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Incline Village Justice Court looking for new home

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. - The Incline Village Justice Court has one year to find a new home. The Washoe County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved a one year contract with the landlord of the court building located at 865 Tahoe Boulevard, Incline Village.

Caldor post-fire BAER soil burn severity map released

USDA Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment teams are multi-disciplinary teams sent to federal lands following significant wildfires to characterize the fire effects to watersheds, identify imminent post-fire threats to human life and safety, property, infrastructure, and critical natural and cultural resources. Once the assessment is complete, the team develops BAER emergency treatment recommendations to mitigate identified risks.

Large motorcycle group doing burnouts, being filmed while holding up traffic leads to one arrest

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Several dozen motorcyclists were part of what appears to be a social media stunt Sunday between Zephyr Cove and Cave Rock at Lake Tahoe Sunday.

A group of bikers took over both westbound lanes of US50 on the north side of the Cave Rock Tunnel on September 19, 2021. They appeared to be taking part in burnouts with several onlookers. Several of the drivers prohibited from driving due to the event called the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO). The reports were for traffic hazards and blocking traffic.

Vail Resorts: No masks required outdoors, reservations and vaccines required for indoor dining

Many of the safety protocols at Vail Resorts across the country last winter have been changed or dropped by the corporation as they released their Winter Operating Plan for the 2021-22 ski and ride season yesterday. Face coverings will be required indoors, not outdoors, and proof of a COVID-19 vaccination required to eat indoors and for employees.

The protocols for this season were shared in a letter to guests Monday, and focus on the spaces most prone to transmission – those located indoors. Heavenly and Northstar will open November 19 followed by Kirkwood on December 3.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 122 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since Friday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 797 cases - +7 - The 14-day new case rate is 57 with 420 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3176 cases - +30 - The 14-day new case rate is 150 with 353 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 714 cases - +8 - The 14-day new case rate is 45 with 479 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 779 cases - +7 - The 14-day new case rate is 44 with 304 per 100,000 residents.

Sierra Alphorn Players play at final Tahoe History Talks at the Beach

Event Date: 
September 21, 2021 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Historical Society is hosting the final Tahoe History Talks at the Beach for the season on Tuesday, September 21. An hour with the Sierra Alphorn Players will start at 5:30 p.m. at El Dorado Beach at Lakeview Commons (you'll find them on the shady west side of the amphitheater-style outdoor seating.

The Caldor Fire is 76% contained and over 219,000 acres in size

The Caldor Fire is now 76 percent contained and 219,101 acres in size. It spreads over three counties - El Dorado, Alpine and Amador.

The cause of the fire that started on Saturday August 14th at approximately 07:00 p.m. is under investigation. It started about four miles south of the town of Grizzly Flat.

Cool start to the week in South Lake Tahoe but temps heating up during the week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a chilly start today along with below average highs this afternoon, high pressure will bring warming temperatures with dry conditions this week. Gusty winds are possible Wednesday although
no strong wind events are expected this week. There is a chance of showers next weekend; however, confidence remains low according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

The weekly forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno;

Today - Sunny, with a high near 72. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

El Dorado County education leadership thanks the community

To the community: Throughout the devastating challenges of the Caldor fire and its impact on our schools, you as a community stood by us every step of the way. From providing crucial basic needs to families, remaining flexible and understanding during closures, to providing volunteer support to educate our displaced students – you stepped up. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You make El Dorado County the special place that it is, and we could not be more grateful. El Dorado County strong!

Superintendents:
Dr. Ed Manansala – El Dorado County

Column: Testing our resilience

There comes a moment in a crisis when the things that matter shift. As the Caldor Fire crept its way up the Highway 50 corridor, many of us watched anxiously and worried about the smoke. A few days later when walls of flame had consumed 100,000 acres just outside Tahoe, what mattered was packing irreplaceable photographs, grabbing phone chargers, and checking fuel gauges. As neighborhoods and shopping centers emptied and the rest of the Tahoe Basin took to the edge of their seats, new worries took over too. What will we come back to? Have we done enough to get ready for this day we hoped we’d

Barton Labor and Delivery nurse recognized with Daisy Award for exceptional care

Stephanie Clayton, a registered labor and delivery nurse with Barton’s Family Birthing Center, 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. Clayton was nominated by a patient who received her medical support through two pregnancies at Barton Memorial Hospital.

South Lake Tahoe blood drive Friday

Event Date: 
September 24, 2021 - 12:00pm

There will be a South Lake Tahoe community blood drive on Friday, September 24 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation Gym, 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment but walk-ins will be welcome and accommodated if space allows.

US50 over Echo Summit slated to reopen Tuesday

Travelers in both directions between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento will be happy with the news that crews should have US50 over Echo Summit to Kyburz open by Tuesday. The portion between Kyburz and Pollock Pines previously opened.

During the Caldor Fire Interagency Management Team's Sunday community meeting, a Caltrans spokesperson said residents can start going to their homes along US50 on Monday starting at 8:00 a.m. They will need proof of residency in Strawberry, Mile Tract, Echo Summit and other areas along the fire that have been closed due to the fire.

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care holding annual fundraising Wild & Free Gala virtually

Event Date: 
October 21, 2021 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) has successfully released over 17,000 birds and animals to their native habitats. Everything they do is to ensure orphaned and injured animals can be released back to the wild.

With drought conditions leading to extreme wildfires throughout the region, LTWC's vital services have become even more critical in aiding injured and orphaned wildlife.

Backcountry areas closed by USFS due to Caldor Fire and line repair efforts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Backcountry areas within the Caldor Fire boundary and surrounding terrain are currently closed and a new closure notice became effective September 18 and is in place to the end of 2021.

The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has work to do on stabilization of land around dozer lines, are dealing with dangerous hot spots in the fire area, and want to allow firefighters access to the complete area.

No increase in size as wind up to 55 mph on the Caldor Fire overnight

On Sunday morning, the Caldor Fire remains 218,876 acres in sie and 71 percent contained. Winds hampered any needed air support on Saturday.

Gusty winds developed Saturday afternoon resulting in an increase in fire activity and smoke production from interior pockets of unburned vegetation. Firefighters engaged where needed and where safe to do so. Despite high winds, the fire remained within the existing footprint with no additional growth beyond control and containment lines. The highest wind gust recorded was 55 mph at 9100-feet.

Lake Tahoe water agencies stress the public conserve water during power outages

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As Liberty Utility and Nevada Energy consider public safety power shut-offs for Lake Tahoe, South Lake’s water districts would like to remind residents to conserve water during power outages.

When risk of catastrophic wildfire becomes too great, electric utilities may turn off the power for extended periods of time. South Lake Tahoe’s water districts urge customers to conserve water during power outages to make sure there is enough water available to fight a fire if needed.

Three arrests of people accused of stealing property during and after the Caldor Fire evacuation

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Caldor Fire Law Enforcement Security Team and the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) have spent the past several days investigating several crimes attributed to one person who is now accused of committing dozens of crimes on the South Shore during the recent State of Emergency. They also arrested a couple after a month-long investigation into local crimes.

Lake Tahoe power companies elevate level of warning for power outage (shutdown canceled)

SUNDAY UPDATE: The possible power shut down at Lake Tahoe due to anticipated fire weather has been canceled. According to NV Energy, the fire weather did not materialize. Liberty Utilities canceled the warning of a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, as well due to improved fire conditions. At this time, they do not anticipate the need to proactively shut off power to customers.

* * *

57% of El Dorado County voters supported the recall that lost by a large margin in the state

Tuesday's gubernatorial recall election failed in the state of California, but in El Dorado County over 57 percent of the voters supported it. The results reflected the normal trend in the county to not support candidates who are members of the Democratic Party.

In the whole state, the recall failed by a margin of 63.5 percent to 36.5 percent. There were 6,703,848 voters casting the "no" ballot.

El Dorado County was not alone in the Sierra and eastern half of the state with only Nevada County voting to stop the recall.

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

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 50 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 790 cases - +7 - The 14-day new case rate is 61 with 450 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3146 cases - +11 - The 14-day new case rate is 143 with 337 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 706 cases - -1 - The 14-day new case rate is 50 with 532 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 772 cases - +4 - The 14-day new case rate is 44 with 304 per 100,000 residents.

Caldor Fire changes to a new incident management team, remains at 71% contained

The mapping of the Caldor Fire reduced a little today due to better mapping. It is now at 218,876 acres and remains 71 percent contained.

Weather will be a challenge for firefighters over the next couple of days as we enter a Fire Weather Watch on Saturday. Winds over the fire began to increase Friday with ridgetop winds from 13-18 mph and 20-25 mph tomorrow with gusts up to 35 mph. Crews are concentrating their efforts on areas that still have active fire that could grow in wind events.

Roadwork resumes on SR28 and Mt. Rose Highway

Beginning Sunday, September 19 at 8:00 p.m. crews will be working on SR-28 heading back toward Crystal Bay. Operations progressed quickly this week and crews were able to reach the Northwood/Southwood Boulevard intersection (Incline Village).

Drivers can also expect the scenic overlook on SR-431 to be closed this week for drainage work. A drop inlet and culvert are being installed to collect and transfer snow runoff that will help preserve the roadway.

Most of South Lake Tahoe not facing power shut-off Sunday, but Meyers and Christmas Valley in the PSPS zone

UPDATE 9/18 3:45PM - The two local power companies have moved the entire South Lake Tahoe and Shore Shore Nevada into an elevated warning stage. For more, visit HERE.

Tahoe Magic seeking donations to help residents with one-time financial assistance after Caldor Fire evacuations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Magic has been helping families with one-time financial crisis assistance for over 27 years. When the pandemic hit the South Lake Tahoe community, Tahoe Magic, a trusted and respected non-profit responded to help our neighbors. Thanks to community donations and support from foundations and businesses, they have been able to assist those impacted with more than $430,000 in shelter and essential need assistance since March of 2020. What an incredible community to live in!

Food Bank returns to South Lake Tahoe with monthly farmer's market truck

Event Date: 
September 22, 2021 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Food Bank will be in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, September 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with their free Farmer's Market. They will be set up in the parking lot of St. Theresa Church with extra food due to the current need brought on by the Caldor Fire evacuations.

For over 20 years the Food Bank has been supplying food to the South Lake Tahoe community. Not only do they give food directly to residents, they also give food to local nonprofits for their clients.

Special South Tahoe Refuse drop off locations wrap up Saturday; $5 Dump Day returns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Refuse has been collecting household garbage at special drop-off locations since residents returned to their homes after evacuations from the Caldor Fire.

Historic Angora Lookout saved from Caldor fire with aluminized wrap

After almost being lost in the 2007 Angora Fire, the historic Angora Lookout buildings were protected from the 2021 Caldor Fire with aluminized structure wrap.

As the fire made a move to the east, firefighters working ahead of it had time to proactively protect properties by cutting limbs, reducing vegetation, removing flammable material and bulldozing lines.

They had a contingency plan to also cover the historic lookout to protect it from radiant heat and embers by using what looks like a lot of aluminum foil.

Caldor Fire update: 71% contained and SR88 has reopened

The Caldor Fire started 31 days ago and remains 71 percent contained and 219,267 acres in size.

East Zone

Conditions were slightly cooler today, with light west winds through the afternoon with occasional gusts to 20 mph. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Saturday for high winds, which will remain high on Sunday but will be accompanied by higher humidity and lower temperatures than will be present on Saturday.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 70 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since yesterday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 783 cases - +6 - The 14-day new case rate is 56 with 413 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3135 cases - +12 - The 14-day new case rate is 150 with 353 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 707 cases - +2 - The 14-day new case rate is 54 with 574 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 768 cases - +6 - The 14-day new case rate is 43 with 297 per 100,000 residents.

Kiwanis honors Barton Healthcare during their annual installation of officers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra celebrated another year of service to the South Lake Tahoe community during its annual installation of officers celebration on August 15 at Revive Coffee and Wine Bar.

After two years of leadership, Kelly Meyer was retired as president and she passed the gavel to Mike Foster. He and the 2021-2022 officers and board members were installed by Kiwanis, Cal-Nev-Ha Division 45, Lieutenant Governor Christy Ramsey.

Liberty Utilities could implement Public Safety Power Shutoff Sunday

FRIDAY UPDATE: The PSPS has been dropped for most of South Lake Tahoe (the yellow areas) but remains in the red zones. For more, visit http://southtahoenow.com/story/09/17/2021/most-south-lake-tahoe-not-facing-power-shut-sunday-meyers-....

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Liberty Utilities has announced they may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for the areas in yellow and red in the map due to extreme fire conditions.

Evacuation warnings lifted for Washoe Meadows, North Upper Truckee areas

Another evacuation warning has been lifted for areas in the Caldor Fire area in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The following Evacuation warnings have been lifted in El Dorado County:
East zone:

Washoe Meadows area including all residences accessed from North Upper Truckee Road, Tahoe Mountain Road, Lake Tahoe Boulevard, west of Tahoe Mountain Road and Chiapa Drive.

The area remaining in a warning includes Christmas Valley.

Volunteers needed for 21st Markleeville Creek Day

Event Date: 
September 18, 2021 - 9:00am

Alpine Watershed Group is hosting its 21st Markleeville Creek Day
this Saturday, September 18, 2021. This event allows for the completion of important restoration work through several projects across the Carson River watershed. Volunteers will have the opportunity to plant sod plugs in Hope Valley, remove invasive weeds from meadows and riparian zones, cleanup roads as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program, provide well needed maintenance at an ADA trail, or help improve Markleeville’s downtown curbside appeal through a community beautification project.

No experience is necessary.

Caldor Fire containment line grows to 71 percent

The Caldor Fire has not expanded its footprint in a couple of days and remains 219,267 acres in size, and firefighters have a containment line around 71 percent of the fire.

East Zone

Conditions today remained warm and dry, and a fire weather watch is expected this weekend for high winds and a continuation of high temperatures and low humidity’s.

South Upper Truckee residents thank fire fighters heading out from Celio Ranch

MEYERS, Calif. - As has been the common theme all week on streets around South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, and Christmas Valley, messages of gratitude to firefighters are displayed to those who saved the community from the Caldor Fire.

While all firefighting efforts are impressive, perhaps none as much as those around the historic Celio Ranch, South Upper Truckee Road and Christmas Valley.

Cold front headed to Lake Tahoe packing a little punch with chance of rain and snow in forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plan on quiet weather with warm temperatures through Friday. An early season storm will bring periods of strong gusty winds with increased fire danger, much cooler temperatures, and even some
light rain showers (and yes, a chance of snow) starting this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said big changes are in store this weekend as a rather strong cold front shifts through the region.

There is a Fire Weather Watch in place from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening, and again from Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County - 8 new deaths this week

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Since Tuesday there have been eight more deaths of El Dorado County residents due to COVID, and 109 new cases reported.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 737 cases - +14 - The 14-day new case rate is 58 with 427 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 3123 cases - +18 - The 14-day new case rate is 157 with 369 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 705 cases - +10 - The 14-day new case rate is 54 with 574 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 762 cases - +8 - The 14-day new case rate is 41 with 283 per 100,000 residents.

POSTPONED - South Lake Tahoe to hold community event to honor first responders prior to Tahoe Brewfest at LTCC

9/22/21 UPDATE: This event has been postponed.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe is partnering with Lake Tahoe Community College and the Tahoe Brewfest in hosting “A Community Event: Welcome Back Tahoe, Honoring Our Heroes” event on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The event is taking place prior to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe's annual Tahoe Brewfest on the college campus.

Bear walks through the ruins of the Caldor Fire near Lake Tahoe

Firefighter Leslie Pratt of Wyoming was working on the Caldor Fire near Trimmer Peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin on September 11 when she spotted a young bear walking through the burned forest. It did not appear to be harmed and walked normally, Pratt said.

Toogee Sielsch, a Lake Tahoe bear advocate, said by looking at the photo the bear appears to be a wildland yearling. While the bear's coat looks ashy and possibly burned in the photo, Sielsch said the appearance is common in yearlings if they don't get the right calories.

Reno based TruckHouse™ debuts the BCT locally this weekend

Event Date: 
September 18, 2021 - 10:00am

SPARKS, NV, Sept. 2021 - TruckHouseTM is showing the BCT, its state-of-the-art expedition vehicle, for the first time locally this weekend at Adventure Van Expo Tahoe in Homewood, CA, September 18-19.

TruckHouse’s COO and co-founder, Nico Monforte, is a UNR graduate and North Lake Tahoe native. Nico draws from his US National Ski Team experience as well as his BS and MBA from the University Nevada, Reno to efficiently operate this small, but growing, company. TruckHouse is proud to employ a talented crew of craftsmen from the Reno/Tahoe area.

More Caldor Fire evacuation warnings drop in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The evacuation warning has been rescinded for all homes accessed from Pioneer Trail between Al Tahoe Blvd and Elks Club Drive, Highway 89 between Emerald bay and the City of South Lake Tahoe, and Fallen Leaf Road Between Highway 89 and Tahoe Mountain Road.

The area of Fallen Leaf Lake west of Tahoe Mountain is still under an evacuation order.

There still may be equipment moving in the area, please drive safely.

The following Evacuation warnings have been lifted in El Dorado County:
Fallen Leaf B -
• North Fallen Leaf Lake
• Cascade Lake

TOCCATA 9/11 Memorial Concert dedicated to first responders

Event Date: 
September 19, 2021 - 3:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The TOCCATA Presents 9/11 Memorial Concert Series was originally planned to be in town last week, but with the Caldor Fire evacuations, it has been moved to Sunday, September 19 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Church.

TOCCATA, the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, under the direction of Conductor James Rawie, is finishing their 2021 Tahoe Summer MusicFest with the four-concert series. It started on September 12 in Incline Village and will end in South Lake Tahoe.

The Heavenly Village Wing Cook-off and Village AleFest in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 18, 2021 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Shops at Heavenly Village are hosting the Heavenly Village Wing Cook-off and Village AleFest on Saturday, September 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

USFS forest closure ends Wednesday night; Popular beaches set to reopen

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe region forest closure order will be terminated at 11:59 p.m. September 15, once again allowing beach goers and some back country enthusiasts access in areas not immediately affected by the Caldor Fire. The order was originally longer but moved up two days due to better conditions.

Column: New study examines Caldor Fire’s impact on Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Even as flames from the Caldor Fire threatened Tahoe, scientific research efforts were already underway to learn how the historic blaze was impacting Lake Tahoe’s famed water quality and clarity. In the closing days of August, scientists from the bi-state Tahoe Science Advisory Council launched a rapid response scientific study to gather samples of smoke and ashfall from the Caldor Fire.

Barton Skilled Nursing residents return after Calder Fire evacuation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The residents at the Barton Skilled Nursing facility in South Lake Tahoe returned home Monday after being evacuated due to the Caldor Fire.

The residents spent two weeks at Ormsby Post Acute Rehab in Carson City. They were transported to and from Barton on Lake Tahoe Unified School District buses and via Tahoe Douglas Fire ambulances.

A celebration took place as they returned to their home with smiles on their faces.

All photos provided by Barton Health

Caldor Fire remains the same size, now 69 percent contained

The Caldor Fire remained at 219,267 acres in size and is now 69 percent contained.

East Zone

Disaster relief supplies available for South Lake Tahoe residents

A full truck of donations from Church of Christ members across the nation arrived in South Lake Tahoe Monday from Nashville, Tennessee. The South Tahoe High Wrestling Team unloaded the truck that was full of clothing, blankets, bedding, baby items, dust masks, food, water, personal care items, tools, and kits of cleaning equipment and supplies.

Local residents (must have local identification) can pick up supplies starting on Friday, September 17 at 3609 Vanda Lee Way, South Lake Tahoe. The donations will be distributed by the Lake Tahoe Church of Christ.

Lake Tahoe AleWorX hosting the Caldor Community Festival fundraiser

Event Date: 
September 19, 2021 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe AleWorX is hosting the Caldor Community Festival at their "Y" location on Sunday, September 19 to raise funds for the reinstated Barton Foundation Emergency Response Fund.

The community gathering will be to celebrate the first responders and all organizations and individuals involved in fighting the Caldor Fire. The event is for all ages and there will be games, contests, raffles, food and drink specials, and music. The Bob Lopez Band will be playing from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by the Bread and Butter Band from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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