Congress

Guest Columnist: Building on Tahoe’s Momentum

At the Lake Tahoe Summit last month, we saw the power of what we can accomplish when we work together. Progress over the last two decades was showcased when President Obama made his first-ever visit to Tahoe and said conservation and restoration efforts like ours are more important than ever as the nation works to adapt to a changing climate and create a more resilient environment.

Lake Tahoe protection and Sacramento flood control in Senate bill

California’s Salton Sea and state-straddling Lake Tahoe would receive funding for environmental restoration under a bill set for Senate approval Thursday.

More controversial water-related efforts remain stuck in Capitol Hill limbo, however.

Put simply, California’s diverse water ambitions face a complicated future in what remains of the 114th Congress.

Free entry to National Parks in celebration of 100th birthday

There are 59 national parks in the United States and they are all celebrating the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed an act of Congress, the National Park Service Organic Act, which created the agency that now watches over 84.4 million acres of land, 4.5 million acres of oceans, reservoirs and lakes, 85,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 43,000 miles of shoreline.

USFS: 66 million dead trees in Sierra; 26 million since October

The number of dead trees in the Sierra Nevada are now at historic levels and have fueled the risk of catastrohpic wildfires according to the U.S. Forest Service.

They announced Wednesday that they have identified an additional 26 million dead trees in California since October 2015, bringing the total to at least 66 million dead trees in the state. The most recent additions are located in six counties across 760,000 acres in the Southern Nevada region.

Letter to the Editor: Why vote for Bernie Sanders

In a representative democracy, the system the United States supposedly has, the policy making is controlled by the representatives elected by the people. The idea behind representative democracy is that people will elect representatives that will serve their best interest. However, in the United States the funding for election campaigns is provided by large corporations, banks, and a handful of wealthy individuals that results in the election of representatives who serve the best interests of the large corporations, banks, and wealthy individuals.

Valhalla Boathouse Theatre celebrates 20 years in South Lake Tahoe

It once housed The Shiek, a boat named in honor of Rudolf Valentino, friend and frequent guest to the Pope Estate in South Lake Tahoe. The Shiek was the biggest and fastest boat of its time on Lake Tahoe.

In the late 1800's it housed the boats of William Tevis who owned the 75 acre sprawling estate along the South Shore.

Town Hall Meeting with Candidate Bob Derlet

Event Date: 
April 21, 2016 - 6:00pm

Bob Derlet, congressional candidate, will be speaking at Lake Tahoe Community College's Aspen Room on April 21, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Derlet is a Democrat and 2016 Candidate for the 4th California Congressional District, a seat currently held by Tom McClintock.

Derlet will be speaking on a variety of issues and taking questions. For more information on the candidate, visit his website www.derletforcongress.com. McDlintock was invited to speak, but declined according to event organizers.

Location

Lake Tahoe Community College
1 College Way
United States
38° 55' 38.532" N, 119° 58' 23.6208" W

Squaw Valley proposed for 2017 World Cup

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has selected Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows as the proposed site of an Audi FIS Ski World Cup in 2017. U.S. Ski Team officials are supporting the return of World Cup ski racing to the Olympic venue of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for the first time since 1969.

Opinion: Investing in Tahoe’s Environment

At Lake Tahoe, we know our natural resources are one of our most valuable assets, and that’s why we have worked for decades to conserve and restore them. The natural wonders of the Jewel of the Sierra and the opportunities they afford are why we live here, and why millions of visitors travel here to enjoy the Tahoe Basin each year.

Lake Tahoe 'discovered' by John C. Fremont on Valentine's Day, 1844

It was 174 years ago, on Valentine's Day in 1844, when John C. Frémont and Charles Preuss “discovered” Lake Tahoe as they were making the first crossing across the Sierra Nevada in winter. The pair had been hired by Congress to explore the Colombia River region to the Pacific Ocean with famous scouts Kit Carson and Thomas Fitzpatrick.

Opinion: Progress continuing at Lake Tahoe

People at Lake Tahoe are working together like never before to restore our environment, revitalize our economy, and improve our communities. We saw significant progress all around the lake this year. And our progress is sustainable with continued partnership and collaboration, so critical to tackle the many challenges and important decisions on our horizon.

New drone regulations for Lake Tahoe and the US

Now that the gift giving season is upon us, many people may have model airplanes, drones or quadcopters on their wish list. There are some new rules in place that all users of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) need to know.

The Federal Aviation Administration today that all UAS units weighing between 0.55 pounds and 50 pounds must be registered by February 19th, 2016.

End of daylight saving time; Myths and Truths of why we change our clocks

Daylight saving time comes to an end on Sunday morning, November 1, at 2 a.m.

This is from CNN:

Ready or not, Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Loved by some, loathed by many, our biannual clock twirling ritual has wide-ranging and often surprising implications.

From energy use to our very health, here's a look at some of the mythology and facts surrounding DST.

It doesn't seem to be a huge energy saver

Key decisions on Tahoe’s future pending in congress

Decisions made in Congress over the next few months may well determine the extent to which Lake Tahoe remains blue and clear, with healthy forests, resilient watersheds, and its ecology protected from the threat of new aquatic invasive species.

For two decades, the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) has provided guidance for the shared investments made by our federal, state and local governments, homeowners, and businesses to restore and protect Tahoe’s unique environmental qualities and enhance its diverse public recreation opportunities.

Flying Eagles F 18 Super Hornet Demonstration Team headed to Minden

Event Date: 
August 22, 2015 (All day)

The Carson Valley Aviation Roundup has announced the Flying Eagles VFA-122 will be performing demonstration flights in the F18F Super Hornet during their air show, the Aviation Roundup on August 22 and 23, 2015. This is an outstanding addition to an already fantastic lineup of performers.

Updated fire plan to be presented at Lake Tahoe Summit

An updated Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be presented to the public during the Lake Tahoe Environmental Summit on Monday, August 24, 2015. This new Community Wildfire Protection Plan was collaboratively developed by the 18 member organizations of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) and is the culmination of a three-year planning effort.

Congress Introduces Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

This week, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency voiced its strong support for legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act that has been introduced in Congress by Tahoe’s Senate delegation.

Sponsored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nevada) along with Harry Reid (D-Nevada), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and Barbara Boxer (D-California), the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act would authorize up to $415 million in federal funding over 10 years to help continue critical environmental restoration work at Lake Tahoe.

History Sunday: The ties between South Lake Tahoe and Indianapolis 500

As many watched the Indianapolis 500 on television Sunday, they were tuned into the excitement of the race, maybe not really reflecting on the history of the racetrack, dubbed "The Brickyard." The Brickyard and parts of South Lake Tahoe have a lot in common.

The Brickyard

Court's decision leaves marijuana on list of dangerous drugs

Marijuana is still on the list of dangerous drugs after U.S. Federal Court Judge Kimberly Mueller's ruling in Sacramento Wednesday. The move disappoints advocates that saw the case as a chance to get closer to their goal of nationwide legalization.

Mueller denied the motion of the defendants in United States v. Bryan Schweder to dismiss an indictment on that basis that the continued scheduling of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance in federal law was unconstitutional.

Reid's retirement – bad news for Lake Tahoe and Nevada

The following is an opinion article from the Reno Gazette Journal and reprinted here:

It doesn't matter if you love or hate Democratic Sen. Harry Reid to agree that the announcement of his retirement just dramatically reduced our state's political power in Washington D.C.

Nevada will go from a state whose issues were often at the center of debate because of Reid's position as minority leader to a state without a congressional power player in either party.

Nevada lawmakers to feds: Pay up for Tahoe fire work

Fed up with waiting, Nevada lawmakers are ramping up efforts to have private companies, fire districts and others paid for work conducted years ago to reduce fire danger in vulnerable areas around Lake Tahoe.

The Legislature earlier this month passed a joint resolution urging Congress to pay contractors who performed extensive fuels treatment work in the wake of Tahoe's disastrous Angora Fire of 2007.

Beach Boys bringing iconic sound to South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
March 27, 2015 - 9:00pm

“Wouldn’t it Be Nice” to rock out as the legendary Beach Boys perform one-night only at Lake Tahoe’s MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, March 27, 2015. Regarded one of the greatest American rock groups and an important catalyst in the evolution of popular music, The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands ever. www.montbleuresort.com.

Bi-State Compact to Preserve Lake Tahoe Turns 45 Years Old

The partnership between California and Nevada that created the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency turns 45 years old today, marking nearly a half-century of progress in the protection and restoration of Lake Tahoe and its treasured environment.

President Richard Nixon signed the Bi-State Compact creating TRPA on Thursday, December 18, 1969. Nixon’s signature followed the compact’s ratification by Congress and its approval by both states’ legislatures and former governors Ronald Reagan in California and Paul Laxalt in Nevada.

Congress quietly ends federal government's ban on medical marijuana

Tucked deep inside the 1,603-page federal spending measure is a provision that effectively ends the federal government's prohibition on medical marijuana and signals a major shift in drug policy.

The bill's passage over the weekend marks the first time Congress has approved nationally significant legislation backed by legalization advocates. It brings almost to a close two decades of tension between the states and Washington over medical use of marijuana.

November is National Runaway Prevention Month

What are the first thoughts that go through your mind when you see a youth on the streets? How did they get there, where are their parents, and are they safe? It’s disturbing to realize that between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away annually. Most youth who run away do so because of threatening environments at home, such as physical/verbal abuse, substance abuse issues, questions of sexual orientation, or escaping state care. Unfortunately, by choosing to run away, they further subject themselves to threatening situations that impede their progress in life.

Nevada celebrates 150 years as a state; Parade on Saturday

The rush was on in 1864 to make Nevada a part of the union. Congress was in a hurry to have the support of the Republican dominated Nevada territory for President Abraham Lincoln's reelection. The three electoral votes Nevada would bring helped bring the end of slavery when Lincoln was re-elected just 9 days after Nevada became a state.

Basin agencies working together for wildfire protection

September brought the reality of wildfires to the forefront in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The King Fire came within eight air miles of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit boundary, and as we all anxiously awaited its containment, the Cascade Fire broke out in the Desolation Wilderness.

Op/Ed: Protecting our Communities, Forests, and Water

With California and Nevada grappling with a third year of drought, one of the largest and most complex challenges we face over the long run at Lake Tahoe is adapting to a changing climate.

Climate change will affect the protection and restoration of our beautiful mountain lake as well as the expansive forests around it. And the health of our lake, forests, and communities are all intertwined.

Search and rescue groups from around the world gather in South Lake Tahoe

More than 28 countries will be represented in South Lake Tahoe as the region becomes host for the International Commission for Alpine Rescue's annual conference.

For the first time in its 66 year history, the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (IKAR) will be coming to the USA for its annual Congress. Hosted by the US Mountain Rescue Association, the event will be held at Harvey’s Resort and Casino, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Douglas County Search and Rescue (SAR) is helping the host put on the conference which includes local hiking and tourist activities.

Congressional Candidate Kristen Spees Announces Off-Road Ride Across Nevada Promoting Public Access to BLM Land

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Mon Sep 08 2014 .
September 5, 2014 - 9:00am
Event Date: 
September 6, 2014 - 9:00am
Event Date: 
September 7, 2014 - 9:00am
Event Date: 
September 8, 2014 - 9:00am

Today Kristen Spees announced the details of her congressional campaign’s Off-Road Ride Across Nevada.

Spees' ride is entirely off-road to promote public access to BLM land. The ride starting September 5th will navigate across Northern Nevada beginning in Dayton, to Sand Mountain, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park and up to Austin, Nevada. Riders on Off-Highway Vehicles are expected to cover more than 350 miles over 3 days to promote public access to BLM land throughout Nevada.

To promote access and raise awareness on this issue Kristen stated:

Congressional Candidate Kristen Spees Announces I-80 District Tour

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Thu Aug 21 2014 .
August 17, 2014 (All day)
Event Date: 
August 18, 2014 (All day)
Event Date: 
August 19, 2014 (All day)
Event Date: 
August 20, 2014 (All day)
Event Date: 
August 21, 2014 (All day)

Today Kristen Spees announced the start of her congressional campaign’s I-80 District Tour throughout Northern Nevada.

Spees’ I-80 District Tour starting August 17th will be making stops throughout Northern Nevada, including: Lamoille, Elko, Duck Valley, Winnemucca, Lovelock, Battle Mountain, and Fernley.

To represent the citizens of the second district and understand all Nevadans concerns Kristen stated:

June Activities in South Lake Tahoe

June 04-08 Bret Ernst / Gilbert Lawand @ Improv @ Harvey's
June 05-07 Dyer Maker @ Cabo Wabo
June 05 Kelly Anne Miller @ Cottonwood Bar and Grill
The Steve Labella group @ Moody's Bistro
Stan Charles / Ryan Davis (Scarecrow Project) @ The Passtime Club
June 06 Merry Gold / Connor Party @ Heavenly Village
The Prophets of Addiction, Judas Thieves @ Whisky Dick's
The Deckheads @ Bar of America
Bonfire: a tribute to AC/DC / Coop da Loop, Zach Rawlinson @ Crystal Bay Club
June 07-08 Valhalla Renaissance Faire
June 07 Neil Sedaka @ Harrah's

Enjoy the Weekly Heavenly Village Concert Series

If you haven't been to the Heavenly Village lately, perhaps now is the time to make your way down there to see what's going on.

June in South Lake Tahoe: Sarah McLaughlin,Three Dog Night, Joan Osborne, Neil Sedaka

Lots to do in South Lake Tahoe during the month of June!

June 01 America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride @ Montbleu
Wagon train parade
Family Bike Day @ Truckee Regional Park
Rock River Band @ The Beacon
Dimitri Mathemey group @ Moody's Bistro
Mike Kise Memorial charity fishing derby @ Jakes on the Lake
June 02 Rise Up @ Rojo's
June 03 LunarBurn fundraiser w/ GmD, Highbreed, Monophorix @ Whisky Dick's

Don't Forget to Move Clocks Forward

Even though winter hasn't made much of a presence in Lake Tahoe this year, it's time once again for the annual spring ritual of daylight savings time. Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m. is the official time charge where people are to move their clocks forward one hour.

Funds to Improve Lake Tahoe Community Mobility and Economic Vitality Now Available

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) in its role as the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO) announced today the opening of the first application period for the On Our Way Community Grant Program to help Lake Tahoe community organizations and local governments identify transportation and other improvements that improve walking and biking or support economic vitality.

Gold Star Peak Dedicated in South Lake Tahoe Ceremony

"We will never, never forget" were the words spoken by U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, 4th District of California, as Gold Star Peak was dedicated in South Lake Tahoe today. A bronze memorial plaque commemorating the peak was unveiled during the ceremony held at Lakeview Commons. Mayor Tom Davis told the group gathered, "We're proud to be able to have a memorial we can view every day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year." The plaque is placed near beach level with a clear view of Gold Star Peak.

Gold Star Peak dedication ceremony to be held Sept. 6 in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 6, 2013 - 11:00am

With the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and a determined committee, an unnamed peak on the North Shore of the Lake Tahoe Basin has been renamed “Gold Star Peak” in honor of soldiers from the area that paid the ultimate price in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the War on Terrorism. A ceremony to dedicate Gold Star Peak will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013, at Lakeview Commons in South Lake Tahoe.

California, Nevada lawmakers introduce $415 million federal bill to restore Lake Tahoe

Nevada Senator Harry Reid today co-sponsored, along with Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act that was introduced today by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act continues the federal commitment to Lake Tahoe by authorizing $415 million over 10 years to improve Lake Tahoe’s water clarity, reduce risks from catastrophic wildfires, combat invasive species and restore and protect the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

California, Nevada governors agree to preserve Lake Tahoe Compact, renew commitment from both states

The governors of California and Nevada have agreed to renew a bi-state partnership to preserve, protect and enhance Lake Tahoe through the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Compact.

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Calif. Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced Tuesday an agreement that renews the partnership, which has been under threat of repeal.

League to Save Lake Tahoe receives $60,000 Wells Fargo grant

The League to Save Lake Tahoe received a grant Monday from Wells Fargo and Company as part of a $3 million Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program across 64 community-based nonprofits nationwide to help support land and water conservation, energy efficiency, infrastructure and educational outreach.

No questions asked: South Lake Tahoe police take back unwanted prescription drugs

Event Date: 
April 27, 2013 - 10:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its sixth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your medications for disposal to Safeway at 1020 Johnson, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

'Que Sera' - the Congress goes on the record with soul

Donny Hathaway is so esteemed his cover songs are covered.With Hathaway's 1972 "Live" in mind, the Denver trio the Congress made a record of soul songs from the late 1960s and early '70s."That (Hat...

Sequestration stands to cost Nevada $38.6M

Nevada's government will be hit to the tune of $38.6 million this federal fiscal year if Congress doesn't avoid sequestration, Gov. Brian Sandoval said Thursday.Without congressional action today, ...

Obama urges Congress to 'compromise' on cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Facing a Friday deadline, President Barack Obama said Monday that Congress can avert sweeping across-the-board cuts with "just a little bit of compromise," as he sought to stick ...

Pentagon notifies Congress of likely furloughs

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Congress on Wednesday that if automatic government spending cuts kick in on March 1 he may be compelled to furlough the "vast majority" of the Defen...

Obama: Nation stronger, GOP should back his plans

WASHINGTON - Uncompromising and politically emboldened, President Barack Obama urged a deeply divided Congress Tuesday night to embrace his plans to use government money to create jobs and strength...

EarthJustice: Weakened Environmental Plan for Lake Tahoe Challenged in Court

Two Tahoe conservation groups, the Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday challenging new rules for Lake Tahoe that seriously reduce protections for the treasured mountain lake. The new Tahoe Regional Plan Update, approved in December by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), shifts authority over future development decisions to local jurisdictions. The plan also allows those towns and counties to adopt weakened pollution controls that do not meet the minimum environmental requirements established by TRPA.

Text of Gov. Jerry Brown's 2013 State of the State Address

California Gov. Jerry Brown today delivered the 2013 State of the State Address. Here's the prepared text:

Obama unveils $500 million gun violence package

WASHINGTON (AP) - Braced for a fight, President Barack Obama on Wednesday unveiled the most sweeping proposals for curbing gun violence in two decades, pressing a reluctant Congress to pass univers...

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