city council

South Lake Tahoe City Council votes for nine-month mayor terms

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ever since the South Lake Tahoe became an incorporated city on November 30, 1965, there have been five elected councilmembers. Annually those elected members vote for one of them to hold the position of mayor for a one-year term.

That has now changed.

On Tuesday the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously approved the proposal to have mayor terms of nine months "so they can all get a chance in their four-year term."

City of South Lake Tahoe staff recognized for 20, 15, 10 and 5 years of service

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was Staff Recognition Day at the City Council meeting Tuesday, with employees with 20 years, 10 years, five years and new employees recognized.

20-Year Service:
Darci Prescott, Recreation
Jerry Heath, Public Works
Karl Koeppen, Fire
Shannon Laney, Police
Linda Clark, Police

15-Year Service:
Sallie Ross, Fire
Matthew Morrison, Police

10-Year Service:
Justin Keys, Fire
Jody Benavidez, Fire
Holt Cawelti, Fire
Scott Crivelli, Police

5-Year Service:

Crafting South Lake Tahoe's wireless communications facility ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most will say their cell phone coverage isn't great in Lake Tahoe or is severely impaired on big tourist weekends such as the 4th of July. With the growth of remote workers coming to live in Lake Tahoe, better internet coverage is also needed for them to work, along with the needs of many others.

South Lake Tahoe city manager resigns, takes new position in Big Bear Lake

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - He has been at the helm of the City for almost a year, but Frank Rush has submitted his resignation and is headed south to take on a new position in Big Bear Lake, California.

Rush was sworn in as the City of South Lake Tahoe city manager on December 6, 2018, and will be leaving on January 24, starting in Big Bear Lake on February 3, 2020. Their City Council approved him during their meeting on Monday.

Judge rules that South Lake Tahoe cannabis microbusiness approvals can move forward

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Sacramento Superior Court Judge has narrowed the scope of the temporary injunction filed against the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City Council, and the Development Services Director Kevin Fabino on November 15.. The judge ruled on Friday, November 22 that his previous order will not affect microbusinesses, just retail sales, according to South Lake Tahoe City Attorney Heather Stroud who was in Sacramento for the ruling.

Local man files temporary injunction; South Lake Tahoe cannabis permit process on hold

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is another delay in cannabis businesses being able to move forward in South Lake Tahoe.

Local business owner John Runnels filed a temporary injunction against the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City Council and the Development Services Director Kevin Fabino in Superior Court in Sacramento Friday afternoon. That action has put a temporary halt to all cannabis-related permits being processed in the city until a December 20 court date.

Jason Collin appointed next South Lake Tahoe mayor, Tamara Wallace as mayor pro tem

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each year the South Lake Tahoe City Council chooses who is mayor and who is mayor pro tem during the upcoming twelve months. A wrench was thrown into that format by Councilman Cody Bass who asked that each mayoral term be just nine months so that all of the councilmembers could have a turn at the ceremonial position during their tenure.

South Lake Tahoe City Council votes to revamp meeting schedule in 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a quest to allow staff and City Council time to address strategies and goals and less time spent on preparing reports for meetings, the South Lake Tahoe City Council moved on Tuesday to adopt a new meeting schedule for 2020, one that gives them one major meeting a month along with budget workshops, closed sessions, joint agency meetings, team building sessions, and public forums.

City Council meeting: Cannabis businesses, mobility ordinance and new mayor selection

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council will have several items in front of them on Tuesday that would create an ordinance on shared mobility devices such as Lime Scooters, move the next two cannabis businesses in South Lake Tahoe closer to opening, and select the next mayor, among other items.

South Lake Tahoe to create an ordinance for electric scooters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First it was Lime Bikes, but now the company's Lime Scooters have created both enjoyment and concern in South Lake Tahoe. The popular mode of transportation is used by millions worldwide and provides over 100,000 annual rides in South Lake Tahoe.

But the illegal use by minors and a flaw in the Lime app process has drawn concern from local law enforcement and residents.

Date change for Sierra Boulevard Ribbon Cutting in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
October 31, 2019 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project will wrap up with a ribbon-cutting and celebration next week. The event was scheduled originally for Tuesday, but weather delays have pushed the ribbon-cutting back to Halloween.

The October 31 ceremony will take place at Sierra Boulevard and US50 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Five months of work on the .6 mile, $6 million Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project will wrap up with the ribbon-cutting and celebration.

Opinion: Sierra Boulevard is at an end; Looking forward to the next beginning

It's been one heck of a summer in terms of driving around town. Between Echo Summit and the Meyers roundabout, the horrible accident at Elks Club, US50 through town and then the construction at Stateline that caused delays back to Zephyr Cove in mid-September. Luckily, the Stateline issue was quickly remedied, the highway at Elks Club seems mostly repaired, and the Meyers roundabout turned out great.

Sierra Boulevard to reopen with ribbon cutting ceremony

Update: The City of South Lake Tahoe has moved the ribbon-cutting ceremony to October 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. due to weather delays.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Five months of work on the .6 mile, $6 million Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project will wrap up on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, with a ribbon-cutting and celebration, starting at 11:00 a.m.

City looks at South Lake Tahoe Police Take-Home Vehicle Program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chief Brian Uhler presented the idea of a take-home vehicle policy for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) to the City Council Tuesday, something that many other departments across the world have found to be successful in both recruiting and retention. Not only for these reasons, but take-home vehicles have also resulted in cleaner cars with fewer mechanical problems, longer life-spans and reduced costs.

Ameca and South Lake Tahoe connected by more than Sister City distinction

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A reception was held prior to Tuesday's City Council meeting, welcoming the contingent from the City of Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico prior to the signing of the official Sister City agreement between South Lake Tahoe and Ameca.

A large crowd was on hand to enjoy food, music and watch the exchanging of gifts between the cities.

South Lake Tahoe Highway 50 roadwork update

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Roadwork on a three-year $57 million project along Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe is coming to an end. Until November 1, crews will be working on some curb and gutter portions of the road along with some sidewalk repair. They will also be working on electrical components, landscaping, erosion control and painting of lines.

Community newsletter from the City of South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe has launched its October Edition of "At Lake Level." The monthly newsletter is prepared by City Manager Frank Rush in an effort to keep the community well informed about City issues and initiatives.

Development Commodities Available at No Cost for Qualified Affordable Housing, Town Center, and Distressed Property Development

City of South Lake Tahoe to celebrate visit of President of Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In celebration of their new Sister City, the City of South Lake Tahoe is holding a reception for the Municipal President of Ameca, Juan Valentin Serrano Jiménez.

He will be visiting South Lake Tahoe for the official signing of the approved Sister City agreement at City Hall on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

City Council approves first cannabis development agreement for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During Tuesday's City Council meeting a development agreement with Redefining Organics, LLC was approved, making way for the first cannabis microbusiness since Tahoe Wellness was allowed to move operations from medical-use to adult-use cannabis.

South Lake Tahoe to become Sister City with Ameca in Jalisco, Mexico

The City of South Lake Tahoe is on its way to becoming the Sister City with the City of Ameca, State of Jalisco, Mexico. This will be the first Sister City for South Lake Tahoe since its former relationship with Baikalsk, Russia ended.

On August 20, long-time local resident and educator Tere Tibbets brought the subject to the City Council and the process to become a Sister City began. Los Mexicanos Restaurant owner Victor Mora had the idea and worked with Tibbetts to bring it to fruition.

Letter: South Lake Tahoe cell tower location standards needed

Thank you for the opportunity to share the concerns of residents in the Ski Run /Needle Peak Road residential area with the proposed 112-foot Verizon cell tower.

There is an urgent need for the South Lake Tahoe City Council to adopt a cell tower ordinance to give reassurance to existing residents that their neighborhoods will not be compromised. There needs to be certainty to telecommunications companies by making clear where they can locate their facilities. An urgency ordinance may be adopted by the City Council with a 4/5 vote of its members.

South Lake Tahoe campground closed for restroom renovations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Campground by the Lake, the City of South Lake Tahoe's campground at Rufus Allen and Lake Tahoe Boulevards, has closed for the 2019 season.

The City Council approved funds to completely renovate the aging restroom structures, a long-time complaint of many campers.

The new restrooms will have new toilets, insulated water pipes and coin operated showers. In case of the possibility of future winter camping, the facilities will be able to have the showers operate in winter.

Campground by the Lake will reopen in the Spring.

Redefining Organics gets go ahead for cannabis business from Planning Commission

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first cannabis business to be created after the passage of an ordinance approved by the South Lake Tahoe City Council passed a big hurdle Thursday. The South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approved the cannabis use permit application for Redefining Organics, LLC and recommended to the City Council they approve the required development agreement.

They also recommended to Council they have both a first and second reading of the development agreement at their October 1 City Council Meeting.

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.

City of South Lake Tahoe unveils new logo

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A logo was presented to the South Lake Tahoe City Council on Tuesday, one created by a local designer as a brand for City publications, the website, social media, video publications, and other needs as they arise.

South Lake Tahoe had previously only had a City seal and that will remain as the seal.

Rise Designs of South Lake Tahoe created the logo that is meant to complement the City seal. Over time, the new logo would also be displayed on City clothing,
vehicles, and facilities as new assets are put into service and/or as funds permit.

South Lake Tahoe City Council votes to defend Measure T

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vacation Home Rentals (VHR) in South Lake Tahoe continue to be the hot topic, even months after a measure to ban most of them in the city limits narrowly passed in the November 2018 election. Voters approved Measure T by 58 votes.

The subject has created a big divide in the community and a decision by the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday will not lessen that division though their intent is now clear.

Closure of Echo Summit may be closer to mid-October

9.6.19 Update: At this time Echo Summit will be closed for 14 days starting on October 18, 2019.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to a delay in receiving needed supplies, the Caltrans contractor working on the US 50 Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct project will be moving their expected full road closure date.

Caltrans today told the South Lake Tahoe City Council it is looking more like mid-October for their closing the artery between the lake and Sacramento for up to 14 days. They said the actual closure date is still a moving target.

Keith Klein ~ 1941 - 2019

Keith Karl Klein, age 78, died peacefully at his home in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, surrounded by his wife and close friends, following a recent diagnosis of cancer.

South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda includes Echo Summit, commodities, new logo and budget

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tuesday's City Council meeting will include several items including a closed session at 8:00 a.m. that includes Liberty Utilities' claim that a City snowplow damaged a light pole, causing $56,883.41 in damage.

City in driver's seat on affordable housing projects after MOUs with TTD and developers approved

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After much discussion, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted to sign Memos of Understanding (MOUs) with the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and two developers to build affordable housing in the community.

Pacific Development Group and United Housing Corporation have identified properties, some which have already been purchased, to build housing for those who would be displaced by the proposed US 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project which would move the highway through the Rocky Point neighborhood off Pioneer Trail.

Two-year SnowGlobe contract signed; New location to be identified by 2021

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The popular outdoor music festival SnowGlobe will be returning to South Lake Tahoe for at least 2019 after a new two-year contract was received by the City this week. MTV/Viacom, owners of the festival, has signed the contract approved by City Council during their June 18, 2019 meeting.

Organizers originally asked for a ten-year contract starting with their ninth annual event in 2019.

New bike lanes, bike trail and reduced lanes in upcoming South Lake Tahoe project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After three years of a major highway project through South Lake Tahoe from the Y to Trout Creek, a 2021 planned project will further address needs in South Lake Tahoe from Emerald Bay Road at the Y to Viking Road, the entrance to South Tahoe High School.

South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday: Cell tower, vegetation management and affordable housing

The South Lake Tahoe City Council will be meeting on Tuesday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Their agenda includes:

Introduction / Swearing-In of new SLTPD K9 Rocky

Memoranda of Understanding - Affordable Housing Development - US 50 South Shore
Community Revitalization Project - Requested Action / Suggested Motions: Pass a Motion to approve Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Tahoe Transportation District, Pacific Development Group, Inc. and United Housing Corporation, LLC for the development of affordable housing associated with the US 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project.

El Dorado County meets with insurance commissioner on homeowner policy concerns

El Dorado County, Calif. - Currently, homeowners in fire-prone areas of California and El Dorado County are starting to see skyrocketing insurance premiums, canceled policies canceled and notices of non-renewal within weeks of a policy's expiration.

Due to the alarming rates at which this is happening, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors reached out to the California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to explain the dire situation in the county.

Letter: City needs to hold onto their leverage in Loop Road housing proposal

When is low-income housing developed by a Transportation Agency? This seemingly simple question is looming before our City Council and has been pushed back to the next City Council meeting. It is, in fact, the first domino in the efforts of the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to move forward with the Loop Road II Project.

Two affordable housing companies interested in South Lake Tahoe projects

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Memo of Understanding (MOU) to show the cooperative and constructive intent to build affordable housing between the City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Transportation District, Pacific Development Group and United Housing Corporation was to be voted on during Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Letter: CIty of South Lake Tahoe takes on renewable energy leadership

South Lake Tahoe’s renewable energy leadership is providing the opportunity for the installation of substantive solar projects on the rooftops and properties of public buildings throughout the Sierra. The City took on this leadership role in May after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to become the lead agency for the Sierra under the Solar Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Fund, a not-for-profit program aimed to empower public agencies to evaluate and participate in regional collaborative procurement of municipal solar projects.

City of South Lake Tahoe looks at selling property for workforce housing needs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has several undeveloped lots and has taken steps to sell them with the proceeds going into a fund that has been earmarked for workforce housing projects.

During their meeting Tuesday, City Council directed City Manager Frank Rush and staff to take steps to market and sell City-owned parcels at 3483 Ralph Drive and 2180 Washington Avenue. Neither spot would work for affordable multi-unit housing and are better suited for single-family residential homes.

Flags lowered to half-staff in honor of former South Lake Tahoe Mayor Keith Klein

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Flags are flying in South Lake Tahoe at half-staff in honor of former City of South Lake Tahoe Mayor Keith Klein who has passed away.

A noted local architect Klein served on City Council from 1986-1994 and was mayor in 1992. Klein was also involved in the beginnings of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

“He was so much more than a mayor, he was an amazing young man who did so much for the city and asked for nothing in return,” said Former Mayor Del Laine, “He looked for solutions, always had good ideas, and was always honest.”

Vote on Verizon monopine cell tower in South Lake Tahoe postponed

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An overflowing crowd in the City Council chambers Tuesday were present to hear, and speak on, the appeal of a South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission decision to approve a monopine cell tower at the corner of Ski Run Boulevard and Needle Peak Road.

But they will have to return on September 3 to speak.

South Lake Tahoe City Council to address housing, commodities and sale of properties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council has a long agenda to go through during their meeting that starts at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6.

Some of the highlights:

South Lake Tahoe family fights planned cell tower next to their home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "This is a nightmare," says life-long South Lake Tahoe resident Monica Eisenstecken.

Her summer has been filled with preparing to fight the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission's decision in June to allow Verizon to place a 112’ monopine cell tower next door to the home her dad built (it could go as high as 123' with a ten percent change allowed).

Letter: New recreation center for South Lake Tahoe making progress

The City of South Lake Tahoe voters, with the strong support of various areas of our community, overwhelmingly approved Measure P for Recreation, a two percent Transient Occupancy Tax increase to fund a new Recreation Center in 2016. Outreach meetings, design options and thorough feedback were given to and received by the community prior to the 2016 election with the outcome being a facility that will allow for locals, visitors and tournaments to enjoy and capitalize on the Center including:

Day-long budget workshop for the City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be a very long day for the City Council and City staff on Tuesday as they hold a budget workshop prior to the start of their regularly scheduled meeting on July 16 at 10:00 a.m.

The public is invited to attend

Their agenda:

1. Call to Order Mayor Laine

2. Public Comment Mayor Laine

3. Draft City Council Priorities Frank Rush
a. Review of priorities
b. Progress to date

4. General Overview of City Financial Position Debbie McIntyre
a. General Fund balance

South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District renewal process begins

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District (SLTTID) expires at the end of this year and City Council has started the process to renew it for another ten years. The district was originally created in 2006 to secure a stable funding source for tourism promotion and community marketing through self-imposed fees.

Updates to PCE contamination in South Lake Tahoe to be discussed at public meeting

Event Date: 
June 26, 2019 - 6:00pm

A 400-acre plume of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) has been found in some of the South Lake Tahoe groundwater and the agencies tasked with protecting the local drinking supply will be updating the community on cleanup efforts and the status of the plume on Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the South Lake Tahoe City Council Chambers at the airport.

South Lake Tahoe removes Columbus Day in favor of Indingenous People's Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Columbus Day has been a holiday at the federal level since 1934, one that honored Christopher Columbus for, what was once thought, the discovery of America.

In the last two decades, a lot of information has been uncovered that said, while Columbus was a brilliant mariner, he exploited and enslaved the indigenous population (according to the final volume of a compendium of Columbus-era documents published by the University of California, Los Angeles's Medieval and Renaissance Center in 2004).

South Lake Tahoe's SnowGlobe: "It’s a great event, it's in the wrong location"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Tuesday to give SnowGlobe a new five-year contract with the criteria that organizers must be working on locating a new location for the event at the end of two years.

If they do not have a good plan in place after those first two years the City could terminate the contract.

Third cannabis permit applicant files appeal with City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A third company has filed an appeal with the City of South Lake Tahoe, questioning the scoring they received from the committee selected to rate the applications.

Have a Heart South Lake Tahoe joins MedMen and South Tahoe Cannabis in filing appeals. A fourth, The New Green Deal, did not get the completed document with the $363 appeal fee into the City in time though he said he has hired an attorney.

Columbus Day could change to Indigenous Peoples' Day in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Indigenous Peoples' Day is replacing the Columbus Day holiday in cities around the country, and South Lake Tahoe could be next.

During their meeting on Tuesday, June 18, the City Council will vote on a resolution to rename the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day in South Lake Tahoe. The first city to rename the holiday was Berkeley in 1992, followed by Santa Cruz in 1994 and since then cities across the country, as well as whole states, are adopting the new holiday.

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