travel

Road Beat: Toyota Tundra - Not just getting it right, but getting it fun

It’s been over two years since my last visit with this second and a half-generation Tundra (the second generation was introduced in 2008 and heavily refreshed in 2014). My last review remarked how Toyota finally made the Tundra into a real “Cowboy Cadillac” (it’s built near San Antonio, Texas) with a ride smoother than a baby’s butt. This new Tundra feels even a bit smoother, perhaps a little less jiggly over Caltrans challenged pavement. And my tester was the new TRD Pro edition.

18 more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County; One new case in Douglas County

The Washoe County Health District is reporting that two more Washoe County residents have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation, increasing the count to seven recoveries.

In addition, the Health District is reporting 18 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County, moving the total number of cases to 93 and the active case count to 86. The new numbers include a Washoe County Sheriff's deputy that was assigned to the jail.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 29 - April 4

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

Please remember to stay home except for essential needs.
California is under a Stay-at-Home Order and only essential travel is permitted.
~ Avoid travel ~ Stay-at-Home ~ Beat COVID-19 ~
Learn more at covid19.ca.gov
#StayHomeSaveLives

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Public Health Department has announced there are now nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26. The County is not identifying the communities where these cases are.

This brings the total number of positive cases in the State of California to 4,040. There have been 82 deaths in the state.

Of those 3,666, 886 are community-acquired cases; 2,120 were acquired through person-to-person transmission, travel (including cruise ship passengers), repatriation, or under investigation. This includes 42 health care workers.

Is South Lake Tahoe prepared for the coronavirus?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have asked, what if our community starts getting COVID-19 cases, are we prepared? Many different groups, agencies, and the government have been working diligently and collaboratively on emergency plans to prepare.

Rental of a South Lake Tahoe vacation home or motel could result in fines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their emergency meeting Wednesday, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted to support the temporary use of the City's recreation center for the homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic and to follow the State of Calfornia's lead not halting commercial evictions at the time.

Monthly Medicare column: What you need to know about coronavirus and Medicare

Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.

We’re warning Medicare beneficiaries that scammers may try to use this emergency to steal their Medicare number, banking information, or other personal data.

Unfortunately, scammers come out of the woodwork during times of uncertainty and change. So make sure you give your Medicare number only to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.

El Dorado County backs Governor's 'Stay at Home' order - Do not visit to recreate or vacation

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds are to be used only to house homeless, COVID-19 emergency workers or continue to house residents according to an El Dorado County directive issued on Tuesday. Staying in one of these types of temporary housing is not considered "essential" by Governor Newsom's March 18th "Stay at Home" order.

Special South Lake Tahoe meeting to address emergency housing, evictions and vacation homes

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.

Letter: Vacation home rental group asks Lake Tahoe visitors to stay home

The vacation home rental (VHR) industry stands with our neighbors, community, and City Leadership in South Lake Tahoe to discourage visitors to our town at this time. South Shore of Tahoe VHR industry companies have blocked calendars to prevent reservations, issued full refunds for cancelations, and offered incentives encouraging visitors to postpone travel to later dates.

We all need to do our part to eliminate the spread of COVID-19 with social distancing, limiting exposure to our friends, family, and neighbors, and make every attempt to flatten the curve.

One confirmed case of community transmitted coronavirus in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County officials announced today the first confirmed case of community transmitted COVID-19 in an El Dorado County resident. The resident acquired the COVID-19 virus from an unknown source. This brings the count up to three of County residents with confirmed cases, one is a resident but was not in the county at the time of contraction and illness, and another was travel related.

Message from Barton Health and other regional healthcare systems

The following is a press release from Barton Health, Carson Tahoe Health, Marshall Medical Center and Tahoe Forest Health System:

With the continuing spread of COVID-19 within the U.S., the healthcare providers of the greater Lake Tahoe/El Dorado Region are working closely with each other and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as California and Nevada health authorities, to care for affected individuals. We are also jointly taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within our communities.

Information about COVID-19

Washoe County reports 19 new cases of COVID-19; Douglas 1 and no new cases in El Dorado County

On Monday, the Washoe County Health District reported 19 additional cases of COVID-19 in that county, moving the total number of cases to 44.

Due to the influx of cases, the Health District will not provide specific details or any other information due to medical information and privacy requirements.

The additional 19 confirmed cases were from 2-plus days of testing due to the increased number of tests being submitted to the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory from throughout the region and state.

City of South Lake Tahoe asks lodging industry to not rent to visitors during "Stay at Home" order

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Interim Police Chief Shannon Laney sent out a letter to vacation homeowners and lodging properties on Monday, telling them to cease renting to non-exempt short-term visitors. California Governor Newsom issued a state-wide Stay at Home Order on March 19, 2020, which bans all non-essential travel, including staying in accommodations in Lake Tahoe.

Column: The differences between Yoga and "yoga"

There is a lot of “yoga” out there right now. A boom has occurred and every gym, fitness spot, grassy area, and the beach are now offering “yoga.” There are live streams, videos, Youtube channels, memberships, subscriptions and more. Learn to differentiate between those that are Yoga and the rest.

What Is Yoga?

There are 8 specific aspects of the practice of Yoga. When all are included, you are practicing Yoga.
1) Yama: Restraint/Direction/Control
2) Niyama: Observation/Self Control

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 22 - 28. 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled work on El Dorado County and other Sierra roads.

City of South Lake Tahoe: Stay home, maintain social distancing, follow CDC guidelines

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.

Three new COVID-19 cases in Douglas and Washoe Counties - El Dorado County still at zero

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe and the rest of El Dorado County, as of 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18.

Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is reporting a second positive case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. This is the second case reported in the Quad County region: Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, and Storey counties.

No confirmed COVID-19 cases in El Dorado County, one in Truckee

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials and agency partners have been closely monitoring the outbreak of novel Coronavirus COVID-19. As of March 17 at 2:00 p.m. there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County.

More closures announced in South Lake Tahoe due to coronavirus concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a rapidly changing response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses, nonprofits, and agencies having to change procedures and policies often.

At this time, the following closures or change to business practices have been announced:

LTCC to cancel outside use of facilities and implements policies to limit COVID-19 spread

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is committed to helping mitigate the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to take measures to keep staff and students safe. With that in mind, effective immediately LTCC is canceling all community events and outside group meetings planned for on campus to help reduce the chance of exposure and spread. Furthermore, LTCC is canceling all non-essential travel for LTCC employees. These are measures designed to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of exponential community spread of COVID-19. These measures will be in effect until further notice.

El Dorado County declares public health emergency in response to COVID-19

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County today declared a public health emergency to ensure appropriate resources and funding are available to the County in its response to novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

LTUSD asks students and staff to self-quarantine if returning from any COVID-19 infected area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) sent out a letter to all students and staff concerning the district's Pandemic Preparedness Plan in regards to travel and self-quarantine.

Effective Monday, March 9, 2020, all students and staff returning from travel out-of-the-country or from COVID-19 infected areas in California or other areas of the United States are strongly recommended to self-quarantine in their home for 14 consecutive days beginning the date of their return to South Lake Tahoe.

High Wind and Winter Storm Watches in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This winter hasn't been much of a snow producer, but a new storm heading to the Lake Tahoe basin will try and change that. A significant looking late-season winter storm on the horizon starting late Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS)in reno.

The Dodov Foundation… A ‘Beacon’ Of Positivity

In today’s world, our own voice is the strongest it has EVER been. You can reach so many people through social media. Unfortunately, very few of us use this platform to do something bigger than ourselves. We post our opinions but don’t act upon them to make changes. And that’s where Natalia and Alex Dodov stray from the rest of us. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, they use their opportunities and energy to help kids learn about avalanche safety solutions.

Seeing The Dodov Foundation In Action

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal land management agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations in the Tahoe Basin over the next several weeks, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Aspen 1011 - USDA Forest Service - Location: Off Pioneer and Marshall trails near South Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 02/28/2020

Twin Peaks 1091 - USDA Forest Service - Location: Near corner of Pawnee Drive and Iroquois Circle, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 30.00.

Play Ball! Signups and tryouts scheduled for South Tahoe Babe Ruth

Event Date: 
March 22, 2020 - 11:00am

It’s time to sign up for the South Tahoe Babe Ruth 2020 season!

Last year, all three of the South Tahoe Babe Ruth All-Star age divisions were Nevada State Champions. Now its time to start the new season and tryouts are scheduled for March 22 and 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Depending on weather, tryouts will be held at Todd Fields or South Tahoe High School.

Babe Ruth is a recreational baseball league serving players born on or before August 31, 2007 and have aged out of Little League. Everyone plays.

To sign up, please use the following link:

Lake Tahoe forecast: Dry end to February, what does March look like?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lighter winds return Monday and persist through much of the week as high pressure settles into northeast California and western Nevada. Dry conditions continue this week with high temperatures remaining above average. Low pressure may impact the region next weekend with gusty winds along with rain and snow showers.

Any rain or snowfall amounts will not be heavy but could cause travel impacts and will be welcome after a dry February, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Reno.

Upcoming meetings to update public on Lake Tahoe's SR89 West Shore plan

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The public is invited to explore the future of Lake Tahoe's West Shore during one of three public opportunities offered by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and Tahoe Transportation District. The State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan outlines the projects needed to improve the visitor experience, reduce traffic congestion, and preserve the environment from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoma.

Prescribed fire operations to continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) has plans to continue prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe over the next several weeks, weather, conditions and staffing permitting.

In the map above, the following operations are scheduled (clockwise starting with Sugar Pine Point State Park):

Sugar Pine Point State Park - California State Parks
Rod Beaudry Trail northwest of Ehrman Manion
Burn Type: Hand Pile
Total Acreage: 2.00
Planned Ignition: 03/02/2020

Burton Creek State Park - California State Parks
Burton Creek State Park, North of Rocky Ridge

Fundraisers set for South Lake Tahoe woman who shattered leg in 20 foot fall

Event Date: 
February 26, 2020 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On March 26, 2018, during a run down a chute at Kirkwood, Jen Dawn's life changed forever.

The 41-year-old South Lake Tahoe mother of two had completed one run down the sister chutes and was hiking over to the second when she slipped and fell 20 feet off of a cliff onto rocks and ice, landing on her right leg. The fall shattered that leg, lacerated her face and caused tooth loss.

Wind warnings up through Monday morning in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If the reading is verified, the wind gust of 209 mph recorded at Kirkwood just before 8:00 a.m. Sunday is potentially be a new California state record.

The winds throughout the Sierra have closed not only Kirkwood Mountain Resort operations for the day but also Sierra-at-Tahoe. Some lifts are on wind hold or closed at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Squaw Alpine, Northstar, Mt. Rose and others.

Prescribed fires to continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal land management agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin as conditions, staffing and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

The following 12 areas are on the schedule:

Aspen Lily Lake 1011 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Location: Powerline Road (Forest Road 12N08), off Pioneer Trail near South Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles - Total Acreage: 14.00 - Planned ignition: 1/25/20

Quick moving storm passing by Lake Tahoe Sunday; Big drop in temperatures Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Sunday a sharp cold front will rapidly push through the region, bringing strong winds and a quick burst of snow. The widespread southwest winds Sunday morning will be shifting to the northwest behind the front.

A Lake Wind Advisory is up for Lake Tahoe until 7:00 p.m. Sunday. The strongest winds are anticipated to be near and south of US-50, with US-395 possibly seeing travel restrictions for high profile vehicles.

Viking Corner: This week at South Tahoe High

With ski break coming up in two weeks and winter formal dance on Saturday, some students at South Lake Tahoe High School were busy with senior projects, while the basketball team travels to Dayton.

On Campus
New term means new classes. Seniors that are enrolled in English or independent senior project this term began work this week. Here are some of the senior project proposals:

Tyler Pevenage is focusing on the performance of yoga. “I will be learning about something that, in the future, I can implement and use in my life.”

Prescribed burns to continue around Lake Tahoe, weather and snow permitting

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin. They may not be able to continue prescribed fire operations at some sites because of increased snow loads, but some units are able to continue burning.

New audiologist joins Barton Health team

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health welcomes audiologist Marina Mulvey, Au. D., to its Ear Nose & Throat Department, and Barton Audiology office. Dr. Mulvey’s expertise and scope of practice expands audiology care at Barton, as patients can now obtain hearing aids locally and not have to travel for these medical devices. Dr. Mulvey has more than 25 years’ experience dispensing hearing aids.

Winter Storm Warning for Lake Tahoe; Up to a foot of snow at lake level, 2 feet along Sierra crest

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A strong winter storm will move through the region tonight through Thursday. This storm will bring heavy mountain snow, strong gusty winds, and plenty of travel headaches. Once through Thursday, expect less active weather over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend with the possibility of more storms next week.

Series of storms setting up to come into Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Could the storm door be opening for the Lake Tahoe Basin? A series of weak to moderate winter storms will affect the area, each with widespread snow and wind impacts across the Sierra and western Nevada. This weekend's snowfall will be minimal at lake level.

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.

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies, are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin over the next few weeks, weather permitting.

The 13 areas currently on the planned operations:

The old Tahoe Pines Campground near the intersection of US Hwy 50 and South Upper Truckee Rd. by the California Tahoe Conservancy. 8 acres of Machine Piles.

Upper Kinsbury, Valley Side by the Tahoe Douglas Fire District. 40 acres of Hand Piles.

South Lake Tahoe Forecast: Chance of snow during the week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be a dry start to the week with a weak system dropping into the region late Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing a chance of snow to the Lake Tahoe Basin and Sierra Crest. The next weather system next weekend is system is expected to be colder, wetter, and stronger than recent storms, but still an overall average storm for the region. Impacts will likely include moderate snow totals for the Sierra, lighter accumulations across western Nevada, some travel disruptions possible for aviation and ground routes, and some gusty winds.

Dozens of new California laws go into effect in 2020

New laws will be going into effect in California in the new year, putting into place California legislature action during 2019. There are many changes including road safety and distracted driving penalties, roadkill rules, minimum wage, independent workers and rent caps.

Except where noted, these laws are effective January 1, 2020:

Traffic Safety

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several new laws passed this year:

Chance of a White Christmas in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Temperatures will be below average for the rest of the year as the second part of the storm that brought snow Sunday makes its way into the Lake Tahoe Basin to start off the week.

Snow looks to continue for Monday spreading into western Nevada and impacting holiday travel. After a brief break overnight Sunday, precipitation is expected to
increase in intensity once again for Mono County and the Tahoe Basin early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

Windy weekend ahead for South Lake Tahoe; Chance of snow Sunday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Holiday travel may be impacted as a storm system is bringing gusty winds to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe this week along with a period of snow on Sunday. Below average temperatures will continue through the remainder of this year, with some weak storm systems possibly producing light snow accumulations and slick roads at times.

Plenty of Christmas Tree permits remain available in Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plenty of permits to cut down Christmas trees in the Lake Tahoe Basin remain at both sales locations. Due to permits being sold out after just a week in the past, people were only allowed to buy one of the $10 permits per family this year.

The result is plenty of leftovers.

Over Snow Vehicle restrictions in place in Hope Valley/Red Lake area

Seasonal restrictions are now in place for over snow vehicles (OSV) in areas inside the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest including Hope Valley and Red Lake.

Prohibitions are detailed on the attached maps and include bans on traveling on and off forest development roads and trails.

(Web page for Red Lake order and Map HERE)

(Web page for Hope Valley order and Map HERE)

Six indicted for falsely claiming benefits for properties destroyed in Paradise Camp Fire

On Thursday, Dec. 12, a federal jury returned indictments against six defendants who made false claims for benefits in connection with the 2018 Camp Fire and received funds from FEMA to compensate for their losses, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

Couple of small storms on the horizon for Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High pressure is building early this week for quieter
weather but there is a weak storm expected Wednesday for a chance of light snow. Below average temperatures will rebound to around average mid to late week, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. A stronger storm could impact holiday travel next weekend.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Lake Tahoe Basin from Friday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. to Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m.

A series of systems will bring additional rain and snow to the region through Sunday, starting with a relatively warm system Thursday into Friday morning. It will bring gusty winds to western Nevada with rain and very high elevation snow for the Sierra and portions of northeast California, according to the National Weather Service.

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