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Pine Nuts with McAvoy Layne: Red White and Tahoe Blue

While lifeguarding at South Shore away back in the summer of ’61, I got to experience my first Red, White & Tahoe Blue 4th of July, which, fireworks aside, was no different than any other idyllic Tahoe summer day. How could I guess that half a century later I would be reading the Declaration of Independence on the Village Green at North Shore with a Marine Corps flyover following the words, “…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Va-vaVOOM! It gives me chicken-skin to think of it.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department reminds public to be safe when drinking after suspicious circumstances

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A social media post by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) over the weekend gained media attention across the state. The post alerted the public to be safe when drinking alcohol after there were some suspicious circumstances that could possibly be spiked drinks.

SLTPD took three reports from four people who sought emergency medical treatment after becoming ill after consuming alcohol. The incidents took place between June 11 and June 22. The reports were from two men and two women ages 36-58.

Two die in Lake Tahoe this weekend

Two people lost their lives in Lake Tahoe this weekend and a woman suffered a foot injury after getting it caught in a boat propeller.

On Friday afternoon, 69-year-old Xavier Olivas of Yucca Valley, Calif. jumped off a boat to swim to shore at Chimney Beach on the east shore. He never made it and could not be found until the Washoe County Sheriff HASTY team divers found his body submerged offshore after a five-hour search. The Washoe County Medical Examiner's office has not determined a cause of death at this time.

Column: Flavor Bliss - Wine tasting In Lake Tahoe with dare to pair

I'll eat just about anything while drinking wine, but I hadn't ever really thought about the value of actually pairing wine with the snacks I enjoy. Laura Burgess of Laura Uncorked introduced us to Dare to Pair wine tasting in Lake Tahoe and now my mind and senses are racing.

Swirl, Sniff, Swish

El Dorado County creates new vacation home rental website with accurate and timely information

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A new County Code Enforcement micro-website has been launched, one that will provide accurate and timely information about the vacation home rental (VHR) program for owners, locals, and renters.

Lake Tahoe Community College holds graduation ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) held an in-person graduation ceremony for the classes of 2021 and 2020 on Friday, June 25.

There were 188 graduates this year. Twenty-six of them were part of the Lake Tahoe College Promise program, meaning they earned their degrees tuition-free (along with a lot of other perks).

113 of these AA degrees were degrees for transfer, guaranteeing those students either a seat at a California State University or a University of California. The graduation also celebrated 15 vocational certificate earners.

Tahoe Fund receives nearly $300K from guests at Vail Resorts through $1 donation program

In just 24 months, Vail Resorts has raised nearly $300,000 for the Tahoe Fund in support of new trails and environmental stewardship projects in the Tahoe Basin. A partner of the nonprofit since its inception, Vail Resorts has raised funds to support projects spearheaded by the Tahoe Fund through its $1 for Tahoe guest donation program—part of the company’s EpicPromise community impact program.

Friends of Ski Run holding fundraiser for new park in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 2, 2021 - 5:30pm

The Friends of Ski Run will be holding an outdoor show on Friday, July 2 to help raise money for the new Ski Run Park. The show will feature climber Timmy O'Neill and musician Robin Orr.

O'Neill is not only a climber but also a comedian. Timmy is a hilarious climber, presenter, and new South Lake local and will share stories from the first blind ascent of Ama Dablam with dear friend Erik Wiehenmayer, blind climber and adventurer.

He will be joined by the local super-talented Robin Orr and her band, (Timmy plays drums!) for live music before and after the show.

South Lake Tahoe 911 dispatcher helps dad deliver his baby

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As many mothers will tell you, 20 minutes isn't very long from the time a woman's water breaks to the time her baby is born. That is exactly what happened in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, June 23.

911 dispatcher Rachel Carlson answered a call that night from Theodore Tofanelli. His girlfriend had gone into labor in their Sierra Vista apartment at the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe and there was no time to get her to the hospital.

Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation awards South Tahoe High student mentors

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Twenty South Tahoe High School students who served as mentors in the inaugural "Connect, Engage, Succeed" program this school year were awarded $12,500 in scholarships from the Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation (LTEF).

LTEF partnered with the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) to identify and train volunteer high school coaches/mentors and match them with elementary and middle school students who were struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic distance learning format.

Fire Weather Watch for Lake Tahoe Tuesday - Warm and chance of thunderstorms all week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday, June 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thunderstorms are forecast to develop during the late afternoon and evening hours on Tuesday. Despite some rainfall with the thunderstorms lightning ignitions are possible, especially with the abnormally dry timber. Outflow winds from the storms may exceed 50 mph.

Lightning can create new fire starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for June 26-July 3

Several different agencies have roadwork projects around the Lake Tahoe Basin from spring to fall. Each week we publish projects planned by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the County of El Dorado, and the City of South Lake Tahoe.

NDOT - Lake Tahoe and Douglas County

Roadwork - on SR-28 in both directions near 451 Lakeshore Boulevard in Washoe County Nevada. Traffic control in place. The estimated end Time is 3:30 PM on 06/29/21

Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Cleanup

Event Date: 
July 5, 2021 (All day)

LAKE TAHOE - Even though there will be no fireworks shows over Lake Tahoe this July 4, the beaches are expected to fill up for those who want to enjoy the holiday at the lake.

The League to Save Lake is hosting the annual beach cleanup on July 5 at locations around Lake Tahoe. There is a cap on the number of volunteers so register now to save your spot. RSVPs are required - sign up HERE.

Why:

Diane Feinstein places her Lake Tahoe estate for sale- $41 million price tag

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - California Senator Diane Feinstein and her husband, Richard Blum, chairman and president of Blum Capital, have placed their Lake Tahoe compound for sale.

The compound includes three homes, 278 feet of beach, a 172-foot pier, a boat lift, and two buoys. It was listed for sale briefly in 2020 for $46 million.

Feinstein is a long-time proponent of protecting Lake Tahoe. She has been part of the bi-state team that brings the annual Lake Tahoe Summit to the area to highlight successes and challenges in keeping Tahoe blue.

Five ways to cope with an aching back

About 70 to 80 percent of the population experiences back pain at some point in their lives. Often, you can address back pain at home and get it to subside in a few days or weeks. Help move the healing process along with these tactics.

1. Adjust your posture.
Slouching or slumping affects your alignment, flexibility, and joint movement.

Instead:

Public invited to participate in next South Lake Tahoe Community Conversations

Event Date: 
June 30, 2021 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe’s City Manager, Joe Irvin, is hosting a virtual Community Conversation to share information on proposed projects that would leverage the American Rescue Plan Act grant funding of $5.3 million.

The public is invited to join in to learn more about the proposed projects and the City’s participatory budget process. It is also an opportunity for the public to engage in meaningful conversation with city leadership and get answers to their questions.

A star-spangled night out for the entire family with TOCCATA

Event Date: 
July 6, 2021 - 6:00pm

TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra presents an upcoming series of four concerts around Lake Tahoe and Reno, including a final show at the Truckee River Regional Park Amphitheater on Saturday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. This series will provide much-anticipated family nights out in celebration of our country’s veterans, American independence, and the return of brighter times ahead.

Tahoe environmental reports show positive progress, challenges

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) released comprehensive reports this week including a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for the Tahoe Region and an evaluation of the environmental standards that measure Lake Tahoe’s ecological health. Both show substantial improvements even as new challenges arise, according to the agency.

Highlights from the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report

Douglas County launches VHR website and FAQ page

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Commissioners approved a new ordinance (click here to view the ordinance) establishing new guidelines for Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in Douglas County which will take effect Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Bear shot by occupant after it breaks into Meyers home

UPDATE 6.28.21: The person who shot the bear was not a resident of Lake Tahoe. He was renting a vacation home on Pioneer Trail. Dates have been updated below to reflect new information from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.

Crews searching for man missing in Lake Tahoe

6.26.21 UPDATE: Last night HASTY rescue divers found a man’s body submerged in Lake Tahoe off Chimney Beach. The man fits the description of Xavier Olivas, who crews searched for in excess of five hours. The official identification, cause, and manner of death will be confirmed by the Medical Examiner.

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Crews are searching for a 69-year-old California man who jumped into Lake Tahoe near Chimney Beach Friday afternoon.

Weekly COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -The weekly COVID-19 report begins today and will continue on Fridays unless there is a concerning change in statistics.

El Dorado County has announced 32 new cases of COVID-19 since Monday: 0 from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 7 in El Dorado Hills, 3 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 3 in North County, 10 in Greater Placerville, 7 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, 2 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from the count: 0. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 79.

Tahoe Douglas Rotary hosts Breakfast of Champions with Rob Riggle

Event Date: 
July 7, 2021 - 7:30am

STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club is holding its annual Breakfast of Champions on July 7 at Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. This year's guest is comedian Rob Riggle from Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show, and the current co-host of Holey Moley.

The 7:30 a.m. breakfast will be held in the Hard Rock convention center and is open to the public. The cost is $25 per person.

Michael Strahan added to list of celebrities at American Century Championship in Tahoe

Two-time Emmy winner and Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan will make his inaugural appearance with athletes and entertainers at the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe July 9-11 at Edgewood Tahoe.

Strahan currently co-hosts ABC’s “Good Morning America,” serves as an analyst for “FOX NFL Sunday,” hosts ABC’s primetime game show favorite “$100,000 Pyramid,” and has two apparel lines, MSX and COLLECTION by MICHAEL STRAHAN.

Tahoe recreation, resort and nonprofit leaders to talk sustainable mountain travel on Clubhouse

Event Date: 
June 30, 2021 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Despite Tahoe’s reputation as one of our nation’s natural treasures – which sees four times the annual visitation of Yellowstone – Lake Tahoe is not a national park. So it lacks the consistent funding and strict protections needed to manage human impacts on the environment, including litter, tailpipe emissions, and habitat degradation. On the flip side, the Basin is an outdoor playground accessible to millions.

Column: Preserving vitality for men

Women, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, are 33 percent more likely than men to visit a doctor, and 100 percent more likely to have an annual exam. Considering most serious issues like diabetes and prostate cancer can be avoided by early detection and lifestyle management, it’s important for men to participate in general screenings to identify issues needing attention early on.

NHP tickets 30 vehicles parked illegally at Lake Tahoe

Illegal parking issues on Nevada highways at Lake Tahoe continue to keep the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) busy. After spending a day at the beach along SR-28 or Zephyr Cove on US-50, those parking over the white solid fog line or in areas marked with "No Parking" signs could find a ticket, or their car towed away.

Over the June 12 weekend, NHP troopers wrote 13 parking tickets at Sand Harbor and Zephyr Cove, the two hotspots for beachgoers that don't follow parking rules nor obey parking signs.

El Dorado County man charged with possessing 27 dogs for use in dog fighting

A federal grand jury returned a 27-count indictment Thursday against Carlos Villasenor, 38, of Placerville, charging him with possession of dogs for use in an animal fighting venture, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

Sunsational Clothing & Tans of South Lake Tahoe holding annual customer appreciation day

Event Date: 
June 30, 2021 - 10:00am

Sunsational Clothing & Tans of South Lake Tahoe will be holding their* annual Customer Appreciation Day Wednesday, June 30, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for all new and current members.

They will be displaying their new ULTRA Level 5 tanning bed and have free tanning, $20 spray tans, free red-light therapy, and infrared sauna. There will be raffles, food, prizes, and gift bags. They will also be offering discounts on all tanning packages and tanning lotions. Purchase a package for now, or later.

NPR: "Newsom mislead the public about wildfire prevention efforts"

On Gavin Newsom’s first full day in office, Jan. 8, 2019, the newly elected governor stood before the cameras, clad in jeans and sneakers and surrounded by emergency responders, and declared war on wildfires.

“Everybody has had enough,” the governor said, announcing he’d signed a sweeping executive order overhauling the state’s approach to wildfire prevention. Climate change was sparking fires more frequent, ferocious, and far-reaching than ever before, Newsom said, and confronting them would have to become a year-round effort.

UC Davis TERC begins Summer Science Speaks series with talk on beer

Event Date: 
July 21, 2021 - 5:30pm

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) is launching it in-person Summer Science Speaks series with the return of Dr. Charlie Bamforth. He specializes in beer and brewing and loves keeping all of Tahoe's beer-lovers in stitches.

On July 21, TERC is hosting "Beer: The reason we're live!" on the Patterson Patio at Sierra Nevada Universty from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Limited tickets are available for $45. This event is expected to sell out quickly.

El Dorado County man pleads guilty to murdering his wife

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Anthony John Gumina faces 30 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of his wife in 2019. The body of Heather Orr Gumina had been found two months after the mother of three went missing in El Dorado County.

Gumina pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and to two separate incidents of
felony domestic violence against Heather.

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 Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/06/19/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log

6/14

Barton Women's Health nurse recognized for exceptional patient care

Lauren Rolfe, a registered nurse with Barton Women’s Health, has been selected as The DAISY Award winner for extraordinary nurses. The award is in recognition of the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide to create a superior experience for patients and their families. Rolfe was nominated by a patient who received her medical support during a high-risk pregnancy.

Calling all teens: Join the Teens 4 Tahoe this summer

Teens 4 Tahoe is a volunteer club for teens who love Lake Tahoe and want to help improve its natural environment. Through the Tahoe Fund, the teens are bringing awareness and solutions to the environmental issues impacting Tahoe.

This summer, they will be helping out with trail days, clean-ups, and other Tahoe Fund events. Teens are invited to the first event of the summer: a clean-up at Camp Wamp on July 2nd.

Teens 4 Tahoe Camp Wamp Day

Thunderstorm risks rising, then its the temperature's turn in Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just ten days ago there was the word "snow" in the Lake Tahoe forecast and since that time there have been record-breaking high temperatures with more to come. If anyone needs a reminder that summer is here, the next 7-10 days will take care of any questions you may have.

Some Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley bus routes to be expanded or revised

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) will be revising and expanding some of its routes to help facilitate connections and increase access to transit throughout its service area. Transportation services will continue to be free for all riders for the foreseeable future, a change that was made amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Besides locals, TTD encourages all visitors to Lake Tahoe to consider using the free transit system.

New route improvements to start on Sunday, June 27, 2021:

Incline Village man arrested after shots fired in Kings Beach

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. - An Incline Village man was arrested on several charges including attempted murder after allegedly shooting at a man in Kings Beach on Sunday.

Deputies from the Placer County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of shots fired in the Kings Beach area on June 20 at 3:37 a.m. A witness was contacted and claimed that they were woken up by at least five gunshots from outside their residence near Bear Street and Rainbow Avenue. The witness also told deputies they saw a vehicle drive off at a high rate of speed.

Tahoe Home Consignment brings everything from contemporary to rustic elegance to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have you been missing a local furniture store when needing a couch, chair, lighting, wall art, or tableware? Well, you don't have to wait any longer, Tahoe Home Consignment has opened in The Crossing at Tahoe Valley in South Lake Tahoe.

Owner Jen Hause opened her store just over one month ago and has been so busy she hasn't been able to have an official Grand Opening celebration yet.

Tahoe Home Consignment offers a large variety of furnishings from Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Old Hickory, Room and Board, Crate and Barrel, and more. T

413 WNC students make Spring Dean’s List

Western Nevada College’s latest group of students to earn Dean’s List honors has demonstrated how outstanding students can make the necessary adjustments to excel in higher education.

Despite taking most of their classes online during the COVID health pandemic, 413 students made the college’s Dean’s List.

To earn the distinction of making WNC’s Dean’s List, students must complete at least 12 units during the semester and accumulate a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

Honorees include:

Carson City

Equity-minded community college leader chosen as LTCC’s next VP of Student Services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) has hired Michelle Y. Batista as its next Vice President of Student Services, with a planned start date of August 2, 2021. Batista has deep experience as a counselor, staff member, and as an administrator in both K-12 and community colleges in California.

Theatre returns to the Valhalla Boathouse with Murdered to Death

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Theatre returns to the historic boathouse at Valhalla with performances of Murdered to Death, The opening night is already sold up but tickets for the other performances are still available. Find out Whodunit in this hilarious spoof on Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries.

This play is sure to get you laughing and leave you guessing!

Full response to 911 call about a man being trapped under a car in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A full response by local first responders not only helped find a man in distress but also showed that practiced procedures and community involvement work.

On Monday morning at about 10:35 a.m., the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) dispatch center received a 911 call from a male with what sounded like a Hispanic accent, who mumbled what dispatchers thought was "I'm under a Lincoln Navigator." After listening to the call a few times, police are thinking the person was working on a car, it fell on him, and now he needs help.

Maximum enforcement weekend as South Lake Tahoe Police prepare for influx of cars

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) put out information on social media Monday, alerting the public that this coming weekend will be a "Maximum Enforcement" one June 25-27.

A two-day long Aces High Rally & Car Show will be taking place at Hard Rock LakeTahoe, and while this is a legal event and not the same group that held an illegal gathering in South Lake Tahoe last summer, SLTPD is letting the public be aware it's going on.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The daily COVID-19 report comes to an end on Monday. After today there will be a weekly report on Fridays unless there is a concerning change in statistics.

For today, El Dorado County has announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday: 1 from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 3 in El Dorado Hills, 2 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 2 in North County, 6 in Greater Placerville, 9 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, 2 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: 0. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 79.

Incline Village to host 4th of July weekend full of activities including Local Heroes Parade

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The fireworks may be canceled but the 4th of July holiday spirit on the North Shore has not been. Incline Village and Crystal Bay Association (IVCBA) has brought the community together for the first-ever “Local Heroes” Fourth of July Parade. Businesses will be adding in the jam-packed holiday weekend full of festivities for all ages.

Road Beat: Review - 2021 Hyundai Venue Is affordable and fun transportation

Almost exactly a year after I was impressed with Hyundai's newly introduced compact crossover, the Venue, I had the chance to revisit the cute mini 'ute from the South Korean auto giant. After having the chance to drive other offerings in the meantime, I was excited to reacquaint with a surprising favorite. Yes, you read that right, I was genuinely looking forward to this sub-$25,000 Hyundai. Just because it's affordable doesn't mean it can't be a fun way to navigate through your day.

Are ADUs coming to Lake Tahoe? TRPA to hear draft housing code presentation, public invited

Earlier this month the TRPA Local Government and Housing Committee and Advisory Planning Commission heard presentations on a package of housing recommendations to help meet regional workforce housing needs and to implement Regional Plan goals of walkable communities. Both bodies recommended continuing to move the proposed amendments forward.

The changes target:
- Flexibility for allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Embarc celebrates first anniversary in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Embarc celebrated its first anniversary in South Lake Tahoe this weekend. The cannabis dispensary was the first to open under a new ordinance established in the city in 2019.

South Lake Tahoe teen named to Golden State Elite Hockey 15AAA team

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 15-year-old South Lake Tahoe boy is moving up the ranks of hockey as he sets off on a new adventure as one of two goaltenders named to the Golden State Elite 15AAA team.

Brooks Smyrski was recently invited to a prospects camp for the Golden State Elite hockey club. After that camp, Brooks was invited to try out for the upcoming year's 15AAA team. He was then offered a position on the team.

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