business

STPUD extends COVID-19 rate relief program

The South Tahoe Public Utility District Board of Directors extended the COVID-19 Rate Relief Program to assist residents and businesses that are facing financial
hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The District’s COVID-19 Rate Relief Program offers a 50 percent credit up to $3,000 for the next quarterly sewer bill for customers in need.

“Extending the rate relief program is necessary because it’s obvious that the community is still suffering from the financial effects of COVID,” says Kelly Sheehan, Board President.

Meyers business helps remove snow play trash; Clean Tahoe can direct others to litter hot spots

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We've seen the stories and photos of trash left behind by the large number of people spending time in the snow from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe. A growing problem is the people finding whatever patch of snow is available, normally in areas not previously used for snow play.

Help South Lake Tahoe businesses: Go Local Card now available for purchase

The Tahoe Chamber and the City of South Lake Tahoe have partnered to launch the GO Local Tahoe Bonus Gift Card program to boost immediate local spending and support South Shore restaurants, retailers and service providers throughout Covid-19 restrictions. The community based, e-gift card allows recipients to spend their card at 41 (and growing) local businesses and rewards purchasers with bonus cards.

Planning Commission denies changes to planned cannabis microbusiness in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is now an open license for a South Lake Tahoe cannabis microbusiness after one of those approved in 2019 will not finish up the process of opening. On January 14, 2021, the City Planning Commission denied a request from James Street LLC to change the name of the approved operator and extend their deadline to open by six months.

New business licenses issued by the City of South Lake Tahoe

The following businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of November and December 2020:

NOVEMBER

11/3
FOOD FREEDOM & HEALING COACHING 20

11/4
Y B MESSY

11/5
MARTA MCLEAN LMFT

11/6
A&A CONSTRUCTION INC

11/9
LABRADOR TAXI DRIVER
SCOTT VAN NEST CLEANING

11/10
DREADFUL SAVIOR
EVOLVE MICROBLADING PMU

11/12
EVOLVE MICROBLADING PMU

11/13
LAKE TAHOE LOCAL CONTACT SERVICES

11/16
KOSKIN CONSTRUCTION
LILLYS TIRE
RUELAS HOUSE CLEANING

11/18
CABIN CREEK ENTERPRISES LLC
EMERALD BAY PHYSICAL THERAPY

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace: Better days ahead

“You’ve got to count to three.” Those were the words of advice attributed to Norm Woods one of the first five city council members. The Cityhood project in 1965 was spearheaded by the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce with all five of that first council members coming from the Chamber Board ranks. Norm served as one of the first rotating Mayors and many times thereafter. His advice was offered to the citizens who were newly elected to subsequent councils.

The green light to reopen caught many South Lake Tahoe businesses by surprise

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the news hit that the Sacramento Region was moving out of the stay-at-home order Tuesday evening, the announcement caught many by surprise, especially those businesses that had been closed since it went into effect December 10, 2020.

Finding the silver lining through the "Feel Good Movement" in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Stay-at-Home orders as a result of the pandemic have been hard on everyone but the "Feel Good Movement" in South Lake Tahoe has been a force in the creation of joy.

El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe exit state's stay-at-home order

1/13/21 UPDATE: The state has updated its website to reflect that hotels and vacation rentals can open with modifications in the purple tier. For all businesses, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just moments ago, the Greater Sacramento Region, of which El Dorado County is a part, was granted authority by the State to exit the Regional Stay At Home Order, effective immediately. This is based on the State’s four-week projection putting the region’s ICU capacity at 19.1 percent, above the 15 percent threshold announced last month.

SBA and Treasury announce re-opening of PPP loans for businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, have reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility has been released in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

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.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District seeks developer fee increase

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is seeking a increase of developer fees that go to the district from $2.24 per square foot to $3.20 per square foot. They plan to use the increase in revenue to support its program to reconstruct existing facilities, funds that are needed due to rising costs in South Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Chamber to hold annual Level UP Webinar on HR and employment law

Event Date: 
January 21, 2021 - 12:00pm

The South Shore business community is invited to attend the Tahoe Chamber’s annual Level UP Webinar on HR & Employment Law updates on January 21, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attorneys of Sutton Hague Law Corporation, Brett Sutton and Jared Hague, will brief business owners and managers on the new COVID-19 compliance laws in Nevada and California and teach attendees how to keep their business protected from liability in the face of these changes.

Holiday shopping winners announced; Almost $40,000 added to economy with Go Local program

The Tahoe Chamber’s GO Local & Win Holiday Contest rewarded residents for spending locally during the holiday season in a time when small businesses needed it most. Kicking off in late November for Small Business Saturday, the holiday contest recorded $39,134 in spending at local restaurants and retailers through January 1st, a 291 percent increase from the 2019 contest.

Alpine School District seeks bids for Diamond Valley School modernization project

After the passing of a school facilities bond in 2018, the Alpine County Unified School District is moving forward on the modernization of Diamond Valley School. The district is requesting sealed bids for the Diamond Valley School - Modernization Building A project and they must be received prior to 2:00 p.m., on February 17, 2021.

Two new programs approved to help South Lake Tahoe small businesses

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council approved two programs during their meeting on Tuesday, both to help small businesses in the city limits as well as helping locals spending money locally.

The approved $75,000 to be used for the purchase of bonus gift cards with the Tahoe Chamber. While a person purchases gift cards for use at local businesses they get a bonus gift card paid through the City's funding.

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/12/27/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

12/27

South Lake Tahoe City Council starts off the new year with a meeting Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council will hold their first scheduled meeting of 2021 on Tuesday with discussion and possible vote on new proposals from the the City of South Lake Tahoe response to COVID-19, a summary of the new housing program and near term rental housing strategies, and the 2020 Lake Tahoe Airport Economic Impact Study findings.

The January 5 meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. and can be viewed on Channel 21 or online.

The agenda also includes consent items:
- Emergency Order No. 6 which authorizes cannabis retailers to temporarily operate curbside pickup.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office warns of telephone scam

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has received two reports in the past 24 hours from citizens who were contacted by telephone from someone claiming to be a DCSO deputy or sergeant. The caller uses the name and rank of an actual DCSO employee. One of the citizens said her caller ID showed the call was coming from a DCSO business line.

According to their reports, the person claiming to be a DCSO employee tells the citizen they owe money for a fine or warrant and tells the citizen to transfer money the caller via an online app or they will be arrested.

South Lake Tahoe businesses can apply for COVID-19 relief grant program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a very short window for small businesses to apply for the latest round in COVID-19 relief grants. From December 30 2020 - January 8, 2021, businesses can apply for some of the $475 million that will be made available in two rounds.

Mountains Calling offers winter accessories as well as face masks in Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 28, 2021 (All day)

No matter what’s happening in your life, the mountains are always calling. This is the theme behind South Lake Tahoe winter accessory and facemask company "Mountains Calling."

Serving customers since 2010, the family run business with a love for the mountains and the community produces individual and practical bandanas, hats, beanies, t-shirts, and headbands (and of course stickers). The pandemic created a need for face masks, something they were able to start making right away to fit the needs of the public.

South Shore casinos again perform better than most of Nevada

STATELINE, Nev. - Nevada’s non-restricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $771,162,743 for the month of November 2020, the sixth month of casinos reopening in the state after being closed due to the coronavirus. This amounts to a 17.75 percent decrease compared to November 2019, when licensees reported a gaming win of $937,533,406, according to the monthly report released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board today.

Illegal parking on Lake Tahoe highways continue to create safety hazards

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many head to the Sierra to experience snow in all forms, from the ski slopes to sledding and building snowmen. Even during the pandemic and current "Stay-at-Home" orders in California, area roads were full this past holiday weekend with those seeking play time in the snow.

Each year, law enforcement has to deal with those who seem to have forgotten the laws of being safe on the roadway and parking on the highways, and not observing "no parking" zone rules.

Douglas County reaches out to Lake Tahoe servers with “Call for a Ride. Stay Alive” Campaign

STATELINE, Nev. - Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) took the first step in rolling out their campaign aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the roads by providing server intervention training to employees at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Lucky Beaver, Dotty’s, and Lake Tahoe AleWorX.

Town of Truckee votes to adopt urgency ordinance for lodging to keep community safe

TRUCKEE, Calif. - Facing an influx of tourists during the Governor's Regional Stay-at-Home order just as South Lake Tahoe has seen, the Town of Truckee Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance Tuesday night to protect the public's health. Any hotel, motel or vacation home rental in use during the Stay-at-Home order can now face the revoking, suspension or denial of their Tourist Occupancy Certificate.

The Stay-at-Home order states lodging properties are to not be rented to anyone except essential workers in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

City of South Lake Tahoe joins in “Pay It Forward” initiative with $10,000 donation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Paying it forward has spread quickly through the South Lake Tahoe community this holiday season, and now the City is joining in to help those in need while at the same time helping out small locally-owned restaurants.

The “Pay It Forward” initiative involves community members and organizations contributing money to open tabs at local restaurants. It’s a program that helps those in need and helps support the restaurants when they need it the most.

Truckee, El Dorado and Placer County leaders ask AirBnB to not allow rentals during Stay-at-Home order

El Dorado County, Placer County and Town of Truckee representatives have sent a letter to Airbnb, asking for assistance stopping short-term rentals (STR) during the current Stay at Home Order. They told the vacation rental booking company that their help is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and asked them to not allow rentals in Truckee and the California side of Lake Tahoe during the order which is through at least January 1.

Howie's Top 20 favorite Christmas movies

Christmas started early for this guy once the pandemic hit. I put my Christmas lights up over the 4th of July and for a short while started watching Christmas movies too to try and get that feel-good feeling happening. Okay, I also did it because I wanted to watch movies where no one was wearing a mask and hugging one another without fear of being exposed. I’ve always enjoyed movies for their pure escapism and who doesn’t want to escape what we’ve been through already ya know? I also like being wrapped around a movie completely.

Del Laine ~ March 20, 1930 - December 18, 2020

Del Laine has left her mark on South Lake Tahoe in ways that many local residents might not know. She was a mover and shaker, whose focus was on making the city a better place. Her most important role, though, was promoting the well-being of women.

This pioneer died Dec. 18, 2020, at home from natural causes, with family at her side. She was 90.

She was born Dolores Mae Wright on March 20, 1930, in Oakland, Calif., to Mabel Paulson and Leslie Wright.

City of South Lake Tahoe allocates funds to help with propane, food, and to go containers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During the city council meeting on Tuesday, funds were approved to further assist the community during the pandemic.

El Dorado County sends letter to governor asking for local control on COVID-19 safety rules

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - In a move initiated by the Republican-based North State Conference, a letter has been sent by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to Governor Newsom to ask for local control of the state's rules through the pandemic.

Assemblyman Kevin Kiley gathered leaders from 16 Northern California counties at this Fall's Conference of North State Leaders. No Democrat leaders were invited. The conference was held to obtain a joint response to counter Governor Newsom's approach and out of it came a "Healthy Communities Resolution."

Online marketplace opens for South Lake Tahoe makers, shops and shoppers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many times shoppers in South Lake Tahoe want to know where they can go to support local crafters and business owners. South Tahoe Now opened the center column of the front page to advertise small local businesses who joined in the free program, and now another robust page of local shopping options has arrived just in time for the holidays.

South Lake Tahoe Holiday Bazaar is an online version of what would normally be the annual craft fair and bazaar season. The website has about two dozen makers and businesses at this time with more signing up daily.

No new restrictions for Nevada as Governor asks all to stem the tide of COVID-19

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak spoke to Nevadans Sunday afternoon to update them on the state's COVID-19 situation. He said the restrictions that went into effect three weeks ago will continue until January 15, 2021. Due to the rising COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state many thought he might impose stricter regulations.

Health & Human Services reducing hours of South Lake Tahoe office due to COVID-19

In response to the recent increased number of COVID-19 cases in the South Lake Tahoe region, the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Self Sufficiency office located at 3368 Sandy Way in South Lake Tahoe is temporarily reducing the hours that the lobby is open to the public. Beginning Monday, December 14, 2020, the lobby will be open to the public Monday - Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for persons needing to conduct business in person.

Find out what you need to know about Stay-at-Home order at Tahoe Chamber Town Hall

Event Date: 
December 11, 2020 - 2:00pm

With El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe falling under California's regional Stay-at-Home order starting Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, the Tahoe Chamber is holding a Virtual Town Hall meeting with local health officials to receive guidance on the recent stay-at-home order in El Dorado County and how the new restrictions will affect restaurants, retailers, and other local business operations.

Featured speakers will be El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams and Barton Health President and CEO Dr. Clint Purvance.

Stay-at-Home orders for El Dorado, Alpine counties and rest in Sacramento Region

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe and the rest of El Dorado County and Alpine County will go under a Stay-at-Home order effective Thursday, December 10 at 11:59 p.m. This order will last for at least three weeks and then the state will reevaluate. The order has gone into effect because the Sacramento Region, of which South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado and Alpine counties are part, now has staffed ICU bed availability under 15 percent.

South Shore Transportation Management Association reactivated with new website, new focus

The nonprofit South Shore Transportation Management Association (SSTMA) has been reactivated to serve as a community forum for the advancement of transportation, transit and community mobility solutions.

It was formed originally in 1994 after a study was conducted to determine the most effective way to engage the private sector in transportation on the South Shore. Over the years its focus moved from the development of the Nifty Fifty trolley system to transportation initiatives and the formation of the Tahoe Transportation District.

Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe commits to annual donation to Boys and Girls Club

The Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe has donated $8,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. It will be split up to support two funds at the club, $3,000 directly to the Club to support their ongoing operations and $5,000 towards its new building.

Letter: Family Resource Center asks community for assistance due to COVID-19 impacts

The South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center is busy assisting our community during these incredibly difficult COVID-19 times. This Holiday Season many members of our community are struggling with basic necessities to survive. So many members of our community work in the service industry in jobs such as; servers, waiters, bussers, housekeepers, maintenance personnel etc. Those industries have been impacted dramatically, especially with the updated governmental restrictions on in-door dining in California.

Kudos: Tahoe Magic thanks community

Farwell 2020! We will always remember this year, but for most of us, we are also ready to kiss it goodbye with a swift kick to the curb. Our community, like all communities has been hard hit with lost income, closed businesses, stay at home orders, COVID and virtually learning at home. We have missed socializing, travelling, entertaining and being entertained, enjoying our extended family and cannot even see a friend’s smile behind their mask. We missed so much of 2020 and it has hurt, to be honest.

Police officers spreading kindness through South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) is celebrating kindness and paying it forward this holiday season by visiting locals deserving of a special treat purchased from local small businesses.

Staff members are not shaving this December for 'Decembeard', and taking the funds collected to buy a gift at a local small business and then deliver to the chosen person....each day for the 12 Days of Christmas. They did the same beard fundraising last month along with City staff for 'Novembeard' which raised money for a cancer charity.

Brooke Laine and Jason Collin end terms on South Lake Tahoe City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former mayors Brooke Laine and Jason Collin said their good-byes Monday at their final City of South Lake Tahoe council meeting. Collin decided to not run after his four-year term as did Laine who finished ten years on the council.

Emotional well-being topic of next Tahoe Chamber Level Up workshop

Event Date: 
December 16, 2020 - 12:00pm

Even before the pandemic hit, American businesses were losing 300 billion dollars a year as a result of workplace stress. A recent nationwide survey shows 90 percent of U.S. adults are experiencing emotional distress.

To give employers needed information, the Tahoe Chamber is hosting another installment of its Level Up Webinars on Wednesday, December 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members.

Asqqu Jewelry of South Lake Tahoe offers unique custom jewelry

Event Date: 
February 28, 2021 (All day)

Asqqu Jewelry is a business in South Lake Tahoe offers one-of-a-kind unique jewelry. The name of the business matches the definition: ASKEW [ uh-skyoo ] Adverb/Adjective: to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry.

Supporting South Lake Tahoe small businesses all month-long

Event Date: 
December 20, 2020 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that Small Business Saturday has come and gone, and there is still plenty of holiday shopping ahead during the month of December, South Tahoe Now has a proposition for local businesses.

Send us a few sentences of what makes you unique and what you offer for sale whether its jewelry, food, clothing, dog treats, experiences (and the list continues). What are your hours and do you have any special sales coming up? What is your address or website?

Douglas County cancels public holiday events due to rise in COVID-19 cases

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. = After consultation with the Douglas County officials, the towns, public safety agencies, and Douglas County Emergency Management it was determined in-person public holiday events in the towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden have been canceled. This includes the 25th annual Parade of Lights hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce. County officials said the action was deemed necessary for the safety of the community, due to the most recent State directive limiting public gatherings to no more than 50 people.

Alpine County moves into the Red Tier

As of noon Saturday, Alpine County has been assigned by the California Department of Public Health to the Red Tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This move is based on statistical data which includes:
- Test Positivity (7-day average with a 4-day lag) – 5.8 percent
- Total new cases (7-day total with a 4-day lag) – 6

Being the smallest county in the state with about 1,200 residents, their increasing case load has concerned Public Health Officer, Dr. Richard Johnson.

Local small business shopping more important now than ever

South Lake Tahoe has a wide variety of small businesses from jewelry to experiences on the lake. With the impact of the pandemic on their business this is a perfect season to think of them while doing your shopping.

Small Business Saturday is November 28, the annual day after Black Friday to highlight shopping at the places who are a part of the community. They are the businesses we go to when seeking donations for silent auctions or to provide food for fundraisers. They are invested in the well-being of the South Shore community and to keep them here we need to support them now.

New business licenses issued by the City of South Lake Tahoe

The following businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of September and October 2020:

September

9/1
HANDYMAN PETE
SMR DEVELOPMENT
STONE'S BREATH

9/2
TAHOE CHATEAU LAND HOLDING LLC

9/3
SCOTTS CLEAN SWEEP AND SNOW REMOVAL

9/5
VALLEY ROOFING

9/8
HIXENBAUGH WORKS
LESLIES SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIES

9/9
FREE BIRD CHAI LLC
GS PROFESSIONALS LLC
REDSTAR CUSTOM PAINTING
YOGA TAHOE

9/10

GO Local & Win holiday contest kicks off on Small Business Saturday

The Tahoe Chamber’s annual GO Local & Win holiday contest will launch on Small Business Saturday, November 28, and continue through January 1 to reward the community with cash prizes for shopping and dining at local businesses for the holidays.

This campaign comes at a critical time for businesses facing continued restrictions, and it is essential that the community band together and spend locally to save small businesses.

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