From the office of El Dorado County Supervisor Norma Santiago

Surrounded by oversized Post-It Notes depicting her many accomplishments and projects, Supervisor Norma Santiago hosted a casual and informative community chat at the county library Oct. 1 to bring concerned citizens up to speed on county goings on, and to hear what issues are on the minds of her constituents.

“I will be holding several of these kind of casual events to check-in, face-to-face, with my constituents”, says Santiago. “Most of the ideas and accomplishments you see posted here, on these walls, were brought to me by you, the community; that’s where my greatest resource lies, in the people of this community.”

Participants in that Thursday’s Chat Night with Norma brought input and queries that covered a spectrum of issues; from Geo-Tourism to bike trails, and from the proposed state Constitutional Convention to staffing shortages in the county.

The El Dorado County Supervisor began the evening with her top priority, Economic Development, and its diversification at the lake. Outlining several programs that she successfully funded are three exciting projects: GeoTourism, Prosperity Plan and Filming.

GeoTourism is a new philosophy. It is defined as tourism “that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. GeoTourism adds to sustainability principles by building on a destination’s geographical character, its “sense of place,” to emphasize the distinctiveness of its locale and benefit visitor and resident alike.”

(http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/about_geotourism.html)

El Dorado County funded a GeoTourism asset inventory process throughout the east and west slopes, a project that is the first of its kind in the region. More information on that and more is available by contacting Supervisor Santiago’s office at: bosfive@edcgov.us, or (530) 621.6577.

The Prosperity Plan is a concept to establish a basin-wide economic development plan by identifying business clusters that generate jobs, outline opportunities for economic growth, move the Tahoe Basin towards greater economic sustainability and to identify potential diversified economic engines. With the successful award of federal funding, a Prosperity Plan Steering Committee will now choose a consultant to piece the entire plan together and present it back to the community.

Exciting progress has been made to assist film and media companies in processing permits rapidly by partnering with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and combining all US Forest Service improved recreational sites under one environmental document. Supervisor Santiago has been recognized statewide by the California On Location Awards as a finalist for achievements in the expansion of filming in California under the public employee category.

“I am a huge advocate for on location filming, the jobs it creates, the promotion of beautiful Lake Tahoe and diversifying our local economy. The film and media industry is a clean industry that benefits everyone”, commented Santiago in a recent interview.

Oct. 11, Supervisor Santiago will be flying to Hollywood to accept her award.

If you would like to talk further about these and other subjects, please contact the office of Supervisor Norma Santiago or her assistant, Judi Harkins, at 800.491.6642, or (530) 621.6577 or (530) 573.3411.

By Sallie Ross-Filgo

The month of October is fire prevention and awareness month.

This month, city fire crews will be visiting all the elementary schools to provide kids with hands-on practice of what to do if your clothes catch on fire, how to escape a burning building, dialing 911 for emergencies, and an introduction to some of the department’s apparatus and equipment.

So now is a good time to review fire safety plans with your family, check for working smoke detectors in your home, and establish a meeting area for your family in case of a fire.

Sallie Ross-Filgo works for the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department.

By Anna K. Richter

It seems every month of the year has a specific focus and many people associate October with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Along the pink ribbons that abound, you may also see people wearing or displaying purple ribbons. Those wearing purple ribbons know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month and are showing their support for local adult and child survivors of domestic violence.

If you would like a bowl of ribbons for your business, feel free to call Lisa at (530) 544.2118 or email her at lutzig@sltwc.org and she will deliver them to you. Of course, you can always stop by 2941 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe during business hours to pick up a bowl of ribbons, or even just a handful for your friends and family to wear to show that you believe Lake Tahoe’s homes should be safe, violence-free places where each family member can thrive.

This October, South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center will host a number of events to raise awareness and funds to support our domestic violence programs, which provided safety and support to more than 1,400 locals last year. One in every three victims served was a child who had witnessed or experienced abuse. Please support South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center’s work in the community this October by participating in our events.

For the third year, the Women’s Center will display red, life-sized silhouettes of people in our area who were murdered by their intimate partners. These figures are called Silent Witnesses. While this is a national project, we chose to highlight the stories of women, a child and a man who were murdered in domestic violence incidents and who lived in the area from Reno to Placerville.

South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center’s Silent Witness exhibit has 11 silhouettes. It was startling how easy it was to find stories in newspapers of domestic violence murders close to home. These silhouettes remind us of the dangerous realities faced by victims of domestic violence and encourage us to continue working to prevent and address violence in South Lake Tahoe homes.

The Silent Witnesses were displayed in front of the Women’s Center on Oct. 1, and will also appear at Al Tahoe ESL Learning Center on Oct. 15, at South Tahoe High School on Oct. 20 and at Lake Tahoe Humane Society on a date that is TBD during the last week of October.

Please join us for a fun night with appetizers and drinks or dinner on Oct. 28 at Chevys from 4-9 pm. By bringing the required flyer (which can be found at www.sltwc.org/calendar.html) and presenting it to your server that night, South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center will receive 25 percent of the evening’s total sales. We will use funds raised to support the needs of domestic violence victims and their children in this year of more than $200,000 in cuts to our state funding.

We are also very excited about the Howl-oween Pet Parade and Costume Contest, which will be at Dog Dog Cat on Oct. 31 from 1-4 pm. Pets often become targets of abuse in abusive homes, so we want to celebrate our love for pets through this event. There will be snacks, games, and you and your favorite furry friend can have your photos taken by Shauna Trim with Cherish Your Moment Photography for $10.

Proceeds from the photographs and the $5 fee to enter the costume contest will benefit South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center and the Humane Society. Each person who comes will receive a gift bag and is eligible to win other fun prizes. For more information, call Dog Dog Cat at (530) 541.2322 or take a look at the event flyer at www.sltwc.org/calendar.html.

Grocery Outlet supports South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center this Domestic Violence Awareness Month by having boxes out at each register so customers can donate their change to help local victims find safety, counseling, support and emergency shelter, food and clothing at South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center. Every bit helps us make a difference and every donation, no matter how small, can help support victims struggling to keep themselves and their children safe.

South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center is thankful for the community’s support this month and every month — we would not be able to continue to provide comprehensive services and support to the adult and child victims living in our community without all of our donors, volunteers, and hard working local staff. Thank you, South Lake Tahoe, for contributing to the success of our events and fundraising this Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Anna K. Richter is the development director for South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center.

Reno Gazette-Journal editorial

When the International Olympic Committee finally got around to choosing a host for the 2016 summer games on Friday, it made the right decision. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was a worthy winner, bringing the Olympic Games to South America for the first time and recognizing that nation’s position as one of the top economies in the world.

How the IOC’s choice of Rio de Janeiro may affect the hopes of many in Northern Nevada to one day bring the winter games back to the Reno-Tahoe area is difficult to gauge.

Read the whole story

Lake Tahoe Unified School District wants to boast some more about its test scores. For the district’s take on the matter, click on: ltusd release.

South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Position Paper 2011 Echo Summit Repair

ISSUE

The rock wall at Echo Summit on Hwy. 50 was installed after WWII and needs to be repaired. Caltrans has proposed five options for this project, anticipated to begin May 1, 2011. The consequences of this repair work will be traffic delays and rerouting, which could significantly impact the local economy.

BACKGROUND

CalTrans started a public awareness campaign early in 2009, holding forums with the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce South Shore, the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County Supervisors, and others. Caltrans proposed five options, but recommends Option 5, which calls for a forty-four day project, commencing May 1, 2011. Under this option, Echo Summit would be closed for 18 to 24 days, with 20 or more additional days of delays with pilot cars. Further, traffic into and out of South Lake Tahoe would be rerouted from Placerville, CA, onto Hwys 49 and 88, and through Jackson, CA. Johnson Pass Road would be open only for local and emergency vehicles. LTVA, LTCCSS, and others have publicly supported Option 5. There is an advertising budget of $750,000. designated to offset the economic impact to South Lake Tahoe.

DISCUSSION

The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce (STCC) first became aware of the CalTrans public forum in May of 2009. Concerned that alternative roadwork projects may provide less impact upon the local economy, STCC gave presentations throughout the county to educate a larger segment of the business community about the proposed CalTrans project, and to seek additional public feedback. The essence of the public poll has shown that most, but not all, respondents (95% or more) had heard of the Echo Summit repair project, but did not know when it would occur or that there were 5 options connected with the project.

Following each lecture and utilizing discussions via telephone/Internet, STCC provided business community respondents a choice:

1.) Full closure of Echo Summit for 18 to 24 days in a single construction season (May to October) for a 44-day project

2.) Partial closure over two construction seasons, with a pilot vehicle guiding vehicles across the summit.

Interestingly, respondents were basically split 50/50 on these two options. However, most all (98%+) respondents sought to have Johnson Pass Road open to all small passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles routed through Hwy. 88. Many respondents (especially those who had experienced closures of Hwy 50 in 1992 for the Cleveland Fire and the mudslide in 1997) wanted access to Sly Park/Iron Mountain Road,and desire Hwy 50 remain open for passengers and larger vehicles.

The results of STCC’s lectures and public polls were presented to Caltrans at an STCC sponsored public forum on August 20, 2009. During this meeting, Tom Brannon, CalTrans Chief Officer of Project Management B, explained the construction process and their rationale behind Caltrans’s decision to proceed with their proposed construction Option 5 decisions (full closure over a single construction season). Mr. Brannon related that although Johnson Pass Road would be available for local traffic under all five of their construction plan options, Caltrans has at least six reasons why they are opposed to encouraging, promoting, or advertising use of Johnson Pass Road to the general public (i.e., tourists, delivery vehicles). These reasons all relate to Johnson Pass Road itself and include:

1. Liability issues to Cal Trans — lawsuits

2. Granite sub-surface of the road

3. Absence of safety guards on this narrow road

4. Two very sharp turns (30-foot radius and 35-foot radius)

5. Very steep grade

6. An estimated $100,000 cost to prepare for 18 to 24 days of high traffic volume over this road, plus expenditures to repair damages resulting from overuse of Johnson Pass Road.

During the same public forum, the possibility for using Sly Park Road/Iron Mountain Road was reviewed. This road is maintained by the US Forest Service and is normally open as a public thoroughfare only after the snow is melted and the road is dry. The primary issues cited by Caltrans for their opposition to using this route were:

1. Liability issues to Cal Trans — lawsuits

2. Road bed is normally very wet in May and water is under the sub-surface

3. It is a USFS road which lacks police patrols or other services for approximately 30 miles

4. Road is narrow

5. Unknown cost to prepare for 24-days of high traffic volume damage and subsequent repair

6. Danger of forest fire if the project was moved from May to October (we have subsequently verified with Captains Gigliotti and Michaels that our fire season is July and August).

To the issue of full closure of Echo Summit for 18 to 24 days during one construction season or partial closure with a pilot vehicle for two construction seasons (May to October), respondents were split almost 50/50. This question was difficult for most respondents to answer because there are no economic impact studies to review. However, historical data provides evidence of economic loss of $1 million dollars per day to the south shore during closure of Hwy 50. Further, STTC spoke with local accountants who have reported that our economy is better equipped to weather a Hwy 50 road closure in October than in May.

Regardless of the options provided by Caltrans, there is overwhelming support to maximize the ease of traffic flow to visitors during the construction project by using both Johnson Pass and Sly Park Road/Iron Mountain Road. The most desired route (98%+) is to have Johnson Pass Road open for passenger vehicles, and Sly Park Road/Iron Mountain Road open for passengers and commercial vehicles. If Johnson Pass Road is unavailable, then the desired route is Sly Park Road/Iron Mountain Road open to all traffic. Conversely, the overwhelming least desired choice is to divert south shore visitors through Highway 88.

RECOMMENDATIONS

STCC’s position is based upon its own research, discussions with Caltrans, and STCC’s informal data collection using polling at lectures, phone calls, and internet contact. The recommendations are as follows:

1. Use part of the advertising money to upgrade Johnson Pass Road for passenger vehicles with the above recommendations. Commercial vehicles will use Highway 88.

2. Even though there is a strong voice in the community for partial closure (approximately 50-50) there is not enough strong evidence to indicate a firm stance for either position.

If approved by the safety professionals (fire, ambulance and police), then select Option 5 and close Hwy 50 at Echo Summit for 18 to 24 days and 20 days of pilot vehicles for repair.

3. Move the project construction from May to October. According to local fire authority, any given year, the danger of fire is similar in May to the danger in October. This already represents a shoulder season where many accountants felt the financial impact to businesses would be less than in May and June. In October, Iron Mountain road would be dry after the summer and less susceptible to crumbling and damage in October vs May.

4. Create events to entice guests to use businesses from Meyers to Stateline during closure.

ADDITIONAL ISSUES / SUGGESTIONS

Construction Costs: During the poll, the question of differences in the cost of construction for each CalTrans option arose, however, STCC was not in a position to answer this question on Caltran’s behalf. It was, however, suggested that night work be part of the process.

Advertising Budget Feedback: With respect to Caltran’s $750,000 advertising budget, creative suggestions included Caltrans purchase of liability insurance to cover lawsuits which may arise from use of Johnson Pass Road. Another suggestion was to not advertise the construction project, and use the advertising money instead to open Sly Park Road/Iron Mountain Road and improve the safety of Johnson Pass Road. Advise commercial vehicles not to use Johnson Pass Road.

Media: We continue to have concerns about how the recent Bay Bridge closure media was handled. Most Californians saw the front page news and TV lead stories saying “not to go there” even though the San Francisco businesses were trying to cover overhead.

Hwy 88 Advertisement: Suggestions for the $750,000 advertising budget for Hwy 88 diversion: Advertise Hwy 88 as a scenic route. Develop new events on the south shore to attract visitors. Advertise each south shore community Meyers, Y, Al Tahoe, Bijou, Ski Run and Stateline equally. Target high discretionary income market and provide an event that would draw them to Tahoe.

Pilot Car Use: Suggestions for rerouting over Johnson Pass Road for 18 to 24 days: Use a pilot vehicle for both directions on Johnson Pass Road. Use portable traffic signals and pilot vehicles going east and west throughout the week with only eastbound traffic Friday night and Saturday morning switching to westbound only traffic on Sunday. Restrict commercial vehicles to travel between 11pm and 5am.

Publisher’s Note: The following text is all from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s staff.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday issued the following statement after U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Obama administration officials announced federal actions that will be taken to address California’s water crisis:

“Californians are suffering from an extreme water crisis due to a three-year drought and two federal biological opinions that have shut off the water pumps to parched families, famers and workers. (Wednesday’s) announcement shows that the federal government recognizes the significance of California’s water crisis and the role our famers play in feeding the nation. I applaud Secretary Salazar and the Obama administration for calling upon the National Academy of Sciences for an independent review of the biological studies that put a tiny fish over hard working Californians and urge them to approve my request for a disaster declaration for Fresno County to relieve the suffering in the near-term.”

On Sept. 1, Schwarzenegger asked Salazar and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke to take a second look at two recent biological opinions that protect threatened fish species in the Delta. Yesterday the governor’s request was granted.

Salazar announced the departments of Interior and Commerce have agreed to have the National Academy of Sciences independently review the science used for these biological opinions to see if there are ways to provide greater flexibility for our water systems while protecting the environment.

It was also announced that six federal agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding that reestablishes federal leadership on California Bay Delta issues, including active involvement in on-going state efforts, such as the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, to help provide an assured water supply while restoring the environmental integrity of the Bay Delta.

Schwarzenegger is committed to ensuring that California’s farmers, ranchers and residents are protected from the most devastating effects of our three year drought. Some of the governor’s most significant actions this year include:

· On Feb. 27, the governor proclaimed a state of emergency and ordered immediate action to manage and combat California’s third consecutive year of drought.

· On June 19, the governor issued Executive Order S-11-09 authorizing funding under the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) to provide temporary supplemental assistance to local governments and nonprofit organizations that provide food and other aid to those impacted by the drought statewide.

· On July 16, the Department of Finance approved nearly $4 million in funding for the Department of Social Services to provide food for a minimum of five weeks to the drought victims in Fresno County.

· On July 21, the governor proclaimed a State of Emergency in Fresno County and directed Cal EMA to provide local government assistance under the authority of the CDAA.

· Beginning July 28, drought related food distribution centers were scheduled by the Fresno Food Bank for every first and third Thursdays in Huron, first and third Tuesdays in San Joaquin, second and fourth Fridays in Firebaugh, second and fourth Tuesdays in Mendota, and second and fourth Thursdays in Selma.

· On Aug. 24, the governor submitted California’s appeal of the denial for a major disaster declaration due to severe drought conditions in Fresno. The governor’s original request dated June 19, was denied on July 24. FEMA’s response to the appeal is still pending.

By Julie Franklin

The beginning of the school year is the best time for teens and parents. There is an abundance of hope: hope for good grades, good attendance, a decrease in behavior problems, you name it. Teens want to make themselves and their parents proud, or at least steer clear of consequences that bad grades and behavior bring.

Here are some tips to help you and your teen get off to a strong start this school year.

• Meet their teachers: Attend Back to School Night or make an effort on the first few days of school to meet all of their teachers. Get the email addresses for each teacher in case you need to use it. There is no need to email the teacher all the time unless you have a specific concern or your teen has a behavior you are trying to correct, like not turning in homework, etc. Don’t hesitate to call or email concerns or questions. Read over the course syllabus or any pertinent literature sent home. Be aware of big due dates, such as research papers or reports.

• A place to study: Whether it’s a the kitchen table or a desk in their room, students of all ages need some place to study. Although many students can study with music playing, they usually need a place absent of interruptions.

• Show an interest: Although they may not seem like it, teens usually feel pleased and supported when their parents show an interest in their academic life. Find out what types of books they like, what topics they choose for research, reports or freestyle pieces. Many parents have no problem showing interest in the extracurricular areas of their teen such as music, art, or sports. Show that same support for math, English and science. Ask to see their homework, offer to help proofread their papers, help quiz them for an upcoming test or quiz.

• Be aware of progress reports: In most schools there are some sort of reports during the months that lead up to the final semester grades in January. Visit your school’s website or call ahead of time. Know when to expect these reports in your email or mail. Teens have been known to intercept the mail if an unfavorable grade is inside. Progress reports will help you realize if your teen in struggling academically. There are also a special type of progress reports that are available in some schools, weekly progress reports. This is usually arranged through the counselors office. The student carries the progress around to each teacher once a week, say on Fridays. The teacher gives a comment that includes present grade and behavior. The progress report in this case will be handed back to the parent. Consequences and rewards can be tied to this. It is also a good device if you are trying to see the increase of a specific grade.

• Scheduling a parent teacher conference: If your student is showing signs of struggling academically, grades of C- or lower, call the school and schedule a meeting with that specific teacher. If your teen is struggling across the board or if you feel that behaviorally they need adjustment or an informal intervention from all their teachers, schedule a parent teacher conference with all their teachers at one time. It is usually beneficial for all parties to hear everyone’s view. Encourage the student themselves and both parents to attend if possible.

• Getting a tutor: If your teen is really struggling, and you feel as if the subject matter is beyond your understanding, arrange for tutoring. Contact the teacher first as many times students may come in at lunch or after school for extra help from the teacher. Peer tutors may also be found (often for a fee) through the teacher or by contacting the counseling office.

• Rewarding grades/behavior: Students of all ages should be given some sort of positive reinforcement for desired results. Your teen doesn’t have to bring home A’s & B’s for a reward of some sort. Maybe you set goals for high grades, maybe you set goals for improved grades or behavior. Suggested rewards may be the obvious like clothes, money or a gift. Other ideas include increased amount cell phone incentives, time with friends or a night out to dinner. You may choose to set up a reward system linked to progress reports every few months or something more frequent.

• Appropriate consequences: In the same way that desired results should be rewarded, poor academic effort and behavior should involve a consequence if there is a desire to decrease that behavior or outcome. If your student pulls up way short of the goal you both have set, some privileges could be revoked or decreased. Consequences are much more effective if they are natural and related to either the negative behavior or the outcome desired – so for example if you get a bad grade, the cell phone or computer or TV time might be limited because you need more time to study. In addition, the best way I have found as a teacher and a parent, is to decide ahead of time what the various consequences will be for a specific situation. This way both parties are making decisions and coming to an understanding with a clear, calm head. An example might be, “If you are getting a D or below in any subject, your cell phone is taken away until that grade is brought up.” Other privileges which can be manipulated include: phone time, TV time, video games, TV in room, the car, time with friends/boy or girlfriend, computer time, shopping, allowance, etc.

• More tips and helpful articles: There are many wonderful and helpful websites out there with great tips. One website that has a ton of articles that pertain to Back to School and school success, etc. is About.com. The exact address is: http://parentingteens.about.com/od/education/a/back_to_school.htm. They have tons of articles on: Getting Organized, How to avoid Morning Mania, Tips to get your teen to do their homework, How to Attend a Back to School Night and much more! Check it out!

Julie Franklin taught high school for 15 years at Douglas High School in Minden. She now works for Tahoe Youth & Family Services.

Mayor and Council:

Of course the news that state parks will remain open is good for us in the Basin. We will keep our focus and attention on this issue in advance of the January 2010 state budget discussion.

I know that city government and many allied agencies and organizations in the Basin opposed park closures because of the devastating impact these closures, along with a poor economy, would have on our tourist industry. Collectively, we and other park advocates across the state made a difference, and we will continue to make a difference when we stand together and stand strong.

Thanks to you for your strong opposition to the state park closure proposal.

Dave Jinkens, South Lake Tahoe city manager

Rick Jenkins was surprised by the plaque. Photo/SLT

Publisher’s Note: These are the words of City Manager Dave Jinkens on Wednesday during the plaque dedication for Rick Jenkins, who has retired as manager of Lake Tahoe Airport.

There are many people we meet who seek the recognition of others in their lives and their work, and there is nothing wrong with this perfectly human trait. After all, as the adage goes; “god helps those who help themselves.”

Rick jenkins is one of those rare individuals who does not seek glory, fame, and recognition. He has been a devoted resource person and leader for the airport, as airport director and as a resident of the community. He spends a great deal of time working with others to make the airport a success.

For this reason, it is with all the more pleasure that all of us are here this afternoon to give rick jenkins recognition, whether he wants it or not, for what he has done for the airport and our community. I have no doubt whatsoever that without his help, support, guidance, knowledge, dedication, inspiration and care, we would not be on the current path we are on today to return scheduled air service to south lake tahoe soon. We look forward to that day with optimism because of his work.

Rick has had support in this endeavor from the City Council, Airport Commission, assistant city manager and his team of fine airport employees, but without him, we would not have made the progress we are making today.

Thank you Rick for caring so much about the airport, air fest, and our community. Thank you for the dedication, skill, and the diplomacy you have shown in gaining support for and recognition of our airport. All of us in Lake Tahoe have benefited and will benefit in the future from your work here. This airport is your gift to us and our posterity.

While you do not seek recognition and glory, we as your friends and colleagues owe it to you to do so.

David  Jinkens, city manager