environment

North Lake Tahoe artists selected for East Shore Trail mural

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A husband and wife artist team from North Lake Tahoe has been selected to paint the tunnel mural on the popular new Tahoe East Shore Trail. Over 34 people responded to the public call for submissions by the Tahoe Fund and a team of local nonprofits, private section and government agencies collaborated to select the winner.

Forest Service to close developed recreation facilities but keep forest trails open

USDA Forest Service (USFS) has closed its developed recreation facilities on National Forest land in California in order to assist people in abiding by Governor Newsom's recent statewide shelter-in-place order.

They will be closed until at least April 30 in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart during the COVID-19 crisis.

In a press release, USFS officials said that while they appreciated the public's interest in outdoor recreation they needed to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Rental of a South Lake Tahoe vacation home or motel could result in fines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their emergency meeting Wednesday, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted to support the temporary use of the City's recreation center for the homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic and to follow the State of Calfornia's lead not halting commercial evictions at the time.

TRPA approves 6,000 seat Tahoe South Event Center

STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board today unanimously approved the Tahoe Douglas Visitor’s Authority Tahoe South Event Center planned for the parking lot area of Montbleu Casino Resort in Stateline. Edgewood Tahoe has donated the 13.3 acres at the corner of Lake Parkway and Highway 50 needed for the center.

Lake Tahoe Community College to close campus Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif, - The entire campus of Lake Tahoe Community College will be closed to students, the public and most employees starting Friday, March 20 due to the quickly evolving COVID-19 situation.

On Thursday, both California Governor Gavin Newsom and El Dorado County issued shelter-in-place orders, the state's order beginning Thursday and the County's Friday night.

The South Lake Tahoe campus was nearing the end of the winter quarter when the announcement was made.

LTCC on snow delay; School lays out its response to COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is on a delayed start of 10:00 a.m. this morning to allow time for snow removal operations to catch up around town.

LTCC plans on being open this coming week with staff on hand to assist students. They have moved face-to-face Winter quarter final exams to March 16-20 and have put social distancing measures into place on campus to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Coronavirus concerns change LTCC physical education classes and gym use

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) took additional steps on Friday to help curb the spread of the Novel Coronavirus related to fitness classes. They sent out an email to staff and students, letting them know of closures but some do affect community members who use the gym and facilities.

For up-to-the-minute news on LTCC closures and events, visit http://www.ltcc.edu/campusresources/health-and-safety/coronavirus.php. They will be updating them as things change.

Volunteers sought for this summer in Desolation Wilderness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Do you love the Wilderness? Would you like to help preserve its’ breathtaking beauty and natural pristine environment? Do you love spending time outdoors and helping people? Do you have the willingness and dedication to volunteer and help preserve one of our most popular back-country areas overlooking Lake Tahoe and the Crystal Range?

If the answer is yes, then Desolation Wilderness, co-managed by the USDA Forest Service’s Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), may offer exactly what you’re looking for.

Sales tax revenues increase in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Quarterly reports on the sales tax received by the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County (EDC) were released this week. The quarter ending September 2019 shows the County's taxable sales in the unincorporated area grew by 4.3 percent when compared to the same period in 2018. In South Lake Tahoe, taxable sales grew by 6.0 percent. County-wide including both cities within its boundaries saw a 5.1 percent increase. In comparison, the Sacramento region was up 4.5 percent.

New digital billboard up to help combat trash in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The "Take Care Bear" spent the recent holiday weekend helping spread the message of keeping Lake Tahoe sled hills clear of trash and sled debris.

While hundred of visitors snapped selfies with the bear, others mingled with him as he reminded all to throw away their broken sleds, rather than leaving them littered on the snow.

To coincide with the bear visits, a new billboard went up in Folsom, California with the same message.

Column: Reaching a new generation through environmental education and outreach

After a gangbuster start to the winter season, a lot of us in Tahoe are wondering where all the snow has gone. Sitting here at the end of February with snowpack numbers dwindling, snow lovers are chomping at the bit, waiting to see the storm track shift back our way.

Still, the mountains have been buzzing with activity as skiers and snowboarders race to the mountains to enjoy what natural snow we’ve received and are ever thankful for the assist from local resorts’ snowmaking operations.

Upcoming meetings to update public on Lake Tahoe's SR89 West Shore plan

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The public is invited to explore the future of Lake Tahoe's West Shore during one of three public opportunities offered by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and Tahoe Transportation District. The State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan outlines the projects needed to improve the visitor experience, reduce traffic congestion, and preserve the environment from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoma.

Vail awards $2.8 million in grant support to 76 Lake Tahoe area nonprofits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vail Resorts EpicPromise has selected 76 local nonprofits in the Lake Tahoe area to receive one of their 2019-20 community grants, totaling $2.8 million in grant support.

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood recently held a breakfast to honor the recipients. The followed with a similar celebration at Northstar, the third area Vail resort.

Letter: Fire, safety, noise and trash concerns remain with SnowGlobe

Welcome to the ninth year summary of the SnowGlobe Music Festival. This is the first year the TRPA has done any monitoring and the event continues to violate TRPA’s pre-existing rules. We can add air pollution to the list of accomplishments for this event given the recent successful lawsuit by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH). Onsite inspections for building and fire continue to find violations (they have had violations every year) and the fireworks were moved to an open undeveloped area in the forest of Bijou Park this year.

Funding for reimagination and renovation of Spooner State Park now in place

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Construction is set to begin in May 2020 on the renovation and reimagination of facilities at Spooner Lake State Park. A collaboration between Nevada State Parks, Nevada State Lands and the Tahoe Fund has been successful in securing funding and donations to complete plans for the 35-year-old park.

Become a UC Master Gardener of Lake Tahoe

The University of California invites Tahoe-based adults interested in teaching others sustainable gardening to become a Master Gardener volunteer. You will learn University-based scientific information and then share that knowledge with others. UC Master Gardener volunteers are people of all ages and from all walks of life with a common desire to help others learn about gardening.

Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe chosen for innovative cat training program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE and TRUCKEE, Calif. — The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe has been selected to participate in the 2020 class of Cat Pawsitive, a life-saving initiative that introduces positive-reinforcement training to cats in shelters and rescues. Supported by the Petco Foundation, this innovative program aims to increase feline adoption rates and maintain cat “mojo.”

HSTT provides services both in Truckee and South Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County to handle most residential, multi-family and commercial permits for TRPA

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a move to help property and business owners save time and money, El Dorado County will begin processing additional permits on behalf of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) starting January 28, 2020.

Protecting Lake Tahoe’s environment is the paramount goal of the TRPA and in meeting that goal, a TRPA permit is required for most construction projects inside the Lake Tahoe Basin. This runs the gamut from the addition of a new deck to a sign for a new business.

Move by Newsom puts South Lake Tahoe parcels on the list for affordable housing projects

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two parcels owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) appear to be on their way to becoming home to affordable housing projects in South Lake Tahoe.

To address the shortage of housing for Californians, Governor Newsom ordered the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to identify and prioritize excess state-owned property and aggressively pursue sustainable, innovative, cost-effective housing projects.

Barton Health offers acupuncture treatments at Center for Orthopedics & Wellness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health has expanded acupuncture services at its Center for Orthopedics & Wellness to now offer community acupuncture treatments. Community acupuncture provides similar health and wellness benefits of private acupuncture but differs from the private clinical room setting – taking place in a group environment with lower costs per treatment.

Billboard to help spread word of responsible recreation in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone has seen the pictures, piles of broken plastic sleds left behind in the snow, trash left behind on the beaches and even pet waste disposal bags left along the trails.

Shared on social media, these photos of irresponsible people enjoying the beauty of Lake Tahoe have spread like runny pancake batter. The reason most visit and live around the Lake Tahoe Basin is for the natural beauty everywhere one looks. The majestic peaks and pine-tree filled mountains, the crystal blue water, beaches lining much of the 72-mile circumference of the pristine Lake Tahoe.

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 invited to panel discussions on Lake Tahoe, Climate Change and Wildfires

Event Date: 
January 27, 2020 - 8:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - Operation Sierra Storm, a leading national weather conference being held on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe Jan. 26-28, 2020, is a cutting-edge meteorological forum and seminar for network television meteorologists from around the country.

The Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority has invited the public to one of the events during the conference, Fire Conditions, Community Safety and Tahoe Climate Impact, on January 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Harveys Lake Tahoe Cabaret Theater.

Column: 2019 Highlights from South Tahoe Public Utility District

Every day we wash our dishes, fill our water glass, and flush the toilet, likely without thinking much about the systems required to make this all possible. I’d like to think we are doing our job so you don’t have to think too much about it.

Letter: County needs to protect residents from impacts of SnowGlobe

Again, my family and I have been subjected to the invasive noise pollution inside our home from yet another SnowGlobe event. I live in the county near Sierra House School. I purchased this home to live in a quiet and peaceful alpine environment. Now, my home is 1.18 miles or 6,225 feet from a large and loud musical venue that violates noise regulations, creates pollution, and drains governmental resources in my community. All the while, I am paying tax dollars for services not rendered. It is very disappointing, to say the least!

The sustainable message behind SnowGlobe Music Festival

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many know the annual winter SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe as a gathering of electronic music fans in the cold outdoors, but they may not know about the behind the scenes efforts to make the event sustainable and to ensure they leave no trace behind where it comes to products used and trash.

To help them in these efforts, Waste Free Earth is on board to create an environment of sustainability through strict guidelines for vendors and sponsors, recycling waste bins throughout the event, and daily trash pickup and sorting.

Paint & Sip: The Son of Man by René Magritte

Event Date: 
January 16, 2020 (All day)

Recreate René Magritte’s most well-known self-portrait. Receive one-on-one creative guidance to paint your own 16″ x 20″ canvas masterpiece in a fun social environment. This class is perfect for all levels of artistic talent. BYOB, bring a snack and beverage to enjoy during class. $30 per person.

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:

Remodeled rooms, lounge and restaurant part of $41 million in upgrades for Harveys Lake Tahoe

STATELINE, Nev. - Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino is undergoing some major projects including the complete remodel of all Lake Tower hotels rooms. Besides these rooms and the new Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen on the casino floor, Harveys is also adding new balcony suites as part of over $41 million in capital projects for 2019-20.

The tower’s balcony suites, with incredible views of the lake, were also renovated last year. The upgraded guest rooms and additional projects as well as a new casino bar and lounge experience opening in 2020 are part of the new capital outlay.

Column: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency celebrates 50 Years

The year was 1969. And what a year it was. On July 20, 1969—the Viet Nam War was raging—American Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon. For much of the decade, America and indeed the world had been mesmerized by the space race.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office #NoShaveNovember nets almost $3,700 for suicide prevention

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) recently concluded a month-long fundraiser to raise money for the Suicide Prevention Network (SPN).

#NoShaveNovember raised just over $3,672 for the nonprofit that provides families and individuals with support and education within the community.

Involved with the judging was Trish Hamilton who lost her son Dalton Warswick to suicide in September of this year. Dalton had attended both Whittell and Douglas High Schools.

TRPA honors 29th annual Best in the Basin award winners

STATELINE, Nev. - Six projects were given Best in the Basin awards Wednesday by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). The presentation of the 29th annual winners was made before their board meeting at Stateline.

The TRPA Best in Basin awards program showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

Warm Room plans to open in South Lake Tahoe on Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Warm Room is set to open for the winter on Monday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m. The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) announced today they have secured 989 Third Street for their location this season and will open pending completion of a final City inspection.

During the winter, TCH provides overnight refuge from the elements at the Warm Room. The Warm Room provides a safe and warm environment for adult men and women who are experiencing homelessness.

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

AlertTahoe fire camera system detects 57th fire in Lake Tahoe

The AlertTahoe 11-camera system surrounding the Lake Tahoe Basin has been credited for detecting its 57th fire since first being installed in 2013.

As the Kincade Fire in Sonoma and the Easy Fire in Southern California raged, a camera in Lake Tahoe spotted a small fire on the West Shore. Fire crews were able to respond and quickly put it out.

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.

Training to be held for South Lake Tahoe Warm Room volunteers

The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless will host training sessions for members of the community who would like to become new Warm Room volunteers this season. The Warm Room in South Lake Tahoe is an overnight emergency shelter that operates three-four months during the winter.

New transportation plan to focus on communities, quality of life and economy

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is kicking off an update to the Regional Transportation Plan. The Regional Transportation Plan lays out the vision for the transportation system at Lake Tahoe and focuses on transit, trails, technology, and communities to support the environment, economy, quality of life, and visitor experience.

Tahoe Film Festival returns to the North Shore

The 5th annual Tahoe Film Fest presents an incredible selection of new feature films and documentaries on various topics, as well as important award-winning environmental films. Several filmmakers introduce their works. The event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy almost thirty films and interact with other film aficionados.

All proceeds from the festival, which runs on the North Shore from December 5-8, go to support educational programs at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

NV Energy prepares for storm heading to Lake Tahoe and offers helpful tips

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The incoming winter storm will not only bring with it heavy snow but also wind with gusts up to 115 mph over the crest of the Sierra.

"Safety is our top priorty," said NV Energy Director of Delivery Operations, Brian Costello. He said during these storms there is a concern for both public and staff safety with downed power lines.

NV Energy supplied electricity to the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe Basin and to the Truckee Donner PUD. Their power lines go over the Mt. Rose Highway into Incline Village and over Kingsbury Grade into the South Shore.

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

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

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

Adulting 101 classes at South Lake Tahoe Library

Event Date: 
December 9, 2019 - 3:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe Library will host a two-night Adulting 101 series in December for those ages 15 to 25-year-old.

Each night of classes will cover the basic skills of growing up and becoming adults. In order to create an environment appropriate for teens and young adults, age limits will be enforced. The classes will be from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

On December 9, learn about and focus on financial planning. In this class, financial experts will teach the basics of budgeting, credit, and much more. Presented by Wells Fargo At Work.

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks the Sidney Family and LT Christian Fellowship

For Larry and Kerstin Sidney, wanting to help others was their motivation for sponsoring their first Bread & Broth Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) on October 28 at St. Theresa Grace Hall. With their $300 AAD donation, the Sidney family enabled B&B to feed 100 dinner guests a filling, nutritious and tasty dinner in a warm, safe and friendly environment. Bread and Broth's (B&B) Monday Meal communal dinner is open to everyone in the Tahoe community to be enjoyed as a way to ease hunger, save money for other necessities besides food, and enrich their social interactions with others.

Expect delays on SR28 as new “Welcome to Nevada” monument is installed

Single lane closures will be in place on State Route 28 in Crystal Bay on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe on Thursday, Nov. 14 as the Nevada Department of Transportation installs a new “Welcome to Nevada” monument.

Single lane closures will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of SR28 and Stateline Road in Crystal Bay. Drivers should anticipate moderate travel delays as traffic flaggers and pilot cars alternate both directions of traffic through the work zone.

Public forum on new cell tower/telecommunication ordinance for South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 20, 2019 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A community forum will be held on November 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to discuss the development and status of the new city-wide telecommunication facility (cell tower) ordinance for the City of South Lake Tahoe.

“Our goal is to listen to the community and hear the various perspectives to allow us to craft a responsive, well-thought-out set of regulations,” said Kevin Fabino, Development Services Director.

The meeting will be held at the SLT Recreation Center located at 1180 Rufus Allen

Erasing your carbon footprint, from baby steps to leaps and bounds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Millions around the world participated in the Global Climate Strike this past September, trying to make their voices heard as they called for action.

A reported 7.6 million people took to the streets, the biggest climate mobilization in history. From small villages to big cities, people spoke, walked, joined hands and used their voices in defense of the climate and an end to reliance on fossil fuels.

Kind Traveler and LTVA team up to give visitors a way to help Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Kind Traveler and the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority (LTVA) have teamed up to empower travelers to make a positive community and environmental impacts when they stay in hotels and motels on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

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.

New "Welcome to Nevada" monuments installed on US395

New "Welcome to Nevada" monuments are being installed by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) at two of the entrances to the state along US 395, with others planned at border crossings on SR28 in Crystal Bay and I-11 near Hoover Dam.

Installation of the monument near Topaz Lake was completed on October 15 and a welcome monument on U.S. 395 near Bordertown to be installed by the end of the month.

Community newsletter from the City of South Lake Tahoe

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

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

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