Latest Stories

Lake Tahoe isn't all about the views, cue up a growing culinary scene for locals and visitors

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – South Lake Tahoe’s newest gem is a culinary scene with dozens of new restaurants and locals’ favorites that appeal to an eclectic collection of tastes sure to please any discerning gourmet. While a single style of cuisine is not representative as Tahoe, the variety of food, the people to meet, the locations, and the experiences are what make it memorable.

ICONIC LAKE VIEWS AND MILESTONES

Lake Tahoe summer fire restrictions, red flag warnings & National fire danger rating system

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Summer is in full swing and so are fire restrictions in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Please “Know Before You Go” and check the fire restriction status in your area. Visit Tahoe Living With Fire to learn more and contact your local fire district for the specific fire restrictions in your area.

TRPA approves climate smart policies for housing, transportation and forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - On Wednesday, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board made a range of approvals that help address Lake Tahoe’s housing, climate, transportation, and forest health challenges and reflect the top priorities of the Governing Board, the agency said today.

Records could fall this week at Lake Tahoe as the temps venture into the 90s

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will get hot around Lake Tahoe this week as we celebrate America's birthday. There could be several record breakers as there is a surge into the 90s. Warm and dry weather will largely prevail throughout the upcoming week. On the hottest days for the July 4th holiday weekend, enhanced heating and terrain-driven lift may be sufficient to produce a few late-day thunderstorms (5-10% chance) east of the Sierra crest into far western Nev.

4th of July activities in South Lake Tahoe and around the lake

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Summer is moving right along, and the 4th of July holiday week is already upon us. There are may activities to celebrate the 248th birthday of the United States for both locals and visitors to Lake Tahoe to enjoy.

Tuesday, July 2

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District hosts a Flag Raising with Incline High’s ROTC and a pancake breakfast. 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. at fire station 875 Tanager St. Incline Village, Nev.

Guided history tours of Al Tahoe Pioneer Cemetery return

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sat Jul 06 2024 .
July 5, 2024 (All day)
July 6, 2024 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Take a step back in time over the holiday weekend as you enjoy a guided tour of the Al Tahoe Pioneer Cemetery on July 5 and July 6. The tours will be led by one of the inhabitants of the only historic cemetery in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Susan Close Young who was buried there in 1971 at the age of 91. Those on the tours will also hear stories about some of Tahoe’s earliest settlers!

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.

June 17 - June 23, 2024

6/17

09:13 DECEASED PERSON - Occurred on Bellevue Ave, in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: REPORT TAKEN.

Ponies and their riders go through Lake Tahoe during 2,000 mile 46th annual Pony Express Re-ride

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2024 Pony Express Re-ride has concluded after riders rode into Old Sacramento on Thursday, June 27 at 4:30 p.m. The journey was just as the original riders did from 1860-1861, 10 days and almost 2,000 miles to deliver mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. They delivered thousands of letters using 700 riders who traveled the sometimes treacherous route. Places popped up over the plains to keep fresh horses and provided places for replacement riders to sleep.

Mechanical forest thinning project to begin on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.– The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is scheduled to begin mechanical forest thinning (fuels reduction) on Monday, July 1, 2024, on approximately 355 acres located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe near Blackwood Canyon and Paige Meadows. The Tahoe Pines Mechanical Contract is part of the West Shore Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction Project and is intended to reduce the risk of severe wildfires and create healthier forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

California Tahoe Conservancy awards $1.27M to Lake Tahoe projects

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At its meeting last week, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board awarded a $150,000 grant to the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) to conduct surveillance for invasive New Zealand mudsnails in the nearshore of Lake Tahoe. Divers contracted by Tahoe RCD discovered that New Zealand mudsnails were present in Lake Tahoe in September 2023.

Celebrate the 4th of July with the Virginia Truckee Railroad

VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. - Load up your car with family and friends and treat them to a day of fun and nostalgia at one of the best Independence Day parties in Northern Nevada.

New Living With Fire Defensible Space Guide released

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As we move into summer and the vegetation dries out, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team would like the public to remember the importance of creating and maintaining defensible space. University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Living With Fire Program published a new Living With Fire Defensible Space Guide to help teach residents how to do it.

Preparations for July 4th weekend taking place at Zephyr Cove and Shoals on July 1

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - Robotic beach cleaning, added restrooms and facilities will transform Zephyr Cove and Zephyr Shoals into a “Tahoe Blue Beach” in time for the holiday weekend. On Monday, July 1, the two sites will see big changes in preparation for the July 4th holiday weekend, making it easy for beachgoers to do their part to Keep Tahoe Blue.

Alpine County unveils conceptual designs for Turtle Rock Park Master Plan

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Alpine County has announced the release of the first conceptual designs for the Turtle Rock Park Master Plan. This milestone marks a pivotal step in their ongoing efforts to enhance and revitalize one of the community’s most cherished recreational spaces.

The conceptual designs, crafted by Design Workshop, aim to create an environment that will serve both residents and visitors. The proposed plans include a variety of features such as improved picnic areas, upgraded trails, new playgrounds, and enhanced facilities to support a wide range of outdoor activities.

Kudos: FEET Fund thanks Friends of Ski Run and the Longest Dinner Table

Huge shoutout to the Friends of Ski Run and the Longest Dinner Table event and supporters! This year, the FEET Fund was lucky enough to be the recipient of the funds raised at the Longest Dinner Table event on the summer solstice, on June 20, 2024. Thank you to all the attendees of the Longest Dinner Table, and organizers Darcie Collins, Chris McNamara, Tor McNamara, and Katy Jo Caringer, for your amazing contributions to the FEET Fund for $20,000. Special thanks to Untethered and Desolation Hotel for supporting both the event and the FEET Fund!

USFS and tribes ask Rainbow Family Gathering to stay away from ancestral grounds

An annual unpermitted event held on National Forest lands across the county since 1972, the Rainbow Family Gathering, will not be allowed in the Plumas National Forest this July 1 - 7.

The Forest Service issued an order on Wednesday, barring anyone from entering a region of Plumas known as the Indian Creek Headwaters, about 120 miles north of Lake Tahoe. Over 10,000 participants were expected for the event that highlights the hippie/counter-culture that features dancing, drumming, and communing with nature. Many of them had already arrived at the event.

South Tahoe Babe Ruth to host state tournament at Todd Field

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Jun 30 2024 .
June 29, 2024 (All day)
June 30, 2024 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Babe Ruth has announced they are hosting this year's Babe Ruth State Tournament on June 28 and 29 at Todd Field in South Lake Tahoe.

The tournament features top teams as they take the next step on the journey to the Pacific Southwest Regionals in July.

Enjoy a weekend of thrilling baseball action:

Saturday, June 28
Game 1: 10:00 AM
Game 2: 12:30 PM
Game 3: 3:00 PM
Game 4: 5:30 PM

Sunday, June 29
Game 5: 11:30 AM
Game 6: 2:00 PM

Washoe Tribe secures collaborative funding for a community liaison

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev - The Wá∙šiw (Washoe) are a sovereign tribal nation who are the original inhabitants of DáɁaw Ɂága (Lake Tahoe) and its surrounding areas. Lake Tahoe is the Tribe’s most sacred place, and they consider it a living entity that needs to be honored and protected. Now, The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, a formally recognized tribal government, has secured the funding it needs to establish a full-time Community Liaison. This liaison will represent its voice at community meetings and decision-making tables for the next three years.

Forest Service seeks public comment on draft guidance for old growth management on national forests

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On June 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service took the next step to advance President Biden’s commitment to conserving old-growth forests by publishing a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed national old-growth forest plan amendment. The proposed amendment is available in the Federal Register and will be open for public comment for 90 days following publication.

229 tons of debris collected during annual Community Clean-Up Day in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The annual Community Clean-Up Day, better known as $5.00 dump day, continues to be an enormously popular event. Now in its 36th year, the annual event drew 666 cars to go through the line this year, and the Clean Tahoe field crew completed 41 curbside pick-ups for seniors and disabled residents, with 458,000 pounds of debris collected in total.

A large amount of that debris was recycled with 74 mattresses, 61,000 pounds of metal, and 12,275 pounds of electronic waste kept out of the landfill.

Letter: Bear League unhappy with DA's decision on bear shooting

Editor: On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s office issued a press release in which it announced it would not be pursuing criminal charges against a man who shot a bear cub in South Lake Tahoe over Memorial Day weekend. BEAR League previously called on the DA to conduct an investigation after representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) closed the case by simply accepting the shooter’s version of the event.

South Tahoe Public Utility District receives transparency Certificate of Excellence

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the fourth time, the South Tahoe Public Utility District has received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence through the California Special District Association (CSDA). This certificate requires compliance in three best practice areas for transparency including the Brown Act, website, and public outreach. The application was an extensive process, consisting of 54 documents and 158 pages that were reviewed by representatives of two peer agencies, Tahoe City Public Utility District and North Tahoe Public Utility District.

El Dorado County DA: Bear shooting in South Lake Tahoe did not violate the law

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe man who shot a bear that had entered his home on May 27, 2024, will not be charged with a crime after a comprehensive independent review of the evidence, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office (EDCDA).

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducted an investigation right after the shooting and determined the homeowner who shot the bear did nothing illegal and would not face any charges.

Forest Service begins restoration activities at Burke Creek

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Visitors to Kahle Drive Trailhead, Lam Watah Trail, Nevada Beach, Nevada Beach Campground, and Rabe Meadow can expect to see restoration project activity in the area including staging of equipment and construction materials, tree removal, and culvert replacement.

Recipe Highlight: Grilled Corn Ribs

School is out, the temperatures are up and you just found corn on the cob at the local farmers market! Fresh, sweet corn on the cob is a delightful summer staple. There are endless ways to enjoy corn during the season, but I say it’s a good time to the latest grilling craze – Corn Ribs! Super delicious and fun to eat, corn ribs are show-stopping and impressive! They are a wonderful addition to any BBQ.

$24M heading to Lake Tahoe for expansion of the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced Tuesday that $24,026,333 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is coming to Lake Tahoe to extend the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail. This grant award is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program and will fund vital road safety and trail improvements along State Route 28 on Tahoe’s eastern shore.

Lake Tahoe campaign created to let all know the "Rules to Lake By"

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - With a big, beautiful lake, clear skies, tree-covered mountains, and endless views, it's no wonder everyone wants to visit Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) created Rules to Lake By as they know locals and visitors alike have mutual respect for everything Tahoe, but a guide to responsible tourism was found to be necessary to keep Big Blue beautiful for generations to come.

The Rules to Lake By are five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow:

Is a ban on smartphones in schools coming to South Lake Tahoe and California?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - School districts across the country are creating no-phone policies on their campuses amid growing concerns for students having lower test scores, mental health challenges, addictive social media habits, an increase in cyberbullying, and exposure to potential sexual predators.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office holding emergency evacuation town hall meeting

Event Date: 
June 29, 2024 - 9:00am

MEYERS, Calif. - Join the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office of Emergency
Services, local fire agencies, Cal Fire, and the California Highway Patrol for an Educational Town Hall meeting on evacuations and wildfire preparedness on June 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Meyers Elementary School.

The school is located at 1095 East San Bernardino Avenue in Meyers.

Helpful links for emergency news and evacuations:

Save this link for El Dorado County evacuation zones and maps - https://perimetermap.com/incidents/polygon/22803.

Tahoe Institute for Natural Science invites birdwatchers to take a deeper dive

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Tahoe Big Year, an event which is held every three years by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), welcomes birders of all abilities to head outside to find as many different species of birds as they can during the calendar year. While many treat the event as a competition (with some great prizes available thanks to sponsors like Patagonia), it’s also simply a great way to get started in birding, or get more serious birding, and it’s a fun, free, family-friendly activity either way.

Letter: The hypocrisy of proponents of the Vacancy Tax

There are in-progress and proposed projects that are giving me hope for the community of South Lake Tahoe: A new recreation center, a new first responder building, investment and planning into new fire stations, Motel 6 demolition and conversion to nature, a new building for Keep Tahoe Blue, a dorm room building at the community college, along with the 500+ affordable housing units under construction or in planning in South Lake Tahoe.

Report on projected impact of possible vacancy tax in South Lake Tahoe called flawed, rushed, and full of assumptions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The company HdL hired by the City of South Lake Tahoe to create a Section 9212 report, analyzing the financial and other impacts of the vacancy tax should it pass. The report shows the financial impact could be $27 million in annual local business spending, a number that is being called out by many in the community. They also state the City could gain an additional 1,543 residents.

During the June 16 City Council meeting, the HdL report was discussed, with Mayor Cody Bass saying, "Too much of the report is assumptions."

Two Lake Tahoe attorneys commemorate 50 years of law practice

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Long-time attorneys Robert M. Henderson and Michael P. Hambsch each celebrated their 50th anniversary of admission to the Bar and practicing law. A celebration was held on June 20, 2024, for the two attorneys, who both practice with local law firm Rollston, Henderson &
Johnson, Ltd., to commemorate that each of them was admitted to the Bar on nearly the same date in June 1974.

Pizza with the Mayor at Bijou Community Park to focus on parks and recreation

Event Date: 
June 26, 2024 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Join the City of South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. in the Rotary Gazebo in Bijou Community Park for pizza and conversation.

Pizza with the Mayor will provide information on the new Program Guide for Parks and Recreation, the status of the Multigenerational Recreation & Swim Complex, new programs and classes at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex, and highlights for Parks Make Life Better Month.

Plus, enjoy an assortment of pizzas while listening to Mayor Cody Bass and Director of Parks and Recreation, John Stark.

South Tahoe Futbol Club boys end season with success

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Six South Tahoe Futbol Club (STFC) boys teams advanced to championship games at the 28th annual Come Up for Air (CUFA) soccer tournament last weekend in South Lake Tahoe, with two teams claiming first-place finishes.

The U-13 STFC Coyotes, coached by Jose Del Rio, captured the Tallac Division championship with a 3-2 win over Reno Apex. The middle school-aged team went undefeated in its four tournament games and outscored opponents 15-7.

Alpine County announces the return of Market at Markleeville on Saturday

Event Date: 
June 29, 2024 - 10:00am

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The Market at Markleeville is back! This immersive experience returns on June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Markleeville, Calif. The monthly summer event is produced by Sierra Chef, bringing together talented local artists, crafters, producers, growers, and non-profit organizations in one dynamic marketplace. The market offers an incredible opportunity for attendees to engage with a diverse array of artistic expressions, discover unique handcrafted treasures, and support the thriving arts community.

Highlights of the Market at Markleeville include:

Tahoe City resident and business owner pleads guilty to smuggling injurious amphibians into the United States

A Tahoe City resident and business owner has pleaded guilty to a charge of smuggling goods into the United States. Andrew Laughlin, 47, acted as a middleman in an international amphibian smuggling ring and will be sentenced on Oct. 7, 2024.

Tahoe Youth and Family Services celebrates 50 years serving the community

Event Date: 
June 30, 2024 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - Tahoe Youth and Family Services (TYFS) cordially invites the community, former board members, staff members, and clients to join them in commemorating 50 years of unwavering support for runaway and homeless youth in South Lake Tahoe. Originally known as Awakening Peace, TYFS was established as one of the 50 national pilot programs under the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Legislation Act of 1974. Since then, it has been a beacon of hope, providing shelter, support, and a path to a better future for countless youth.

Know Lake Tahoe before you jump in: The facts of Cold Water Shock

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Cold Water Shock is something every person going to Lake Tahoe to swim or boat should know, and understand. Each year there are people who die in Lake Tahoe because of Cold Water Shock so we are republishing this story from 2016 with some updates, one of many stories we've carried about this very important topic over the years.

The most common misunderstanding about swimming in Lake Tahoe is that people can suffer from hypothermia, which leads to death. The real truth is that "cold water shock" will kill much quicker than hypothermia ever will.

South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation unveils new program guide

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Some exciting news from the South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation Department - a whole catalog of exciting new programs they'll be offering this summer and fall.

The City said they are thrilled to unveil the wide range of new programs that cater to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:

Junior NFL Flag Football League
Sierra Spirit Team
Adult Line Dancing
Adult & Children Improv Classes
Every-Body Yoga
Kiddo Yoga
Baby & Me Yoga
Mini Mountain Movers

Bread & Broth 4 Kids summer program begins June 26 - free food for children

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that school is out, the 2024 St. Theresa Bread & Broth 4 Kids Summer Program will begin on June 26 and continue every Wednesday through August 21. This is a wonderful opportunity for all Lake Tahoe South Shore children.

South Lake Tahoe sets aggressive defensible space guidelines with new ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new ordinance is now in place in South Lake Tahoe that establishes a progressive hazardous vegetation and combustible
material abatement program in the city limits. With several fires already burning in California, 2024 could be a big fire year, and maintaining defensible space around homes and businesses could be key to staying free of fire in the community.

Kudos: NCE hosts their first Adopt A Day of Nourishment Monday Meal

Bread & Broth always welcomes new, first-time Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) sponsors to participate in our Monday Meal dinners. Although Nichols Consulting Engineers (NCE) has been a long-time donor to Bread & Broth’s mission of easing hunger in the Lake Tahoe South Shore community, their AAD sponsorship on Monday, June 17 was their first experience participating in a Monday Meal.

Get ready for a warm week at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A high-pressure area continues to affect Nevada, the Sierra, and northeast California. Sunny skies and hot temperatures prevail though there is a 10%-15% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly south of Tahoe. Overnight lows will drop into a more normal range of 40 degrees mid-week. Winds will pick up in intensity on Wednesday and Thursday - they will be from the west on Wednesday, but then veer to the northwest. The dry weather and stronger winds bring near-critical fire weather conditions in the region.

Douglas County approves permit for Beer Garden over 4th of July weekend at Zephyr Cove

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Commissioners approved a special use permit for a Beer Garden at Zephyr Cove Resort over the 4th of July weekend. There has been a lot of concern about the event after the 2023 party at the adjacent Zephyr Shoals that left behind 8,000 pounds of trash, and videos of a massive party scene with drinking, including underage drinking.

Aramark, the operator of the resort, was given a new 20-year concessionaire permit in November, and a difference in the new permit was the operation of Zephyr Shoals, something not included in the past.

Update for North Lake Tahoe's Gas Line Replacement Project on SR28

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Caltrans is advising motorists of traffic-interfering work continuing on State Route 28 (SR-8) along the north shore of Lake Tahoe next week.

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

One-way traffic control is scheduled between Ridgewood Road and Jeffrey Lane from Sunday, June 23 at 7 p.m. until Friday, June 28 at noon.
One-way traffic control is scheduled between Onyx Street and Center Street from Sunday, June 23 at 7 p.m. until Friday, June 28 at noon.

Wild Things, Inc. bringing outdoor animal program to the South Lake Tahoe Library

Event Date: 
June 28, 2024 - 2:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe Library is hosting Wild Things, Inc. on Friday, Junee 28 at 2 p.m. Stop by and enjoy an assortment of wild animals during the outdoor presentation.

Learn about the animals' habitat and history.

The whole family is invited to the free event which is sponsored by the South Lake Tahoe Optimists Club.

The library is located at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe road rehabilitation project begins Monday near Heavenly

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Road rehabilitation projects for the City of South Lake Tahoe are underway. Paving will begin on Monday, June 24, starting on Sherman Way. It will then proceed down to Keller and Saddle roads.

Upcoming work will also be done on 10th St. The City will provide updates during the paving season to keep the public informed.

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 May 20 - 26, 2024. 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 May 20 - May 26, 2024

5/20

Arrests
08:55 Resisting - Occurred at Gym Love on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Disposition: Felony Arrest.

South Tahoe Babe Ruth Championship game Sunday

Event Date: 
June 23, 2024 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Babe Ruth Championship game will be held on Sunday, June 23 at 10 a.m. at Todd Fields on Lyons Avenue. The highly anticipated game is between the Pirates and the Red Sox.

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