state of california
Opinion: Is Meyers a community willing to work together?
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/28/2014 - 11:14pm
After witnessing the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District (TPRID) meeting last week I starting thinking how the residents of Meyers and Tahoe Paradise could be better served.
What happened at the TPRID meeting was a sad display of a board in action. There was yelling, arguing and, what one person witnessing everything said, “don’t air your dirty laundry in a meeting like this.”
Op/Ed: Show the world South Lake Tahoe is not a run of the mill town
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/15/2014 - 11:19pm
My name is Dr. Frederick “Fritz” Wenck, DDS, and I’ve been closely involved with Lake Tahoe Community College since its beginning in 1974, when I was elected one of the first LTCC Board of Trustees members. I’d like you to consider, just for a minute, what would happen if the college’s Measure F bond effort failed to pass this Election Day.
Plastic Bag Ban headed to the Governor Brown's desk
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/30/2014 - 9:30am
California may soon be the first state to have a ban on single use plastic bags.
A ban on single use plastic bags is already in place in South Lake Tahoe and 90 other cities and counties in the state of California, but that may soon change. If Governor Brown signs the bill that was sent to him on Friday, the whole state will have a ban on plastic bags for grocery stores and large pharmacies in 2015 and convenience stores in 2016.
Two new board members for Tahoe Prosperity Center
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/26/2014 - 10:03pm
Not only has the Tahoe Prosperity Center has been working on issues to create healthier communities around the lake, they have also been welcoming new members to their Board of Directors.
New to the board are locals John McLaughlin, Chief Financial Officer of Edgewood Companies and Ken Riley, Senior Vice President, Kiewit Infrastructure Group, Inc. They join 24 other community members on the board whose goal is to also promote regional sustainability through economic vitality and by being environmental stewards.
Fire danger still extremely high; bans in place
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/09/2014 - 11:28pm
With the major forest fires burning throughout California, Oregon and Washington, it's a good time to remind everyone that there are fire restrictions in place in South Lake Tahoe.
The City of South Lake Tahoe and the U.S. Forest Service both have fire bans in place. Campfires and charcoal barbecues have been restricted to designated forest service recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin since June 26, even if campers and back country hikers have a fire permit.
Mock emergency drill to simulate C130 plane crash at the Tahoe Valley Airport
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/06/2014 - 9:44pm
Event Date:
August 25, 2014 - 10:00am
A large scale disaster is about to hit South Lake Tahoe. Sirens are blaring, emergency personnel are responding to the airport, screaming people are seriously injured while others cannot be saved, a triage is set up and an incident command center has been set up in the City Council chambers. A large airplane has just crashed with hazardous cargo on board at the Tahoe Valley airport.
Premonition? No. It's a planned emergency drill that will take place on Monday, August 25.
SMG President Carl Ribaudo invited to present to national group
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2014 - 8:36am
Carl Ribaudo, President of Strategic Marketing Group of South Lake Tahoe, has worked with destination marketing organizations around the country to help them analyze their marketing decisions.
He has developed strategies to address their specific challenges and become more effective.
County Asks for Community Input on Mental Health Services Act Plan for 2014/15
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/19/2014 - 12:09am
Studies show that an average of 4.6% of a population are in need of services to treat a serious mental illness at any given time. That number doubles in a population where people live below 200% of the poverty level (an annual income of $23,340 for 1 person, $47,700 for a family of 4 for example).
With the current population of El Dorado County at approximately 181,000, that means anywhere between 8,329 and 16,114 people are in need of Mental Health Services.
Historical Marker Celebration at Echo Summit's 1968 Olympic Training Facility
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/16/2014 - 9:06pmEvent Date:
June 27, 2014 - 10:30am
The 1968 Olympics in Mexico City saw records fall and fists rise. Perhaps one of the more memorable Olympics all began at the training facility near South Lake Tahoe at the top of Echo Summit.
On Friday, June 27th a historical marker will be placed at the location of the Echo Summit training site in what is being called "Return to the Summit."
Election Results for State of California
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/03/2014 - 11:43pm
The statewide results for Tuesday's primary election as of 11 p.m. with 49.1% of the precincts counted:
Governor Jerry Brown has 55.2% of the Democratic vote. His opponent in the fall with most likely be either Neel Kashkari and Tim Donnelly who are running neck and neck for Republicans.
Lieutenant Governor Democrat Gavin Newsom has earned 50.2% of the vote so far, with the closest challenger being Ron Nehring with 23% of the Republican vote.
Proposition 42: Results Showing Voters Approve More Protection to Open Meeting Law
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/03/2014 - 10:20pm
By 10 p.m. Tuesday, the counted votes were showing a large percentage approving a measure to give greater protection to the state’s open meeting and public records laws by putting them in the state Constitution.
Proposition 42 requires local government compliance with laws providing for public access to local government body meetings and records of government officials.
Don't Forget to Vote in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday!
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/02/2014 - 10:56pm
There are several choices for South Lake Tahoe voters in Tuesday's primary election.
Local Issues and Offices
El Dorado County Supervisor: Kevin Brown, Kenny Curtzwiler, Gerri Grego, Sue Novasel, Teresa Piper, Angela Swanson
Assessor - Karl Weiland
Auditor/Controller - Michael Owens, Joe Horn
District Attorney - Judson Henry, Vern Pierson
Recorder Clerk/Registrar of Voters - Chris Amaral, Bill Schultz
Sheriff - John D'Agostini
Surveyor - Rich Briner
Treasurer/Tax Collector - Ron Briggs, C.L. Raffety
Op/Ed: Telemedicine Increases Care at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/25/2014 - 10:49pm
Expanding access to healthcare in rural communities requires innovation and collaboration. In remote areas like South Lake Tahoe with smaller populations, residents still expect high quality care and individual medical needs vary widely.
To increase specialty medical services available in our community, with consideration that unique medical conditions may not have the demand for a local office, Barton Health launched Telemedicine in 2009.
Help Plan How Lake Tahoe Unified School District Funds Are Used
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/21/2014 - 10:05pm
Event Date:
May 27, 2014 - 6:00pm
In a world full of acronyms it may be difficult to keep up on what they all mean. Here are two that you may want to learn as they have an impact on students in not only the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, but in the entire state of California.
The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) replaces California's nearly half-century-old, state-controlled school finance system with one that promises more local control as well as greater transparency and fairness. LCFF is designed to provide school districts with flexibility to direct resources to meet student's needs.
El Dorado County Libraries are #1 in State
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/10/2014 - 9:17pm
Event Date:
May 22, 2014 - 10:00am
El Dorado County led the state in 2013 with an estimated 79% of families reading to their children on a daily basis according to Children Now, a national organization for people who care about children and want to ensure that they are the top public priority.
Former South Lake Tahoe police officer sentenced to 18 months in prison
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 09/11/2013 - 1:23pmU.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on Wednesday sentenced former South Lake Tahoe police officer John Gerald Poland, 45, to 18 months in prison for one count of obstruction of an official proceeding. He was ordered to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on Nov. 6.
South Tahoe Advocate David Kelly Receives State Recognition
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/10/2013 - 4:02pm
David Kelly of South Lake Tahoe has been recognized by the State of California’s Department of Rehabilitation as one of the “50 Notable People in the Disability Community.”
Outdoors with Don Q: Sept. 7 is California's Free Fishing Day
Submitted by Editor on Sat, 08/24/2013 - 4:36am
The second Free Fishing Day in 2013 in California will be Saturday, Sept. 7. The first was way back on Saturday, July 6.
On Sept. 7 you will be able to fish wherever you like without the need for a fishing license. However remember that you will need to abide by the rules and regulations that govern whatever water(s) you will be fishing.
Be sure to obey those rules and regulations, and don’t do something illegal. If you do, and if you get caught, it could be a very expensive experience.
South Lake Tahoe appoints public works, administrative service directors
Submitted by Editor on Sun, 07/14/2013 - 1:06am
South Lake Tahoe City Manager Nancy Kerry announced Friday the appointment of Raymond Jarvis as director of Public Works and Mary Morris as Administrative Services director both of whom will begin their service with the City on August 12.
South Lake Tahoe appoints new city attorney
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 3:25pm
South Lake Tahoe has appointed Thomas Watson to serve as its city attorney. He begins work July 8.
“Tom Watson was the obvious selection as our new City Attorney based on his extensive experience as City Attorney for the cities of Visalia, Porterville, Lindsay, Farmersville, Mendota and Woodlake,” said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tom Davis in a news release. “We are very pleased to have a highly qualified, experienced, and seasoned professional join our team and we welcome Tom to our city.”
Fish without a license on the Nevada side Saturday, June 8
Submitted by Editor on Sat, 06/01/2013 - 1:56pmHere’s an advance notice of something very special in the outdoor world that will occur in just a few days: Draw a great big red circle around the date of Saturday, June 8 on your calendar and then plan to have a fun-filled day in the Great Outdoors.
June 8 is Nevada’s Free Fishing Day for the year 2013. On that day, you can fish anywhere you want, and not need a Nevada fishing license or a Nevada Trout Stamp or a Nevada Second Rod Stamp.
Business relocation campaign, website that targets Douglas County brings jobs
Submitted by Editor on Sun, 05/26/2013 - 10:36pmA new marketing campaign “Improve the State of Your Business,” developed by the Northern Nevada Development Authority has received national media attention for its recent launch of marketing materials and a website targeting the relocation of business to Douglas County. The campaign includes material specific to Douglas County and has been successful in bringing new jobs to the local area.
South Lake Tahoe police officer Poland pleads guilty to witness tampering, obstruction
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 05/22/2013 - 11:42amJohn Gerald Poland, 44, of South Lake Tahoe, pleaded guilty Wednesday by a federal grand jury for multiple counts of witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, and the State of California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (SLEDNET Task Force). Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Barton Health's Chief Nursing Officer asks for community support to help pass AB900 on Tuesday
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 04/26/2013 - 11:48am
Dear Community Members,
In recent months, Barton Memorial Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Facility has been challenged with keeping patients, staff and the facility in its entirety, safe from the effects of the California senate bill, AB97.
If passed, this bill would create devastating cuts to reimbursement for Medi-Cal services provided by distinct part skilled nursing facilities (DP/SNFs) throughout the state, including South Lake Tahoe’s only long- term-care-facility located at Barton Memorial.
What price range of homes for sale in Lake Tahoe has the largest inventory?
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 03/29/2013 - 10:53am
When looking at the entire state of California the average price of a home for sale is $307,600. In Nevada you have a huge spectrum of home values due to the diversity of cities, therefore the average sales price is only $145,400.
EarthJustice: Weakened Environmental Plan for Lake Tahoe Challenged in Court
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/12/2013 - 11:02am
Two Tahoe conservation groups, the Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday challenging new rules for Lake Tahoe that seriously reduce protections for the treasured mountain lake. The new Tahoe Regional Plan Update, approved in December by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), shifts authority over future development decisions to local jurisdictions. The plan also allows those towns and counties to adopt weakened pollution controls that do not meet the minimum environmental requirements established by TRPA.
South Lake Tahoe police officer Johnny Poland indicted for witness tampering, obstruction
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 02/07/2013 - 6:23pmJohn Gerald Poland, 44, of South Lake Tahoe, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for multiple counts of witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, and the State of California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (SLEDNET Task Force). Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Lake Tahoe 2035 transportation plan targets emission reduction strategies
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 12/19/2012 - 12:41pmAlong with the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan Update, Mobility 2035, which is the Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, was also approved by regional boards last week at Harveys Resort convention center in Stateline.
Passage of the Sustainable Communities Strategy makes Tahoe the fourth region in the state of California to approve a plan that complies with new greenhouse gas emissions legislation, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO).
Kirkwood opens 40th season with four feet of snow
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 11:50am
Kirkwood Mountain Resort opened its 40th anniversary season when the lifts began turning at 9 a.m. Friday, five days earlier than its originally-scheduled opening day. Kirkwood opened with one chairlift and five trails, accessing 40 total acres.
“The last two storms that have rolled through the Sierra have dropped a combined four feet of snow at Kirkwood, allowing us to open early for all our passionate skiers and riders,” said Casey Blann, general manager of Kirkwood. “This will be a great start to the 40th anniversary season at Kirkwood, and the first with Vail Resorts.”
Great Sierra Cleanup Saturday around Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Editor on Sat, 09/15/2012 - 3:47am
Event Date:
September 15, 2012 - 9:00am
Saturday is the Great Sierra River Cleanup with more than 11,200 volunteers joining together to scour watersheds throughout the Sierra Nevada. Hundreds of community groups will spread across 22 counties and 1,052 river miles to pull appliances, cigarette butts, beverage cans, baby diapers, tires, furniture, and more from the rivers and streams that supply the State of California with 65 percent of its water. This effort, in partnership with the California Coastal Cleanup Day, serves to promote good stewardship on all of our waterways, from the source to the sea.
Saturday is Free Fishing Day in California
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 5:02am
As I noted earlier this year, one of California’s two Free Fishing Days will be on Sept. 8. The other Free Fishing Day was way back on July 7. You can fish, all day, without a fishing license on Saturday.
You will be able to fish wherever you like in California, without the need for a fishing license.
Champion Stand Up Paddleboarder Goes Wild for Lake Tahoe License Plates
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 08/28/2012 - 1:03pm
Wild is the new theme in advertising for Lake Tahoe license plates, as U.S. National Stand Up Paddleboard Team member Jay Wild of Truckee is featured in television and print ads shot last week at Carnelian Bay.
“Over 96 percent of fees help support projects like the Lake Tahoe Water Trail and access to beaches like this,” says Wild, standing on the beach at Watermans Landing. “I train on the lake every day. Tahoe is a treasure, and I have a Tahoe plate to show my love for this magical place.”
Man on parole turns himself in to Douglas County authorities
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 06/05/2012 - 7:43pm
UPDATE: On Wednesday morning, at 6:45 am, parolee absconder Randy Nourse turned himself over to deputies at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Minden Station. Nourse was previously reported as a fugitive from justice by the State of California, Department of Parole and Probation. Nourse was safely taken into custody by Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies without incident.
Nourse will remain in the Douglas County Jail pending his extradition back to California.
Forest Service seeks Lake Tahoe Federal advisory committee applicants
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 2:19amApplications for persons to serve on the Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee are being accepted now through July 20 by the U.S. Forest Service. The committee provides a critical role in advising the Secretary of Agriculture and Lake Tahoe's Federal Interagency Partnership on programs and funds to achieve the goals of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program.
May Message from South Lake Tahoe Mayor Claire Fortier
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 05/11/2012 - 1:29pm
Some seven years, countless meetings and 2,500 pages later, the TRPA draft regional plan and supporting documents are finally ready for your reading enjoyment. While not the action-packed read of a Harry Potter or dark pleasure of "Fifty Shades of Grey," the four tomes of the TRPA holds some unexpected plot twists.
Key among those surprises is the Threshold Evaluation Study, a report I consider the prelude to the Regional Plan because understanding what worked well environmentally after the 1987 Regional Plan helps inform us what needs attention in the new plan.
Liquigas-Cannondale race team to train at Lake Tahoe for Amgen Tour of California Race
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 05/04/2012 - 6:11amProfessional road cycling teams continue to take note of Lake Tahoe as a premier outdoor biking destination.
The latest is Liquigas-Cannondale, a professional Italian racing team in the UCI ProTour, who will call North Lake Tahoe home Saturday, May 5 through Friday, May 11 to train for the upcoming Amgen Tour of California, an eight-stage race scheduled for May 13-20 and held throughout the state of California.
My View: Notes from the front row
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 04/28/2012 - 6:00amLocal MusingsOnce again, Lahontan shows why it is the worst-run resource agency in the state of California. As you might recall, the Lahontan Board of Directors recently approved the South Shore Fu...
Contract concerns threaten recycling money
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 6:00amSouth Lake Tahoe could miss out on a nearly $400,000 grant from the State of California following concerns over a contract for the manufacturing of recycling bins.On Tuesday, the South Lake Tahoe C...
Tahoe resorts, business outfit vehicle fleets with Lake Tahoe license plate
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 5:26pm
New Lake Tahoe license plates are appearing on the vehicle fleets of major ski resorts and businesses in the Tahoe Basin, as support for the Tahoe plate program in California and Nevada continues this winter.
Heavenly Ski Resort helped launch the program in 1996 and has 140 vehicles plated for Tahoe. Northstar Resort, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Tahoe Dave’s Skis and Boards have ordered new Tahoe plates.
Lake Tahoe planning agency announces 2011 Best in The Basin award winners
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 02/21/2012 - 12:43pmRecognized for stewardship and care taken in the building and construction of developments around Lake Tahoe, the 22nd annual Best in the Basin awards were announced Tuesday by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
The TRPA, which sets policy for development around Lake Tahoe, will recognize the winners, listed below, during the 2011 Best in the Basin awards presentation during the meeting of its Governing Board on Wednesday, Feb. 22 in Stateline. Go here for the agenda.
League to Save Lake Tahoe drops lawsuit against city's general plan
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:13amThe City of South Lake Tahoe and the League to Save Lake Tahoe (League) have entered into a Settlement Agreement in which the League agrees to drop its appeal of their lawsuit against the City regarding the General Plan Update (GPU) and the City agrees not to seek payment for legal fees.
JT Holmes Shoots Promo for Lake Tahoe 'Plate for Powder' program
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 10:45am
Extreme snow sports legend and Transformers film wingsuit stuntman JT Holmes has finished shooting promotional TV spots for the Tahoe Fund’s Plate for Powder program, which gives purchasers of California and Nevada
Judge tosses League to Save Lake Tahoe suit against city
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 2:09pmA lawsuit by the League to Save Lake Tahoe against the City of South Lake Tahoe has been tossed by a U.S. District Court judge, officials announced today.
Here is a news release made available today by Nancy Kerry, Public Affairs and Communications Manager for the City of South Lake Tahoe:
Tahoe License Plate for Powder Program To Benefit from Snow Forecast
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 2:00pm
The snow forecast to hit the Lake Tahoe region during the next few days is expected to give the Tahoe Fund's Plate for Powder program a boost along with Sierra ski resorts and businesses. Drivers who purchase a California or Nevada Tahoe vehicle license plate will receive two free ski lift or Nordic tickets to the resort of their choice. New Tahoe plates cost $50 in California and $61 in Nevada.
Tahoe business and building continues on the west side
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 12/20/2011 - 1:20pmBy Heather Gould
On the west side of town, two new buildings are under construction and one is for sale: a Raley's gas station at its shopping center at the "Y" and a new California Conservation Corps facility in Meyers, next to Lira's Supermarket, are currently being built, while Sierra Recovery Center is seeking to move out of its location on Emerald Bay Road.
The CCC's motto is "Hard Work, Low Pay, Miserable Conditions and More . . . " But things are about to get a little more comfortable for both corps members and staff.
Outdoors with Don Q: California fishing licenses for 2012
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 5:48pmBy Don Quilici
With Christmas two weeks away, one of the best stocking stuffers for local anglers is a California fishing license. If you're planning to fish in the State of California in 2012, you'll need a new license as of Jan. 1.
You can purchase that license and any applicable stamp at a number of local outlets or on the Internet.
If you need to buy a license and stamps, here is some info:
City to recycle old truck
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 11/20/2011 - 7:51pmBy Li Terrell
At the Nov. 1 South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, there was a decision passed to use grant money from the state of California to purchase a new hybrid vehicle for use in the citywide recycling program.
The new Chevy Silverado hybrid is valued at $39,000, gets 20 miles to the gallon and will reduce emissions compared to the old truck currently in use. However, a lively discussion of whether the purchase would give the wrong impression regarding the city’s fiscal responsibility ensued.
Sarah Hussong-Johnson Named South Lake Tahoe Engineering Director
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 6:00pm
By Nancy Kerry
The City of South Lake Tahoe announced today the appointment of Sarah Hussong-Johnson as Director of Engineering. Announcing her appointment, City Manager Tony O’Rourke said Ms. Hussong-Johnson, “has demonstrated outstanding capability to build public improvements on time and within budget and will lead the City’s Strategic Priority to Improve the Built Environment. Sarah brings a solution-oriented collaborative approach to resolving the challenges of constructing public improvements and will be an excellent leader for the years ahead.”
Quiet Council Meeting Yields Interim Budget
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/28/2011 - 8:53amBy Li Terrell
The South Lake Tahoe City Council met Tuesday to pass an interim budget in an effort to have more time to work out labor negotiation and budget shortfall issues that have the community up in arms. There were no comments offered by council or the public, and the motion passed unanimously. Prior to the meeting there was a closed session for bargaining units to meet, and following was another closed session for council to hear the latest of the negotiations.
Open Letter: South Lake Tahoe City Manager offers explanation to proposed budget cuts
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/22/2011 - 5:23amHere's an open letter from Tony O'Rourke, city manager of South Lake Tahoe, sent to the local press. South Tahoe leaders will meet Sept. 27 to vote on proposed cuts to the budget, which could mean eliminating several more city jobs.
