Housing
El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe exit state's stay-at-home order
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 6:18pm
1/13/21 UPDATE: The state has updated its website to reflect that hotels and vacation rentals can open with modifications in the purple tier. For all businesses, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just moments ago, the Greater Sacramento Region, of which El Dorado County is a part, was granted authority by the State to exit the Regional Stay At Home Order, effective immediately. This is based on the State’s four-week projection putting the region’s ICU capacity at 19.1 percent, above the 15 percent threshold announced last month.
Homeless coalition completes purchase of three South Lake Tahoe motels; move-ins begin
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 11:37am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After Governor Newsom announced the state would be giving the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) almost $10 million, the local nonprofit quickly bought three motels to meet its goal of ending homelessness in South Lake Tahoe. The September announcement of the Project Homekey grant came with an end-of-the-year deadline so California communities would get the ball rolling on sheltering the chronic homeless.
SBA and Treasury announce re-opening of PPP loans for businesses
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 12:43am
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, have reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility has been released in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.
South Lake Tahoe City Council starts off the new year with a meeting Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/31/2020 - 4:09pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council will hold their first scheduled meeting of 2021 on Tuesday with discussion and possible vote on new proposals from the the City of South Lake Tahoe response to COVID-19, a summary of the new housing program and near term rental housing strategies, and the 2020 Lake Tahoe Airport Economic Impact Study findings.
The January 5 meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. and can be viewed on Channel 21 or online.
The agenda also includes consent items:
- Emergency Order No. 6 which authorizes cannabis retailers to temporarily operate curbside pickup.
Column: 2020 Highlights from your Water and Sewer District
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/29/2020 - 4:17pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Back in the 1940s, before South Tahoe Public Utility
District existed, sewage flowed directly into beautiful Lake Tahoe. Citizens rallied to sign a petition to form the District and this year marks our 70th anniversary. From a single septic field to an award-winning 7.7 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility, with 100% recycled water and biosolids, a lot
has changed over the years.
Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless begins move-ins at purchased motels
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 12:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) successfully purchased El Nido Motel using some of the awarded Project Homekey funding. The property will provide much-needed affordable housing and supportive services for the most vulnerable local seniors, people with disabilities, and others at high risk of cold exposure and COVID-19 illness. The first client move-ins began last week, including medically fragile seniors who were living unsheltered in our community for many years.
Letter: 2020 has been a year of incredible challenges for Live Violence Free
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 10:05am
2020 has been a year of incredible challenges and changes for our organization. At Live Violence Free, we worked hard to continue to meet the needs of our community. Our resilient staff, volunteers, and board members have risen to the challenge and provided stabilizing support to the community, and we are here every step of the way.
Truckee, El Dorado and Placer County leaders ask AirBnB to not allow rentals during Stay-at-Home order
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/21/2020 - 5:17pm
El Dorado County, Placer County and Town of Truckee representatives have sent a letter to Airbnb, asking for assistance stopping short-term rentals (STR) during the current Stay at Home Order. They told the vacation rental booking company that their help is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and asked them to not allow rentals in Truckee and the California side of Lake Tahoe during the order which is through at least January 1.
No new restrictions for Nevada as Governor asks all to stem the tide of COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Sun, 12/13/2020 - 5:59pm
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak spoke to Nevadans Sunday afternoon to update them on the state's COVID-19 situation. He said the restrictions that went into effect three weeks ago will continue until January 15, 2021. Due to the rising COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state many thought he might impose stricter regulations.
Column: Finding bright spots on the horizon
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/11/2020 - 1:02pm
We are ready for some glad tidings this holiday season. While we look forward to the spirit of generosity and warmth the season brings, many are also hoping the New Year will deliver a meaningful reset. Propelling ourselves forward and out of crisis will require fortitude and drive. The pending vaccine is a bright spot on the horizon, but there are other positive indicators for better days to come.
City of South Lake Tahoe asks tourists to stay safe and at home, for now
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/09/2020 - 8:24pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a minimum three-week long Stay-at-Home order going into effect on December 10 at 11:59 p.m. there are new rules that affect South Lake Tahoe visitors and residents.
The Sacramento Region, of which South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are part of, has dropped below 15 percent availability in the ICUs across the region, prompting the new order. More than thirty million people in California now fall under the order after a deadly surge of the coronavirus has crossed the state.
Stay-at-Home orders for El Dorado, Alpine counties and rest in Sacramento Region
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/09/2020 - 4:33pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe and the rest of El Dorado County and Alpine County will go under a Stay-at-Home order effective Thursday, December 10 at 11:59 p.m. This order will last for at least three weeks and then the state will reevaluate. The order has gone into effect because the Sacramento Region, of which South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado and Alpine counties are part, now has staffed ICU bed availability under 15 percent.
Brooke Laine and Jason Collin end terms on South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/02/2020 - 4:50pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former mayors Brooke Laine and Jason Collin said their good-byes Monday at their final City of South Lake Tahoe council meeting. Collin decided to not run after his four-year term as did Laine who finished ten years on the council.
South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge donates $1000 to Family Resource Center
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/30/2020 - 3:59pm
Over the past ten years, the South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge has donated 50 Christmas food boxes annually to local families, delivering the boxes in recent years to the South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center for distribution to families in need.
These boxes contained a complete Christmas Ham dinner for a family of four, plus enough extra food to last for several additional meals. But, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year the Lodge was unable to hold its normal fundraisers and food collections to put the boxes together.
Letter: Fondo Milagroso de Tahoe (Tahoe Miracle Fund) seeks donors to fill need
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/25/2020 - 10:55am
During the course of executing the 2020 Census, the El Dorado Community Foundation was tasked with increasing the census numbers in two distinct census tracks in South Lake Tahoe. These two tracks have historically reported the lowest response rate for the census over the last twenty years.
Non-essential services offered by City of South Lake Tahoe moved remotely
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/17/2020 - 1:10pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The state has moved El Dorado County, and subsequently, South Lake Tahoe moved into the purple tier at noon on Tuesday. With the new restrictions on businesses, non-essential City of South Lake Tahoe offices will be closed. City employees working in non-essential offices will be available either by e-mail or telephone to the public.
Column: Recognizing the spirit of collaboration
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/13/2020 - 2:01pm
For more than half a century, collaboration and partnership have been the bedrock of Lake Tahoe’s preservation. I speak often of the epic collaboration needed to restore our environment and lift up our communities. The creation of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) 50 years ago challenged us to bring people together to pull this majestic lake back from the brink. Today, TRPA is the backbone for 80 organizations and thousands of property owners working toward the common goals of clean water, a healthy watershed, and resilient communities
Letter: Don't let City allow hosted vacation rentals
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/01/2020 - 9:59pm
The ban on Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in South Lake Tahoe is looming and the City is now working on putting holes in it. The first attempt is being presented Tuesday, Nov 3 at the City Council meeting. The City plans to allow 200 “Hosted” short term rentals in our neighborhoods. It will require a tenant or owner to host guests in their ‘homes’ to be available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes of issues being reported. On the surface this seems a reasonable alternative until we consider the realities and how this might actually be used.
Public meeting on South Lake Tahoe affordable housing project, Sugar Pine Village
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/30/2020 - 10:38am
Event Date:
November 18, 2020 - 5:30pm
Sugar Pine Village in South Lake Tahoe is envisioned to be a new residential, mixed-use affordable community that compliments the existing neighborhood while also preserving native species and sensitive land. The project will be designed to provide residents with new high quality, sustainable housing designed to support active transportation, encouraging biking, walking, access to transit, and connection with nearby trails for the local workforce and their families.
Kudos: Live Violence Free thanks Base Camp Pizza for donation
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/28/2020 - 9:21pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Live Violence Free is very excited to announce they have received a large donation from the Base Camp Pizza Company. Live Violence Free were chosen as this year’s non-profit community partner and throughout the 12-month donation period, Base Camp Pizza Co. staff collected more than $12,747 in donations for Live Violence Free.
Base Camp Pizza Co. has donated more than $100,000 over the years to various local non-profits through this program.
Letter: Candidate Grego weighs in on the issues
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/28/2020 - 11:40am
I have read a number of candidate statements and articles about their hopes and aspirations for our community. I applaud each candidate that is running for local office; the challenge is getting their messages to voters.
I must say, however, despite all of the objectives that the candidates seek to achieve while in office, they are missing an important point. It is not only what you want to accomplish, but how to do so.
My history of involvement has spanned decades in our community and the positions that I have taken are of public record.
South Lake Tahoe Hosted Rental Ordinance back to staff for revisions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/22/2020 - 12:26am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council made another attempt to create a Hosted Rental Ordinance but they decided at their meeting Tuesday to hand back to staff for some revisions.
After much discussion they decided to have staff clean up rules that could be potential loopholes for homeowners and/or tenants. This is the second time a first reading has been turned down for more fine tuning.
The following changes were added for Council to review October 20:
(1) Increase the required tenancy for a tenant to qualify as a hosted rental applicant from six months to two years;
City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 5:23pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.
Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.
Letter: Duane Wallace letter to voters
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/18/2020 - 5:44pm
Dear Voters: Everyone knows what goes downhill, but the South Tahoe Public Utility District knows how to recycle it into 381,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. A recent feature article by the Association of California Water Agencies pointed out that STPUD is one of only a handful of utility districts in the entire world that can claim 100% reuse of wastewater and bio solids. Here’s how. We use centrifuges instead of the usual pollution causing burners. That allows us to make fertilizer for ranch land.
Letter to the Editor: We Choose a Voice For Locals
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 7:33am
It's a great thing to call for unity. It sounds good and feels good. But for far too long hollow calls for "working together" have become excuses for bulldozing over the needs of the people who live and work here in favor of the needs of the developers, resorts and casinos.
I chose the locals.
I choose to give a voice to those who are marginalized.
And if this seems like I’m causing trouble, then it is, as John Lewis called it, good trouble.
STPUD candidates respond to questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 9:37pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.
South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.
Letter to the Editor: Choose Unity over Division
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 11:05am
We are both running for South Lake Tahoe City Council to move our community past division, negativity, misinformation and finger pointing, and toward common ground solutions on critical issues. We’re all in this together.
Douglas County Commissioners to possibly vote on new VHR regulations for Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/11/2020 - 1:25pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During their Thursday, October 15 meeting, the Douglas County commissioners will hear a presentation about the work done by an appointed task force about vacation home rentals (VHRs) in Tahoe Township. The agenda item is listed as having possible action by the commissioners.
Op/Ed: Creating a community without the divide of a state line
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 2:00pm
On October 31, 2016 I wrote an editorial "Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork" due to a growing vibe of discourse and anger across the country as well as in South Lake Tahoe.
Since we are once again in the midst of a contentious national election I saw a need to once again look at the definition of community as we focus on our local situation in El Dorado County and Douglas County.
com·mu·ni·ty:
Letter to the Editor: South Tahoe Youth climate group endorses Scott Robbins and John Friedrich for city council
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 9:40am
At this point in time, the intersection between equity and climate change has never been clearer. The Sunrise Movement is a national youth climate group that is seeking a future that’s not only sustainable, but also just. With only 11 years left to transform our economy away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need to elect officials now who will defend our future. The remedies for unsustainable practices must work for everyone in this city. That’s why we’re endorsing John Friedrich and Scott Robbins for the city council of South Lake Tahoe.
Letter to the Editor: Shops at Heavenly Village support Williams and Carter for Council
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 7:45am
On September 22, 2020 the Tahoe Chamber endorsed City Council Candidates Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich. We strongly believe they are the wrong choice for this position and will not represent the businesses, jobs, local working residents, and current challenges in our community effectively.
Letter to the Editor: Council candidate weighs in on contributions
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 7:38am
As a candidate for City Council, in the city of South Lake Tahoe, I became very upset at a very disturbing text I had received on Friday concerning campaign contribution and form 460 lings.
City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 8:12pm
On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
Public's input sought on Main Street Management Plan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/06/2020 - 10:43pm
A major makeover is planned for a stretch of US Highway 50 from Pioneer Trail to Lake Parkway and the draft Mainstreet Management Plan for this area has been released for public review and comment.
SLT Council Candidate Cristi Creegan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/06/2020 - 1:44pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Cristi Creegan
Profession: Business Owner
How many years in SLT: 23 years
SLT Council Candidate Douglas Williams
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/05/2020 - 2:39pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Douglas Williams
Profession: Hospitality
How many years in SLT: 10 years
Tahoe's transportation future focus of TRPA webinar
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 7:25pm
Event Date:
October 12, 2020 - 12:00pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Years of planning for the future of transportation around Lake Tahoe has led to the creation of a Regional Transportation Plan. Join the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Monday, October 12 during a one-hour webinar on the draft plan starting at noon to learn more (register here).
SLT Council Candidate Bruce Grego
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 4:07pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Bruce Grego
Profession: Attorney
How many years in SLT: 53 years
Column: Community health goes beyond health care
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/03/2020 - 5:54pm
When we look at our community’s health, there are many other factors that determine a person’s ability to thrive - beyond health care services. Social determinants of health are defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as the conditions in places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect outcomes for health and quality of life. These determinants are complex, and can be deeply rooted; including income and employment opportunities, housing instability, food insecurity, family and social support, transportation, and adverse life effects.
SLT Council Candidate John Friedrich
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/03/2020 - 2:23pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is John Friedrich
Profession: Founder and Director, Tahoe Green Jobs Initiative
How many years in SLT: 15
SLT Council Candidate Scott Robbins
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/02/2020 - 3:41pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Scott Robbins
Profession: National Security Analysist
How many years in SLT: 4
SLT Council Candidate Keith Roberts
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 12:07pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Keith Roberts.
Profession: Executive Chef
How many years in SLT: 5 years
SLT Council Candidate Daniel P. Browne, Jr.
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 4:12pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Daniel P. Browne, Jr.
Occupation: Veteran and Retired Businessman
How many years in SLT: 48 Years
Hilary Roverud officially named Development Services Director
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 11:38am
After more than 15 years of service, Hilary Roverud has been named Development Services Director after filling the position on a temporary basis since the resignation of Kevin Fabino on July 6.
“Hilary is incredibly skilled and loved by the staff she has worked with for so long,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “As a community, we are lucky to have her in this leadership role and know she will continue moving that department in the right direction.”
Tahoe Prosperity Center supports Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless - Project Homekey
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 4:20pm
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless will receive significant funding in the first round of awards for Project Homekey. The funds awarded will support the local community to purchase and rehabilitate housing, including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other properties, and convert them into permanent, long-term housing for people facing homelessness and those currently in insufficient short-term housing. We strongly support the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and their Project Homekey plans.
South Lake Tahoe among first to receive homeless housing funds
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 9:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) will be receiving $9,576,000 to help their goal of ending homelessness in South Lake Tahoe. The community was one of seven California cities and counties to receive the first wave of Project Homekey grants totaling $76.5 million.
South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 5:03pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.
Trash Talk: Reduce and reuse are key in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 9:36am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We have all seen the photos of trash left behind on beaches, trails, parking lots and surrounding dumpsters not only in Lake Tahoe but across the country. This is only the tip of the problem and managing our trash is key to prevent landfills being overflowed with our unnecessary waste.
City Council Tuesday: Leash laws, housing project, tourist core and designated free speech area
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/10/2020 - 4:17pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a long agenda for the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11. They will be voting on a resolution to create a designated Free-Speech Area at Lakeview Commons for peaceful protests, along with a selection of a new mayor and mayor pro-tem, and discussion of a draft Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Challenge of accurate Census numbers in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/07/2020 - 12:43pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Every ten years a Census is taken of all people living in the Unitied States. While the state of California currently has a 64.5 percent response rate, South Lake Tahoe once again is lagging far behind.
As of August 6, 28.1 percent of those living in South Lake Tahoe had turned in answers to the Census Bureau. El Dorado County as a whole, 58.6 percent. Nationally, the Census return rate is 63.2 percent.
Why is it so hard to get South Lake Tahoe residents to participate?
