supervisor

Old Tahoe Pines Campground restoration to include picnic area, parking and trails

MEYERS, Calif. - An old campground at the base of Echo Summit in Meyers is undergoing a major transformation that will not only create new wetlands and restore habitat along the Upper Truckee River, it will also create public access.

Work gets underway this week at the old Tahoe Pines Campground on a $1.63M project that will include new accessible-to-all trails, bridge and parking lot, and other features along the river which is Lake Tahoe's largest tributary.

Placer County reminds would-be visitors that non-essential travel to Lake Tahoe still under state's orders

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With Placer County’s local health order expiring May 2, county officials and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association are reminding would-be-visitors that while they are preparing now for when North Tahoe reopens, that date still depends on the state’s timeline for loosening physical distancing requirements.

El Dorado County Supervisors send letter to Newsom asking for phased reopening

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During their special meeting on Tuesday, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved sending a letter to Governor Newsom to allow a phased opening of some businesses and loosening restrictions on the public in El Dorado County.

Residents have responded to the closures by abiding by stay-in-place orders enacted to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Sue Novasel to hold virtual town hall meetings on VHR issues

Event Date: 
May 13, 2020 - 5:00pm

Please note, scheduling change)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Supervisor for Area 5, Sue Novasel, will be holding two virtual Town Hall meetings to discuss vacation home rental (VHR) issues. She will be joined by El Dorado County staff to discuss the rentals in the County portion of the Tahoe Basin.

The first will be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic

At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”

El Dorado County supervisors add $1,000 fine for vacation home rental use in Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to issue citations to anyone violating the ban on nonessential travel in the Lake Tahoe Basin as it pertains to the use of vacation home rentals (VHRs).

Anyone found using a VHR is subject to a $1,000 fine per day of violation.

Tahoe Chamber webinar to focus on emotional and physical wellness

Event Date: 
April 15, 2020 - 12:00pm

Fostering emotional and physical wellness is more important than ever as we navigate the global pandemic that the COVID-19 crisis has created. The Tahoe Chamber is hosting a Level-Up webinar on Wednesday, April 15 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to teach strategies that will maximize one's potential during this uncertain time.

This webinar is free for Chamber members and $5 for non-members, but registration is required by 10:30 a.m. on April 15. Register here- https://bit.ly/WellnessAmidstCovid-19

National Dispatchers Recognition Week April 12-18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - April 12-18 is designated as National Telecommunicators Recognition Week, a time to honor the 911 dispatchers for their ongoing dedication to their communities.

The dispatch team covers the town 24/7 every day of the year and provides emergency and non-emergency coverage and helps the public and first responders with the resources they need.

Tahoe Chamber hosts virtual Town Hall with El Dorado County on COVID-19 response

Event Date: 
March 27, 2020 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Chamber is holding its second Virtual Town Hall meeting in as many weeks on the local response to the COVID-19 crisis response.

Last week, Chamber CEO Steve Teshara hosted South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jason Collin. On Friday, March 27, he will host El Dorado County District 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel, and the County's Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams. The event is on the Zoom platform from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Conservancy awards $912K in grants for projects around Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At its last meeting, the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) authorized $912,000 for grants to advance climate change adaptation and improve community sustainability in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The Conservancy Board approved three climate adaptation grants, all funded by Proposition 68:

21,000 more El Dorado County ballots counted: Measures M and B on way to defeat

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Elections department released another count of ballots from Tuesday's primary election on Friday afternoon.

Since election night, 21,446 more ballots have been counted in the county and those results were released at 4:40 p.m. Elections officials say there are just about 1,000 left to count. These late numbers come from ballots received in the mail and left in the area drop boxes near election day. It is unknown the location where the remaining 1,000 ballots are from.

El Dorado County Election Results

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - New figures have been released by the El Dorado County Elections Department.

As of 11:38 p.m. Tuesday, all 198 of the precincts have been counted with 52,093 ballots of the 124,979 registered voters, or 41.68 percent.

Measures affecting the County portions of the South Shore, Measure B and Measure M are not meeting the required 2/3 vote to pass at this time.

The results as of 11:38 p.m. Tuesday:

Measure B, the Lake Valley Fire Protection District tax - 2/3 vote needed to pass
There are 5,917 registered voters

Yes - 1,203 - 58.60%

Letter: No on Measure M because of VHR and GPS road issues

NO on Measure M. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has repeatedly told us they are willing to engage us with our GPS and to a lesser degree the VHR's. They told me to my face at the wed meeting that have contacted us and were working with us. Nothing could be further from the truth.

El Dorado County meeting in South Lake Tahoe to discuss state of snow removal equipment

Event Date: 
February 12, 2020 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County officials will hold a public meeting detailing the current state of snow removal equipment used in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, February 12 at the California Conservation Corps, 1949 Apache Ave. It starts at 6:00 p.m.

Ski With a Ranger program starts at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit invites the public to Ski with a Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort this winter, starting on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Tours will begin each Friday at Tamarack Lodge, at the top of the Heavenly Gondola at 1 p.m. The tours last approximately one-hour and continue through March 27, 2020, weather permitting.

Proposed plans for SR-28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit released

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - New plans have been released on the State Route 28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. After the success of the East Shore Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, the plan is to continue the shared-use trail with other improvements to highway safety and infrastructure; summer recreational access; water, air and scenic quality; and increase non-motorized access to the corridor.

The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has issued a draft decision for the proposed improvements to this area.

El Dorado County to handle most residential, multi-family and commercial permits for TRPA

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a move to help property and business owners save time and money, El Dorado County will begin processing additional permits on behalf of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) starting January 28, 2020.

Protecting Lake Tahoe’s environment is the paramount goal of the TRPA and in meeting that goal, a TRPA permit is required for most construction projects inside the Lake Tahoe Basin. This runs the gamut from the addition of a new deck to a sign for a new business.

Diversity and Culture in Trauma Informed Care

Event Date: 
January 14, 2020 - 6:00pm

The next evening of the Community Lecture Series hosted by the Foster and Kinship Care Education Program at LTCC will focus on trauma. Learn about different types of trauma and how trauma impacts individuals and entire groups. Participants will exam various case studies and conduct activities to increase self-awareness and unpack 'isms in order to increase cultural competence from a trauma-informed care perspective.

The lecture will be in room A-206 at Lake Tahoe Community College from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lake Tahoe firefighter helping efforts in Australia

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - USFS Fire Captain Dave Soldavini from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is currently assigned to Australia as part of an interagency group helping with fire suppression efforts.

Soldavini is part of the third group of fire resources the country has deployed to Australia.

On Dec. 30, 2019, the Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior sent 44 personnel to Australia. An additional 21 personnel were mobilized on Jan. 4, 2020, and will replace a previous group of American firefighters mobilized in early December.

Column: 2019 Highlights from South Tahoe Public Utility District

Every day we wash our dishes, fill our water glass, and flush the toilet, likely without thinking much about the systems required to make this all possible. I’d like to think we are doing our job so you don’t have to think too much about it.

New Forest Fire Management Officer announced for USFS Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new forest management officer (FMO) has arrived in Lake Tahoe to assume the duties left vacant by the retiring Steve Burns.

Meyers multi-use trails won't be plowed this winter

MEYERS, Calif. - Due to a lack of viable bids from local snow removal contractors there will be no plowing of the multi-use trails on the lake side of El Dorado County this winter.

In July the Bicycle Advisory Committee of the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities JPA awarded $22,000 to El Dorado County for bike trail plowing in the county for winter of 2019/20. When the project went out to bid they only received interest from Alpine Smith, according to Donaldo Palaroan, P.E., senior civil engineer for the County. Their $48,500 bid was more than double of what was budgeted.

California Tahoe Conservancy board approves forest health, aquatic species and marsh restoration funds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Board has authorized spending $1,036,750 to implement three high-priority projects to reduce fire risk and improve forest health in South Lake Tahoe and on the west shore.

During their meeting on Thursday, the CTC Board approved funding for projects that include:

- Spending up to $211,250 on forest thinning on Conservancy land in the South Lake Tahoe Ski Run and Bijou neighborhoods,

- A grant to the South Tahoe Public Utility District for up to $338,000 for forest thinning on the grounds of its treatment plant, and

Ceremony to celebrate completion of new SR 89 realignment and bridge project in Tahoe City

Event Date: 
December 16, 2019 - 10:00am

TAHOE CITY, Calif. – A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, December 16 to celebrate the opening of the State Route 89 realignment, including the new Truckee River Bridge in Tahoe City.

Attendee parking will be located at the Tahoe City Transit Center along West Lake Blvd. The public should plan to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to park and walk to the ceremony location, which starts at 10:00 a.m. The bridge will be closed for the event.

After 50 years with USFS, Supervisor Crabtree to retire

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree announced that he will retire on January 6, 2020, completing a career that spanned 50 years.

No planned weekend traffic relief in Meyers this winter

MEYERS, Calif. - Residents attending the El Dorado County Town Hall meeting in Meyers on Thursday didn't hear what they wanted to about the upcoming winter and any plans that could be put in place to alleviate traffic jams in neighborhoods.

As is the case with all meetings concerning traffic in Meyers, there were several audience members with ideas from instituting maximum vehicles allowed in the Lake Tahoe Basin to turn restrictions and road closures during specific hours.

El Dorado County Supervisor Novasel to hold Town Hall transportation meeting

Event Date: 
November 21, 2019 - 6:00pm

District V Supervisor Sue Novasel will be holding a Town Hall meeting to update residents on the outcome of the recent traffic congestion circulation pilot projects that took place over the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday weekends.

Information will be shared on both the outcome and future of the pilot projects.

The meeting will be held on November 21 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the California Conservation Corps auditorium located at 1949 Apache Avenue in Meyers.

Novasel will be joined by El Dorado County Department of Transportation staff.

Public gives input on proposed changes to USFS snowmobile/winter travel plan

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) revised their Forest Plan over 10 years ago, many wanted them to include changes to snowmobile and other winter travel access to public lands at the same time. With the amount of public comment and the recognized need to have its own plan, they separated the two.

In 2011, LTBMU started a collaborative group to develop a proposed action plan for Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) use in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Caltrans and partners officially open first of two roundabouts in Meyers

Caltrans addressed what they reported to be an increase of accidents at the intersection of US50 and SR89 with a $7.3 million roundabout in Meyers, and today there was a ribbon-cutting with local partners to officially open it up.

What used to be a T-intersection with one stop sign is now a three-leg roundabout with a bypass lane. Years of studies, planning, environmental reviews, and engineering led to this past summer's build by Q&D Construction.

Open Houses on proposed snowmobile/winter recreation access around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – There was a lot of public reaction when the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) released their "Proposed Action for the Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) Travel Management Project" in September. That document outlined changes to snowmobile access in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

US50/SR89 roundabout completion to be marked with public ceremony

MEYERS, Calif. - Caltrans has completed its U.S. Highway 50/Highway 89 Roundabout Project. They will be joined by partner agencies on Thursday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate the $4.1 million project that converted a T-intersection into a three-leg roundabout with a bypass lane.

Caltrans Project Manager Martin Clark, El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel, Tahoe Regional Planning Executive Director Joanne Marchetta, Tahoe Transportation District Board Chairman Steve Teshara, Q&D Construction Vice President Jeff Bean will be on hand.

Caples Fire 100% contained, 3,435 acres burned

A burned area assessment of the area burned by last month's Caples Fire is now underway. The Incident Commander Kevin Breitwieser has declared that the Caples Fire is now 100 percent contained and in patrol status at 3,435 acres.

There has been almost no change in fire size since October 18. The extreme wind event on October 26 that prompted a public safety power shutoff was a good test of the containment lines and resulted in three small spots that were extinguished. Traces of smoke from interior burning will continue to be visible, but no additional fire growth is expected.

Supervisor of two marijuana gardens arrested in connection with death of El Dorado County deputy

There has been another arrest in connection with the shooting death of El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Ishmael.

The supervisor of two marijuana gardens in the rural communities of Somerset and Georgetown, Jorge Lamas, was arrested in Yuba City on October 25 by the U.S. Marshals Service. Lamas is a resident of that Northern California town.

STPUD informs Alpine County they are ending recycled water agreement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Effective the end of November, the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) is ending an agreement with Alpine County regarding its recycled water operations.

STPUD has paid Alpine County an annual mitigation fee to address potential impacts caused by recycled water for 35 years, a fee that is approximately $100,000 per year.

STPUD says there have not been adverse impacts from the recycled water operations and the agreement is no longer necessary.

New snowmobile access proposed for parts of Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the "Proposed Action for the Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) Travel Management Project," and in that document are changes to snowmobile access in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

They have proposed to open OSV use (snowmobiles) to areas around the lake that have been restricted in the past and close up other areas. The plan still leaves about 50 percent of the lands managed by LTBMU open to OSV use.

The new areas proposed for OSV use

Forest Service begins seasonal closure of Lake Tahoe recreational sites

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of year again when the Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) begins the winter closure of their recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and National Forest roads.

Postponed - El Dorado County Supervisor Novasel to hold Town Hall Meeting in Meeks Bay

Event Date: 
October 23, 2019 - 5:30pm

Update: El Dorado County has announced that this meeting is postponed "due to unforeseen circumstances" and will be held on a later date TBD.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There will be the second of three Town Hall meetings held by El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel on Wednesday, October 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Meeks Bay Fire Station, 8041 Emerald Bay Road, Meeks Bay.

Achievable housing project planned for North Lake Tahoe

Placer County has purchased the 11-acre Nahas property near Tahoe City for $3.42 million. They are working with housing developer partner Related-Pacific Companies to develop conceptual options for a potential mixed-use commercial and achievable housing project on the site.

While the purchase represents a step forward in bringing more achievable housing to North Lake Tahoe, development concepts for the site are still in early stages and no project proposal has yet been brought forward for formal consideration or approval.

Prescribed burns to resume around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Lake Tahoe Basin Fall Prescribed Fire Program may begin as early as September 24, 2019, under the management of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies.

Weather and conditions permitting, California State Park crews may begin prescribed fire operations in Burton Creek State Park near Tahoe City and in a couple of weeks move to D.L. Bliss State Park near Tahoma.

Smoke will likely be present.

Supervisor Novasel to hold West Shore town hall meetings

Event Date: 
September 11, 2019 - 5:00pm

There are many issues facing the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in the coming weeks and months and District V Supervisor Sue Novasel will hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss them. Topping the list are the fire stations operated by the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, vacation home rentals, the lack of an El Dorado County Sheriff's deputy living in the area, County road work, snow removal, and fire insurance.

The first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Marie Sluchak Community Park in Tahoma.

El Dorado County meets with insurance commissioner on homeowner policy concerns

El Dorado County, Calif. - Currently, homeowners in fire-prone areas of California and El Dorado County are starting to see skyrocketing insurance premiums, canceled policies canceled and notices of non-renewal within weeks of a policy's expiration.

Due to the alarming rates at which this is happening, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors reached out to the California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to explain the dire situation in the county.

South Lake Tahoe Labor Day traffic test to include full road closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In an attempt to address traffic concerns on side roads in the Meyers area, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and El Dorado County (EDC) conducted a test and put up two road closures on Sunday, July 7, 2019.

Barriers were placed at the intersections of Highway 50 and both Sawmill and North Upper Truckee roads in an attempt to keep westbound holiday traffic out of the neighborhoods and on the highway. In addition, they were also evaluating the traffic backup on both roads and the routing of traffic by directional apps like Waze and Google.

Parade, food trucks and fireworks highlight South Lake Tahoe 4th of July

Event Date: 
July 4, 2019 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is more to do in South Lake Tahoe on the 4th of July than watch one of the top fireworks shows in the west.

To start off the holiday, the City of South Lake Tahoe is organizing the annual 4th of July parade down Highway 50 from Ski Run Boulevard to Bijou Community Park on Al Tahoe Boulevard starting at 10:00 a.m.

Volunteers needed to assist the public in the Lake Tahoe backcountry

The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is forming a new volunteer team to provide a “uniform presence” in Lake Tahoe areas where they do not have staff available to be in the field or on the many trails.

A formation meeting for is being held for all potential volunteers on Friday, June 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at LTBMU Supervisor Office located at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe.

Conservancy to help improve Kings Beach neighborhoods

At its meeting yesterday, and following a tour of the properties, the Conservancy Board directed staff to begin pre-sale activities for the two parcels: 8602 North Lake Boulevard and 8644 Speckled Avenue. Potential opportunities for the parcels could include new affordable housing or mixed-use development, as well as improvements for people walking and riding bicycles, water quality improvement projects, and placement of conservation easements over sensitive open space.

Pilot full closure program on two roads in Meyers to help address traffic issues

El Dorado County unveiled their pilot plan Tuesday evening, one that is designed to help alleviate traffic congestion on Meyer's back roads during two holiday weekends this summer.

El Dorado County Department of Transportation (EDCDOT) Director Rafael Martinez joined other staff members in presenting the traffic congestion circulation alternative to the approximately 25 people in attendance. There will be a hard closure in place on Sawmill Road near Highway 50, and on North Upper Truckee near Highway 50 during the July 4th and Labor Day holiday weekends as part of a pilot project.

Could Meyers have a second roundabout by 2021?

A change is proposed for the Pioneer Trail - Highway 50 intersection in Meyers, but what that change will look like is unknown.

During a public meeting on Wednesday, the El Dorado County Transportation Department (EDCDOT) and their planning partners unveiled posters of the two options for the intersection: a roundabout or an upgraded signal (doing nothing is also an option). Community members asked questions, left ideas on a map and are now encouraged to continue in the process by submitting comments.

Road closures planned to alleviate South Lake Tahoe and Meyers holiday traffic woes

Event Date: 
June 18, 2019 - 6:00pm

In anticipation of traffic congestion during the upcoming 4th of July and Labor Day holidays, El Dorado County (EDC) is hosting a public meeting to discuss traffic control measures in the Lake Tahoe Basin on Tuesday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the California Conservation Corps building.

El Dorado County Department of Transportation (EDCDOT) will present a traffic congestion circulation alternative that officially and temporarily closes portions of both Sawmill Road and North Upper Truckee at Highway 50.

Community turns out to call for end of hate and bigotry in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "Never again," chanted the dozens of people that showed up to Trout Creek Thursday to show support of the Jewish community after anti-Semitic graffiti was found underneath the bridge on Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Voters to select new California State Senator to represent District 1 on June 4

There is a Special Runoff Election on June 4, 2019 scheduled to fill a vacancy in Senate District 1. All currently registered voters in the County of El Dorado are eligible to participate.

When Ted Gaines won a seat on the California Board of Equalization in November, the Senate District 1 seat he had held since 2011 was up for grabs. In March there was an election to decide his replacement, but since no candidate won more than 50 percent of the vote the top two are now on Tuesday's ballot.

Syndicate content