Prevention

Bad batch of Moderna vaccine pulled from El Dorado County and other California communities

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Fewer than ten reactions from one batch of Moderna vaccines distributed in California has prompted state officials to pull it from circulation. Providers of the vaccine from this batch have been asked to pause the administration of lot 41L20A of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine due to possible allergic reactions that are under investigation.

Column: The Tahoe region is not immune to the impacts of violence and abuse

You may not be aware that someone you know has been a victim, but statistically speaking, it is almost guaranteed. Violence and abuse take many forms, including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and cyberstalking, and child abuse.

● One in 4 women in the U.S. will experience some form of relationship violence in their lifetime.
● Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
● One in 10 people is stalked.
● Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S each year; however, this data may be inaccurate as many child abuse cases go unreported.

Tahoe Douglas Fire asks residents to "Adopt a Fire Hydrant" this winter

There are 761 hydrants in the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) and they are looking for residents to "adopt" them by making sure they are shoveled out after each storm and kept cleared all winter.

The Nevada water districts and TDFPD urge everyone to get involved and join the effort by adopting a hydrant near their residence.

To sign up, visit http://www.tahoefire.org/prevention/adopt-a-hydrant.

If you adopt, TDFPD asks that you keep your hydrant:

VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE

Letter: 2020 has been a year of incredible challenges for Live Violence Free

2020 has been a year of incredible challenges and changes for our organization. At Live Violence Free, we worked hard to continue to meet the needs of our community. Our resilient staff, volunteers, and board members have risen to the challenge and provided stabilizing support to the community, and we are here every step of the way.

Virtual discussions for parents on suicide and depression

There will be two virtual presentations on suicide and depression for parents on Monday, December 22 hosted by the Suicide Prevention Network (SPN).

At 10:00 a.m., Lisa Utzig Schafer of SPN and Juanita Hernandez- Morin, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist from El Dorado County Mental Health for a Suicide & Depression Parent Presentation.

At 6:00 p.m., Utzig Schafer will be joined by Anna Lee, AMFT, with A Balanced Life for a presentation on Depression & Suicide-Teen Edition. Learn about warning signs, what to say, and community resources.

Barton Health starts vaccinating front line healthcare workers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has begun the process of inoculating its frontline healthcare workers at the South Lake Tahoe hospital. The first 500 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were received from the State of California Thursday.

Doses received during the vaccine rollout in Phase 1a have been specifically allocated for healthcare workers and hospital Skilled Nursing Facility residents, under California’s tiered vaccination plan.

Column: ’Tis the season for a little self-care

With the holidays already upon us, one thing is certain this year – the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on millions of Californians, causing us to rethink so much of our daily lives, including reprioritizing family time and our mental health. The holiday season may add more challenges to parents who are balancing career, teacher and caregiver duties, as well as dealing with unanticipated illness, burnout and unemployment. Each of these challenges, for some of us, can make the season feel like the added pressures are insurmountable.

Column: Healthier, happier holiday celebrations

As we prepare to say goodbye (and maybe even good riddance) to 2020, the end of the year brings several holidays. Whether celebrating Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanza, and of course, New Year’s Eve, remember that indoor holiday gatherings with others not in your immediate household can put you, your community, and those you care about at risk. As challenging as it is, staying home for the holidays is your best way to protect yourself and loved ones, and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in a time when healthcare and essential workers critically need that support.

Column: Finding bright spots on the horizon

We are ready for some glad tidings this holiday season. While we look forward to the spirit of generosity and warmth the season brings, many are also hoping the New Year will deliver a meaningful reset. Propelling ourselves forward and out of crisis will require fortitude and drive. The pending vaccine is a bright spot on the horizon, but there are other positive indicators for better days to come.

Soroptimists of South Lake Tahoe donate Christmas stockings to Live Violence Free

The Soroptimist International Club of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) has helped make the holidays a bit brighter for the men and women served by Live Violence Free, the nonprofit committed to promoting a violence-free community.

Each year the SISLT club president chooses a "President's Project" to complete during their year of service. This year, Club President Louisa Boone decided her project would be to make Christmas Stockings for the 50 women and 10 men the agency serves. Stockings were filled with beanies, socks, teas, gift cards for the men, beauty supplies and jewelry for the ladies.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin honored with 2020 Golden Sparky Award

Fire Marshal Eric Guevin of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) was recently awarded the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada (FPAN) 2020 Golden Sparky Award.

The Golden Sparky Award is the State of Nevada’s highest award for outstanding achievement in fire prevention and fire safety education for fire service personnel.

Guevin has served as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Education Network Representative for the State of Nevada. In this capacity, Eric became a vital liaison between the FPAN, the Fire Safety Educators of Nevada, and NFPA.

Douglas County cancels public holiday events due to rise in COVID-19 cases

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. = After consultation with the Douglas County officials, the towns, public safety agencies, and Douglas County Emergency Management it was determined in-person public holiday events in the towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden have been canceled. This includes the 25th annual Parade of Lights hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce. County officials said the action was deemed necessary for the safety of the community, due to the most recent State directive limiting public gatherings to no more than 50 people.

South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge donates $1000 to Family Resource Center

Over the past ten years, the South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge has donated 50 Christmas food boxes annually to local families, delivering the boxes in recent years to the South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center for distribution to families in need.

These boxes contained a complete Christmas Ham dinner for a family of four, plus enough extra food to last for several additional meals. But, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year the Lodge was unable to hold its normal fundraisers and food collections to put the boxes together.

Gary S. Slossberg appointed as El Dorado County Superior Court Commissioner

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A new court commissioner has been announced by the El Dorado County Superior Court. After an extensive search and vetting process, Gary
S. Slossberg was appointed by Presiding Judge Suzanne Kingsbury.

Slossberg will be based in Placerville but will serve in all of the courts in El Dorado County. He will specialize in cases involving family law, child support, domestic violence and civil harassment, juvenile dependency and delinquency, traffic, limited civil cases, as well as overflow matters as assigned by the Presiding Judge.

Join Santa in his Campaign For Kindness this season in South Lake Tahoe

Santa is going to be very busy this season in South Lake Tahoe, not only preparing his gift list for children and keeping the elves busy, but by answering each and every letter left for him in a special mail box.

2020 has been a difficult year for many, and who couldn't use some extra cheer with a letter from the jolly guy in the red suit? He will be responding to each child with a message about kindness and hope during challenging times along with a special personalized certificate of kindness!

Safety grant awarded to South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) has been awarded a $86,126 grant to combat recognized traffic issues in the city limits including DUI, pedestrian, and motorcycle enforcement.

The safety of everyone traveling is the focus of the grant with efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on South Lake Tahoe roads and to improve traffic analysis, reporting, and data collection.

The one-year grant is for the 2021 federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials say another 18 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday. Of those, four in El Dorado Hills, four are in Greater Placerville, one in Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, three in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, one in North County, one Diamond Springs/El Dorado, and four in the Lake Tahoe region.

One of those new cases, two are under the age of 18, six are aged 18-49, seven are aged 50-64 and three 65 or older.

Another 356 people were tested for the coronavirus and 338 negative tests results were received.

Douglas County confirms positive COVID-19 exposure at election polls

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - County officials say the election process will not be affected after learning on Sunday, November 1 that a Douglas County employee involved in the election tested positive for COVID-19.

Douglas County has worked closely with Carson City Health and Human Services on contact tracing related to the positive case. Individuals who are considered close contacts to the positive case have already been notified regarding their need to isolate or quarantine.

USFS facilities around Lake Tahoe start seasonal closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has begun closing recreational facilities for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many National Forest recreation sites in the Tahoe Basin including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads.

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

As daylight saving time comes to an end on Sunday, November 1, any will notice the time change disrupting sleep patterns and affecting the ability to concentrate and safely operate a motor vehicle. To highlight the life-threatening dangers of fatigued driving, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) joins the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the National Sleep Foundation in recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, November 1-8, 2020, and encouraging Californians to stay alert and stay alive.

USFS reminds all that fire restrictions remain in place around Lake Tahoe

Due to continued dangerous wildfire conditions, emergency fire restrictions remain in effect across all National Forest lands in California, including both the California and Nevada sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Smoking outdoors and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited.

View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/x7W7M.

Lake Tahoe livestream concert dedicated to Rotary's End Polio Now campaign

Event Date: 
October 25, 2020 - 4:30pm

Rotary International's World Polio Day is being celebrated around the world this weekend, a time set aside for global health experts and partners to share the service club's progress on the road to polio eradication.

It has been over 60 years since the Jonas Salk polio vaccine was declared safe, effective, and potent. In that time, the number of polio cases has dropped by 99 percent worldwide. With just three countries remaining polio-endemic, eradicating this crippling disease is almost complete. There is no cure, and only the vaccine to prevent it.

Red Ribbon Week focuses on harm tobacco and vaping have on youth

In 2020, Red Ribbon Week, the nation's largest and longest running drug-use prevention campaign, turns 35 and will be observed October 23-31. Red Ribbon Week has informed millions of kids and parents about the danger of drugs and alcohol, influencing positive choices and behaviors. However, one “drug” that may not receive as much attention lately is nicotine. which is highly addictive.

City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.

Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.

Chelcee Thomas hired as the new executive director for Live Violence Free

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Live Violence Free, the South Lake Tahoe-based agency committed to promoting a violence-free community, has announced the appointment of a new executive director.

Chelcee Thomas has returned to her hometown to lead the 43-year-old agency. The South Tahoe High graduate has dedicated her career to supporting social

Douglas County Commissioners to possibly vote on new VHR regulations for Lake Tahoe

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During their Thursday, October 15 meeting, the Douglas County commissioners will hear a presentation about the work done by an appointed task force about vacation home rentals (VHRs) in Tahoe Township. The agenda item is listed as having possible action by the commissioners.

53 South Lake Tahoe area nonprofits recipients of American Century Championship donation

Local nonprofits in the South Lake Tahoe area were presented with a record $250,000 in donations from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and American Century Championship as a result of money raised during the 2020 celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe.

Just as the popular golf event was unique and held without fans due to COVID-19 this year, it was a different type of ceremony handing out the money and the presentation of checks held virtually. Representatives from 53 nonprofits awarded the money were on the Thursday Zoom call.

City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

Pair sought in Mt. Rose Highway vehicle burglaries

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help with identifying vehicle burglary suspects who broke into multiple vehicles along Mt. Rose Highway at Sheep Flat.

SLT Council Candidate John Friedrich

South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.

Today's candidate is John Friedrich

Profession: Founder and Director, Tahoe Green Jobs Initiative

How many years in SLT: 15

Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition challenges all casinos to be smoke-free

The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition (NTPC), comprised of collaborating public health and private partner organizations, celebrates MGM’s decision to open the Park MGM and NoMad in Las Vegas smoke-free. In addition to enforcing existing smoke-free policies, NTPC challenges all Nevada casinos to implement new and stronger policies to be completely smoke-free.

Week-long series "Getting to Net Zero in Tahoe: Taking Local Climate Action"

Event Date: 
October 5, 2020 (All day)

The Tahoe Climate Change Action Network (TCCAN) is hosting a week of online events with opportunities to connect individual, community and regional efforts to the global movement to ensure we are counting down to a better, carbon neutral future.

Lake Tahoe boat inspections move to winter operation schedule October 1

Beginning October 1, watercraft inspections for the detection and prevention of aquatic invasive species (AIS) will change locations and shift to a first-come, first-served basis, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) announced today.

With this shift back to on-demand inspections, the agencies are closing out the inspection appointment system initiated this year to lower the risk of COVID-19 spread.

October 1 through 12:

Warning signs and resources to know during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During the month of September, the El Dorado County (EDC) Behavioral Health Division encourages the community to “know the signs, find the words, and reach out” to prevent suicide, as well as learn about local suicide prevention resources.

Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety: Five practical tips

Event Date: 
September 17, 2020 - 5:00pm

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a good time check in with yourself and loved ones. So many of us are struggling to keep our mental health in check right now. It’s normal to feel anxious about the impacts of COVID-19. Preventing our worries from consuming us can reduce stress and uncertainty—and even more severe behavioral health issues like suicide.

What you need to know in Lake Tahoe this weekend: No fires allowed, wear a mask

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As tourists fill the Lake Tahoe Basin and locals plan their holiday weekend there are rules that everyone needs to remember - no outside fires with charcoal or wood, and wear a mask.

Although people may want to take a vacation, the pandemic doesn’t so make sure you are following proper safety precautions.

South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.

Walk or hike to end the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide

Join the Suicide Prevention Network in their efforts to end the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Throughout the month of September, people are encouraged to get outside and walk or hike with friends and family, or on your own. Physical activity and spending time outdoors is good for our mental wellness so this is the perfect time to encourage and empower others to join this movement.

All monies raised benefit the prevention, education and outreach programs at Suicide Prevention Network.

How to Hike for Hope

Barton Foundation awards $100,000 in community health grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Barton Foundation has awarded a record $100,000 in its annual Community Health Grant funding. This is in addition to more than $170,000 in grants given to local families and individuals from its COVID-19 Response Fund.

The 13 Lake Tahoe-based organizations that were awarded share Barton Health’s commitment to addressing the most urgent health needs in the area: mental and behavioral health, substance use, and access to care.

The organizations selected for a Community Health Grant serve the area’s most vulnerable populations and those in need:

Illegal campfires an issue in Lake Tahoe area forests and campgrounds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as the Eldorado National Forest managers announced last week, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) of the National Forest Service said they too have seen the same record increase in illegal campfires.

Eldorado Forest sees record number of illegal campfires with increased visitation

Forest officials everywhere are saying: Recreate Responsibly.

Despite large campaigns about fire restrictions and "pack it in pack it out," many visitors to the Eldorado National Forest are not acting responsibly.

Fire and law enforcement officers had another busy weekend contacting a record numbers of visitors about campfires they had made that are not allowed under the current fire restrictions in the Eldorado National Forest.

El Dorado County DA joins others in letter to the NFL about Stephon Clark's Legacy ad

The California District Attorneys Association today asked NFL Commissioner Roger
Goodell to pull a video produced by the league as part of its new Inspire Change campaign because it “misrepresents the facts” of the officer involved shooting death of Sacramento resident Stephon Clark in 2018.

Rheumatologist Leah Krull, MD joins team at Barton Health

Board-certified rheumatologist, Leah Krull, MD, has joined the team of medical experts practicing at Barton Health. A physician skilled at addressing autoimmune and joint diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, gout, and lupus, Dr. Krull is treating patients at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe.

Rheumatology manages conditions that affect joints and the body as a whole due to systemic inflammation.

Local teen named National Youth Ambassador by Tobacco-Free Kids campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Twenty-five California students have been named as National Youth and Young Adult Ambassadors by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for demonstrating leadership in fighting tobacco use in their communities.

These young leaders were among 133 youth and young adults from 33 states who participated in the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ Digital Advocacy Symposium, a five-day online training session focused on building advocacy, communications and leadership skills.

El Dorado County Opioid Coalition launches new campaign - Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks

The El Dorado County Opioid Coalition (EDCOC) has launched its new opioid prevention public education campaign, "Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks.

The EDCOC works to prevent opioid addiction and overdose in El Dorado County through its treatment, safe prescribing, and naloxone distribution programs and has now started working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Column: Wildfire threat still looms

If the 4th of July weekend is any indication, Tahoe is under pressure. As coronavirus cases grow nearly everywhere, people naturally look to the mountains, fresh air, and clear water of Tahoe as a respite. Now residents and visitors alike are struggling to adjust to the confusion around re-opening, and visitation that is normally our lifeblood is suddenly a health risk.

Investigation underway into cause of three wildfires on Echo Summit

Three wildfires on Echo Summit kept firefighters busy Sunday morning.

Named the Echo, Upper, and Lake Fires by the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), all were kept from spreading due to a quick response by local, state and federal resources along with air support. They were all in the Echo Lakes area.

The cause of these fires is under investigation according to LTBMU. Scanner reports during the day stated all three could possibly be intentionally set but that has yet to be confirmed. No other information is available at this time.

Embarc Tahoe dispensary now open in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first cannabis dispensary to operate under the new City of South Lake Tahoe rules and regulations is now open.

Embarc Tahoe has opened its doors and held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday with Mayor Jason Collin, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Wallace, members of the Embarc Tahoe team and the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

Owner Christy Wilson moved into what was once Tahoe Teriyaki and has since been several different businesses.

Responsible recreation is urged over the 4th of July weekend at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With months of people being under "Stay at Home" orders, and if the past few days are any indication, this holiday weekend will be busy at Lake Tahoe as people get out in the fresh air, hike, bike, go to the beach and get on the water.

The July Fourth holiday at Lake Tahoe will look a bit different this year with firework shows canceled, social distancing, the requirement of face coverings in public places and growing concerns about responsible recreation.

Column: Wear a face mask to help your community stay healthy

As temperatures at Lake Tahoe are heating up, so are discussions about wearing a face mask in public. While science continues to reveal new information about the coronavirus, one thing is clear: wearing a face mask slows the spread of COVID-19, if enough people wear them.

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