News

Lake Tahoe fuels reduction mastication work underway this week near Golden Bear Trail

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue through this fall, conditions and weather permitting. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will be masticating around the Golden Bear neighborhood this week beginning Oct. 8, 2024.

Boil water notice issued for Heavenly area of South Lake Tahoe

7PM Update: A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for residents on the Heavenly mountainside of Pioneer Trail between Ski Run Blvd and Fern Road. The boil water advisory is issued out of an abundance of caution and is expected to be resolved within 48 hours.

Impacted households should only use tap water that has been boiled vigorously for one minute or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution to avoid stomach or intestinal illness. Tap water may still be used for bathing, hand washing, and laundry.

South Tahoe PUD to host public meeting on Recycled Water Strategic Plan

Event Date: 
October 24, 2024 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) is developing a Recycled Water Strategic Plan to analyze options and establish a roadmap for managing recycled water in the future. Attend the public meeting to learn about the outcomes and ask questions. The meeting will be on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in South Tahoe Public Utility District’s Board Room, located at 1275 Meadow Crest Drive.

Douglas County School District holds Lake Tahoe meeting Tuesday

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - The Tuesday, October 8 meeting of the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Trustees will be held at Whittell High School, starting at 4 p.m.

On the agenda:

Sean Ryan will give a presentation on Zephyr Cove Elementary School and George Whittell High School, where he is the Principal.

South Tahoe Public Utility District holding Board Candidate Forum

Event Date: 
October 23, 2024 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Please join the South Tahoe Public Utility District for a Board Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 23, at 6 p.m. in the District Board Room.

The Forum is open to the public and is an opportunity for the community to hear statements from each of the four candidates running for one of two seats on November 5: Chris Cefalu, Seth Dallob, Joel Henderson, and Kelly Sheehan.

Each candidate will provide an opening statement, answer questions posed by the audience and then provide a closing statement. The Forum is anticipated to last approximately two hours.

Understory burning resumes at Sugar Pine Point

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues this week on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. If conditions and weather are favorable, California State Parks will resume understory burning at Sugar Pine Point State Park.

Temperatures could be closer to normal by the end of the week at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High-pressure buckles and breaks down over the next couple of days as weak shortwaves sweep through the Sierra and western Nevada. For the most part, warm and dry conditions prevail, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

There is high confidence for winds to ramp up for the end of the week with wind gusts in the 25-35 mph range. While cooling temperatures will allow for higher daytime humidity values, keep an eye on the end of the week for possible fire weather concerns.

El Dorado County elections office moves, improving public access

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - As the 133,171 registered voters in El Dorado County prepare to cast a ballot for the November 5 election, work is being done behind the scenes to ensure a quick and transparent process.

This year, the county's elections office changed locations, from the County Government Center in Placerville to a County building in Shingle Springs at 3883 Ponderosa Road. The new location is newer, with large windows, and plenty of space for processing ballots, and it provides an easy way for the public to watch the tabulation of ballots.

Congressman Kiley stops at South Lake Tahoe businesses to hear concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Congressman Kevin Kiley was on the South Shore this week for a few events and spent time with South Lake Tahoe business owners to hear about their situations and concerns.

He visited with the owners of Alpine Carpets and Borges Chiropractic before a stop at Cuppa Tahoe where he chatted with owner Sandra Santane.

Santane said small businesses are the backbone of a community, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep a thriving business with rising costs of supplies and insurance.

"The Greatest Olympic Team Ever" came out of two months in South Lake Tahoe and Echo Summit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In 1968, the three-year-old City of South Lake Tahoe played an important role in what was to become known as the greatest Olympic games for American track and field athletes of all time.

Man stranded on ledge above Angora Lakes rescued by El Dorado County Sheriff's Search and Rescue

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - With almost 64,000 acres, Desolation Wilderness is a large recreation area straddling the Eldorado National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit on the west side of Lake Tahoe.

City Council candidates answer the questions: Heather Cade-Bauer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We reached out to all of the candidates for the two open positions on the South Lake Tahoe city council, asking for them to respond to some questions. Sadly, not all responded, but the public will get to hear from a few of them in the order their replies were received, one candidate a day Tuesday-Friday.

Applications open for Lake Tahoe Affordable Housing Forums

Event Date: 
October 7, 2024 - 6:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, NEV./CALIF. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has launched the next phase of its affordable and workforce housing program, the Tahoe Living strategic priority, and has announced opportunities for additional community representation.

3rd annual Witch Paddle on Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
October 5, 2024 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Saturday, October 5 is the 3rd annual Witch Paddle off the shore of South Lake Tahoe at the Beach Retreat & Lodge. Last year, 400 "witches" participated in the event on over 150 boards and kayaks, and organizers hope to make it bigger this year.

SCHEDULE

1 p.m. - Meet and greet and grab a drink! Blow up your paddles and eat a treat!
2 p.m. - Group Photo
2:30 p.m. - Launch and paddle
4 p.m. - Costume contests

Women, men, children, and pets are all invited to participate (dogs must be on leash).

City Council candidates answer the questions: Caitlin McMahon

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We reached out to all of the candidates for the two open positions on the South Lake Tahoe city council, asking for them to respond to some questions. Sadly, not all responded, but the public will get to hear from a few of them in the order their replies were received, one candidate a day Tuesday-Friday.

South Lake Tahoe Police looking for suspect in armed robbery of 7-11 midtown

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, an armed suspect entered the 7-11 store located at 2620 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. The man brandished a handgun and demanded money from the cashier.

The cashier was not injured during the event. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) is investigating the case and is not releasing information about any cash that may have been stolen.

Mast Year = Massive seed collection success for the Sugar Pine Foundation

For the Sugar Pine Foundation (SPF) this September was incredibly busy with seed collection because 2024 proved to be a mast year for sugar pines and most conifers in the Tahoe region. This is significant because reforestation starts with collecting seeds.

A “mast year” is when an entire population of a certain tree or shrub produces a large amount of fruit, seeds, or nuts, which are collectively referred to as mast. (The term "mast" comes from the Old English word mæst, which refers to the nuts of forest trees that accumulate on the ground.)

Southwest Gas donates Sno-Cat to Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team is better equipped for the upcoming snowy winter months, thanks to a generous donation from Southwest Gas. On October 1, the energy provider presented the non-profit organization with a Sno-Cat all-terrain vehicle. This vehicle designed for navigation through snowy, and at times treacherous, areas will assist the Sheriff’s Office in alpine search and rescue missions for missing skiers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and other backcountry adventurers in the winter.

Tahoe Agencies propose permanent location for Meyers Watercraft Inspection Station

Event Date: 
October 14, 2024 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Partner agencies are working to find a permanent home for the aquatic invasive species (AIS) watercraft inspection station in Meyers, Calif. Approximately 8,000 boats are inspected every year to protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invaders, with 2,000 inspections done at the Meyers station. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), El Dorado County, California Tahoe Conservancy, and Tahoe Resource Conservation District will host a public meeting on Monday, October 14 at 5:30 p.m.

City Council candidates answer the questions: Keith Roberts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We reached out to all of the candidates for the two open positions on the South Lake Tahoe city council, asking for them to respond to some questions. Sadly, not all responded, but the public will get to hear from a few of them in the order their replies were received, one candidate a day Tuesday-Friday.

Today is Keith Roberts who is the chief operation officer for Tahoe Investment Capital & Stewardship. He has lived in South Lake Tahoe for 14 years, having moved to town for the skiing and the trees.

Three-vehicle collision scenario in South Lake Tahoe gives responders practice

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The call went out about a school bus and two other vehicles being involved in a crash on Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe. One car was on its side, and another was pinned under the school bus, and there were injuries.

City Council candidates answer the questions: David Jinkens

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We reached out to all of the candidates for the two open positions on the South Lake Tahoe city council, asking for them to respond to some questions. Sadly, not all responded, but the public will get to hear from a few of them in the order their replies were received, one candidate a day Tuesday-Friday.

Today is David Jinkens who is a retired South Lake Tahoe city manager. He has lived in South Lake Tahoe with his wife Terri for 22 years.

What brought you to SLT? 

Alpine County declares local emergency amid escalating fentanyl crisis

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The Alpine County Board of Supervisors has ratified a local emergency declaration following a significant increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, which have threatened public health and safety in the region. This declaration comes in response to a 63 percent surge in fatal overdoses over the past 14 months in the county, primarily affecting the Hung-A-Lel-Ti Community. These five deaths, including several near-fatal overdoses, have overwhelmed local emergency services, public health resources, and law enforcement.

Carson City juvenile arrested for making terrorist threats against another middle school student

CARSON CITY, Nev. - On September 30, 2024, just before 9 p.m., the Carson City Sheriff's Office (CCSO) received a call that referenced Instagram direct messaging between students at Carson City Middle School. The messages were directed threats from one student to another, according to CCSO.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District seeks community member to fill board position

There were not enough applicants for the open positions on the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) Board of Directors so a "Notice of Vacancy" has been created to fill one spot. On November 5, incumbents John Rice and Tim Cain will appear on the ballot for two of three positions

Pursuant to Government Code §1780, the community must be notified of the vacancy. The appointee will represent the community served by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District as a Board Director. The position to be filled is a 4-year term beginning December 2024 and ending December 2028.

CHP celebrates 50 years of women being allowed; Four currently serving in South Lake Tahoe

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly mark a historic milestone: 50 years since women first joined its ranks - paving the way for women in the Department.

On September 30, 1974, a group of 40 women reported to the CHP Academy as part of the Women Traffic Officer Program (WTOP), launched as a trial to evaluate women's fitness and capability as CHP officers. Of those women, 27 completed Academy training and were sworn in as CHP officers on January 16, 1975.

Forest thinning projects are underway at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. For project details, including land ownership, lead agency, start date, and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

There are no prescribed fire operations at Lake Tahoe this week, just the fuel reduction projects.

Body recovered at Donner Lake after three-day search

TRUCKEE, Calif. - On Wednesday, September 25 at 3:30 p.m., the Truckee Police Department received multiple calls reporting a canoe with two adult males inside had flipped over in the middle of Donner Lake. A nearby windsurfer got to one of the men and saved him, but could not get the second man. Neither of the occupants were wearing life jackets.

Another warm and dry week ahead for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fall temperatures are continuing to evade most of the west, and the coming week will be more of the firm grasp on summer the weather has had. There will be several more days of iced lattes before the hot pumpkin spice lattes fill orders.

The Lake Tahoe Basin won't experience the 100-degree highs the Sacramento Valley will see, but there will be a few 80s to start the month of October.

An anomalously strong ridge builds into the region by late Monday through Wednesday. Temperatures will climb well above seasonal averages, with highs

Bridey Heidel celebrates release of her memoir, Bright Eyes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bridey Thelen-Heidel's memoir Bright Eyes was released this week, and it has been so popular among readers that publisher She Writes Press and distributor Simon & Schuster have already ordered a second printing after the first 2,000 copies were quickly purchased.

Not bad for a first book, and in its first week!

Bridey had a few events over the last six days to celebrate Bright Eyes, starting with a 7 a.m. release party at Cuppa Tahoe on Tuesday.

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.

September 16 - September 22, 2024

9/16

07:04 ORDINANCE VIOLATION REPORT - Occurred on Cochise Cir, in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: ADVISED.

Expect delays between Kings Beach and Tahoe City for broadband project on SR28

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is advising motorists of a broadband installation project continuing along State Route 28 (SR-28) along the north shore of Lake Tahoe next week.

The broadband project is part of a larger statewide effort by the California Department of Technology to bring high-speed broadband into rural communities. The contractor for this project is Teichert Construction.

Utility work with one-way traffic control is scheduled along SR-28 at the following locations and times:

New laws in California ban disposable propane canisters and plastic carryout bags

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe was at the forefront when the city council banned the use of plastic single-use carryout bags in 2013. Grocery shoppers could bring their own bags, the preferred method, but many just ended up buying the thicker, stronger plastic bags or paper bags.

No on Measure N Town Hall meeting draws large crowd in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The two South Shore Lake Tahoe-based Chamber of Commerce groups have joined together with the restaurant association, the lodging association, and the realtors association to fight what they see as an unfair measure on November's ballot.

They held a town hall meeting this week on Measure N, drawing about 150 people to the venue, and another 100 watching remotely.

"We're here to inform you tonight as to what is exactly in this," said South Lake Tahoe Chamber CEO Duane Wallace of Measure N.

Forest Service reaches decision on basin-wide trails analysis

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision Notice (DN) for the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project, which examined e-bike use and trail system access and connectivity on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Depending on the Administrative Review process, the final decision could be released as early as January 2025.

Douglas High School student arrested after allegedly making threats to carry out school shooting

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - At approximately 9:50 a.m. on September 26, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) received an anonymous report of a 14-year-old Douglas High School (DHS) student who made verbal threats in class about coming to school and carrying out a shooting.

The DCSO deputies assigned to DHS, along with school administration, contacted the student. As a result of the investigation, the student was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Facility for making terroristic threats.

Tahoe dive team takes expertise to Minnesota lake

The dive team at Clean Up the Lake (CUTL) has completed two weeks of pilot research beneath the surface of Mille Lacs Lake in Central Minnesota. The primary goal of this project, which was funded by the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, was to gain insight about submerged litter, including its movement in and around the lake. The project also involved documenting aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Best in Basin award winners announced

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board today recognized nine projects and programs with Best in Basin awards for exceptional environmental design and stewardship of Lake Tahoe.

For more than 30 years, TRPA’s Best in Basin award program has annually recognized projects that exhibit outstanding planning and execution and lead the way in regional collaboration and environmental stewardship, according to TRPA. The award winners this year range from forest health projects to citizen science monitoring.

Milestone celebrated at South Lake Tahoe's new multigenerational recreation and aquatic center

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe and its partners in building the new recreation and aquatics center held a "Topping Off" ceremony Wednesday. This type of event is a customary way to celebrate a significant milestone during the construction of a new building when the final steel beam is put in place.

Kenneth J. Wenham, president and CEO of Roebbelen of El Dorado County, the construction project team, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass, and South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation director, spoke before the beam was set in place.

Taylor Creek Invasive Species Project in South Lake Tahoe nearing completion

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will begin removing specialized mats, called bottom barriers, from Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes in early October, the agencies said Tuesday. They have been working together since 2021 to remove a 17-acre infestation of aquatic invasive plants in the marsh in the Southwest portion of the Tahoe Basin.

Douglas County courts launch new jury case management system, warn of jury duty fraud

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In July 2024, the Ninth Judicial District Court, East Fork Justice Court, and Tahoe Justice Court introduced a new Jury Case Management System. This upgrade is part of an ongoing effort to modernize court technology for the benefit of both the community and the courts in Douglas County. The system is designed to meet current standards, streamline operations, and enhance efficiency, productivity, and security.

What to Expect When Summoned for Jury Service

Congress approves Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It takes a village, or in the case of Lake Tahoe, it takes "Team Tahoe" to get the funding needed to protect the Jewel of the Sierra. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives reauthorized the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA).

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Bass presents State of the City address

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is always nice to reflect on accomplishments instead of focusing on the negative, and South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass's State of the City address did just that.

Bass highlighted what is being done to elevate South Lake Tahoe for an inspired future, focusing on the City's five strategic priorities, and he shared their strategic plan tracker.

Middlebrook selected to fill former South Lake Tahoe council member's seat

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council voted Tuesday to appoint Devin Middlebrook as the interim city council member to fill John Friedrich's seat until December 10, 2024.

Councilmember Scott Robbins said he didn't see why they needed to make a move now with the election so close. By law, the council had to appoint someone before the election to ensure there is a quorum at each meeting and that city business could move forward without delay.

Washoe Intentional Fire Training to start at Lake Tahoe

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. – The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is hosting the first Washoe Intentional Fire Training in Lake Tahoe from September 30 to October 4, 2024. This event is part of a broader interagency initiative that blends Indigenous knowledge with modern land management techniques and fosters community collaboration.

City Council agenda: parking garage, zero traffic death policy, Motel 6 and pay raise

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tuesday evening's meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council will start off with the naming of a new mayor pro-tem after the resignation of John Friedrich, and to divide up the committees he was part of among the other four councilmembers. A new person will be appointed to fill the seat in October but that term will be just two months until the newly elected candidates will take the dias.

Before the regular agenda, the council will hear a presentation from South Tahoe Refuse on the roll-out of the three-cart colored trash system

The agenda:

False ad circulating in South Lake Tahoe, promising Mexican Consulate appointments

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Once a year the Mexican Consulate visits South Lake Tahoe to assist residents in preparing and renewing their documents. The South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center coordinates the visit and has been booking free appointments for 2024 since January.

This year, that visit is on Saturday, September 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bijou Community School Cafeteria but all appointments have already been booked.

Fall Prescribed Fire Program kicks off this week at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program kicks off on Sept. 24, 2024. If conditions and weather are favorable, California State Parks will conduct an understory burn of 23 acres at the entrance to Sugar Pine Point State Park on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore.

First week of Fall brings above average temperatures to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first week of Fall will seem more Summer-like with highs in the mid- to upper 70s for maybe the last time we see a whole week of those temperatures until Spring! There will be a dry/mild pattern this week with light winds through Tuesday with increased southwest winds likely Wednesday with isolated areas of fire weather concerns across northeast California and northwest Nevada. Temperatures will remain around 3-7 degrees above season averages this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

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.

September 2 - September 15, 2024

9/2

09:12 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES REPORT - Occurred at Edso Jail South Lake Tahoe on Al Tahoe Blvd, in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: ARREST

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