Latest Stories

Community members share their holiday stories

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - Christmas, Hanukkah, and the rest of the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day means many things to many people. Everyone adds to their own stories each day, whether it's a quick entry or a whole chapter. When asked what their favorite stories, dreams and wishes are about the holidays, the following locals shared:

Kudos: The South Lake Tahoe Cancer Leagues 45th annual See's Candy sale sells out

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Cancer League would like to thank the community for embracing its cause and once again supporting its 45th annual See's Candies sale. Fortunately, for us, we once again sold out early thanks to not only the community but those who donated their time to volunteer for this event.

Kudos to the following volunteers; Doug W., Robert R., Elle Dee C., Mary V., Carol O., and Erika G. No community service would be successful without volunteers.

Night 23 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Saturday night is the 23rd night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime readers are Briann and Erik Baker. They were both pros with the Dancing With the Tahoe Stars, Erik is with Lake Tahoe Community College and Brian is an Outside TV host and business owner.

They did a funny skit that you can watch HERE.

They are reading "Everybody Fights," by Kim Dean and Penn Holderness.

Bijou students participate in Global Hour of Code

Earlier this month, close to 150 students at Bijou Community School participated in hands-on computer coding activities with millions of other students around the world as part of Computer Science Education Week’s Hour of Code.

The Hour of Code takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week in recognition of the birthday (December 9, 1906) of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. This year it took place during the week of December 4th with a primary theme of expanding knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Column: Hone in on health this holiday season

Give yourself the gift of health this holiday season. Try these tips to make the holidays a time of fulfillment, self-acceptance, and good physical health.

Spread kindness. While holiday festivities often involve beautifully wrapped presents and extravagant gestures, the true magic lies in simple acts of compassion. Have you ever felt a heartwarming glow from just being kind?

Night 22 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Friday night is the 22nd night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is Debbie Brown, owner of Coldwater Brewery.

"I read to relax from a hard day and sleep restfully all night," said Debbie.

She is reading "Grandma's Christmas Wishes" by Holly Berry Byrd.

To watch the Instagram video of Night #22, visit HERE.

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team continues progress to improve forest health in 2023

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe’s trees are now starting to be draped in snow, and wildfire is not at the top of most people's minds. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), however, is taking action year-round to protect lives, property, and the environment within the Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire. This collaborative group was formed in 2008 and includes 21 federal, tribal, state, and local conservation, land management, and fire agencies.

One-way traffic control continues on US50 - expect impact to holiday traffic flow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One-way reversing traffic control remains in place on U.S. Highway 50 just east of Echo Summit for blasting and clearing work after a rockfall sent large boulders onto the roadway late Tuesday night.

South Tahoe Refuse offering smaller cart sizes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Refuse (STR) has some good news for residents hoping for smaller residential trash carts. STR announced Thursday that smaller new cart size options are now available for California customers, with Nevada customers getting the option in 2024.

Night 21 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Thursday night is the twenty-first night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime readers are Chris and Kathy Campion. Kathy is a former USFS Wildlife biologist and current Aspen Hollow plant expert. She says, “We read with our kids and grandkids every night because reading is the gateway to learning everything else in the world.”

Husband Chris, a retired FBI agent, adds, “I like reading mysteries to visit other worlds where crimes are always solved in a few hours and it’s never who you think.”

Kudos: South Tahoe Association of Realtors provides 200 gifts to local youth

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Association of Realtors (STAR) delivered 200 gifts to 99 members of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.

STAR has an Annual Wish Tree event where affiliates and members of the community “adopt” members from the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe and purchase, wrap, and deliver gifts. This has been the biggest year, with an additional 28 kids receiving gifts compared to last year.

El Dorado County Commission on Aging seeks new members

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Commission on Aging currently is accepting applications from interested residents for two vacant commissioners. The Commission strives to attain a balanced geographic representation and applicants are sought from all areas of the county, including South Lake Tahoe. Preference is given to individuals aged 60 years and older.

South Tahoe Middle School students awarded prizes for how they'd "Be The Change"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Winners have been selected in the Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) art and writing contests at South Tahoe Middle School.

The service club helped sponsor "Challenge Day" on November 30 and a Challenge Day assembly on December 1. The two-day event is a program that helps students connect across lines of difference, giving a sense of belonging, and giving students the tools to create the culture they want in the school.

The theme of the Challenge Day program is to "Be the Change."

Spaces available in Zephyr Point Winter Camp

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - You don’t need to look too far from home for an awesome winter break from January 2-5, 2024 for grades K-6. At Zephyr Point, kids will take an adventure, enjoying all that a week on Lake Tahoe in the winter has to offer! Winter Camp Zephyr is all about creating unforgettable experiences for campers.

Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

Winter Camp Zephyr will hold many of the same types of activities as Summer Camp Zephyr only with a frosty twist.

Girls Wrestling Showcase at South Tahoe High

Event Date: 
December 21, 2023 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe High Girls Wrestling Team is hosting a showcase event in the school's Gold Gym on Thursday, December 21 at 5 p.m.

The team will be hosting Reed High School and Fernley High School.

It won't be just wrestling as the public can support the South Tahoe team with the purchase of apparel and food, including poke bowls.

The evening of wrestling is free.

Lucky Beaver Bar & Grill treats Douglas County Sheriff's Office and court staff with holiday dinner

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Once again, the Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger provided a holiday meal for Douglas County court staff, Judge Mike Johnson, and law enforcement at the lake. The aroma of a substantial feast spread throughout the courthouse on December 20th as a turkey and all the trimmings were shared.

Night 20 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Wednesday night is the twentieth night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is Dr. Megan Jewell, OB/GYN at Barton Health.

"We always read before bed together because we love snuggle time together," said Dr. Jewell. "It helps us feel calm and fall asleep faster."

She is reading with her daughter, birthday girl Hazel.

They are reading "Dragon Masters, The Fortress of The Stone Dragon" by Tracey West.

January forum: Making a 4-year university an option

Event Date: 
January 17, 2024 - 7:00pm

Due to the storm, this event has been moved to Wednesday, January 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Learning Haven is hosting its next free forum on Wednesday, January 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. Students in grades 6-12 and their parents will benefit from this forum that jumps into the basic A-G requirements for University of California or California State University schools.

Organizers will plan your schedule to make sure you are qualified to attend.

Expect delays on US50 over Echo Summit as Caltrans crews blast fallen boulders

11:39AM Update: The road is currently closed in both directions as crews blast the rocks. Follow https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for current information.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - US50 is now open at Echo Summit after boulders fell onto the roadway overnight, causing the road to be closed for three hours.

Crews from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) moved the boulders and debris onto the shoulders in the middle of the night but will be back on Wednesday to finish cleaning, which involves some blasting.

South Lake Tahoe joins cities across the country for Wreaths Across American

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Members of Lake Tahoe Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) joined groups from across the country on Saturday, December 16 for a Wreaths Across America ceremony.

Chautauqua performance, Those That Survived, at Dayton's Odeon Saloon

Event Date: 
December 27, 2023 - 7:00pm

The Odeon Saloon in Dayton, Nevada is the location for the next area historical Chautauqua performance, “Those That Survived.”

On Wednesday, December 27 at 7 p.m., the Odeon Saloon continues its Odeon Oldies History series with the Chautauqua by local authors and historians David & Gayle Woodruff as they assume the characters of James Reed and his wife Margret. The Reeds were the original organizers of the infamous Donner Party of 1846.

Tube Tahoe making snow, adding big air jump, trampoline and private igloos

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One year ago Lake Tahoe was experiencing the beginning of the second snowiest winter on record, but that is far from the case for 2023. The lack of snow, though, isn't hampering operations at Tube Tahoe because of their extensive snowmaking operations.

Night 19 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tuesday night is the nineteenth night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is Gianna Aveni, owner of Blue Granite Climbing Gym.

She's reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling.

"I love reading before bed because it gives me an opportunity to leave all of the stress and worries of this world behind and enter a new world. My favorite books will forever be the Harry Potter series, I read them over and over again," said Gianna.

Kudos: Temple Bat Yam thanks its SLT Community and beyond

After all the planning, canvassing our multiple communities for donations (from Reno to Carson City and the Carson Valley, and of course, South Lake Tahoe), and all of the cooking and baking, we can now reflect on our amazing Vodka & Latke event. Temple Bat Yam would like to give a shout-out and huge thank you to our generous local businesses and individuals for their donations.

We appreciate your continued support:

Adventure Fit Dojo
Alpine Animal Hospital
Artemis
Azul Latin Kitchen
Bally's Lake Tahoe
Barbara Riley
Bare Roots Coffee
BarkBox
Basecamp Pizza
Bella Vita

Kudos: LTCC shares benefits of community college to 7th-graders at STMS

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A HUGE THANK YOU to Lake Tahoe Community College's (LTCC) Antonio Benitez and Adam Eynon for speaking to Marlene Moyer's 7th grade ELA classes about the benefits of attending our wonderful, local community college!

By sharing their personal stories, South Tahoe Middle School students learned why ALL kids can go to college, even the ones that feel they can't afford it or they have already been dismissed as kids who aren't 'college material.'

Kudos: $10k donated by Desolation Hotel/Maggie's Restaurant for Whole Foods boxes of food

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Desolation Hotel and Maggie’s Restaurant graciously donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe to ensure many Club families and the local community get a holiday meal this year.

On December 18, 2023, staff from Desolation Hotel/Maggie’s Restaurant and the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) went to Whole Foods to pack 55 boxes full of delicious meals for families, both for families of four, and of six. Each family will receive a complete holiday dinner, morning cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa, and carrots for Santa’s reindeer.

The Big LePlowski earns most votes in inaugural South Lake Tahoe snowplow naming contest

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost 1,200 people entered their votes for the inaugural Name A Snowplow Contest in South Lake Tahoe. Over the three weeks the contest took place, people picked their top ten from a list of 36 choices.

The Top Ten:

The Big LePlowski
Plowy McPlowface
Scoop Dog
Snowbi Wan Kenobi
Darth Blader
Sled Zeppelin
Clearopathra
Sleetwood Mac
Austin Plowers
Snowbacca

The bottom two vote getters were Taylor Drift and Snow Force One.

Alpine County recognized for achievement in post-fire recovery and disaster relief efforts

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Alpine County proudly acknowledges the dedicated efforts and commitment of State & Private Forestry Project Manager Clint Celio, Economic Development Director JT Chevallier, and Matt Setty, permitting and project implementer (NV Environmental), for their contribution that led to Alpine County receiving the US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region 5 Forester's Award for Post-Fire Recovery and Disaster Relief.

Night 18 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Monday night is the eightteenth night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is Corey Rich, photographer and partner of Novus Select, and his daughter Leila. Wife Marina got into the action by filming - see Instagram here).

"Books allow you to meet fascinating people, go to exotic places, and go on wild adventures," said Corey, who is reading Life Lived Wild by Rick Ridgeway.

Caltrans winter operations employee arrested after his vehicle flagged by FBI on no-bail warrant

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A seasonal Caltrans employee was arrested by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office on Saturday after he was determined to be a man wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On December 16 at 5:40 p.m., a vehicle related to a wanted person was spotted in Meyers. The Sacramento office of the FBI had flagged the vehicle and the associated subject, Ricardo Sanchez, for being an armed and dangerous felon with an active no-bail warrant for his arrest.

Advenco named new concessionaire at Camp Richardson after Hassett's appeal is denied

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service has announced that Advenco LLC will be running Camp Richardson after an appeal of their July 2023 decision for a new permittee failed.

Robert Hassett, president of Camp Richardson Resort, Inc., had been running the resort until their Granger-Thye Concession special use permit expired. He was awarded a 30-year special use permit at Round Hill Pines in 2013.

Santa's elves visit the Children's Memorial Tree in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Elves did it again!! They visited the South Lake Tahoe Children's Memorial Tree in the park at Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Wildwood Avenue for the 13th straight year, leaving behind signs of Christmas with stockings and decorations.

There is a stocking at the tree for the over 250 children who are memorialized there.

Northern Nevada Confederation of Clubs Reno Toy Run helps out Christmas Cheer

Since 1997, the Northern Nevada Confederation of Clubs has been able to help make a real difference for literally hundreds of Northern Nevada families in need through the annual Reno Toy Run.

The club says they are realistic about this and while they may not be able to fix everything, they can bring hope to the community. That is the real meaning of Christmas - HOPE. 

"We are all neighbors, we are our community, with the help of our partners we did not sit by and think there is nothing we can do about it - We all made it happen here," said the leadership of the Reno Toy Run.

Lucky Beaver's annual Toy and Food Drive off to good start, but more help needed

The Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger's annual Toy and Food Drive has once again demonstrated the spirit of giving by raising money and gathering toys for local charities including Christmas Cheer and Phoenix Food Pantry. This big undertaking underscores the community's commitment to supporting those in need during the holiday season.

Night 17 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sunday night is the seventeenth night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is Chris McNamara, owner of Outdoor Gear Lab, with help from kids Mila and Wilder and special thanks to his wife Viktoria.

"I read to live," said Chris.

He is reading "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari.

Did you know that you could help reduce your holiday stress and cut tension in half by reading a book before bed?

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Lake Wind Advisory then week of upper elevation snow, rain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe area from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday. Expect winds from the southwest, 10-20 mph with gusts up 20 35 mph. Waves on the lake could be 1-3 feet.

Expect widespread rain and mountain snow through Tuesday, with some lingering showers in the Sierra through Thursday, according to NWS Reno. The forecast snow should all be above lake level though travel may be difficult at times over the passes.

The NWS Reno forecast for South Lake Tahoe:

Kudos from South Lake Tahoe Toys For Tots

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The local Toys for Tots organizer Kristi Bell is sending her thank yous to local businesses and volunteers who helped make this season's toy drive a success. They were able to serve 357 children.

Kudos to the following:

Drop Box Location Hosts

Douglas County Commissioners to vote on ban on VHRs north of Cave Rock, changes in Lincoln Park

Event Date: 
December 21, 2023 - 10:00am

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Two agenda items on Thursday's Douglas County Commissioner's meeting deal with the future of vacation home rentals (VHRs) at Lake Tahoe. One item proposes to ban VHRs north of Cave Rock State Park, and the other discusses possible changes in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Commissioner Danny Tarkanian has asked for the ban.

"Olive branch" offered between Douglas County School Board Trustees

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The December 14 meeting of the Douglas County School Board was a divisive one, once again, with actions and words appearing to drive a further wedge between trustees instead of their working together for the good of the community, students, and staff.

Susan Jansen, president of the Douglas County School Board, decided to remove one member of a two-person committee that was created to lay out the plans for selecting the next superintendent.

The person remaining? Jansen. The person removed without notice? Trustee Linda Gilkerson.

Lake Tahoe Lakers to play at Tahoe Blue Event Center in January

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The Lake Tahoe Lakers are playing three home games at the Tahoe Blue Event Center on January 19 - 21. Tickets go on sale to the public on December 21 at 10, but presales are available.

Use the presale code LAKERS at this website. There are three-day passes as well as single games.

Food assistance locations in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are many ways the public can get food assistance in South Lake Tahoe, either weekly or monthly. The following resource list shows the dates, times, and locations of all free food available. There may be changes on holidays so check ahead before going.

WEEKLY

Monday

The Road Beat: 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited Review

A plug-in hybrid crossover that meets in the middle. You'll buy or skip on a Tucson based primarily on its looks. Polarizing, sure, but let's at least congratulate Hyundai for going with such a bold and striking design. If you happen to hate the style, then you probably won't have made it to even reading a review in the first place, so because you're here, I can assume you are in fact interested in this electrified crossover and therefore a fan of the style. I like it. Some of my friends did. Some didn't.

Night 16 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sunday night is the sixteenth night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is Dr. Kyle Swanson, an orthopedic surgeon at Barton Health.

"I read to expand my horizons," said Dr. Swanson.

He's reading a book on astrology.

Did you know that you could help reduce your holiday stress and cut tension in half by reading a book before bed?

Column: Winter knee injury and prevention

Winter weather is upon us, and for many of us living in the mountains, it brings alpine and backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Other activities include ice skating, hockey, and snowshoeing. The importance of outdoor activities increases in winter — as getting outside not only has a profound effect on our physical health, but our mental health as well.

Night 15 of the 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Friday night is the fifteenth night of the Cuppa Tahoe/South Lake Tahoe Library's 24-day Tahoe Reading Advent Calendar. Tonight's bedtime reader is artist Kelly McDonald.

"Reading is magic. It takes you to a beautiful, faraway place wherever you want to go in your mind," said Kelly.

She's reading "The Secrets of Ireland" by Kevin Eyres.

Did you know that you could help reduce your holiday stress and cut tension in half by reading a book before bed?

Applications being accepted for UC Davis TERC Internships for Scholars Program

The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) has conducted research and monitoring of Lake Tahoe for over 50 years. Its Summer Internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to be a part of the research tradition.

TRPA board approves policy changes to help address affordable housing crisis

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - After three hours of public testimony on Wednesday, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board voted to adopt policy changes to help address the housing crisis.

The package of affordable and workforce housing incentives to help address the housing crisis that is impacting not only Lake Tahoe's communities but also the environment. The targeted changes to Lake Tahoe zoning regulations will lower the cost of providing affordable and workforce housing, benefit water quality, and reduce traffic and vehicle use, according to TRPA.

Incline High School resource officers arrest suspect on child exploitation charges

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A 20-year-old man has been arrested on multiple felony charges after an investigation by Incline Village school resource officers into suspected child exploitation.

On December 11, 2023, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned as school resource officers at Incline High School launched an investigation based on information provided by school administrators.

Former China Springs Youth Camp staff member arrested on suspicion of sexual conduct crimes

DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV. - A former staff member at the China Springs Youth Camp has been arrested on alleged crimes of sexual conduct with children under her care.

On December 14, 2023, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) arrested 25-year-old Daryan Benka after an investigation. She was booked on two on two separate crimes of sexual conduct with children under the care, custody, and control of supervision of the Camp in violation of NRS 201.555. The crimes are category C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison for each offense and fines of up to $10,000.

The Jimmy Buffett lifestyle is evident throughout the new Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The State of California and the City of South Lake Tahoe now have a new welcoming resort on their border with Nevada.

It has been exactly 32 years to the day since Embassy Suites held its grand opening party in the same location. Now, after a $85M renovation, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe has opened its doors after holding its own grand opening party on Thursday, December 14.

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