safety
Council relaxes rules on outdoor restaurant seating and advertising
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:33am
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.
Fatal accident at South Lake Tahoe construction site
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/28/2020 - 4:39pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A subcontractor working at the site of a new Verizon cell tower near South Tahoe Public Utility District died Thursday after falling headfirst into a 35-foot by six-foot hole.
Barbershops and hair salons allowed to reopen in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 3:23pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barbershops and hair salons in El Dorado County and the rest of the state may now open as long as they have a safety plan in place. During California Governor Gavin Newsom's press conference Monday, he gave the green light to these two businesses as long as they follow the guidelines he and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have published.
Following Newsom's announcement, El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams issued a statement.
Sisolak sets target date of June 4 for reopening of Nevada casinos
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 4:57pm
Casinos in Nevada could be open by June 4 according to an announcement Friday by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak.
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) will be meeting on Tuesday and consider action necessary for reopening. Pending those results, and evaluation of trends in data, the state's gaming industry could reopen. During the NGC meeting there will be a workshop with state and local health officials regarding COVID-19 response measures at resort-hotels.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork May 24 - 30
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 12:32pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra. Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, May 22 until 10:00 p.m. Monday, May 25 due to the Memorial Day holiday.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Work underway on Al Tahoe Safety and Mobility Project in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 9:18am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you've been driving through town lately you've most likely noticed the road work on Al Tahoe Boulevard.
After a restriping/lane change pilot project in 2017 that reconfigured two of the four vehicle travel lanes and added buffered bike lanes on Al Tahoe Blvd., the rest of the project has now begun. The project has been years in the making through the planning, funding, public input, and permitting stages.
Keeping Tahoe bears wild - COVID-19 closures can affect their behavior
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/22/2020 - 5:43pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Spring is in full swing in the Tahoe Basin and Tahoe black bears are searching for food. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears results in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year, local law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized.
If held, the 2020 American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe may look different
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 7:50pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - NBC Sports and American Century Investments are still trying to pull off their 31st annual celebrity-filled golf tournament at the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. In a statement, they said they are "continuing extensive due diligence in efforts to conduct the 2020 American Century Championship as scheduled, July 8-12."
City of South Lake Tahoe: Keep Tahoe safe and visit when restrictions are lifted
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 12:12pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City is excited about Memorial Day weekend but realize this one will be different than years past.
Property owners are now allowed to come to Tahoe, but visitors are still asked not to be here at this time.
“We love our visitors and recognize how much they contribute to this City and this economy,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “We just know how important it is to get things open safely, and we all understand we are stronger together and safer apart right now.”
Heavenly Village reopening Memorial Day Weekend with music, food and sidewalk sale
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 10:10am
Event Date:
Repeats every day until Sun May 24 2020 .
May 22, 2020 (All day)
May 23, 2020 (All day)
May 24, 2020 (All day)
The Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe is reopening over the Memorial Day Weekend and having a four-day celebration after being closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are excited to have the village open and operating," said Heavenly Village VP Gary Casteel, Jr-. "I cannot stress the level of excitement I have received from our tenants to safely re-open. A special thank you to mayor pro-tem Tami Wallace for all of her support in the re-opening.”
Lake Tahoe boat ramps to start opening up for boats not needing inspection
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/19/2020 - 10:47am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Boat ramps around Lake Tahoe will start opening this week, but at this time only vessels with an intact Lake Tahoe inspection seal can launch and no uninspected vessels from outside the Tahoe Region will be able to get on the water.
Column: Summer outdoor plan critical to COVID management
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/18/2020 - 11:17am
Ambiguity, uncertainty, and contradictions abound in this pandemic. Add time to the list of contradictions swirling around us. Morning and night sometimes seem a week apart. The first month of shelter‐in‐place dripped by for many of us. The second month was gone before we knew it. And now summer is fast approaching. We welcome the season because in ordinary times it can elevate our well‐being, but these are not ordinary times. With most of the attention and intensity now on reopening, the question that hangs in the balance is, are we ready? Is it the right time?
Celebrating South Tahoe High's seniors in a socially distancing manner
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/18/2020 - 10:38am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the Class of 2020 having a graduation experience unlike any in history, parents and faculty are trying to still create a remembrance now that traditional graduation ceremonies are canceled.
For South Tahoe High School (STHS), all 226 graduates received yard/window signs over the past few days. Principal Carline Sinkler, teachers, staff, and other volunteers visited each home in South Lake Tahoe with the signs provided by the Barton Foundation.
Fanny Bridge replacement in 2022; Work on first phase of two new roundabouts finishes in 2020
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/17/2020 - 7:36pm
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you've been on SR89 near Tahoe City lately you've noticed the new roundabout that was installed south of the Fanny Bridge near the transit station. A new bridge over the Truckee River was also created during the first stage of the SR89/Fanny Bridge Revitalization Project which included another roundabout on the west end of Tahoe City on SR89.
Local mountain lifestyle brand moves from ski and snowboard masks to face masks
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/17/2020 - 2:50pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that people are wearing masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, a change in masks can become a fashion statement instead of just a health statement.
Bread & Broth helping to ease hunger in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 6:05pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Nine weeks into the COVID-19 crisis, Bread & Broth is still providing food to those in the community who are being impacted by the loss or reduction of income due to the temporary closing of many of our communities’ businesses. Thanks to many generous monetary donors and volunteers, Bread & Broth is providing bags of food through their Monday and Friday food bag giveaway program at Grace Hall and B&B 4 Kids program.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork May 17 - 23
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 10:41am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra. Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, May 22 until 10:00 p.m. Monday, May 25 due to the Memorial Day holiday.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Road Beat: 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Limited - Still best basic hybrid you can buy
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 10:29am
It has been about a year and a half since I last tested a Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, a base model stickering for just $23,210. This time around, my tester was a near top of the line limited. Essentially, they are the same vehicle except for content. But that doesn’t mean that this base unit is a stripper? It isn’t as it comes standard with power windows, mirrors, backup camera, and most everything else one could want.
Face coverings to be required on South Lake Tahoe buses and at transit stations
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 9:26am
All passengers on Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) buses will be required to wear a face covering while on transit buses and in transit facilities starting Monday, May 18.
This new requirement is to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain and in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Experienced California education advocate joins Lake Tahoe Community College
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/14/2020 - 7:21pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) has selected a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in California state policy and politics to fill a critical role during unprecedented and uncertain times.
Full closure of US50 over Echo Summit moved to after Labor Day
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/14/2020 - 2:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A planned full closure of US50 over Echo Summit for the Sidehill Viaduct Replacement Project has been postponed to after Labor Day, 2020.
Caltrans made the announcement on Thursday that construction has not progressed enough to where the bridgework requiring a full closure could not be completed by June 15.
A full closure of Highway 50 is not permitted between June 15 and Labor Day due to high traffic volumes expected during the peak summer season in South Lake Tahoe.
Live at Lakeview still hopes to have some concerts this summer in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/14/2020 - 1:13pm
All special events on City property through at least July 14 have been postponed, which includes the Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series.
Originally scheduled to begin on June 25, 2020, the upcoming season of Live at Lakeview is unknown.
South Shore 4th of July fireworks show canceled; TDVA aims for Labor Day show
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/13/2020 - 5:32pm
STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) voted unanimously Wednesday afternoon to cancel the 4th of July fireworks show on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe due to concerns around COVID-19 and large group gatherings.
Not all is lost though as TDVA is planning on a Labor Day Lights on the Lake show on Sunday, September 6, Labor Day Weekend. That show will depend on the coronavirus situation at the time and the TDVA board of directors has until July 23 to decide and not be held to any fees from Zambelli Fireworks, the producer of the show.
Federal CARES Act sends $8.6M to help free Lake Tahoe transit services
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/13/2020 - 4:43pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Lake Tahoe transit providers Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and Tahoe‐Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) will be getting a boost from the federal government after they received word that $8.6 million form the CARES Act is headed their way. Transit services are especially critical to essential workers during this COVID crisis, the agencies said today.
These funds will help sustain free transit services for the public.
City Council amends emergency ordinance that fined second homeowners
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:23pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council voted Tuesday to amend their Emergency Order No. 1 from April that authorized administrative citations and fines of $1,000 for violations of the Governor's Stay at Home Order.
The City will not be fining second homeowners who visit their home in South Lake Tahoe but they will continue to fine those found renting out vacation homes until the Governor's ban on non-essential travel is amended.
All events on City of South Lake Tahoe property postponed through at least mid-July
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 5:43pm
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.
South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County can move ahead in reopening phase
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 2:51pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - California Governor Gavin Newsom has given El Dorado County the go-ahead to move fully into Stage 2 of the reopening phases. They joined Butte County to became the first two counties in the state to be allowed to move forward.
While businesses can start to reopen, there is still a statewide ban on nonessential travel. Second-home owners are still asked to respect that order and come to South Lake Tahoe to check their homes, or quarantine upon arrival. Vacation rentals are still not allowed in this stage.
Lake Tahoe Basin, El Dorado County and Sierra roadwork schedule for May 11-16
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 2:51pm
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working on several projects in the Lake Tahoe area as well as El Dorado County and the Sierra.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected in late spring 2020. No traffic-interfering work is scheduled.
Parking on highway at closed Zephyr Cove Resort resembles summer weekend
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/09/2020 - 3:23pm
ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - The USFS Forest Service closed all of their recreation sites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to keep in alignment with federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing, and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers.
South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County businesses move towards green light on reopening
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/09/2020 - 1:41pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Many South Lake Tahoe businesses will be able to open soon, but not until they have plans in place that comply with the State’s COVID-19 guidelines and the State approves and publishes the public health director's signed Variance Attestation and supporting documents.
Local boaters to be first allowed on Lake Tahoe; Future phases to allow out-of-area boats
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/08/2020 - 3:34pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - Local boats will soon be able to get into Lake Tahoe, but boaters from out of the area will have to wait until COVID-19 reopening phases allow them.
On Friday the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) announced a phased approach to boating that discourages out-of-area visitation as part of state and local coordination on recreation guidelines for Lake Tahoe this season.
Portion of Tahoe East Shore Trail closed to stop visitation surges
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/07/2020 - 7:13pm
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A portion of the popular East Shore Trail will be closed starting May 8. Nevada State Parks has closed access to Sand Harbor via the Tahoe East Shore Trail temporarily due to expected visitation surges. Most of the trail will remain open.
Popular Sand Harbor has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to one hour past dusk. The cost per car is $10.
Reopening guidelines approved for Nevada casinos
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/07/2020 - 6:16pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Casinos in Nevada will not be opening during the Phase 1 reopening plan unveiled by Governor Steve Sisolak Thursday. All Nevada casinos will be required to create and implement an infectious disease prevention plan before they will be allowed to open once Sisolak gives them the green light. He said Thursday Phase 1 expires May 30 and the next phase can start then, or even earlier if all goes as planned. It is unknown at this time if casinos will be included in the next reopening phase.
Governor outlines guidelines for reopening Nevada with phase one Saturday
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/07/2020 - 5:39pm
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has unveiled his plan for the state to reopen under phase one starting May 9, 2020. Outdoor malls, restaurants, hair salons, and barber shops are among those able to reopen with new standards for safety.
"We must stay safe so we can stay open," said Sisolak of the ability to move into phase 2 by the end of May, or sooner.
"The beginning of the reopening of our economy is not the end of the coronavirus," said Sisolak during a press conference Thursday afternoon. "It's still with us, as strong as ever. It will not go away until there's a vaccine."
Placer County cancels fireworks at Donner Lake, Truckee, and North Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 1:06pm
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Following the recent announcement the Incline Village/Crystal Bay fireworks show being canceled in 2020, North Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach and Truckee join the list in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and current state orders.
Lake Tahoe Community College to offer online and virtual classes for summer and fall quarters
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 12:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Given the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and how open or not the state of California may be in the months to come, Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) has announced its Summer and Fall quarter class formats that will allow high-quality education to continue in the safest manner possible.
Letter: South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce offers leaders suggestions on reopening
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 11:37am
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.
Old Tahoe Pines Campground restoration to include picnic area, parking and trails
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 7:00pm
MEYERS, Calif. - An old campground at the base of Echo Summit in Meyers is undergoing a major transformation that will not only create new wetlands and restore habitat along the Upper Truckee River, it will also create public access.
Work gets underway this week at the old Tahoe Pines Campground on a $1.63M project that will include new accessible-to-all trails, bridge and parking lot, and other features along the river which is Lake Tahoe's largest tributary.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork May 3 - 9
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/02/2020 - 2:20pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected in late spring 2020. No traffic-interfering work is scheduled.
USFS beaches and sites around Lake Tahoe to remain closed through May 15
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 2:03pm
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.
Placer County reminds would-be visitors that non-essential travel to Lake Tahoe still under state's orders
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 8:53am
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With Placer County’s local health order expiring May 2, county officials and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association are reminding would-be-visitors that while they are preparing now for when North Tahoe reopens, that date still depends on the state’s timeline for loosening physical distancing requirements.
Barton Health receives seventh "A" in patient safety from watchdog group
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 11:53am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Memorial Hospital received news of another ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group. Assessment data from 28 quality measurements demonstrated better patient outcomes at the Lake Tahoe hospital; the result of collaborative, team-driven systems in place at Barton Health that protect patients from harm.
Douglas County holding special meeting to discuss recovery and economic impacts
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 3:13pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will be conducting a 1:00 p.m. special meeting on April 29, 2020, to discuss recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impacts to local businesses in Douglas County. The county is actively seeking public comment from residents in regard to economic impacts on local business in Douglas County.
South Lake Tahoe coach facing federal child pornography charges
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 2:13pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A search warrant served at a South Lake Tahoe home on April 15, 2020, has resulted in the arrest of a local 39-year-old snowboard and soccer coach on alleged child pornography charges.
Timothy Daniel Mackey was arrested without incident by the FBI and U.S. Marshals at his home during the search.
Roadwork schedule for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra for April 25-May 2
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/26/2020 - 6:25pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:
Please remember to stay home except for essential needs.
California is under a Stay-at-Home Order and only essential travel is permitted.
~ Avoid travel ~ Stay-at-Home ~ Beat COVID-19 ~
Learn more at covid19.ca.gov
#StayHomeSaveLives
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 5:04pm
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
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 2:19pm
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.
Column: 50 years of progress for Lake Tahoe and the nation
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 11:51am
Celebrations have taken on many new forms since the start of social distancing. Birthday parties have become processions of cars parading past a celebrant’s home—people honking and waving, tossing candy and small gifts (for later disinfecting, then enjoying). And huge international celebrations like the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this week have moved online, giving room for individuals to celebrate and explore the conservation movement in new ways.
Giving Tuesday pet adoption and fundraising day for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 8:25am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is having a special puppy adoption day on May 5 to coincide with the annual Giving Tuesday fundraising day.
"Little Rays of Sunshine" is bringing two litters with a total of 11 puppies, along with one of the moms, to the public for adoption.
Pictured here is the mom Sunshine with one her puppies, Hope.
Portion of Barbara Avenue in South Lake Tahoe to close for Greenway project
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 4:16pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barbara Avenue between Lodi Avenue and Sierra Boulevard will be closing April 27 through October 15 as it will be a stating area for the construction of the South Tahoe Greenway Shared Use Trail.
This is the same area used for staging on the City of South Lake Tahoe's Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project in 2019.
