bear

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 18-23, 2021

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Importance of keeping smoke detectors up to date

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Time is of the essence when fire hits your home. Things can rapidly change from smoke to flames, sometimes giving those inside very little time to get outside to safety.

Even though smoke detectors have been required in new construction and in homes undergoing a remodel for decades, not all homes have working detectors. They are broken, have a dead battery, or missing completely.

Special Planning Commission meeting to address new building standards and cannabis permit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

First on the agenda is a possible vote on an update to City Code and the design standards included in it after receiving a grant from the State to do so. There have been public workshops and meetings with contractors and developers, along with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), to get their input on the updates the standards.

COVID-19 vaccines start moving through first phase in El Dorado and Alpine counties

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During both the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisor meetings on January 5, questions were asked of the health care professionals as to when the public can expect to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Ongoing prescribed burn operations around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Operations will continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Tahoe Best in the Basin Award winners announced

Seven outstanding restoration, sustainability, and construction projects were recognized as recipients of Best in the Basin awards by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) during an online meeting of the agency’s Governing Board. The projects and programs each exhibit outstanding planning and execution and lead the way in environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Region, according to the agency.

Widespread prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe resume

Weather and conditions permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn hand piles and smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Lyons Ranch - Northwest of the Golden Bear Subdivision. East of Lake Tahoe Airport.
Responsible Agency: California Tahoe Conservancy
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 12/14-17/2020

Column: Finding bright spots on the horizon

We are ready for some glad tidings this holiday season. While we look forward to the spirit of generosity and warmth the season brings, many are also hoping the New Year will deliver a meaningful reset. Propelling ourselves forward and out of crisis will require fortitude and drive. The pending vaccine is a bright spot on the horizon, but there are other positive indicators for better days to come.

Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger Toy Drive for Christmas Cheer a big success

It was the first year the Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger at Stateline held a toy drive for the South Shore, and it was a big success with organizer Dreu Murin saying over $10,000 worth of toys donated to children in the community.

Christmas Cheer, the South Lake Tahoe nonprofit that helps feed locals in need all year was also in need of toys to help bring joy during such trying times. Tom Davis of Christmas Cheer joined up with Murin and other community members to organize the event which brought toys from far and wide to Lake Tahoe on December 6.

Kirkwood opens for 2020/21 season, Heavenly expands to Nevada side

In a year filled uncertainties and safety mandates, many have been anxiously awaiting the ski season at Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort opened last week, and now their sister Vail property, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, has opened.

As long as allowed, Kirkwood's winter operating plan is focused on comprehensive safety protocols, Kirkwood opened Friday with more than 180 acres of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

Blue Ribbon Awards winners announced during virtual awards show

The winners of the 13th annual Blue Ribbon Awards were announced Thursday, November 19 during an awards show shown on Lake Tahoe Television. In place of the annual awards dinner the community was invited to tune in virtually with hosts Chris Fiore from the City of South Lake Tahoe and Meg Peart from the Tahoe Resource Conservation District. If missed, everyone can watch the celebration of the 2020 finalists and winners at https://tahoechamber.org/13th-annual-blue-ribbon-awards-show/ (and don't read any further if you want to be surprised).

Surge of COVID--19 cases in Alpine County concerns health officer

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The least populated county in California is just to the south of Lake Tahoe. Alpine County, population about 1,200, includes the towns of Markleeville, Woodfords, Kirkwood and Bear Valley. While not big, Alpine County is experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases just like the rest of the country.

Lake Valley Fire releases holiday truck schedule

The time-honored tradition of Lake Valley Fire Protection District touring streets in their jurisdiction with a decorated fire engine returns starting December 11.

Due to COVID-19, the Holiday engine will not be handing out candy canes this year but all are welcome to wave and say hello from a safe social distance. Each night they start their trek between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

December 11 – Echo View Estates, Tahoe Mountain Road, Mule Deer Circle

December 12 – Lake Tahoe Blvd from Boulder Mountain Drive to Grizzly Mountain Drive

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork November 15-21

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Beautiful Mess: New vintage and thrift store opens in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The middle of a pandemic is never an ideal time to open a new business, but the new Beautiful Mess vintage shop and thrift store has been a popular shopping stop for locals and visitors since opening September 3.

"If I can get through this, I can get through anything," said Beautiful Mess proprietor Jessica Marks of the pandemic.

Tahoe Chamber announces finalists for 13th annual Blue Ribbon Awards

Event Date: 
November 19, 2020 - 6:00pm

The community is invited to attend the Tahoe Chamber’s 13th Annual Blue Ribbon Awards to honor South Shore businesses and individuals that have impacted the community for the better. In place of the annual awards dinner, winners will be announced in an awards show that is pre-filmed and broadcast on Lake Tahoe Television on November 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Those wishing to attend the free event can register in advance on TahoeChamber.org to get direct access to the awards ceremony.

Taylor Creek closure extended by USFS

Due to continued public health and safety concerns, trail construction, risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has extended a Forest Order that temporarily closes Taylor Creek and the surrounding area. This order (see here) is extended through November 9 at this time.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork November 1 - 7

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Al Tahoe Firewise Community volunteers to perform property assessments

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the support of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR), the Al Tahoe neighborhood has begun the process of becoming a certified Firewise USA ® recognized neighborhood.

As part of the application process, SLTFR and Al Tahoe community volunteers will be walking in the Al Tahoe neighborhood October 27-30 and performing random wildfire risk assessment/evaluations on 20 percent of the 1520 properties from the street.

The volunteers will have bright yellow vests on so they can be easily identified

STPUD candidates respond to questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.

South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.

Douglas County Commissioners to possibly vote on new VHR regulations for Lake Tahoe

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During their Thursday, October 15 meeting, the Douglas County commissioners will hear a presentation about the work done by an appointed task force about vacation home rentals (VHRs) in Tahoe Township. The agenda item is listed as having possible action by the commissioners.

City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

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.

Get bear bear box painted through Sierra State Parks fundraiser

Does the Bear Box in front of your house need some artistic expression? Want another way to support the Sierra State Parks Foundation and local Tahoe artists? Be the envy of your neighborhood and invest in our Bear Box Art Fundraiser!

USFS closes Taylor Creek for one month due to crowd and safety concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The numbers of people who normally visit Taylor Creek for the fall spawning of the Kokanee salmon has prompted forest officials to close the popular area October 2 - November 2, 2020.

Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the area is closed.

Flu Shot Clinics set for South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and Alpine County

Each year flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. While it is unclear what will happen this fall and winter, if there is COVID-19 and
flu at the same time, this could place a tremendous burden on our health care systems and cause many additional illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Now more than ever, it’s important that everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu and COVID-19, according to Alpine County Health Officer Dr. Richard Johnson.

Alpine County News: No outdoor fires on private land, COVID testing change

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Effective immediately, Alpine County health officer Dr. Johnson has ordered all outdoor fires, including campfires, bonfires, pit fires, charcoal fires, or any other open flame fires prohibited on all private lands throughout Alpine County. This prohibition shall be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors at their next meeting and each meeting thereafter and will continue until terminated by action of the Board.

This goes with the closure announced Thursday of the 400,000-acre Carson Ranger District which includes Alpine County.

Fire updates: Fork, North, Slink, Creek

There are over 40 major fires currently burning in California, filling skies with heavy smoke from the ocean to the Sierra up and down the state. While there are no fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a few close enough to be responsible for sending smoke into the region. The closest is the Fork Fire east of Lake Tahoe about 13 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. To the south is the Slink Fire and northwest is the large North Complex.

Fork Fire

Statistics on the Fork Fire have not been updated all day. As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday the estimated size was 2,500 acres.

Explosion of North Complex Fire: Triples in size to over 150,000 acres

UPDATE 2:30PM 9/9/20: The North Complex Fire more than tripled in size since Tuesday and is now 150,140 acres with 38 percent containment.

Forests, campgrounds and day-use areas to close in California and Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin must close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 7 due to the unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts:

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 30 - September 5

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Trash Talk: Reduce and reuse are key in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We have all seen the photos of trash left behind on beaches, trails, parking lots and surrounding dumpsters not only in Lake Tahoe but across the country. This is only the tip of the problem and managing our trash is key to prevent landfills being overflowed with our unnecessary waste.

Fires covering the west; Lake Tahoe still impacted with smoke and unhealthy air

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple new fires, mostly from last week’s lightning, are causing a drastic decrease in air quality at Lake Tahoe and throughout the state. Another inversion is expected to set up overnight Thursday, and visibility may be impaired due to smoky conditions.

The air quality in all area communities has been around the unhealthy to very unhealthy range for the past two days. As of 3:45 p.m. Thursday, the Air Quality Index in South Lake Tahoe was 195.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that 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.

Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/08/10/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

8/9

1:05 a.m. - Vacation Home Rental - Lindewnwood Dr - VHR NOISE

South Tahoe Restaurant Association updates community on how they #KeepTahoeSafe

Now, as much as ever, our local community is coming together for the health and wellbeing of our residents and businesses. We are all being affected in different ways by COVID-19 and our local businesses are working to navigate this pandemic safely and successfully.

The South Shore of Lake Tahoe is in uncertain times, but we want to let you know that you can count on:

Businesses taking extra precautions to keep their staff and customers safe.
Residents are coming together to support local businesses.

Local businesses rely on the support of local residents.

With mural project canceled, Leadership Lake Tahoe gives back to the community

Leadership Lake Tahoe is a ten-month-long course held every two years on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. It began in 2003 with a mission to identify and develop current and future leaders through a comprehensive program designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the issues and challenges facing our community. At the beginning, the program was sponsored by the Tahoe Douglas Chamber and South Lake Tahoe Chamber, they merged a few years later and became the Tahoe Chamber (or Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce).

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that 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.

Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/07/30/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

7/26

1:49 a.m. - Spousal Battery - South Lake Tahoe - 39-YEAR-OLD MALE ARRESTED.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that 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.

Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/07/24/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

7/19

2:32 a.m. - Vacation Home Rental - East River Park Dr - VHR-NOISE - 20-YEAR-OLD RENTER CITED

Local teen named National Youth Ambassador by Tobacco-Free Kids campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Twenty-five California students have been named as National Youth and Young Adult Ambassadors by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for demonstrating leadership in fighting tobacco use in their communities.

These young leaders were among 133 youth and young adults from 33 states who participated in the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ Digital Advocacy Symposium, a five-day online training session focused on building advocacy, communications and leadership skills.

Al Tahoe neighborhood Firewise USA® meeting moved to digital format

Event Date: 
July 16, 2020 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Al Tahoe neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe has begun the process of becoming a nationally recognized and certified Firewise USA® community with the support of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and under the guidance of the National Fire Protection Association.

There is only one other neighborhood, Golden Bear (Lower Montgomery Estates), that is under the Firewise USA® program in the Lake Tahoe Basin though several areas outside the basin in El Dorado and Placer counties are participating.

California puts "dimmer switch" on reopening - Many South Lake Tahoe businesses affected

California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered all counties in California to close indoor restaurants, bars, movie theaters and wineries as the state combats a surge in coronavirus cases. A list of 30 counties has further restrictions.

"We are moving back into a modification mode of stay at home orders," said Newsom in his Monday press conference. "It's a dimmer switch, not on or off."

He said they are looking at conditions and trendlines, both which are becoming points of concern.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that 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.

Added to Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/07/07/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

7/4

4:02 p.m. - Vacation Home Rental - Muskwaki Dr - VHR COMPLAINT

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 12 - 18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues to work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Abundance of "miller moths" around Lake Tahoe this year

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If they were flowers on the ground or money in trees, most would welcome them. But they aren't. And love them or hate them, they’re back!

Miller moths, or the army cutworm, have become a nuisance in many parts of Lake Tahoe over the last few weeks, but not all areas have been affected. Those who have them around their homes are seeing dozens each night, swarming around their lights both inside and outside.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 5 - 11

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. July 2 until 8 p.m. Monday, July 6 due to the July Fourth holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that 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.

Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/06/24/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

Calls added since publication:
6/20

Al Tahoe neighborhood meeting about becoming a Firewise USA® community

Event Date: 
June 16, 2020 - 5:00pm

7.14.20 UPDATE: The City Council voted to cancel or postpone all events on City project due to the new restrictions related to Covid-19. As a result, this event will a virtual meeting starting at 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. No in-person event will take place.

To join the Zoom meeting -
https://zoom.us/j/94670877324?pwd=bDNyM21VT0ptUnpRaGFpM3Z0NG5PZz09
Meeting ID: 946 7087 7324
Password: 426727
Dial by your location - 1.669.900.6833

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that 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.

Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/06/15/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log

6/14

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork June 21 - 27

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Keeping Tahoe bears wild - COVID-19 closures can affect their behavior

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Spring is in full swing in the Tahoe Basin and Tahoe black bears are searching for food. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears results in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year, local law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized.

Syndicate content