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Two pressing issues in Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada are problems encountered by cities throughout the country, affordable housing and homelessness, and a student at Western Nevada College believes he has a viable solution.

Western Nevada College (WNC) student Masih Madani is devoted to seeing these two issues addressed by constructing tiny houses from out-of-circulation shipping containers. The 320-square-foot galvanized steel containers can be stacked side by side, as well as on top of each other, creating a variety of housing possibilities.

First, a confession of weirdness. I love being a part of groups. I like the synergy of groups, how they work collaboratively, how the room sounds… some listening, others talking.

I like the process of group decision-making, the back and forth, the quiet and noisy, the 'aha' moments of clarity, that groups have goals and purpose. It may be quirky, but instead of being drained from being with and working in a group, I find it energizing.

Even with the recent snowfall, the monthly measurement of the snowpack at Phillip Station west of Lake Tahoe was just 14 percent of the historical average. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) manual snow survey found little snowpack there, two months into what is typically California’s wettest three months.

Measurements at Phillips Station revealed a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 2.6 inches at Phillips as measured there since 1964. SWE is the depth of water that theoretically would result if the entire snowpack melted instantaneously.

An overflowing crowd of family, friends and community members filled the City Council chambers Monday as South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue held their 5th annual awards ceremony.

The staff was honored for their service doing a job that protects the lives, homes and environment of the South Lake Tahoe community and its visitors.

"Your recognition is well deserved, and well earned," said Mayor Wendy David.

SLTFR Fire Chief Jeff Meston led the ceremony which honored the following:

Firefighter/Medic of the Year: Dustin Winter
Dispatcher of the Year: Jillian Gard

Earth’s global surface temperatures in 2017 ranked as the second warmest since 1880, according to an analysis released Thursday by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Earth's long term warming trend continued, with the average temperature last year was 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the 1951 to 1980 mean. Second only to the prior year, 2016, according to scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York.

Have you missed your dose of doughnuts and frozen yogurt? No longer do you have to wait as Rainbow Sprinkles is reopening at the Y in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, January 16 at 6:00 a.m.

After their first year in business the owners closed for a couple of weeks to make some changes and are now excited to see the customers they've missed.

"We love our customers and can't wait to see them again!" said co-owner Salli Ross-Filgo. "We wanted to say how grateful we are to this community for their support. We have had the honor of serving so many wonderful people."

January is a busy month for the Jack C. Davis Observatory.

The first blue moon total lunar eclipse in 150 years. A Western Nevada College grad returning to campus to give a lecture on Stellar Archaeology. Separating facts and fiction about Atlantis.

Saturday, Jan. 13: Mike Thomas Lecture on Atlantis

How many steps can you take in 97 days? Almost a million?

Join El Dorado County's team in the 1 Billion Steps Challenge which tracks participant's steps through apps from January 1 to April 8, 2018.

The challenge is through the American Public Health's Associations (APHA) who are encouraging Americans to get out and walk, roll and get moving. Register at https://stridekick.com/tc/apha18 and have your steps logged. You don't even have to do anything once registered (except walk, run and move, of course)...your phone or other fitness tracker will communicate with the challenge.

Hello fellow anglers. I am happy to say, the winter solstice has come and gone. Meaning, each day now brings one minute longer of daylight. But as we all know, that does not mean it will get any warmer soon. Down here in the Minden and Carson Valleys we've experienced an average of 7 to 10 degree mornings.

Most would think that the higher lakes would be frozen and iced over. I received a report from fellow angler Josh Otto last week. As Josh told me, Caples Lake had high winds and was down right cold and had waves blowing across the lake.

Christmas is a little brighter this Christmas for ten South Lake Tahoe area families who received a box full of food from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and Blue Shield of California.

The El Dorado Hills based insurance company paid for the food for families throughout the county, and the deputies delivered them.

"It felt really good. I was glad we could do something like this, especially this time of year," said Deputy Vince DeLeon who has been with the Sheriff's Office for 17 years and helped do the deliveries.

California ski towns are going to have to wait a little longer for recreational marijuana.

On Jan. 1, adults 21 and over will be allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of recreational marijuana in California, but most ski towns in Northern California won't allow sales of retail product yet.

Some of the most popular ski towns in Northern California — South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Mammoth Lakes included — have moratoriums on recreational marijuana businesses, which means that product won’t be available until late spring, at the earliest.

Residents in South Lake Tahoe will soon be paying more for garbage pick-up after the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted 4-1 to approve South Tahoe Refuse's request to raise rates for residential customers by 8.81 percent, the biggest one-time increase ever added to the service.

The rate increase will go into effect January 1, 2018.

The monthly rate for SLT customers will go from $26.55 to #28.89 for unlimited service, and increase of $2.34. Qualified seniors (65 and over and part of Liberty Utilities Care program) will pay an extra $1.95, taking their monthly rate to $24.15.

Chanukah -The Festival of Lights- for many of us brings back fond memories of childhood years and serves to renew our sense of identity. The Chanukah lights provide us with warmth, joy, strength and inspiration. Such is the purpose of a community-wide celebration to be held at the Ski Run Marina on December 12, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

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Getting new coats as gifts and need a place for your gently used old ones? The South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Department is holding their annual Coats for Kids Drive starting December 26, 2017.

Bins will be set up at the two stations, Station 1 at 1252 Ski Run Boulevard and Station 2 at 2101 Lake Tahoe Boulevard from December 26 - January 31, 2018. The donated coats will be distributed to Choices for Children and Tahoe Youth & Family Services and will keep kids, from the little ones to teenagers, warm and protected from Tahoe's cold winter.

Does the cold weather stop you in your tracks? Maybe not if you are a winter sports enthusiast, but what if you aren’t? Maintaining your fitness goals can be challenging when you’re shoveling snow to get out of your driveway - or even to get into your car. But remember: shoveling snow is exercise!

If you’re someone who goes into hibernation with the bears during winter, I’m here to offer some tips that will help you stay motivated throughout the colder, darker months.

11:30 AM Update - The forecast snow totals have changed slightly and are reflected below.

Two storm systems heading for Lake Tahoe this week will impact the region with gusty winds, rain, snow and cooler temperatures.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The long awaited 11 foot tall bronze sculpture "Spirit of Competition" perched on top of a 4.5 ton boulder was unveiled during a ceremony at Champions Plaza Friday.

Sculptor Gareth Curtiss transported his creation from his studio in Fortine, Montana just two days ago in the back of his van, early Thursday morning the bronze sculpture was picked up with a crane and placed on top of the boulder, bolted in and wrapped up for the ceremony.

Ghouls, goblins, princesses, super heroes and all other trick-or-treaters are invited to head over to the Tahoe Beach Retreat and Lodge for "Trick & Retreat" on Tuesday, October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The South Lake Tahoe hotel is providing a safe and fun environment for their annual Halloween party. Businesses come together and decorate rooms for kids to visit and get their treats. There will also be a bounce house, music, s'more making and more.

This event is free to the public and not only are little goblins but so are furry ones since they are pet-friendly.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A quick moving system is passing over Lake Tahoe Friday morning.

The road and weather report:

California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reporting an accident just east of Old Meyers Grade on Highway 50. At about 6:20 a.m., a big rig and vehicle collided, vehicle is off the road. Tow trucks are on the way and it is unknown if there are any injuries at this time.

CHP is also reporting a big rig blocking SR-89 north of Luther Pass as of 7:00 a.m.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There weren't just hungry customers at IHOP in South Lake Tahoe Saturday morning, a hungry bear also decided to stop by.

The large bear got into the dumpster around 8:00 a.m. as staff was taking trash out on October 14, but once in he couldn't get out.

On Tuesday, a majority of city council agreed on a revised VHR (Vacation Home Rental) ordinance. In two weeks we will vote on the first reading of the ordinance and if a majority supports it, on November 7th would be the final vote to adopt the revised regulations and rules. The ordinance would then go into effect 30 days later.

It will be a taste of winter through Thursday in Lake Tahoe as temperatures drop and snow is expected to fall, and not just in upper elevations. Snow may be seen down to the 6500 ft level.

The National Weather Service in Reno forecast:

Tonight - Showers. Low around 34. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday - Scattered rain and snow showers before 11am, then scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

More than a few people have asked me if I was frustrated by this last city council meeting and the 6.5 hour discussion regarding the revised VHR (Vacation Home Rental) ordinance. I thought the City Manager's introduction on why we were looking at a revised ordinance and the staff presentation on the revisions were excellent and on point. At first I was a little confused about some of the council questions of staff but reminded myself that the VHR sub-committee made up of Mayor Pro Tem David and myself have been living, sleeping and eating the VHR issue for over two years.

In the final concert of the 2017 Dangberg Summer Festival, Sacramento area band, Todd Morgan and the Emblems, will bring 50s, 60s and Rockabilly style music to Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park at 6:30 pm, Thursday, August 31.

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