jerry brown

Facts about California's water legislation and what it means for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - No, you're not going be fined for taking a shower and doing laundry on the same day. A news story by a Los Angeles area television station and carried through the internet on New Year's Day wrongly stated just that as an effect of upcoming water efficiency laws.

$8.8M headed to LTCC in matching funds for classroom modernization

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A promise made to the community when they voted to pass Measure F in 2014 is coming to fruition after Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) was notified they are receiving $8.8M in matching funds for the modernization of their campus. This sets the stage for $17.6 million to be spent on modernization and upgrades to LTCC’s main building.

LTCC expands College Promise to three years free college for eligble local students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Good news for the entire community on both sides of the California-Nevada border. Lake Tahoe College Promise, the free tuition program at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC), is expanding from one year to three years starting Fall 2019.

Judge's decision in South Lake Tahoe courtroom calls California law unconstitutional

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One could feel the air let out of a South Lake Tahoe courtroom as visiting Judge Gary Mullen read his decision to the five defendants, their five lawyers and family members in attendance, one that tossed out their request to drop murder charges against all of the suspects in the robbery and murder in 2016 of Dennis Wright.

Judge Mullen declared California Senate Bill 1437 unconstitutional. The bill was signed by then-California Governor Jerry Brown in September 2018 and changed the liability for accomplices to felony murder.

Public memorial for Judge Terrence Finney in South Lake Tahoe Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A public memorial for the first superior court judge in the community, the Honorable Terrence M. Finney, will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Department 3 of the South Lake Tahoe courthouse.

Finney passed away on November 7, 2018 at the age of 84.

LTCC becomes the only college in the country to offer free bi-state tuition program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Continuing their mission to treat the Lake Tahoe area as one community, and thanks to some key donations, Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is now offering the Lake Tahoe College Promise tuition program around the lake on both sides of the state line.

All first-time college students, including those who earned college units while still in high school, can get their tuition waived. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in and complete 12 or more units each quarter for three academic quarters, and meet one of the following requirements:

Motorized scooter riders see change of laws in California in 2019

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On the heels of the banning of electric scooters in many cities, Governor Jerry Brown of California has signed a bill that mandates helmets for users only if they are under the age of 18 and if the scooter goes above 15 miles per hour.

The bill, authored by Republican Assemblyman Heath Flora of Ripon, was written to encourage scooter use to alleviate congestion on the state's roads and meet climate change goals of reducing car emissions.

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2019.

California Primary on Tues., June 5

The California primary is on Tuesday, June 5, and a lot of decisions are facing voters in South Lake Tahoe both at the county and district level, as well as at the state level.

California changed their primary system ten years ago for the top offices and now it is the two candidates with the most votes on Tuesday that will head to the November elections, no matter which party they belong to. Prior to this system it would be the top democrat and top republican that would face off.

Dental benefits restored to low-income Californians on January 1

Low-income Californians will have access to dental services they’ve lacked since 2009, under a law taking effect on New Year’s Day.

The budget signed by Governor Jerry Brown in June fully restores dental benefits for adult Medi-Cal patients that were cut during the recession.

Providers and community advocates recount horror stories of patients with tooth problems taking drastic measures.

Starting January 1st, Denti-Cal will pay for adults to receive crowns and root canals, when dentists certify those procedures are necessary.

Letter: Let's rally around those who care for our earth, people, and community

The next election is around the corner and civic life in America is as fragile as our generation has ever seen it. Let's decide now to rally around leaders who prioritize care for others above personal gain or party lines. Let's rally around caring for our earth, for people, for communities. This feels like a new idea because care challenges the perverse rationale of greed and the foolish habit of partisan divisions we are so used to. We must actively resist the messages of the market that say we need to stay hooked on getting more things to be happy.

New gas tax starts November 1 in California; Prices up 12 cents/gallon

Higher fuel taxes are set to start November 1, 2017, raising the base gasoline excise tax from 18 cents to 30 cents per gallon. Senate Bill 1 was signed into law by California Jerry Brown and contains other increases that will cover the state's transportation needs for the next ten years with an extra $52 billion in revenue.

Other funds are coming from a new transportation improvement fee based on vehicle value, and paying off past transportation loans, Caltrans savings, and new charges on diesel fuel and zero-emission vehicles.

73,000 acres burn in California in 12 hours- 1,500 structures burn, 20,000 people evacuated

Overnight significant winds fanned over a dozen fires across Northern California. 15 new wind whipped wildfires in nine counties have already burned over 73,000 acres in the past 12 hours. Firefighters have been challenged with winds gusting in excess of 50 mph causing extreme rates of spread and volatile burning conditions.

Choices limited on what to do with California's 102M dead trees

There are now an estimated 102 million dead trees in California, creating unhealthy forests that are prone to major and catastrophic wildfires. Even though funds are being allocated to remove many of them, where will that timber go?
For now, there aren’t many options because of what has transpired from the government since 1968.

In that year the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior issued orders restricting the volume of timber that could be harvested from Federal lands in the West. It was updated in 1969 to limit the total harvested to 350-million-board-feet.

Approval granted for removal of dead and dying trees in Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday approved an emergency permit for Caltrans to remove hazardous dying trees along its highways and rights of way in the Tahoe Basin.

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a tree mortality emergency in October 2015 because of widespread tree die-offs after several years of severe drought. There are now an estimated 102 million dead trees in California, with the greatest tree mortality in the Southern Sierra Nevada.

It's official: Wettest winter on record for Northern California

Those who live in the Sierra know its been a wet and snowy winter, but now the record books support what they've experienced over the past six months: It is now the wettest winter on record in the Northern California mountains.

Precipitation measured at eight stations from Lake Tahoe to Mt. Shasta surpassed to old record held for 35 years. In that winter of 1982-1983 there was 88.5 inches of of precipitation measured at the same eight station. Today's measurement was 89.7 inches.

Governor's declaring state of emergency paves way for South Lake Tahoe money

After California suffered through two weeks of storms, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Monday, paving the way for cities and counties to get reimbursed for storm damage.

The City of South Lake Tahoe declared a state of emergency at their City Council meeting last week and is now going through the community to assess the damage.

New California laws in 2017: Human trafficking, car seats, cell phones and more

Denim is now the state’s official fabric to recognize its role in California history, and every autographed collectible sold in California must come with a certificate that verifies it's not a forgery. Those are just two of 898 new laws facing Californians in 2017.

Here are just a few of them compiled in part by California Highway Patrol (CHP):

California, at forefront of climate fight, won’t back down to Trump

Foreign governments concerned about climate change may soon be spending more time dealing with Sacramento than Washington.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has packed his cabinet with nominees who dispute the science of global warming. He has signaled he will withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. He has belittled the notion of global warming and attacked policies intended to combat it.

Opinoin: Passage of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act caps year of progress

Four years ago this month, TRPA approved the 2012 Regional Plan. The landmark plan charts a course to restore Lake Tahoe’s environment and revitalize our communities and it was forged through Herculean work by California, Nevada, local governments, the public, and dozens of other partners.

Many Tahoe Basin stakeholders once questioned if we could work together, but the Regional Plan ushered in an era of collaboration. Today, the answer is how can we work together more efficiently. By building and strengthening partnerships we have made remarkable progress. This year was no different.

El Dorado County gets disaster funds to remove dying trees

$825,000 is headed to El Dorado County for help in removing trees dying from the extreme drought and related bark beetle infestations.

With an estimated 66 million dead trees in the state of California, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency almost one year ago.

Senator Diane Feinstein holds "Lake Tahoe Stakeholders" luncheon

Protecting Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada is the job of many stakeholders. Its not just a local job, not just a California job, not just a Nevada job, not just a national job, and as witnessed through President Obama's visit to the Lake Tahoe Summit Wednesday, it can only be successful through partnerships of all of those entities along with agencies, local and private investment.

On Tuesday, August 29, the day before the Summit, California Senator Diane Feinstein hosted a lunch for local officials, agencies and federal counterparts, described as the "Lake Tahoe Stakeholders Luncheon".

Harry Reid, the "all star lineup and clean up hitter Barack Obama"

"We're here to celebrate because we love Lake Tahoe," Nevada Senator Harry Reid said at the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Wednesday. Reid, who started the focus on Lake Tahoe along with President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore with the first Summit in 1997.

"Like a World Series team who can't rest on their laurels," said Reid, "we need to build on progress."

Reid went on with his World Series antidote and introduced the "All Star Lineup" at the 20th Summit, his last in office as he won't be seeking reelection after serving the state in Washington since 1987.

Time change for Tahoe Summit with President Obama

Event Date: 
August 31, 2016 - 1:30pm

Nevada Senator Harry Reid will host President Obama, California Governor Jerry Brown and California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer at the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Harvey's Outdoor Arena. Nevada’s homegrown band, the Killers, will also take the stage for a special performance.

The time for the summit has changed to 1:30 p.m. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Those attending can expect heavy traffic and road closures.

LTCC offers reduced tuition to some Nevada residents

Starting in the upcoming Fall 2016 quarter, Lake Tahoe Community College will once again be offering reduced tuition to residents of certain nearby Nevada communities in the Tahoe Basin. Up to 100 Nevada residents living in specific communities who meet the parameters established in the new partnership between California and Nevada can tap into the new, lower cost, which is three times the California resident rate, or $93 per unit. This equates to a savings of $88 per unit from the $181 per-unit rate established for all other non-residents attending LTCC.

Gov. Brown signs bill to raise smoking age to 21: Vaping, chewing, dipping included

Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday enacted California’s most significant new tobacco regulations in decades, signing laws that will place tight restrictions on use of the increasingly popular e-cigarette and make California the second state to raise its smoking age to 21.

Brown signed five closely-watched bills, which will also expand smoking restrictions in the workplace and on school properties.

But he vetoed one measure that would have allowed cities and counties to impose local taxes on tobacco products.

Sunday's home explosion highlights issue of BHO labs in South Lake Tahoe

Sunday night's honey oil lab explosion in a South Lake Tahoe home could have been much, much worse. Neighboring homes could have burned, people could have died.

While the incident on Plum Street is still under investigation by the South Lake El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team (SLEDNET), and few details have been released, the subject is one of not only local concern, but one of national concern.

Sierra snowpack ends season at 97% of average

A "Miracle March" never materialized in the Sierra Nevada in 2016 and current snowpack shows that it would have been necessary to get totals above average, something needed to combat the drought in California.

In the last official snow survey of the year at Phillips Station near Sierra-at-Tahoe, the snow was 58.4 inches deep with a water content of 26 inches, just 97 percent of the long-term average in that location.

“While for many parts of the state there will be both significant gains in both reservoir storage and stream flow, the effects of previous dry years will

South Lake Tahoe Rotary abandons car raffle; asks for community help

For many years, the Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe has given away a car during their annual Great Car Raffle, but that tradition has come to an end.

Club President Dave Jinkens announced Wednesday that the raffle doesn't raise the money needed to give away almost $50,000 annually to the community through scholarships, donations and grants.

There are two reasons Jinkens said the club had to abandon the raffle. After buying a car and covering the cost of the raffle, proceeds weren't what they once were and they've had to start dipping into reserves to meet donation requests.

Good Neighbor Policy returns; Nevadans can soon attend LTCC at reduced rate

Nevada residents who live at the lake will soon be able to attend Lake Tahoe Community College at a reduced tuition rate instead of the higher out-of-state tuition fees other non-residents pay.

Protection of Lake Tahoe taken to new heights

Lawmakers from Nevada and California met Monday on the shores of Lake Tahoe to discuss how to protect a national treasure as it faces continued threats to water clarity, invasive species, wildfire and drought.

Ever since President Bill Clinton held the first meeting in South Lake Tahoe in 1997, the annual focus of the Lake Tahoe Summit is to protect what Mark Twain called "the fairest picture the whole world affords."

Report: Groundwater pumping in California has land sinking

Vast areas of California's Central Valley are sinking faster than in the past as massive amounts of groundwater are pumped during the historic drought, state officials said Wednesday, citing new research by NASA scientists.

The data shows the ground is sinking nearly two inches each month in some places, putting roads, bridges and vital canals that deliver water throughout the state at growing risk of damage.

Lake Tahoe Summit 2015

A shuttle and bike valet will be available for the large crowd expected to attend the 19th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Monday, August 24 at the Round Hill Pines Beach Resort in Zephyr Cove.

This year, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nevada) is hosting the free event.

The theme of this year’s Lake Tahoe Summit is “Connecting Lake Tahoe’s Environment and Economy through Innovation and Transportation.” The keynote speaker is Chris Bently, Chief Executive Officer of Bently Enterprises.

South Lake Tahoe community exceeds water conservation goals

When Governor Jerry Brown told the residents of the state to cut back their water usage, he had the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) tell each region how much to cut back. That benchmark in South Lake Tahoe was 20%.

For the past three months, residents have cut much more than that. In May, water use at South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) was down 34%, followed by 24% in June and 27% in July. This is on top of the 27% reduction in water use that the district's customer have accomplished since 2007.

Vaccine exemptions: California Senate overwhelmingly passes SB 277

A controversial bill that abolishes "personal belief exemptions" for vaccinations won overwhelming approval in the California Senate on Thursday, bolstering supporters' hopes that it will also clear the Assembly and be signed into law.

The measure by Democratic Sens. Richard Pan, of Sacramento, and Ben Allen, of Santa Monica -- introduced after a outbreak of measles in December at Disneyland sickened 136 Californians -- passed 25-10 after the two senators agreed to compromises aimed at easing its passage.

Over four million Californians have suspended driver's licenses

Unpaid traffic fines and mushrooming fees have left 4.2 million Californians with suspended driver’s licenses — more than one-sixth of the licenses issued statewide — with poor people the hardest-hit, according to a newly published study that criticizes policies that take drivers off the road because of debts they can’t pay.

State’s population growth expected to outstrip water conservation in coming years

California water agencies are on track to satisfy a state mandate to reduce water consumption 20 percent by 2020. But according to their own projections, that savings won’t be enough to keep up with population growth just a decade later.

A 2009 state law requires urban water agencies to reduce per-capita water consumption 20 percent by 2020, compared with use at the start of the century. Most agencies are on track to reach that goal, and have made even more progress thanks to emergency cuts over the past year triggered by the ongoing drought.

Op/Ed: Working Together for Common Solutions

As the incoming Chair of the 15-member Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board, this promises to be a hopeful and exciting year. 2015 will be full of opportunities, but also challenges, for the continued protection of Lake Tahoe.

The number one priority among our challenges is funding shortfalls. Federal and state funding that has paid for environmental restoration and protection efforts at Lake Tahoe for years is drying up and new approaches need to be pursued.

Op/Ed: Letter to Governor Brown in Support for SB 850

This letter was given to South Tahoe Now for publication.
September 26, 2014

Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, California 95814

Re: Support for SB 850 State Senator Block – Pilot Baccalaureate Program for
California Community Colleges

Dear Governor Brown:

I am writing to you to urge your signature into law of SB 850 (“The Bill”) by State Senator Block. The Bill as is valuable to our State’s future to increase the education and training of residents of our State.

Dylan Sullivan appointed to El Dorado County Superior Court by Governor Brown

Honorable Dylan Sullivan was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to fill retiring Judge Daniel B. Proud's seat on the El Dorado County Superior Court. She won the June primary to become the Judge for Office 5, so this announcement moved up her start date by four months.

Judge Sullivan has been specifically assigned to department 7 by Presiding Judge Suzanne N. Kingsbury, due to her training and experience, to assist the Court in effectively implementing criminal justice realignment in El Dorado County. She was sworn in by Kingsbury on September 19.

Op/Ed: With a common vision, working for a breakthrough on funding

“A breakdown can pave the way for a breakthrough,” California Governor Jerry Brown said at the Lake Tahoe Summit on August 19.

The governor was speaking about the challenges people face in looking beyond their differences for common ground, whether that’s working to craft the $7.5 billion water bond California voters will consider in November or working across state lines to protect and restore Lake Tahoe.

Local fuel reduction efforts recognized

Sixteen local, state and federal agencies were recognized during Tuesday's Lake Tahoe Summit.

A proclamation signed by by Senators Dianne Feinstein, Dean Heller and Harry Reid, Representatives Mark Amodei and Tom McClintock and Governors Jerry Brown and Brian Sandoval honored the release of the Multi-Jurisdiciont Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy.

The original strategy, finalized in 2007, has successfully guided wildfire risk reduction projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Election Results for State of California

The statewide results for Tuesday's primary election as of 11 p.m. with 49.1% of the precincts counted:

Governor Jerry Brown has 55.2% of the Democratic vote. His opponent in the fall with most likely be either Neel Kashkari and Tim Donnelly who are running neck and neck for Republicans.

Lieutenant Governor Democrat Gavin Newsom has earned 50.2% of the vote so far, with the closest challenger being Ron Nehring with 23% of the Republican vote.

How Can South Lake Tahoe Residents Reduce Water Usage By 20%?

California Governor Jerry Brown has called for a 20% reduction in water usage state wide in order to prepare for the anticipated water shortage not only for 2014, but also in coming years.

A presentation was made by South Tahoe Public Utility District at Tuesday's City Council Meeting on just how everyone can cut back, from private homes to city projects.

Long range planning is important for communities to survive cutbacks to water supplies. The District outlined their response to conservation:

Transgender Bill for School Equality is Passed Into Law

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 1266 which allows transgender youth to use whatever bathroom and participate on whichever sports team they believe matches their gender identity. This groundbreaking bill gives students in public K-12 schools the right "to participate in sex-segregated programs, activities and facilities" based on their self-perception, regardless of their birth gender.

Philanthropy on Display at Tahoe Fund Annual Dinner: Over $300,000 raised

The love and support of Lake Tahoe was on full display at the Tahoe Fund annual Founders Circle dinner on Sunday August 18. They raised more than $300,000 for the organization and four Signature Projects around the Lake. Tahoe Fund donors were joined by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Harry Reid and Governors Jerry Brown and Brian Sandoval, as well as special surprise guest Vice President Al Gore, as the public and private communities joined together to celebrate the work of the Tahoe Fund to restore and improve the Lake Tahoe environment.

American Fire and Rim Fire Combined Effects of Smoke Impact Region From Placerville to South Lake Tahoe

Rim Fire Northern California Smoke Information Updates

CAL FIRE PIO Berlant, @CALFIRE_PIO - California Statewide Fire Summary: Nearly 8,000 firefighters remain on the frontlines as nearly a dozen major wildfires continue to burn. Yesterday, CAL FIRE crews contained the Swedes Fire that burned in Butte County, just as a new fire ignited on the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Installation.

Remarkable progress continues at Lake Tahoe

It has been 17 years since President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stood on the shores of Lake Tahoe and issued a challenge. They urged the frequently fractious perspectives in the region to come together in support of the restoration of Lake Tahoe.

AP Exclusive: Inmate lawsuits cost Calif. $200M

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has begun aggressively challenging federal court oversight of California's prison system by highlighting what he says is a costly conflict of interest: T...

Text of Gov. Jerry Brown's 2013 State of the State Address

California Gov. Jerry Brown today delivered the 2013 State of the State Address. Here's the prepared text:

Gov Brown promotes optimistic vision of California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Cheering a California rebound, Gov. Jerry Brown delivered a State of the State address Thursday that laid out the legacy-building ideas he will work on during the second p...

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