unpublished for march tahoe mt. news ...
By Kathryn Reed
One man can make a difference.
Manuel V. Scott proved this when he spent two days in South Lake Tahoe telling his story to students at South Tahoe Middle School, South Tahoe High, Mt. Tallac and to the community.
His life and that of his high school classmates were forever immortalized in the film “Freedom Writers.” Life as a gang member in Long Beach wasn’t pretty or easy.
During the community presentation in January he talked about how his dad just got out of prison. He talked about his mom using drugs when he was growing up. He talked about abuse. He talked about a sense of hopelessness.
Each session, even the community one, began with Scott asking a series of questions. If you could answer “yes”, you stood up. It started comically enough with a question about a type of dance that most people over 25 didn’t have a clue about.
Then it got serious. People who’d thought about suicide stood. People whose parents did drugs stood. People who knew someone who had died violently stood. A hush fell over the room as one teen stood until Scott counted to 12. That’s how many people this one boy knew who had died a violent death.
Scott’s message hit home.
Jenny Lopez, a senior at Mt. Tallac, was surprised to see friends stand when certain questions were asked. It made her realize what they are going through and what they don’t talk about.
Classmate Robert Aguilar said he was surprised by the similarities and differences he had with others based on answers to Scott’s questions.
Cindy Cowen, the middle school teacher instrumental in bringing Scott to town, had students answer “What did Manny say that resonated with you?” in their journals.
One wrote, “The feeling that resonated with me was a warm glow of inspiration and comfort. I felt the inspiration run around me, like millions of ants fleeing away from a tide. I let comfort fill my senses, like when your mother hugs you. When Manuel V. Scott first came out and sang that song, I was inspired to do anything I want or have to do and for some reason, I felt safe. I know it sounds silly, but I am only writing down the truth.”
Mt. Tallac students have a renewed commitment to staying in school and staying out of trouble.
“If he made it and was going through worse things than you, you can be even better,” Lopez said.
Scott finished college, is now an inspirational speaker, married and has a child.
“Miss Jackson is like our Miss G. She shows us colleges and things like that to be interested in and not just gangs,” said Francisco Noboa, a Tallac senior. Amy Jackson is the counselor at Tallac; Erin Gruell the Long Beach teacher who made the difference.
Scott wasn’t just another adult trying to relate to students. He is someone who has walked the walk.
“Since he has been through it, it got to me more,” Tallac junior Sandra Yanez said. “If you want to change, you can.”
The five Tallac students interviewed after hearing Scott’s talk spoke about finding it in them to do better. They admit it’s hard when adults look at them with contempt without knowing them. They say cops seem not to believe change is possible. Even kids at South Tahoe High discriminate against Tallac kids without knowing their story.
These Tallac students have or know other teens using and dealing drugs (“there are a lot of drugs out there”) – mostly pot. Stealing, violence – some gang related, fighting, making fun of people and bullying – it’s been part of their world in some fashion.
They talked about the need to and their desire to make good choices.
“If you do, then they notice you changing,” Noboa said. “You sleep better knowing you didn’t do something bad. When you do something bad, you feel guilt. You’re not comfortable with yourself.”
These students often feel misunderstood.
“You do care. We do have feelings,” senior Eric Salazar said. He learned from Scott, “That even though you grow-up in a tough place, you can make it in life.”
In a thank you letter to the El Dorado Community Foundation, Lake Tahoe Collaborative and Lake Tahoe Community College, Cowen wrote, “When asked what they thought Manny's message was, the kids said that he urged them to believe in themselves even if no one else did, to dream big and to get an education. One student literally threw herself in my arms thanking me and saying that finally someone understood what she was going through and that she didn't feel alone anymore. Spontaneously, the entire class leaped up and did a group hug. They all said they felt better getting things out in the open and seeing someone with such odds stacked against him succeed. This was a GATE class.
“In other classes, students who had previously scored in the 30% area on benchmarks were scoring in the 90%! When asked what had happened, the students said that Manny had inspired them to try again. I just hope we can keep these kids connected.”
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Elddorad Forest news
Eldorado Forest reconfigures routes for vehicles
After 2.5 years of study, a revamped road system has been created for the Eldorado National Forest. A map for 2009 will show the 1,847 miles (1,002 miles of dirt roads, 210 miles of trails, 635 miles of paved roads suitable for passenger cars), plus 334 miles of county roads and state highways, and 311 miles of routes previously designated in the Rock Creek area near Georgetown.
This summer the Forest Service will allow motor vehicles on routes displayed on the free Motor Vehicle Use Restriction map that’s been in existence since 2005.
Per the new rules, the dirt roads will be closed from Jan. 1-March 31 to protect watersheds, meadows and wildlife.
The forest supervisor’s decision, final Environmental Impact Statement and maps are at: www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado.
After 2.5 years of study, a revamped road system has been created for the Eldorado National Forest. A map for 2009 will show the 1,847 miles (1,002 miles of dirt roads, 210 miles of trails, 635 miles of paved roads suitable for passenger cars), plus 334 miles of county roads and state highways, and 311 miles of routes previously designated in the Rock Creek area near Georgetown.
This summer the Forest Service will allow motor vehicles on routes displayed on the free Motor Vehicle Use Restriction map that’s been in existence since 2005.
Per the new rules, the dirt roads will be closed from Jan. 1-March 31 to protect watersheds, meadows and wildlife.
The forest supervisor’s decision, final Environmental Impact Statement and maps are at: www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado.
June 7 deadline for forest comments
Contact: Public Affairs, Cheva Heck 530-543-2608 or Rex Norman
530-543-2627
Opportunity to Comment on the Lake Tahoe Basin Ecosystem Underburn
Project
South Lake Tahoe Calif. The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin
Management Unit (LTBMU) invites the public to comment on a proposal to
conduct prescribed fire underburn activities in the Tahoe Basin. These
underburns will mimic historic low intensity fire behaviors, and will be
conducted for ecosystem restoration purposes.
The project would use prescribed fire to treat 3,500 acres of National
Forest System lands spread across the 5 counties in the Lake Tahoe
Basin. The project is designed to reduce and maintain the desired
amounts of forest fuels following initial thinning treatment and removal
of hazardous amounts of fuels. Low intensity underburns re-introduce
fire into a fire adapted ecosystem to promote healthy and sustainable
plant and wildlife habitat. The project would be conducted in numerous
stages over several seasons.
A predecisional memo detailing the proposal is available for review at
the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, 35 College Drive, South Lake
Tahoe, CA 96150. The phone number is (530) 543-2600. Additional
information regarding this proposal can be obtained from Duncan Leao, or
John Washington through the number above.
This comment period is intended to provide those interested in or
affected by this proposal an opportunity to make their concerns known
prior to a decision being made. This comment period is being provided
pursuant to the July 2, 2005, order issued by the U. S. District Court
for the Eastern District of California in Case No. CIV F-03-6386JKS.
Those who provide timely and substantive comments will be eligible to
appeal the decision pursuant to 36 CFR part 215 regulations.
Written, facsimile, hand-delivered, oral, and electronic comments
concerning this action will be accepted for 30 calendar days following
publication of notice in the Tahoe Daily Tribune. Written comments must
be submitted to: Terri Marceron, Forest Supervisor, 35 College Drive,
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The office business hours for those
submitting hand-delivered comments are: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday, excluding holidays. Oral comments must be provided at
the Forest Supervisor's Office during normal business hours, by
telephone (530) 543-2600 or in person. Comments may also be submitted
by email to: comments-pacificsouthwest-ltbmu@fs.fed.us using Subject:
Lake Tahoe Basin Ecosystem Underburn Project.
###
530-543-2627
Opportunity to Comment on the Lake Tahoe Basin Ecosystem Underburn
Project
South Lake Tahoe Calif. The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin
Management Unit (LTBMU) invites the public to comment on a proposal to
conduct prescribed fire underburn activities in the Tahoe Basin. These
underburns will mimic historic low intensity fire behaviors, and will be
conducted for ecosystem restoration purposes.
The project would use prescribed fire to treat 3,500 acres of National
Forest System lands spread across the 5 counties in the Lake Tahoe
Basin. The project is designed to reduce and maintain the desired
amounts of forest fuels following initial thinning treatment and removal
of hazardous amounts of fuels. Low intensity underburns re-introduce
fire into a fire adapted ecosystem to promote healthy and sustainable
plant and wildlife habitat. The project would be conducted in numerous
stages over several seasons.
A predecisional memo detailing the proposal is available for review at
the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, 35 College Drive, South Lake
Tahoe, CA 96150. The phone number is (530) 543-2600. Additional
information regarding this proposal can be obtained from Duncan Leao, or
John Washington through the number above.
This comment period is intended to provide those interested in or
affected by this proposal an opportunity to make their concerns known
prior to a decision being made. This comment period is being provided
pursuant to the July 2, 2005, order issued by the U. S. District Court
for the Eastern District of California in Case No. CIV F-03-6386JKS.
Those who provide timely and substantive comments will be eligible to
appeal the decision pursuant to 36 CFR part 215 regulations.
Written, facsimile, hand-delivered, oral, and electronic comments
concerning this action will be accepted for 30 calendar days following
publication of notice in the Tahoe Daily Tribune. Written comments must
be submitted to: Terri Marceron, Forest Supervisor, 35 College Drive,
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The office business hours for those
submitting hand-delivered comments are: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday, excluding holidays. Oral comments must be provided at
the Forest Supervisor's Office during normal business hours, by
telephone (530) 543-2600 or in person. Comments may also be submitted
by email to: comments-pacificsouthwest-ltbmu@fs.fed.us using Subject:
Lake Tahoe Basin Ecosystem Underburn Project.
###
Monday, May 5, 2008
May 22 shorezone workshop
TRPA SCHEDULES MAY 22 SHOREZONE WORKSHOP
Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV - A public workshop has been scheduled for May 22 at which interested parties will have an opportunity to "test drive" shorezone ordinances being considered for adoption by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board next month.
The day-long workshop is an opportunity for project proponents, property owners and other interested parties to review test cases against the proposed new code of ordinances to determine whether the new code is usable and achieves the results intended in the Preferred Alternative.
The Preferred Alternative is the program description that has been derived from alternatives proposed in the final Environmental Impact Statement that was released in late 2006, and which has been developed in concert with California and Nevada state agencies.
Participants are encouraged to identify proposed scenarios in the shorezone to focus on as test case exercises for use in the workshop. These proposals may be submitted to Judy Nikkel at jnikkel@trpa.org prior to the workshop. Not all proposals will be addressed, but the workshop will review a representative sampling of those received.
The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at TRPA headquarters, 128 Market Street, Stateline, NV, 89448.
Those planning to participate are encouraged to review the Preferred Alternative and accompanying code before that date. Those documents are available on the TRPA web site, at www.trpa.org
Some 20 years in the making and long a source of controversy, the shorezone regulations guide development and conservation along the 72-mile shore of Lake Tahoe, where the water meets the land. The regulations spell out policies for staged development of piers and buoys and for striking an appropriate balance between private and public access as well as private property rights and environmental/scenic concerns.
The current proposal was unveiled after months of talks between the California and Nevada state agencies, TRPA, and other stakeholders working to identify areas of compromise between divergent parties about the appropriate rate and extent of development that should be allowed.
The workshop will provide an opportunity to look at the fine details of that compromise plan.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, call Dennis Oliver at 775-589-5235 or email doliver@trpa.org .
Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV - A public workshop has been scheduled for May 22 at which interested parties will have an opportunity to "test drive" shorezone ordinances being considered for adoption by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board next month.
The day-long workshop is an opportunity for project proponents, property owners and other interested parties to review test cases against the proposed new code of ordinances to determine whether the new code is usable and achieves the results intended in the Preferred Alternative.
The Preferred Alternative is the program description that has been derived from alternatives proposed in the final Environmental Impact Statement that was released in late 2006, and which has been developed in concert with California and Nevada state agencies.
Participants are encouraged to identify proposed scenarios in the shorezone to focus on as test case exercises for use in the workshop. These proposals may be submitted to Judy Nikkel at jnikkel@trpa.org
The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at TRPA headquarters, 128 Market Street, Stateline, NV, 89448.
Those planning to participate are encouraged to review the Preferred Alternative and accompanying code before that date. Those documents are available on the TRPA web site, at www.trpa.org
Some 20 years in the making and long a source of controversy, the shorezone regulations guide development and conservation along the 72-mile shore of Lake Tahoe, where the water meets the land. The regulations spell out policies for staged development of piers and buoys and for striking an appropriate balance between private and public access as well as private property rights and environmental/scenic concerns.
The current proposal was unveiled after months of talks between the California and Nevada state agencies, TRPA, and other stakeholders working to identify areas of compromise between divergent parties about the appropriate rate and extent of development that should be allowed.
The workshop will provide an opportunity to look at the fine details of that compromise plan.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, call Dennis Oliver at 775-589-5235 or email doliver@trpa.org
BlueGo hires administrator
BLUEGO BOARD HIRES ADMINISTRATOR,
PROMISES IMPROVED SERVICE
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA - The Coordinated Transit System Management Company Board of Directors (operators of BlueGO) has hired its first administrator and committed to dramatically improve public transportation service in the South Lake Tahoe region.
John Andoh will oversee day-to-day management of the BlueGO transit services while helping the agency secure additional funding, test new service concepts and develop a strategic plan for overall improvement of service in the future, including better coordination with other services around the Lake.
Andoh, formerly the Assistant Transit Manager for the City of Elk Grove and Part Time Transit Services Manager for the City of Benicia, has over eight years of experience in the transit industry.
He spent three years at both cities implementing new fixed-route services, purchasing vehicles, and developing short-range transit plans and budgets. In that time, he secured more than $10 million dollars in grant funding to support transit operations, modified and improved the dial-a-ride program and implemented a new marketing, public outreach and advertising campaign to increase ridership.
Andoh was successful in rebranding these transit operations, improving mobility and increasing ridership by 25 percent in Benicia and over 55 percent in Elk Grove.
Andoh also worked for the cities of Escalon, Ceres, Rio Vista, the Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency and Riverbank/Oakdale Transit Authority where he facilitated the implementation of new fixed-routes, providing stability to transit operations, supervision of contract transit operators and oversaw the marketing and public outreach programs.
Andoh began his career in public transportation at the age of 13 through performing a summer internship with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. "It has always been my goal to be a Transit Manager - since age 5, when I used to see the buses go by the pre-school that I was attending in Milpitas" said Andoh.
Andoh hopes to bring stability and reliability to BlueGO transit operations, improve routes, schedules and fares, increase the awareness of BlueGO, increase revenue from outside funding sources, coordinate with other transit providers coming into the south shore of Lake Tahoe, perform additional marketing and outreach to BlueGO, reduce costs and improve the transit system's performance measures.
BlueGO is confident that Andoh will improve and maintain the quality of the transit service and will expand the offering of transportation services in the future. BlueGO feels that he will be successful in providing BlueGO with the leadership and commitment to advance public transportation in this community.
To reach Andoh, stop by TRPA offices, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, call him at 775.589.5284 or email him at jandoh@trpa.org. He is happy to seek public comment on what can be done to improve transit on the south shore of Lake Tahoe.
The public is invited to attend the BlueGO Board of Directors meeting at TRPA offices, 128 Market Street, Stateline NV, 89449 at 10:00 am on the first Friday of the month. BlueGO Nevada Flex Route, BlueGO Heavenly Ski Shuttle Blue Route and BlueGO Kingsbury Express serve this meeting location.
For BlueGO Transit Information call 530.541.7149. You can also visit the BlueGO website at www.bluego.org
# # # # #
PROMISES IMPROVED SERVICE
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA - The Coordinated Transit System Management Company Board of Directors (operators of BlueGO) has hired its first administrator and committed to dramatically improve public transportation service in the South Lake Tahoe region.
John Andoh will oversee day-to-day management of the BlueGO transit services while helping the agency secure additional funding, test new service concepts and develop a strategic plan for overall improvement of service in the future, including better coordination with other services around the Lake.
Andoh, formerly the Assistant Transit Manager for the City of Elk Grove and Part Time Transit Services Manager for the City of Benicia, has over eight years of experience in the transit industry.
He spent three years at both cities implementing new fixed-route services, purchasing vehicles, and developing short-range transit plans and budgets. In that time, he secured more than $10 million dollars in grant funding to support transit operations, modified and improved the dial-a-ride program and implemented a new marketing, public outreach and advertising campaign to increase ridership.
Andoh was successful in rebranding these transit operations, improving mobility and increasing ridership by 25 percent in Benicia and over 55 percent in Elk Grove.
Andoh also worked for the cities of Escalon, Ceres, Rio Vista, the Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency and Riverbank/Oakdale Transit Authority where he facilitated the implementation of new fixed-routes, providing stability to transit operations, supervision of contract transit operators and oversaw the marketing and public outreach programs.
Andoh began his career in public transportation at the age of 13 through performing a summer internship with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. "It has always been my goal to be a Transit Manager - since age 5, when I used to see the buses go by the pre-school that I was attending in Milpitas" said Andoh.
Andoh hopes to bring stability and reliability to BlueGO transit operations, improve routes, schedules and fares, increase the awareness of BlueGO, increase revenue from outside funding sources, coordinate with other transit providers coming into the south shore of Lake Tahoe, perform additional marketing and outreach to BlueGO, reduce costs and improve the transit system's performance measures.
BlueGO is confident that Andoh will improve and maintain the quality of the transit service and will expand the offering of transportation services in the future. BlueGO feels that he will be successful in providing BlueGO with the leadership and commitment to advance public transportation in this community.
To reach Andoh, stop by TRPA offices, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, call him at 775.589.5284 or email him at jandoh@trpa.org
The public is invited to attend the BlueGO Board of Directors meeting at TRPA offices, 128 Market Street, Stateline NV, 89449 at 10:00 am on the first Friday of the month. BlueGO Nevada Flex Route, BlueGO Heavenly Ski Shuttle Blue Route and BlueGO Kingsbury Express serve this meeting location.
For BlueGO Transit Information call 530.541.7149. You can also visit the BlueGO website at www.bluego.org
# # # # #
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Clash with Caltrans
submitted to Tahoe Mt. News in Sept. 07 .. never ran ...
By Kathryn Reed
A banged-up 1997 green Nissan pickup sits in the driveway of one of the few houses on Mount Rainer Circle that still exists. But its condition has nothing to do with the Angora Fire.
Brent Kuemmerle was waiting the outcome of the Aug. 22 Small Claims Court case he had against Caltrans before deciding for certain what to do about his vehicle.
El Dorado County Judge Stephen Valentine ruled Kuemmerle was 60 percent at fault, Caltrans 40 percent for the March 2 accident on Highway 50 between the Caltrans avalanche gun tower and passing lane on Echo Summit. He was awarded $2,160, having asked for $6,000.
Kuemmerle’s truck was headed west when it collided with a Caltrans Dodge pickup driven by James Matlock.
Kuemmerle went to court because he disagreed with California Highway Patrol Officer D.R. Nichols’ conclusion that he was completely responsible. Despite the endless hours it took in research and letters back and forth with the state, Kuemmerle would do it again. He said fighting for what he knew was right took patience he wasn’t sure he originally had.
Taking on the system isn’t something most people do. Caltrans spokesman Mark Dinger said his agency only faces about three Smalls Claims cases a year.
The CHP report claims Kuemmerle “failed to observe the flashing over head amber warning light … crossing over painted double yellow lines, and into the opposing lane on a blind curve, in a an attempt to pass (the Caltrans vehicle).”
Kuemmerle contends the amber light was never on, nor did the Caltrans driver signal. He had hoped the amber light issue would have been discussed more in court.
Dinger deferred questions about how drivers of passenger vehicles are supposed to treat amber lights on state vehicles to the California Highway Patrol.
“If they pull off and the amber lights are on still you can pass, but motorists need to be aware a Caltrans vehicle may be beginning to turn around or make a U-turn,” CHP Officer Jeff Gartner said. “Caltrans has an obligation to drive safely and watch for traffic behind them. The warning light should tell people to back-off, slow down and watch out for what’s going on ahead of them.”
Kuemmerle said he was paying attention.
“He all of a sudden hits his brakes and pulls off to the right. He is doing avalanche control. It is right after one of the few storms,” Kuemmerle said. “We go to pass what I thought was a stationary vehicle. Instead of stopping, he goes into a U-turn and we are right in his way. He is coming in through the passenger side door. To me that is an illegal U-turn. The judge said if the amber light is on he is OK to do this type of thing.”
By Kathryn Reed
A banged-up 1997 green Nissan pickup sits in the driveway of one of the few houses on Mount Rainer Circle that still exists. But its condition has nothing to do with the Angora Fire.
Brent Kuemmerle was waiting the outcome of the Aug. 22 Small Claims Court case he had against Caltrans before deciding for certain what to do about his vehicle.
El Dorado County Judge Stephen Valentine ruled Kuemmerle was 60 percent at fault, Caltrans 40 percent for the March 2 accident on Highway 50 between the Caltrans avalanche gun tower and passing lane on Echo Summit. He was awarded $2,160, having asked for $6,000.
Kuemmerle’s truck was headed west when it collided with a Caltrans Dodge pickup driven by James Matlock.
Kuemmerle went to court because he disagreed with California Highway Patrol Officer D.R. Nichols’ conclusion that he was completely responsible. Despite the endless hours it took in research and letters back and forth with the state, Kuemmerle would do it again. He said fighting for what he knew was right took patience he wasn’t sure he originally had.
Taking on the system isn’t something most people do. Caltrans spokesman Mark Dinger said his agency only faces about three Smalls Claims cases a year.
The CHP report claims Kuemmerle “failed to observe the flashing over head amber warning light … crossing over painted double yellow lines, and into the opposing lane on a blind curve, in a an attempt to pass (the Caltrans vehicle).”
Kuemmerle contends the amber light was never on, nor did the Caltrans driver signal. He had hoped the amber light issue would have been discussed more in court.
Dinger deferred questions about how drivers of passenger vehicles are supposed to treat amber lights on state vehicles to the California Highway Patrol.
“If they pull off and the amber lights are on still you can pass, but motorists need to be aware a Caltrans vehicle may be beginning to turn around or make a U-turn,” CHP Officer Jeff Gartner said. “Caltrans has an obligation to drive safely and watch for traffic behind them. The warning light should tell people to back-off, slow down and watch out for what’s going on ahead of them.”
Kuemmerle said he was paying attention.
“He all of a sudden hits his brakes and pulls off to the right. He is doing avalanche control. It is right after one of the few storms,” Kuemmerle said. “We go to pass what I thought was a stationary vehicle. Instead of stopping, he goes into a U-turn and we are right in his way. He is coming in through the passenger side door. To me that is an illegal U-turn. The judge said if the amber light is on he is OK to do this type of thing.”
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