recreation

New company on board to plan new South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center

A new partner is now on board to help bring a new recreation center and swim complex to South Lake Tahoe, construction of which could start as early as 2018.

Voters in November approved a two percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase to fund the new project that benefits not only locals but tourists as well.

Kudos: Choices For Children thanks community for caregiver breakfast

Choices for Children hosted its 25th annual Child Care Professionals Appreciation Breakfast featuring Early Childhood Education professors Lisa Daly and Miriam Beloglovsky on Saturday, April 1 at Lake Tahoe Golf Course. Fifty four child care providers came together to enjoy breakfast, raffles generously donated by the South Lake Tahoe Community, and an inspiring presentation on Using Loose Parts (alluring objects that children can move, manipulate, control, and change within their play) to Support Language and Literacy Development.

SLT Senior Center meeting with County rescheduled due to weather

Event Date: 
April 20, 2017 - 1:30pm

The City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County elected officials are holding a meeting with local seniors to identify the future needs of the Senior Center on Thursday, April 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the center located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the main meeting room.

This meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday, April 13 but has been postponed due to a forecast of inclement weather.

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.

Squaw-Alpine parent company buys Intrawest Resorts

A newly formed entity controlled by ski resort operator Aspen Skiing Company, LLC and private equity firm KSL Capital Partners, owners of Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, will buy Intrawest Resorts Holdings for about $1.5 billion including debt, it was announced Monday.

Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SNOW) is a leading North American mountain resort and adventure company.

Tahoe Fund and USFS launch project to control trashed sleds in Lake Tahoe

What has become an out-of-control, unsightly and all too common practice at Lake Tahoe snow play areas now has a champion to control abandoned sleds.

Tahoe Fund Executive Director Amy Berry brought several organizations together to discuss potential solutions to resolve this issue. It had been on their radar for some time, but with the rapid growth of discarded sleds covering the landscape, Berry and the Tahoe Care Team of the agency knew something had to be done immediately.

McCallum releases resignation letter as community leaders bid her farewell

Judi McCallum, the longtime El Dorado County employee who served as the assistant to the District 5 Board of Supervisors for 26 years, has shared her official resignation letter with South Tahoe Now.

On March 20, McCallum reached out with a personal letter to friends and the employees of the County as she began her first day of retirement. Here is her resignation letter:

March 27, 2017
El Dorado County Human Resources and Board of Supervisors

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

Good morning skiers and riders! If you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Sunday, March 26.

Shaping up to be a Sunday Funday to hit the slopes with Winter Snow Conditions… Chance of Snow & possibly Rain in the Afternoon… Dress with a Goretex Jacket or Shell… Plenty of Machine Groomed & Skier/Rider Packed Snow. Take the Orange or Rose tinted Goggles today… Have Fun & Be Safe!

Kings Beach improvements focus of summer project

Improvements at the community of Kings Beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe continue. Placer County will begin work on the Kings Beach Commercial Core Improvement Project this summer, and officials are also connecting with the community members to see what else they'd like to see.

Truckee firm now historic structural engineer for California State Parks

Forests, beaches and trails may first come to mind when picturing California’s State Parks – but California State Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) is also the steward of hundreds of historic buildings and bridges. Truckee-based Linchpin Structural Engineering, Inc. (Linchpin) is now assisting to preserve them.

Creating transportation infrastructure key to getting locals, commuter and visitors out of cars

Lake Tahoe must improve its internal transportation systems before they can expect visitors to the region to get out of their cars and use different, and better, ways of getting around. That was the message during last week's Tahoe Talks presentation by Lake Tahoe transportation partners, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and El Dorado County.

What trails do you think need priority maintenance? Let USFS know

Over 16 million people use the Pacific Southwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service (R5), and input is needed from those users on what they feel are nine to 15 priority areas for needed trail maintenance.

The region encompasses California and contains more than 16,000 miles of trails managed by USFS.

One the public helps them identify needs, the USFS effort will be with partners and volunteers to increase the pace of trail maintenance.

Lt. Brian Williams retiring after 30 years serving the South Lake Tahoe community

As he reflects back on 30 years in uniform for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Lt. Brian Williams knows the dates that will be forever etched into his memory. 12/29/1986, 6/10/1991, 1/29/1997, 10/25/2005 and 8/26/2009.

December 29, 1986: Brian starts with SLTPD and heads off to the Police Academy in Santa Rosa.

South Tahoe Greenway one step closer to reality

A 3.86 mile shared used bike trail from Van Sickle Bi-State Park to Sierra Boulevard is getting closer to becoming reality after a Memo of Understanding (MOU) has been developed between its three partners.

The first phase of the South Tahoe Greenway Shared Use Trail was completed through the Bijou neighborhood in Summer, 2015, but the next phase needed a partnership between the City of South Lake Tahoe (City), Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) to be completed.

Kudos: Thank you to the community for Day of the Young Child participation

Choices for Children and the City of South Lake Tahoe Recreation Services hosted Day of the Young Child on Saturday March 11, 2017. Twenty-seven agencies came together to offer a wide variety of early childhood activities including art, sensory activities and physical activities. Children enjoyed face painting, beading, painting, play
dough, planting, rock climbing, paper collages, chalk art, Pequeños Rascal Learning Center dancers and more. It truly was a lively day for families to connect and get information on community resources.

Guest Columnist: Working together to improve Tahoe’s transportation system

As a national treasure offering world-class recreation opportunities, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Northern California and Nevada. And sometimes, being popular has its challenges.

Tahoe’s limited roadways become congested during times of peak visitation, when thousands of people who live in nearby metropolitan areas get in their cars to drive up to our small mountain communities. Suddenly, a road system designed for 55,000 residents must handle four to five times that many cars on an average busy day.

Informed drivers one way to prevent Sunday gridlock in South Lake Tahoe

Many drivers plan ahead when planning their travel along highways in interstates across the county. Want to miss rush hour? Don't hit that city in the morning and late afternoon. Mad dash to Santa Cruz on a warm Saturday? Leave early in the morning or go the night before to miss the backup of traffic.

Smooth travel over Highway 50 in the Sierra requires the same planning or one will get stuck in heavy traffic on Friday evenings heading to Lake Tahoe, or Sunday mornings leaving Lake Tahoe (or the day after a holiday).

Sierra-at-Tahoe extends season to April 23; Customer Appreciation Day April 24

Sierra-at-Tahoe is extending the 2016/17 winter season and will continue operations through April 23, 2017. In addition to the season closing date, Sierra will honor guests with Customer Appreciation Day on Monday, April 24. Customer Appreciation Day is dedicated to reminiscing about the plentiful powder days with high-fives in celebration of another awesome season.

Carson Valley Medical Center sponsors scoreboard at Douglas County Community Center

Carson Valley Medical Center, a strong supporter of the Douglas County Community & Senior Center has renewed their pledge again to be the Douglas County Community Services Foundation 2017 Naming Rights sponsor for all eight scoreboards in the Douglas County Community Center gymnasium located on Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville.

Day of the Young Child in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

Event Date: 
March 11, 2017 - 10:00am

The Annual Day of the Young Child will be held in South Lake Tahoe on Saturday, March 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the SLT Recreation Center.

This year, the event is being presented by Choices for Children and the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Celebrate children of the community at this family friendly event full of informative and hands-on booths, games and child friendly activities.

The SLT Recreation Swim Complex is located at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.

City's new vision statement: We will reflect the national treasure in which we live

The City of South Lake Tahoe now has a new vision statement to guide all of their decisions: "We will reflect the national treasure in which we live."

During a two-day long retreat and strategic planning session, the City Council and staff leaders met to discuss their strategies over the next two years, something they do right after every Council election.

City leaders will now get other agencies on the South Shore to join them in this mission, as well as the community. The vision will be reflected on City materials, a new logo, and be the "guiding principle in decision making."

Opinion: A vibrant community still vision of Tahoe Future 2020

South Lake Tahoe – Tahoe Chamber would like to thank Councilmember Davis, Mayor Sass, and the Council for the invitation to attend the City Council February 14 special meeting and for the opportunity to present the business community’s priorities to the City as they prepare for their strategic planning retreat.

Several years ago, the Tahoe Chamber and its members established a vision and a set of priorities for the South Shore community titled Tahoe Future 2020. The vision statement from that document reads:

Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District meeting Thursday

Event Date: 
February 23, 2017 - 6:00pm

A public meeting will be held by the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District Board of Directors on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the park located at 1011 E. San Bernardino in Meyers.

Discussion on several items are on the agenda, including park regulations, improvements and weddings/special events.

Here are some of those agenda items:

Disc golf at park update
RVs in the park
Surplus equipment removal update
each sand project
Grants update (including ADA)
Potential conversion to Recreation district
Sign program for park update

Draft 2017 Regional Transportation Plan released

Stateline, Nevada – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Wednesday released its Draft 2017 Regional Transportation Plan. TRPA updates the long-term plan every four years as a blueprint to prioritize and guide investments that will improve Lake Tahoe’s transportation system over the next 20-plus years.

New Sprint cell tower to be installed this summer in South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission recently approved a transmission and receiving facility replacement project which will bring a taller cell tower for Sprint to the South Shore.

A 150-foot monopole will be erected adjacent to the current 110-foot lattice tower. Once the taller pole is built on an elevated concrete pad surrounded by new fencing, the old tower will be dismantled.

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.

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.

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.

Tahoe Keys property owners apply for 2018 herbicide trial

In their ongoing battle with aquatic invasive plants in the Tahoe Keys, the area's property owners association has applied for a permit to test herbicides in the lagoon in 2018.

More closures Monday including City and USFS offices

10:00 a.m. update - Due to severe weather and hazardous driving conditions, City Administrative offices are also closed today, Monday, January 23rd. They anticipate reopening at 8:00 a.m. on January 24th.

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Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit offices are closed today, Monday, January 23, 2017.

Guest Columnist: Let’s keep Tahoe’s progress going

Twenty-five years ago, I finished my graduate work in Oregon and moved to Northern Nevada for a planning position at TRPA. Having spent a large part of my youth hiking and camping at Tahoe and in the Sierra, the move felt like coming home.

LTUSD begins study into what Al Tahoe Elementary could look like in future

The conversation has started on what to do at the former site of Al Tahoe Elementary School after the passage of Proposition 51 in the November election which will create $9 billion in funding for the state's schools. During a study session at the Lake Tahoe Unified School District's (LTUSD) Board of Trustee meeting Tuesday, staff and trustees starting looking the future function of the school that closed in 2004 due to declining enrollment.

South Lake Tahoe City Council appoints citizens to commission seats

It looks like the SLT Parks & Recreation Commission is about to get bigger as the City has found that its too big of a job for just five people with the number of sub-committees and other tasks needed as the creation of a new recreation city is on the horizon.

During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting they appointed five commissioners, then took the first steps to expand the commission by two members. In a resolution at the next Council meeting, that will be a done deal, if approved.

24 community members vying for SLT commission seats

After a record number of candidates sought election to the South Lake Tahoe City Council in November, another large group of citizens are seeking assignments to four City commissions.

During their next meeting on Tuesday, January 16, the City Council will fill the open seats on those commissions: Planning, Parks & Recreation, Airport Land Use and Building/ADA Board of Appeals.

Vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe still divisive topic

The vacation home rental (VHR) businesses in South Lake Tahoe have joined together in an effort to address, not only issues residents have with their homes, but to address their relationship with those who control and vote on their regulations.

"Our biggest fear is that the City has changed the intent of the ordinance without the council approval," said Josh Priou, Director of Product Development at Lake Tahoe Accommodations and a member of SLTVRA, South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Alliance.

Controversy brewing as City and County reps on Tahoe Conservancy Board resign

Friday's board meeting of the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) was delayed almost two hours due to ice on the road near near Zephyr Cove, causing it to close, and those weren't the only icy conditions on the South Shore that day.

The other ice could be felt during the meeting as conflict of interest, ethics, integrity, suspicious actions and lack of transparency were the theme of the day.

All three items on the agenda Friday were placed there amid a stressed relationship between the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and Patrick Wright, the Executive Director of the CTC.

Winners announced for Tahoe Chamber's GO Local & Win holiday campaign

Winners of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce's (TahoeChamber) GO Local & Win campaign held over the holidays in South Lake Tahoe were announced this week.

The GO Local & Win grand prizewinners, announced via Facebook Live, were Stephanie Moynihan winner of $125, Chelsey Shilaikis winner of $250, and Cathy Vogelgesang winner of $500.

Monday morning South Lake Tahoe storm recap

10:00 a.m. update 1/9/17: The City of South Lake Tahoe and the American Red Cross have closed their evacuation center in the city. One person arrived at the evacuation center last night.

"LTUSD and the Red Cross were excellent partners during last night’s storm event," said Tracy Franklin of the City of South Lake Tahoe.

The SLT Public Works department will be focusing on snow removal today. They are also working on getting the deep slushy water out of roadways. Franklin said the flood areas are still flooded and not receding at this point.

South Lake Tahoe schools closed Monday due to flooding

6:53 p.m. Sunday update - Lake Tahoe Community College will also be closed Monday, January 9. Douglas County Schools have changed their original plan and all schools will be closed.

Truckee Tahoe Schools will be evaluated at 4:00 a.m. Monday, then a message will be sent out by 4:30 a.m. if closed.

All Washoe County Schools, including Incline Village, will also be closed on Monday.

* * *

Evacuation Center opened in South Lake Tahoe

7:25 p.m. update Sunday - A second evacuation site has been set up at South Tahoe Middle School in the Multi-Purpose Room. It will accommodate pets and is staffed by the City of South Lake Tahoe staff and South Tahoe Action Team volunteers.

* * *
The City of South Lake Tahoe and American Red Cross have opened an evacuation center at South Tahoe High School in the school's student union.

It is located at 1735 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The Recreation Swim Complex is not available as an evacuation center due to flooding at that location.

City of South Lake Tahoe warns residents and visitors of major weather event

If the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast is correct, South Lake Tahoe could see the largest rain/snow weather event since the memorable floods of 1997 and 2005.

Those traveling to South Lake Tahoe, and those that live here, are being warned to be prepared for the storm which is slated to reach the Sierra overnight Saturday and last until Monday.

Kudos: Virtual race helps fund cancer wellness program

On behalf of the organizers of the Lake Tahoe Virtual Race, I would like to thank Lake Tahoe community members and businesses as well as Barton Health employees and physicians for their incredible generosity.

Barton Health recently hosted the first Virtual Race Challenge. Racers walked and ran for 72 days and recorded their mileage on a 72 mile digital map of Lake Tahoe. Together, with their financial contributors, the racers raised $4,044 in donations to help expand Barton Health’s Cancer Wellness Program.

December 30 deadline to apply for City of South Lake Tahoe commissions and board

The deadline is rapidly approaching for locals to apply for 19 open positions on City of South Lake Tahoe commissions and boards.

Two year appointments are now being accepted for Airport Land Use Commission, Building/ADA Board of Appeals, Parks & Recreation Commission and Planning Commission.

Completed applications must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m., on Friday, December 30, 2016. The City Council will be making the appointments at a regularly scheduled meeting in January 2017 (to be announced).

AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION:

Greenbelt plans for South Lake Tahoe unveiled, public asked to comment

Now that the Tahoe Valley Area Plan has been approved for the Y area of South Lake Tahoe, plans are moving forward to create a greenbelt area that would improve connectivity, create more biking, walking and play space, as well as implementing stormwater improvements to keep Tahoe blue, and the community green.

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

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

SHAPING UP TO BE A GREAT MONDAY FOR HOLIDAY SKIING & RIDING… RESORTS ARE WORKING OVERTIME TO GET MORE LIFTS AND TERRAIN OPEN… HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Sunny Skies in the morning then Partly Cloudy Skies… Highs: 37F to 42F. Light winds.

TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy in the evening then becoming Partly Cloudy. Lows: 15F to 25F. Light winds.

Opinoin: Passage of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act caps year of progress

Four years ago this month, TRPA approved the 2012 Regional Plan. The landmark plan charts a course to restore Lake Tahoe’s environment and revitalize our communities and it was forged through Herculean work by California, Nevada, local governments, the public, and dozens of other partners.

Many Tahoe Basin stakeholders once questioned if we could work together, but the Regional Plan ushered in an era of collaboration. Today, the answer is how can we work together more efficiently. By building and strengthening partnerships we have made remarkable progress. This year was no different.

Austin Sass new South Lake Tahoe Mayor

At the beginning of Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, Austin Sass was voted in as mayor, Wendy David as vice mayor and new Councilmembers Jason Collin and Brooke Laine were sworn in.

It was an unanimous vote for Sass, but with three Councilmembers interested in being vice-mayor, the vote for that position was a much closer 3-2. Both Brooke Laine and Tom Davis also expressed a desire to serve under Sass. Collin was the only one not interested in either position, citing his being "the new kid on the block" and wanted to learn the job he was elected for first.

Kudos: Intero of Douglas County donates $8,200 to gym scholarship program

The Incredible Kids Program in Douglas County provides youth with gym membership scholarships, and thanks to a donation by Intero Real Estate Services of Gardnerville, Nev., many more will be able to use the service.

The real estate group presented a check in the amount of $8,200 to the fund representatives, Renea Louie, Scott Morgan and Drew Aguilar of Douglas County Community Services Foundation, along with Douglas County Community Services/Parks and Recreation staff accepted the donation.

Vail Resorts calls on Congress to approve Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

Vail Resorts has called on the United States Congress to approve the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015. This Act provides $415 million in funding and reauthorizes important Lake Tahoe restoration activities that began in 1997 and refocuses federal, state and local efforts toward reducing wildfire threats, improving water quality and clarity, and combating invasive species. All of these are important to the local economy at one of the most visited lakes in the world.

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