enforcement

Fire fighting in Lake Tahoe: We're not alone with mutual aid and pre-positioning

The following is the third in a series of stories on being a community that is prepared for wildfire.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire knows no boundaries, no city, county, or state lines, so why should those fighting the fires be limited by an unseen line? Fire chiefs across the country manage their fire departments based on need and available staff, but what happens when their resources aren't enough to fight a fire in their own backyard?

Douglas County Sheriff's Office: 2 treated following Saturday night shooting in Indian Hills

Two male subjects were involved in a shooting in North Douglas County late Saturday night in the Indian Hills area south of Carson City, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Both are receiving medical care at this time.

No law enforcement officers were involved in the shooting. No arrests have been made at this time. There are no outstanding suspects nor is there any threats to our community. This is still an open investigation, according to DCSO Undersheriff Ron Elges.

Man kills girlfriend, then self, in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. Deputies and SWAT officers from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) were dispatched to a home in a rural area of Somerset on May 2 after a woman called, telling them her daughter had been shot by her boyfriend.

The woman called at 10:15 a.m. from a neighbor's house, and when law enforcement arrived they surrounded a home on Meyer Lane and were able to make contact with the boyfriend, Ulrich Smith, who was inside.

An elementary school located near the home went on lockdown as a precaution.

El Dorado County's lone juvenile treatment center to be in South Lake Tahoe, for now

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting May 25, 2019, there will be no more youth staying in the Placerville Juvenile Detention Facility. After a decision by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors in February, South Lake Tahoe's Juvenile Treatment Center (JTC) will be the only youth facility in the county to serve those in the justice system 18-years-old and younger, for now.

There are several reasons for the changes including an aging facility, increasing costs and the fact that fewer youth are working their way through the juvenile justice system.

Man who led police on pursuit into Nevada now a suspect in three murders

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The suspect arrested in Douglas County after engaging law enforcement in gunfire after a pursuit Friday night is now the suspect in three Bay Area homicides.

Stefon Jefferson, a 43-year-old man from the San Francisco area, started Friday off by allegedly fatally shooting a man in Oakland at 10:14 a.m., another in San Francisco at 1:27 p.m. and a third in Berkeley at 2:40 p.m.

Column: Shoreline Plan making progress

More than a billion people in nearly 200 countries will come together to celebrate and support environmental protection during Earth Day events this April.

This year’s international Earth Day celebration begins the countdown to Earth Day 2020, the 50th anniversary of the event that helped launch the environmental movement and opened the doors to critical U.S. environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.

Full response to reported Lake Tahoe emergency turns out to be "swatting" hoax

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - Authorities responded in full force Thursday morning to a home in the 500 block of US 50 in Zephyr Cove after a crisis call led them to believe a teenage girl was in labor and in danger.

At 6:43 a.m. on April 18, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) were dispatched to a residence in Zephyr Cove after the Live Violence Free crisis hotline center received a concerning call. The unidentified caller said they were a pregnant 13-year-old who believed she was in labor and had previously been raped by her father.

TRPA: What's new for the 2019 Lake Tahoe boating season

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – New boating safety programs are coming online at Lake Tahoe this summer, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).

Additional enforcement of no-wake zones and excessive boat noise under TRPA’s Shoreline Program are two measures being taken to protect the lake and non-motorized watercraft and swimmers. Boat inspections fees are also being adjusted for the first time in seven years to better safeguard the lake from aquatic invasive species, and sticker fees now include a $12 fee as part of the Shoreline Program.

Lime scooters return to South Lake Tahoe with contract, new fees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lime is returning to South Lake Tahoe this summer, but with some changes both visibly and financially during a new one-year trial period for 2019.

After much discussion on Tuesday night, the City Council unanimously approved a new contract with Lime that will bring up to 550 scooters to town this season, but, as reported before, the bikes are not returning.

The Council wanted to make sure not all 550 will appear on opening day at the beginning of May and will work with Lime to start slow.

Pair arrested for alleged South Lake Tahoe crime spree

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two women from the Bay Area have been arrested on suspicion of being responsible for several car burglaries over a two day period in South Lake Tahoe.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) received the first call at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10 after a car burglary at the Sierra Athletic Club on Tahoe Keys Boulevard. A car window had been smashed and a purse was stolen.

The second call came in at 5:30 p.m. from the Fit Republic Gym on Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The same method was used - a broken car window and a stolen purse.

Mooring permitting underway in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif – New online permitting options are available for mooring permits at Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan approved by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in 2018 requires lakefront property owners, homeowners’ associations, and marinas to register all existing boat moorings, including buoys, boatlifts, and boat slips.

Paid parking to be added to Bellamy Court near Stateline

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council decided today by a vote of 5-0 to have City staff to start the design process that will allow up to 47 new parking spaces along Bellamy Court in the Heavenly Village area in South Lake Tahoe.

16th annual Drug Store Project in South Lake Tahoe

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

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

Voices: Domestic Abuse and Human Trafficking Awareness

We all must come together as one if we would like to end domestic abuse and human trafficking. I applaud the brave women who have been coming forward, discussing their past and the traumas they have endured. One of the reasons that we read history books is so we can learn from others mistakes. If we would like to make an impacting change in this world, we must acknowledge the whole issue.

Quick response nabs South Lake Tahoe carjacking and attempted murder suspect

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 45-year-old South Lake Tahoe man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing an employee of Jim Bagan Toyota and carjacking a white Dodge Durango he'd taken out for a test drive.

Lake Tahoe gas station owners pay $1M fine, face other sanctions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a multi-year investigation into conditions at their Lake Tahoe gas stations, one local businessman is now banned from owning or operating gas stations with underground tanks in California while another faces sanctions.

Azad Amiri and Sarbjit S. Kang were accused of violating multiple underground storage tank (UST) requirements at five Lake Tahoe area gas stations: 1140 Emerald Bay Road, 913 Emerald Bay Road, and 2304 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe, 3208 Highway 50 in Meyers, and 8070 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach.

SLTPD participating in Applebee's Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics

Event Date: 
March 29, 2019 - 5:00pm

South Lake Tahoe police officers will be part of the waitstaff at Applebee's on Friday, March 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to raise money for Special Olympics Northern California.

One-hundred percent of the tips the "celebrity waiters" earn will be donated directly to Special Olympics Northern California, which provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

El Dorado County Sheriff D'Agostini to speak in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
March 19, 2019 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to join El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini as he presents "Criminal Activity: Awareness, Reporting & Prevention" on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Library.

He will discuss topics the South Shore community is interested in including homelessness, crime trends and the most common financial scams targeting our communities and ways to avoid falling victim to scammers.

In addition, the Sheriff encourages questions from the audience on any other subjects that are of concern.

Active shooter training for Lake Tahoe businesses and staff

Event Date: 
March 20, 2019 - 12:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – With a critical increase in active shooter events across the country, the Tahoe Chamber is holding a Level UP Workshop on the subject Wednesday, March 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in their Stateline office.

Workplace violence affects about 2 million workers in the U. S. each year. With this violence continuing to pose a looming threat, active shooter training is essential for all businesses. Active shooter events most commonly occur in businesses - 45 percent, schools - 25 percent, and government facilities - 10 percent.

Terrorism of 9/11 was call to duty for South Lake Tahoe police officer

September 11th, 2001 terrorists shocked the nation as Americans all across the country watched the twin towers fall. The tragic events that day changed the lives of many Americans. Some lost their mothers, fathers, sisters, friends, and brothers, and for some, like Officer Traci Trapani of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), the events of that day were a call to duty to protecting the general welfare of the American public against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

South Lake Tahoe man headed to prison for destruction of archaeological sites

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After illegally digging at prehistoric Native American archaeological sites on federal lands in Alpine and El Dorado counties, 50-year-old Timothy Brian Harrison of South Lake Tahoe was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay $113,000 in restitution.

He was found guilty on two counts of excavation and removal of archaeological resources from public lands and one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

Two South Lake Tahoe cold cases solved with genetic genealogy

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Two decades old murders in the South Lake Tahoe area have been solved using genetic genealogy, identifying a deceased local man as the murderer of two women.

During a El Dorado Cold Case Task Force press conference in Placerville Monday, District Attorney Vern Pierson said Joseph Stephen Holt of South Lake Tahoe and San Jose was responsible for killing Brynn Rainey in 1977 and Carol Ann Andersen in 1979.

Carlquist promoted to sergeant for South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Not only has the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) added some new recruits, they've also promoted from within.

Nicholaus "Nick" Carlquist is the newest sergeant on the force.

The Cal State Monterey graduate became a paramedic before sponsoring himself through the police academy and ending up with the Hollister (CA) Police Department.
Nick then came to South Lake Tahoe and has been with the department since 2008.

GPS to Lake Tahoe: Don't let it steer you wrong

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe is the destination of thousands of people a month, no matter what the season. It's beauty, splendor and recreational opportunities beckon people from around the world. The epic snowfall this season has put many Sacramento and Bay Area residents on the roads to Lake Tahoe, but with the crowded highways (both I80 and US50), many drivers are going to their GPS and mapping apps to find the best, and quickest, route to paradise.

Letter: Solution to Meyers traffic problems

We are not unique in the fact that traffic apps have been showing shortcuts and causing headaches in neighborhoods, which have become freeways filled with people speeding through them to "save" up to a minute on their commute.

We do not have the luxury of support from our elected officials as other communities do, so we must come up with a solution ourselves.

Meyers is under siege every weekend with tourists trying to get home after a long weekend of enjoying what we sometimes take for granted and they are using traffic apps to try to get around the gridlock.

Flood Advisory in place for most area counties

A Flood Advisory has been issued for Alpine County, Placer County, El Dorado County, Sierra County, Nevada County, Southern Washoe County, Douglas County, and Western Carson City. It will remain in effect until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Column: SLTPD and EDSO saves woman's life with arrest

After a six-month investigation into drug transactions in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the El Dorado Sheriff's Department Narcotics Task Force executed search warrants at two locations in South Lake Tahoe on August 23, 2017. Large amounts of heroin, methamphetamine and approximately 12 firearms were seized in the search. Lynwood Towle, Shawn German, Melissa Griffis, Paul Ryan, and Krystal Long were all arrested, charged, and eventually pleaded guilty to various charges stemming from those searches.

USFS to hold open house for OHV trails in Tahoe National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service is preparing an annual application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, to request funding for trail maintenance, restoration, law enforcement, education and safety, and potentially development of facilities, and planning for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access.

On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, the Forest Service will host an open house from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Nevada City for individuals and organizations to provide input and review proposals for the application.

38 years after skull is found, Jane Doe has a name

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - On March 22, 1974, Nancy Webster, 37, and her daughter, 19-year-old Rebecca Dinkel were seen at a café in the Garden Valley area of El Dorado County.

They left the cafe shortly after Nancy received a threatening phone call from her abusive, common-law husband, Clifton Mahaney.

It was the last time anyone saw either one of them alive.

South Lake Tahoe cannabis ordinance approved

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Analogies of touchdowns and goals were given to today's approval of a cannabis ordinance for South Lake Tahoe, the culmination of many months of meetings, discussion, disagreements and committee work.

On March 7, 2019, South Lake Tahoe will have a cannabis ordinance, opening the door to retail sales, cultivation, manufacturing, and lab testing businesses.

South Lake Tahoe traffic meeting: "Our quality of life has been affected"

MEYERS, Calif. - Traffic through neighborhoods in the Meyers area has become unbearable to many residents as vehicles leaving South Lake Tahoe to take to side streets in an effort to circumvent Highway 50 traffic over Echo Summit.

In an effort to find solutions to a problem that keeps Meyers residents from their homes for hours at a time, a townhall-style meeting was held on Friday night.

Community gives thanks to Douglas County Sheriff's and District Attorney's offices

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - After the recent tragic events in Douglas County, members of the community thought it would be nice to thank the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for all their hard work and dedication after the murders and accidental deaths.

Drug trafficking pair nabbed in Carson City sentenced to total of 16 years in prison

Two drug traffickers were sentenced today to a total of 16 years in federal prison after a traffic stop in Carson City for speeding led to the discovery of large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in their car.

Danny Lyle Jensen II, 39, and Kimberly Lopes, 37, both of Henderson, Nevada, were sentenced to 130 months and 63 months, respectively, and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben. They previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Carson City Sheriff's Office arrest report contains Martinez-Guzman confession

A probable cause arrest report released Friday by the Carson City Sheriff's Office on 19-year-old murder suspect Wilber Ernesto Martinez-Guzman contains a confession under Miranda.

According to the arrest report, Guzman told investigators that firearms stolen from the house of Jerry and Sherri David, the elderly South Reno couple found murdered in their home, were buried in the area of Sedge Road in East Carson City.

City of South Lake Tahoe and owners group reach agreement on Measure T lawsuit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City and the South Lake Tahoe Property Owner's Group have reached an agreement on the enforcement of Measure T, a voter-initiated ballot measure to remove over 1,300 vacation home rentals from neighborhoods by the year 2021.

There were two major portions of the measure though that were to go into effect immediately, a change to occupancy rates and a halt to the issuing of new permits for the vacation accommodations made popular by websites like Airbnb.

Murder suspect allegedly sold property of victims at Carson City pawn shops

The 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of two Gardnerville woman and an elderly Reno couple earlier this month had allegedly pawned several items stolen from the victims at Carson City pawn shops, according to a criminal complaint filed in Carson City Justice Court.

S.T.A.R. program.celebrates 25 years in El Dorado County

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office started the S.T.A.R. program (Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees) in 1994 with volunteers in Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. The volunteers help law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics to ensure public safety, by performing traffic controls and maintaining roadblocks.

Standstill on South Lake Tahoe area highway and streets; Groups looking into solution

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's almost a perfect storm for traffic in Lake Tahoe: extra visitors in town for the holiday weekend and epic ski conditions with snow and chain requirements over US50 and Echo Summit.

On Monday, locals and visitors alike were part of that storm, leaving motorists stranded along US 50, Lake Tahoe Blvd., and all surface streets in Meyers that have a link to the highway over Echo Summit.

Suspect in all four Northern Nevada murders in custody

UPDATE 1/23/19 - The suspect in the quadruple murder in Northern Nevada was in the country illegally from El Salvador when he was arrested on January 19, 2019. Tips received by law enforcement led them to Wilbur Ernesto Martinez-Guzman, and as they built a murder case they started to tail him. Immigration officials were unaware of Martinez-Guzman until those tips came in.

Officials did not want to lose the suspect and arrested him on immigration charges as the investigation continued and the murder case developed.

Arrest in Carson City related to Reno homicide investigation

UPDATE 1.20.19 - The 19-year-old man who was arrested in Carson City Saturday night is the suspect in all four Northern Nevada murders according to law enforcement. Find updated story on press conference here - http://southtahoenow.com/story/01/20/2019/suspect-all-four-northern-nevada-murders-custody

CARSON CITY, Nev. - One person is in custody tonight in connection with the investigation into Wednesday's double homicide in South Reno.

Two promotions and new reserve deputy for Douglas County Sheriff's Office

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office announced two promotions and a new reserve deputy today.

Longtime Douglas County resident Ron Michitarian was promoted from the rank of sergeant to captain, a duty he will start on January 26. He was presented his badge by his son, Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Connor Michitarian.

Also effective on January 26, Investigator Nadine Chrzanowski will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Chrzanowski was presented her badge by Sheriff Coverley.

Washoe County Sheriff releases names of Reno homicide victims

RENO, Nev. - A Reno couple in their 80s have been identified as the victims in Wednesday's double homicide.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office today said 81-year-old Gerald David and his wife, Sharon David, age 80 were killed in their home. Next of kin have been notified.

Both victims died as a result of gunshot wounds, similar to the method used in the two recent Douglas County murders.

Similarities between Douglas County and Washoe County homicides

RENO, Nev. - Keeping the community safe is the number one priority of law enforcement working on four recent murders in Reno and Douglas County. This was the message from Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam during a press conference late Thursday afternoon.

Two elderly people, a man and a woman, were killed in a home in southwest Reno. Their bodies were discovered on January 16 after concerned neighbors called law enforcement after not seeing the residents. Their names and ages have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Law enforcement continues search for murder suspect(s) in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The investigation into the murder of two Gardnerville, Nevada women continues and Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley urges the community to remain vigilant and to pay attention in their neighborhoods.

During the evening of January 9-10, 56-year-old Connie Koontz was murdered in her home on James Road and sometime in the overnight hours of January 12-13, 74-year-old Sophia Renken was also murdered in her home.

Tom Stone selected as new Douglas County manager

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - It has been announced by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners that Tom Stone is the new county manager.

Stone, who beat out 42 potential candidates for the position, has lived in Douglas County since 2011.

“I’m looking forward to working with all five commissioners and the great staff at Douglas County”, said Stone. “Seldom in a person's lifetime do they have the opportunity to serve two exceptional counties in two great States. I am truly honored.”

South Lake Tahoe man arrested after allegedly attempting to carjack firefighter's vehicle

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 27-year-old South Lake Tahoe man picked the wrong vehicle to try and carjack and is now behind bars for his actions, facing several charges including attempted kidnapping.

Closed session for South Lake Tahoe City Council: Measure T and Tahoe Wellness lawsuits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A special closed session meeting has been called for City Council on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. There are two agenda items, both involving conferences with legal counsel.

SnowGlobe addresses many issues; NoGlobe Alliance remains concerned with sound

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SnowGlobe 2018 is in the books, and according to law enforcement and other safety personnel as well as festival organizers, it was the most successful one yet.

There were fewer arrests and citations, fewer medical issues and an increase in community collaboration to help the event be both successful and less of a burden to the neighboring residents who have expressed concern over noise from the bass-centric sounds of the electronic music performers on the outdoor stages.

SnowGlobe 2018 - Police arrests and medical calls down; ABC citations up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An estimated 20,000 visitors attended the 8th annual SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe which was held over three days, December 29-31, 2018.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) called this year's event the best they’ve had from a violation and enforcement standpoint. They said there were no significant problems or issues of any kind.

South Lake Tahoe man with gang ties arrested with loaded assault rifle

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What started out as car crash involving a suspected drunk driver turned out much differently for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on New Year's Eve.

Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision in the 800 block of Los Angeles Avenue on December 31. Upon arrival they found that a Chevrolet Silverado had struck a parked car and a bear box. The driver, 33-year-old Victor Alfonso Ramos-Eucendo of South Lake Tahoe, appeared to be intoxicated.

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