Letter to the Publisher,

My name is Peggy Cocores and I hope to be your candidate for Seat 5 in the STPUD election on Nov. 3.

WATER IS THE ISSUE. Safe, clean, and AFFORDABLE. As a business woman, independent voice, and 39-year local, my mission and promise to you is fiscal responsibility,24/7 representation with openness and integrity.

The STPUD board and the incumbent have known for 5 years that we are going to be put on meters and yet they didn’t plan for the financial losses which could fall upon the district, nor did they tell the ratepayers what we are potentially facing in terms of cost. We will have to make adjustments and I want to make sure we are properly represented when decisions are made as to how we will be assessed. My goal is to keep rates as fair and equitable as possible.

As a business woman, I will approach district matters using common sense, and pledge to work with whomever is elected.

I believe in giving back to our community and I pledge that as your elected official, I will keep you, the ratepayers, informed first and foremost. I promise to remember you are the “Public” in South Tahoe Public Utility District.

Please support me on Nov. 3.

Vote Peggy Cocores for Seat 5 South Tahoe Public Utility District.

Thank you,

Peggy Cocores

Letter to the Publisher,

Duane Wallace has been a friend of ours for over 20 years. During that time, we have agreed on many different issues and respectfully disagreed on others. However, the one passion we always agree on is the ongoing commitment to serve the children of our community.

Duane has devoted much of his time and energy working for the benefit of others. He has been involved in many different groups and organizations ranging from the Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation to coaching Pop Warner football and wrestling, just to name a few. Duane continues to be an advocate for the children in our community as exemplified by his long term involvement with after school programs such as the Boys and Girls Club. He was appointed to the LTUSD board because of his proven strong leadership skills, his ability to work well with others and his ongoing commitment to children.

Duane will always be an independent voice that we can depend on to make sound fiscal choices which will serve our school employees, our children, as well as our community at large.

We support Duane Wallace for the LTUSD School Board and encourage everyone to vote for him on Nov 3. A vote for Duane is a vote for our children, our schools and our community.

Janice Halpern-Segal and Harry Segal,

South Lake Tahoe

I just spoke with Ms. Buffa again. Seems that about 400 Charter customers in Meyers got the upgraded network, with the improved services, but did not get their rates increased at that time. This was an oversight by Charter at that time. These customers’ rates will now be raised, to get them in line with everyone else.

So, as regards Ms. Reed’s original question about rate increases in the County portion of South Shore, the answer has changed to “maybe”. Those customers who had a rate increase earlier this year will not have another; those who did not will have their increase now.

Stuart Whitehead, I.T. Analyst II El Dorado County I.T. Dept.

I am the attorney that represented Ms. (Jacqueline) Mittelstadt at the 10.20.09 City Council meeting. This matter has been continued to the 11.03.09 meeting. The parties have an agreement not to discuss the status of our current communications in the interim. The video of the 10.20.09 City Council Meeting can be found at http://slt.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=337.

The portion regarding Ms. Mittelstadt begins at 1 hour and 24 minutes into the video.

Unfortunately, the City Manager and an anonymous blogger have chosen this time to weigh in on this matter in public, at a time when neither Ms. Mittelstadt nor her supporters may respond. I ask that Citizens of South Lake Tahoe consider the timing and anonymity of those comments in contrast to Ms. Mittelstadt’s request at the 10.20.09 meeting that her side of the story to be aired in public session, subject to cross-examination by members of the City Council, their attorney, and members of the public.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding at this juncture.

Timothy L. Brictson

What do you get when you take energetic kids, passionate adults, supportive service clubs and an incredible community college? You get a program called Kids College. For the past 11 years I have had the good fortune of coordinating the LTCC Kids College Program for our community. Like many things during this economic struggle, our program will be taking a leave of absence for a bit. It is my hope that the program returns in the near future.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who made this program possible. The Kids College teaching staff which took their talents and magically created them into unique learning opportunities for our youth. The supportive services clubs for their donations which made the program possible for many kids in our community over the years through scholarships; Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe, Kiwanis Sunrisers, Tahoe Douglas Rotary, South Lake Tahoe Optimists, Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe, Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, South Lake Tahoe Rotary, and Vail Resorts 360. The staff and Board of LTCC which continued to support the idea and infrastructure of the program. And finally, the kids themselves and their families that participated in the program. Many individuals continued to work to provide this program for our youth over the years. The common thread for all of us has been and will continue to be investing in our youth for a brighter community.

My best regards to all,

Lisa Huard, LTCC Kids College Coordinator

Publisher’s Note: The following information is provided by Placer County.

Northern California’s first big storm slammed the region Oct. 13 and gave residents a warning: winter is here. Thousands of Placer County residents lost power when this system hit. Were you prepared?

Every family and home should be prepared to handle a local disaster and have the resources to survive at least three days without services.

“From our homes along the valley floor to the crest of Sierra, we’ve seen our share of disasters – wildfires, flooding, powerful winter storms, heavy snow, back-country avalanches, power outages and high winds. We should expect them,” said Rui Cunha, Director of Office of Emergency Services.

Let this early winter storm be a reminder that we all need to create a family readiness plan. Talk to your children about what to do in an emergency. Learn First Aid and CPR. You can register for classes with the American Red Cross at www.sacsierraredcross.org.

Before the next storm hits, the Office of Emergency Services offers a few hints to help prepare:

1) Buy and store an extra supply of drinking water. One gallon a day per person.

2) Have a 3-day supply of ready-to-eat nonperishable foods; a can opener, matches, knife, foil and plastic bags. Do NOT use outdoor cooking devices, such as barbecues.

3) Buy extra batteries and/or flashlights.

4) Before a storm hits, clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away branches that could fall on your house or other structures during a storm. (Don’t do these chores in the middle of a storm!)

5) Do you have a fire extinguisher? Do all family members know how to use it?

6) Pack a bag with medications, first-aid supplies, blankets, warm shoes and clothing, rain gear, toiletries and personal items, household tools, list of important phone numbers, and games/toys for the kids.

7) Plan ahead of time how you will handle your pets; food and water for pets and livestock.

8) Have a battery-operated TV or radio on hand.road failure

9) Check what you have lying around outside. Will a strong wind blow it away or cause damage?

10) Know the location and how to turn off water, power, propane and gas coming into your house.

11) Winterize your car. Keep half a tank of gas in the car, good tires and keep tools such as a shovel or scraper. Keep blankets in the car.

12) If you are exposed to freezing temperatures, remove wet clothing and immediately warm up with hot soup and a blanket. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

13) Recognize symptoms of exposure: dizziness, exhaustion and shivering are signs of hypothermia. Skin discoloration and numbness are signs of frostbite.

Stay well informed. Turn on the radio or TV news or visit online media websites for emergency information, instruction or warnings.

For more information on preparedness, call the American Red Cross at (530) 885.9392. You may also find preparedness information at the Placer County website at www.placer.ca.gov.

I (and are others I know) am just curious as to why the sound has been turned off on the broadcasts from the most recent City Council meeting? If you cannot attend a meeting should there not be a chance to hear what went on?

It should be noted that in the initial rebroadcast of the meeting the audio was available. Now it’s just the film without the audio. Which, to be blunt, is quite strange to observe.

Did the controversial nature of the meeting cause the City to turn the sound off? If not, can they please turn the sound back on?

Sincerely,

Rich Hodge

By Tina Barna

Research shows that parents who know their children are being cared for in a safe and healthy environment are better able to perform on the job. This research is not a surprise to any parent who has looked for quality child care for their child. In response to many recent calls to Choices for Children for information and referral assistance, here are some basics to finding quality child care.

The state Department of Social Service, Community Care Licensing Division is charged with the task of inspecting and licensing Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers. In order to do this, they follow a set of clearly defined regulations that are meant to keep children safe and free from harm. An abbreviated list from the Child Care Center Self Evaluation form has the following:

• Criminal Record Clearances and Child Abuse Index checks done for ALL staff

• Children are visually supervised at all times; volunteers must be supervised by a teacher

• Staff to child ratios are met at all times

• Teachers, aides and the director all meet mandated qualifications

• The maximum capacity for the facility is adhered to at all times

• Children’s personal rights are protected – No corporal punishment or excessive time out

• The facility must be in good repair and no hazards or dangerous materials are accessible

• CPR and First Aid cards are up to date

• Have and maintain a Emergency Disaster Plan with a current roster of all children in care

• Post all parent notification requirements for any Type A deficiency or citation

This list is only a small example of an exhaustive set of regulations that all FCCH’s and centers must follow in order to meet the state licensing mandate. The goal is to protect our most vulnerable population; our children. Do these regulations equate to quality? The most these regulations can do is ensure the health and safety of children. Quality is much bigger than just making sure the facility meets the minimum requirements. Beyond the basic health and safety requirements, the following are a list of things to look for that identifies a FCCH or Child Care Center striving for a quality environment for our children:

• Lower child to teacher ratios – the facility works to include parent volunteers or additional aides

• An environment rich in culturally sensitive materials

• Parents are encouraged to participate

• Specific age appropriate activities

• A plethora of manipulatives and learning materials for the child to choose

• Highly educated staff in Early Childhood Education and Development

• Staff who clearly enjoy working with children

• A warm and inviting atmosphere

• Clear and consistent communication with the parent about the child’s day

• Children’s continued growth and development monitored through accepted tools such as ECRS and Desired Results

• NAEYC accreditation

It is essential parents stay involved and active in their child’s education – starting with the earliest of years. Children must first be safe and secure in order to grow and learn. If you would like more information or would like to check out any of our FREE resources including videos, resource books or to read the licensing regulations, please call or stop by our office. We are here to assist you.

Tina Barna is director of Choices For Children a child care resource and referral agency.

Thanks for the article regarding Christmas Cheer and its need for food. It is so easy to find things from your cupboards, or pick up those super saver items from our grocery stores to drop off at Christmas Cheer.

Unfortunately, until we are reminded by word of mouth, or especially articles like yours, it is too easy to forget to do this.

Even though CC is not open every day, Joanne Shope at CC offered to open the office so we could drop off a carload of groceries we had gotten for them.

Please keep posting this article, so others will be reminded in the coming months.

Thanks again,

Nancy and Eric Schafer

Publisher’s note: The following is from a LTN reader whose identity is being protected based on her job.

“As I drove through Stateline yesterday and saw the casino banner up with Heavenly job fairs, I thought, how does this still happen in our community? We are still unable to include our 3 ski resorts on a banner when they are all having job fairs the same weekend. It’s obvious to most that South Shore does have two other ski resorts who employ a lot of people and are great community partners. So they have job fairs on the same day as Heavenly but don’t get on the banner? Why does Heavenly get a monopoly on that advertising space and shouldn’t the casinos be helping out all 3 ski resorts in the best interest of everyone? I just don’t get it and it’s very disappointing to see no progress at all with regard to a cooperative spirit.”