News

Two storms forecast for the first week of 2024 at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be dry conditions along with light winds to kick off 2024, but the week ahead could be very different. This upcoming week the pattern remains progressive with two storms projected to move through the Sierra and western Nevada. Be sure to monitor road conditions midweek as well as next weekend with snow in the forecast.

Temperatures will be dropping, with highs below freezing by next weekend. Here is a report from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno for the week ahead at Lake Tahoe:

New California laws for 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom this year signed landmark legislation to support the reproductive rights of Californians, increase affordable housing, hold Big Oil accountable, and protect the safety, health, and well-being of all Californians.

“California is more than just a state of dreamers, we’re a state of doers," said Newsom. "Thanks to the Legislature’s strong partnership in 2023, the state is leading by example to create opportunity, and advance and protect the rights of all Californians.”

Here is a quick look at a few bills that will take effect on January 1, 2024:

Local woman part of the USFS float in the Rose Parade

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When you turn on the television on New Year's Day to watch the 135th annual Rose Parade, you might just see a familiar face. Leona Allen will be walking with the U.S. Forest Service float celebrating Smokey Bear's 80th birthday.

Leona is a former Lake Tahoe Fire Academy instructor, current Lake Valley Fire Protection District Board Secretary, and is now on the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) fire patrol, when needed. One of her LTBMU supervisors put her name in for being a float participant, and she was selected.

US50 reopens after being closed for investigation

1:15PM Update: US50 has reopened. Earlier today there was a suspicious package left at the electronic sign at Twin Bridges and law enforcement closed the highway for an investigation. While the investigation continues, no explosive was found and the road is now open, free of controls.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - US 50 is currently closed from Meyers to Pollock Pines (Sly Park Road) due to a "police investigation." According to Caltrans, all cars must exit.

All agencies are involved, according to CHP Dispatch.

At this time it is unknown when the road will reopen.

Clean Up The Lake removes 70,000 pounds of litter from Sierra Nevada lakes

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) has announced the successful completion of its 2023 Lake Tahoe-based projects. In just three and a half years, CUTL has achieved a monumental milestone by removing more than 70,000 pounds of litter from lakes in the Sierra Nevada, including over 35,000 pounds directly from Lake Tahoe.

Barton Health using 2024 to create dual-campus strategy for both states

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many were caught by surprise when the Lakeside Inn closed permanently in 2020, and was then purchased by Barton Health in 2021.

Demolition then began on the old casino in 2022 to make way for a new medical center.

Washoe County animal cruelty investigation leads to an arrest and seizure of 31 animals

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. - An investigation into animal welfare concerns that began on October 16 has led to the arrest of a Reno woman on two felony counts of willful/malicious torture, maiming or killing an animal, and two misdemeanor counts of failing to provide food/water/air for a confined animal.

Winter Weather Advisory in place for Sierra Nevada

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for the Sierra Nevada from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday, though at this time it does not look like a big storm for those at lake level. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches above lake level, with up to 12 inches possible above the 7,500-foot level.

Tahoe casinos "win" figure $19.73 million in November

Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $1,374,350,070 for November 2023, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board's monthly report released Thursday. This amounts to a 12.56 percent increase compared to the same month a year ago when licensees reported a gaming win of $1,220,945,367. For the fiscal year to date (since July), the gaming win has increased by 4.74 percent with $6,572,928,432 in "win".

The "gaming win" represents the computed income of casinos before business expenses and taxes.

TTD plans late night bus service to Tahoe Blue Event Center this weekend

Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has expanded its free Route 50 service for the holiday weekend, December 30/31. The extra service is scheduled to help with New Year's Eve revealers and those attending the two-day Excision concert at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.

Buses will stop on US50 directly in front of the event center at the designated bus stop.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office gives New Year's Eve safety reminder for Lake Tahoe

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is working diligently to ensure that safety is the top priority this New Year’s Eve. They would like to share the following information and safety reminders with the public so that everyone can ring in the new year in a safe and fun manner:

CHP holding Start Smart class for new and upcoming licensed drivers

Event Date: 
January 18, 2024 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Start Smart is aimed at helping newly licensed and future licensed teenage drivers become aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a licensed California driver. The program was created to preemptively reduce the incidence of teen injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicle collisions.

Illegal parking, unsafe behaviors, and trash are issues on Lake Tahoe highways

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What has become an annual situation since COVID, continues to be a dangerous issue on US50 and SR89 at Lake Tahoe. It has nothing to do with masks or social distancing but has everything to do with parking. Many people heading to Tahoe to find some sort of snow to play in have forgotten how to be safe and park safely along the roadways.

In just a few days over the Christmas holiday weekend, 111 parking tickets were issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on US50 at Echo Summit and SR89 at Emerald Bay.

Identification of skull leads cold case investigation to missing South Lake Tahoe woman

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An identification has been made in the cold case investigation of a South Lake Tahoe woman who went missing in 1970.

It has been over 53 years since Donna Ann Lass was last seen alive while working at the then-Sahara Tahoe. Her disappearance was covered in a South Tahoe Now story marking the 50th anniversary of that date, September 6, 1970.

Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe as first wave of systems arrives

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Lake Tahoe from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday. They said to expect southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Wave heights from 2 to 3 feet are expected, with the highest waves from mid-lake to the north and east shores.

Small boats, kayaks, and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Commissioners vote 3-2 to ban vacation home rentals north of Cave Rock at Lake Tahoe

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Douglas County Commissioner Danny Tarkanian asked for a ban of vacation home rentals (VHRs) in all areas north of Cave Rock State Park on November 2, and in two meetings, the ban is now complete. The issuance of permits will end on December 31, 2024, after the passing of a new ordinance.

"Two-thirds of my proposal on VHRs has now passed," Tarkanian said in an emailed overview of the meeting. "The last part is reducing the number of VHR permits in each neighborhood based upon the analysis of VHR Program Manager, Ernie Strewlow."

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls in the Lake Tahoe area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following calls only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

December 14 - December 20, 2023

12/14

02:09 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PROGRESS - Occurred at 415DOG on Huph St. in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: ARREST.

Tahoe Chamber parts ways with executive director

STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Chamber has parted ways with its executive director after two years. Mike Glover was terminated earlier this month by the Board.

The last week of 2023 may bring a gift for those wanting snow around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you were dreaming of a white Christmas you may have to wait a little longer. A couple of disturbances may bring a few light showers to the region through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Otherwise, dry conditions and a warming trend are on tap through Tuesday. A more active pattern settles in from Wednesday onward, with several rounds of rain and mountain snow possible into the New Year.

The first storm of the week arrives Wednesday afternoon; this storm will

Night 22 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Friday night is the 22nd night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is Debbie Brown, owner of Coldwater Brewery.

"I read to relax from a hard day and sleep restfully all night," said Debbie.

She is reading "Grandma's Christmas Wishes" by Holly Berry Byrd.

To watch the Instagram video of Night #22, visit HERE.

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team continues progress to improve forest health in 2023

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe’s trees are now starting to be draped in snow, and wildfire is not at the top of most people's minds. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), however, is taking action year-round to protect lives, property, and the environment within the Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire. This collaborative group was formed in 2008 and includes 21 federal, tribal, state, and local conservation, land management, and fire agencies.

One-way traffic control continues on US50 - expect impact to holiday traffic flow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One-way reversing traffic control remains in place on U.S. Highway 50 just east of Echo Summit for blasting and clearing work after a rockfall sent large boulders onto the roadway late Tuesday night.

South Tahoe Refuse offering smaller cart sizes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Refuse (STR) has some good news for residents hoping for smaller residential trash carts. STR announced Thursday that smaller new cart size options are now available for California customers, with Nevada customers getting the option in 2024.

Expect delays on US50 over Echo Summit as Caltrans crews blast fallen boulders

11:39AM Update: The road is currently closed in both directions as crews blast the rocks. Follow https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for current information.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - US50 is now open at Echo Summit after boulders fell onto the roadway overnight, causing the road to be closed for three hours.

Crews from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) moved the boulders and debris onto the shoulders in the middle of the night but will be back on Wednesday to finish cleaning, which involves some blasting.

Kudos: $10k donated by Desolation Hotel/Maggie's Restaurant for Whole Foods boxes of food

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Desolation Hotel and Maggie’s Restaurant graciously donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe to ensure many Club families and the local community get a holiday meal this year.

On December 18, 2023, staff from Desolation Hotel/Maggie’s Restaurant and the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) went to Whole Foods to pack 55 boxes full of delicious meals for families, both for families of four, and of six. Each family will receive a complete holiday dinner, morning cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa, and carrots for Santa’s reindeer.

The Big LePlowski earns most votes in inaugural South Lake Tahoe snowplow naming contest

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost 1,200 people entered their votes for the inaugural Name A Snowplow Contest in South Lake Tahoe. Over the three weeks the contest took place, people picked their top ten from a list of 36 choices.

The Top Ten:

The Big LePlowski
Plowy McPlowface
Scoop Dog
Snowbi Wan Kenobi
Darth Blader
Sled Zeppelin
Clearopathra
Sleetwood Mac
Austin Plowers
Snowbacca

The bottom two vote getters were Taylor Drift and Snow Force One.

Caltrans winter operations employee arrested after his vehicle flagged by FBI on no-bail warrant

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A seasonal Caltrans employee was arrested by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office on Saturday after he was determined to be a man wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On December 16 at 5:40 p.m., a vehicle related to a wanted person was spotted in Meyers. The Sacramento office of the FBI had flagged the vehicle and the associated subject, Ricardo Sanchez, for being an armed and dangerous felon with an active no-bail warrant for his arrest.

Advenco named new concessionaire at Camp Richardson after Hassett's appeal is denied

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service has announced that Advenco LLC will be running Camp Richardson after an appeal of their July 2023 decision for a new permittee failed.

Robert Hassett, president of Camp Richardson Resort, Inc., had been running the resort until their Granger-Thye Concession special use permit expired. He was awarded a 30-year special use permit at Round Hill Pines in 2013.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Lake Wind Advisory then week of upper elevation snow, rain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe area from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday. Expect winds from the southwest, 10-20 mph with gusts up 20 35 mph. Waves on the lake could be 1-3 feet.

Expect widespread rain and mountain snow through Tuesday, with some lingering showers in the Sierra through Thursday, according to NWS Reno. The forecast snow should all be above lake level though travel may be difficult at times over the passes.

The NWS Reno forecast for South Lake Tahoe:

Douglas County Commissioners to vote on ban on VHRs north of Cave Rock, changes in Lincoln Park

Event Date: 
December 21, 2023 - 10:00am

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Two agenda items on Thursday's Douglas County Commissioner's meeting deal with the future of vacation home rentals (VHRs) at Lake Tahoe. One item proposes to ban VHRs north of Cave Rock State Park, and the other discusses possible changes in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Commissioner Danny Tarkanian has asked for the ban.

TRPA board approves policy changes to help address affordable housing crisis

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - After three hours of public testimony on Wednesday, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board voted to adopt policy changes to help address the housing crisis.

The package of affordable and workforce housing incentives to help address the housing crisis that is impacting not only Lake Tahoe's communities but also the environment. The targeted changes to Lake Tahoe zoning regulations will lower the cost of providing affordable and workforce housing, benefit water quality, and reduce traffic and vehicle use, according to TRPA.

Incline High School resource officers arrest suspect on child exploitation charges

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A 20-year-old man has been arrested on multiple felony charges after an investigation by Incline Village school resource officers into suspected child exploitation.

On December 11, 2023, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned as school resource officers at Incline High School launched an investigation based on information provided by school administrators.

Former China Springs Youth Camp staff member arrested on suspicion of sexual conduct crimes

DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV. - A former staff member at the China Springs Youth Camp has been arrested on alleged crimes of sexual conduct with children under her care.

On December 14, 2023, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) arrested 25-year-old Daryan Benka after an investigation. She was booked on two on two separate crimes of sexual conduct with children under the care, custody, and control of supervision of the Camp in violation of NRS 201.555. The crimes are category C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison for each offense and fines of up to $10,000.

The Jimmy Buffett lifestyle is evident throughout the new Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The State of California and the City of South Lake Tahoe now have a new welcoming resort on their border with Nevada.

It has been exactly 32 years to the day since Embassy Suites held its grand opening party in the same location. Now, after a $85M renovation, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe has opened its doors after holding its own grand opening party on Thursday, December 14.

Living with bears around Lake Tahoe is a privilege that comes with year-round responsibilities

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As everyone is in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is not the season to let your guard down when it comes to living in or recreating responsibly in bear country.

The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team hopes this winter season brings you all lots of cheer, warm memories, and time for some rest and relaxation, they remind everyone it is important to keep in mind not all bears in the Lake Tahoe Basin will hibernate.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls in the Lake Tahoe area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following calls only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

December 7 - December 13, 2023

12/7

10:13 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Tallac Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: SERVED.

Tahoe Conservancy grants $1.2M to expand “Outdoors for All” at Lake Tahoe

During its meeting Thursday, the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) Board awarded four grants, totaling $409,000, to nonprofit organizations to improve equitable access to Lake Tahoe’s beaches, trails, and mountains, and $800,000 for the next stage of the Dennis T. Machida Memorial Greenway.

Partial lane closures at US50/Warrior Way Thursday as new traffic light activated

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - Expect brief lane closures on US50 at Warrior Way on Thursday, Dec. 14 as the Nevada Department of Transportation stripes the intersection and activates a new traffic signal to enhance traffic flow and safety.

The single-lane closures will take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. as crosswalks and stop bars are striped at the intersection. At least one lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Motorists should anticipate moderate travel delays and they are reminded to drive safely through the work zone.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office seeks two suspects in stolen credit card case

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Calif. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals suspected of using stolen credit cards earlier this month at the Target store in the northern end of the county.

On December 3, 2023, a male and female were captured on surveillance video using and attempting to use several credit cards from a stolen purse. The pair was able to purchase prepaid gift cards with the stolen credit cards.

They arrived and left the store in a white Cadillac Escalade SUV.

Bass and Friedrich named South Lake Tahoe mayor and mayor pro tem

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council appointed the new mayor and mayor pro tem during its meeting on December 12. As expected, Cody Bass was voted in as mayor after serving a year as mayor pro tem, with Councilman John Friedrich moving up as mayor pro tem.

El Dorado County to transfer 2-1-1 services to Community Hubs

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — To improve services to citizens, El Dorado County will cease operations of 2-1-1 on December 15, 2023. The decision was made after an in-depth evaluation of community needs and available County resources.

“2-1-1 has been a valuable resource for our residents by providing information and referrals to various social services, community programs, and resources," said Olivia Byron-Cooper, Health and Human Services Agency

Workforce housing incentives and code changes at Lake Tahoe topic of TRPA board hearing

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Breaking down barriers to building affordable housing at Lake Tahoe has been the focus of two years of public hearings, workshops, and presentations by Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) staff.

On Wednesday, they will be bringing forward proposed changes to policies in the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan that have become barriers to deed-restricted affordable and workforce housing.

Widespread prescribed fire operations continue this week at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, Nevada Division of Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas.

Big rig fire closes US50 by South Lake Tahoe Airport

Monday 3:25 p.m. UPDATE: There is a little more information available on this morning's collision in South Lake Tahoe. One big rig truck was traveling east on US50 when it came upon a stopped big rig that was in the designated turn lane in front of the Sierra Ready Mix, facing east. The big rig that was traveling east sideswiped the truck that was stopped.

The big rig that was traveling east came to a stop and caught on fire and the driver was able to get out.

According to South Lake Tahoe Police, neither speed, driver impairment, or road conditions were a factor.

Next Douglas County School Board to meeting: Gilbert's bill, budget increases, superintendent hiring process on agenda

The next monthly meeting of the Douglas County School Board will be held on December 12, 2023, at 4 p.m. at the Douglas High School Media Center and will be carried on Zoom (https://dcsd-k12.zoom.us/j/81999349449 passcode Dec2023).

On the agenda:

Mild week ahead for South Lake Tahoe, possible storms before Christmas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Did you catch the results of the inversion layer Sunday morning? The view from Heavenly was great with a cloud cover over the lake below. This week, expect more of the same with a valley inversion layer, dry weather, and near-average temperatures courtesy of a high-pressure system.

Dry conditions look to continue at least through the end of next weekend, though there is a small chance of the end of a system on Sunday.

City Council Tuesday: Votes on cannabis ordinance updates, garbage college fee increase, new mayor

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m.

The first order of business will be to select the 2024 mayor and mayor pro tem from the current council members. Cody Bass is the current mayor pro tem.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office call log for Lake Tahoe area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following calls only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

November 30 - December 6, 2023

11/20

16:24 - CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Tahoe Prep Academy, Meyers Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: UNABLE TO CONTACT.

Six Nevadans, three from Douglas County, indicted in fake elector plot

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Six Nevadans were indicted by a grand jury for their false portrayal as Nevada’s presidential electors in the aftermath of the 2020 election, says the state's Attorney General Aaron Ford.

Three of the six are Douglas County residents, with one, Eileen Rice, the wife of Douglas County Commissioner Wes Rice, and a Lake Tahoe resident.

El Dorado County staff members recognized with state awards

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – El Dorado County Health & Human Services staff member Mindi Paxiao was recognized at the 2023 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony with the Tim Fitzharris Award. The award acknowledges outstanding achievements in community corrections by honoring a non-probation employee who has made a substantial and noteworthy contribution. Eligible recipients may include volunteers, Juvenile Justice Commissioners, journalists, college professors, or others who have demonstrated excellence in their work within the corrections sector.

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