senators

James Anthony Biller ~ 1941 - 2020

James Anthony Biller was born in Ventura, CA, July 10, 1951, to Jack and Marjorie Biller. Growing up in Ventura, he surfed, sailed, played water polo for the Ventura High Cougars, and was one of the best swimmers Ventura High had ever seen, getting his varsity letter and pin as a sophomore and setting swimming records that stood for many years after he graduated in 1969. That Jim had a love of the beach, sailing, and everything that had to do with the water was obvious to everyone around him.

TRPA awards recognize 50 years of collaboration

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) today recognized individuals who, over the agency’s 50-year history, worked tirelessly to protect the spectacular environment of the Lake Tahoe Region and to create more resilient communities, TRPA announced today.

Column: Recognizing the spirit of collaboration

For more than half a century, collaboration and partnership have been the bedrock of Lake Tahoe’s preservation. I speak often of the epic collaboration needed to restore our environment and lift up our communities. The creation of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) 50 years ago challenged us to bring people together to pull this majestic lake back from the brink. Today, TRPA is the backbone for 80 organizations and thousands of property owners working toward the common goals of clean water, a healthy watershed, and resilient communities

Supervisor Novasel: Chaiman Veerkamp blatantly disregarded the action of the Board

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - On Friday, El Dorado County Supervisor Chair Brian Veerkamp broke board protocol by announcing he is invoking Emergency Powers to require El Dorado County to pay for sending Sheriff John D’Agostini to a political “conference” on October 29th which is being held by a select group of state senators in Red Bluff. This action by the Board of Supervisors Chair, who is leaving office at the end of this year,

Keeping Lake Tahoe the resilient jewel it is for the next 10,000 years

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The resiliency of Lake Tahoe was the focus of the 24th annual Lake Tahoe Summit Tuesday, held virtually instead of on the shores of the pristine lake in the Sierra Nevada many call home and even thousands more visit.

Column: Investing in our public lands can pay big dividends

In South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Mammoth Lakes, our public lands are woven into the fabric of life. These lands are symbols of our strength and keepers of serenity in these turbulent times. As we've seen locally, our parks and public lands are a beloved resource and one that is essential for our collective recovery. If we want our parks and public lands to be there for us for the long haul we need to invest in them now.

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.

22nd annual Lake Tahoe Summit to bring together senators, the public and agencies

Event Date: 
August 7, 2018 - 10:00am

U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) will host the 22nd Annual Lake Tahoe Summit at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village, Nevada on Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Beach and park operations will be closed until 1:00 p.m. that day.

Lawmakers from Nevada and California will meet on the shores of Lake Tahoe to discuss how to protect a national treasure as it faces continued threats to water clarity, invasive species, wildfire and drought.

"Be the Change" the focus of South Tahoe High rally on National Walkout Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The student body, teachers, staff of South Tahoe High School and community members came together Wednesday to be part of the National School Walkout and March For Our Lives, events held across the country one month after 17 students died in Parkland, Florida when a fellow student opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

PATH asks for help in fight against human trafficking

Changes to the Communications Decency Act (CDA) are in the works that will change the 21-year-old set of regulations that function as the internet’s liability shield. If approved, those who run websites that allow sex trafficking ads, such as Backpage.com, will be held accountable.

Named the "Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017," the legislation would increase sites’ responsibility for user content, something they were protected from when CDA Section 230 was put in place in 1996.

Lake Tahoe Summit: Bi-state, bipartisan effort to preserve Tahoe never complete

Achievements in preserving Lake Tahoe were celebrated August 22 during the 21st Lake Tahoe Summit at Tallac Historic Site, but it was clear there is a lot more to do and the job will never be over.

Started by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, this annual gathering of government, public agencies and private partners highlights what has been done, what is being done, what what still needs to be done in keeping Lake Tahoe clean and clear.

Governor, senators and others to speak at 2017 Lake Tahoe Summit

Event Date: 
August 22, 2017 - 10:00am

California Senator Diane Feinstein is hosting the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at Vahalla in the Tallac Historic Site from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The theme for the day is "2017- A Pivotal Point for the Future of Lake Tahoe.”

The event will examine successful restoration projects and ways to address new challenges facing the lake. A key focus will be combating the effects of climate change in the Lake Tahoe basin.

Angora Fire 10 years later: Water suppliers complete $1.6M in water infrastructure projects

Igniting on June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire rapidly spread to over 3,100 acres, destroying 254 homes, 75 commercial structures and resulting in more than $141 million in damages. In response to this disaster, an Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission was formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the laws, policies and practices that affect the vulnerability of the Tahoe Basin to wildfires.

Barton Health attentive to details of the American Health Care Act

Recently, the House of Representatives narrowly passed the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628). The bill now resides in the U.S. Senate for determination and possible modification. Though we do not know if the senators will pass the American Health Care Act, Barton Health is committed to providing consistently exceptional care for our Lake Tahoe community members and visitors.

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.

Late night vote in Washington brings $415 million to Lake Tahoe

Late Friday night, the U.S. House of Representatives joined the U.S. Senate in passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, which will bring $415 million in future funding to Lake Tahoe over the next seven years. The decision brought cheers from many local agencies, including the League to Save lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

$415 million for environmental restoration projects at Lake Tahoe in jeopardy

There was great news from Washington D.C. back on September 14 when the U.S. Senate passed their $415 million version of 2015's Lake Tahoe Restoration Act by a vote of 95-3. It was part of the $10 billion Water Resources Development Act of 2016.

$1.1 billion approved to give Raiders a new home in Nevada

The deal to bring the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas is one step closer after the Senate approved a more than $1.1 billion public funding package for an NFL stadium and convention center upgrades in Las Vegas.

What seemed like an uncertain proposition early in the day came to fruition after a lengthy amount of closed-door wheeling and dealing. Five senators opposed the measure, including state Sen. Julia Ratti, D-Sparks, who was appointed to her district for the special session, and state Sen. Don Gustavson, R-Sparks.

Guest Columnist: Building on Tahoe’s Momentum

At the Lake Tahoe Summit last month, we saw the power of what we can accomplish when we work together. Progress over the last two decades was showcased when President Obama made his first-ever visit to Tahoe and said conservation and restoration efforts like ours are more important than ever as the nation works to adapt to a changing climate and create a more resilient environment.

Senate Passes $415 million Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

More money is headed to preserve and restore Lake Tahoe. In Washington Wednesday the U.S. Senate passed its $415 million version of 2015's Lake Tahoe Restoration Act by a vote of 95-3.

The money for Lake Tahoe is part of the $10 billion Water Resources Development Act of 2016.

This is the first time the funding legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act has cleared the full Senate even though its has succeeded at the committee level several times.

Lake Tahoe protection and Sacramento flood control in Senate bill

California’s Salton Sea and state-straddling Lake Tahoe would receive funding for environmental restoration under a bill set for Senate approval Thursday.

More controversial water-related efforts remain stuck in Capitol Hill limbo, however.

Put simply, California’s diverse water ambitions face a complicated future in what remains of the 114th Congress.

Harry Reid, the "all star lineup and clean up hitter Barack Obama"

"We're here to celebrate because we love Lake Tahoe," Nevada Senator Harry Reid said at the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Wednesday. Reid, who started the focus on Lake Tahoe along with President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore with the first Summit in 1997.

"Like a World Series team who can't rest on their laurels," said Reid, "we need to build on progress."

Reid went on with his World Series antidote and introduced the "All Star Lineup" at the 20th Summit, his last in office as he won't be seeking reelection after serving the state in Washington since 1987.

Time change for Tahoe Summit with President Obama

Event Date: 
August 31, 2016 - 1:30pm

Nevada Senator Harry Reid will host President Obama, California Governor Jerry Brown and California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer at the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Harvey's Outdoor Arena. Nevada’s homegrown band, the Killers, will also take the stage for a special performance.

The time for the summit has changed to 1:30 p.m. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Those attending can expect heavy traffic and road closures.

President Obama headed to South Lake Tahoe

The annual Lake Tahoe Summit has welcomed Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Governors, Senators and other dignitaries from the world of environmental protection, and 2016 will be no different.

Today, the White House announced that President Barack Obama will head to South Lake Tahoe on Aug. 31 to speak about his commitment to protecting the environment and addressing climate change at the summit which will be held at Harvey's Outdoor Arena this year.

California voters hit the polls Tuesday; El Dorado County vote includes ballot measures

The California State Primary is Tuesday, June 7, and there are a few local items on the ballot.

The following are summaries of what voters on the lake side of El Dorado County will be voting on. If people are unsure of their polling place, visit this site, input your address and birthdate: http://elections.edcgov.us/lookup.fwx

Measure A - The preamble of the County Charter will be changed if passed. The proposed wording is below, with :

Will buprenorphine and probuphine be the end to opioid addiction?

Headlines, both regionally and nationally are full of the message: Opioid addiction is sweeping the country and its out of control. With the death of musical artist Prince of an opioid overdose, the stigma of the addiction to strong prescription pain pills has been erased. It isn't a poor person's problem, it isn't an unemployed person's problem, it isn't a metropolitan problem. It is a problem in South Lake Tahoe, Reno, the west and the whole country.

Tahoe Prospertiy Center awarded for collaborative efforts

The Tahoe Prosperity Center received an award on Thursday, March 31, 2016 from the Placer County Economic Development Board for “Best Collaboration to Encourage a Prosperous, Sustainable and Healthy Lake Tahoe Basin.”

Certificates of recognition were also presented to the Tahoe Prosperity Center from Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, Senators Ted Gaines and Jim Nelson, and Congressma=en Tom McClintock and Douglas LaMalfa.

New water lines and fire hydrants in place to fight Lake Tahoe wildfires

Over the past eight building seasons, a bi-state collaborative effort of the South Tahoe Public Utility District, U.S. Forest Service and the other area water agencies has enhanced the Lake Tahoe Basin's water infrastructure to better fight wildfires.

Whittell High senior chosen to be student delegate in Washington

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller have announced that Katherine "Kate" Krolicki has been chosen to be one of 104 student delegates who will be attending the 54th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C.

"I never thought it'd happen," Krolick said of her being selected. "It's right up my alley and I am so excited to go back to Washington."

The Whittell High School senior has worked in Washington, D.C. twice, once as page for Senator Reid in 2014, and as Senator Heller's intern in 2015.

Senate Bill designed to fight addiction gaining momentum

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) will “make a real difference for families and communities” struggling with drug addiction, U.S. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio said Saturday. He spoke about the bill, which has bipartisan support, in a weekly Republican address.

“This epidemic does not discriminate,” Senator Portman said. “Zip codes don’t matter. It’s affecting our cities, suburban areas, and rural counties. Young or old, rich, middle class or poor, black, white, Hispanic or Asian. The grip of addiction affects all of us.”

Lake Tahoe Restoration Act passes committee in Washington

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Nevada Sen. Dean Heller, passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on Wednesday.

The legislation, created alongside senators Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Harry Reid, D-Nevada and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., provides federal, state, and local partners important tools to reduce wildfire threats, improve water clarity, jumpstart innovative infrastructure projects, and combat invasive species.

Employee Voter Registration Week September 21-25

In just over one year, America will be selecting a new President along with new senators and local officials. To help make a dent in the number of unregistered citizens across the country, Employee Voter Registration Week was created.

Key decisions on Tahoe’s future pending in congress

Decisions made in Congress over the next few months may well determine the extent to which Lake Tahoe remains blue and clear, with healthy forests, resilient watersheds, and its ecology protected from the threat of new aquatic invasive species.

For two decades, the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) has provided guidance for the shared investments made by our federal, state and local governments, homeowners, and businesses to restore and protect Tahoe’s unique environmental qualities and enhance its diverse public recreation opportunities.

19th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit

Nevada Senator Dean Heller is hosting the 19th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Monday, August 24 at Round Hill Pines Resort from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The them of this year's meeting of the community, political partners and government agencies will be "Connecting Lake Tahoe's Environment and Economy through Innovation and Transportation."

Partnership and collaboration crucial to solving Tahoe’s problems

History shows time and time again our greatest accomplishments at Lake Tahoe are achieved when people work together. In the past, Tahoe was known as a place where unproductive interactions between stakeholders led to a stunning decay in our environment and our economic vitality, creating a region that seemed frozen in time.

We face major environmental challenges at Tahoe, including the uncertainties of climate change. And as Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Vaccine exemptions: California Senate overwhelmingly passes SB 277

A controversial bill that abolishes "personal belief exemptions" for vaccinations won overwhelming approval in the California Senate on Thursday, bolstering supporters' hopes that it will also clear the Assembly and be signed into law.

The measure by Democratic Sens. Richard Pan, of Sacramento, and Ben Allen, of Santa Monica -- introduced after a outbreak of measles in December at Disneyland sickened 136 Californians -- passed 25-10 after the two senators agreed to compromises aimed at easing its passage.

Local fuel reduction efforts recognized

Sixteen local, state and federal agencies were recognized during Tuesday's Lake Tahoe Summit.

A proclamation signed by by Senators Dianne Feinstein, Dean Heller and Harry Reid, Representatives Mark Amodei and Tom McClintock and Governors Jerry Brown and Brian Sandoval honored the release of the Multi-Jurisdiciont Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy.

The original strategy, finalized in 2007, has successfully guided wildfire risk reduction projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Nevada Governor accepts ice bucket challenge

What swept through South Lake Tahoe this past winter (as reported on South Tahoe Now) has morphed into an ice bucket challenge, this time as a fundraiser for ALS. KOLO-TV anchor Sarah Johns and Reno City Councilwoman/candidate for Mayor Hillary Schieve challenged Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval who accepted and has now challenged Nevada's two Senators, Harry Reid and Dean Heller.

TRPA Applauds Senate Move on Lake Tahoe Restoration Bill

A measure to advance environmental restoration and forest management activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin yesterday passed out of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The legislation would reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, originally passed in 2000, which has helped advance one of the most comprehensive watershed restoration programs in the nation-the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, or EIP.

Philanthropy on Display at Tahoe Fund Annual Dinner: Over $300,000 raised

The love and support of Lake Tahoe was on full display at the Tahoe Fund annual Founders Circle dinner on Sunday August 18. They raised more than $300,000 for the organization and four Signature Projects around the Lake. Tahoe Fund donors were joined by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Harry Reid and Governors Jerry Brown and Brian Sandoval, as well as special surprise guest Vice President Al Gore, as the public and private communities joined together to celebrate the work of the Tahoe Fund to restore and improve the Lake Tahoe environment.

2013 Lake Tahoe Summit: Governors Brown & Sandoval, Senators Feinstein & Reid in Attendance

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) introduced Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak and noted that this was the first time, ever, a Russian Ambassador has visited Lake Tahoe. Senator Reid described Russia's Lake Baikal as the most voluminous freshwater lake in the world, containing roughly 20% of the world's unfrozen surface fresh water, conservation efforts, and compared both Lake Baikal and Lake Tahoe as "two of the fairest places in all of the earth".

Douglas County conservation bill introduced by Nevada Senators Reid and Heller

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller have introduced the Douglas County Conservation Act of 2013 designed to promote conservation, improve recreation opportunities, and provide for sensible development in Douglas County.

Tahoe Fund announces $1 million Founders Circle campaign goal

Dedicated to funding environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund on Tuesday announced a million dollar fundraising goal for its Founders Circle campaign.

California senators respond to possible TRPA break-up

Two California senators have introduced a contingency plan for regulation of the California side of Lake Tahoe if Nevada makes good on a threat to pull out of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.Cal...

California making provisions if Nevada leaves TRPA Compact

Two California state senators introduced a bill on Friday that would bring changes to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. SB630 amends a series of sections of government code relating to the California Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. The bill is authored by state Sens. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, and Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento.

Minden senator wants Nevada to be declared a sovereign state

Two state senators and a dozen other Nevadans urged a Senate committee Tuesday to tell the federal government that "enough is enough" and declare Nevada a sovereign state, recognizing federal juris...

Senators reach agreement on immigration reform

WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of leading senators has reached agreement on the principles for a sweeping overhaul of the nation's immigration laws, including a path to citizenship for the 11 mill...

Senators reach agreement on immigration reform

WASHINGTON (AP) - A bipartisan group of leading senators has reached agreement on the principles for a sweeping overhaul of the nation's immigration laws, including a path to citizenship for the 11...

Letter to the editor: Leaders need to take charge

How much longer will our presidents, Supreme Court justices, senators and representatives allow themselves to be held hostage by the National Rifle Association, a group representing only about 1 pe...

Rice withdraws as secretary of state candidate

WASHINGTON - Susan Rice, the embattled U.N. ambassador, abruptly withdrew from consideration to be the next secretary of state on Thursday after an ugly standoff with Republican senators who declar...

Syndicate content