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El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf declares state of emergency for county

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf has proclaimed a local emergency for the current storm situation. It was signed on March 3 and released via social media on March 5, 2023.

This move allows the County to be included in Governor Newsom's State of Emergency and gives the region the possibility of receiving resources for public infrastructure repairs. The county had been left out of the March 1 proclamation for the counties of Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma, and Tulare.

VHR presentation at El Dorado County supervisor meeting

UPDATE: Supervisor Brooke Laine will be asking her fellow supervisors to postpone this agenda item until May 2.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - On Tuesday, March 7, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) will receive a presentation on the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) program for the incorporated portion of Lake Tahoe. The El Dorado County ordinance covers Christmas Valley to Tahoma and not the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Over a foot of fresh snow on Lake Tahoe area roads, I80 closed as well as others Sunday morning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Snow-covered roads surround Lake Tahoe and the Sierra after over a new foot or more of new snow fell over the last 24 hours.

US50 over Spooner Summit was closed Sunday morning but it has since reopened, and with I80 closed, all westbound traffic was being diverted from Nevada onto Kingsbury Grade.

Conditions can change quickly since the forecast is snow all day Sunday and into Monday morning, so search road conditions prior to getting on the road.

As of 10:15 a.m. Sunday:

I80 is closed from Applegate in Placer County to the Nevada state line.

South Lake Tahoe man dies in two-car collision on US50 at Ice House Road

An 83-year-old South Lake Tahoe man has been identified as the person who was killed in a collision on US50 near Ice House Road on Thursday afternoon.

Marvin H. Buchmiller, a long-time advocate for mentally and emotionally challenged members of the South Lake Tahoe community, died after another vehicle crossed into opposing lanes, hitting Buchmiller's Kia Sportage.

Buchmiller had a 52-year-old passenger in his vehicle. That man, who is unidentified, was hospitalized with major injuries. Buchmiller was eastbound heading home after taking his passenger to a doctor's appointment.

Three-time Country Music Award winner Dierks Bentley heading to Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena

The 2023 Summer Concert Series has announced that three-time Country Music Award winner Dierks Bentley is bringing his Gravel & Gold Tour to Lake Tahoe on Friday, August 4 at 7 p.m.

Special guests Molly Tuttle, The Red Clay Strays & Golden Highway will be joining him on the stage behind Harvey's Tahoe.

Presale starts Thursday, March 16 at 10 a.m. (code BLUE). For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit HERE.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls in Lake Tahoe area

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.

February 16 - March 1, 2023

2/16
09:36 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Palmira Ave, South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: SERVED.

Wylder Hope Valley history talk on Death Valley - A Nice Place to Visit, Tourism Below Sea Level

Event Date: 
March 4, 2023 - 1:00pm

Wylder Resort Hope Valley will host another history program on Saturday, March 4 at 1 p.m. Local historian David Woodruff presents "A Nice Place to Visit-Tourism Below Sea Level."

How did a location best known for producing laundry soap with one of the least marketable names imaginable, Death Valley, come to be one of the “must-see” destinations for travelers and adventurers the world over? Using rare and one-of-a-kind vintage photos, he’ll recount the improbable story in a free 50-minute slide show.

Motorists advised of challenging driving conditions as Lake Tahoe area gets another Winter Storm Warning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The alerts for travel over Sierra highways have been issued, and Caltrans has joined in to alert motorists of the incoming storm that will create "challenging mountain travel this weekend."

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno carried the statement, "Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong winds may cause tree damage and lead to power outages. Blowing and drifting snow may bring near-zero visibility at times and rapid disorientation if attempting to travel."

Safety tips for residents in snow country from Southwest Gas

As snow continues to build up over the Sierra, Southwest Gas is providing residents with winter safety tips.

The buildup of snow around natural gas meters and piping, as well as falling ice and snow from rooftops, can create hazards for natural gas customers.

Southwest Gas encourages people living in the Lake Tahoe Basin and other areas with heavy snow to take extra precautions to ensure natural gas piping, meters, and outdoor appliances remain safe:

• Do not bury or allow snow to cover any natural gas piping, meters, exhaust vents or appliances.

California and Nevada snowpack measurements show huge gains after recent storms -

The snowpack in the Sierra continues to grow and records may be breaking before winter is said and done.

On Friday, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) did its monthly snow survey on Phillips Station near Sierra-at-Tahoe, the third such manual survey of the season. Staff recorded 116.5 inches of snow and a snow water equivalent of 41.5 inches, which is 177 percent of average for this location on March 3.

TRPA names Kimberly Chevallier as new deputy director and chief partnerships officer

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has selected Kimberly Chevallier as the agency’s deputy director & chief partnerships officer, filling a position left open when the Governing Board chose Julie Regan to lead the agency after a national search.

Explosion and fire causes extensive damage at South Lake Tahoe home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A brand new home in Meyers exploded on Thursday afternoon, sending flames and smoke into the sky. There were multiple 911 calls to emergency dispatch as neighbors saw the fire and heard the explosion.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) responded to the home on Piute Street, finding it fully engulfed. Several trucks and engines from LVFPD were at the scene, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue was also called in to assist.

27th annual CASA Box Lunch fundraiser

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is holding its 27th annual Box Lunch fundraiser on April 20, 2023. This long-standing community event helps support the continuation of the nonprofit's advocacy services and shares information about the mission and scope of its work.

Please join CASA as they raise their Barsotti apple juice glasses to another great year of our Box Lunch fundraiser event. They serve 3,000 pre-ordered lunches on both the west and east slopes of El Dorado County.

Samuel Adams Air and Après rescheduled at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. Due to the potential for inclement weather this weekend, Heavenly Mountain Resort has moved the date for the inaugural Samuel Adams Air + Après event. Originally scheduled for Saturday, it has been moved up and will be held on Friday, March 3.

The event features professional skiers and snowboarders in a big-air event. The whole family will enjoy watching the free show.

How much snow on South Lake Tahoe roofs is too much? Two local buildings damaged with cave-ins

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One of the signs of near record amount of snow around Lake Tahoe is the height and weight of snow on the roofs of all buildings. This week there have been two buildings that suffered damage on the South Shore as the roofs caved in after the snow load became too much.

What is too much?

New York man dies at Heavenly Mountain Resort

UPDATE FRIDAY, MAR. 3: The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has provided new information about this tragic event. The New York man has been identified as 46-year-old Wesley Whalen, and the story has been updated.

Agencies release first-ever Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy, webinar planned

Event Date: 
March 31, 2023 - 5:30pm

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Buried beneath an ever-deepening blanket of snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin lie more than 580 miles of official dirt trails that provide recreation, transportation, fitness, and fun for those in the outdoors. For the first time ever, a coalition of Tahoe partners has developed a Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy to take a basin-wide perspective to trail planning and building. The strategy released this week serves as a blueprint for a connected and accessible dirt trail network for Tahoe.

Enjoy the short storm reprieve as a new Winter Storm Watch is issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hold onto those hopes of sunny, warm beach weather for a bit longer (okay, a lot longer) around Lake Tahoe. As residents around the lake had a much-needed break on Wednesday and getting more of the same through Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Watch Saturday-Monday.

There will be widespread snow, strong winds, and travel headaches, in other words, more of the same.

Longtime staff member named interim director of Tahoe Youth & Family Services

The Tahoe Youth & Family Services (TYFS) Board of Directors has appointed Cheyanne Lane as the new interim executive director for the agency that started in 1971.

Cheyanne began working for TYFS in 2006 and has filled many roles during her tenure. Most recently, she has served as the agency's Supportive Services manager focusing on homeless intervention and prevention services to ensure that unaccompanied minors and homeless young adults in our community have a voice and are represented.

No school Thursday for Lake Tahoe Unified School District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As many residents are starting to dig out from the past week's snowstorm, some roads are still not cleared. The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has said school buses cannot safely maneuver the streets.

In conversations with both city and county representatives, it is clear that roads will not be widened by tomorrow morning, according to LTUSD. As a result, school will be canceled Thursday, March 2, 2023.

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced her bipartisan, bicameral legislation to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act. This law has delivered millions of dollars in federal funding to Lake Tahoe since the original law passed in 2000, supporting environmental protection and habitat restoration programs across the basin.

Washington rape kit leads to arrest in 1979 Lake Tahoe murder

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - On September 28, 1979, Patricia Carnahan was beaten, strangled, and left for dead at Sugar Pine State Park at Lake Tahoe.

Carnahan died, and her body was recovered and investigators gathered evidence, including a sexual assault kit (SAK) which provided a DNA sample. At the time, no suspect(s) were identified or arrested. Her identity was unknown at the time, and she was buried in a nondescript grave marked "Unidentified Female" with Tahoma 9-79 as the location and date.

20th annual Drug Store Project coming this April

The 20th annual Drug Store Project returns to an in-person event in South Lake Tahoe on April 4, 2023. Sixth-grade students from area schools will be taking part in the day-long event at South Tahoe Middle School

Homeschool students are invited, and if not signed up, please contact tahoedsp@gmail.com.

Christmas Cheer to remain closed Wednesday, hope to open doors Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Christmas Cheer will not be open again on Wednesday due to the storm and needed cleanup.

Volunteers wanted to get the word out to the public so those who use the food bank won't attempt to go out in the snow.

They are scheduled to be open on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Cheer is located at 1120 3rd Street, South Lake Tahoe.

Snow Day on Wednesday for students in South Lake Tahoe , Tahoe Truckee, Alpine County

UPDATE: Douglas County schools at the lake will not open on Wednesday. They will determine status of valley schools by 5:15 a.m.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With continued snow, road conditions, and campuses still buried even after long hours of clearing snow, Lake Tahoe Unified School District has canceled school for Wednesday, March 1.

The Blizzard Warning expires at 4 a.m. Wednesday, with snow expected through the morning.

Douglas County School District said they will determine the status of classes in the morning.

Carson City schools are on a two-hour delay.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District's community meeting moved due to snow

Event Date: 
March 15, 2023 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) State of the District/LCAP Community Conversation at South Tahoe High School has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The meeting has been rescheduled due to the heavy snow received over the last several days, giving the public a chance to dig out and get back on the roads.

Kudos: Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe hosts Bread & Broth dinner

Long active in the Lake Tahoe South Shore community, the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe and its members believe in service and want to make a difference by working together, and with, other members of the community. That is why sponsoring a Bread & Broth Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) on Monday, February 20, was a natural fit for the service organization and the members who volunteered to help with their sponsorship dinner.

South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting canceled due to blizzard

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the current severe weather conditions, the City of South Lake Tahoe has canceled the Tuesday City Council meeting which was slated for 5:30 p.m.

The agenda items will be moved onto the agenda for its next meeting on March 14. The planned Mayor For The Day events that were to occur Tuesday are being moved to the March 28 evening council meeting.

City Manager Joe Irvin stated, “This decision was made in the interest of public safety. We discourage travel today and tonight given continued blizzard conditions.”

Blizzard conditions continue in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Sierra

UPDATE 12:45PM: US50 is now closed at Echo Summit due to avalanche control, heavy snow and multiple spin-outs.

Travel is highly discouraged. If you don't need to be on the road, CHP says "don't." There is no estimated time of reopening.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Blizzard warnings continue for the Lake Tahoe region and the Sierra, with more heavy snow forecast for the rest of the day on Tuesday. The warning expires at 4 a.m. Wednesday with snow ending around 7 a.m.

Story of South Lake Tahoe teacher heads to the stage in New York City

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe community knows her as a dedicated and celebrated teacher at her alma matre, one who is full of energy and passion. They know her as the winner of the 8th season of Dancing with the Tahoe Stars in 2020.

People know her as a champion for LGBT+ youth, an advocate celebrated by the California Teachers' Association in California Educator and Read This, Save Lives by Sameer Jha.

Snow days once again at Lake Tahoe area schools

The forecast shows the snow will not be letting up until the end of the night on Tuesday, and heavy snow is expected to cover roads until then, making travel hazardous. Conditions have led school districts to cancel school on Tuesday, February 28.

Lake Tahoe Community College has called a snow day for Tuesday, as has Alpine County Schools, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Douglas County School District, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, and many in El Dorado County.

For Alpine County, all Alpine sites will be closed, including AELC, DVES, and BVES.

Lake Tahoe area road closures as blizzard bears down on the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to heavy snow, poor visibility, and multiple vehicle issues on Lake Tahoe area roads, the following roads have been closed:

SR89 over Luther Pass between Christmas Valley and Hope Valley. It is closed around Emerald Bay.
SR88 is closed to eastbound traffic at Dew Drop; closed from 3.5 miles east of Silver Fork to Kirkwood and the Carson Spur; from 2 miles east of Kirkwood to 5 miles west of Picketts Junction. Closed to westbound traffic at the junction of SR89 in Woodfords due to a disabled vehicle.

Christmas Cheer closed Tuesday due to blizzard

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Christmas Cheer will not be open on Tuesday due to the current storm.

Volunteers wanted to get the word out to the public so those who use the food bank won't attempt to go out in the snow.

They will announce Tuesday if they will also be closed Wednesday.

Christmas Cheer is located at 1120 3rd Street, South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe CHP to offer free teen driver safety classes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is offering free driver safety classes for teenage drivers this March and April.

This Start Smart program is aimed at helping newly licensed and future licensed teenage drivers become aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a licensed California driver. The program was created in an effort to preemptively reduce the incidence of teen injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicle collisions.

CANCELED: TJ Carter and Band are returning for Tahoe Arts Project performances

Event Date: 
March 10, 2023 - 6:00pm

UPDATE: Due to forecasts and flights, the weather has once again forced the cancelation of TJ Carter and Band.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - TJ Carter and Band will be performing in South Lake Tahoe schools on March 9 and 10, and in a public show at Lake Tahoe Community College Duke Theater on March 10 at 6 p.m.

"It is a dream come true to be able to come back to Tahoe to share and inspire students through musical art and education," said TJ Carter.

Tickets still available for Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra's 2nd annual Meat Raffle

The Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra is holding its 2nd annual Meat Raffle.

With the support of Victor Gomez, the owner of Overland Meat and Seafood Co., Tahoe Sierra Kiwanis is offering the winner an opportunity to select from one of the three $300 Family Meat Packs https://overlandmeatco.com/family-packs/.

Raffle tickets are $5 each, six for $25. To purchase your tickets, please call Tom or Cheryl Millham at either 530-573-2273 OR 530-308-5215.

California law prohibits online raffles from taking internet payment, but Kiwanis has several options for those wishing to purchase.

Big rigs once again blocking South Lake Tahoe area roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The minute each winter I80 closes to tractor-trailer semitrailer combinations, many seek other ways to make it over the Sierra. US50 at Echo Summit is a common goal, as is SR88 at Woodfords.

LTCC closed Monday due to incoming blizzard

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to heavy snow and blizzard conditions, Lake Tahoe Community College’s campus will be closed on Monday, Feb. 27. Classes will not be held, and all offices and departments will be shut.

Please don’t travel to campus so snow removal operations can continue unimpeded.

Visit https://ltcc.edu/ for further information.

Snow Day Monday for Lake Tahoe Unified schools and Douglas County schools at the lake

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District has announced there will be no school on Monday, February 27. Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe will also be closed.

With heavy snow and forecasted blizzard conditions, the District wanted students and staff to remain safe and not on the roads of South Lake Tahoe.

They will continue monitoring the forecast and will provide an update Monday evening about school on Tuesday. The blizzard forecast is expected to end early Wednesday morning.

Bread & Broth Monday meal canceled due to storm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to forecast blizzard conditions, Bread & Broth will not hold its Monday Meal on February 27.

It isn't often the group cancels meals, but for the safety of guests and volunteers, the non-profit won't serve this Monday.

On Friday, their Second Serving meal at Lake Tahoe Presbyterian Church is still planned.

For more information, visit https://breadandbroth.org/.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Blizzard could drop 2-3 feet of snow at lake level, up to 6 feet at upper elevations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Winter Storm Warning in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin until Monday morning at 11 a.m., and then a Blizzard Warning takes over and is in place until 4 a.m. Wednesday.

NTSB says downed Care Flight plane broke apart prior to crashing near Stagecoach

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a press conference Sunday in Carson City regarding the downed Care Flight airplane that crashed in Stagecoach on Friday night.

During the conference, it was confirmed that the plane's wing had broken off mid-flight only about 14 minutes after it had taken off.

South Lake Tahoe Library Book Club Kits available for local teens

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Library in South Lake Tahoe now has Book Club Kits for local teens. They are perfect for teens wanting to start a book club, or for those who already have a book club and are looking for their next read.

Each kit comes in a sturdy bag that includes six copies of the book, a tip sheet on how to start a book club, discussion questions, and a sheet to help keep track of each book.

Slow Food Tahoe benefits from spring Truckee-Tahoe Salmon Buying Club

Slow Food Lake Tahoe (SFLT) is introducing an early spring pick-up option for their popular Alaskan Salmon Buying Club serving the Truckee-Tahoe area. Previously only offered in the early fall, this additional pick-up date allows locals to replenish their supply of the healthy omega-rich protein more frequently with a significant club discount. Order a 20 lb. box of filets ($14.99/lb) or portions ($15.99/lb) for your own freezer, or share with a friend. Ordering closes on March 15. Boxes will be available for pick up in the Truckee River Regional Park on April 1.

Go Fund Me fundraiser established for couple that died in Care Flight crash

The names of the Reno couple who died in Friday night's crash of a Care Flight plane near Stagecoach, Nevada have been released on a fundraising site.

Mark "Bear" Rand was on his way to Utah to receive life-saving medical treatment, and he was accompanied by his wife Terri.

"Mark and Terri were big-hearted, family-oriented, proud parents and grandparents. The Rand family is now coming together to figure out how to move forward," said the post on Go Fund Me.

Go Fund Me fundraisers set up for Care Flight pilot, nurse and paramedic

While notifications to the family members of the five people aboard Friday night's deadly crash of a Care Flight plane have been made, names have not been officially released. Friends of the Care Flight pilot, nurse, and paramedic identified them when they started Go Fund Me fundraisers to help their families during this difficult time.

Ready for some more? Blizzard Warning and Winter Storm Watch for Lake Tahoe

UPDATE: NWS Reno says the incoming storm has picked up in intensity, bringing with it the potential for blizzard conditions across the Sierra Nevada. Because of this, they have issued a Blizzard Warning for Lake Tahoe and the Eastern Sierra starting at 10 a.m. Monday, through 4 a.m. Wednesday. During this period, total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet, except 4 to 6 feet above 7000 feet are expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph with over 100 mph along Sierra ridgetops.

Bill Murrell ~ February 11,1946 - February 10, 2023

Bill Murrell of South Lake Tahoe passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023, at Renown Hospital in Reno, Nevada with his wife by his side. Bill was born to Captain C.D. Murrell, head of Naval Intelligence in San Diego, and Nancy Jane Murrell on February 11, 1946.

Care Flight plane crashes near Stagecoach, killing all five on board

A fixed-wing Care Flight plane crashed Friday night outside of Stagecoach, Nev. All five on board were killed.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office said they received multiple calls about a possible airplane crash at approximately 9:15 p.m. Deputies were joined by Lyon County and Douglas County search and rescue teams, and Central Lyon Fire in a search of the area. At 11:15 p.m., the aircraft was located and there were no survivors.

South Lake Brewing holding annual St. Barles' Day celebration

Event Date: 
March 18, 2023 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Brewing Company's annual St. Barles' Day celebration is being held on Saturday, March 18. Their beloved brew dog, Barley, is turning 10 this year, and they're celebrating for a good cause!

Bring your furry friends to the brewery on a leash to participate in their pet costume contest. South Lake Brewing will be releasing a new beer that day and a limited-edition pint glass with sales benefitting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

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