tourists
Illegal parking on Lake Tahoe highways continue to create safety hazards
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/28/2020 - 5:10pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many head to the Sierra to experience snow in all forms, from the ski slopes to sledding and building snowmen. Even during the pandemic and current "Stay-at-Home" orders in California, area roads were full this past holiday weekend with those seeking play time in the snow.
Each year, law enforcement has to deal with those who seem to have forgotten the laws of being safe on the roadway and parking on the highways, and not observing "no parking" zone rules.
Town of Truckee votes to adopt urgency ordinance for lodging to keep community safe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/23/2020 - 10:37am
TRUCKEE, Calif. - Facing an influx of tourists during the Governor's Regional Stay-at-Home order just as South Lake Tahoe has seen, the Town of Truckee Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance Tuesday night to protect the public's health. Any hotel, motel or vacation home rental in use during the Stay-at-Home order can now face the revoking, suspension or denial of their Tourist Occupancy Certificate.
The Stay-at-Home order states lodging properties are to not be rented to anyone except essential workers in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
City of South Lake Tahoe asks tourists to stay safe and at home, for now
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/09/2020 - 8:24pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a minimum three-week long Stay-at-Home order going into effect on December 10 at 11:59 p.m. there are new rules that affect South Lake Tahoe visitors and residents.
The Sacramento Region, of which South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are part of, has dropped below 15 percent availability in the ICUs across the region, prompting the new order. More than thirty million people in California now fall under the order after a deadly surge of the coronavirus has crossed the state.
City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 5:23pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.
Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.
Op/Ed: Creating a community without the divide of a state line
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 2:00pm
On October 31, 2016 I wrote an editorial "Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork" due to a growing vibe of discourse and anger across the country as well as in South Lake Tahoe.
Since we are once again in the midst of a contentious national election I saw a need to once again look at the definition of community as we focus on our local situation in El Dorado County and Douglas County.
com·mu·ni·ty:
City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 8:12pm
On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
SLT Council Candidate Scott Robbins
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/02/2020 - 3:41pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Scott Robbins
Profession: National Security Analysist
How many years in SLT: 4
SLT Council Candidate Leonard Carter
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/01/2020 - 2:24pm
South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Leonard Carter.
Occupation: Retired
How many years in SLT: 32 years
1. Explain why you are running for City Council and what your qualifications are. I believe I can help the council focus on real issues, such as: roads, law enforcement, trash, public safety, fire suppression, and not burn out on spurious popular topics.
Public invited to participate in South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Swim Complex survey
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 8:33pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe is continuing the process on the planning, design and construction of the new Community Recreation & Aquatics Center.
For the past several years the City's Parks and Recreation Department has involved the public on the future of its aging recreation center and plans for a new building through community meetings and workshops.
Freaker's Ball at MontBleu canceled for 2020
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 2:25pm
The long-running tradition of the Freaker's Ball is taking a year. The 42nd annual event will be waiting one more year but organizers promise it will be better than ever. Originally scheduled to take place Saturday, October 31, MontBleu found itself, like so many venues, unable to host the annual event due to Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines in effect statewide.
What you need to know in Lake Tahoe this weekend: No fires allowed, wear a mask
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 11:52am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As tourists fill the Lake Tahoe Basin and locals plan their holiday weekend there are rules that everyone needs to remember - no outside fires with charcoal or wood, and wear a mask.
Although people may want to take a vacation, the pandemic doesn’t so make sure you are following proper safety precautions.
South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 5:03pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.
Roundabout protest to be focused on getting county leaders to act on traffic concerns
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 10:25pm
MEYERS, Calif. - Another protest is planned at the US50 roundabout in Meyers on Friday, September 4, just as thousands of tourists flock to Lake Tahoe in a traditional weekend wrap-up of summer.
Trash Talk: Reduce and reuse are key in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 9:36am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We have all seen the photos of trash left behind on beaches, trails, parking lots and surrounding dumpsters not only in Lake Tahoe but across the country. This is only the tip of the problem and managing our trash is key to prevent landfills being overflowed with our unnecessary waste.
Group rallies to ask for respect from tourists when visiting Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/15/2020 - 11:51pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe is the vacation destination for millions of people annually, but recent behaviors of many of the tourists have the residents on edge. Trash is being left behind on beaches, trails and picnic areas, overflowing trash containers are shown daily on social media pages, stores are packed and roads are crowded, all during a pandemic while travel orders are still in place for the California.
With international travel at a standstill many are keeping their vacationing during the coronavirus to locations near their homes, and Lake Tahoe is one of those spots.
Mammoth Lakes added to state's monitoring list; Truckee/North Lake Tahoe ask visitors to stay away on weekends
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 7:11pm
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.
City of South Lake Tahoe recruiting volunteer ambassadors during pandemic
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/21/2020 - 5:51pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as many other cities around the country have done, the City of South Lake Tahoe is partnering with local residents to act as volunteer ambassadors to reach out to the community and visitors about the importance of safety during the pandemic.
“We have said the entire time to do everything you can to stay safe, so Tahoe can stay open,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “This ambassador program is about making sure people wear a mask, wash their hands, and do their part to make sure visitors and residents alike stay healthy during this crisis.”
South Lake Tahoe COVID-19 cases alarming to health officials
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 11:58am
Event Date:
July 9, 2020 - 2:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe has 17 percent of El Dorado County's population but around half of the confirmed COVID-19 cases. With a steady increase in confirmed cases over the last few weeks combined with the 4th of July influx of visitors, the County's Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams is looking at the possibility of more restrictive measures for businesses and the public.
Letter: An open letter to the guy who harassed me for wearing a mask on the street
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 2:17pm
To the guy who harassed me for wearing a mask on the street:
You know you were wrong to yell at me from your open car window at a red light. You know you were wrong because when I looked up and said, “what?” your first reaction was, “oh, nothing.”
Letter: Analyze data in future El Dorado County vacation home rental regulations
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/01/2020 - 11:37am
The following is a letter to the El Dorado County CAO, reprinted here at the author's request.
Dear Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton,
As a 40-year company doing vacation rentals in the South Lake Tahoe area including El Dorado County we would like to make a request that we have made to our representative Sue Novasel many times. Before you implement regulations on vacation rentals, analyze the data which you should have been collecting for the last few years.
Such as:
• Where are the problems coming from?
Letter: Support our local businesses
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/01/2020 - 11:30am
These are odd times. We are told the best thing we can do is avoid each other and stay home if at all possible. Meanwhile, our local businesses are reopening while tourism continues to be discouraged. Whether you agree with these decisions or not, whether you believe the virus is real or not, our local businesses are struggling to get enough customers to make it worth the effort. I happen to be on the side of approaching reopening with a cautionary approach but I am also very concerned about our local businesses.
City of South Lake Tahoe: Keep Tahoe safe and visit when restrictions are lifted
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 12:12pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City is excited about Memorial Day weekend but realize this one will be different than years past.
Property owners are now allowed to come to Tahoe, but visitors are still asked not to be here at this time.
“We love our visitors and recognize how much they contribute to this City and this economy,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “We just know how important it is to get things open safely, and we all understand we are stronger together and safer apart right now.”
Letter: South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce offers leaders suggestions on reopening
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 11:37am
The following is a letter sent to El Dorado County and City of South Lake Tahoe. It is published here in its entirety at the request of the author.
The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce would like to offer encouragement and support of a revival of the local economy, while continuing to keep the health and safety of our residents in mind. Cases of COVID-19 have remained low in our region when compared to other more populated areas around the State and Nation. We applaud the quick action taken by the County and City that has helped us keep the case count low.
City of South Lake Tahoe special meeting to request Governor Newsom allow a phased reopening
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 10:27am
Event Date:
May 6, 2020 - 9:00am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. with a single agenda item: Authorization of a letter signed by Mayor Jason Collin to California Governor Gavin Newsom to request approval for the City of South Lake Tahoe for its transition to Phase 2 of re-opening the County of El Dorado and City of South Lake Tahoe for individuals and businesses.
El Dorado County Supervisors send letter to Newsom asking for phased reopening
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/29/2020 - 10:35am
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.
El Dorado County lifts orders but California stay-at-home orders still in place
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 8:55am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One layer of stay-at-home orders has been lifted for El Dorado County as its Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams, has lifted her stay-at-home directive effective April 30, the original date it was to be lifted when set on March 19.
This doesn't mean that South Lake Tahoe and the county are open for business though as the State's order is still in effect.
"We are requesting from the Governor that we [South Lake Tahoe] can move towards reopening in a phased approach with attention paid to his six guidelines," said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jason Collin.
Barton Hospital prepared for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/11/2020 - 5:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital is prepared to handle a surge in COVID-19 patients with an extra 150 beds identified for use if needed, and if that supply is used, more space is ready to be used through the help of community partners.
This was from Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO & president of Barton Health who participated in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, hosted by the Tahoe Chamber.
Some second homeowners to provide housing for those affected by coronavirus
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 2:17pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a time when many in the community are upset with the second homers or their renters who came to "shelter in place" in South Lake Tahoe, many of homeowners have come together to provide needed housing to agencies bringing in the essential workforce.
"VHRs for Essential Service Workforce" will be providing housing for 7-29 days for those needed in the community during the coronavirus pandemic, those who need to quarantine for themselves or are in town to assist, and not for any other purpose by owners or guests.
Douglas County to VHR owners and tourists: Do not rent homes, Do not visit at this time
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 1:09pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Consistent with directives issued by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Douglas County is urging travelers and short-term rental owners/managers, to take this threat to our community seriously, act responsibly and refrain from renting vacation home properties to non-essential travelers at this time.
Special South Lake Tahoe meeting to address emergency housing, evictions and vacation homes
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 4:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, March 25 to discuss three topics related to community needs surrounding the current coronavirus pandemic.
The meeting starts at 1:00 p.m. and remote attendance instructions are available below.
City of South Lake Tahoe: Stay home, maintain social distancing, follow CDC guidelines
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/19/2020 - 12:17am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many resort towns are dealing with results of parents out of work and students out of school due to the coronavirus - increased visitation. Officials are reminding all that shelters in place and advisements to stay home are serious and not a reason to go on vacation, and South Lake Tahoe is no different.
Funding for reimagination and renovation of Spooner State Park now in place
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/03/2020 - 5:08pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Construction is set to begin in May 2020 on the renovation and reimagination of facilities at Spooner Lake State Park. A collaboration between Nevada State Parks, Nevada State Lands and the Tahoe Fund has been successful in securing funding and donations to complete plans for the 35-year-old park.
Facts about California's water legislation and what it means for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/02/2020 - 8:05pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - No, you're not going be fined for taking a shower and doing laundry on the same day. A news story by a Los Angeles area television station and carried through the internet on New Year's Day wrongly stated just that as an effect of upcoming water efficiency laws.
Young teens causing problems at Stateline arrested by South Lake Tahoe Police
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 9:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the past few weeks, officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) have been dealing with reports of a group of juveniles who have been causing problems in the Heavenly Village and Raley's area near Stateline.
Pledge for the Wild gives tourists in five mountain towns a chance to give back
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/28/2019 - 8:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What do South Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada; Bend, Oregon; Bozeman, Montana; Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Flagstaff, Arizona have in common?
They are all mountain towns who have joined together to make it easier for tourists to open their hearts and wallets in support of wild places. They have taken steps to empower travelers to help protect the outdoor places where they recreate.
Fan life at the 2019 American Century Championship
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 9:56pm
A bit of magic took place on the 17th hole this weekend at Edgewood Tahoe golf course when Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry asked a young fan dressed in all-Warriors gear to join him on the green. Tyler Golla from Sparks ran on to the course to meet his favorite idol.
Security followed closely behind as Curry made Golla, 15, comfortable by letting him take part in an improvised hoops shoot-out in front of hundreds of fans – and with Justin Timberlake joining the competition. As Golla shot the ball, Curry and Timberlake signed his Warriors hat.
Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 7:31am
This week at South Tahoe High School, the cold weather continued while students dressed up for “Versus Week,” seniors visited Lake Tahoe Community College day, and athletes brought home gold from the state championships.
On Campus
The spirit week theme was “Versus.” Students dressed up as nerds versus athletes, tourists vs. locals, rappers vs. country musicians, and more. A spirit rally is being held Friday to support the school’s canned food drive.
TTD receives award for use of cellular data for Lake Tahoe transit needs
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/03/2019 - 1:31pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - For their initiative of tracking the cellular data from Lake Tahoe tourists, the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. will be presented with a national award later this month.
Letter: Solution to Meyers traffic problems
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 11:34am
We are not unique in the fact that traffic apps have been showing shortcuts and causing headaches in neighborhoods, which have become freeways filled with people speeding through them to "save" up to a minute on their commute.
We do not have the luxury of support from our elected officials as other communities do, so we must come up with a solution ourselves.
Meyers is under siege every weekend with tourists trying to get home after a long weekend of enjoying what we sometimes take for granted and they are using traffic apps to try to get around the gridlock.
“Elevate Your Palate” Restaurant Week in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 3:23pm
Event Date:
January 20, 2019 (All day)
The unique cuisine, craft breweries and beer bars of South Lake Tahoe will be highlighted during Elevate Your Palate Restaurant Week January 20-27, 2019. There will be promotions and specials offered througout the South Shore during the week.
Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the locally brewed craft beers and specialty dishes offered.
Traffic leaving Lake Tahoe still backed up Monday afternoon - I80 all clear
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/07/2019 - 4:19pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SR-89 around Emerald Bay remains closed this afternoon and SR-88 at Kirkwood is expected to reopen shortly after a storm passed through Lake Tahoe, dumping snow and rain on the region.
Due to I-80 closing for most of Sunday because of white-out conditions and unsafe roads, many of those travelers headed to the South Shore to try and use US-50 to go over Echo Summit. That combined with the exodus of tourists in town to ski, many surface streets throughout Meyers and South Lake Tahoe remained jammed with standstill traffic for hours.
Ribbon cutting welcomes Chase Bank to the South Lake Tahoe community
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 10:24pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The third area branch of Chase Bank has opened in South Lake Tahoe and they were officially welcomed to the community during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday.
"Congratulations, thank you to Chase for being a part of the community," said Jason Drew of the Tahoe Chamber. "It is incredible to see you opening and being part of the revitalization."
Drew was joined by Chamber CEO Steve Teshara and a couple dozen of their members and other locals.
Former City Manager Nancy Kerry honored with proclamation and party
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/14/2018 - 12:26pm
Nancy Kerry has been gone from her position as the city manager of South Lake Tahoe since March, but she finally got the credit due for her many accomplishments and contributions during a standing room only celebration Tuesday evening.
Over 75 community leaders came together to present Nancy with a proclamation signed by both Mayor Wendy David and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis, their last official act with the City.
The list of tributes spoken during the evening is a lengthy one.
Letter: South Lake Tahoe Chamber is concerned about pending approval of Loop Road
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/09/2018 - 11:39am
The following is a letter from Duane Wallace, past president of the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce to the Tahoe Transportation District Board. He outlines the concerns their Chamber has expressed about the US 50 South Shore Community
Revitalization Project (Loop Road) EIR process and content.
"It is on the fastest track I've ever seen," he said of the Loop Road project.
Dear Chair Teshara and Commission Members,
Harrah's and Harveys donate $10,000 to Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/01/2018 - 12:22pm
Two South Shore casinos recently gave a donation of $10,000 to the Tahoe Rim Trail for their volunteer stewardship program.
Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe's contribution will help the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) achieve their goals of expanding opportunities for community members and tourists to experience nature, improve trail users’ safety, reduce negative environmental impacts, and create a desire to protect and restore Tahoe’s special places within the community.
Letter: Is Measure T Really Too Extreme?
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/29/2018 - 10:24am
I am surprised that some people call Measure T “too extreme,” when the measure a) still allows fulltime residents to rent out their houses for 30 days per year, b) promotes the development and expansion of VHRs in areas properly zoned as commercial or part of the Tourist Core.
Do you know what is really “too extreme”?
• Local businesses struggling to fill open positions because their employees can’t find long-term housing in Tahoe.
Letter: No on T people are desperate
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/27/2018 - 7:13pm
Desperation – a state of despair, typically one that results in rash or extreme behavior.
This must be the mental state of those opposed to Measure T. The fear mongering they are resorting too has reached an all-time low. They are claiming voting YES on Measure T will: Cost us hundreds of million in lost revenue, the loss of the entire VHR TOT, cancel the Recreation Center project, cause the fire department to respond less quickly, etc… These people apparently have no shame in their desperation to sway the local voters from forcing VHRs to operate in areas where they are zoned.
Letter: No on T - The measure will do more harm than good if it passes
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/27/2018 - 6:35pm
I am an eight-year resident, a homeowner, a vacation home rental (VHR) permit owner, and I hold a profession that is involved with bringing tourists to our beautiful tourist town of South Lake Tahoe. I know how hard we work to get them to come here to spend their hard-earned money in our economy. Tourists have many options. VHRs, hotels, camping, North Lake, Utah, Colorado. They want the experience they want and VHRs are part of that experience. With limited options, they will go elsewhere.
SLT City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Committee questions
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/08/2018 - 12:14am
On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to do two things: Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032; and reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040. The 100% Renewable Committee was formed to help the City accomplish these tasks.
Meet the Candidate: Austin Sass says experience is key to serving community
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 10:56am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, current Councilman Austin Sass shares his thoughts in his quest for another term on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
