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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.

Mono County Sheriff's Office identifies remains 18 years after body found and make arrest

MONO COUNTY, Calif. - On May 2003, unidentified human remains were found buried in a shallow grave near Shady Rest Park in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Initial investigation determined the remains were those of an adult female, approximately 30-40 years of age, with Native American ancestry from the southern region of Mexico.

Weekly recap of COVID-19 for counties around Lake Tahoe

This is the weekly wrap up for counties around Lake Tahoe. Monday through Thursday we will be posting South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County, then weekly stats for everyone else on Fridays.

El Dorado County

There have been 28 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 615 cases - +6 - The 14-day new case rate is 37 with 273 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 2629 cases - +11 - The 14-day new case rate is 155 with 365 per 100,000 residents.

Suspect arrested for Incline Village hit-and-run

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Washoe County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) have arrested Paul Valdez in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Incline Village on July 2.

The 45-year-old Valdez, who is a resident of Incline Village, self-surrendered to detectives on August 12.

Column: A Legacy for Lake Tahoe

Twenty-five years ago, national, state, and local leaders gathered on the shores of Lake Tahoe for the first Lake Tahoe Summit to form a partnership for the protection and restoration of a national treasure. As this major milestone in Lake Tahoe’s restoration approaches, the Tahoe Region can look back on significant environmental improvements from one of the most comprehensive watershed conservation programs in the nation.

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 Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/08/03/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

Added to that log after publication:

8/1

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 73 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday. Due to the rising cases, Barton Memorial Hospital has reinstated its Incident Command to prepare for the increase in the number of people who need care in our community due to COVID-19. The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) is an incident management system, which supports hospitals and healthcare organizations in their emergency management planning, response, and recovery capabilities for unplanned and planned events.

New date for 4th annual Tahoe Brewfest at LTCC, tickets now on sale

Event Date: 
September 25, 2021 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - COVID-19 has changed a lot of things in Tahoe, but despite all the challenges, one great thing is returning, the Tahoe Brewfest for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. New location, limited attendance, and a different date but still great beer, great people and 100 percent Tahoe.

Barton visitors required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test upon entry

For the health and safety of staff and patients, and per California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations, Barton Health has updated its visitation policy: any visitors to Barton Memorial Hospital, must show proof of full COVID vaccination OR a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their visit.

Any patient within the hospital who plans to have a visitor, should review this important update—we ask that you encourage your visitors to prepare for these changes and allow extra time to complete their verification process.

For fully vaccinated visitors:

POSTPONED - 40 local groups to be part of inaugural Tahoe Women's Community Fund Non-Profit Market Mixer

Event Date: 
August 26, 2021 - 4:00pm

THIS EVENT IS BEING POSTPONED DUE TO THE THREAT OF WILDFIRE AND SMOKE FROM THE CALDOR FIRE.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have you wanted to learn more about South Lake Tahoe nonprofits and volunteer opportunities but didn't know where to start? The Tahoe Women's Community Fund (TWCF) has created the first ever Non-Profit Market Mixer which will be held on August 26 between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Ski Run Boulevard (yes, on the roadway in the area of the weekly farmer's market).

New Public Works director hired for City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe City Manager, Joe Irvin, has appointed Anush Nejad as the new Director of Public Works, effective September 7. He will be replacing the retiring Ray Jarvis.

Howie Nave hosts two pop-up comedy shows in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
August 13, 2021 - 9:00pm

UDPATE: Due to popular demand a second show has been added on Sunday. Join the same three comics at a show at South Lake Brewing Company at 7:00 p.m.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's time to laugh! Comedy shows are returning to the South Shore, and fans can catch a show with three comedians this Friday.

Local celebrity Howie Nave will be hosting "Crafted Laughter - A Comedy Night' at the Stateline Brewery on August 13 at 9:00 p.m.

Nave has been traveling to Las Vegas, Carson City and Reno to perform, but this will be his first comedy gig in Lake Tahoe since the pandemic began.

State of the Lake Report presented by TERC on Thursday

Event Date: 
August 12, 2021 - 12:00pm

Join Dr. Geoff Schladow, director of the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, for an entertaining public presentation about the most important factors that affected the health of Lake Tahoe last year.

The annual report was released in July and found Lake Tahoe’s water clarity measurements, which are indicators of the health of the watershed, averaged 62.9 feet through 2020,

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 78 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday. Due to the rising cases, Barton Memorial Hospital has reinstated its Incident Command to prepare for the increase in the number of people who need care in our community due to COVID-19. The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) is an incident management system, which supports hospitals and healthcare organizations in their emergency management planning, response, and recovery capabilities for unplanned and planned events.

Tahoe Sierra water main flushing project extended

The South Tahoe Public Utility District water main flushing project in the Tahoe Sierra neighborhood has been extended through August 20, 2021. The District is flushing the water mains to ensure high quality drinking water and recommends residents not use water while the District is flushing the waterline on their street, as the water may be cloudy or discolored.

District staff will distribute door hangers one to two business days before the work is planned and will knock on doors the day the work will occur.

LTVA invites local nonprofits to apply for $85,000 in grants from American Century Championship

The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) is once again inviting local non-profit organizations to apply for funds resulting from the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. The deadline is Tuesday, September 7, 4:00 p.m. (PT) and the application is available at: https://ltva.org/american-century-championship-donation-request-application/.

As part of the July 2021 American Century Championship, American Century Investments, in partnership with the LTVA and NBC Sports, is committing $85,000 from tournament proceeds to organizations located in Tahoe South.

Opinion: Sorry, Forest Service, fire is NOT our friend

On July 4th, lightning struck a tree in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Alpine County, California, igniting a small fire that smoldered for days in a quarter acre of rugged terrain. According to Sheriff Rick Stephens, California’s fire-fighting agency, CalFire, dispatched a crew to put it out. But they were told to “stand down” by the U.S. Forest Service, which proceeded to “monitor” the fire instead. That is to say, they did precisely nothing.

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