Council Meeting
Committee to work on updated South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Ordinance
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 11:33pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What does a win-win-win vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance look like?
It may not yet be known after today's workshop held during the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting in front of a full house, but all sides appear to be committed to creating something that works for everyone in the community.
Cities across the country are grappling with their own ordinances for VHRs as the new trend towards vacationing centers around renting a home instead of staying in a motel or hotel.
Former President Bill Clinton expected to fly into South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 5:16pm
During the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Tuesday, City Manager Nancy Kerry said former President Bill Clinton may be arriving into town for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Stateline this week.
While the former president isn't scheduled to play golf during the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe this week, he may be arriving at the Lake Tahoe Airport as celebrities are also arriving, said Kerry.
The city has made preparations for his arrival, but there is no guarantee he'll show, she said.
First foray into South Lake Tahoe regulations for marijuana growing and selling
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 2:59pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since the passage of Proposition 64 by voters in California in September, the state, cities and counties are figuring out how to move forward in allowing, or not allowing, storefront sales in their communities.
During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, the City will look at their City Code 6.55 Article X which is for marijuana cultivation and medical marijuana dispensaries.
Vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe again the focus of City Council workshop
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 8:53am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council has been working with the public, home owners, residents and vacation rental companies for years in trying to get a vacation home rental ordinance that works for everyone.
The balancing act will continue during a Vacation Rental Workshop during the next City Council meeting on July 11.
Socioeconomic study on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals released
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/14/2017 - 9:06pm
When the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted on a new Vacation Rental Ordinance in 2015 they also promised to hire a consultant to prepare a socioeconomic study on the impact vacation home rentals (VHRs) have on the community.
The results of the study were presented to the City Council and the public during a special meeting on Tuesday.
City Council gives LTUSD $75,000 for fields; Asks they come back to consortium
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/07/2017 - 7:09pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. James Tarwarter, Superintendent of Lake Tahoe Unified School District, was at Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting to explain why LTUSD should receive $150,000 from the City for ballfield maintenance. He walked away with $75,000 with a strong recommendation that he join the Community Field Consortium Tarwater chose not to join in November, 2015.
City's Parking Authority to give $50k annually for parking enforcement
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/06/2017 - 8:44pm
The August, 2002 parking agreement between the South Tahoe Joint Powers Parking Authority (STJPPA) and Tahoe Crescent Partnership(TCP) was amended Tuesday during the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting.
Back in the original agreement, it stated STJPPA was responsible for enforcement of the 474-space parking lot in front of Raley's (the Village Center) at Stateline because of the issues Heavenly Village caused in the center's lot.
City's business plan presented; Public encouraged to review
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/17/2017 - 8:30am
Every two years a new business plan is presented to the South Lake Tahoe City Council, outlining goals, the vision and strategic priorities. This is done after each election.
In February, City staff, Council and community members got together for a two-day strategic planning session, and the results that came out of that were put into the 2017/18 South Lake Tahoe Business Plan.
CalPERS to extract $4.5B from public agencies over next 5 years: City's total up $4.9M
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/15/2017 - 2:07pm
During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, the City's financial forecast over the next five years will be presented. Included in that will be a review of how the City prepared to meet anticipated increases for South Lake Tahoe programs and services by budgeting conservatively. What could not be budgeted for though was a 100% increase by the California Public Employee Retirement Systems (CalPERS).
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Teamwork, roads and VHRs
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 8:39am
This past city council meeting all 5 council members agreed to have staff present us a ballot measure that would increase the city sales tax by 1/2%. This came after a survey was completed and results were presented by the outside independent company contracted by the city. The results indicated that almost 68% of the survey respondents supported the increase as long as the funds would be dedicated by law to roads.
New company on board to plan new South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 7:26pm
A new partner is now on board to help bring a new recreation center and swim complex to South Lake Tahoe, construction of which could start as early as 2018.
Voters in November approved a two percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase to fund the new project that benefits not only locals but tourists as well.
Letter: Tahoe Chamber proud to support City Council resolution
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 5:40pm
The Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) was proud to be one of the fourteen organizations and individuals who spoke in favor of the proposed City Council Resolution establishing renewable energy and carbon emissions reduction goals at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
A standing room only crowd applauded enthusiastically when the Council voted unanimously to support the resolution after proponent Nick Exline offered several minor but important amendments on behalf of the community-based “100% Renewable Collaborative.”
South Lake Tahoe first Sierra community to have goal of 100% renewable energy
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 12:49pm
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - Residents of South Lake Tahoe take pride in their city, its beauty, charm and recreational opportunities, and action during Tuesday's City Council gave people another reason to appreciate their community.
In honor of Earth Day, the City of South Lake Tahoe joined at least 26 other municipalities in the United States, and the latest in a growing coalition of mountain communities, to commit to 100 percent clean and renewable electricity by the year 2032.
Vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe continue to divide community
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/17/2017 - 2:11pm
Cities around the country are having ongoing discussions and debates about single family homes in their community being used as short-term vacation rentals. South Lake Tahoe is not alone in this issue which has pitted home owners vs. home owners vs. community members. As with any divisive issue, there is no easy answer.
Establishment of renewable energy and carbon emission goals on SLT Council agenda
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/14/2017 - 10:53pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council will vote Tuesday on adopting a resolution to use 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2030.
"This could be a historic moment for the community, as we would join a growing movement of communities taking control of their energy future to tackle climate change," said Devin Middlebrook, TRPA Sustainability Program Coordinator. "We expect a big crowd of supporters wearing white shirts and 100 percent stickers in solidarity."
Can South Lake Tahoe use 100% renewable energy by 2030?
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/04/2017 - 9:24pm
There are now 27 cities in the United States committed to operating with 100 percent renewable energy, will South Lake Tahoe be #28?
Cities already on board include both large an small communities. Some of those are Madison, Wis.; San Diego, Calif.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Pueblo, Aspen and Boulder, Colo.; and Moab, Utah. Efforts are currently underway for Truckee to join that group. Even Las Vegas operates their municipal buildings and facilities with 100 percent renewable energy.
South Lake Tahoe roads to soon receive much needed attention
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/04/2017 - 6:06pm
People driving through South Lake Tahoe have mostly likely cringed as their car finds a pothole on a local street. That, or dodged them all by driving in a zig-zag pattern that appears to be that of a drunk driver.
After a winter with extreme rainfall, constant snow removal and high groundwater, there is most likely no street that has been spared an outbreak of potholes.
After Tuesday's City Council meeting, help is on the way!
Noise, fees, roads and budget on SLT City Council meeting agenda
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/02/2017 - 5:34pm
A possible change in the way the City of South Lake Tahoe addresses noise at the airport will be discussed during the City Council's April 4 meeting. The City's current noise monitoring program is strictly voluntary since South Lake Tahoe is not considered a "noise problem airport."
Since 1992, SLT has collected data and reported it to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) per a 20-year agreement that expired on September 30, 2012.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Loop Road, housing and bike trails
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/01/2017 - 9:55am
With the warm spell of late, at lake level it looks like the big snow storms never happened. However, go up above 8,000 feet and you see a much different picture. Atop Heavenly’s Dipper Chair there is an information shack that is between 8-10 feet high. Next to it is 10 foot high signage indicating where the runs are. As of today, you can’t see either of these. Over 50 feet of snow fell up there and even with the melt and the settling, there is still a ton of white stuff. I expect our streams will be flowing into August and our mountains might stay white throughout the summer.
SLT Champion's Plaza scuplture on schedule for July unveiling
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 11:11pm
Sculptor Gareth Curtiss has been busy in his Montana studio, working on the centerpiece of South Lake Tahoe's Champion Plaza at Lakeview Commons.
Curtiss creates each of the three figures separately in clay, and they'll soon be combined with the flames and ring and set to be bronzed.
Planning Commissioner resigns after possible conflict identified
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/23/2017 - 5:07pm
A letter sent to the South Lake Tahoe City Council and Lake Tahoe Unified School District has prompted Angela Swanson, a member of the City's Planning Commission, to resign from her position.
Swanson was appointed to the commission after submitting an application and being appointed during the January 17, 2017 City Council meeting. She was one of 11 people vying for the five open positions, each for a two-year term.
Special SLT City Council meeting Tuesday on purchase of Knight's Inn
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 6:17pm
What is officially known as the Bijou Park Creek Watershed Restoration Project, or unofficially the Knight's Inn Project, will be brought before the South Lake Tahoe City Council to be approved during a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m.
The three phase, 850-acre project will be both an environmental and economic development project, something the City has been working on for several years.
Designer on board for new Sierra Boulevard Project
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/07/2017 - 10:02pm
Sierra Boulevard is about to get a whole new look that will include a better experience for bicyclists and pedestrians, streetlights and water quality improvements.
During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, NCE, Inc. was awarded a contract to design the project which will run from Barbara Avenue to Palmira Avenue. They will be paid up to $610,110.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass on roads, traffic and trails
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/25/2017 - 6:46pm
The following is Mayor Austin Sass's monthly letter to the community:
Council to discuss marijuana ordinance for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/05/2017 - 7:57pm
With the passage of Proposition 64 in November, South Lake Tahoe and other cities around the state are taking a look at their codes and regulations to be consistent with requirements that came with the legalization of marijuana for personal use. Californians voted 57.13 percent in favor of the proposition. On a local level, the vote was very close in El Dorado County with 50.07 percent of the voters against the legalization of marijuana.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Snow removal, fire code, state of emergency and more
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/28/2017 - 9:41am
It’s been great seeing all of my friends and acquaintances who have lived here for less than 10 years posting photos and sharing how Snowmageddon 2017 has blown them away. I did the same when I first moved to Tahoe back in the 70’s and storms like this were not uncommon. Back then playing was more important than clearing the snow. I had a big Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup and I j drove over the snow in my driveway and packed it down. I did not own a snowblower and can’t remember shoveling much. One year the packed snow was so high I could not get the truck under the carport.
Governor's declaring state of emergency paves way for South Lake Tahoe money
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/25/2017 - 6:30pm
After California suffered through two weeks of storms, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Monday, paving the way for cities and counties to get reimbursed for storm damage.
The City of South Lake Tahoe declared a state of emergency at their City Council meeting last week and is now going through the community to assess the damage.
SLT Police contending with drivers going too fast and not prepared for conditions
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/20/2017 - 4:33pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - There are basic rules when behind the wheel, not only in fair weather, but also in stormy and snowy weather as South Lake Tahoe has been experiencing.
Here are tips for driving in snow from the American Automobile Association (AAA):
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Drive slowly
- The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds
- Know your brakes
- Don't stop if you can avoid it
- Don't power up hills. ...
- Don't stop going up a hill
- Stay home
City approves redesigned fire inspection procedures and fees
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/19/2017 - 11:11pm
Not all changes to the City of South Lake Tahoe's master fee schedule results in higher fees for residents and business owners.
During Tuesday' City Council meeting, Kevin Fabino, Director of the Development Services Department, presented the new Fire/Life Safety Inspection Program, something all South Lake Tahoe businesses must participate in annually for the safety of their customers and staff. The SLT Fire Department conducted the inspections until 2011, but they were suspended due to staffing shortages until 2015 when a fire inspector was hired for Fabino's department.
South Lake Tahoe City Council appoints citizens to commission seats
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 4:39pm
It looks like the SLT Parks & Recreation Commission is about to get bigger as the City has found that its too big of a job for just five people with the number of sub-committees and other tasks needed as the creation of a new recreation city is on the horizon.
During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting they appointed five commissioners, then took the first steps to expand the commission by two members. In a resolution at the next Council meeting, that will be a done deal, if approved.
Could more concerts be held at the SLT Community Fields in the future?
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 7:00pm
During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Paul Reder of PR Entertainment will make a presentation about the possibility of his company holding one or two concerts a year on the South Lake Tahoe Community play fields.
Reder, the owner of The Loft at Heavenly Village, is also the man behind the Reggae Festival and Electronic Dance Music's (EDM) Bass Camp Festival, both held on the South Shore.
City looking for representative to County Commission on Aging
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/06/2017 - 8:21pm
Interested in representing your city on the El Dorado County Commission on Aging? They are accepting application from those interested in serving until February 1.
The Commission on Aging (COA) is an advisory Committee to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors that works with the Director of the Area Agency on Aging on
Medical marijuana dispensary told they must close their doors; Owner says no
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 12:11am
"We will continue to stay open," said Cody Bass, founder and executive director of the Tahoe Wellness Cooperative after being told by the City Council Tuesday that he no longer has a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Permit to operate in South Lake Tahoe. "We are going to take this to the end."
One of his lawyers, James Anthony added, "They will be reviewing this decision in Superior Court."
Austin Sass new South Lake Tahoe Mayor
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/13/2016 - 8:55pm
At the beginning of Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, Austin Sass was voted in as mayor, Wendy David as vice mayor and new Councilmembers Jason Collin and Brooke Laine were sworn in.
It was an unanimous vote for Sass, but with three Councilmembers interested in being vice-mayor, the vote for that position was a much closer 3-2. Both Brooke Laine and Tom Davis also expressed a desire to serve under Sass. Collin was the only one not interested in either position, citing his being "the new kid on the block" and wanted to learn the job he was elected for first.
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative in a legal battle with landlord, dispensary license at jeopardy
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/12/2016 - 10:49pm
There is a legal battle in South Lake Tahoe that has put a long-time resident against the owner of the City's lone medical dispensary, Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC).
JoAnn Conner says "I won't go quietly into the night"
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/12/2016 - 7:40pm
Outgoing South Lake Tahoe City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner was honored for her four years of service to the community during a special Council meeting Monday. She was awarded a plaque, but didn't leave her former position without a few words to say.
Conner's term was not a quiet one. As she said she "fought for the little people," Conner also filed a lawsuit against the City and was censured by her colleagues.
As she spoke to the small group gathered in Chambers to bid farewell, Conner said she would continue to fight for the those that can't fight themselves.
City holding special meeting to present Connor with plaque and accept election results
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/09/2016 - 5:53pm
There are two items on the agenda for a special meeting of the City of South Lake Tahoe City Council on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
Outgoing City Councilmember JoAnn Conner will be recognized with a plaque for her four years of service on the Council.
The other agenda item is the official acceptance of the November 8 election results which put Brooke Laine and Jason Collin on the Council, and passage of Measure P and T. Once accepted, Tuesday's Council meeting will entail the swearing in of the election winners.
Hal Cole honored for 25 years of serving South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/16/2016 - 4:02pm
Hal Cole, the longest serving City Councilmember in South Lake Tahoe, was honored in a ceremony during Tuesday's Council meeting, his last one after 20.5 years on the dais.
Cole chose not to run for a sixth term this November.
He started off his public service career in 1990 when he was named to the SLT Building Board of Appeals, was a part of the development of the Bijou Community Plan in 1993 as a Planning Commission. In 1994, Cole moved over to the City Council and was elected to a four-year term five times. During that tenure he was the City's Mayor an unprecedented six times.
El Dorado County still needs to count over 23,000 votes
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/16/2016 - 12:12am
The election was seven days ago, but the final ballots cast in El Dorado County have yet to be tabulated, and it might not be until Friday for the results of over 20,000 ballots are released. Another 3,000 provisional ballots should be counted by Monday.
As of 5:00 p.m. November 15, the 20,000 ballots were about to be scanned.
South Lake Tahoe resident asks City to ban street parking on Regina Road
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/13/2016 - 12:13am
Noel Farmer, a South Lake Tahoe resident, has been a vocal opponent to Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in his Heavenly Valley neighborhood. Farmer is present at City Council and Planning Commission meetings, as well as Zoning Administrator meetings when the topic is VHRs.
During this Tuesday's meeting at the airport, the City Council members will discuss Farmer's petition to ban street parking on the dead-end street where he lives, Regina Road, in the 3600 and 3700 blocks.
Letter: Overlooking the Obvious - Vote Yes on T
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/31/2016 - 4:11am
Measure T is not about the Loop Road. It is about power. If and when there is a Loop Road Plan, there will be components that will need the city’s approval. The two biggies will be accepting the old Hwy 50 as a city street and using eminent domain to tear down many houses. The point here is that the city will be making decisions. Measure T is about who will be making those decisions: A majority of city council, i.e. 3 people, or 9000 voters.
City adding new VHR enforcement teams; More public meetings in near future
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/04/2016 - 8:30pm
For a 90-day trial period, the City of South Lake Tahoe will hire an outside security firm to assist with enforcement of the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance.
Many complaints have been voiced at City Council meetings about the lack of enforcement and the fact that part of the justification of the increase in fees for the vacation home permits was to go to staffing that department.
Artist unveils plans for Champions Plaza at Lakeview Commons
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/23/2016 - 7:59am
Sculptor Gareth Curtiss, the artist chosen to create the bronze statue in South Lake Tahoe's Champions Plaza, unveiled the design during Tuesday'st City Council meeting.
The five to ten foot sculpture represents a flame with three men coming out of it to reach the golden ring, much like children reaching for the brass ring on a historic merry-go-round.
The ring at the top, about 18" in size, will be the top of the 1,500 pound bronze creation that Curtiss will create in his studios in Montana.
City Council: Budget and Commercial Floor Space on Tuesday's agenda
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/19/2016 - 3:34pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting on Tuesday will feature the following topics:
Commercial Floor Space - Doctors Steve Leman and Clint Purvance have applied for Commercial Floor Space allocations (CFA) for three projects at the Y area. Together they are asking for 6,170 square feet of CFA from the City's allotment for a building at 941 Emerald Bay Road. Leman himself is asking for 4,621 square feet at 2215 South Avenue and another 4,025 at 1072 4TH Street. He also wants to purchase another 28,940 Square Feet of 1B Banked Land Coverage from the City.
Clearer picture now for November's elections in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/18/2016 - 8:33am
Deadlines for candidates interested in sitting on four local boards and councils have come and gone for most of the contests, so there is now a much clearer picture on the November elections.
There are now ten people interested in sitting on the South Lake Tahoe City Council. With a deadline of 5:00 p.m. on August 17, the last of the candidates submitted their paperwork just under the wire.
City officials still hope to make Knight's Inn and Ski Run corner project a reality
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/16/2016 - 10:29pm
The City of South Lake Tahoe is still trying to work out a deal with the Halferty Development Company, a $4 million sale of the developable portions of the lots known as the "Knights Inn Properties."
During Tuesday's City Council meeting a purchase agreement was scheduled to be voted on, but SLT City Manager Nancy Kerry had to pull it off the agenda.
"We are still working on it," Kerry told South Tahoe Now. "We are still negotiating and have some issues to work out."
Hal Cole not running for 6th term: Filing deadline extended for City Council candidates
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/10/2016 - 3:44pm
Former Mayor and current City Councilman Hal Cole will not be running for a sixth term this November, so the filing period for candidates has been extended by five days.
This Friday, August 12 was the original deadline, but that was only in the case of an incumbent running for their current seat. JoAnn Conner has filed papers to run for re-election, but Cole has decided to hand off the hand to a new Council member.
The deadline to turn in paperwork has been extended to Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.
Conner and City of South Lake Tahoe getting closer to ending legal issues
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/05/2016 - 4:08pm
For the past 18 months, South Lake Tahoe City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner and the City have been at odds since she filed two lawsuits against them on December 9, 2015.
During Tuesday's Council meeting, Mayor Wendy David made the following announcement about the potential end of the legal matters after both sides met with a mediator on June 14:
SnowGlobe extended until 2018; Promoter wants to bring three more events to town annually
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/22/2016 - 10:01pm
The annual SnowGlobe Music Festival is here to stay, at least for now.
During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, promoter Chad Donnelly went before the elected officials, asking them for a three year extension of the annual festival until 2019 (though they would ultimately like a deal until 2027), and more money from the City to help with the costs of garbage pick-up and transportation for the three-day event which runs from December 29-31 each year.
What the City gave him was not quite what he was asking for as he got more cash, but less time.
New regulations for South Lake Tahoe massage parlors and therapists
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 11:28pm
There will soon be a new ordinance in the City of South Lake Tahoe that will regulate massages, massage establishments and massage therapists.
"We will be raising the level of standards to legitimize the industry," said Mayor Wendy David.
There are currently 125 licensed massage therapists in the City, and an unknown number of people who are not. The new ordinance will be in place to make all comply and be licensed therapists in 90 days, or they cannot conduct business.
