parking lots

Recreate responsibly if heading to Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With nice weather, a relaxing of some travel restrictions, and some snow on the ground, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is expected to be a busy one in the Sierra.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and California State Parks have joined together in an outreach campaign to provide simple actions to increase the enjoyment of the outdoors experience. Staying local, planning ahead, social distancing guidelines, not leaving trash and following the posted rules are just some of the ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

Illegal parking on Lake Tahoe highways continue to create safety hazards

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many head to the Sierra to experience snow in all forms, from the ski slopes to sledding and building snowmen. Even during the pandemic and current "Stay-at-Home" orders in California, area roads were full this past holiday weekend with those seeking play time in the snow.

Each year, law enforcement has to deal with those who seem to have forgotten the laws of being safe on the roadway and parking on the highways, and not observing "no parking" zone rules.

Park grounds to remain open as Van Sickle Bi-State Park facilities close for season

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy announced Friday that the gates to Van Sickle Bi-State Park have closed for the winter season. Although roads and facilities will close, the park grounds remain open to pedestrian access year-round.

The 725-acre Van Sickle Bi-State Park provides day-use opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For visitor safety, sledding is not allowed.

Forests, campgrounds and day-use areas to close in California and Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin must close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 7 due to the unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts:

Plague warning in South Lake Tahoe closes parking lots at three popular beach areas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The parking areas at the Tallac Historic Site, Kiva Beach/Picnic area and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center are temporarily closed to allow for treatment to mitigate fleas in the area, which have tested positive for plague bacteria.

Trash Talk: Reduce and reuse are key in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We have all seen the photos of trash left behind on beaches, trails, parking lots and surrounding dumpsters not only in Lake Tahoe but across the country. This is only the tip of the problem and managing our trash is key to prevent landfills being overflowed with our unnecessary waste.

Volunteers needed for El Dorado County Food Bank giveaway in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
August 26, 2020 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Food Bank of El Dorado County is looking for volunteers to help distribute food to individuals in need on August 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in South Lake Tahoe.

Distribution will be located at St.Theresa's Catholic Church parking lots located at 1041 Lyons Avenue. Volunteers will be bagging up fresh produce and pushing shopping carts full of food to the recipient's vehicles.

If you are interested in volunteering please email info@foodbankedc.org to sign up.

If in need of food assistance, the food giveaway will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Unauthorized #Lake2o event brings 300-400 cars to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A large group of car enthusiasts on top of an already busy summer weekend created a hectic weekend for South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement.

Dubbed #Lake2o, a social media-organized group of about 300-400 modified car owners converged on the town starting Thursday and went through Monday morning, taking over parking lots, parking garages and filling city streets.

Park Tahoe paid parking pilot program starts at East Shore Trail

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - When the three parking lots with 90 spaces were created last year in Incline Village for the popular East Shore Trail, they were free but all were told paid parking was coming in the near future.

That time has now come.

Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has unveiled the Park Tahoe pilot program at the trailhead north of Ponderosa Rand Road. The lots were created to expand off-highway parking options along the high traffic area of SR28 between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park.

Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood announce summer activity opening dates

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Summer mountain activities will soon get underway at Vail's Lake Tahoe resorts: Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood.

Douglas County opens Topaz Lake Campground on June 1

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In response to Governor Sisolak’s announcement of our entering Phase Two of COVID- 19 Recovery, Douglas County Community Services has announced the reopening of Topaz Lake Campground effective June 1, 2020.

Campground reservations will continue to be accepted online and in advance. Please know that spots may be limited.

Council relaxes rules on outdoor restaurant seating and advertising

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. The South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance during their special meeting Thursday, one that relaxes the regulations regarding temporary signage, building permit fees, and outdoor restaurant seating rules.

As the City and County move into Governor Newsom's Stage 2 plans, restrictions placed on some places of business to promote social distancing and safety practices will not allow many to reopen in the same manner as pre-pandemic.

City of South Lake Tahoe facilities to start reopening

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe will be opening their boat ramp at El Dorado Beach on Friday, May 29. Only boats with valid Tahoe, Echo Lake or Fallen Leaf Lake seals and a 2020 Tahoe sticker will be able to launch. "Tahoe Only" stickers are available for purchase at this launch site. They will be open Friday through Sunday only at this time from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Only one boat will be able to occupy the dock at a time. The boat ramp will be not be accepting cash and wireless payment technology will be utilized.

Visitors to Lake Tahoe are encouraged to follow stay-at-home guidelines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The messaging from the state, county, and city has been consistent throughout the coronavirus pandemic: This is not the time to travel to South Lake Tahoe. Nevada has also sent out the same message as a ban on nonessential travel that was created to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between communities.

All events on City of South Lake Tahoe property postponed through at least mid-July

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Events on City property through at least July 14 have been postponed, including the 4th of July Parade.

As South Lake Tahoe starts to reopen with guidelines from California Governor Newsom for Phase 2, the directives toward events won't be addressed until future phases so the City took action during their meeting Tuesday.

Letter: South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce offers leaders suggestions on reopening

The following is a letter sent to El Dorado County and City of South Lake Tahoe. It is published here in its entirety at the request of the author.

The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce would like to offer encouragement and support of a revival of the local economy, while continuing to keep the health and safety of our residents in mind. Cases of COVID-19 have remained low in our region when compared to other more populated areas around the State and Nation. We applaud the quick action taken by the County and City that has helped us keep the case count low.

USFS beaches and sites around Lake Tahoe to remain closed through May 15

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A temporary closure order for USFS beaches and recreation sites around Lake Tahoe has been extended through at least May 15, 2020. The original order was set to expire May 1. To keep in alignment with current federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing, and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers, it was extended.

Trailheads and trails outside of the orange areas of the attached maps, or the ones on the closure website, are not affected by this order but parking lots are closed.

Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic

At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”

Column: Enjoy outdoor recreation wisely

Beautiful weather and a case of cabin fever from shelter in place directives have many of us yearning to get outside. Being in nature provides many wellness benefits. When we leave home to enjoy the bounty of outdoor activities, parks, and trails around us, we can honor those working on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic by doing our part to stay healthy and keep each other safe.

South Lake Tahoe parks to remain closed during pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Parks run by the City of South Lake Tahoe that were closed for the season will remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We aren’t discouraging public access to the parks, we want our residents to get outside during this crisis,” said Public Works Director Ray Jarvis. “We are going to keep the parks closed to vehicle access though to discourage large gatherings and to continue to encourage people to follow state and federal guidelines.”

Sunny skies over Lake Tahoe Tuesday, many road controls remain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is still a chance of snow all week in Lake Tahoe, but the sun is now out, allowing people to catch up on shoveling out driveways, parking lots and roads.

As of 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, the following road controls and closures are in place:

US50
Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 59.8 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California.

Chains or Snow Tires Required - on US-50 from mile post 14.0 in Carson City County to mile post 5.4 in Lyon County in Nevada.

Illegal tow practices being investigated by South Lake Tahoe police

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and the El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson are investigating possible illegal and improper predatory towing practices.

SLTPD has received several informal complaints from the public about the possible illegal tow practices that involve cars removed from private parking areas near the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe.

The complains involve a tow company improperly holding stored vehicles longer than necessary, thus adding extra storage fees to the vehicle's owner.

Drivers stopped for snow play adventures continue to park dangerously & illegally

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many head to the Sierra to experience snow in all forms, from the ski slopes to sledding and building snowmen. With the fun and excitement awaiting, many seem to have forgotten the laws of being safe on the roadway and parking on the highways, and not observing "no parking" zone rules,

23rd annual Lake Tahoe Summit at Valhalla Tuesday

Event Date: 
August 20, 2019 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 23rd annual Lake Tahoe Summit will be held on Tuesday, August 20 at Valhalla starting at 10:00 a.m. Two governors, two senators, a Washoe elder and other state and federal representatives will be on hand to discuss Lake Tahoe, the environment and the future of keeping Tahoe blue and forests healthy.

New fire preparedness tools unveiled by the City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be another fire in California, but when and where cannot be predicted and is unknown - but what is known is there will be another community that is devastated by wildland fire.

Residents around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra know this all too well and have been talking about concerns of wildfire threats in and around the Tahoe Basin. Those conversations have turned into plans and the City of South Lake Tahoe has just released an interactive website to help both residents and visitors map out an evacuation plan based on their neighborhood.

Is Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay at a crisis due to too many visitors?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed spots in the world, with most of the Lake Tahoe's 20 million annual visitors stopping by for at least a glimpse of its breathtaking beauty.

The bay's calm blue water, cascading waterfall flowing into it, the unique island with a tea house, and Vikingsholm Castle beckon more than the photographer with more than 1,000 boats entering the bay daily during the summer. Also visiting the bay are people on canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, campers, hikers, picnickers and beach-goers.

The three-mile long Tahoe East Shore Trail opens to bikes and pedestrians

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The Tahoe East Shore Trail at Lake Tahoe is now open to non-motorized bicycle and foot traffic. The Nevada Department of Transportation and Tahoe Transportation District, along with their partners in the project, celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon the three-mile path between southern Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park.

Rash of theft from vehicles at Lake Tahoe prompts reminder from Douglas County Sheriff

STATELINE, Nev. - Over the weekend eight vehicles were burglarized in the Lake Tahoe area of Douglas County.

From Friday, May 17 to Monday, May 20, the burglaries appear to be random. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is actively investigating each incident.

"The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public, do not leave anything of value in your motor vehicles when parked in public parking lots, trailheads and Tahoe Beach access points along Hwy 50," said DCSO Undersheriff Ron Elges.

SLT City Council meeting to include construction allocations, camping regulations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tuesday's evening meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council will have a full agenda that includes replacement of aging snow removal equipment, a Lime License Agreement, and temporary suspension of the City's Residential Allocation Procedures.

Five Lake Tahoe recreation sites to get ADA upgrades

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Five developed recreation sites around Lake Tahoe will get improved access for those with disabilities after a vote by the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Board.

The approved the California Tahoe Conservancy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (Plan) authorizes staff to take all actions necessary to carry out the barrier removals at five of their sites on the California side of Lake Tahoe:

• Kings Beach Plaza (8608 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach);
• North Tahoe Beach (7860 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach);

A 'perfect storm' led to closure of South Lake Tahoe's Ski Run Blvd

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sunday was an epic day on the slopes with at least 30" of snow falling overnight at resorts around Lake Tahoe. Some couldn't open because of too much snow, while others opened some runs to overflowing crowds waiting to experience the conditions.

Heavenly Mountain Resort's Boulder and Stagecoach parking lots filled up early, with drivers directed to park at the Gondola at Heavenly Village and the California Main Lodge, both filling up soon after.

ONE TAHOE launched to address transportation needs around the lake

Event Date: 
January 29, 2019 - 4:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV – Lake Tahoe needs our help. The “Jewel of the Sierra” is being loved to death. The vast amount of trips being made by motor vehicles have contributed to severe traffic congestion, unsafe conditions for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, mounting air pollution, declining lake clarity, and other negative impacts.

S.T.A.R. program.celebrates 25 years in El Dorado County

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office started the S.T.A.R. program (Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees) in 1994 with volunteers in Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. The volunteers help law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics to ensure public safety, by performing traffic controls and maintaining roadblocks.

In Lake Tahoe to enjoy the snow? Be aware of where you park and play!

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The snow has fallen and the kids are out of school so it's time for many to hit the Sierra. Skiers and boarders have the slopes but where do sledders and those just wanting to play go?

Many stop on the highway and pull onto the shoulder (well, sort of) and head to the patch of snow. This behavior is causing problems for law enforcement, other drivers and is an accident waiting to happen.

Outpouring of love by South Shore community for Camp Fire victims

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It takes a tragedy to bring people together, no matter their politics, their income or twitter handle.

Many in the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers community remember where they were at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2007 and what happened in the days that followed. The Angora Fire quickly tore through neighborhoods, destroying 251 homes and burning 3,100 acres. While it seems small in comparison with the monster fires of 2017 and 2018, it took everything from so many local families.

The community came together to help their friends and neighbors.

Overwhelming support of South Shore Community Revitalization Project at TRPA meeting

STATELINE, Nev. - A standing room only crowd was in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board room on October 25, 2018 for an updated presentation, and plans for the next steps, of the U.S. 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project, commonly known as the Loop Road. It reroutes Highway 50 from its current location in front of Heavenly Village and the casinos to behind Raley's, the Village Center and Harrahs Tahoe.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park closes for season

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy has announced that the gates to Van Sickle Bi-State Park are closed for the winter season. Although the park's facilities are closed, the 725 acre park remain open year-round and are enjoyed by those on day outings, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or just having fun in the snow.

The winter closure includes the Park’s gates, roads, parking lots, water, restrooms and trash collection. The Conservancy reminds visitors to pack out all trash.

Letter: Remember this as fear and bitterness attempt to drive us apart

Dear South Shore Tahoe,

I attended a forum of City Council candidates this week. As I listened to the candidates, I realized, this is America the beautiful.

Each candidate spoke with integrity, well-founded opinions, intelligence, and (above all else) commitment to our city. Their views were all over the map, each represented different groups across town, defended their positions, advertised their experience. But ‒ most importantly ‒ they were there, giving themselves, in discussion and listening, for our community.

Let’s hold onto this America: E Pluribus Unum ‒ Of Many, One.

USFS offers tips for a safe Labor Day weekend in Lake Tahoe

Heading to Lake Tahoe this Labor Day weekend to celebrate the unofficial end of summer? Below are some tips and important information for residents and visitors to keep in mind for a safe and fun-filled holiday weekend.

USFS offers safety tips, provides alcohol ban and parking info, and wishes all a Happy 4th!

The Fourth of July holiday period is upon us and signifies the busiest time of year in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) asks residents and visitors to keep the following tips in mind to help everyone enjoy a safe and fun holiday.

To promote public safety, the annual alcohol ban will be in effect at the following locations:

· Nevada Beach on July 4, from 6 a.m. until midnight.

South Lake Tahoe community group attempts to get new initiative on the ballot

The "South Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Rentals Restrictions Initiative" may be added to the ballot in November should proponents get enough signatures to put it there.

Created by the Sustainable Community Alliance (SCA), a group in South Lake Tahoe, the initiative is giving voters another chance to voice their opinion about vacation home rentals (VHRs) and should be on the ballot along with another initiative that wants to ban VHRs.

USFS gives opening dates for Lake Tahoe recreation areas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will soon begin the process of opening recreational facilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Weather and snow conditions permitting, Inspiration Point will be the first site to open on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Baldwin and Nevada beaches open April 28. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center opens Friday, May 25. The Tallac Historic Site parking area opens Tuesday, May 15, and will be staffed beginning Saturday, May 26.

The following is a list of opening/service dates, weather and snow conditions permitting:

Search and Rescue response under Heavenly Gondola

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavenly Valley Ski Patrol and the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to an injured skier under the Gondola line on Wednesday, March 15 at about 12:23 p.m.

The local 54-year-old woman was backcountry skiing out-of-bounds when she injured her lower leg between the Gondola mid-station and Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

Great snow, blue skies combined for busy Lake Tahoe weekend

No Vacancy signs at South Lake Tahoe lodging properties were prominent throughout South Lake Tahoe this past weekend after tourists headed to town after several feet of snow fell at local resorts

The crowds at Heavenly, Kirkwood and Sierra-at-Tahoe were evident as parking lots were full shortly after opening at each resort.

For a brief time at Kirkwood on Sunday, cars were attempting to park along State Route 88 to gain access to the resort as their lots were full, but the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was on the scene to keep that from happening according to Vail Resorts.

Holiday traffic and slick roads keeping tow trucks and law enforcement busy

North Upper Truckee and Sawmill Road have become parking lots Monday afternoon, reminiscent of 2017's problems of ill-equipped vehicles on snow covered back roads.

The California Highway Patrol and El Dorado County Sheriff's Office have spent Monday responding to several calls in the Meyers area of cars stuck on side roads as they attempt to circumvent the backlog of traffic on Highway 50.

Along with those issues there have been several accidents and as of 3:30 p.m, State Route 88 may have to close due to a crash

Public input sought on new Tahoe South Events Center

Could there soon be a publicly-owned events center on the corner of Highway 50 and Lake Parkway on the MontBleu parking lot in Stateline, Nevada?

The plan to build the 88,420 square foot Tahoe South Events Center is now in the scoping stage where the public can weigh in and provide comments on the Tahoe Douglas Visitor's Authority (TDVA) proposal to construct the assembly, event and entertainment venue.

Squaw Valley creates nonprofit to mange and distribute millions

Squaw Valley has created a nonprofit that will manage and distribute millions of dollars generated from the voluntary project transfer fee related to the approved redevelopment of The Village at Squaw Valley.

Named the Squaw Valley Foundation, a seven member board of directors will soon be selected and it's members will be a mix of local residents and business owners, second homeowners and a public service district appointee.

Public comment sought for next phase of Stateline-Stateline bikeway

Plans for the next phase of a multi-agency project to connect North Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe along State Route 28 with a Class 1 shared-use pathway are underway, and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management is seeking public input.

Gates at Van Sickle Bi-State Park close for season

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy has announced that the gates to Van Sickle Bi-State Park are closed for the winter season. Although the park's facilities are closed, the grounds remain open year-round and are enjoyed by those on day outings, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or just having fun in the snow.

Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project closer to summer 2018 construction

The updated Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project was presented to the community Thursday night, with changes incorporated after input from the public at their first meeting August 17, 2017.

Funded by grants, the .6 mile stretch of Sierra Boulevard starting at Highway 50 will have Class 1 and Class 2 bike lanes, parallel parking spots, reduced lane size, lighted sidewalks, underground utilities, landscaping, crosswalks and water quality improvements.

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