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Upcoming Master Gardener virtual classes on fall crops, vegetables and food preserving

The UCCE Master Gardeners, serving Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras & Tuolumne Counties, are holding a series of virtual demonstartions and instruction

Cool Weather Crops Presented by UCCE Master Gardeners of Amador County, Saturday, August 15th at 9:00 a.m.

Road Beat: 2020 Toyota GR Supra

“It’s just a BMW, isn’t it?” Every Supra owner will indubitably be asked this annoying question at some point, likely many, many times. And that’s a real shame because, regardless of the backstory of how the new Supra came to be, it’s a wonderful sports car for the road.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the weeks of July 5 - July 11, 2020. 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. COVID calls are related to state and county guidelines.

7/5
ARRESTS (1)
10:51 p.m. - Drunk in Public 1000 Block of Ski Run Blvd
LOCATION CHECKS (4)
TRAFFIC STOPS (15)

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 26 - August 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials have announced seven new confirmed cases, six in the Lake Tahoe region and one in El Dorado Hills. The totals only increased by five as two previously identified cases were transferred to other counties today. They were previously counted in the Cameron Park/Shingle Sperings area.

Of the new cases, one is under the age of 18, four are aged 18-49 and two aged 50-64. Six are female, one male.

An additional 84 tests were administered.

New El Dorado County COVID-19 interactive dashboard

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A new interactive dashboard is now available for COVID-19 tracking in El Dorado County. The new feature is a more comprehensive dashboard that provides additional data points and opportunity for the public to learn how the COVID-19 virus is impacting the area in both Spanish and English.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that 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.

Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/07/12/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log

7/12

2:55 a.m. - Vacation Home Rental - Kickapoo St - VHE- NOISE

City of South Lake Tahoe reopens its boat ramp at El Dorado Beach

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has reopened their boat ramp at Lakeview Avenue and Lake Tahoe Blvd.

They closed the ramp for two weeks as the City reevaluated its operating plans due to a spike in COVID-19 cases and the significant increase of visitors to the area.

Sign up for July 25 Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day- Summer

A few spots are left in the this summer's Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day on Saturday, July 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe for a small, RSVP only and physically distanced restoration event. The deadline to sign up is coming quickly - 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24.

By pitching in, you are improving ecosystem health and the wildlife habitats that surround Lake Tahoe. Healthy forests and meadows act as natural pollution filters to Keep Tahoe Blue.

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to this fun, hands-on restoration day.

High school sports news - NIAA moves football and soccer to spring

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) has announced their high school sports schedule for members in their area, including South Tahoe and Truckee High Schools.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of school reopening schedules, traditional fall sports have moved to Spring 2021. Adjustments to the schedules were voted on by the NIAA Legislative Commission which is comprised of the superintendents of each school in the league.

The new schedule (all have six competitive weeks) for NIAA sanctioned sports:

Winter Season Sports

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials have announced another 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 12 of those in the Lake Tahoe region, five in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, four in El Dorado Hills and one in the North County.

Of those new cases, four are under the age of 18, 14 in the 18-49 age group, three aged 50-64, one aged 65 and over.

Douglas County wildfire near Indian Hills extinguished

UPDATE 5:57PM: Fire crews have knocked down the Topsy Fire and are mopping up hotspots, according to fire officials. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It was noted that there were a number of lightning strikes in the area shortly before the fire started.

Draft SR89 Corridor Plan available for the public to review

Event Date: 
September 22, 2020 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Years of work by a team of professionals and public outreach has led to the release of the Draft State Route State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan.

Those who have been on this congested segment of roadway around Lake Tahoe are aware of the long list of issues including traffic issues, parking issues, and safety issues during the summer and popular weekends.

State of the Lake address offered during digital Summer Speaker Series

Event Date: 
July 30, 2020 - 12:00pm

The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) is offering everyone a front-row seat at the discussion of the annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report on Thursday, July 30 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Geoffrey Schladow, the director of TERC, will make the presentation on the data collected, an important element for lake management. Elected officials and public agencies tasked with restoring and managing the Lake Tahoe ecosystem use this data.

Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe cancels the 2020 Tahoe Brewfest

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another event has been forced to cancel amidst safety concerns and restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

With the City of South Lake Tahoe canceling their events through September, and added restrictions added by the state of California, the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe has announced they are canceling its annual Tahoe Brewfest for 2020. The event is normally held in June and was moved to September due to the rise in COVID-19, and now the new date is June 5, 2021.

Tahoe Bike Challenge riders log over 45,000 miles

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Over 300 locals and visitors took part in the 15th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge, biking 45,442 miles during the month-long event. The Tahoe-basin wide challenge was a friendly competition that annually encourages individuals and teams to track trips and miles completed on their bikes.

“Congratulations to all of the winners and riders,” TRPA Transportation Planner Kira Smith said. “Although this year looked a little bit different, we hope the Challenge inspires people to bike and walk through the rest of the year.”

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials today announced 22 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, ten of those in the Lake Tahoe region, six in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, and three each in Placerville and El Dorado Hills. Of the new cases, 11 are male, 11 are female, five are under the age of 18, 11 are aged 18-49, and six are aged 50-64.

There were an additional 277 tests for the coronavirus administered.

Historic Great American Outdoors Act passes the House, now to the president's desk

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act today, a piece of bi-partisan legislation that will fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide much needed funding for the crippling $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog at national parks.

Douglas County School District reopening plans approved by board

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - School districts across the country are working on how to safely open for the fall term. Some are going completely digital, some are electing to have in-person classes, and other are considering a hybrid of both types of learning. Besides guidelines from states, districts have to consider further guidelines from local health officials as they create a plan.

Tahoe Chamber Town Hall with LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler

Event Date: 
July 24, 2020 - 11:00am

The Tahoe Chamber will hold another of their Virtual Town Hall meetings on Friday, July 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This week's guest is Dr. Todd Cutler, Lake Tahoe Unified School District's superintendent.

He will be discussing the latest updates on the operations of the South Lake Tahoe schools and what parents can expect for the fall. A decision on reopening is expected on July 31.

South Lake Tahoe COVID-19 testing place to remain at LTCC

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As confirmed cases continue to rise in El Dorado County, Lake Tahoe Community College announced it will continue to serve as an appointment-only COVID-19 testing center through August 2020. The college’s standalone Physical Education building is the only large-scale COVID-19 active virus testing site in the entire county.

Choices for Children has free children's items for South Lake Tahoe families in need

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Choices for Children has donations and resources available for South Lake Tahoe families.

The nonprofit agency located at 1029 Takela Drive, suite 2 is letting locals know about what is available at this time. They have children's clothing, toys and books, weekly summer food bags from Bread & Broth 4 Kids, and monthly diapers and wipes through their Healthy Bottom Line program.

They also currently have a surplus of Similac Neosure Formula.

Park Tahoe paid parking pilot program starts at East Shore Trail

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - When the three parking lots with 90 spaces were created last year in Incline Village for the popular East Shore Trail, they were free but all were told paid parking was coming in the near future.

That time has now come.

Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has unveiled the Park Tahoe pilot program at the trailhead north of Ponderosa Rand Road. The lots were created to expand off-highway parking options along the high traffic area of SR28 between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorada County health officials have announced 21 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday. Of those cases, 13 are in the Lake Tahoe region, four in El Dorado Hills, two in Placerville, one in Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz and one in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue. They are eight males, 13 females, three aged under 18, 12 aged 18-49, five aged 50-64 and one age 65 or over.

An additional 248 tests were administered county-wide.

City of South Lake Tahoe recruiting volunteer ambassadors during pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as many other cities around the country have done, the City of South Lake Tahoe is partnering with local residents to act as volunteer ambassadors to reach out to the community and visitors about the importance of safety during the pandemic.

“We have said the entire time to do everything you can to stay safe, so Tahoe can stay open,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “This ambassador program is about making sure people wear a mask, wash their hands, and do their part to make sure visitors and residents alike stay healthy during this crisis.”

Local teen named National Youth Ambassador by Tobacco-Free Kids campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Twenty-five California students have been named as National Youth and Young Adult Ambassadors by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for demonstrating leadership in fighting tobacco use in their communities.

These young leaders were among 133 youth and young adults from 33 states who participated in the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ Digital Advocacy Symposium, a five-day online training session focused on building advocacy, communications and leadership skills.

El Dorado County Opioid Coalition launches new campaign - Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks

The El Dorado County Opioid Coalition (EDCOC) has launched its new opioid prevention public education campaign, "Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks.

The EDCOC works to prevent opioid addiction and overdose in El Dorado County through its treatment, safe prescribing, and naloxone distribution programs and has now started working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Missing German Shepherd Rebel found by Tahoe Paws

8:30 p.m. UPDATE: Rebel has been found and is back home. Wendy Jones of Tahoe Paws located him.

MEYERS, Calif. - A nine-month old German Shepard puppy named Rebel got out of his home near Meyers and Christmas Valley on Monday and he is still missing.

He has a blue collar on with his name and phone number. His left ear is floppy.

If you see him please call Morgan at 775-434-9307 or Julie at 530-577-0306.

Rebel is described as being a very sweet puppy but very timid.

Survey for parents of students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District on reopening plans

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is planning and preparing for what the 2020-21 school year will look like, whether it is held virtually, in person, or is a hybrid of different options.

The July 21 LTUSD School Board meeting will continue the conversation of reopening at their last meeting and address options and concerns with a final decision by then end of the month.

Volunteers sought for food bank distribution Wednesday

The El Dorado County Food Bank's mobile pantry will be in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, July 22 and they are looking for volunteers to assist with handing out food to the community.

They will be in the parking lot of St. Theresa Church at 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the public, but need volunteers starting at 9:00 a.m.

If you are interested in helping, email them at info@foodbankedc.org to sign up.

Free virtual workshop: Learn how to harden your Lake Tahoe home against wildfire

Event Date: 
July 28, 2020 - 5:30pm

With the fire year underway at Lake Tahoe, it’s critical for residents to prepare their homes for wildfire. One of the most effective ways residents can prepare their homes is by implementing home hardening techniques and maintaining effective defensible space.

Tahoe Douglas Fire and US Coast Guard respond to call of boat on fire near Dollar Point, Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 43-year-old man was rescued from a burning boat on Lake Tahoe Monday evening.

Rescue boats on the lake, including those from the Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD), responded to the scene near Dollar Point on the North Shore.

A 26-foot Cobalt was on fire, carrying a reported 40 gallons of fuel onboard. The man on board was rescued by a Good Samaritan prior to the arrival of the rescue boats.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials have announced an additional 49 cases of COVID-19 for county residents since Friday. Twenty-one of those are in El Dorado Hills, twelve in the Lake Tahoe area, seven in Placerville, four in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, three in Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, and two in Diamond Springs/El Dorado.

Of the new cases, six are under the age of 18, 30 are aged 18-49, eight aged 50-64 and five aged 65 and older, 23 are male and 26 are female.

635 new tests were administered.

Eldorado Resorts completes $17.3B merger with Caesars Entertainment

STATELINE, Nev. - Eldorado Resorts has completed its acquisition of Caesars Entertainment Corp., creating the largest casino and entertainment company in the United States.

Eldorado Resorts paid $8.58B in cash and $8.8B in Caesars debt was assumed in the new entity. The new name for the company is Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

Red Flag Warning, Fire Watch and Thunderstorm warnings in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Reno for Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. followed by a Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday, July 22 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

South Lake Tahoe police chief candidate pool narrowed to five - Town Hall Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The candidate pool of 61 seeking the job of South Lake Tahoe police chief has been narrowed down to five finalists.

They are:

Captain John Gunderson, Redwood City Police Department
Bachelor’s Degree Criminal Justice, Master’s Degree Public Administration

Lieutenant Tina Jones, Portland Police Bureau
Master’s Degree Criminal Justice

Lieutenant Shannon Laney, South Lake Tahoe Police Department
Bachelor’s Degree Criminal Justice

Deputy Chief Katherine Lester, Sacramento Police Department

New study investigates link between clothes dryers and microplastic pollution in Lake Tahoe

Last year, Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the League to Save Lake Tahoe detected microplastics in Lake Tahoe for the first time ever, many of which were microfibers. This discovery revealed that microplastic pollution is not just present in oceans, but also in mountains and lakes, including highly protected areas like Lake Tahoe.

Letter: Unacceptable duplicitous behavior

My pragmatic mind looks at the recent George Floyd riots in our cities, and as usual, I am astounded with the contrast of how our society and press view the participants, the two sides, in rioting demonstrations recently in our cities.

Peaceful demonstrations as stated by the constitution I have no problem with, even if I disagree with the position of the demonstrators. However, there are two sides to the action in these riots.

Column: Mental health and substance abuse

Out of four adults who are living with a serious mental health issue, more than one will also have a substance use problem. It is referred to as having a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. While a mental health issue has unique symptoms and requires different treatment from those of a substance use disorder, they affect each other greatly.

Smoke filling Lake Tahoe Basin from Hog Fire near Susanville

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The smoke filling the Lake Tahoe Basin and Northern Nevada Monday morning is from the Hog Fire burning west of Susanville.

The fire is now 5,800 acres and is 0 percent contained.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has been receiving calls since early this morning about the smell of smoke in neighborhoods throughout South Lake Tahoe.

The cooler nighttime temperatures pushed the smoke down.

The National Weather Service in Reno said a dense smoke advisory is in place for areas closers to Susanville

Road Beat: 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition

Remember minivans? Now think about this for a moment: how many new minivans do you see on the road? In my youth, it seemed like every third car on the road was a people carrier. In 2020 I hardly see any brand-new ones, and the answer seems to be that minivan buyers simply switched to SUVs instead. Maybe it’s because they’re simply uncool and became a cliché of new parents. Regardless of the reason, what if there was a vehicle that is a marriage of both? Enter the Pilot.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Chance of thunderstorms daily to start off the week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Showers and thunderstorms will develop each afternoon and evening into at least the middle of next week according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Winds will remain light except for afternoon zephyr breezes and the occasional outflow winds from thunderstorms. Any strong storms that develop can produce outflow winds over 40 mph, heavy rain, and hail. If heavy rain lingers over steep terrain or a recently burned slope, some flash flooding and/or debris flows can occur.

The forecast from NWS Reno:

Letter: Sell your coins to businesses - from toilet paper shortage to coin shortage

The U.S. Federal Reserve has limited the distribution of coin currency due to the Covid-19 Virus.

"Business and bank closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly disrupted the supply chain and normal circulation patterns for U.S. coins. While there is an adequate overall amount of coins in the economy, the slowed pace of circulation has reduced available inventories in some areas of the country," says the Federal Reserve (read more here).

South Lake Tahoe rally held to support local law enforcement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost 200 people showed up Saturday to display their support of South Lake Tahoe law enforcement during a rally on a national day to "Bridge the Blue."

The supporters gathered at the entrance to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and South Lake Tahoe Police buildings before many of them joined a walk down Johnson Boulevard to US50 over to Lakeview Commons and down Al Tahoe, then back to the beginning.

What happened in this South Lake Tahoe home after lightning struck

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If it's true that "lightning never strikes the same place twice," the Ogness family doesn't have anything to worry about.

Mike Ogness, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, and grandaughter (and two Golden Retrievers) were enjoying a summer afternoon in their Tahoe Keys home on Thursday when a storm cell went over South Lake Tahoe, dropping hail and rain, and accompanied by outbursts of lightning.

One of those lightning strikes hit the Ogness home.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 19 - 25

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

El Dorado County sees first death from COVID-19, a man from Lake Tahoe region

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - – El Dorado County today announced the first COVID-19 related death of a resident.

“This morning we received the very sad news that a male over 65 years of age died yesterday of complications from COVID-19,” said County Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends during this very difficult time.”

The man was a resident of the Lake Tahoe region. No further information is being released at this time.

Message from El Dorado County School Superintendent

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Today, July 17, Gov. Gavin Newsom released enhanced school health guidance developed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that includes more prescriptive considerations for opening and operating schools. From the onset of this pandemic, the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE), and the 15 school districts we serve, have emphasized the need to utilize state and local health guidance available in order to prioritize student and staff health and safety.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - EL Dorado County health officials report 13 new cases of COVID-19 with 10 in the Lake Tahoe Region, and one in each El Dorado Hills, North County and Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue. Of the new cases, five are male, eight are female, eight are aged 18-49, three aged 50-64 and two are 65 or over.

There have been an estimated ten new recoveries, leaving 174 active cases.

Testing sites were able to conduct 187 new tests.

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