News

Caltrans and NDOT roadwork projects on I-80 and SR-28 at north end of Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Both the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) have scheduled work near Lake Tahoe over the next few weeks. Caltrans work is on I-80 and

Caltrans
I-80
Caltrans is alerting motorists of upcoming lane closures and delays at several locations along I-80 between Colfax and the Nevada state line in Placer, Nevada, and Sierra counties.

Douglas County seeking new chief financial and information technology officers

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – Douglas County is seeking to fill two leadership positions with the pending retirements of the current chief financial officer (CFO) and chief technology officer (CTO). Solicitations for both positions are currently posted on the Job Opportunities page of the Douglas County website.

Washoe County Regional Animal Services seek persons of interest in alleged animal abuse case

Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) is seeking information to help identify two individuals who are persons of interest in an animal cruelty investigation. The dog is described as an approximately 6-month-old German Shepherd, black and tan in color, wearing a pink harness. This occurred at the 7-Eleven parking lot located at 8995 Lemmon Drive, Reno on August 21, around 2:30 p.m.

To meet state requirements, South Lake Tahoe moving to a three-cart garbage system

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new trash can system and new dump collection trucks are headed to South Lake Tahoe and the South Shore in 2024. The three carts will be colored, green for yard waste, blue for recyclables, and black animal-resistant for trash, and the trucks will be outfitted with semi-automated dumping mechanisms.

The reason for the new system is two-fold. One is to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 1383 which requires all residential and businesses to source separate organics. The other is to help reduce injuries to South Tahoe Refuse and Recycling team members.

Former South Lake Tahoe resident is first tourist identified as victim in Lahaina fire

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A former South Lake Tahoe resident has been identified as a victim of the Lahaina, Maui wildfire. Theresa "Terri" Cook, 72, hadn't been seen since the fires ravaged the historic Hawaiian town. The last time anyone saw her was the day of the fire, walking down Front Street.

Maui County officials identified Cook in a report released on August 22. She had been in Lahaina on vacation, staying at the Best Western Pioneer Inn, and had been scheduled to return to the Sacramento airport on August 9. The deadly fire broke out on August 8.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls in 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.

August 17 - August 23, 2023

8/17

00:37 SUSP VEH STOP - Officer initiated activity at South Upper Truckee Rd/State Hwy 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: ADVISED.

TRPA gives final approval of USFS parking lot upgrades at Chimney Beach

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - During its meeting this week, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board approved the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) Chimney Beach Trailhead parking improvement project on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore. The project goal is to help improve safety, reduce roadside parking, and enhance recreation along the popular State Route 28 corridor.

NDOT says delays possible as they replace Mt. Rose Highway avalanche control system

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Transportation is advising Mt. Rose Highway commuters to anticipate upcoming brief traffic delays and stoppages as the avalanche control system located at the Mt. Rose Highway (State Route 431) summit is replaced.

Beginning in late August through October, drivers can anticipate intermittent weekday traffic delays and stoppages near the Mt. Rose Highway summit during installation of the new system. The periodic traffic delays are anticipated to be less than 30 minutes as a helicopter delivers components for the project.

Lack of families completing Family Income Survey could cost LTUSD up to $2M

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Are South Lake Tahoe families better off than in previous years? If one only looked at the completed Family Income Surveys received by the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) each year, the answer would be "yes." Last fall, under 50 percent of the students enrolled met the income guidelines necessary for extra funding whereas that number was consistently in the 60 percent range (and higher) in the years prior to COVID.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrests suspect wanted for burglaries in Carson City and Minden

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - An off-duty deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) was shopping at the Tractor Supply Store in Minden on Sunday morning. At approximately 9:25 a.m. he spotted Sean Maxwell, a man who the deputy knew was wanted as a suspect in several burglaries in Carson City.

The off-duty deputy contacted DCSO dispatch and patrol deputies responded.

Maxwell was detained as he was leaving the Tractor Supply store, and it was determined that he had allegedly stolen several items from the store.

Preparation for emergencies is a non-stop process; Are you ready?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The recent fire tragedy in Lahaina, this week's mudslides and flooding in southern Nevada and California from Hurricane Hilary, and the heavy summer tornado activity across the country, and fires currently ravaging Eastern Washington and Northern California, have been a reminder of how vulnerable people are and how necessary emergency preparation is.

As we learned during the Caldor Fire, planning is important, but it isn't just a "one-and-done" process.

Douglas County taps former Lake Tahoe area GM to head Economic Vitality department

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – Douglas County has announced the hiring of Nikki Verdile for the position of economic vitality manager. Her official start date will be August 28, 2023. Nikki will be joining the Douglas County team from the private sector with a strong background in business, project management, hospitality, marketing, and communications.

BEBOT to be deployed at Conolley Beach in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to get a firsthand look at the BEBOT in action at Conolley Beach. ECO-CLEAN Solutions and the League to Save Lake Tahoe will conduct the beach cleaning and be on hand to answer questions about the BEBOT and how it operates.

Increased enforcement looked at for alleviating El Dorado County VHR issues

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) at Lake Tahoe are again at the forefront as neighborhood issues continue due to bad-behaving renters/homeowners.

Just as with VHR complaints in many towns, the increase in noise, trash, and vehicles continues to change the dynamics of a neighborhood, and many residents are calling for more enforcement of the rules.

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.

August 10 - August 16, 2023

8/10

23:09 ORDINANCE VIOLATION REPORT - Occurred on Ponca St, in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: ADVISED.

8/11

South Lake Tahoe to start the week with rain, the end will be sunny, warming and clear

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All eyes have been on Hilary as the storm made its way through Mexico to Southern California, and following the storm as it tracks through central Nevada. Hilary officially made landfall in northern Baja California as a Tropical Storm with sustained winds of 65 mph.

As the rain and thunderstorms make their way out, the remainder of the week will see temperatures gradually warm, and daily chances of showers start to weed themselves out.

The South Lake Tahoe forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Hurricane Hilary sending rain to Lake Tahoe and Nevada; Sandbags available

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While Hurricane Hilary is just hitting the coast of Mexico tonight as a Category 1, heavy rain, cooler temperatures, and a risk of flooding are forecast for part of Western Nevada and the Sierra Sunday-Monday.

The hurricane is making landfall along the northwestern portion of Baja California. While this system will rapidly weaken by the time it reaches Nevada, significant amounts of moisture will bring periods of heavy rainfall to the region according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Governor appoints 10 new Superior Court judges including one for El Dorado County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Governor Gavin Newsom appointed ten Superior Court judges on Friday, including one in El Dorado County; three in Los Angeles County; two in Orange County; one in San Bernardino County; one in San Diego County; one in Santa Cruz County; and one in Stanislaus County.

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 August 1-7, 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 August 1 - 7, 2023

8/1

Arrests
16:11 DUI - Occurred at Appleseeds Academy on Lyons Ave. Disposition: Felony Arrest.

New trailhead connector from Echo SNO-Park to PCT/Tahoe Rim Trail; Upcoming volunteer work days

ECHO LAKE, Calif. - A new connector trail is being created at the Echo SNO-Park parking area will improve access to the Pacific Crest Trail/Tahoe Rim Trail, and there are upcoming volunteer days where the public can help.

Work days are planned for Aug. 22, 24 & 26.

STPUD board hires Paul Hughes as next general manager

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board of Directors did not have to look far for their next general manager. At their meeting Thursday they appointed Paul Hughes, the District's chief financial officer.

With over 28 years in the public sector, Hughes brings a strong financial background to the position.

“The Board interviewed great candidates and unanimously selected Paul Hughes,” said STPUD Board President David Peterson. “He is an outstanding leader, outstanding fiscal manager, and outstanding problem solver.”

BEBOT to be deployed at Conolley Beach in South Lake Tahoe - postponed

Event Date: 
August 24, 2023 - 9:00am

UPDATE: The demonstration of the BEBOT has been moved to Thursday, August 24 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Conolley Beach, South Lake Tahoe behind the Tahoe Beach Retreat.

Update: This event is postponed due to the forecast. A future date will be announced.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The City of South Lake Tahoe is partnering with the Beach Retreat, ECO-CLEAN Solutions, and the League to Save Lake Tahoe to deploy the beach-cleaning robot BEBOT on the shores of Lake Tahoe. BEBOT, short for “beach robot,” will be performing a full beach cleaning at Conolley Beach on Monday, August 21.

Enhanced fire restrictions for Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - In addition to year-round restricted areas, enhanced fire restrictions are now in effect on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin and will remain in effect through the end of December 2023, or until rescinded. Enhanced fire restrictions mean wood and charcoal fires are now prohibited in Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass, and Watson Lake campgrounds. Portable stoves are allowed with a valid permit.

Coffee With A Cop at Mad Dog Cafe in Woodfords

Event Date: 
August 18, 2023 - 9:00am

On Friday, August 18, 2023, members of the California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe office, Alpine County Sheriff, and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, have coffee, and build relationships.

All community members are invited to attend. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on August 18 at Mad Dog Cafe in Woodfords, CA. Please contact Public Information Officer Ruth Loehr with questions: (530) 577-1001 or rloehr@chp.ca.gov.

Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar announce winter opening dates

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is still beach and hiking weather and the calendar says it is summer, but Vail Resorts is sharing its opening dates at Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort have announced their planned opening dates for the upcoming 2023-2024 ski and ride season. Heavenly and Northstar will target opening on Friday, November 17, and Kirkwood will target Friday, December 1.

Making the US50/SR28 intersection safer is part of NDOT's Lake Tahoe plan

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There have been two major crashes at the intersection of US50 and SR28 on Spooner Summit in recent weeks, one of those crashes claiming the life of a 61-year-old man from Washington. Many are calling for a safer intersection in order to prevent more tragic crashes and further loss of life.

President Joe Biden heading to Lake Tahoe Friday

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There have been Secret Service personnel on the south and east shore of Lake Tahoe this week, all in preparation for President Joe Biden's arrival on Friday. The White House confirmed Monday that the President will arrive on August 18 and is scheduled to depart Thursday, August 24.

It has not been disclosed if the visit is for a vacation, business, or for a fundraising event. As of Monday, there are no public events scheduled.

Three South Lake Tahoe brandishing cases over the weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to three calls of brandishing of a weapon this weekend, two with guns and the third with a knife.

Two men from Alameda, Calif. were arrested Saturday in South Lake Tahoe after allegedly pointing a gun at another driver during what is being called a road rage incident.

Washoe County has first confirmed Hantavirus case in 2023

The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) is reporting a confirmed Hantavirus case in a Washoe County resident.

The person is a male in his 60s who has been hospitalized after being exposed to rodent droppings weeks prior. There is no update on the person’s condition and the investigation is ongoing.

This is the first Hantavirus case reported in Washoe County since November 2022. The last Hantavirus death was reported in December 2020.

Missing hiker Bill Roberts in good health after being located in Sequoia National Park.

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. – Missing hiker Bill Roberts has been located in Sequoia National Park. Roberts is in good health and is being reunited with his family.

FOUND - Search underway for Lake Tahoe man reported missing in Sequoia National Park

UPDATE: Bill Roberts has been found and is in good health after a search party started Sunday to locate the Lake Tahoe man in the Sequoia National Park. See and update here: https://southtahoenow.com/story/08/14/2023/missing-hiker-bill-roberts-good-health-after-being-locate...

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. – A search is underway in Sequoia National Park for hiker Bill Roberts, 76, of Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Chance of rain and thunderstorms remains in the South Lake Tahoe forecast for the week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Low pressure along the California coastline will remain a fixture in the overall pattern through the upcoming week in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Northern Nevada. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno says to plan on daily chances for showers and thunderstorms for the Sierra and parts of western Nevada this week, especially on Monday. Temperatures will remain warm through the week with some cooling possible by next weekend. The weekend also shows the possibility of continued thunderstorms.

The South Lake Tahoe forecast from NWS Reno:

Mid-August updates from NDOT on SR 431 and SR28 projects

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and its contractors continue work on SR431 and SR28 at Incline Village. The NDOT and Q&D Construction's SR 431-28 Tahoe Project is a multi-year highway improvement project that will revitalize and enhance the existing roadways and utility/drainage systems helping preserve pavement and protect Lake Tahoe.

Drivers can expect reduced speeds through the work zone and up to 30-minute delays. Construction operations are weather-dependent and subject to change.

The following is the upcoming work schedule:

2023 Envision Tahoe Venture Summit to be held at new event center

Event Date: 
October 20, 2023 - 9:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The Envision Tahoe Venture Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action to benefit our regional economy while supporting our community, quality of life, and environment. This year's summit will be held on October 20, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the new Tahoe Blue Events Center in Stateline, Nev.

North Lake Tahoe Highway Project updates for SR28

PLACER COUNTY – Caltrans is advising motorists of continued traffic-interfering work on State Highway 28 in North Lake Tahoe next week.

Southwest Gas and its contractor, Q&D Construction, continue to work on a gas line replacement project on Highway 28 between Tahoe City and Kings Beach.

One-way traffic control is scheduled between Center Street and Ridgewood Road in Carnelian Bay from Sunday, August 13 at 7 p.m. until Friday, August 18 at 8 a.m. No work is scheduled on the weekend.

El Dorado County working on last ditch effort to get California TV stations in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For years, South Lake Tahoe residents have been expressing their desire to bring California television stations to Spectrum/Charter Communications, and other cable and satellite providers. There have been letters and telephone conversations with government officials, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and KCRA and other Sacramento television stations.

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.

August 3 - August 9, 2023

8/3

02:38 VERBAL DISTURBANCE IN PROGRESS - Occurred at Camp Richardson on Jameson Beach Rd. in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: UNABLE TO LOCATE.

Electric boat catches fire at Homewood Marina

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An electric boat caught on fire Friday afternoon at the Homewood Marina at Lake Tahoe, sending smoke into the air. When the U.S. Coast Guard arrived they found the North Tahoe Fire Protection District on scene already, battling the fire on the boat.

Fortunately, no one was injured during this fire, and no property damage besides the boat was reported.

Plans for old Lilly Tires corner before South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Muller Redevelopment Project at 2629 and 2635 Lake Tahoe Boulevard is before the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission on August 17.

For decades the two parcels were home to first Pete Lilly's Firestone and later Lilly's Tire Service before Pete's retirement and sale of the properties. The new owner, Steven Muller, has a major redesign of the corner property before the commission that will bring a mixed-use project. This will include converting the previous retail and warehouse commercial

Caltrans not raising existing speed limits in South Lake Tahoe city limits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After heavy public input about the proposed speed limit change along US50 and SR89 in South Lake Tahoe, Caltrans has agreed to keep the existing speed limits. The public comments from the June 20 City Council meeting and input from the City have led to the speed limits remaining the same for at least the next 14 years.

Eastern Placer County evacuation and emergency preparedness town hall at Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
August 17, 2023 - 6:00pm

The eastern Placer County community is invited to participate in a town hall event on August 17 at 6 p.m. to discuss evacuation planning and strategies along with emergency preparedness.

This informational session aims to provide the community with a better understanding of what public safety agencies are doing to prepare for wildfire emergencies. The town hall will also provide residents with strategies to enhance their own readiness.

All lanes currently blocked at Spooner Summit due to injury crash

6:15PM Update: Traffic is moving but the road is not completely clear. Use caution if driving near US50/SR28.

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There is a major incident near the intersection of US50 and SR28 at the top of Spooner Summit. There are few details at this time but the Nevada State Police Highway Division is reporting an injury crash and all lanes are blocked.

It was reported at 3:45 p.m. Thursday.

If new information becomes available this story will be updated.

Hard Rock Lake Tahoe one step closer to new ownership, new name

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - It looks like the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe is headed to town. On Wednesday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board recommended the licensing of executives Tilman Joseph Fertitta, Steven Lee Scheinthal, and Richard Holden Leim of Golden Landry’s LLC and GN NV Holdings LLC for what has been known as the Hard Rock Lake Tahoe since the end of 2014.

Things should be final at the Nevada Gaming Commission's August 24 meeting when the final approval of licensing is voted on.

Pledge to continue support of protecting Lake Tahoe made at annual Summit

KINGS BEACH, Calif. - The Washoe Tribe called Da-ow-a-ga (or as we know it, Lake Tahoe) as their home for centuries, and two members of the tribe were at the 27th annual Lake Tahoe Summit Wednesday to share the importance of the lake to their people.

"Tahoe is not only beautiful for us, this is life, the heart of our people," explained Washoe Chairman Serrell Smokey. "The earth and water gave us life."

Chairman Smokey said that after they were forced out of the Lake Tahoe Basin they are coming back to work together to not only acknowledge the Washoe land but to protect it.

North Lake Tahoe Fire warns of dangers, provides water safety tips after several water rescues

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is warning of an increased risk of water rescues at Lake Tahoe due to the cold water temperatures. The water temperature at Lake Tahoe is currently 67 degrees, which is considered cold water. Cold water can quickly lead to cold water shock, swim failure, and hypothermia, which can be deadly.

“We have already responded to several water rescues this summer,” said NLTFPD Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “We want to remind everyone to be aware of the dangers of cold water and to take precautions to stay safe.”

Official groundbreaking at site of new LTCC dorms - "It's a game changer"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What started as a dream 50 years ago has now moved into stages never before imagined at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC).

"This is a truly historical day for LTCC," said the college's President Jeff DeFranco on Tuesday in front of a crowd of state and community leaders, project staff, and the public. "This project is a game changer for the college, the community, and the students."

Council approves contract and bond sale for new recreation center in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It's not going to be cheap, but when all is said and done, South Lake Tahoe will have a state-of-the-art recreation and aquatic center for all ages.

During its August 8 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously approved the center which will cost about $70M.

To accomplish this, the Council approved the issuance of 2023 Lease Revenue Bonds for $55M, combined with $12.4M already collected from Measure P funds, $1M from Measure S, $2.7M from ARPA unallocated funds along with some other sources.

Community Hike With The Mayor and Ice Cream Social

Event Date: 
August 24, 2023 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Join South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cristi Creegan and the City's Complete Streets Program Manager, Jason Burke, on a Community Hike on Thursday, August 24 at 5:30 p.m. They will be sharing the history of the Class I bike trails, new additions to the trails, and future expansions along the bike trail adjacent to El Dorado Beach (one-mile round trip).

Following the hike, join them for some ice cream while overlooking the lake at Lakeview Commons (dairy-free options will be available).

Current parking area closing as USFS begins parking upgrades at Chimney Beach Trailhead

The parking area at Chimney Beach Trailhead on Highway 28 will be closed for construction beginning August 14, 2023, and is expected to remain closed through the end of October. USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit contractors are scheduled to begin construction to increase the number of parking spots at the popular East Shore destination. Trails will remain open during construction.

City Council to vote on $67.8M recreation center contract, Heavenly parking plan, inclusionary housing ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council meets on Tuesday, August 8, and they have a full agenda to discuss, with the public portion of the meeting starting at 9 a.m.

On their agenda:

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