wendy david

A tribute to a mentor, a friend and teacher to hundreds of South Lake Tahoe children

Judy Simmons, or “Teacher Judy” as we all knew her, left us on August 28, 2018 to become an angel above. She was a teacher, friend, mentor, listener, consoler and counselor to hundreds and hundreds of children and parents over the last 40 years. Teacher Judy was the co-director of Tahoe Parents Nursery school (TPNS) for 30 years and an educator of the youngest students in our community for more than 40 years. She loved her job, she loved the preschoolers, their families and her co-workers. Each became her friend.

DA finds South Lake Tahoe City Council had "possible" Brown Act violations

The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office has released their review of Councilmember Brooke Laine's allegations in April that there was a "complete disregard on the part of politicians and appointed officials for state law, transparency, and honesty to the public."

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.

Trees growing into navigable airspace at airport, bid accepted for removal

Trees on the 46.52 acre Lake Tahoe Airport property will soon be removed as required (and overdue) by the California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics. It has been 11 years since trees have been removed on the property and there is increasing threat into the navigable airspace at north end of runway from trees. The aircraft that frequent the airport would be unable to takeoff with the increased growth.

For the past five years, the department has issued letters of correction to remove multiple tree obstructions on the runway.

November ballot filling up for South Lake Tahoe voters

There are still a few days left for those interested in running for public office this November, but several candidates have completed the process to qualify for the ballot. The following number of seats will be open: El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (1), LTUSD School Board (2) , City Council (3), City Clerk (1), City Treasurer (1), South Tahoe Public Utility District (3), Tahoe Paradise Recreation and Park District, and Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees (3).

The deadline to complete the candidate process is August 10, 2018.

Tahoe Beach Bash and Homebrew for Homeless this weekend

Event Date: 
July 28, 2018 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the past three years, the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has held their Homebrew for the Homeless in the Carson Valley. This year they are moving the event to South Lake Tahoe and combining it with a family-friendly Tahoe Beach Bash on Saturday, July 28 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Tahoe Beach Retreat.

Both Chamber directors at this month's Mayor's community chat

Event Date: 
July 18, 2018 - 9:00am

The public is invited to join Mayor Wendy David for the July “Let’s Have a Conversation” with special guests Steve Teshara of the Tahoe Chamber and Tamara Wallace of the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

This will take place on Wed, July 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Each month Mayor David holds themed "Let's Have a Conversation" chats covering a myriad of topics the day after the last City Council meeting of the month.

Approval of cannabis ordinance in South Lake Tahoe greeted by applause

A unanimous vote of the South Lake Tahoe City Council brought applause from the audience during Monday’s special meeting. It has been months of expert testimony, community input, committee meetings, and almost two dozen public meetings that led to Monday’s approval of two new cannabis ordinances.

“You have done a remarkable job,” said local resident Oliver Starr on the Council’s sorting out what will be best for the community. Starr said they created an ordinance that is clean, safe and reputable.

Marine Marching Band to be in South Lake Tahoe 4th of July parade

The City of South Lake Tahoe is honored to announce the Marine Band San Diego Marching Band will be in the 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. The parade will be immediately followed by a celebratory BBQ benefiting local American Legion Post 795 and performances by the Marine Band San Diego. The BBQ and performances will be held at Bijou Community Park located at 1201 Al Tahoe Blvd.

Meet interim city manager at next South Lake Tahoe mayor chat

Event Date: 
June 20, 2018 - 9:00am

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David is holding her next monthly "Let's Have a Conversation" on Wednesday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center.

This month, meet the new interim City Manager Dirk Brazil during the informal meeting.

The South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe athletes celebrated at Walk of Champions unveiling

"Today is a very special day," South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David said as she opened the unveiling ceremony for the Walk of Champions Friday. "Local athletes are honored for giving South Lake Tahoe recognition on the international and national stage."

Homebrew for the Homeless event on the beach in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 28, 2018 - 12:00pm

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has announced they are hosting the Tahoe Beach Bash, featuring the 4th annual Homebrew for the Homeless on Saturday, July 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Tahoe Beach Retreat and Lodge in South Lake Tahoe.

This family-friendly event, presented by Tahoe Beach Retreat, features live music, homebrew beer competition, lakeside BBQ, bounce house, local vendors, child-friendly obstacle course, and other entertaining activities for people of all ages.

South Lake Tahoe 5th grader honored for heroic efforts

A South Lake Tahoe 5th grader was honored Tuesday for his heroic efforts in helping to save a life earlier this year.

Gauge Patterson, who is also a Boy Scout, received the “Citizen’s Life Saving Award” from Mayor Wendy David for using the skills he learned at the “Stop the Bleed” training given by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue on April 23.

City Council makes it official: Dirk Brazil's interim city manager contract approved

He's been on the job for a few weeks, meeting with staff and getting to know the ropes in South Lake Tahoe, but Dirk Brazil's employment contract for the interim city manager position was officially approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting, his first official day on the job.

SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston recognized for filling in as acting city manager

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For four months, Fire Chief Jeff Meston worked as the City's acting city manager, and today he was recognized for his extra service.

During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Meston was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from the Council for taking on the duties from February 7, 2018 to June 5, 2018.

“Chief Meston is not only recognized statewide but also nationally for his numerous accomplishments in the fire world. He took on the duty of Acting City Manager 100% and with grace, with intellect, with wisdom and with experience,” said Mayor Wendy David.

Charter plans to cut KCRA from South Lake Tahoe lineup

UPDATE 5/22 8:35 a.m.: El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel has arranged for a call between the County, City and Charter Cable people this Friday. "We need KCRA for South Tahoe (it’s a public safety issue in my opinion) She, along with others, remember when Charter tried to discontinue California services in 2008.

* * *
News that KCRA will be soon be removed from the Charter Communications lineup for South Lake Tahoe is not being taken well by many locals.

Amendments to VHR fines on horizon

South Lake Tahoe may not be known as the home of the $2,000 parking ticket after action taken by the City Council Tuesday.

National media attention spotlighted the fines ($1,000 to the renter and $1,000 to the homeowner) associated with violations of the vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance approved at the end of 2017 by the South Lake Tahoe City Council. This negative publicity has prompted some cancellations of tourist visits, or other changes to vacation plans, according to those in the industry.

One degree of change community conversation continues May 17

Event Date: 
May 17, 2018 - 6:30pm

A one degree change in the earth's average temperature can cause a sheet of ice of in Greenland to melt and raise the ocean level enough to put low lying land in Florida under water.

It takes only a one degree change in temperature to convert water to steam, water to ice, or water to snow.

It can take a shift of one degree to change your life.

One degree is so small, yet so powerful.

Mayor's next "Let’s Have a Conversation" to focus on roadwork

Event Date: 
May 16, 2018 - 9:00am

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David has announced the focus of the next several of her monthly community chats held at the SLT Senior Center.

On May 16, the "Let's Have a Conversation" will have special guests Caltrans Distict 3 Public Information Officer Steve Nelson and Stan Hill, project manager for the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project. They'll be talking about the roadwork projects for this season within the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Everyone is welcome to join in. The chat is from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and the Senior Center is located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Mayor's monthly community chat to center around retail cannabis sales

Event Date: 
April 25, 2018 - 9:00am

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David is holding her monthly "Let's Have a Conversation" on Wednesday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center.

This month's topic will be retail sales of cannabis in the city limits.

The first monthly conversation proved to be very popular, prompting the mayor to move the community event to the Senior Center. That meeting also didn't have a focus, just general community topics. The focus the past two conversations have been vacation home rentals, and the building/permitting process.

Opinion: May take years to recover from negative national VHR news

We recently received talking points from a local public relation firm relating to how we could handle the adverse publicity which occurred due to the CBS morning show about the draconian VHR ordinance and subsequent $1000 fine enforcements. We, as property managers and owners, have been requesting support from the Chamber of Commerce, LTVA, and the Lodging Association in helping us fight the selfish attitudes of some locals regarding their entitlement to Lake Tahoe without visitors to their neighborhoods.

Opinion: Saddened by Laine's stunningly secretive display, hope we can find a path back

The last few months have been some of the most difficult for our City Council, for our City and for our community. Similar to the national conversation, with immediate access to social media in many forms, controversial opinion pieces go immediately out to the public, even before the accused have an opportunity to hear the allegations. Soon after, public comment and “opinion” on the opinion begins with little interest in whether there is truth.

Chief Meston wants to concentrate on fire and resign as acting city manager

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston has given the city council a 30-day notice for his acting city manager job.

"I am unable to complete my duties as the fire chief while working as the acting city manager," Meston said in a letter to the council. "I respectfully request that we move ahead in the next 30 days to find and hire an interim city manager. I believe the City will be better served with a professional city manager."

Tahoe Wellness Cooperative given "breath of life"

Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC), the only medicinal marijuana collective in South Lake Tahoe, was given the boost they needed Tuesday during a special SLT City Council meeting.

Cody Bass, the nonprofit's executive director, has been unable to purchase many products for this business since retail sales of marijuana have been allowed in the state of California. Those businesses are now only allowed to sell to others with a license.

Fundamental Freedoms art exhibit opening at LTCC

Event Date: 
April 19, 2018 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College Art Department instructor Shelley Zentner brings her large-scale portraits inspired by stories of freedom and expression to the Fine Arts building’s Foyer Gallery in her exhibit, “Fundamental Freedoms.” Zentner will host an artist reception and talk on Thursday, April 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. inside the Foyer Gallery. Mayor of South Lake Tahoe Wendy David will officially open the exhibit at 6:30 p.m., followed by an artist’s talk from Zentner. Wine and canapés will be served, and all are welcome to attend.

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks Soroptimist international of Tahoe Sierra

The Soroptimist international of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) organization has a long history of service to the community. This wonderful group of women chose to sponsor a Bread & Broth Adopt A Day of Nourishment on Monday, March 5th, as their continuing commitment to serve those in need. The SITS members representing their organization at their sponsorship dinner were Jean Bergner, Julie Nelson, Shelly Martinez, Carolyn Robinson and Joanne Shope and Wendy David, B&B Volunteer Team #1 lead cook.

SLT Mayor community conversation focus to be on housing

Event Date: 
March 21, 2018 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The first two "Let's Have a Conversation" being held by Mayor Wendy David were very popular, with many citizens stopping by to voice concerns, listen and discuss solutions. All future meetings will have a focus so the mayor can bring the right departments with her to the table.

The next conversation is set for Wednesday, March 21 and will be focused on housing issues, including permitting processes and the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Ordinance.

Special guests from the Development Services Department, Director Kevin Fabino

Meyers traffic plan has some success after first weekend

If you drive through Meyers on a Sunday you've most likely come across gridlock traffic through the neighborhoods as vehicles trying to head west after their South Lake Tahoe weekend look for the quickest route, courtesy of smart phone apps.

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel held a Town Hall meeting on February 28, providing a forum for residents, law enforcement and staff to discuss solutions. One suggestion that came out of that meeting was put into place on Sunday, March 4 and was fairly successful.

SnowGlobe to stay with modifications to address concerns

SnowGlobe will be returning to South Lake Tahoe in December, 2018, but it will be with some modifications to mitigate sound issues residents have as well as playfield concerns.

A majority of those speaking at Tuesday's City Council meeting said they are for SnowGlobe continuing, but 38 percent of those who spoke us gave a list of concerns they have from the popular three-day festival.

The City of South Lake Tahoe accepts Nancy Kerry's resignation

The South Lake Tahoe City Council has accepted Nancy Kerry's resignation letter.

At the end of closed session Tuesday, March 6, the announcement was made.

"We have accepted the resignation of Nancy Kerry effective immediately and have accepted a settlement agreement with Ms. Kerry," said Mayor Wendy David.

"It's been an absolutely wonderful experience," Kerry told South Tahoe Now. "Such a great honor to be the city manager of this beautiful community."

South Lake Tahoe community engaging during monthly conversations

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David held her second "Community Conversation" on Wednesday, opening the avenues of conversation between government and the public. This time Councilmember Brooke Laine joined her.

During the first such meeting in January the crowd got too big for the chosen area, Peet's Coffee, so this month they moved to the SLT Senior Center. Everyone attending agreed the center was much more conducive to good conversation.

"I thought it went really well," said Wendy. "I really appreciate the respect everyone shows for each other and opinions can be shared freely."

Four potential candidates so far for El Dorado County Supervisor 5th District

Candidate season has already started for not only the State of California but also El Dorado County.

So far, for the El Dorado County Supervisor representing Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoma and Pollock Pines (District 5) four candidates have taken out papers.

Current Supervisor Sue Novasel, local businessman Ken Curtzwiler, former Supervisor Norma Santiago, and transportation technology and land use expert Jeffrey Spencer have all taken out papers during the filing period which began February 12.

Special City Council meeting to decide Kerry's fate; Meston outlines plans

News spread through South Lake Tahoe this week that surprised and shocked many, the City Council's decision to put City Manager Nancy Kerry on indefinite leave. The council will be meeting in closed session on Monday, February 12, 2018 to discuss the situation. Their agenda item, "PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)" starts at 9:00 a.m.

That section of code allows special and closed session meetings to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.

Mayor Wendy David: Community Conversations

First, a confession of weirdness. I love being a part of groups. I like the synergy of groups, how they work collaboratively, how the room sounds… some listening, others talking.

I like the process of group decision-making, the back and forth, the quiet and noisy, the 'aha' moments of clarity, that groups have goals and purpose. It may be quirky, but instead of being drained from being with and working in a group, I find it energizing.

Public invited to join South Lake Tahoe Mayor in monthly conversations

Event Date: 
February 21, 2018 - 9:00am

After a large group participated in the first "Let's Have a Conversation," the City of South Lake Tahoe has changed locations for the February meeting to ensure not only enough space, but to allow for good conversation.

During the January meeting, approximately 30 community members joined Mayor Wendy David and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis and brought questions ranging from the recently revised Vacation Home Ordinance to budget questions.

One Degree of Change community conversations to be held South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 22, 2018 - 6:30pm

A one degree change in the earth's average temperature can cause a sheet of ice of in Greenland to melt and raise the ocean level enough to put low lying land in Florida under water.

It takes only a one degree change in temperature to convert water to steam, water to ice, or water to snow.

It can take a shift of one degree to change your life.

One degree is so small, yet so powerful.

Walking with America Tour kick-off in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 17, 2018 - 1:30pm

South Lake Tahoe resident Sheryl Lynn is walking across America starting on April 1, 2018, and she plans on finishing up the 3,605 mile route in six months.

To get her started, there will be a be a "Walk With Me" kickoff event on Saturday, February 17 starting at Lakeview Commons at the intersection of Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Highway 50, and ending at Fire and Ice in the Heavenly Village. Everyone is invited, including friends of the four-legged variety.

Join Sheryl for "an exciting day of walking, flash mobs, food, music, and fun."

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony

An overflowing crowd of family, friends and community members filled the City Council chambers Monday as South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue held their 5th annual awards ceremony.

The staff was honored for their service doing a job that protects the lives, homes and environment of the South Lake Tahoe community and its visitors.

"Your recognition is well deserved, and well earned," said Mayor Wendy David.

SLTFR Fire Chief Jeff Meston led the ceremony which honored the following:

Firefighter/Medic of the Year: Dustin Winter
Dispatcher of the Year: Jillian Gard

Women's March in South Lake Tahoe draws almost 400

It may have just been planned in the last two weeks, but the 2018 Women's March in South Lake Tahoe drew out 392 women, men and children to join hundreds of thousands of others marching around the country.

"The turnout was phenomenal," said co-organizer Meg Peart. "Its amazing how quickly our community can come together."

Peart and Kelsey Adams took an idea and reached out to the community through Facebook, friends and local news to get people out to walk the just over two mile route from Hard Rock Hotel and Lakeview Commons.

Mayor starts monthly community outreach "Lets have a conversation"

Event Date: 
January 24, 2018 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Starting January 24, 2018, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David will be holding an informal monthly chat with anyone from the community who wants to stop by, say "hi," find out information or discuss whatever City topic they want.

South Lake Tahoe 'Women's March' on Saturday

Event Date: 
January 20, 2018 - 11:00am

Almost one year ago almost five million women, men and children gathered around the world to participate in the Women's March on Washington on the same day President Trump was being inaugurated.

They gathered to stand together in their protest of reproductive rights, equal pay, safety for women in the workplace and more. They stood against racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment. They stood against Trump and his policies that were racist, anti-LGBT and anti-women.

South Lake Tahoe has new mayor and mayor pro tem

In their annual reorganization, the South Lake Tahoe City Council has voted in a new mayor and mayor pro tem for the year 2018.

Wendy David returns as mayor, a position she held in 2016. She was mayor pro tem during 2017.

Tom Davis returns as vice mayor for the fifth time.

"I want to thank the Council for your support," said Mayor David. "I want to look at how we want to move forward and focus on community conversation. It's what brings us together. Community conversation is the most important thing we'll do next year."

New rules for vacation rentals in SLT start December 21

After months of debate and community discussions, South Lake Tahoe will have a new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance (VHR) starting December 21, 2017, but don't expect the discussions to be over.

The City Council will continue to evaluate the ordinance and look at it during a meeting a least quarterly as they look at what is working and what still needs adjustment.

Main points of the VHR ordinance:

Letter: Let's rally around those who care for our earth, people, and community

The next election is around the corner and civic life in America is as fragile as our generation has ever seen it. Let's decide now to rally around leaders who prioritize care for others above personal gain or party lines. Let's rally around caring for our earth, for people, for communities. This feels like a new idea because care challenges the perverse rationale of greed and the foolish habit of partisan divisions we are so used to. We must actively resist the messages of the market that say we need to stay hooked on getting more things to be happy.

South Lake Tahoe City Council votes to cap VHRs at 1,400

"We need the community to get together and collaborate," said SLT Councilman Jason Collin during Tuesday's Council meeting. "Its polarized the community."

Collin was discussing the South Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Rental Ordinance after another full day of a City Council meeting focused on the subject of vacation homes in the community.

Community and education celebrated at Tahoe Women's Community Fund dinner

The Tahoe Women's Community Fund celebrated their third annual Membership Celebration this past Thursday at Harvey's. With over 150 in attendance, we celebrated the success of our collective giving circle! Dr. Guy Lease gave an inspiring keynote speech on "The Power of Education in Our Community", and Karin Holmes was honored as our first annual Woman of Distinction! The positive strength in the room was amazing!

Temporary moratorium on VHR permits in South Lake Tahoe

The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Tuesday night to stop issuing permits for vacation home rentals (VHRs), at least temporarily.

South Tahoe High student photography on display at City Hall

Award winning photography by South Tahoe High School (STHS) students is now on display at the Lake Tahoe Airport's art gallery.

Some of the photographers were on hand a reception hosted by the City of South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Arts Alliance on Monday, the second since the gallery was opened in June of this year. Work of local artists will hang on the walls at the entrance of City Hall at the airport throughout the year and will be rotated quarterly.

Special City Council meeting to vote on urgency VHR ordinance

If anyone thought they knew how the South Lake Tahoe City Council was going to vote on the proposed Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance on Tuesday they were most likely surprised with the turn of events after hours of public comment and Council discussion.

City staff had two weeks to create a new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance based on input and bring it to the Council to vote on a first reading October 17.

The City Council has sought to create an ordinance that both recognizes and protects the City's vibrant VHR industry while also improving the quality of life of the citizens.

Two appointed to SLT Roads Management Authority, more applications sought

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two local residents were appointed to the new Roads Management Authority Commission, but there are still three to five more members needed. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, MaryAnne Brand and Brent Goligoski were appointed to serve on the commission.

Only five applications were received and Brand and Goligoski were the only two of those to appear at the meeting.

"I am ready to vote on several of the applicants today,doesn’t preclude other applicants from staying in the applicant pool," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.

Syndicate content