TRPA
Column: Wildfire threat still looms
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:44amIf the 4th of July weekend is any indication, Tahoe is under pressure. As coronavirus cases grow nearly everywhere, people naturally look to the mountains, fresh air, and clear water of Tahoe as a respite. Now residents and visitors alike are struggling to adjust to the confusion around re-opening, and visitation that is normally our lifeblood is suddenly a health risk.
Groundbreaking at Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe with the Angel of Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 4:38pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Angel of Tahoe, Lisa Maloff, officially got things rolling at the new Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe’s (BGCLT) clubhouse on Tuesday afternoon during an official groundbreaking ceremony.
Boaters can expect delays at Lake Tahoe inspection stations
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/26/2020 - 8:49pmLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - As demand soars for watercraft inspections at Lake Tahoe, agencies preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into the lake’s pristine waters caution boaters to expect delays and to be prepared to change boating plans through the July Fourth weekend.
Tahoe inspections begin June 26 for all boats, appointment required
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/20/2020 - 7:00amLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The next phase of watercraft inspections will begin next week, Lake Tahoe water agencies announced Friday. From June 26 - July 1, and again starting July 6, inspections for the prevention of aquatic invasive species (AIS) will be available by appointment only.
Column: Tahoe's successes based on working together; eliminating divide
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 3:10pmIf ever there was a time to draw on the healing powers of Lake Tahoe, it’s now. The COVID crisis, complete with loss of life and wide-ranging financial impacts, is being compounded by human struggle and a wellspring of social justice demonstrations that are gripping the nation. One of our core values at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is collaboration -- building collaborative relationships to protect Lake Tahoe. I can tell you that Tahoe's successes have not ever come from reinforcing divisions. The imagined “us vs them" simply creates false divides.
Sloan Gordon ~ 8.19.1973 - 5.18.2020
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 4:08pmAugust 19, 1973 - May 18, 2020 - Sloan Michael Gordon signed off on a life lived to its very fullest on May 18, 2020. Though taken far too soon, Sloan managed to live 10 lives in the span of his 47 years, punctuated by adventure, mischief, and quality time with his family and friends.
Letter: A Lake-friendly kick-off to boating season
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/22/2020 - 7:54amWhether you live here in Tahoe or can’t wait until it’s safe to visit, we’re all anxious for a return to normalcy. This time of year, that means getting boats on the Lake's beautiful blue waters - while ensuring that you, me and Lake Tahoe stay healthy. To Keep Tahoe Blue, we must protect it from harmful invasive species. Weeds, fish and other invasive organisms can cloud the Lake’s clear waters, encourage toxic algae blooms, and damage Tahoe’s ecological balance. In short, invasive species turn Tahoe green.
Tahoe Chamber Town Hall with TRPA and USFS
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/21/2020 - 8:44pmEvent Date:
May 22, 2020 - 11:00am
The Tahoe Chamber is having another one of their virtual Town Hall meetings on Friday, May 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This week's focus will be on the reopening of recreation services in the basin.
Representatives from the US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will provide updates on the availability of access to the USFS beaches and recreation sites and the phased opening of boating season at Lake Tahoe.
Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-0rCKNqnQ7WBnuRyOhKyRg
Column: Summer outdoor plan critical to COVID management
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/18/2020 - 11:17amAmbiguity, uncertainty, and contradictions abound in this pandemic. Add time to the list of contradictions swirling around us. Morning and night sometimes seem a week apart. The first month of shelter‐in‐place dripped by for many of us. The second month was gone before we knew it. And now summer is fast approaching. We welcome the season because in ordinary times it can elevate our well‐being, but these are not ordinary times. With most of the attention and intensity now on reopening, the question that hangs in the balance is, are we ready? Is it the right time?
Final webinar on the future of transportation in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/15/2020 - 8:42amEvent Date:
May 18, 2020 - 12:00pm
Through its four-part webinar series, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has offered a window into the future of Lake Tahoe’s transportation system. Each part in the series – from trails and transit, to technology and communities – explored a different aspect of the Regional Transportation Plan, the vision that will guide transportation in the Tahoe Basin for the next 20 years.
Federal CARES Act sends $8.6M to help free Lake Tahoe transit services
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/13/2020 - 4:43pmLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Lake Tahoe transit providers Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and Tahoe‐Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) will be getting a boost from the federal government after they received word that $8.6 million form the CARES Act is headed their way. Transit services are especially critical to essential workers during this COVID crisis, the agencies said today.
These funds will help sustain free transit services for the public.
Deadline extended for public comment on Lake Tahoe West Shore restoration project
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/09/2020 - 3:38pmLAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The planned restoration project on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe is a big one, covering 59,000 acres, and will provide a science-based, all-lands approach to guide restoration approaches on the West Shore over the next two decades to increase the resilience of ecosystems and human communities.
Local boaters to be first allowed on Lake Tahoe; Future phases to allow out-of-area boats
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/08/2020 - 3:34pmLAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - Local boats will soon be able to get into Lake Tahoe, but boaters from out of the area will have to wait until COVID-19 reopening phases allow them.
On Friday the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) announced a phased approach to boating that discourages out-of-area visitation as part of state and local coordination on recreation guidelines for Lake Tahoe this season.
Sue Novasel to hold virtual town hall meetings on VHR issues
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/25/2020 - 8:44pmEvent Date:
May 13, 2020 - 5:00pm
Please note, scheduling change)
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Supervisor for Area 5, Sue Novasel, will be holding two virtual Town Hall meetings to discuss vacation home rental (VHR) issues. She will be joined by El Dorado County staff to discuss the rentals in the County portion of the Tahoe Basin.
The first will be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Column: 50 years of progress for Lake Tahoe and the nation
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 11:51amCelebrations have taken on many new forms since the start of social distancing. Birthday parties have become processions of cars parading past a celebrant’s home—people honking and waving, tossing candy and small gifts (for later disinfecting, then enjoying). And huge international celebrations like the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this week have moved online, giving room for individuals to celebrate and explore the conservation movement in new ways.
Week full of virtual activities for 50th anniversary of Earth Day
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 9:02pmLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - There will be no Earth Day Celebration festivals around the lake this year, but Lake Tahoe and Truckee event organizers have created a virtual version with daily activities for the whole family.
Despite the current global situation, everyone can still celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day thanks to the team at The Tahoe Fund spearheaded a group via their Take Care program that has provided daily activities and challenges for students and parents to participate in over the course of the week.
Events Center approved by Douglas County Commissioners
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 9:44pmSTATELINE, Nev. - In what has been a hotly debated topic for months between the five Douglas County Board of Commissioners and members of the public, the Tahoe South Events Center passed the final hurdle Thursday. In a 3-2 vote, the commissioners approved bond issuance, the final step in the approval process. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) had previously unanimously approved it.
South Lake Tahoe mobile vending ordinance modified to ease food truck rules
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 10:32amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just over a year ago the South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a new mobile vending ordinance after the desire for food trucks was expressed by locals and businesses without kitchens.
Agencies seek public input on 59,000 acre Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/11/2020 - 11:17amLAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The proposed Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project is in the final planning stages and the three agencies involved, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California Tahoe Conservancy, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, are inviting the public to provide their input. The project is a big one, covering 59,000 acres, and will provide a science-based, all-lands approach to guide restoration approaches on the West Shore over the next two decades to increase the resilience of ecosystems and human communities.
TRPA ramps up their online permitting process
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 1:59pmSTATELINE, Nev. - Since there is no such thing as "business as usual" in the world today, businesses and agencies continue to change how they help customers and the public in a virtual world in order to protect all during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is one that is expanding virtual services with the building season ahead to protect both staff and customers.
Agency employees have been working around the clock to move permitting, planning, and document request services to online operations since stay-at-home orders went into effect.
Letter: Lake Tahoe Event Center- Your support needed
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 10:06amWith coronavirus impacts being our community's major priority, we hope you're staying safe and encourage everyone to stay at home and follow directions from health organizations so we can return to our jobs, schools, and normal lives safely, and as soon as possible. While health wellbeing is the leading concern, the reality of long-term economic impacts from this terrible virus makes the need to plan for a secure future a priority now more than ever.
TRPA approves 6,000 seat Tahoe South Event Center
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/25/2020 - 6:28pmSTATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board today unanimously approved the Tahoe Douglas Visitor’s Authority Tahoe South Event Center planned for the parking lot area of Montbleu Casino Resort in Stateline. Edgewood Tahoe has donated the 13.3 acres at the corner of Lake Parkway and Highway 50 needed for the center.
TRPA becoming virtual in response to COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 8:19amLAKE TAHOE, Calif./NEv. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has announced they are taking further steps to adapt to changing circumstances in preventing the spread of COVID-19 illnesses. The agency is moving to online, electronic, and virtual operations to the greatest extent possible to protect its customers, staff, and the community.
Letter: Why I'll be running for South Lake Tahoe City Council in 2020
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/02/2020 - 4:50pmThe following letter is from Leonard Carter, a South Lake Tahoe resident interested in running for one of the two open City Council seats in November. While it is too early to officially become a candidate, Mr. Carter explains why he'll be running. Filing opens July 13, 2020.
Column: Reaching a new generation through environmental education and outreach
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/21/2020 - 5:45pmAfter a gangbuster start to the winter season, a lot of us in Tahoe are wondering where all the snow has gone. Sitting here at the end of February with snowpack numbers dwindling, snow lovers are chomping at the bit, waiting to see the storm track shift back our way.
Still, the mountains have been buzzing with activity as skiers and snowboarders race to the mountains to enjoy what natural snow we’ve received and are ever thankful for the assist from local resorts’ snowmaking operations.
Presentation on Lake Tahoe Events Center February 27
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/21/2020 - 5:26pmEvent Date:
February 27, 2020 - 1:30pm
STATELINE, Neve - The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will hear a presentation from the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) on the Tahoe South Events Center Project during their February 27 board meeting which starts at 1:30 p.m.
The presentation will include project updates, status and all project-related studies, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) approval process and related transportation funding requirements, financing package from all funding sources, and the proposed pledge by the Douglas County Redevelopment Area No. 2 (RDA #2).
Upcoming meetings to update public on Lake Tahoe's SR89 West Shore plan
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/21/2020 - 11:32amLAKE 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.
TRPA housing committee to discuss Accessory Dwelling Units in Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/08/2020 - 11:43pmEvent Date:
February 12, 2020 - 1:00pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Local Government and Housing Committee of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, February 12 to discuss Accessory Dwelling Unit policy in the Lake Tahoe Basin. They will be meeting at 1:00 p.m., at TRPA office, 128 Market Street, Stateline, Nev.
Letter: Fire, safety, noise and trash concerns remain with SnowGlobe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/07/2020 - 4:45pmWelcome to the ninth year summary of the SnowGlobe Music Festival. This is the first year the TRPA has done any monitoring and the event continues to violate TRPA’s pre-existing rules. We can add air pollution to the list of accomplishments for this event given the recent successful lawsuit by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH). Onsite inspections for building and fire continue to find violations (they have had violations every year) and the fireworks were moved to an open undeveloped area in the forest of Bijou Park this year.
El Dorado County to handle most residential, multi-family and commercial permits for TRPA
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/24/2020 - 3:32pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a move to help property and business owners save time and money, El Dorado County will begin processing additional permits on behalf of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) starting January 28, 2020.
Protecting Lake Tahoe’s environment is the paramount goal of the TRPA and in meeting that goal, a TRPA permit is required for most construction projects inside the Lake Tahoe Basin. This runs the gamut from the addition of a new deck to a sign for a new business.
Column: 2019 Highlights from South Tahoe Public Utility District
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/02/2020 - 4:15pmEvery day we wash our dishes, fill our water glass, and flush the toilet, likely without thinking much about the systems required to make this all possible. I’d like to think we are doing our job so you don’t have to think too much about it.
Changes in layout planned to mitigate sound for 9th annual SnowGlobe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 12/22/2019 - 10:40amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There have been changes over the past eight years with the annual outdoor music festival in South Lake Tahoe, SnowGlobe, and many of them are meant to mitigate sound that affects nearby neighbors.
The festival draws thousands of electronic dance music and festival fans from around the world December 29-31 each year.
Opinion: No Globe Alliance appreciates efforts to minimize noise impacts
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/19/2019 - 11:05pmThe annual SnowGlobe Music Festival is fast approaching and local residents should plan accordingly. There are changes in the noise requirements and the sound will be shut off at 10:00 p.m. the first two nights and will be required to meet the averaged noise limits defined in the Bijou/Al Tahoe Community Plan for the hours after 10:00 p.m. on the final night.
Column: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency celebrates 50 Years
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/19/2019 - 6:50pmThe year was 1969. And what a year it was. On July 20, 1969—the Viet Nam War was raging—American Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon. For much of the decade, America and indeed the world had been mesmerized by the space race.
TRPA honors 29th annual Best in the Basin award winners
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/18/2019 - 6:01pmSTATELINE, Nev. - Six projects were given Best in the Basin awards Wednesday by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). The presentation of the 29th annual winners was made before their board meeting at Stateline.
The TRPA Best in Basin awards program showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.
City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/13/2019 - 9:59pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The December edition of the City of South Lake Tahoe's "At Lake Level" has been released by City Manager Frank Rush. This month Rush covers SnowGlobe, the 56-acre site and a possible new Fire/EMS station for the community.
56-Acre Site
New transportation plan to focus on communities, quality of life and economy
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 12:09amThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is kicking off an update to the Regional Transportation Plan. The Regional Transportation Plan lays out the vision for the transportation system at Lake Tahoe and focuses on transit, trails, technology, and communities to support the environment, economy, quality of life, and visitor experience.
Crafting South Lake Tahoe's wireless communications facility ordinance
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/27/2019 - 1:56amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most will say their cell phone coverage isn't great in Lake Tahoe or is severely impaired on big tourist weekends such as the 4th of July. With the growth of remote workers coming to live in Lake Tahoe, better internet coverage is also needed for them to work, along with the needs of many others.
Column: Marching forward with forest health
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/19/2019 - 7:15pmLast week our collective memories returned to that terrible November morning as a raging wildfire swept through Paradise, California. We woke that morning to images of wholesale devastation as fearsome winds drove racing flames from one town and one home to the next. We were horrified to watch videos of citizens running for their lives, desperately trying to escape the smoke and flames that were engulfing everything in their path. Eighty-five people lost their lives—the deadliest fire in California history— in what we now call the Camp Fire.
Public gives input on proposed changes to USFS snowmobile/winter travel plan
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/15/2019 - 1:24amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) revised their Forest Plan over 10 years ago, many wanted them to include changes to snowmobile and other winter travel access to public lands at the same time. With the amount of public comment and the recognized need to have its own plan, they separated the two.
In 2011, LTBMU started a collaborative group to develop a proposed action plan for Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) use in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Public input sought at next US50 Main Street Management Plan Open House
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/13/2019 - 6:52pmEvent Date:
November 20, 2019 - 5:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The third of four open houses to discuss the Highway 50/Main Street Management Plan for the South Shore will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in South Lake Tahoe.
After the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) approved the Highway 50 Revitalization Plan last year, focus has been on the Main Street plan (MontBleu/Lake Parkway to Pioneer Trail).
Finalists named for 12th annual Blue Ribbon Awards
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/04/2019 - 8:26pmLAKE TAHOE, Ca./Nv. – Tahoe Chamber's 12th annual Blue Ribbons Awards will be held on Thursday, November 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Harrah's Lake Tahoe. The event honors and celebrates South Shore businesses and individuals.
The cost of the event is $65 for Tahoe Chamber members and $85 for non-members and includes champagne upon arrival, a 3-course dinner and a glass of wine.
South Lake Tahoe Highway 50 roadwork update
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/15/2019 - 6:56pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Roadwork on a three-year $57 million project along Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe is coming to an end. Until November 1, crews will be working on some curb and gutter portions of the road along with some sidewalk repair. They will also be working on electrical components, landscaping, erosion control and painting of lines.
Tahoe Chamber announces Blue RIbbon Award nominees
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 2:04pmEvent Date:
November 14, 2019 - 5:30pm
Close to 70 nominees will be celebrated at the 12th annual Blue Ribbon Awards on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino. Join the Tahoe Chamber in celebrating the businesses and individuals that make the South Shore a great community to live, work and play. Admission to this event is $65 for Tahoe Chamber members and $85 for non-members. Tickets include champagne, wine and full 3-course dinner prepared by Harrah’s executive culinary team. Table sponsorships are also available for purchase.
Nominations accepted until October 7 for Tahoe Chamber's Blue Ribbon Awards
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/30/2019 - 2:37pmLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Chamber is seeking nominations for the 12th annual Blue Ribbon Awards, the popular awards program that honors South Shore businesses, organizations, and individuals for achievements, community contributions, and milestones.
The public is encouraged to nominate those who are deserving of recognition. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, October 7. NOMINATE HERE.
Letter: South Lake Tahoe cell tower location standards needed
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/26/2019 - 9:55amThank you for the opportunity to share the concerns of residents in the Ski Run /Needle Peak Road residential area with the proposed 112-foot Verizon cell tower.
There is an urgent need for the South Lake Tahoe City Council to adopt a cell tower ordinance to give reassurance to existing residents that their neighborhoods will not be compromised. There needs to be certainty to telecommunications companies by making clear where they can locate their facilities. An urgency ordinance may be adopted by the City Council with a 4/5 vote of its members.
Looking to continue support of Lake Tahoe, former Governor Sandoval joins Tahoe Fund council
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/22/2019 - 3:36pmINCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has joined the Tahoe Fund's Council of Special Advisors.
Column: The Road Ahead: Redevelopment, Collaboration, Community, and Climate
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/21/2019 - 8:21amI recently had the pleasure of speaking to several hundred Tahoe City residents on a warm summer evening in August. I was there for a celebration that has been a long time coming.
Residents gathered in the parking lot of the blighted Henrikson Building to take a ceremonial swing of the hammer — to say goodbye to an eyesore of a building whose useful life came to an end years ago. They were also there to celebrate what will soon take shape as Tahoe City’s first new hotel in more than 60 years.
STHS art teacher and students create mural on TRPA shipping container
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/18/2019 - 9:54pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – What was once a dull gray shipping container has been transformed into a work of art at the watercraft inspection station in Meyers, California. The container houses equipment used to decontaminate boats arriving at the station that might harbor aquatic invasive species.
Now greeting boaters will be a colorful and creative mural painted by local artists and students. At the same time the mural puts the Clean, Drain, and Dry message front and center.
Highway 50 and Sierra Boulevard projects heading into final weeks
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/03/2019 - 11:36pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With summer over and the October 15 deadline for grading projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, contractors are working to wrap up work on Sierra Boulevard and Highway 50.