cal tahoe

Cal Tahoe JPA seeks bids to remodel old jail for new headquarters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bids are currently being sought for the remodel project at the new home of the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CalTahoe) in South Lake Tahoe. They have been without a permanent home since early 2020 when South lake Tahoe Fire Rescue took back its Station 2 for fire and medic operations.

South Lake Tahoe home damaged in early morning fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An early morning fire damaged the second floor of a South Lake Tahoe home on Springwood Avenue Monday.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue received the emergency call just before 5:00 a.m. December 14. Upon arrival they found a home with heavy smoke coming from the second floor. The homeowners were able to get out safely after trying to extinguish the flames.

Man dies after hitting multiple vehicles in South Lake Tahoe

5/22 update 11:00 a.m. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) has released a few more details about Thursday's death of a local man.

National Dispatchers Recognition Week April 12-18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - April 12-18 is designated as National Telecommunicators Recognition Week, a time to honor the 911 dispatchers for their ongoing dedication to their communities.

The dispatch team covers the town 24/7 every day of the year and provides emergency and non-emergency coverage and helps the public and first responders with the resources they need.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue reopens midtown station

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) once again has three fire stations operating in the city limits. Their Station #2 on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the Al Tahoe neighborhood reopened at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

In 2015 the City had let Cal Tahoe JPA move the ambulance service into the station when SLTFR restructured and moved all ambulance duties over to the JPA. In return they gave up their fire station for five years.

Cal Tahoe JPA plans on moving ambulances to new home as fire station reopens

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe let the Cal Tahoe JPA know in 2018 they would need their mid-town fire station back so they could increase fire services to the community. Originally planned for the fall of 2019, the move is now getting closer due to a grant to help with the hiring of new firefighters and outfitting its reopening.

Multiple agencies participate in South Lake Tahoe active shooter drill

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active shooting training at South Tahoe High School last week gave local, state and federal agencies the opportunity to use their collaborative skills in responding to an emergency at the school.

In the simulated event after school, a call went over the radios on a secure channel to alert all first responders of a shooting at the high school and with the shooter still on the loose. At the first call, there were seven "victims" (volunteers acting for the training).

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.

South Lake Tahoe Council gets first look at 2019-20 budget: New police and fire personnel added

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The proposed 2019/20 budget for the City of South Lake Tahoe was presented to the Council Tuesday by City Manager Frank Rush who showed where $119M will go should they agree and approve at their September 17 meeting.

State rejects ten-year extention of CalTahoe JPA contract

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For months the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CTESOA) has been working on a new ten-year contract to provide emergency ambulance services in the Lake Tahoe area of El Dorado County and northwestern Alpine County, just as they have since 2001. They have been providing these services through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

Kudos: Drug Store Project appreciates help from the community

Tahoe is a glorious place. Most of us come here to live in its beauty, but it’s the “community” that keeps so many of us here. It’s that sense of doing good for one another that keeps many of us hopeful about the future. I’m happily involved in different aspects of our community and that part of my life is why I feel so grateful and blessed. Tuesday’s Drug Store Project for our sixth-grade youth was a testament to the compassion and dedication of our agencies, businesses, service clubs, and community members for the good of its people.

16th annual Drug Store Project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Tuesday, April 2, 325 6th graders from South Tahoe Middle School, Zephyr Cove Elementary School and home-schooled youth, will spend the day at Lake Tahoe Community College going through the 16th annual Drug Store Project.

Since 2004, middle school students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) have gone through the Drug Store Project (DSP), a day-long comprehensive drug prevention program designed to educate youth about the dangers of substance use and abuse.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston hanging up his hat

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire Chief Jeff Meston is retiring from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) on February 28, five years and five months after he came out of retirement to head up the department.

On Friday, February 1, Meston submitted his resignation to the City.

"When I was hired by CM (City Manager) Kerry I promised to spend between 3-5 years with the City Fire Department and bring them as far as I could to be a “world class” fire department," Meston said in his resignation letter.

He feels he's accomplished what he set out to do.

City's flags at half-staff fo honor former South Lake Tahoe councilwoman and mayor

Former City of South Lake Tahoe Councilmember Judy Brown passed away at Renown Medical Center on Saturday, December 8, 2018.

All City flags are lowered to half-mast through Friday, December 14 in honor of her dedicated service to the City. Brown served on the City Council from 1996-2000 and 2000-2004 and was appointed mayor during her term. She was also an active member of the Planning Commission since 2011 and most recently, its chairperson.

Dave Huber retires after 35 years of serving with Lake Valley Fire

Lake Valley Fire Protection District Director Dave Huber has retired after serving seven years as a volunteer firefighter and 28 years on their Board of Directors.

During his term as a director, Huber helped start the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority ambulance program where he also served as a board member.

Names released in officer involved shooting in South Lake Tahoe

The names of the two South Lake Tahoe police detectives involved in last Monday's officer involved shooting have been released.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested after allegedly murdering girlfriend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Paul Hollingsworth, a 60-year-old South Lake Tahoe resident, has been arrested after confessing to a family member that he killed his live-in girlfriend.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue working on plans to reopen Station 2 in 2019

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If all goes as planned, the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Station 2 will once again be a fire station by the end of 2019.

Since December 2015, the station has housed the Cal Tahoe JPA ambulances and staff. This move decreased response times by the paramedics and EMTs, but increased response time by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) whose other two stations are at the "Y" and Ski Run Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds pinning and promotion ceremony

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue welcomed four new firefighter paramedics to their family during a pinning ceremony at the airport Thursday. They also celebrated the promotion of Kevin Van Kirk to Engineer and honored retired Batalion Chief Tim Spencer.

"Fire service is really about family," said Chief Jeff Meston and he opened the ceremony. "This is a special day for South Lake Tahoe."

He explained how tough it is to get a new firefighter on board. There are tests, boards and interviews.

Kudos: Drug Store Project successful due to community partnerships

If you had walked onto the LTCC campus on Tuesday, April 3, you would have never guessed that there were 325 6th grade youth and 220 agency and volunteer workers throughout the corridors, all learning information on how and why to keep themselves safe from drugs. “Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free. With the country’s attitudes and norms about drug use changing, times are even more difficult for our kids.

Head-on collision in South Lake Tahoe sends six to area hospitals

Update 6:45 p.m.: The driver of one of the vehicles, a 29-year-old woman from Stateline, Nevada has been arrested on charges of a Felony DUI and is in the El Dorado County Jail on $125,000 bail.

She was driving a Range Rover eastbound when, for reasons unknown at this time, she traveled into the westbound lane, striking a BMW with five occupants, ages 19-31, all from the Bay Area. The Range Rover was traveling about 40 mph at the time of impact according to the CHP. This is the speed limit at that area of Pioneer Trail.

Dog saved after falling through ice in South Lake Tahoe

A dog is lucky to be alive today after falling through ice in the Tahoe Keys Monday. He had been out for a walk with his pregnant owner when the accident occurred. A 66-year-old woman from Oregon was in the area and heard the dog-owner's calls for help and jumped in to save the dog.

When the rescuer got out of the water she was very cold and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and the Cal Tahoe JPA were called out to the scene at 12:30 p.m.

The good Samaritan was transported to Barton Hospital with a mild case of hypothermia. It is unknown if she was treated and released.

El Dorado County sends more money to Cal Tahoe JPA for ambulance services

More money is on the way to the South Shore to fund ambulance services thanks to a unanimous vote by the El Dorado County Supervisors during their June 27 meeting. An amendment was made to the original contract between the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) and the County, giving an extra $790,000 per year as well as funds to buy a new ambulance.

The extra money will help fund a special team for interfacility transfers.

Rescue and law enforcement crews keeping busy over holiday weekend

10:30 p.m. Sunday: Updated story below:

It has been a busy holiday weekend for the South Lake Tahoe fire and police departments.

Kudos: Organizer thanks community for 14th annual Drug Store Project

“Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free.

Firefighter of the Year and other honors awarded at South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) had their annual awards ceremony on Friday January 27 to celebrate their accomplishments in 2016 and honor staff and volunteers.

Firefighter of the Year - Brenan Davis
Paramedic of the Year - Kim George
STAT Volunteer of the Year -JoAnn Conner
Dispatcher of the Year - Melissa Dube
Citizen's Award - Jack Francis

Fire Chief Jeff Meston's Meritorious Awards went to Tyler Jack for his work on the department's social media accounts and to the City's Press Information Officer Tracy Franklin.

South Lake Tahoe fire displaces occupants of six apartments

8:00 p.m.update 12/7/16: South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has ended their command at the 10th street apartments that suffered major damage in a blaze earlier today. The loss is estimated to be $250,000.

The unit where the fire started is uninhabitable, upper units received some water and heat damage as the fire spread up to the second floor by lapping up the outside of the structure. The fire did not extend into the attic space.

Red Cross is helping the fire victims with temporary housing.

Letter: I respectfully ask for your vote for Lake Valley Fire District Board

As a resident of the District for the past 38 years, with the last 11 years serving as Director for the Lake Valley Fire District (LVFD) Board and 10 years as Chairman of Cal Tahoe JPA, our local emergency medical service (EMS) provider, I wish to leverage my experience and continue my passion for community service as a Director of LVFD. With a distinguished career in public service of over 40 years, having many years of experience in oversight and management in local Fire District some noteworthy accomplishments are:

County Supervisors vote in changes for South Lake Tahoe ambulance service

South Shore ambulance service has been a hot topic both locally, and across the county with growing concern over the costs and resulting manpower shortage of providing interfacility transfers (IFTs) to facilities outside of El Dorado County.

To understand the recent actions of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS), a look at the past year is warranted.

The City of South Lake Tahoe Wants Out of the Ambulance Business

No change in service expected as ambulance services change on South Shore

Most people won't even notice as ambulance services change on the South Shore July 1. The final touches to the new Cal Tahoe JPA service agreements were made Wednesday in preparation for a change from the City of South Lake Tahoe operating the ambulances that serve the city, to the function being part of the JPA at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Kudos: LTVA thanks community volunteers

The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority would like to thank the volunteers, businesses, spectators, sponsors, and partners who helped to make the 2016 AMGEN Tour of California a success for our community. We are grateful for your support and generosity!

County letter to Cal Tahoe JPA: We want uninterrupted EMS services

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston and the City's representatives on the Cal Tahoe JPA have repeated several times publicly that the City will not leave the area stranded without adequate ambulance service when they pull out of the Cal Tahoe JPA. Both Meston and City Councilmember Tom Davis, who sits on the JPA board, said the City will continue to supply ambulance personnel for at least 90 days after their original termination date of April 15 to ease the transition of EMS services to Lake Valley Fire Department.

Local ambulances in need of new heart monitors, purchase held up by JPA

It has been about 18 months since the Cal Tahoe JPA voted to spend $192,000 on badly needed EKG monitors for the nine ambulances that serve the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers area. As of March 31, not a dime has been spent due to a division between the two fire departments that are part of the JPA.

"I don't want public safety to get in the way of politics," said SLT City Councilman Tom Davis at Thursday's emergency JPA meeting. Davis is one of two Council representatives on the JPA board. The other is Mayor Wendy David.

Firestorm surrounding ambulance service in South Lake Tahoe

In the mix you have El Dorado County, the City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Valley Fire Protection and the Cal Tahoe JPA. More importantly, and most likely the reason for the passionate responses from all involved, the mix also contains the safety of the public.

On March 15, 2016, the City of South Lake Tahoe sent a letter to the JPA, stating their intent to pull out of the agency that was created in 2001 to supply ambulance service to the City and the County and a portion of Alpine County.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue expands EMS staffing

In a move that will save the city money as well as increase staffing, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue added 12 new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) specialists to their staff on December 14.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is now the only fire department in the Tahoe basin to have three firefighters on each engine at all times and two EMS specialists in the ambulance.

Wendy David now South Lake Tahoe mayor, Austin Sass mayor pro-tem

It was a changing of the guard during Monday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting. Wendy David moved from her position of mayor pro tem to mayor, and Austin Sass took over the second-in-command duties.

Councilmember Tom Davis, who has served as both mayor and mayor pro tem, was also interested in a fifth term in the pro tem spot but the nod went to Sass.

City takes first steps to get out of the ambulance business

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston made a presentation Tuesday, asking for an alteration to the Cal Tahoe JPA agreement for City provided ambulance services.

Meston wants the City to remain a part of the JPA, but hand over ambulance duties to Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD).

Cal Tahoe JPA wants El Dorado County to pay up

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston gave a detailed explanation of the 14-year old California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) during Tuesday's City Council meeting. At the end of it one message was clear: El Dorado County needs to pay up.

South Lake Tahoe emergency responders rescue man drowning at Tahoe Keys

A man who nearly drowned earlier this week at Lake Tahoe in the Tahoe Keys owes his life to those who saw him struggle and dialed 911, and members of the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department and El Dorado County Search and Rescue team that swam in and saved him.

Witnesses on Monday saw the man in trouble while he was swimming near the boat docks and called 911. South Lake Tahoe Fire Department responded and was escorted out to where the man was seen swimming, said Fire Chief Bruce Martin.

South Lake Tahoe City Council Makes Board Assignments for 2013

The South Lake Tahoe City Council made appointments to various Boards and Commissions for 2013 at Tuesday's meeting. Mayor Tom Davis will serve on the following boards: California Tahoe Conservancy, City Selection Committee, TahoeChamber.org, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, and South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Pro Tem Hal Cole will serve on El Dorado County LAFCO, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Abandoned Vehicle Abatement JPA, and South Tahoe Redevelopment Successor Agency boards.

South Lake Tahoe Ambulance Units Upgrade Their Cardiac ECG Equipment

The ambulance units servicing the City of South Lake Tahoe and Meyers community have integrated electronic equipment to contribute to the best possible patient care decisions for heart attack patients. By utilizing Bluetooth technology included in their Zoll monitors, their new Blackberry phones provide a Bluetooth signal to send the EKG heart readings immediately to the ER physician (securely encrypted) via email, fax & weblink.

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