The El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging has a limited supply of senior farmers’ market check booklets available for qualified El Dorado County seniors.

Each eligible senior will receive one booklet that includes 10 checks redeemable for $2 each to be used at certified farmers’ markets for the purchase of fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and raw unprocessed honey.

Distribution of the booklets will take place as follows:

July 22 from 8am-noon at the Cameron Park Farmers’ Market, located at Coach Lane and Strolling Hills Road in Cameron Park.

July 25 from 8am-noon at the Placerville Farmers’ Market, Ivy House parking area, located at Cedar Ravine and Main Street in Placerville.

July 28 from 8am-1pm at the South Lake Tahoe Farmers’ Market, American Legion Parking Area, located at 2748 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe.
Aug. 1 from 9am-noon at the Garden Valley Farmers’ Market, Garden Valley Park, located at Garden Valley Road and Marshall Road in Garden Valley.

Farmers’ Market check booklets will be distributed to seniors who are at least 60 years of age and meet income guidelines (one person household with annual income less than $21,775 or two person household with income less than $29,471). Checks are good for all certified farmers’ markets.

Quantities of the booklets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, or to request a proxy form, call 530.621.6251.

By Sabrina Tavernise, New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday gave the food industry three years to eliminate artery-clogging, artificial trans fats from the food supply, a step that health experts said would save thousands of lives a year.

Trans fats — a major contributor to heart disease in the United States — have already been substantially reduced in foods, but they still lurk in many popular products, including frostings, microwave popcorn, packaged pies, frozen pizzas, margarines and coffee creamers.

The FDA first announced its plans to ban the substance in 2013, and its announcement on Tuesday was its final ruling. Companies will have three years to comply. The agency has estimated that banning trans fats completely could prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from heart disease each year.

Read the whole story

The El Dorado County’s Mental Health Division wants public input on the 2015-16 Mental Health Services Act Plan update.

The draft plan update provides information on current and new MHSA programs and budgets for three fiscal years (FY 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18). MHSA components in the plan update include: prevention and early intervention; community services and support; workforce education and training; and capital facilities and technology needs.

Public comment regarding the draft plan update may be submitted in writing through July 15, 5pm via email to MHSA@edcgov.us or via postal mail to Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, MHSA Project Team, 768 Pleasant Valley Road, Suite 201, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

For more info, call 530.621.6226.

South Lake Tahoe Recreation Department is offering a South Tahoe Adventure Camp for area youth.

The camps are now through Aug. 21, Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm

The goal is to provide an active, healthy, and safe environment for youth to learn and play. The emphasis is on inspiring a love for the outdoors through exposure to the natural playground in and around the Tahoe region.

The cost of the STAR Youth Camp is $35/day or $150/week.  These are for grades K-5.There is an additional cost for some trips at no more than $10 per child. A 10 percent discount is offered for multiple children registered from the same family. Pre-registration is highly recommended for one day, multiple days, or five full days. Drop-in’s are welcome and based on availability.

The STAR Teen Camp is designed for ages 12-16. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is offering an introduction to backpacking course. Each camp includes two days and one night in the backcountry for $150 per camper, including backpacking equipment and food. The trip dates are July 9-10 and Aug. 6-7. Preregistration is required and space is limited to the first 12 campers.

For more information, go online.

Updated June 17 11:10pm:

Jim Morris, owner of Lake Tahoe Accommodations, is suing the city of South Lake Tahoe in regards to the existing vacation home rental ordinance.

“We are fairly sure they violated the law in how they passed the ordinance,” Morris told Lake Tahoe News. “And they didn’t justify the money and how it is generated. We want to see them back off.”

The city this spring adjusted its master fee schedule to better reflect what it costs to do business.

Many people are upset with the vacation home rental fees, saying money has been banked so there is no need to raise rates.  The city maintains it is merely charging what it costs for people to do their jobs.

The lawsuit seeks to stop the fee increases that were approved by the council this spring. An injunction has been requested until the court decides the matter. That could be decided at the July hearing.

The city late June 16 received a copy of the lawsuit that had been filed June 5. On the City Council agenda for Tuesday was the claim related to this matter. In closed session the council rejected it.

Lake Tahoe Accommodations manages 230 properties around the lake.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

Gas mileage is one of the disappointments with the Lexus RX350. Photos/Larry Weitzman

By Larry Weitzman

2015 marks the sixth year for this third generation Lexus RX350. Why fix what isn’t broken? And it’s not me, the public knows, too, as the RX remains the best selling of all Lexus models. And it seems that Lexus hasn’t rested with continually refining this ride. It has been nearly six years since an RX resided in the my garage and while the vehicle has not physically changed as all chassis and body dimensions has remained the same down to the tenth of an inch, the vehicle impressions have. It subjectively feels significantly more refined, smoother, quieter and more comfortable so much so I noticed it the first time I sat in the front seat. Wow, it was that good.

RX is a smaller mid-size luxury SUV with an overall length of 188 inches and a wide bean of 74 inches which gives an interior impression of a big vehicle as shoulder room is 58 inches. Its sleek proportions give the RX a rakish low look, but it actually stands 66-inches tall without the roof racks. You can’t miss the L’finnesse front end and styling clues so you know it’s a Lexus at your first glance. The long, high strong belt line shoulder is still with us, which was the most significant body change from generation two to this generation three. It’s a shape that has held up well for over ten years. Co-efficient of drag is a low 0.33.

Specifications
Price $41,880 to about $55,000
Engine-conventional
3.5L DOHC 24 valve V-6 270 hp @ 6,200 rpm
248 ft.-lb. of torque @ 4,700 rpm
Transmission
Conventional six speed automatic
Configuration
Transverse mounted front engine/front wheel drive/ all wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107.9 inches
Length 187.8 inches
Height 66.3 inches
Width 74.2 inches
Weight (AWD) 4,343
Track (f/r) 64.2/63.8 inches
Ground clearance 7.3 inches
GVWR 5,650 pounds
Tow capacity 3,500 pounds
Weight distribution (f/r) 58.6/41.4 percent
Fuel capacity 19.2 gallons
Cargo volume (second row up/second row folded) 40.0/80.3 cubic feet
Seat belts (passenger capacity) 5
Wheels (std/0pt) 18X7.5/19X7.5 inch alloys
Tires (std/opt) 235/60X18/235/55X19
Turning circle 40.0 feet
Steering lock to lock 2.79 turns
Coefficient of drag 0.33
Performance RX350 AWD
0-60 mph 6.30 seconds
50-70 mph 3.59 seconds
50-70 mph uphill 4.66 seconds
Top Speed Electronically limited to 112 mph
Fuel economy EPA rated at 18/24/20 city/highway/combined mpg (AWD). Expect 21 mpg in rural country driving with some stop and go and 25 mpg on the highway at legal speeds.

Powering the RX350 is the same engine for the last 10 years when the 2007 model was introduced in 2006. Power production has essentially remained the same as this 2015 model achieves 270 hp at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of 248 pounds is achieved at 4,700 rpm meaning the engine at 4,700 rpm makes 222 hp. At 6,200 rpm, which is the engine’s peak hp rpm, the engine is producing 229 pounds of torque. In spite of the loss of 20 pounds of torque at 6,200 rpm, the engine is cranking out significant more power and better performance (48 more hp). While torque curves are important, vehicle performance is all about hp.

My AWD tester had slightly improved performance even though peak hp is off by 5 hp and torque is down by 8 pounds. Zero-60 mph averaged an almost world class time of 6.30 seconds. Passing performance is also reflective of the 0-60 time as the RX was able to run from 50-70 mph on a level highway in 3.59 seconds while the same performance parameter up a six percent grade slowed that time to 4.66 seconds. My last tester had times of 6.56, 3.42 and 4.90 seconds respectively. The RX gets it done.

While the RX is a superb over the road vehicle and although it has an EPA rating of 18/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined, I was expecting much better. Don’t. At 70 mph on a level highway it achieved 25 mpg. Overall the number was 21.2 mpg. Decent but more is better. But on the other side the RX returned a very good 25.8 mpg in a round trip from Placerville to South Lake Tahoe. I had almost no traffic, only made about half a dozen full throttle passes in the passing zones and averaged 58-59 mph when the speed limit was 55 which was most of the time although speeds were correspondingly higher when the speed limit was 65 mph.

Suspension is state of the art with front MacPherson struts and a double wishbone system in the rear. Steering is a quick electric rack that is 2.79 turns lock to lock. Wheels are 18X7.5 inch alloys shod with 235/60 series tires. Sure you might hear complaints of slightly numb steering, but the reality is the RX handles well with good cornering power. Do the twisties at eight-tenths and you will be surprised how well the RX acquits itself. It takes some attention but you can feel the tires working telling you what is going on. It will surprise you. Body roll is well controlled for an SUV.

Ride quality is excellent, period. It is extremely quiet and smooth, like you’re in a Lexus LS460. It feels like a bank vault, bumps just don’t upset this ride or the occupants. The engine spins 2,200 rpm at 70 mph; I would like to see 2,000 and maybe a bit better highway mileage. There is no head tossing either.

Safety in the RX is all inclusive with about every safety feature and acronym thought of by man. The four-wheel discs (front ventilated and 13 inches) stop the RX in 42 feet from 40 mph. HID headlamps plus LED fog lights were superb. Ten airbags are standard.

Inside is another magnificent interior from Lexus. First the seats are amazingly comfortable with soft leather, sublime support and perfect foam densities. Just sit in one and you will get it. Rear seating is good for three. For such a small vehicle cargo capacity is large with 80 cubic feet behind the front row and 40 cubes behind the second row. Total interior volume is 140 cubes or 20 cubes more than your average EPA large vehicle.

A smooth, comfortable ride.

Instrumentation is excellent, with a large speedo and tach plus the necessary ancillary gauges. A trip computer is located in between. The center stack has easy to use A/C controls (but no apparent A/C compressor shut off). However, the media and other controls require the use of a dreaded mouse. If only my cat could eliminate it. It is distracting and not as precise to use as a push button. In an otherwise almost perfect vehicle, the mouse interface is annoying and bothersome. And Mickey and Mighty use to be two of my favorites characters. Maybe we should blame Walt Disney and Paul Terry for the mouse.

The quality of the interior materials and fit and finish also warrant special mention. They are outstanding.

While my fully loaded AWD tester that included a rear seat movie theater stickered at $54,340 including $910 for the boat from Japan, a base RX FWD starts at $40,970. AWD is a $1,400 premium. Buy the AWD model. Additionally I would add the Premium package of leather, blind spot monitor, one touch moon roof and more for $2,760. If you have kids and need the movie theater and NAV, that will add another $4,060. Things like power front seats, power tilt telescoping wheel and wood trim are all standard. Even the standard radio features great sound and XM satellite. This is a great ride. Drive it and you will understand why it’s Lexus’ most popular model.

Larry Weitzman has been into cars since he was 5 years old. At 8 he could recite from memory the hp of every car made in the U.S. He has put in thousands of laps on racetracks all over the Western United States.

Real estate agent Stan Freeman let’s people know his view on vacation homes. Photos/Kathryn Reed

By Kathryn Reed

With two-thirds of the vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe being in residential neighborhoods, it is big business. It also means non-traditional neighborhoods are being created.

Those are the overriding issues when it comes to vacation home rentals – economics vs. locals not wanting residences used as a business.

Since the City Council has been toying with tweaking the VHR ordinance the number of VHR permits has gone from about 1,600 to 1,800.

Before Tuesday’s City Council meeting the real estate community mailed material from its viewpoint in regards to property values and private property rights if the proposed ordinance became law. Then they and other advocates filled council chambers and the lobby June 16 to make their case.

City staff at the meeting stressed that private property rights don’t allow people to essentially run a business from their home without oversight. The city’s perspective is that vacation home rentals are a land use issue.

Those in support of the city’s proposed ordinance were in the minority by a long shot. But if they don’t ultimately get their way, there is talk of asking the voters to be the ultimate decision makers. This is much like when people didn’t want parking meters; a ballot measure ended that practice. This means VHRs could also be cast aside by voters.

Police Chief Brian Uhler escorts Jim Morris away from the podium.

Advocates for this type of lodging point to how this is the way of the future and that VHRs are growing. They also say even the threat of drastic changes is getting home buyers to rethink purchasing in the city limits.

Repeatedly most of the 27 people who spoke Tuesday said enforce the rules on the books so it can be determined if a problem really exists, then address problems at that point.

The city is also doing a “holistic evaluation of VHRs from quality of life issues to zoning, real estate values, residential impacts” and more. This should be finished in spring 2016. There were multiple requests to wait to see what that study produces before changing anything.

Ultimately, after three hours of testimony and deliberations by the four council members it was decided that Wendy David and Austin Sass would form a subcommittee to further look at the issue. (Tom Davis recused himself because of his interest in Tahoe Keys Resort.) David is a supporter of VHRs, saying she lives among them and uses them when she travels. Sass is the most vocally opposed councilmember, repeatedly asking that there be a maximum number of VHRs. However, the only types of businesses the council has restricted are medical marijuana, and the sale of puppies and kittens.

The duo will decide if workshops will be conducted or if stakeholders will be part of the committee or some other scenario is created with the ultimate goal of reaching consensus so the entire council then votes on something.

The electeds did agree the subcommittee is to work on a permit procedure that goes beyond today’s administrative process, to not mandate ADA requirements beyond state and federal rules, to allow residential input but not allow neighbors to have veto power, and to not force those with hot tubs to meet the same guidelines as hotels.

The meeting was conducted in a civil manner except for when Jim Morris with Lake Tahoe Accommodations verbally attacked the council, the city manager and city attorney, wouldn’t leave the podium and had to be escorted away by the police chief. He also nearly got in a fight at a previous meeting with someone who had an opposing view. And he has filed a lawsuit against the city.

—-

 In other action:

·  The council passed the single residency hotel ordinance on a 4-1 vote. Councilman Tom Davis wanted more time to discuss the issue with those who will be affected.

To the community,

A very lively and spirited group of Heavenly Mountain Resort sponsor volunteers showed up June 6 to help the Bread & Broth volunteers feed the 95 folks who attended the evening’s dinner.

As with every Monday dinner, B&B welcomes all who come to St. Theresa Church’s Grace Hall with a full-course dinner, give-away bags filled with fruit, vegetables, dairy products, canned goods and breads and, if they want, seconds and to-go containers.

To provide all of these wonderful options, Bread & Broth is staffed with cooks and volunteers who week after week generously give of their time to do all of the work necessary to provide nutritious food to the guests. Through B&B’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment Program, Vail/Heavenly Mountain Resort provided the $250 to cover the meal’s cost and sent Amanda Baronas, Wren Buxton, Michelle Baxter, Liesl Kenny and Michelle Peterlin to volunteer at their sponsorship dinner.

This group of lovely ladies was a pleasure to work with. They were fun and took a light hearted view of their “ladies’ night”. According to Buxton, the self-described “leader of the wild things”, a Bread & Broth ladies’ night is defined as, “Tie your hair back, throw on an apron and snap on a pair of surgical gloves. Then feel good about serving your community. Does it get any better than that?”

Not when you have a great group like this Heavenly crew.

Carol Gerard, Bread & Broth

By Lane Anderson, Deseret News

As baby boomers roll toward retirement, half of them don’t have retirement savings, according to a new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Fifty-two percent of households 55 and older haven’t saved a dollar for retirement, according to the study, although half of those do have a pension. Among the 48 percent that report some retirement savings, the median amount is $104,000 for households age 55-64, or about $310 a month.

Older households, age 65-74, have higher savings at $148,000 or $649 a month, which still offers little on which to live.

Read the whole story

Fourth of July revelers will have the opportunity to start celebrating the holiday a day early in Kings Beach.

This year the festivities will include activities for attendees to enjoy and participate in during the late afternoon of July 3 and into the evening in celebration of Independence Day.

On July 3 from 4-10pm the North Tahoe Business Association will host a beach party as a Kings Beach fireworks fundraiser. The event is open to all ages and will feature preferred fireworks seating, food vendors, a beer-wine and mixed drink garden, a knee deep water race, free watermelon eating, sand castle building and patriotic costume contests, free games, music, glow toys, souvenirs, all capped off by the fireworks display at 9:30pm.

Beach party entrance is free and will take place outside of the North Tahoe Event Center.

Preferred fireworks seating is available for $15/person. Ticket buyers may secure their seats starting at 4pm and will also have access to indoor restrooms at the North Tahoe Event Center. There are a limited number of tickets available. Purchase tickets online.

Walking, biking and public transit are encouraged for getting to the North Tahoe Event Center.