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El Dorado County Sheriff's report

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.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/06/28/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

Added to that report
6/27

TERC Talk - It’s the small things that really matter

Lakes are always in motion. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding or simply floating, you may have felt currents or seen waves moving across the surface. Are these motions important for lake health? Surprisingly these specific motions have little effect on the biota, the clarity, or the water quality. The motions that really matter are the tiniest motions, known as turbulence.

Turbulence:
Helps phytoplankton and attached algae take up nutrients
Transports oxygen into the sediments
Allows clarity-impeding fine particles to aggregate together and settle quicker

Hot week ahead for Lake Tahoe Basin - Above average and possible record high temperatures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - located in southern Nevada. The proximity of the building high and projected 500mb heights greater than 595mb will promote hot daily temperatures that will approach, and may exceed, daily records. It should be noted that July is climatologically the hottest time of year, and even approaching daily records will likely lead to heat and heat related health impacts for the region, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Crash closed US-50 over Echo Summit

UDPATE 7/7: More details on the 4th of July crash on Echo Summit are available. The 20-year-old female driver of a Nissan Versa was heading eastbound on US-50 at about 5:50 p.m. when, for unknown reasons, crossed over the center double-yellow line into oncoming traffic. Heading west at that time was a 41-year-old male from Clovis driving a Chevy Avalanche. The Versa driver hit the Avalanche and had to be extricated from her vehicle and transported by Calstar to Renown Hospital where she later succumbed from her injuries.

East Fork Fire at 1,136 acres, 45% contained

Saturday Update: As of this afternoon all established containment lines around the East Fork Fire are holding. There was no visible smoke on the most recent fly over. Crews continue to check and secure containment lines and are expected to be on scene for a few more days. The East Fork Fire has burned 1,136 acres and is now 45 percent contained.

Red Hawk Casino plans 75k square-foot expansion and hotel

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The operators of the Red Hawk Casino in Shingle Springs have submitted the required documents for review of a 75,000 square-foot entertainment center to be developed above the northern half of the existing parking garage.

The state of California currently has Tribal-State Gaming Compacts with 75 Tribes, 63 of them operate 66 casinos. One of those is the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians who operate the Red Hawk Casino in Shingle Springs, El Dorado County.

Column: Properly preparing for a ride

Lake Tahoe features some of the best mountain biking in the country, including the famous Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Flume Trail and many others built and maintained by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA). Mr. Toads is best known for its challenging rock gardens and steep terrain, best suited for an advanced mountain biker. While not technically challenging, the Flume Trail features exposed areas next to cliffs which can be intimidating, but the views are second to none.

Red Flag Warning issued for Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has upgraded its previous fire weather watch to a Red Flag Warning. This will be in effect from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, July 3 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, July 4 for Lake Tahoe, Truckee and nearby counties.

No flames of any kind are allowed in the Lake Tahoe Basin during the warning - no barbecues, no fire pits, no campfires.

Instagram story leads to rapid response on Lake Tahoe beach

TAHOE VISTA, Calif. - Thousands of white polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) balls, each the size of a fish egg, was the last thing Alison Toy and her husband expected to see blanketing the beach at Moon Dune on Tahoe’s north shore during an evening walk. Toy quickly spotted the source of the pollution – a butterfly-shaped plush float toy with a burst seam – floating amid the trash on Tahoe’s blue waters. After trying and realizing it was impossible for two people to clean up the spill by hand, she quickly shared several photos to Instagram.

Could this be the answer to overflowing trash cans in South Lake Tahoe?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Trash is an ongoing issue in communities around Lake Tahoe. No matter how many times the trash cans and dumpsters are picked up on busy days, there is garbage waiting to fill them.

South Lake Tahoe is experimenting with what could be a game-changer in the world of trash - solar powered trash compactors.

Four EC-ecube Labs Clean Cube 240L Receptacles have been installed ahead of the busy 4th of July weekend, two at Lakeview Commons on the upper plaza, and two at Conelley Beach behind the Beach Retreat.

Letter: We need universal fire rules in Lake Tahoe Basin

I have lived in South Lake Tahoe on both the Nevada and California side for 3.5 years. Prior to this I was in Summit County Colorado, Florida and grew up in Upstate NY. I have A LOT of outdoor knowledge and experience in my life I am 40-years-old). I was a Physical Education teacher for 9 years and have been a lifeguard for 25. I moved here and lived in my 11x7 camper for 2 winters. Ok enough about me I just wanted to establish some merit.

Weekly recap of COVID-19 for counties around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This is a weekly COVID-19 report for areas around Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County has announced 51 new cases of COVID-19 since last Friday: 6 from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 18 in El Dorado Hills, 4 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, -1 in North County, 6 in Greater Placerville, 15 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, -1 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from the count: 4. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 83.

Tickets added to Boathouse Theater's Murdered to Death

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Valhalla Tahoe opens additional seats for the second week of Murdered to Death, the popular play showing at the Boathouse Theater. July 2 and July 3 shows are sold out.

Find out Whodunit in this hilarious spoof on Agatha Christie style murder mysteries. This play is sure to get you laughing and leave you guessing!

20 tickets have been added to each show:
July 6-9, 7:30pm
July 11, 2:00 p.m. Matinee

Masks Required for Non-Vaccinated

Column: Don’t let alcohol ruin your summer fun

Summer in Tahoe is a perfect setting for outdoor activities with family and friends. For some, drinking alcoholic beverages is part of the fun-in-the-sun experience. But excessive alcohol consumption and summer activities don’t mix.

According to the CDC, alcohol relates to 70% of water recreation deaths and 48% of pedestrian fatalities. Alcohol decreases inhibition and impairs mental and physical capabilities, judgement, balance, and vision. It decreases reaction time and increases fatigue. Alcohol can lead to tragic consequences on the water, on the road and in the outdoors.

MontBleu Resort & Spa to undergo name change to Bally's Lake Tahoe

STATELINE, Nev. - The final approval has been received by the owners of MontBleu Resort & Spa on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, and the name of the 43-year-old casino and hotel will be changing to Bally's Lake Tahoe.

The Douglas County Commissioners unanimously approved the name change on the liquor licenses and business license during its meeting on Thursday. Licenses held with the county were held in the name of Columbia Properties, LLC dba MontBleu and will now be in the name of Premier Entertainment Tahoe, LLC, dba Bally's Lake Tahoe.

East Fork Fire burning east of Woodfords now over 500 acres

UPDATE 6:30 p.m. 7/2/21 - The lightning-caused East Fork Fire is currently 10 percent contained at 565 acres with 170 personnel on scene. Today Firefighters are focusing on working in tandem with aircraft to secure the line. The fire is burning in and around Cottonwood Canyon in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain.

Firefighters are expected to be on scene through the weekend. Please stay out of the area of Horseshoe Bend on the East Fork of the Carson River, where firefighters are working.
* * *

Key to having a safe holiday weekend at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most of the counties around Lake Tahoe are reaching out to the public to alert them of fire rules, the fact that personal fireworks are illegal to possess and use in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and ways to have a safe 4th of July weekend both on the water and off.

Due to the volume of celebrants within the Stateline casino core, Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove areas throughout the weekend, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to be safe and mindful of the laws surrounding their festivities.

Weekend wildflower and tree hikes at Carson Pass

The El Dorado National Forest Interpretive Association is having two flower walks and one tree walk at the Carson Pass this July 2-4. All hikes will begin at the Carson Pass Information Center on SR-88. They are all open to the public, free of charge.

On July 2 and July 4 at 10:00 a.m., join the Wildflowers Hike. The walk will go through lupine and many other flowers at Carson Pass on the way to Frog Lake. The walk is along an easy path and will take about 2.5 hours. The leader of the "relaxed walk" is Lu B.

Clean Up The Lake named nonprofit of the year for California District 1

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Clean Up The Lake has announced Senator Brian Dahle named Clean Up the Lake as California’s 1st Senate District Non-Profit of the Year for 2021.

The dream of Clean Up the Lake, nearly two years in the making, was to remove trash accumulating in by scuba and around Lake Tahoe to reduce pollution to one of the most pristine and recognized lakes in the United States.

Three tips to save water this 4th of July

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The 4th of July is South Lake Tahoe’s busiest weekend of the summer. With weekend revelers arriving to celebrate Independence Day, water demand increases. In the face of record breaking temperatures and the worst drought in decades, this stresses water supply.

Live at Lakeview returns to South Lake Tahoe August 5

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Live at Lakeview music series returns this summer for five free events starting on August 5 and wrapping up September 2.

The City of South Lake Tahoe, On Course Events, and Tahoe Wellness Center
are hosting the popular concerts on Thursdays evenings.

The series will begin on Thursday, August 5 with the 84th show headlined by Boot Juice, a seven piece folk band with a horn section, three-part harmonies, and dual guitarists.

Live at Lakeview is a free weekly concert series that began in 2012. The

Stephen Curry added to American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The American Century Championship taking place at Lake Tahoe in just one short week at already had one of the strongest fields in its 32-year-history, but an announcement today just make it stronger.

Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warrior's perennial all-star, three-time NBA champion, and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, is returning to the tournament along with his dad Del and brother Seth.

With his participation in the Tokyo Olympics uncertain until recently, Curry hadn't been on the roster of players which now nears 90 celebrities.

Lake Tahoe History Talks on the beach each Tuesday this summer

Event Date: 
July 6, 2021 - 7:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe Historical Society have teamed together to bring weekly history talks to the beach this summer!

Every Tuesday during the months of July and August, join them at Lakeview Commons for an hour filled with Lake Tahoe history fun, presented by long-time locals, authors, and historical characters. The events are free but donations are accepted, and some of the speakers might have books available for purchase. These programs are for all ages and Tahoe Tessie's Beach Bites will be open late for this event.

Road Beat: Review ~ 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is eternal fun

Getting long in the tooth? Perhaps, but the latest Miata from Mazda is still as fun as always!

Douglas County VHR waitlist period open July 1 - 31

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - With the new Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance in Douglas County to start July 15, the process to apply for a permit will start July 1.

The County commissioners approved significant changes to the VHR program on June 3, placing a cap of 600 permits for the rentals. The County is anticipating the demand for permits will exceed the total number of the permits available and has established a waitlist application process to generate a list of property owners who may qualify to receive a permit.

South Lake Tahoe's Leah Marino youngest women's hockey player to be drafted

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Wanting to keep up with her big brother, Leah Marino stepped on the ice as a hockey player at the age of 5, and now 15 years later, she is the youngest person to be drafted in the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL).

On Tuesday night, Leah went in the third round of the draft and will don a Toronto Six uniform when the season starts this fall.

The 20-year-old Marino was born and raised on the South Shore and attended the Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School, South Tahoe Middle School, and South Tahoe High School.

188 tons of debris collected during Clean Tahoe's $5 Dump Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Residents lined up at the annual $5 Dump Day on June 12, getting rid of the unwanted mattresses, televisions, furniture, and other unused items hanging around their homes.

505 people went through the event, bringing with them 376,000 pounds of debris, Even though 150 fewer vehicles went through the line than in 2019 (2020 was canceled), 43,000 more pounds of debris was collected.

Other trash details:
Refrigerators Decommissioned: 15
E-Waste Recycled 3,240 lbs.

Rotary Mobility program recycles unused equipment

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Find yourself in need of crutches but can't find any around Lake Tahoe? Having hip surgery and need a walker for a couple of months? How about a wheelchair? A Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe project is connecting unused mobility equipment to those who need them.

The program, called Rotary Mobility, has been up and running for six months, but in that short time the Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe has served 41 people through their new program with 61 mobility items. The costs saved by those served, $6,700.

Work on Mt. Rose HIghway halts for the holiday week

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will be changing work hours on its Mt. Rose Highway project for the 4th of July holiday weekend. Crews and traffic control will be removed by 8:00 a.m. Friday, July 2 and work/traffic control will resume on Sunday, July 11 at 8:00 p.m.

Outside of the holiday week, working hours remain from Sundays 8:00 p.m.- Fridays at noon.

Fire in laundry room at Stateline, nearby roads closed

8:14 p.m. update: The command at Base Camp Motel has ended and the fire in the laundry area is out. There was no extension of fire outside of the dryer, just a bit of light smoke in the laundry room with very little flame found on arrival according to South Lake Tahoe Fire Battalion Chief Jim Drennan. Engine 1 and Truck 2 handled the call along with Battalion 3.

8:00 p.m. update: Cedar Avenue has reopened.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has responded to the Base Camp Motel on Cedar Avenue after a smoke alarm sounded at police dispatch.

FBI warns of new scam - VIrtual town hall on current scams and protection tips Wednesday

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office is warning the public to be on alert for a phone scam involving unsolicited calls received from someone claiming to represent the FBI.

Self-defense ruled in shooting of bear that broke into South Lake Tahoe home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - More details have become available on the shooting, and subsequent death, of a bear on June 25 in the county area of South Lake Tahoe.

Letter: Human/Bear Conflict

In the wake of the bear shooting that happened last week, I feel compelled to speak out on the issue. I, like almost all of the citizen black bear and wildlife advocates around the Tahoe Basin, hold no degree in wildlife biology. My view and qualifications on this issue come from being a 38 year resident of South Lake Tahoe, and for the last ten years, I have been very active in wildlife rescue and helping residents old and new to deal with wildlife issues, with a focus on our urbanized black bear population.

Red Flag Warning issued for Lake Tahoe Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has upgraded the Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds during a heatwave, which is in effect from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 29.

The Red Flag Warning is for a wide area including the greater Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area, the Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties- Lahontan Basin including Churchill and Eastern Mineral Counties.

Full slate of activities during South lake Tahoe's "Parks Make Life Better" month

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - July is "Parks Make Life Better" month in California, and the City of South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating with many activities.

They have partnered with local groups to offer a variety of events designed to promote the many benefits of the City's parks as well as strengthen the community through people, parks, and programs.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/06/23/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

Those added to the report for June 20 -

Pine Nuts with McAvoy Layne: Red White and Tahoe Blue

While lifeguarding at South Shore away back in the summer of ’61, I got to experience my first Red, White & Tahoe Blue 4th of July, which, fireworks aside, was no different than any other idyllic Tahoe summer day. How could I guess that half a century later I would be reading the Declaration of Independence on the Village Green at North Shore with a Marine Corps flyover following the words, “…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Va-vaVOOM! It gives me chicken-skin to think of it.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department reminds public to be safe when drinking after suspicious circumstances

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A social media post by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) over the weekend gained media attention across the state. The post alerted the public to be safe when drinking alcohol after there were some suspicious circumstances that could possibly be spiked drinks.

SLTPD took three reports from four people who sought emergency medical treatment after becoming ill after consuming alcohol. The incidents took place between June 11 and June 22. The reports were from two men and two women ages 36-58.

Two die in Lake Tahoe this weekend

Two people lost their lives in Lake Tahoe this weekend and a woman suffered a foot injury after getting it caught in a boat propeller.

On Friday afternoon, 69-year-old Xavier Olivas of Yucca Valley, Calif. jumped off a boat to swim to shore at Chimney Beach on the east shore. He never made it and could not be found until the Washoe County Sheriff HASTY team divers found his body submerged offshore after a five-hour search. The Washoe County Medical Examiner's office has not determined a cause of death at this time.

Column: Flavor Bliss - Wine tasting In Lake Tahoe with dare to pair

I'll eat just about anything while drinking wine, but I hadn't ever really thought about the value of actually pairing wine with the snacks I enjoy. Laura Burgess of Laura Uncorked introduced us to Dare to Pair wine tasting in Lake Tahoe and now my mind and senses are racing.

Swirl, Sniff, Swish

El Dorado County creates new vacation home rental website with accurate and timely information

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A new County Code Enforcement micro-website has been launched, one that will provide accurate and timely information about the vacation home rental (VHR) program for owners, locals, and renters.

Lake Tahoe Community College holds graduation ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) held an in-person graduation ceremony for the classes of 2021 and 2020 on Friday, June 25.

There were 188 graduates this year. Twenty-six of them were part of the Lake Tahoe College Promise program, meaning they earned their degrees tuition-free (along with a lot of other perks).

113 of these AA degrees were degrees for transfer, guaranteeing those students either a seat at a California State University or a University of California. The graduation also celebrated 15 vocational certificate earners.

Tahoe Fund receives nearly $300K from guests at Vail Resorts through $1 donation program

In just 24 months, Vail Resorts has raised nearly $300,000 for the Tahoe Fund in support of new trails and environmental stewardship projects in the Tahoe Basin. A partner of the nonprofit since its inception, Vail Resorts has raised funds to support projects spearheaded by the Tahoe Fund through its $1 for Tahoe guest donation program—part of the company’s EpicPromise community impact program.

Friends of Ski Run holding fundraiser for new park in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 2, 2021 - 5:30pm

The Friends of Ski Run will be holding an outdoor show on Friday, July 2 to help raise money for the new Ski Run Park. The show will feature climber Timmy O'Neill and musician Robin Orr.

O'Neill is not only a climber but also a comedian. Timmy is a hilarious climber, presenter, and new South Lake local and will share stories from the first blind ascent of Ama Dablam with dear friend Erik Wiehenmayer, blind climber and adventurer.

He will be joined by the local super-talented Robin Orr and her band, (Timmy plays drums!) for live music before and after the show.

South Lake Tahoe 911 dispatcher helps dad deliver his baby

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As many mothers will tell you, 20 minutes isn't very long from the time a woman's water breaks to the time her baby is born. That is exactly what happened in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, June 23.

911 dispatcher Rachel Carlson answered a call that night from Theodore Tofanelli. His girlfriend had gone into labor in their Sierra Vista apartment at the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe and there was no time to get her to the hospital.

Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation awards South Tahoe High student mentors

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Twenty South Tahoe High School students who served as mentors in the inaugural "Connect, Engage, Succeed" program this school year were awarded $12,500 in scholarships from the Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation (LTEF).

LTEF partnered with the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) to identify and train volunteer high school coaches/mentors and match them with elementary and middle school students who were struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic distance learning format.

Fire Weather Watch for Lake Tahoe Tuesday - Warm and chance of thunderstorms all week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday, June 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thunderstorms are forecast to develop during the late afternoon and evening hours on Tuesday. Despite some rainfall with the thunderstorms lightning ignitions are possible, especially with the abnormally dry timber. Outflow winds from the storms may exceed 50 mph.

Lightning can create new fire starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for June 26-July 3

Several different agencies have roadwork projects around the Lake Tahoe Basin from spring to fall. Each week we publish projects planned by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the County of El Dorado, and the City of South Lake Tahoe.

NDOT - Lake Tahoe and Douglas County

Roadwork - on SR-28 in both directions near 451 Lakeshore Boulevard in Washoe County Nevada. Traffic control in place. The estimated end Time is 3:30 PM on 06/29/21

Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Cleanup

Event Date: 
July 5, 2021 (All day)

LAKE TAHOE - Even though there will be no fireworks shows over Lake Tahoe this July 4, the beaches are expected to fill up for those who want to enjoy the holiday at the lake.

The League to Save Lake is hosting the annual beach cleanup on July 5 at locations around Lake Tahoe. There is a cap on the number of volunteers so register now to save your spot. RSVPs are required - sign up HERE.

Why:

Diane Feinstein places her Lake Tahoe estate for sale- $41 million price tag

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - California Senator Diane Feinstein and her husband, Richard Blum, chairman and president of Blum Capital, have placed their Lake Tahoe compound for sale.

The compound includes three homes, 278 feet of beach, a 172-foot pier, a boat lift, and two buoys. It was listed for sale briefly in 2020 for $46 million.

Feinstein is a long-time proponent of protecting Lake Tahoe. She has been part of the bi-state team that brings the annual Lake Tahoe Summit to the area to highlight successes and challenges in keeping Tahoe blue.

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