TRPA

The "new" local economy is focus of next Tahoe Talks

Event Date: 
November 9, 2016 - 12:00pm

As the South Shore moves from an economy focused on casinos and gambling to one focused on recreation, new ideas are emerging on how to succeed and live in the area.

A panel of successful entrepreneurs will be on hand during the next Tahoe Talks, a monthly feature offered by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and their transportation arm, Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO).

League to Save Lake Tahoe supports new hotel project in Tahoe City

A prime piece of real estate in Tahoe City that was originally built in 1957 for housing during the 1960 Olympics has never lived up to its potential, and is now proposed for destruction to make way for a 118-room hotel.

Sold at the end of 2013, the property known as the Hendrickson Building located at the west end of Tahoe City at 255 North Lake Blvd. is being transformed into the Tahoe City Lodge.

Help guide creation of a scenic Lake Tahoe shoreline plan

Event Date: 
November 3, 2016 - 6:00pm

Millions of visitors and most residents interact with Lake Tahoe from the shoreline, and a plan is currently being created to protect it while also enhancing recreational access to the lake.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is inviting people to attend an upcoming community workshop on Thursday, November 3 to share input and ideas and help guide the creation of a Shoreline Plan. The workshop is open to the public and will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the TRPA offices in Stateline at 128 Market Street.

Working together on Lake Tahoe's housing issues

Like many communities that are highly-desirable places to vacation and live, Lake Tahoe has affordable housing problems. Two recent studies commissioned by the Tahoe Prosperity Center and Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation clearly illustrate the housing challenges our region faces.

Median home prices of more than $500,000 on the North Shore and nearly $400,000 on the South Shore are simply too high for our region’s low wages, putting the cost of home ownership and even rent out of reach for many working people.

South Lake Tahoe council candidates share their views on sustainability and climate issues

The South Lake Tahoe chapter of the Citizen's Climate Lobby recently asked all ten of the candidates their views on climate change, green buildings and our carbon footprint and how they can make a change if elected.

The Citizen's Climate Lobby is an organization focused on national policies to address climate change, and the South Lake Tahoe chapter is one of 354 in the United States and abroad.

Patricia Sussman of the local chapter said just five of the candidates responded to their questions.

Choose your favorite South Shore businesses, staff, experiences and entrepreneurs

There are just a few days left to nominate local businesses and individuals for the Tahoe Chamber's 2016 Blue Ribbon Awards.

They are seeking nominations for those that excel in working as one in an effort to improve the quality of life on the South Shore.

National Parks board member appointed to fill vacant TRPA seat

California Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon has appointed Belinda Valles Faustinos to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board. Her appointment follows the recent resignation of Governing Board member Elizabeth Carmel, a fine art landscape photographer who represented the Speaker’s office on the board for the last three and a half years.

Report: Lake Tahoe faces major challenges due to climate change

The Lake Tahoe Basin saw continued environmental improvement over the last four years, but faces major challenges from climate change, according to a draft 2015 Threshold Evaluation Report released by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).

The report offers a detailed assessment of the health of Lake Tahoe and its treasured natural environment as indicated by 178 threshold standards in nine categories: Air quality, water quality, soil conservation, vegetation, fisheries, wildlife, scenic resources, noise, and recreation.

Bijou Bike Park, Sawmill Pond Bike Trail and Angora Burn Area project among Best in Basin

2016 is the 26th year that the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has handed out its "Best in the Basin" award for projects in the Lake Tahoe basin that demonstrate exceptional planning and implementation and compatibility with Lake Tahoe’s environment and communities.

During Wednesday's TRPA board meeting in Kings Beach, the nine winners for the year were honored.

The City of South Lake Tahoe was one of those recipients for the Bijou Bike Park project, a collaborative effort between the City and Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association.

Guest Columnist: Building on Tahoe’s Momentum

At the Lake Tahoe Summit last month, we saw the power of what we can accomplish when we work together. Progress over the last two decades was showcased when President Obama made his first-ever visit to Tahoe and said conservation and restoration efforts like ours are more important than ever as the nation works to adapt to a changing climate and create a more resilient environment.

Letter: I would like your vote for LTCC trustee

I am one of the candidates running for the Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees representing area 4.

Community input sought for creation of a Tahoe Shoreline Plan

Event Date: 
November 3, 2016 - 6:00pm

A collaborative planning process to enhance and protect the 72 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline has begun, and they would like public input to complete the plan.

There will be two workshops this fall to help guide creation of a Shoreline Plan that not only protects the scenic shoreline, but enhances recreational access to the lake.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is seeking community input during the workshops which will be held on the North Shore on Wednesday, Sept. 21 and at the south end on Thursday, Nov. 3.

Safety concerns along Highway 50 from Stateline to Spooner to be addressed

The stretch of Highway 50 from Stateline to Spooner Summit (known as the corridor) will be looked at in the near future to address numerous safety concerns from cars parked on the side to unsafe intersections.

At the last meeting of the Tahoe Transportation District Board of Directors, several residents spoke up about safety, and offered several ideas to correct the issues.

Smartphones now used to keep invasive species out of Lake Tahoe

Smartphones and invasive species don't normally go together, but this summer in Lake Tahoe, one was used to help keep the other out.

In a new partnership with other agencies around the West, the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program receives real-time updates from other land managers about vessels traveling to Lake Tahoe from waters with a high risk of containing invasive species.

By sharing the data, Tahoe's watercraft inspectors are alerted before the suspect boats show up.

TRPA releases special edition of Tahoe in Depth in time for Summit

With President Barack Obama visiting Lake Tahoe for a landmark 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit this month, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has published a special summit edition of Tahoe in Depth.

This special edition of the award-winning newspaper tells the story of 20 years of summits at Lake Tahoe—from the organization and importance of the first-ever summit and the successful work it sparked, to major issues such as climate change that will confront the Tahoe Region in the decades to come.

Opinion: Another historic turning point for Tahoe this Summit

Lake Tahoe was at a crossroads in 1997. The lake’s famous water clarity, once measuring 100 feet, was declining year after year because of stormwater pollution from roads and developed areas and erosion from streams damaged by logging and cattle grazing.

Nevada Governor visits Lake Tahoe for Tahoe Beach Club groundbreaking

"It's going to be an interesting journey," then-TRPA director Juan Palma told Bob Mecay back in 2002. Little did Mecay know then that it would take until 2016 to see completion of that journey.

Mecay, President of Tahoe Beach Club, unveiled the end of the journey in a beachfront groundbreaking ceremony Monday in a spot that will see 143 condominium residences, a private beach club, two to five-bedroom condominiums, a private pier, lakefront clubhouse, health club, spa and pool.

League to Save Lake Tahoe encourages public to attend Squaw Valley project meeting

Event Date: 
August 11, 2016 - 10:30am

The Village in Squaw Valley, a proposed redevelopment proponents say will reestablish the resort as a premier mountain resort destination and ensure its sustainable future, in on the agenda of the Placer County Planning Commission on Thursday, August 11.

Never Forget, Never Forgotten - Kaleb James Martin Curtzwiler 1982-2010

Kaleb James Martin Curtzwiler died August 9, 2010. He was 28.

Mr. Curtzwiler was born Jan. 27, 1982, at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe. The 2000 South Tahoe High School graduate was an avid soccer player.

Although he did not ski competitively, it was a sport he participated in with his family and one that he excelled at.

Local agencies anticipate spotlight Obama's Lake Tahoe visit brings

Tickets to the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit quickly sold out on Monday once the White House announced President Obama would attend the event on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

The national spotlight will be on South Lake Tahoe, giving local agencies the opportunity to show the local efforts on keeping Tahoe Blue have worked by highlighting the progress that has been made to combat pollution, promote restoration, tackle invasive species and protect Lake Tahoe's shoreline.

Kingsbury Middle School sold to Glenbrook company

The Douglas County School District has found a buyer for the old Kingsbury Middle School which had been on the market since 2012. The school board voted to accept a $3.15 million offer on the property from Lake Parkway LLC, a corporation listed in Zephyr Cove, Nev.

DCSD closed Kingsbury Middle School on 1900 Echo Drive in Stateline in the 2008-2009 school year due to low enrollment at the schools at the lake. The school site had an original price tag of $4 million.

"This is wonderful news," said DCSD Board President Ross Chichester.

Working to protect our shoreline and enhance recreation access

Millions of people visit our region each year, and the shoreline is where most of them go to enjoy the beauty and the cold, famously clear water of Lake Tahoe.

The shoreline is also where a challenging mix of planning issues converge: Protecting the environment and our lake’s awe-inspiring scenery, managing recreation access, and respecting private property rights.

Importance of understanding dangers of cold water shock

The most common misunderstanding about swimming in Lake Tahoe is that people can suffer from hypothermia, which leads to death. The real truth is that "cold water shock" will kill much quicker than hypothermia ever will.

"The sudden lowering of skin temperature on immersion in cold water represents one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter." Golden and Tipton in Essentials of Sea Survival

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is increasing their educational campaign for boaters and swimmers to understand the dangers of cold water at Lake Tahoe.

Public input sought on Lake Tahoe transportation issues

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) are seeking more public input on ideas to improve Lake Tahoe’s transportation system to reduce traffic congestion in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

TRPA recognizes contributions of Coe Swobe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board on Wednesday recognized the extraordinary, lifelong contributions of Coe Swobe. Swobe is considered the “father of TRPA” for his bipartisan work to create the agency and its mission to conserve and restore Lake Tahoe’s environment. Swobe died on May 26, 2016 at age 87.

As a Nevada State Senator, Swobe brokered the landmark 1969 agreement between then Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt and then California Gov. Ronald Reagan and the two state legislatures to create TRPA and the nation’s first environmental bi-state compact.

TRPA launches process to enhance and protect shores of Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and its partners have started work on the Shoreline Plan, a collaborative planning process to enhance recreation and protect Lake Tahoe’s 72 miles of shoreline.

The aim is to strike a balance between recreational access, the many uses along Tahoe’s shores, and environmental protection. An inclusive, open public process will bring in as many voices and viewpoints as possible to represent a wide range of stakeholders in developing new policy and code over the next two years.

Think First - Keep Tahoe Fire Safe

June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. And nine years later, the 2007 Angora Fire remains a vivid remember that wildfire is one of the greatest threats facing our environment, our homes, and our businesses. We must prepare accordingly.

Our region continues to take important steps to manage that wildfire threat, improve the health of our forests, and create fire adapted communities that are prepared for the next wildfire at Tahoe. But there is more work to do.

Not too late to participate in Tahoe Bike Challenge; Celebration June 18

Event Date: 
June 18, 2016 - 12:00pm

For two weeks every year, Lake Tahoe area commuters, students and recreational riders get on their bikes instead of in the cars to get to where they need to go. This year's event started on June 1 and goes until June 14 so there are just a few days to make your bike rides count.

In addition to all the other reasons to participate (including that it is fun & free), the data collected goes to help show the need for bicycle paths and other infrastructure when we apply for grants and other funding.

Leave No Trace events in South Lake Tahoe to raise awareness

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and its Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers team are partnering with the Lake Tahoe Outreach Committee and other Lake Tahoe organizations to host community events and educational activities June 6-13. As visitors flock to the outdoor recreation wonderland that is Lake Tahoe the trails, beaches and forests are experiencing an increase in use and the associated impacts of trash, trail erosion and shoreline degradation.

City receives $3 million in grants for South Lake Tahoe projects

Four new projects in South Lake Tahoe will be moving forward after the City was awarded $3 million in grants from the federal government through TRPA's Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO).

The money will be used for the following:

$1.8 million for design and construction of the Sierra Boulevard Complete Street Project
$510,000 for construction of the Tahoe Valley Greenbelt Project
$390,000 for purchase of a Sander vehicle replacement
$200,000 for the design and engineering of the Lake Tahoe Boulevard Bike Trail

Coe Swobe, father of the Tahoe Bi-State Compact, dies at age of 87

The flag is flying half-staff at the TRPA offices today in honor of the passing of Coe Swobe who has been called the “Father of the Tahoe Bi-State Compact.”

Former Nevada State Sen. Coe Swobe died Thursday of liver failure at the age of 87.

“Lake Tahoe and the state of Nevada lost a stalwart champion in Coe Swobe,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, TRPA’s Executive Director. “Coe directed his passion for the lake into a lasting legacy that serves as an international symbol of cooperation in protecting an irreplaceable natural resource.”

Community weighs in on Lake Tahoe transportation issues

There is a balancing act needed to provide quality transportation, protect Lake Tahoe, keep clean air and meet the needs of the communities around the lake, but that is what Tahoe Transportation District is trying to accomplish with a series of pubic outreach efforts.

On Tuesday night in South Lake Tahoe, staff from the TTD, Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO) and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) held an open house at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel to get a pulse on the feelings of the public about transportation.

National Day of Civic Hacking to improve government-resident partnerships

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the "Hack Tahoe" Code for America Brigade are partnering to enhance the effectiveness of government through the use of technology.

This new partnership brings community members together through Code for America, a non-profit organization on a mission to make government services simple, effective, and easy to use. Code for America has launched more than 2,300 projects with 100 government partners. Local Code for America chapters are called brigades and are organized by local volunteers.

Column: Beating Aquatic Invasive Species At Tahoe

Around the world, invasive species are notorious for their ability to out-compete native plants and animals. Once introduced to an area, they can spread out of control and fundamentally change both landscapes and ecologies, and then pose incredible challenges to manage or eradicate.

Vacation Rental Ordinance updated to exclude multi-family properties

Just as it is when the topic of vacation rentals is on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda, a large, and at times, angry, crowd gathered.

The task at hand Tuesday was to review changes to the current Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance which included 11 changes which will take effect 30 days after the June 7 Council meeting if approved.

Tahoe Talks: Stormwater pollution and what is being done to protect Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 18, 2016 - 12:00pm

In the next "Tahoe Talks" on Wednesday, May 18, learn about the number one threat to Lake Tahoe’s legendary clarity: stormwater pollution. Local experts will talk about projects around Lake Tahoe that are helping to keep pollution from entering the Lake and steps you can take every day to prevent things like trash, oil, fine sediment and nutrients from making their way to Lake Tahoe.

Speakers:

Moderator: Zack Bradford, Natural Resources Manager, League to Save Lake Tahoe
Russ Wigart, Stormwater Coordinator, El Dorado County

New condo development planned for property adjacent to Van Sickle Bi-State Park

A 3.43 acre piece of land once owned by Randy Lane's Falcon Capital LLC may soon have a 22-unit condominium project built on it. The property (made up from two parcels) is underneath the gondola, adjacent to the Van Sickle Bi-State Park near the state line in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. The listed owner of the property is now Lucky Look LLC.

Bay Area couple wins lawsuit against TRPA, can build in Angora Fire area

In June, 2007, the Angora Fire swept through a neighborhood, taking with it 242 homes and 3.100 acres of trees and shrubs, forcing people to either rebuild or sell.

Open houses held to get public input on Tahoe Transportation Plan

Event Date: 
May 24, 2016 - 5:00pm

Lake Tahoe’s two regional bi-state agencies for transportation, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), are inviting the public to attend interactive open houses this month to learn more about draft proposals to improve Tahoe’s highway corridors and share their ideas and input.

The open houses are Tuesday, May 17 at the North Tahoe Events Center in Kings Beach, and Tuesday, May 24 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Both are from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Winners announced for Lake Spirit Awards

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency presented Lake Spirit Awards to four people who possess a strong personal commitment to preserving Lake Tahoe at today’s Governing Board meeting.

The Lake Spirit Awards honor people making real progress at restoring Lake Tahoe. Created in 2011, the awards are a way to recognize those individuals whose passion for Tahoe results in progress and environmental improvements.

El Dorado County approves Safe Routes to School Plan for South Lake Tahoe

During their April 19 meeting, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Lake Tahoe Unified School District’s Safe Routes to School Master Plan. With this approval, the Supervisors support plans to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety around Lake Tahoe schools through infrastructure upgrades, education and encouragement programs, and better enforcement of traffic laws.

Construction work resumes on Tahoe Basin highways

The 2016 construction season in the Tahoe Basin will get under way next week with work resuming on a multi-year State Highway 89 project, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced today.

The $70.1 million water-quality improvement project is building new drainage facilities to collect and treat stormwater runoff, adding curbs and gutters, widening the highway and repaving an eight-mile section of Highway 89 between Tahoma and Tahoe City. Work this season will focus on the remaining four miles of the project between Eagle Rock and Granlibakken Road.

'Saving Lake Tahoe' author to lead book discussion at SLT Library

Event Date: 
May 31, 2016 - 2:00pm

Author Michael J. Makley joins our discussion of his scholarly book, Saving Lake Tahoe, which chronicles the ongoing battles amongst scientists, citizens, lawyers, governments, environmentalists, tycoons and entrepreneurs over how best to serve and utilize our greatest resource-- Lake Tahoe. Annoyed at TRPA? Read this book to understand the fascinating backstory of this unique agency and then join what is sure to be a dynamic conversation about issues we all confront. Join the Friends of the Library in partnership with the Lake Tahoe Historical Society for this free event.

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States
38° 56' 43.5084" N, 119° 58' 22.296" W

Opinion: Re-Making Tahoe in the 21st Century

When people visit Tahoe for the first time, they marvel at the extraordinary natural landscape and fresh, clean air. At the same time, some are shocked at the dilapidated condition of the built environment: rundown buildings, crumbling infrastructure, and tired-looking development. The paradox is compelling. Despite TRPA’s mandate to harmonize the natural and human-made landscapes so that they blend together, outdated development that preceded environmental standards now serves as blight in our community.

Lake Tahoe Historical Society Fireside Chat

Event Date: 
April 19, 2016 - 7:00pm

The Lake Tahoe Historical Society invites the public to their next Fireside Chat and Spring General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Camp Richardson.

Location

Camp Richardson Lodge
1900 Jameson Beach Rd South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States
38° 56' 3.9948" N, 120° 2' 26.9304" W

Wet weekend should bring Lake Tahoe to natural rim

A low pressure system has moved over the Sierra, bringing cooler temperatures and precipitation for the next week. Snow levels will be rather high starting around 9,000 feet, dropping periodically down to 7,500 feet. The highest passes could become slick at times, but major issues are not expected.

City proposes changes to the Vacation Home Rental ordinance

As a follow-up to their February 16 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday looked at proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental Ordinance that are meant to streamline City Code, remove duplicate language and make it easier to read.

Hilary Roverud, the SLT Deputy Director of Development Services, made the presentation that covered self-limiting occupancy, parking standards and apartments being used as vacation rentals.

Vacation home rentals and massage parlors tackled at next City Council meeting

Event Date: 
April 5, 2016 - 9:00am

The Tuesday, April 4 South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting may have a short agenda, but two hot topics will be sure to bring out interested locals.

In February, 2016, Council sent proposed changes to a sub-committee, and those results will be up for vote Tuesday.

Proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance include:

- Application for a VHR permit will not trigger the need to comply to TRPA BMP and coverage compliance.

Public meetings on transportation changes in Meyers

Event Date: 
April 22, 2016 (All day)

El Dorado County is proposing roadway and multi-us path improvements for the Meyers community, and they are inviting the public to participate during three different outreach meetings on Friday, April 22.

The proposed changes are meant to make the transportation options more safe and attractive for those living in the area as well those visiting or passing through. One option already mentioned by Caltrans is the addition of a roundabout at the Highway 50/Highway 89 intersection to slow down traffic coming from Echo Summit.

TRPA public hearing for Cave Rock project on March 31

Event Date: 
March 31, 2016 - 2:00pm

The proposal to install a 60-foot-long tunnel extension at Cave Rock this summer is the subject of a public hearing by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on March 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

The agency's hearings officer will meet with all interested parties, public included, on the Nevada Department of Transportation's project to create a safer tunnel due to the falling rock and deteriorating hillside on the westbound lanes of Highway 50 entering the tunnel.

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