budget
Sass Talk: It's ok to not go along, to just get along
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/02/2017 - 7:32pm
This opinion piece has been updated.
Tax increase to fix South Lake Tahoe roads to be determined Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/06/2017 - 7:14pm
South Lake Tahoe voters will be deciding the future of roads in the City when they determine the fate of Measure C on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
Voters will decide if a one-half cent sales tax will be added in the town to provide approximately $2.5 million that will fix potholes and pave, repair, maintain local roads.
The following polling locations are established for the November 7, 2017 election:
Lake Tahoe Christian Fellowship, 3580 Blackwood
South Shore Christian Assembly 886 Glorene Avenue
Sass Talk: Measure C, VHRs, Champions Plaza and more!
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/04/2017 - 7:00am
Its election time and the only local issue is Measure C; an increase of one-half percent in local sales tax (excludes groceries and prescriptions) for a term of 15 years to fund road rehabilitation. I voted YES to the measure because there is no long term funding solution within the current budget or the foreseeable future. And, our roads are in terrible shape.
South Tahoe Now: Why Measure C is needed now
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/03/2017 - 9:51am
Many of South Lake Tahoe's roads are decades past their prime, and Measure C is in front of voters November 7 to increase taxes by one-half percent to pay for their maintenance and repair.
I support Measure C and let me tell you why, but it will have to start with a look back to see how we got here.
Letters: Yes on Measure C
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/31/2017 - 3:08pm
I have lived in South Lake Tahoe for 37 years and hope to live in this amazing place for many more years to come. In that time I have not always been pleased with the way our City has spent its tax revenues, but, in the last several years, I believe there has been a concerted effort to control spending and to provide better oversight in the way these funds are used. That's why I am supporting Measure C.
Letter: Vote for Measure C
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/31/2017 - 1:32pm
I’m voting for Measure C because South Lake Tahoe needs a reliable and transparent way to fund road maintenance and improvement. Last winter was illustration enough for me. After I hit a pothole on Pioneer Trail during a snowstorm, I had no other option than to spend $800 for new tires if I was going to drive my children to school and get to work. In the summer months, I watched as the asphalt wore down from thousands of tires coming in from out of town every week. As the tourists leave, we are left with cracks and splits and holes.
New Assistant Douglas County Manager resigns
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/31/2017 - 12:32pm
The new Douglas County Assistant County Manager Bradley Hurley has resigned his position effective October 31, 2017.
Hurley submitted his resignation to County Manager Larry Werner. “Probation periods are an opportunity for both the employee and the employer to determine if the relationship is a good fit," said Werner.
Opinion: We support Measure C
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/20/2017 - 8:00pm
Ever since we moved to South Lake Tahoe thirty eight years ago, we have been proud to call this city our home. Between our community spirit of caring and sharing, excellent schools, and the inspiring nature of the Lake and Mountains, we are truly fortunate to live in such a special place. We recently hosted our foreign exchange student from twenty years ago and we were proud to show him all of the community upgrades such as Heavenly Village, Lakeview Commons, Harrison Avenue, South Tahoe High School, and the new Whole Foods project.
Special City Council meeting to vote on urgency VHR ordinance
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 12:53am
If anyone thought they knew how the South Lake Tahoe City Council was going to vote on the proposed Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance on Tuesday they were most likely surprised with the turn of events after hours of public comment and Council discussion.
City staff had two weeks to create a new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance based on input and bring it to the Council to vote on a first reading October 17.
The City Council has sought to create an ordinance that both recognizes and protects the City's vibrant VHR industry while also improving the quality of life of the citizens.
If not now, then when for Tahoe’s roads?
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/13/2017 - 6:04pm
All of us living in this tourist town understand a simple truth: our infrastructure is burdened with more than it can handle. Specifically, our roads. Each year, millions of visitors drive to Tahoe to enjoy the natural beauty of our home, but the damage this causes to our roadways is a serious problem. We need help making our community safer for driving, walking, and biking.
Sass Talk: VHRs, Martin Hollay and Yes on C
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/07/2017 - 8:48am
On Tuesday, a majority of city council agreed on a revised VHR (Vacation Home Rental) ordinance. In two weeks we will vote on the first reading of the ordinance and if a majority supports it, on November 7th would be the final vote to adopt the revised regulations and rules. The ordinance would then go into effect 30 days later.
Douglas County Sheriff's K-9 fundraiser
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/04/2017 - 1:55pm
Event Date:
October 6, 2017 - 3:00pm
The final radio show of the year for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office will coincide with a K-9 fundraiser on Friday, October 6 with Jon Sanchez on KOH780AM.
Five of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office K-9s will be on hand during the live show and event from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sanchez Ranch Meats located at 1734 Hwy 395 in Minden, Nev.
The DCSO K-9 unit is made up of Shadow, Drago, Bak, Bane and Beny.
South Lake Tahoe closer to new Vacation Rental Ordinance
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 7:25pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight hours, and testimony from 29 people later, the City Council has crafted a new ordinance that attempts to strike a balance between locals and vacation home rentals (VHRs).
"While tourism is the lifeblood in our town, the residents are the heart and soul," said SLT City Councilman Jason Collin.
Passionate testimony from all sides was presented at Tuesday's meeting as has been the case for the 20+ meetings on the subject of VHRs.
The direction from the City Council to staff is to create an ordinance that will contain the following:
New City Attorney for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 6:05pm
The City of South Lake Tahoe did not have to look far in finding a replacement for outgoing City Attorney Tom Watson, who left the position to take the same job for the City of Tracy.
Deputy City Attorney Nira F. Doherty has been retained to fill them job on an at least interim basis.
Lake Tahoe chosen as one of Best Adventure Towns for Fall
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 10:22pm
You don’t have to break the bank to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure this autumn. With so many canyons, lakes, mountains, and more to explore right here in the US, you’ll find there’s a perfect fall vacation for every budget!
Top Adventure Towns You Can Afford
El Dorado County $569 million budget released
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/14/2017 - 5:12pm
El Dorado County Chief Administrator, Don Ashton, today released the County’s
Final Budget for fiscal year 2017/18. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to review and approve the $569 million operating budget during their meeting on Tuesday, September 19.
Douglas County to hold community roundtable on strategic plan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/29/2017 - 10:05pm
Douglas County is hosting one of two annual citizens’ roundtable discussions on September 19, 2017 at the TRE Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The discussions will include an overview of county projects and activities contained in the plan and give citizens an opportunity to learn more about specific projects in which they have an interest. County staff will engage citizens in an activity to help plan for next year’s budget priorities. Results of the session will be shared with the Board of Commissioners at a November meeting.
Caltrans finishes $62M Lake Tahoe West Shore project on Hwy 89
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/18/2017 - 4:09pm
Work to rebuild State Highway 89 along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe from Tahoma just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City is now complete, Caltrans announced today. It also came in $8,000,000 under budget.
Construction on the project started in 2012 when a contractor for Southwest Gas began relocating gas lines that were in conflict with the new drainage systems to be built. That work was completed in 2014. Caltrans’ contractor, Road and Highway Builders, began drainage work in 2013 and started roadwork in 2014.
Labor Day weekend in Lake Tahoe full of activities to replace fireworks
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 2:29pm
With the cancellation of the 19-year long tradition of fireworks over Labor Day in South Lake Tahoe due to budget constraints, the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority and other local businesses have pulled together to present a full menu of things to do on the South Shore from a laser light show to concerts and a carnival.
Douglas County narrows search down to two for Asst. County Manager position
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/14/2017 - 10:58pm
The search for a new Assistant County Manager for Douglas County is almost over as Bradley Hurley and Philip Ritger have been chosen as the final two candidates. The public is invited to meet the two on August 21 from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at the Carson Valley Inn.
Last Monday, panel interviews were conducted for eight applicants, and from that group Hurley and Ritger were chosen to be interviewed by County Manager Larry Werner.
Ritger is the current Town of Genoa Manager and Hurley the Deputy Communications Officer with the Department of Defense. Both are residents of Douglas County.
Douglas County narrows down group of applicants for Asst. County Manager job
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/24/2017 - 7:55am
Douglas County will soon have an Assistant County Manager. Over 100 people applied for this new position, and that initial pool of applicants has now been narrowed down to eight after phone interviews with Human Resources.
The next step are panel interviews for those finalists which are scheduled for August 7, 2017. The panel consists of elected ofneighboring counties.
Panel interviews are scheduled for August 7, 2017. The panel consists of elected officials, employee representatives, department directors, and leadership from neighboring counties.
Sass Talk: Cannabis, VHRs and the 4th of July
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/01/2017 - 8:45am
July kicks off the busiest time of the year for our city. Schools out, the temps are soaring in the valleys to the west and east of us, the roads are free of snow, and visitors from all over the world are getting away to see beautiful places and enjoy the great outdoors. For many of our businesses this is is the best time of the year. For many locals who like to play on the mountain trails and along the beach and eventually need to get to work, this is the hardest time of the year.
Tahoe Paradise Park District meeting Thursday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/19/2017 - 11:04pm
Event Date:
June 22, 2017 - 6:00pm
A meeting of the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, June 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the park's clubhouse located at 1011 E. San Bernardino Ave in Meyers.
Among the items on their agenda:
17/18 Budget approval
Park rules and regulations
Beach sand project
Tennis Court resurfacing
Music in the Park program
Protection of wildlife from lake outflow
Master Plan
The public is invited to attended.
Sierra House principal leaving Lake Tahoe for Vacaville
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/16/2017 - 9:33pm
Ryan Galles, the principal of Sierra House Elementary in South Lake Tahoe, has announced that he is leaving Lake Tahoe Unified School District.
Galles has accepted the position of Director of Elementary Education for the Vacaville Union School District (VUSD), a district with 12,000 students and 10 elementary schools.
A letter sent by Galles to the Sierra House parents on Friday, June 16:
Roads, mental health and seniors focus of next El Dorado County BOS meeting
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 06/15/2017 - 12:50pm
Event Date:
December 20, 2016 (All day) There will be three presentations at the next El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 20 that pertain to fiscal year 2017-18 budget. They are required to approve it by June 30 each year.
"Every year, the County’s Chief Administrator provides a Recommended Budget to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration," said Chief Administrative Officer, Don Ashton. "It is but one step along the path to having an Adopted Budget approved by the Board in September.”
Presentations are scheduled as follows:
9:00 a.m. – Senior Legal Services
10:00 a.m. – Road Work Plan
Opinion: Difficult choices in El Dorado County budget
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/05/2017 - 11:44am
Last Friday, I delivered to the Board of Supervisors and publicly released the County’s Recommended Budget. The 422-page document deserves some context.
El Dorado County's $536M budget eliminates 40 jobs, reduces $13M in costs
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/03/2017 - 8:46am
With an increase of $4.5 million to CalPers in 2018, changes to some social service programs, the impact of prison realignment, a "challenging" budget for El Dorado County is now available for public review. It is going to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) as well and they will have future meetings on the subject.
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care membership drive and open house
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/29/2017 - 4:19pm
It isn't cheap to care for hundreds of wild birds and animals each year so Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care is holding their annual membership drive. Funds raised go to medicine, housing, equipment and food for the injured and orphaned wildlife.
Memberships start at $35 and go up to $10,000, or more. Memberships account for 20 percent of the agency's budget. Click here for membership information.
SLTPD 50th anniversary to have boat rides, K-9s, Calstar, BBQ, concert and awards
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/19/2017 - 11:13pm
The community is in for a treat on Saturday, May 20 as the South Lake Tahoe Police Department celebrates 50 years of service with a party at Lakeview Commons from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Locals and visitors, young and old, can ride on the SLTPD boat, see the department's K-9s, watch a demonstration over the water with CalStar at 3:00 p.m., watch how the drone assists in rescues, an awards ceremony that will honor three citizens as well as staff at 4:00 p.m., and a free BBQ. There is also a free concert on the beach.
City's business plan presented; Public encouraged to review
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/17/2017 - 8:30am
Every two years a new business plan is presented to the South Lake Tahoe City Council, outlining goals, the vision and strategic priorities. This is done after each election.
In February, City staff, Council and community members got together for a two-day strategic planning session, and the results that came out of that were put into the 2017/18 South Lake Tahoe Business Plan.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Teamwork, roads and VHRs
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 8:39am
This past city council meeting all 5 council members agreed to have staff present us a ballot measure that would increase the city sales tax by 1/2%. This came after a survey was completed and results were presented by the outside independent company contracted by the city. The results indicated that almost 68% of the survey respondents supported the increase as long as the funds would be dedicated by law to roads.
Budget the focus of special South Tahoe Public Utility meeting
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/27/2017 - 10:50am
Event Date:
May 4, 2017 - 6:00pm
The public is invited to a budget meeting of the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board of Directors on Thursday, May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the STPUD board room at 1275 Meadow Crest Drive in South Lake Tahoe.
The purpose of the meeting is to review the proposed 2017-18 budget and ten-year financial and capital improvement plan for the District.
RVs, beach sand and summer music on Tahoe Paradise Resort board meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/24/2017 - 3:32pm
Event Date:
April 27, 2017 - 7:00pm
The public is invited to the next Tahoe Paradise Improvement District Board of Directors on Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the park's clubhouse.
The following items are on the agenda for discussion and vote:
1. Special meeting in May (possibly May 11) on potential conversion to recreation and park district.
2. Approval of Prop 1 grant applications (due April 28)
3. Tennis/Pickleball Court usage and charges
4. Disc golf at park update
5. RVs in the park
6. Surplus equipment removal update
7. Beach sand project, deck, ADA and ADA Parking
Education and participation needed as South Lake Tahoe develops cannabis regulations
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/19/2017 - 10:01pm
There was one thing all speakers during Wednesday evening's Town Hall on recreational cannabis agreed on: People need to get involved, educate themselves and share their opinions with their elected leaders at local, county and state levels.
A panel of six people spoke to the crowd of almost 100 people (and another 300 who were viewing online) during the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals (TRYP) fourth Town Hall meeting in South Lake Tahoe.
One day working for Lake Tahoe restaurant owners: Increase Profitability
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/12/2017 - 8:49am
Event Date:
May 1, 2017 - 8:00am There is a one-day workshop on May 1 for Lake Tahoe area restaurant owners on how to predict profits with accuracy.
WHAT: Most independent restaurant owners use their “gut” to run their restaurants instead of the real numbers. They might as well gamble for a living. This approach risks a restaurant’s success, employees’ stability and their family’s livelihood. Restaurant Prosperity is a full-day workshop teaching independent restaurant owners how to manage and control two of their biggest expenses in their restaurant — food and labor costs.
South Lake Tahoe roads to soon receive much needed attention
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/04/2017 - 6:06pm
People driving through South Lake Tahoe have mostly likely cringed as their car finds a pothole on a local street. That, or dodged them all by driving in a zig-zag pattern that appears to be that of a drunk driver.
After a winter with extreme rainfall, constant snow removal and high groundwater, there is most likely no street that has been spared an outbreak of potholes.
After Tuesday's City Council meeting, help is on the way!
Noise, fees, roads and budget on SLT City Council meeting agenda
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/02/2017 - 5:34pm
A possible change in the way the City of South Lake Tahoe addresses noise at the airport will be discussed during the City Council's April 4 meeting. The City's current noise monitoring program is strictly voluntary since South Lake Tahoe is not considered a "noise problem airport."
Since 1992, SLT has collected data and reported it to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) per a 20-year agreement that expired on September 30, 2012.
South Tahoe Greenway one step closer to reality
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/18/2017 - 8:55pm
A 3.86 mile shared used bike trail from Van Sickle Bi-State Park to Sierra Boulevard is getting closer to becoming reality after a Memo of Understanding (MOU) has been developed between its three partners.
The first phase of the South Tahoe Greenway Shared Use Trail was completed through the Bijou neighborhood in Summer, 2015, but the next phase needed a partnership between the City of South Lake Tahoe (City), Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) to be completed.
City, County, State and law enforcement officials meet to discuss Tahoe traffic jams
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/10/2017 - 1:50am
Sunday traffic heading west from South Lake Tahoe has been a major problem from the city to Meyers all winter long. Last week, on March 5, there were reports of travel time on the 9.3 mile route along Highway 50 from Stateline to Meyers taking eight hours, and from the Y to Meyers, four hours for the 4.3 mile trip.
Douglas County Commissioners seek feedback on strategic plan
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/06/2017 - 5:17pm
The public is being asked for feedback as Douglas County moves forward on planning their next four years. Their new strategic pan will be the roadmap on directions for the County and its Board of County Commissioners.
The commissioners and staff met on February 6, 2017 to review survey feedback from residents and map out new strategic priorities. Infrastructure, organizational sustainability and financial stability were all identified as top priorities. Economic vitality; safe community; and natural resources, culture and quality of life were also categorized as priorities.
City's new vision statement: We will reflect the national treasure in which we live
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/05/2017 - 9:39pm
The City of South Lake Tahoe now has a new vision statement to guide all of their decisions: "We will reflect the national treasure in which we live."
During a two-day long retreat and strategic planning session, the City Council and staff leaders met to discuss their strategies over the next two years, something they do right after every Council election.
City leaders will now get other agencies on the South Shore to join them in this mission, as well as the community. The vision will be reflected on City materials, a new logo, and be the "guiding principle in decision making."
Lake Valley Fire Protection District holding Forest Fuels Workshop
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/02/2017 - 9:57pm
Event Date:
March 9, 2017 - 10:00am
The public is invited to a Forest Fuels Workshop held during a special meeting of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District's next board meeting on Thursday, March 9.
They will be meeting in the Lake Valley Fire Station #7's training classroom starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided.
Agenda:
Plege of Allegiance
Welcome by Chief Alameda
Introductions - Agency affiliation and Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team Membership
Historical overview of Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT)
Accomplishments
Lunch Break
SNPLMA Round 16
Fuels Reductions
PTIER
TNFAC
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass on roads, traffic and trails
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/25/2017 - 6:46pm
The following is Mayor Austin Sass's monthly letter to the community:
Opinion: Why themed schools work in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 9:33pm
As we look at reopening the Al Tahoe Elementary School as a STEAM academy, it is important to take a look back at the journey Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has taken to get to where we are today.
Following decades of desegregation efforts and forced busing, lawsuits in the 1990s effectively brought a halt to desegregation efforts in the country. Neighborhood schools in South Lake Tahoe may have been segregated, not only based on race, but based on income levels.
LTUSD to look at STEAM program, new course and budget at Tuesday's meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/30/2017 - 1:25pm
The Lake Tahoe Unified School District trustees will continue their discussion into the future use of the old Al Tahoe school site during a study session prior to their normal board meeting Tuesday.
City crews working nonstop to clear South Lake Tahoe roads
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/24/2017 - 8:58pm
The roads around Lake Tahoe have been hard to navigate this week after several feet of snow fell in the basin after the last series of storms over the weekend. Many streets in South Lake Tahoe remain narrow and thick with snow, making it hard to drive through neighborhoods.
Just as residents struggle with all that snow left on their roofs, driveways and walkways, City snowplows are also struggling with what seemed at times as nonstop snow.
Financial Tips: Create a holiday budget
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/17/2016 - 3:17pm
As the traditional giving season approaches, there is one important item to add to your to do list: Create a holiday budget. Before the gift shopping and wrapping begins, take control of your wallet through financial preparation. Remember, you can avoid the credit card crunch and the dangerous pitfall of borrowing against your company's retirement savings plan or IRAs.
Here's how to establish a holiday wish list and spending budget:
Climbing gym on way to being a reality in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/13/2016 - 11:08am
The future of the Blue Granite Climbing Gym in South Lake Tahoe was made much clearer Thursday during the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission meeting.
Letter: Annie Davidson thanks community, addresses issues
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/11/2016 - 2:34pm
To the South Lake Tahoe Community,
With the election over, I am writing to congratulate the new LTUSD Board members, to respond to some of the claims Derek Allister made public in the final days of the election, and to reaffirm my commitment to volunteer my time and talents to this school district into the future.
SLT Planning Commission to review 4 new projects Thursday
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/09/2016 - 5:33pm
Event Date:
November 10, 2016 - 3:00pm
The monthly meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission on November 10 will have four major projects to consider, along with hearing an appeal of a vacation rental permit denial.
