December 2008 Newsletter

Ode to Joy – December is Here!

As 2008 winds down, we in Lake Tahoe, along with the rest of the country find ourselves preparing to take on new visions with new leadership, measures and policies. (Be sure to check out some of the local election results below.) And as we prepare to move forward, I can’t help but think of a quote I stumbled across at a management seminar I attended last month. “You must seize control of the energy – turn it to your advantage – so it can’t be used to fortify and perpetuate the old culture.” Pritchett & Pound.

It is with these thoughts that we hope you will enjoy the following Lake Tahoe information, the upcoming holiday season and a rediscovery of your inner spirit. And then, gather all the positive energy you can and apply it in a direction that holds personal value for you and your loved ones.

South Tahoe Real Estate Market Report

The turkey’s are still fresh in our memories and probably along the waistline as well and now … finally, December in Lake Tahoe. Honestly folks, if you haven’t visited Lake Tahoe during the winter holiday season, come on up. You are in for a treat.

Following is an overview of the real estate activity for the South & Southeast Shores of Lake Tahoe during the month of November. According to the South Tahoe Association of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Services, the California side of the South Shore reported 30 closed escrows for the month of November. The total number of sales in November was down from the 48 reported in October. Within these 30 sales, the median sale price was $322,500 and a median $/SF of $252. The average time on the market was 128 days. The same month in 2007 reported 28 sales with a median home price of $437,500, a $/SF of $282 and 158 days on the market.

In Nevada, southeast side of the Lake Tahoe, the reported statistics show the following for the month of November, 2008: 9 closed sales (down from last month’s 11) with a median home price of $412,000 and 76 days on the market. The same area reported 6 closed sales and 174 days on the market for the same period in 2007. The median home sale for 2007 was not provided.

Woo Hoo – Lake Tahoe Rated #1

ATTENTION ALL WINTER RECREATION LOVERS – Lake Tahoe was once again (two years in a row) the #1 Ski Destination by The Orbitz Insider Ski Index. Factors such as hotel accomodations and vacation- package bookings play an important role in this ranking by the online travel web site which includes information on national and international destinations. To read the entire story in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, click here.

This could be great news for the Lake Tahoe tourist industry, especially when considering the current economic conditions. As more people are choosing to vacation closer to home these days, an escape to Lake Tahoe will hold strong appeal to those close enough to drive. All we need now is some snow. Come on folks – start those “pray for snow” parties. We have been told from long-time residents and experts that it is important to “burn a ski” as a sacrifice to bring on the flakes. Anyone out there willing to help?

South Lake Tahoe Key Election Results

We weren’t sure if all of you were aware of the results to some of the key topics in last month’s local election so we wanted to bring some of the results to you.

The two openings for South Lake Tahoe City Council race were filled by Hal Cole and Bruce Grego. The City Council has been in the limelight a great deal lately with the controversial actions recently being taken in regards to vacation rental ordinances.

In spite of difficult economic times, South Lake Tahoe community support pulled together to pass Measure G, the bond to improve our local schools. If all goes well, construction of the Green Academy, the automotive, architecture and construction education facility, would hopefully begin by May of 2009. This is the largest project on the bond list because it would require relocating the parent drop-off at the high school to make room for the building. A committee to oversee how the funds are spent is to be formed within 60 days of the certified results and further projects will follow for the next five years.

An Eventful December

Full Moon Guided Ski/Snowshoe Tours Beginning in December and extending through March, on Saturdays closest to a full moon, enjoy the magic as the Kirkwood Cross Country staff conducts ski and snowshoe tours of the area by moonlight. Call (209) 258-7248 for more information.

Dec 5-6 - Warren Miller Presents “Children of Winter” Movie Premier at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa For more information, call (775) 588-3515. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm Tickets: $12.00 advance / $14.00 day of show / General Admission.

Dec 6 – Valhalla Holiday Gala Valhalla Grand Hall Tallac Historic Site. For more information, call (530) 541-4975. The event statrs at 6:30 pm and will feature great food, seasonal drinks, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and music for dancing the night away!

Dec 6-7 – Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus at Sierra College presents – Songs of the Holidays and Community Sing Along Directed by Susan K. Horst and Chris Nelson, this event will present two holiday concerts: December 6th at the Truckee High School Theatre and December 7th at the Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley. Both concerts will begin at 4pm. The featured choral composition is “Gloria” by the noted contemporary English composer, John Rutter, accompanied by UNR’s Brass and Percussion ensemble. The balance of the program features contemporary composers Morton Laudesen and Eric Whitacre and Holiday classic choral literature. General admission $10. Students with ID and Children are free. Tickets are available at Sierra College in Truckee, “Sassafras” in the Safeway Shopping Center, at the door or Online at www.squawvalleyinstitute.com For more information, please go to www.truckeecommunitychorus.com

December 7 – Kirkwood Cross Country 10K Race, Get in shape for ski season with this easy 10 kilometer cross country race, open to all ages and ability levels. www.kirkwood.com 877-KIRKWOOD

December 13 – Tahoe Adventure Film Festival, Mont Bleu This fun high-energy festival highlights the best adventure sports films of the year, while off-screen action includes guest speakers, action photo displays, break-dancers, DJs, and a few surprises. www.laketahoefilmfestival.com (530) 318-1688

December 13 – 3rd Annual Heavenly Village Holiday Party This family-friendly party, featuring live music, a “wheel of swag,” and other events, is thrown to celebrate the winter conditions prior to the holidays. www.skiheavenly.com 800-HEAVENLY

Dec 13 – The Tommy Castro Band with Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Harrah’s South Shore Room Stateline, For more information, call (775) 588-6611 Dec 20-21 Reno Dance Company Presents The Nutcracker at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa For more information, call (775) 588-3515. Saturday Showtimes – 3PM & 8PM Sunday Showtimes – 3PM & 7PM. Tickets:$24.95 children 12 & under / $29.95 adults / $34.95 booth seating. (Reserved Seating).

Dec 20 – Leon Russell at Harrah’s. For more information, call: (800) HARRAHS. Show starts at 7:30 PM.

December 21-24 – Holiday Festivities, Sierra-at-Tahoe Santa’s on the slopes to celebrate the season with holiday music, Jingle Bell Limbo, snowman decorating, carolers, and a hot chocolate farewell. www.SierraAtTahoe.com (530) 543-3139

Dec 26-27 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Holiday Party at Harrah’s. Call Tollfree: (800) 427-7247. Show starts at 7:30 pm

Dec 29 – Foghat at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Harrah’s. Call tollfree: (800) 427-7247. Show starts at 7:30 PM.

Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve, Fireworks and Torchlight Parade at Kirkwood Ski Resort. For more information, call (877) KIRKWOOD On New Year’s Eve- Kirkwood Mountain Resort holds a Fireworks and Torchlight parade for guests to watch and participate if they choose too. Guests go up Chair 6 and down Zack’s with road flares thus the parade portion of the event. Immediately following are fireworks, about a 15 minute show. featuring local school children. Admission is free.