barton memorial

Where and how to get COVID-19 vaccines in counties around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With five different counties in two different states surrounding Lake Tahoe, there are different procedures concerning COVID-19 vaccines depending on which area one resides. As more doses of the vaccine become available, each county is in charge of its own vaccination rollout. Most in California will be vaccinated at community vaccination sites, doctor’s offices, clinics or pharmacies, depending on their county's plans.

On the Nevada side of the lake the state has developed "lanes" instead of the California side "tiers." All information is listed below.

Sign up to be on COVID-19 vaccine alert list

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Now that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is moving through the official phases and tiers, a vaccine list has been start for those who are able to respond to a Placerville or South Lake Tahoe Public Health Office within 30-60 minutes of getting an alert.

South Lake Tahoe woman dies from COVID-19, Go Fund Me set up to help with expenses

A South Lake Tahoe woman has become the 11th resident of El Dorado County to die from COVID-19. Elda Yadira Dueñas passed away at Barton Memorial Hospital on December 16, 2020.

South Lake Tahoe's Dr. Henning Mehrens retires

Henning Mehrens, MD, has spent over 45 years keeping the South Lake Tahoe community healthy and will be missed as he retires and is off to the next chapter of his life.
Both through his private practice as well as at Tahoe Urgent Care, Dr. Mehrens worked both tirelessly and passionately for those he cared for. Besides maintaining those offices he was also the medical director of the Skilled Nursing Facility at Barton Memorial Hospital.

Barton Hospital prepares to handle possible surge of COVID-19 patients

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There has been a lot of recent conversation about the stress COVID-19 patients have put on hospital systems across the country, including El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. Concern has been expressed about the occupancy rates at Barton Hospital and what its capacity is to handle the current surge of residents testing positive for the virus.

Barton Health updates community on their surge preparedness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The safety of patients and healthcare workers is Barton Health’s top priority. The health care system has operations in place to continue to meet the demand for medical services as COVID-19 cases surge across the nation and Lake Tahoe. After preparation for the anticipated increase of patient volume this fall and winter, aspects of Barton’s plan are being implemented to meet the needs for patient care.

City Manager commits to improving the Regan Beach area and making it safer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe has been a problem spot for Al Tahoe area residents this year, with late night parties, speeding on Lakeview Avenue, and illegal use after hours.

South Lake Tahoe City Manager Joe Irvin sat down recently with residents around the city-owned Regan Beach to find out what could be done to improve the current situation.

"I am committed to improving the park," said Irvin of the new plans with safety at the forefront.

Column: Delivering care for mothers and babies

As a mother and as a physician, I understand there are many unknowns right now for moms as they prepare to deliver their babies. Despite the challenges we face with the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health continues to provide compassionate care that puts mothers and babies first. Barton’s practices in place honor the needs of mother and child while upholding everyone’s health and safety.

Nominations announced for the 13th annual Blue Ribbon Awards

The Tahoe Chamber collected 190 nominations from the community for the 13th annual Blue Ribbon Award to celebrate the businesses, non-profits and individuals that make the South Shore of Lake Tahoe so unique. Local businesses have been a resilient backbone of the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and honoring their contributions, achievements and milestones is more important than ever before.

Letter: Barton nurses ask for fair contract

To the Editor: As Barton nurses, we are at the forefront of the battle to beat COVID-19, and pandemic or not, we always strive to give the best care we can to our patients. We need our community’s support.

Almost three years ago, Barton Hospital’s managerial apathy to the ongoing concerns of Barton’s nurses regarding safety, working conditions, and employee retention compelled us to join the California Nurses Association. Barton immediately hired an expensive union-busting law firm and, as of today, has been successful in denying us the contract we deserve.

Barton labor & delivery nurse wins international DAISY Award®

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A nurse at Barton Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Center has received the international DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. Labor & Delivery nurse, Rayanne Marshall, RN, BSN, RNC-OB, won the award after being nominated by a patient for the dedication and compassion shown during delivery, making her feel comfortable and well-cared for, even when tensions were high.

Barton earns second Blue Distinction® Center designation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Memorial Hospital has been designated as a Blue Distinction® Center for Knee & Hip Replacement. Solidifying a legacy of orthopedic care in the Lake Tahoe region, this national certification marks Barton’s expertise in delivering high-quality medical services and better patient outcomes with knee and hip replacement surgeries.

Never Forget, Never Forgotten - Kaleb James Martin Curtzwiler 1/27/82 - 8/9/10

Kaleb James Martin Curtzwiler died August 9, 2010. He was 28.

Mr. Curtzwiler was born Jan. 27, 1982, at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe. The 2000 South Tahoe High School graduate was an avid soccer player.

Although he did not ski competitively, it was a sport he participated in with his family and one that he excelled at.

As South Lake Tahoe boy fights for his life, dad wants officials to take COVID-19 more seriously

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As a ten-year-old from Christmas Valley fights for his life at UC Davis, his father has started a fight of his, one that is asking people to take COVID-19 seriously and to stay away from Lake Tahoe in the midst of the pandemic.

Tips for a great grill season

With the weather lately, chances are you have already started cooking dinner outdoors. Grilling and eating dinner outside can also be a great way to more safely interact with friends and family. Here are a few tips to ensure your grilled meals are delicious, healthy, and easy all summer long.

Fatal accident at South Lake Tahoe construction site

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A subcontractor working at the site of a new Verizon cell tower near South Tahoe Public Utility District died Thursday after falling headfirst into a 35-foot by six-foot hole.

State of California travel bans still in place, even as El Dorado County lifts their order

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, May 27, El Dorado County rescinded its nonessential travel ban into the Lake Tahoe Basin, just as it did when letting the County-specific Stay At Home order expire in April.

The messaging is confusing as local orders are lifted, and state orders are still in place.

The action by the County does not mean that travel into Lake Tahoe Basin is all of a sudden okay though.

Barton Health Doctor of the Year: Dr. Kandra Yee

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. Kendra Yee received a "landslide" of nominations from staff and physicians to be the 2020 Barton Health Doctor of the Year.

Dr. Yee is Chief of COVID-19 Emergency Operations, Chief of Staff, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and a practicing Emergency Medicine Physician at Barton Memorial Hospital.

Heartfelt nominations for Dr. Yee spoke to her vision and dynamic leadership on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, and steadfast care for patients and healthcare workers alike:

El Dorado County extends ban of all nonessential travel to Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The current order restricting travel into the Lake Tahoe Basin has been extended by the El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams.

Originally set to expire on April 30, the ban's extension begins at 12:01 a.m. May 1.

The ban is for all nonessential travel into the El Dorado County portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin from outside the basin. Dr. Williams will review the current situation with local health care professionals at least every 14 days.

Barton Health receives seventh "A" in patient safety from watchdog group

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Memorial Hospital received news of another ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group. Assessment data from 28 quality measurements demonstrated better patient outcomes at the Lake Tahoe hospital; the result of collaborative, team-driven systems in place at Barton Health that protect patients from harm.

152nd Airlift Wing to fly over Lake Tahoe/Northern Nevada hospitals to recognize their COVID-19 battles

Event Date: 
April 28, 2020 - 12:00pm

The Nevada Air Guard High Rollers will be honoring the men and women in healthcare who are battling COVID-19 by doing a flyover of Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada area hospitals with a C-130 on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

152nd Airlift Wing will start from its base in Reno and pass over Renown South Medical Center at noon, and for an hour pass over the following hospitals.

Carson Tahoe Hospital, Carson City - 12:07 p.m.
Carson Valley Medical Center, Gardnerville - 12:10 p.m.
Barton Memorial Hospital, South Lake Tahoe - 12:14 p.m.

Giving Tuesday pet adoption and fundraising day for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is having a special puppy adoption day on May 5 to coincide with the annual Giving Tuesday fundraising day.

"Little Rays of Sunshine" is bringing two litters with a total of 11 puppies, along with one of the moms, to the public for adoption.

Pictured here is the mom Sunshine with one her puppies, Hope.

Column: Safer grocery shopping with COVID-19 concerns

While getting groceries to make food at home is essential, grocery shopping can be a high-contact situation these days. Passing by people in the aisles, touching food items that have possibly been touched by many other people, and navigating the checkout line could all increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19 and at the very least, cause extra stress. Fortunately, many local retailers are offering online ordering, curbside pick-up, and even grocery delivery.

Barton Health community update: Patient surge planning almost complete

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While determining the exact timing and scope of coronavirus’ peak in the Lake Tahoe region is difficult, Barton Health is working diligently to be prepared to respond accordingly and address the needs of patients in the community. Surge planning is almost complete including more than doubling hospital bed capacity and expanding facilities to accommodate those who may be infected by the virus.

Barton Health community update: Medical Corps needed, 1300 masks made

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Working closely with state and county health agencies in a regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health is preparing for an anticipated patient surge by more than doubling its hospital bed capacity as well as expanding its facilities to accommodate patients who may be infected by the virus.

Barton Health's community updates and advisories on coronavirus COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues to adapt and respond to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community. The health and safety of patients and care providers is the top priority, and operational changes continue to evolve at Barton Memorial Hospital and across Barton’s coordinated network of medical offices in preparation for any potential surge in patient care.

Tahoe Magic serves the community during times of crisis

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What started out as a charity that shared the magic of the holidays with local children has now become a lifeline of support that immediately provides South Lake Tahoe families with financial assistance when they are in crisis.

The 501c3 non-profit was founded in 1994 and has helped low-income families on a year-round basis with one-time crisis funding, but that role is now growing due to the current COVID-19 health and economic crisis. Tahoe Magic recently launched its new website TahoeMagic to show how those in need can be assisted.

Is South Lake Tahoe prepared for the coronavirus?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have asked, what if our community starts getting COVID-19 cases, are we prepared? Many different groups, agencies, and the government have been working diligently and collaboratively on emergency plans to prepare.

Latest efforts by Barton Health to prevent community spread of COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Operational changes, including hospital visitation, screening protocols and testing facilities, continue to be made in the wake of El Dorado County’s first reported cases of coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 is a concern. Regardless of confirmed cases in South Lake Tahoe, the advice of Barton Health medical experts is to assume COVID-19 is in the community and stay home unless absolutely necessary, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others if you must leave the home.

Latest Barton Health efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues its work with city, county, and state health agencies to provide screening and appropriate care for coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 a serious concern.

Vail awards $2.8 million in grant support to 76 Lake Tahoe area nonprofits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vail Resorts EpicPromise has selected 76 local nonprofits in the Lake Tahoe area to receive one of their 2019-20 community grants, totaling $2.8 million in grant support.

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood recently held a breakfast to honor the recipients. The followed with a similar celebration at Northstar, the third area Vail resort.

Barton Health nurse receives international award for exceptional care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, February 5, Ashley Collard, RN, BSN, was honored by Barton Health with the international DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. A nurse in the Medical/Surgery Department at Barton Memorial Hospital, Ashley’s compassion and skill received sincere gratitude from a patient’s family, and a nomination to be this quarter’s DAISY Award® winner.

Birth Announcement: First Baby of the Year 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It took almost a full week of the new year to welcome in the first baby born at Barton Memorial Hospital. Everett James Haen came into the world at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7.

Everett was born at the hospital's Family Birthing Center to Robert Haen and Shaina Willen, MD. He weighed six pounds 15 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long.

Long time locals are the parents of first baby born in 2020 in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It took almost a full week of the new year to welcome in the first baby born at Barton Memorial Hospital. Everett James Haen came into the world at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7.

Everett was born at the hospital's Family Birthing Center to Robert Haen and Shaina Willen, MD. He weighed six pounds 15 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long.

Raul Guzman Hernandez

Con mucha tristeza comunicamos el fallecimiento de nuestro querido padre
Raul Guzman Hernandez

Murio el 26 de Diciembre del 2019 en Barton Memorial Hospital. Nació en la Ciudad de México, hijo de Juan Guzman Martinez y Dolores Hernandez Ayala. Es recordado por su amada esposa Antonia; sus hijas Yahaira, Esmeralda, Ana, y Dolores; sus nietos Juan Carlos, Felix Raul, Glen James, Finn Antonio; sus yernos Juan Carlos, Ryan, y Glen.

Fue un hombre de aventura y de amor por su familia. Un hombre compasivo y generoso que va a ser recordado y extrañado por muchos.

Barton Gala raises $90K for Family Birthing Center in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – More than 250 community members gathered for the 29th annual Barton Gala at Harrah's Tahoe on December 7. Their pledges and donations during the evening hit a record-breaking $90,000 to support community health in the Lake Tahoe area.

This year’s Gala beneficiary was the Family Birthing Center at Barton Memorial Hospital, with proceeds from the black tie soiree funding medical equipment and training to keep at-risk newborns close to their families in those precious first moments together.

Barton Hospital receives 6th "A" in three years from healthcare watchdog

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Memorial Hospital received an ‘A’ grade for patient safety, recognizing Barton’s system-wide measures in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

Barton's 11th annual Festival of Trees & Lights returns to South Shore

Event Date: 
December 6, 2019 (All day)

A holiday tradition on the South Shore for the past ten years returns to help children and adults of all ages ring in the holiday season. The Festival of Trees and Lights moves to a new home this year at Harrah's Lake Tahoe starting on Friday, December 6 and going through Sunday, December 8.

The seasonal celebration features events and entertainment including the Senior Stroll, Family Night, the Gala, and Teddy Bear Brunch.

First responders and partners to train for mass casualty incident in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Several different agencies will come together in South Lake Tahoe to train for a mass casualty incident on Wednesday, October 16, from 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The public may see and hear things around South Tahoe High School and Barton Memorial Hospital during this training exercise that may appear serious due to the responding South Lake Tahoe Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Cal Tahoe JPA, Barton Health, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

Barton ICU nurse wins national award for exceptional care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Wednesday, September 18, Angela Harvey, RN was honored by the DAISY Foundation™ and Barton Health with the international DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses.

Angela, a nurse at Barton Memorial Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is the first person to receive this award at Barton Health. The DAISY Award® recognizes the extraordinary, compassionate care that nurses provide patients and families every day. The award is one initiative of the DAISY Foundation™ to express gratitude to the nursing profession.

Jennifer Susanne Scott Fox ~ 1980 - 2019

Jennifer (Jenny) Susanne Scott Fox came into this world at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe, California on November 8, 1980, and passed away at the age of 38 August 9, 2019.

Letter: Barton nurses to strike over issues including medical debt

Registered nurses at Barton Memorial Hospital are holding a one-day strike on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. The nurses say hospital management has refused to make adequate proposals in bargaining over working conditions that affect patient care.

Nurses notify Barton Hospital of their intent to strike September 20

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Nurses Association (CNA) has served Barton Health with a ten-day notice of their registered nurses (RNs) intent to strike on Friday, September 20, 2019.

In November 2017 the nurses at the South Lake Tahoe hospital voted to unionize. At the time the RNs cited a desire to work for enhanced patient care staffing and standards for nurses as key reasons for affiliating with CNA.

2nd annual Reef's Run for Hydrocephalus Awareness returns to Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 8, 2019 - 8:30am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The 2nd annual Reef’s Run for Hydrocephalus Awareness will be held at Round Hill Pines Resort on Sunday, September 8 at 8:30 a.m.

The run is in support of Reef Woldt, a three-year-old South Lake Tahoe boy with hydrocephalus, and all others will the condition that affects more than one million Americans.

Bay Area man drowns in Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove

10:45 p.m. update: A San Mateo County Correctional Officer has been identified as the victim in Tuesday's drowning at Zephyr Cove.

"It is with great sadness we announce the death of Correctional Officer Andreiam Jeffrey “AJ” Arqueza. AJ passed yesterday afternoon in a drowning accident while enjoying days off with friends in the Lake Tahoe area," said the San Mateo County Code 30 Foundation on a Facebook post.

RNs at Barton Memorial Hospital serve notice of intent to strike

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Nurses Association (CNA) has served Barton Health with another ten-day notice of their RNs' intent to strike on May 24, 2019. This is the second such notice this year. Their original notice was sent on February 15 and was withdrawn on February 22.

Donate the gift of life at South Lake Tahoe blood drive

Event Date: 
May 17, 2019 - 12:00pm

The Barton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is hosting their monthly blood drive on Friday, May 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center.

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others.

Before donating, eat well and drink plenty of fluids.

Also, bring a photo ID.

Vitalant (formerly BloodSource) will be at the Rec Center conducting the blood drive. It is located at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe. Call 916.453.3039 for questions and more information.

Father John Grace ~ September 18, 1920 - May 4, 2019

Father John Grace, former pastor of Saint Theresa Catholic Church in South Lake Tahoe, passed away on May 4, 2019, at the age of 98. Father Grace had injured himself in a fall while on a walk near his Al Tahoe residence a few days before his death.

He was born September 18, 1920, to John and Cecilia Grace in the small coal-mining village of The Commons, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Catherine (“Rena”) and Maureen. At the time of his death, Father Grace was the oldest priest in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

This week at South Tahoe High School, students had to put their jackets back on, as the weather cooled down. A trio of students will take turns acting as student council president, and a 13-year-old partnership on the baseball pitch comes to an end.

On Campus
Students attended Industry Day on Tuesday to learn about different careers. They heard presentations from a range of companies, including the nutrition department and rehabilitation center of Barton Memorial Hospital.

Barton Hospital adds new $3.2M medical imaging suite

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new $3.2 million MRI suite has opened in South Lake Tahoe, giving patients an improved experience with a private waiting area, increased safety features, faster exam times and the latest in magnetic resonance imaging equipment.

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