TRPA

Column: Active Transportation Plan adopted for Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, in its capacity as the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization, on Wednesday adopted an active transportation plan that will help communities continue to improve transportation options for bicyclists and pedestrians in the Tahoe Basin.

Transportation projects that improve infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians also help improve air and water quality, revitalize the economy, improve public health, and enhance recreation opportunities.

Greenway shared use trail in South Lake Tahoe gets approval

Even though construction won't start until 2019, a major step forward to the completion of the South Tahoe Greenway Shared-Use Trail Project occurred Thursday when the California Tahoe Conservancy approved the updated project and authorized an additional $200,000 in funding.

Column: Working together for Tahoe at the landscape level

Restoring and conserving our environment at Lake Tahoe means setting our aspirations at the right scale. That’s what TRPA and many partners are working to do through strategic initiatives to ensure the health of our basin’s forests, streams, and lake, and to improve our communities and transportation infrastructure.

Tahoe Talks: "How to City - A Property Owner's Guide to the City and TRPA"

The next Tahoe Talks, the series of community forums sponsored by Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization and its partners, will be focused on how South Lake Tahoe homeowners can work with the City and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on accomplishing home projects.

Caltrans looking at roundabout or traffic signal in Meyers

Due to the unsafe intersection of Highway 50 and State Route 89, Caltrans is looking at safety improvements in the area to reduce collisions, and their severity. At this time, the preferred option for Caltrans is adding a roundabout at the intersection to improve conditions after a reported seven accidents at the intersection.

The estimated $3.1 million project is scheduled for construction in 2018-19. It is currently in the environmental phase, with the environmental document scheduled to be finalized in November 2016.

End time nears for El Dorado County recall against supervisors, DA and auditor

On October 27, 2015, Sue Novasel, the County Supervisor representing South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Tahoma and Pollock Pines was served a “notice of intent to circulate a recall petition” by a group of citizens who said they are “tired of the corruption and cronyism that has plagued our county for years.” It wasn’t only Novasel, but all five of the County Supervisors, Shiva Frentzen, Ron Mikulaco, Michael Ranalli and Brian Veerkamp.

TRPA to survey locals and visitors about travel modes

Event Date: 
February 19, 2016 (All day)

Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will conduct travel surveys with visitors and residents at several recreational and commercial locations throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin starting Friday, Feb. 19, 2016.

TRPA accepting Lake Spirit Award nominations

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is accepting nominations for Lake Spirit Awards to honor real people making real progress protecting Lake Tahoe. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate exemplary members of the community who are going above and beyond the call of duty to protect the beauty and clarity of the Lake.

Opinion: Investing in Tahoe’s Environment

At Lake Tahoe, we know our natural resources are one of our most valuable assets, and that’s why we have worked for decades to conserve and restore them. The natural wonders of the Jewel of the Sierra and the opportunities they afford are why we live here, and why millions of visitors travel here to enjoy the Tahoe Basin each year.

Vacation home rental ordinance on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda

There are proposed amendments to the South Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Rental ordinance, ones that came about because of feedback from VHR permit applicants and those enforcing the ordinance.

The most recent VHR ordinance change took effect on October 1, 2015. Since then, there have been over 300 inspections scheduled, including new homes and renewals.

According to Amanda Nolan, the City's VHR Clerk, many of the properties inspected so far have required owners to make corrections to address inspection requirements.

The October 1, 2015 ordinance called for:

Guest Columnist: Sue Novasel - I am proud of our community

El Dorado County and its Board of Supervisors have been in full stride throughout the last year solving critical issues, making important changes to protect tax dollars and providing expanded services to the public.

Kudos: Thank you for a wonderful day!

Last week we had the opportunity to attend a field trip at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Thanks to a grant written by STEEC member, Devin Middlebrook (TRPA Environmental Education Specialist), EPIC Promise (through Vail Resorts – Heavenly) covered the cost of transportation, lift tickets for the tram ride, use of snowshoes, and presenters. The day was well planned and all went smoothly.

We learned much about our environment including local animals, avalanche safety and snowmaking. And luckily we enjoyed a “blue bird” day at the top of the tram!

What's happening in South Lake Tahoe this weekend

The Improv at Harveys – Howie Nave: Host & Emcee, Henry Phillips and Sandro Iocolano, Wednesday – Sunday, January 20 – 24, 2016 The Improv presents the funniest names in comedy every week in the Cabaret Theater at Harveys Lake Tahoe! Shows happen at 9 pm every Wednesday through Sunday.(775) 588-1728

Production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the South Tahoe High School

TRPA releases draft active transportation plan for Tahoe

Improving transportation options for bicyclists and pedestrians is one of the most effective strategies to conserve and restore Lake Tahoe’s environment, revitalize the economy, enhance recreation opportunities, and improve public health, according to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) officials.

Despite snow, Tahoe’s climate still changing

The New Year is getting off to a phenomenal start with snow falling at Lake Tahoe. It seems long ago since we’ve had snow around the lake, but as California and Nevada continue to grapple with four years of drought and water shortages, the snow couldn’t be falling at a better time.

Remaining residents asked to move; Tahoe Beach Club ready to break ground

The remaining tenants at the Tahoe Shore Mobile Home Park at Stateline, Nev., have been given 90 days to find new housing now that owners of the Tahoe Beach Club will be breaking ground on a 20-acre luxury lakefront condominium project.

This announcement should come as no surprise to the people who own or rent the mobile homes since they were originally told in 2003 that they would have to move so the project could be built.

The Tahoe Beach Club has been 14 years in the making and now it looks like the first shovels will be moving dirt at the new lakeside development by June, 2016.

Loop Road project the topic at South Lake Tahoe Chamber

The public has been on a long journey with the Tahoe Transportation District over the US50/South Shore Community Revitalization project, one that has followed twisted roads and endured roadblocks and detours.

Now it appears the project, also known as the Loop Road, is on the back straightaway, approaching the final turn and homestretch.

Opinion: Progress continuing at Lake Tahoe

People at Lake Tahoe are working together like never before to restore our environment, revitalize our economy, and improve our communities. We saw significant progress all around the lake this year. And our progress is sustainable with continued partnership and collaboration, so critical to tackle the many challenges and important decisions on our horizon.

Morgan's Tahoe: A Look Back in Time at SLT Library

Event Date: 
January 23, 2016 - 1:00pm

Author William Morgan will share his newest book "Morgan's Tahoe". This intriguing book is a memoir of his time with the U.S. Forest Service at Lake Tahoe and, later, of his experiences as Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) during one of the most tumultuous times in that Agency's existence. It has been said that Morgan's ideas resolved many of the long standing issues at Tahoe and led eventually to a spirit of cooperation among the various interest groups that survives to this day.

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

TRPA fines Martis Camp Club for unauthorized dredging

To resolve a pending violation for unauthorized dredging, the Martis Camp Club has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine and restore the area disturbed at its Martis Camp Beach property, located at 6920 North Lake Blvd., in Placer County. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board approved the settlement agreement yesterday.

San Jose couple suing TRPA over lot in Angora Fire area

A couple from San Jose, Calif. has filed a lawsuit against the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) over a lot they purchased in the Angora Fire area they have been denied building permits on.

Ray and Teresa Burns purchased a piece of property at 889 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The house that had once been located there burned in the 2007 Angora Fire and the Burns bought the lot when it went into foreclosure in 2009.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, the lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento on Thursday, December 10 by the firm they hired, Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF).

New tool gives insight to Lake Tahoe's environmental improvements

A new website puts comprehensive information about the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program at everyone’s fingertips, allowing people to easily learn more about “Lake-Saving Projects” completed in their own neighborhoods and all around Lake Tahoe.

The new Environmental Improvement Program Project Tracker is online at www.conservationclearly.org/tracker.

Meeting the transportation challenges of tomorrow

This past summer was Lake Tahoe’s busiest tourist season in recent memory. With the economy rebounding and major population growth projected for nearby metropolitan areas, this summer is also a harbinger of change. We must be prepared to meet the challenges of increased visitation in the future.

Agenda highlights for Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting

Tuesday's agenda for the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting appears to be a fairly short one.

Council members will start off with a recognition of the recent graduates of the South Tahoe Action Team (STAT) program.

TRPA approves settlement for Tahoe Keys Marina violation

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board on Wednesday approved a $7,500 settlement agreement with the Tahoe Keys Marina and Yacht Club, LLC.

The settlement is for the Tahoe Keys Marina and Yacht Club’s unauthorized grading and creation of coverage at a California Tahoe Conservancy property located near the end of Venice Drive in South Lake Tahoe. The property impacted by this violation is not classified by TRPA as a stream environment zone or wetland.

Tahoe Yellow Cress: Tahoe’s conservation success story

Lake Tahoe has been recognized for another important conservation success. Our region’s proactive, collaborative strategy to protect Tahoe yellow cress, begun almost 15 years ago, is working so well that the plant does not need additional protections under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Tahoe awarded millions for new bike and pedestrian projects

The California Transportation Commission announced this week that it will award nearly $9 million in Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funding to help complete three major bike and pedestrian projects in the City of South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City.

Members of the Lake Tahoe Bikeway Partnership applied for the grants. The partnership formed several years ago to secure funding for critical trail segments to improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety and complete the Lake Tahoe Bikeway, a comprehensive multi-use trail network for the Lake Tahoe Region.

TRPA and backcountry skiers working to address winter recreation access

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, El Dorado County, and members of Tahoe Backcountry Alliance announced today they are partnering to create a coalition of stakeholders to maintain and enhance public access for winter backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

“We’re optimistic about this opportunity to work together to get back some of the access that we have lost in the past, and work to enhance access in the future. Let’s together reclaim and preserve backcountry access in the Tahoe Basin,” said Mike Schwartz and Todd Offenbacher, of Tahoe Backcountry Alliance.

Meyers connects to South Lake Tahoe with Class 1 bike trail

The final portion of the Class 1 bike trail network between Meyers and South Lake Tahoe was formally opened Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Members of the El Dorado County project team were on hand along with current Area 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel and former Supervisor Norma Santiago. Partner agency staff were also there to celebrate the completion.

Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe breaks ground on South Shore

A ground breaking ceremony at Edgewood Tahoe brought out community and political leaders, all wanting the celebrate their new project, the Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe.

Rain brought the ceremony indoors, but spirits weren't dampened as people speaking at the ceremony highlighted the major impacts the new project on the state line will make on South Shore's economic and community revitalization, as well as important environmental and recreational enhancements in the area.

Airport to "Y" highway project in South Lake Tahoe wins award

A Caltrans water-quality improvement project on U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe was honored last week during the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s 25th annual “Best of the Basin” awards.

Next Tahoe Talks to discuss transit to recreational opportunities

Event Date: 
October 21, 2015 - 12:00pm

The popular "Tahoe Talks Brown Bag Lunch Series" will feature a panel discussion on transit options to trailheads, and how they can be improved upon.

This panel will discuss barriers to improving transit to trailheads and other dispersed recreation areas, new plans in the works, the role of technology in improving transit, and how different groups can work together to improve transit.

Speakers:

Mary Bennington, Executive Director, Tahoe Rim Trail

Carl Hasty, District Manager, Tahoe Transportation District

Is Lake Tahoe public transportation meeting your needs?

There are two upcoming workshops, one in South Lake Tahoe and the other in Tahoe City, to evaluate the mobility needs of residents.

The South Lake Tahoe workshop is being held on September 30 at 1 p.m. inside the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center's conference room located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. . Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) invites people to share comments on unmet transit needs in the South Shore Tahoe Region.

Attendance is encouraged at the public hearing to share thoughts and learn more about transportation within the Tahoe Region.

Plan unveiled for old Factory Stores at the Y location

"The Factory Stores at the Y" will soon be transformed into "The Crossing at Tahoe Valley" if the plan is approved by the City of South Lake Tahoe. In January, 2015, The Sutter Capital Group of Sacramento announced they had purchased the property after it fell into bankruptcy.

South Shore projects win TRPA's Best in Basin Awards

Several South Lake Tahoe projects were awarded this week by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) as being the "Best in the Basin" for demonstrating exceptional planning, design, and compatibility with Lake Tahoe’s environment and communities.

The projects that were recognized upgraded highways, built new bike trails, improved water quality, restored environmentally-sensitive areas, remodeled blighted commercial buildings, and created defensible space for better wildfire protection.

The Best in the Basin award winners are:

Kingsbury Grade project wins TRPA "Best in Basin" Award

A Nevada Department of Transportation project to repave and enhance Kingsbury Grade last year has received a Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Best in the Basin Award.

The project substantially completed ahead of schedule in 2014, and was recognized as a water quality and erosion control improvement that helped enhance the Lake Tahoe environment.

Meeting the aquatic invasive species challenge at Tahoe

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are one of the most serious challenges facing Lake Tahoe. They continuously threaten to damage its unique environment and famed water clarity and degrade the world-class recreational experiences residents and millions of visitors enjoy each year.

Fortunately, Tahoe is a national leader in fighting AIS, with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and 40 public and private partners working to prevent, detect, and remove harmful infestations.

TRPA gives City of South Lake Tahoe more control over building permits

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has entered into a new partnership with the City of South Lake Tahoe to streamline the permit process in city limits.

When the Tahoe Valley Area and Tourist Core Plans were approved, it opened the door for a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) so city staff can carry out TRPA's environmental review.

"The TRPA wants the community to thrive," said John Hitchcock, Planning Manager for the City. "They are comfortable with us taking the lead on projects."

The new MOU went into affect on Monday, September 14, 2015.

Nominate the best in South Lake Tahoe

It is time once again to make nominations for the Blue Ribbon Awards. From quality shopping, accommodations, recreation and dining options to the myriad service providers and businesses, the Blue Ribbon Awards honor all that business should be. This important awards program salutes those businesses that are making significant contributions to the South Shore economy.

Easier and cheaper process looked at in South Lake Tahoe City Codes

What once took hours of City of South Lake Tahoe staff time as well as weeks for applicants to get answers may soon be a one hour process.

Since it was organized in 2014, the City Attorney has been working with departments to update each section of the City Code. For portions that pertains to zoning, land use, development standards and building standards, City staff looked at ways to streamline the process and remove permit process portions of the code where possible.

Tahoe hosting aquatic invasive species conference

Top experts in the Western United States’ fight against aquatic invasive species are gathering at Lake Tahoe this week as the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency hosts the annual conference of the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species September 2-4.

The Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species includes representatives from state, federal, and tribal agencies as well as from many academic and nonprofit entities. It was formed by a provision in the National Invasive Species Act of 1996.

Tahoe Douglas Rotary adopts two entrances to Lake Tahoe

Volunteers from the South Shore community have stepped up to adopt, and maintain, the decorative gateways signs that welcome motorists to the Lake Tahoe basin.

The signs read, “Entering the Lake Tahoe Watershed – Help Protect It!” They are meant to remind the millions of people who visit Tahoe each year that they are entering a special place and share a duty to help protect its famously clear waters and unique environment.

Herbicides may be used on invasive species in Tahoe Keys

The underwater scenes could be straight out of "Creature of the Black Lagoon." Long feathery tendrils of green plants, growing at alarming rates in the Tahoe Keys and attracting fish not before known in the crystal blue waters of the lake.

The plant described here is better known as the Eurasian Watermilfoil. It is joined by another nuisance non-native plant, the curlyleaf pondweed, in creating problems in the waters of the Tahoe Keys.

Updated fire plan to be presented at Lake Tahoe Summit

An updated Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be presented to the public during the Lake Tahoe Environmental Summit on Monday, August 24, 2015. This new Community Wildfire Protection Plan was collaboratively developed by the 18 member organizations of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) and is the culmination of a three-year planning effort.

TRPA approves Tahoe Valley Area Plan

The Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency today unanimously approved the Tahoe Valley Area Plan the City of South Lake Tahoe created to guide community revitalization and environmental restoration in a district centered around the “Y” intersection of Highways 89 and 50.

Letter: TRPA, please support the Tahoe Valley Area Plan

The following letter was sent to the Governing Board of Directors for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. It's author gave it to South Tahoe Now for publication:

Dear Chair Beyer and Governing Board Members:

I am writing to you in support of your adoption of the Tahoe Valley Area Plan being put forth to you by officials of the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Partnership and collaboration crucial to solving Tahoe’s problems

History shows time and time again our greatest accomplishments at Lake Tahoe are achieved when people work together. In the past, Tahoe was known as a place where unproductive interactions between stakeholders led to a stunning decay in our environment and our economic vitality, creating a region that seemed frozen in time.

We face major environmental challenges at Tahoe, including the uncertainties of climate change. And as Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Congress Introduces Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

This week, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency voiced its strong support for legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act that has been introduced in Congress by Tahoe’s Senate delegation.

Sponsored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nevada) along with Harry Reid (D-Nevada), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and Barbara Boxer (D-California), the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act would authorize up to $415 million in federal funding over 10 years to help continue critical environmental restoration work at Lake Tahoe.

Time running out to relocate historic Barton Ranch Complex

Unless someone comes forward with the manpower, location and money needed to relocate the historic Barton Ranch Complex at the "Y", it will be torn down. Barton family members were granted the approval for demolition during Monday's Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) special hearings officer meeting.

The public has 21 days to file an appeal to the decision or the TRPA can approve the demolition.

Opinion: We need to keep historical buildings for future generations

As I sat on the lawn in front of the historical Dangberg Ranch on Sunday, I smiled and imagined that South Lake Tahoe could have such a place.

The house that stands at the Dangberg Ranch, which is adjacent to the Park Ranch on Hwy 89 just north of Mottsville Lane, was home to a family that played an important role in the growth and shaping of the Carson Valley. They founded Minden, NV and established many businesses in the areas of banking, farming and a hotel. Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park preserves this essential chapter in Nevada’s history.

Syndicate content