legal
SLT City Council agenda includes marijuana, VHRs and craft shows
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/12/2016 - 6:17pm
A full agenda awaits the new City Council as soon as the two new members are sworn in on Tuesday, December 13.
The 9:00 a.m. meeting in the council chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport starts with the Administeration of Oath to Brooke Laine and Jason Collin and will be followed by a presentation by South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler on what the passage of Proposition 64 means for the city. He will be joined by others from Barton and the Drug Free Coalition who will discuss the implications on the community with increased access to marijuana.
Sledder sues after allegedly being burned by USFS burn pile
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/23/2016 - 11:08pm
An individual alleges he was burned while sledding because of a controlled fire conducted by a federal agency that was hidden and left burning.
Gianfranco Rufino filed a complaint on Nov. 16, 2016 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against United States, alleging negligence.
Alleged sales of marijuana edibles at Douglas High leads to arrest and hospital visit
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/17/2016 - 9:22pm
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.
El Dorado County still needs to count over 23,000 votes
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/16/2016 - 12:12am
The election was seven days ago, but the final ballots cast in El Dorado County have yet to be tabulated, and it might not be until Friday for the results of over 20,000 ballots are released. Another 3,000 provisional ballots should be counted by Monday.
As of 5:00 p.m. November 15, the 20,000 ballots were about to be scanned.
John J. Castellanos - October 31, 1949 - November 5, 2016
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/14/2016 - 2:28pm
John Joseph Castellanos, a South Lake Tahoe area lawyer, passed away suddenly on November 5, 2016.
John was born on October 31, 1949 to loving parents Jose Juan and Lucille Castellanos in Stockton, California. He is the second of six siblings, who all experienced the sad loss of their father at an early age and whose memory brought them closer as family. John lived the values and beliefs of his parents, especially his beloved mother. He was a devoted son and loving brother and loyal to many friends.
Letter: Annie Davidson thanks community, addresses issues
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/11/2016 - 2:34pm
To the South Lake Tahoe Community,
With the election over, I am writing to congratulate the new LTUSD Board members, to respond to some of the claims Derek Allister made public in the final days of the election, and to reaffirm my commitment to volunteer my time and talents to this school district into the future.
Meeting held to help local employers with new federal overtime rule
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/11/2016 - 12:16am
Event Date:
November 16, 2016 - 12:00pm
A new federal law goes into effect on December 1 that entitles salaried employees to get overtime pay if they make less than $47,476 per year. To help people understand this change they are holding a lunchtime workshop on Wednesday, November 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Tahoe Mountain Lab.
According to the White House, an estimated 4.2 million white collar workers will become entitled to overtime pay when they work extra hours as a result of the new rule, and wages for workers will increase by $12 billion over the next 10 years.
Tahoe conservationists challenge Martis Valley West project in court
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/10/2016 - 9:41pm
Legal action against the approved Martis Valley West project was taken in court Thursday as three groups, Sierra Watch, Mountain Area Preservation and the League to Save Lake Tahoe, joined forces to stop the controversial development proposal they feel threatens Lake Tahoe's clarity.
SLT City Council candidate Ted Long
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:07amAll 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.
Ted Long, 77, attorney and lecturer, 21 years full time skiing here since 1965.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations
Christmas tree permits for Lake Tahoe Basin go on sale Monday
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 11:51am
The popular Lake Tahoe basin Christmas tree permits from the U.S Forest Service go on sale Monday, November 7 in South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe, then on November 9 in Incline Village.
Permits cost $10 each with a limit of two per family. They must be purchased in person, are not transferable and are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Even though the last day for tree permit sales is on December 23, they are normally sold out well before that date, sometimes as early as December 4.
Hopeful Henry: Microchipped pets get returned at least 2x more often
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/26/2016 - 4:41pm
Dear Henry,
What are your thoughts on Microchipping your pets?
Thank you,
Arthur
Dear Arthur,
Very good question! Just last week we were able to return a dog that had been stolen because it was micro chipped. We located the dog and because we were able to verify the legal owner via the microchip it made getting the dog back to his owner a much easier process.
Ask Henry: I need help with a barking dog and nagging neighbor
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/08/2016 - 5:24pm
Dear Hopeful Henry,
My Neighbor reported me because my dog barks and he said it is disturbing him. I am frustrated because yes, my dog barks, but all dogs bark. And he didn’t bother coming to me first! Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Barking Dog & Nagging Neighbor
Barking Dog,
Volunteers sought for Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/06/2016 - 8:14pm
California State Parks is looking for volunteers to help them prepareEd Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park for winter. They are holding a work day on October 26 from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Help prepare the park grounds for the approaching winter. Projects may include raking the lawn, weeding in the native plant gardens, and laying new grass seed.
There will be free limited overnight camping for volutneers. If interested in camping, email parkchampionstacy@gmail.com.
All volunteers will be rewarded with a card for a free Chipotle burrito.
Colorado offers cautionary lessons as Nevada studies legalizing recreational pot use
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/28/2016 - 4:19pm
Just beyond the Rocky Mountains, an industry that once conjured images of dank basements and back-alley deals is blossoming under state regulation.
After a sluggish start in sales following the 2012 vote to decriminalize marijuana, Colorado’s pot trade — and corresponding tax revenue — is booming as consumers from within and outside the state flock to cannabis shops.
Pair accused of abducting their children located in Carson City
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/15/2016 - 9:27am
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.
Authorities look for pair involved in abduction of two Douglas County children
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/13/2016 - 1:45pm
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is looking for the two parents involved in the Monday evening abduction of two children from their grandparent's home in the northern portion of the county.
On September 12, 2016 at approximately 5:10 p.m., Dason Valdez,29, and Krystle Reid, 27, were allegedly involved in a domestic incident with Valdez’s mother at an address in the Indian Hills subdivision.
Abducted South Lake Tahoe children found in Mexico; father arrested
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/06/2016 - 1:11pm
The father of two South Lake Tahoe children who failed to return them to their mother on August 15 has been arrested in the Rosarito Beach area of Mexico.
Scott Selger of Chula Vista, Calif., was arrested by the Baja California State Preventive Police on September 1 and the children were safely returned to their mother, Jenn Luckman Conant.
Investigators from several agencies had been searching for Selger and the children after their mother realized her children, 9-year-old twins Ava and Paolo, were not on their scheduled return flight home after visiting with their father.
Woodcutting permits change in Eldorado Forest to allow dead trees to be cut
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/28/2016 - 11:59am
Woodcutting permits on the Eldorado National Forest have been changed to allow larger standing dead conifer trees to be cut for firewood. A minimum of tTwo cords of wood can be cut for $15 per cord.
"This change in our woodcutting permits will encourage removal of potentially dangerous roadside hazard trees," said forest supervisor Laurence Crabtree. "Fire and bark beetles have left a lot of dead trees which could fall across forest roads, particularly the less traveled roads in the back country."
JoAnn Conner and City of South Lake Tahoe settle differences
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 2:57pm
It's been months of lawsuits, open arguments, censure of a councilperson, a community taking sides and a mounting legal tab. City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner, the City of South Lake Tahoe and City Manager Nancy Kerry have come to a compromise and have signed a settlement agreement.
In October of 2015, the City Council voted to censure Conner over what they said was "abusive, bullying and intolerant behavior."
Conner and City of South Lake Tahoe getting closer to ending legal issues
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/05/2016 - 4:08pm
For the past 18 months, South Lake Tahoe City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner and the City have been at odds since she filed two lawsuits against them on December 9, 2015.
During Tuesday's Council meeting, Mayor Wendy David made the following announcement about the potential end of the legal matters after both sides met with a mediator on June 14:
Lawsuit filed to prevent Loop Road project from appearing on South Lake Tahoe ballot
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 5:08am
At the end of business on Monday, papers were served on the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City Council and four members of the group Let Tahoe Decide to keep the subject of the Loop Road/US Highway 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project off the ballot in November.
South Lake Tahoe resident part of AMC's "The Making of the Mob: Chicago"
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/06/2016 - 9:21pm
Event Date:
July 11, 2016 - 9:00pm
He's been played in the movies by Ben Kingsley, Richard Dreyfuss, Patrick Dempsey, Dustin Hoffman, Anatol Yusef and Robert De Niro. In real life, he was the "Mob's Accountant" and a major organized crime figure who, along with his associate Charles "Lucky" Luciano, was instrumental in the development of the "National Crime Syndicate" in the United States. He developed a gambling empire that stretched across the world from Las Vegas to London and spent 50 years in the organized crime. Jay Z and Lil Kim have mentioned him in songs.
Who was he?
Meyer Lansky.
1882 pounds of illegal fireworks confiscated at Truckee "bug" station
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/29/2016 - 11:38pm
Fire and law enforcement officers across the State are working together to confiscate illegal fireworks and get them off the street. In Placer County, an announced inspection of all vehicles going through the Truckee agricultural station netted 1,882 pounds of illegal fireworks, resulting in 20 misdemeanor citations and seven felony arrests.
In another operation, CAL FIRE joined a multi-agency fireworks seizure operation in San Bernardino County that resulted in the confiscation of 25,406 pounds of illegal fireworks, 51 misdemeanor citations issued, as well as two felony arrests.
SLT City Council to look at City Hall lobby upgrades, Knight's Inn purchase
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/19/2016 - 8:22pm
During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 21, the following items will be addressed and possibly voted on:
The approval of $627,371 to be spend on the lobby of the SLT Airport to make improvements for both appearance and aging electrical and lighting. A Verdi, Nev., company submitted the bid to add a gas fireplace, log and iron accents, stone facade, new windows, walls and ADA complaince.
Approve measures to add two new tax measures to the November ballot, one to increase Tourist Occupancy Tax (TOT) by 2 percent and the other to increase sales tax by 1/2 percent.
Hike for Humane Society and Outdoor Expo this weekend
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/06/2016 - 10:04pm
Event Date:
June 11, 2016 - 9:00am
A day full of activities celebrating the outdoors and pets will be Saturday, June 11 at the Harrah's Tahoe upper parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Action Adventure Expo will be partnering once again with the Hike for the Humane Society. Not only will there be guided hikes through Van Sickle Bi-State Park, but there will once again be a $5 vaccination clinic, and lots of vendor celebrating Lake Tahoe.
Attorney known for plethora of ADA lawsuits making rounds in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/03/2016 - 4:57pm
A Sacramento area lawyer called the "Serial ADA lawsuit filer" by the San Jose Mercury News is back in South Lake Tahoe according to several recent reports from local businesses.
Between 2009-11, Carmichael attorney Scott Johnson inundated small businesses with letters requesting they bring buildings in line with access laws for the disabled. He followed up the letters with several lawsuits in South Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Mountain Lab provides unique work situation
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/17/2016 - 8:03pm
While the official grand opening isn't until May 26, the doors have opened and office spaces are filling up at the new Tahoe Mountain Lab in South Lake Tahoe. What was once the Tahoe Daily Tribune offices on Lake Tahoe Blvd. is now home to 24 private offices, shared work spaces, tables and desks as well as the local paper's new office.
Bay Area couple wins lawsuit against TRPA, can build in Angora Fire area
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/07/2016 - 5:46pm
In June, 2007, the Angora Fire swept through a neighborhood, taking with it 242 homes and 3.100 acres of trees and shrubs, forcing people to either rebuild or sell.
Sunday's home explosion highlights issue of BHO labs in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/26/2016 - 9:25pm
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.
Home & Garden Show to feature everything from authors to roof systems
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/21/2016 - 9:54amEvent Date:
April 23, 2016 - 10:00am
The 5th annual Lake Tahoe Home and Garden Show will be held April 22 and 23 at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex on Rufus Allen Blvd. The show will begin on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m. Saturday hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the show is free, and each attendee will receive a small gift and be entered into a chance to win a door prize.
El Dorado County teen latest victim of counterfeit hydrocodone
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 9:42pm
An 18-year-old El Dorado Hills resident is the latest victim of a rash of overdoses from pills made to look like the prescription painkiller, Norco.
In Sacramento County, six deaths are attributed to the pills, and the death of county resident George Berry is now the seventh suspected victim. The pills ingested are actually Fentanyl, which is 80 times as potent as morphine and hundreds of times more potent than heroin.
New fee schedule and SnowGlobe on City Council agenda Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/13/2016 - 3:31pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council will look at the new Master Fee schedule during the March 14 meeting, something they do annually. The proposed fees and charges for 2015-16 show no change for users of the recreation center or campground, a $2 to $3 increase in daily golf course fees, a $5 to $15 increase in golf course passes.
Educational series on caring for the aging presented by El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/12/2016 - 6:34pm
A six-week educational series that will provide support for people who care for, or plan to care for, a family member of friend over the age of 60 will be presented by El Dorado County starting April 18, 2016.
The "Aging & Caregiver" series will be held on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe.
The series topics will include the following:
Time change can lead to sleepy drivers
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 6:48pm
With most of the country turning their clocks back and switching to Daylight Saving Time on March 13, the National Sleep Foundation is leading the observation of National Sleep Awareness Week to highlight the importance of drivers being aware of the potential dangers of the time shift.
“Many people have a hard time adjusting to the time change, and it can affect their driving,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Even the most careful drivers become confused and use poor judgment when they are sleepy.”
Public gets chance to ask questions about US50 Revitalization project
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/11/2016 - 10:11pm
The public once again had the opportunity to participate in the planning of the US50/South Shore Revitalization plan (also known as the Loop Road) during a meeting held at South Tahoe Middle School Wednesday evening. About 100 people took advantage of having the opportunity.
A panel made up of three representatives from the project, Tahoe Transportation District's Carl Hasty and Russell Nygaard, and the Project Manager Mark Rayback from Woods Rodgers.
Early bird pricing available for Lake Tahoe Home & Garden Show
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/09/2016 - 4:57pm
Vendors are now being accepting for the annual Home and Garden Show held in South Lake Tahoe will be held April 22-23, 2016 at the Recreation Complex. For those that sign up before January 29, a large early bird discount is available.
Here is a list of the vendors signed up so far:
Sponsors
EverythingTahoe.com
Kadzoom.com
EverythingCarsonValley.com
South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce
Legal Shield, J. Conner, Ind. Assoc.
Vendors
Tahoe Bath and Candle Works
South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce
Conner vs. City of South Lake Tahoe could cost $100,000
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 10:31pm
Round two of Councilwoman JoAnn Conner versus the City of South Lake Tahoe and City Manager Nancy Kerry was originally on the court docket for Monday, but it didn't happen and the next court date has yet to be set.
Nevada fatalities on the road rose in 2015
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 1:27pm
While California figures are not in yet, Nevada has released a report on their traffic fatalities for 2015.
Preliminary data shows that there were 321 Nevada traffic deaths in 2015, an increase by 30 deaths over the previous year.
When compared with the number of miles driven in Nevada, though, traffic deaths have dropped from an average of 1.54 deaths per every 100 million miles traveled in 2008 to 1.13 fatalities per 100 million miles in 2013. Statewide, traffic fatalities reached an all-time high of 432 in 2006.
HR Updates for California & Nevada
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 12/29/2015 - 3:48pm
Event Date:
January 13, 2015 (All day) BE PREPARED FOR 2016 with new employment laws for California & Nevada!
Get caught up on the new employment laws and understand how they impact you and your business. Join your fellow Chamber members at these two informative sessions that will present highlights of new legislation and case law updates, including new wage and hour laws, for both California and Nevada.
CALIFORNIA SESSION: 9:00am - 10:30am
2016 brings in new laws for California drivers, bikers and more
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/26/2015 - 6:10pm
Hundreds of new California laws take effect on January 1, 2016, many that will have tangible impacts on the lives of Californians as they work, drive, ride a bike and shop.
Here is an overview of some of them:
Transportation:
HR Updates for California & Nevada
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 11:40am
Event Date:
January 13, 2016 (All day) BE PREPARED FOR 2016 with new employment laws for California & Nevada!
Get caught up on the new employment laws and understand how they impact you and your business. Join your fellow Chamber members at these two informative sessions that will present highlights of new legislation and case law updates, including new wage and hour laws, for both California and Nevada.
CALIFORNIA SESSION: 9:00am - 10:30am
San Jose couple suing TRPA over lot in Angora Fire area
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/11/2015 - 2:51pm
A couple from San Jose, Calif. has filed a lawsuit against the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) over a lot they purchased in the Angora Fire area they have been denied building permits on.
Ray and Teresa Burns purchased a piece of property at 889 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The house that had once been located there burned in the 2007 Angora Fire and the Burns bought the lot when it went into foreclosure in 2009.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, the lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento on Thursday, December 10 by the firm they hired, Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF).
Councilwoman sues the City of South Lake Tahoe and City Manager
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/10/2015 - 2:34pm
City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner filed a lawsuit against the City of South Lake Tahoe and City Manager Nancy Kerry in El Dorado County Court on Wednesday, December 9, asking for the City Council's censure of her be withdrawn.
In a special meeting of the Council on October 19, Conner was censured for interactions she had with City staff which at times were described as bullying and creating a hostile work environment.
El Dorado County schools chief gets $125,000 to resign after two DUI arrests
Submitted by admin on Wed, 11/25/2015 - 9:20pm
El Dorado County schools chief Jeremy Meyers received a $125,000 buyout package this month for resigning after being arrested twice on suspicion of drunken driving.
In exchange for stepping down Nov. 14, Meyers will receive a lump sum payment equal to his salary through June 2016 – $114,821 – minus taxes and other withholding items, according to a copy of the agreement obtained late Monday through a Public Records Act request. The El Dorado County Office of Education also will pay Meyers a lump sum of $10,930, equal to his medical, dental and life insurance benefits through June.
Domestic violence can affect children and animals for life
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/17/2015 - 2:16pm
A baby’s brain is like a flower, if it’s stressed, it wilts; If the flower is nourished, it blooms.
Those are the telling words used to open the film, Effects of Domestic Violence on Children. As our brains grow, they create a blueprint for every new experience we have, the sounds, the touches and the sights. We may not remember what happens to us as a baby but our experiences are forever etched in our brains and create the building blocks of our lives.
New scam targeting seniors who served in the military
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 8:59pm
A consumer alert has been issued regarding scams targeting seniors who served in the military and their survivors.
“California’s veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices to keep our nation safe and uphold our most sacred values and freedoms,” said Attorney General Kamala Harris. “Sadly, many of our senior veterans are being targeted by scam artists seeking to take advantage of them for a quick profit. My office will continue to protect our veterans and ensure that predators who seek to profit from their service are held accountable.”
Second suspected DUI lands El Dorado County schools chief in jail
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/06/2015 - 8:21pm
El Dorado County schools chief Jeremy Meyers was arrested Thursday for the second time in five months for allegedly driving under the influence, this time after he crashed his truck into a utility box at 2 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
Meyers, 45, allegedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or more, a threshold approaching twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent, according to the CHP. Authorities did not provide his exact blood alcohol level.
SNAFU Con, anime and gaming convention in Reno this weekend
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/27/2015 - 8:16am
Event Date:
October 30, 2015 (All day)
Sierra Nevada Anime Fans Unite, also known as SNAFU, will be holding their 6th annual anime and gaming fan convention October 30 through November 1 at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District honors William Wright
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/24/2015 - 8:58pm
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District honored Attorney William Wright with a “Proclamation of Thanks” at the Board meeting held on October 8, 2015.
Wright served as legal counsel to the board for the past 25 years and is now going to enjoy retirement.
The District thanked Wright for his service and dedication to the
Department and it's constituents.
South Lake Tahoe City Council censures JoAnn Conner
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/19/2015 - 11:48pm
During a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council on Monday, October 19, JoAnn Conner was publicly censured, a first of its kind for the City. An overflowing crowd spent over three hours in Council Chambers as comments were made both supporting Conner, and against what they said was "abusive, bullying and intolerant behavior."
