southwest gas

Southwest Gas reminds customers to build snow shelters over meters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With an early snow storm dropping almost a foot of snow around Lake Tahoe last week, and another few days of possible snow on the way, Southwest Gas is reminding its customers to start preparing for the winter months now. Customers living in areas that receive heavy snowfall need to take extra precautions to keep their natural gas meters and piping safe.

What happened in this South Lake Tahoe home after lightning struck

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If it's true that "lightning never strikes the same place twice," the Ogness family doesn't have anything to worry about.

Mike Ogness, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, and grandaughter (and two Golden Retrievers) were enjoying a summer afternoon in their Tahoe Keys home on Thursday when a storm cell went over South Lake Tahoe, dropping hail and rain, and accompanied by outbursts of lightning.

One of those lightning strikes hit the Ogness home.

Work underway on Al Tahoe Safety and Mobility Project in South Lake Tahoe

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.

Bread & Broth thanks community as need and program expands

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The commitment of Bread & Broth over the last thirty years has solely focused on the mission to ease hunger in the South Lake Tahoe community. That mission took on new meaning beginning in mid-March with the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak when record numbers of individuals seeking food assistance from the various programs and services provided by B & B.

Some utilities to cease temporary shutoffs due to impacts from COVID-19 pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As residents face not only health uncertainties but also financial and employment uncertainties, three utility companies have announced they have suspended service disconnections for non-payment due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 health emergency.

So far, Liberty Utilities, Southwest Gas and NV Energy have all made this announcement, but each has different procedures at this time.

Liberty Utilities has suspended service disconnections for non-payment. This temporary suspension, through at least May 1, 2020, includes residential and business customers.

Tahoe Chamber 2020 Business Expo - Canceled

Event Date: 
May 29, 2020 - 4:30pm

The 2020 Expo has been canceled. They plan on returning in March 2021.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The annual Tahoe Chamber Business EXPO will be held on Friday, May 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Harrah's Tahoe. It was originally scheduled for March 27 but postponed due to coronavirus concerns.

Aging gas lines at root of recent pipe breaks in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Construction crews hit two different gas lines this week near the Y in South Lake Tahoe, causing a break in the line and evacuations.

On Monday, a contractor's crew hit a gas line on Julie Lane, followed by another crew in the area of D and Dedi Streets breaking a line on Tuesday.

Smell of gas at South Tahoe Middle School leads to evacuation of students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A leaking regulator on the gas meter on the South Lake Middle School boiler led to an evacuation of the school Thursday morning.

At 9:34 a.m., South Tahoe Fire Rescue responded along with Southwest Gas to the school on Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The students and staff evacuated in the process.

South Tahoe Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jay Manning said these regulators go out on a regular basis and get replaced. He said there was a faint smell of gas. Southwest Gas was called and they advised the school to evacuate as a precaution.

Broken gas line prompts some evacuations in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A contractor working on Julie Lane broke a gas line Monday morning. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded and cleared the area, evacuating five homes.

Southwest Gas is replacing the main and it will take about three hours.

All residents have been allowed back into their homes.

Annual Firefest returns to Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 21, 2019 - 10:00am

Fire Fest is returning to the South Shore on Saturday, September 21, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the back of Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.

Helicopters will be the stars this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines! Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.

Multi-agency response to the water and gas leak on Seneca Drive

A geyser of water and natural gas on Senaca Drive in Meyers on August 6 brought out a full response from South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD), Southwest Gas (SWG), Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO).

STPUD responded to the call of a water leak and upon arrival found water gushing from a broken water main. They also smelled gas so called SWG and 911. LVFPD and EDSO secured the area and helped evacuate residents and divert water to minimize property damage.

Car left running, empty and on its side after driver crashes into South Lake Tahoe home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Emergency personnel were called out to a home on Springwood Drive in South Lake Tahoe early Monday morning after a vehicle crashed into it, severing the gas meter.

Upon arrival just before 3:00 a.m. July 15, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) found a car still running and on its side after it hit the unoccupied home. The driver was nowhere to be found.

Day-long budget workshop for the City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be a very long day for the City Council and City staff on Tuesday as they hold a budget workshop prior to the start of their regularly scheduled meeting on July 16 at 10:00 a.m.

The public is invited to attend

Their agenda:

1. Call to Order Mayor Laine

2. Public Comment Mayor Laine

3. Draft City Council Priorities Frank Rush
a. Review of priorities
b. Progress to date

4. General Overview of City Financial Position Debbie McIntyre
a. General Fund balance

City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Manager Frank Rush writes a community monthly newsletter and shares it on South Tahoe Now. The following is the May 1, 2019 edition:

Sign Up for the Brand New City Newsletter

Roadwork schedule for $5.5M Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After this summer's work is completed on Sierra Boulevard, those driving, walking and riding on the road will enjoy sidewalks, Class 1 and Class 2 bike lanes, parallel parking spots, reduced lane size, lighted sidewalks, underground utilities, landscaping, crosswalks and see the new water quality improvements.

The $5.5 million project on the .6 mile long Sierra Boulevard is funded mostly by grants.

South Lake Tahoe street rehabilitation plan presented to City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Road rehabilitation has long been a concern of City Council, but there hasn't always been money in the budget to do anything more than patching, pothole filling and some resurfacing. With almost 130 miles of roads (260 lane miles) maintained by the City of South Lake Tahoe, with many of them past their prime, it would take millions of dollars to get all of them to a top rating.

Firefest returns to South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 29, 2018 - 10:00am

Fire Fest 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about fire safety and conservation.

Helicopters will star again this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines. Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.

Fire at Tahoma home Thursday, all escaped with no injuries

There was a multi-agency response to a residential structure fire near Antelope and Alder streets in Tahoma on the west shore of Lake Tahoe around 9:48 a.m. Thursday.

When Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD) fire engines first arrived, they found the home 50 percent engulfed in flames. Three adults live in the two-story house and two were home at the time of the fire. They were able to get out with no injuries.

Westbound lanes of Highway 50 through Stateline remain closed after explosions

The two westbound lanes of Highway 50 through Stateline remain closed Monday after the April 1 underground explosions in Stateline.

Crews from NV Energy continue to work on repairing the underground power box that was the center of the explosions, and crews from Southwest Gas continued to work Monday to fix a nearby leak.

Explosions close Highway 50 at Stateline

11:47 p.m. update: Eastbound lanes on Highway 50 have reopened. The westbound lanes are still closed and traffic must use Lake Parkway instead.

* * *
10:45 p.m. update: Limited traffic will soon be allowed back on two lanes of Highway 50 through Stateline after NV Energy has re-energized their lines and power is back on in the area. As of 10:30 p.m., Douglas County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said it should be about an hour longer until open.

Explosion holes are being patched temporarily and traffic will not be allowed to drive on the plates.

Business Expo fills with 85 vendors - Early bird tickets still available

A wide variety of local businesses will fill Harveys Tahoe on Friday, March 30 for the 2018 GO Local: Business EXPO from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This annual event is a community favorite that aims to showcase the most cutting-edge businesses on the South Shore. This year 85 exhibitors will feature their latest and greatest products, services and promotions. All members of the community are encouraged to attend and can expect a fun night of food tasting, beer and wine sampling, live music and vendor giveaways.

8 adults and 8 children make it out safely after Incline Village fire

There were no injuries after an early morning fire consumed an Incline Village vacation home on Sunday, February 4.

At approximately 5:33 a.m., firefighters from the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) responded to the call of a structure fire at 530 Spencer Way. They were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire.

Eight adults, eight children and two dogs were at home when the fire broke out. One of those adult was treated for a medical issue on the scene, and released.

Opinion: We support Measure C

Ever since we moved to South Lake Tahoe thirty eight years ago, we have been proud to call this city our home. Between our community spirit of caring and sharing, excellent schools, and the inspiring nature of the Lake and Mountains, we are truly fortunate to live in such a special place. We recently hosted our foreign exchange student from twenty years ago and we were proud to show him all of the community upgrades such as Heavenly Village, Lakeview Commons, Harrison Avenue, South Tahoe High School, and the new Whole Foods project.

Service restored after water main break in South Lake Tahoe

10:35 AM update: Service has been restored to affected areas. There may be a brown tint to water, so if concerned run faucets for awhile to clear out the line.

Call the STPUD with any other questions at 530.544.6474.

***
Crews are on the scene of a water main break near the corner of Friday and Cedar Avenues in South Lake Tahoe.

Fire Fest returns to the South Shore

Event Date: 
September 30, 2017 - 10:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Helicopters, fire trucks, K-9s and demonstrations are just a few of the activities planned for 23rd annual Fire Fest on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe.

Admission is free and the event is a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.

Caltrans finishes $62M Lake Tahoe West Shore project on Hwy 89

Work to rebuild State Highway 89 along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe from Tahoma just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City is now complete, Caltrans announced today. It also came in $8,000,000 under budget.

Construction on the project started in 2012 when a contractor for Southwest Gas began relocating gas lines that were in conflict with the new drainage systems to be built. That work was completed in 2014. Caltrans’ contractor, Road and Highway Builders, began drainage work in 2013 and started roadwork in 2014.

First peek into Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project

The City of South Lake Tahoe is creating a new design of Sierra Boulevard that will introduce Class 1 and Class 2 bike lanes, parallel parking spots, reduced lane size and lighted sidewalks. Called the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project, work is expected to get underway on the .6 mile stretch of road in the summer of 2018, but not everyone is happy about it.

At the first of two community information meetings on Thursday night, City and NCE representatives gave an overview of the planned project, had a question and answer period and shared preliminary designs of Sierra Blvd.

SLTFR responds to call of fire at Al Tahoe home

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to the call of a structure fire on the corner of Nevada Avenue and Tallac Avenue Monday night.

Upon arrival they found that the owner of the home had been working on the water heater. The expansion foam used on the project has volatile fumes that ignited according to SLTFR Battalion Chief Tim Spencer.

Power and gas was shut off to the single story structure as firefighters went through the home and examined the duct work to make sure no fire went into the crawl space.

Car severs gas meter on South Lake Tahoe home

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is at a home on Chonokis Street this evening after the driver of a car hit the home's gas meter, shearing it completely off its base according to Battalion Chief Tim Spencer.

As of 7:00 p.m., SLTFR was at the scene, waiting for Southwest Gas to arrive to shut the gas off. In the meantime, the fire department was able to plugged the line temporarily.

Nobody was home in the neighboring properties so just one person was evacuated. They will remain out of their home unless Southwest arrives.

Residents evacuated after gas leak found at South Lake Tahoe apartment complex

5/29/17 10:45 p.m. update: All of the evacuated residents are now back home after Southwest Gas crews were able to stop the leak and repair the broken main line. At this time those crews are going into each apartment and relighting pilot lights.

According to SLTFR Battalion Chief Jim Drennan the cause of the broken line is unknown. The main is located alongside the apartment's parking lot but the break occurred underground.

* * *

Lake Valley Fire crews respond to Meyers roof collapse

Lake Valley Fire Department (LVFD) crews responded to a roof collapse off of Nahane Street Wednesday morning. The flat roof and deck collapsed over the garage of the Meyers area home had due to a heavy snow load.

A neighbor saw the damage March 22 and called it in, but they are unsure of when the incident actually occurred.

Crews immediately shut off the gas to the property and notified Liberty Utilities, Southwest Gas, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department and Building Department.

Gas leak prompts evacuation of South Lake Tahoe Raley's at the Y

A gas leak behind the South Lake Tahoe Raley's at the Y prompted a temporary evacuation of the store Thursday evening.

The first call came in at 4:27 p.m. and South Lake Tahoe Fire and Police departments responded. A gas leak was suspected but the gas meter that services the grocery store was buried in 25-30 feet of snow. SLT Fire Battalion Chief Tim Spencer called in the City's Public Works department who brought a front loader that was able to dig through all of the snow.

Family pets killed in early morning fire in Round Hill that displaces residents

1/1/17 update 3:20 p.m. - A local restaurant manager has been identified as one of the victims in the South Lake Tahoe New Year's fire that destroyed both sides of Round Hill duplex.

Joanna Janowicz, manager of Casey's, an American Cantina at the Round Hill mall, her five-year-old son and boyfriend were out to dinner when fire broke out in their home, destroying all of their belongings and killing their three pets.

Reminder: Annual Firefest venue and activities have changed!

Due to a venue conflict, the 2016 FireFest will be held at Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe on Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The free event is open to the public.

Investigation into fatal fire in Incline Village

One person died early Sunday morning as fire swept through their Incline Village home on Tomahawk Trail, north of SR28.

At 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 7, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies and fire personnel were dispatched to a structure fire. Upon arrival they found the condominium fully engulfed in flames.

After several hours of firefighting efforts, crews were able to enter the structure and discover a subject deceased in the home.

Early morning fire at South Lake Tahoe home

5:30 p.m. update 6/27: A call went into South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue at 6:47 a.m. Monday, June 27 of a home on fire on Kubel Avenue. When personnel arrived, they saw flames from the roof and shed at the rear of the property.

Southwest Gas continues line replacement project along Highway 50

To prepare for the $57 million Caltrans project that will start in South Lake Tahoe in 2017, Southwest Gas is continuing their gas-line relocation work along Highway 50 from the "Y" to Al Tahoe Blvd this spring and summer.

The construction work will be completed during both daytime and nighttime hours and Southwest Gas officials told South Tahoe Now there will be no major bottlenecks that were prevalent last summer.

"There will be less lane restrictions and improved traffic flow," said Stephen Miller, of Southwest Gas Corporate Communications.

Gas explosion damages two vehicles, interrupts traffic in Douglas County

An apparent gas main leak at the entrance to the Sunridge subdivision caused an explosion that damaged two vehicles and disrupted traffic on Highway 395 and Mica Drive in Douglas County.

Southbound 395 and westbound Mica Drive now open and moving normally. Northbound 395 is being rerouted via South Sunridge and North Sundridge drives.

A resident who lives nearby, Rick Dodds, a retired Carson City Sheriff deputy, said he witnessed the explosion, and saw it blow dirt and rocks about 100 feet into the air. He said it appeared to have damaged a wall on the property.

Update on Southwest Gas pipeline project on Highway 50

Road construction in South Lake Tahoe is synonymous with summer, and that continues to be evident on Highway 50.

Southwest Gas is conducting gas-line relocation work on the road from the "Y" to Al Tahoe Boulevard.

From July 26 to July 31, they will be working between Third Street and Truckee Drive during both the daytime and nighttime hours. The work starts at 8 p.m. on Sunday and will go until 8 a.m. on Friday.

Traffic control will be in place near the construction activity to shift traffic away from the work zone; however, access to residences and businesses will be maintained

Dozens of Skyland residents evacuated during fire drill

Every year, South Lake Tahoe fire agencies prepare to fight fires around the basin but they rarely get to practice evacuations of residents.

That opportunity came on Monday when the Tahoe Douglas Fire District and Skyland Fire Adapted Community executed an inter-agency wildfire evacuation drill in the Skyland neighborhood.

The drill simulated a real evacuation event to give residents the opportunity to practice evacuating from their homes and getting to the designated safe zone.

City Council approves motion to apply for $2.1 million transportation grant

"This is astounding and I have not seen anything to this degree in the years I've lived here." Those were South Lake Tahoe City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner's words after hearing how several agencies will work together to make the Middle School Connectivity Plan a reality.

Her sentiments were echoed by her fellow council members and the mayor after seeing how multiple agencies can leverage their funds and plan together for a network of connecting trails through South Lake Tahoe that will keep pedestrians and bikers off unsafe roadways.

Major highway project coming in 2017 to South Lake Tahoe

City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner and just one member of the public showed up at the South Lake Tahoe council chambers on Wednesday as Caltrans unveiled their $57 million U.S. Highway 50 Improvement Project. This three year project will have major impacts on businesses and travel from the "Y" to Trout Creek Bridge starting in 2017 so Caltrans officials at the presentation expected more involvement from the community.

Summer roadwork schedule released for South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
April 23, 2015 - 6:00pm

It has been joked that there are two seasons in Lake Tahoe, winter and road construction. We escaped the winter portion in 2015, but it appears we will not escape the road construction portion.

There are three maps in this article that show all road projects around the lake, not just the City of South Lake Tahoe projects.

Workers strike gas line at site of new Hard Rock Casino

A 4" gas line was stuck by construction crews Thursday morning at the site of the new Hard Rock Casino. Several emergency vehicles responded, lining the street, bringing concern by people passing through the casino corridor at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Tahoe-Douglas Fire Department and the The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the old Horizon Casino. Fire personnel ordered the evacuation of the 55 construction and staff workers and the closure of Highway 50.

Suspicious Fire in South Lake Tahoe Being Investigated

A Wednesday night house fire in South Lake Tahoe has turned into a criminal investigation.

South Lake Tahoe Police officers and fire fighters responded to a residential fire in the 1100 block of Long Valley Avenue at 6:10 pm. They found the home fully engulfed in flames with fire starting to spread to nearby trees, though they were able to contain the fire to the area of the burning home. It appears the house is likely to be a total loss.

The house has received the attention of the police and fire department prior to Wednesday night's fire.

Fire at South Lake Tahoe home had marijuana grow operation

South Lake Tahoe Fire Department responded early Sunday morning to a house fire at Carson and Armstrong avenues where there was a marijuana grow operation.

According to a news release, all three South Tahoe Fire engines and both medic units were committed at the fire scene, reported at 12:30 a.m. The fire was knocked down quickly so both primary and secondary searches were completed with no victims found and overhaul began.

Liberty Energy and Southwest Gas responded to secure the utilities and SLTFD was able to shut down the
water to the house.

Southwest Gas wants to increase rates

Clarification: Southwest Gas ‘scam’ may be legit

Police clarify fraud alert regarding contractor work

This information release is being sent as an update to a fraud alert press release sent out on September 19. Since that release the South Lake Tahoe Police Department has been contacted by South West Gas who advised they do indeed have three private contractors working in South Lake Tahoe. There are two contractors and one Inspection Company that work with customers on various weatherization programs.

The three companies are:

Police warn of gas company scam

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department received information of a scam to access retiree’s financial information. A person falsely presents themself as a representative from the local gas company and offers to set up an appointment to review the customer’s financial records. The representative claims they can lower the gas bill, if they can review the financial documents.
The public should know Southwest Gas will not ever send anyone out to review personal financial information of customers.

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