Truckee – Tahoe Homes, Community Generosity and Snow in May!

Yes, there is more snow! Here it is May and with Little League in full swing, it is still snowing. Mother Nature is doing her best and our much needed snow packs are 25% above normal. Runoff is slow but sure and this exceptional winter will make a big difference with our Lake levels, helping to ensure a wonderful summer season – when it arrives!

As you’ll see in this combined April/May issue of Spotlight, real estate has been “all over the board” with tight inventory, some “great deals,” traditional sellers just ready to move on and many buyers who don’t want to miss the moment!  We have prepared a comprehensive Real Estate Market Report explaining the key home sale trends in Truckee and at Lake Tahoe, highlighting some incredible properties for sale that are very well priced. (link to article) Read on and let me know if you are planning a trip to look at real estate – or thinking about selling your home and taking advantage of great prices to step up. It would be my pleasure to work with you!  (link) http://www.eldergrouptahoerealestate.com/contact/

There’s nothing like Tahoe in summertime. All we need now is warm weather and the calendar will be full. We’ve highlighted some great events slated for the Truckee-Tahoe area over the next few months like our Excellence in Education Home Tour, hosted by Martis Camp, Golfing for Schools discount cards featuring highlights of new Truckee-Tahoe golf courses like Coyote Moon in Gray’s Crossing, great music through our amazing Lake Tahoe Music Festival, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Shakespeare, 4^th of July celebrations and so much more! (Link to that section please)

 What a wonderful community we have here in Truckee. It never ceases to amaze me how we unite when a program, family or non-profit requires support. On May 16, the much anticipated 11^th annual Best of Tahoe Chef’s event was held at the Ritz Carlton Highlands in Northstar.  Themed “Incognito,” more than 400 guests wore incredible Venetian masks, visited the martini bar, wine tasted and enjoyed the incredible weather while dancing the night away on behalf of Tahoe Forest Health System’s psycho-social programs benefiting our cancer patients.  Twenty five talented Chefs’ created an incredible meal for our guests and auctioned their talents for private dinners and at new and exciting venues around Lake Tahoe.  The generosity of our community was truly “over the top” made it a night to remember. It is truly my honor and pleasure to be a part of this incredible Best of Chef’s event and team of volunteers. 

When you were young, did you read “The Long Winter” by Laura Ingalls Wilder?  We all agree this past winter was incredible but our family was ready for our spring adventure at the beach. In April, we headed to Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, and spent a couple of weeks at Bitter End Yacht Club.  Given it was 19 years since Desmond and I last honeymooned at Bitter End, we’ve never forgotten our wonderful memories and decided to make some more – this time with kids.  Our fearless foursome packed up the skis, helmets, jackets, gloves and hand warmers in exchange for bathing suits, shorts and flip flops. A mere 21 travel hours later we woke up overlooking “big blue” and enjoyed a great time catamaran racing, snorkeling, exploring and yes, more sailing.  The clear, blue Caribbean water is the antithesis of the snow packed Sierra’s winter white and a recharging change. We enjoyed a great trip and are back here in Truckee for the upcoming real estate season.

Cheers to summer – soon!

Truckee Homes Now Have Water Meters!

Keeping Green and Conserving Resources, the Truckee Water Meter Program goes live.

Did you realize that Truckee is required by the State of California to install water meters and volumetric billing by 2010?  In layman terms, this means that to comply with State requirements, Truckee resident’s water consumption will now be monitored. The good news is that most residents will pay the same, or potentially less, if they are water conscious.

Today, Truckee residents are billed based on a flat water rate per parcel averaging approximately $65 per month and it is included in our utility bill. Regardless of how much, or how little you use, the rate is the same. Now, the State has stepped in and determined that we all participate in our usage and will contribute accordingly. Remember though, Truckee has some of the lowest water rates in the State and if you’ve had Truckee water straight from the tap, you know it’s some of the finest available. Who needs Pellegrino anyway.

Here’s a few of quick facts about our local water program:

• ALL treated water accounts in the District are included and ALL customers will be required (and receive) a new register and water meter reading technology.
• The year your water was connected dictates when the meter will be installed.  If your water connection was January 1992 or later, meters were installed by January 1, 2010.  If your connection was prior to 1992, your meter will be installed no later than January 1, 2013.  Visit online for your property’s timing.
• Your water may not cost anymore and potentially it may be less than it costs today.  Through careful planning, our PUD is monitoring water usage for a full year to ensure the project is fair and successful for all. Side by side comparisons during the billing period will highlight the “old” and the “new” – helping residents to understand the financial impact of the new program. Projections indicate that most full and part time residents will not pay more for their water consumption.
• The experts set the water rates.  HDR is the company who specializes in designing new water rates. This company has extensive regional experience. CA Proposition 218 provides full details of the new water rates.  Click here for more information.   
• Your Pump Zone helps determine your rates.  Have you wondered how your water gets to you? The Pump Zone is determined by the number of pumping stations the water must flow through to reach your home. Here’s a link to your pump zone. Those higher in altitude require more pumping stations to access water than those lower in elevation. 

Conservation and awareness are the name of the game. Do you know how much water a nice, hot long shower uses following a fabulous afternoon at Northstar or Squaw Valley? Click here and take a look!

What’s the message?  A little attention and care goes a long way to conserve our valuable Tahoe area resources. Especially in an El Nino year where snow pack is barely normal and our Lake levels are low following several light snow pack seasons. Take a minute, think about our beautiful and precious Tahoe area and shorten that shower. Everyone wins!