Latest Stories

Caltrans wraps up 2016 roadwork season in Lake Tahoe, prepares for major projects in 2017

Approximately $158 million was spent on Lake Tahoe water quality improvement projects around Lake Tahoe in 2016, and Caltrans is not done.

In 2017 two major projects will get underway, one on each end of the lake.

During the busy 2016 season, Caltrans and its contractors completed work on two projects on State Highway 89 and made significant progress on a third.

What happened in 2016:

More ballots counted; South Lake Tahoe election results remain the same

On Wednesday, the El Dorado County Elections Department released more results from the November 8 election. There are still approximately 200-300 ballots remaining to count from County Supervisor District 5 which is from Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

"We'd like to not wait until the December 6 deadline, but there are quite a few provisional ballots left to count," said Justin Canning of El Dorado County.

All ballots must be certified 28 days after the election, hence their December 6 deadline.

Sierra-at-Tahoe to open for the season on Saturday

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort announced today that they will be opening for the season on Saturday, November 26. There are early season condition on limited terrain with two chairlifts and two surface lifts in operation. Sierra will spin Easy Rider Express and Rock Garden with access to Broadway and Echo beginner trails. There will be a terrain park with small to medium features, allowing guests to get their park legs back underneath them. For now, their hours of operations are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Family of South Lake Tahoe drowning victim sues SUP company

The family of an off-duty Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputy who drowned last year has sued a South Lake Tahoe paddle boat company as part of a push for increased regulations in the boating industry.

Power restored for North Lake Tahoe affected by downed lines

Update: Power lines back up and electricity was restored at 2:48 p.m. for the North Lake Tahoe customers affected by Wednesdays outage.

* * *
Approximately 123 Liberty Utilities customers in the North Lake Tahoe area are experiencing an outage due to downed power line across Hwy 89 near Cabin Creek Road.

At this time there is no estimated time of restored power.

Holiday Music with Spice

Event Date: 
December 2, 2016 - 7:30pm

LTCC Chorus and Tahoe Choir invite you to "A Holiday with a Spice" concert. They will perform some 'well-seasoned' pieces, from early epochs - by Victoria and Handel, through traditional British and American songs, like "Scarborough Fair", and finished with a touch of humor from PDQ Bach's "The Seasonings". 

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from November 9 to November 22, 2016.

11/9/16: 6 calls - 4 EMS, 1 fire in structure, 1 interfacility transfer

11/10/16: 6 calls - 3 EMS, 1 vehicle accident with injuries, 1 smoke detector activation, 1 scare of smoke/odor of smoke

11/11/16: 7 calls - 3 EMS, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 incident not found upon arrival, 1 unauthorized burning, 1 CO activation due to malfunction

11/12/16: 7 calls - 4 EMS, 2 interfacility transfers, 1 incident not found upon arrival

Road controls around Lake Tahoe roads: 3-5" of snow at Heavenly for opening day

A fast moving storm dropped up to a couple of inches of snow at lake level overnight, leaving behind chain controls over the passes, a wind advisory and a chance for a little more snow during the day Wednesday.

Heavenly Mountain Resort opens today with a reported 3-5" of new snow.

Road controls at 8:00 a.m.:

HWY 50/Echo Summit - Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires) on US-50 from mile post 59.8 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California. (Twin Bridges to Meyers)

Suspect arrested in South Lake Tahoe food contamination crime

A South Lake Tahoe man is behind bars tonight after being arrested as the suspect in a food contamination case at Raley’s in the Village Center near Stateline.

On Tuesday, November 22, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) arrested 43-year-old Harry Dally at his residence and booked him into county jail on a single felony count of intentionally dispensing a contaminating substance capable of causing death or injury on food items for human consumption. At this time he is only charged with the crime at the Hot Wok inside of Raley’s. His bail has been set at $100,000.

Hopeful Henry: How pets can enjoy Thanksgiving too!

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on under-cooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Talkin’ Turkey

Suspect in South Lake Tahoe murder changes plea to guilty

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - It was an emotional day in court Tuesday as one of the suspects in the January 30, 2016 murder of Dennis "Spike" Wright, Jr. withdrew his plea of not guilty and plead guilty to an amended criminal complaint that included four felonies surrounding Wright's murder and robbery.

Winter weather advisory in effect 10 p.m. Tuesday through 10:00 a.m. Wednesday

A quick storm will pass through Lake Tahoe beginning Tuesday evening, leaving the busy travel day of Wednesday fairly clear, though cold.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday with the heaviest snow expected between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

They are called for snow, 2"-4" at lake level, up to 8" near the crest by Wednesday morning.

Winds will increase Tuesday evening with them coming out of the southwest 10-20 mph with gusts 34-40 mph possible. Resulting waves on the lake will be 2-4'.

Lake of the Sky Outfitters November movie night: Sherpa

Event Date: 
November 30, 2016 - 7:00pm

Join Lake of the Sky Outfitters for their monthly movie night on November 30 at 7:00 p.m. for Sherpa, an absorbing and powerful documentary about the hazardous lives of the Sherpas on Mt. Everest. This film chronicles the events leading up to the massive avalanche which killed 16 Sherpas on Everest in 2014, the aftermath, and the impact it had on the Sherpas and the guided climbing companies that employ them.

Admission is free.

Reservations are being taken now by calling 530.541.1027. There is limited seating.

Location

Lake of the Sky Outfitters
1023 Emerald Bay Rd., 1023 Emerald Bay Rd South Lake Tahoe
United States

8th annual Festival of Trees & Lights gets underway December 1

Event Date: 
December 1, 2016 (All day)

Ring in the holiday spirit at Barton Health’s eighth annual Festival of Trees & Lights. The winter celebration features events and entertainment starts Thursday, December 1 and continues through Sunday, December 4 at MontBleu Resort on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

“The Festival of Trees & Lights provides a warm and family-friendly atmosphere to inspire people to get into the spirit of holiday giving,” says Kindle Craig, the director of the Barton Foundation. “All the money raised goes back into the community and supports health and wellness programs.”

Chase International shows off luxury Lake Tahoe real estate at London show

Sue Lowe of Chase International was recently in London to showcase the luxury Lake Tahoe real estate market, just a handful of agencies asked to take part in the show which attracts affluent buyers from throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Douglas County to celebrate additions at Johnson Lane Park

Event Date: 
December 1, 2016 - 10:30am

The Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the new additions at Johnson Lane Park and the public invited to a dedication of the facilities on December 1, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

Construction on the new additions began over a year ago and was completed this Fall on new tennis and pickle ball courts, pavers, playground, pavilion and restroom building.

The park is located at 1476 Stephanie Way in Minden, Nev.

Opinion: Funding Tahoe’s transportation system

By now, most people have heard: Federal courts upheld the 2012 Regional Plan for Lake Tahoe, affirming the blueprint that maintains development caps and strengthens environmental protections while encouraging community revitalization, redevelopment, and updated infrastructure.

Capturing the most attention these days is the traffic in our small communities from millions of people who drive up to enjoy our lake. And the transportation system is where TRPA is giving more focused attention to benefit Tahoe’s environment, economy, and quality of life.

More food tampering incidents in South Lake Tahoe; One sent to hospital

9:00AM Update 11/22/16: The South Lake Tahoe Police Department believes the same person is responsible for recent food tampering incidents at Baja Fresh and Raley's due to similarities in the cases. The unidentified suspect is described as a white male adult, 5'7" with a thin build.

Sheriff offers advice for surviving Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just days away. As the excitement of the holiday shopping season builds, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office offers some tips that will help everyone have a successful day, as long as they focus on personal safety.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before heading out to the stores:

First and foremost, stay alert. Do not get so caught up in the shopping frenzy that you lose awareness of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement or store security.

Douglas County Explorers compete against 300 others in California competition

Members of the Douglas County Sheriff's Explorer's Post #2105 recently competed against 25 other law enforcement agencies in the 2016 Central Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Competition in Hanford, Calif.

The two day event against Explorers from California featured both mentally and physically challenging events.

"This young team, most of whom is their second time competing, did an outstanding job overall and represented Douglas County very well," said Sgt. Bernadette Smith in a press release.

Nevada's weekly wages at all-time high

Weekly wages in Nevada averaged $874 during the second quarter of 2016, up from $854 a year ago, which equates to a gain of 2.3 percent, according to figures released Monday by the state's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

“Weekly wages are at a record high and have grown at least 2 percent in four of the past five quarters,” said Tim Wilcox, an economist with the Research and Analysis Bureau for the state's employment agency. “Wages have been trending up since 2011, albeit at a modest pace.”

Parking lots are the most dangerous places to be during the holidays

One would think a car filled, bumper-to-bumper highway would be the most dangerous place for drivers to be during the holiday season, but no, crowded parking lots lead the list.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has warned there are increased hazards of parking lot traffic during the holidays. Nationwide there are over 50,000 accidents in parking lots and garages resulting in 60,000 injuries and over 500 deaths. In fact. almost 20 percent of all accidents involving vehicles taking place where most might think driving 5 mph or less would lead to safer conditions.

Pet of the Week: Chabo

This week's Pet of the Week in South Lake tahoe is Chabo. He is 11-months-old, has lived with small dogs and kids, he is a sweet boy and would complete any loving home.

Go visit Chabo at the El Dorado County Animal Services located at 1120 Shakori Dr, South Lake Tahoe. Their phone number is 530-573-7925.

For Spay-Neuter services and other support, call the Lake Tahoe Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 530-542-2857.

Good news: Hunter, a recent Pet of the Week, has found his forever home!

Weidinger PR wins three Silver Spike awards

Lake Tahoe-based Weidinger Public Relations was recognized with three awards for various campaigns at the Public Relations Society of America, Sierra Nevada Chapter Silver Spikes Awards, Nov. 17 at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno.

Weidinger PR received awards for each of its three entries: one Silver Spike and two Awards of Excellence.

The firm won the Silver Spike award in the category, Special Events and Observances, 1 or 2 Days, for their planning of the Edgewood Tahoe Lodge groundbreaking.

Kirkwood sets November 26 as opening day for 2016-17 ski season

This weekend’s snow storms delivered as much as 11 inches of fresh snow to the resorts around the Lake Tahoe basin, enough to prompt three resorts to open during the Thanksgiving holiday week.

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort will open for the ski season Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Kirkwood Mountain Resort will open for skiing Saturday, Nov. 26.

Active weather pattern in store for Lake Tahoe Basin through weekend

As we start a busy week of travel, three different storms headed to the Lake Tahoe Basin may impact driving conditions. People are driving, flying or taking a train to their Thanksgiving destinations and AAA expects more than 40 million people will drive 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, the most since 2007.

Some of those travelers are headed to Lake Tahoe though hotel rooms and vacation rentals are still available.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork November 20-26

NOTE: Traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. Wednesday, November 23 through 10 p.m. Sunday, November 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Emerald Fire showed how fuel reduction minimized forest damage

It doesn’t take a wildland fire professional to see how fuel reduction can protect forests and communities.

It just takes a field trip to the site of the Emerald fire near the southwestern shores of Lake Tahoe.

Despite burning at the same time and under similar conditions to the disastrous Little Valley fire, the Emerald fire was much less destructive.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Kirkwood Mountain Resort

An “awesome group” from Kirkwood Mountain Resort’s Food and Beverage department was on hand on Monday, November 7 to donate their time at Kirkwood’s Adopt A Day Sponsorship.

“We want to start off by thanking Bread & Broth for giving us the opportunity of giving back to the community,” wrote Jamie Welch on behalf of her fellow sponsor crew members. “While some of us are from out of town, we appreciate the hospitality Lake Tahoe’s community members have shown us. This has been a heartwarming experience and we hope to help again in the future.”

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

11/13/16

6:29 p.m. Obstruction - Lake Tahoe Blvd - UNKNOWN SUSPECT FLED ON FOOT FOLLOWING A VEHICLE STOP

11/14/16

11:07 a.m. - Personate to get money - Black Bart Ct - VIA EDSO ON LINE REPORTING SYSTEM- VICTIM REPORTED POSSIBLE IDENTITY THEFT DUE TO PHISHING SCAM.

South Lake Tahoe: Expect snow and rain through the day Sunday

Chain controls around most of the South Shore have been lifted this morning, but a Winter Weather Advisory is still in place until 4:00 p.m. Sunday so that can change.

Highway 50 over both Echo and Spooner Summits is open with no controls as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Kingsbury Grade is clear as is Hwy 89 on the West Shore.

Highway 89 at Luther Pass requires chains or snow tires. Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay, Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel / all wheel drive vehicles with snow treaded tires on all wheels.

Tahoe Prosperity Center announces new manager and membership

The Tahoe Prosperity Center (TPC) has announced two changes for the organization: a new project manager and membership in the California Stewardship Network.

Chris Fajkos, formerly of the Port of Redwood City, has been named the center's project manager.

“We are thrilled to have Chris join our team to expand high speed internet in the region and support community revitalization work,” said CEO Heidi Hill Drum.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of some of the 399 calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to between November 1 and November 14, 2016.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

11/1
Felony "Other" in the 2800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

11/2
Warrant in the 1200 block of Ski Run Blvd
DUI at Johnson Blvd and Al Tahoe Blvd

11/3
Drug Offense in the 1000 block of Johnson Blv
Drunk in Public in the 2600 block of Sussex Ave
Drug Offense in the 2400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

11/4

Chain controls go up on roads around Lake Tahoe

9:45 p.m. update Sunday: Chains are now mandatory on all vehicles except 4-Wheel drive with snow tires on US 50 over Echo and Spooner Summits, the Mt. Rose Hwy, SR267 and Donner Summit on I-80. At this time there are no controls over Kingsbury Grade.

* * * *
Snow is starting to stick on roads around Lake Tahoe, a sight for sore eyes who have been waiting for the return of the ski season.

As of 7:00 p.m. Saturday, chain controls are up on all mountain passes:

Volunteer training being held for this year's Tahoe Warm Room staff

The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless will soon be opening their Warm Room for a second winter and they are seeking volunteers to help staff it. Last winter they provided 1,820 room nights to 107 different guests over the 102 nights they were open.

A volunteer training will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Unity at the Lake located at 1195 Rufus Allen Blvd in South Lake Tahoe. To volunteer, training is mandatory as well as a background check.

The location of this year's Warm Room has not been announced though organizers say a contract is ready to be signed.

South Lake Tahoe motels merge into one, the Hotel Becket

What were once three separate South Lake Tahoe motels have merged into one new lodging property, the Hotel Becket.

The San Francisco hotel chain Joie de Vivre merged the Park Tahoe and 968 Park motels into their first location in Lake Tahoe. Located at the corner of Highway 50 and Park Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, Hotel Becket was originally two Travelodge motels and one Day's Inn. Several years ago the Travelodges merged into the Park Tahoe and the Day's Inn became 968 Park.

Hotel Becket is named from the "becket knot," a nautical term for tying two ropes into one.

Winter weather advisory in effect until Sunday afternoon for Lake Tahoe

Expect a windy and snowy weekend in South Lake Tahoe! Ski resorts on the South Shore had to postpone opening days, so maybe Mother Nature will be helping them out!

There is a wind advisory in place for South Lake Tahoe in advance of the winter storm headed our way. Expect winds 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph overnight Friday, increasing Saturday to 20-30 mph and gusts to 55 mph. Ridgetop winds could gust up to 110 mph. Waves on the lake are expected to be 2-5' with the highest on the north and east shore.

The winds subside slightly as a winter storm moves in.

New business licenses issued in South Lake Tahoe

The following 47 businesses took out business licenses with the City of South Lake Tahoe during the month of September:

09/01/2016
ASHLIE CURTIN RIDESHARE
DANIEL JONES RIDESHARE
DONNAS RIDESHARE
N. CEBALLOS INC

09/02/2016
CLAY RUSSELL RIDESHARE
IVANA RIDESHARE
JACQUELINE PALMER RIDESHARE
MIGUEL R RIDESHARE
RANDY CARLSON RIDESHARE

09/06/2016
KDC CONSTRUCTION
SHANNON SMITH RIDESHARE

09/07/2016
EFREN ROSALES RIDESHARE
HEALING JOURNEYS

09/08/2016
SIERRA VIEW HONEY

09/09/2016
RANDYS QUALITY ROOFING
RITCHIE ELECTRIC
RYAN SELF RIDESHARE

09/13/2016

Winners picked in Spas for a Cause raffle in Carson City

Jonathan and Svetlana Lang were selected as winners of a new spa as part of the Spas for a Cause raffle contest to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Tony Grasso, owner of Hot Springs Portable Spas in Carson City, presented the winners with their prize on Thursday inside the lobby at Heritage Bank. The model on display for the contest is bright pink, but Grasso said the winner has the option to choose a color of their choice.

Grasso said his company donated the spa, and that all of the money raised goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

SLTPD aiding in investigation of man involved in twenty-hour standoff in Cameron Park

A heavily armed 37-year-old man was shot early Friday morning after keeping law enforcement personnel at bay for twenty hours in Cameron Park.

A 911 call about a possible domestic violence situation in an apartment on La Canada Drive was received by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office dispatch at 6:10 a.m. on Thursday, November 17. According to the reporting party, there was an armed man holding a woman and her baby against their will inside the apartment.

Community invited to Bread & Broth Thanksgiving Dinner

Event Date: 
November 21, 2016 - 4:00pm

Bread & Broth is offering a special community Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, November 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the St. Theresa Church's Grace Hall located at 1041 Lyons Avenue in South Lake Tahoe.

Cooks are busy preparing over 300 meals so everyone is welcome to share in the feast!

The Bread & Broth program at St. Theresa's Church has been serving meals to the South Lake Tahoe community for 27 years. If you have any questions, contact Kathie Olsen at 530-600-3605 or at jk.olsen@sbcglobal.net.

Tahoe Chamber launches GO Shop, GO Eat, GO Local and Win campaign

It's a "win-win" situation for South Lake Tahoe area businesses, shoppers and diners starting November 26 when the Tahoe Chamber launches their GO Local & Win! campaign. Those enjoying local businesses are rewarded for shopping and dining locally and will earn credit for every $25 spent and have a chance to win hundreds of dollars in cash and gifts.

Business owners and operators also win during the "GO Local & Win" campaign as they have an opportunity to promote and expand their base of customers or clientele.

Mt. Rose Highway runaway truck ramp completed; commercial trucks allowed again

Westbound commercial trucks are once again allowed on the State Route 431 Mt. Rose Highway now that the Nevada Department of Transportation has substantially completed a project to reconstruct the truck escape ramp.

Nevada law enforcement cracking down on seat belt violations

In an effort to save lives, the Nevada Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will be looking for motorists and their occupants who are not buckled up during their "Joining Forces" event November 14 through December 10, 2016 on Nevada roadways.

Another chance for snow headed to South Lake Tahoe this weekend

South Lake Tahoe didn't get much of anything from the last storm that passed through, but perhaps another storm coming into the Lake Tahoe basin Saturday might do a little better.

This next storm system is likely to produce weather impacts for the eastern Sierra and western Nevada this weekend according to the National Weather Service. Snow levels could drop to 6500-7000 ft.

Thursday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

No Turkey Trot in South Lake Tahoe this year

There will be no Turkey Trot in South Lake Tahoe this year.

For over 30 years, runners both young and old have participated in the annual South Lake Tahoe Turkey Trot. They tapped into their inner turkey, donned holiday costumes and ran a lap or two and aimed for a prize. The race was normally a 5k one for the adults, and fun runs for the younger set.

Lauren Thomaselli, the City's Recreation Superintendent, tried to find a partner for the 2016 event but was unsuccessful.

Five businesses cited for selling alcohol to minors in Douglas County

Five Douglas County businesses were recently cited for selling alcohol to minors.

On November 2, Douglas County Sheriff's Office visited 28 businesses with liquor licenses to determine if they were being compliant with state law and not selling to minors.

Wal-Mart North County, Maverick, World Market, Grocery Outlet and Lucky Discount Liquor all received citations for furnishing alcohol to people under the age of 21. The employees who sold the alcohol was also cited.

The following businesses were checked and they successfully passed the alcohol compliance check.

Alleged sales of marijuana edibles at Douglas High leads to arrest and hospital visit

One student at Douglas High School in Minden was arrested along with a nearby resident after allegedly selling marijuana laced Rice Krispie treats on school groups which led to one student needing medical treatment.

On November 3 an investigation began after a student complained of feelings of anxiety and an accelerated heart rate. She said she may have eaten a Rice Crispy square laced with marijuana earlier in the day and named another female student as the person who brought the edible marijuana to school.

The ill student was taken to a medical facility for treatment by her parent.

Kudos: St. Joseph Community Land Trust thanks Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe

St. Joseph Community Land Trust wishes to thank the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe for its recent donation to our 'Motel to Housing Program.' This program is designed to assist low-income working families who are living in substandard housing such as motels. Short-term loans are made to qualified households to help pay with upfront moving costs such as cleaning or security deposits and first and last month's rent. St. Joseph Community Land Trust wishes to express its sincere gratitude and thankfulness for your generous donation.

- Cathy Kope, Interim Exutive Director, St. Joseph CLT

Dr. Larry Green, Dr. Michael Doyle and Adam Jones honored during final LTUSD meeting

They say it's always hard to say goodbye, and that was evident Tuesday evening during the final board meeting for three of the five Lake Tahoe Unified School Board members.

After nine years on the board, Dr. Larry Green chose to not seek a third term, and Dr. Michael Doyle lost in his re-election bid. Adam Jones filled the seat of Sue Novasel for the past two years after she became a county supervisor. He chose not to run this November.

Syndicate content