illegal

El Dorado County man gets 7 years for cannabis sales and honey oil lab

A Cameron Park man is looking at seven years in prison after he plead guilty on March 29, 2018 to illegally manufacturing concentrated cannabis, commonly referred to as Butane Honey Oil, and illegally transporting/shipping marijuana across the United States.

Michael Ryan Wills, 31, was the subject of investigations by El Dorado County Sheriff narcotics detectives with the assistance from the United States Postal Inspector’s Service over two years.

Another step towards South Lake Tahoe cannabis ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be an ordinance regulating the retail sale of cannabis in South Lake Tahoe, that is certain, but when it will be in place is uncertain.

During a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday afternoon and evening, several areas were discussed from zoning to processes, and many were narrowed down enough so the acting City Attorney, Sergio Rudin, can bring a draft back at the April 17 council meeting. If there are no major changes that document can be voted on as a "first reading" with an ordinance 30 days later.

Letter: Leave most of cannabis regulations to the voters

(The following was send to the SLT Mayor and City Council members and South Tahoe Now)

Dear Honorable Mayor David and Council Members:

I am writing as a follow-up to my email communication of March 6, 2018 regarding the regulation of cannabis within the City limits.

I once again applaud the City Council for studying the issue carefully. It is an important issue and the decision on it will impact the type of community we become well into the future.

Recommendation:

Law enforcement investigating shots fired; Pioneer Trail shut down

UPDATE 5:15PM: Pioneer Trail is back open after multiple agencies responded to the sounds of gunshots near Temple Bat Yam.

At 11:09 a.m. March 18, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) dispatch received two simultaneous calls for the same general area, one for the shots fired and another for the activation of a burglar alarm. Since they were so close in proximity, police officers responded as they could be related calls according SLTPD Officer Matt Morrison.

Man convicted of attempted murder after shooting in Meyers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - On March 7, 2018 after a two week trial, a South Lake Tahoe jury convicted Ignacio Madrigal Arizaga of Galt, California of Attempted Murder; Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle; Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and, Illegal Possession of Ammo by a Convicted Felon.

He faces 41 years to life in state prison when he is sentenced on April 2, 2018.

Meyers traffic plan has some success after first weekend

If you drive through Meyers on a Sunday you've most likely come across gridlock traffic through the neighborhoods as vehicles trying to head west after their South Lake Tahoe weekend look for the quickest route, courtesy of smart phone apps.

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel held a Town Hall meeting on February 28, providing a forum for residents, law enforcement and staff to discuss solutions. One suggestion that came out of that meeting was put into place on Sunday, March 4 and was fairly successful.

Solutions being sought to alleviate tourist traffic in Meyers

Holiday traffic leaving South Lake Tahoe this weekend created another bottleneck in Meyers as well as on side roads throughout the area from those attempting to find a quicker getaway. The choices they made Monday created a three-hour drive from the Y in South Lake Tahoe to areas in Meyers.

Highway 50 over Echo Summit is designed to handle 1,200 cars per hour without any issues, but those numbers dropped Monday, February 19. Just how much they dropped is unknown as the traffic counters normally placed over the roadway are removed for snow removal.

Two Douglas County businesses cited for selling liquor to minors

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) went to 27 local businesses on February 1 to conduct an operation to make sure they were being compliant with state law with reference to alcohol sales to minors.

The following 25 businesses were checked and they successfully passed the alcohol compliance check and did not sell alcohol to a minor.

Human trafficking: Awareness and education are key to ending it

Human Trafficking is the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others; a modern day form of slavery. It is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 20.9 million people around the world

And its happening outside our door.

Suspected illegal butane lab explodes in El Dorado County; 1 adult, 1 minor injured

On adult male and one juvenile were hospitalized after an explosion at a Camino, California home on January 1, 2018.

Initially, El Dorado County Fire responded to the 3:25 p.m. call of an explosion in a home in the 5100 block of Pony Express Trail. They then asked for El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the scene for a possible butane extraction lab explosion.

Joshua Jamison, 39, was at the home when the explosion occurred and suffered burns to his face. He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are the 78 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Cal-Tahoe JPA ambulances responded to from Dec. 11 - Dec. 19, 2017.

12/11

00:24 - 1500 block of Black Bart Ave - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
09:17 - 900 block of Modesto Ave - Public service assistance, other
15:18 - 400 block of Ala Wai Blvd - Smoke detector activation, no fire unintentional
15:21 - 1300 block of Johnson Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
15:20 - 3600 block of Spruce Ave - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

South Lake Tahoe man arrested on theft and drug charges

A 38-year-old South Lake Tahoe man was arrested early Saturday for felony suspicion of attempted commercial burglary and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.

William Jack Phelps was taken into custody in the 4200 block of South Carson Street.

According to the arrest report, a security guard contacted the sheriff’s office regarding a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Big Lots, 4215 South Carson Street.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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:

11/17

10:58 p.m. - Driving without a license - Stockton Ave - A TRAFFIC STOP WAS CONDUCTED ON A VEHICLE FOR AN INFRACTION. IT WAS LATER LEARNED THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS UNLICENSED. THE 32-YEAR-OLD FEMALE DRIVER WAS LATER CITED AND RELEASED.

Doctor sentenced to 10 years in prison for part in Reno pill mill

Dr. Robert Rand, whose pain pill prescribing practices led to the death of at least one patient and helped fuel a rampant pill mill run out of the Jones West Ford dealership, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Monday.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Miranda Du said doctors like Rand, who show ignorance and a reckless disregard for life, are fueling addiction and illegal distribution of pain pills.

"Doctors like Dr. Rand...are enablers and contribute to the opioid crisis in this community," Du said.

Letter: VHRs in El Dorado County are out of control

Dear Editor;

In writing this letter, I am only expressing my own opinion and not that of
any organization or entity.

Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in the County are out of control. As is
evidenced by the number of residents complaining about noise, parking, trash,
over-occupancy, etc, it is time for our government representatives to act and
change the current ordinance to respect our rights to live in peaceful
neighborhoods.

There are many issues surrounding VHRs that need to be addressed, but I

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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:

11/1

4:29 p.m. - Battery - South Lake Tahoe - A FEMALE JUVENILE WAS ARRESTED FOR BATTERY AFTER SHE ASSAULTED HER 52-YEAR-OLD MOTHER.

11/3

South Lake Tahoe City Council votes to cap VHRs at 1,400

"We need the community to get together and collaborate," said SLT Councilman Jason Collin during Tuesday's Council meeting. "Its polarized the community."

Collin was discussing the South Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Rental Ordinance after another full day of a City Council meeting focused on the subject of vacation homes in the community.

Sass Talk: Measure C, VHRs, Champions Plaza and more!

Its election time and the only local issue is Measure C; an increase of one-half percent in local sales tax (excludes groceries and prescriptions) for a term of 15 years to fund road rehabilitation. I voted YES to the measure because there is no long term funding solution within the current budget or the foreseeable future. And, our roads are in terrible shape.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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:

10/18

1:47 p.m. - Violation of Probation - Rubicon Trail - 30-YEAR-OLD MALE WAS CONTACTED AND DETAINED. PROBATION SEARCH OF HIS PERSON RENDERED NUMEROUS ITEMS OF ILLEGAL CONTRABAND. THE SUBJECT WAS ARRESTED, TRANSPORTED, AND BOOKED INTO THE EDCJ.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are the 70 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Cal-Tahoe JPA ambulances responded to from Sept 7 - 12, 2017.

9/7

00:09 - 3600 block of Forest Ave - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
00:41 - 1100 block of 3rd St - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
03:13 - 2200 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - No incident found on arrival at dispatch address
08:12 - 900 block of Modesto Ave - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
10:53 - 2200 block of Toiyabe Tr - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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:

9/28

1:30 p.m. - Annoying Phone Calls - South Lake Tahoe - SUSPECT SENT HARASSING TEXT MSG TO 16-YEAR-OLD FEMALE VICTIM.

Three cited in underage alcohol sting in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Three local employees were cited by a recent decoy operation to catch people selling alcohol to minors.

On September 28, 2017, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, through a grant form the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), conducted the minor decoy operation where minors under their supervision attempted to purchase alcohol from 19 different establishments.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are the 82 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Cal-Tahoe JPA ambulances responded to from Sept 1 - 6, 2017.

9/1
01:36 - Barton Hospital - EMS Interfacility Transfer
09:41 - 4100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - Motor vehicle accident with no injuries
09:43 - 1300 block of Emerald Bay Rd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
10:06 - 3800 block of Pioneer Tr - Public service
10:39 = 3800 block of Pioneer Trail - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
11:16 - 1000 block of William Ave - Fire, other

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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:

9/6

7:27 a.m. - Bear Report at VHR - Horace Greeley Ave - A MALE COMPLAINED ABOUT A VACATION RENTAL HAVING TRASH AROUND THE HOME. UPON ARRIVAL IT WAS CONFIRMED A BEAR HAD SCATTERED THE RUBBISH.

9/7

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are the 134 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Cal-Tahoe JPA ambulances responded to from August 21-31, 2017.

8/21

00:15 - Tallac Ave at Pasadena Ave - No incident found on arrival at dispatch address
01:51 - 1100 block of 3rd St - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
03:00 - 4000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
04:30 - Barton Hospital - Interfacility Transfer
11:24 - 1500 block of Black Bart Ave - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

Pine Nut Harvest 2017: Season begins on Nevada public lands

The 2017 pine nut harvest season kicks off on lands managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Both agencies are working together to ensure the public is safely harvesting pine nuts and aware of the regulations.

The length of the pine nut harvest season varies depending on crop quality and seasonal weather conditions. It is generally September to late October when pine nuts are available for harvest.

Homelessness is a housing issue in South Lake Tahoe and beyond

Homelessness isn’t just a South Lake Tahoe issue. It isn’t just an El Dorado county issue. It isn't just a California problem, though the state ranks 49th in housing units per capita.

And it isn't a problem that is going away any time soon and will take a change in the way the problem is currently being addressed to be solved. For every 100 people who are added to the population of California there are only 32 housing units built to house them.

Law enforcement strives for zero fatalities during holiday weekend

Fatalities due to impaired driving and riding continue to be a top traffic issue on Nevada’s roadways and with overall fatalities at an increase in comparison to this time last year, the Nevada Highway Patrol is working in conjunction with agencies aligned with Joining Forces to boost enforcement efforts.

Reward offered to find who illegally reintroduced pike to Comins Lake

In 2015, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) spent more than $250,000 to remove illegally stocked northern pike that had decimated the trout fishery at Comins Lake, and now that work, time and money were for naught.

The voracious predator has again been illegally planted in the lake south of Ely, Nevada.

Traffic issues at Sand Harbor causing dangerous conditions and congestion

The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) is becoming concerned with traffic issues around Sand Harbor on State Route 28 near Incline Village, especially early mornings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Drivers parking and those stopping in the middle of the road trying to park are creating backups and dangerous situations before the popular beach even opens.
On many weekend mornings the traffic is backed up all the way into Incline Village, causing major delays, and this is when there is no road construction.

El Dorado County DA speaks out against sanctuary state bill

Vern Pierson, the El Dorado County District Attorney, testified against the "Sanctuary State Bill" in Sacramento on Wednesday.

Pierson spoke before the California Assembly Judiciary Committee.

"I’m strongly opposed to making California a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants," Pierson said. "Local, state and federal law enforcement officers need to be able to communicate with each other in regard to an important issue like immigration enforcement."

If Senate Bill 54 were to pass, state and local law enforcement would not be allowed to cooperate with immigration authorities.

South Lake Tahoe 4th of July weekend: Safety urged for for a fun holiday

South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.

And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.

Owners of Zephyr Cove company sentenced for fraudulent exchange visitor program

Perspective employees coming to the Unitied States on a J-1 Visa were taken advantage of by a company run by Zephyr Cove, Nevada resident David Marzano, his wife Linda Blair and adult daughter Janece Burke.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to 235 calls from May 26 - June 19, 2017.

05/26
10:46 - 1000 block of Al Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
13:44 - 3700 block of Montreal Rd - Medical assist, assist EMS crew
14:24 - 700 block of Eloise Ave - Electrical wiring/equipment problem, other
15:02 - 2100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
20:48 - 3300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - Vehicle accident with injuries

Activities surround 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - On June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire started at an illegal campfire at about 2:15 p.m. near North Upper Truckee Road in Meyers. The wind driven wildfire consumed 3,100 acres, destroyed 242 homes and 67 commercial structures, and damaged 35 other homes. As many as 2,180 firefighters battled the blaze with was 100% contained by July 2. There will be several community events to mark this tragic anniversary.

Thursday, June 22

Socioeconomic study on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals released

When the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted on a new Vacation Rental Ordinance in 2015 they also promised to hire a consultant to prepare a socioeconomic study on the impact vacation home rentals (VHRs) have on the community.

The results of the study were presented to the City Council and the public during a special meeting on Tuesday.

Tahoe in Depth released: Issue marks 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has published the summer 2017 edition of Tahoe In Depth, a special issue on “Remembering Angora” to mark the 10-year anniversary of the wildfire this June.

The Angora Fire is the most destructive wildfire in memory at Lake Tahoe. Sparked on June 24, 2007 by an illegal and abandoned campfire, the fire quickly burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes and structures.

Retired Washoe Sheriff K9 dies from medical complications

Ben, a retired Washoe County Sheriff’s Office K9, passed away from medical complications this weekend. In service from 2006-2014, K9 Ben was paired with Deputy Cole Bunyard who was at the German Shepherd's side when he died.

The retired Bunyard and Ben were involved a number of assignments over their 8 year together on the force, including Patrol and Highway Interdiction. K9 Ben was also a valued tracker for lost people. K9 Ben and Deputy Bunyard were assigned as the resident deputy in Gerlach between 2010 and 2014.

Boating safety from the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to exercise caution and safe boating practices while on the water, including rivers and Lake Tahoe while enjoying the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

All boaters and beach goers are encouraged to be aware of boat traffic, prepare for potential hazards and keep advised of weather changes through the National Weather Service. Winds are supposed to be calm on Lake Tahoe this weekend, one should always check.

Wildfire Awareness Month: Remembering Angora

This June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Angora Fire, the most destructive wildland fire in memory at Tahoe.

An illegal and abandoned campfire started the Angora Fire on June 24, 2007. The fire quickly spread toward Meyers, stoked by strong winds and forests overgrown with hazardous fuels. In a few days, the fire burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are the 49 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from April 11-16, 2017.

4/11
14:50 - 1000 block of Heavenly Village Way - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
17:02 - 1800 block of Saddle Rd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
17:21 - 2100 block of South Ave - Building or structure weakened or collapsed

4/12
00:01 - 3300 block of Treehaven Dr - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

Law enforcement round up 23 gang members - 11 of them arrested in Reno

A lengthy, multi-agency gang investigation in the Reno and Stockton areas led to the arrest of 23 people, including one correctional officer on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

Small group gathers to discuss Meyers and South Lake Tahoe traffic issues

Representatives from several agencies met with the public Thursday night at El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel's second community meeting to discuss traffic issues and the "invasion of neighborhoods" by non-local drivers.

Man arrested on arson charges after campfire gets out of hand

A man attempting to warm his feet after a night spent in the forest is now in the El Dorado County Jail on charges of arson on forest Land.

South Lake Tahoe Fire and Police Departments responded to the 11:37 a.m. call on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 on Airport Road. There they found Matthew Raymond Hamilton, 41, who told them he started the illegal fire but it got out of hand and caught a tree on fire. Hamilton called 911.

When SLTFR arrived they extinguished the small fire which was about 3' x 3' and involved a tree stump.

Douglas County Sheriff's Captain overseas to help with Tongan gang activity

A Douglas County Sheriff's Captain was recently in the Kingdom of Tonga to assist in the development of a National Strategy on Deportation and Reintegration by providing invaluable insight on Pacific Island gangs.

Captain Joe Duffy was recruited by the Nevada National Guard for the assignment since Nevada is home to the sixth largest population of Tongans in the United States. He was part of a team of representatives from the United States which included: U.S. Ambassador Judith Cefkin and Nevada National Guard Brigadier General Zachary Doser.

22 tons of cocaine worth $577.5 million seized by U.S. Coast Guard in 26 days

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - The U.S. Coast Guard unloaded 22 tons of seized cocaine this week, six in San Diego, 16 in Florida. The wholesale value of the cocaine is about $577.5 million.

The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stratton offloaded the cocaine in San Diego during a media event Friday. Several cutters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean area seized the drugs mid-January through February.

The drugs were intercepted in international waters off the coast of Central and South America.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness: Alcohol remains #1 date rape drug

In society, we are inundated with advertisements and daily messages infused into our culture that justify alcohol as acceptable and normal. This substance is glorified as a method to enhance dining experiences, celebrations, entertainment, sporting events, and holidays. Alcohol itself is not the problem. A drink to accompany a meal or celebratory time is a much different choice than to completely dissociate from reality and manipulate others to achieve a “good time.”

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from December 7, 2016 to January , 2017.

12/7: 11 calls - 5 EMS, 1 interfacility psych transfer, 1 building fire, 1 cooking fire, 1 water or steam leak, 1 no incident found, 1 carbon monoxide false alarm

12/8: 6 calls - 4 EMS, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 interfacility psych transfer

12/9: 6 calls - 4 EMS, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 unauthorized burning

Guest Columnist: Let’s keep Tahoe’s progress going

Twenty-five years ago, I finished my graduate work in Oregon and moved to Northern Nevada for a planning position at TRPA. Having spent a large part of my youth hiking and camping at Tahoe and in the Sierra, the move felt like coming home.

Motorist behavior along Highway 50 in the Sierra a concern to Caltrans and CHP

The snow hasn't been the only concern on Highway 50 over Echo Summit and along the road to Strawberry. The behavior of motorists who park illegally on the road is becoming more of a safety issue and hazard.

For those that have driven this stretch, the situation isn't anything new though there has been a big increase in offenders.

Drivers are pulling over on the roadway, a state highway, to experience snow play, and those parking are not paying attention to "No Parking" signs or the dangerous situation they are causing.

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