By Fenit Nirappil, AP

SACRAMENTO — Californians conserved little water in March and local officials were not aggressive in cracking down on waste, state regulators reported Tuesday as they considered tough measures to force savings amid a continuing drought.

The State Water Resources Control Board received the update as it considers sweeping mandatory emergency regulations to protect water supplies in the parched state.

Brown has argued that the voluntary targets in place since early 2014 were insufficient and that Californians needed a jolt to take conservation seriously.

A survey of local water departments released at the start of the two-day meeting shows water use fell less than 4 percent in March compared with the same month in 2013. Overall savings have been only about 9 percent since last summer, even though Brown set a voluntary 20 percent target.

The water board on Tuesday began considering new regulations to step it up. The rules would bar cities from using drinking-quality water on street median grass and encourage homeowners to let lawns go brown to meet local mandatory water reduction targets.

Those conservation targets are among the most contentious provisions of the proposed rules. The board plans to order each city to cut water use by as much as 36 percent compared to 2013, the year before the governor declared a drought emergency, and has rejected calls to create easier targets for communities in drier areas or for cities that have been conserving since before the drought.

Some local water departments call the proposal unrealistic and unfair. They say achieving steep cuts could cause declining property values, restrictions on filling pools and washing cars and higher water bills.

An economic analysis of the water board’s proposal commissioned by the board estimated that private water utilities and local water departments would lose a total of about $1 billion in revenue through lost water sales if they meet the board’s targets. They will eventually charge higher rates to make up the revenue, the report said.

The board sees lush lawns and verdant landscapes as first on the chopping block to meet conservation targets, but some are fighting their depiction as villains in the drought.

Keith Harbeck, of the California Pool and Spa Association, told the board Tuesday that it is destructive to turn industries into symbols of water waste, including almond growers, water bottlers and golf courses.

“Finger-pointing has been particularly painful because folks pick whatever is symbolic,” said Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the board. “It’s a collective issue that we must all rise to.”

Board officials said they expect to start seeing water savings as soon as June and are willing to add restrictions and penalties for agencies that lag.

Brown said last week he would push for legislation authorizing fines of up to $10,000 for extreme water wasters. Another tool, tiered pricing in which the price rises as water use goes up, is in question after a court struck down water rates designed to encourage conservation in San Juan Capistrano in Orange County.

• Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District is having a special meeting May 8 at 5pm at the clubhouse in Meyers.
• Watercraft inspections will begin at the Donner Lake public boat launch May 9. Inspections will be on Saturdays and Sundays until June 1, when watercraft inspections will be conducted seven days a week.
• This year’s Gun and Hoses Golf Tournament raised $16,035 for the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation.
• Sample the Sierra, Lake Tahoe’s only farm-to-fork festival, is Sept. 6 from noon-5pm (tasting ends at 4pm) at Bijou Community Park in South Lake Tahoe. For tickets or more info, go online.
• A five-day inaugural film festival takes place at Mammoth Lakes starting May 27. Three of the short films that are part of the film festival were filmed in Mono County. For more information about the film festival, go online.

By Richard Chang and Bill Lindelof, Sacramento Bee

A teenage hiker said Tuesday he was down to his last drops of water as he waited for rescuers on the Pacific Crest Trail in remote Alpine County on Sunday night.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter crew found D’Artagnan Driscoll, 18, of Apache Junction, Ariz., on Monday, roughly nine hours after he sent a rescue signal from a hand-held GPS device.

“I had about 8 ounces of water left when the California Highway Patrol found me,” Driscoll said, as he traveled Highway 395 on the way back to Arizona. “If I wasn’t dehydrated then, I would have been very soon.”

Read the whole story

The Lake Tahoe Historical Society, celebrating 50 years with the city of South Lake Tahoe, present a fireside chat with Bill Kingman from Lake Tahoe News on May 12 at 7pm in the lodge at Camp Richardson.

Kingman writes a weekly historical column for LTN each Sunday.

Admission is free for Lake Tahoe Historical Society members and $3 for non-members.

Limited seating is available.

For more information, contact the Lake Tahoe Historical Society at 530.541.5458.

The 2015 Camry looks the same, but it’s the performance that is worth noting. Photos/Larry Weitzman

By Larry Weitzman

While Toyota claims the 2015 Camry is an all new ride, examination of the specs shows us that its wheelbase remains the same (109.3 inches), as is the width (71.7 inches), to the tenth of an inch. Even the body retains the same almost identical shape with the biggest change coming in a new front facia. The window line, while looking different because of an appliqué to the rear of the rear window, is almost the same. Even if you compare this edition to a 2007 Camry, the resemblance would be striking.

There are improvements that need to be discussed as minor changes can make a huge difference. I have always like the shape of the Camry since 2007 and this model continues with its elegant, stately styling, except for the new front end. The new almost full width black grille overpowers its otherwise great lines. A close look shows a design that is not dissimilar to the Lexus L’Finnesse theme, but enlarged. It is the only negative. Length is a mid-size 191 inches.

Specifications
Price (base including transportation) SE $24,115 to over $30 large for a loaded V-6
Engines
2.5L, DOHC 16 valve inline four 178 hp @ 6,000 rpm
170 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,100 rpm
3.5L DOHC, 24 valve V-6 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm
248 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 rpm
Transmissions
Six speed automatic
Configuration
Transverse front engine/front wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase 109.3 inches
90.9 inches
Width 71.7 inches
Height 57.9 inches
Track (f/r) 62.4/62.0 inches
Ground clearance 6.1 inches
Weight 3,480 pounds
Tow capacity 1,000 pounds
Passenger volume 102.7 cubic feet
Trunk capacity 15.4 cubic feet
Fuel capacity 17.0
Steering lock to lock 2.85 turns
Turning circle 36.7 feet
Wheel sizes 7.5X18 inches alloy
Tires 225/45X18
Co efficient of drag 0.28
Performance
0-60 mph 5.35 seconds
50-70 mph 2.67 seconds
50-70 mph uphill 3.53 seconds
Top speed Do you think that any of the prior 8.5 or so million Camry buyers in the United States really care? But without intervention electronic or otherwise even the four cylinder should top out at close to 130 mph (but not with me in the car).
Fuel economy EPA rated at 21/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined. Expect to achieve 25 mpg in overall driving and 33 mpg plus on the highway at legal speeds.

Engines also remain the same since the 2010 model with a choice of two, either a DOHC, 16 valve, 2.5L inline four cylinder making 178 hp at 6,000 rpm along with 170 pounds of twist at 4,100 rpm or as was my test ride, the very potent 24 valve, DOHC 3.5L V-6, the same V-6 that powered the Lexus IS 350 and so many other Lexus models. In Camry form it makes slightly less power at 268 hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 hp which incidentally is exactly the same rating for the 2010 model. Power is sent to the front wheels only via a six-speed cog swapper.

Now here is where it gets good, really good. This V-6 Camry can scamper to 60 mph from a stop in a world class 5.35 seconds. It wasn’t just one time, but five times. Passing times also reflect this world-class performance with 50-70 mph acceleration runs taking just 2.67 seconds on level roads and only 3.53 seconds up a 6 percent grade. These numbers rival automobiles cost two and three times the price. This Camry V-6 is amazingly quick. Is there any negative to this quickness? A small one in low speed full throttle acceleration situations, significant torque steer. It’s not unique to the Camry V-6 as torque steer plagues most any front-wheel drive high performance car.

And it does all this while averaging 25 mpg overall. EPA rates the Camry V-6 at 21/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined, but it does a bit better on the highway indicating 33.4 mpg at a constant 70 mph on a level highway.  When you consider the performance, the Camry V-6 is remarkably efficient. Camry’s 17-gallon fuel tank means 500 miles nonstop is a piece of cake, barring human limitations. Coefficient of drag is a very low 0.28.

Another surprise is the Camry V-6’s sporty handling. With the V-6 and in the SE/XSE models you get upgraded sport tuned gas filled shocks and coils plus strut tower and trunk mounted braces.  It all works quite well. During a three mile sprint down one of my favorite twisty roads I was following a Honda S2000 who thought he was going to show the Camry what the S2000 was all about. For the next three miles I stayed on his butt mimicking his every move. When we stopped at the stop sign he couldn’t believe that a Camry could stay with him (in a less difficult straighter section of road, the Camry’s power might have overwhelmed him). While speeds rarely touched 60 mph and the driving was perhaps at seven-tenths, the Camry V-6 can be a fun car in the twisties. Turning circle is a tight 36.7 feet.

Adding to its credentials is a quick electric power steering rack that goes lock to lock in 2.85 turns,  a wide track of 62 inches front and rear plus 18X7.5 inch alloys shod with 225/45 series tires and solid stab bars at both ends.

Camrys are usually known for ride comfort and quiet and this one certainly fits that model. It rides very smoothly as you would expect, plus it is extremely quiet. The engine spins a low 1,950 rpm at 70 mph.

Safety in the Camry starts with what Toyota calls its Star Safety System that includes an enhanced vehicle stability control (EVSC), traction control (TRAC), ABS, EBD, BA and Smart Stop Technology SST). Plenty of alphabet soup there. Braking is excellent with four wheel discs (front ventilated) arresting forward progress in 40 feet from 40 mph. Also standard are 10 airbags including side impact airbags for the rear seat.  LED headlights are very good with broad, flat and deep coverage.

With the XSE comes an upgraded near luxury interior and seats of leather and Ultrasuede that are sublime with both power and heat. My rides had charcoal materials done with a contrasting sporty red stitching on the doors, seats, and dash, very sporty. Instrumentation is complete with tach, speedo and trip computer.

Radio and climate are controlled through a multimedia screen at least for the radio system while HVAC are still controlled by convenient knobs and buttons; small favors. At least there is no mouse to deal with. Of course it has the connectivity of an interstellar space station.

Rear seating is voluminous and when the volume is combined with the large trunk capacity of the 15 plus cubic foot trunk, Camry falls just a cubic foot short of the EPA large car definition.

While pricing for a base model, 178 hp, four cylinder LE starts at around $20 large, my XSE V-6 tester hammers you a bit at $31,370, plus $825 for the train/truck from Georgetown, Ky. When you add in the blind spot/cross traffic alert system ($500), the JBL sound system ($805), technology package that includes lane departure alert, radar cruise and auto high beam plus the obligatory floor mats of $225 and a couple of other small items you are out the door in a full boat Camry for a bit more than $35K. It’s big money, but it I love what it did for me.

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.

By Deb Hopewell, Outside

Buying something we want but don’t necessarily need brings an undeniable rush. Our overflowing closets, attics, and garages testify to the powerful allure of new toys and gadgets. But what do you think would bring more happiness in the long run: that new curved-screen HDTV or an African safari?

According to studies over the past 10 years that still keep popping up in the headlines, it’s human nature to equate happiness with tangible stuff. After all, why spend your hard-earned money on a two-week trip to Bhutan when that designer living room set you bought instead will be around for years, reminding you day after day of its fabulousness?

Because all those awesome objects will never make you a happy person. The human mind has a perverse knack for ceasing to appreciate things it’s constantly exposed to—even pricey things like electronics, clothing, furniture, wedding rings, you name it. On the other hand, even the anticipation of an experience, whether it’s going to a concert, fishing with friends, or planning a bucket-list trip, contributes to the overall happiness associated with the actual event. Even years later, being able to casually mention that you once went skydiving in Spain wears much better than name-dropping your car or television in a conversation. Bottom line: While a trip lasts only a set amount of days, its effect on your happiness lasts a lifetime. It’s a case of the cliché actually being true.

Read the whole story

To the community,

As chairperson of the Tahoe Area Coordinating Council for the Disabled (TACCD), I would like to take a moment to thank all of the people who attended our meeting last month at the Department of Rehabilitation.

David Kelly

The meeting was excellent and it was gratifying to see all of you who took time out from your busy schedules to attend and contribute. I feel grateful to be able to collaborate with each of you and to see that our work to improve the quality of life for our community’s seniors and the those with disabilities continues. In my opinion, the group that attends TACCD meetings is an exceptional one, made up of dedicated professionals and caring parent advocates.

Thank you.

Thirty percent of those diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will develop metastatic disease. Big cancer organizations dedicate on average 2 percent of the money raised to metastatic breast cancer research.

Kelly Shanahan, a South Lake Tahoe gynecologist who is living with metastatic breast cancer, in bringing METAvivor to town May 19 as part of the Sea to Sea for MBC awareness and fundraising event.

METAvivor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for women and men with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and funding research to transition MBC from a terminal illness to a controlled, chronic condition. At this point, however, metastatic breast cancer is a terminal disease.

METAvivor is the only organization that solely funds MBC research through a scientific peer-review process. One hundred percent of all donations and fundraiser proceeds go to MBC research grants.

The May 19 event is a chance to learn about this disease that will claim the lives of 108 women and men every day.

The event will be at Shanahan’s office, 1154 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, from 5-7pm. RSVP to stage4kelly@outlook.com.

A minor was successful at buying alcohol at three out of four stores in South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe police officers on May 2 cited the three clerks, whose names have not been released.

They were:

·       BevMo, 24-year-old female.

·       Safeway, 21-year-old female.

·       CVS Pharmacy (Bijou), 35-year-old female.

Those who allegedly sold to the minor face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

Homewood Mountain Resort’s legal troubles are not over, which means renovating and essentially re-creating the West Shore ski resort won’t happen this summer.

The Third District Court of Appeal still must rule on a case involving JMA Ventures, owners of the resort, and California Clean Energy Committee. A decision could come this summer, but by that time it will be too late have all the financing and bid documents put together. Plus, it’s only possible to move dirt in the Lake Tahoe Basin between May 1 and Oct. 15.

The nonprofit that filed the suit lost in Placer County Superior Court in 2012. The group is challenging the project based on the environmental document, saying traffic will be a problem and energy use will rise.

JMA, at least when the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency approved the project in 2011, expected to spend about $500 million to build a boutique hotel, condos, townhomes, grocery store, restaurant, retail spa and pool. The latter being on-mountain and open to the public.

Upgrades to existing chairlifts are part of the plans, too.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report