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Agencies continue forest thinning projects at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue for the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Some projects are expected to continue through the fall. For project details, including land ownership, lead agency, start date, and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Kudos: US Forest Service team hosts Bread and Broth meal

U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) employees were the Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) sponsor for Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal on August 12. Normally, the men and women of LTBMY spend their time managing vegetation, restoring ecosystems, reducing fire hazards, and maintaining forest health in the South Lake Tahoe Basin. However, at the Monday Meal dinner, their primary focus was to provide a hot, nutritious meal and bags of food to help meet the needs of their fellow community members.

Brewery Arts Center presents living history program, The Reno Cure

Event Date: 
August 27, 2024 - 5:00pm

The Brewery Arts Center in Carson Will will present a living history program, “The Reno Cure,” in their ballroom on Tuesday, August 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Reno has long been known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” but it wasn’t just the introduction of legalized gambling in 1931 that brought the town its fame and notoriety.

For the first half of the 20th century, hundreds of thousands of people went to the Truckee River town, to get a “quickie” dissolution to their marriage, and created a culture and lifestyle, unlike any other.

Chilly end to the work week in South Lake Tahoe; Chance of upper-elevation snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The week ahead in Lake Tahoe will start with dry weather and breezy conditions, and slightly below-normal temperatures. The end of the week will see an increasing chance of precipitation, most of the gusty winds, and well-below-normal temperatures (don't worry, we'll warm up again). There is even a chance for upper-elevation snow.

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Fall Festival slated for Tahoe Paradise Park

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Oct 20 2024 .
October 19, 2024 - 12:00pm
October 20, 2024 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new event is coming to the South Shore - Meyers Mountain Fall Festival on October 19-20, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Think Apple Hill meets Oktoberfest and you'll get an idea of the fun festival at Tahoe Paradise Park.

Kree Abravanel, co-founder of Meyers Mountain Market and Music in the Park is bringing this new two-day event for the community to enjoy. Two days filled with fun, food, and fall festivities.

Join Tahoe Fund for TEDxReno Salon "Crystal Clear: Understanding Tahoe's Water Clarity"

Event Date: 
August 20, 2024 - 6:00pm

Are you curious to learn more about the status of Lake Tahoe’s famed clarity? In partnership with TEDxReno, the Tahoe Fund has gathered a panel of experts for an in-depth discussion on Lake Tahoe's famed clarity.

Is the Lake headed in the right direction? We'll explore the big questions to get crystal clear on what's ahead and how we can have an impact.

Panelists include:

Dr. Alex Forrest, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering & Interim Director, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center​
Dan Segan, Chief Science & Policy Advisor, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency​

State Route 28 project updates for the week in North Lake Tahoe

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 this week. Delays are expected between Kings Beach and Tahoe City. The Southwest Gas line project has wrapped Up for the 2024 season.

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

Residents asked to be mindful of green-waste combination as Gardnerville begins pilot program with Full-Circle Compost

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. - Each year, the Town of Gardnerville collects more than 450 tons of green waste from its residents. The green-waste program started in 2000 as a free service to residents as the Town was able to dispose of its green waste at Bently Ranch free of charge. Every ton of green waste—diverted to Bently Ranch and kept out of the landfill—was a cost-saving to Town residents and an environmental benefit for all.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to during the week of August 5-11, 2024. Location Checks are when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests/citations and calls are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc.) but stats are collected separately.

Log for August 5 - August 11, 2024

8/5

Calls Resulting in Arrest

Letter: Why the Measure N Vacancy Tax will raise rents in South Lake Tahoe

Scott Robbins, Amelia Richmond, and Nick Speal are telling residents that the Measure N Vacancy Tax “Does NOT tax local residents, businesses or renters.” The text of the ballot measure says “Section 3.60.020 Imposition of Tax, A.... the City imposes an annual Residential Vacancy Tax on each person who owns a Residential Unit if that Residential Unit is Vacant”. There is absolutely no exception for “local residents, businesses or renters”. It applies to every residence in the city regardless of who owns
it or where they live.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department reminds drivers to keep the final days of summer fun, not fatal

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Wienermobile makes weekend-long stop in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since 1936 the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has been driving around to promote their "German-style Wieners," first through the streets of Chicago and today, around the country. Today's version of the hot dog-shaped vehicle is much bigger than the original 13-foot metal hot dog on wheels.

The little moving hotdog is now a 27-foot-long frankfurter atop a yellow bun. A peek inside shows the six seats in a fun and funky display.

Multiple agencies respond to accidental drowning near Bonsai Rock at Lake Tahoe,

MONDAY Update: Francisco Villa Madrigal, 39, of San Jose, Calif., has been identified as the person who was pronounced dead after being pulled out of the water near Bonsai Rock. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office said the cause and manner of death are pending investigation, though no foul is suspected.

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 calls 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.

August 5 - August 11, 2024

8/5

08:09 SUSP VEH STOP - Officer initiated activity at TJ Maxx, Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: CHECKS CLEAR.

South Tahoe Association of Realtors looking for teachers to have wish lists filled

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Association of Realtors (STAOR) is looking for local teachers who need supplies in the classrooms. Once they get the lists, STAOR will let the community know what is needed and collect the list items.

Teachers, fill out your wish list HERE.

Kudos: Boys and Girls Club thanks Shakespeare Ranch, the Tahoe Star, and Waco McGill

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A group from the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe members and staff traveled across the lake on the Tahoe Star to Shakespeare Ranch for an action-packed day on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. This was the first time members of the Club visited the ranch.

The day brought us beautiful, sunny weather. Club members watched a rodeo, fed carrots to horses and goats, learned how to rope a bull, and enjoyed the arcade inside of the barn.

South Lake Tahoe plans for extra law and traffic enforcement during upcoming Lake20

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The South Lake Tahoe Police Department, in partnership with the California Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, El Dorado County Sheriff's Department, Nevada State Police, and the U.S Forest Service Law Enforcement branch will be out in force August 21 through August 25, in response to the unauthorized car event called Lake2O.

The City of South Lake Tahoe issued a press release, stating the safety of all residents and visitors is important to them.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies arrest suspected armed robbery suspect after high-speed chase

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – A high-speed chase on US395 after an armed robbery in Lancaster, Calif. led to the arrest of a 27-year-old Fresno resident in Douglas County.

Tahoe El Dorado Area Plan updates at upcoming workshop

Event Date: 
September 12, 2024 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — El Dorado County will host a virtual workshop for the Tahoe El Dorado Area Plan (TED Area Plan) to share the review progress made to date, summarize community input from the previous online survey and community workshops held in June 2024, and provide a preview of next steps in the process. The workshop will be held September 12 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Column: Healthy menu tips for dining out

Today’s American families spend as much as half their food budget on meals away from home. Meals at restaurants can be costly on the wallet but are also costly for a family’s health.

North Tahoe Community Alliance fills three open seats

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To round out regional representation and fill the open board and TOT Advisory committee seats that required candidates with specific experience, last week the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) Board of Directors unanimously approved three position appointments. Derrick Morales (Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge) has filled the Tahoe City Downtown Association nominated board seat on the NTCA Board of Directors, and Sean Whelan and Katya Christian were named to the Housing Advocate/Expertise and At Large seats respectively on the TOT Advisory Committee.

Red Flag Warning issued for Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area on Saturday

UPDATE: The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe region. It is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno is calling for gusty winds and low humidity.

Winds will be from the south to southwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 40 mph. Humidity will be 9-15 percent.

The five-day forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

Column: Tahoe Summit spotlights transportation

Earlier this week, members of Lake Tahoe’s federal delegation, led by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev), gathered with community members, Washoe tribal members, and state and local leaders to mark the 28th annual Lake Tahoe Summit. Their presence, along with a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, provided an uplifting moment that recognized the success of the conservation of Lake Tahoe. The annual event additionally underscored ongoing challenges in the region and the need for sustainable funding to support multiple initiatives.

South Lake Tahoe window cleaning company starts Community Giving Promise

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fostering a community of neighbors recognizing neighbors is the key behind the South Lake Tahoe window cleaning business, The Kairos Company.

Started by Shannon Kuperus, Jr., and now operated together with his wife Lauren, the Kairos Company cleans windows, solar panels, and gutters, as well as snow removal.

Barton Nurse Sarah Balasanian recognized with The DAISY Award

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sarah Balasanian, registered nurse (RN) with Barton’s Medical/Surgical - Orthopedics Unit, was selected as a recipient of The DAISY Award 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.

Female body found on Mt. Rose Highway believed to be that of missing Kings Beach woman

UPDATE August 19: The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the person who was found deceased along the Mt. Rose Highway on August 15 as Patricia Portella-Wright, 48, of Kings Beach, Calif. The manner of death was homicide. The Coroner said the cause of death was multiple sharp-force injuries. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the law enforcement investigation.

Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood announce 2024/25 winter season opening dates

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It is still beach weather, but some local ski resorts are already planning for the snow to start falling and have announced their opening dates. Northstar California, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are looking ahead - Northstar and Heavenly will open on Friday, November 22, with Kirkwood to follow on Friday, December 6, conditions allowing.

Here’s their pre-winter checklist to start gearing up for the 2024/25 ski and ride season:

Discover what’s new at your favorite Tahoe mountains

Zephyr Point Conference Center adds programs for families and kids this fall and winter

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. — The Zephyr Point Conference Center has announced a wide range of programs designed to provide fun, adventure, and relaxation for families and kids during the upcoming school year. The programs are for parents looking for a well-deserved break, kids seeking a winter wonderland experience, and homeschooled students looking for social, educational, and recreational fun.

Kings Beach man arrested as suspect in Reno murder; disappearance of girlfriend

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. - Just before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14, Brent Clifford of Kings Beach, Calif. was taken into custody in Portola by investigators working on both the murder of a man in Reno and the case of a missing woman from Kings Beach.

Clifford had been spotted in Portola by investigators and taken into custody with the help of the Plumas County Sheriff's Office and is being held on an active warrant.

Tahoe Douglas Rotary launches Phoenix, the Tahoe Life Boat helping on the water

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Just as the immortal bird Phoenix rose from the ashes, the damaged Tahoe Douglas fireboat has resurfaced as Phoenix, a new lifeboat to help those on Lake Tahoe.

Douglas County announces successful rollout of National Voter Registration Act initiative

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer Amy Burgans has announced the successful rollout of the 2024 National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) initiative, a critical project aimed at maintaining accurate and up-to-date voter rolls in Douglas County. This process, which began with the distribution of 3,434 Confirmation Cards, ensures that voter information is current and accurate as we approach the upcoming election.

University of Oregon researchers conducting study with Caldor Fire evacuees on wildfire resilience planning

Researchers from the University of Oregon are asking for the public's help in providing feedback on wildfire risk management and evacuation planning
in areas impacted by the 2021 Caldor Fire.

They are conducting interviews with residents and professionals to discuss
diverse experiences with wildfire events and mechanisms for addressing local wildfire risk management concerns in the future.

Interviews typically take between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours and can occur 1) in person at a time, date, and location convenient for you, or (2) via phone or Zoom.

Pete Buttigieg at Lake Tahoe: Trails are not ornamental, they are fundamental

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - The keynote speaker at the 28th annual Lake Tahoe Summit was U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg where the theme was "Connecting Tahoe: Investing in Transit, Trails, and Technology for the Future."

"I see magic in this place and why you all work so hard to protect it," said Buttigieg of Lake Tahoe.

It was Buttigieg's first visit to Tahoe. The crowd was made up of locals, agencies, and government representatives, and they showed their appreciation for the Secretary who has served under President Biden for the last 3.5 years.

28th annual Lake Tahoe Summit shows people care about the lake, the environment, and the future

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - When discussing Lake Tahoe and its preservation for generations to come, it doesn't come from a blue lens or a red lens, but from the collaborative lens to do what is right.

That was evident during the 28th annual Lake Tahoe Summit at Round Hill Pines Resort on Wednesday as the public came together with agencies and government officials to discuss the strides made so far, and what still needs to be done.

Judge rules on wording of Measure N ballot statements after Writ of Mandate filed

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado Superior Court Judge who heard the Writ of Mandate filed by former South Lake Tahoe Mayor and Councilmember Tom Davis has ruled in favor of Davis's complaint after a settlement agreement. He had said the word "only" should not be used on the ballot statements of those behind Measure N, and Judge Leanne Mayberry agreed.

Caltrans work in South Lake Tahoe this summer preparing for larger safety project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Contractors with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have been working along US50 (Lake Tahoe Blvd.) this summer as part of a two-year lighting and safety improvement project between the "Y" and Pioneer Trail.

Work started in June on installing the needed conduit, and the project is scheduled to be completed by October 2025. At various times there will continue to be lane restrictions on US50.

This project will:

Next Tahoe Environmental Research Center presentation: Nearshore algae update

Event Date: 
August 15, 2024 - 5:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) talk will be held on Thursday, August 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sunnyside Resort.

Letter: South Lake Tahoe residents need affordable housing facts, not propaganda

Do not be disillusioned, there are not and will not be other magical solutions for this housing shortage. Take notice now South Lake Tahoe, voting yes for the Measure N vacancy tax may be our one chance to make things right.

Simply arguing isn’t going to get us anywhere our politicians and leaders haven’t. Lately, the divisiveness surrounding the vacancy tax has gone far beyond routine disagreement and turned into personal attacks.

Tahoe Chamber invites community to upcoming events

The Tahoe Chamber invites you! Our calendar of events for the next month includes fun and meaningful ways to interact with your professional community members:

Wednesday, August 21, 5:30 - 7 pm: Join our South Shore business community at Toulouse, 901 Park Avenue, to network, try New Orleans-based cuisine, and hear the twisting career path of Steve Turoff, a partner in the restaurant. Free to members, one complimentary beer or glass of wine included; non-members $10. You should come.

State Senator representing South Lake Tahoe switches from Democratic to Republican Party

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First-term State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil has announced she is switching her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Alvarado-Gil represents South Lake Tahoe and the rest of California's 4th State Senate District. The district encompasses the northeastern portion of the Central Valley, along with the central Sierra Nevada and all of Death Valley. It includes Stanislaus, Calaveras, Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Alpine, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, Mono, and Inyo

Tahoe Valley Campground to host 28th Valhalla Renaissance Faire

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Aug 25 2024 .
August 24, 2024 (All day)
August 25, 2024 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Valley Campground will be hosting the 28th-anniversary celebration of the Valhalla Renaissance Faire on Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, August 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be jousting, live entertainment, an artisan marketplace, costume contests, food/drinks, photo opportunities, and more! Guests are encouraged to come in costume.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 for adults (18+), $20 for seniors (62+), $15 for kids (7-12), and children under 7 are free to attend.

Kiva Beach to close Saturday for traditional Washoe Tribe cultural event

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – In support of the annual Washoe Tribal Picnic, Kiva Beach parking area and Forest Road 1311 at Heritage Way will be temporarily closed from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

Lahontan Water Board alleges violations at Sugar Pine Village project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There have been allegations of a violation of the Construction General Permit at the Sugar Pine Village, and a settlement has been proposed that will benefit another South Lake Tahoe project. Lahontan Water Board has alleged that Sugar Pine Housing Partners LP and Deacon Construction LLC violated the Construction General Permit as follows:

1. Failed to have a written spill response plan and spill response kit onsite on September 27, 2023.

2. Failed to remove trash and properly secure waste stockpiles on September 27, October 3, and October 17, 2023.

South Christmas Valley Firewise Workday

Event Date: 
September 29, 2024 - 1:00pm

Dear South Christmas Valley, There is a Firewise Community Workday scheduled for September 29, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 3313 W River Park, South Lake Tahoe.

This is the day organizers will record all the hours neighbors have worked in their yards preparing for the defense of a wildfire.

Lake Valley Fire will come and pick up for free a 6ft X 6ft pile of debris you may order online at: www.https://www.chipperday.com/southlaketahoe.

Placer County Sheriff's Office asking for public's help in finding Kings Beach woman

KINGS BEACH, Calif. - The Placer County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) is asking for the public’s help in locating 48-year-old Patricia Portella-Wright, who lives in Kings Beach.

She was reported missing on Friday, August 9, 2024, when she did not show up for work. Her last known contact was on Saturday, August 3.

PCSO believes Patricia may be in the Reno area. She could be in a red, 2003 Chevrolet Blazer with Nevada plate F8942 (handicapped plates). There is a square white sticker just to the right of the rear license plate.

Ridge Tahoe employee celebrates 40-year work anniversary - most for any of company's staff in US/Mexico

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - When James (Jim) Kazakov left his bartender job at Harvey's Inn to join the new Ridge Tahoe Resort team on August 1, 1984, little did he know what lay before him. He was the first person to serve a drink at the resort’s bar, now called The Bear Trap Lounge & Bar, and continues to serve the guests, owners, and locals who stop by.

Nevada State Legislative holding final TRPA oversight committee meeting in Carson City

The sixth and final regular meeting of the Nevada State Legislative Committee for the review and oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and the Marlette Lake Water System will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 16 in Room 3138 of the Nevada State Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City, Nev.

South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After taking the month of July off, the South Lake Tahoe City Council will meet again on Tuesday, August 13 at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport.

On the agenda:

Base Camp Pizza Co. raises $17,000 for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A year-long fundraising campaign by Base Camp Pizza Co. in the Heavenly Village has culminated in $17,000 for the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT).

A check was presented to the nonprofit that helps pets in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area during a party at the restaurant where there was pizza, pasta, a salad buffet, drink specials, live music, and raffle prizes donated from local businesses.

Driver of car believed to have started Gold Ranch Fire arrested

The Nevada Highway Patrol has arrested the driver of a vehicle that was on fire on I-80 near Verdi on Sunday. The vehicle, a 2020 Alfa Romeo, is believed to have started the Gold Ranch Fire which has burned over 500 acres, so far.

The driver, Andrew Nick, was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving and booked into the Washoe County jail.

The NHP investigation is open and active.

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