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Weekly wrap up of COVID-19 cases for counties around Lake Tahoe

Weekly roundup of COVID-19 cases around Lake Tahoe - South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County, Douglas County, Placer County, and Washoe County.

EL DORADO COUNTY

There have been 53 new cases of COVID-19 and one new death recorded since last Friday in El Dorado County. This brings the total of COVID-19 cases in the county to 26,745. This does not include all at-home tests that may have been positive.

There are now 2.7 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents in the county.

El Dorado County Sheriff's weekly 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.

Report for March 17 - March 23, 2022

3/17

07:47 SUSP VEH STOP - Officer initiated activity at Slt Airport, Lisa Maloff Way, South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: CHECKS CLEAR.

Daily protests against Russian invasion of Ukraine held in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you've been near the Y in South Lake Tahoe between 11:00 a.m. and noon you've probably heard the honks and seen the groups of people gathered with their yellow and blue signs and flags showing support of Ukraine.

Jana Menard, a local business owner, started the daily events in support of Ukraine.

"I couldn't sit back and not do anything," said Menard, who owns the Fragrance Vault near Stateline. "I wanted to go to the front line."

Record setting high temperatures in South Lake Tahoe could continue Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The high temperatures in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday and Thursday broke the previous records, as did the Reno-Tahoe Airport. Friday should see another record broke for South Lake Tahoe with a forecast high of 67°F and the previous record was 64°F.

El Dorado County school boards and community members recognized

At an awards ceremony on March 14, the El Dorado County School Boards Association (EDCSBA) recognized school board and community members for their 2021 contributions. County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ed Manansala, facilitated the presentations and noted, “After an extraordinary two years, it is a pleasure to be together again and to recognize and celebrate the work of all the leaders in the room tonight. Congratulations to all of our award recipients!”

The following awards were presented:

High Sierra Softball Jamboree, Gear Swap and Skill Clinic

Event Date: 
April 3, 2022 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Rip, run and steal! The 2022 season of High Sierra Softball is ready to start, and the Jamboree that kicks it all off is scheduled for April 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at South Tahoe High School.

Girls can still sign up at the Jamboree and online registration is still available HERE. 1st time players are welcome!

There will be a skills clinic with the South Tahoe High Softball Team and a gear swap as well.

Minis and Farm - 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Minors - 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

New director sought for Douglas County Library

MINDEN, Nev. - The current Douglas County Interim Library Director Julia Brown tendered her resignation to the Douglas County Library Board on March 17, 2022. Julia was appointed by the Library Board of Trustees as the Interim Director on July 27, 2021.

Game Time Basketball Camp returns to Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./STATELINE, Nev. - Game Time Basketball Camp returns to the South Shore for the 11th year for four days, July 25-28, 2022 at Kahle Community Center.

The camps are for boys and girls ages 6-18, from beginners to advanced players. Kids can sign up for a full-day camp from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or half-days from 9:00 a.m. to noon or noon to 3:00 p.m.

Environmental education collaboration takes the classroom outside at Heavenly

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The final fifth grade class from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) enjoyed an educational field trip to the top of Heavenly Thursday. Thanks to a Vail Resorts EpicPromise grant, staff from Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), LTUSD Career Technical Education team, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), and the Sierra Avalanche Center teamed up to offer the Winter Adventure Program once again.

Local women honored by Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The members of Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe honored two local women on Wednesday during their annual Live Your Dream and Ruby Award luncheon.

UC Davis research shows older wildfire smoke plumes can affect climate

Aerosols carried in wildfire smoke plumes that are hundreds of hours old can still affect climate, according to a study out of the University of California, Davis.

The research, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, suggests that wildfire emissions even 10 days old can affect the properties of aerosols — suspended liquid or particles that are key to cloud formation.

FastStik creator following father's footsteps and returns to South Lake Tahoe roots

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In 1961 Larry Barksdale packed up his three kids and his wife in the Bay Area and moved to South Lake Tahoe to pursue a life-long dream, opening up a ski shop. He found the perfect spot near Heavenly Valley Ski Resort and named the store Winter Wonderland.

Commissioner Gary Slossberg announces run for El Dorado County judge

Superior Court Commissioner Gary Slossberg announced today that he is seeking an open seat for El Dorado County Superior Court Judge in the upcoming election on June 7, 2022.

Aligning rules during fire conditions with USFS, California State Park and local Lake Tahoe agencies

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a collaborative effort underway in the Lake Tahoe Basin, as well as in the State of California, to have all areas in a jurisdiction be under the same set of fire regulations.

Under current law in California, state park campgrounds are exempt from local fire protection ordinances. Hosted U.S. Forest Service campgrounds with fire rings in place are also exempt, but this may be changing.

Markleeville Community Forum and Walking Tour

Event Date: 
March 30, 2022 - 1:00pm

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Join the Markleeville community in the planning of multiple upcoming projects at a special tour and forum on March 30, 2022. Provide input on the projects and opportunities that are starting this summer to help improve the future for Markleeville and Alpine County.

A walking tour of the community will start at 1:00 p.m. and go until 2:30 p.m. The tour around Markleeville will identify potential improvements to walking and biking infrastructure.

"The 420 Tour 2022" features The Grouch & Eligh

Event Date: 
April 21, 2022 - 8:00pm

Late-Nite Productions presents "An evening of Underground Hip-Hop" featuring The Grouch & Eligh w/ guest Amp Live from Zion-I, live at Whiskey Dicks Saloon in South Lake Tahoe. This is taking place on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $20 at Whiskey Dicks or online at www.Ticketweb.com ($5 increase day of show).

2nd annual Truckee Reggae Fest lineup announced

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sat Jun 25 2022 .
June 24, 2022 (All day)
June 25, 2022 (All day)

Late-Nite Productions has announced the 2nd annual Truckee Reggae Fest featuring Ky-mani Marley, Third World, Wailing Souls, Sister Carol, Big Mountain, Lutan Fyah, Arise Roots, J-Ras, and Pipe Down live at The Truckee River Regional Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Truckee, Ca. This is taking place on Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday.

Advance tickets are available for $65-$99 at New Moon Natural Foods (Truckee or Tahoe City), The Buttermuffin (South Lake Tahoe), or online at www.Ticketweb.com.

Volunteers needed to help with Bread & Broth Monday night meals

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bread & Broth will return to its traditional Monday Meal program on Monday, April 4. After two years of packing food for distribution twice a week, they are excited to return to cooking hot meals and serving guests inside of Grace Hall from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. each Monday.

The all-volunteer nonprofit is in need of helpers in order to continue to make this program successful.

Volunteers serve just one Monday a month and there are a variety of opportunities open and available:

1. Set up, serve, take down - 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Pet foster volunteers needed for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe as numbers increase

The pandemic has led to an unprecedented number of animals in need, and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) is expanding its reach to help shelters from all over the country, and volunteers are needed.

The HSTT has always been committed to saving and helping 100 percent of the pets in the Truckee and Eastern Placer County area, as well as helping many other shelters whenever possible. In 2021 the HSTT worked with 30 different shelters around the country, rescuing more than 400 animals in the process.

Local Heroes Day at TubeTahoe

Event Date: 
March 27, 2022 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - TubeTahoe is hosting Local Heroes Day on Sunday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All South Shore, South Lake Tahoe, and Meyers area law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders, and their families, are invited to a fun, free day of tubing.

They are offering the free day as a way of saying "thank you" for protecting the community from the Caldor Fire. Those who had a part in saving the area are being invited to bring a picnic and enjoy a special outdoor event.

2022 Barton Mother's Day Golf Classic May 8, proceeds benefit oncology services

Event Date: 
May 8, 2022 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Barton Health Foundation’s 2022 Mother’s Day Golf Classic will tee off on Sunday, May 8, at Edgewood Golf Course in Stateline, Nev. All funds raised at the event will benefit community members facing cancer through Barton Oncology.

Registration is open to the public.

Barton Oncology provides support and education during cancer treatment and survivorship, offering lab work, radiographic tests, telemedicine visits, diagnostics, and infusion services.

US50 highway improvements from Stateline to Spooner Summit topic of upcoming information booths

Future traffic improvements along US50 on the east shore of Lake Tahoe will be highlighted at information booths hosted by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). The booths will be used to gather public feedback on the initial concepts developed to address concerns identified during the first phase of public outreach last summer.

Review the information and meet with the study team to share thoughts and feedback regarding US50 between Spooner Summit and the California state line. Study representatives will be available at the following times and locations:

Those that Survived, Chautauqua presentation of James Reed, Donner Party survivor

Event Date: 
March 26, 2022 - 3:00pm

Wylder Resort Hope Valley continues its history series with a Chautauqua-style presentation, “Those that Survived” on Saturday, March 26 at 3:00 p.m.

Local author and historian David Woodruff takes on the character of Donner Party organizer and survivor, James Reed as he recounts the gripping tale, of the courageous and heroic efforts of himself and others, who saved the lives of 45 of the 81 destitute soles, who were trapped by severe, early-season snowstorms in the Sierra Nevada Mountains during the winter of 1846-47.

Mountain Lakes Estates wins prestigious customer experience award

Mountain Lakes Estates Retirement Living, an all-inclusive rental community for adults 55-plus in Reno, has received the Pinnacle Quality Insights’ 2022 Customer Experience award.

To qualify, Mountain Lakes Estates satisfied the rigorous demand of scoring in the top 15 percent of the nation across a 12-month average in the categories of Overall Satisfaction, Cleanliness, Response to Problems, Dignity and Respect, Move-In Process, Recommend to Others, and Overall Customer Experience.

South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District board meeting and candidate forum

Event Date: 
March 24, 2022 - 1:00pm

The next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District (SLTTID) will be held on Thursday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. It will be held both in-person at the LTVA Conference Room, 169 Highway 50, Stateline, and via Zoom.

It will serve as a "Meet the Candidates Forum" for openings on the SLTTID board.

Candidates for the five-member board are:

The 5 current board members
Jerry Bindel, Forest Suites Resort
Rich Bodine, Hotel Azure
Bill Cottrill, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Lisa Underwood, Tahoe Keys Resort
Doug Williams, Cedar Pines Resort
and

Prescribed burn operations set to continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) may continue burning piles this week around the Lake Tahoe Basin, conditions and weather permitting. These prescribed fire operations are expected to continue as conditions allow to help land managers reduce hazardous fuels that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present.

While natural beauty, lifestyle and recreation make Tahoe a great place to live, housing remains a concern

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many say those who live in the communities around Lake Tahoe live in heaven. In fact, it was Mark Twain who said of Tahoe in 1872, "The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be?--it is the same the angels breathe.”

LTCC to drop mask requirements March 26

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — COVID-19 positivity rates are declining steadily and, barring the appearance of a new and highly contagious variant, are expected to continue to decline.

Tahoe Paradise Recreation & Park District board meeting

Event Date: 
March 24, 2022 - 6:00pm

The Tahoe Paradise Recreation & Park District Board of Directors will be holding its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is held in person in the CCC upstairs conference room at 1949 Apache Ave. There is no Zoom option.

The following is the meeting agenda:

Any person with special needs or who desires further information regarding any matter on the agenda may contact Joe Cardinale at (530) 577-4029. This agenda was posted at the following location in compliance with the
California Open Meeting Law - Tahoe Paradise Recreation &Park District.

Column: Nutrition strategies for your best performance

March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to assess your eating habits. Do your meals match your health goals?

A healthy diet involves choosing foods from all the food groups throughout the day and eating a variety of foods from each food group. Variety ensures we are getting essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, healthy carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats. All are important for a healthy body.

Vail CEO: There is a pivotal shift in company’s direction to focus on employees, housing

Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch wrote a letter to employees of the company, admitting they fell short this season in not creating an "experience of a lifetime" for them while asking employees to still create one for guests. Besides the announcement last week of a $20 minimum wage at all of its 37 resorts, Lynch says the company is committed to securing affordable housing for employees by building on land they own and securing leases in other areas.

Bikini-clad woman accused of setting fires near Echo Summit last summer granted bail

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The woman who is suspected of starting three small fires near Aspen Creek Tract in August 2021 made an appearance in El Dorado County Superior Court Friday.

Viola Liu, 43, has been in jail since being arrested at the time of fires.

Warm and dry spring weather prevail for much of the week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first day of Spring is today, March 20, and the weather isn't taking any time to fit the season. Temperatures will warm rapidly through the week with record temperatures near 80 degrees possible in the valleys and mid-to-upper 60s at Lake Tahoe. Warm temperatures will last through the week with another storm system possible by the end of the weekend or early the following week.

TERC Talk: Upwelling of Lake Tahoe showed water at the bottom is crystal clear

This year, on January 5, there were high fives, whooping, and hollering on the UC Davis research vessel. New Year’s Eve had long gone. Everyone had driveways full of snow waiting to be shoveled at home. Why the festivities?

Operation School Bell provides South Lake Tahoe students with much-needed clothing

The Assistance League Sierra Foothills (ALSF) helps to transform the lives of youth and seniors in El Dorado County through six philanthropic programs. One of those programs, Operation School Bell, provides clothing to students in all school districts and has helped those attending Lake Tahoe Unified School District since 2011. This past year, over 200 children were able to go shopping in a "store" set up at the South Tahoe Association of Realtors office.

Opening on planning commission for El Dorado County District 5

One vacancy exists for the Supervisorial District 5 appointment to the El Dorado County Planning Commission. Residency in Supervisorial District 5 (Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoma) is preferred, but not required.

The Planning Commission is the Board of Supervisors' advisor on land use planning. The Commission reviews matters related to planning and development (e.g., specific plans, rezoning, use permits, and subdivisions). Depending upon provisions in the County Code, the Commission either approves/denies or makes recommendations to the Board regarding land-use proposals.

Column: Patient safety is no accident

Patient Safety Awareness Week is a time to highlight the daily efforts that go into ensuring patient safety in the healthcare setting. When we talk about patient safety, we’re talking about how hospitals and healthcare organizations protect their patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

South Lake Brewing Company hosts free punk show and new release party

Event Date: 
March 25, 2022 - 8:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Brewing Company is hosting a free punk show on Friday, March 25 at 8:00 p.m. The Bread & Butter Band will be playing covers of all your favorite punk songs.

South Lake Brewing Company's fan-favorite Juice Division Hazy Pale Ale will be released that night along with specialty merch for the occasion. The event will take place at South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Visit southlakebeer.com for more information.

DUI crash in South Lake Tahoe sends one to hospital, one to jail

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 23-year-old man from Freedom, California was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a collision west of the intersection of Lake Tahoe Blvd. and Sierra Blvd. late Saturday night. At the time, it was the fifth DUI arrest of the weekend for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

SLTPD and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) along with the Cal Tahoe JPA ambulance responded after several calls were made to the 911 dispatch center at 11:21 p.m. March 19.

Learn how to research ancestors at Beginning Genealogy Workshop in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
April 23, 2022 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Learn how to do research on your family's history and find out about your ancestors at the Beginning Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, April 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Library.

Hosted by the South Lake Tahoe Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution as they get you started on your journey.

It is free but space is limited. To register, email Rosemary at rosemary.manning@laketahoe.californiadar.org.

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.

Report for March 10 - March 16, 2022

3/10
09:30 CIVIL INCIDENT - Occurred on Emerald Bay Rd, in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: SERVED.

Two men accused of operating a BHO lab that caused a house fire in Meyers enter pleas

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The two men accused of operating an illegal Butane honey oil lab in Meyers that caused a house fire pleaded "no contest" to all charges in El Dorado County Superior Court Friday.

On January 15, 2019, emergency personnel arrived at a home on Tomahawk Lane that was engulfed in flames. Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters saw evidence of specialized equipment associated with making Butane honey oil (BHO) concentrated cannabis.

Weekly wrap up of COVID-19 cases for counties around Lake Tahoe

Weekly roundup of COVID-19 around Lake Tahoe. All are for the week except El Dorado data, which is from yesterday. South Tahoe Now will start to carry only weekly updates every Friday due to the declining cases and hospitalizations.

EL DORADO COUNTY

There have been 11 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths recorded since yesterday in El Dorado County. This brings the total of COVID-19 cases in the county to 26,692. This does not include all at-home tests that may have been positive.

There are now 3.6 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents in the county.

Apple Bistro served with eviction order due to water, not pandemic violations

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Operating without a health permit and racking up fines over $1M couldn't close the Apple Bistro in Placerville, but an eviction from the landlord on Thursday, March 17 appears to have worked, for now.

According to El Dorado County Environmental Management Department (EMD), International Farmers Kitchen, LLC, dba the Apple Bistro, does not operate on approved public water service and instead uses an onsite unapproved auxiliary water supply (well).

Quick moving storm to bring a little snow to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fast-moving storm system will move across the region Saturday bringing gusty southwest winds with chances for mountain snow and valley rainfall. A few inches of snow may accumulate along Sierra passes Saturday morning and again in the evening with warmer road temperatures making afternoon accumulations less likely. Possible snow at lake level up to one inch in possible so not the Miracle March needed to help the snowpack and ease the drought.

Temperatures drop during this system with gusty winds from the northeast across the Sierra ridges Tuesday.

Ice House Reservoir to close for renovations this summer

Eldorado National Forest has announced Ice House Reservoir recreation areas will be closed during the upcoming visitor season for renovations.

The following facilities will be renovated in 2022:

Ice House Campground
Ice House Dam Day Use Area
Ice House Boat Ramp and Day Use Area
Ice House RV Sanitation Station

For alternative recreation sites in the Eldorado National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado or call 530.644.2324.

Use caution while recreating in post-fire Tamarack area of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District wants to remind visitors to be aware of their surroundings, stay out of closed campgrounds, and follow warning signs when recreating in the area burned by the 2021 Tamarack Fire near Markleeville, Calif. Burned landscapes present numerous safety hazards for recreationists that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.

Column: Tackling Tahoe’s housing crisis

We shape our community when we come together to care for the whole and trade problems for possibilities. Right now, sentiments in the Lake Tahoe Region around the deepening impacts of the housing crisis reveal a concern for the very wellbeing of our communities, and understandably so. While more and more of Tahoe’s homes sit vacant for much of the year, some of Tahoe’s stewards struggle to live and raise families here. The very individuals who provide an outstanding visitor experience and who help protect our beaches, forests, and lake lack equitable access to the Tahoe dream.

California Tahoe Conservancy grants $1M to local projects including South Lake Tahoe Greenbelt

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) today announced $1,005,800 in grants to local government agencies. The grants will support projects to expand public access to Lake Tahoe, improve water quality, and increase resilience to climate change.

“We’re excited to support these projects, which will improve water quality, restore natural places in our communities, and make it easier for everyone to access and enjoy Lake Tahoe,” said Conservancy Board Chair and El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel.

As approved by the CTC Board, the grants include:

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