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Caldor Fire mapped Friday at 75,845 acres, 0% contained

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Caldor Fire burning southwest of Lake Tahoe is now 75,845 acres big, and 0 percent contained.

There was an increase in fire activity due to wind shifts in a southerly direction. The main fire spread was in a northeasterly direction towards Highway 50. Fire-damaged timber continues to cause rollout and ember cast that is aiding spotting distances up to a half-mile long in all areas. Due to very dry receptive fuel beds, the vegetation is igniting easily throughout the fire area.

Structures Threatened: 15,000
Structures Destroyed: 164

Caldor Fire evacuation orders and warnings expanding

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The evacuation boundaries for the Caldor Fire have expanded to include a warning for Echo Summit and Twin Bridges.

As of 4:30 p.m. Friday:

Evacuation Warnings

• From the evacuation order line in Twin Bridges east to the Echo Summit
and from Highway 50 south to the Amador and Alpine County lines and
north to the Placer County line.
• Dry Lakes Section: This section is north of Wentworth Springs Road up to
the Placer County line and the remaining section of El Dorado County
south of Placer County to Loon Lake.

US50 from Meyers to Sly Park closed in both directions due to Caldor Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to heavy smoke from the Caldor Fire, and emergency crews on the roads, US50 is closing from the Meyers roundabout to Sly Park Road this afternoon. It will be closing in both directions by approximately 4:30 p.m.

Please plan ahead and use an alternate route. Both SR88 and I80 are open at this time.

To watch road conditions including closures, visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.

For Caldor Fire information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7801/.

Sample the Sierra canceled for 2021 due to fires, COVID19 and vendor staff shortages

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sample the Sierra, South Lake Tahoe’s annual farm-to-fork festival originally scheduled Sept. 18, 2021, has been cancelled by event organizers.

Planners made the difficult decision based on numerous factors: recent impacts on businesses and the public from the Caldor Fire in El Dorado Country, a spike in COVID cases due to the Delta variant, and staffing concerns among numerous restaurant partners. All tickets will be fully refunded.

Live at Lakeview cancels show, looks forward to 2022

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In response to the recent spike of active COVID-19 cases, Live at Lakeview producers continue to place events on hold, choosing to value the health and well-being of the community over profit.
The September 2nd show that producers were hopeful would be possible, has officially been cancelled.

Originally scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 5, 2021, the popular Live at Lakeview Sumer Music Series will remain on hold until summer of 2022.

Joint maximum traffic enforcement operation in South Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a joint maximum traffic enforcement operation this weekend with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and Nevada Highway Patrol.

All Forest Service land in Lake Tahoe Basin, including its beaches and resorts, temporarily close

USDA Forest Service is temporarily closing nine Northern California national forests for public safety concerns during the current high fire danger. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), and the Tahoe National Forest are included in this order which is in effect from Sunday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. to September 16 at 11:59 p.m.

South Lake Tahoe Ambassadors honored during the Lake Tahoe Summit

During Thursday's 25th annual Lake Tahoe Summit, youth from South Lake Tahoe were recognized for their work this summer in the new ambassador program.

Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day

Event Date: 
August 24, 2021 - 4:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to a fun, hands-on restoration event, the Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day. Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe in maintaining the recreational trails by cutting back brush on Tuesday, August 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This is a continuation of the work done at the same site in the past to allow for safer and better trails for people to enjoy Lake Tahoe's outdoors. The more people are inspired by the Lake Tahoe Basin, the more they want to take care of it.

Caldor Fire up to 73,415 acres, 0% containment

EL ODRADO COUNTY, Calif. - In its Friday morning update, the Caldor Fire team said 73,415 acres have burned and there is 0 percent containment. Throughout the night there was active fire with short range spotting and rollout was still occurring in steep drainages from fire weakened timber. With historic drought conditions there is heavy dead and down fuels through the fire area.

Northern California remains under fuels and fire behavior advisory. Due to ongoing damage assessment of the area the numbers of destroyed and damaged structures are subject to change.

Caldor Fire at 68,630 acres with no containment

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Caldor Fire is now measured at 68,630 acres and has no containment line at this time. More firefighters were added today an now 1,118 personnel are assigned to the fire that started about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 98 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday.

As of Tuesday, August 17, 2021:
-- Estimated case rate for unvaccinated population in El Dorado County: 51.6 per 100,000
-- Estimate case rate for vaccinated population in El Dorado County: 11.3 per 100,000
-- Estimated number of post vaccination (breakthrough) cases to date: 350

Forest Service closes portions of Lake Tahoe areas including PCT, Rubicon and Tahoe Rim Trail

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has closed areas of the forest on the west side of Lake Tahoe for public safety during the Caldor Fire. Backcountry areas in Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Barker Pass and McKinney/Rubicon will be closed, along with portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.

The closure is in effect from August 19 to September 19, 2021.

Forest Order:

El Dorado County officials declare State of Emergency due to Caldor Fire

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors today held a special meeting to vote on ratification of a Proclamation of a Local Emergency due to the Caldor Fire. Sheriff John D'Agostini has the authority to issue the order, which he did on Tuesday, and the Board today unanimously ratified it within the seven days of issuance, as required.

If necessary, the Board can renew the proclamation every 60 days.

Smoke moving east from Caldor Fire, but fire isn't moving

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Basin has had beautiful blue skies all day Thursday, a big change from days full of smoke from the Dixie and Caldor fires.

Because of the clear day, smoke moving by the Alert Tahoe camera at Sierra-at-Tahoe caused concern, understandably.

As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, fire officials said the Caldor Fire isn't moving to the east toward Lake Tahoe, but winds are picking up in the fire area and the smoke is moving. There was a report from air resources thinking a new fire had started in the area, but it proved to be just smoke.

ALERT Wildfire starts $1M fundraising campaign to increase fire camera program

ALERT Wildfire, formerly known as ALERT Tahoe, started in Lake Tahoe ten years ago and its initial 11 cameras have helped stop over 100 wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The cameras are strategically placed to watch for fire starts from lightning and other causes, notifying resources immediately before the fire can get big and unmanageable.

PG&E closes Blue Lakes campgrounds and day use areas for season due to fire

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif - Pacific Gas & Electric, (PG&E) has decided to close the Blue Lake campgrounds and day use area for the season, starting today, August 18. The Eldorado National Forest (ENF) closed due to the Caldor Fire, and PG&E decided to do the same due to fire danger.

The Blue Lakes Recreation Complex is operated by PG&E and is surrounded by ENF lands. Blue Lakes are part of a cluster of lakes 12 miles south of Highway 88 at Hope Valley that is operated by PG&E and serve as water storage for downstream hydro-electric plants.

El Dorado County COVID-19 report and case rates for those vaccinated and unvaccinated

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 65 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday.

As of Tuesday, August 17, 2021:
-- Estimated case rate for unvaccinated population in El Dorado County: 51.6 per 100,000
-- Estimate case rate for vaccinated population in El Dorado County: 11.3 per 100,000
-- Estimated number of post vaccination (breakthrough) cases to date: 350

POSTPONED - STHS Lady Vikings Soccer Goal Club Pizza Fundraiser

Event Date: 
August 24, 2021 - 3:00pm

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE AIR QUALITY AND CALDOR FIRE. IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED

Join the South Tahoe High School Lady Vikings Soccer Goal Club on Tuesday, August 24 for their annual Pizza Fundraiser.

Grand Central Pizza is holding the event from 3:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.

Fifteen percent of the profits for the night will go to support girls soccer non-profit, the Goal Club, at the high school.

Caldor Fire prompts closure of Eldorado National Forest, possibly through September

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - In response to the extreme fire behavior demonstrated by the Caldor Fire, and risks to public and firefighter safety, Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais has issued an emergency forest closure of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Eldorado National Forest. The forest-wide closure (Forest Order No. 03-21-140 will be in effect August 17 through September 30, 2021 to facilitate unimpeded ingress and egress for evacuations, emergency response, and property access.

Caldor Fire grows to 65,474 acres

7:30PM UPDATE 8/29: The Caldor Fire is now measured at 68,630 acres and has no containment line at this time. More firefighters were added today an now 1,118 personnel are assigned to the fire that started about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 103 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday. The 14-day case rates and number of the population per 100,000 residents are continuing to climb closer to data seen at the height of the pandemic in Winter 2020. It is already higher than last summer. At no time during the winter were all areas of El Dorado County in the red, or high spread, category.

El Dorado Community Foundation starts fund for Caldor Fire victims, donations accepted

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A fund has been set up to help people impacted by the Caldor Fire to assist them with immediate relief needs. The El Dorado Community Foundation is making resources available to those affected financially by the Caldor Fire. To qualify, applicants must have a physical address within the range of the fire and that home is their primary residence.

An application is accessible through this link: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/75567-El-Dorado-Community-Foundation

Column: Why you should practice yoga as you age

Yoga is not a practice for the Young. It is a practice to keep us feeling young. As you age the movements, breath work, and mindfulness practices of Yoga can help you to continue living a full and engaging life.

Yoga for the Young

Lake Tahoe Historical Society postpones Tuesday's Tahoe History Talks on the Beach

Due to the ash, smoke and unhealthy air quality, the Lake Tahoe Historical Society is postponing Tuesday's Tahoe History Talks on the Beach. The scheduled program on the history of the Thunderbird Lodge will be moved to September 7.

If air quality improves, the next talk is Tuesday, August 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lakeview Commons. It will feature Phillip Sublett on the bombing of Harvey's Resort Hotel & Casino 41 years ago, almost to the day.

August 31 will feature the Sierra Alphorn Players.

Top three things to do to prepare for evacuation during a wildfire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While the Caldor Fire isn't in the Lake Tahoe Basin, its a good reminder how we can all take actions today to be safe and informed. As Winston Churchill said, "He who fails to plan is planning to fail."

Ash falling in South Lake Tahoe from Caldor Fire - how to clean your vehicles

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Expect the wind today to bring in ash along with the smoke from the Caldor Fire burning near Grizzly Flats in El Dorado County. Mt. Tallac today has ash on it, resembling a light dusting of snow. Many residents are reporting ash on their vehicles, and more can be expected with the higher winds in the forecast today.

Valhalla forced to cancel this week's Lawn Concert

A broken pipe has forced Valhalla Tahoe to cancel tomorrow's Lawn Concert after staff worked hard to get Margret’s Funk Band to perform after Earls of Newtown were unable to come to Tahoe.

The water at the site has to be shutoff to make the emergency repairs. Even though the Forest Service and Public Utility District are working hard to get the repair done quickly, Valhalla Tahoe decided it was best to cancel the concert.

They have refunded all the reserved tables for this show.

Capture the Rhythm Jazz Series heads to MontBleu at Lake Tahoe

STATELINE, Nev. - Capture the Rhythm Art and Jazz Series will stop at the MontBleu Casino Resort over three weekends as part of their five-city tour. Organizers are creating a full weekend of activities around the concerts, which start in Lake Tahoe on August 21. They are hosted by Fred “The Hammer” Williamson.

An three-hour evening full of jazz legends:

August 21 - Norman Brown, Jeanette Harris, Roger Smith
September 18 - Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler & Julian Vaughn
October 16 - Richard Elliot, Lindsey Webster, and Rohan Reid

More evacuation as Caldor Fire continues to grow - now 22,919 acres

8/17 UPDATE: The Caldor Fire that started near Grizzly Flats on Saturday night is now 53,772 acres and has no containment. Airplanes mapped the fire overnight. Late Tuesday night, fire officials said 22,919 acres had burned. Today's fire story is now here - http://southtahoenow.com/story/08/18/2021/caldor-fire-now-mapped-53772-acres-0-containment.

The communities in proximity to the Caldor Fire experienced multiple evacuations yesterday due to the fast-moving fire. Some structures were damaged or destroyed.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 194 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since Friday. The 14-day case rates and number of the population per 100,000 residents are continuing to climb closer to data seen at the height of the pandemic in Winter 2020. It is already higher than last summer. At no time during the winter were all areas of El Dorado County in the red, or high spread, category.

Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued both a Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin. No outside flame source of any kind is allowed in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including gas grills and fire pits.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m on Tuesday, August 17 for the Greater Lake Tahoe area and Truckee.

Winds will be from the southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to around 40 mph. Higher gusts possible in wind prone areas and along exposed terrain.

Humidity...Minimum values 15 to 20 percent.

"Coffee With A Cop" in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
August 27, 2021 - 9:00am

The California Highway Patrol and its partners are planning three upcoming "Coffee With A Cop" events in both South Lake Tahoe and Woodfords.

Coffee With A Cop will be held at Cuppa Tahoe at the Y in South Lake Tahoe on Friday, Aug. 27from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 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 members of the community are welcome to attend.

Living through a breakthrough COVID infection

It was the email I didn't expect, especially at 11:29 p.m. on a Thursday night. As I opened the email that said, "Your test results are ready to review," I assumed they'd be negative as I clicked on the button to view what the document said.

I was wrong. I felt shocked and, for a minute, I felt betrayed.

Through the pandemic in 2020 and into 2021, I wore a mask. I bought bottles of hand sanitizer. I didn't go to places that were breaking any health rules about gathering. I played it safe. I was doing everything right.

Then, I got the vaccine when the opportunity was available.

Clean Tahoe to hold second $5 Dump Day

Event Date: 
September 18, 2021 - 8:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Time to purge before winter? Finally getting to those summer project and have dump runs to make? Clean Tahoe is hosting the second Community Clean Up day of 2021, giving all residents of South Lake Tahoe to opportunity to bring in car and truck loads of unwanted items for just $5 each.

The special pricing is for the California side residents and Nevada residents pay $10 per load.

El Dorado County DA  Vern Pierson "outraged at  early releases  of dangerous Inmates '

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. El Dorado District Attorney Vern Pierson said he is outraged at the discovery that dozens of prisoners have been released early from state prison after being convicted in El Dorado County, including two who have since been arrested and convicted for committing new violent crimes.  
 
One of the released prisoners threatened violence against law enforcement officers who contacted him after he re-offended. 
 

Flatstick Pub in South Lake Tahoe holding special local's appreciation day

Event Date: 
August 25, 2021 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Flatstick Pub in South Lake Tahoe has been open for two months and has gained a large local following with their themed and fundraising nights.

Smoke and haze continue this week in South Lake Tahoe;Temperatures drop mid-week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hot temperatures and smoke continue into Monday. A
moderate to high risk for heat health impacts continue for sensitive
populations as well as those planning outside activities for extended periods. Increased afternoon breezes are forecast for Monday and Tuesday with cooler conditions by mid-week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

PT Revolution in South Lake Tahoe hosting "Let's Talk Tendons"

Event Date: 
August 18, 2021 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - PT Revolution is hosting a health talk with professionals on tendons, Wednesday, August 18 at their South Lake Tahoe office at 6:00 p.m.

Do you experience sharp or achy pain in your Achilles, knee, shoulder or elsewhere? You won’t want to miss this!

Join Dr. Alison Ganong and Justin Dorn,DPT as they talk all things tendons:

- Prevention & Maintenance
- What to do when your tendons need a little extra TLC
- Info on PRP & stem cell
- And more

When: Wednesday August 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Tahoe Chamber announces changes in leadership

The Tahoe Chamber has announced two leadership changes at the top, CEO Steve Teshara is stepping down and Director of Operations Emily Abernathy is leaving to take on a new position with the City of South Lake Tahoe.

The Tahoe Chamber Executive Committee and Steve Teshara jointly announced this week that Teshara is stepping down to return to his focus on handling its governmental relations.

Virtual Town Hall on "Preparing for the Delta Variant Impacts"

Event Date: 
August 20, 2021 - 11:00am

The Tahoe Chamber is holding a Virtual Town Hall on "Preparing for the Delta Variant Impacts" on Friday, August 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The surge of the Delta variant is disrupting our long-anticipated recovery and renewing uncertainties for businesses, employees, parents, and students.

The meeting will be led by Dr. Matthew Wonnacott, Barton Health Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Todd Cutler, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District superintendent. They will addressing measures in place given the rise of Delta variant cases. The conversation will focus on rising public health

Un-Ophishal Phish Afterparty featuring Phutureprimitive

Event Date: 
August 31, 2021 - 11:00pm

Late-Nite Productions is bringing "The Un-Ophishal Phish Afterparty" featuring Phutureprimitive to Xhale Nightclub at Stateline on Tuesday, August 31 at 11:00 p.m.

Dance the night away after the Phish show at Harvey's Outdoor Arena.

Advance tickets are available for $20 at Ticketweb.com or at the door on the night of the event.

Mandatory evacuations in place for El Dorado County fire near Grizzly Flats

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: The Caldor Fire is now at 754 acres. 285 firefighting personnel are now fighting the fire in El Dorado County in the Omo Ranch/Grizzly Flats area 12 miles south of Pollock Pines. There are evacuations in the area.

* * *
3:30PM UPDATE: The Caldor Fire is now 300 acres.

* * *

Bear dies after being shot in Christmas Valley

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A scared Christmas Valley homeowner who encountered a bear standing on her rear paws on his deck, fired one shot at the bear who then ran off.

After bear thought to be Tamarack seen healthy, and up a tree, rescue called off

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Authorities responded today to a reported sighting of Tamarack, the burned bear who escaped from Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care almost two weeks ago.

Crews working on Fay Fire south of Lake Tahoe; Currently listed as two acres Saturday

SUNDAY UPDATE: The Fay Fire remains at 3 acres and is 30 percent contained. 16 firefighters worked overnight to secure the Fay Fire. Their efforts combined with helicopter support helped keep the wildfire from spreading.

Eight smokejumpers will be assigned to the Fay Fire later today and help secure the perimeter and mop up areas of heat.

For more information regarding wildfires on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, call: 775-434-8201.

7:00PM UPDATE: Three Helicopters took turns dropping water on the Fay Fire throughout the Day.

All South Lake Tahoe students to receive free breakfast and lunch this year

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched the the Universal School Meals Program which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students in the state, not just for those in the low income bracket.

This is the nation's first free school lunch program.

The program provides $54 million to give 6.2 million public school students in the state a free school lunch for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, along with $650 million in state meal reimbursements for 2022-2023 to cover the costs of offering breakfast and lunch for all students.

Take Tahoe Transit campaign launched to encourage public transportation by visitors and locals

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has announced the launch of #TakeTahoeTransit, a campaign to encourage visitors and locals at and around Lake Tahoe to leave their cars behind to support the region’s broader environmental and safety goals.

Margret's Funk Band will bring soul to Valhalla's Grand Lawn

Event Date: 
August 18, 2021 - 4:30pm

Valhalla Tahoe has announced a lineup change for August 18. Reno’s own Margret’s Funk Band will be bringing their brand of soul to Valhalla since the Earls of Newtown will not be able to travel to Tahoe for the show. Organizers didn't want to cancel the popular outdoor lawn shows so Blue Sky Events worked hard to find a band that would bring great vibes and funky fun sounds to the Grand Lawn from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

California Department of Public Health defines rules for hospital visitors

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In accordance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations, Barton Memorial Hospital will now require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test within the past 72 hours when visiting within the hospital or the Barton Skilled Nursing Facility. The safety of our patients and staff continues to be our top priority.

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