By Kayla Anderson, Tahoe Weekly
 
Matchstick Productions new film “Drop Everything” to be released today is set to be one of the most action-packed and funny ski flicks of the year — not to mention full of incredible skiing.

“Drop Everything” has many layers of meaning to its name.

Written, directed and edited by Tahoe local Scott Gaffney, “Drop Everything” features local athletes such as Cody Townsend, Michelle Parker, Elyse Saugstad and other favorites hucking themselves off of snow-capped cliffs and rocks or getting the first lines from Tahoe to Vancouver, B.C.

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For more than seven years kids have been gaining confidence in their reading with the help of some local dogs. RUFF (Reading Up For Fun), a Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe program, has been partnering with schools and libraries to pair young readers with certified therapy dogs, but recently expanded the program to include Elvis, RUFF’s first listening cat.

Elvis, who was adopted by his owner Cherri Gilmore from the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe as a kitten, is now 10, a gray tabby Manx and is the first feline to become part of the shelter’s pet assisted therapy program.

RUFF builds self-esteem in young readers by giving the child a comforting audience to read out loud. Elvis, along with owner/handler Gilmore, spent the summer at Glenshire Elementary helping students with their reading.

According to Erin Ellis, volunteer and humane education programs manager for HSTT, children that read to animals don’t feel the same pressure of judgment that they might feel in a classroom or peer setting.

RUFF teams (dog/cat and handler) meet once a week one-on-one with each of their students for 20 minutes.

Barton Health has added a free infant CPR class to its list of offerings.

It will be Sept. 16 from noon-1pm at 1077B 4th St., South Lake Tahoe.

Infant CPR is for new parents, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, and anyone who wants to learn lifesaving infant CPR and choking relief skills. This course does not offer a course completion card to meet a job requirement.

Register online under Parents & Family Education. Call 530.543.5549 or email fit@bartonhealth.org for more information.

By Jenny Kane, Reno Gazette-Journal

Nevada’s local governments have the green light to license certain businesses that want to allow marijuana consumption on-site, according to an opinion released Sunday by the Legislative Counsel Bureau. 

Businesses may establish lounges at which patrons can consume marijuana, and municipalities may create ordinances that require those businesses to purchase a license to do so. The privilege would also extend to events and concerts. 

The opinion, requested by state Sen. Tick Segerblom, D-Las Vegas, noted that marijuana consumption must be in compliance with the state law, which limits the possession amount to an ounce of marijuana or an eighth-ounce of concentrate. Consumption within the facility cannot be visible to the public, nor can it be open to anyone under the age of 21. 

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The goal of the OutWest Film Fest featuring LGBT films from around the world is to educate and bring awareness about the LGBT community.

There will be two blocks of short films on Sept. 21. The first block is a 45 minutes. “Coming Out” is geared more toward education and begins at 6pm. The second block is also 45 minutes. “Proudly Living” is more for older audiences. It will start at 7pm.

The movies will be shown in the Duke Theatre at Lake Tahoe Community College.

Tickets are good for both. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the LTCC Foundation earmarked for the Tahoe Pride Equality Scholarship. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available online.

By Rick Gross

The stock market has enjoyed an extended period of strong performance that dates back to the end of the last bear market in early 2009. While stock market performance can be measured in myriad ways, it’s the Dow Jones Industrial Average that has surpassed several 1,000-point milestones so far in 2017: The Dow first topped the 20,000 mark on Jan. 25, before passing the 21,000 level just over a month later. Then in early August, it broke through the 22,000 mark. As August ended, the seemingly smooth sailing market rally hit a few bumps.

Rick Gross

While no one can predict the future, market strategists and analysts are suggesting that we could see some additional market volatility in the months ahead. So how do investors keep all of this in perspective while trying to manage their portfolios?

Here are three points to keep in mind as you follow the stock market:

1.     The real value of each underlying move in the Dow index diminishes as the market rises

While the Dow Jones average is often used to provide a general reading on the state of the market, the index includes the 30 largest company stocks. When the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbs higher, the actual impact of each change in its price is reduced. For example, when the Dow broke through the 2,000 barrier in January 1987, it marked a notable 100 percent increase from the 1,000 level first reached nearly 15 years earlier. By contrast, when the Dow moved 1,000 points to reach 22,000 between March and August of this year, it represented just a 4.5 percent increase.

The same perspective applies to day-to-day market moves. The stock market makes headlines when the Dow Jones average moves up or down 100 points in a day. 20 years ago, when the Dow stood at about 8,000, a 100-point move in the market represented a 1.25 percent change in value. Today, a 100-point move is equivalent to less than a half-percent change. In short, 100 points in the Dow Jones Industrial Average doesn’t mean what it used to.

2.     Markets can retreat from record levels

Just as stock markets can rise, history shows they can fall as well. In spring 1999, the index reached the 11,000 mark. It moved higher for a few more months before a severe bear market occurred. The Dow dropped to 7,286 in 2002 before returning to the 11,000 level in 2006. Similarly, the market topped 14,000 in 2007 just before the start of another severe bear market. It fell and did not reach that level again until early 2013.

No one can guarantee what will happen to stocks over the next week, month or year. Stock markets are unpredictable in the short-term, as fluctuations are part of the market’s behavior over time. Price swings are a reality for stock investors, but over time, stocks historically have recovered.

3.     Indexes may not be representative of your portfolio

While indexes often generate headlines, their performance may not be an appropriate reflection of your own portfolio. Emotions run high when there are market swings, but don’t let fear get the best of you. Stock market swings can act as a reminder to review your financial position, making sure that your asset mix matches your long-term goals. Remember that the most important factors of your investment success are your goals, the time you have to invest, your risk tolerance, and your commitment to save.

Reacting to the stock market or speculation about events that may happen in the future might make for interesting dinner conversation, but remember that it’s not a proven investing strategy.

If you’d like help aligning your financial plan with your feelings on the stock market, consider working with a financial advisor you trust. A financial professional can provide an objective perspective and help you stay focused on your financial goals.

Rick Gross is a financial advisor and private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in South Lake Tahoe.

Liberty Utilities is hosting a free solar for homeowners and small businesses workshop to provide information on solar energy as well as its solar incentive program.

It will be Sept. 23, 1-2pm at the South Lake Tahoe Library on Rufus Allen Boulevard.

Utility representatives will be available to discuss various aspects of installing and using solar energy for residential and small business facilities. Anyone may attend, but only Liberty Utilities customers are eligible to apply for the utility’s program that provides cash incentives to offset the cost of installing solar panels on home or small business; schools within Liberty’s service territory are also eligible.

Although reservations are not required, interested individuals are encouraged to arrive early as seating space may be limited.

There will be two opportunities at the end of the month to learn from Lake Tahoe master gardeners how to grow garlic and onions in the basin and Truckee.

The first class will be be Sept. 25 from 5;30-7pm at the Tahoe City Field Station.

The varieties are specifically chosen to survive tough Tahoe winters and provide a hearty spring harvest. Topics include proper varietal selection, location in the garden or container, planting options, and methods for protecting the young plants. Come to the  to learn more and take some plants home to try growing them yourselves.

A $5 donation requested at the door.

The second presentation will be Sept. 27 from 5:30-7pm at the Truckee Demonstration Garden located at the Truckee Regional Park. Each participant will receive various types of garlic to plant in their own home gardens.

This garden workshop is free, but donations are appreciated and benefit Slow Food Lake Tahoe.

The Volvo V90 AWD is a high performing car with good looks. Photos/Larry Weitzman

By Larry Weitzman

It’s not often a station wagon will out do the sedan, especially one as competent as the Volvo S90, but in this case the AWD Volvo V90 is a winner. While the S90 is stunning, the V90 adds a dash more sport and its proportions are smoother and more rakish, giving the V90 an edge in the appearance department.

I never thought I would say this, but Volvo now makes some of the best-looking cars in the business and the V90 takes the cake, it is beautiful.

Built on the S90 chassis, the new V90 is an inch shorter at 194 inches, but an inch taller at 58 inches. They share wheelbase and width at 116 and 74 inches, respectively, making the V90 only slightly bigger than a mid-size, but with a full size, roomy interior. And what an interior it is. More on that later, but other manufacturers could take a lesson here.

Under the V90’s bonnet lies an anomaly of an engine, similar to the aircraft radial engines of World War II, which had mechanical supercharging and turbo charging which gave our aircraft high performance at any altitude. Volvo has introduced the same principal. They have downsized their engines to 2.0L with all the bells and whistles (DOHC, 16 valves, variable timing, direct injection, etc.) to produce an astounding 320 hp at a low 5,700 rpm (up 4 hp over the S90) and the same 295 pounds of twist from about 2,200-5,400 rpm. Low speed engine coarseness seemed less and unobtrusive. Power first gets multiplied by Volvo’s trick eight speeder torque converter cog swapper and then sent to all four wheels on an “as needed basis.”

Specifications
Price
$56,300 to $64,640
Engine (AWD)
2.0LDOHC 16valave direct injected, turbo and supercharged inline four cylinder
320 hp @ 5,700rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,200-5,400 rpm
Transmission
Eight-speed torque automatic
Configuration
Transverse front engine/front wheel drive/all wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase 115.8 inches
Length 194.3 inches
Width 74.0 inches
Height 58.0 inches
Ground clearance 6.0 inches
Track (f/r 19-inch wheel) 63.7/63.9 inches
Weight 4,492 pounds
Furl capacity 15.9 gallons
Cargo volume 69 cubic feet
Trailer capacity 4,600 pounds
Wheels 19 inch alloys
Tires 255/50X19
Turning circle (wall to wall) 38.0 feet
Co-efficient of drag 0.30
Performance
0-60 mph 5.77 seconds
50-70 mph 2.96 seconds
50-70 mph uphill 4.39 seconds
Top speed 130 mph governor limited
Fuel Economy
EPA rated at 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined. Expect 25-26 mpg in mixed driving and 34-35 mpg on a level highway at legal speeds.

Volvo lists the 0-62 mph time at 6.1 seconds and my average to 60 mph was 5.77 seconds, perhaps a bit quicker than the Volvo guys. Passing was also equally as quick with a 50-70 mph level pass just taking 2.96 seconds and the same run up a 6-7 percent grade only slowed the V90 to 4.39 seconds. This is world class performance producing virtually identical numbers as S90. And with both a mechanical supercharger plus a turbo charger, there is absolutely no turbo lag. Zero, zip, nada.

On the flip side is the remarkable fuel economy returned by this near full-size 4,492-pound ride. EPA says it should achieve 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined. On a level highway with the cruise set at 70 mph the two-way average was 34.6 mpg. Overall the V90 averaged 25.8 mpg with almost no highway and plenty of suburban driving and it was aggressive. On the round trip to Carson City over the Sierra on Highway 50 the V90 average a decent 26.3 mpg. It certainly isn’t a gas hog, if anything considering its world class performance, it’s downright miserly.

Volvos in general have a slightly disconnected feel, perhaps it’s the “fly by wire” systems, where everything is electronic. In aircraft, it used to be that all controls were mechanically connected giving pilots a direct, actual feel as to what the controls were doing. It’s what made the P-51, T-28 or even a Beechcraft Bonanza such a pleasure to fly doing exactly what your inputs asked with perfect feedback and feel, ask any lucky pilot who flew one. Now everything is electronic, but the V90 has lots of cornering power and with its state of the art suspenders, wide 64-inch track, big 235/50 meats on 19-inch wheels and reasonably quick steering of 3.0 turns lock to lock it can dance in the twisties with the best sporting sedans. However, when pushed hard, the steering is slow to unwind.

Ride quality is firm but supple, the bigger the bump the better it does. On smooth roads, it is very smooth and it soaks up all minor road imperfections. It is quiet with no wind, engine, road or tire noise.

Safety is Volvo’s forte, and the V90 is no exception, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure and every acronym in the book, plus massive four-wheel ventilated discs almost 14 inches in diameter in front. Volvo is a veritable buffet of safety. LED headlights are fabulous and they have standard AFS which follows steering inputs.

Perhaps the piece de résistance of this Volvo V90 is the sumptuous, but sporty interior. Quality is absolutely top of the line, with the softest and thickest leathers done is a warm natural tan. And there is plenty of it as it covers the seats and the center console. The rest of the materials are also first rate on the dash and door panels. Seats are sublime and rear seating is huge and also sublime.

So, what could be wrong? Perhaps in an attempt to mimic the Tesla big center info screen, Volvo does almost everything by touch screen and while it seemed better in the S90, it appeared more difficult to use in the V90. Sometimes it doesn’t take a finger touch, whatever it is it does not compliment the vehicle. Even voice input is more difficult. Changes need to be made to make this system more user friendly especially to those who are semi-computer illiterate. As a safety factor, operating the touch screen is also distracting.

Pricing starts for this V90 T6 AWD at a reasonable $56,300 plus $995 for the luxury liner from Gothenburg, Sweden. Geely of China may own Volvo, but it is still Swedish, with most parts sourced there except for the tranny which is imported from Japan. Options ran the total to $64,640 with the most noteworthy being the $3,200 stupendous Bowers and Wilkens sound system. It is meant to listen to music, especially rock as no matter the volume there is no distortion. And you can set to mimic yourself standing in front of a live stage. Amazing. Fix the sound system operation and the entire Volvo will be amazing. My preference leans toward the V90, same exhilarating performance, equal handling, perhaps better looks and certainly more utility. And nobody has better leather, not even a Bentley.

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.

Solomon

Solomon is a 5-month-old pit bull puppy who will probably grow into a large adult. He’s at the perfect age to get started on puppy classes. He’s a happy, bouncy puppy who should go to a home who will have time to give him lots of attention and exercise.

Solomon is neutered, microchipped, tested for heart worm, and vaccinated. He is at the El Dorado County Animal Services shelter in Meyers, along with many other dogs and cats who are waiting for their new homes. Go to the Tahoe animal shelter’s Facebook page to see photos and descriptions of all pets at the shelter.

Call 530.573.7925 for directions, hours, and other information on adopting a pet. For spay-neuter assistance for South Tahoe residents, go online or call the animal shelter. Vouchers are available there also: bring $25 and a copy of a photo ID and a local utility bill.

— Karen Kuentz