supervisor

COVID-19 vaccines start moving through first phase in El Dorado and Alpine counties

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During both the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisor meetings on January 5, questions were asked of the health care professionals as to when the public can expect to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Stay-at-home order likely to be extended for South Lake Tahoe and the Sacramento Region

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a few days of being above the benchmark of 15 percent, hospitals in the Sacramento Region have fallen below that number of available ICU beds. South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are part of the Sacramento Region which fell under Governor Newsom's Stay-at-Home Order on December 10, 2020.

As of December 31, the Sacramento Region ICU availability was 14.4 percent.

Airbnb to cooperate and not allow new reservations in Truckee or El Dorado and Placer counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Airbnb has responded to a letter written by local officials who asked for assistance in stopping short-term rentals (STR) during the current Stay at Home Order. From December 28 through January 1 the vacation home rental reservation platform said they are blocking guests from booking in Placer County, El Dorado County and the Town of Truckee.

Truckee, El Dorado and Placer County leaders ask AirBnB to not allow rentals during Stay-at-Home order

El Dorado County, Placer County and Town of Truckee representatives have sent a letter to Airbnb, asking for assistance stopping short-term rentals (STR) during the current Stay at Home Order. They told the vacation rental booking company that their help is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and asked them to not allow rentals in Truckee and the California side of Lake Tahoe during the order which is through at least January 1.

Agencies to host public workshop on Meeks Bay Restoration Project

Event Date: 
January 7, 2021 - 5:30pm

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) in coordination with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, will host a virtual public workshop about the Meeks Bay Restoration Project from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. The workshop will provide the background and need for the project, share proposed restoration and site improvement alternatives, describe the next steps in the environmental planning process and solicit feedback on the alternatives.

El Dorado County sends letter to governor asking for local control on COVID-19 safety rules

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - In a move initiated by the Republican-based North State Conference, a letter has been sent by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to Governor Newsom to ask for local control of the state's rules through the pandemic.

Assemblyman Kevin Kiley gathered leaders from 16 Northern California counties at this Fall's Conference of North State Leaders. No Democrat leaders were invited. The conference was held to obtain a joint response to counter Governor Newsom's approach and out of it came a "Healthy Communities Resolution."

California Tahoe Conservancy awards over $340,000 to Washoe Tribe to restore Meeks Meadow

The California Tahoe Conservancy Board has awarded a $380,454 grant to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California for the Máyala Wáta Restoration Project at Meeks Meadow, and area rich in cultural and ecological importance.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

USFS acquires 120 acres on Brockway Summit to protect from development

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Much sought-after parcels of land near Northstar Ski Resort have been purchased by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). The purchase brings to a close proposed developments which over the years have included 112 ridgeline homes and the Brockway Campground, a sprawling resort with 550 campsites and commercial and additional commercial facilities.

LTBMU used funds from the Santini-Burton Act to purchase two parcels that total approximately 120.4 acres of Brockway Summit land on the rim of the Tahoe Basin.

Updated Lake Tahoe vacation home ordinance passed by El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have passed an updated vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance for the Lake Tahoe portion of the county.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the second reading of the ordinance passed, one that adds a ceiling on the number of permits allowed. Supervisor Sue Novasel had to recuse herself because of a resident's request that she do so due to her husband's investment company.

Brooke Laine and Jason Collin end terms on South Lake Tahoe City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former mayors Brooke Laine and Jason Collin said their good-byes Monday at their final City of South Lake Tahoe council meeting. Collin decided to not run after his four-year term as did Laine who finished ten years on the council.

El Dorado County vote complete and certified

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The final tabulations are now complete for El Dorado County and the November Presidential election results for the county have been certified.

Here are the final results:

City of South Lake Tahoe - Measure S (Majority to Pass)

9,667 / 12,739 75.89% of registered voters counted
558 Undervotes
2 Overvotes

Yes - 5,804 60.04%
No - 3,303 34.17%

South Lake Tahoe City Council (Top Two Win)

9,667 / 12,739 75.89% of registered voters counted
4,406 Undervotes
38 Overvotes

El Dorado County to vote on changes to VHR ordinance including 1,050 cap of Lake Tahoe permits

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Board of Supervisors will consider changes to the El Dorado County Vacation Home Rental Ordinance at its November 17 meeting. The 2:00 p.m. time certain public hearing will contain consideration of a cap of 1,050 total permits issued in the unincorporated portion of the Tahoe Basin.

A waiting list would be created for those wanting a VHR permit after the 1,050 number is met. The waiting list request shall become void upon change in ownership.

Election result updates for El Dorado County - Updates for Douglas County expected Friday

More ballot counts have been released by the elections departments at both El Dorado and Douglas Counties.

EL DORADO COUNTY

El Dorado County election officials have released another tally of ballots counted. The results remain the same as of the November 10 count. Votes Cast: 116,744 of 135,554, or 86.12 percent of eligible voters.

El Dorado County down to 1,000 votes to count - Creegan and Friedrich new South Lake Tahoe councilmembers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Elections Department tabulated another 9,614 ballots on Friday, leaving about 1,000 provisional ballots left to count.

At this time, 115,339 ballots have been counted of the possible 135,554 voters (85.09%).

Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich appear to be the next two South Lake Tahoe City councilmembers. They led the race since the first ballots were counted on election day and came out victorious in the field of ten candidates.

Election results: Creegan and Friedrich still on top of Council race, Measure S passing

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Elections Department has tabulated another 16,320 ballots. They plan to have the count of 9,200 mail-in ballots completed Friday. Then there will be about 1,200 provisional ballots left to count and some ballots that were waiting on signature corrections.

At this time, 105,725 ballots have been counted of the possible 135,554 voters (77.99%).

South Lake Tahoe's Measure S passing, Creegan and Friedrich leading

4:00 p.m. UPDATE: There will be no more updates to the El Dorado County ballot count on Wednesday. According to election officials, mail in ballots are being counted but nothing will be updated on their website until tabulations occur Thursday afternoon.

There have been no updates since Tuesday night to the Douglas County election results.

Ballot counts for El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe

10:46 P.M. UPDATE: Both El Dorado County and Douglas County have released an updated count at this hour. For El Dorado County, 149 of 209 precincts have now been tabulated. Depending on the area, Douglas County shows about 72 percent of Tuesday's votes listed.

Tahoe Conservancy opens restored Tahoe Pines campground to public

The unique and valuable habitat of the Upper Truckee in Meyers has been preserved through another California Tahoe Conservancy project at the site of the old Tahoe Pines Campground. They have finished building a new accessible-to-all trail and other public access features at the 8.1-acre site in Meyers. Visitors can enjoy easy access to the Upper Truckee River and experience the newly restored wetlands and wildlife habitat along Lake Tahoe’s largest tributary.

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,

New supervisor named for Lake Tahoe Basin

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has announced that William “Bill” Jackson has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Jackson is scheduled to arrive at the LTBMU on Dec. 6, 2020, and comes to the area from the White River National Forest in Colorado, where he served as the District Ranger for the Dillon Ranger District.

Strong early voter turnout in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Of the 133,251 registered voters in El Dorado County, 30,886, or 23 percent, have already turned in their ballots. The elections department does not have data from the 2016 election at the same point in time. That election had 97,024 or 83.31 percent of the 116,459 registered that year, turn in ballots by election day.

As of October 15:

Ballots returned by mail - 14,966
​Ballots returned in a drop box - 15,920

Of those ballots, 28,996 have had signatures verified against reference signature and the balance of 1,890 are awaiting verification.

Public meeting for El Dorado County Ad Hoc Hemp Committee

Event Date: 
October 29, 2020 - 2:00pm

The El Dorado County Ad Hoc Hemp Committee will be meeting on Thursday October 29, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Following a presentation on industrial hemp by the Agriculture Department on June 23, the Board of Supervisors requested the formation of an Ad Hoc Hemp Committee to include two members of the Board.

El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe remain in state's orange reopening tier

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During Tuesday's El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting, the county's Public health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams said the region remains in the orange tier of the California reopening plan.

During the meeting, Dr. Williams told the supervisors it is now obvious that California is in the midst of a second wave of coronavirus cases, and El Dorado County is experiencing a second wave as well, but so far the numbers have kept the region in the "orange."

Restoration nearing completion, public soon able to access old Tahoe Pines campground

The unique and valuable habitat of the Upper Truckee in Meyers has been preserved through another California Tahoe Conservancy project at the site of the old Tahoe Pines Campground. The project opens public access to the river and will feature a picnic table or two, bike racks and informational kiosk.

Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits available November 16 online

Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ltbmu.

USFS closes Taylor Creek for one month due to crowd and safety concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The numbers of people who normally visit Taylor Creek for the fall spawning of the Kokanee salmon has prompted forest officials to close the popular area October 2 - November 2, 2020.

Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the area is closed.

Forest closure orders extended in Lake Tahoe and California; Humboldt-Toiyabe reopens

Due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions throughout the state, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region announced they are extending the temporary closure orders for 18 National Forests in California. This decision will be re-evaluated as conditions change.

Fork Fire remains at 1,752 acres and 7% contained

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The forest closure order for the national forests has been extended and did not expire Monday as some had hoped. Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais said fire concerns remain, especially near the Fork Fire.

At this time, the Fork Fire has burned 1,752 acres and remains at a seven percent containment line. At this time, 300 personnel are assigned to the incident.

City of South Lake Tahoe to fly flags at half-staff for former Recreation Superintendent Judy Crawford

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Former Recreation Superintendent Judy Crawford has passed away. She worked for the City from 1974 until 2003 and was the first woman to hold that position. Crawford was also the President of Great Ideas for Tahoe, or GIFT, during her time in the community.

Born in New Orleans, LA, in 1948, she lived around the country until she settled in South Lake Tahoe.

She started work for the City as a Recreation Supervisor and was eventually promoted to Recreation Superintendent. What she loved the most, teaching young kids how to swim.

Placer County off of state's COVID-19 monitoring list

Placer County fell off the state's County Data Monitoring List for COVID-19, with the rate of new positive cases in the county now dipping below that state monitoring metric.

If Placer County remains off the list for at least 14 days, K-12 schools could potentially reopen for in-person instruction. However, no other businesses would be allowed to modify their operations until the state modifies the state order.

Special City Council meeting to address impacts to South Lake Tahoe and possible fines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An emergency meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council has been called to discuss the impacts of tourism during the pandemic on the community and steps they can take to mitigate the problems associated with the increase of visitors.

The meeting will be held virtually at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18.

Right turn restrictions during peak travel days in Meyers approved by committee, on to supervisors

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - As most in the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers area already know, getting out of town over US50 and Echo Summit on Sundays and holidays can be slow moving during summer, but during the winter it can be a miserable time both for visitors and locals.

Virtual public workshop on planned restoration of Meeks Bay

Event Date: 
August 19, 2020 - 5:30pm

MEEKS BAY, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is developing a plan to restore Meeks Creek to a more natural condition, while continuing to support sustainable recreation opportunities. The LTBMU, in conjunction with Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, will host a virtual public workshop on the project from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on August 19, 2020.

Popular South Lake Tahoe fishing derby canceled for 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 18th annual South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge Kids’ Fishing Derby has been canceled due to the pandemic. The Lodge has sponsored the tournament at Lake Baron inside Tahoe Paradise Park for 17 years and said they feel it important to follow state and county guidelines to avoid group gatherings and the safety and protection of children is paramount.

The Lodge had been planning on having the Optimists Club as co-sponsors this September after the Optimists had to cancel their fishing derby at Sawmill Pond earlier this summer.

Eldorado Forest sees record number of illegal campfires with increased visitation

Forest officials everywhere are saying: Recreate Responsibly.

Despite large campaigns about fire restrictions and "pack it in pack it out," many visitors to the Eldorado National Forest are not acting responsibly.

Fire and law enforcement officers had another busy weekend contacting a record numbers of visitors about campfires they had made that are not allowed under the current fire restrictions in the Eldorado National Forest.

With mural project canceled, Leadership Lake Tahoe gives back to the community

Leadership Lake Tahoe is a ten-month-long course held every two years on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. It began in 2003 with a mission to identify and develop current and future leaders through a comprehensive program designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the issues and challenges facing our community. At the beginning, the program was sponsored by the Tahoe Douglas Chamber and South Lake Tahoe Chamber, they merged a few years later and became the Tahoe Chamber (or Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce).

USFS cancels all activities at Taylor Creek Visitor Center through October

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After much discussion and deliberation, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has made the difficult decision to cancel planned interpretive programs and visitor services at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center through the end of October, including second- and third-grade conservation education field trips. In addition, they have made the decision to cancel the Fall Fish Festival this year, an event that typically draws up to 12,000 visitors over the weekend.

Mammoth Lakes added to state's monitoring list; Truckee/North Lake Tahoe ask visitors to stay away on weekends

To help stop the spread of the coronavirus, California Governor Gavin Newsom has added more counties to his "watch list," those showing concerning trends in rates of COVID-19. This list now numbers 37 which makes up 93 percent of the state's population. There are 58 counties in the state.

New on that list are Mono County (home to Mammoth Mountain) and Santa Cruz County, a popular tourist destination. North Lake Tahoe is in Placer County which was added to the list earlier this month.

California Tahoe Conservancy names Jane Freeman as acting executive director

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the California Tahoe Conservancy Executive Director Patrick Wright was named interim director of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Forest Management Task Force, his temporary replacement needed to be found.

The agency's Board of Directors didn't have to look too far and selected the Deputy Director Jane Freeman and their interim executive director for the next six to nine months.

Responsible recreation is urged over the 4th of July weekend at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With months of people being under "Stay at Home" orders, and if the past few days are any indication, this holiday weekend will be busy at Lake Tahoe as people get out in the fresh air, hike, bike, go to the beach and get on the water.

The July Fourth holiday at Lake Tahoe will look a bit different this year with firework shows canceled, social distancing, the requirement of face coverings in public places and growing concerns about responsible recreation.

El Dorado County Human Rights Commission on the supervisor's agenda

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors will be addressing the County's Human Rights Commission during their meeting on Tuesday.

Supervisor Lori Parlin is recommending the Board consider providing direction to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to require that the Commission update its bylaws with language to create a formal process for issues brought before them before putting any issues on their agenda.

Conservancy awards City of South Lake Tahoe $425K to plan downtown 56-acre project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy has awarded a $425,000 grant to the City of South Lake Tahoe to help plan the future of the 56-Acre site, a south shore hub of civic and recreation activity across Highway 50 from Lakeview Commons.

“The 56-Acre site is already a vibrant gathering place for community members and visitors alike, and it has the potential to be so much more,” said South Lake Tahoe City Councilmember and Conservancy Board member Tamara Wallace.

USFS opening its Lake Tahoe campgrounds June 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On June 12, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) concessionaires will begin opening developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin. They are joined by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest who is opening all of its campgrounds in California.

Nevada group campsites and day-use areas that hold less than 50 people will also reopen. Visitor centers and California group campsites remain closed. Both the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and LTBMU offices remain closed.

2nd virtual town hall meeting for El Dorado County vacation home rentals at Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 10, 2020 - 4:00pm

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The second virtual Town Hall meeting focusing on vacation home rentals (VHRs) in the El Dorado County portion of Lake Tahoe will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Led by District 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel, she and staff will provide some background on VHRs regulations to date, review options for meeting the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency neighborhood compatibility Performance Review Standards, and review input received from the public, addressing questions and comments received.

Register in advance for the meeting here:

Jeff Marsolais leaves LTBMU and becomes new supervisor for Eldorado Forest

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The former Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) forest supervisor has moved over to the same position with the Eldorado National Forest, replacing the retired Laurence Crabtree.

Jeff Marsolais came to Lake Tahoe in 2010, working several positions and for the past five years, had filled the top spot.

The Eldorado National Forest is welcoming back Jeff Marsolais, who will begin serving as the Eldorado’s new forest supervisor on June 22. Jeff worked on the Eldorado National Forest early in his career and is excited to return.

Federal CARES Act sends $8.6M to help free Lake Tahoe transit services

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.

South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County prepare to enter reopening stage

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plans for the partial reopening of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are in the works, with the Board of Supervisors voting on a plan during a special meeting Friday, May 8, starting at 8:30 a.m.

During a Special City Council meeting Wednesday, the council put their support behind what the county decides so all can be on the same page and not confuse residents and visitors with separate rules.

Reopening guidelines approved for Nevada casinos

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.

Placer County cancels fireworks at Donner Lake, Truckee, and North Shore of Lake Tahoe.

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.

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