employees

El Dorado County's 100 top paid employees

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Auditor-Controller Joe Harn has updated the list of the County’s 100 highest compensated employees for the calendar year 2019.

Letter: Tahoe deserves a new representative in Congress

It is time for Tahoe to have a new representative in Congress. Tom McClintock has represented our region in congress since 2009. During that time he has not promoted our interests.

1. He never moved into our district. He continues to live in a gated community in Elk Grove. Is our district not nice enough for him to live in? After all, we are paying his salary.

2. He has not had a town hall in the Lake Tahoe District during the past 4 years.

3. His votes are not supportive of our local needs. His votes that do not represent our community are represented by the following votes:

Letter: Vote "No" on Measure B

Measure B is up for a vote. I am voting NO because the Lake Valley Fire Protection District spends most of its revenue on salaries and benefits leaving nothing to pay for new equipment.

South Lake Tahoe City Council set to act on selling properties for affordable housing

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The St. Joseph Community Land Trust (SJCLT) in South Lake Tahoe provides permanently affordable homes and supportive programs for low and moderate-income residents. They may have a few more to offer if the City Council meeting on Tuesday goes as expected.

Azul Latin Kitchen raises $11,000 for Tahoe Arts Project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the past year, Azul Latin Kitchen in South Lake Tahoe's Heavenly Village has been fundraising for Tahoe Arts Project (TAP). The fruits of their efforts were presented to TAP during their public Williams Duo concert on Januar 30.

Each year Azul Latin Kitchen selects a local nonprofit to be the recipient of their fundraising for the year. In 2017 it was Tahoe Youth and Family Services, last year Live Violence Free, then in 2019 TAP.

South Tahoe High's Melissa Berry wins Outstanding Teacher of America award

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Melissa Berry, AP Psychology and US History teacher at South Lake Tahoe High School was selected to receive one of the five 2019 Carlston Family Foundation Outstanding Teachers of America Awards.

In November, Ms. Berry received a $15,000 cash award at the Carlston Family Foundation’s 17th Annual Awards Ceremony in Mill Valley, Calif. During Tuesday's Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) board meeting, she received an additional $5,000 grant for South Lake Tahoe High School.

The evolution of health care benefits

The health insurance industry in America has undergone an unprecedented amount of change since its origins in the 1900s, and according to Health Affairs, it was just 40 years ago when workers began sharing in the cost of their health care coverage. Rising medical costs, plus an increased demand for medical care, have contributed to growth within the health insurance industry, and it’s become increasingly complex with the introduction of new plan designs and government reforms.

Artists needed to create mural on East Shore Trail tunnel, the target of recent graffiti

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Since its opening in June 2019, the new Tahoe East Shore Trail connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park has quickly become an attraction for both residents and visitors interested in exploring Tahoe’s famed East Shore on foot or by bicycle. To augment the natural beauty of the immediate surroundings and transform a utilitarian tunnel into an enjoyable, relevant art experience, the Tahoe Fund and Tahoe Public Art have joined together to commission a mural that will be unique to the space.

Public open house to discuss South Lake Tahoe Housing Plan

Event Date: 
January 7, 2020 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In Lake Tahoe, only 21 percent of the residents can afford the median home price and 3,290 new homes are needed by in the next six years to meet local demand for housing, according to a study funded by the Tahoe Prosperity Center.

Suspected mix-up with diesel and premium at South Lake Tahoe gas station

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you got premium gas at the South Lake Tahoe Safeway gas station over the past few days you may want to have your car examined. One consumer contacted South Tahoe Now to say he got what he thought was premium at Safeway on December 29, 30 and 31 and now both his car and his rental car are in the shop getting their gas tanks cleaned out.

Safeway says they have received a few calls concerning the mixup possibility so turned off both their premium and diesel tanks once notified until they can get the fuel tested.

Dozens of new California laws go into effect in 2020

New laws will be going into effect in California in the new year, putting into place California legislature action during 2019. There are many changes including road safety and distracted driving penalties, roadkill rules, minimum wage, independent workers and rent caps.

Except where noted, these laws are effective January 1, 2020:

Traffic Safety

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several new laws passed this year:

City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The December edition of the City of South Lake Tahoe's "At Lake Level" has been released by City Manager Frank Rush. This month Rush covers SnowGlobe, the 56-acre site and a possible new Fire/EMS station for the community.

56-Acre Site

South Lake Tahoe housing crisis focus of community meeting

Event Date: 
December 11, 2019 - 6:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy and their State and local partners invite the public to a community meeting to discuss opportunities to help address the housing crisis in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, December 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

CTC owns two properties at the one, one 9.75 acres and the other 1.6 acres in 1989 for the purpose of using the non-sensitive portions of the lots for purposes consistent with the now current area plan.

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:

South Lake Tahoe community weighs in on desired characteristics of next superintendent

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) begins their search for a replacement for the retiring superintendent the people tasked with finding the right candidates are reaching out to the community.

What is being developed from public meetings and an online survey will create the profile of what makes up the desired characteristics neede or the person who will move into Dr. James Tarwater's position when he retires in June 2020.

Three arrested on manslaughter charges after death of special-needs student in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Involuntary manslaughter charges will be filed by the El Dorado County District Attorney against three former Guiding Hands School employees and the school for their alleged part in the death of a special-needs student at the school on November 28, 2018.

Cindy Ann Keller, 59, Starranne Meyers, 60, and Kimberly Dan Wohlwend, 37, were all arrested and booked on charges of felony involuntary manslaughter charges on Sunday, November 10. All three were released the same day.

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks Harrah's and Harveys Heroes

Harrah’s/Harveys’ HERO members who volunteered at Bread & Broth’s dinner on October 21 came prepared to work hard, and that they did. They made sure the evening’s diners were warmly welcomed, served heaping portions of baked penne pasta, Caesar salad and sautéed zucchini, and given ‘food giveaway’ bags and ‘leftover to go’ before they left.

Housing needs in the community focus of two South Shore open houses

Event Date: 
November 12, 2019 (All day)

The Tahoe Prosperity Center (TPC) is facilitating a South Shore Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan. They will be hosting two open houses at the Hard Rock in Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, November 12 to discuss results and to learn more about the housing needs of the South Shore. Participants can also share ideas on how TPC can provide more homes, help employees find and get into homes, improve the condition of homes, and anything else related to housing.

The open houses will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Group of South Lake Tahoe businesses "Pay it Forward" to employees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is "Pay It Forward Day" in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, October 30 for a group of businesses based near the Heavenly Village.

All profits made during the day go back to the employees. While staff can do whatever they want with the money they are encouraged to reach out and help someone less fortunate.

"Let the ripples begin," said Ted Kennedy via Facebook as he encouraged people to support the businesses participating in the special day. He is a partner at the restaurants and gym taking part in "Pay It Forward Day."

New Vail Resorts report highlights community and sustainability achievements

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vail Resorts’ second annual EpicPromise Progress Report was released this week, showing they gave away $14.5 in community and employee grants in the areas their resorts are located. In the Lake Tahoe area, $1.9 million in grants was given to 93 local organizations.

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.

El Dorado County Income Support programs in South Lake Tahoe moving into new home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, General Assistance, Welfare-to-Work programs and Employment Resource Center for El Dorado County at South Lake Tahoe will be moving into a new location on October 28.

The County announced earlier this year they had purchased the old post office at 3368 Sandy Way in order to move offices over from across the street as a "new campus" is created for services.

Letter to the Editor: Rockin' Pinktober in Tahoe

It’s the terrible ‘c’ word, cancer. Almost everyone has someone in their lives battling or who has lost the fight against cancer. It takes a toll on everyone. Personally, I have a cousin who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and he likely has less than two years with his family.

South Lake Tahoe bank robber faces long prison term after pleading guilty to 19 robberies

An Oakland, California man pleaded guilty to being a serial bank robber who committed 19 heists across the Bay Area and Northern California, including South Lake Tahoe, between March 2018 and February 2019.

Duane Kurt Makela, 50, pleaded guilty in federal court in San Francisco Thursday to ten armed bank robberies, seven unarmed bank robberies, and two attempted bank robberies.

Tahoe Douglas Fire raises funds to award scholarship to Douglas High student

ROUND HILL, Nev. - Every Labor Day, the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) holds a pancake breakfast to support local students in their quest for higher education, and in particular in the field of public service.

They serve Douglas County at Lake Tahoe from the top of Kingsbury Grade to the top of Spooner Summit. This year they chose to invest in the Douglas High School graduating class of 2019 and awarded Alexa Moss with their annual scholarship.

Many of their employees and retirees reside in the valley and have raised their families there.

Nurses in four states go on strike including those at Barton Hospital

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital nurses went from the operating room to the picket line Friday morning, saying their 15 months of union contract negotiations with their employer have not done enough to address health benefits for nurses.

The nurses with their signs spread out on the four corners of Lake Tahoe Boulevard and 3rd Street as well as across the street from the hospital on South Street.

Over 300 Vail employees volunteer during 10th annual EpicPromise Week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — More than 300 employees from Vail resorts at Lake Tahoe - Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar - joined in during the 10th year of Vail's EpicPromise Week and volunteered hundreds of hours with local community programs focused on youth, education and the environment. This year they teamed up and contributed to four different projects around Lake Tahoe.

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.

Letter: Barton’s commitment to the community

Barton Health is a dedicated partner in our community’s health. We have cared for generations of families, providing excellent care since 1963.

Safety and quality are everyone’s priority at Barton Health, and it’s a united team that achieves the high standards we’ve come to expect. Our nurses are critical to those teams - they are on the front line of every patient’s experience, and we rely on their compassion and skill to provide a comfortable and

Echo Summit closure moved out to October 18, Caltrans tells those at public meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is now looking at October 18 as the beginning of a two-week closure of US Highway 50 at Echo Summit.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries opens, Chipotle on the way to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened their South Lake Tahoe location last week in the Bijou Marketplace at the corner of Lake Tahoe and Ski Run Boulevards. The restaurant, which now officially serves beer and wine, opened Monday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m.

This is the 57th Five Guys location to be owned and managed by Encore Restaurants, LLC, all of which are located throughout the states of California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts.

Road closures set as travelers leave South Lake Tahoe on Labor Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The second of two pilot plan holiday weekends designed to help alleviate traffic congestion on Meyer's back roads will take place on Monday, September 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Holiday traffic from South Lake Tahoe that heads west on Highway 50 over Echo Summit has been directed by apps like Waze and Google Maps to take side roads as the quickest route home. The redirected routes go through neighborhoods and block residents from their homes.

Basecamp Pizza raises $17,250 for Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A year-long fundraising effort by the staff and management at Basecamp Pizza has netted $17,250 for the Lake Tahoe Education Foundation (LTEF).

On Monday, August 12, the popular restaurants in the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe presented members of LTEF with a check.

August 15 deadline for South Lake Tahoe housing survey for employers and residents

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is just over a week left to answer a few questions on the Tahoe Prosperity Center's housing survey. They have teamed up with the South Lake Tahoe Endowment and numerous government jurisdictions, agencies and partners to better understand and plan for resident and employee housing needs now and in the future to support our community and economy.

The survey is only available online until August 15th so please complete the survey as soon as you can. They want to hear directly from residents and workers so they can learn things like:

El Dorado County probation staff shown appreciation during week-long celebration

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Not all employees feel appreciated by their bosses but that wasn't the case during a week set aside to honor probation employees around the country.

El Dorado County Chief Probation Officer Brian Richart honored staff with five special days during the week, all centered around popular food items.

Monday - Donut Day
Tuesday - Nacho Bar
Wednesday - Pancake Breakfast
Thursday - Cookie Bar
Friday - Jamba Juice smoothies

Staff expressed their appreciation for the special week which in the past was celebrated with a written proclamation.

Hazmat response to suspicious powder found in building behind Barton Hospital

5:25 p.m. Update: The El Dorado County HazMat Emergency Response team has confirmed that the powder substance found in a package delivered to Barton's supply chain this morning is not hazardous.

The sequestered employees have been released and the back entrance of the hospital is now accessible to the public.

"Barton is thankful for the local agencies who collaborated with us to ensure the safety of staff and patients," said Mindi Befu, Barton's Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Patient Experience.

Tri-County Job Fair to be held in August

Event Date: 
August 22, 2019 - 9:00am

The Tri-County Job Fair is an annual event that serves the workforce needs of El Dorado, Sacramento and Placer counties, and connects job seekers with both small and large businesses from multiple industries that are actively recruiting employees.

This year it will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at @the Grounds (formerly known as the Placer County Fairgrounds) located at 800 All American City Boulevard in Roseville.

Vail announces merger agreement with Peak Resorts - Adds 17 ski areas to company

Vail Resorts, Inc. announced Monday they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Peak Resorts, Inc. Through the acquisition, Vail will add 17 ski areas from the United States to its network of resorts.

The Peak resorts are located near major metropolitan areas, including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Louis, Kansas City and Louisville.

They include:
Vermont: Mount Snow in Vermont
New York: Hunter Mountain
New Hampshire: Attitash Mountain Resort, Wildcat Mountain and Crotched Mountain

Fire at Fox & Hound on Kingsbury

The Fox & Hound on top of Kingsbury Grade in Stateline sustained some damage Tuesday after a fire broke out in the kitchen area. All patrons and employees were able to get out with no injuries.

According to Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Fire Marshal Eric Guevin, the call came in just about noon on July 9.

Upon the fire department's arrival, they found the restaurant's sprinkler system had been activated and took care of the fire and they went into the attic and back of house to do an overhaul to make sure the fire had not spread.

Tahoe Prosperity Center facilitating South Shore Housing Needs Survey

The Tahoe Prosperity Center (TPC) mission is uniting Tahoe’s communities to strengthen regional prosperity. TPC provides regional solutions to regional needs on behalf of the communities that make up the Lake Tahoe region. One of those critical issues is a lack of housing for local workers. This negatively impacts businesses trying to hire workers and local residents who want to live, work and play in Lake Tahoe. Many workers in our Tourism driven economy find themselves unable to afford a home or apartment.

Column: As Housing Shortages Increase, Local Employers Take Action

While many local groups have joined forces to develop housing for residents, the reality is that it takes time to build new housing. And time is what many of our local employers don't have right now as we head into summer. Faced with an immediate need to house their employees, employers have created their own solutions.

Stateline redevelopment area remains intact after Douglas County Commissioners' decision

STATELINE, Nev. - Douglas County Redevelopment Area No. 2 (RDA2) at Stateline is moving forward despite a move to have it dissolved by Douglas County Commissioner Dave Nelson.

There was an overflow crowd at the commissioner's June 20 meeting at Lake Tahoe. Many of those who could not fit in the meeting room were accommodated with audio feed in the judges' chambers and the bottom floor of the parking garage.

LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Jim Tarwater announces retirement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has announced he'll retire in one year.

Dr. Tarwater has been with LTUSD since 2005.

During their last meeting on June 11, the Board concluded its annual evaluation of Dr. Tarwater's performance. Though details of that evaluation are not available, they extended his contract one extra year until 2022 until they were notified of his notice of retirement.

At their June 25 meeting, the Board is scheduled to accept his retirement.

Kudos: Local healthcare agencies promote wellness at Warm Room

Thanks to the support of local health organizations, the Tahoe Warm Room was able to help 113 children, women and men during the region’s severe winter months.

Pilot full closure program on two roads in Meyers to help address traffic issues

El Dorado County unveiled their pilot plan Tuesday evening, one that is designed to help alleviate traffic congestion on Meyer's back roads during two holiday weekends this summer.

El Dorado County Department of Transportation (EDCDOT) Director Rafael Martinez joined other staff members in presenting the traffic congestion circulation alternative to the approximately 25 people in attendance. There will be a hard closure in place on Sawmill Road near Highway 50, and on North Upper Truckee near Highway 50 during the July 4th and Labor Day holiday weekends as part of a pilot project.

El Dorado County Supervisors approve $688 million budget

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 2019-20 budget on Monday, one that spends $688 million to fund the County’s programs and services. $313 million of that amount is the County’s general fund which primarily funds public safety and general government services.

Free food for South Lake Tahoe youth all summer with Bread & Broth 4 Kids program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the third consecutive summer, the St. Theresa Bread & Broth 4 Kids Summer Program will provide weekly food bags for South Lake Tahoe youth until school resumes in August. During the school year more than 2,000 local students receive free or reduced cost meals at breakfast and lunch, but that program doesn't cover weekends or summers and that is where Bread & Broth 4 Kids (BB4K) comes in. In the 2018-19 school year, BB4K supplied over 180 bags of food each Friday to local youth and last summer 225 bags of food were given away each week.

Community turns out to call for end of hate and bigotry in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "Never again," chanted the dozens of people that showed up to Trout Creek Thursday to show support of the Jewish community after anti-Semitic graffiti was found underneath the bridge on Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Google Nest team builds and donates 150 bikes for South Lake Tahoe youth

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A gathering of the Google Nest team at MontBleu this week not only provided staff with a great team building retreat in Lake Tahoe, but it also provided 150 local youth with brand new bikes.

Hundreds of the Google Nest employees took part in building and giving away the bikes that were presented to youth from the McKinney-Vento homeless program at Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD), the Family Resource Center, Tahoe Youth and Family Services and Live Violence Free.

LTCC leases South Lake Tahoe property for student housing

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is taking a first, big step toward helping address the lack of affordable student housing in the community by leasing a five-unit apartment building near Ski Run Blvd.

The college's trustees gave authority to school administration to sign a five-year lease with the owner of that apartment building during their meeting Tuesday evenings. The lease starts on July 2, 2019.

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