Latest Stories

Food and Drug Administration authorizes booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for some groups

On September 22, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech’s two-dose COVID-19 to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered no sooner than six months following the initial two-dose series. This was then confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on September 24, 2021.

The following populations qualify for a booster dose:

Age 65+

National Coffee With A Cop Day at Cuppa Tahoe October 6

Event Date: 
October 6, 2021 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, members of the California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff, and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, have coffee, and build relationships.

All community members are invited to attend. The event goes from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on October 6 at Cuppa Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe.

Column: Your role in suicide prevention

Suicide is a leading cause of death, and it is reponsible for one death every 11 minutes in the U.S. Though widespread, suicide is preventable, and individually we can prepare ourselves to help support those who may be at risk.

Know the signs.
Pain isn’t always obvious, but most suicidal people show signs they are thinking about suicide. The signs may appear in conversations, through their actions or in their social media posts. There is a range of signs, but if any of these critical signs are present, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255:

Southwest Gas is seeing an increase in damage to its lines, reminds residents to call before they dig

Southwest Gas has seen an increase in damage to natural gas pipelines over the past couple of weeks because residents in the area are doing digging projects without first calling 811. The nice weather is enticing people to finish those projects before it gets too cold and they may not think about the significance of what can happen if they hit an underground utility line.

Placer County welcomes fall festivities

Placer County, a 1,400-square-mile destination in Northern California, is inviting travelers everywhere to live “life at its peak” during California’s beautiful fall season.

Column: Our chance to save Lake Tahoe

For the last 30 years, science showed us that climate change was threatening the planet and our way of life. Despite decades of warnings, the world has not done enough to stop it. We just felt the full force of climate change’s impacts here in Tahoe as the Caldor Fire endangered the lives of firefighters, thousands of homes, and Tahoe’s sensitive ecosystem.

Fall Fish Fest canceled due to low water in Taylor Creek, but area still open to public

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One of the more popular things to do in South Lake Tahoe as the seasons change is to attend the Fall Fish Fest at Taylor Creek, but that won't be the case in 2021.

Due to the ongoing drought conditions and low water levels at Fallen Leaf Lake, the flow into Taylor Creek is running low. The U.S. Forest Service expects the Kokanee salmon will not spawn in the creek due to the low levels. In the past when this happens, the Kokanee have moved on to other creeks to swim up and spawn in, then return to Taylor Creek if conditions allow the following year.

Sacred Space – Releasing and Receiving community event

Over the past year, with all that’s happened in the world and in our community, and now with the Caldor Fire, the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church hopes community members will stop by the church parking lot to share stories, express grief as well as gratitude, and explore steps to process all that this means in your own life and in our collective life as a community.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and Douglas County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 48 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday in El Dorado County.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 834 cases - +5 - The 14-day new case rate is 46 with 339 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3236 cases - +4 - The 14-day new case rate is 93 with 219 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 734 cases - +1 - The 14-day new case rate is 30 with 319 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 808 cases - +2 - The 14-day new case rate is 37 with 256 per 100,000 residents.

One arrested after pursuit in South Lake Tahoe; One officer and a driver transported to hospital

UPDATE 10:00PM: The family of the two people in the blue Explorer that ended on its roof are expressing their gratitude to the members of the public who helped them out of the vehicle.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A pursuit of a suspected stolen Mazda CX9 Friday led to one South Lake Tahoe man being arrested. At the same time a crash near the pursuit led to two people being transported to Barton Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

This is breaking news and not all information from law enforcement is available at this time.

Caldor Fire now 91% contained; No change in size Thursday

The Caldor Fire did not gain any size on Thursday and remains at 221,775 acres burned. Firefighters did gain on containment which is now 91 percent.

1,467 personnel remain working the fire.

Overall a relatively quiet day across the fire. On the west side in Divisions G through W, there were a number of small heat signatures well inside the perimeter, particularly around the Division A/W break. Fire lines along this perimeter are holding well with no issues.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 56 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday in El Dorado County and two new deaths announced.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 829 cases - +3 - The 14-day new case rate is 47 with 346 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3232 cases - +11 - The 14-day new case rate is 102 with 240 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 733 cases - +1 - The 14-day new case rate is 29 with 308 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 806 cases - +8 - The 14-day new case rate is 39 with 269 per 100,000 residents.

Wayne Oliver Couch ~ 1935 - 2021

Wayne Oliver Couch passed away on Wednesday, September 22 after a tough year of losing his son, and undergoing a series of health issues and operations. He was the family patriarch, where everyone looked to him for his wisdom and guidance; you could always expect a good story to go with what you needed, whether you asked for it or not.

Moving scam in Douglas County, fake debt collector in El Dorado County

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is alerting the public of an emerging scam taking place affect people who are moving or relocating between states and over large distances.

Douglas County honors four businesses with Spotlight Award for service during pandemic

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Four businesses were recognized in Douglas County today for their community spirit and extra efforts during the pandemic.

This was the eighth year businesses were awarded with Spotlight Awards. Instead of the normal seven industry categories, this year businesses were honored for doing "something outstanding" during COVID-19.

This year’s awards were announced at the hybrid Critical Issues Conference held on September 30, 2021.

1,800 pets evacuated by El Dorado County Animal Services, over 200 in South Lake Tahoe/Meyers

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - How do you move and care for 58 dogs, 127 cats, five rabbits, 27 birds, two turtles and four fish as flames are bearing down on a community that is evacuating? With a lot of planning, helpers and dedication.

As life for humans from the south shore community was disrupted and thrown into a mode of panic due to the Caldor Fire, those with animals were faced with even more complication - where do I go that will accept animals, or even how do I transport loved creatures in tanks and cages?

Inaugural Taste of Alpine offers a culinary adventure

MARKLEEVILLE, Calif. — Most people travel to Hope Valley and Alpine County for a visual treat each fall, and now a new week-long event will offer a culinary treat for the taste buds.

The Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with area businesses, is offering a new type of visitor adventure - Taste of Alpine. The week-long event is an opportunity for customers to visit communities throughout the county and take in all that the local restaurants have to offer, from full-course dining to appetizers and drink specials.

New Eldorado National Forest orders open some areas outside of Caldor Fire footprint

Even though the Caldor Fire is still burning, the emergency forest-wide closure order issued in August will be terminated and replaced with three new ones starting September 20, 2021.

The Caldor Fire Closure, Forest Order 03-21-18, will be in effect until March 31, 2022. It could be lifted sooner or modified if conditions warrant.

Caldor Fire now 83% contained

Weather conditions have been favorable for firefighters, allowing them to get a containment line around 83 percent of the Caldor Fire. It is 221,775 acres in size. High pressure moved over the fire area which helped reduce winds but did bring in higher temperatures during the day.

"This fire is still a sleeping giant," said Mike Wakoski, the new incident commander assigned to the Caldor Fire. "This is a big fire."

The Caldor Fire is the 15th largest in California history and almost 350 square miles.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 30 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday in El Dorado County and two new deaths announced.

30 cases (14,883) 4 in Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz; 7 in El Dorado Hills; 2 Diamond Springs, El Dorado; 3 in North County; 4 in Greater Placerville; 4 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue; 3 South County; 9 in Lake Tahoe region; (-6) awaiting address confirmation (total awaiting address confirmation is 155)

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 826 cases - +4 - The 14-day new case rate is 49 with 361 per 100,000 residents.

South Tahoe High Homecoming Parade on Friday: Local Heroes/Superheroes

Event Date: 
October 1, 2021 - 4:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Alumni and the South Lake Tahoe community are invited to join South Tahoe High students, staff, faculty, school board members, special guests, and Superintendent Cutler on Friday, October 1 for the school's annual Homecoming Parade.

The theme of this year's parade is "Local Heroes/Superheroes."

$41 million headed to Lake Tahoe for reduction of wildfire risk, help region adapt to climate change

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Funds are heading to the Lake Tahoe Basin after Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $15 billion package last week that will finance projects to address climate change after this devastating wildfire season.

Funds will combat the climate crisis, tackle catastrophic wildfires, and help build a resilient California for the future.

The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) will receive $36 million to restore forests and reduce wildfire risk at Lake Tahoe. Another $5.25 million will help improve the area's resilience to climate change.

New grant allows LTCC to re-engage adult learners with credits but no credential

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) recently secured a $65,750 grant, allowing for another vital piece to be added to the college’s overall efforts to reconnect with adult learners who have some earned college credits, but no credential or degree.

This grant will further fund a new program called Reconnect to Complete, which helps LTCC to ensure that adult learners in the South Shore community are provided with clear pathways to social mobility and economic stability through education.

Caldor Fire size remains the same - weather conditions were good today for reduced fire activity

The Caldor Fire is currently 221,774 acres and remains at 76 percent contained. The cause of the fire, which started at approximately 6:45 p.m. on August 14, is still under investigation.

The Red Flag Warning expired this morning at 5:00 a.m. The weather front brought high winds and light precipitation, measuring about one tenth of an inch, over the fire area. It also brought cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

Fifth annual Fright at the Fairgrounds held through October in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The fifth annual "Fright at the Fairgrounds" will be held every Friday and Saturday through the month of October.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) puts on the event for the community at the county's fairgrounds located off Pinenut Road in Gardnerville starting October 1 and running through Halloween Night on October 31.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and Alpine County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 22 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday in El Dorado County. The death of a resident from each El Dorado and Alpine counties was announced today.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 822 cases - +0 - The 14-day new case rate is 58 with 427 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3212 cases - +2 - The 14-day new case rate is 101 with 238 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 730 cases - +0 - The 14-day new case rate is 33 with 351 per 100,000 residents.

TRPA awards $11M for seven Lake Tahoe transportation projects

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Through the Linking Tahoe Grant Program, the
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has announced the seven projects that were awarded a total of $11 million in funding over the next three years.

The winning transportation-based projects across the Tahoe Region will reduce congestion, expand regional trails, provide free transit, support sustainable recreation and tourism, assist with Caldor Fire recovery work, improve lake clarity, and create climate resiliency. The grants help fund and implement the different projects.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe plans $7.5M terrain expansion with new express lift

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe announced today that plans are underway to expand the Lakeview area of the mountain to include additional ski terrain and a new high-speed chairlift. Estimated to be the largest capital improvement project in the resort’s history, the new lift will be a key piece of Mt. Rose’s efforts to enhance the overall experience in the Lakeview mountain zone, which will include trail additions, existing trail improvements and new skier traffic patterns.

Newsom signs new law making vote-by-mail ballots permanent for all registered voters

All active registered California voters in the last two years were mailed ballots as a safety measure due to the pandemic. Now that practice will be permanent after Governor Newsom signed AB37 into law.

With ballots mailed to the registered voters, participation in creased. The Bill had been created to increase access to democracy and enfranchise more voters. The Governor also signed legislation increasing transparency and integrity in elections

Caldor Fire remains the same size as winds cause issues within the current footprint

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The wind has been causing issues over the Caldor Fire all day, with the introduction of new fuels as leaves and pine needles were blown off trees. The Red Flag Warning is in place over the fire area until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday. Until then, winds tonight could gust 40-50 mph tonight with 60 mph gusts over the highest peaks. During the day Monday, gusts were up to 40 mph on the peaks.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 79 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday in El Dorado County.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 822 cases - +6 - The 14-day new case rate is 58 with 427 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3212 cases - +17 - The 14-day new case rate is 107 with 252 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 730 cases - +6 - The 14-day new case rate is 35 with 372 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 792 cases - +7 - The 14-day new case rate is 38 with 262 per 100,000 residents.

Constitution Week 2021 celebrated in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council honored Constitution Week by reading a proclamation to open its September 21 meeting. The purpose of the observance week is to promote study and education about the United States Constitution which was originally adopted by the American Congress of the Confederation on September 17, 1787.

Mitigating wildfire hazards for homes and communities focus of next UC Davis public discussion

Event Date: 
September 30, 2021 - 11:00am

Fire is part of our past, our present and our future. What we do today will affect how we survive the next Caldor Fire. Our fire season gets longer and more severe every year. So far this year, California has seen four of the largest wildfires in its history, and the Dixie Fire, the second-largest in state history, is still burning after two months.

What can we do to protect homes, neighborhoods and communities and make them more resilient to fire hazards? Hear from two UC Davis experts on these and related questions Sept. 30:

Tahoe Fund supports new technology to increase pace of wildfire mitigation

As the 220,000+-acre Caldor Fire continues to burn, the Tahoe Fund has announced a grant from its Smartest Forest Fund to a first-of-its-kind digital tool, called Land Tender, that could cut the time it takes to plan and execute projects that protect communities and forests from years down to months.

This tool would provide land managers in the Tahoe Basin with the high-resolution data and modeling they need to make more agile and informed decisions.

Windy, cooler and possibly wet start to the week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A cold front will bring increasing winds tarting Sunday and going through Tuesday with heightened fire weather and gusty lake wind concerns on Monday and much cooler temperatures by the middle of next week. Chances for light precipitation return next week, mainly in northeast
California and near the Sierra.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning and a Lake Wind Advisory, both in effect from September 27, 12:00 a.m. until September 28, 5:00 a,m.

The South Lake Tahoe forecast for the week from NWS Reno:

About 600 NV Energy customers warned of possible power shutdown due to weather

UDPATE 9/27: NV Energy has increased the PSOM Watch to a PSOM Warning. They will be monitoring fire weather conditions but said the event is now highly likely for the areas in the maps above, Kingsbury Grade and Genoa area. They expect the PSOM event to start Monday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and end on Tuesday, September 28 at approximately 4:00 p.m. This outage will impact approximately 600 customers.

Volunteers needed for Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to this fun, hands-on restoration event, the annual Tahoe Stewardship Day. By pitching in, you will help improve the ecosystem functions and wildlife habitats that surround Lake Tahoe.

Following the catastrophic Caldor Fire, upcoming winter storms threaten to wash tons of erodible soils and sediment off of steep, scorched mountain slopes and into the creeks and rivers that flow into Lake Tahoe. Healthy streams, meadows and wetlands act as natural pollution filters to Keep Tahoe Blue. Help us heal the land to Keep Tahoe Blue!

Comstock Cowboys perform at TJ’s Corral in Minden

Event Date: 
October 8, 2021 - 7:00pm

The first concert in CVAC’s 2021-2022 Concert Series will feature music from the Comstock Cowboys on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 7:00 pm at TJ’s Corral at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden, Nevada.

Their music is timeless and speaks to many generations. They perform original music, written by David John, as well as powerful songs about America, when our moral values were honest and strong. In their unique style, they sing about Cowboys, Horses, Soldiers, the Old West, and Nature at its grandest. So join David John and his band the Comstock Cowboys on a journey to the old west.

Red Flag Warning over the Caldor Fire until Tuesday morning

The Caldor Fire remains at 76 percent contained and is now measured at 221,774 acres, or 346 square miles.

Weather will play a major factor on the Caldor Fire through Tuesday morning as a Red Flag Warning has been declared over the area from midnight Sunday until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday.

Fire personnel are preparing to respond accordingly to the critical fire weather, just as they have been during the duration of the fire.

Southwest winds will strengthen overnight and tomorrow and by Monday evening gusts along the ridgetops are expected to peak between 50 to 60 mph.

Low-cost community flu clinics announced in El Dorado County 


EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Division, will be conducting low-cost community flu vaccination clinics this season starting on September 30, 2021. There will be additional clinics offered until November 6, 2021. Seasonal influenza vaccine will be available in flu shot form at the clinics; a limited supply of FluMist® will be available for children.

In South Lake Tahoe:

South Lake Tahoe Senior Center
Sept. 30, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe

Bijou Elementary

Moose Lodge's Kids' Fishing Day canceled

Due to a number of contributing factors, the South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge's 18th Kid’s Fishing Day has been canceled for 2021.

The club announced they made the difficult decision to cancel due to the ongoing Caldor Fire, the condition of Lake Baron, and lingering COVID-19 restrictions.

This is the second year in a row that the Lodge will not be able to hold the event which had been held for the previous 17 years. 

Crews respond to two fires north of Caldor Fire, flare ups near Sierra-at-Tahoe

Overnight fire personnel responded to several service calls related to heat and smoke in the Sierra-at-Tahoe Basin area. Firefighters monitored and mopped up throughout active areas of the fire.

Today firefighters responded to the Rubicon and Smith fires north of the Caldor fire, both caused by lightning north of Divisions Ida and Mike. The seven-acre Rubicon fire was spotted early this morning 14 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. Multiple handcrews and engines from the Caldor incident, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and CalFire, halted the fire’s forward progress.

COVID-19: Two new deaths in El Dorado County, three in Douglas County

On Friday there were 32 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County and two new deaths, and for the week in Douglas County there were 119 new cases and three new deaths.

El Dorado County

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 816 cases - +5 - The 14-day new case rate is 56 with 413 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3195 cases - +9 - The 14-day new case rate is 126 with 297 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 722 cases - +6 - The 14-day new case rate is 38 with 404 per 100,000 residents.

El Dorado County redistricting maps released - all 5 supervisor district boundaries to change based on new census

As part of the redistricting process currently underway in El Dorado County,
alternative maps under consideration for Board of Supervisors districts are now available for public viewing.

Carson Valley Art Studio Tour planned

Event Date: 
October 8, 2021 (All day)

Plan an arts weekend getaway in the beautiful Carson Valley for Oct. 8-10, 2021. They are putting on a show and not just one of the awesome fall colors!

Seven studios with 25 artists are featured on the 2021 Carson Valley Art Studio Tour. The Tour includes the studios of painter Teri Sweeney, Mixed media paintings and jewelry artist, Pam Brekas, western watercolor artist, Sheri Greves-Neilson, oil artist, Barbara Gustafson, painter La Vonne Vasick, Copper Kiln pottery Sharon Randall, and Gardnerville Station.

Column: Thankful for those who served the community during the Caldor Fire

It takes a village … and even more to protect one. I am so grateful for the people who stepped up to serve during this crisis. From those with dedicated emergency response roles to those whose gestures, like expressing their thanks through a heartfelt sign, you have each done your part.

Vail Resorts announces large investment plan that brings high-speed quad lift to Heavenly

Vail Resorts announced they are planning 19 new chairlifts, including 12 high-speed lifts, a new 8-person high-speed gondola and six new fixed-grip lifts as part of its $315-$325 million capital investment plan for next year.

This is an unprecedented number of on-mountain projects, in what will be the Company’s largest single-year investment into the guest experience. All improvements are subject to government approval and completion for the 2022/23 ski and board season will depend on the timing of that approval.

LTUSD looking for Measure G Oversight Committee members

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is reinstating the Citizen Oversight Committee (COC) for Measure G. The measure passed in 2008 with just over 59 percent of the vote and allowed LTUSD to obtain $64.5 Million in bonds at legal interest rate with annual financial audits and funds were only for school and classroom facility improvements, with no money for administrators' salaries.

Column: The tragic case of Gabby Petito and the intricacies of domestic violence

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While we will ultimately learn the facts of the
disappearance and death of Gabby Petito, this tragic case sparks an important conversation about the intricacies of domestic violence, the power dynamics involved, stereotypes of victims, how we can understand the potential signs of domestic violence, and the best ways to support survivors.

Road Beat: Review - 2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL is too much of the same

Priced nearly the same as the marginally larger Tiguan, what's the point of this new crossover?

Syndicate content