns that high energy prices could spark inflation.

Federal actions over the course of 2007 have resulted in 3 lowered key rates, including its last cut, on Dec. 11, which left the rate at 4.25 percent, a two-year low.

Read Here for full article

Another 6 to 12 inches!

And, here we go again! After a spectacular day of skiing yesterday, our beautiful town is getting hit with another storm that should nicely wipe away all the tracks from yesterday, so tomorrow should be a dream for skiers and riders. Is work slow? The kids not quite ready to return to school? Play hooky, and come back up to enjoy our winter wonderland! I myself will be at Squaw Valley on Thursday, and assisting some students at Disabled Sports USA, located at Alpine Meadows, on Friday. What a great way to end the week!

Get yer Gear, Cuz Winter's Here!

I just spent a good portion of my morning in the fine hands of Christian Dennis, owner of Elite Feet, a custom boot fitting and gear store located in Squaw and Northstar. Watching it nuke outside, knowing that my new boot liners were going to serve me well come monday, brought back that old familiar feeling of excitement, nervousness, and energy...I can't wait! And just in case you haven't been following the storm totals, Squaw is reporting nearly 5 feet of new snow since yesterday...and it's only 3 pm on saturday! Check out this radar shot from Weather Channel, I think it speaks for itself! Do yourself a favor, and plan on skiing or riding this week, as it should definately prove to be one of the more memorable weeks this season!

Happy New Year!!

As we ring in 2008 in the sierras, a storm is a brewin', and this news come not a day too soon! The national weather service is calling for "blizzard conditions" over Friday and Saturday, with "life-threatening" driving conditions, especially over high passes (if they are even accessible/open). So if you are not already in the area, and have plans to come up, I would put those plans on hold until Sunday. Next week should be a fun one on the slopes at any resort you choose, so hold tight until the weather clears, then come on up and enjoy some freshies! For those of you who are already up here, and want to test your humor and spandex, then Mt. Rose Ski Area is inviting one and all to come skiing on Saturday to participate in Elvis Day! In celebration of His Birthday, wear your best King glasses and white sequined one-pieces, and try to catch a glimpse of the King himself; he just may be the one checking your ticket!