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Seasonal closure of Lake Tahoe recreation sites started with beaches over the weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has begun the annual process of closing National Forest recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many recreation areas and sites including beaches, campgrounds, forest roads, parking lots, and picnic areas.

Campgrounds on LTBMU land managed by Tahoe Recreation, a division of Vista Recreation, closed Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, and included Fallen Leaf, William Kent, Kaspian, and Nevada Beach campgrounds.

Fish and Wildlife has not found evidence of wolves in Lake Tahoe Basin or Hope Valley

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There was excitement back in 2011 when the first wolf sighting in California in almost 90 years was made when "OR-7" crossed into California northeast of Dorris, a small town in Siskiyou County. Even though OR-7 is back in Oregon, there have been several confirmed sightings of wolves in California.

Tahoe Chamber announces election endorsements

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Chamber has a long history of developing and offering election endorsements to those candidates for local office whose approach, demeanor, and values most closely match our
mission and values as a bi-state community-based business organization. This year, the chamber board of directors also endorsed a No vote on Measure N, the so-called South Lake Tahoe “vacancy tax” and a Yes vote on Measure U, the proposed Lake Tahoe Unified School District school facilities improvement bond.

No on Measure N - The South Tahoe “Vacancy Tax”

New business licenses issued in South Lake Tahoe

The following businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during August and September 2024:

August

8/5
MOUNTAIN VOLT ERIDES
AMERICAN RIVER CAULKING, INC.
A+ HANDYMAN SERVICE
QUICK-FAST COMPUTER AND PHONE REPAIRS

8/6
SIERRA STRIPING, INC

8/9
PRO SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION INC.
HEAVENLY VILLAGE ICE RINK

8/10
RIDGELINE CLEANING AND ORGANIZING

8/12
JCR CONSTRUCTION INC
TILO PRODUCTS INC.
CONCRETE VALUE CORP

8/13
LAKE RIDGE HOTEL
HAFGUFA DESIGNS
LEVEL 1 ROOFING
RAMOS ROOFING GROUP

8/14
TAYLOR MADE CONSTRUCTION

8/16

Plans underway to open a Brew Brothers at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Harrah’s Lake Tahoe has announced that construction is underway for Brew Brothers, a new craft beer and dining venue set to open in 2026. Located just off Harrah’s casino floor, Brew Brothers will provide a lively and immersive experience that offers refreshing drinks and delicious bites while complementing the energy of the casino.

Lake Tahoe Historical Society hosts popular Giant Snowflake Making days

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Thu Oct 24 2024 .
October 23, 2024 - 11:00am
October 24, 2024 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Historical Society (LTHS) is hosting two days of its Giant Paper Flake Making classes at 10 a.m. on October 23 and 24. Learn how to make the paper flake from one of many patterns available. Each participant will make two or more flakes, with one of them to take home, and the others to stay in the museum.

All flakes made for the museum will be hanging from the museum's ceiling during the holidays and available for purchase!

The cost to participate is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Karen "Penny" Bennett Martin ~ 1955 - 2024

Karen Ingrid “Penny” Bennett Martin passed away at age 69 on October 11, 2024. She was born in Iraan, Texas on April 18, 1955. Her parents were Eugene “Gene” Bennett and Margareta “Peg” Barber. She was raised by her Great grandparents who named her “Penny” from her copper-colored hair, and then by her paternal grandparents, Gene “Chile” Bennett and Mary Belle “Mama” Bennett.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrests suspect wanted for violent school threats made in Sonoma County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A suspect who allegedly made violent threats against an elementary school in Sonoma County, Calif. was arrested at Lake Tahoe on Monday evening. Earlier in the day, detectives with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect, Kevin Harrington, 47, of Santa Rosa, was likely in the South Lake Tahoe area.

Drug Take Bay Day in South Lake Tahoe October 26

Event Date: 
October 26, 2024 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have bottles of prescriptions sitting unused in your medicine cabinet?

A free and anonymous disposal site for expired and unused drugs will be in the American Legion Post 795 parking lot at 2748 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of National Drug Take Back Day. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) in conjunction with the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK) will be hosting the event. TASK and SLTPD will both be on hand to answer any questions or address any concerns the public may have.

Letter: Support Our Schools and Our Children

I urge you to vote for Measure U - let’s collectively uplift the children of our community. Measure U is a bond that will provide much-needed funds for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District to repair and maintain its facilities. Two years ago the community almost passed a bond, but it lost by a slim margin. We need your vote again and we need you to encourage your neighbors to vote as well. This time around, we have made a bigger effort to communicate the needs to our community.

NV Energy to use helicopters for 'essential fire mitigation work' around Lake Tahoe

Since Monday, NV Energy has been using helicopters to replace power poles and to clear large logs and brush that pose fire hazards to the utility's infrastructure around the Lake Tahoe Basin. The helicopters are needed to navigate steep, mountainous terrain in the area.

The project is expected to last approximately five weeks, according to an NV Energy news release. Motorists, customers, and visitors to the area can expect to see the helicopter working overhead, and logging trucks and other heavy equipment in the area.

Letter: Why to vote no on Measure U

Dear Editor: When Lake Tahoe Unified School District's (LTUSD) Measures C and G passed in 1999 and 2008, within three years after each passage we saw a decline in LTUSD enrollment of 541 and 304 students. All in all, the enrollment declined 1,924 students from 2000 to 2011 moving mostly to the Carson Valley/Reno area simply because it became too expensive to live.

The costs of the parcel taxes were passed on to renters and property owners.

Kudos: Heavenly hosts Bread & Broth meal

“We love coming to Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal and helping out,” shared Katie Shanks, marketing manager for the Heavenly Mountain Resort. Katie is the liaison between Bread & Broth’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment program and Heavenly Mountain Resort team members interested in volunteering at a Monday Meal. On Monday, October 7, Blair Davidson, senior analyst planning, and Tyler Joaquin, parking team lead, joined Katie to help the Bread & Broth volunteers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Monday Meal’s setup, serving, and takedown/cleanup.

Public meeting Wednesday as City of South Lake Tahoe develops Vision Zero action plan to Improve road safety

Event Date: 
October 16, 2024 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has announced its commitment to developing a Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate severe injuries and fatalities on local roadways. This data-driven and comprehensive strategy focuses on creating a safer, more sustainable, and livable community for all roadway users, including those who walk, bike, drive, or use other modes of transportation.

Final Coffee With A Cop for 2024. to be held at Getaway Cafe

Event Date: 
October 18, 2024 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — On Friday, October 18, members of the California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado 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. at The Getaway Cafe in South Lake Tahoe.

Salmon starting journey up Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Kokanee salmon are starting their journey up Taylor Creek, though it may be a few more days before the fish fill up the viewing areas along the Rainbow Trail.

A walk out to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Monday provided no views of the migrating Kokanee, but two bears were spotted (even though one was far up a tree). Toogee Sielsch, who is on vacation from his job with El Dorado County Vector Control, is spending two weeks at Taylor Creek to assist with the crowds that make the trip to see the salmon run.

Letter: This isn't working

In an op-ed I wrote in August entitled "The HOA no one signed up for”, I said, "would-be developers at Homewood, Crystal Bay, and South Lake Tahoe are learning similar expensive lessons with multi-decade approval processes.” Those words turned out to be somewhat prophetic, as the Biltmore is headed for foreclosure auction and Homewood recently announced they wouldn’t be opening at all this season.

Have you noticed the 45 mph signs missing from Strawberry?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Anyone heading to, or leaving from, South Lake Tahoe on US50 knows the historic spot along the route - Strawberry. Sitting about 20 miles to the west of the lake, thousands of cars drive through each week, most just passing through.

The speed limit on US50 is 55 mph, but for years the speed limit through Strawberry was 45 mph due to the lodge, store, and residents in the area. That is no longer the case.

Valhalla Tahoe celebrates 100 years of the Heller Estate

Event Date: 
October 26, 2024 - 4:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Valhalla Tahoe, the nonprofit organization that manages the historic Heller Estate, commonly known as Valhalla, is celebrating the 100-year-old historic estate with a special event for the community on Saturday, October 26 from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. The event will honor Valhalla by inviting the community to gather at the historic estate and enjoy the buildings and the grounds.

Letter: A Yes on Measure U is an easy vote

Dear Editor, No matter what your thoughts are about other tax measures on this fall’s ballot, please join me in voting ‘Yes’ on Measure U for our schools. Some valid questions arose about how other taxes will be raised, enforced, and spent.

Not so for Measure U.

The entire annual $35 tax (per $100k assessed value) will go to capital repairs and improvements at our school sites. None of it goes to salaries or benefits.

Some controversy over South Lake Tahoe city council candidate's occupation description

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that the voter's guide and ballots have been mailed out in El Dorado County, voters may notice a difference in occupation for South Lake Tahoe City Council Candidate Nick Speal. His occupation description has been concerning to some residents.

Bread & Broth turns 35 years old; Celebrates feeding those in need since 1989

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In 1989, members of the South Lake Tahoe community were facing a struggle with job layoffs in a tough economy and finding themselves in a tough financial situation. Father John Grace, the pastor at the time at St. Theresa Catholic Church, knew he had to do something and talked it over with Wendy David, a long-time volunteer on the South Shore.

Warm and dry start to the week in South Lake Tahoe; Rain and snow possible before end

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Warm and dry start to the week in South Lake Tahoe and the rest of the region, but changes are expected beginning Wednesday. The forecast includes rain and some snow just above lake level. The lows on Thursday will drop 10 degrees below freezing.

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

Indigenous People's Day - Sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind.

Monday Night - Clear, with a low of around 38. Calm wind.

Tuesday - Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind, becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Work underway on new South Lake Tahoe project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For decades the corner housed a tire shop, most recently Lilly's Tire Service, and now that same corner is the Q-Zone Redevelopment Project area. The project area encompasses 2629 and 2635 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County Supervisors to hold meeting in South Lake Tahoe Tuesday

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) will hold their next meeting in the South Lake Tahoe City Council chambers, with part of their agenda including a joint meeting with the City Council.

On Tuesday, October 15, the supervisors meeting will start at 9 a.m., with the joint City Council meeting at 11 a.m.

On the BOS side, the Meyers Advisory Council (MAC) will file its annual report, and there will be feedback and/or direction to the Meyers Advisory Council, if necessary.

Letter: There are big differences in candidates for Tahoe Township Justice of the Peace

Dear Editor; Our community deserves a judge with applicable legal and courtroom experience to ensure its safety, as well as the rights of litigants and crime victims.

In 2023, I and two other applicants, including my current election opponent, provided detailed applications and lengthy public interviews with the Douglas County Commissioners to be appointed Tahoe Township Justice of the Peace. The Commissioners unanimously selected me as the most qualified applicant.

Letter: Measure U Is Not Cheap

Dear, Editor; At the risk of sounding like I am not supporting well-maintained schools for our students, I would like to point out discrepancies I have found in Lake Tahoe Unified School District's (LTUSD) ballot language for Measure U as well as to refute some of the misinformation swirling around in several letters supporting the Measure, and the view that, of course, you must vote for it, because it is cheap.

Letter: I support David Jinkens

Dear Editor, I support David Jinkens and want to emphasize his invaluable contributions to the South Lake Tahoe community and his experience as city manager. David is an excellent choice as a potential city council member. Although I no longer reside in South Lake Tahoe after 55 years, I maintain property ownership and have family and friends living there. David Jinkens would make an excellent city council member for South Lake Tahoe.

I hope you vote for David Jinkens. He will work hard for you to improve the quality of life in the city of South Lake Tahoe.

Letter: It is still not the time for Measure N

Dear Citizens of South Lake Tahoe, This is my fourth and last letter to you, the citizens of South Lake Tahoe, until next year. It is my opinion alone as your elected representative and is not the official opinion of the city council. 

Tahoe Transportation District open public comment period on Short Range Transit

The Tahoe Transportation District has officially opened the public comment period for its Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), and they are inviting the community to provide input on the initiative. The SRTP sets the vision for the region’s transit services over the next five years, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency.

The public comment period runs until December 4, 2024. They are seeking input from residents, commuters, and stakeholders throughout the Tahoe Basin to ensure the plan reflects the needs of the community.

Delays expected on SR28 between Kings Beach and Tahoe City for Broadband Project

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 internet into rural communities. The contractor for this project is Teichert Construction.

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

Homewood Ski Resort announces they will not open for the 24/25 season

HOMEWOOD, Calif. - In a letter shared on their website and social media, owners of Homewood Mountain Resort (HMR) announced they will be unable to open for the 24/25 season for financial reasons, but the community says it is more than that.

In May 2024, HMR submitted an application to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) for what they say were minor revisions to the 2011 approved Master Plan. On Sept. 25, the TRPA Planning Committee heard a proposal that revises that plan and changed the language of the Community Access Plan.

500 7th and 8th graders take a journey into Tahoe’s environment aboard the MS Dixie

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Over two inspiring days, 500 students from the Lake Tahoe Unified School District’s seventh and eighth grades embarked on an unforgettable educational adventure aboard the M.S. Dixie paddleboat, exploring the vital importance of water and environmental stewardship with the South Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition (STEEC).

Tahoe grading and digging season ends October 15

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding residents and contractors that the annual grading and digging season for permitted projects will end on Tuesday, October 15. All construction sites must be winterized through the wettest part of the year to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity. Grading season in the Tahoe Basin runs from May 1 to October 15 every year.

The long-standing requirement helps prevent sediment from washing into stormwater systems and the lake and prevents soil compaction and disturbance during the wettest months.

South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District special board meeting

Event Date: 
October 17, 2024 - 1:00pm

South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District
Special Board of Directors Meeting
Forest Suites Resort (Tallac Room)
1:00 pm, Thursday Oct 17th, 2024

Call to Order
Roll Call
Introduction of Guests and Staff
Approval of Agenda
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items, 5-Minute Limit)

AGENDA

Discussion/Possible Action

Action: TID Bi-Law Changes

Discussion: Upcoming TID Elections

Board Member Comments
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items, 5-Minute Limit)
Next Meeting: Nov 21, 2024. Discussion on Location Possibilities
Adjournment

Letter: Vote for Dave Jinkens

Dear Editor, I have known Dave Jinkens for many years. I was on the City Council when he was originally hired as our city manager. He truly cares about our community and the City Of South Lake Tahoe. He does his homework and provides workable answers. He’s exceptionally good at multitasking.

I look forward to his election on our South Lake Tahoe City Council. Vote for Dave Jinkens this November.

Thank you.
Tom Davis

Little Norway no more - demolished as new owners make plans

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What was known as Little Norway for decades is now a thing of the past. Situated along US50 near the top of Echo Summit, Little Norway was a bar and restaurant, a Greyhound bus stop, and a popular apres-ski spot. It was originally established as a post office in 1961.

Over the years, there were three damaging fires at Little Norway, in 1967, 1988, and 1991. The 1988 fire was determined to be arson.

Tahoe Tip Off features women's basketball with University of Nevada and University of Colorado

Event Date: 
November 12, 2024 - 7:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The first NCAA women's basketball game to be played at Lake Tahoe will take place on November 12 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The University of Nevada Wolfpack will take on the University of Colorado Buffaloes.

Game time is 7 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Tahoe Tip Off at Ticketmaster and the Tahoe Blue box office.

Local donations from 2024 American Century Championship now total $124,000

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Twenty-six area non-profit organizations were awarded $75,000 from the American Century Championship held this past summer. This brings the total donations from the tournament to local organizations to $124,000. The checks were handed out Thursday during the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) board meeting.

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 23 - October 6, 2024

9/23

08:32 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Stockton Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: UNABLE TO CONTACT.

Boil Water Advisory has been lifted in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The boil water advisory for the South Lake Tahoe residents on the Heavenly mountainside of Pioneer Trail between Ski Run Blvd. and Fern Road has been lifted. The tap water is safe to drink.

The South Tahoe Public Utility District collected additional water samples within the affected area on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Chlorine levels were normal and there were no bacteria, just as the results were from the October 8 testing.

South Tahoe High Golf Team heads to NIAA 3A State Tournament

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe High Girls Golf Team ended their season on a high note, and will be heading to Dayton, Nevada Oct. 15-16 for the NIAA 3A State Tournament.

The STHS team held their final tournament against Fallon at Lake Tahoe Golf Course on Oct. 8, with all six girls having their best rounds of the season to solidify their trip to State. The winner of the tournament was going so everything was on the line. The two best rounds for STHS were had by Carly Cox (89) and Piper Arnold (91).

Free workshop for residents to learn about 2025 Medicare plan choices in El Dorado County

Event Date: 
October 25, 2024 - 9:30am

(PLACERVILLE, CA) - A free, one-hour virtual workshop to help Medicare recipients understand drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans available in El Dorado County in 2025 is scheduled for Friday, October 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The workshop is open to the public and will be held via Zoom and there will be help sessions at all county libraries.
.
A one-hour question-and-answer period will follow the workshop. The workshop is presented by the El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

Public-private partnerships prevail in preserving the historic Hellman-Ehman Mansion

Over a few weeks in September, California State Park maintenance staff from across the state gathered for a training class on historic roof repair and plaster restoration at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The goal of the class was two parts: restoring a historic landmark and teaching the next generation of skilled restoration professionals.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue shows Tahoe Valley students importance of fire safety/education

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A team from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) has been at Tahoe Valley Elementary School this week as part of Fire Prevention Month.

SLTFR was awarded a grant from the Parasol Foundation to purchase an inflatable home that students go through and learn about being fire-safe and what to happen in the case of a home fire.

"We are really happy to do this again," said STLFR Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief Kim George.

Letter: Why I am running for Lake Tahoe Unified School Board Area 3

My name is Fabian Carballo and I am running for Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Area 3. I was a public high school teacher for 19 years before I landed my dream job as a History and Political Science Professor at Lake Tahoe Community College. When I moved here, I embraced the community and I was embraced by this beautiful place and the people who live here.

First residents move into Sugar Pine Village in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first phase of Sugar Pine Village in South Lake Tahoe is now complete, with the first residents moving in this week. There are 68 units in three buildings in this first group, two of them on Tata Lane, and the other fronting Lake Tahoe Blvd. When all is done there will have been four phases and 248 affordable housing units completed.

The affordable multifamily housing project is located on state-owned surplus land at 1888 Lake Tahoe Blvd. and 1029 Tata Lane in the Y area.

Continue precautionary boil advisory though first round of water quality results are clean

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A precautionary boil water advisory remains in

Letter: I am with David Jinkens

I would vote for David Jinkens if I could. The choice is clear as a 52-year resident, father of two, business owner for 40 years, former STPUD director (89to93), and an involved citizen. In 2007 the world was going through a great recession, so things were beyond the reach of the city council and city manager. I don't know about Rachel C. (in an opinion piece on Wednesday) but I went through eminent domain in 1989 and I wish David Jinkens was the city manager then.

I could use all the noun modifiers in the dictionary to describe Dave, but he is the best choice for the city council.

$13K raised for Smaine Fund during Stio 5 Point Film Festival at AleWorX at the Y

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A successful fundraiser was recently held for the Smaine Fund at Lake Tahoe AleworX and Cocktail Corner. A total of $13,000 was raised for the fund named for the late Kyle Smaine, a local champion halfpipe skier who died in an avalanche in Japan in January 2023.

AleWorX hosted the Stio 5 Point Film Festival on September 28. A portion of the evening's proceeds were donated to the Fund along with money raised in a raffle that featured some great prizes donated by the community. Also fueling the Smaine Fund were the sales of Smaine Fund/AleWorX 4-packs of beer.

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