The 2010 USDA food distribution schedule at the Tahoe Douglas Senior Center, 885 Highway 50, Zephyr Cove is from 9-10am on Jan. 28, March 25, May 27, July 29, Sept. 30 and Nov. 18.

The eligibility requirements are: having Nevada ID, reading the “self-declaration assurance” form and signing it to the certify that household income does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

The types of commodities expected to be available are canned juices, canned fruits and vegetables, canned and frozen meats, dry beans, peanut butter, dry milk and pastas. There will be approximately eight commodities per distribution per person in household.

There are other Douglas County distribution locations as well as one in Carson City. The food distribution program is administered through the state – (775) 688.2828.

Don’t be surprised if people with notebooks and cameras are scattering about the South Shore in the coming week. Find out on Saturday at 10am who these people are in Lake Tahoe. Phil Weidinger will be doing the talking on KTHO AM-590 and FM-96.1 and www.kthoradio.com.

E! Entertainment is showing a segment on Jaycee Lee Dugard. For dates and times, click here.

Lake Tahoe remains the most popular ski destination, taking the top spot on the Orbitz Insider Index for the third consecutive year.

Orbitz Index – Top 2010 Ski Destinations:

1. Lake Tahoe, CA/NV

2. Breckenridge, CO

3. Park City, UT

4. Vail, CO

5. Winter Park, CO

6. Aspen / Snowmass, CO

7. Jackson Hole, WY

8. Mammoth, CA

9. Killington, VT

10. Durango, CO

Project WET Workshop is an action-packed, hands-on workshop is for anyone interested in teaching about natural resources, conservation and environmental education. Great hands-on curriculum training for anyone working with K-12 youth.

All activities are geared toward teaching about Water Quality issues facing the Lake Tahoe Region.

It is Feb. 3 from 10am–4pm at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, 291 Country Club Drive, Incline Village.

Click Project WET to find out more about it.

The South Lake Tahoe Friends of the Library invites current and potential members to its next meeting at noon Jan. 21 at the South Tahoe Branch Library conference room at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.

Proceeds from book sales and projects support the library year-round with children’s programs, guest speaker programs, book and technology purchases and more.

For more information, call Gail Kolb at (530) 545-9195.

Lodging properties at Lake Tahoe receiving a Four Diamond designation from AAA for 2010 are Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village and Resort at Squaw Creek. Ciera Steak + Chop House at MontBleu in Stateline is the one restaurant to earn that designation.

Weidinger Public Relations in Stateline hits the 25-year mark this year.

With a March deadline approaching, only one candidate remains in the field to replace retiring Placer County District Attorney Brad Fenoccio – that’s Placer County Assistant District Attorney Ronald “Scott” Owens.

On Jan. 27 the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is expected to vote on an affordable housing project for Kings Beach.

Hot August Nights, usually a Reno car gig, is expanding to the South Shore. For more info, go to www.hotaugustnights.net.

South Tahoe Public Utility District’s board of directors will meet Jan. 21 from 11am-2pm to discuss policy issues related to state mandated water meter law.

The meeting will be at the district’s board room located at 1275 Meadow Crest Drive, South Lake Tahoe.

Issues to be discussed will include the water meter installation program, water meters for new construction, water conservation legislated mandates, and a time line for a future metered rate study.

While a quorum of the board may be attending the workshop, there will be no action taking place on their behalf. This meeting will include a working lunch for board members and designated staff. A pre-arranged lunch can be purchased by contacting Susan Rasmussen at (530) 543.6216 or srasmussen@stpud.dst.ca.us at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

A special El Dorado County Board of Supervisors workshop has been scheduled for Jan. 25.

The Department of Transportation will present two workshops for discussion:

* 10am-noon – Alternatives for the Cameron Park Drive Interchange

* 1-5pm – The proposed DOT 2010 Capital Improvement Program.

Both meetings will be at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 330 Fair Lane, Placerville.

Great Lakes of the World Symposium is June 13-17 in Incline Village.

Click on conference to get more information.