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Letter: No on Measure N campaign is grateful voters rejected the measure

Editor: The No on Measure N Campaign in South Lake Tahoe issued the following statement this evening after election returns showed voters overwhelmingly rejecting the flawed and divisive vacancy tax proposal.

Mid-Town Area Plan Open House

Event Date: 
November 13, 2024 - 5:15pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe, in collaboration with a local planning team, is creating an area plan that fosters a more defined sense of place in central South Lake Tahoe. Through outreach efforts this summer and fall, including stakeholder meetings, open houses, and public hearings, community members have shared with staff a clear vision of what this area should become.

Miller, Gneiting and Johnson leading in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The first round of election night results have been released for Douglas County.

As of 10:20 p.m.:

School Board Trustee, District 3
Englekirk, Dwight D. "Doug" 10,358
Miller, Erinn 16,060

School Board Trustee, District 5
Casselberry, Antoinette 11,002
Gneiting, Melinda 15,352

Justice Of The Peace, Tahoe Township
Gardner, Richard 1,108
Johnson, Michael K. 1,669

Justice of the Peace, East Fork Township
Schemenauer, Jeff 9,226
Trotter, Laurie 14,293

County Commissioner, District 1
Dempsey, Brian NPP 4,316
Gibson, Jason G. DEM 6,310

Letter: Resident frustrated with lack of understanding of "Tahoe Sierra" subdivision

Dear Editor: First of all, for someone who is running for City Council - he should know the name of the subdivision where he lives. He said he lives in “Sierra Tract.” (See his letter to the editor here) The misnomer name of that subdivision was corrected officially by former City Manager, Nancy Kerry. It was a MISTAKE.

Election night final: Measure N failing, Measure U passing, Jinkens and Roberts in the lead

UPDATE 12:02 AM WEDNESDAY: The final results of the election night tally have been released. The next count will be released at the end of the day on Friday:

City Of South Lake Tahoe City Council Member - Top 2
52.94% of eligible voters/6,412

DAVID JINKENS 2,717 27.56%
KEITH ROBERTS 1,944 19.72%
AIMI XISTRA 1,657 16.81%
NICK SPEAL 1,531 15.53%
CAITLIN MCMAHON 1,069 10.84%
HEATHER CADE-BAUER 538 5.46%
MARJORIE "M" GREEN 403 4.09%

Lake Tahoe Unified School District Trustee Area 3
57.62% of eligible voters/2,487
BOB ANDERSON 1,583 77.52%

10th annual Tahoe Film Fest on North Shore

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 08 2024 .
December 5, 2024 (All day)
December 6, 2024 (All day)
December 7, 2024 (All day)
December 8, 2024 (All day)

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Tahoe Film Fest is celebrating a decade of showcasing exceptional, award-winning films from around the globe in the breathtaking setting of North Lake Tahoe. This year's festival will take place from December 5-8, 2024, inviting film enthusiasts and community members to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of storytelling and cultural exchange.

Update on the new Keep Tahoe Blue Environment and Education Center

You may have noticed that the scene at our new Keep Tahoe Blue Environment & Education Center—located at the corner of Highway 50 and Al Tahoe Boulevard—looks a little different lately. Here's a short video update about what's new and what's next.

https://www.keeptahoeblue.org/buildingupdate & https://www.keeptahoeblue.org/actualizaciondeledificio

Fuels reduction mastication work this week near Golden Bear Trail

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and will continue through the fall, conditions and weather permitting. Not to be confused with prescribed fires, this project is masticating vegetation around the Golden Bear neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe.

Prescribed fires resume at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program resumes this week on Lake Tahoe’s east and south shores. Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will burn piles near Glenbrook and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will burn piles off Luther Pass near the campground, and off Columbine Trail near South Lake Tahoe.

Heavenly Village Christmas Tree to be delivered November 20

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The beloved tradition of the Heavenly Village Christmas Tree continues with the arrival of the 2024 tree on November 20. This annual event kicks off the holiday season in South Lake Tahoe.

The tree's arrival marks the start of Heavenly Village’s holiday festivities and has become an anticipated tradition. Thanks to the commitment of dedicated volunteer Ken Curtzweiler and Heavenly Village organizer Dreu Murin, the majestic red fir tree will take its place at the village center, right off Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe to be first Lake Tahoe resort to open for 2024/25 season

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe will be the first Tahoe area resort to kick off the 2024-25 winter season when it opens Friday, Nov. 8. Early season snow, ideal temperatures that have allowed the resort to fire up its extensive snowmaking system, and the fact that Mt. Rose has the highest base area elevation at 8,260’ have all contributed to the resort’s ability to get skiers and riders on snow for some of their first turns of the season.

Letter: Yes on N, Fact checking the flyers

Fact Checking the No on N Misinformation

South Lake Tahoe voters have an important decision on the ballot this week as they weigh the merits of Measure N. While some have already voted, others have told us they’re still trying to decide how to vote. So with that in mind, we want to fact check some of the information in the flyers that have been inundating residents for the past three months. South Lake Tahoe voters deserve to be making informed decisions this election season based on fact-checked information and cited sources.

Letter: No on N

Measure N, the Vacancy Tax, has been given much attention, and rightfully so. Both sides agree it is important to READ THE ORDINANCE!

So here it is, full and finalized. It cannot be changed before the election:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iL3cF1m8klYsDL-vZcurQBiQGuIkxCdn/view?fbclid=IwAR1r3IEJTEOAFlADaids...

South Lake Tahoe City Council and El Dorado County Supervisors meet Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council and El Dorado County Board of Supervisors are both holding 9 a.m. meetings on Tuesday, November 5.

For City Council, its agenda includes:

Proclamation Recognizing November 2024 as "Youth Homeless Outreach Prevention Education" (HOPE) Month

A radon presentation

The discussion and possible approval of an Energy Facilities Financing Contract to fund the already approved energy upgrades at City facilities, in an amount not to exceed $11,414,389.

Alpine County Sheriff's Office announces new Safe Drug Disposal Program

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has launched the Safe Drug Disposal Program in partnership with Life in Check, a leading organization dedicated to safe and responsible medication disposal. This initiative aims to provide Alpine County residents with a secure, anonymous, and environmentally friendly way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

Safe Drug Disposal Receptacles have been installed at three convenient locations to serve the community:
99 Water St., Markleeville, Calif.
75 Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, Calif.

George Whittell High School's Robertson wins NIAA Northern Region 2A Cross Country Championship

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - George Whittell High School has announced junior Logan Robertson has claimed the title of NIAA Northern Region 2A Cross Country Champion. Logan achieved this remarkable feat at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno on October 25. The Whittell boys team finished the regional meet a respectable 7th place. Jada Rojas was the lone runner on the girls' side for the Warriors, and just missed qualifying for the state meet by 39 seconds, finishing in 8th place.

Kudos: Camp Richardson Resort hosts Adopt A Day of Nourishment

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - “We are honored to be back sponsoring another Bread & Broth Adopt A Day of Nourishment,” shared Natalie and Travis Lauinger as they took a break from serving the evening’s meal of Italian chicken and pasta alfredo. “To take this time to perform a selfless act and get to enjoy the thankful smiles on the other side of the serving line is a real treat.”

On Monday, October 28, Natalie and Travis were joined at their sponsorship meal serving line by their fellow Camp Richardson Resort Adopt A Day (AAD) team members David Cook and Mary Griffin.

South Tahoe High Cross Country teams run well at NIAA 3A state tournament

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe High Boys and Girls Cross Country teams were in Las Vegas this weekend for the NIAA 3A State Championships.

On the boys' side, Jacob Manning took his third-place finish in the 3A Northern Regionals and headed down south. Manning ran a 16:54.5, giving him fifth place at State in a field of 69 runners.

South Tahoe High earned a fifth-place finish at State with seven runners.

Other South Tahoe High finishers: Shamus Nealis (13th), Cooper Munson (38th), Luke Amato (44th), Austin Reichel (48th), Elijah Harper (50th), and Jones Mason (60th).

South Tahoe High Girls Volleyball team finishes season with 8-2 league record

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 16-12 South Tahoe High volleyball team ended their 2024 season with a first-round loss in the regional quarterfinals on October 28. In league, the team ended in second place with an 8-2 record.

The match at South Tahoe High was a hard-fought one, with Elko ending up the victor (25-15, 16-25, 25-23, 14-25, 15-12). Elko ended up taking the regional championship this weekend by beating both Spring Creek and Fernley. Both Elko and Fernley represent the North next weekend in the NIAA Class 3A Girls Volleyball State Tournament.

STHS Vikings

Sitting El Dorado County Supervisor John Hidahl passes away at 73

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - John Hidahl, the current El Dorado County supervisor for District 1, died suddenly in his El Dorado Hills home on Saturday afternoon. He was 73.

"My heart is broken," said District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine. "It was my honor to know and serve with John Hidahl. He was extremely thoughtful and dignified. I extend my love to his wife, Eileen, and the family. It is a great loss."

El Dorado County released a statement Sunday morning.

Continued delays between Kings Beach and Tahoe City for broadband project

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Caltrans is advising motorists of a broadband installation project continuing along State Route 28 (SR-28) along the north shore of Lake Tahoe next week.

The broadband project is part of a larger statewide effort by the California Department of Technology to bring high-speed internet into rural communities. The contractor for this project is Teichert Construction.

Utility work and striping operations with one-way traffic control are scheduled along SR-28 at the following locations and times:

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Cold nights, mostly sunny days in the week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The week ahead doesn't have any storms on the horizon, but an early glimpse at the start of the following week may have some changes. Expect it to be breezy with east to northeast winds on and off through Wednesday with below-normal temperatures.

We are getting into that time of year for inversions, with the current pattern being favorable Monday and Thursday-Saturday for warming temperatures aloft. Air stagnation with haze and pollutant buildups are likely in the valleys and urban areas, without Lake Tahoe being affected.

Toys For Tots taking applications for local families in need this holiday season; Donations and volunteers also needed

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Toys For Tots is now accepting applications for toys needed this holiday season in the South Lake Tahoe area.

Organizer Kristi Bell is asking those who need toys to fill out an application at https://south-tahoe.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=0&nPrevie....

The deadline to apply is December 11, 2024.

Toys for Tots will be distributing the toys on December 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on December 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location will be given to those who apply.

Review: Don't miss final day of WordWave - a must see!

Wow. What another stellar production of WordWave last night! It's the ninth year and what a show! It is only one weekend a year, but guess what? You can catch it on Sunday at 2 p.m....it is worth your time and money!

The three one-act plays selected in this popular playwright competition are all very cleverly written, and the performances by our local talent are truly memorable.

Judge rules against San Francisco's vacancy tax, giving hope to those opposing Measure N

A coalition of property owners and real estate groups in San Francisco won their first court battle this week as San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charles Haines issued a tentative ruling in their case against the City's Proposition M.

LTUSD seeks nominees for Hall of Distinction

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is now accepting applications for inductees to the prestigious LTUSD District Hall of Distinction. This esteemed award honors former students, employees, and major contributors/volunteers who have made significant contributions in areas such as scholarship, athletics, student activities, career achievements, community service, and overall service to the school community.

Alias Brass performs in South Lake Tahoe schools next week, free public show at Valhalla

Event Date: 
November 8, 2024 - 6:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Described as “the only name for music innovation” by Martin Hackleman, formerly of the Empire and Canadian Brass, the Alias Brass Company, founded in 2013, is a collaboration of five uniquely talented artists and educators from across the nation. The Alias Brass Company’s performances are comprised of standards and original compositions, along with concepts that blend virtuosic musicianship with a high level of entertainment.

Collaboration release fundraiser in South Lake Tahoe for North Carolina

Event Date: 
November 9, 2024 - 4:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Brewing Company (SLBC) at the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe steps up again to help out after a natural disaster, this time to raise funds for small businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

Letter: Yes on U - It will provide infrastructure repair and decades-overdue updates

With this voting cycle, residents of South Lake Tahoe have the opportunity to secure sorely needed funding for infrastructure repair and decades-overdue updates to all Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) school sites. We need to Vote Yes to Support Measure U.

Among the major concerns requiring overhaul at our schools:
- District-wide roof collapses and annual leaking issues
- Classroom closures which result in the disruption of education
- Unreliable heating and air systems, many that operate without clean/fresh air exchange
- Decades-old carpeting in classrooms

Van Sickle BI-State Park and Tahoe Pines close to cars for the season

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Van Sickle Bi-State Park gate closed to vehicles for the winter season on Friday. The California Tahoe Conservancy said the visitor facilities are also closing, but park grounds remain open all winter to the public.

The Conservancy and Nevada State Parks co-manage the 725-acre Van Sickle Bi-State Park. The park provides day-use opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For visitor safety, sledding is not allowed.

Letter: Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test a collaborative success

Thank you to all who supported and assisted with the Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test. Following a thorough analysis and significant public input, in 2022 the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) began a project to test innovative methods to control the aquatic invasive weeds in the Tahoe Keys lagoons. 

Fall means feeding frenzy for black bears

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Autumn is here, and black bears are entering a temporary physiological state known as “hyperphagia.” During hyperphagia, also known as the fall feeding frenzy, bears consume as much as they can to bring their fat stores to a level where they can survive the quickly approaching winter months.

Now is the time to secure food, garbage, and recycling - all this is needed to keep Tahoe bears wild!

In the fall, an adult bear can consume 20,000 to 24,000 calories a day and can gain multiple pounds per day.

South Tahoe Association of Realtors Home of the Week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This week's Home of the Week winner from the South Tahoe Association of Realtors:

Listing Agent: Kate M Wilkins
Listing Office: COMPASS
kate@wilkinstahoe.com, 530.412.3164
Property Address: 3523 Fawn Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
MLS #140903

Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3
Square Footage: 2,211 Sq Ft.
Price: $850,000

Welcome to your perfect combination of comfort, style, location, and investment potential.

Golden mussels found in North America for first time, Lake Tahoe on high alert

Last week California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discovered golden mussels that could significantly damage the ecology of waterbodies in the Bay-Delta near Stockton, Calif. Lake Tahoe is now on high alert, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). It is the first time the species has been detected in North America.

Column: Ready, Set, Snow - Tips to Prevent Ski and Snowboarding Injuries This Winter

With winter around the corner, the time to start preparing for the ski season is now.

Preseason
To prepare your body for winter sports and prevent injuries, a comprehensive workout program is essential. Successful injury prevention includes balance, core exercises, lower body strengthening, plyometrics, and stretching. Start your training before the season to build strength gradually. Focus on major lower limb muscles—quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes—while also emphasizing core stabilization for better trunk control.

Charcoal use ban lifted in South Lake Tahoe; Burn permits now available for other areas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Effective Friday, November 1, South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jim Drennan has lifted the ban on using charcoal for barbeques in the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Residents may continue to use propane, pellets, liquid petroleum, and now charcoal, for outside cooking.

There is never any open flame burning with wood allowed in the City limits of South Lake Tahoe at any time of the year, except in the designated fire rings at Campground by the Lake.

Winter Weather Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe Friday - Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe area from 5 pm. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday.

NWS Reno said to expect snow accumulations up to 4 inches below 7000 feet with an inch or so at Lake Level, and 4 and 8 inches above 7000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph over Sierra ridges.

IMPACTS - Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

City of South Lake Tahoe is accepting applications for several commissions and boards

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Clerk’s office has started the solicitation process for Commission and Board applications.

Applications for the following will be due by 12 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024:

El Dorado Community Action Council (one seat)
El Dorado County Commission on Aging (one seat)
TRPA Advisory Planning Commission (one seat)

Applications for the following will be due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025:

Airport Land Use Commission (two seats)
Building Board of Appeals (five seats)
Parks and Recreation Commission (four seats)

South Lake Tahoe man releases debut book, The Trainer: Tales of a Dolphin Trainer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Scott Mara of South Lake Tahoe is not only the owner of owner of Good Dog Tahoe, but he is now an author. A seasoned dolphin and orca whale trainer with decades of experience in marine animal behavior, training, and conservation, Scott has announced the release of his debut book, The Trainer: Tales of a Dolphin Trainer.

What this election means for the Douglas County School District — and it’s chaotic board

The Douglas County School Board has made a number of headlines both regionally and nationally since the 2022 election leading to a new majority taking hold.

This new majority, composed of Trustees Susan Jansen, David Burns, Kathleen Dickerson, and incumbent Doug Englekirk is staunchly and vocally alt-right. They began planning their takeover long before the first day at the dais, as shown by text messages located during a contentious public records request.

Warren Miller’s 75th film showing in Tahoe this weekend

The new film from Warren Miller entitled “75” will celebrate the historic anniversary with emerging athletes and storytelling that will set the tone for the next 75 years.

Northern California tour dates include:
Oakland, Landmark’s Piedmont Theatre, October 29
San Rafael, Marin Center Showcase Theater, October 30
Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Village Event Center, November 1, 6 p.m and 9 p.m.
Reno, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, November 2
South Lake Tahoe, Bailey’s Lake Tahoe, November 3 at 5 p.m.
San Francisco, Palace of Fine Arts, November 6

Ancient Forest Society holds fundraiser at Valhalla Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 10, 2024 - 3:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Ancient Forest Society (AFS) invites the South Lake Tahoe community to join them for a special fundraising event on November 10, 2024, at Valhalla’s Grand Hall starting at 3 p.m. This gathering aims to honor their dedicated volunteers and celebrate the significant accomplishments made in the field this season, all while raising vital funds to further our mission of studying and protecting old trees and ancient forests.

Letter: Inversion Gym of South Lake Tahoe appreciates community support

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe is home to several incredible youth-building programs, each with its own unique culture and contribution to our children. Inversion Gym sets its tone with an industrial setting filled with skilled and heartfelt coaches, and smiling children who might be inverted or air-bound at first glance. The team at Inversion has encouraged a mindset of excellence while simultaneously achieving a lighthearted and fun frame of mind. The result empowers the athletes to believe in themselves, overcome difficulty, and have a “home away from home” in a sense.

Camp Richardson's RV and camping reservations for 2025 go live online November 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Camp Richardson Resort is moving reservations for the resort’s camping and RV village to recreation.gov. The online reservations system manages reservations for 14 federal agencies, including the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). This move will centralize LTBMU camping reservations on one convenient site. The Camp Richardson site will go live at 7 a.m. on Nov. 1.

Prescribed fire on SR4 at Calaveras Big Trees sending smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There have been many calls to local fire agencies this afternoon about smoke, and the smell of smoke. There is a prescribed fire on SR4 at Calaveras Big Trees and the plume of smoke gets elevated at that point, and the incoming weather system is bringing it right to South Lake Tahoe.

The National Weather Service in Reno could see it on their models, and there is no other source of smoke closer than Calaveras.

Letter: Candidate thanks those who have supported him, looks forward to representing them

Dear Editor, I want to thank the many citizens for reaching out to me with your support, opinions, and ideas. I have taken it all to heart and win, lose, or draw I feel grateful for becoming so immersed in our local leadership.

As one of the very first two candidates to recognize Measure N as too divisive, poorly written, and unnecessary given the almost 600 housing apartments being proposed and Sugar Pine Village's grand opening with folks moving in as I write this, my hope is that a kind respectful, thoughtful, city council will be in place as a result of this election.

Forest Service and Washoe Tribe work together to improve forest health and resilience

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Washoe Environmental Protection Department (WEPD) recently hosted the first Washoe Intentional Fire Training at Lake Tahoe. This is a significant step toward reintroducing cultural stewardship practices on their ancestral and current homelands. For millennia, Tribal members recognized that fire was an integral part of nature and that frequent, low-intensity fires were essential to reducing wildfire risk and maintaining forest health.

Learn history of the Carson Valley at free Minden Mill presentation

Event Date: 
November 3, 2024 - 1:00pm

MINDEN, Nev. - Join local historians David and Gayle Woodruff as they reflect on the deep and rich history of the Carson Valley in a free 55-minute slide show on Sunday, November 3 at 1 p.m.

Using seldom-seen photographs and extensive research, the Woodruffs examine the important roles played by the Minden Flour Milling Company and its magnificent buildings, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, Genoa, the California Trail, and more. All of them were part of the story of creating one of the most historic areas in Nevada.

Congressional candidate Jessica Morse stops by South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Jessica Morse, a candidate for California's 3rd congressional district, stopped by South Lake Tahoe to visit Cuppa Tahoe, the South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club, and the League to Save Lake Tahoe's volunteer appreciation event.

Tahoe Township Judge Johnson builds expertise at National Judicial College

Tahoe Township Justice Court Judge Michael K. Johnson recently completed an intensive two-week Special Court Jurisdiction: Advanced course for judges at the National Judicial College. The immersive course aims to provide judges with a solid foundation in courtroom leadership, judicial ethics, evidence, case management, judicial security, and decision-making. Graduates can earn credit hours toward a Master of Judicial Studies degree.

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