georgetown
Fire updates: Fork, North, Slink, Creek
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 9:47pm
There are over 40 major fires currently burning in California, filling skies with heavy smoke from the ocean to the Sierra up and down the state. While there are no fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a few close enough to be responsible for sending smoke into the region. The closest is the Fork Fire east of Lake Tahoe about 13 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. To the south is the Slink Fire and northwest is the large North Complex.
Fork Fire
Statistics on the Fork Fire have not been updated all day. As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday the estimated size was 2,500 acres.
Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe near Loon Lake
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 12:41pm
UPDATE 10:30AM 9/9: The Fork Fire is now measured at 2,500 acres. It continues to burn in the Crystal Basin/Gerle Creek area, 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines.
UPDATE 7:30PM: The Fork Fire in the Pacific Ranger District is 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. It is now 500 acres with 0 percent containment and is spreading toward the 2014 King Fire burn scar in the Rubicon drainage on the Georgetown Ranger District.
Rheumatologist Leah Krull, MD joins team at Barton Health
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 8:49am
Board-certified rheumatologist, Leah Krull, MD, has joined the team of medical experts practicing at Barton Health. A physician skilled at addressing autoimmune and joint diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, gout, and lupus, Dr. Krull is treating patients at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe.
Rheumatology manages conditions that affect joints and the body as a whole due to systemic inflammation.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 19 - 25
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/18/2020 - 2:02pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
South Lake Tahoe library offering story time and other digital services while closed
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/04/2020 - 6:47pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Even though the El Dorado County library in South Lake Tahoe is closed to the public to comply with social distancing requirements, many services including storytime are offered online.
Library cards that are due to expire have been extended. All books due during their closed times will be accepted after reopening with no late fees. Their drop box is closed so no books can be dropped off.
All due dates have been extended to May 29, 2020.
Road Beat: 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid still the best of the best
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/29/2020 - 11:31am
After testing nearly every hybrid on the market including products from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford. Toyota’s 2020 Avalon hybrid is the best yet (actually it is tied with the Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h which essentially share chassis and hybrid system). Usually, the predominant factor in buying a hybrid is fuel economy and while the Avalon is rated at 43/43/43 mpg which is not the highest rating among hybrids, it can clearly outperform those numbers while doing so many other things extremely well.
Solano County man found guilty of murder and robbery by South Lake Tahoe jury
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/25/2020 - 11:27pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A jury of seven men and five women took just 80 minutes on Tuesday to find Dion Jermaine Vacarro guilty of murdering Dennis "Spike" Wright, Jr. in South Lake Tahoe on January 30, 2016.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork February 16 - 22
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/14/2020 - 10:56pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until building season begins May 15. The following is their weekly schedule:
LONG TERM PROJECTS
Fours years after man killed in South Lake Tahoe over pot deal, one trial begins
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/07/2020 - 1:45am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a snowy night on January 30, 2016, when Dennis Wright, Jr. brought at least 100 pounds of pot to the Beverly Lodge on Lake Tahoe Boulevard to sell to an interested party. Wright, who was better known as Spike, never made it back to his home in River Pines, Amador County that night. Instead, he was shot and killed at about 7:45 p.m. in the parking lot of the motel.
Grand Jury indicts four men at forefront of marijuana grows linked to El Dorado County deputy's killing
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/07/2019 - 6:08pm
As soon as word spread that El Dorado County Deputy Brian Ishmael was shot and killed in the line of duty on October 23, multiple federal agencies were mobilized and went to work to not only find out who was directly responsible for the death, but also to uncover those in charge of the illegal marijuana grows at the forefront of the case.
Supervisor of two marijuana gardens arrested in connection with death of El Dorado County deputy
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/29/2019 - 5:44pm
There has been another arrest in connection with the shooting death of El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Ishmael.
The supervisor of two marijuana gardens in the rural communities of Somerset and Georgetown, Jorge Lamas, was arrested in Yuba City on October 25 by the U.S. Marshals Service. Lamas is a resident of that Northern California town.
School and building closures Monday on West Slope of El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/27/2019 - 11:44pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The PG&E power shutdown has prompted County officials to close several departments. The following County departments will be closed Monday, October 28, 2019 due to power outages:
Agriculture
Airports in Georgetown and Placerville
Building A
HHSA - Briw Road Campus
HHSA - Spring Street Campus
HHSA - Veterans Hall
Placerville Jail
Libraries (Cameron Park, Georgetown, Placerville, Pollock Pines)
Parks
Union Mine Facility
Probation
Child Support Services
Public Defender
District Attorney
PG&E possibly cutting power to 206K customers due to winds and fire danger
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/21/2019 - 10:44pm
Due to severe wind concerns, PG&E has notified 209,000 customers in 15 counties they may have to proactively turn off power for safety reasons in Northern California beginning late Wednesday evening. The PG&E website has been down, but when working updated information can be found here - http://pge.com/pspsupdates.
The list of affected communities:
AMADOR (13,131 customers)
Amador City, Fiddletown, Jackson, Martell, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Plymouth, River Pines, Sutter Creek, Volcano
BUTTE (23,452 customers)
El Dorado County closes some of their west slope offices due to power outage
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 1:18pm
Due to PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shut off, the following is the current status of
County buildings operations on the West Slope:
Closed to the public
Agriculture
1. Building A (Board of Supervisors, Chief Administrative Office, Human Resources, County Counsel)
2. Child Support Services (Shingle Springs)
3. Health and Human Services Agency - Briw Road
4. Health and Human Services Agency - Spring Street Complex
5. Placerville Jail
6. Libraries – Placerville, Georgetown
7. Union Mine
Open to the public
1. Animal Shelter
2. AQMD
Two Placerville area men arrested after high-speed chase in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/30/2019 - 11:04pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two El Dorado County men have been arrested on multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a chase through South Lake Tahoe and Meyers Friday afternoon.
At 1:12 p.m., the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) was notified of a reckless driver on US50 near Heidi's Restaurant. The person who called it in said the car was a Lexus 4-door and it was heading west.
Road Beat: Toyota Avalon, A Super Car for whom?
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 11:17am
Toyota created the Avalon about 25 years ago as a more luxurious and bigger Camry. Eventually, Toyota used the Avalon chassis for its Lexus ES350 series. Nothing wrong there. Now in its fifth generation, the all-new Avalon really is all new. While the nameplate is old, it is looking to attract younger drivers. The median age of Avalon drivers has grown from about 60 in 2005 to about 66 currently. For this new generation Avalon, perhaps the question should be asked: “Why are 66-year old’s having all the fun?”
PG&E cutting power to 70,000 Sierra Foothills customers due to fire danger
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/14/2018 - 9:04pm
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is in emergency mode in extreme fire-risk areas in Butte, Sierra, Placer, Nevada, El Dorado, Amador, Plumas, Calaveras and Yuba counties due to Red Flag warnings by the National Weather Service. These shutoffs will affect about 70,000 customers.
South Lake Tahoe is served by Liberty Utilities and not part of the utility company's plan to start proactively shutting off power for safety as early as 5 p.m. Sunday and continuing through the evening.
Flu vaccine clinics in South Lake Tahoe and West Slope
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/10/2018 - 10:41pm
The 2018/19 flu season almost upon us and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending an annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine.
They said flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses (the B/Victoria component was changed and the influenza A(H3N2) component was updated).
El Dorado County fire prompts evacuations near Georgetown
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/04/2018 - 6:58pm
8:00 p.m. update: The Sliger Fire is now 75 acres with 20 percent containment. There are no new evacuations at this time.
_ _ _
Over 200 homes have been evacuated this evening after a fire broke out at Sliger Mine Road and Hida Way, northwest of Georgetown.
The fire, called the Sliger Fire, broke out at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4 and is burning at a moderate rate of spread in timber south of the middle fork of the American River near the Placer County-El Dorado County border. Full air and ground resource response fighting this fire.
EDC homicide at pot cultivation site with ties to Mexican drug cartel
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 2:23pm
A marijuana cultivation site that has ties to a Mexican drug cartel has now been identified as the scene of an El Dorado County murder.
Nolen Buchanan found guilty on three counts of 1st degree murder
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/13/2018 - 4:04pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An El Dorado County jury of five women and seven men deliberated about two hours Wednesday, coming back with a quick verdict in the case of Nolen Keith Buchanan, the Benicia, California teen that had been accused of killing his family and setting their cabin on fire to cover his tracks.
Nolen Buchanan murder trial in South Lake Tahoe nearing end
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 11:08pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At 10:00 a.m. on September 13, 2015, Garden Valley Fire Department personnel responded to a wildland fire in the community of Greenwood in western El Dorado County, on Highway 193 between Cool and Georgetown. Upon arrival they found a residence still smoldering, but burned to the ground.
In the ashes were found the charred remains of Adam Buchanan, 38, his fiancée Molly McAffe, 37, and their 8-year-old son Gavin Buchanan. All three were shot before the cabin was burned down.
Murder in the Mountains
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/30/2018 - 11:54pm
It is a story about drugs.
It is a story about money.
It is a story about murder.
And it is a story about justice.
Christmas tree permits all sold out in Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 6:19pm
It took less than two weeks for the U.S. Forest Service to sell out of Christmas tree cutting permits. Since November 13, the first day of sales, 2,250 permits were sold from the USFS offices in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village and Tahoe City. No additional permits will be authorize for this season.
Permits may still be available in locations outside of the Tahoe Basin. Call ahead to see if they still have the $10 permits on hand:
Bureau of Land Management
Carson City Office
5665 Morgan Mill Road,
Carson City, NV 89701
775-885-6000
Christmas Tree permits go on sale November 13
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/08/2017 - 12:32pm
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Eldorado National Forest (ENF) will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, November 13, 2017. Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar trees up to six inches in diameter at the base in designated cutting areas. Trees must be cut on the forest where the permit was purchased (the ENF is south and west of the Lake Tahoe Basin, on the west slope).
Public input sought on 3-year plan for Mental Health Services Act.
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 7:19pm
The Behavioral Health Division of the El Dorado County (EDC) Health and Human Services Agency invites the public to provide input on the County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three Year Plan Annual Update for Fiscal Year 2018/19. Community members can provide input by email, online survey or at an upcoming community meeting.
Community meetings to receive input for the MHSA plan are scheduled as follows:
Dr. Jeffrey Orr returns to South Lake Tahoe as Barton's newest surgeon
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 10:09am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health announced today that Jeffrey Orr, MD, has returned to his hometown of South Lake Tahoe to join its network of talented orthopedic surgeons.
Dr. Orr received his medical doctorate from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He conducted his orthopedic surgery residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He completed his fellowship training at the University of South Florida. He’s an affiliate of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Low cost flu clinics in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/07/2017 - 9:52am
The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Nursing, will begin conducting low-cost community flu shot clinics on September 27, 2017, with additional clinics offered through November.
Local Rotary clubs help UNR fire camera network at Tahoe prepare for robust fire season
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 10:24pm
With a record mountain snowpack changing to a robust, above normal, significant fire potential, wildland firefighting agencies are gearing up for another fire season and the University of Nevada, Reno is ramping up its AlertTahoe HD/4K fire camera system, which overlooks and helps protect dozens of western mountain ranges and hundreds of square miles of Nevada’s Great Basin.
Suspect in South Lake Tahoe murder changes plea to guilty
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/22/2016 - 9:45pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - It was an emotional day in court Tuesday as one of the suspects in the January 30, 2016 murder of Dennis "Spike" Wright, Jr. withdrew his plea of not guilty and plead guilty to an amended criminal complaint that included four felonies surrounding Wright's murder and robbery.
Not only Lake Tahoe forest service areas selling Christmas tree permits
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/03/2016 - 8:37pm
For the first time in several decades, the Eldorado National Forest will sell Christmas tree cutting permits. Permits for pine, fir or cedar trees up to 6 inches in diameter at the base will be available beginning November 14, 2016. "The goal of this program is to provide an enjoyable holiday experience for families and friends in the natural setting of their national forest" said Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree.
Prescribed burning to resume in Eldorado National Forest
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/04/2016 - 7:20pm
If you see smoke around Amador, Georgetown and Placerville it will most likely be from 12,671 acres of National Forest land being burned this fall by the U.S. Forest Service.
USFS will begin its fall prescribed burn program in the Eldorado National Forest as soon as weather conditions are favorable. Fire managers plan to burn approximately, 12,671 acres of National Forest land this fall, winter and spring using a combination of understory and pile burning techniques.
Public input sought on Mental Health Services Act
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 7:20pm
In the 2004 California election, voters passed Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), mandating a one percent increase in income taxes for individuals with incomes over $1 million to expand mental health services. The MHSA funds mental health services that are "recovery and resiliency" focused to children and their families, transitional age youth, adults and older adults. MHSA programs must provide integrated service experiences that are client and family driven, wellness, recovery and resilience focused, culturally competent, and include community collaboration.
El Dorado County Public housing voucher wait list opens for first time in 8 years
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/21/2016 - 6:48am
For the first time since 2008, El Dorado County’s Public Housing Authority will open its Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List. The Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program (formerly known as Section 8) is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides rental assistance to income qualified individuals and families. Applicants must be United States citizens or have eligible immigration status.
Another arrest connected to South Lake Tahoe murder
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/15/2016 - 2:13pm
The arrests continue around the country in response to the January, 2016 murder of 40-year-old Dennis Wright at the Beverly Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. In an apparent drug deal gone bad, Wright was shot to death in the motel's parking lot after allegedly bringing 100 pounds of marijuana to town to sell.
Low-cost flu vaccine clinics to start in South Lake Tahoe September 28
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/07/2016 - 9:38pm
Low-cost community flu vaccination clinics will start in South Lake Tahoe on September 28 and on October 5 on the West Slope.
The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Nursing will be conducting the clinics through mid-November for just $10 per vaccine. No one will be denied service due to inability to pay.
Lake Tahoe area roadwork September 4-10, 2016
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/03/2016 - 5:51pm
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.
Woodcutting permits change in Eldorado Forest to allow dead trees to be cut
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/28/2016 - 11:59am
Woodcutting permits on the Eldorado National Forest have been changed to allow larger standing dead conifer trees to be cut for firewood. A minimum of tTwo cords of wood can be cut for $15 per cord.
"This change in our woodcutting permits will encourage removal of potentially dangerous roadside hazard trees," said forest supervisor Laurence Crabtree. "Fire and bark beetles have left a lot of dead trees which could fall across forest roads, particularly the less traveled roads in the back country."
Search continues for El Dorado County man missing for over a year
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/27/2016 - 9:13pm
Justin Bonderer, who would have recently celebrated his 36th birthday, hasn't been seen since the Camino home he was living in burned on April 7, 2016.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for the long time resident of Georgetown, Calif.
Justin moved to Camino with his then girlfriend. Detectives were able to track Justin up through April 7, 2015, where he was last seen in Placerville, possibly on his way to Camino.
Lake Tahoe area roadwork August 28 - September 3
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/27/2016 - 6:00pm
Most lane closures will be restricted from 6 a.m. Friday, September 2 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 6 because of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.
Body of missing El Dorado County woman found
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 9:11pm
The body of a 36-year-old Georgetown woman missing since August 20 was found near her home Wednesday. Jennifer Wilson-Johnston, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and memory loss, left her residence on foot Saturday evening and hadn't been seen since.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office issued a press release earlier Wednesday, asking for the public's help in finding Jennifer.
The cause of death is under investigation and foul play in not suspected.
Firefighters gain on Trailhead Fire: 50% contained, burns 5,444 acres
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/29/2016 - 7:12am
8:30 p.m. update 7/4/16: Firefighters working on the Trailhead Fire in El Dorado County gained a lot of ground Monday, getting a containment line around 50 percent of the fire. So far, 5,444 acres have burned.
Opinion: If you see something, say something
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/04/2016 - 6:37pm
On September 12, 2001, advertising luminary Allen Kay coined the phrase, “If you see something, say something.”[1] In the wake of horrific events the day before, Kay recognized that no matter how well trained, equipped and staffed, law enforcement can’t do it alone. Within a relatively short period of time, the slogan was plastered on New York City transit vehicles. Over time, the Law Enforcement and Homeland Security slogan has become so well known it has been described as the equivalent of Nike’s “Just do it” advertisement.[2]
Another South Lake Tahoe murder suspect arrested, this time in Oklahoma
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/01/2016 - 2:34pm
The fifth suspect in the January 30, 2016 murder of an Amador County man at the Beverly Lodge in South Lake Tahoe has been arrested. 26-year-old Dion Jermaine Vacarro, a former resident of Solano County, Calif., was arrested in Oklahoma City on suspicion of the murder on Dennis Wright, Jr. after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Fourth suspect arrested in South Lake Tahoe murder case
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 12:39pm
Georgetown, Calif., resident Tevarez Lopez has been arrested as a suspect in the January 30, 2016 murder in South Lake Tahoe of Dennis Wright, Jr.
El Dorado Savings in Georgetown robbed at gunpoint
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/22/2016 - 10:07pm
The El Dorado Savings Bank in Georgetown, Calif., was robbed at gunpoint by an unknown man on Monday, March 21. 2016 at 12:49 p.m.
The suspect is identified as being a white male adult, was wearing blue jeans, blue rain coat and a San Francisco 49ers ball cap. He was armed with a black pistol and seen leaving the area in a red Dodge Durango, most likely a 2004-09 model.
El Dorado County Sheriff's deputies, detectives and CSI personnel, along with allied law enforcement, responded to the bank and interviewed numerous employees, customers and witnesses.
South Lake Tahoe investigation leads to Georgetown drug bust
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/14/2016 - 2:29pm
An investigation into the sales of drugs surrounding the murder of Dennis Wright, Jr. in South Lake Tahoe last month led the El Dorado County Sheriff SWAT team to Georgetown, Calif., on February 2, 2016 where they arrested 33-year-old Teveraz Lopez on drug charges.
Two separate investigations are currently ongoing surrounding the death of Wright, both a homicide investigation and a narcotics investigation according to EDSO Lt. Jim Byers.
Processed marijuana stolen during El Dorado County home invasion robbery
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/23/2015 - 7:38pm
11/24/15 update: The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office arrested both Ross and Stone on warrants issued by El Dorado County. When contacted, both Ross and Stone were armed with loaded firearms. They were taken into custody without incident and some of the stolen property from the Greenwood robbery was recovered. Ross and Stone were booked into the Sacramento County Jail on weapons and drug charges. They were also booked on warrants from El Dorado County. They are both in custody at the Sacramento County Jail in lieu of $350,000 bail.
Two hurt in small El Dorado County plane crash
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 9:59pm
Two men suffered moderate injuries Wednesday after a small plane went down at the Georgetown Airport, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said.
Emergency personnel from several agencies, including Cal Fire, Georgetown Fire and El Dorado County Fire responded, finding the single engine Luscombe plane down an embankment near the runway.
The impact of the crash bent the nose up almost 90 degrees.
People familiar with the aircraft's two occupants told FOX40 both are longtime Georgetown residents, and one is the owner of the plane and a flight instructor.
Benicia family missing following El Dorado County fire
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/19/2015 - 11:13pmA Benicia family is missing following a fire in El Dorado County, according to a press release Friday.
Adam Buchanan, his 7-year-old son Gavin and Gavin’s mother Molly McAfee have been reported missing after a fire gutted Buchanan’s cabin near Georgetown in El Dorado County “last weekend,” according to the release.
The actual date of the fire was not immediately available.
The statement was released by the law offices of Gizzi & Reep, LLP in Benicia.
