Luxury

Living in Northern Nevada over this past month, we’ve been the sad witnesses to how tragedy can affect the lives of so many. The horrible shooting at the Carson IHOP that left 4 dead and injured 7, followed by the fatal accident at the air races that took the lives of 11 people and injured more than 70, is a sad and real reminder of how short our time on this earth can be. Left behind are spouses, children, grandchildren and other friends. Along with the unexpected death of their loved one, often comes with a loss of income and other unexpected expenses.

For the first time in 10 years, states cut taxes more than they increased them, according to a preliminary report released last week by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
But voters should not draw hasty conclusions about what this means for states’ fiscal health. Most states continued to face substantial budget shortfalls during their 2011 legislative sessions, even though some states saw revenue collections increase.

A new book, " Fairest Picture – Mark Twain at Lake Tahoe," by David C. Antonucci describes Mark Twain’s experiences and travels at Lake Tahoe. Fairest Picture is the first and only book to describe Lake Tahoe as it was in Mark Twain’s time and reveal in detail the locations where he traveled, camped and stayed at luxury hotels.

Here is the fishing report for the week of Sept. 21-28. This report covers rivers, streams and lakes in Nevada, the Sierra, Northern California and Southern Oregon.

LAKE TAHOE — If another La Nina visits the Sierra this winter – all-time records were approached in 2010-11 with more than 700 inches of snow – Tahoe South ski resorts are ready to roll on another epic season.

By Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
With the substantial amount of rain the region has received this winter and spring, the water levels are up and enticing.
Not to mention summer is just around the corner!

It’s time to start planning your houseboat vacation in the Shasta Cascade region and enjoy an experience to remember.

Depending on which houseboat you choose, you can be sliding down two or three story waterslides into the cool, refreshing lake water.

In 2010, McCall Realty of South Lake Tahoe pledged to donate $20,000 of annual profits to five non-profit organizations benefitting the youth of South Shore. Owner Thane McCall is fulfilling that promise by delivering final contributions to the South Lake Tahoe Police Activities League (PAL), which will use the funds for after-school programs including a boxing club, bike club, recreation outing group and various sports teams.

Joe Conforte, the former owner of the Mustang Ranch brothel a few miles east of Reno, has produced his autobiography as an ebook, his publisher has announced.

Titled “Breaks, Brains & Balls: the story of Nevada’s fabulous Mustang Ranch” the 464-page book details Conforte's adventurous life from his birth into the poverty of a Sicilian fishing village to a life of luxury in Rio De Janeiro.

With a new boss at Heavenly, onetime ski bum Pete Sonntag, things are humming there as they prepare for the upcoming season. I taught skiing there for several years and with all the new stuff and improvements going on I sometimes wish I were back on the hill there  — even if they never improve the ski school facilities are Boulder Base.

Sonntag is a real skier (and boarder) who was on the Vail demo team, so you can be sure he’ll be out on the hill checking things out himself. 

Heavenly Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe, whose parent company is Vail Resorts, announced today that it has acquired Accommodation Station, the third largest property management company in the South Lake Tahoe market.

The 34-year-old Accommodation Station was owned by Greta and Mike Hambsch, who grew the business to become one of South Lake Tahoe's premier, full-service property management companies for condos, mountain chalets, cabins and luxury homes for short- and long-term rentals.

By Sean Whaley / Nevada News Bureau
CARSON CITY – Long-time Nevada resident Art Cooke says he is now officially a disenfranchised voter.
After voting in every primary and general election in Carson City for a decade, Cooke sold his Bodie Drive home and became a full-time recreational vehicle resident upon retirement five years ago. Cooke and his wife Rita spend time out-of-state every year, wintering in Yuma, Ariz. and visiting other states in their luxury recreational vehicle.

Local REALTOR, Heidi McFadden, Earns Short Sale Designation to Help Homeowners in Danger of Foreclosure

Carson City, NV – 8/25/2010 – Heidi McFadden of Realty Executives Nevada’s Choice in Carson City has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance, with a particular emphasis on short sales. At a time when millions of homeowners are struggling with the possibility of foreclosure, the skills and education amassed by McFadden will help benefit Carson City area residents and communities.

Lake Tahoe-based McCall Realty (www.mccalltahoe.com) will donate all its profits through 2010 to five area children’s non-profit organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), South Lake Tahoe Police Activities League (PAL), South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center, and Tahoe Youth and Family Services.

Tracking Sunday's congressional health care vote, Carson Now quoted Congressman Dean Heller with a statement from his Web site.

CARSON CITY – Assembly Republicans, who haven’t had a majority presence in the Legislature in 25 years, are working with their Senate col