TRPA

SnowGlobe addresses many issues; NoGlobe Alliance remains concerned with sound

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SnowGlobe 2018 is in the books, and according to law enforcement and other safety personnel as well as festival organizers, it was the most successful one yet.

There were fewer arrests and citations, fewer medical issues and an increase in community collaboration to help the event be both successful and less of a burden to the neighboring residents who have expressed concern over noise from the bass-centric sounds of the electronic music performers on the outdoor stages.

Letter: Group gives residents information on SnowGlobe

Snowglobe 2018 is here! We are asking local residents to please give the new sound
engineering a chance. The Snowglobe organization has committed to changes this year and they are hoping to reduce the sound to livable levels. The sound restrictions for this event remain the same and the City’s reporting process remains the same as in previous years. The following information is provided to help local residents.

Tips for a safe winter and holiday season

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Winter has arrived in the Lake Tahoe Basin along with the holiday season. Local fire districts and their partners would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and visitors to properly dispose of fireplace/woodstove ashes and to use caution when decorating for the holiday. The following safety tips are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to help keep your home safe this winter/holiday season.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

Letter: NoGlobe Alliance thanks SnowGlobe for working with them on issues

The annual SnowGlobe Music Festival is fast approaching. The SnowGlobe organization has committed to protecting the fields and is working to engineer the sound to reduce the impact to our local residents. They have agreed to reduced hours the first two nights in addition to other actions. These actions should be applauded as they were under no obligation to change anything as per their contract. Again we (NoGlobe) thank SnowGlobe for working with us. The SnowGlobe organization has acted as a responsible business partner.

Filming on the South Shore for new movie: Could it be Top Gun 2: Maverick?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At the recent Tahoe Chamber Blue Ribbon Awards there was a slide in the presentation about the South Shore being a location in the filming of the sequel to Tom Cruise's epic Top Gun movie.

But since that day nobody can be found that can officially confirm this.

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).

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,

Overwhelming support of South Shore Community Revitalization Project at TRPA meeting

STATELINE, Nev. - A standing room only crowd was in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board room on October 25, 2018 for an updated presentation, and plans for the next steps, of the U.S. 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project, commonly known as the Loop Road. It reroutes Highway 50 from its current location in front of Heavenly Village and the casinos to behind Raley's, the Village Center and Harrahs Tahoe.

South Tahoe Now: No on Measure T

Election season can be an exciting time of year with anticipation of the possibilities, but this year in South Lake Tahoe election season is full of negativity that has pitted neighbor against neighbor. One year ago I wrote an editorial "Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork," and today I urge continuance of community, collaboration and teamwork.

Winners of Lake Tahoe Blue Ribbon Awards to be announced November 8

Event Date: 
November 8, 2018 - 5:30pm

Over 80 local nominees will be celebrated during the 11th annual Blue Ribbon Awards on Thursday, Nov. 8 at MontBleu Resort starting at 5:30 p.m.

The public is invited to join the Tahoe Chamber in celebrating the businesses and individuals that make the South Shore a great community to live, work and play.

Big day at TRPA: Development rights changed and Shoreline Plan adopted

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Years of collaboration with a variety of partners have brought to completion two major initiatives for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). During their governing board meeting on October 24 a new Shoreline Plan was unanimously approved as was a comprehensive package of changes to the agency’s development rights system.

TRPA recognizes 9 Lake Tahoe projects for Best of the Basin awards

STATELINE, Nev. - Nine projects were honored as "Best in the Basin" Wednesday during the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board meeting.

For 28 years TRPA's program has showcased projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

The Best in Basin award winners:

Letter: STPUD candidate Jim Jones - Build for future, don't steal from it

The following is a Letter to the Editor from South Tahoe Public Utility District Board Member Jim Jones, a candidate for re-election:

To the Community:

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.

Lake Tahoe grading season coming to a close

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) would like to remind residents and contractors that the annual grading and digging season for permitted projects will end on Monday, October 15, after which all construction sites must be appropriately winterized.

SLT City Council candidates respond to more renewable energy committee questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight of the nine City Council candidates responded to a series of questions given to them by the 100% Renewable Energy Committee. On Sunday we printed their first responses - http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/08/2018/slt-city-council-candidates-respond-100-renewable-committe... - and here are the remaining questions and answers:

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.

Meet the Candidate: Cody Bass says trust and unity must be found in City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council have answered the same ten questions given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses have been shared in the order received.

Today is the ninth and final candidate. Cody Bass gives his responses as he makes his first bid for a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:

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:

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:

Column: Decisions nearing for Shoreline Plan and Development Rights

This September and October, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board will move forward with hearings and final milestone decisions on two significant initiatives: A new Shoreline Plan and an overhaul of the agency’s transferable development rights system.

TRPA will hold hearings for both these initiatives at the Governing Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 26, and could hold final votes on them as early as Wednesday, Oct. 24.

Douglas County wants resident input on VHRs

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Vacation rentals are a hot issue on both sides of the state line, and Douglas County Board of County Commissioners have approved updating their County Code concerning short-term rentals of homes for 28 days or less in the Tahoe Township.

Sound mitigation expert hired to use "smart sound" at SnowGlobe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chad Donnelly, the CEO of the SnowGlobe Music Festival, was in South Lake Tahoe last week to show his new sound mitigation expert the venue at the Community Playfields on Al Tahoe Blvd. He also met with Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis and three members of the No Globe Alliance, a citizen-formed group against the noise generated by the three-day outdoor festival, and Al Frangione of Lake Tahoe Community College.

South Lake Tahoe cannabis sales could be delayed with possible referendum

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - September 21, 2018 is the date the City of South Lake Tahoe will start accepting development agreements for the six cannabis licenses up for grabs after City Council approved a cannabis ordinance on August 21, 2018.

That is, unless a group spearheaded by Cody Bass of Tahoe Wellness Cooperative and his attorney James Anthony gets enough signatures to stop the process.

Column: Collaborative action needed to solve South Lake Tahoe housing problem

In classic Tahoe style, when there is a problem we study it. In the past five years, the housing issue has been studied on several fronts. In that time, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Placer County and the North Tahoe-Truckee area have all conducted Housing Studies and the City of South Lake Tahoe updated its Housing Element. What has been the result of all these studies? This column highlights the key recommendations from those studies and where we are now in terms of implementation.

New Meyers Advisory Council focus of community meeting

Event Date: 
September 19, 2018 - 10:00am

El Dorado County Planning staff and Supervisor Sue Novasel will be at the Freel Perk Coffee Shop on Wednesday, September 19 to chat about the County's proposed Meyers Advisory Council.

Interested citizens can stop by at any between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Novasel and staff will be available to discuss the Advisory Council and answer questions about the process to establish it. If you cannot attend, call 530.573.7905 for any questions and comments.

The resolution for establishing the Meyers Advisory Council:

Nominations open for Tahoe Chamber's Blue Ribbon Awards

The Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce, also known as the Tahoe Chamber, is holding the annual Blue Ribbon Awards on November 8 at the MontBleu Resort from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to participate in the nomination process and can submit their candidates for the awards until October 5.

Column: 10 years of fighting invasive species at Tahoe

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Lake Tahoe’s Watercraft Inspection Program. Under the program, every motorized watercraft is inspected to ensure it is clean, drained, and dry and not carrying aquatic invasive species before launching at Tahoe.

TRPA to survey locals and visitors at recreation and commercial sites

As part of its annual monitoring program, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will be surveying residents and tourists at several dozen commercial and recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin from Thursday, Aug. 16 to Monday, Aug. 27.

The short surveys will gather demographic data and information about how people are traveling to commercial and recreation areas at Lake Tahoe. Data will be used only to assess transit, trail, and private vehicle usage and help plan multi-modal transportation improvements in the Tahoe Basin.

Kauai favorite Chicken in a Barrel opens in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost seven years ago, longtime friends Mark Hudson and Don Havard went to Kauai with their wives to vacation on the Hawaiian Island. They like to get a taste of local favorites while out of town and asked locals where they should eat.

Chicken In A Barrel was their recommendation.

Not only did the Las Vegas foursome go once, but they went a few times and the flavors they experienced have stayed on their minds ever since.

November ballot filling up: Nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council

This story has been updated to include Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees candidates.

Nine South Lake Tahoe residents have qualified to run in November and thrown in their hats for three open seats on City Council.

The three incumbents, Mayor Wendy David, Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis and Councilman Austin Sass will all be running for reelection. They will be joined by some veterans of local politics as well as newcomers.

2018 Blue Ribbon Award nominees sought

It's time again for people to make nominations for the Tahoe Chamber's 11th annual Blue Ribbon Awards.

This awards program is the community’s opportunity to recognize South Shore businesses, organizations and individuals for achievements, community contributions, and milestones.

The awards ceremony will be held on November 8, 2018 at MontBleu Resort Casino, and nominations will be accepted until October 5.

Categories for nominations:

Experience Award - Business providing compelling and captivating experiences.

Column: Lake Tahoe Summit-recommitting to collaboration

Nearly 25 years ago, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and dozens of partners embarked on an unprecedented mission to conserve and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin’s treasured natural resources through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP).

Bike challenge week riders pedal 11,215 miles and save $2,493 in gas purchases

During the first two weeks of June, participants in the 13th annual Lake Tahoe Bike Challenge traveled 11,215 miles on foot or on bicycle, burning an estimated 482,245 calories and preventing an estimated 12,105 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and $2,493 in gasoline purchases.

Organized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, the basin-wide Bike Challenge is a friendly competition to see what individuals and teams can rack up the most trips and miles by biking, walking, or taking transit instead of driving cars.

New plan for State Route 89 being developed to alleviate traffic, improve access

A collaboration of 17 agencies and organizations are working on what is being called the 'SR 89 Recreation Management Plan,' which covers the stretch from 15th street in South Lake Tahoe to the Placer County line at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Along the plan area are popular areas to view scenery, hike, bike and visit beaches along a 12 mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline. Some residential neighborhoods also rest along this area.

Chariot microtransit system arrives in South lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Your chariot has arrived!

The League to Save Lake Tahoe has teamed with Chariot to bring a new microtransit service to the South Shore starting on Monday, July 9. They will use the busy summer traffic-congested tourist area to test a solution for transportation issues around the lake.

El Dorado Beach in South Lake Tahoe another victim of erosion; Beach closed

Erosion from a high water level in Lake Tahoe has prompted closure of El Dorado Beach at Lakeview Commons in South Lake Tahoe.

Column: Drought, extreme winter reduce Tahoe’s clarity, but restoration remains on track

Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest lakes in the world, known around the globe for its spectacular scenery. The lake’s water clarity is one of the many attributes that make the Tahoe Basin such an amazing natural resource and a mecca for outdoor recreation.

New issue of Tahoe In Depth now available

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has published the summer 2018 edition of Tahoe In Depth. The award-winning newspaper, in its sixth year of publication, strives to provide residents, visitors, and policymakers with information about protecting, enjoying, and exploring the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The summer 2018 edition includes a special report on 10 years of fighting aquatic invasive species at Lake Tahoe, as well as the 10th anniversary of the watercraft inspection program that has successfully prevented any new introductions of aquatic invasive species over the last decade.

Linking Tahoe website aims to help relieve traffic congestion

A new website launched by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), and visitor organizations provides a hub of easy-to-access information about a wide range of travel options in the Tahoe Basin.

The goal of www.LinkingTahoe.com is to increase public awareness of travel options for people to get to, from, and around the Tahoe Basin and encourage more people to walk, bike, use transit, take water shuttles, and choose off-peak times to drive to better manage congestion on the region’s roads.

City Council to look at marijuana sales ordinance during Tuesday's meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At their May 1 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council gave direction to the City Attorney's office to draft ordinances to regulate sales, cultivation and distribution of medical and adult-use cannabis.

Consensus at that meeting was to allow for two micro-businesses, two retail businesses, two cultivation businesses up to 5,000 square feet and unlimited testing labs.

At that same meeting, the Council assigned councilmembers Austin Sass and Brooke Laine to an ordinance sub-comittee and they have worked on the ordinance will be voted on Tuesday.

TRPA tree service workshop

Event Date: 
June 12, 2018 - 9:00am

STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is offering a tree service workshop from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 12 at the agency’s office in Stateline, 128 Market Street. Topics for the workshop will include:

A presentation on how to use TRPA’s online tree removal application tool by Linda Allen, IT systems analyst for TRPA;

An overview of TRPA’s tree removal rules and regulations by Bruce Barr, forester for TRPA;

Lake Spirit Awards celebrate dedication to Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) recognized four people for their commitment to protecting and enhancing Lake Tahoe’s environment with Lake Spirit Awards on Wednesday.

People whose passions include building new paths and trails led the way in nominations this year, with improving mountain biking routes, creating new multi-use paths, and advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety among the interests of the award winners.

Save a bear - be smart about food storage/trash disposal in the outdoors

Several Lake Tahoe agencies have joined together to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal at all times while in bear country. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears can result in the bear being killed, fines and/or jail time for violators. Every year law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat and/or are damaging property. In some cases, the animals are euthanized.

Become part of the solution and help save our Tahoe bears!

Guest Columnist: Be Prepared for Wildfire at Lake Tahoe

Both California and Nevada suffered destructive wildfires last year. Nevada saw 768 fires burn more than 1.3 million acres. California experienced the deadliest, largest, and most destructive wildfires in its history. Just a few hours-drive from Tahoe, more than 40 people died and thousands of homes were destroyed in the wine country and North Bay last October. In Southern California, the Thomas Fire ravaged communities and forest lands last December with damaging flooding and landslides piled on after the fire subsided.

Camp Richardson light to remain "off line" indefinitely

CAMP RICHARDSON, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After meeting with partner agencies, Caltrans has decided to discontinue the use of the pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing device on State Route 89 in Camp Richardson indefinitely.

In an effort to make for safe pedestrian passage across the highway and to manage traffic through the State Highway 89 corridor, Caltrans installed the beacons in 2016 but they were often confusing to drivers with its yellow and red light system.

Remembering Bill Morgan

We at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency are mourning the passing of Bill Morgan. In the pantheon of people who have contributed mightily to the agency’s success, Bill is in the top tier. He was executive director from April 1, 1985 to September 30, 1989, one of the most tumultuous times for TRPA. There is a high likelihood that there would be no TRPA if Bill had not been at the helm and found ways to bring disparate parties together.

Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5

There are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.

Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V

Tahoe Shoreline Plan released; Decade-long moratoriums could be lifted

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) today released a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed Shoreline Plan for Lake Tahoe. The draft report is available for two months of public review and comment that will conclude Monday, July 9.

Fanny Bridge/SR-89 project in full swing, expect delays in Tahoe City

Work resumed May 1 on the SR 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project in Tahoe City, a project that will bring a new Truckee River Bridge, three roundabouts, and street improvements including lights and sidewalks.

The old Fanny Bridge will be replaced with one that has a new bridge rail that matches the original bridge rail, plus there will now be sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides.

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