tips

Mocktails added to the mix at Cocktails for a Cause

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Revelers will have double the number of drinks to choose from at the eighth annual Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser on Wednesday, October 4. This is because each mixologist will be crafting both a mocktail and a cocktail.

“Cocktails for a Cause is a lively event that helps support health and wellness programs in our community,” said Jenny Taylor, the event coordinator. “This year, we are offering non-alcoholic options to encourage our community members who choose not to drink to join in on the fun and support an important cause.”

Fall plant sale and Grow Dome tours at Sierra House

Event Date: 
September 9, 2017 - 9:00am

The UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe are holding their Fall plant sale at Sierra House Elementary on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. They are selling over 800 native and perennial plants.

Since the sale is taking place at Sierra House, what better time than to take tours of the school's grow domes?

The students will be selling their garden art as well.

Watch demonstrations and learn planting tips from the professionals of UCCE Master Gardeners.

Sierra House Elementary is located at 1709 Remington Trail in South Lake Tahoe.

4 tips for parents to address bullying and cyberbullying

As children get ready to go back to school, I understand bullying is one of the last things parents want to worry about. However, bullying is a salient and, unfortunately, common occurrence. It can take place on school grounds, after school, and through electronics (cyberbullying).

Bird found in South Lake Tahoe tests positive for West Nile virus

The first El Dorado County case of West Nile virus was confirmed in South Lake Tahoe. County health officials received confirmation this week that a Stellar Jay found on July 31 has tested positive for the virus.

So far this year, West Nile virus activity has been reported in 28 California counties, including neighboring Sacramento and Placer counties. There have been four human cases of the virus reported from Kings, Kern, San Bernardino
and Los Angeles counties.

National Night Out - Staying safe at home, work and play

Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, nearly 40 million people in 16,000 communities across the United States turn out to celebrate National Night Out. The event was first hosted in 1984 as a way to bring communities together and promote stronger ties between citizens and the law enforcement personnel who serve them. Communities are at their best when neighbors feel a common bond and a sense of community not only among themselves but also with their local public servants, and National Night Out is a fun and enjoyable way to foster those important ties.

Keep Your Cool: How to avoid heat-related illnesses

It’s that time of year where heat-related illnesses are on the rise for locals and visitors alike. Heat illnesses include dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. It is important to understand the differences, especially when exercising in an area like Lake Tahoe with higher altitudes and higher temperatures.

Importance of understanding dangers of cold water shock

With recent water tragedies in Lake Tahoe we are republishing this 2016 article.

The most common misunderstanding about swimming in Lake Tahoe is that people can suffer from hypothermia, which leads to death. The real truth is that "cold water shock" will kill much quicker than hypothermia ever will.

"The sudden lowering of skin temperature on immersion in cold water represents one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter." Golden and Tipton in Essentials of Sea Survival

Woman rescued from Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe

6/12/17 8:00 p.m. update - The woman who was rescued from the river, Stephanie Waggoner of Minden, Nev., has died as result falling off her paddleboard in South Lake Tahoe. The Washoe County Coroner's Office will likely release the cause of death Tuesday or Wednesday.

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A 50-year-old woman from the Carson Valley nearly drowned in South Lake Tahoe Wednesday after she fell off her paddle board and got caught underwater in the cold and swift Upper Truckee River.

72 Miles of Pure Liquid Fun along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail

It’s going to be a paddler’s paradise this summer.

Life in the mountains: Practice proper food storage

After a challenging winter and spring in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the summer season is upon us. Agencies around Lake Tahoe (U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California State Parks, California and Nevada Departments of Wildlife) are reminding residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal when living in, or visiting, bear country.

Tips for family and friends when a loved one is diagnosed with a mental health condition

As an active leader in the South Lake Tahoe chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, I work closely with family members who have loved ones with mental health issues. For many, one of the hardest times was learning about their child, partner, or friend’s diagnosis and not knowing what do next. Some were shamed for not addressing their loved one’s needs sooner and others were told they were too protective or doing too much.

Events planned in Lake Tahoe for Fire Awareness Month

Event Date: 
June 25, 2017 - 11:00am

The snow is melting, water is flowing, and wildfire fuels are growing. Despite all the moisture, the wildfire threat remains a concern. Preparing your home and community now is more important than ever. June is “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are continuing last year’s campaign by asking all Tahoe residents and visitors to “Think First to Keep Tahoe Fire Safe”.

Boating safety from the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to exercise caution and safe boating practices while on the water, including rivers and Lake Tahoe while enjoying the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

All boaters and beach goers are encouraged to be aware of boat traffic, prepare for potential hazards and keep advised of weather changes through the National Weather Service. Winds are supposed to be calm on Lake Tahoe this weekend, one should always check.

Avoid a tragedy on the lake: Why swimming in Lake Tahoe is unique

A plunge into Lake Tahoe can literally take your breath away. It may be warm outside, but the lake can be dangerously cold. Lake Tahoe’s average surface temperature in the summer is 63°F, and can drop to 53°F just 18 inches below the surface.

Prescribed burns scheduled around Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations next week beginning May 22.

If conditions are favorable, operations are scheduled to take place near Sugar Pine Point, Glenbrook, Lower Kingsbury Grade, Ski Run Boulevard, Fallen Leaf Lake and Meyers. Operations may continue over the next several weeks, weather permitting.

A) Lower Kingsbury Grade Area - 5 acres
B) Sugar Pine Point State Park - 5 acres
C) Hwy 50/Logan Creek Dr - 50 acres
D) SR-89/Grass Lake Rd - 30 acres

Ditch the car, ride on two wheels during Tahoe Bike Challenge Week

For the 12th year the Tahoe Bike Challenge will see how many locals and visitors will park their cars and use a bike to get to work, school and play. This year's event is from June 1 to 14.

Returning is the popular and friendly competition which pits students from local schools, businesses and agencies against each other in friendly competition to see who can replace the most car trips by bicycle.

Two plead guilty to stealing recreation fees

Two suspects have pled guilty to stealing from fee tubes on the Eldorado National Forest and other sites in El Dorado County.

Brian Lisanti and Deseree Tougas entered the pleas in El Dorado Superior Court after a multi-agency investigation uncovered the crimes.

Learn about high-altitude gardening with Gary Romano in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 20, 2017 - 2:00pm

On May 20 at 2:00 p.m., third-generation farmer and author of “July & Winter: Growing Food in the Sierra” Gary Romano will take your questions about gardening and mountain farming at the South Lake Tahoe Library. Romano will share tips and techniques for growing food in the Sierra Nevada, including the foothills and the east slope. The talk is sponsored by the Friends of the Library in partnership with the UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe. The event is free and open to the public, and “July & Winter” will be available for purchase.

Tahoe Roads launches new brand and improved website

Those who have used TahoeRoads.com for their roadwork and conditions information in the past will now find an all new, updated look.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has now included information on roads around the lake, including information from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).

The goals of the website are to:

- Educate the public on the benefits of the construction happening around the lake
- Keep the public and partners updated on project details and roadwork schedules

Construction resumes on Incline Village to Sand Harbor shared use trail

Beginning May 1, single lane closures will take place on State Route 28 south of Incline Village as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) launches the second season of shared-use path construction and highway safety, accessibility and water quality enhancements.

Health column: The Balancing Act

Does it just seem like we need more than 24 hours in a day? I often think if I had eight more hours in a day that I could get so much more done. I realize this is an illusion and, in reality, the items on my list are never-ending. But for some reason the cultural message is that we are superhumans. We can do it all, get everything done, and look good while doing it.

"July & Winter": Growing Food in the Sierra Presented at the SLT Library

Event Date: 
May 20, 2017 - 2:00pm

Gary Romano, owner of Sierra Valley Farms presents his newest book, "July & Winter: Growing Food in the Sierra" at the South Lake Tahoe Library on May 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Romano shares his knowledge from decades of experience growing food in the Sierra Nevada. Despite the challenging mountain climate and soil, he has successfully grown food on his 65-acre organic farm and shares hard-earned tips, essential for home gardeners and small farmers.

This interesting, inspiring and free event is presented in partnership by the Friends of the Library and the UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe.

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd. South Lake Tahoe
United States
38° 56' 43.5228" N, 119° 58' 22.2276" W

Barton Memorial Hospital receives three “A’s” for patient safety

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – This week the Leap Frog Group, a nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health care system, released the new Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. Hospitals nationwide are assigned an A, B, C, D or F letter grade. Barton Memorial Hospital was one of 823 hospitals to receive an “A” for its commitment to reducing errors, infections, and accidents. This is the third consecutive “A” Barton Hospital has received.

Weather permitting, prescribed burning to continue in Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD), California State Parks (Parks) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have scheduled more prescribed burns in the Lake Tahoe area, as long as weather permits the operations.

Starting Monday, April 10, burning may take place near Tahoe City, Glenbrook, Round Hill, Lower Kingsbury Grade, South Lake Tahoe, and Meyers.

Areas on the map above:
A) 30 acres in the Glenbrook area (TDFPD)
B) 40 acres in Edgewood Creek area (TDFPD)
C) 15 acres in Lower Kingsbury area (TDFPD)
D) 30 acres at Burton Creek State Park (Parks)

Get pampered at 6th annual Ladies Morning Out in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
April 29, 2017 - 8:00am

Women of all ages can experience health and wellness activities that unite the body and mind at the sixth annual Ladies’ Morning Out on Saturday, April 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Community College.

“Ladies’ Morning Out is an opportunity for women to take time out for themselves,” says Natasha Schue, Barton’s Community Relations Coordinator. “The event celebrates health and wellness through fitness, pampering, and connecting with others.”

Prescribed burning set to resume around Lake Tahoe

The California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service are planning on continuing prescribed fire operations March 27, depending on conditions.

If fire crews get the okay, operations will be near Tahoe City, Glenbrook, Round Hill, Kingsbury Grade, and South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe - 15 acres at Sunset Stables Property. North of Elks Club neighborhood, East of Upper Truckee River.

South Shore Nevada - Lower Kingsbury Area - 15 acres, Edgewood Creek Area - 40 acres.

Join next Tahoe Chamber workshop: Tips to doing business with the City

Event Date: 
March 15, 2017 - 12:00pm

Achieve a smooth and effective business relationship with the City of South Lake Tahoe during the next workshop of the Tahoe Chamber Level Up Series: Doing Business With the City. Learn requirements for planning, developing and permits needed to build or grow a business on the South Shore on Wednesday, March 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Mountain Lab.

Suspect in murder of Mendocino commerical pot grower arrested in South Lake Tahoe

2/25/17 - Updated information at the end of this story provided by Mendocino Sheriff.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - A fugitive pot plant trimmer suspected in the robbery and brutal killing of an operator of a commercial marijuana farm in Mendocino County was arrested in South Lake Tahoe Friday afternoon.

Ask Henry: Hopeful Henry gives readers helpful cat tips

Dear Hopeful Henry,
I love my cats but sometimes all the cat hair all over my clothes is so frustrating. Any quick fix suggestions for clean clothes that still have hair stuck to them?
Thanks, Amy

China's Olympic freestyle mogul run renamed "Squaw Valley"

A delegation made up of Lake Tahoe and Reno area ski and tourism vendors and officials was recently in China to spur both an interest in skiing and snowboarding in China, as well as promoting tourism to the Sierra Nevada.

The ”stoke delegation” from Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows visited the resort’s sister mountain in China, Genting Secret Garden. China will be hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Ask Henry: Winter weather safety tips

Dear Henry,
I’m new to the area and not sure about how to deal with the cold weather and my dog, do you have any tips for us?
Thank you,
Bethany

Purrfect timing for this question as we are getting a winter this year! Here are some winter tips for all pets.

How much snow is too much snow for your Lake Tahoe home's roof?

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - With the collapse today of the roof at a local liquor store and the evacuation of another commercial area, the City of South Lake Tahoe is reaching out to the community with information on potential hazards with snow loads on roofs.

But what is the snow load for your roof?

SLT Police contending with drivers going too fast and not prepared for conditions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - There are basic rules when behind the wheel, not only in fair weather, but also in stormy and snowy weather as South Lake Tahoe has been experiencing.

Here are tips for driving in snow from the American Automobile Association (AAA):
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Drive slowly
- The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds
- Know your brakes
- Don't stop if you can avoid it
- Don't power up hills. ...
- Don't stop going up a hill
- Stay home

Gary Romano with "July & Winter: Growing Food in the Sierra" at SLT Library - CANCELLED

Event Date: 
April 8, 2017 - 2:00pm

8:45 a.m. update 4/8 - This event has been cancelled due to weather.

* * *

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd. South Lake Tahoe
United States
38° 56' 43.5228" N, 119° 58' 22.2276" W

SR-89 at Emerald Bay remains closed; Staff clearing up to 30 feet of snow

The four-mile section of SR-89 around Emerald Bay remains closed after recent storms dumped snow on Lake Tahoe. Caltrans maintenance staff have begun the process of clearing the roadway which has up to 30 feet of snow in some locations as well as debris from last week's storm.

Douglas County prepares for onslaught of wet weather

With flood warnings up around Northern California and Western Nevada, Douglas County officials are alerting residents of a flood watch issued for the area from late Saturday night January 7 through Monday morning, January 9.

Douglas County Emergency Management is preparing for changing flood conditions and the safety of Douglas County residents.

Important safety tips when navigating South Lake Tahoe roads during wet storm

The City of South Lake Tahoe’s Snow Removal crews have been working around the clock to clear snow on city roadways. The combination of the snow and rain mixture is casing roadways to flood. It is imperative to provide snow removal vehicles the right of way as they work to clear roadways as well as blocked drainage ways.

Follow these safety tips:
Do not drive through water that is too deep. “Turn around – don’t drown”

Do not try and cross the snow berm in the center lane. Wait until snow removal crews have cleared the center lane for crossing.

Broken water pipes could continue to be an issue with upcoming cold weather

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe over the next seven days calls for cold temperatures, winds and several inches of snow, a recipe for an increased risk of broken pipes in homes and businesses in the area.

Last week, both a private home on Saddle Road and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe suffered through broken pipes, a scene that the SLT Fire Rescue Department sees about two dozen times a year. Over the last seven years, SLTFR has responded to 168 calls for broken water pipes. Local plumbers have responded to hundreds of others as well.

Expect weather and traffic to cause problems for travelers to and from Lake Tahoe

Caltrans is alerting motorists traveling in the Sierra foothills, to mountain areas or over the Donner or Echo Summits during the New Year’s weekend to be prepared for travel delays. Cold temperatures and alternating bands of precipitation are predicted to arrive Friday night and continue through Tuesday morning, January 3, resulting in winter driving conditions, even at lower elevations.

Basin fire operations to continue on North Shore next week

If conditions are favorable, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. They will take place on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe near Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Carnelian Bay, and Incline Village.

A) Jennifer/Tyner Urban Fuels Reduction area near Incline Village will have 34 acres of hand piles scheduled to be burned.

B) Tahoe City along Fairway, across from NTFPD Station 51 - 8 acres to be burned.

C) Hwy 267 has 50 acres schedule for burning.

Winter driving: Check road conditions, be prepared and take it slow

With the large number of accidents throughout the Lake Tahoe basin Friday, it is important that everyone remember the basic rules of driving on snow and ice, especially when so many people are on the road.

Slow and easy, don't follow the car in front of you too close, and paying attention are the basics. Driving patterns cannot be the same as if driving on dry pavement in lower, warmer elevations.

Caltrans has a very easy website that includes cameras and up to the minute information on all California roads: quickmap.dot.ca.gov

More prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe starting Monday

The North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts may continue prescribed fire operations next week if conditions are favorable. Areas scheduled to be burned are in the Glenbrook, Round Hill, Lower Kingsbury Grade and Tahoe City area.

To view a map with project locations and details, visit the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) website at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Burns in areas A-D (see map):

(A) North Lake Tahoe Fire District will be burning 5 acres in the Bunker Drive area.

Prescribed burns resume around South Lake Tahoe

If weather conditions allow, the California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service have scheduled prescribed fire operations at four South Lake Tahoe area locations.

South Upper Truckee area (B on the map) - 50 acres of hand piles will be burned by USFS starting December 12 and continuing as conditions permit. Seven days burn down time. Smoke should flow North /Northeast.

North Upper Truckee area (D on the map) - 12 acres of hand piles will be burned by USFS starting December 12 and continuing as conditions permit. Seven days burn down time. Smoke should flow North /Northeast.

Sheriff warns of increase in mail and package theft during the holidays

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office typically experiences an increase number of calls for service regarding theft of mail during the holiday season. With the holiday season upon us and the increase of online shopping, they would like to provide some helpful tips to protect your packages.

Have your package delivered to an attended location. Your place of work, a trusted friend, neighbor, or the carrier distribution center.

Know when your package will arrive. Sign up for shipping notifications by text or email and try to have someone home or reschedule the delivery.

Prescribed fire operations resume on Lake Tahoe's south and east shores

Prescribed fire operations by the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service will continue next week at several locations around Lake Tahoe.

Fall and winter bring cooler temperatures and precipitation, which favor prescribed burning. The joint efforts to remove excess vegetation are scheduled to take place at nine different locations including Glenbrook, Cave Rock, Round Hill, lower Kingsbury Grade, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Paradise and Meyers.

South Upper Truckee - 50 acres
North Upper Truckee, Homer - 20 acres

New wave of craigslist vacation home rental scams in South Lake Tahoe

You're a group of teachers from San Francisco, visiting South Lake Tahoe for the weekend before heading back to wrap up the semester. You've come to Tahoe to ski for opening weekend. You're a group of friends from San Diego, looking for a mini-reunion.

Safety tips for Lake Tahoe holiday and winter travel

Nevada's Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, City of South Lake Tahoe and Caltrans all had words of advice for travelers this holiday weekend. Roads will be full of cars, and the added threat of high winds and a snow storm will create issues for those not prepared on the road.

Hopeful Henry: How pets can enjoy Thanksgiving too!

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on under-cooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Talkin’ Turkey

Sheriff offers advice for surviving Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just days away. As the excitement of the holiday shopping season builds, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office offers some tips that will help everyone have a successful day, as long as they focus on personal safety.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before heading out to the stores:

First and foremost, stay alert. Do not get so caught up in the shopping frenzy that you lose awareness of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement or store security.

Parking lots are the most dangerous places to be during the holidays

One would think a car filled, bumper-to-bumper highway would be the most dangerous place for drivers to be during the holiday season, but no, crowded parking lots lead the list.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has warned there are increased hazards of parking lot traffic during the holidays. Nationwide there are over 50,000 accidents in parking lots and garages resulting in 60,000 injuries and over 500 deaths. In fact. almost 20 percent of all accidents involving vehicles taking place where most might think driving 5 mph or less would lead to safer conditions.

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