mayor

Letter: South Lake Tahoe City Council must be leaders on affordable housing

The follow letter was given to South Tahoe Now and mailed to the South Lake Tahoe Mayor, City Councilmembers and staff:

Dear Mayor David and Council Members:

I am writing to you as a follow-up to my letter of May 12, 2018 (see at end of story) regarding Policy Priorities and Issues for City Government.

Quality and Affordable Housing for Residents is Very Important

Both Chamber directors at this month's Mayor's community chat

Event Date: 
July 18, 2018 - 9:00am

The public is invited to join Mayor Wendy David for the July “Let’s Have a Conversation” with special guests Steve Teshara of the Tahoe Chamber and Tamara Wallace of the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

This will take place on Wed, July 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Each month Mayor David holds themed "Let's Have a Conversation" chats covering a myriad of topics the day after the last City Council meeting of the month.

Approval of cannabis ordinance in South Lake Tahoe greeted by applause

A unanimous vote of the South Lake Tahoe City Council brought applause from the audience during Monday’s special meeting. It has been months of expert testimony, community input, committee meetings, and almost two dozen public meetings that led to Monday’s approval of two new cannabis ordinances.

“You have done a remarkable job,” said local resident Oliver Starr on the Council’s sorting out what will be best for the community. Starr said they created an ordinance that is clean, safe and reputable.

Marine Marching Band to be in South Lake Tahoe 4th of July parade

The City of South Lake Tahoe is honored to announce the Marine Band San Diego Marching Band will be in the 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. The parade will be immediately followed by a celebratory BBQ benefiting local American Legion Post 795 and performances by the Marine Band San Diego. The BBQ and performances will be held at Bijou Community Park located at 1201 Al Tahoe Blvd.

Meet interim city manager at next South Lake Tahoe mayor chat

Event Date: 
June 20, 2018 - 9:00am

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David is holding her next monthly "Let's Have a Conversation" on Wednesday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center.

This month, meet the new interim City Manager Dirk Brazil during the informal meeting.

The South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe vacation rental fines to change

Concern over national attention on "South Lake Tahoe being the home of the $2,000 parking ticket" may soon be a thing of the past after action initiated by City Council Tuesday.

Fines will be restructured and modified, lessening fines per occurrence of many of the violations of the vacation home rental (VHRs) ordinance. Some of the fines will be against the home owner only, while others to the renter only.

Letter: Mike Owen concedes to Joe Harn in disappointing loss

Mike Owen, candidate for El Dorado County Auditor-Controller, conceded the race to incumbent Joe Harn as the latest vote counts were released as of Friday June 15.

“I have to admit I am kind of surprised by the results” Owen said. “I had a great deal of community, grass-roots support and enthusiasm from both volunteers and donors along with some great endorsements.” he added.

South Lake Tahoe athletes celebrated at Walk of Champions unveiling

"Today is a very special day," South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David said as she opened the unveiling ceremony for the Walk of Champions Friday. "Local athletes are honored for giving South Lake Tahoe recognition on the international and national stage."

South Lake Tahoe 5th grader honored for heroic efforts

A South Lake Tahoe 5th grader was honored Tuesday for his heroic efforts in helping to save a life earlier this year.

Gauge Patterson, who is also a Boy Scout, received the “Citizen’s Life Saving Award” from Mayor Wendy David for using the skills he learned at the “Stop the Bleed” training given by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue on April 23.

City Council makes it official: Dirk Brazil's interim city manager contract approved

He's been on the job for a few weeks, meeting with staff and getting to know the ropes in South Lake Tahoe, but Dirk Brazil's employment contract for the interim city manager position was officially approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting, his first official day on the job.

SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston recognized for filling in as acting city manager

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For four months, Fire Chief Jeff Meston worked as the City's acting city manager, and today he was recognized for his extra service.

During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Meston was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from the Council for taking on the duties from February 7, 2018 to June 5, 2018.

“Chief Meston is not only recognized statewide but also nationally for his numerous accomplishments in the fire world. He took on the duty of Acting City Manager 100% and with grace, with intellect, with wisdom and with experience,” said Mayor Wendy David.

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.

Charter plans to cut KCRA from South Lake Tahoe lineup

UPDATE 5/22 8:35 a.m.: El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel has arranged for a call between the County, City and Charter Cable people this Friday. "We need KCRA for South Tahoe (it’s a public safety issue in my opinion) She, along with others, remember when Charter tried to discontinue California services in 2008.

* * *
News that KCRA will be soon be removed from the Charter Communications lineup for South Lake Tahoe is not being taken well by many locals.

Amendments to VHR fines on horizon

South Lake Tahoe may not be known as the home of the $2,000 parking ticket after action taken by the City Council Tuesday.

National media attention spotlighted the fines ($1,000 to the renter and $1,000 to the homeowner) associated with violations of the vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance approved at the end of 2017 by the South Lake Tahoe City Council. This negative publicity has prompted some cancellations of tourist visits, or other changes to vacation plans, according to those in the industry.

One degree of change community conversation continues May 17

Event Date: 
May 17, 2018 - 6:30pm

A one degree change in the earth's average temperature can cause a sheet of ice of in Greenland to melt and raise the ocean level enough to put low lying land in Florida under water.

It takes only a one degree change in temperature to convert water to steam, water to ice, or water to snow.

It can take a shift of one degree to change your life.

One degree is so small, yet so powerful.

Mayor's next "Let’s Have a Conversation" to focus on roadwork

Event Date: 
May 16, 2018 - 9:00am

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David has announced the focus of the next several of her monthly community chats held at the SLT Senior Center.

On May 16, the "Let's Have a Conversation" will have special guests Caltrans Distict 3 Public Information Officer Steve Nelson and Stan Hill, project manager for the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project. They'll be talking about the roadwork projects for this season within the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Everyone is welcome to join in. The chat is from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and the Senior Center is located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Mayor's monthly community chat to center around retail cannabis sales

Event Date: 
April 25, 2018 - 9:00am

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David is holding her monthly "Let's Have a Conversation" on Wednesday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center.

This month's topic will be retail sales of cannabis in the city limits.

The first monthly conversation proved to be very popular, prompting the mayor to move the community event to the Senior Center. That meeting also didn't have a focus, just general community topics. The focus the past two conversations have been vacation home rentals, and the building/permitting process.

Opinion: May take years to recover from negative national VHR news

We recently received talking points from a local public relation firm relating to how we could handle the adverse publicity which occurred due to the CBS morning show about the draconian VHR ordinance and subsequent $1000 fine enforcements. We, as property managers and owners, have been requesting support from the Chamber of Commerce, LTVA, and the Lodging Association in helping us fight the selfish attitudes of some locals regarding their entitlement to Lake Tahoe without visitors to their neighborhoods.

Could South Lake Tahoe become the Napa Valley of cannabis?

Could South Lake Tahoe become the Napa Valley of cannabis? Could a new slogan be "Made in Tahoe, Enjoyed in California?" Or will Tahoe weed be world famous?

These are all possible, and the desire of many entrepreneurs, but the South Lake Tahoe City Council wants regulations around the cannabis industry to be done correctly, and thus slowly, to prevent unseen issues that could arise as they develop the first ordinance for adult use cannabis in South Lake Tahoe.

Opinion: Saddened by Laine's stunningly secretive display, hope we can find a path back

The last few months have been some of the most difficult for our City Council, for our City and for our community. Similar to the national conversation, with immediate access to social media in many forms, controversial opinion pieces go immediately out to the public, even before the accused have an opportunity to hear the allegations. Soon after, public comment and “opinion” on the opinion begins with little interest in whether there is truth.

Mayor: Thorough and independent investigation requested to look into claims

On April 14th, Brooke Laine, a fellow South Lake Tahoe City Council member, publicly brought forth serious accusations and allegations against our City leaders. Because of the gravity of Ms. Laine's allegations, I, as Mayor, believe I have a duty to ensure that the claims that the City Council, City Clerk, previous City Manager, Acting City Manager, previous City Attorney, Interim City Attorney, and indeed any city employee has violated the law are fully and adequately investigated.

Fundraising talent show in Carson City to feature South Shore dancers

Event Date: 
April 14, 2018 (All day)

Carson’s Got Talent, a talent show featuring performers from Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Douglas County, Dayton and Yerington, hits the stage at the Bob Boldrick Theater in Carson City on Saturday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m.

The show, which will be emceed by local comedian Roger Diez, is a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Carson City.

Judging the competition is a star-studded line up of regional celebrities:
Mark Estee, chef and restaurateur
Sierra Scott, grants director for the Nevada Arts Council
Rebecca Kitchen, KOLO 8 reporter

Chief Meston wants to concentrate on fire and resign as acting city manager

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston has given the city council a 30-day notice for his acting city manager job.

"I am unable to complete my duties as the fire chief while working as the acting city manager," Meston said in a letter to the council. "I respectfully request that we move ahead in the next 30 days to find and hire an interim city manager. I believe the City will be better served with a professional city manager."

Collaboration key to keeping all sides happy with SnowGlobe

"This is what our community is all about, true collaboration," said Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis during Tuesday's Council meeting. "I want to thank all of you for working with us and finding solutions."

Chad Donnelly, the CEO of SnowGlobe Music Festival, the City of South Lake Tahoe and members of the No Globe Alliance spent the month of march working together to address concerns about the three-day music festival held annually in South Lake Tahoe.

Another step towards South Lake Tahoe cannabis ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be an ordinance regulating the retail sale of cannabis in South Lake Tahoe, that is certain, but when it will be in place is uncertain.

During a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday afternoon and evening, several areas were discussed from zoning to processes, and many were narrowed down enough so the acting City Attorney, Sergio Rudin, can bring a draft back at the April 17 council meeting. If there are no major changes that document can be voted on as a "first reading" with an ordinance 30 days later.

Tahoe Wellness Cooperative given "breath of life"

Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC), the only medicinal marijuana collective in South Lake Tahoe, was given the boost they needed Tuesday during a special SLT City Council meeting.

Cody Bass, the nonprofit's executive director, has been unable to purchase many products for this business since retail sales of marijuana have been allowed in the state of California. Those businesses are now only allowed to sell to others with a license.

Fundamental Freedoms art exhibit opening at LTCC

Event Date: 
April 19, 2018 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College Art Department instructor Shelley Zentner brings her large-scale portraits inspired by stories of freedom and expression to the Fine Arts building’s Foyer Gallery in her exhibit, “Fundamental Freedoms.” Zentner will host an artist reception and talk on Thursday, April 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. inside the Foyer Gallery. Mayor of South Lake Tahoe Wendy David will officially open the exhibit at 6:30 p.m., followed by an artist’s talk from Zentner. Wine and canapés will be served, and all are welcome to attend.

Letter: Leave most of cannabis regulations to the voters

(The following was send to the SLT Mayor and City Council members and South Tahoe Now)

Dear Honorable Mayor David and Council Members:

I am writing as a follow-up to my email communication of March 6, 2018 regarding the regulation of cannabis within the City limits.

I once again applaud the City Council for studying the issue carefully. It is an important issue and the decision on it will impact the type of community we become well into the future.

Recommendation:

Special City Council meeting for cannabis ordinance discussion

During Tuesday's City Council meeting, the upcoming commercial marijuana ordinance was slatted to be discussed, but Council voted to hold off since the normal agenda materials were not provided prior to the meeting to the public nor the Council.

On Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 4:00 p.m., the community is invited to participate in a special SLT Council meeting as the final touches are put on an cannabis ordinance that will control where sales can take place, what types of licenses can be issued, how products will be packaged and distributed among other points.

SLT Mayor community conversation focus to be on housing

Event Date: 
March 21, 2018 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The first two "Let's Have a Conversation" being held by Mayor Wendy David were very popular, with many citizens stopping by to voice concerns, listen and discuss solutions. All future meetings will have a focus so the mayor can bring the right departments with her to the table.

The next conversation is set for Wednesday, March 21 and will be focused on housing issues, including permitting processes and the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Ordinance.

Special guests from the Development Services Department, Director Kevin Fabino

Meyers traffic plan has some success after first weekend

If you drive through Meyers on a Sunday you've most likely come across gridlock traffic through the neighborhoods as vehicles trying to head west after their South Lake Tahoe weekend look for the quickest route, courtesy of smart phone apps.

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel held a Town Hall meeting on February 28, providing a forum for residents, law enforcement and staff to discuss solutions. One suggestion that came out of that meeting was put into place on Sunday, March 4 and was fairly successful.

SnowGlobe to stay with modifications to address concerns

SnowGlobe will be returning to South Lake Tahoe in December, 2018, but it will be with some modifications to mitigate sound issues residents have as well as playfield concerns.

A majority of those speaking at Tuesday's City Council meeting said they are for SnowGlobe continuing, but 38 percent of those who spoke us gave a list of concerns they have from the popular three-day festival.

The City of South Lake Tahoe accepts Nancy Kerry's resignation

The South Lake Tahoe City Council has accepted Nancy Kerry's resignation letter.

At the end of closed session Tuesday, March 6, the announcement was made.

"We have accepted the resignation of Nancy Kerry effective immediately and have accepted a settlement agreement with Ms. Kerry," said Mayor Wendy David.

"It's been an absolutely wonderful experience," Kerry told South Tahoe Now. "Such a great honor to be the city manager of this beautiful community."

Letter: Lake Tahoe Basin has been enriched by Senator Feinstein's leadership

I was pleased to learn that U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein has announced her intention to run for another term in the United States Senate. Senator Feinstein has been a tremendous Senator for my home state of California, and she has a distinguished career in public service. She has served in the United States Senate since 1992. She served as Mayor of San Francisco and was a member of the Board of Supervisors there. In my experience, she represents the best the elected public service has to offer.

South Lake Tahoe community engaging during monthly conversations

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David held her second "Community Conversation" on Wednesday, opening the avenues of conversation between government and the public. This time Councilmember Brooke Laine joined her.

During the first such meeting in January the crowd got too big for the chosen area, Peet's Coffee, so this month they moved to the SLT Senior Center. Everyone attending agreed the center was much more conducive to good conversation.

"I thought it went really well," said Wendy. "I really appreciate the respect everyone shows for each other and opinions can be shared freely."

Four potential candidates so far for El Dorado County Supervisor 5th District

Candidate season has already started for not only the State of California but also El Dorado County.

So far, for the El Dorado County Supervisor representing Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoma and Pollock Pines (District 5) four candidates have taken out papers.

Current Supervisor Sue Novasel, local businessman Ken Curtzwiler, former Supervisor Norma Santiago, and transportation technology and land use expert Jeffrey Spencer have all taken out papers during the filing period which began February 12.

City of South Lake Tahoe to host cannabis workshop

Event Date: 
February 20, 2018 - 5:00pm

After Tuesday's normally scheduled 9:00 a.m. meeting, they will move to the Tahoe Beach Retreat & Lodge for an evening Cannabis Workshop to discuss upcoming regulations concerning the sales of adult-use cannabis in South Lake Tahoe. They moved to the larger venue due to expected participation.

On February 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., members of the public can give their input on what an ordinance concerning the sales of cannabis in city limits should look like. Besides council members there will also be representative of the Planning Commission and Cannabis Subcommittee.

Letters: Modern day witch hunt in South Lake Tahoe

On February 8th, 2018 a South Lake news source, based on seven anonymous sources, destroyed City Manager Nancy Kerry’s reputation. As the former City Manager prior to Nancy Kerry, I know the challenges, rewards, and pitfalls of managing cities. Given the average tenure of a City Manager is 3-5 years, it is not uncommon for City Managers and City Councils to amicably part ways.

Special City Council meeting to decide Kerry's fate; Meston outlines plans

News spread through South Lake Tahoe this week that surprised and shocked many, the City Council's decision to put City Manager Nancy Kerry on indefinite leave. The council will be meeting in closed session on Monday, February 12, 2018 to discuss the situation. Their agenda item, "PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)" starts at 9:00 a.m.

That section of code allows special and closed session meetings to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.

Mayor Wendy David: Community Conversations

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.

South Lake Tahoe cannabis discussion to move to evening meeting

The Cannabis Community Committee gave a presentation to the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday, outlining the work they've done and recommendations for the City's ordinance for cannabis sales.

Fifteen members of the community came together as the committee and met with Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis, Councilwoman Brooke Laine, Police Chief Brian Uhler, City Attorney Nira Doherty and City Staff member Lisa Watson to discuss and research issues facing legal sales of cannabis in the city limits.

Public invited to join South Lake Tahoe Mayor in monthly conversations

Event Date: 
February 21, 2018 - 9:00am

After a large group participated in the first "Let's Have a Conversation," the City of South Lake Tahoe has changed locations for the February meeting to ensure not only enough space, but to allow for good conversation.

During the January meeting, approximately 30 community members joined Mayor Wendy David and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis and brought questions ranging from the recently revised Vacation Home Ordinance to budget questions.

One Degree of Change community conversations to be held South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 22, 2018 - 6:30pm

A one degree change in the earth's average temperature can cause a sheet of ice of in Greenland to melt and raise the ocean level enough to put low lying land in Florida under water.

It takes only a one degree change in temperature to convert water to steam, water to ice, or water to snow.

It can take a shift of one degree to change your life.

One degree is so small, yet so powerful.

Walking with America Tour kick-off in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 17, 2018 - 1:30pm

South Lake Tahoe resident Sheryl Lynn is walking across America starting on April 1, 2018, and she plans on finishing up the 3,605 mile route in six months.

To get her started, there will be a be a "Walk With Me" kickoff event on Saturday, February 17 starting at Lakeview Commons at the intersection of Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Highway 50, and ending at Fire and Ice in the Heavenly Village. Everyone is invited, including friends of the four-legged variety.

Join Sheryl for "an exciting day of walking, flash mobs, food, music, and fun."

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony

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

County and City vote to extend temporary bans on sales of cannabis

On Tuesday both the South Lake Tahoe City Council and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted to extend their ban on commercial sales of cannabis as they work out the rules and regulations for their jurisdictions.

The ban on sales in South Lake Tahoe was set to expire on January 25, 2018, and without an extension or ordinance in place, anyone could have applied for a license to sell with the State of California.

Women's March in South Lake Tahoe draws almost 400

It may have just been planned in the last two weeks, but the 2018 Women's March in South Lake Tahoe drew out 392 women, men and children to join hundreds of thousands of others marching around the country.

"The turnout was phenomenal," said co-organizer Meg Peart. "Its amazing how quickly our community can come together."

Peart and Kelsey Adams took an idea and reached out to the community through Facebook, friends and local news to get people out to walk the just over two mile route from Hard Rock Hotel and Lakeview Commons.

Mayor starts monthly community outreach "Lets have a conversation"

Event Date: 
January 24, 2018 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Starting January 24, 2018, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David will be holding an informal monthly chat with anyone from the community who wants to stop by, say "hi," find out information or discuss whatever City topic they want.

South Lake Tahoe 'Women's March' on Saturday

Event Date: 
January 20, 2018 - 11:00am

Almost one year ago almost five million women, men and children gathered around the world to participate in the Women's March on Washington on the same day President Trump was being inaugurated.

They gathered to stand together in their protest of reproductive rights, equal pay, safety for women in the workplace and more. They stood against racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment. They stood against Trump and his policies that were racist, anti-LGBT and anti-women.

Garbage rates going up in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

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.

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