CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Electronic Version
December 10, 2007
MANAGEMENT OBSERVATIONS
“The government is us; we are the government you and I.”
Theodore Roosevelt 1902
“Human dignity, economic freedom, individual responsibility…these are the characteristics that distinguish democracy from all other forms devised by man.”
Dwight Eisenhower 1947
“Democracy, the practice of self-government, is a covenant among free men to respect the rights and liberties of their fellows.”
Franklin Roosevelt 1939
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY FIRE SAFE
Our recent experience with the Angora Fire and the fires in Southern California demonstrate clearly the threat to the environment and the threat to life and property that we face from catastrophic fire. Catastrophic fire in the Tahoe Basin will destroy the hard work and effort of all of us to improve water quality, air quality, create habitat, build a strong and diverse economy, and protect the lives and property of people who live and recreate here.
Catastrophic fire will not wait ten years as proposed in the USFS Fuel Reduction Plan. I understand that the USFS already spends approximately 50% of the funding for fuels reduction either directly or indirectly on environmental studies prior to beginning work, or on monitoring of environmental impacts afterward. They do so because they are required to do so. This existing timeline dramatically reduces the amount of funds available to reduce the actual fire threat. These existing studies already add years to the time table for actual fuel reduction.
The recently reported U.S. District Court ruling against the USFS regarding the need for even more environmental studies to be done before fuel reduction can proceed creates a cloud on whether local officials and informed and responsible regulatory agency representatives in this Region will be able to effectively reduce dangerous fuel levels before the next major fire. Those of us who live in the real world understand that government at all levels must and will take the steps necessary to reduce fuels and hazards and create defensible space in the wild land-urban interface. We have no choice. The health and welfare of our environment and our communities depend on us. Catastrophic fire will not wait for more court-mandated studies over years to tell us how to reduce the threat. We already know.
As the members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council, TRPA Governing Board, Bi-State Fire Commission and fire safe council know, fuel reduction needs to be in the hands of fire prevention professionals and fire suppression and prevention agencies whose staff is trained and understand the danger and the solution to catastrophic fire. All of us must use the most effective and environmentally sensitive means to achieve our fire prevention goal, and we must not be deterred by those who argue for more studies before engaging in fuel reduction. Catastrophic fire will not wait for us, and we cannot “fiddle while Rome burns.”
SHOULD A NEW REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA BE CREATED? – What should or should not be done?
Background
In September 2006 the City Council directed staff to begin the process of examining whether creating a new redevelopment project area (No.2) would be possible and benefit the community. The City Council defined a Survey Area (study area), on September 11, 2007, approving a Revised Redevelopment Survey Area Resolution and recommendations will then be brought back regarding whether to create a new project area. The study is underway and public meetings will be held for comment and input before any redevelopment plan is presented for action by the City Council. The first of several public meetings is being scheduled for late in January of 2008 with more meetings in the Spring of 2008.
The use of redevelopment a new project area will be quite different than the existing redevelopment activities near Stateline. The issues and concerns on this side of town are quite different than the ones discussed in the late 1980’s when the first redevelopment project area was created and proposed projects were already identified. The redevelopment financing tools must be used to achieve top-priority community objectives that are consistent with the adopted community plan (and City General Plan) and the need to focus on redevelopment to serve the resident community. Redevelopment is envisioned to be primarily a financing tool for Project Area #2 if the City Council elects to approve a redevelopment plan next year.
The City Council already is focusing attention on achieving the following objectives in a new project area, if one is created:
A. Finance storm drainage, erosion control and water quality improvements including, where eligible, BMP’s needed on public and private property or the equivalent of same.
B. Finance re-construction and major repair to public streets including the installation of lighting needed and desired in existing neighborhoods.
C. Finance domestic water system improvements and/or acquisition, if feasible and desirable, to meet fire flow requirements under State law and water quality and reliability and minimize the impact of water system improvement costs to rate payers in the area. Collaborate with other public water agencies and the private company to the extent this is feasible and prudent to examine options for system upgrade.
D. Provide low-interest home improvement loans and grants to eligible residents of the new project area for homes in need of repair to meet health and safety issues.
E. Focus on strengthening and preserving residential and business neighborhoods.
F. Assist in developing high quality and attractive affordable housing units to assist existing residents living in substandard housing in the proposed project area.
G. Install and construct other public improvements to eliminate blight, create environmental enhancements, and improve the local economy of the area
H. Create opportunities for better pedestrian and bicycle use in the project area and linkage with other existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the community.
I. Assist in financing public open space and recreational facilities in the project area that are cost effective and can be maintained once built.
J. Assist with projects that eliminate blight and improve the economy of the area, improvement of business opportunities for existing businesses and new business opportunities in the area consistent with an approved TVCP.
K. Ensure that the use of all RDA funds in the area are consistent with approved community plans and the City’s General Plan
L. Eliminate blight
Is RDA Eminent Domain Needed to Achieve Plan Objectives?
Redevelopment financing tools must be tailored to the conditions that exist in a defined project area. Throughout California there is not one model that fits all. Successful redevelopment agencies with broad public support adapt redevelopment to meet existing conditions, concerns and needs and build a consensus with the community on desired goals and objectives.
The City Council has already publicly committed not to retain the power of the Agency to use eminent domain to acquire any residential properties in any new project area. Different conditions existed at Stateline than exist at the Y Area under study. Lessons were learned from the Stateline experience, and previous and existing City leaders viewed eminent domain as a necessary tool to achieve stated policy objectives, Clearly, even in the Stateline Area, conditions changed dramatically over the years from the extensive use of eminent domain for the first Heavenly Village Project to the minimal use of it for the Convention Center/Hotel Project. Redevelopment, financing also has changed from risk taking by the public agency to risk taking by the private sector.
In my view eminent domain in a new redevelopment project area in and around the Y is not needed as well to acquire other non-residential properties for transfer to other private properties for economic development purposes. If redevelopment tools are going to be successful in the Y area then it will take a new level of cooperation and coordination between City government and private property owners. Eminent domain does not need to be part of a new plan and should not be. Redevelopment in a new project area can then truly be viewed not as “an invading army” but rather as a positive tool to assist in the economic and aesthetic renaissance of the area to help land owners and existing business owners in ways that they cannot finance or accomplish themselves.
The use of eminent domain by the RDA is not needed for any new redevelopment activity in a new project area, and the City Council will be asked to specifically eliminate this power of eminent domain in any new redevelopment plan that comes forward.
DAVID JINKENS
City Manager
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Dec. 3 SLT city manager's notes
CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Electronic Version
December 3, 2007
MANAGEMENT OBSERVATIONS
“Some people make things happen.
Some people watch things happen.
Some people wonder when it happened.” Zinerva White
“Change is inevitable, in our work lives as well as our personal lives. Most of us deal with far more change than we give ourselves credit for.” Zinerva White
STATE BUDGET UPDATE – A view from the League of California Cities - December 2, 2007
“Forecast of FY 2008-09 State Budget Looks Grim
The Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) issued a dour FY 2008-09 state budget forecast earlier this week, warning that the state must prepare for a $9.8 billion budget deficit. The report follows a statement from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week, calling for state agency department heads to reduce spending plans by 10 percent.
The state budget is expected to carry over $2 billion in debt from FY 2007-08. That amount, combined with the projected $8 billion shortfall between spending and revenue, brings the deficit to nearly $10 billion. Confirming the budgetary news at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 14, Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill also cautioned that the shortfall is anticipated for a number of years into the future.
LAO identified several factors contributing to the state's budget problem, including the lower state revenue projections due to the economy's current outlook, lower property taxes and impact on K-14 education funding. Additional factors include an expected delay in the sale of EdFund and its value, the delay in new tribal compact implementation and a court ordered payment to the state's teacher retirement system.
The Governor will issue his proposed FY 2008-09 state budget on Jan. 10, 2008…”
BIJOU EROSION CONTROL AND DRAINAGE PROJECT ALTERNATIVES BEING EXAMINED
Overview
Department of Public Works staff will be holding a public meeting on December 5, 2007 beginning at 6:30pm at the South Tahoe Ice Arena to discuss alternatives for addressing storm drainage and erosion control in the Bijou Area. The alternatives are not final plans. Staff will be looking for community comment on the alternatives, questions so that they can go back and develop a preferred alternative to be brought back later to the City Council and public for final review and action.
I told staff that it is important in emphasizing to all concerned parties that the three alternatives are just that…alternatives. Public works staff and our regional partners are examining options to improve drainage and erosion control in the Bijou Area and they want to have extensive public comment before making any final recommendations to the City Council for action. Staff is in an information- gathering stage now that is important to ascertain the best project, the most feasible project and the one that is most acceptable to the community. It is also important in my view to avoid where possible the acquisition of more privately-held land for project purposes and to use existing public lands for drainage improvements to the extent feasible and practical. Private owners of land who may be impacted by the final project alternative selection need to be actively consulted, listened to and fairly treated by local government.
Staff will also be requesting permission from the City Council on December 11, 2007 to get in line for possible grant funds to build the eventual preferred once it is identified. It is also important for staff to identify for each option the cost of maintenance for each alternative before making a final recommendation to the City Council after the initial public review and comment stage is over. City staff continues to see grant funds to be the primary source to pay for project construction. A Power Point presentation of the alternatives is available at the City’s website at: www.cityofslt.us/
The Project Manager is Sarah Hussong Johnson, PE who provides the following background information:
“Project Summary (Bijou Area Erosion Control Project Alternative Executive Summary)
The Bijou Area Erosion Control Project (ECP; Project) is a storm water quality improvement project for a developed area in the eastern portion of the City of South Lake Tahoe. The Project is a part of the TRPA’s Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) No. 172.
Project planning is being conducted pursuant to the Storm Water Quality Improvement Committee (SWQIC) process. In accordance with the SWQIC planning process, the Project Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which is comprised of City staff, the City’s consultant (Entrix, Inc.), permitting, funding, and regulatory agencies within the Tahoe Basin, has developed three possible alternatives for the overall watershed conceptual plan. The proposed project alternatives seek to improve the existing water quality conditions, recreational uses, and Stream Environment Zone (SEZ) areas within the project area. Pursuing alternatives that benefit all three thresholds is consistent with the EIP and achieves a broad range of benefits.
Alternatives
Due to the sensitivity of the project alternatives, City Staff will be presenting the proposed project to the City Council to gain feedback and support of the project. The following is a brief summary of the major components of each alternative, which may be of interest to the City Council due to financial, liability, land acquisition, and long-term planning issues.
1. Project Alternative One proposes a storm water drainage transfer from an adjacent watershed into the Project area, to improve storm water quality and reduce flooding in the adjacent watershed. This opportunity was identified in a hydrology study prepared for the City by Lumos and Associates in 2005. This alternative utilizes the Bijou Meadow to treat and infiltrate the storm water from the adjacent watershed, which has very limited opportunity for treatment, but has potential drainage law liability and cost issues.
Project Alternative One also proposes to relocate three holes of the Bijou golf course (including clubhouse and parking) from the lower portion of the meadow (closest to Fairway) to upper meadow in order to allow for SEZ restoration and improved storm water quality treatment in the lower portion of the meadow. This proposal would benefit the City by relocating the club house and parking to City owned property (from its current private property leased location), but has funding constraints.
2. Project Alternative Two proposes to restore the northern portion of Bijou Creek channel from the outlet of the Bijou Meadow to Lake Tahoe, which is currently contained in a constructed channel, piping, and culvert system from the outlet of the meadow to the lake. Inspections of the existing drainage system show that the drainage facilities in this area are undersized and failing. Additionally, there is currently no opportunity for treatment of highly-impacted storm water runoff from the Highway and commercial corridor before it enters the lake. This alternative will provide for conveyance of flood flows and treatment of storm water from the commercial corridor.
This alternative requires extensive property acquisition along Fairway and in the commercial corridor. The City estimates that five properties would require full acquisition and two properties would require easements. The full acquisition properties include parcels currently occupied by Heidi’s, Ski Run Liquors, a residence owned by Melvin Springmeyer, a vacant parcel, and conservation easement parcel owned by the Lake Shore Lodge. Easements would be required from the Bijou Center (Longs) and a vacant parcel owned by Knox Johnson. This alternative is beneficial from a water quality, flood control, SEZ restoration, and scenic perspective and is in accordance with the Bijou-Al Tahoe Community Plan. However, due to major funding constraints the City has applied for California Department of Water Resources Flood Control grant funding to support this alternative. If this funding is not received, the City does not anticipate this as being a viable option.
Additionally, Alternative Two proposes to relocate the Bijou golf course, clubhouse, and parking to the Bijou Park facility in the upper meadow. This would allow for increased SEZ restoration and improved storm water quality treatment in the lower portion of the meadow, as well as co-located recreational facilities. This proposal would benefit the City by relocating the club house and parking to City owned property (from its current private property leased location), but has funding constraints.
3. Project Alternative Three has the fewest changes to the existing condition, with the exception of a proposed pumping system to treat highly-impacted storm water runoff from the highway and commercial corridor. This alternative proposed to reroute the existing storm drain pipes that currently run under the Bijou Center and Lakeshore Lodge properties north of the Highway. This alternative proposes to reroute the storm drain piping to the City owned right-of-way along Bal Bijou Road to the existing outfall location, and to collect and pump highly-impacted storm water from the commercial corridor to the upper portion of the Bijou Meadow for treatment. This alternative is beneficial in that it provides for treatment of the highly-impacted storm water from the highway and commercial corridor. However, it is controversial in that it combines private BMP responsibility with a City project and it requires high capital cost for construction and has long-term operations and maintenance funding issues.”
HIGHWAY 50 ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
The Director of Public Works and I recently met with the District Director of Caltrans (and her staff), the Executive Officer of Lahontan (and his staff), County staff and the Executive Director of TRPA (and his staff) in Placerville to discuss the status of the Highway 50 Project. Out of that meeting questions were raised about the project. The District Director provided me with the following comments in response to questions and concerns raised. The reality is that at this time, the project in its entirety costs more than available dollars to Caltrans and TRPA. The District Director and her team remains and active partner in trying to find solutions to outstanding issues and concerns.
The District Director provided me with the following comments on November 30th:
“David, below are the answers to your questions. Tom Brannon has several meetings over the next few weeks with the agencies at Tahoe and is planning on going over all of this in detail. Please let me know if you have any further questions, or you can have John Greenhut contact Tom directly…
Splitting the projects for programming:
This week, we submitted our PCR to divide the "mother" project (EA 1A730, water quality improvements from Echo Summit to State Line) into four smaller projects:
1A731, Echo Summit to Myers, delivery in the 10/11 FY
1A732, Airport to Y, delivery in the 11/12 FY
1A733, Trout Creek to Ski Run (same limits as the STIP project),
delivery in the 9/10 FY
1A734, Ski Run to State Line, delivery in the 9/10 FY
As explained at our last meeting, we are moving the delivery years because there is insufficient funding capacity in the next two fiscal cycles to pay for all of the planned projects.
Budget discrepancies:
Our engineer's estimate for the STIP project from Trout Creek to Ski Run is higher than the programmed dollars. Nick Haven and I have discussed this. Nick had a larger figure for programmed dollars than we and we determined that this was because his figure included both construction support and construction capital dollars. Our shortfall is in the construction capital figure. I’m continuing to work with Nick to resolve this issue, but the fact is that we don't have sufficient funds to build the project at this time.
Water Quality Improvements:
We are working closely with our water quality consultant to complete the feasibility study of BMP's in the projects. We are communicating with Lahontan, and our commitment remains that as soon as we have a complete water quality strategy, we will meet with them. The current problem is that while we know where the water flows, there are locations that require the completion of the feasibility study before we know what treatment options are possible.
Elimination of the two way left turn lane from Ski Run to State Line:
We've completed an analysis of this idea. A full explanation will be presented at a future meeting, but there are such serious concerns with this idea that it will not be recommended:
maintenance snow removal operations would be adversely affected (snow
storage on the shoulder will block driveways; drainage systems will
be choked, causing flooding; snow removal will be much slower)
traffic operational issues (backups and congestion from left turns
out of the number 1 lane)
safety concerns (a rise in sideswipe and rear end accidents is
anticipated due to the increased congestion)”
SKI RUN BOULEVARD BUS SHELTERS TO BE INSTALLED
The Director of Public Works and Director of Parks and Recreation will be coordinating their respective Department efforts in the very near term to have installed on Ski Run Boulevard before the first snow two new bus shelters. One is set to be installed on Ski Run near Highway 50 and the other will be placed near the Deerfield Lodge.
When private parties could not proceed with the installation of these shelters, the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Directors stepped up to do so. Good job, gentlemen!
MEETING WITH LAFCO EXECUTIVE OFFICER
On Monday of this week I will be meeting with the Executive Officer of the El Dorado County Local Agency Formation Commission to discuss the status of the City’s existing sphere of influence and service delivery issues. Other City staff will be present for the meeting and the County CAO and staff will be joining us by telephone.
According to State law, in addition to other powers and duties including the establishment of spheres of influence, LAFCO’s in California are responsible for the following:
“56301. Among the purposes of a commission are discouraging urban
sprawl, preserving open-space and prime agricultural lands,
efficiently providing government services, and encouraging the
orderly formation and development of local agencies based upon local
conditions and circumstances. One of the objects of the commission
is to make studies and to obtain and furnish information which will
contribute to the logical and reasonable development of local
agencies in each county and to shape the development of local
agencies so as to advantageously provide for the present and future
needs of each county and its communities…”
LAFCO’s have no jurisdiction over land use.
AIRPORT REFUELING STATION ?
Airport staff has been approached by a company called Air Products that wants to locate a Hydrogen Refueling Station at the Lake Tahoe Airport.
Fred Mercado of the City Attorney’s Office provides the following explanation:
“Air Products, in conjunction with the forest service has approached us regarding installation of a mobile fueler system in the airport parking lot. Air Products, the company that owns and services the refueling trailers has a contract with the Department of Energy to site several of these around the country. One of the areas they want to use them is Lake Tahoe.
The Trailer will only be here during the summer months (removed during snow season). It will refuel the USFS vehicle and perhaps a couple more. (It will not be open to the public) It should not present an operational problem and would be good PR to support efforts to enhance the environment.
Fire Marshal Ray Zachau has reviewed the proposed site and plan and been involved in conference call discussions with Air Product Representative. The Trailer that houses the equipment is bulletproof with emergency bells, auto shut off and other safety features. ”
Staff will be examining the matter further to evaluate revenue opportunities, impact on existing airport and city hall operations, and aesthetic impacts. Staff will keep the City Council and Airport Commission updated.
AZTEC TRANSPORTATION USING AIRPORT PARKING LOT
For those of you who visit the airport, the Airport Director tells us that Aztec Transportation Bus Service will be using parking spaces in the upper airport parking lot throughout the winter season until the end of April. The parking spots they’ll be using are 22 spaces at the North end of the lot, in the vicinity of the fueling site. If there are any questions about the matter, please discuss them with the Airport Director Rick Jenkins. City government will be paid $440.00 a month for use of the space.
DAVID JINKENS
City Manager
Electronic Version
December 3, 2007
MANAGEMENT OBSERVATIONS
“Some people make things happen.
Some people watch things happen.
Some people wonder when it happened.” Zinerva White
“Change is inevitable, in our work lives as well as our personal lives. Most of us deal with far more change than we give ourselves credit for.” Zinerva White
STATE BUDGET UPDATE – A view from the League of California Cities - December 2, 2007
“Forecast of FY 2008-09 State Budget Looks Grim
The Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) issued a dour FY 2008-09 state budget forecast earlier this week, warning that the state must prepare for a $9.8 billion budget deficit. The report follows a statement from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week, calling for state agency department heads to reduce spending plans by 10 percent.
The state budget is expected to carry over $2 billion in debt from FY 2007-08. That amount, combined with the projected $8 billion shortfall between spending and revenue, brings the deficit to nearly $10 billion. Confirming the budgetary news at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 14, Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill also cautioned that the shortfall is anticipated for a number of years into the future.
LAO identified several factors contributing to the state's budget problem, including the lower state revenue projections due to the economy's current outlook, lower property taxes and impact on K-14 education funding. Additional factors include an expected delay in the sale of EdFund and its value, the delay in new tribal compact implementation and a court ordered payment to the state's teacher retirement system.
The Governor will issue his proposed FY 2008-09 state budget on Jan. 10, 2008…”
BIJOU EROSION CONTROL AND DRAINAGE PROJECT ALTERNATIVES BEING EXAMINED
Overview
Department of Public Works staff will be holding a public meeting on December 5, 2007 beginning at 6:30pm at the South Tahoe Ice Arena to discuss alternatives for addressing storm drainage and erosion control in the Bijou Area. The alternatives are not final plans. Staff will be looking for community comment on the alternatives, questions so that they can go back and develop a preferred alternative to be brought back later to the City Council and public for final review and action.
I told staff that it is important in emphasizing to all concerned parties that the three alternatives are just that…alternatives. Public works staff and our regional partners are examining options to improve drainage and erosion control in the Bijou Area and they want to have extensive public comment before making any final recommendations to the City Council for action. Staff is in an information- gathering stage now that is important to ascertain the best project, the most feasible project and the one that is most acceptable to the community. It is also important in my view to avoid where possible the acquisition of more privately-held land for project purposes and to use existing public lands for drainage improvements to the extent feasible and practical. Private owners of land who may be impacted by the final project alternative selection need to be actively consulted, listened to and fairly treated by local government.
Staff will also be requesting permission from the City Council on December 11, 2007 to get in line for possible grant funds to build the eventual preferred once it is identified. It is also important for staff to identify for each option the cost of maintenance for each alternative before making a final recommendation to the City Council after the initial public review and comment stage is over. City staff continues to see grant funds to be the primary source to pay for project construction. A Power Point presentation of the alternatives is available at the City’s website at: www.cityofslt.us/
The Project Manager is Sarah Hussong Johnson, PE who provides the following background information:
“Project Summary (Bijou Area Erosion Control Project Alternative Executive Summary)
The Bijou Area Erosion Control Project (ECP; Project) is a storm water quality improvement project for a developed area in the eastern portion of the City of South Lake Tahoe. The Project is a part of the TRPA’s Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) No. 172.
Project planning is being conducted pursuant to the Storm Water Quality Improvement Committee (SWQIC) process. In accordance with the SWQIC planning process, the Project Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which is comprised of City staff, the City’s consultant (Entrix, Inc.), permitting, funding, and regulatory agencies within the Tahoe Basin, has developed three possible alternatives for the overall watershed conceptual plan. The proposed project alternatives seek to improve the existing water quality conditions, recreational uses, and Stream Environment Zone (SEZ) areas within the project area. Pursuing alternatives that benefit all three thresholds is consistent with the EIP and achieves a broad range of benefits.
Alternatives
Due to the sensitivity of the project alternatives, City Staff will be presenting the proposed project to the City Council to gain feedback and support of the project. The following is a brief summary of the major components of each alternative, which may be of interest to the City Council due to financial, liability, land acquisition, and long-term planning issues.
1. Project Alternative One proposes a storm water drainage transfer from an adjacent watershed into the Project area, to improve storm water quality and reduce flooding in the adjacent watershed. This opportunity was identified in a hydrology study prepared for the City by Lumos and Associates in 2005. This alternative utilizes the Bijou Meadow to treat and infiltrate the storm water from the adjacent watershed, which has very limited opportunity for treatment, but has potential drainage law liability and cost issues.
Project Alternative One also proposes to relocate three holes of the Bijou golf course (including clubhouse and parking) from the lower portion of the meadow (closest to Fairway) to upper meadow in order to allow for SEZ restoration and improved storm water quality treatment in the lower portion of the meadow. This proposal would benefit the City by relocating the club house and parking to City owned property (from its current private property leased location), but has funding constraints.
2. Project Alternative Two proposes to restore the northern portion of Bijou Creek channel from the outlet of the Bijou Meadow to Lake Tahoe, which is currently contained in a constructed channel, piping, and culvert system from the outlet of the meadow to the lake. Inspections of the existing drainage system show that the drainage facilities in this area are undersized and failing. Additionally, there is currently no opportunity for treatment of highly-impacted storm water runoff from the Highway and commercial corridor before it enters the lake. This alternative will provide for conveyance of flood flows and treatment of storm water from the commercial corridor.
This alternative requires extensive property acquisition along Fairway and in the commercial corridor. The City estimates that five properties would require full acquisition and two properties would require easements. The full acquisition properties include parcels currently occupied by Heidi’s, Ski Run Liquors, a residence owned by Melvin Springmeyer, a vacant parcel, and conservation easement parcel owned by the Lake Shore Lodge. Easements would be required from the Bijou Center (Longs) and a vacant parcel owned by Knox Johnson. This alternative is beneficial from a water quality, flood control, SEZ restoration, and scenic perspective and is in accordance with the Bijou-Al Tahoe Community Plan. However, due to major funding constraints the City has applied for California Department of Water Resources Flood Control grant funding to support this alternative. If this funding is not received, the City does not anticipate this as being a viable option.
Additionally, Alternative Two proposes to relocate the Bijou golf course, clubhouse, and parking to the Bijou Park facility in the upper meadow. This would allow for increased SEZ restoration and improved storm water quality treatment in the lower portion of the meadow, as well as co-located recreational facilities. This proposal would benefit the City by relocating the club house and parking to City owned property (from its current private property leased location), but has funding constraints.
3. Project Alternative Three has the fewest changes to the existing condition, with the exception of a proposed pumping system to treat highly-impacted storm water runoff from the highway and commercial corridor. This alternative proposed to reroute the existing storm drain pipes that currently run under the Bijou Center and Lakeshore Lodge properties north of the Highway. This alternative proposes to reroute the storm drain piping to the City owned right-of-way along Bal Bijou Road to the existing outfall location, and to collect and pump highly-impacted storm water from the commercial corridor to the upper portion of the Bijou Meadow for treatment. This alternative is beneficial in that it provides for treatment of the highly-impacted storm water from the highway and commercial corridor. However, it is controversial in that it combines private BMP responsibility with a City project and it requires high capital cost for construction and has long-term operations and maintenance funding issues.”
HIGHWAY 50 ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
The Director of Public Works and I recently met with the District Director of Caltrans (and her staff), the Executive Officer of Lahontan (and his staff), County staff and the Executive Director of TRPA (and his staff) in Placerville to discuss the status of the Highway 50 Project. Out of that meeting questions were raised about the project. The District Director provided me with the following comments in response to questions and concerns raised. The reality is that at this time, the project in its entirety costs more than available dollars to Caltrans and TRPA. The District Director and her team remains and active partner in trying to find solutions to outstanding issues and concerns.
The District Director provided me with the following comments on November 30th:
“David, below are the answers to your questions. Tom Brannon has several meetings over the next few weeks with the agencies at Tahoe and is planning on going over all of this in detail. Please let me know if you have any further questions, or you can have John Greenhut contact Tom directly…
Splitting the projects for programming:
This week, we submitted our PCR to divide the "mother" project (EA 1A730, water quality improvements from Echo Summit to State Line) into four smaller projects:
1A731, Echo Summit to Myers, delivery in the 10/11 FY
1A732, Airport to Y, delivery in the 11/12 FY
1A733, Trout Creek to Ski Run (same limits as the STIP project),
delivery in the 9/10 FY
1A734, Ski Run to State Line, delivery in the 9/10 FY
As explained at our last meeting, we are moving the delivery years because there is insufficient funding capacity in the next two fiscal cycles to pay for all of the planned projects.
Budget discrepancies:
Our engineer's estimate for the STIP project from Trout Creek to Ski Run is higher than the programmed dollars. Nick Haven and I have discussed this. Nick had a larger figure for programmed dollars than we and we determined that this was because his figure included both construction support and construction capital dollars. Our shortfall is in the construction capital figure. I’m continuing to work with Nick to resolve this issue, but the fact is that we don't have sufficient funds to build the project at this time.
Water Quality Improvements:
We are working closely with our water quality consultant to complete the feasibility study of BMP's in the projects. We are communicating with Lahontan, and our commitment remains that as soon as we have a complete water quality strategy, we will meet with them. The current problem is that while we know where the water flows, there are locations that require the completion of the feasibility study before we know what treatment options are possible.
Elimination of the two way left turn lane from Ski Run to State Line:
We've completed an analysis of this idea. A full explanation will be presented at a future meeting, but there are such serious concerns with this idea that it will not be recommended:
maintenance snow removal operations would be adversely affected (snow
storage on the shoulder will block driveways; drainage systems will
be choked, causing flooding; snow removal will be much slower)
traffic operational issues (backups and congestion from left turns
out of the number 1 lane)
safety concerns (a rise in sideswipe and rear end accidents is
anticipated due to the increased congestion)”
SKI RUN BOULEVARD BUS SHELTERS TO BE INSTALLED
The Director of Public Works and Director of Parks and Recreation will be coordinating their respective Department efforts in the very near term to have installed on Ski Run Boulevard before the first snow two new bus shelters. One is set to be installed on Ski Run near Highway 50 and the other will be placed near the Deerfield Lodge.
When private parties could not proceed with the installation of these shelters, the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Directors stepped up to do so. Good job, gentlemen!
MEETING WITH LAFCO EXECUTIVE OFFICER
On Monday of this week I will be meeting with the Executive Officer of the El Dorado County Local Agency Formation Commission to discuss the status of the City’s existing sphere of influence and service delivery issues. Other City staff will be present for the meeting and the County CAO and staff will be joining us by telephone.
According to State law, in addition to other powers and duties including the establishment of spheres of influence, LAFCO’s in California are responsible for the following:
“56301. Among the purposes of a commission are discouraging urban
sprawl, preserving open-space and prime agricultural lands,
efficiently providing government services, and encouraging the
orderly formation and development of local agencies based upon local
conditions and circumstances. One of the objects of the commission
is to make studies and to obtain and furnish information which will
contribute to the logical and reasonable development of local
agencies in each county and to shape the development of local
agencies so as to advantageously provide for the present and future
needs of each county and its communities…”
LAFCO’s have no jurisdiction over land use.
AIRPORT REFUELING STATION ?
Airport staff has been approached by a company called Air Products that wants to locate a Hydrogen Refueling Station at the Lake Tahoe Airport.
Fred Mercado of the City Attorney’s Office provides the following explanation:
“Air Products, in conjunction with the forest service has approached us regarding installation of a mobile fueler system in the airport parking lot. Air Products, the company that owns and services the refueling trailers has a contract with the Department of Energy to site several of these around the country. One of the areas they want to use them is Lake Tahoe.
The Trailer will only be here during the summer months (removed during snow season). It will refuel the USFS vehicle and perhaps a couple more. (It will not be open to the public) It should not present an operational problem and would be good PR to support efforts to enhance the environment.
Fire Marshal Ray Zachau has reviewed the proposed site and plan and been involved in conference call discussions with Air Product Representative. The Trailer that houses the equipment is bulletproof with emergency bells, auto shut off and other safety features. ”
Staff will be examining the matter further to evaluate revenue opportunities, impact on existing airport and city hall operations, and aesthetic impacts. Staff will keep the City Council and Airport Commission updated.
AZTEC TRANSPORTATION USING AIRPORT PARKING LOT
For those of you who visit the airport, the Airport Director tells us that Aztec Transportation Bus Service will be using parking spaces in the upper airport parking lot throughout the winter season until the end of April. The parking spots they’ll be using are 22 spaces at the North end of the lot, in the vicinity of the fueling site. If there are any questions about the matter, please discuss them with the Airport Director Rick Jenkins. City government will be paid $440.00 a month for use of the space.
DAVID JINKENS
City Manager
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Rethinking a past blog entry
Last night I was threatened with a lawsuit if I didn't delete an item from the blog under November's Tahoe Tidbits. I have spent a number of hours thinking about the venom he spewed at me. I stand by what I wrote because it was factual. But in re-reading what I have since deleted, I realize I was being petty and vindictive. That's not who I want to be or how I want to act.
What I had written doesn't pass the muster of libel for which this person would have to prove. According to the Associated Press, "There is only one complete and unconditional defense to a civil action for libel: that the facts stated are provably true."
Because of what he did I can't recommend people advertise in his in-room guest magazine. That is how all of this started. After two years of advertising in his product, he offered exclusive rights to the person I had been sharing the ad with.
But that's it ... he does do a good job at his nighttime job ... which hopefully, he will keep up.
I have not used the person's name, like I did before, because it just doesn't matter. He knows who he is. That's good enough for me.
Kae
What I had written doesn't pass the muster of libel for which this person would have to prove. According to the Associated Press, "There is only one complete and unconditional defense to a civil action for libel: that the facts stated are provably true."
Because of what he did I can't recommend people advertise in his in-room guest magazine. That is how all of this started. After two years of advertising in his product, he offered exclusive rights to the person I had been sharing the ad with.
But that's it ... he does do a good job at his nighttime job ... which hopefully, he will keep up.
I have not used the person's name, like I did before, because it just doesn't matter. He knows who he is. That's good enough for me.
Kae
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Appellate Court ruling affects controlled burns in Tahoe
Court stricter on fire control
Environmental OK needed to clear brush near urban areas.
By Denny Walsh - dwalsh@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Thursday, December 6, 2007
Story appeared in MAIN NEWS section, Page A1
In a decision that affects all national forests, a federal appellate court ruled Wednesday that the U.S. Forest Service cannot cut brush and use controlled burns to reduce the risk of wildfires in and near urban areas unless it first performs a detailed assessment of the environmental impact.
The ruling, which reversed a 2005 decision by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. of Sacramento, comes after a devastating fire season that included the destruction of more than 250 homes in the South Lake Tahoe area and a series of Southern California firestorms that displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.
Environmentalists hailed the ruling, saying it halts part of the Bush administration's "Healthy Forests" initiative and what they see as unchecked logging in national forests.
But even one of the federal judges who concurred with the ruling questioned whether the net result would be years of delay before real efforts can be made to protect residents near national forests from wildland fires.
The decision requires Burrell to issue an injunction against the Forest Service that will apply to all 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands halting much of the efforts to use controlled burns and brush clearing to prevent future wildfires.
Wednesday's ruling does not directly address issues that surfaced in the aftermath of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe, where property owners argue they are hampered by regional restrictions about what they can do to create "defensible space" around their homes.
But concerns in the Tahoe basin are similar to those in other fire-prone national forests that abut urban-style developments.
Forest-thinning projects were credited with reducing the intensity of the Angora fire, and local officials expect accelerated efforts for more such projects as a result. But wide criticism has shadowed other fire-prevention plans proposed under the Bush administration for the national forests within California.
The 30-page opinion Wednesday from a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals specified the injunction be limited to fuel-reduction projects approved after the Sierra Club's lawsuit challenging the program was filed in October 2004.
The panel left it up to Burrell to decide which post-lawsuit projects to exempt from the injunction "because they are at or near completion."
The fuel-reduction plan, adopted by the Forest Service in 2003 to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by restoring forest health, called for about 1.25 million acres to be annually cut and burned to create a buffer zone between developed areas and forestland.
Cutting and disposing of combustible vegetation could be used on parcels of 1,000 acres or less and controlled burns on parcels of 4,500 acres or less.
For these projects, the Forest Service established an exemption – called a categorical exclusion, or "Fuels CE" – from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.
The exclusion meant that an environmental impact statement normally prepared for "major ... actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment" did not have to be done.
It was the exclusion that galvanized the Sierra Club, which claims exempting the fuel-reduction program is invalid because the program fits the definition of an action that impacts the environment and must be accompanied by such an environmental impact report.
Wednesday's ruling said "the Forest Service's decision makers made a clear error of judgment."
"We're reviewing the opinion, and we've made no determination on our next step," said Andrew Ames, a U.S. Department of Justice spokesman.
The government's options are to seek review by an enlarged 9th Circuit panel or petition the U.S. Supreme Court for review.
The Sierra Club was pleased with the ruling.
"This victory is a blow to the Bush administration's cynical 'Healthy Forests' initiative," said Eric Huber, a senior Sierra Club attorney.
He added that it "will help ensure that vast swaths of our national forests are not logged without environmental reviews under the guise of forest management or fuel suppression."
Craig Thomas, executive director of Sierra Forest Legacy, a co-plaintiff in the suit, said that since the rule was adopted, California has seen "the gross abuse of discretion and ramp up of logging with limited environmental review that we feared."
But others questioned how much environmental study is needed for lands near urban areas.
John Pickett, Tahoe basin coordinator for the Nevada Fire Safe Council and a member of special fire commission appointed in the wake of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe, said environmental concerns on forestland adjacent to urban areas are limited because the forest has already been compromised by urbanization.
"If you're out in the backcountry, it should be to a higher standard," Pickett said. "If someone is out there doing bad forestry, nail them to the wall.
"But when you're in the wildland-urban interface, it does not require a NEPA process. You've already permitted the community. You've already made your bet."
The panel issuing the opinion comprised Circuit Judges David R. Thompson, Andrew J. Kleinfeld and Sidney R. Thomas.
The Forest Service was at fault in failing to consider how controversial its plan proved to be, the opinion says.
It says the "comments of several federal and state agencies submitted in response to the Fuel CE raised substantial questions as to whether the project would cause significant environmental harm and expressed serious concerns about the uncertain risk, size, nature, and effects of actions under the CE."
Environmental OK needed to clear brush near urban areas.
By Denny Walsh - dwalsh@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Thursday, December 6, 2007
Story appeared in MAIN NEWS section, Page A1
In a decision that affects all national forests, a federal appellate court ruled Wednesday that the U.S. Forest Service cannot cut brush and use controlled burns to reduce the risk of wildfires in and near urban areas unless it first performs a detailed assessment of the environmental impact.
The ruling, which reversed a 2005 decision by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. of Sacramento, comes after a devastating fire season that included the destruction of more than 250 homes in the South Lake Tahoe area and a series of Southern California firestorms that displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.
Environmentalists hailed the ruling, saying it halts part of the Bush administration's "Healthy Forests" initiative and what they see as unchecked logging in national forests.
But even one of the federal judges who concurred with the ruling questioned whether the net result would be years of delay before real efforts can be made to protect residents near national forests from wildland fires.
The decision requires Burrell to issue an injunction against the Forest Service that will apply to all 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands halting much of the efforts to use controlled burns and brush clearing to prevent future wildfires.
Wednesday's ruling does not directly address issues that surfaced in the aftermath of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe, where property owners argue they are hampered by regional restrictions about what they can do to create "defensible space" around their homes.
But concerns in the Tahoe basin are similar to those in other fire-prone national forests that abut urban-style developments.
Forest-thinning projects were credited with reducing the intensity of the Angora fire, and local officials expect accelerated efforts for more such projects as a result. But wide criticism has shadowed other fire-prevention plans proposed under the Bush administration for the national forests within California.
The 30-page opinion Wednesday from a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals specified the injunction be limited to fuel-reduction projects approved after the Sierra Club's lawsuit challenging the program was filed in October 2004.
The panel left it up to Burrell to decide which post-lawsuit projects to exempt from the injunction "because they are at or near completion."
The fuel-reduction plan, adopted by the Forest Service in 2003 to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by restoring forest health, called for about 1.25 million acres to be annually cut and burned to create a buffer zone between developed areas and forestland.
Cutting and disposing of combustible vegetation could be used on parcels of 1,000 acres or less and controlled burns on parcels of 4,500 acres or less.
For these projects, the Forest Service established an exemption – called a categorical exclusion, or "Fuels CE" – from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.
The exclusion meant that an environmental impact statement normally prepared for "major ... actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment" did not have to be done.
It was the exclusion that galvanized the Sierra Club, which claims exempting the fuel-reduction program is invalid because the program fits the definition of an action that impacts the environment and must be accompanied by such an environmental impact report.
Wednesday's ruling said "the Forest Service's decision makers made a clear error of judgment."
"We're reviewing the opinion, and we've made no determination on our next step," said Andrew Ames, a U.S. Department of Justice spokesman.
The government's options are to seek review by an enlarged 9th Circuit panel or petition the U.S. Supreme Court for review.
The Sierra Club was pleased with the ruling.
"This victory is a blow to the Bush administration's cynical 'Healthy Forests' initiative," said Eric Huber, a senior Sierra Club attorney.
He added that it "will help ensure that vast swaths of our national forests are not logged without environmental reviews under the guise of forest management or fuel suppression."
Craig Thomas, executive director of Sierra Forest Legacy, a co-plaintiff in the suit, said that since the rule was adopted, California has seen "the gross abuse of discretion and ramp up of logging with limited environmental review that we feared."
But others questioned how much environmental study is needed for lands near urban areas.
John Pickett, Tahoe basin coordinator for the Nevada Fire Safe Council and a member of special fire commission appointed in the wake of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe, said environmental concerns on forestland adjacent to urban areas are limited because the forest has already been compromised by urbanization.
"If you're out in the backcountry, it should be to a higher standard," Pickett said. "If someone is out there doing bad forestry, nail them to the wall.
"But when you're in the wildland-urban interface, it does not require a NEPA process. You've already permitted the community. You've already made your bet."
The panel issuing the opinion comprised Circuit Judges David R. Thompson, Andrew J. Kleinfeld and Sidney R. Thomas.
The Forest Service was at fault in failing to consider how controversial its plan proved to be, the opinion says.
It says the "comments of several federal and state agencies submitted in response to the Fuel CE raised substantial questions as to whether the project would cause significant environmental harm and expressed serious concerns about the uncertain risk, size, nature, and effects of actions under the CE."
Climate change in the Sierra
From the Stockton Record:
By Alex Breitler
Record Staff Writer
December 06, 2007 6:00 AM
The Sierra Nevada gazed upon by your grandchildren may be a vastly different range than it is today.
When they swim in its high mountain lakes, they may no longer see the bottom. The fish that tug on their poles may be different than the ones you catch today.
Wildfires may threaten their homes more often. And their favorite ski runs may no longer exist.
Global warming will have many undesired effects in California, but it will hit hardest John Muir's "Range of Light," experts said Wednesday.
The Sierra's plants and animals, its lakes and streams, and some of the charms that draw humans from the Central Valley and beyond are threatened, scientists and advocates said.
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy, a three-year-old state agency charged with safeguarding the region, held a symposium in Gold Rush country highlighting the many ways climate change will attack - or in some cases is attacking - the Sierra.
"It is simply unprecedented," said Dan Cayan, a meteorologist with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego.
Global temperatures have jumped on average 1.1 degrees in recent decades, he said, and will increase another 2 to 10 degrees or more in coming decades, depending on how successful we are at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the Sierra, the snowpack could shrink in half by the end of the century, Cayan said. Snow levels will climb on average 1,500 feet, and resorts may see lower-elevation ski runs turn to rock.
"You can see the changes coming," said Kathy Hubbard, deputy director of the California Ski Industry Association.
Already, runoff from winter snow is beginning up to three to four weeks earlier than normal, Cayan said. This is trouble for much of the state, which relies on the Sierra for 60 percent of its freshwater supply.
Water managers fear reservoirs will either be overwhelmed by massive amounts of rain that currently falls as snow and sits on hillsides until melting in the spring or will shrivel during extended droughts.
And there will be floods. In May 2005, the Yosemite Valley was swamped after a warm storm melted mountain snow. All it took was 1 inch of rain.
Expect more of the same, Cayan said.
Among other predicted changes:
» Global warming will force high-elevation species, such as tiny rodents and butterflies, to migrate uphill until they run out of room.
» Trees will sprout where they haven't grown before and die where they have grown in the past.
» More frequent wildfires of greater than 1,000 acres will threaten mountain and foothill communities, which will face longer summertime fire seasons, Cayan said.
» Ice on mountain lakes will melt earlier, producing algae blooms that cloud up the water and harm fish.
Lake Tahoe has heated by about one-half degree in the past 30 years, enough for warm-water invasive fish, such as bass, to flourish near the shorelines, threatening native species, said Sudeep Chandra, a water quality expert at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Organizers of Wednesday's event touted California as a leader in the search for solutions, including alternative energy projects and strict tailpipe emission standards.
The ski industry's Hubbard said some resorts are taking action. Kirkwood Ski Resort on Highway 88 east of Stockton has a new carpool program to encourage skiers to downshift on driving, she said.
But it's already too late to eliminate future warming altogether, Cayan said.
To a temperature increase of 2 to 4 degrees - enough to disrupt mountain ecosystems and cause water supply worries - we are already "committed," he said.
Reporter Alex Breitler can be reached at (209) 546-8295 or abreitler@recordnet.com.
By Alex Breitler
Record Staff Writer
December 06, 2007 6:00 AM
The Sierra Nevada gazed upon by your grandchildren may be a vastly different range than it is today.
When they swim in its high mountain lakes, they may no longer see the bottom. The fish that tug on their poles may be different than the ones you catch today.
Wildfires may threaten their homes more often. And their favorite ski runs may no longer exist.
Global warming will have many undesired effects in California, but it will hit hardest John Muir's "Range of Light," experts said Wednesday.
The Sierra's plants and animals, its lakes and streams, and some of the charms that draw humans from the Central Valley and beyond are threatened, scientists and advocates said.
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy, a three-year-old state agency charged with safeguarding the region, held a symposium in Gold Rush country highlighting the many ways climate change will attack - or in some cases is attacking - the Sierra.
"It is simply unprecedented," said Dan Cayan, a meteorologist with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego.
Global temperatures have jumped on average 1.1 degrees in recent decades, he said, and will increase another 2 to 10 degrees or more in coming decades, depending on how successful we are at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the Sierra, the snowpack could shrink in half by the end of the century, Cayan said. Snow levels will climb on average 1,500 feet, and resorts may see lower-elevation ski runs turn to rock.
"You can see the changes coming," said Kathy Hubbard, deputy director of the California Ski Industry Association.
Already, runoff from winter snow is beginning up to three to four weeks earlier than normal, Cayan said. This is trouble for much of the state, which relies on the Sierra for 60 percent of its freshwater supply.
Water managers fear reservoirs will either be overwhelmed by massive amounts of rain that currently falls as snow and sits on hillsides until melting in the spring or will shrivel during extended droughts.
And there will be floods. In May 2005, the Yosemite Valley was swamped after a warm storm melted mountain snow. All it took was 1 inch of rain.
Expect more of the same, Cayan said.
Among other predicted changes:
» Global warming will force high-elevation species, such as tiny rodents and butterflies, to migrate uphill until they run out of room.
» Trees will sprout where they haven't grown before and die where they have grown in the past.
» More frequent wildfires of greater than 1,000 acres will threaten mountain and foothill communities, which will face longer summertime fire seasons, Cayan said.
» Ice on mountain lakes will melt earlier, producing algae blooms that cloud up the water and harm fish.
Lake Tahoe has heated by about one-half degree in the past 30 years, enough for warm-water invasive fish, such as bass, to flourish near the shorelines, threatening native species, said Sudeep Chandra, a water quality expert at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Organizers of Wednesday's event touted California as a leader in the search for solutions, including alternative energy projects and strict tailpipe emission standards.
The ski industry's Hubbard said some resorts are taking action. Kirkwood Ski Resort on Highway 88 east of Stockton has a new carpool program to encourage skiers to downshift on driving, she said.
But it's already too late to eliminate future warming altogether, Cayan said.
To a temperature increase of 2 to 4 degrees - enough to disrupt mountain ecosystems and cause water supply worries - we are already "committed," he said.
Reporter Alex Breitler can be reached at (209) 546-8295 or abreitler@recordnet.com.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Time for a massage?
Shopping, skiing, sore muscles, shoveling, snow … stress, sugar, insanity.
Is that what this time of year means to you?
It should mean serenity, salt scrubs, soothing massages, surreal foot treatments, sensational facial massages, relaxing spa packages.
Make sure you put yourself on your shopping list … and make sure A Massage at Tahoe is your first stop for you and everyone else.
Call today (530.318.4806) to schedule an appointment or to buy a gift certificate. To find the perfect gift, go to www.MassageAtTahoe.com.
A Massage at Tahoe … your body calls
Is that what this time of year means to you?
It should mean serenity, salt scrubs, soothing massages, surreal foot treatments, sensational facial massages, relaxing spa packages.
Make sure you put yourself on your shopping list … and make sure A Massage at Tahoe is your first stop for you and everyone else.
Call today (530.318.4806) to schedule an appointment or to buy a gift certificate. To find the perfect gift, go to www.MassageAtTahoe.com.
A Massage at Tahoe … your body calls
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)