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Suspect in South Lake Tahoe murder changes plea to guilty

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - It was an emotional day in court Tuesday as one of the suspects in the January 30, 2016 murder of Dennis "Spike" Wright, Jr. withdrew his plea of not guilty and plead guilty to an amended criminal complaint that included four felonies surrounding Wright's murder and robbery.

Alleged sales of marijuana edibles at Douglas High leads to arrest and hospital visit

One student at Douglas High School in Minden was arrested along with a nearby resident after allegedly selling marijuana laced Rice Krispie treats on school groups which led to one student needing medical treatment.

On November 3 an investigation began after a student complained of feelings of anxiety and an accelerated heart rate. She said she may have eaten a Rice Crispy square laced with marijuana earlier in the day and named another female student as the person who brought the edible marijuana to school.

The ill student was taken to a medical facility for treatment by her parent.

SLT City Council candidate Jason Collin

All candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.

Jason Collin, 43, Administrative Director of Post-Acute Services & Owner/Race Director for Epic Tahoe Adventures, 8 years living in Tahoe.

Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?

History comes alive with Living Voices performances at SLT schools

What was it like for Anne Frank and other young people during the Holocaust? Or for families getting off the boat in New York and making their way through Ellis Island? Who were the women who led the fight for the right to vote?

These stories were told to students in South Lake Tahoe this week through the Living Voices program presented at South Tahoe and Mt. Tallac High Schools and South Tahoe Middle School.

Loop Road public meeting poorly attended; Proposed debate at event nixed

In an effort to clear up misinformation about the proposed US50 Community
Revitalization/Loop Road Project, the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (TahoeChamber) hosted a public meeting Thursday evening at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. With the amount of negative public comments and voiced skepticism during past meetings, Measure T, and in social media, a larger group was expected than the 35 people who attended (and many of those were Tahoe Transportation and Tahoe Chamber staff).

Upcoming public workshop on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals

Event Date: 
November 16, 2016 - 6:00pm

As planned, the City of South Lake Tahoe is now conducting a study of the socioeconomic impacts of vacation home rentals (VHRs) on the region. Their "Vacation Home Rental Analysis" is being led by a team of consultants from the firm, Michael Baker International.

Part of their study includes both stakeholders meetings and meetings with the community, both of which begin later this month.

Lake Tahoe local launches wearable tech product for athletes

A new device that lets swimmers visually monitor their pace and intervals has been developed by South Lake Tahoe local Victor Szanto. Pace…Me is the first wearable, visual pacing device that enables athletes to make adjustments during their workout, allowing them to improve their times and manage fatigue.

The device uses LED technology for realtime feedback and can be used both from swim and drylands workouts.

Founder Victor Szanto says he developed Pace…Me to fill a gap in the current market.

Letter: Vote Davidson because of commitment, expertise and independence

This letter is for anyone interested in seeing students in Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) get the best opportunities possible.

Upper Truckee River channel project close to completion

A major restoration project of the Upper Truckee River channel and surrounding meadows is about to be completed, three years and $7 million later. Known as Reach 5, the U.S. Forest Service project is improving the river channel stability and aquatic habitat along 1.2 miles of the river adjacent to the Lake Tahoe Airport.

Another goal of the project is to restore surface and subsurface channel connectivity to 120 acres of floodplain, increasing deposition of fine sediments and nutrient uptake on the floodplains as well as raising the ground water levels in the meadow.

Lake Tahoe Olympians to be honored at Gold Medal Gala

Its been 50 years since the first gold medal in skiing and snowboarding was won by an American. Since Gretchen Fraser’s historic slalom gold at St. Moritz in 1948, 31 athletes from the U.S. have brought home 35 gold medals.

In the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Maddie Bowman and Jamie Anderson from South Lake Tahoe each won gold, Bowman in women’s halfpipe skiing and Anderson in women’s slopestyle snowboarding.

Torino, Italy's 2006 Olympics saw South Lake Tahoe Olympian Hannah Teter win gold

Squirrel hunter accidentally shoots and kills wife in El Dorado County

A Sacramento man out squirrel hunting with his wife on Monday accidentally shot and killed her.

Lee Lao called 911 about 5:15 p.m. to report that he shot his wife, Mee Vang, while squirrel hunting in the 10500 block of Wentworth Springs Road in Stumpy Meadows, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies and emergency personnel arrived and Lao led them to Vang’s location where it was confirmed she had succumbed to her injuries.

Lao was detained and has been cooperating in the investigation. He was released without criminal charges, at this time.

Man arrested at South Lake Tahoe cabin expected to plead guilty to kidnapping

A former U.S. Marine is expected to plead guilty to kidnapping on Thursday morning in a bizarre case that led to a lawsuit against Vallejo police for falsely accusing the two victims of faking their own abduction, according to court filings.

Letter: Why Dr. Annie Davidson should be elected to LTUSD Board

Dr. Annie Davidson should be the next LTUSD School Board member from Trustee Area #1. Since coming to Lake Tahoe, she has jumped into the community with great energy and commitment. For example, she is an adjunct faculty member of Lake Tahoe Community College and co-teacher at Tahoe Parents Nursery School with Aileen Yure and Jennifer David. She served as member of the Sierra House Elementary PTA Board as a co-grant coordinator, classroom volunteer, and also volunteers with the Coalition for the Homeless and Warm Room Advisory Council.

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks Heavenly's lift maintenance crew

The Lift Maintenance Crew from Heavenly Mountain Resort sent six outstanding volunteers to crew at Heavenly’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment on August 29th.
Led by Lift Maintenance Manager, Kevin Higgins, Ryan Albertson, Jen Menzel, Jeff Reid, Kelli Renzi and Vinny Valdez arrived at Grace Hall at 3:00 p.m. and spent the next three and a half hours helping the Bread & Broth volunteers with the Monday evening dinner.

Three rescued by Coast Guard on south end of Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE - Three people were rescued after a distress call led the Coast Guard to the 25-foot vessel, JUST ENOUGH, as it was taking on water near the California/Nevada border of the South Shore of Lake Tahoe Tuesday afternoon.

The initial call came in at 3:00 p.m. and crews from Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County Sheriffs Department responded to the scene.

Pair accused of abducting their children located in Carson City

A Secret Witness tip has led to the location of Dason Valdez and Krystle Reid, the parents accused of abducting their two children on September 12 after losing custody of their two- and four-year olds.

Just after midnight Thursday morning, the Carson City Sheriff's Office found the pair and arrested Valdez on a Carson City warrant and they released Reid at the scene. Charges against both are pending in Douglas County but the arrest is based on an previous warrant.

10 Lake Tahoe locations part of Great Sierra River Cleanup

Event Date: 
September 17, 2016 - 9:00am

Do you love having a blue Lake and clean streams in our Tahoe backyard? So do we! But when we get to work, live and play in a city in the midst of Sierra wilderness, keeping our waters blue and clean takes some team effort.

$562 million need to cut down California's dead trees, Senator Feinstein seeks funding

There are an estimated 66 million dead trees in California, and 5.5 million of them need to be cut down immediately to prevent catastrophic fires according to the U.S. Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Proposed Brockway Campground off the table as USFS offers to buy the land

A controversial proposed 550-site campground on the ridgeline of the Lake Tahoe Basin at Brockway Summit appears to be history as the US Forest Service announced today that they have entered an agreement to purchase the 120 acre site between Truckee and Kings Beach.

August 27: 36th anniversary of Harvey's Resort bombing

For those that were on the South Shore on August 27, 1980, they'll be able to tell you exactly where they were, or what they were doing when law enforcement detonated a bomb that had been left inside Harvey's Resort casino in Lake Tahoe.

Three men planted a bomb containing 1,000 pounds of dynamite inside a machine they delivered to the second floor. Successful landscaper, John Birges from Clovis, Calif., the mastermind behind the bomb, was attempting to extort $3 million from the casino, claiming he had lost $750,000 gambling there.

Kirkwood and Vail Resorts face steep fines for dumping asphalt into creek

Kirkwood Mountain and Vail Resorts are facing steep fines after an anonymous complaint led Central Valley Water Board officials to investigate water quality impacts after it was found that asphalt grindings from parking lots at the resort ended up in Kirkwood Creek during snow removal operations during the 2015-16 season.

It was found during the inspection that the asphalt grindings, commonly spread on parking lots to assist with traction during icy and snowy conditions, ended up in Kirkwood Creek and other sensitive areas.

Opinion: Why I'm a candidate for South Tahoe Public Utility District Board

I am lucky to have lived in South Lake Tahoe for 9 years and grateful to be raising my children in such a wonderful place. I received a Masters Degree in Land Use Planning from UNR and am currently a solution oriented AICP, Senior Planner at Midkiff & Associates. My commitment to community service led me to the Leadership Lake Tahoe program, board membership with the Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, the Chamber Government Affairs Committee and the fight against climate change.

Chase International names top agents

The top agents for Lake Tahoe's Chase International were recently announced during a gathering at the historic Thunderbird Lodge.

For the second quarter, April 1 through June 30, Mike Dunn earned the accolade of top agent in Lake Tahoe. Dunn also led all other agents in sales volume sold (a total of $10.6 million). Trinkie Watson was named top agent in listing volume, while Brent Johnson and Alison Elder tied for agents listing the most units on the lake. Clif Chase was the listing agent with the most volume sold and Johnson was the top sales and listing agent in units sold.

Pollock Pines man steals RV, leads police on high-speed chase

A Pollock Pines man stole a large motorhome from a dealership in Rancho Cordova Saturday morning and led authorities on a high-speed chase for more than 30 miles, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Paul Erik Nelson, 40, was arrested and charged with vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, parole violation, county probation violation and vandalism. He was booked into the El Dorado County jail. His bail has been set at $85,000.

Nevada Governor Sandoval joins others as SR28 pathway project breaks ground

A two-three year project to create a three-mile shared-use path as well as enhance safety, accessibility and water quality on State Route 28 officially got underway Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony at Sand Harbor. Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval led the festivities that will improve the busy and narrow highway which sees more than 2.5 million vehicles and 2,000 pedestrians and bicyclists.

The path will run from the south end of Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park.

Sheriff asking for public's help in locating suspect in attempted television theft

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a person of interest in an attempted theft on August 9 at 1:50 a.m.

A silver Dodge pick-up truck with two men inside drove into the parking lot of the Gardnerville Walmart. The passenger was dropped and then the driver took the truck around the building and parked by the emergency exit doors.

Opinion: Why I'm running for Lake Tahoe Community College Trustee

I am running as a candidate for Lake Tahoe Community College Trustee in District 4 because I believe a good education is one of the most important services a community can provide to its citizens.

Lake Tahoe Community College is in an extraordinary and unprecedented position with the passing of Measure F two years ago. I am committed to the prospect of offering students an affordable four-year degree program, upgrading our current facilities, building the University center and exploring the possibility of on campus housing for students.

Chautauqua of John Muir by Don Baldwin

Event Date: 
August 24, 2016 - 6:30pm

Don Baldwin will portray John Muir, at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Wednesday, August 24, at 6:30 pm.

Known as "John of the Mountains", Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books telling of his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada of California, have been read by millions. Muir’s activism helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas.

LTUSD gets large rebate check from Liberty Utilities

Lake Tahoe Unified School District recently received an energy efficiency rebate check from Liberty Utilities in the amount of $5,054.10, the largest given out this year.

“We’re always happy to reward customers with a rebate whenever they install energy efficient measures that reduce their electric use, especially when it’s a public entity like a school,” stated Randy Kelly, Liberty Utilities’ Operations Manager.

Chopped Restaurant Impossible winner to be guest chef at Sample the Sierra

Food Network star, Reno native and culinary storyteller Chef Clint Jolly will be the featured guest chef at Sample the Sierra’s Pop-Up Dinner on Friday, Sept. 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This year's featured dinner will be held at Park Prime inside Hard Rock Lake Tahoe.

Jolly, the winner of the popular television competition, “Chopped: Restaurant Impossible” also founded Great Thyme Catering based in Reno but specializing in creating memorable events throughout the West.

Local agencies anticipate spotlight Obama's Lake Tahoe visit brings

Tickets to the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit quickly sold out on Monday once the White House announced President Obama would attend the event on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

The national spotlight will be on South Lake Tahoe, giving local agencies the opportunity to show the local efforts on keeping Tahoe Blue have worked by highlighting the progress that has been made to combat pollution, promote restoration, tackle invasive species and protect Lake Tahoe's shoreline.

Police arrest person of interest for sexual assault in South Lake Tahoe

A South Lake Tahoe man is behind bars after being identified as a possible suspect in at least one of the recent assault crimes in the community.

Oscar Raygoza Huerta, 23 of South Lake Tahoe, was arrested on Friday, August 5 on charges of assault intent to commit mayhem or rape, a felony. He is currently in the El Dorado County jail on a $100,000 bail hold.

Last week, South Lake Tahoe Police detectives released sketches of the suspect created after interviews with two of the victims. Leads from those photos led to the arrest.

Lake Tahoe's famed clarity threatened with warming temperatures

Lake Tahoe experienced a year like no other in 2015, according to scientists from the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center in its annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, released this week.

Lake Tahoe is experienced warming water, a 4.8 foot drop in clarity, increased algae and a lowering water level.

Thanks to global climate change, Lake Tahoe is warming faster than ever according to the report which covers results from tests conducted on the lake in 2015 concerning water temperature, clarity, invasive species and more.

Full schedule of interesting talks coming to Incline Village

The UC Davis Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences in Incline Village holds monthly lectures and other special events throughout the year. Here is a list of upcoming lectures open to the public:

TERC Talk: How three revolutions are starting to disrupt transportation

Event Date: 
August 11, 2016 - 5:30pm

The passenger transportation system has seen little innovation since the advent of the Interstate Highway System. That is now changing. The ubiquity of smart phones is enabling the commercialization of a range of new mobility services, led by Uber and Lyft; rapid advances in battery and fuel cell technology are enabling electrification of vehicles; and rapid advances in digital technologies are enabling automation of vehicles. The challenge for policymakers is to direct these revolutions toward the public interest—including in the Tahoe Basin.

Celebrity Golf updates: Winners of Celebrity-Am and Wednesday pairing sheet

Seventeen celebrities enjoyed Tuesday's Tahoe South Celebrity-Am which paired celebrity golfers with amateurs.

Marshall Faulk's team led the pack of 17 with a 47.1 In his group were Nick Roberts, David Yi, Luke Roberts and William Davies.

Results:

1. Marshall Faulk – 47.2
2. Roger Clemens – 50.2
3. Sterling Sharpe – 52.8
4. Eric Gagne – 53.0
5. Mark Rypien – 53.2
6. Kevin Millar – 53.7
7. Bode Miller – 53.8
8. Bret Saberhagen – 54.1
9. Sebastian Janikowski – 54.3
10. Heather LeMaster – 54.5
11. Marvin Lewis – 55.1

Three local men arrested in connection with theft of 1,100 Heavenly ski vouchers

An investigation into the March 10 theft of $116,520 worth of Heavenly Valley ski pass vouchers has led to the arrest of three men on suspicion of conspiracy, felony embezzlement, theft and possession of stolen property.

On July 15 and 16, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office took into custody Tim Jacobsen, 21, of Minden, Nev., Mark Graham, 20 of Gardnerville, Nev., and Angelo Bozin, 25 of South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Bail has been set on each man at $10,000.00.

Pokemon Go app users in South Lake Tahoe, and around the world

The new craze "Pokémon GO" has become the top grossing app for smart phones, and its only been a few days since it was released. South Lake Tahoe isn't immune to to the popularity of this geocaching game where you find and capture Pokémon characters at various locations in the community.

Warning though, it can be harmful to your health, or safety.

Steph Curry headed to South Lake Tahoe for American Century Golf

Two time MVP of the NBA, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is headed to the South Shore to play in the 27th annual American Century Golf Championship July 22-24.

Last year, Curry had to pass because of the birth of his second child Ryan. This year, he was due to play for the USA in the Olympic Games, but with an injured right knee he has decided to stay home, and opened the doors to play in Tahoe.

Local man arrested for South Lake Tahoe bank robbery

The investigation of Friday's bank robbery at the Al Tahoe branch of El Dorado Savings led to the identification of Gabriel Antonio Evans, 36, of South Lake Tahoe as the suspect.

Gorman leaves Tahoe Chamber to pursue new business

She's been a Regional Director with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, PR and Marketing with Kautz Irontstone Vineyards and Banquet and Conference Manager at Copper Mountain Resort. She earned a Doctor of Law degree, and, for what most in South Lake Tahoe know her as, she's been the Executive Director of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce. As of today, she's left the Chamber and is now preparing for a new career in coaching, leadership and training.

South Lake Tahoe bank robbed Friday; second South Shore bank robbery in three days

8:30 p.m. update 7/1/16: The investigation of Friday's bank robbery at the Al Tahoe branch of El Dorado Savings led to the identification of Gabriel Antonio Evans, 36, of South Lake Tahoe as the suspect.

Detectives secured an arrest warrant for Evans and a search warrant for his residence in the 3000 block of Riverside Avenue. Due to Evan’s past violent criminal history, the SWAT team was employed to make the arrest. Officers, assisted by the FBI, arrested Evans at his residence at 7:45 p.m. this evening.

New chemical discovered at UC Davis may be new tool for depression therapy

Event Date: 
June 30, 2016 - 5:30pm

A chemical discovered in a UC Davis lab may be a new, innovative tool to control depression. Studies involve an enzyme (soluble epoxide hydrolase or sEH) which is found in many species from bugs to humans. Research in animal models of depression suggests that sEH plays a key role in modulating inflammation, which is involved in depression. Years of research and discovery around this enzyme led from investigating insect biology to translating the basic science into a potential therapy for man.

Recovery from snowpack drought to take at least four years

Even though the winter of 2016 brought a strong El Nino, it wasn't enough to recover from the previous years' dismal snowpacks.

In a report released by a team of researchers led by UCLA, the snow water equivalent (SWE) seen in 2015, when added to the previous three years of drought, was the worst seen in 1,200 years.

Since the SWE in the Sierra snowpack directly affects the state, the scientists also said that, even if the Sierra has average snowpacks, it will take
California until at least 2019 to recover.

Heavenly aims to connect 2,000 area children to the outdoors

Heavenly Mountain Resort has created Epic Discovery Kids, a program offering free access to Heavenly’s new Epic Discovery summer activities to 2,000 kids from Lake Tahoe schools and non-profits as well as regional non-profits.

Kudos: Teens gain influence of community leaders at empowerment retreats

This spring Live Violence Free, in collaboration with a multitude of partners, has been fortunate enough to expand the annual Girls Empowerment Retreat and organize the first ever Boys Empowerment Event. With the generosity of funding from Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra and MacDuff’s Public House, Live Violence Free worked closely with South Tahoe Middle School to engage 7th and 8th grade girls and boys in discovering their true potential for greatness.

Kingsbury road rage incident leads to arrest of one driver

Two vehicles driving down Kingsbury Grade on Monday night were involved in a road rage incident that led to the arrest of a Stateline, Nevada man.

On May 30, 2016, at approximately 10:51 p.m., the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) received calls about a road rage incident between two cars driving down Kingsbury Grade. Both of the involved drivers called 911 to complain about the other driver's aggressive and possibly intoxicated driving.

During the incident it is alleged that a gun was pointed at a driver after which the parties separated.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested on suspicion of murder in New Hampshire

A South Lake Tahoe man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a manhunt took authorities from Mendocino County to New Hampshire.

What to do in South Lake Tahoe this Memorial Day weekend

The weather is starting to clear and temperatures are warming up, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Don't forget, when you are coming or going from the Lake Tahoe Basin, check out the Caltrans message board at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. Click on "Options" and "message boards." This handy tool shows you the exact time it takes to get from town over the mountain so you can stay longer and avoid the traffic!

Here is a list of some of the things to do on the South side:

Lake Tahoe Summer Kick Off Car and Bike Show at the Heavenly Village

CHP hold bike rodeos for local school kids

Officer Ruth Loehr and other officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) office in South Lake Tahoe conducted a bike rodeo for the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Sierra House Elementary Monday, the first of three they are holding at local schools this week.

All students who participated had to go through a maze of stop signs and cones, all while following the rules for bicyclists, including wearing a helmet.

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