News

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team continues progress to improve forest health in 2023

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe’s trees are now starting to be draped in snow, and wildfire is not at the top of most people's minds. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), however, is taking action year-round to protect lives, property, and the environment within the Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire. This collaborative group was formed in 2008 and includes 21 federal, tribal, state, and local conservation, land management, and fire agencies.

One-way traffic control continues on US50 - expect impact to holiday traffic flow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One-way reversing traffic control remains in place on U.S. Highway 50 just east of Echo Summit for blasting and clearing work after a rockfall sent large boulders onto the roadway late Tuesday night.

South Tahoe Refuse offering smaller cart sizes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Refuse (STR) has some good news for residents hoping for smaller residential trash carts. STR announced Thursday that smaller new cart size options are now available for California customers, with Nevada customers getting the option in 2024.

Expect delays on US50 over Echo Summit as Caltrans crews blast fallen boulders

11:39AM Update: The road is currently closed in both directions as crews blast the rocks. Follow https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for current information.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - US50 is now open at Echo Summit after boulders fell onto the roadway overnight, causing the road to be closed for three hours.

Crews from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) moved the boulders and debris onto the shoulders in the middle of the night but will be back on Wednesday to finish cleaning, which involves some blasting.

Kudos: $10k donated by Desolation Hotel/Maggie's Restaurant for Whole Foods boxes of food

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Desolation Hotel and Maggie’s Restaurant graciously donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe to ensure many Club families and the local community get a holiday meal this year.

On December 18, 2023, staff from Desolation Hotel/Maggie’s Restaurant and the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) went to Whole Foods to pack 55 boxes full of delicious meals for families, both for families of four, and of six. Each family will receive a complete holiday dinner, morning cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa, and carrots for Santa’s reindeer.

The Big LePlowski earns most votes in inaugural South Lake Tahoe snowplow naming contest

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost 1,200 people entered their votes for the inaugural Name A Snowplow Contest in South Lake Tahoe. Over the three weeks the contest took place, people picked their top ten from a list of 36 choices.

The Top Ten:

The Big LePlowski
Plowy McPlowface
Scoop Dog
Snowbi Wan Kenobi
Darth Blader
Sled Zeppelin
Clearopathra
Sleetwood Mac
Austin Plowers
Snowbacca

The bottom two vote getters were Taylor Drift and Snow Force One.

Caltrans winter operations employee arrested after his vehicle flagged by FBI on no-bail warrant

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A seasonal Caltrans employee was arrested by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office on Saturday after he was determined to be a man wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On December 16 at 5:40 p.m., a vehicle related to a wanted person was spotted in Meyers. The Sacramento office of the FBI had flagged the vehicle and the associated subject, Ricardo Sanchez, for being an armed and dangerous felon with an active no-bail warrant for his arrest.

Advenco named new concessionaire at Camp Richardson after Hassett's appeal is denied

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service has announced that Advenco LLC will be running Camp Richardson after an appeal of their July 2023 decision for a new permittee failed.

Robert Hassett, president of Camp Richardson Resort, Inc., had been running the resort until their Granger-Thye Concession special use permit expired. He was awarded a 30-year special use permit at Round Hill Pines in 2013.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Lake Wind Advisory then week of upper elevation snow, rain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe area from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday. Expect winds from the southwest, 10-20 mph with gusts up 20 35 mph. Waves on the lake could be 1-3 feet.

Expect widespread rain and mountain snow through Tuesday, with some lingering showers in the Sierra through Thursday, according to NWS Reno. The forecast snow should all be above lake level though travel may be difficult at times over the passes.

The NWS Reno forecast for South Lake Tahoe:

Douglas County Commissioners to vote on ban on VHRs north of Cave Rock, changes in Lincoln Park

Event Date: 
December 21, 2023 - 10:00am

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Two agenda items on Thursday's Douglas County Commissioner's meeting deal with the future of vacation home rentals (VHRs) at Lake Tahoe. One item proposes to ban VHRs north of Cave Rock State Park, and the other discusses possible changes in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Commissioner Danny Tarkanian has asked for the ban.

TRPA board approves policy changes to help address affordable housing crisis

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - After three hours of public testimony on Wednesday, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board voted to adopt policy changes to help address the housing crisis.

The package of affordable and workforce housing incentives to help address the housing crisis that is impacting not only Lake Tahoe's communities but also the environment. The targeted changes to Lake Tahoe zoning regulations will lower the cost of providing affordable and workforce housing, benefit water quality, and reduce traffic and vehicle use, according to TRPA.

Incline High School resource officers arrest suspect on child exploitation charges

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A 20-year-old man has been arrested on multiple felony charges after an investigation by Incline Village school resource officers into suspected child exploitation.

On December 11, 2023, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned as school resource officers at Incline High School launched an investigation based on information provided by school administrators.

Former China Springs Youth Camp staff member arrested on suspicion of sexual conduct crimes

DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV. - A former staff member at the China Springs Youth Camp has been arrested on alleged crimes of sexual conduct with children under her care.

On December 14, 2023, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) arrested 25-year-old Daryan Benka after an investigation. She was booked on two on two separate crimes of sexual conduct with children under the care, custody, and control of supervision of the Camp in violation of NRS 201.555. The crimes are category C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison for each offense and fines of up to $10,000.

The Jimmy Buffett lifestyle is evident throughout the new Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The State of California and the City of South Lake Tahoe now have a new welcoming resort on their border with Nevada.

It has been exactly 32 years to the day since Embassy Suites held its grand opening party in the same location. Now, after a $85M renovation, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe has opened its doors after holding its own grand opening party on Thursday, December 14.

Living with bears around Lake Tahoe is a privilege that comes with year-round responsibilities

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As everyone is in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is not the season to let your guard down when it comes to living in or recreating responsibly in bear country.

The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team hopes this winter season brings you all lots of cheer, warm memories, and time for some rest and relaxation, they remind everyone it is important to keep in mind not all bears in the Lake Tahoe Basin will hibernate.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls in the Lake Tahoe area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following calls only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

December 7 - December 13, 2023

12/7

10:13 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Tallac Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: SERVED.

Tahoe Conservancy grants $1.2M to expand “Outdoors for All” at Lake Tahoe

During its meeting Thursday, the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) Board awarded four grants, totaling $409,000, to nonprofit organizations to improve equitable access to Lake Tahoe’s beaches, trails, and mountains, and $800,000 for the next stage of the Dennis T. Machida Memorial Greenway.

Partial lane closures at US50/Warrior Way Thursday as new traffic light activated

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - Expect brief lane closures on US50 at Warrior Way on Thursday, Dec. 14 as the Nevada Department of Transportation stripes the intersection and activates a new traffic signal to enhance traffic flow and safety.

The single-lane closures will take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. as crosswalks and stop bars are striped at the intersection. At least one lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Motorists should anticipate moderate travel delays and they are reminded to drive safely through the work zone.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office seeks two suspects in stolen credit card case

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Calif. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals suspected of using stolen credit cards earlier this month at the Target store in the northern end of the county.

On December 3, 2023, a male and female were captured on surveillance video using and attempting to use several credit cards from a stolen purse. The pair was able to purchase prepaid gift cards with the stolen credit cards.

They arrived and left the store in a white Cadillac Escalade SUV.

Bass and Friedrich named South Lake Tahoe mayor and mayor pro tem

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council appointed the new mayor and mayor pro tem during its meeting on December 12. As expected, Cody Bass was voted in as mayor after serving a year as mayor pro tem, with Councilman John Friedrich moving up as mayor pro tem.

El Dorado County to transfer 2-1-1 services to Community Hubs

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — To improve services to citizens, El Dorado County will cease operations of 2-1-1 on December 15, 2023. The decision was made after an in-depth evaluation of community needs and available County resources.

“2-1-1 has been a valuable resource for our residents by providing information and referrals to various social services, community programs, and resources," said Olivia Byron-Cooper, Health and Human Services Agency

Workforce housing incentives and code changes at Lake Tahoe topic of TRPA board hearing

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Breaking down barriers to building affordable housing at Lake Tahoe has been the focus of two years of public hearings, workshops, and presentations by Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) staff.

On Wednesday, they will be bringing forward proposed changes to policies in the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan that have become barriers to deed-restricted affordable and workforce housing.

Widespread prescribed fire operations continue this week at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, Nevada Division of Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas.

Big rig fire closes US50 by South Lake Tahoe Airport

Monday 3:25 p.m. UPDATE: There is a little more information available on this morning's collision in South Lake Tahoe. One big rig truck was traveling east on US50 when it came upon a stopped big rig that was in the designated turn lane in front of the Sierra Ready Mix, facing east. The big rig that was traveling east sideswiped the truck that was stopped.

The big rig that was traveling east came to a stop and caught on fire and the driver was able to get out.

According to South Lake Tahoe Police, neither speed, driver impairment, or road conditions were a factor.

Next Douglas County School Board to meeting: Gilbert's bill, budget increases, superintendent hiring process on agenda

The next monthly meeting of the Douglas County School Board will be held on December 12, 2023, at 4 p.m. at the Douglas High School Media Center and will be carried on Zoom (https://dcsd-k12.zoom.us/j/81999349449 passcode Dec2023).

On the agenda:

Mild week ahead for South Lake Tahoe, possible storms before Christmas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Did you catch the results of the inversion layer Sunday morning? The view from Heavenly was great with a cloud cover over the lake below. This week, expect more of the same with a valley inversion layer, dry weather, and near-average temperatures courtesy of a high-pressure system.

Dry conditions look to continue at least through the end of next weekend, though there is a small chance of the end of a system on Sunday.

City Council Tuesday: Votes on cannabis ordinance updates, garbage college fee increase, new mayor

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m.

The first order of business will be to select the 2024 mayor and mayor pro tem from the current council members. Cody Bass is the current mayor pro tem.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office call log for Lake Tahoe area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following calls only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

November 30 - December 6, 2023

11/20

16:24 - CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Tahoe Prep Academy, Meyers Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: UNABLE TO CONTACT.

Six Nevadans, three from Douglas County, indicted in fake elector plot

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Six Nevadans were indicted by a grand jury for their false portrayal as Nevada’s presidential electors in the aftermath of the 2020 election, says the state's Attorney General Aaron Ford.

Three of the six are Douglas County residents, with one, Eileen Rice, the wife of Douglas County Commissioner Wes Rice, and a Lake Tahoe resident.

El Dorado County staff members recognized with state awards

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – El Dorado County Health & Human Services staff member Mindi Paxiao was recognized at the 2023 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony with the Tim Fitzharris Award. The award acknowledges outstanding achievements in community corrections by honoring a non-probation employee who has made a substantial and noteworthy contribution. Eligible recipients may include volunteers, Juvenile Justice Commissioners, journalists, college professors, or others who have demonstrated excellence in their work within the corrections sector.

Douglas County School Board Trustee Tony Magnotta submits resignation, calls out new board members

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Douglas County School Board Trustee Tony Magnotta has submitted his resignation, effective immediately. Magnotta has been one of the three longer-term trustees who have butted heads with the three new trustees who have been the center of controversy since being elected in November 2022.

Magnotta said he has spent the last year not being listened to and being subjected to "harassment and veiled threats."

Douglas County School District,

STPUD Receives Award in Information Technology Excellence

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) has been awarded the coveted Excellence in Information Technology award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC). The District is one of only 18 recipients throughout the state of California.

“This award illustrates the high level of expertise of the District’s IT Department,” said Paul Hughes, General Manager. “We are very fortunate to have highly dedicated and professional staff that continue to advance technology and protect the District from cyber-attacks.”

40 acres of prescribed fire operations added to Lake Tahoe schedule

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Three new locations have been added to the prescribed fire map for this week. USDA Forest Service firefighters are scheduled to begin burning piles tomorrow off Cathedral and Spring Creek roads on the south end of Lake Tahoe, weather permitting.

The three new spots:

Cascade 132-USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Location: Spring Creek Road and SR89 near South Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles.
Total Acreage: 20. Planned Ignition: 12/09/2023.

Electrifying Lake Tahoe - Solid EV plans for today and preparing for the future

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the increased availability of electric vehicles (EV) from multiple automobile companies, the need increases for charging stations. Since I80 and US50 are both what are deemed "alternative fuel corridors," there must be a station every 50 miles and within one mile of that highway but there is no requirement within cities and counties. In a tourist destination like Lake Tahoe, stations need to be strategically placed for their travel while also meeting the needs of residents.

South Lake Tahoe man accused of stealing over a million dollars from a non-profit retail chain

A South Lake Tahoe man was arrested in Sacramento Thursday after a federal grand jury returned an indictment against him, charging him with nine counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and three counts of monetary transactions with proceeds of specified unlawful activity. The indictment was unsealed after the arrest.

Incoming storm gets Winter Weather Advisory Wednesday-Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe area to be in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. Thursday for areas above 6,000 feet.

Snow is expected above 6000 feet. Snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches, except 1-2 feet above 8000 feet. Ridge winds gusting as high as 100 mph.

In South Lake Tahoe, the two-day forecast from NWS Reno-

Denny's closes in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Monday morning, employees were caught by surprise when they were told the Denny's in South Lake Tahoe would be closing that day. After 40+ years in business, the franchisee closed the doors.

Franchise owner Paul Schmidt said it was multiple reasons leading to the closure, starting with COVID. He said sales had declined since the pandemic, and then the Caldor Fire didn't help. He said while the volume at the restaurant was never high, they did okay until people started staying away from South Lake Tahoe.

Disregard for Christmas Tree cutting rules evident around Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) wants the public to know some very important rules when cutting down trees for their Christmas holiday. Even though tree permit holders are given instructions when they purchase the permit, it has become evident to forest officials that they aren't always being followed.

Lake Wind Advisory for Lake Tahoe; NV Energy issues PSOM for Carson-Genoa

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe area from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday. Expect winds from the southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and waves 2 to 4 feet for Lake Tahoe.

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

NV Energy has issued a Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) warning for the Carson City - Genoa area for Wednesday, December 6.

Prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe this week

UPDATE One new location has been added to this week's planned prescribed burns:

The USDA Forest Service will be burning off Fountain Place Road off Pioneer Trail near South Lake Tahoe. 34 acres of hand piles will be burned 12/06-12/2023.

* * *

The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas.

Prescribed fire operations scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Lake Tahoe Airport

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department with assistance from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and Lake Valley Fire Protection District are conducting prescribed burns around the Lake Tahoe Airport starting on Wednesday, December 6 through Tuesday, December 12. The prescribed burns will take place over 22 acres with an estimated 230 identified piles to burn.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Mild and sunny start to the week, with chance of snow starting mid-week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The week ahead starts sunny and mild, a perfect time to get up those outdoor lights and winterize your yards if you haven't done so yet.

While dry weather and above-average temperatures prevail for the first half of the week, a series of low-pressure systems will produce periods of showers and gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday. A return to quiet weather is expected for Friday and over the weekend.

Syringe ordinance and tobacco retail zones on El Dorado County Board of Supervisors agenda

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) has its next meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, starting at 9 a.m. After the 34-item consent agenda, there are five items.

In a 1:30 p.m. time certain agenda item, the BOS will discuss an urgency ordinance to prohibit the establishment, operation, use, and/or participation in a syringe exchange program within the unincorporated areas of the County to "protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of its residents."

Alpine County to hold public meeting on short term rentals

Event Date: 
December 12, 2023 - 5:00pm

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The public is invited to a workshop on the Alpine County Residential Short-Term Rental (STR) program on Tuesday, December 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Staff members of Alpine County Community Development will present an overview of the program, and provide residents with an opportunity to address concerns and offer suggestions to improve current standards.

Topics will include:
- Data and statistics on the number and location of current STRs
- A discussion of the application process, including the Business License and Transient
- Occupancy Tax requirements

Is mysterious canine respiratory illness a super bug, or something else?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the past several months, word of a mysterious respiratory virus has been making its way through some provinces of Canada and states in America. It is a canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) but exactly how it is circulating is not clear, and if it is a new bug or changing dog factors at work?

What is clear is that dogs have been getting sick to varying degrees.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to during the week of Nov. 13 - Nov. 19, 2023. Location Checks are when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests/citations and calls are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc.) but stats are collected separately.

Log for Nov. 13-19, 2023

11/13

Arrests

Prescribed burn of 27 acres in Christmas Valley starts Saturday

USDA Forest Service firefighters are scheduled to begin burning 27 acres on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, off South Upper Truckee Road in Christmas Valley. Smoke will be visible and may continue for several days depending on conditions and weather.

The weekly schedule originally had this area as being burned 11/29 - 12/1, but ignition was delayed.

El Dorado County Sheriff's calls in the Lake Tahoe area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following calls only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

November 23 - November 29, 2023

11/23

13:12 BATTERY REPORT - Occurred on Zuni St, in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: ASSISTED.

11/24

Meyers Advisory Council meeting scheduled

Event Date: 
December 6, 2023 - 4:00pm

MEYERS, Calif. - The Meyers Advisory Council (MAC) is holding its next meeting on Wednesday, December 6 at 4 p.m. at the Lake Valley Fire Station training room, 2211 Keetak St.

On the agenda:

An update from California Highway Patrol Officer Ruth Loeher regarding
their work in Meyers.

An update from Catherine Howells regarding changes to South Tahoe Refuse's debris pick-up.

An update from Member Dayberry on the Visitor's Center in Meyers.

An update from Member Dayberry on the Beautification Plan.

Tahoe casinos "win" figure $19.4 million in October

Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $1,315,114,434 for October 2023, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board's monthly report released Thursday. This amounts to a 2.69 percent increase compared to the same month a year ago when licensees reported a gaming win of $1,280,702,499. For the fiscal year to date, the gaming win has increased by 2.85 percent with $5,198,575,459 in "win".

The "gaming win" represents the computed income of casinos before business expenses and taxes.

Syndicate content