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Will there be a White Christmas in Lake Tahoe?

LAKE TAHOE - Santa Claus might be navigating his sleigh through a snow storm above Lake Tahoe on Christmas Eve, but exactly how much snow will be on his landing pads (aka rooftops) will be made clearer the holiday gets closer.

What is certain is a Winter Storm Watch has been issued and in effect from Monday morning to Tuesday morning, making Saturday and Sunday the best travel days of the mountain passes prior to Christmas.

Paradise man arrested in Tahoe Vista after fleeing from deceased man's car

A man was arrested on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe by Placer County Sheriff deputies Monday after he was found driving a car that belonged to a deceased Paradise, California man.

Deputies saw 35-year-old Stephen Miller driving on Sunday night and before they could initiate a traffic stop Miller exited the car via the passenger side and took off.

A records check revealed the registration hadn’t been renewed in four years and the owner of the car was deceased.

Miller, who is also from Paradise, was tracked to the Cedar Glen Lodge in Tahoe Vista on Monday and arrested.

South Lake Tahoe police jump in to assist two dogs who jumped from 5th floor of parking garage

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a normal day of skiing in South Lake Tahoe on Friday, December 7, 2018 for a couple from Oakland, California. They had parked their car on the top floor of the five-story parking garage at Heavenly Village, left their two dogs Titan and Comet inside and hit the slopes for three hours.

Road Beat: Toyota Sienna, Stellar Performance

Minivans are not supposed to be hot rods or even quick. They are for hauling the family with comfortable seven to eight passenger seating (there isn’t a bad seat in this house) while still having massive cargo capacity. Or they are for going to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s and God help your credit card. I was actually able to put 12-foot-long baseboard inside this massive shipping container.

SR28 south of Incline Village to close overnight Dec. 11-13

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There will be full road closures on State Route 28 south of Incline Village for two nights this week so the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) can install bridges on the new shared used path.

Both directions of SR 28 will be closed between Lakeshore Boulevard in southern Incline Village near Tunnel Creek Café and Sand Harbor State Park from 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. nightly Dec. 11 to Dec. 13. The road closures are scheduled for overnight hours to reduce impact on heavy daytime traffic. The closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

CHP: Helping keep California's older drivers safe

December 3-7, 2018 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week and the California Highway Patrol is joining with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to bring awareness of programs and challenges as drivers age.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

More Fresh Pow with the Winter Storm Warning continuing in effect through 3pm this afternoon. All Lifts will operate Wind & Weather Permitting… More Lifts & Terrain open at Resorts… Road Controls posted and subject to change, so buckle up and drive with care… Don’t Miss Warren Miller’s “Face of Winter” tonight at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe…

Today’s Weather: Expect Snow… Snow accumulation of 3-9” with 7-13” above 7000 ft. Highs: 27F-32F (17F-22F @ 8000 feet). Southwest winds 10-15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Ridge gusts up to 70 mph.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, weather, road news - The Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

A little break in storm action… Get out on the mountain! More Fresh Snow reported and Resorts are firing up more lifts & opening more terrain… Sierra at Tahoe & Sugar Bowl are opening today. Winter Storm Warning posted tonight thru Saturday afternoon. Road Controls posted and subject to change, so buckle up and drive with care… Don’t Miss Warren Miller’s “Face of Winter” tonight at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe…

Today’s Weather: Expect Mostly Cloudy skies with scattered snow showers. Highs: 31F-36F (21F-26F @ 8000 feet). West winds 10-15 mph.

Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Take your windproof – waterproof outwear and expect Rain & Snow later today… Winds are affect the operation of upper mountain lifts, so all Lifts will operate Wind & Weather permitting… Heavenly on WIND HOLD; Squaw’s Upper Mtn on WIND HOLD; Winter Storm Watch starting Wednesday – 12” to 36” of snow possible above 7000 feet. Have Fun & Be Safe!

Winter Storm Watch in place; Rain and snow to impact travel

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two storms will be hitting the Lake Tahoe Basin this week with the first expected Tuesday afternoon. The second one has prompted a Winter Storm Watch that is in effect from Wednesday evening through late Thursday night.

Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations in the second storm 6" to 12" under 7000 feet with 1' to 3' possible above 7000 feet. Snow level will stay above the lake Wednesday, dropping to 3500-4000 feet Friday morning.

Winds could gust as high as 65 mph over the higher terrain of the Sierra, 25-30 mph at lower elevations.

Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

We survived the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend and resorts that remain open this week and for the season continue to make snow and spin lifts. Kirkwood has scheduled Chair #6 – Cornice Express to offer top to bottom skiing & riding. Mammoth Mtn. & Mt Rose also open top to bottom. More snow predicted to come through with a Winter Storm Watch starting Wednesday.

Today’s Weather: Expect Partly Cloudy Skies. Highs: 46F-51F (-10F@8000 ft.). Light Winds.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

11/14

Mountain Resort Report©

South Tahoe Now will be carrying The Mountain Resort Report by Curtis Fong during the 2018-19 ski season.

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders. It's a beautiful Sunday FUnday for ending your Thanksgiving weekend! Kirkwood has three lifts and 15 trails open; Mammoth is open top to bottom with 12 lifts and 37 trails open; Squaw has Gold Coast open on the upper mountain; Mt. Rose is open top to bottom. Have fun and be safe! If you are departing the Lake Tahoe Basin, buckle up, drive safely and have patience with traffic.

NDOT has new chain requirements on Lake Tahoe highways for 2018-19 winter

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There are new chain requirements on Kingsbury Grade, Mt. Rose Highway and Spooner Summit during the 2018-19 winter.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has enacted a change on these Tahoe-area highways and now require any vehicle traveling without tire chains during winter chain restrictions to be four-wheel or all-wheel drive with snow tires. No longer will cars without these distinctions be allowed to cross chain control lines with just snow tires.

Chain controls go up around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the first time in months it is snowing in the Sierra and chain controls are up on area roads. The snow hit a few hours later than planned, but, it's here!

As of 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night the following controls are in place:

Highway 50/Echo Summit - From Fred's Place to Meyers: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas).

Lake Tahoe holiday traffic to be impacted over Thanksgiving

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you're driving to Lake Tahoe for the Thanksgiving holiday, expect snow, rain and slow moving traffic as you arrive....but most of Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be sunny and clear.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork November 19 - 24

NOTE: Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 21 through 10:00 p.m. Sunday, November 25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

11/7

Major link between Carson City and Reno to close this weekend

NV Energy and the Nevada Department of Transportation are announcing a full closure of Interstate 580 in northern Carson City and Washoe Valley during the morning hours of both Nov. 17 and Nov. 18.

US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project approved by TRPA

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV - It's been 38 years in the making. On Thursday, November 15, 2018, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the final joint environmental document for the US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the "Loop Road."

Last week, the board of the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) unanimously approved the same document, the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS/EIS).

Douglas County Sheriff's deputies graduate from state academy

Two deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office were honored by Sheriff Ron Pierini today for their recent graduation from the State of Nevada Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Law Enforcement Academy.

Deputies Maciej Stebel and Spencer McLaughlin graduated November 15, 2018 after attending the academy for the past four months.

60-foot South Lake Tahoe community tree cut for Heavenly Village

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Rockefeller Center in New York City has a Christmas tree as a backdrop for all holiday activities in the Big City since 1933, and now South Lake Tahoe is starting what hopes to be an annual tradition. Standing at 60-feet, the local version isn't quite as big as their neighbor on the East Coast (which runs 60-100 feet and can weigh close to 30,000 pounds), but it serve as a place to warm hearts and be a center of holiday photos and fun.

NDOT to close stretch of I-580/US 395 for utility work

There will be a full closure of Interstate 580 in northern Carson City and Washoe Valley during the morning hours of both Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, NV Energy and Nevada Department of Transportation announced Friday.

Letter: South Lake Tahoe Chamber is concerned about pending approval of Loop Road

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,

SR89 to close for one day around Emerald Bay

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is alerting the public that State Highway 89 will be closed at Emerald Bay on Wednesday, November 14 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This closure will allow for a crane to work in the area placing downed trees on the slope for erosion control. Dead or dying trees will be cut down from the area around the project site on Tuesday, November 13 and stacked onsite for placement on the hillside the next day.

Motorists from the north seeking to access the west or south shores of Lake Tahoe will need to detour via Highways 28 and 50 during the full closure.

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week November 5-12

Now that we have all changed our clocks and experienced the first night of an early sunset it is time to understand what the end of Daylight Saving Time can do to drivers.

The time change may disrupt sleep patterns and affect the ability to concentrate and safely operate a motor vehicle, and to highlight the dangers of fatigued drivng, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) joins the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the National Sleep Foundation in recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, November 5-12, 2018.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork November 4-10

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has a series of both short-term and long-term road projects at Lake Tahoe and neighboring areas.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

10/17

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 28 - November 3

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has several road construction projects in the Lake Tahoe area. The following is their list for the week of October 28-November 3, 2018, including alerts on special events in Apple Hill and on SR49.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Two new judges for El Dorado County Superior Court

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two attorneys with local ties will soon be sworn in as El Dorado County superior court judges, filling a gap that brought in visiting judges to local courts for over a year.

Mike McLaughlin, partner at Feldman McLaughlin Thiel LLP, will become the new judge of Department 4 in South Lake Tahoe, and Jamie Pesce, a deputy district attorney, will be assigned to family law in Department 5 of the local court system, located in the main Courthouse in Placerville.

Motorists beware: New traffic light in South Lake Tahoe goes live Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The new traffic signals at the intersection of Lodi Avenue and Highway 50 (Lake Tahoe Blvd.) will be activated on Tuesday, October 23. Caltrans is wrapping up year two of a $56 million water-quality and roadway improvement project from the Y to the Trout Creek Bridge, and the new light will allow motorists to utilize synchronized traffic lights the complete distance upon completion.

The new light is replacing stop signs on both sides of Lodi Avenue and what was uncontrolled access on Highway 50.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 21-27

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) roadwork schedule around Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County.

SPECIAL EVENT - U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County) from 5 Mile Road to Carson Road in Camino: Eastbound motorists can expect the left turn lanes to be closed at 5 Mile Road, lower Carson Road and upper Carson Road from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 21 and Saturday, October 27 for Apple Hill season traffic. Motorists will be directed to Exit 54/Cedar Grove to access Carson Road.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Column: Collaboration key to new Tahoe challenges

Warming temperatures pose major challenges for Lake Tahoe's environment, communities, and the outdoor recreation that drives its economy. Research by University of California, Davis's Tahoe Environmental Research Center, University of Nevada, Reno, and Desert Research Institute clearly shows Lake Tahoe is warming.

Motorists can expect delays on SR 89 between Truckee and Squaw Valley

Caltrans is alerting motorists to anticipate delays on a section of State Route 89 for the next several weeks as culverts along the highway are removed and replaced.

Work started Monday on Highway 89 between Truckee and Squaw Valley to replace the drainage pipes. Granite Construction is the contractor and will work weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., weather permitting, under one-way reversing traffic control with flaggers. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes.

The work involves removing and replacing six culverts and making improvements to three others.

Caltrans District 3 projects created by SB1 funds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have you ever wondered where the extra gas tax money you now pay at the pump is going? The increase on the excise taxes on gasoline and diesel along with new registration fee for cars based on their value have so far created 26 projects in District 3 as well as in other districts across the state.

But now that funding is being challenged.

HIghway 50 roadwork extended to end of month in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Originally planned to wrap up this week, work on the large construction project along US 50 will continue until the end of October, weather permitting.

Expect lane closures along the road (also known as Lake Tahoe Blvd.) near Winnemucca Avenue to Silver Dollar Avenue. No detours will be in place. Expect heavy traffic and delays.

Grinding and paving work was completed on Friday, October 5. Caltrans and its contractors are working hard to finish this stretch of the new storm drain system project.

Several overnight closures of SR 28 planned near Incline Village

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The first in a series of overnight full road closures on State Route 28 south of Incline Village will take place Oct. 29-31 as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) installs bridges on the State Route 28 shared used path.

Public comment sought on future Interstate 11 from Las Vegas to Northern Nevada

The public has the opportunity to comment on the Nevada segment of Interstate 11 (I-11), a planned four-lane highway from Mexico to Canada. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking public input on recommended corridor alternatives for the future I-11 connecting Las Vegas and northwestern Nevada.

Highway 50 near Cave Rock down to one lane for westbound traffic

Traffic Alert - The westbound lanes of US 50 will be reduced to one lane near Cave Rock starting Wednesday, October 10 and going through Friday.

Nevada Department of Transportation crews will be performing maintenance.

SLT City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Committee questions

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.

It's Marathon Week in Lake Tahoe; Expect road closure October 14

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The annual Lake Tahoe Marathon is October 12-14, 2018 with 1,800 athletes headed to town for the race. Over 20 events will take place around Lake Tahoe during the three days of fun and festivities this year, the 23rd year of the Marathon. Over 2,500 family members and friends are also expected to travel to the lake to watch and enjoy the town.

Meet the Candidate: Hal Cole says his experience and calm leadership will guide City

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, Hal Cole gives his responses as he attempts to return to the South Lake Tahoe City Council:

Bicycle and pedestrian safety focus of new CHP campaign

The safety of pedestrians and bicyclists is the focus of a federal grant to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for the coming year.

The California Pedestrian and Bicyclist Enforcement and Education Project (CPBEEP) grant runs from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019. During this year-long statewide campaign, CHP officers will conduct enhanced enforcement activities and public education campaigns.

2019 to be major road construction year in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as road construction is wrapping up for the second phase of the "Y" to Trout Creek Bridge project in South Lake Tahoe, plans were unveiled for the next building season.

Caltrans Project Manager Clark Peri presented an outline of three of their projects on the South Shore during Tuesday's City Council meeting.

"Y" to Trout Creek Bridge

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 1-6

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of Sierra area projects to be worked on by Caltrans during the following week.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Meet the Candidate: Austin Sass says experience is key to serving community

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:

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

9/12

Lake Tahoe area roadwork September 23-29

The following is a list of the Caltrans roadwork projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County for the week of September 23 - 29, 2018.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lane closure Sunday night near Fanny Bridge

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a lane closure near the Caltrans Maintenance Yard on SR 89 heading into Tahoe City from Truckee from 10 p.m. this Sunday, Sept. 23 to noon on Monday, Sept. 24. The construction contractor will be handling drainage work and underground utility work.

Traffic may back up along SR 28 into downtown Tahoe City.

Flaggers in the area have been advised to let school buses and public transportation (TART buses) to go through without having to wait upwards of 20 minutes as the rest of the vehicles can expect to be delayed.

CHP School bus safety enforcement operation in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - California Highway Patrol officers will be riding on local school buses on September 24 during a state-wide school bus pedestrian safety enforcement operation.

Motorists across the state continue to disobey the law requiring them to stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended. During a one-day survey in 2016 of 137 school districts in California, over 26,000 motorists failed to stop for a school bus that was stopped to load or unload pupils.

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