News

Winter weather and wind advisories in place for Lake Tahoe for Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory that will be in effect on Monday from noon to midnight for areas above 7000 feet in the Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches above 7000 feet. A dusting to an inch is possible for Lake Tahoe and Truckee communities.

Plan on slippery road conditions, delays, and chain controls. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. Allow extra time to reach your destination.

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.

October 26 - November 1, 2023

October 26

13:05 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Helen Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: ADVISED.

Time to "fall back" as daylight saving time ends for 2023

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Laka Tahoe has many seasonal markers, we're lucky that way. Winter, spring, summer, and fall are distinct periods of time (on average) and one more marker is the beginning and end of daylight saving time.

On Sunday, November 5, the clocks turn back one hour to get us back to standard time.

In 2018, Californians voted overwhelmingly to allow daylight saving time to be year-round and not have the "fall back" and "spring forward" time changes each year.

So why do we still have to go through this?

Emergency repairs continue on I80 next week

Caltrans will have various lane and ramp closures along Interstate 80 (I80) next week as emergency repairs continue in Placer and Nevada counties. The weather forecast is expected to impact work for the week of November 5. As a result, crews are scheduled for mainly minor repairs.

Locations in the map above:

Westbound I80
Location 5, between Boca and Donner Pass Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility, lane closures will be in place around the clock from 7 p.m. Sunday, November 5 through noon Friday, November 10.
Location 4 - No work anticipated this week.

Underground utility issue causes power outage to 4,000 customers in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An unplanned power outage in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday night left about 4,0000 customers without power for about five hours.

On Thursday, November 2 at 5:55 p.m., Liberty Utilities experienced an issue with their underground infrastructure and power lines, causing the outage.

New Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe accepting reservations for stays Starting December 2023

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Reservations are now being accepted for Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, the global lifestyle brand’s first lodging location in a ski destination and the only all-suite resort in the Lake Tahoe basin.

Once an Embassy Suites, the newly remodeled hotel will be home to the famous Margaritaville-themed bars, restaurants, and decor. There are five distinct dining concepts, including the lobby’s License to Chill Bar, LandShark Bar & Grill, Joe Merchant’s, Come Monday Café, and JWB Prime Steak and Seafood.

Tahoe Township agenda item was a look at court cases in the county's two courts

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - An agenda item for Thursday's Douglas County Board of Commissioners drew concern about its wording, confusing many from the public to the commissioners.

Agenda item: For possible action. Presentation regarding the caseload of the Tahoe Township Justice Court and the East Fork Township Justice Court and discussion to provide direction to staff to bring forward a resolution creating one township for Douglas County pursuant to NRS 257.010.

Zachary Thomas appointed as new director of development services for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe City Manager Joe Irvin has announced the appointment of Zachary Thomas as the city's new director of development services.

Most recently Thomas served as the interim director, following his being the City’s housing manager.

Zach has over 20 years of successful project delivery in the fields of affordable housing development, capital projects, project management, land use planning, environmental review, development review, and real estate development having worked with private, public, quasi-public, and non-profit institutions.

Douglas County to review and present strategic plan pubic feedback

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – After extensive engagement with the community, including public workshops, focus groups, and a successful community survey spanning several months, Douglas County is now embarking on the next phase of its strategic planning process. Throughout this journey, the county has actively gathered a wealth of public input and feedback, identifying both notable achievements and prevailing challenges to inform the upcoming strategic plan.

School superintendents under fire across the country, not just Douglas County

This week's resignation of Keith Lewis as superintendent of Douglas County School District in Nevada has brought to light a divisive time for people who lead schools, students, teachers, and staff, not only in Nevada but across the country.

Weather pattern to change for Lake Tahoe - rain, wind, upper elevation snow in forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Are you ready for a change to the Lake Tahoe weather pattern? The mild conditions we've been experiencing will make way for a chance of showers, upper-elevation snow, and gusty winds.

The change will start this afternoon into early Friday. The first wave is a relatively warm low-pressure system. Plan on periods of breezy winds along with light rain and high-elevation across the northeastern side of California and into northwest Nevada. Temperatures will remain mild and above average through Saturday, followed by a pronounced cooling trend into next week.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District board meeting wrap-up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) board meeting on October 26 had a full agenda with everything from grant funding, Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) information, staff development, and Career Technical Education (CTE) news.

New chapter for Douglas County School District as Superintendent Lewis leaves

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County School Board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Keith Lewis during a special meeting on Wednesday, November 1. The motion to accept his resignation and termination agreement was passed 5-2, with Trustees Linda Gilkerson, Tony Magnotta, Carey Kangas, Katherine Dickerson, and President Susan Jansen voting yes to authorize Lewis’ resignation and authorize payments in accordance with his agreement. Clerk David Burns and Vice President Doug Englekirk were opposed.

"We're going to really miss you, Keith," said Magnotta during the meeting.

Douglas County commissioners to discuss future of Tahoe Township, VHR rule changes, new judicial center

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During its November 2 meeting, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will receive a presentation about creating one township for the county, removing the separate Tahoe Township, and combining the courts.

The Tahoe Township Justice Court operates in Stateline, and the East Fork Township Justice Court is in the valley. Staff will present caseloads for each court. According to the agenda, Commissioners Hales and Gardner asked for the issue to be brought forward to make sure cases are distributed evenly, and to discuss the consolidation of the townships.

Tahoe casinos "win" figure $29 million in September

Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $1,270,598,215 for the month of September 2023, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board's monthly report released Tuesday. This amounts to a 1.69 percent increase compared to the same month a year ago when licensees reported a gaming win of $1,249,470,5411. For the fiscal year, so far, the gaming win has increased by 2.91 percent with $3,883,670,986 in "win".

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

Snowblower stolen from the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Unfortunately, no one is immune to thievery and property damage, even the veterans of South Lake Tahoe. An Ariens snowblower was stolen from the American Legion Post 795 in South Lake Tahoe, and they'd like to have it back. The red-orange snowblower was purchased by the Legion five years and it was still in great shape.

Commander Tom Millham said the snowblower was locked in the Legion's storage shed on site. Millham said the Legion learned the hard way that they aren't immune to thieves.

D.L. Bliss State Park to remain closed through Summer 2024

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - California State Parks announced Monday that D.L. Bliss State Park in the Lake Tahoe Basin will remain temporarily closed through the summer of 2024. Contract work to replace aging waterlines at the park is ongoing and expected to be completed next year. The popular park has been closed since Fall 2022 and work will resume after the snow melts in the spring. It is anticipated to continue through summer 2024.

Closed areas in the park include:

Vehicle access to Lester Beach
Calawee Cove
Balancing Rock trailhead
Rubicon trailhead north

Gang member arrested Monday in South Lake Tahoe during "Operation Bear Trap"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A known Sureno gang member, Jose Medina, was arrested on Chris Avenue in South Lake Tahoe Monday morning after a lengthy investigation into gang activity in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Northern Nevada, and Northern California.

The multi-year investigation called "Operation Bear Trap" was completed by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO), El Dorado DA’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Douglas County Sheriff’s and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and others. It has resulted in 76 arrests to date.

Widespread prescribed fires to continue at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall-prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning at Burton Creek and Sugar Pine Point state parks. California Tahoe Conservancy with assistance from Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District is scheduled to continue burning piles near Crystal Bay. North Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to burn piles near Carnelian Bay.

The weather roller coaster continues at Lake Tahoe and the region

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Unseasonably cold conditions will stick around through Monday morning with breezy east winds over the Sierra crest tapering off Sunday evening. Lows in the teens are gone for now. A gradual warming trend will take hold over the region this week as high pressure builds back into the western US. Late in the week, we may see increasing breezes and shower potential that could linger into the weekend.

There are chances for some upper-elevation snow on Saturday according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

South Lake Tahoe forecast from NWS Reno:

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to during the week of Sept 25 - Oct. 1, 2023. Location Checks are when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests/citations and calls are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc.) but stats are collected separately.

Log for Sept. 25 - Oct. 1, 2023

9/25

Arrests

North Lake Tahoe project update for SR28

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans is advising motorists of continued traffic-interfering work on State Route 28 (SR-28) between Kings Beach and Tahoe City along the north shore of Lake Tahoe next week.

Southwest Gas and its contractor, Q&D Construction, will continue to work on a gas line replacement project on Highway 28 between Tahoe City and Kings Beach.

Southwest Gas has received a grading exemption from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency for Q&D to continue earth-disturbing work beyond October 15. Work will continue as long as the weather allows.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls in 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.

October 19 - October 25, 2023

10/19

08:06 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE REPORT - Occurred on Mohican Dr, in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: CHECKS CLEAR.

Serial arson suspect arrested in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) arrested a 27-year-old man this week on suspicion of starting multiple fires in both El Dorado and Amador counties.

On October 23, 2023, EDSO arrested Steven Saunders for a CAL FIRE-related warrant in El Dorado County for three fires that occurred in Pollock Pines in mid-September. Since the individual was taken into custody, he has been charged with two additional fires, totaling five fires between El Dorado and Amador counties.

More smoke than normal with Friday's prescribed burn activity in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Forest Service firefighters will be burning piles and heavy fuels (large diameter vegetation that includes snags, logs, and large limb wood, which when ignited are consumed more slowly than light fuels) beginning today, Oct. 27, 2023, near the intersection of Fallen Leaf and Tahoe Mountain roads near South Lake Tahoe.

Superintendent Lewis's voluntary resignation lone item at special Douglas County School District meeting

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Douglas County parents, teachers, and staff have made their opinions known about the much beloved Superintendent Keith Lewis. Hours of public comment at several board meetings have supported Lewis who found himself at odds with the new members of the board and the new legal counsel for the district.

On the agenda:

Winterizing tips from South Tahoe Public Utility District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As temperatures drop below freezing, protecting your home plumbing from the damage and expense caused by frozen pipes is essential. South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) reminds homeowners to prepare for the chilly temps.

Before freezing temperatures set in:

• Turn off and drain irrigation systems.

• Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.

• Insulate exposed pipes or faucets.

• Seal holes and cracks in exterior walls, foundation, and around pipes.

• Make sure STPUD has your current phone number in case of an emergency.

NDOT close to finishing two-year project on SR28 and SR431

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Q&D Construction have substantially completed a multi-year project to resurface and enhance sections of State Routes 28 and 431 to preserve pavement and protect Lake Tahoe.

Over the past two construction seasons, crews used approximately 41,500 tons of asphalt to repave and enhance approximately 14 miles of State Routes 28 and 431, centered around Incline Village.

Project improvements include:

Reno Jazz Orchestra to Present Ellington, Shakespeare in Such Sweet Thunder Concert

Event Date: 
November 11, 2023 - 6:00pm

Shakespearian actors will join the Reno Jazz Orchestra to perform the music of Duke Ellington’s “Such Sweet Thunder” concert on November 11 and 12, 2023, at the Good Luck Macbeth theater in Reno, Nevada. David A. Brennan, DMA, will be the Guest Music Director, and the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s Jazz Workshop students will open the show.

Location

Good Luck Macbeth theater
124 W. Taylor St. Reno, Nevada
United States

Bear activity escalates around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - It's that time of year once again, the time when black bears enter hyperphagia, which is also known as the fall-feeding frenzy around Lake Tahoe. Bears consume as much as they can to bring their fat stores to a level where they can survive the quickly approaching winter months.

NV Energy remains on PSOM watch for South Carson, Genoa and Glenbrook

NV Energy remains on a public safety outage management watch for the South Carson, Genoa and Glenbrook areas, based on weather conditions. A proactive outage may affect approximately 1,650 NV Energy customers beginning at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25, lasting until approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 26.

During a proactive outage – also known as a Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) event – NV Energy will proactively de-energize power for customers in high-risk zones to help protect the community and environment from wildfires.

Prescribed fire operations to continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall-prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting.

Lake Tahoe Christmas tree permit sales begin November 6

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of year again, the annual Christmas tree permit sale by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).

This year, tree permits begin being sold on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. Permits will be sold in person only at the Forest Supervisor’s office in South Lake Tahoe at 35 College Drive. Permits cost $10 each (please bring cash only), with a limit of one permit per family or household.

Lake Tahoe forecast: Chance of rain and snow in the week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The warm temperatures at Lake Tahoe have been great, but I suppose all good things must come to an end. Or, are they ending? Time will tell. Fall-like conditions return this week as a series of cooler storms moves through the region. Rain showers and breezy winds will continue tonight into early Monday morning. Additional chances for precipitation and gusty winds are projected to arrive mid-week.

The weekly forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 5 mph.

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.

October 12 - October 18, 2023

10/12

09:53 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Pasadena Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: SERVED.

10/13

SLT Planning Commission to discuss Tourist Core plan updates, cannabis, F Street housing

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission will hold its next meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 3 p.m.

On their agenda:

Receiving a presentation on draft amendments of the Tourist Core Area Plan. There is no vote planned but there will be discussion. The original plan is from 2013 and has been updated a couple of times, but staff has been working on the Tourist Core plans to fit the city's strategic plan. The updated plan

Column: 60 years of Barton Health ~ The 2010s

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - 60 years ago, the community’s dream of a local, Tahoe-based hospital became reality. Barton Health has assembled a collection of articles to commemorate 60 years of quality and compassionate health care for our community and its visitors. Beginning with the 1950s, an article outlining the events of each decade will be published monthly, culminating with the 2020s on Barton’s official 60th anniversary in November. Follow along this historical journey each month and learn more at BartonHealth.org/History.

California invests $3.7B to continue rebuilding transportation infrastructure for all travelers

SACRAMENTO — The California Transportation Commission (CTC) this week allocated more than $3.7 billion for projects to rebuild the state’s transportation infrastructure to enhance safety and create more convenient options for travelers.

Some of the projects are near Lake Tahoe, including Truckee and I80 in the Sierra.

Former MLB pitcher and woman arrested as suspects in 2021 Homewood murder

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Arrests have been made in a two-year-old Lake Tahoe murder case. The murder of 70-year-old Robert Gary Spohr and the attempted murder of his wife, 68-year-old Wendy Wood shocked the small community of Homewood on the shores of Lake Tahoe on June 5, 2021.

Douglas County commissioners tackle VHR density levels with one asking for ban north of Cave Rock

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - After the Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved the latest update to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance this past summer they asked for a look at density levels.

In July and August of 2023, the VHR Advisory Board conducted public hearings and discussed the issue of density. The VHR Advisory Board ultimately concluded that the 15 percent density limitations should not be changed at this time. They wanted the current rules to be in place for one year to then look at further changes if needed.

Douglas County Commissioners vote to show loss of $2.1M if ban on VHRs imposed

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During their Thursday meeting, the Douglas County Commissioners heard the financial implications should a resident-initiated ban on vacation home rentals (VHRs) be approved by voters in 2024.

First phase of Heavenly Village parking garage improvements wrapping up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe continues improvements to the Heavenly Village Parking Garage including a new circulation pattern, structural repairs, and accessibility improvements. Most of the work has been completed and the garage is now open to the public. Completion of phase 1 of the project is expected by Friday, October 27.

USFS accepting applications for permanent seasonal jobs

The USDA Forest Service is accepting applications for permanent seasonal jobs between October 19 and November 22. There are hundreds of entry-level permanent seasonal forestry technician and forestry aid positions available in exciting and rewarding locations across the nation, including 307 positions in California.

Douglas County Commisioners hold Tahoe meeting with VHRs on the agenda

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Board of Commissioners will be holding its October 19 meeting at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency offices at Stateline.

The meeting starts at 10 a.m.

On the agenda:

Presentation and discussion to determine the anticipated financial effect
of a local initiative petition related to Douglas County's Vacation Home Rental (VHR) regulations, which was initiated by five registered voters. The presentation will include the following financial effects if VHRs are banned:
Net lost revenue from VHR permitting fees: $811,865

Free bus rides to Adam Sandler show at Tahoe Blue Event Center

If you plan on attending the Adam Sandler show at the Tahoe Blue Event Center on Thursday, October 19, there are transportation options for the event, and best of all, it's FREE! The Route 50 Express bus conveniently stops directly in front of the events center at the Tahoe Blue Event Center bus stop. Don't miss this opportunity and take advantage of the extended service to enjoy the show safely.

Douglas County School District board continues with actions upsetting to parents, teachers and community

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The fractured Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Trustees met again last week, this time with the public filling the Whittell High School gym at Lake Tahoe for eight hours of discussion on several agenda items, including bylaw changes.

Expect helicopter tree removal this week as part of NV Energy Resilient Corridors project

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - This week, residents of Upper Kingsbury and Cave Rock can expect to see helicopter logging operations in their areas. Low-flying helicopters will be in the Upper Kingsbury area on Wednesday, October 18, and the Cave Rock area on Thursday, October 19, and Friday, October 20.

The tree removal is part of the NV Energy Resilient Corridor project. Approximately 5,300 acres are in the project area which consists of vegetation treatments in forest corridors adjacent to Nevada Energy transmission power lines.

Canceled - City Council meeting: Heavenly parking, local hiring, and inclusionary housing on agenda

UPDATE: This meeting has been canceled due to a lack of a quorum within the jurisdiction. Also canceled is the 5 p.m. closed session.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council will be on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the airport.

On the agenda:

Prescribed fires set to continue this week around Lake Tahoe

UPDATE: North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to begin understory burning on Oct. 23, through Oct. 30. The locations below have been updated with this updated information.

Temps into the 70s for most of the week at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Warm fall days continue the week ahead with potential for near-record highs from the middle into the end of the work week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Breezy conditions Monday afternoon and evening with a 10-15 percent chance for showers, mainly near the Oregon border. Outside of Monday, the usual afternoon breezes can be expected. More typical fall conditions return next weekend, with possible cooler weather the following week.

The weekly forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

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