Current Affairs

Hi Charlie-

I wanted to let you know that TMWA will begin ramping up releases from Donner Lake starting tomorrow morning. However, these releases will have a negligible impact on elevations prior to September 8th.  We will begin slowly, and keep releases at a constant rate of 50 cfs through the Labor Day weekend.

On Tuesday September 8th however, we will start ramping up releases from the lake once again. In the overall picture, the lake will be drawn down slightly earlier than it was last year. Calculations show that the lake will be drawn down about 5 days ahead of last year's schedule.  This means that lake elevations on September 09 this year will look similar
to those on September 14th of last year.

Releases will also be similar to those of last year (about 20%-25% higher for a few days however), and will commence about 4 days earlier.
This means that like last year, the lake will be drawn down very quickly immediately after Labor Day.

In particular, during the eight days Tuesday September 8th through the 15th, Donner Lake elevations will be dropping a foot or so every three to four days. This is again, a slightly faster ramping schedule compared to last year's.

As you have probably heard, the Governor’s has announced a new proposal to close 200 of our state parks – including Donner Memorial State Park. The plan proposes to eliminate state funding for our state park system – which will close more than 80% of the 279-unit state park system.

Donner Memorial State Park is a HUGE visitor attraction for Truckee, and a showcase of our important heritage. Both visitors and locals alike enjoy the facilities year-round. In addition, the museum at the park is the only museum that is open full time, all year where people can go to learn more about our colorful history including the early emigrants, the Donner Party, the building of the transcontinental railroad, ice harvesting, and more. During these tough economic times, it is expected that more and more residents and travelers will be relying upon our state parks as low-cost alternatives to expensive vacation plans, this is the worst time to enact such a short-sighted plan.

Visitors to Donner Memorial State Park generate millions of dollars that are returned back into our local economy – that help keep locals employed. Last year alone, there were 80 million visitors to state parks.

The list of nearby parks included on the closure list is daunting, including Emerald Bay, Sugar Pine Point, D.L. Bliss, Kings Beach… the list goes on. The economic impact of the closure of these parks could be devastating to Truckee and the entire Tahoe-Truckee region.

On Tuesday, June 2, the Legislature’s Budget Conference Committee will consider this proposal.  Immediate action is needed!

The California State Parks Foundation has started an e-activism campaign. If you go to the URL below you can check out what is at stake. There you will find a letter to send that can also be edited as you wish. Your letter will be sent to your legislators (Senator Dave Cox and Assembly Member Dan Logue) as well as Governor Schwarzenegger.

http://ga3.org/campaign/budget_may09

We would like to ask that each of you take a moment of your day to review this information and hopefully decide to send an e-letter to stop any pending decisions that can impact our area. Last year, when the Governor proposed to close 48 state parks, it was because of public outrage that our parks remained open.

We would also like to ask that you forward this email to as many as you feel appropriate.

We thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.

Lynn Saunders
President/CEO
Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors:
Shelly Wright, Kappy Mann, Jude M. Koenig, Tonya Beyer, Connie Blair, Jon Borden, Neil Cunningham, Paul Kucharski, Larry Larson

NEW EVENT for Donner Lake: http://98.129.89.114/tahoe/38/site/graphics/events/donnerlakeraceposter2009.jpg - Donner Lake Paddleboard and SUP Race on May 23.

Don't forget the annyal Truckee Home & Building Show and Green Building Symposium May 23- 24 at the Truckee High School.

I recently signed up to receive the e-news from the Town and found that there has been ongoing work Truckee’s economic plan.  In the past year's I have been concerned about our economic situation and have been thinking about  where the town should go in the future.

In reviewing the April 21st power point presentation, I find that the “three main initiatives” described in the presentation consist of only one initiative and two premises or ideals.  Building an economy based on only one initiative (the tourists industry) is similar to building a one legged stool. Creating a plan where Truckee’s economy is primarily based on tourism is in reality creating a one legged economic stool... that will in fact limit our economic prosperity.   We need to broaden our economic base and identify other initiatives that are consistent with Truckee’s culture and uniqueness.

While the Tourist industry does generate economic income, it does so in a way that results in a disproportionate per person income bases with many below the mean and few above. And, as we have seen over the years our tourist industry is very dependent up on weather and the economic health of the county.  To balance this situation and to diversify our economic base, we need to identify other industry sectors that will build economic and social capital for the long term growth and prosperity of Truckee.

One of the key reasons for industry to locate in a particular place is that the location will entice the best and brightest to join their companies.   Factors such as the quality of schools, safety, and sense of community, access to services and transportation, and quality of life style are among the top reasons for locating to a particular area.  In my opinion, Truckee ranks among the top in all of these areas.

Based on these factors I would strongly recommend that the Town add other initiatives to the current singular focus on promoting tourism year round.  One of the areas I think would be a win-win in meeting Truckee’s needs and industries needs is in the area of high tech design and manufacturing…especially in the area of Green Technology… This type high wage industry would diversify our per person income base, and support and expand our communities social capital and economic prosperity.  As we saw during the tech bubble when people from this industry came to the Truckee area and bought up everything that was available, we know that that people in this industry want to live in Truckee.
--
Mike Brugh

The Town of Truckee has a NEW WEB SITE; the same address, but newer display.  They are still in the process of transfering all their information, so if you don't see something, check back later, or call/e-mail the Town to see if it's going to be available soon -- they really are taking comments.

Construction status for the Donner Pass Road Bike Lane & Erosion Control Project:  All of the new culverts that cross beneath Donner Pass Road have been or will be installed this season and utility conflict issues have been resolved.  Most of the new drainage inlets installations have been completed.  Some shoulder/driveway grading and repaving work has been completed. All rock walls and guardrail work has been completed.  Work will continue through November 15, 2008, weather permitting, then resume again in May 2009.  There may be specific shoulder areas that do not drain as effectively this winter as they will once the final project is completed.  Staff will ensure impacts in these areas are minimized and monitor the project over the winter months.

Schedule For Next Spring/Early Summer:  Finish widening and shoulder grading.  Grind out approximately 4” of existing pavement and replace with approximately 4” of new pavement.  Install new pavement markings and signs.  Address any punch list items, install any permanent BMPs, and perform the final project clean-up.

Our goal is to finish the project by July 4, 2009.

Please call me at 530-582-2904 if you have additional questions or want more information.
Thank you,
Todd
Todd E. Landry, P.E.
Senior Engineer
Capital Improvement Projects
Town of Truckee, California
Direct Line:  (530) 582-2904
Fax:  (530) 582-7710

Donner Lake Property Owners Association (DLPOA) is still in "hot water" over the placement of rip-rap rocks along the shoreline without Permits.  Here is a copy of the latest letter to DLPOA: http://www.donner-lake.com/LahontanLetter-10-08.pdf
 DLPOA Board of Director Meeting: Saturday, October 25 Board Meeting: 10:00am at the Best Western in Truckee.
As of this writing, there has been no notification to the members of DLPOA informing them of this situation and what the Board plans to do about it.

Donner Lake is filling up and some folks are water skiing already. The lake appears to be a bit "murky" and I've seen some shells on the bottom that look like miniature clam shells -- I have no idea what they're from -- if you know, please email: sos@donner-lake.com.
Check the level of the Lake (high water level is 5935.8'):
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?DNN

The BEARS ARE OUT and tearing into weak enclosures; it's a good idea to install a strong METAL garbage enclosure to keep the amount of trash that gets spread around.

Prepare for summer -- make your property as fire safe as possible.
http://www.truckeefire.org/main.asp?id=35

 Saturday, June 7th 2008

Dear Friends,

Last year over 800 volunteers came together to clean up Truckee's streets, removing over 6 tons of litter and debris and enjoying the satisfaction that only "hands on" volunteerism can provide! They were also treated to a free barbecue lunch, live music and a great time with their fellow volunteers at Regional Park after the hard work was done.

On Saturday, June 7th 2008, we will celebrate the 5th Annual Truckee Day.  In keeping with this year's theme of "Truckee...Clean and Green", we will be holding a Green Living Expo from 12:30-2:00 pm at the park along with the community picnic.  Residents will be able to get information on renewable energy alternatives, conservation, recycling and waste management, biofuels, local non profit agencies engaged in sustainability and more!

We're inviting your green business, agency or non profit organization to be a part of the celebration!  Businesses and organizations providing volunteers for the clean up will be offered booth spaces free of charge.  Please reply to this email to indicate your interest in participating.  Space will be allocated on a first - come, first - serve basis, so don't wait!

I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Please email or call if you have any questions.

Beth Ingalls
Truckee Day Coordinator
info@truckeecan.com
530-386-3128

Gerald Herrick
Truckee Day Coordinator
geraldwherrick@yahoo.com

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/getprod.php?wfo=rev&pil=PNS&sid=REV&version=0&banner=off

I really like to read the paper as soon as possible, so I went to their web page (http://www.sierrasun.com/) and read the few articles that were posted there.  I really wanted to know more; so, when I discovered that just below the "News" and above the "Sports" is a little box: "Click Here to Read Today's Paper" -- I clicked on that and a new page opened that showed the front page of the SUN!  I have a very small monitor, so I couldn't read it, but when I brought my cursor over the paper, another little box opened up -- when I clicked on an article (even ADVERTISEMENTS), the piece would be expanded on the right half of my screen so I could read it easier -- what a great feature!  Now, you don't have to wait for your issue to be mailed to you.

Interesting article, with photos, of what's going on in the old Snow Sheds above Donner Lake:
http://www.thestormking.com/Tahoe_Nuggets/Nugget_118/nugget_118.html

Hi Charlie,
We'll begin ramping up releases the following Monday after Labor Day (Sep. 10th).  By Wednesday Sept. 12, I'll be releasing approximately 50 cfs from the dam which will drop the lake about 1.5" per day.  This should give people more than enough time to make any necessary arrangements.
Thanks,
Bill

This summer could be a very dry one as well, so don't forget to work on your Defensible Space for fire control.

The warmer temperatures are settling the snow, but we had a good 7' of snow at the West End of Donner Lake.

The Truckee Donner Public Utility District has recognized that when they installed our new water system, they hadn't planned for some of the older Donner Lake Service Lines might be too shallow and can freeze like they did during the cold spell we had in January & February due to the lack of a usual snow cover.  Consequently, some owners have had to dig down to the end of their Service Line, where it used to be connected to the Main Line before they could connect a "pipe thawer".  The TDPUD's new water service boxes do not have a way to connect to the Service Line at that point -- definitely an oversight!

Our new Weather Station has been installed; unfortunately, the weather station's web page, showing all the data, is not yet working right, so for the most up-to-date (almost-instant) information and some historical data, go to: http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KCATRUCK10

Put this on your schedule:  Annual Turkey Trot will be November 12: http://www.tahoe-world.com/component/option,com_gigcal/task,details/gigcal_gigs_id,3083/Itemid,89/

"Starting this next Monday, October 2nd, forward however, the lake will be dropping approximately 3.5"/DAY or so (just about a foot every 3½ days)... "after this weekend the lake will begin dropping quite rapidly."
You can be watching the Lake level by clicking here: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?DNN

Item #8: Donner Lake billing surcharge public hearing (final costs of the reconstruction of our water system were $1.5 million over-budget and will be paid with a $6.65/month Surcharge for 30 years).  Click HERE for a copy (Word Document).

Item #13: Placer LAFCO Annexation Application for the Donner Lake Service Area (the portion of Donner Lake that the TDPUD took over from Sierra Pacific Power Company in the 60s was never formally annexed with Placer County -- this will accomplish that).  Click HERE for a copy (PDF Document).

The actual Hearing is set for July 5; the June 21 date is where this item will be discussed and the Hearing Date is officially set; comments should be in before 7/5.  Click HERE for the full 6/21/06 Agenda.

Don't forget, you can monitor the level of Donner Lake here:  http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryFx?DNN

If you can help out removing debris from Donner Lake on the 24th-26th, 8 a.m. at the Public Boat Ramp, we need all the help we can get to make the Lake safer for the summer and especially the coming Memorial Day Weekend.  Please bring gloves, sunscreen, floatation device (Town Police will be in charge and will require everyone to wear their floatation devices during this cleanup).  Come meet the members of the Town's and Fire District's "Navy"!

We received .01" of rain during yesterday's storm, but it was a warm rain which will help warm up our Lake, melt the snow (cools the Lake down).  Nonetheless, water skiers are venturing out while the lake is calm, mornings and afternoons -- WET SUITS ON of course!

I understand that the Donner Lake Property Owner's Association will soon be sending out their Newsletter with all the candidates and their annual ballot for voting.  As always, you'll want to thoroughly review each Candidate's statements before sending in your ballot.  If you want further information from anyone, give them a call/e-mail to clear up any questions you might have.

There is a HUGE sand bar at the east end of Donner Village Resort -- when you're boating, be sure to watch out for that.  The Town MIGHT put a buoy on it, but who knows if they'll have enough money for that from their $44 + Million Budget this year!

The Sierra SUN and Tahoe World have joined together and will be published under the SUN's masthead, but in the old Tabloid

Great article about the B-17 coming next week: http://ss.us.publicus.com/article/20060505/COMMUNITY/60504004

Another interesting article:  http://ss.us.publicus.com/article/20060503/COMMUNITY/60503003

Dan Wilkins says that there were be a time this fall for reviewing the Bike Trail and Drainage Project for next year.

Dan Wilkins (Town of Truckee Engineer) reply regarding the BIKE LANE & Drainage:
"Charlie,
The current project design would need to be scaled back to match funding.
The idea would be to construct bike lanes, drainage improvements, and resurfacing as a top priority.  Where the road bed is wide enough to easily accommodate parking, parking would be maintained, but where the roadbed needed to be widened to maintain or construct parking, the parking would be eliminated."

TRUCKEE RIVER and our LAKES:
I attended several meetings dealing with the water situation in our area last week.  As you might suspect, we have PLENTY for this summer at this point.  Naturally, all bets are off if we have a major runoff problem.  Donner Lake will fill without question.  Here is what I received from the man who controls our gates:
"Hi Charlie,
It is impossible to get the lake down any lower since all gates have been wide open since this fall.  My plan is to fill later this month (and very slowly). I probably won't start closing the gates to start filling until maybe sometime next week, depending on the weather.  At this point, I am in no hurry to fill the lake.  But it looks like it is going to start warming up and then I'll have no choice in the matter.  I would say that this week for sure would be a really great week to get any work done that has been put off."

Even Lake Tahoe will probably be FULL for the first time in many years.  Unfortunately, the way the water in the Truckee River and our surrounding Lakes & Reservoirs are managed, the very popular rafting from Tahoe City to River Ranch may NOT have enough water for their operation.  WHY?  Because the water is used downstream (Nevada) for electric generation, commercial/industrial/farming uses and there will more than enough "in-stream flows" so they won't "need" water from Lake Tahoe.

BIKE LANES & DRAINAGE:
I had asked Dan Wilkins (Town of Truckee Engineer) about the status of the Donner Pass Road Bike Lane and Drainage, here was his answer:
"The project will not be going this year.  The goal is next year. The goal is also to upgrade the drainage as a part of the project."  I asked him a follow-up question, but he hasn't replied yet: "Does that mean the project as it's already been presented to us?  Or, something different that we have yet to see?"  Keep posted for his answer.

FYI:
The site of the old Donner Lake Utility Company Office (corner of Donner LAKE and Donner PASS Roads) has been listed For Sale by the TDPUD and it's already in escrow.  Listed price is $500,000.

Beginning April 10, the Town of Truckee will begin their Tree removal and brush cleaning -- starting with Sierra Meadows and Armstrong Tract; for more information:
http://www.townoftruckee.com/pdfforms/Press%20Release%20-%20Tree%20cutting.pdf

I will be out of town and unable to head the Donner Lake West End Road Cleanup Day on June 3.  If you can help out with this effort, please e-mail Pat Perkins (pperkins@townoftruckee.com) as soon as possible.

There is a rumor going around that SBC/ATT may soon have DSL available at Donner Lake!  We'll let you know when we hear it's available, or, you can check the following page, by inserting your Donner Lake phone number (include Area Code): https://swot.sbc.com/swot/serviceQual.do?custType=1&local_state=California!

Truckee, 20-MAR-2006, by Emilie Kashtan
Donner Lake Neighbors,

On Thursday evening, March 16, Dave Lopez, District Project Manager for Caltrans, presented a three-phase I-80 construction project, proposed to begin in 2007.  This project extends from Castle Peak exit to midtown Truckee, with the first phase to include the west Donner Lake Interchange (DLI) down to the Agriculture Station.  In a nutshell, this phase budgeted for $63 million, includes widening I-80, adding a west bound lane, replacing existing culverts, adding three “basins” for water filtering by I-80, connecting west bound and east lanes in the lower levels, rehabilitating the “staging ground” near the Ag. Station, and finally, placing a 12 inch concrete overlay in both directions of the Interstate.

From the presentation it seems that what it doesn’t include is repairing any erosion and damage downhill caused by previous inadequate engineering or failed conveyances, adding more downhill culverts to decrease the volume and velocity caused by I-80 runoff, providing channel ways from the highway down the hillside to Donner Lake, or clearing sand and particulate that now clogs the creeks and Donner Lake.

Council person Richard Anderson asked directly if this project would address the downhill drainage affecting properties and Donner Lake, and the answer was, NO.

I spoke of concerns in keeping involved residents informed and involved in this project.  Furthermore, that the mitigation for drainage from the Interstate was originally reduced and inadequate and has perpetuated erosion and flooding problems, especially in light of the failure of maintenance of the downhill channel ways. I identified problems with sand and particulate that have significantly affected and damaged the creeks and Donner Lake quality.

John Eaton of Mountain Area Preservation Foundation expressed concerns of the hillside erosion, wildlife involvement and requested that a full CEQA be conducted.

In a discussion with Dan Wilkins and myself, after the presentation, the four representatives of Caltrans identified that they will be reviewing the concerns, present any changes to the Town engineer, and then bring in the citizens for comment.

Stay tuned.
Emilie Kashtan
P.S. Please see the following letter that I sent to the Town Council, Lahonton, Ted Ownes Nevada Board of Supervisors, and MAPF
************************************************************************************
Monday, March 20, 2006
To:            Truckee Mayor Ingalls and the Truckee Town Council Members
RE:           Caltrans proposed I-80 project above Donner Lake
Honorable Mayor Ingalls and Respected Town Council Members,

We appreciate you providing the public opportunity for Dave Lopez, District Project Manager of Caltrans, to present the three phase plan for I-80, that includes the section above Donner Lake.  Of considerable concern is the lack of “rehabilitation” of the eroded and damaged hillside caused by previous unfiltered drainage, the inadequate engineering and/or failed maintenance of conveyance channel ways, and the lack of proper re engineering of culverts to today’s and future needs, Best Management Practices, I believe it is called.  While Caltrans has an eye to future water quality, their plans ignore the current condition that has been caused with sand and particulate in the clogged creeks and Donner Lake. Completely out of the radar screen and into the headlights is the migrating wildlife, as they attempt to cross for a water source at the DLI, the only break in the freeway for many miles.

As you may recall, the subdivisions on the north side of Donner Lake were dedicated around 1924, with cabins and homes built before, during and after the construction of I-80, which was in the early 1960’s.  Soon after that construction, existing homes experienced flooding and drainage problems, resulting in litigation, resulting in a penalty against Caltrans as well as requirements to fix problems on complaining owner's properties. These repairs while limited to only a few properties included properly conveying the drainage downhill via structures to Donner Lake.  To date, one of those concrete conveyances near 15304 Donner Pass road, lies crumbling due to water force or inadequate maintenance, while other channel ways and culverts have failed causing sheeting drainage, erosion and damage to downhill structures and properties.    Now that more homes have been built, they too experience from the original uphill inadequate design for drainage, which continues to funnel improperly from a few culverts off I-80.

Adding complexity to the issue is the TDPUD service road above W. Reed Avenue completed last year without proper drainage mitigation that has compounded the problems. After the first big rain, the water cascaded down in areas never before experiencing flooding, including during the 1997 floods.  What happened to proper engineering and inspections that sould have prevented the problems and damage that have occurred this year? Culverts clogged, W. Reed washed out in some sections and has been significantly undermined in others, many homes and properties have had flood damage, buried water services have been exposed, and the list goes on.

It is not because of new homes that there are drainage problems, they were in the plans long before I-80 was built, but rather that the engineering of the 1950’s and the cost cutting measures employed, did not, and do not meet reasonable drainage needs down the hillside.

Now that Caltrans has 63 million dollars worth of plans for this phase alone, those plans should correct previous problems and not perpetuate them using a blind eye.

Please support the Truckee residents in requiring proper review and engineering of the problems that Caltrans has created up hill at I-80, correcting drainage problems caused by the TDPUD service road, and correcting the sand and pollution of the creeks and Donner Lake.

I as Chairperson for Donner Lake Community Association as well as all the residents of Donner Lake will be watching closely, because as we all appreciate, the problems from I-80, ultimately dump into Donner Lake, one of the jewels of Truckee. Filtering only at I-80 while erosion continues downhill into the creeks and Donner Lake, is not fixing the problem.

Again, we appreciate your attention in this issue.

Respectfully submitted,
Emilie Kashtan, Donner Lake Resident

The Town of Truckee is having a big problem with their Paid Parking District; see Sierra Sun article: http://ss.us.publicus.com/article/20060203/NEWS/60203001
The Town is also having a problem with disposal of ALL kinds of batteries; Sierra Sun: http://ss.us.publicus.com/article/20060202/News/102020001

The TDPUD is raising our Rates for Electric and Water Service: Sierra Sun: http://ss.us.publicus.com/article/20060202/News/102020005

The USGS has a new site for Earthquak information:  http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

from Charlie:  Not too long after they chose the new Beach Manager, they will probably be looking for employees for the Beach.

Interesting article regarding the Donner Party:  http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/12/donner.party.ap/index.html

The other storm is brewing in the ranks of the Donner Lake Property Owner's Association over the Beach Manager that ran things last year.  More on that issue at a later date.

I hope to have some more time tomorrow to put together some of the photos I took in our area during the storms.  I'll post it as soon as it's ready for you.  I even have some video footage that I hope to post.

Cooler temperatures should remind everyone to ALWAYS turn the water OFF in their units when they leave for any length of time -- even just a week.  REMEMBER:  start "winterizing" your units no later than October 15.  Make sure all your Vents are closed off, all hoses disconnected and leave your heat on LOW by then as well.  If you haven't installed a bear-resistant garbage enclosure, be sure you get it done soon -- we've noticed that the wood enclosures don't seem to last as long; also people are "using" their neighbor's enclosures.

Property Owners west of Maple Street on Conifer Drive may notice some additional traffic the next few years; apparently the people who own the property up behind the "F" Block are trying to develop that property; here is what the Listing Remarks say: "New potential subdivision for sale. Approx. 10 acres available consisting of three seperate parcels. One parcel consists of 5 acres and the other two parcels consist of 2.5 acres. Several private wooded building sites available of which three homes can be built. Access through newly planned and approved road that will go through 15661 Conifer."  Only $750,000!

By the way, the Town DOES have a "Noise Ordinance" but maybe it needs to be updated? http://www.townoftruckee.com/DCCh044.html

FYI: there's NO PARKING ALLOWED from Donner Pass Road to Summit Creek -- however, it's only marked/signed/enforced on the Lake side of South Shore Drive:

http://www.townoftruckee.com/pdfforms/TITLE10.pdf

~~~~~~

I dislike jet skis and speed boats and their noise and gas smell that hovers over the whole lake I dislike too many Canadian Geese I dislike traffic jams from too many summer (or winter) revelers I dislike the plethora of rules for our beach, including the locked gate before 8:00 a.m.

But I love Donner Lake and its stunning beauty its Mergansers and Ospreys and Bald Eagles its public piers and willing trout its endlessly varied and quirky cabins its irrascible residents its new water system

So all in all, I can easily put up with those dislikes, including the one-weekend's inconvenience of one of the country's oldest and most respected Triathlons. As someone with an tired old body, its great to get up early, watch the excitement and marvel at all those great specimens of the human race engaged in sport.

So, I say . . . long live the Triathlon and may we all find the strength to endure our personal discomforts when others occasionally enjoy our lake in ways that irritate us.

~~~~~~

Excuse Me about my weak comment, but you sound like a crab also. Do you also dislike 4th of July weekend? Why not let others enjoy Donner Lake as well. You sound like you own it. For God sakes, it's not a gated community!

This is so petty.

~~~~~~

Weak comment on your part.

I personally "hate" the annual triathlon because it closes down one of our nice summer weekends at Donner Lake. We only have about 13 of them. I learned years ago to kiss off the triathlon weekend, and stay home, because I don't like being told by some strangers on Saturday morning, that I can't drive to Safeway. And now it's Sunday morning also?

Is there some benefit to our area that I'm missing? What are we getting in exchange for us letting real fit folks shut down our roads?

~~~~~~

I agree with you. Donner Lake is a recreational area and why not have the Triathlon once a year. Is it that bad?

We should be able to live with a little inconvenience now and then for the good of the Recreational enthusiasts.

I had to walk on foot back to my cabin this last weekend after I ran an errand in the early morning hours on Saturday and was inconvenienced, but that was OK with me. We should focus on the "big picture." Donner Lake is a unique location. Moving the race to Nevada would be a joke to many! Any other location wouldn't be the same. If there is some other reasonable alternative to please the community, that should be heard - but canceling the triathlon after 24 years or moving the race to Nevada? Come on! We don't live in a perfect world and these type of events give our Donner Lake some character! We need to be human beings and have some "flexibility."

I have never heard anyone that I know of who "despised" the Donner Lake Triathlon!

What's next - a ban on the Trolley bus for getting in the way or fishing?

~~~~~~

Holly Cow - what a CRAB!!!

~~~~~~

We have had our cabin at the west end of Donner Lake since 1960, every year since the Triathlon has started this event interrupts our lives more and more so, it should be moved to Nevada or a different time period so as not to effect our lives so much. We pay taxes and should have the right to be heard on this issue, although we never seem to be. What is the deal of stopping folks from coming and going they never used to do this before. If it has to be controlled like it was this year lets move it somewhere else, a lot of us despised this event to no end for the way it effects our lives. I work very hard during the week to keep my Cabin and pay my taxes and for you folks to allow an event like this is a slap in the face and I resent it very much and I'm not alone. I think the Triathlon should be Eliminated! Thank You.

Donner Lake, 18-July-2005, by Charlie White:

Well the weekend certainly has been an eventful one.

1.  Unfortunately, as of this writing, the 15 year old boy that jumped off a moving boat after a hat Saturday has not yet been located -- too sad for all involved.  Many agencies have been involved with the search in addition to our local Truckee Police Department and Fire District (not verified):  Sierra County Sheriff, Placer County Sheriff, El Dorado Sheriff, Yuba County Sheriff, and the California Highway Patrol and many many volunteers.

2.  The 24th Annual Triathlon took over the West End of Donner Lake again, but they had made some revisions to the way they conducted some of their races and it has upset a LOT of people.

I was asked to prepare a Flyer to be left at the Donner Lake Property Owners’ Association Beach to let everyone know that there is a Town Council meeting THIS THURSDAY evening (MUST BE THERE BY 6 p.m.).  Attached is what I prepared and just dropped off there, along with a map showing how to get to that Town Council meeting from the DLPOA Beach.

If you have concerns about the way the Triathlon was run and you can’t make it to the Town Council, you should send an e-mail (truckee@townoftruckee.com).  Also, if you are up August 11, the Truckee Donner Recreation and Parks District will have their monthly meeting that night starting at 6 p.m.; without the use of this facility, the Triathlon could not take place at this end of the Lake.

There have been several thoughts given to me, so I’m passing them along so that you can add them to your list, or give your own “twist” to that thought (no particular order):

1.Eliminate future Triathlon 

2.Schedule the Triathlon for the time of year that there is less impact – on, or after, Labor Day (water is still warm and there is considerably less people to be impacted)

3.Move the venue to the State Park (or Boca) – that way the people at Donner Lake still have two ways in/out of the Lake

4.Make sure that any future Permits include limits to the amount & timing of the noise (they call music) created – low volume and not start until 7:15 a.m.

5.Plans for this, or any other event, should first be circulated in the community that will be affected at least 60 days BEFORE a Permit is issued – including diagrams of the location of their facilities, etc.

6.Town of Truckee must initiate and enforce a Noise Ordinance

7.What are your thoughts?

Donner Lake, 11-July-2005, by Charlie White:
Following is a link to the proposed DLPOA Beach Redesign and Management Planprepared by Nicole Pastre, from UC - Davis: http://www.donner-lake.com/DLPOA-B.pdf.
And Milan Wight's Trail proposal: http://www.donner-lake.com/Milan05.pdf
BOTH Reports may take a LONG TIME TO Open -- please be patient.

Today I attended a presentation by Gene Welch from the Truckee Fire Protection District regarding "Defensible Space" in our area; just e-mail, or call (582-7850) Gene and he will be happy to give a presentation to any group who would like to learn about this very important issue.  There are several pieces of information available from Truckee Fire.  They have an EXCELLENT VCR/DVD regarding Defensible Space -- this can soon be checked out at our local Video Rental stores.  I hope to have a copy available soon to also be checked out.  Gene also let us know that they will be passing an Ordinance as well as asking the Town, Placer & Nevada Counties, requiring owners of vacant lots to make sure that their lots have a defensible space within 30' of any structure.

   1.  The Town of Truckee will begin their Slurry Seal project at Donner Lake on JULY 6.  Click here for a list of dates for each road  -- subject to weather and other problems of course.

    2.  Donner Lake FRONT Owners are asked, by the Town of Truckee Police Department, to put their Street Numbers on the lake side of their Boat Docks  -- their request is to make it easier/quicker for their personnel to respond to any problems that might be phoned in.  If you report someone violating the "Rules of the Lake", or a navigational hazard, etc. it will help them if you can give them your street address.  Unfortunately, this will also help the Code Enforcement Division to keep better track of what's happening with piers as well.....

    3.  The Town Council failed to let the TDPUD proceed with their Water Tank Project up on Donner Lake Road, they want more information, including flying balloons tomorrow (Friday, 6/24/05) at 10 a.m. on the two proposed sites.  The balloons won't be up long, so if you're interested in checking that out, drive by about that time.  It would really be a good idea to send a quick note to the Town Council urging that they approve the proposed TDPUD plan ASAP so that our costs will not increase AND maybe the tank will be installed before Fall, when we are most-vulnerable to Fires!  On another Note, the TDPUD still plans to switch us over to their "Well System" by the end of June -- we will no long receive those quarterly Notices that were required by the State saying that our water isn't up-to-code (even though all tests have come up negative) AND our coffee will begin to taste better because there won't be so much chlorine in the water!  THANK YOU TDPUD!

     4.  Believe it or not, I received a call this morning from a long-time property owner asking which night the Fireworks will be -- it's ALWAYS on the 4th!  Don't forget to watch the 4th of July Parade -- 'starts around 10 a.m. and the Boy Scouts have a Pancake Breakfast at the Gateway Fire Station, beginning about 8:30 that morning -- great breakfast and really helps the Boy Scouts in our area.

    5.  It looked like a Commercial was being filmed on Donner Lake this morning -- several ski boats were on the water in different positions and driving down the lake.

'have a fun and SAFE summer!

Update on the TDPUD attempt to install a new water tank:
At the TDPUD meeting on 8-June, there was a hearing regarding the EIR/EIS for the location just off Donner Lake Road below the East-Bound On Ramp for I-80 which belongs to the Town of Truckee.
The property owners next door want the tanks moved to part of their property but the TDPUD has already done all their engineering and cost estimates using the Town's property.

At the June 16 Town Council meeting, the Agenda had:
"Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) Water Tank on Donner Lake Road.
Recommended Action:  Provide direction to staff to request additional information from the TDPUD necessary to issue an encroachment permit for the installation of a water tank in the Town right-of-way along Donner Lake Road."

The Council listened to the presentations, but were unable to make a decision and asked the TDPUD to provide them with more information and to "float balloons" on the two potential sites to simulate the visual aspects to the tank.  There are many reasons why there should be no change of sites and certainly NO more LOSS OF TIME because of: 1. our short building season -- contracts must go out to bid ASAP so as to get the project done before next winter; 2. costs could go up dramatically if the project is delayed until next year;  3. the TDPUD may lose their low-interest rate State Revolving Funds Loan.  All these could INCREASE the Bond that the property owners at Donner Lake are paying -- what about the people who paid off their Bond already, will they have to be billed for more after-the-fact?

Stay tuned!

2.  There will be a Professional Bike Race in Truckee on Thursday and Friday, June 16 & 17: http://www.tourdenez.com

3.  The Dam, in the State Park, will be undergoing some remodeling this summer to make it safer (not be prone to washing out during a large storm event).  There will be no crossing of the Dam during their construction -- lasts into August.

Sierra SUN reports that the Museum will NOT be built where originally proposed in the State Park: http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20050603/NEWS/50602008

Don't forget, we need help with cleaning Truckee (Donner Lake) streets this coming Saturday, June 4; please join me at the Donner LakeFire Station, between 8 & 9 a.m. and pick up your Orange Trash Bags, T-Shirts (as supply last) and BBQ Tickets.

We saw our first Yellow Jacket Hornet this week, so it's time to put up those traps as well and make sure your screens are in good shape.

If you see standing water around, try to find a way to drain it as soon as possible because we are very concerned about mosquito-borne West Nile Virus (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/prevention_info.htm) in our area this summer.

Finally, we've also spotted the "West End Bear".  Remember, DO NOT FEED ANY WILD ANIMALS and put your trash in a bear-resistant bin, or TAKE IT HOME with you! If you see a bear, DO NOT call the Town of Truckee -- call: The Bear League (530-525-7297); check out their web page: http://www.savebears.org/ and be sure that you, your family, AND guests, know what to do when you see these creatures.

We haven't heard the results of the water quality surveys that were done Saturday on the Truckee River and Donner Lake; we'll let you know the results as they become available.

The Lake in now back down to it's normal level; if you want to see how it looked during the storms: http://www.donnerlakerealty.biz/hiwater.htm  It was soooo nice to see the SUN again!

Dates to remember:
    June 4 -- Truckee (Clean the Streets) Day; pick up trash on streets and get a free T-Shirt & BBQ Lunch; meet me at the Donner Lake Fire Station between 8 & 9 a.m. that morning for more information: http://www.donner-lake.com/current.htm#TRKDAY
    June 11 -- free airplane rides for kids 8 through 17 at the Truckee Tahoe Airport; see Charlie for more information, before June 10
    June 18 -- "Fire Safety (Pine Needle) Day" 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    June 25, 26 -- Dumpster Days: for DLPOA members ONLY
    July 4 -- Fireworksat West End Beach ~ 9 p.m.
    July 9 -- free airplane rides for kids 8 through 17 at the Truckee Tahoe Airport; see Charlie for more information, before July 8
    July 16 & 17 -- Triathlon

After lengthy discussion between the Board and members of the public, the following was passed:  TDRPD will not pursue the Ordinance at this time; that they will watch to see how well the Police and DLCA can control the use of the piers, until October, when they will re-visit the issue to see if they still need to change their Ordinance.  Stay tuned for furter developments and to see how you can help.

The Board was also asked if they could talk to the promoters of the Donner Lake Triathlon to see if this event could be re-scheduled to the later part of August in future years where there is less conflict with other local events and activities.  They said that they would talk to the promoters, but that the Town also needs to get on board with that concept.

Please contact Charle (587-4811) if you would like to help with "Truckee Day" and clean up the streets of Donner Lake on June 4.  Volunteers will receive a free T-Shirt (as supplies last) and a ticket to the free BBQ Lunch at Regional Park.  For more information: http://www.townoftruckee.com/pdfforms/Truckee%20Day.pdf.

MUSEUM:
Apparently the State has decided to pull back on their plan to plow through with their proposal for a new Museum at the State Park.  They will be conducting additional meetings in Truckee, with the Town and local citizens in an effort to gain a more-acceptable solution -- in other words, they are trying to avoid a WAR that was about to be declared against them.  There may be additional information offered at tonight's Town Council Meeting.
~~~~~
Donner Lake Public Piers:
Even though a Sub-Committee of the TDRPD Board met (see: 4-30-05 message below) and came up with some suggestions, there is no reason to expect that the rest of the Board will agree to follow any of those suggestions -- if you have an opinion/concern regarding the Public Piers, you should make every effort to attend their Board Meeting:  May 12, at 6 PM, at the downtown Community Center on 10046 Church  Street and BE ON TIME.
~~~~~
Truckee Day Information
• June 4, check-in 8–9 a.m.
• Call 582-7700
TRUCKEE DAY VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS
Here’s a bit about what volunteers need to know about Truckee Day. Call 582-7700 for more information.
• Location of their check-in station: street address, cross-street, landmarks, etc. {Donner Lake: Custom Interiors at the corner of Donner Pass Road and Olympic Drive for the EAST End of Donner Lake and the Fire Station for the West and South}
• Time to show up: Saturday, June 4, 8–9 a.m.
• What to expect: Volunteers will sign a waiver, get T-shirt and bags, and be assigned a stretch of road within their neighborhood. They may have to drive to their specific stretch of road. Morning drinks available at check-in station.
• What to bring/wear:
1. long sleeve pants and shirt (bright colors recommended)
2. sunglasses
3. hat
4. sunscreen
5. gloves
6. sturdy shoes or boots
• What to pick up: Roadside trash only. Anything larger can be placed by the side of the road with a bag attached for visibility. Please place mangled snow-poles (town-owned) next to full bags and they will be recycled. Do not trespass on private property!
• How long it will last: As long as they can stand it or until their stretch of road is done, whichever comes first. One hour to three, depending on how much energy the volunteer has.
• Who to bring: The whole family is welcome. All adults will sign waivers for themselves and children in their care. No children will be allowed to be dropped off; they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• What to do that day: Go to the block party, scheduled for noon at Truckee River Regional Park. Live music, barbecue, and the event and food are free to Truckee Day volunteers.
~~~~~
Kids Fly FREE:
Free local airplane rides are offered by the Truckee Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), starting this Saturday.  Kids must be 8 years through 17 years of age to participate in this "Young Eagles Program".  Flights will be offered:  May 14, June 11, July 9 and August 13; for more information and to make a Reservation, please call me at 587-4811, or e-mail: TRKYoungEagles@Yahoo.com.  This year's Flyer

Attendees: TDRPD Board member and Chair, Janet Brady, Steve Randall, Manager of the TDPRD, Board Member Marshall Lewis, Police Officer/representative Russell Walsh,  and 14 members of the public.

Time: 6-8pm, April 29, 2005 at the community Center.

After lengthly discussion examing many various issues, the following was decided upon.

1.  Problems of pier misuse appear to be isolated and minimal, and have been historically rectified using the existing ordinance without further incident.
2.  Maximizing police resources and public funds for higher priority enforcement issues was paramount.
3. A Motion was put on the table, seconded, discussed, and voted on, and passed unamously by those present, and then the meeting was concluded. That Motion includes:

PLAN OF ACTION:   Dovetailing the Police's Lake Monitoring program with a Neighbohood Watch and Partnership Program, using an educational tool that would be distributed to the public at the points of lake use/entry/access, while using the current enforcement methods that have historically been completely successful at the rare times that they have been required was voted and passed by an overwhelming majority of those present.

1.  A Strategic Committee, called "The Donner Lake Community Association",  has begun to form, with representation to include  the business sector, associations, oversight agencies, environmental groups,  and property owners on Donner Lake and Truckee,  that have an interest in Donner Lake and the surrounding basin. This committee will begin to review the variouss issues currently facing the lake as well as issues that confront this community in the furure.
 

2.  The Neighborhood Watch and Police Partnership Program encourages any property owner seeing obvious abuse of the piers, lake, or roadway,  by boats, fisherman, swimmers, visitors, or any other user of the lake and it's surroundings, to call the Police Department at 5502323 between 8-5 Mon-Fri or 5502320 after 5 and on weekends.  The Police Department partnership will respond, review the situation and take appropriate action as currently covered under the existing Town ordinance.

3.  A flyer, identifying boat/lake use and traffic regulations will be designed, reviewed to all interested and distributed.  The notice will be given to The Donner Lake Property Owners Association, Tahoe Donner Homeowners Association, Donner Lake Villiage, Lock Leven Lodge, and Donner Lake rentals, to be districuted to members/clients.  The flyer will given to all applicable groups with launch facilities to be posted/distributed.

GOAL:
1.  Educate the public and make Donner Lake a pleasant point of recreation for Donner Lake Residents, Town residents and the visiting public.
2.  Have a strong oversite committee within the Donner Lake Basin to review issues of concern, identify intervention, and implement appropriate intervention.
3.  Make all public piers available to the public within reason of the parking and space capacity to ensure safety.
4.  Decrease any isolated monopoly of piers by boat use.
5.  Implement an effective mechanism for enforcement that actually can be employed, educates the public, and uses resources and tax payers dollers effectively.

FLYER:
Town of Truckee Police and Neighborhood Watch Partnership
1.  Boating rules
2.  Traffic rules
3.  Use of Lake
4. Pick up your litter/Garbage containment.

CEQANSC <CEQANSC@parks.ca.gov> wrote:Thank you for your interest in this project. We are experiencing technical difficulties today, but will forward the project's mitigation plan to you when we are able. In the meantime, you may view the entire Final Environmental Impact Report on the Department's website (5
pieces under the Nevada County heading) at this address:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=981 {{The State removed any reference to this project from this web site}} 5-3-05

If you would like to be informed of further analysis (including the National Environmental Policy Act review process) and decisions
regarding this project, please provide an address for our list of interested parties; thanks.

Additionally, the State of California's Division of Safety & Dams has ordered the dam in the State Park to be improved with two new "spillways".  Construction is scheduled to commence in July and could take the rest of the summer to complete.  While this will NOT affect the level of Donner Lake during this construction, they will be accessing the dam from inside the Park AND off Donner Pass Road, next to Tahoe Donner's Beach -- this will show everyone how impractical the proposed entrance to the new Museum would be!

Full article from the Sierra Sun: http://www.sierrasun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200550421005

Spending, borrowing on PUD agenda
At their regularly scheduled board meeting tonight, the Truckee Donner Public Utility District board will discuss and likely vote on whether to make the Donner Lake assessment district pay for the replacement of a section of 32-year-old water pipe along Richards Blvd.
http://www.sierrasun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200550420004
Should Donner Lake property owners pay for repair of a facility that has been accepted by them and used all this time -- that is NOT what our Assessment was supposed to be used for!

Donner Lake Neighbors,  Donner Lake Pier update:

 In a nutshell, the ordinance will be voted on May 12, at 6 PM, at the  next Rec Board Meeting at the downtown Community Center at 10046 Church  Street. In the mean time, a subcommittee, will meet to identify viable alternatives. The ordinance will then be sent to the Police Department for review and to draft something to submit to the Town Council, ASAP.

 Following my "longer version", is the proposed ordinance.

 ***************
 I attended the meeting with 25 letters of opposition to the proposed Amendment restricting pier use. Tim Calvert and Melissa Garrison, a couple who live across from pier #26, initiated this problem and are the only known people that have complained about boat use on the piers.  Calvert and Garrison both presented and identified rampant misuse of the docks that were being taken over by second homeowners who all felt that they owned the piers. This was much like their "Letter to the Editor". No specific examples were provided.

 There is no public file at the District or Police Department regarding any type of pier complaints going back many years.

 Board members Peter Werbel, Joe Burns and especially Kevin McCall all were in favor of adopting the new ordinance on the spot. Mr. McCall, stated, "I am tired of those privileged Donner Lake residents feeling like they are entitled to private use of the piers." He also stated that in his opinion, "when a boat is tied up to a pier, it sends the signal that the public can't use the pier." A non involved gentleman behind me then asked the question, "Aren't Donner Lake residents also considered the public"?. There was no response from the Board.

 This was the height of what I would call a small town meeting at it's worst.

 After some discussion between these board members and the Calverts, I was allowed to give my 3 minute comment and I submitted the 25 letters. All were ignored. I requested that a subcommittee be composed to review the data and ordinance and see if any viable alternatives might be suggested. Janet Brady, a Board member and resident of Donner Lake supported my suggestion and volunteered to chair that committee. The other three board members gave us less than a month to meet and bring our suggestions to the next monthly meeting, where at that time, the ordinance would be adopted. The Calverts are expected to attend the subcommittee.

 At this point, once the District approves the ordinance, they must submit it to the Police Department. Normally, they would draft a similar ordinance that would be submitted to the Town Council for approval.

 I met with Police Chief Berry today for over an hour. He is opposed to this ordinance and especially in ticketing boats under cover of darkness. His position in traffic enforcement and other issues has been largely to educate the public. He seems sensitive to boat and recreational use of the piers as long as they are not abused. He has seen no abuse to date. He has promised to attend the Sub committee on my request.

 The subcommittee will meet April 29 at 6 PM at the Community Center downtown at 10046 Church Street.

The next Board meeting is May 12 at 6 PM at the community Center.

 I would heavily encourage all interested Donner Lake property owners to plan to attend the May 12 meeting and voice your concerns as a matter of record, as this will lend credibility to the opposition of this ordinance and give guidance to Chief Berry when he considers his reply and recommendation to the Town.

 The minutes of the previous District meeting identify no comment from the public when the ordinance was brought up, discussed and approved. That is largely due to the complete lack of notice to the public. Funny how things work around a small town.

 What a night!

AMENDMENT #4 TO ORDINANCE #3

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHSING RULES AND

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF

FACILITIES OF THE TRUCKEE DONNER

RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT

WHEREAS, on September 23, 1971, the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner
Recreation and Park District adopted an ordinance establishing rules and
regulations governing the use of facilties of the Truckee Donner Recreation
and Park District;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park
District desire to amend Section 18 of said rules and regulations referring
to the length of time boats are allowed to tie up to District facilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Recreation and
Park District do hereby ordain and establish the following amendment to said
ordinance:

Section 18 is amended as follows:

18. BOATS: It shall be unlawful for any person to dock, moor, or attach by
any means, a vessel of any type to any pier, wharf, any structure, or any
combination of the aforementioned facilities which may fall under the
jurisdiction of the District, for an overnight period. All piers and
structures are day use only. Boats and vessels may tie up from 5:00AM to
10:00 P.m. only.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This amendment to Ordinance #3 shall take effect thirty (30)
days after its final passage.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at the regular meeting of the Boartd of Directors of the
Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District duly called and held in said
District on the 14th day of April, 2005, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District

CalTrans is circulating an "Initial Study with Proposed Negative Declaration" for: Donner Lake Interchange (DLI) Sand and Salt House Facility.  I haven't read it all yet, but it has a deadline for comments: April 15, 2005.  For a copy, go to: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/departments/envinternet/donnerlake/donner.htm

Since it's "Tax Time" you might be interested in what the IRS has to say about Second Homes:
http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq-kw204.html

Apparently no one from Donner Lake attended the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District meeting last week; the only feedback I have is from the General Manager, Steve Randall:  "The following was passed at the Board Meeting.  Public Piers will be for day use only and boat tie ups will be allowed from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.  It takes 60 days for this to go into effect and two readings.  It will be on the next board agenda which will be Thursday, April 14 at the community center at 6:00 pm."

Ride the Train to Truckee?  Check out this article in the Sierra Sun:
http://ss.us.publicus.com/article/20050315/NEWS/50315006

The School District "Measure A" passed, so your Tax Bills will reflect an increase.

"Clean Truckee Streets Day" is June 4, 2005.  Last year, many TONS of trash was removed all over Town.  Volunteers will be needed again.  If you want to help, give me a call, or call the Town of Truckee.

The Comment Period for the "High Sierra Crossing Museum" (see below) has been extended to March 22; more info: http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20050309/NEWS/50309003

Members of the Donner Lake Property Owner's Association need to get their 2005 Dues in before April 1.

Thanks Charlie.
The State did agree to extend the comment period by 15 days, and it sounds like they are meeting internally to discuss methods to try to keep Truckee residents happy.
Dan W.

Of interest to Donner Lake Owners/Residents:
     1.  The Council took testimony regarding the "High Sierra Crossings Museum" E.I.R. (see 2-FEB-2005, below and Agenda Item: http://www.townoftruckee.com/agendas/tcstaff92.pdf).  Many people said that they didn't want the new museum where it is proposed to be erected -- for environmental reasons.  The representative from the Park reminded everyone that it was illegal to run their dogs free on the State Park Property and the beaches in particular.  He also said that the project didn't affect the State's budget because the funds for this project were coming from Bonds and other sources that had previously been earmarked for this project.  Although the State really doesn't need to abide by anything the Town says, he did say that it was their intention to blend in as much as possible and be a good neighbor.  In my opinion, there is no better place to have this new facility; I just object to the need for a second entrance to get there.  Anyway, the Town's Staff had prepared a pretty benign letter to the State for the EIR, but the Council added some more concerns that they wanted to be sure the State heard.
     2.  The Staff asked for the "Woodstove Ordinance" (Agenda Item: http://www.townoftruckee.com/agendas/tcstaff91.pdf) to be changed because the Town hadn't been able to spend any time on figuring out how they would/could enforce the mandatory removal of non approved wood burning devices next year.  The "point-of-sale" provision was extended an additional 6 months (set to expire April 30, 2005) and the Council will reconsider the "date-certain" provision at a later date when they review all the Town Priorities list.
     3.  The last item had to do with the proposed "West Reed Avenue Road Assessment" (Agenda Item: http://www.townoftruckee.com/agendas/tcstaff93.pdf).  After much debate, the Council decided that they would not use any more Town moneys until the affected Property Owners came up with $50,000; then, they would talk again about what can be done.  Nonetheless, the Town re-affirmed their intent to address the run-off from Donner LAKE Road that finds its way to/through Reed Avenue West.  Of interest, only a "Simple Majority" is needed of those who vote for/against the formation of an Assessment District.

ATTENTION Boaters who use the Public Boat Docks along Donner Pass Road; the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District will be considering NOT ALLOWING ANY BOATS TO BE TIED UP TO THEIR PIERS OVER-NIGHT.  They will be discussing this item at their March 10 meeting (see Public Notice: http://www.donner-lake.com/Piers.pdf).

The Deadline for comments to the new Museum EIR (see below) is just days away; please submit your comments as soon as possible!

I gave testimony at their Public Hearing for the plan last year and I have submitted my comments in writing as required; I object to their installing a NEW ACCESS to this building.  I am NOT AGAINST the project as a whole, but only for their proposed new access.  As I said before (below on this page 14-OCT-2004), there is NO NEED for a second Entrance to this facility.  They site that there is a need because of "some confusion during busy days" with people looking for the Museum and those trying to get to the Campground -- that is an INTERNAL PROBLEM and they need to figure it out ON THEIR LAND as originally proposed.  To put another Entrance off Donner Pass Road, especially next to the Tahoe Donner Beach will impact considerably MORE people than will be affected by utilizing the proposed access through the current Entrance.  They have been unable to document a problem ON DONNER PASS ROAD due to the traffic entering/exiting the Park; therefore, there is no crying need for yet another Entrance in that area.

I call on everyone reading this to PLEASE write at least a quick note with your opposition to their proposed New Entrance to this museum:

Susan E. Wilcox
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Northern Service Center
One Capital Mall, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-8933
FAX: (916) 445-9100
swilcox@parks.ca.gov

Copy of Legal Notice

Many problems can be related to trees being too close to the dwellings and/or in a bad spot.  When trees are adjacent to a roof and in a point that they restrict the snow from sliding off the roof, then the snow buildup can actually push against the dwelling to the point that doors don't open properly, or worse.  Yes, the trees bend a little, but the snow piled up against the other side of the tree restricts that motion as well.  You might want to consider removing some of the trees around your property -- it will be a good idea anyway to reduce your exposure to a fire!

The Lake is almost frozen over, so before you venture out onto the ice, you might want to watch this video:
http://www.exn.ca/video/?Video=exn20020325-icewater.asx

Interesting article in the Sierra Sun: http://ss.us.publicus.com/article/20050113/Opinion/101130007

Hello Charlie,

You're right, this is certainly NOT TRUE. The lake will only drop
approximately another 2.4 feet or so by Friday September 17th. The lake
is already down 2.25 feet from full right now. Including the releases
I'm making right now, the total drop from full should be right around
4.6 feet by the 17th of September. We'll cut back to minimum releases
after that. As you know, this happens every year around this time, and
is basically standard operating procedure. We did start releasing a few
days earlier this year however.

This person is completely misinformed. Maybe in the future they could
call you first before sending out mass e-mails based upon rumor.

Thanks,
Bill Hauck
Senior Water Supply Coordinator
Truckee Meadows Water Authority

Funding for the Mousehole project has taken a step forward.  The following link is to the Sierra Sun article by David Bunker, “Mousehole money in Congress”.
 http://www.sierrasun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040831/News/108310003

How you can help.
The U.S. Senate version of the TEA-LU Federal Highway Funding Bill currently does not include the appropriation for this project.

To encourage U.S. Senators Boxes and Feinstein to support the inclusion of the $3-million appropriation for the Highway-89 Railroad undercrossing "The Mousehole" in the TEA-LU Federal Highway Fund Bill email U.S. Senators:

Senator Boxer         http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm
Senator Feinstein         http://www.senate.gov/~feinstein/email.html

Also, the Bears are becoming a bit more aggressive in our area.  Numerous wooden Trash Enclosures are being attacked.  Also you should NOT leave any doors or windows open, even while you are in your cabin -- a bear, on the south side of the Lake walked right into a cabin and went straight for the refrigerator while someone was near by inside the cabin.  Another (?) bear knocked on the door of a cabin on the north side of Donner and when the people opened the door, he almost went inside, but they were able to close & lock the door.  Hint: so far as we know, bears do not like Moth Balls -- put some in with your garbage.

I also added a photo of the burned cabin, below.

Mice have invaded many cabins this year -- anyone have stock in Decon?

Installation of the connector water mains by the T.D.P.U.D. is continuing along the east end of Donner Pass Road is continuing today.

It's OFFICIAL, Truckee has been awarded the "Best Town Spirit Award" from The Great Race Contestants that over-nighted on July 1 and will receive $10,000 for the Truckee Library.  If you were unable to see these neat vehicles; you can go to the following link to see some of them: http://www.donnerlakerealty.biz/GreatRace.htm.

The current TDPUD Water Main Connection construction is HOPED to be completed by July 4 -- let's keep our fingers crossed on that one or it's going to be a real mess at the East End of Donner Lake!
--Charlie White

The Gates in the State Park will begin to be closed in the next few days so the Lake will begin to rise -- actually the Lake is already rising because of all the warm weather.  That means that debris will begin floating on the Lake and become hazards to navigation.  If you see something that might become a danger, please try to remove it, or call it to the attention of the owner of the property it is on.  It never ceases to amass me when I see the fisherpersons along the shoreline moving benches, tables and other materials so they can be comfortable while fission, but then "forget" to return them to where they found them when they leave!

CLEAN TRUCKEE STREETS is set for Saturday June 5.  The organization is growing and we need everyone's help.  For more information: http://www.townoftruckee.com/pdfforms/clean%20streets.pdf; or contact me.

   We'll keep you posted.

SO WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH DONNER LAKE? you ask!?  Well, that will require additional/"stable" water flows into the Truckee River; Donner Creek, that flows out of Donner Lake, contributes to that water flow and that means that Donner Lake could be LOWERED during the prime time of the summer use of our Lake.  For instance, if the lake level is dropped below 5933' many boat docks will become less-usable, more submerged rocks will become an increased threat to navigation,  marinas less-usable, and some boat launching facilities will become less-usable -- ALL BECAUSE OF A FISH!

Interesting Link: http://water.nv.gov/Water%20planning/truckee/trchrono.htm

I also received a VERY INTERESTING publication from the "Nevada County Fire Safe Council" dealing with "Defensible Space" and other issues that may be of keen interest after last year's fires in Southern California.  Unfortunately, their web page has not yet caught up to their publication (and their address is incorrect as printed), but the site has a LOT of good information that you should check into to protect your property -- remember, the fire just above I-80 last year that headed for Tahoe Donner was stopped mostly due to the efforts of their Association's Defensible Space requirements.  We had a similar push in our area, by the Truckee Fire District about 10 years ago, but that doesn't seem to be emphasized as much any more; although, they did do a lot of chipping last summer.  Anyway, it would be a good idea to go to this page and check things out; you may be surprised by what they say about the local vegetation and how flammable it is: http://www.firesafecouncilnevco.com/.

Also coming up is a joint meeting of the Town Council, Directors of the Truckee Tahoe Airport District, and the Foothill Land Use Commission on March 3 at 6:00 P.M. to discuss the Draft changes to the Truckee Tahoe Airport's Land Use Compatibility Plan.

I stood up at the Town Council Meeting, February 19, and asked, AGAIN, for the Council to establish a way for requests for events, such as the Triathlon, be "Noticed" for comment, to the community that is going to be impacted BEFORE they issue any Permits....they, and the Town Manager just looked at me through "glazed eyes" and said nothing, except for Mayor Susman that reminded me that "The Great Race" was coming to Truckee on July 1!

The Truckee Follies are scheduled for the later part of April.

In a nutshell...as I understand it...and not to leave out any major points.... and to provide resources...here we go...

1. TDPUD Donner Lake Capital Improvement. The low interest State Revolving Loan (SRL) to fund the rebuilding project still has not been processed by the Dept. of Health Services. As you may recall, Fortino asked for an additional $7.6 million for the sale of the Donner Lake system after accepting a $750, 000 payment for the system. This prompted an arbitration trial in August 2003. The DHS was waiting for the outcome of the trial and the final monitory judgment. Judge Walker determined that the system was worth $1,071,237, with additional recoverable costs all totaling $1,372,180. The original payment would be deducted from this amount and the payments made by customers after the April 2001 acquisition was to be returned to customers. After all has been said and done, the Capital Rebuild has gone from $13,605,001 to $14,937,114. Costs of getting work started immediately, mitigating emergency problems to get off the "boil water" notice, and system acquisition comes at a price. The TDPUD has done some "creative" work and held costs down as much as possible. What Donner Residents do have is a working potable system and water rights to 990 acre feet, something that is very desirable.

The difference from the original cost to the current cost must be accounted for to get the SRL, or the cost could significantly increase. That means that Donner Lake residents will have to be charged an additional surcharge. The TDPUD calculated that cost and then have crunched numbers to bring that cost down. The cost that is being proposed is $4.60 more a month per service. This has yet to be approved by the TDPUD board. The workshop, with the Board, TDPUD staff and public, was to look at figures and see what could be done. Keep in mind that there has been a "citizen oversight committee" meeting to track things. Reasonably speaking, expect some increase.

The final phase of the rebuild is to largely happen this next building season, which will include hookup to residents, activating the entire new main, tying into the TDPUD main and new well, and adding one or two large water storage tanks. Next year the old tanks will be removed and all surrounding property rehabilitated. Thank you for your patience in traffic stops on DPR.

The TDPUD is working to get money back to those that actually paid Fortino for the year when the system was acquired by the TDPUD. The problem is that Fortino's accounts billed to owners and the TDPUD bills to the consumer of the water, be it owner or renter. This is in the process of being reconciled.

2. Town Update: The Town of Truckee has a Master General Update Plan, which goes into review every few years to update components of that plan. These include review of the Mission Statement, road need, land use...etc, etc. This last meeting focused on land use. There were about 13 major parcels reviewed. Of interest to Donner Lake Residents was the parcel at the east end of Donner Lake, on the east side of the State Park. Through the workshop, public consensus felt that even though Cal Trans is using a small parcel for storage (Industrial) the remainder of the parcel should be used for high density housing and commercial application, and not Industrial, all being mindful of the wetlands and natural environment. Of great emphasis was that Deerfield drive should be connected to Donner Pass Road as a current town priority. While subdivisions and building has moved at a fire pace, no new major conduits have been installed and the east west passage for the Town is only on Donner Pass Road. Interstate 80 is not a suitable conduit. Evidence of this was during the holiday season when it took up to 30 minutes to go from Safeway to the Shell station by the Inspection station. Both freeway and Donner Pass Road were jammed. To provide your input, please e-mail Duane Hall, Town Planner at dhall@townoftruckee.com or call him at (530) 5827820. To learn more and for materials that will be provided at the workshop, go to http://www.truckee2025.org/phase2d.htm.

3. Donner Lake Bike Trail: The third public meeting was held January 16, 2004, headed by Bill Quesnel. The proposed bike trail was reviewed using area photography from South shore Drive, east to the Donner Pines Market. This is the area that will be affected. Driveways, stairways and other structures were identified that encroached into or are affected by the proposed bike trail, which is to include at least 5 ft on both sides of the road, with an associated curb structure, drainage interventions (not yet designed) and in some places additional public parking which will be minimally 10 ft wide by 20 ft. Long. Of particular need is a revision of the guard rail and curve half way down Donner Pass Road (DPR). Reinforcing the eroding embankment and securing a bike path and adding parking has been designed. A great focus has been to traffic calming, with measures such as crosswalks, those flexible posts in the crosswalks (like the ones in front of the Safeway), reviewing marked speed, signage, and icy areas. Funding is being suggested as coming out of the general Town fund (property taxes) and perhaps from Measure A (parcel assessment for education use....stretch that to transportation of students to education premises). Funding has yet to be determined, but the price tag is in the neighborhood of $2 million. The group working on this project have been very creative and receptive to public input. They will take the input and designs to the Town Council perhaps the first of March for review. Of particular interest of the Town Council was that public parking be adequate. A great effort has occurred in this effort.

Any input, suggestions or comments can be e-mailed to Bill Quesnel at bquesnel@Itol.com or call 530 8068 or Pat Perkins at pperkins@townoftruckee.com or call 530 5827700.

For further review of the plans, here is the link to their page: http://www.townoftruckee.com/biketrails.html. The "Section 1" Map starts at the intersection of Donner Pass Road and South Shore Drive with "Section 2" Map is to the East of #1, etc.

4. Visiting bears at Donner Lake: Now that Tahoe Donner has required that homes have secure "bear boxes" the bears are moving to better pickings...Donner Lake homes are now offering a rich and plentiful diet. There have been many reports of bears not just getting into garbage left in garbage cans, but they are aggressive and are getting into storage areas that are not metal/secure. The problem is that a great many Donner Lake Homes are rented out. Renter do not always know the lay of the land, and the rental agencies handling many of these rentals rent from Sunday to Saturday, while additionally many homes are second homes and the owners go home usually Sunday. The garbage pick up is on Monday...giving the bears a few days to do their deeds. Remember that they are only trying to eat, and we need to discourage them here and promote them to go to the wilderness to forage. One time renters and many homeowners are clueless to the problems of improperly disposed of garbage.

There are no formal requirements for secure bear boxes by CC&Rs, Town or County ordinances. Home owners that have proper garbage boxes still frequently have to pick up after the bears scatter garbage from surrounding neighbors that do not have secure boxes with undetermined return.

A grass root effort has begun by Susan Lindstrom and her Donner Heights neighborhood to inform people via flyer from the Bear League. I will post that flyer when I get it.

I also had a discussion with Dan Fite with the Town of Truckee on effective bear boxes. I will post some recommendations of specifics when I put that together. When I get some good tips on "garbage management" I will send those. Right off the bat, use ammonia in all garbage bags, put food material down the garbage disposal when possible or carry it out, and put your garbage out Monday morning prior to pick up if possible.
 

Talk to your neighbors, give them this e-mail address to keep up to date at Donner Lake if you think this is helpful.

Your Neighbor, Emilie Kashtan

I see that the Triathlon has been scheduled again for July 17 & 18 this summer; therefore, I can only assume that the proper Permits have been acquired for this un-wanted event.  WE DO NOT NEED MORE PEOPLE AT DONNER LAKE AT THIS TIME OF YEAR; this event should be held in September when it isn't already so crowded.

I am disappointed that the Town and the Rec. District have failed to set up a way for those who could be negatively affected by these outside events can voice their opinions BEFORE such Permits are issued.

 Copyright © 1998--2010 Charlie White
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