home rentals
Closed session for South Lake Tahoe City Council: Measure T and Tahoe Wellness lawsuits
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/07/2019 - 5:40am
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.
Judge halts ban on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals, for now
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/24/2018 - 5:29pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Even though there is no ban on vacation rentals until 2021 in South Lake Tahoe, a component to control occupancy was to be in effect this month but a judge today put a halt to that.
Temporary stop to implementation of South Lake Tahoe's Measure T sought
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/22/2018 - 12:23am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group has a court date Monday, December 24 to try and get a temporary restraining order against the City of South Lake Tahoe's implementation of Measure T.
Lawsuit filed against City of South Lake Tahoe to stop enforcement of Measure T
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/19/2018 - 11:21pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been just two weeks since the final count of the November 2018 election was certified in El Dorado County and there is already a lawsuit surrounding the outcome of Measure T.
Election is final: South Lake Tahoe's measure to ban VHRs wins by 58
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/04/2018 - 5:05pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - It was a historic turnout for a midterm election across El Dorado County, and now the results have been finalized for the November 6, 2018 election.
The final report was released at 2:36 p.m.
The most watched issued for South Lake Tahoe voters was Measure T, the citizen generated measure to ban vacation home rentals from residential neighborhoods starting in 2021.
Measure T to ban vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe on way to passing
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 10:29pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What should be the final count of ballots for the November 6 election in El Dorado County was released today, giving clarity to a hotly contested ballot measure in South Lake Tahoe. The citizen generated Measure T calls for a ban of all vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe except for those in what is called the "tourist core."
Douglas County seeking citizens for Vacation Home Rental Task Force
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 1:19pm
There is a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Task Force being formed in Douglas County and interested representatives from the community have been invited to apply.
At their November 15 meeting, Douglas County Board of County Commissioners asked staff to organize the task force for the purpose of offering recommendations to the County Manager on the permitting, management and/or limitation of vacation home rentals. This group will be advisory only.
Election update: 47 votes separate nays and yeas on South Lake Tahoe Measure T
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 10:36pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another round of votes were released Friday, narrowing the gap between yes and no on Measure T once again. The citizen generated measure call for a ban of all vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe except for those in what is called the "tourist core."
49 votes were added to the Measure T count, 19 "for" and 30 "against."
There were approximately 2,600 vote by mail ballots still to count this week for all of El Dorado County which includes provisional ballots and 160 conditionals ballots from South Lake Tahoe.
That leaves about 1,800 left to tally.
South Lake Tahoe's measure to ban vacation home rentals moves closer to passing
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:11pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Measure T, the South Lake Tahoe ballot measure that proposed a ban on all vacation rentals outside of the tourist core area starting in 2021 is a bit closer to passing.
In the second incremental release of votes counter after Tuesday, November 6, the Yes on T vote is at 3265, with No on T counts at 3207 - less than one percent difference. 267 ballots were tallied in this last release for Measure T.
No on Measure T closes the gap - down by 25 votes as of Friday
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/09/2018 - 6:29pm
The gap between the yes and no votes on Measure T in South Lake Tahoe got much smaller, with the measure now passing by just 25 votes. The South Lake Tahoe City Council and El Dorado County Supervisor results remain the same.
El Dorado County had over 24,000 votes to count after election day, and they have now counted 16,919 of them. 1,655 of those were from the City of South Lake Tahoe and 2,907 for the Area 5 Supervisor district.
As a recap, here are the results on election night: http://southtahoenow.com/story/11/08/2018/over-24000-ballots-yet-be-counted-el-dorado-county
Over 24,000 ballots yet to be counted in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/08/2018 - 11:10am
With a narrow margin in the ballot measure concerning the future of vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe, and other races still close, everyone is awaiting the release of more results from Tuesday's election.
You'll still have to wait a bit longer.
On Friday, November 9, El Dorado County Elections will post the next round of results, but it won't be the last as there are over 24,000 ballots yet to count.
13,372 mail-in ballots were dropped off at the polls
2,614 provisional ballots
Douglas County VHR survey results released: Topic on next board meeting agenda
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/07/2018 - 11:15am
Over 1,000 Douglas County residents responded to an online survey regarding vacation home rentals (VHR) and those results are now available. The input on the surveys is equal to approximately 50 hours of public comment.
South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County election results
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:05pm
Update - 1:20 a.m. 11/7/18: With a large voter turnout the processing of ballots is taking longer than normal. A power outage caused by a car hitting a power line near Blackwood Avenue caused some excitement for voters but did not delay the count as there are procedures in place for such an incident.
South Tahoe Now: No on Measure T
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/29/2018 - 10:50pm
Election season can be an exciting time of year with anticipation of the possibilities, but this year in South Lake Tahoe election season is full of negativity that has pitted neighbor against neighbor. One year ago I wrote an editorial "Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork," and today I urge continuance of community, collaboration and teamwork.
Full house for eighth and final city council candidate forum
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/26/2018 - 11:50pm
Local public safety employees hosted the eighth and final South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates' forum on October 25 at Lake Tahoe Community College.
It was a full house at the event which was hosted by the South Lake Tahoe Police Officers, the California Nurses and the South Lake Tahoe Firefighters associations and gave everyone a chance to hear from the nine candidates about their views before the November 6 election. Each association gave them two questions a piece, plus a couple asked by audience members during the two-hour long forum.
Letter: Vacation rentals can work in South Lake Tahoe - No on T
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/25/2018 - 9:41pm
As a full-time resident of South Lake Tahoe for the better part of 20 years, I write today to share why I am voting No on Ballot Measure T this November - a measure to ban vacation rentals within the city limits.
No on Measure T leads 2018 campaign donations and expenses in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/22/2018 - 10:14pm
At the first required filing of campaign paperwork, South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates raised just over $47,000 for the 2018 election season. Mayor Wendy David's $13,499 led candidates, which included a $10,000 loan to get her campaign started. Funds raised by a group formed to challenge Measure T, which bans vacation home rentals in the City outside the tourist core area, has raised $270,112.77 with most of it coming from the National Association of Realtors, local realtors and companies associated with the rentals.
Meet the Candidate: Bruce Grego to bring fairness and honesty to the Council
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/03/2018 - 11:18am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, the first-time candidate Bruce Grego gives his responses as he seeks a seat again on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Letter: City has failed to deliver effective VHR enforcement
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 6:00pm
Mayor Wendy David has stated that it is okay to have Vacation Home Rentals in residential neighborhoods as long as there is 'consistent' enforcement. Sorry Wendy but planning and zoning are not determined by enforcement. What has been ‘consistent' is the city's failure to deliver effective enforcement. When a neighbor calls in to complain about a problem with a VHR, a warning call goes out to the agent or owner of that VHR to warn them of the complaint. By the time the Enforcement Officer arrives the lights are out and the report reads: "Quiet on Arrival".
Tahoe Chamber hosts community forum for South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 12:08am
Event Date:
October 4, 2018 - 5:30pm
Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) is hosting a candidate forum on October 4 for candidates running for South Lake Tahoe City Council. Three City Council member seats are up for election, which includes those held by incumbents, and candidates, Wendy David, Tom Davis and Austin Sass. All nine candidates are confirmed to attend.
The forum will be held in the Lake Tahoe Community College Board Room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
City Council agenda includes renaming street policy, the budget and VHR report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/02/2018 - 11:30pm
The next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council is Tuesday, September 4, 2018, starting at 9:00 a.m.
During the meeting they will discuss, and or vote on, the following topics:
The 2018-2019 Municipal Budget will be presented in a workshop. Discussion started in April for adoption this Fall. The largest expense in the budget is $640,000 which covers Animal Control costs. Salaries and benefits equal $27,387,222 of the
budget which is being presented as $86,487,692.
City clarifies Vacation Home Rental street parking rules
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 11:31pm
In December of 2017, the South Lake Tahoe City Council approved the latest Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance based on months of workshops, testimony and compromise.
They found out during their meeting on August 21, 2018 that one portion of that ordinance cannot be enforced due to the Vehicle Code which allows for parking on streets.
This was brought to light during public comment at the meeting when local resident Andrea Olsen said the Community Service Officer (CSO) told her they could no longer enforce renters parking on city streets.
VHR deadline for bear box installation extended
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 4:28pm
Citing a lack of bear boxes and contractors to install them, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department has extended the July 31, 2018 deadline their installation at vacation home rentals (VHRs) for two months.
The new ordinance that went into effect December 22, 2017 gave homeowners of the VHRs until this month to have them installed. While hundreds have been installed, there are still many waiting to get them in the ground and they are on waiting lists.
Bus service faces drastic change in South Lake Tahoe; Public meeting Friday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/09/2018 - 8:27am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Public comment closes this week on plans released by the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) that address issues the agency is facing to be sustainable. Major changes are in store for riders.
Four plans were created as bus service cannot continue as it currently is due to several factors, including the cost of fleet replacement and improvement, funding availability and forecasted funds, regulatory compliance, and keeping and attracting drivers and staff.
Full signature count needed for medical marijuana dispensary initative
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/29/2018 - 11:58pm
For the second time this week, a group gathering signatures to get initiatives on November's ballot has failed to get past the first phase of signature validation.
On Friday, the El Dorado County Elections Department said the group attempting to grandfather in the existing medical marijuana dispensary in South Lake Tahoe and allow them to sell adult use marijuana failed the first count of a sample 500 signatures.
The Tahoe Wellness Cooperative at 3445 Lake Tahoe Boulevard is the only medical marijuana dispensary in the City limits.
Douglas County to hold public meetings on proposed VHR ordinance changes
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/06/2018 - 10:40pm
Event Date:
June 18, 2018 - 5:00pm
There will be a series of five public meetings in Douglas County to discuss proposed code amendment changes to their Vacation Home Rental Ordinance. In the old code, vacation home rentals (VHRs) were only allowed in the Tahoe Township (lake portion of the county), but the proposed changes will include VHRs in all areas.
Other proposed changes in the ordinance include:
All VHRs must have a contact person in Douglas County and the property manager must be licensed by the State of Nevada Division of Real Estate.
Unpermitted homes will be fined $500 per day up to $10,000.
Vail adds new ski resorts and takes over management of Lakeland Village
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/05/2018 - 6:38pm
Vail Resorts has made two announcements this week, one to report their expansion on the slopes, and another that expands their lodging property offerings in South Lake Tahoe.
Vail Resorts has acquired four new mountain resorts: Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire, Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado, and Stevens Pass in Washington State.
County VHR ad hoc committee meeting changes locations
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/01/2018 - 7:06pm
Event Date:
June 11, 2018 - 5:30pm
The next meeting of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ad hoc committee has changed locations. Originally planned for Placerville, the meetig on June 11 will now be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Science Magnet School.
Ad hoc committee members Supervisors Mike Ranalli and Sue Novasel will be joined by County staff at the meeting.
Likely South Lake Tahoe voters to see two VHR ballot measures in November
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 3:23pm
Two South Lake Tahoe community groups have submitted petitions to get their vacation home rental (VHR) initiatives on the November, 2018 ballot. The first group, Tahoe Neighborhoods Group, submitted 1,651 signatures to the City Clerk on April 30, and the second group, Sustainable Community Alliance, turned in 1,827 signatures on May 21, less than 30 days after they started collecting them.
Save a bear - be smart about food storage/trash disposal in the outdoors
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/21/2018 - 9:56pm
Several Lake Tahoe agencies have joined together to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal at all times while in bear country. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears can result in the bear being killed, fines and/or jail time for violators. Every year law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat and/or are damaging property. In some cases, the animals are euthanized.
Become part of the solution and help save our Tahoe bears!
SLTPD honors and promotes during National Police Week
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 10:32pm
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) held the annual awards ceremony Thursday, honoring the retirement of K9 Tara, the promotion of Jeff Roberson to Sergeant, awards for bravery and for service.
The celebration was started with the National Anthem sung by South Tahoe High School senior Caroline Krolicki and a presentation of the colors by the department's Honor Guard.
Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 10:51pm
There are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.
South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.
Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V
New updates to County VHR ordinance could be in place by July
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/02/2018 - 11:13pm
The El Dorado County Vacation Home Rental Ordinance was first created in 1997 and updated in 2004. At this time there are 900 permitted vacation home rentals (VHRs) in the County, 800 of which are in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
What started out with a “Good Neighbor Policy” has morphed into neighbors versus neighbors in El Dorado County and an ongoing VHR discussion as Supervisors work to create a new ordinance.
VHR ordinance focus of special Board of Supervisors in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 10:15pm
Event Date:
May 2, 2018 - 6:00pm
The last few attempts to have a special El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting on vacation home rentals (VHRs) have been met by bad weather and an overcrowded venue. The VHR meeting is now scheduled for Wednesday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the South Tahoe Middle School multi-purpose room.
A revised VHR ordinance is the only item on the agenda.
The Board is looking at eight revisions to the current Ordinance:
1) Restructure the violation and penalty provisions;
2) Clarify the language throughout the Ordinance;
3) Require exterior signage;
Anti-VHR group submits signatures to get initiative on ballot
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/30/2018 - 1:03pm
The first of two groups trying to get vacation home rental ballot measures to the voters in November has submitted signatures to the South Lake Tahoe City Clerk. On Monday, April 30, the Tahoe Neighborhoods Group turned in 1,651 signatures on petitions they circulated through South Lake Tahoe. Those signatures will now be sent to the elections department of El Dorado County for certification.
Letter to the Editor: Moratorium on County VHRs now
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/30/2018 - 9:11am
We can always count on either Supervisors Novasel or Ranalli starting off each VHR public meeting discussing VHR’s with the reminder that VHR’s are an allowed use for single family dwellings under TRPA’s land use Ordinances. They have attempted to make us believe the word of God (TRPA) has set this in stone, and that we should all now work together to allow these nuisance businesses to coexist in our neighborhoods.
El Dorado County Supervisors approve bear box ordinance
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/24/2018 - 11:40pm
In an attempt to keep trash contained and not easy for wildlife to access, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved a new ordinance Tuesday that has rules for single family residents, multi-unit complexes, businesses and vacation home rentals (VHRs).
The ordinance affects those living in the unincorporated area of the Lake Tahoe Basin, including Meyers and Tahoma.
There will be progressive enforcement by the El Dorado County Environmental Management Department:
Mayor's monthly community chat to center around retail cannabis sales
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/23/2018 - 9:28pm
Event Date:
April 25, 2018 - 9:00am
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David is holding her monthly "Let's Have a Conversation" on Wednesday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center.
This month's topic will be retail sales of cannabis in the city limits.
The first monthly conversation proved to be very popular, prompting the mayor to move the community event to the Senior Center. That meeting also didn't have a focus, just general community topics. The focus the past two conversations have been vacation home rentals, and the building/permitting process.
South Lake Tahoe community group attempts to get new initiative on the ballot
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 7:51pm
The "South Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Rentals Restrictions Initiative" may be added to the ballot in November should proponents get enough signatures to put it there.
Created by the Sustainable Community Alliance (SCA), a group in South Lake Tahoe, the initiative is giving voters another chance to voice their opinion about vacation home rentals (VHRs) and should be on the ballot along with another initiative that wants to ban VHRs.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/08/2018 - 12:25pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.
Some of those recently added to last week's log:
3/29
El Dorado County VHR meeting rescheduled, again
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/27/2018 - 5:23pm
Event Date:
May 2, 2018 - 6:00pm
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have rescheduled their vacation home rental (VHR) meeting on the South Shore for Wednesday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the South Tahoe Middle School's Multi-Purpose Room.
Weather has canceled two meetings, with the initial meeting postponed due to over-crowding of the meeting room.
This proposed purpose of this meeting on May 2 is to:
1. Conceptually approve amendments to Title 5 - County Business License Ordinance of the El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Chapter 5.56 - Vacation Home Rentals in the Lake Tahoe Basin;
Potential VHR ban could stall new recreation complex in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/24/2018 - 6:40pm
South Lake Tahoe voters went to the polls on November 8, 2016 and approved Measure P, a Tourist Accommodation Tax (TOT) increase of two percent to fund a new $25 million recreation complex in the city.
Now that new center is at jeopardy.
South Lake Tahoe community engaging during monthly conversations
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/22/2018 - 11:48pm
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David held her second "Community Conversation" on Wednesday, opening the avenues of conversation between government and the public. This time Councilmember Brooke Laine joined her.
During the first such meeting in January the crowd got too big for the chosen area, Peet's Coffee, so this month they moved to the SLT Senior Center. Everyone attending agreed the center was much more conducive to good conversation.
"I thought it went really well," said Wendy. "I really appreciate the respect everyone shows for each other and opinions can be shared freely."
No Globe Alliance pleads case to South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/21/2018 - 12:47am
One thing is evident at the last few months of South Lake Tahoe City Council meetings - the public is interested in voicing their opinions about several hot topics on the agenda including vacation home rentals, cannabis and SnowGlobe.
Tuesday, February 20 was no different as a line of locals got up to speak about the newly formed group, the No Globe Alliance.
City of South Lake Tahoe to host cannabis workshop
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/15/2018 - 12:18am
Event Date:
February 20, 2018 - 5:00pm
After Tuesday's normally scheduled 9:00 a.m. meeting, they will move to the Tahoe Beach Retreat & Lodge for an evening Cannabis Workshop to discuss upcoming regulations concerning the sales of adult-use cannabis in South Lake Tahoe. They moved to the larger venue due to expected participation.
On February 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., members of the public can give their input on what an ordinance concerning the sales of cannabis in city limits should look like. Besides council members there will also be representative of the Planning Commission and Cannabis Subcommittee.
SLT City Manager on "indefinite leave." Fire chief steps in as acting manager
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/07/2018 - 2:17pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council announced today that City Manager Nancy Kerry is on indefinite leave. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston has been appointed as the acting City Manager.
Kerry has been with the City since 2008, working in various departments and moving into the City Manager position August 21, 2012
"City Council will not be making any additional comments to respect Ms. Kerry’s privacy," according to a press release issued Wednesday.
South Lake Tahoe cannabis discussion to move to evening meeting
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/06/2018 - 11:02pm
The Cannabis Community Committee gave a presentation to the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday, outlining the work they've done and recommendations for the City's ordinance for cannabis sales.
Fifteen members of the community came together as the committee and met with Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis, Councilwoman Brooke Laine, Police Chief Brian Uhler, City Attorney Nira Doherty and City Staff member Lisa Watson to discuss and research issues facing legal sales of cannabis in the city limits.
Letter: An open letter to South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/22/2018 - 12:16am
Dear Council Members:
My name is Scott Ramirez, I am a long time resident of South Lake Tahoe. Some of you know me and my family and are familiar with our activities to support our town. We are advocates for our community and volunteer where we can.
No moratorium on vacation rentals in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 12:23am
Tuesday's El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting was just as all other meetings about vacation home rentals have been: A full house and a large contingent passionately representing both sides of the issue.
Supervisor Shiva Frentzen sought conceptual approval of an urgency ordinance to place a moratorium on the issuance of new vacation home rental (VHR) permits in the unincorporated portions of the County located in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
El Dorado County to hold special meeting for vacation home rentals
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/08/2018 - 3:12pm
Event Date:
February 1, 2018 - 6:00pm
There will be a special meeting of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to discuss vacation home rentals (VHRs) in South Lake Tahoe at 6:00 p.m. on February 1 at the City Council chambers.
Supervisor Sue Novasel said she believes a meeting about the South Shore should be held on the South Shore so more of the citizens could attend and participate.
The hot topic of VHRs has divided many neighbors with opinions on both side of the issue.
