News

Former snowboard and soccer coach pleads guilty to distribution of child pornography

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Timothy Mackey, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, pleaded guilty today to distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Mackey was a member of chat groups that shared child pornography on the social media platform LiveMe, including a group named “No Limit!!!” On Feb. 6, 2020, and Feb. 25, 2020, Mackey, using the username “bag of rock,” posted multiple images of child pornography in the “No Limit!!!” group.

Next TERC talk: A Lifetime of Science at Lake Tahoe, with Brant Allen

Event Date: 
June 22, 2023 - 5:30pm

On Thursday, June 22, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) will be hosting its next Science Speaks lecture at Granlibakken Tahoe located at 725 Granlibakken Road just south of Tahoe City.

Expect delays as Caltrans starts pavement repair on a stretch of US50

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Repair work on a 2.5-mile stretch of US50 between Pioneer Trail and Jewell Road gets started on Tuesday, June 13. Caltrans is alerting motorists that the work will be traffic-interfering as Granite Construction will be grinding down and repaving rough sections of pavement on US 50 in both directions.

This work is part of the $17.1 million Caldor Fire Restoration Project.

Where is summer? Flash flood warning starts off the weekly forecast for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Those hoping for two days to string together for a sunny, warm, and dry start to the summer season will have to wait a while. After a wild and wet Sunday in South Lake Tahoe, what does the week ahead have in store?

There was a lot of thunderstorm activity Sunday evening, followed by heavy rain, with more expected.

South Lake Tahoe City Council approves solutions to parking problem around Heavenly

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While there have been parking challenges in the Heavenly neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe for several seasons, the past winter exposed the lack of adequate parking for those using Heavenly Mountain Resort. It was a chaotic scene on several weekends and holidays with cars stuck on the roads surrounding the resort, vehicles sliding and colliding on most streets, and residents in the area unable to get in and out of their driveways.

Community invited to Flag Day Ceremony at American Legion Post 795

Event Date: 
June 14, 2023 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Stella Van Dyke Johnson American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe invites community members and visitors to join the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion to the Flag Day ceremony to properly dispose of American flags that are no longer serviceable.

The ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the American Legion Hall, 2748 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe.

Kudos: NLTFPD thanks partners for annual summer water safety program

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District's (NTLFPD) annual Summer Water Safety Program was a great success at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park.

They thank their agency partners, Incline Village General Improvement District Recreation Center – Aquatics, for their support with lifeguard and water safety instruction and Nevada State Park for allowing them to continue this program by moving it to Sand Harbor. NLTFPD would also like to extend a special thank you to Raley’s at Incline for donating the food for the barbeque lunch.

North Lake Tahoe Fire, Parasol Foundation, partner to expand wildfire resilience with software

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has implemented Fire Aside’s Defensible Space Evaluation (DSI) software as part of an expanded commitment to improving residents’ wildfire resilience, funded by Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation.

Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity that is dedicated to supporting the Tahoe region, and its Tahoe Fire Safe Initiative was created to fund fire prevention strategies in the Tahoe Basin, focusing on people and property.

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

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.

June 1 - June 7, 2023

6/1

11:43 VERBAL DISTURBANCE IN PROGRESS - Occurred on Wailaki St, in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: ASSISTED.

Ebbetts, Sonora, and Monitor passes in the Sierra all now reopened

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has been able to open several mountain highways that had still been closed due to heavy snow received this winter at upper elevations.

Crews typically begin removing snow from the roadway on the first Monday of April each year and work seven days per week until each pass is free of snow and all roadway hazards before declaring them officially open for the spring and summer months.

More thunderstorms and rain in South Lake Tahoe's weekend forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The pattern of thunderstorms and the chance of rain and hail continue throughout the region this weekend. Even though Friday only has a 15 percent chance of rain, there is a daily risk of thunderstorms, including hail up to nickel size, gusty winds up to 50 mph, and lightning. There is an increased risk of locally heavy rains and flash flooding, especially from Saturday through Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

If you plan to be outside, pay close attention to the conditions and have a way to receive alerts and weather info.

Work begins on STPUD Black Bart waterline replacement project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first sign that a new water project was coming to South Lake Tahoe was the old post office at the corner of Pioneer Trail and Black Bart Avenue being fenced in and filling up with blue pipes and other supplies.

The corner is the staging area for the new South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Black Bart Waterline Replacement Project being done by Vinciguerre Construction.

Crews started this week prepping the work area by cutting into the pavement on streets within the boundary area.

The contractor will be working on the project until October.

Unlicensed contractors cited in Tahoe sting operation

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) collaborated with the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office in a recent undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors. The operation, conducted in late May in the Lake Tahoe area, resulted in seven unlicensed persons receiving a Notice to Appear in criminal court for allegedly acting in the capacity of a contractor without the required license. These suspects now face legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment.

From South Lake Tahoe to NASCAR, local woman making name for herself on the race track

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A job working with race cars and trucks on the track is not a traditional career path for a woman, but Elizabeth "Liz" Prestella has been making a name for herself in racing.

The 2007 South Tahoe High School (STHS) graduate currently lives in Mooresville, NC, and has the job title of "Part assistant/ tear down mechanic/ at track tire specialist." Liz says she is like "a utility knife for my team they can put me wherever is needed."

Restoration Alpine County to hold public meeting on current efforts

Event Date: 
June 27, 2023 - 5:30pm

The Forest Health Community Working Group invites the public to discuss their efforts in restoring Alpine County after fire, flood, and mudslides.

The meeting will be held at Turtle Rock Park Community Center in Markleeville on June 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Discuss post-fire restorations, restoration timelines, upcoming field trips, updates, as well as question and answer period with project managers.

There will be state and private forestry groups, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Alpine Fire Safe Council present.

Blue-green algae toxins detected in Indian Creek Reservoir, caution advised

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The Alpine County public health director is urging caution to those who are attending Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, June 10.

Dr. Richard Johnson recommends the following:
- Attend the event with your children
- Leave your dogs at home
- Minimize contact with the water as much as possible
- Since any toxin is stored in the liver of a fish, gut the fish, wash it carefully, and enjoy your meal

Douglas County Sheriff reminds all to remain safe during Carson Valley Days

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is preparing for the upcoming Carson Valley Days Celebration June 8-11. This year’s theme is “Aloha, Carson Valley!”

Due to the high volume of traffic within the Minden/Gardnerville town areas, please use extra precautions when traveling through the towns. If you need to travel across town prior to the parade, please plan ahead.

Fact or fiction: Dogs are being poisoned on trails in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most of those in South Lake Tahoe and the rest of the South Shore are dog-loving people, and enjoy taking their dogs on walks, many going into the meadows and forests to run them off-leash.

South Lake Tahoe dog owners have been on guard for weeks because of online rumors suggesting dogs are being poisoned by chicken left out to kill coyotes. This message has blown up and spread through the dog community, as one can imagine.

Public, private, nonprofit partners team up to spread awareness about Tahoe aquatic invasive species

With summer arriving in Tahoe, residents and visitors are looking forward to spending time on the Lake’s sparkling blue waters. To protect that treasured experience and the Lake’s water quality, public, private, and nonprofit partners have come together to inform recreators about the threat of aquatic invasive species – harmful, non-native plants and animals. Without a watchful eye and preventative action, invasive species could proliferate, turning those blue waters a murky green.

Thunderstorms and rain forecast to continue all week at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of year when many start to plan outdoor activities on the beach, in the garden, or on the trail, but with the recent weather, resorting to 'Plan B' is frequent. Rain, thunder, and hail have been frequent and more of the same is in the forecast for the Lake Tahoe area this week (and beyond).

74th Wagon Train moves through South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A reenactment of the wagon trains which once carried gold-seekers and those in search of a better life and free land started off at Lake Tahoe Sunday. The week-long history lesson will be traveling on US50 to Placerville, just like the annual event has since 1949.

The wagons, horses, and riders took a lunch break on Sunday in front of the Lake Tahoe Historical Museum, Art League, and CalOES ambulance station. The public enjoyed chatting with the participants, petting the horses, and learning more about the wagon train.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls at Lake Tahoe

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.

May 25 - May 31, 2023

5/25

07:22 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Zuni St, South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: ADVISED.

STPUD says farewell to General Manager John Thiel

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – After 31 years of serving the community at South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD), General Manager John Thiel is pulling anchor and heading to southern California as the new general manager of the West Valley Water District. A national recruitment is underway to find his successor.

CalTrans proposing speed limit increases in South Lake Tahoe, public hearing June 20

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been 11 years since the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) raised the speed limits on US50 by 5 mph in the city limit of South Lake Tahoe, and now they are considering another 5 mph increase on both US50 and SR89.

Caltrans is required to have a public hearing when they propose speed limit changes, and the one for this proposal will be during the June 20, 2023, City Council meeting, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The proposed changes:

US50 north of Kyburz Avenue to north of C Street - increase the speed limit from 45 mph to 50 mph

Two injured in US50 crash at Lake Tahoe near Glenbrook

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A two-vehicle collision at Lake Tahoe on Thursday morning left two people with minor injuries and traffic tied up for a couple of hours until the crash site could be cleared.

The Nevada State Police Highway Division responded to the crash near Mile Marker 8 in Douglas County just after 11 a.m. on June 1.

Fundraiser started after five children hit by van as they crossed a Pollock Pines road in a crosswalk

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Five children were hit by a vehicle as they were at a crosswalk on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines on Wednesday. The children were students at Pine Top Montessori, a school that serves children ages 3-6 and were on their way to a park during a field trip when hit.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), four of the children were airlifted to hospitals, and another was transported by ambulance.

Missing man located along Carson River after law enforcement finds abandoned car

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - A man was rescued from along the Carson River on Wednesday after being listed as a missing person in Alpine County.

On Sunday, May 28, a vehicle was located abandoned along SR88 in Woodfords Canyon. After law enforcement contacted the registered owner of the vehicle it was determined the vehicle had been taken without permission, and that the owner's adult son was also missing.

Fire in South Tahoe Refuse transport truck possibly caused by hot ashes or charcoal

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Quick action by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) kept an overnight fire in a transport truck at South Tahoe Refuse (STR) contained to just one vehicle.

The emergency fire call was received by dispatch at 12:28 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. The truck used to transport refuse to a landfill had caught on fire and flames were escaping the truck. According to STR President Jeff Tillman, the firefighters were able to get the truck moved to a safe location as they extinguished the flames. He said the burned truck is a total loss.

Lane reductions begin June 1 on Mt. Rose Highway as part of NDOT project

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Drivers will see lane closures and travel delays on State Route 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) in Incline Village June 1-9 as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) repaves the road as part of continuing highway improvements.

Fire Tuesday near Fallen Leaf Lake Dam under investigation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Tuesday morning, the USFS Tallac Hotshots and Engine 342 responded to a small wildfire burning near the Fallen Leaf Lake dam at Taylor Creek.

The initial response to the 11:25 a.m. call came from CalFIRE and once determined the fire was on national forest land, the USFS engine crew and hotshots finished up.

What is being called the Leaf Fire is fully contained but the public is asked to please avoid the area. Crews are on the scene mopping it up.

At this time the cause of the 20ft x 30ft fire is under investigation.

Homicide and attempted carjacking suspects arrested in Douglas County

MINDEN, Nev. – Two men were arrested Tuesday morning by deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) on multiple charges.

On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at about 6:27 a.m., DCSO deputies responded to the Smith’s Food and Drug gas station in Gardnerville for a report of an attempted carjacking. Two subjects, one of whom allegedly was pointing a firearm, attempted to take a vehicle, which was being fueled at Smith's. The suspects were not able to start the vehicle and fled on foot.

Deputies found the suspects in a neighborhood east of Smiths and they were taken into custody.

El Dorado County Search and Rescue calls down - are people safer or technology better?

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) has seen a steady decrease in some calls for search and rescue (SAR) of recreationists in the county since 2017, could it be a safer public or better technology that has caused this? Or, are there fewer people getting into the backcountry?

Prior to 2017, there were 120 or more SAR calls a year, with 123 in 2017, then an average of 77 incidents per year since then.

Lake Tahoe water enthusiasts need to understand dangers of Cold Water Shock

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Every year the public is warned about the dangers of cold water shock, but every year, people die in Lake Tahoe not due to a lack of swimming skill or hypothermia, but often due to cold water shock.

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

It is important for those on, and in, the lake to understand the phrase "1-10-1." This refers to the three critical phases of cold water immersion.

Meadows at Upper Truckee River and Trout Creek flooding, just as restoration projects wanted

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most of the meadows around South Lake Tahoe have had a lot of standing water over them this spring, and those surrounding Trout Creek and the Upper Truckee River have seen more water than they've experienced in years.

Both waterways went over their banks weeks ago, and it may be several weeks until water moves back into its normal flow pattern.

Chance for thunderstorms and flooding to start the week off at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a chance for flooding from rain and runoff at Lake Tahoe on Monday afternoon, enough for a Flood Watch May 29 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Daily thunderstorm potential remains with the Sierra and Western Nevada through the week, with up to 70 percent chances through Memorial Day. The potential for storms decreases by mid to late week (up to 20 percent chance), but won`t completely disappear. Storms this week will be capable of heavy rain, lightning, gusty, erratic winds, and even small hail.

Tahoe Trout Farm honored by Native Sons of Golden West for 77 years of family fun

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since 1946 the Tahoe Trout Farm has been a family-friendly tradition for all ages. For 77 years, locals and visitors have stopped by to catch dinner from one of the two ponds located along Trout Creek that are stocked with catchable Rainbow Trout.

Updates for Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program as it opens for the summer

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - As Lake Tahoe’s water level nears its maximum height from a record snowpack, agencies helping protect the region from aquatic invasive species (AIS) are preparing watercraft inspection stations and new equipment for paddlers for the season ahead.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) manage the nationally recognized boat inspection program to prevent the spread of AIS by ensuring all watercraft are Clean, Drained, and Dry before entering the waters of the Lake Tahoe Region.

Nevada State Parks to start online reservations; Sand Harbor not offering reservations for now

As people continue to turn to the outdoors as a vacation destination, Nevada State Parks has found the need to keep up with the increased demand. They have been developing an online tool to make it easier for people to explore Nevada while ensuring responsible, sustainable management of the Silver State’s natural resources.

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

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.

May 18 - May 24, 2023

5/18

No Reports

5/19

01:20 SUSP VEH STOP - Officer initiated activity at Prospector Trl, South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: CHECKS CLEAR.

Tahoe Blue Event Center coming together inside, opening planned in August

STATELINE, Nev. - The multifunctional Tahoe Blue Event Center isn't open yet, but there are already conventions filling up the space that will also host concerts, nonprofit events, ice hockey, basketball, and other sporting and other entertainment events.

USFS tips for a safe Memorial Day weekend at Lake Tahoe for visitors and residents

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The term "Know Before You Go" is always important, but over the unofficial start of summer this weekend, it is more important than ever to be aware of what the current situation is around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. Warm temperatures have accelerated the melting of the Sierra Nevada’s enormous snowpack and rivers, streams, and creeks are running high, fast, and cold.

County officials urge extra care and caution around lakes and rivers after heavy winter snow

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County officials are advising residents and visitors to take extra precautions this year to prevent drowning in the area's rivers and lakes. They are moving faster and are much higher than normal and pose a great risk, and two men have already died in rapids this year, one in the American River and the other in the Truckee River.

As the weather warms up and more families head to rivers, lakes, and swimming pools, El Dorado County Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams, is advising residents to take extra precautions.

Spring is an active time for Tahoe bear cubs and yearlings

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As temperatures start to warm and snow begins to melt, a new crop of bear cubs are emerging from winter dens with their mothers. Yearlings, which were born last year, are also on the move. Some are still with their mother bears, some are solo after separating before denning, and some may be showing signs of disease.

Cubs of the year, born around the beginning of February, are sticking close to their mothers, and learning survival skills in the wild to prepare them for living on their own in about one year.

Tahoe Paradise Park Board Meeting

Event Date: 
May 25, 2023 - 6:00pm

The next meeting of the Tahoe Paradise Recreation & Park District (TPRPD) Board will be on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 6 pm-8 pm via Zoom and in person at the park's clubhouse, 1011 E. San Bernardino in Meyers.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86479596214?pwd=bVBBa0QxU1gvWXRwTForZTQ0UXB3QT09
Meeting ID: 864 7959 6214
Passcode: 245910.

BOARD MEETING AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER AND CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC - 3-MINUTE LIMIT / SPEAKER
5. CLAIMS PAYMENTS – Tom/Joanne
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Project Committee: Zane

TRPA accepting applications for pier allocation lottery at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – There are a limited number of pier allocations allowed every two years at Lake Tahoe, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will be accepting lottery entries for those allocations between June 1 and June 30, 2023.

The 2018 Shoreline Plan lifted a longstanding moratorium on new shorezone structures and placed a cap on the number of private piers and buoys allowed at Lake Tahoe. A maximum of 128 private piers and 1,486 private moorings will be allowed along the shore of Lake Tahoe, with allotments awarded through periodic lotteries until the cap is met.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office warns of rural lot sale scam

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of an ongoing scam in the area. An unknown subject has sold or attempted to sell rural lots without the permission of the actual owner. The subject has contacted real estate companies claiming to be the owner of a rural, undeveloped lot. The subject then asks the real estate company to list the property for sale.

Some indicators of potentially fraudulent activity appear to be:

1. “Seller” only communicates via email.
2. “Seller’s” address has “changed” recently, possibly to a foreign country.

SR88 closed between Picketts Junction and Crystal Springs

UPDATE 8:30AM TUESDAY: There is now one-way controlled traffic through the stretch on SR88.

* * *
State Route 88 was closed Monday night between Picketts Junction and Crystal Springs East after a rapidly deteriorating roadway was discovered. There is no estimated time for the reopening of the closure according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

For current conditions on the road, check https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.

Expect a drop in temperatures for South lake Tahoe and continued thunderstorms in week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A chance of thunderstorms hangs around South Lake Tahoe through the week ahead. There will be a decrease in chances on Monday and Tuesday, with chances increasing mid-late week. It will be overall cooler this week.

While the afternoon convection and cloud cover aren't what everyone has been waiting through the long winter for, they have been reducing snowmelt and resultant flows on some rivers.

City of South Lake Tahoe sales tax report shows increase in 4th quarter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 4th quarter sales tax report for South Lake Tahoe shows receipts from October-December 2022 were above those of the prior year by 6.3 percent. Excluding reporting adjustments, receipts for the period were up 8.5 percent.

While many areas of the state saw a decline in dollars spent on transportation, the City had a healthy increase, according to its quarterly report from the finance department. The severe weather likely caused the increase in spending on construction materials and supplies sold by outlets in the business-industry group.

USFS beaches and campgrounds start to open around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Baldwin Beach and Pope Beach have opened for the season! With the heavy snow around Lake Tahoe melting quickly, staff has been able to get into U.S. Forest Service areas to get them open for the season.

Both Baldwin and Pope are open from 8 a.m.-8 p,m. Season passes are available for $95.00, and the day-use fee is $10.00 a day. Please remember no dogs or charcoal grills are allowed at these beaches. Propane grills are allowed.

Also open:
Nevada Beach
Round Hill Pines Beach Resort
Valhalla Tahoe
Camp Richardson Corral
Nevada Beach Campground

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