We started our hike at the trail entrance at the west end of Skyland Drive within the Skyland neighborhood of Zephyr Cove on Nevada’s East Shore.  As parking can be limited, I strongly suggest reversing the direction of the hike and instead start at the Zephyr Cove Resort area.  Either way, this is a win-win outing.  Within an approximately 2.5 round trip excursion, one will experience a tranquil forested environment, endless lake views and a colorful resort atmosphere (during tourist season.)  Trail arteries meander in a variety of directions yet seem to always work their way back to the main path.  I highly recommend you take your time and explore.  Two years ago, the forest service thinned the forest and burned some of the lower growth.  Remnants of their efforts are still visible yet this hike is enveloped by beauty.  Soaring pines, chirping birds, lapping water along the shoreline, sandy beaches and impressive granite boulder formations call to you in nearly every direction.

At one point I wanted to head toward the shoreline only to be surprised to find that our path ended abruptly by a new fence line restricting admittance.  Turns out, there is a plant from the mustard family that is an endangered species and Lake Tahoe is the only place in the world in which it grows.  Those that know me well are aware of my mustard obsession.  I was in awe.  This was like discovering a powerful new vortex right here in Lake Tahoe.  A rare mustard plant. Who knew?  One more reason to rank Lake Tahoe at the list of the world’s most popular destinations.  Recovering my composure, we ventured westward until we found a new trail that did indeed take us to the shoreline.  Continuing along our hike, we found a large estate that is now owned by the US Forest Service (but apparently not used for any known functions,) ideally located park benches and Lynette’s “picnic rock,” the perfect place to sit and soak up the sun.

As we neared the Zephyr Cove Resort, the sounds of sun-worshipers overtook the songbirds.  An explosion of color met our eyes and the buzz of families having fun was in the air.  That’s fun with a capital F-U-N!  Dogs were chasing balls, kids were creating masterpieces in the sand, kayaks were gliding by, volleyball games were underway and folks were lining up for a “3 hour cruise” on the Dixie.  (The round-trip cruise to Emerald Bay truly takes about 2 hours but I like the nostalgic ring of “3 hour cruise.”)  Grinning from ear to ear, Lynette and I both remarked how important it was for us to take time to play like a tourist in our backyard.  After all, folks come from around the world to do just this.

What I enjoyed most about this hike is that, aside from the beauty and fresh air, the ease of the outing allowed us an opportunity to chat freely and therefore solve the problems of the world.  Meanwhile the transition from serenity to tourist buzz and back left me with the feeling of having truly escaped from the daily routine of work and chores.  All of this under an hour.  Trust me – this hike is a joy.  Try it yourself and let me know what you think.  Better yet, give me a call with an invitation to join you.   I promise, I will make an effort to not embarrass you with my choice of wardrobe.  But then again . . .

Okay, not necessarily so easy for one with a pathetic sense of direction.  It’s certainly not the first time I have been to the lake over the past 20 years either.  Never-the-less, despite signs and arrows indicating the way to Echo Lake, we drove in circles.  The third time we found ourselves back at the Highway entrance, I gave up and called Don for directions.  With the patience of a saint (and the mind of someone that was probably conniving his next fishing trip) he led us back to the main road leading to the trail head.  Eureka – we found it.  For those of you that have not yet been to Echo Lake (or have as lousy a sense of direction as do I) take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake.

Following a minor incident of backing the car into a small rock wall, we laced up the walking shoes and headed out.  At the beginning of the hike, there is a lodge type store and public restrooms.  Strong advice – consider using those restrooms prior to your walk.  There isn’t a lot of privacy along the way.  The glacial lake is divided into two sections; an upper lake and a lower lake.  The level of the lake is maintained during the summer months with a dam located at 7,414 feet above sea level.  I point this out because those coming from sea level could experience effects from the altitude.  Be sure to bring lots of water.  Overall the trail is rated easy to moderate.

To begin the hike, head to the right, cross over the dam and veer to the left to locate the trail.  THE TRIAL.  The Pacific Crest Trail.  For a moment, I embodied the spirit of Cheryl Strayed (author of Wild : From Lost to Found.) Reality hit as reality does and I remembered that I was only carrying a water bottle, a light snack and a small camera.  And, I was only on a 5 mile round trip trail.  So be it.  We were on the Pacific Crest Trail.  And what a trail!  The trail climbs a bit to allow an endless view of the lake below where one can oversee a variety of small cabins, watch kayaks gliding by and fisherman tossing their lines.  The uphill side of the hike provides a stunning display of striped granite formations adorned with lichen and small springs.  Throughout the walk, a variety of songbirds performed, lizards scampered and hikers (as well as crazy fitness runners) passed by repeatedly expressing what a glorious day it was.  Yes, there were numerous folks passing us by as we meandered along at a pace that very well could have caused a turtle some frustration.  But how could one rush through this hike?  Each Western Juniper held a beauty that called out to be individually admired.  The wildflowers deserved attention.  The clouds overhead were constantly changing to create a new visual landscape.  This was truly a time to simply be in the moment and absorb all that was being offered.

At the point we felt was a good half-way mark, (midway through the upper lake) we sat to enjoy a small snack.  I can honestly tell you that this was one of the best apples I have ever eaten.  There is truth to the adage that fresh air is the best ingredient to enhance flavors.  Eventually we encouraged our sorry tushes to get back up and on the trail again.  Now here is a delightful bit of news to share with you.  The hike back along the very same trail is a whole new experience.  The views are even more dramatic.  Or at least they certainly seemed so to us.  All in all, this particular hike would take the average hiker about 2.5 hours.  We took almost twice as long.  As far as I am concerned, we doubled the pleasure.

My father, 83 years young, was visiting and wanted to spend some time with Aubrey, my granddaughter of 6.  I am also spending time babysitting Porter, (the grand-dog) while his parents are off gallivanting around Turkey.  Where could I take a hike that would easily accommodate all three with ease?  After a short bit of pondering, it dawned on me that the trails along the Valhalla Estates were perfect.   On this particular day, we parked the car at Kiva Beach and headed toward the cabins in the direction of Camp Richardson. 

For those of you not familiar with this tourist destination, the Tallac Historic Site is an area along the Highway 89 (Emerald Bay Highway) shoreline which at one time was the summer  “get-away” for socially elite families in the early 1900’s.  In recent years, the US Forest Service along with the Tahoe Tallac Association have restored the buildings and grounds to provide visitors the opportunity to glimpse into the charm and lifestyle of yesteryear.  Enough history for now – back to the hike.

Throughout this hike, one has the options of strolling along the beach, venturing out on piers overlooking the crystal clear water, meandering along the garden trails, peering into cabins furnished to recreate their original purposes, and resting on well placed benches to take in the surrounding beauty.   So off we went.  I didn’t realize how ideal this hike was for such a wide variety of age and legs until we were actually there.  For dad, a nice easy flat stroll.  The pace was tolerable with numerous breaks (Porter puppy feels inclined to sniff every bush/pole/tree/pinecone along the way) to take the time to reflect on days gone by.  For Aubrey, there were many garden circles to race around, bridges to tromp over, signs to read and questions to ask. As for me, I lagged behind assuming the role of the silent observer and photographer.  That’s when I felt the heart grow from a flutter to a point where every nerve in my body tingled.  Look at them – 83 and 6.  They held hands.  She asking the how and why questions, he answering as best as he could.  “Yes Aubrey, this cabin was here before black and white TV.”  “See this Aubrey, this is where cold foods were kept as there were no refrigerators.”  On and on this dialogue continued.  After awhile, I realized I was no longer hearing their words.  Instead, I found myself watching their movements, a dance of life.  83 and 6.  Bookends of four generations sharing precious time.  No doubt, generations of families have enjoyed similar experiences here along the shores of Lake Tahoe but this was my moment, my family and my LOVE.

High Meadow Trails

What a week!  Between “Teflon Real Estate” (non-stick escrows) and Columbo Lending (Oh, just one more thing) the phones never stopped ringing.  And the phones weren’t just ringing for business. Adding to the manic business schedule, I hosted a Dining For Women meeting, a reception for an art exhibit and organized an association luncheon for next week.  Making matters even worse, there has been more than a fair share of heavy news involving close family and friends.  It reached the point where it seemed there were so many voices yakking in my head that I couldn’t think straight over the noise, self-inflicted noise reaching higher levels each day.  It finally dawned on me that the only way to turn down the volume was to fill my senses with fresh stimuli.  Time to take a hike.  Knowing I was scheduled to host an Open House in Montgomery Estates, I decided to lace up the sneakers and venture up the nearby High Meadow Trail.

The High Meadow trail can be accessed at the top junction of Marshall Trail and  High Meadow Trail roads.  I would classify this hike as “Good for Grandma.”  Then again, I am a grandma and could handle a much harder trail if I wanted to (operative word – want)  The trail is wide and easy and has a gradual incline during the lower part of the hike.  About 30 minutes into the stroll one can experience a steeper grade with options to cross over to single wide trails.  Scenics along the way include blossoming wild flowers, babbling creeks with small waterfalls, an open meadow and impressive rock formations.

Although the goal was to “turn off the noise,”  it took nearly 20 minutes before my mind began to clear.  Interestingly enough, it wasn’t the tranquil beauty that did the trick nor the elevated heart rate.  Just as one might hang a wind chime or install a water feature to deflect road noise, it was tuning in to nature’s choie that did the trick.  At first I became aware of the steady crunch of my footsteps along the trail.  Before long the “cheeseburger” birds were serenading throughout the forest. (What is the cheeseburger bird you ask? A black capped chickadee. Click here for a demonstration.) As I ventured further, the sounds of a nearby creek called to me.  Squirrels chattering happily while chasing one another around tree trunks.  A gentle breeze was rustling the pine branches overhead. Stellar Jays were doing what Steller Jays do – squawk.

Approximately 40 minutes into the walk, I estimated that I had approximately 20 minutes before I needed to head back to be in time for the Open House.  Rather than continuing with the walk, I opted to impersonate a lizard on a large granite boulder.  As the warmth began to seep into my back, I closed my eyes, exhaled deeply and tuned in deeper to Mother Nature’s concert.  No miracles took place and none of my pending issues magically vaporized.  Yet, for a small window of time, there was a sense of balance.  An “all is as it should be,” if you will.  My shoulders retreated from my ears and the conflicting voices in my head lowered their volume to just above a whisper.  It was time to head back.

While heading down the trail, I remembered once reading a quote from Mother Teresa.  Thank goodness for the internet.  I googled Mother Teresa and quotes about noise and there it was.  And here it is:  “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness.  God is the friend of silence.  See how nature – trees, flowers, grass-grows in silence;  see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence . . .  We need silence to be able to touch souls. “  Trust me, I get it.  And those words still resonate in my heart. Quiet the senseless noise.  Breathe In – Breathe Out – Let Go.  Yet my visit today showed that nature is not at all silent.  Nature today was a finely tuned orchestra. Minor falls and major lifts.  Pure harmony.  Bravo!  Encore!  Thank You.

Knowing that there was not enough time to drive to a destination, I decided to lace up the trail shoes that I had stored under my desk for the past two years and head out the front door.  Guess what?  I have now discovered my new favorite hike.  If you haven’t already done so, you simply must check out our little treasure right through the middle of town.  From my office here at Pinnacle, I headed down the sidewalk toward the new Lakeview Commons.  Once you reach the commons, you have a choice of staying up along the sidewalk paralleling the highway (level & easy but not my recommendation) or head down the steps toward a second trail that runs just above Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.  The views epitomize the classic phrase, ‘breath-taking.”  Especially if you hump along at a brisk pace.  This is a hike in which you can include an aerobic workout should you feel so inclined.  Throughout the hike, there are opportunities to stroll along the beach, climb up and down some stairs and partake in a few lunges if you really want to enhance the work-out.  Heck, I think I will grab a couple of arm weights next time.  Then again, maybe not.  The best part of the walk was good old-fashioned people watching.  Moms with babes playing in the sand, grandpa’s strolling along watching the clouds, a couple of Jedi warriors, on and on.  The air had the perfect amount of briskness and the puffy white clouds could have inspired Joni Mitchell to write a song.

At one point up ahead, I noticed a woman walking toward me who was obviously taking in the beauty as well.  I think her smile must have been as wide as mine and we were drawn to one another.  The first words she spoke to me were “Isn’t this glorious?”  She went on to tell me that she has been coming to Lake Tahoe for over 30 years and has never been disappointed.   We chatted about the changes she had seen along Lake Tahoe Blvd over the years yet how the beauty of the lake remains a constant.   I took a quick phone call and snapped a couple of images (remember that I am multi-tasking,) and our conversation soon meandered into discussing  some of the treasures today’s technology provides.  She shared with me that she was in her 80′s and every day she has the opportunity to “visit” her son in London via Skype.  I mentioned that there were certainly aspects of life that might have been better in the past and with that she gave me the following advice.  “We shouldn’t move backwards.  We must move forward for every day has it’s own pleasantries.”  OMG! I couldn’t believe it. I was in the presence of a Swiss Yoda.  At that point I had to do the one thing I so rarely do and boldly ask if I could take her picture.  She graciously allowed me to do so, asking if she could hold a pine cone to show that she was in the mountains.  And in true classic style, asked that I please email her a copy.  This was one woman that most certainly was taking advantage of life’s daily pleasantries.  Martina Tuffli – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You made my day.

I finished the hike by crossing over the highway to Safeway and grabbed some “feel better” goodies for my granddaughter, took 3 more calls and negotiated a sale all along the way back to the office.  If it had been later in the day, I probably would have wrapped up the walk with a visit to Picchettis for a bit of wine-tasting.  Alas.  Duty called and I opted to head back to the office corral.  All in all, what a glorious hike.  I highly recommend it.

I recently returned from an annual trip I take to “get-away” and not comb my hair/wear lipstick/you’ve got the picture.  During this time, not an iota of business was overlooked or dropped and in fact we generally see an increase in activity.  The difference in my work production is that the time spent on business is concentrated.  There are less interruptions and less chance of the need to multi-task (a skill at which I find myself with declining talent.)  One of the highlights of a “work-cation” environment is that I can usually accomplish in 6 hours what can easily take me 10 hours at home.  With the extra time, I find myself exploring soul-refreshing activities – “me time.”  It never fails that when I end my time away and prepare to return to the “normal” lifestyle, I swear to myself that I WILL make all attempts to recreate this working environment back in Tahoe.  After all, we live in an international playground.  For Heaven’s sake, it can’t be that hard to do.  Yet year after year, I fall into the same old patterns.  Work, work, work and wondering where the time went.  NOT THIS YEAR!

As luck would have it, the weather upon my return to Tahoe has been, simply put, blissful.  There is no excuse not to move forward with the plan.  Therefore, I have made the decision that I WILL explore a new hiking trail (or revisit some of my old favorites) every week from this point forward.  That is until the weather says “enough already.”  Nothing works better for me to stay on track than accountability.  Announcing to others that I am going to do something is the strongest driving force against my ability to procrastinate.  So there you have it.  I am telling all of you that I not only will venture out on a hike every week,  I will share with you where I have gone, post a few images and give a brief description of the hike.

First on the list – the 2013 maiden hike was to Cascade Falls.  This is not the first hike I have ever made to this area but certainly the first time I have gone this early in the year and found no snow blocking sections of the trail.  This trail begins at the Bayview Campground (across from the first Emerald Bay Lookout.)  At this time, the gate to the campground is not open so we parked just off the Highway.  The beginning of the hike is a level and wide dirt trail, perfect for idle conversations if walking with a friend.  Public bathrooms (currently closed) are there as well.  You will then come to a sign indicating Cascade Falls to the left and Desolation Wilderness to the right.  Leftward we go.  Pretty soon, the trail becomes narrow and is made up of primarily natural boulder steps.  Most are fairly easy but occasionally those of us with shorter legs might find the need to carefully assess the best steps to take.  The views are spectacular the entire way so don’t plan on making this an aerobic workout – let the beauty get your heart going instead.  The distance is not too far and you will find yourself at the main waterfall within about 20 minutes.  This is an ideal destination to enjoy a snack and just hang out.  You can venture a bit further along the creek or across the large boulder flats however, the trail does end fairly quickly at that point.  Trail markers are everywhere but if you get off a bit, just listen for the falls and head back in that direction.  You will find the trail again with little problem.  Also, there are almost always other hikers out and about in the area, especially in the summer. 

Now, here’s the kicker.  I had this wonderful outing (okay , I did answer a couple of phone calls and emails on route) and yet was back in the office by noon.  Work efficiency level? By the end of the day, the check list was complete and a smile was on my face.  It’s all in a Tahoe’ day of work.

Just off the top of our heads in regards to activities slated for this weekend are:

*The second annual Snow Globe which is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers the ultimate fusion: music and mountains, including some world-class skiing and snowboarding to match.  Based on ticket sales and inquiries, it is expected that approximately 40,000 participants will make their way to the South Shore.

*The Heavenly ski resort will ring in the New Year at the Heavenly Village. Family oriented activities will commence at 6 p.m. and will include an ice sculpting performance, New Year’s concert, gondola ball drop to bring in 2013, and a fireworks spectacular starting at 9 p.m.

*The casinos will be throwing their own parties with plenty of dancing and laughter.*Best of all, the skiing and outdoor recreation opportunities are prime.

As for me, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book in front of a fire and simply gazing out the window from time to time.  After I get off the treadmill, of course.  Resolutions are under way. Here’s to a wonderful, safe and joyous New Year to all.

Updates to the new Regional Plan include:

• Accelerating water quality restoration and other ecological benefits by supporting environmental redevelopment opportunities and Environmental Improvement Program investments.
• Integrating regional and local regulations into coordinated area plans.  Area plans that demonstrate environmental improvement will be allowed to increase building height and density in town centers.
• Simplifying and streamlining the permit review process to encourage updates to older buildings.
• Encouraging walkable, bike-able communities.

There are new, more flexible regulations for homeowners as well in the new Regional Plan.  Some of the new, improved regulations for Lake Tahoe homeowners include:

• Incentives, including land coverage credits and exemptions, will be offered to homeowners who use pourous paving materials for decks and driveways.
• Coverage will be regulated on a neighborhood-wide scale, as opposed to the old plan’s parcel-by-parcel scale.  Aggregating coverage will be easier for homeowners, and will benefit environmental restoration.
• The TRPA permitting process is simplified and streamlined for homeowners who want to build or remodel their homes.
• Land coverage exemptions are provided for small decks, and small temporary structures like sheds and doghouses.
• Land coverage transfer limitations are reformed so that property owners can purchase coverage for home modifications at a reasonable price.
• Best Management Practices (BMPs) can be completed on an area-wide scale, as opposed to a parcel-to-parcel scale.  Property owners may be able to complete their BMPs at the area-wide level.

Ultimately, what happens on the land affects the waters of Lake Tahoe.  The new Lake Tahoe Regional Plan allows for smart growth, more flexibility for property owners, and also an improving environmental future for the entire Lake Tahoe Basin.

Q. What is the Fire Fee?
On July 7, 2011 the State Responsibility Area Fire (SRA) Prevention Benefit Fee (“Fire Fee”) was signed into law. The Legislature has said that the fee is for fire prevention, not for fighting fires. The fee will help prevent fires by allowing more brush clearing and forest health management.

Q. Who does the Fee apply to?
The fire fee applies to anyone living in a State Responsibility Area (SRA), which are rural areas in the state that are not federally owned.

Q. What is the State Responsibility Area?
The State Responsibility Area (SRA) is the area of the state where the State of California is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires. SRA does not include lands within city boundaries or in federal ownership. Click the following link to see if a parcel is within the SRA enter in the parcel address in the State Responsibility Area Viewer.

Q. How much is the Fire Fee?
The fee is levied at the rate of $150 per habitable structure, which is defined as a building that can be occupied for residential use. Owners of habitable structures who are also within the boundaries of a local fire protection agency will receive a reduction of $35 per habitable structure.  It is unclear whether the fee will remain at $150, or will increase or decrease in coming years. The current billing cycle is the only one for which the $150 fee is established, the fee is allowed to be changed after this billing cycle.
The fee is charged per Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN):
* Owners of condominiums pay $150 per unit.
* Owners of multi-family dwellings (including apartment buildings) pay only $150 for the entire complex. Thus, the owner of a duplex pays one $150 fee whether it’s two cabins on one lot or two units in one building.
* Owners of a vacant parcel, however, are not assessed a fee.

Q. Is the Fire Fee assessed in arrears (in the past)?
Yes. Since the fee was signed into law in 2011, homeowners can and will be billed for the 2011-2012 fiscal year (July 1-June 30).  CAL FIRE is mandated to annually transmit to the Board of Equalization (BOE) a list of the appropriate name and address of each person who is responsible for the SRA Fire Prevention Fee and the amount of the fee to be assessed.
The major implementation dates for the SRA Fire Prevention Fee are:
* BOE Begins Sending Fiscal Year 11/12 Bills to Homeowners: August 2012
* BOE Begins Sending Fiscal Year 12/13 Bills to Homeowners: March 2013 (est)

Q. Who is challenging the Fire Fee?
Many people are unhappy about the fire fee. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has stated that they will file suit against the fee, now that the first round of fire fee bills have gone out. The Association is claiming that the fee is unconstitutional because it is actually a tax, and will file suit on this ground.  On August 21, 2012, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors sent an official letter to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association saying that the County Board “adamantly opposes” the fire fee, and that the County Board pledges any type of support the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association needs in filing a lawsuit against the fee. The County Board also said it will be filing a friend of the court brief against the fire fee when the suit is initiated.  On August 20, 2012 the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors also sent an official letter to the Board of Equalization asking the BOE to halt the fire fee. The County Board stated that the fire fee is unfair, has been sprung too quickly on the residents of El Dorado County, and is inaccurate. The County Board told the BOE that the County Board would be pursuing legal options to stop the fire fee.

Q. Does a homeowner have to pay the Fire Fee?
YES. Homeowners MUST pay the fire fee, even if they are attempting to appeal their fee or even if a lawsuit later determines that the fee is unconstitutional (in which case the court would probably issue a refund to all homeowners who paid the fee). Not paying the fee can also result in a lien on a property. The lien will follow the person, so even if a person does not own the property anymore, he/she must pay the fee or face a lien on any currently owned property.

Q. How long do homeowners have to pay the Fee after receiving it?
The fee payment deadline is a very small window– homeowners have 30 fays to pay the fee after receiving the bill.

Q. Is there a penalty for paying the Fee late?
Yes. Late penalties up to 20% of the fee may be assessed if the payment is late. Not paying the fee can result in a lien on the property, and penalties. The lien will follow the person, so even if a person does not own the property anymore, he/she must pay the fee or face a lien.

Q. Where should a homeowner send the Fire Fee Payment?
Fees should be sent to (if homeowners do not want to appeal or challenge the fee):
Board of Equalization
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279.

Q. Is there a way to appeal the Fee?
Yes. If homeowners want to appeal the fee, they must submit with their fire fee payment a Petition for Redetermination.
Fees with petitions for redetermination should be sent to:
Board of Equalization
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279.
AND a copy of the petition for redetermination with a copy of the fee check should be sent to:
Fire Prevention Petitions
P.O. Box 2254
Suisun City, CA 94585.

Q. Is not owning the home anymore a defense for not having to pay the Fire Fee?
NO. If the homeowner owned the home at any point during the fiscal year for which the Fire Fee is assessed, the homeowner must pay the fee.

Q. What are the defenses available for not having to pay the Fire Fee?
The listed defenses are:
* The habitable structures on the property are not located in the SRA
* The property was charged for more habitable structures than actually exist on the property
* The property did not receive a $35 exemption per habitable structure, but the $35 exemption should apply because the property is located within the boundaries of a local fire protection agency

Q. Are Title Companies involved in the Fire Fee?
No, since this is a fee and not a tax, it is not a Title Company’s Responsibility to monitor the Fire Fee.

Q. What is the California Association of REALTORS® doing about the Fire Fee?
C.A.R.’s Board of Directors has directed C.A.R. to support legislation which repeals the fire fee. Legislation was introduced this year, AB 1506 (Jeffries), which would have repealed the fee and C.A.R. did come out in support. This measure, however, failed to pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee due to the budgetary hole the absence of these funds would cause. The legislature has adjourned for the year so a new bill would not be possible until next session.

Q. Where can I find more information?
More information is available online.   Additionally, local fire districts and local politicians have information and statements about the Fire Fee.

PING GOLF  CLUBS
Even  if you’re not a golfer, you might like to pass this one along to any  friends who are.
I  think this is something that all golfers should be aware of. In  fact, I think all Americans should be aware of  this.

THANK YOU,  PING
This isn’t a joke or  cartoon; just something interesting to  know . .  . you  may want to forward this on  to others.
On Monday, I played the  Disney, Lake Buena Vista course. As usual  the starters matched me  with three other players. After a few holes  we began to get to know  each other a bit. One fellow was rather young  and had his wife riding  along in the golf cart with him. I noticed that  his golf bag had his name  on it and after closer inspection it also  said “wounded war veterans”.  When I had my first chance to chat with him  I asked him about the  bag. His response was simply that it was a gift.  I then asked if he was  wounded and he said yes. When I asked more  about his injury, his  response was “I’d rather not talk about it,  sir”.
Over a few holes I  learned that he had spent the last 15 months in  an army rehabilitation  hospital in San Antonio Texas . His wife moved  there to be with him and he  was released from the hospital in September.  He was a rather quiet  fellow; however, he did say that he wanted to get good at golf. We  had a nice round and as we became a bit more  familiar I asked him about the  brand new set of Ping woods and irons he  was playing. Some looked  like they had never been hit. His response was simple. He said that  this round was the first full round he had  played with these  clubs.
Later in the round he  told me the following. As part of the discharge process from the  rehabilitation hospital, Ping comes in and  provides three days of golf  instruction, followed by club fitting.  Upon discharge from the  hospital, Ping gives each of the discharged  veterans, generally about 40  soldiers, a brand new set of custom fitted  clubs along with the  impressive golf bags.
The fellow I met was  named Ben Woods and he looked me in the eye  and said that being fitted  for those clubs was one of the best things  that ever happened to him  and he was determined to learn to play golf  well enough to deserve the  gift Ping had given him. Ben is now out of the service medically  discharged just a month ago. He is as fine a  young man as you would ever  want to meet.
Ping, whose products  are made with pride here in America ( Arizona ), has the good  judgment not to advertise this program. God Bless America and the  game of golf.
Thank you  PING !!!

Okay – now tell me why this story makes me all “teary-eyed.”