 |
|
Current topics
By P-I Staff and News Services
|
|
Decades of development around Lake Tahoe are exacting a worrisome toll. A white dinner plate used to measure the lake's clarity was visible at depths of 105 feet in the 1960s but is visible only as deep as 66 feet today.
A new study suggests that if the decline in Tahoe's clarity goes unchecked over the next 30 years, the plate would be visible only as deep as 40 feet.
"Lake Tahoe is gravely imperiled," government scientists and university researchers concluded in a report released last month. "The biological integrity of many aquatic ecosystems in the basin appears to be at risk."
Several animal species once abundant in the Tahoe basin are vanishing or lost. Everything from fertilizer on golf courses and smoke from fireplaces to automobile emissions and home building is contributing to the problem.
NYC cheap rooms
Looking for an inexpensive hotel in New York City?
You might try the Washington Jefferson, which offers very favorable prices and is in midtown Manhattan. Rates are $79, double occupancy, for a shared bathroom or $119, double occupancy, for a private bathroom.
The hotel's automated phone message says it's situated "in the heart of Hell's Kitchen." If you don't know anything about New York history, that might scare you off. But those who know realize it's near Times Square, Broadway theaters and a host of restaurants, museums and shopping.
The Washington Jefferson frequently offers special packages with discounted accommodation rates and good deals at various restaurants, stores and other attractions. The hotel is at 318 W. 51st St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues. Reservations can be made at 888-567-7550 or visit the Web at www.washingtonjeff.citysearch.com
New Orleans eating
Commander's Palace was ranked New Orleans' most popular dining spot for a record 13th straight year in the 2000 Zagat Survey.
The haute Creole restaurant in the city's Garden District has topped the list since the New Orleans survey began in 1987, making it the longest-running popularity leader of any restaurant covered by Zagat rankings across the country.
In the best food category, Susan Spicer's Bayona jumped six positions to depose the Windsor Court Hotel's Grill Room from the top spot. It was followed by Brigsten's, Gabrielle, the Grill Room and Artesia.
Following Commander's in popularity were Galatoire's, Bayona, Brigsten's and the Grill Room.
S. Africa road trouble
In South Africa, Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the Cape Town area's most breathtaking routes, will be closed until the end of May. The road was shut down after a motorist was killed by a falling boulder last month.
The coastal road, about six miles long, has become a popular route for sightseers traveling between Cape Town and Cape Point.
Yellowstone lodging deals
Spring means a price break for visitors who book hotel or lodge rooms at Yellowstone National Park by April 1.
May rates have been dropped 35 to 55 percent at five lodges operated by Amfac Parks and Resorts. Two of the lodges have rooms or budget cabins that start as low as $25.
For Yellowstone reservations call 307-344-7311, or go to
Hawaii blossoms
Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii will feature its Kona Spring Blossom Festival April 1 through 29. Festivities include a farm and field day, open houses in three villages and Japanese heritage events.
The festival is planned to showcase the island's unique agriculture that includes Kona coffee and macadamia nuts as well as tropical fruits, nuts, flowers, vegetables and specialty items such as vanilla and cocoa beans.
For information on the festival, call 808-323-3434 or visit www.agtourism.org
101 Elliott Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 448-8000
Home Delivery: (206) 464-2121 or (800) 542-0820
seattlepi.com serves about 1.7 million unique visitors
and 30 million page views each month.
Send comments to newmedia@seattlepi.com
Send investigative tips to iteam@seattlepi.com
©1996-2008 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Terms of Use/Privacy Policy
