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Ronald McDonald in South Lake Tahoe to celebrate grand opening

Ronald McDonald stopped by the South Lake Tahoe "Y" McDonald's Saturday to celebrate their grand reopening.

Until 2:00 p.m., Ronald will be there to greet customers and pose for photos (and selfies too).

Robert Humason, owner of both South Lake Tahoe McDonald's restaurants, is celebrating his 17th year of business in the community. He and his son Chad were at the Y store with Ronald Saturday to meet and greet customers and present a check to the Ronald McDonald House for $9,000.

Lake Tahoe recreational areas and forest roads begin their seasonal closures

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will soon begin closing recreational facilities and forest roads around the Lake Tahoe Basin for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads. Keep in mind that Tahoe Valley and Zephyr Cove Resort campgrounds remain open year-round along with Camp Richardson and Zephyr Cove resorts and beaches.

Air quality in El Dorado County affected by Northern California fires

Air quality in El Dorado County is currently being impacted by smoke from wildfires burning in the State. County health officials are reminding residents to take precautions should wildfire smoke impact the areas in which they live, work and recreate. According to Air Pollution Control Officer Dave Johnston, wildfires can produce smoke that causes health problems, particularly for children, older people and those with heart disease or respiratory issues.

Johnston advises residents to limit outdoor activity if they see or smell smoke.

Specific precautions include the following:

Preventing childhood lead poisoning

Every parent wants to provide a safe and healthy environment for their child. El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Nursing is hoping to increase awareness among parents about the hidden dangers of lead exposure to children. October 22 through October 28, 2017, is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Full weekend of activities in South Lake Tahoe

Lots to do in South Lake Tahoe this weekend. Now that South Tahoe and Whittell High Schools had their homecoming games Friday night, the rest of the weekend can be filled with everything from helping feed local youth, buying mattresses or playing golf for the high school, honoring one of the City's first leaders and enjoying the annual Fire Fest.

Fire Fest returns to the South Shore

Event Date: 
September 30, 2017 - 10:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Helicopters, fire trucks, K-9s and demonstrations are just a few of the activities planned for 23rd annual Fire Fest on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe.

Admission is free and the event is a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.

Sass Talk: Vacation rentals, cannabis and Martin Hollay

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.

New fire east of Carson City burns over 1,100 acres

The Lyons Fire burning 15 miles east of Carson City has now consumed 1,128 acres since lightning started it Tuesday afternoon.

68 firefighters are on the scene of the fire which is on the east side of the Pine Nut Mountain Range.

There is no containment at this time.

Update on other area fires:

The Voltaire Fire behind Fandango in Carson City is now fully contained, but not after burning 135 acres and causes some evacuations. That fire was also started by lightning on Tuesday afternoon.

Get doused in color during Tahoe Youth & Family Services annual 5k run

Event Date: 
August 19, 2017 - 9:00am

Have a blast with lots of color being thrown about while raising money for Tahoe Youth and Family Services during their annual ColorBlast 5k Run on Saturday, August 19 during Carson Valley Medical Center’s Health Fest 2017.

Runners get covered from head to toe in several different colors as running/walking a 5k course. As participants pass each 1K marker, the color lets loose! All of the colors are safe and even edible as they are corn starch based.

7th annual Tahoe Show Fitness and Bodybuilding Championship

Event Date: 
August 26, 2017 (All day)

STATELINE, Nev. - The 7th annual TAHOE SHOW Fitness and Bodybuilding Championship presented by Carr Cellular Fitness will be held at the MontBleu Resort Showroom on August 26, 2017 starting at 9:30 a.m.

The NPC-sanctioned event is projected to attract over 2,000 spectators and over 350 athletes who will compete for custom championship trophies and a coveted National Qualification.

Lake Tahoe air quality to continue in the unhealthy range

The intensifying Detwiler Fire near Mariposa, Calif. continues to send smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin, Alpine County, Reno, Carson City and the Carson Valley, causing air quality to be in the unhealthy range.

As of Wednesday morning the Detwiler fire had burned over 45,000 acres, sending a plume of smoke due north, into our area. It is 7 percent contained and caused the evacuation of the town of Mariposa as well as many surrounding roads and neighborhoods.

USFS to start chemical treatment of invasive species in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting later this month, the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start using chemical treatment to try and eradicate, control and contain known infestations of invasive plants. Their focus will be on 90 sites covering 18.25 acres of sites inside the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Construction underway on Gondola Vista Estates in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In the works since 2002, construction has begun on a new housing development project underneath the gondola in South Lake Tahoe.

Sass Talk: Cannabis, VHRs and the 4th of July

July kicks off the busiest time of the year for our city. Schools out, the temps are soaring in the valleys to the west and east of us, the roads are free of snow, and visitors from all over the world are getting away to see beautiful places and enjoy the great outdoors. For many of our businesses this is is the best time of the year. For many locals who like to play on the mountain trails and along the beach and eventually need to get to work, this is the hardest time of the year.

Stateline casinos to charge for parking during Summer Concert Series & special events

Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe announced today that they will start charging for those using their parking lots and valet services during concerts, special events and holidays.

Their new parking policy starts on June 30. It will cost $20 to self-park and $25 to use valet parking. Cash and credit cards will be both accepted for payment.

MontBleu Resort currently charges $10 for those parking during the Harveys' concerts, but that is returned to driving using the lot in the form of free play coupons. Hard Rock Tahoe also charges non-hotel guests $5 - $20 depends on the event.

Annual Canadian Goose roundup completed in Lake Tahoe and Reno

Not only humans enjoy hanging out in Lake Tahoe, the Canadian Goose does as well, and according to many, perhaps too well. The annual goose roundup is now complete with 118 of the geese from Lake Tahoe now living at the Wild Horse Reservoir in Elko County.

Wildfire Safety Expo in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

Event Date: 
June 17, 2017 - 12:00pm

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue along with multiple local agencies are coming together and hosting the 4th annual Wildfire Safety Expo on Saturday, June 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the TJ Maxx parking lot located at the “Y” where
Highways 50 and 89 intersect.

Everyone one is invited to the free event with lots of information about being prepared in case of a wildfire.

DJ, facepainting and lots of donuts mark Rainbow Sprinkles grand opening

Rainbow Sprinkles Donuts and Frozen Yogurt held their official grand opening and ribbon cutting in South Lake Tahoe on Saturday, bringing out a parking lot full of fans and future fans.

Jody Filgo and Sallie Ross-Filgo opened the doors of their shop in January, 2017, but with the heavy, and long, winter, they wanted to wait until weather was nicer to roll out the official red carpet. Plus, Saturday was just a day after National Donut Day!

Sass Talk: Cannabis discussion continues

I took a couple of field trips this month related to learning more about cannabis and how it may affect our city if retail, commercial grows, testing, and edible production are implemented. I learned a lot and will share some of the highlights with you.

The first trip was to Breckenridge, a visit I piggybacked on top of a wedding I attended in Vail. I met with their Mayor, City Manager (formerly the police chief) and the assistant city manager. We met for two hours and our talk was primarily centered on their experiences with the legalization of cannabis in Breckenridge.

From England to Tahoe, Jim McCarty to bring classic Yardbirds sound to Harrah's

From their 1960s heyday, through being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to performing on the Harrah's Tahoe stage, the one constant in the legendary Yardbirds has been drummer Jim McCarty.

Most will remember the Yardbirds for two things. First is the fact that being part of the band launched the careers of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. Secondly, the Yardbirds are remembered for their long list of classic hits including “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” "Shapes of Things, "“I’m A Man” and “Over Under Sideways Down.”

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.

Public comment encouraged on US 50 Revitalization Project

For the next 75 days the public is encouraged to comment on environmental documents concerning the US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the Loop Road.

Jointly, the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), Federal Highway Administration, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency released the Environment Impact Statement (NEPA), Environmental Impact Report (CEQA), and Environmental Impact Statement (TRPA). All of these detailed reports are available on line here: tahoetransportation.org/us50.

South Lake Tahoe Earth Day to be celebrated April 29

Event Date: 
April 29, 2017 - 10:00am

The South Lake Tahoe celebration of Earth Day will be on Saturday, April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bijou Community Park. The North Shore will be holding theirs on April 22.

Earth Day South Lake Tahoe style features a full day of education on ways to counteract global climate change through recycling and composting, alternative energy, water conservation, sustainability, and reducing our ecological footprint. For over a decade, volunteers from the Tahoe Earth Day Foundation have put on the event for all ages.

Easter egg hunts and brunches in South Lake Tahoe

Holiday fun starts on Friday and goes through the weekend with Easter Egg Hunts and brunches.

Tot Egg Hunt at Kahle Community Park- Friday, April 14 - Sponsored by the Tahoe Douglas Firefighter's Association. Tot Egg Hunt is an Extra special day for Family Fun! The Easter Bunny will be hiding eggs outside and you can climb on fire trucks. Come inside and enjoy the bounce house, indoor playground, and refreshments. Bring a basket to collect eggs and a camera for an EGGciting day! Hunt begins at 11:00 AM.

USFS announces Lake Tahoe recreational facilities opening dates

Weather and snow conditions permitting, Lake Tahoe recreational facilities will soon be open! The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) announced today they will begin opening some spots in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Inspiration Point will be the first site to open on April 15, 2017. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center opens May 19 and will be staffed weekends only until Memorial Day weekend. The Tallac Historic Site parking area opens May 1 and will be staffed beginning Saturday, May 27.

Vintage Buffalo: From flooded thrift store to fun boutique

On January 23, 2017, snow caused the roof collapse of the historic building that housed not only the Green Tahoe Market and Liquor Store on Harrison Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, but also the Lucky Dog Thrift Store.

When the roof collapsed, the sprinkler system was set off and the water main broke, sending gallons of water through the stores in the building. Clean up and building repairs are still underway.

Easter Bunny and egg hunt at Tahoe Tot Spot

Event Date: 
April 15, 2017 - 10:00am

Easter will be celebrated at the Tahoe Tot Spot on Saturday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with lots of fun activities planned.

All children participating will hunt for eggs including special eggs with big prizes, crafts and special treats for parents and kids. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance!

The hunt will start at 11:00 a.m.

The activities are for all kids enjoying the Tahoe Tot Spot that day and their regular rates apply.

Heavenly launches two-week long celebration of Spring

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Heavenly’s annual Spring Loaded event is full of fun-filled festivities for those skiing and boarding at the resort from March 26 to April 9.

With 14" of new snow this week and more expected on top of their 600" of snow this season, Heavenly is celebrating the change of seasons with live music, loud outfits and various activities that include Unbuckle Après Parties, Heavenly DJ Cat pop up parties, Pond Skimming and more.

For exact event times, daily costume themes and more information, visit skiheavenly.com.

City denied Bijou Park Creek Watershed grant, for now

It's been one year since the City of South Lake Tahoe was denied a grant by the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) for their Bijou Park Creek Watershed and SEZ Restoration Project, and today, the Conservancy Board did it again.

Coyote Country Rail Jam at Lake Tahoe Community College

Event Date: 
March 10, 2017 - 5:00pm

Lake Tahoe Community College is holding their first-ever Coyote Country Rail Jam on Friday, March 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and everyone is invited.

This free event is open to all skiers and boarders with "big-air dreams." All ages are welcome and there is no entry cost.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass on roads, traffic and trails

The following is Mayor Austin Sass's monthly letter to the community:

New Tahoe Chamber CEO brings passion for business and economic development

"I'm looking for opportunities to build strategic relationships and leverage resources, and not duplicating what we already have," Craig A. Schmidt said after being on the job for five days at the Tahoe Chamber. "That is what excites me about the South Shore."

Schmidt is the new Chief Executive Officer for the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce, a job vacant since July 1, 2016 when "B" Gorman left to develop her coaching business.

Power issues for Placer and Nevada counties

7:30 p.m.update 2/23:
Floriston: After working nearly 24 hours and bringing in a second generator, attempts to provide temporary power have failed. Crews will begin to rebuild the line on Friday in this steep terrain with the goal of restored power by early Saturday morning.

River Road/Silver Creek/Fir Crags/Hwy 89: Crews were able to begin repairs today; a helicopter will come in tomorrow to complete with restoration expected late Friday/early Saturday.

Kirkwood passes the 500" of snow mark; Other Lake Tahoe resorts close behind

The two feet of snow added to the slopes at Kirkwood Ski Resort this week has pushed their snowpack to 508 inches as of Sunday, and there is still lots more to come.

With another month of winter, Kirkwood still has time to add many more inches to their snowpack, as do all other Sierra Nevada Resorts. Kirkwood had 504 inches of snow in 2012, the last strong winter experienced in the mountains near Lake Tahoe. March is historically a month where snow can reach the same, or higher, levels than January and February.

Douglas County room tax may increase 1% to fund event center at Lake Tahoe

Transient Lodging License taxes may soon be increased one percent at properties in the Lake Tahoe portion of Douglas County (Lake Tahoe Township) to fund redevelopment projects including the addition of an event/convention center.

Overwhelming support for the tax increase was evident at the Douglas County Commissioner's meeting Thursday, where the elected officials voted 4-1 to approve the increase which would go into effect May 1, 2017.

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace program; Team in South Lake Tahoe to teach and inspire

Leave No Trace is a national program that teaches and inspires people to enjoy the outdoors while also helping to protect it.

While protecting the outdoor environment and keeping it clear and free of trash and debris should be commonplace, it isn't.

The Leave No Trace team was recently in South Lake Tahoe on a vacation but stopped by South Tahoe High to talk to members of Generation Green. Many may remember the team as community members who left last year to travel the country and teach and train along the way.

Paint and Sip fundraiser for Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

Event Date: 
February 7, 2017 - 6:00pm

Enjoy an evening creating a masterpiece and sipping wine, all for a cause on Tuesday, February 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Paint and Sip.

The cost is $40 per person and includes painting with an instructor, a glass of wine and lots of fun.

To reserve your spot, purchase tickets at laketahoepaintsip.com.

Major project in store for Kings Beach, public comment sought

Plans for an upgrade to the recreational facilities at Kings Beach State Recreation Area were unveiled during a public meeting last week. The project includes upgrades to the playground, restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramp and parking area, a relocation of the pier and the addition of an event area and stage, all over the next 20 years.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) held the meeting to get public feedback, and for those unable to attend the comment/feedback period is available online until February 15, 2017.

Carolyn "Callie" Clark Goodenough 1938-2017

Carolyn Clark Goodenough (Callie) passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on January 9, 2017 with her husband Ray by her side. Callie was born on August 27, 1938 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to John and Nell Graham. She was the oldest of three children, and, according to her sister, the most mischievous. This caused her poor father much consternation in the conservative ‘50’s.

The family moved around a bit, finally settling in Newport Beach, Calif. Callie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from San Diego State University.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Snow removal, fire code, state of emergency and more

It’s been great seeing all of my friends and acquaintances who have lived here for less than 10 years posting photos and sharing how Snowmageddon 2017 has blown them away. I did the same when I first moved to Tahoe back in the 70’s and storms like this were not uncommon. Back then playing was more important than clearing the snow. I had a big Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup and I j drove over the snow in my driveway and packed it down. I did not own a snowblower and can’t remember shoveling much. One year the packed snow was so high I could not get the truck under the carport.

South Lake Tahoe snow days: Love 'em or hate 'em

Snow Days. Kids love 'em, parents maybe not so much.

Last week's five snow days, and a lack of one this week caused some parents to raise concern with how the Lake Tahoe Unified School (LTUSD) decides when to close school for the day.

Closing school is always a tough call for school superintendents across the country, so what is the science behind closing schools when it snows in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District?

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and rider, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is January 5.

LOTS OF FRESH POWDER REPORTED AT ALL RESORTS… THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS POSTED THRU 10AM THIS MORNING… ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING AND WITH DELAYS FOR SNOW SAFETY PROCEDURES… CALL AHEAD.

R1 & R2 ROAD RESTRICTIONS ARE POSTED ON ALL HIGHWAYS IN AND AROUND LAKE TAHOE. HWY 89 EMERALD BAY ROAD & HWY 207 KINGSBURY GRADE ARE CLOSED.

BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning and Happy New Year Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to the Lake!

Today is January 1, 2017.

SHAPING UP TO BE A GREAT DAY TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR BY MAKING TURNS ON THE MOUNTAIN… PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES WITH LOTS OF LIFTS & TERRAIN OPENED TO CELEBRATE… WINDS COULD BE AN ISSUE TODAY AND SOME UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS ARE ON WIND HOLD AT SQUAW & MT ROSE… SO ALL LIFTS TODAY WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING… A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS POSTED TO START THIS EVENING… HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning and Happy New Year's eve Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is December 31, 2016.

A GREAT DAY TO END 2016 BY MAKING TURNS ON THE MOUNTAIN… PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES WITH LOTS OF LIFTS & TERRAIN TO CELEBRATE… HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Partly Cloudy Skies. Highs: 32F to 37F. East winds up to 10 mph.

New parking option in South Lake Tahoe near the Heavenly Village

With the increasing number of people wanting to shop, eat, enjoy music or stroll at the Heavenly Village, parking has always been an issue. With skiers using the Gondola in the village to access Heavenly Mountain Resort, parking is ever more of an issue. The City of South Lake Tahoe's parking garage has always been available, and they've added a special evening cost of just $5 after 5 p.m.

Another option for parking has opened behind Raley's at the Village Center near Stateline. Parking in this lot was once for Heavenly Village employees, but is now open to everyone for a fee.

Local baker creates gingerbread houses for 16th year of school fundraiser

What takes 1236 cups of molasses, 2158 cups sugar, 3800 fresh eggs, 729 cups whole milk, 2736 tablespoons ground ginger, 790 tablespoons baking soda, 729 cups all purpose shortening, 30 cups of lemon juice, a really big bowl, lots of oven space, a whole lotta love and a jolly guy in the kitchen complete with his apron and baker's hat?

1,900 gingerbread houses, of course!

Sheriff offers advice for surviving Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just days away. As the excitement of the holiday shopping season builds, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office offers some tips that will help everyone have a successful day, as long as they focus on personal safety.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before heading out to the stores:

First and foremost, stay alert. Do not get so caught up in the shopping frenzy that you lose awareness of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement or store security.

Parking lots are the most dangerous places to be during the holidays

One would think a car filled, bumper-to-bumper highway would be the most dangerous place for drivers to be during the holiday season, but no, crowded parking lots lead the list.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has warned there are increased hazards of parking lot traffic during the holidays. Nationwide there are over 50,000 accidents in parking lots and garages resulting in 60,000 injuries and over 500 deaths. In fact. almost 20 percent of all accidents involving vehicles taking place where most might think driving 5 mph or less would lead to safer conditions.

Community participates in first of three public VHR workshops in South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe promised to hire a company to provide a socio-economic study on the impacts of vacation home rentals (VHRs) on the city. Michael Baker Incorporated, a company that has studied the same impacts at Big Bear Lake, Morro Bay, Monterey and Avalon on Catalina Island, was hired to do the job.

Wednesday night, representatives from Michael Baker had stations around a room at the Senior Center to determine what the almost 100 people who were at the meeting thought was important, and not important, of several aspects of both the study and VHRs.

Prescribed burning resumes around Lake Tahoe on Tuesday

Continuing prescribed fire operations by the North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts and the U.S. Forest Service are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, November 15 in several areas around Lake Tahoe.

If conditions are favorable, buring is scheduled at Stillwater Cover near Crystal Bay, off Logan Creek Drive, near Cave Rock, Zephyr Heights and Round Hill, and on urban lots near Heavenly Mountain Resort, off North Upper Truckee Road and near Big Meadow off Highway 89 South. Operations will continue as conditions allow.

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