We are sorry to say that the Angora wildfire is still burning. Officials have stated that their goal for containment of the fire is 7/3/2007. This is due to the weather, producing gusty winds, the amount of fuel for the fire in the form of dry brush and trees, and the rugged terrain which makes it difficult for firefighters to traverse. Damages are estimated at over $150,000 million dollars so far. At this point, the cause of the fire is unknown, but human activity is suspected.

California’s lieutenant governor  Garamendi, has declared the Angora fire a federal emergency. At that time Schwarzenegger was out of the country, Garamendi however has said that he expects the federal government to declare the Tahoe Basin a federal emergency. When Governor Schwarzenegger returned from Europe today, he toured the damaged areas. Giving praise to the 1,800 plus firefighters battling the Angora Fire, he also put a message out for potential tourists that it was safe to come to the Lake Tahoe Area. As for federal relief, he stated that homeowners would not see federal help immediately, but the small business would be first in line for relief.

Therefore, it is very important for people who have the means, to donate to the various organizations which are aiding in the relief effort for the approximately 3,500 residents who have evacuated the area and lost their homes. You will find these organizations listed below.

Unfortunately it has also been stated that residents of Lake Tahoe, and relief organizations should be on the lookout for scammers who prey on disasters like this. If you are a resident and feel you are being victimized please call the following number: 1 (800) 927-HELP. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has stated that these types of people who prey on people in distress will be dealt with severely.

HERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP!!!!!!!

“The Lake Tahoe Humane Society is assisting pets and their human companions during the Angora fire crisis.

The Society is ready to match foster homes with pet owners who have been evacuated.

The Society will provide financial aid for veterinary care of pets injured from fire conditions.

The Society has a current need for dog crates with doors, and towels, small litter pans or the equivalent. Call about other special needs.

The Society also has instant ID tags for cats and dogs. They can be used for a temporary phone contact.

To donate or pick up pet supplies, come by 1221 Emerald Bay Road.

To contact the Society, call 542-2857.”(Tahoe Daily Tribune)

• Carson City residents wanting to help victims of the Angora fire can bring items to Casino Fandango. The casino is accepting donations at its front entrance, 3800 S. Carson St. Anyone with questions can call the casino at 885-7000.

• The Eagles Wings Christian Fellowship in South Carson is also accepting donations of clothing and bedding for those displaced by the Angora fire. The church is at 150 E. Roland Ave., off of Snyder Avenue south of the Carson Lanes Bowling Alley. Contact Diane Pepka at 841-9623 for information.

• Carson Valley Christian Center - 1095 Stephanie Way in Minden - is now accepting donations of supplies and/or money. The church is accepting donations of blankets, water, deodorant, children’s Tylenol, disposable gloves, clothing or canned goods. Any money that is received will be used to purchase supplies or provide support for fire victims. Contact the church at 267-0151.

• The American Red Cross shelter center has been set up at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center (530) 542-6056. They’re taking monetary donations and have info on housing.

• The Sierra Recovery Center in South Lake Tahoe is accepting donations for those affected by the Angora fire. The center is at 1137 Emerald Bay Road. Residents are asked not to take items to the evacuation center.

• Donations of goods and money are being accepted at the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Administration Building, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. Contact them at 831-0351, ext. 0 or by e-mail at: info@nltfpd.net. Donations are also being accepted at the Incline Village General Improvement District Administration Building, 893 Southwood Blvd. (775) 832-1100.

• Raley’s, which has eight employees who lost homes in the fire, is setting up donation boxes company-wide to the Tahoe Fire Relief Fund, benefiting the American Red Cross to collect funds for those affected by the fire. All donations in these cash boxes will support the Tahoe Fire Relief Fund. Raley’s will also have an Add-A-Buck program, where customers will have the option to add one, five or ten dollars at the time of their checkout to go directly to the Tahoe Fire Relief Fund. Raley’s has been providing fire crews with food and water as more firefighters enter the South Lake Tahoe area to help contain the fire.

• The North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, working with the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross, is accepting bottled water, canned goods, blankets, towels and clothing. North Lake Tahoe area businesses and individuals can donate needed items at the Rideout Community Center located 740 Timberland Lane, just off Highway 89 on the West Shore and approximately seven miles south of Tahoe City. Donations can be made between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Donations will also be accepted at this week’s Sunday Concert at Commons Beach between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. Volunteers are needed to man the Rideout and Commons Beach drop-off locations. Contact the Tahoe City Downtown Association at 530-583-3348 or email at tcda@visittahoecity.com if interested.

• Sierra Recover Center 530-541-5190 is accepting donations including clothes (especially children’s clothes), water, pillows and blankets. Deliver to 1137 Emerald Bay Road. At the “Y” go left onto Hwy 50, about an 1Ú8 mile on the left side. It’s across from blue and white gas station!

• IVGID is accepting non-monetary donations, i.e. blankets, toiletries, water, etc. Bring items to the 893 Southwood office Monday and Tuesday and IVGID will have these items delivered.

• E-mail TahoeBusinessesWhoCare@gmail.com or FireRelief@gmail.com formed by Kay Bradford through the Tahoe Douglas Rotary

• Angora fire fund through the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce to U.S. Bank; P.O. Box 17640 South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe is planning a major fundraising concert to benefit those affected by the Angora fire. Spokesman John Packer said performers from across the nation have contacted the gaming organization with interest in participating.

US Bearings & Drives in Sparaks have set up donation boxes for the victims of the Angora fire. They are asking for blankets and non-perishable food. Call 775-284-4737.

Sierra Place Retirement is offering free accommodations to senior citizens affected by the Angora Fire. Phone 775-841-5820 for more information.

Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique in South Meadows is taking donations for fire victims. They are asking for things like blankets, pillows, warm clothes, bottled water, diapers, baby formula, baby food, etc. They are also taking monetary donations. Call 775-829-7886 for more information.

If you have an extra room you would like to offer to those who are displaced by the fire you can call 530-542-6056.

Four Paws is taking small pets for people with Pet Network. Call 530-542-2377.

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care will take injured wild animals. Call 530-577-2273.

Rockwood Tree Service. Beth Moxley’s company will donate chippers and cutters to clean up the areas of devastation. Call 775-832-0777 for more info..

Red Cross. Hotels and Motels have donated rooms to evacuees. A shelter has been set up at the Rufus Allen recreation center at 1180 Rufus Allen Boulevard. Phone 530-542-6056.

Jenny Austin is donating her services by transporting large animals, such as like horses. Call 775-291-8677.

June 26th, 2007 by Jeremy

Tahoe City Kayak offers many guided Kayak tours on many areas of Lake Tahoe which are classified from easy to moderate to strenuous. They offer full day, multi-day, specialty, and other trips. Some of the tours include Thunderbird and Emerald Bay. The Thunderbird tour is a fun and informative ½ day trip starting at the shoreline of Sand Harbor where you will paddle up the east shore of the lake arriving at the famous Thunderbird Lodge where snacks will be served. After checking out the property, a guided tour of the Whittell Estate, Thunderbird Lodge, the lighthouse, the boathouse which houses the famous yacht Thunderbird built for George Whittell, you will also get to explore the underground tunnel that leads to the Card House. Afterward, you will hike the Dragon’s Tail trail to enjoy a waterfall and fountain. Then its back to Sand Harbor. This sure sounds like a fun filled trip!!!!!

Emerald Bay is another tour offered. Emerald Bay is a landmark of Lake Tahoe with its own island nestled inside. You will get to experience the beautiful Sierra Peaks, the granite coves and the sandy beaches along the way. Plus, a visit to Fanette Island and a hike to its stone tea house. This trip is from 9:00 am till 2:00 pm.

Not into guided tours? Tahoe City Kayak also offers rentals so you you can explore the lake on your own.

Stay tuned to www.tahoetourist.com for more info on kayaking and tours around Lake Tahoe, or visit www.tahoecitykayak.net for more information. 

     After a fun filled day of  kayaking, enjoy a fun filled night of  dining, gambling, and entertainment at on of Tahoe’s many Casinos.  Some of which are Mont Bleu Casino and Resort,  The Horizon Casino and Resort, and Bill’s Casino.  Enjoy!