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Incline Village Real Estate Blog Daily Updates For the Incline Village MLS

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October 2009

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Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 23 - 30, 2009
Just a quick recap for the previous week's activity on the Incline Village real estate market. During the Thanksgiving holiday week we had a total of five new listings (one of which was a repeat), two properties going into escrow and two properties closing escrow. There were a total of 10 price reductions, but only two of them were significant.

Leading the charge on the price adjustments on the Incline Village MLS is my listing at #66 McCloud which was slashed $20,000 down to $549,000.  This is arguably the best combination of location, interior quality and view among all the McCloud condos currently on the market.
Shoppers looking for a great value in a single-family home in Incline Village may wish to take a peek at 719 James Ln. This five bedroom, four bath, 2875 ft.² remodeled home in the Lakeview subdivision had $300,000 knocked off the asking price and is now an exceptional value at only $950,000.  Nice large lot of approximately 1 half-acre and a great location just a couple of blocks from Lakeshore Dr. makes this one worth a look for anyone shopping in this price range.

The only new listing that catches my eye is the four bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2560 ft.² home next to forest service land at 847 Jeffrey. Priced at only $750,000, which is slightly under $300 per sq. ft., this higher elevation property is on my list for a preview sooner rather than later.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 22, 2009
On the surface it looks like a quiet day on the Incline Village real estate market as we had no activity on the MLS. However, this agent was busy dealing with two counter offers, one of which got accepted, showing property all afternoon and lining up tomorrow's afternoon showings. I guess this is why they call me Mr. November. Last year I was writing a counteroffer on Thanksgiving day.

I am hoping to travel down to the Bay Area for a few days to enjoy the Turkey Day festivities. As usual, I will have the laptop and cell phone with me so I will be able to conduct business on the fly. No talking on the phone while driving in California since I've never felt the need living in Nevada to have the hands-free contraption. So, there might be a couple of hours here and there where I'm traveling incognito.

I will still plan to do daily updates on the Incline Village real estate blog so keep those e-mails coming.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 21, 2009
It started out as a rather quiet morning for this Incline Village real estate agent. After clearing the snow off the driveway and having a leisurely breakfast I received calls from two new buyers who wanted to look at property this afternoon.  Then I submitted an offer on a condo and watched a counteroffer come across my e-mail inbox for another house. So much for writing articles for the next edition of Inside Incline. That's okay, I'd rather be out showing property than pounding the keyboard.

The Incline Village MLS only offers up three price changes and one property going into escrow today. Quite possibly the best value lately in a higher elevation home for the budget minded is our property that changed hands at 861 Jeffrey. The final sale price was only $405,000 for this three bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1560 ft.² home on a tiny lot of approximately 1/7 acre, but in a nice higher elevation location next to some forest service land.

Losing $30,000 of excess weight and now priced at $689,000 is the delightful property at 520 Sugarpine. The short sale at 996 Wedge Court which is new construction and quite luxurious features a new offering price of $1.9 million. 

Looks like another busy day on Sunday as I will be out showing properties in Incline Village and maybe shooting some pictures at my new listing over in Crystal Bay. If you've been waiting for a four bedroom single family home with a Lakeview priced under $700,000 you'll want to contact me for more info on this property.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 20, 2009
As a fast moving snowstorm descended on the Lake Tahoe basin, the Incline Village real estate market swept through the day with five price alterations, two properties going into escrow and three transactions closing escrow.

The only price adjustment worthy of electrons on this chilly and blustery Friday is the $24,000 downside move to $675,000 for one of my favorite properties in the Mill Creek subdivision at 230 Pinecone Rd.  Mostly original three bedroom, two bath, one story house on a large level lot with terrific upside potential. Very livable, could be a remodel opportunity or a tear down / rebuild depending on the eye of the beholder.

Closing escrow today on the Incline Village MLS are two properties within walking distance of the beach. #33 Coeur-du-Lac, which was one of the better values among three bedroom, two bath, remodeled condos at low elevation sold at $430,000. No garage, only 1200 ft.², but a nice spot in the complex. 1-3 Forest Pines which has a similar floor plan but was not updated and is located virtually across the street sold at $380,000. I'd say both buyers got fair deals, drop $50,000 in upgrades into the Forest Pines condo and you're pretty even.

At the higher end of the spectrum the nearly 9000 square-foot mansion at 240 Estates Dr. sold for a little bit under $2.4 million. Five bedrooms, five full baths, two half baths, 8900+ Sq. feet of living space, a large lot of nearly 9/10 of an acre and ceilings a giraffe would love make this a special buy within walking distance of the beach. At around $270 per sq. ft. (which is attributing a value of zero to the land), I don't think you could build this property for the sale price.

Congrats to the listing agent of the house up on Ralston and the freestanding condo in Glenrock for getting both properties into escrow today. Time for me to go out and clear the snow off the driveway, then throw a few more logs into the wood stove. Would be nice to have someone to snuggle with in front of the fire...

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 17 - 19, 2009
It's been 3 busy days for this Incline Village real estate agent as I was working on writing 2 new offers, putting together two more listing agreements and getting the deal closed for #130 Third Creek.  My buyers seem very happy with the condo and we are all pleased with the final sale price of $650,000 for this three bedroom, 2.5 bath property that backs up to the creek. Lovely setting in the woods, quiet and private, the seller paid $865,000 a couple of years ago so I think my clients got a pretty good deal.

The Incline Village MLS brings us a total of three new listings, five price reductions, two properties going into escrow and four places closing escrow.  Checking out the new listings, bargain hunters looking for a good location in a Tahoe cabin will want to check out #100 Incline Crest. This 1120 sq foot, three bedroom, two bath, freestanding condo is situated next to a creek in one of the better locations in the development. The asking price of $319,000 looks pretty reasonable especially when you take into account the unique creek side setting.

Higher up the food chain at $950,000 is the five bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3000+ Sq. foot Lakeview property at #19 Red Cedar. Boasting one of the better lake views in the complex and an asking price that would be unheard of just one year ago, this place is worth a gander for anyone shopping in the million dollar price range.

None of the price changes do anything for me so let's take a quick shot at the properties going into escrow and closing escrow on the Incline Village real estate scene. At $3 million event, the beautiful property at 255 Estates Dr. is now under new ownership. This is the sprawling mansion with the putting green in the backyard with high-end finishes throughout. My compliments to the buyer, you've got yourself a fabulous spot just a couple of blocks from the beach in a wonderful gated community.

Also in search of new rec passes will be the owners for the property at #130 Third Creek where I represented the buyers.  Moving into new hands are the lovely freestanding condo at 783 Freels Peak with about 2800 ft.² of living space closing at $735,000 and the Lakeview Super Deal Alert at 751 Tyner Way closing at the final asking price of $850,000 all cash. With a bit of remodeling and some tree trimming this place will be worth something in seven figures a little ways down the road. Congrats to the new owner and their agent, this is one of those situations where everyone on all sides of the transaction should be happy.

Wrapping up the action today are the two properties going into escrow. We've got the cute cabin at 861 Jeffrey priced just under $500,000 and another one of my super deal alerts for the condo at #221 Bitterbrush which was that bank owned property I raved about two weeks ago. Multiple offers, probably will sell above the $306,000 asking price.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 16, 2009
It was another busy day for this Incline Village real estate agent as I was working frantically to handle the final details to bring a transaction to closing. I also have two new listings that will be coming online before the end of November and an offer to write on Tuesday. So, while we are officially in the off-season I am continuing to work at a midsummer type of pace.

The Incline Village MLS brings us one new listing, four price adjustments and two properties going into escrow on this sunny Monday. The new listing is a repeat for a house on the Championship Golf Course at 996 - 4th Green.  The new asking price of $1,395,000 is $400,000 below where this property originally hit the market two years ago. I had clients who were interested in purchasing this property when it was first listed, but we were just too far apart on price so they ended up purchasing another property with an excellent location on the golf course.  The time value of money is a topic that many people shy away from, but it needs to be a major consideration whenever a property is listed for sale.

Taking a quick look at the price changes on the Incline Village real estate market, the $51,000 reduction down to $999,000 for the freestanding condo at 289 Deer Ct is the highlight of the day. I don't think the neighbor in this complex who is doing a For Sale by Owner will be too thrilled when they see the competition's asking price.

Losing $25,000 off the asking price is the spacious and very well-designed house at 986 Dorcey. The new asking price of only $975,000 is below replacement cost in my opinion for this nice piece of architecture located next to Forest Service land.

Getting accepted offers today are the three bedroom condo at #14 All Seasons which is a short sale priced at $238,000 and on the opposite end of the playing field at $4.7 million is the gorgeous panoramic Lakeview home at 531 Silvertip.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 15, 2009
Just a very quick update on the Incline Village real estate scene today. We have two new listings for your viewing enjoyment and no other action to report on this chilly Sunday. I was out showing property once again and nurturing along the transaction I have an escrow, while most folks were bundled up on the sofa watching the NFL.

First up is a nicely remodeled home in the Lakeview subdivision at 652 Crystal Peak. The asking price of 1,325,000 makes this at first glance appear a bit high based on dollars per square foot.for a 3BR property in Incline Village. But you have to factor in the low elevation proximity to the beach and the high quality interior remodeling work.

Our other new listing on the day is the 3100+ Sq. foot home on a large 1.19 acre lot at 615 Woodridge Circle. Priced at $995,000 this four bedroom, three bath home features spacious living areas. 

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 13 - 14, 2009
The Incline Village real estate market is among the most competitive markets in America. Approximately one out of every 20 people who lives here full time has a license to sell real estate.  So, I'm not really sure if I should be surprised that other agents are now following me on Twitter.   I guess they figure when I do a super deal alert or a news flash that it will save them the trouble of having to follow the MLS so closely. Maybe I should just pump out garbage on Twitter and keep all the relevant information on this website and continue to send the good stuff via e-mail directly to my clients.  It kind of poses a dilemma for me.  Any readers have thoughts on this one?

Facing the Incline Village real estate update head-on we've got a total of three new listings, two price changes, one property going into escrow and three properties closing escrow on Friday and Saturday.  I am not excited about any of the new listings or either the price changes so let's take a look at the properties on the MLS that changed hands.

Closing escrow at the very reasonable price of $829,000 is the nicely remodeled French country style home at 610 Tyner Way. Good Lakeview, a slightly challenging driveway, gorgeous interior but a washer and dryer in the second bedroom closet provided for an interesting yin-yang on this place.

Also becoming the property of a new owner is the Lakeview home at 907 Tyner Way. Not sure if this is a remodel opportunity, a tear down or just a fun place to live. I can only hope that they don't throw wild parties that will disturb my clients who own the stunning panoramic Lakeview next door at 905 Tyner Way (or at least invite them over to join in the fun if they do).

Wrapping things up on the closed escrows at $615,000 is the freestanding condo at 841 Tanager St.  This is the property directly across the street from the Village Pub, so I hope the new owner likes entertainment of all kinds...

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 11 - 12, 2009
As we move deeper into the off-season, the activity on the Incline Village real estate market is beginning to show signs of tapering off. Our only new listing in the past two days is a repeat but at a new lower price of under $1.3 mil. for 898 Lake Country. We also had four price alterations and one property closing escrow on the MLS as mother nature reminds us that winter is right around the corner.

A couple of inches of snow fell in the Lake Tahoe basin on Wednesday night tempting everyone who is anxious to start ski season. We need about 6 feet more to cover the rocks, but seeing the trees glistening with a coating of white this morning gives everyone hope that will all be riding chairlifts soon.

Closing escrow today is the lakefront property in Crystal Bay at 300 Northlake Cir. The final sale price of $4.5 million, all cash, for this nice property is a veritable bargain by Incline Village real estate standards.

Checking out the price reductions the $80,000 slashing down to $595,000 for the duplex at 910 Harold Dr. is a nice move in the right direction. Those of you seeking a beautifully remodeled two bedroom condo in Bitterbrush may wish to take a look at #99 now that the seller has whacked the price all the way down to $449,000. The original asking price of $749,000 a couple of years ago was a bit of a stretch, but the new number is more than reasonable when you look at the spectacular interior remodel that the seller has done. High-end everything throughout and beautiful finishes with a craftsman's eye to detail that the most discriminating buyer will appreciate.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 9 - 10, 2009
I wish that I had a lot of news to report, but scanning the four new listings and three price reductions on the Incline Village real estate market over the past two days I don't find much food for thought. 

The only property worthy of any comment is the new listing for the Lakeview condo at #19 Red Cedar. Priced at $950,000, this spacious freestanding condo has nice interior finishes to go along with a good view of Lake Tahoe. You also get a one car detached garage which can also serve as an extra bedroom for those guests who misbehave.

I've pretty much given up commenting on price reductions for properties that are short sales. If the asking price bears no relation to the amount owed on the property, then who knows what the lenders are willing to accept? We have seen a fair amount of short sale properties go into escrow but only a tiny percentage actually close escrow. Just because the  seller accepts your offer doesn't mean the lenders will.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 7 - 8, 2009
It was a busy weekend for this Incline Village real estate agent as I was out showing property all day on Saturday and working on a new listing on Sunday. But the MLS takes a little bit of a breather giving us one new listing that was a repeat and five mostly uninspiring price reductions.

The only price alteration that merits any electrons on this chilly November evening is the $50,000 redeployment at #119 Third Creek. Good location in the complex, the seller has made a couple of significant price reductions lately showing that they are clearly interested in seeing an offer.

More exciting, are the statistics from last week's sales. We had only three actual new listings (all the others were repeats), and seven properties went into escrow. That might not sound like a lot, but for the first week of November that is a nice steady pace of activity for the Incline Village real estate market. The inventory level has dropped significantly as more properties go into escrow on a regular basis and some sellers pull their properties off the MLS for the winter time.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 6, 2009
It was a busy morning for this Incline Village real estate agent and then I took the afternoon off to show a friend from Southern California a few sights around the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. Although the winds were a bit blustery, we did the hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail to the overlook above Kings Beach.

This short 1.5 mile hike one-way brings you to one of the most spectacular views you'll find anywhere on the North Shore. You are perched directly above Kings Beach and you can see the entire Lake Tahoe Basin from the vantage point at the top of the trail. With storm clouds brewing around the edge of the West shore, lenticular clouds hovering above the east shore and sunshine with blue skies in between, it made for quite a dramatic scene.

Taking a look at the MLS we find two new listings, three price adjustments, two properties going into escrow and one property closing escrow today. Changing hands at just under $495,000 is the architecturally unique property at 962 Jenifer St. Congratulations to my buddy Bruce for handling both sides of the transaction. I'll see if he can arrange for us to have one more game of indoor bocce on one of the two courts.

Getting accepted offers today on the Incline Village real estate market are the beautifully remodeled French country style home at 610 Tyner Way priced at $895,000 and the well maintained three bedroom, two bath condo at #19 Southwood Pines. The condo was a bank owned property that had nine offers, a testament to the pent-up demand for properties that are priced, in my opinion, significantly below fair market value. The asking price on this particular Incline Village condo was a sliver under $160,000 and I am betting it closes somewhere between 10% and 20% above the asking price.

Anyone shopping for a low elevation condo with a two-car attached garage may wish to take a look at my listing at #58 Royal Pines. We knocked $50,000 off the price today and the new asking price of $399,000 is much more in line with current market conditions. Offered furnished, subject to some exclusions for artwork and decorations, this well-maintained condo is move-in ready. The fourth bedroom is actually a studio apartment on the ground floor that has done quite well as a long-term rental during the past two decades. So, it's a chance to own a vacation property and you can also pull down some monthly income without having anyone disturbing your quarters upstairs.

Both of our listings are repeats today, however the property at 593 Dyer Cir. is in the hands of new agent and at a much lower asking price. If you have been holding out for the superduper extended family sized vacation home or a place that will make a terrific vacation rental, then this six bedroom, 6.5 bath, 3674 ft.² property in a garden like setting could be what you have been waiting for. The new asking price of only $1,249,000 is $750,000 below the original offering number when this property first came on the market in 2007. Could very well be the next place in this price range to sell, especially when you look at the long-term upside potential of this Incline Village home in the Woods subdivision.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 5, 2009
We had a nice autumn breeze blowing through the trees today as the Incline Village real estate market brings us two new listings, two price adjustments and one property going into escrow. Looks like a fairly significant storm in the Pacific Northwest with just the tail end dragging through the Tahoe basin on Thursday and Friday.  So, while my Saturday is booked with property showings, Sunday is still open for anyone who wishes to come to Incline Village and view some properties.

Getting an accepted offer today is the beautifully remodeled condo at #73 Royal Pines. Priced at $475,000, this four bedroom, 3.5 bath, 1752 ft.² condo is absolutely gorgeous from top to bottom and you also get an attached two-car garage which is a rarity in this price range for a condo in Incline Village.

It's not every day that you have a Bitterbrush condo with a peek of the lake showing up on the Incline Village MLS as a bank owned property. But that is exactly the result we have today for #211. I remember when this property first came on the market I wrote in this column that the asking price was way too high and being criticized for my comments. Well, the new asking price of just under $307,000 is about $442,000 less than the original asking price of $749,000. Now that's a Ross Dress for Less bargain type of discount if I ever saw one. As my rapping real estate buddy in Oaktown likes to say, "Don't delay, make an offer today, 'cause this one will soon be going away".

Those of you who have been waiting for a good location on the eastern slope under $1 million may wish to take a gander at 649 Alpine View. Priced a smidgen below $900,000, this four bedroom home offers a little bit of Lakeview to go along with a large street to street lot that is just under 1/2 acre and Forest Service land to one side.

Bargain hunters looking for a good value in a low elevation property who want to avoid the rigors of a short sale would do well to take a look at #19 Tahoe Sierra Pines. The $21,000 haircut brings this four bedroom, four bath one level condo all the way down to only $249,000. Whether you make it a vacation getaway or buy it and put it on a long-term rental program as a pure investment play, this low elevation condo is the lowest price we've seen in this complex in roughly a decade.

It's now been almost 3 1/2 years since I first started doing this blog. While there are a number of imitators and even a handful of agents using my blog as the source for their material, I believe that I am still the only Incline Village real estate agent providing current market information on a daily basis. I'd like to thank the thousands of loyal readers who visit my website on a regular basis, your readership and comments are greatly appreciated.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 4, 2009
We've got pretty light activity on the Incline Village real estate market on Wednesday. Our only new listing is a repeat, there are three price alterations and one property going into escrow.

I can't explain why the price was raised a couple of hundred thousand dollars for the bank owned property at 996 Wedge Court. So rather than speculate on the seller's reasoning for pushing the price up to $2.2 million it's more interesting to check out the $38,500 shaving at 1079 Flume Rd.  This property has been very nicely remodeled and offers expansion opportunities. Nice large level lot in the Mill Creek subdivision. The new asking price of $919,000 should put this property on the viewing list of anyone shopping at low elevation under $1 million for a three bedroom single family home in Incline Village.

Getting an accepted offer today is the beautiful five-bedroom, 8925 ft.² home at 240 Estates Dr. This gated community just below Highway 28 is set back off of the intersection of Mill Creek and Country Club Drive.  It was built in the mid-1990s and offers homes with large lots in this case just under 1 acre. Offered at just under $2.8 million, it's a nice luxury property.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 3, 2009
As we enjoy another gorgeous autumn day at Lake Tahoe, the Incline Village have MLS brings us two new listings, five price reductions and two properties going into escrow on our real estate update.

The big news of the day is the $100,000 price reduction for my listing at #31 Third Creek. Arguably the most beautifully remodeled condo in the entire complex this stunning property has to be seen to be appreciated. The new asking price of $899,000 puts this gorgeous condo backing up to the creek at around 400 $ per sq. ft.  The complex features all the amenities you could want including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, clubhouse, tennis court, men's and women's locker rooms, a small gym and lots of open space for kids to play.  Click Here to See the Virtual Tour

Condo shoppers searching at the $500,000 price point and under will want to take a look at 1-23 Forest Pines. The new asking price of just under $450,000 for this four bedroom condo one block from the beach makes this arguably the best value in the complex.

Getting accepted offers today and moving into the escrow process are two properties in the million dollar price range. One of my favorite homes on the west side of town at 581 Knotty Pine with an asking price of $950,000 went under contract. Great property with lots of upside potential located next to a seasonal creek and a beautiful piece of Forest Service land. Also going into escrow on the Incline Village real estate scene is one of the freestanding condos in Incline Creek Estates that is a resale unit priced at $1 million.

Both of the new listings today are condos at 915 Incline Way that fall into the category of "moderate income housing" which means there are some restrictions on who can buy them and how future resales are handled. Newer construction, good location near the center of town within walking distance of everything, these two bedroom, 1 bath units are priced at just under $240,000.

Daily Incline Village Real Estate Blog Update - Nov. 2, 2009
It's another gorgeous day on the north shore of Lake Tahoe with unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid 60s and beautiful sunny skies from dawn to dusk.  I focused a lot of my energy on the transaction that I have an escrow.

But I still had a little bit of time to take in the meeting of the Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. What transpired during the two hours I was at that meeting was far more interesting than the two new listings, three price reductions and two properties going into escrow on the Incline Village real estate market today. So, let's take a quick look at offerings from the MLS before digressing to a far more important topic, the preservation and rejuvenation of the Lake Tahoe environment.

Our new listings consist of a repeat at Lakeshore Terrace and another new entry into the game at #234 McCloud. Only three photos, so I can't really offer you much of an opinion except to say that this property is being offered "As-Is". 

Checking out the price reductions for the Incline Village and Crystal Bay real estate scene, we've got a big $105,000 adjustment down to $595,000 for the three story condo at 685 Palmer Ct.  If you have been searching for a great location on the golf course to either do a remodel or build your own dream home, then the $50,000 slashing at 568 Putter makes this one worth a closer look. Now priced under $1.1 million, this is one of the best spots at the end of a cul-de-sac right on the Championship Golf Course.

A property that I thought was already priced quite reasonably got a $24,000 alteration which shows me some serious motivation on the part of the owner to get this place sold. 840 Jennifer St. is quite possibly the best value in a Lakeview home in its price range of $975,000.  Contact me pronto if you'd like to see this property, I don't expect it to be around much longer at the new asking price.

While listening to the various members of the Nevada State Assembly and State Senate ask questions and talk about their concerns for the Lake, I realized that these people genuinely care about preserving and protecting the environment and the Tahoe basin. The problem is that the TRPA which is the entity assigned with that task and given the public trust continues to take a reactive stance rather than a proactive stance toward fulfilling their mission.

Unfortunately, I don't have the time in today's commentary to share with you all of the details about the shortcomings of the TRPA. Suffice it to say that the agency has been behind the curve on such important issues as the use of pervious asphalt and concrete to replace all impervious surfaces, the removal of invasive plant and animal species from the lake and the reduction of forest fuels that can cause catastrophic wildfire. So, while the new executive director talked about how "we must reverse the flow of fine particles entering the lake", she could not even talk in-depth about the sources of those particles or offer solutions to the problem.

There are some very simple solutions that need to be enacted quickly if we are to improve lake clarity and restore the Tahoe basin to a status closer to the natural environment. These steps include aggressive programs to physically remove Asian clams and mussels of all varieties from the lake by hand and by vacuuming. We also need to remove milfoil and other types of algae growing in the lake and this too, will be a labor-intensive project. But it must be accomplished before these invasive plant and animal species spread any further.

It's time to insist that both the Nevada and California state governments require smog checks on all vehicles registered within the Lake Tahoe basin. Right now all vehicles in the Lake Tahoe basin are exempt from smog checks because our air is so clean that it falls outside of the standard for required smog checks. I don't think we should wait until the air here is so polluted that federal standards would then require smog checks. It's up to each state to be proactive, along with prodding by the TRPA to enact legislation and remove offending vehicles from the basin so that we can maintain our superbly clean mountain air.

We can have a five-year program to phase out the use of all diesel vehicles and heavy equipment in the Lake Tahoe basin, except for those vehicles that have the new clean burning diesel engines. A significant percentage of the fine particles dropping into the lake each year are from the vehicular exhaust, especially older diesel vehicles and equipment.

Tire technology has advanced far enough that the special rubber compounds on winter ice tires now offer braking ability equal to those of studded tires. Large amounts of pavement are ground up into fine particles and they eventually wash down into the lake each year. Also, a rigorous program to install pervious asphalt every time a paving project is being done will help to percolate water into the ground and prevent more fine particles from running off into the lake.

So I guess the question is, will the Oversight Committee take to heart any of the recommendations that they received from the general public yesterday. Or will they simply let the leadership of the TRPA continue to operate in a reactive rather than proactive fashion as lake clarity continues to decline.

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