Latest Stories

Farmers Market returns to South Lake Tahoe Tuesday

Event Date: 
September 14, 2021 - 8:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With US50 and SR88 closed, the route of many fruit and vegetable vendors is cut off but the Tuesday Farmer's Market in South Lake Tahoe will still go on as planned on September 14. Smoke and the recent evacuation has caused cancelations of the popular weekly event.

Organizer Jim Coldwell said at least ten farmers are going to make the extra journey along with some additional craft and food vendors.

Owners of Squaw Valley announce name change to Palisades Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a year of searching for a new name for the ski resort, the site of the 1960 Olympics will now be called Palisades Tahoe.

The use of the word 'squaw' is considered to be a derogatory and offensive ethnic and sexist slur, and long-running complaints from the Washoe Tribe of Nevada led to a plan to change the name in mid-2020. overwhelming evidence that the term ‘squaw’ is considered offensive.

Typical autumn conditions and no smoke in the South Lake Tahoe forecast this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Typical autumn conditions are expected into mid-week with dry and warm days, cool nights, and occasional gusty winds. Low pressure coming in off the Pacific Friday and into next weekend could bring
stronger winds, much cooler temperatures, and even some light showers.

Caldor Fire: 219,267 acres, 65% contained

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Caldor Fire remains at 65 percent contained and is 219,267 acres in size. Some personnel assigned to the fire are now leaving, with 3,771 remaining on the Caldor. US0 is now closed from South Lake Tahoe to Kyburz with more on the western end of the fire area being deemed safe to travel.

South Tahoe Now has been providing fire updates every morning and evening for the duration of the fire. We will now provide a daily story unless the situation changes.

East Zone

Lake Tahoe Unified School District to start the 2021/22 school year Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that all neighborhoods on the South Shore have been repopulated after the Caldor Fire evacuations over the past two weeks, school will be starting at Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) sites on Thursday, September 16.

The final areas of the LTUSD boundary in the areas of South Upper Truckee, North Upper Truckee, and Christmas Valley have now been downgraded to an evacuation warning, and those in the South Lake Tahoe city limits have all warnings removed.

Christmas Valley residents can return home, evacuation warnings dropped in South Lake Tahoe city limits

Good news for the residents of Christmas Valley - they can return to their homes!

Christmas Valley has been reduced from an Evacuation Order to a warning. Homes can be accessed from SR89 south of US50 in Meyers and South Upper Truckee Road.

All properties on the east side of SR89 north from the city limits to Emerald Bay and those in the South Lake Tahoe city limits had their evacuation warning removed.

All homes in El Dorado County on the South Shore remain in an evacuation warning level (yellow on the map above).

Caldor Fire heroes greeted by appreciative South Lake Tahoe residents

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The tributes to Caldor Fire first responders continue in South Lake Tahoe, with gratitude from restaurants giving free meals to locals standing on street corners to say "thank you" with signs, hoots and hollers.

As the fire roared toward Lake Tahoe, the work done by fire fighters kept fire away from homes, saving what would have been complete devastation to South Lake Tahoe and Meyers. Then hundreds of law enforcement from across the state patrolled the streets to ensure homes were protected from looters and other disturbances.

SW Gas meeting Sunday with residents that turned off power prior to evacuating

Southwest Gas will be at the Holiday Market on Sunday, September 12 starting at 10:00 a.m. to assist homeowners returning to their homes.

They are there to meet with their customers who reside in the Upper Truckee area, north of US50 who turned their natural gas service off before evacuating from the Caldor Fire.

Southwest Gas will be on hand to start the process to safely re-establish natural gas service to your property. W

Tthe Holiday Market is located at 2977 US50 in Meyers.

Saturday night Caldor Fire update: 65% contained, 218,764 acres

Fire crews continue to strengthen containment and hand lines around the Caldor Fire, with it now at 65 percent containment and 218,764 acres in size. They continue to work around Kirkwood Lake, Lake Margaret, along the SR88 corridor, Silver Lake and the US50 corridor.

There are a lot of hazard trees needed to be removed in all areas of the fire, and crews continue to mop up and remove resources including hoses where they are able.

El Dorado County creates Caldor Fire recovery information page

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County today announced the creation of a dedicated, comprehensive website devoted to information and resources for County residents affected by the Caldor Fire. The site contains helpful information for those who have suffered property loss or damage or been displaced from their homes and serves as a one-stop shop to help answer people’s questions.

North Upper Truckee residents now able to return home; Alpine County updates its orders

The mandatory evacuation order has been lifted for the North Upper Truckee neighborhood, but remains in place for residents of Christmas Valley. Alpine County has also updated its mandatory orders.

US 50 is closed at the round-a-bout so returnees to North Upper Truckee (NUT) must use Lake Tahoe Boulevard to North Upper Truckee Road.

Tahoe Mountain residents may also return.

Those living on Chiapa Drive may return home but must go to the final checkpoint on NUT and provide ID with address to be able to use US50 to get home to receive a pass.

Generations of memories as the Caldor Fire threatened Fallen Leaf Lake

The following was sent to South Tahoe Now by Tom Hallman, Jr., who teaches a writing class. This is from Carolee Kolve as the fire set its sights on the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The home of my heart is beside a lake that I visit only once a year. I do not own this land, but my connection to it goes three generations back, two generations forward, and encompasses many of my dearest friends. It is where I want my ashes to be scattered when that time inevitably comes.

Douglas County drops all precautionary evacuation warnings

Douglas County no longer has any neighborhoods under precautionary evacuation warnings due to the Caldor Fire.

They precautionary measures have been dropped for:

Upper Kingsbury (South)
Upper Kingsbury (North)
Central Kingsbury
Lower Kingsbury
Lower Oliver, Kahle Drive region and roads
Lake Village
Areas South of Elks Point Road

For residents returning back to their homes, Douglas County has created a resource webpage for your potential needs:

douglascountynv.gov/government/departments/emergency_management/current_emergencies/caldor_fire/fire_recovery.

Caldor Fire now 60% contained as firefighters strengthen lines at east end

Firefighters were able to put more containment on the perimeter of the Caldor Fire which is now 60 percent contained. The acres burned increased by 30 acres last night, and it is now 218,489 acres in size.

East One

The Red Flag warning expired at 11:00 p.m. Friday, but gusty winds continued overnight near Caples Lake. Established fire lines throughout the East Zone held through the extreme wind event over the last 24 hours and current fire behavior is primarily interior creeping and smoldering. Crews patrolled, held, and improved lines through the night.

10,000 remain evacuated from Caldor fire which remains 53% contained

Approximately 10,000 people remain evacuated from their homes in the Caldor Fire zone. Some were allowed back in the West Zone today, but Christmas Valley and North Upper Truckee residents in the East Zone remain evacuated along with many other western areas.

There is no timeline for any of those still evacuated, but fire officials said they hope to give residents good news in a few days.

As of Friday night, the Caldor Fire remains at 218,459 acres and 53 percent contained.

Unprecedented amount of services and financial help as LTCC prepares for Fall Quarter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) reopens with limited, public-facing support services on Monday, September 13. Students can come to campus on One College Drive and apply and register for classes, meet with an academic counselor, and learn about financial aid options including free LTCC CARES grants of up to $750 and $250 emergency awards for those who live or work in the Caldor Fire evacuation zone and have been impacted by it.

South Tahoe Refuse adds drop-off option for household garbage in Meyers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Refuse collection service will resumed in the repopulated area of the South Shore Monday, but many returning residents in Meyers may have missed their scheduled day.

Many customers of South Tahoe Refuse will have spoiled food and/or garbage due to the evacuation and they opened three temporary locations for those returning home, but now Meyers is returning home so they've added a new location for household trash.

South Lake Tahoe neighborhood greets firefighters with cheers and treats

The Caldor Fire has made an impact in all neighborhoods and communities from Grizzly Flats to South Lake Tahoe during the one month since it started burning on August 14 in El Dorado County.

As fire crews make their way off the mountain after a long shift, South Lake Tahoe residents are greeting them with cheers and signs of appreciation for saving the community from flames that came very close to destroying homes.

One such group are those who live at the top of High Meadows, Sierra House and Marshall Trails.

Rain, lightning and wind through the Caldor Fire area overnight: 218,459 acres, 53% contained

Residents across the area of the Caldor Fire experienced some much needed light rainfall overnight along with forecasted lightning strikes and wind. The fire is at 53 percent containment, 218,459 acres in size.

East Zone

Bread & Broth to resume service on Friday

Event Date: 
September 10, 2021 - 3:00pm

After having to close due to evacuation, Bread & Broth is resuming its regularly scheduled food distribution on Friday, September 10.

Bags of groceries (staples, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, breads and desserts) will be distributed to individuals and families from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Grace Hall.

Grace Hall is located at 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe.

Next 24-72 hours critical for the Caldor Fire which remains at 53% contained

Firefighters continue to strengthen the lines around the Caldor Fire, with a 53 percent containment line tonight on the fire which is now 218,405 acres in size.

During the nightly community meeting, fire commanders on both the west and the east side of the fire updated the public on a fire that will be tested over the next 72 hours. A Red Flag Warning goes into effect at 11:00 p.m. Thursday and goes until 11:00 p.m. Friday.

"The next forty-eight to seventy-two hours are critical for the success of control of this fire," the incident commander said from the west zone.

City of South Lake Tahoe opens its Campground by the Lake to Caldor Fire evacuees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As mandatory evacuation orders become downgraded to evacuation warnings in the City of South Lake Tahoe and now areas of the county, some neighborhoods remain under and order.

The City has been able to bring back a small staff to open the Campground by the Lake to serve as an evacuee shelter option until area orders have been lifted. Operations will start on Friday, September 10 at 8:00 a.m.

Only evacuees from the Caldor Fire will be able to stay in the campground. Instructions to secure a campsite are provided at the Campground Gatehouse upon arrival.

More areas on the South Shore have evacuation orders reduced to warnings

Caldor Fire officials have sent out the notice many residents have been waiting for, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has an automated message that residents in their area may return home.

The evacuation order has been downgraded to a warning for the areas of Meyers that are north of the traffic circle at Highway 50 and Highway 89. This includes the area of Pioneer trail from Meyers through Elks Club, Upper and Lower Apache, Keetak, Cornelien and all residences accessed from Saw Mill on the northern edge.

Be bear aware as you return from evacuation - secure property, do not feed or give them water

Residents and visitors returning to the South Lake and West Shore areas of Lake Tahoe should be aware that bears have been seeking out human food sources during the evacuation and taking advantage of the lack of human presence. As you approach your residence, look and listen carefully for signs that a bear has been or is in your home. If a bear is in your home, call 911. Do not attempt to chase it out yourself. Your safety is your responsibility.

Repair Your Home ASAP

Vote Center opens Friday at LTCC; Two ballot drop boxes available in South Lake Tahoe

On Tuesday, September 14, California voters head to the polls to decide on whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. A "yes" vote is against Newsom and to remove him from office before the 2022 election, a "no" vote is for Newsom and to keep him as governor. There are 46 candidates vying to replace him for one year and this is the only item on the ballot.

Bread & Broth seeks donations to meet anticipated increase in food needs in South Lake Tahoe

Over eighteen months into the COVID-19 pandemic, those struggling financially from its impact are now facing the added burden of lost wages and evacuation costs due to the Caldor Fire. Bread & Broth is once again requesting financial support from the community to enable them to continue its mission to ease hunger for our neighbors in need.

Crews strengthening lines today on Caldor Fire in advance of high winds, chance of thunderstorms

The Caldor Fire has moved to 53 percent contained. The 15th largest fire in California history is now 217,946 acres in size. To the north, the Dixie Fire at 922,507 acres is the 2nd largest in the state's history (top single fire as the 2020 August Complex was a group of fires). That fire is 59 percent contained.

East Zone

Caldor Fire now 15th largest in California history at 217,859 acres

There was very little growth on the Caldor Fire Wednesday. It is now 217.859 acres and remains this evening at 50 percent contained. The Caldor Fire has now become the 15th largest in California history.

During the Caldor Fire community meeting this evening, Incident Commander Kyle Jacobsen said they don't want to pull the trigger with the forecasted winds and thunderstorm starting tomorrow and get some neighborhoods repopulated too quickly.

"we're doing everything we can to get you back in your homes," said Jacobsen.

Fire Weather Watch for Lake Tahoe Basin Thursday evening - Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Lake Tahoe Basin and northeast California. They are forecasting thunderstorms and strong outflow winds Thursday night, then gusty winds and low humidity through Friday.

Harrah's and Harveys begin reopening phases Wednesday

As the community returns and businesses start to reopen, Caesars Entertainment announced the schedule for gaming and hospitality at Harrah's and Harveys.

Operations will be phased in starting September 8. They had reduced operations due to supporting local emergency services, fire crews and essential staff.

Fire activity continues on the Caldor Fire which is now 217,568 acres, 50% contained

The Caldor Fire remains at 50 percent contained this morning with a size of 217,568 acres.

East Zone

Overnight crews continued to work throughout the East Zone. In the Desolation Wilderness, specialized crews trained in Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics which are designed to create effective fire line using the lightest touch possible on the landscape, worked late into the night constructing hand line and mopping up. These self-contained crews will remain in the Wilderness, allowing them to maximize their time fighting fire

LTVA extends deadline for nonprofits to apply for $85,000 in grants from American Century Championship

The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) has announced a deadline extension for local non-profit organizations to apply for funds resulting from the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. Due to evacuations of the Caldor Fire, the new deadline is Monday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. (PT).

The application is available at: https://ltva.org/american-century-championship-donation-request-application/.

Caldor Fire reaches 50% containment, just over 217,000 acres in size as more residents return home

The Caldor Fire grew to 217,007 acres Tuesday and is now 50 percent contained. Even when the containment is 100 percent, there can still be smoke and fire within the boundaries, fire officials said today during the daily briefing.

Just because there is a black line for containment doesn't mean its safe to go in, the fire managers said.

East Zone

"We want you back in the worst way," said Lake Valley Fire Chief Brad Zlendick. "We'll get you home soon."

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY

There have been 184 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since Friday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 654 cases - +13 - The 14-day new case rate is 79 with 582 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 2767 cases - +36 - The 14-day new case rate is 269 with 633 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 598 cases - +17 - The 14-day new case rate is 72 with 766 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 646 cases - +9 - The 14-day new case rate is 199 with 684 per 100,000 residents.

Still not the time to visit South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As some residents are now allowed back into their homes, there are still many residents under mandatory evacuation orders. Even those who are allowed home remain under evacuation warnings.

There is also a lot of smoke in the area, with hazardous air conditions in the forecast from not only the Caldor Fire, but also the Dixie Fire. When there is hazardous levels, N95 masks are the only ones to fully protect lungs.

Cascade to Meeks Trail Study Webinar is canceled due to evacuations and fire

Due to the ongoing evacuations and emergency caused by the Caldor Fire, the State Route 89 Trail Study webinar scheduled for September 14, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. has been canceled.

"Our thoughts are with the thousands of displaced residents during this extremely stressful time. We are grateful for all the heroic efforts of firefighters and other emergency personnel working to protect our communities," organizers said in a press release.

Please stay alert for updates on the West Shore Tahoe Trail webinar rescheduling.

Evacuation orders lifted in county for Al Tahoe Blvd. to east of Elks Club Drive; warnings remain

Good news for more residents of the South Shore, with evacuations orders lifted for the county neighborhoods from Al Tahoe Boulevard to just east of Elks Club Drive.

Evacuation orders have been lifted, though evacuation warnings remain.

South and North Upper Truckee and Meyers remain under evacuation orders at this time.

There will be another daily 5:00 p.m. community meeting hosted by Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado unit on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CALFIREAEU/. This will include daily news from the west and east sides of the fire.

New South Lake Tahoe company offering free afternoon childcare for returning evacuees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new local company is offering two weeks of free childcare for families returning from evacuation. CodeFu is a company started in the Bay Area in 2015 and is now based in Stateline.

They are an after school coding enrichment program.

Fill out this form to join in on the free two weeks from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from September 13 to 24.

They are searching for location(s) to hold the program, depending on how many sign up.

Firefighters continue to strengthen containment line - Caldor Fire now 49% contained, 216,646 acres

The Caldor Fire is now 49% contained and 216,646 acres in size, almost 300 acres more since Monday afternoon.

East Zone

Overnight, multiple crews continued to work throughout the East Zone of the Fire. Suppression Modules worked late into the night mopping up and constructing hand lines near Ralston Lake in the Desolation Wilderness and remained in the area overnight; in doing so, these specially trained firefighters will be in place to continue their work early this morning.

Letter: 1,000 National Guard fire fighters are not enough

As I gaze out the window from my Lake Tahoe home into the smoky abyss that has engulfed our usually crystal-clear sky, I wonder how we came to the current pyrogenic apocalypse and if it could have been prevented? I certainly understand the current drought conditions that precipitated the possibility of dangerous fire conditions, but I have a hard time understanding why our elected representatives failed to prepare for the catastrophic wildfires that now are ravaging our forests and polluting our air.

Caldor Fire Monday evening update: 48% contained, 216,358 acres

The Caldor Fire did not grow during the day Monday and firefighters were able to get the containment line to 48 percent. To date, 216,358 acres have burned.

East Zone

Fire Fighters continued their hard work throughout the entire East Zone as they performed aggressive direct fire attack and mop up. An additional Wildfire Module was inserted today in the Desolation Wilderness, bringing the total to two. These specialized crews can operate in the wilderness for up to 14 days unsupported.

Barton given go-ahead for reopening emergency room and acute services

Barton Health has announced the reopening of its Emergency Department and acute care services Monday after the California Department of Public Health and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development approved the reopening. They had been closed after evacuating due to the Caldor Fire.

Effective immediately, community members can receive treatment at Barton Emergency Department including advanced life support services for emergency needs. Emergency imaging and laboratory services are available.

Current services:

Barton Memorial Hospital
2170 South Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Body found floating in Lake Tahoe Monday afternoon

UPDATE: The man whose body was found in Lake Tahoe on September 9 has been identified as 77-year-old Manouchehr Tajeran who was a resident of South Lake Tahoe. His family has been notified.

Cause of death is drowning, manner of death has been accidental according to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First responders are at the shore of Lake Tahoe after a person was found floating in the lake Monday afternoon.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District will begin classes when all neighborhoods repopulated

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the community starts to return to South Lake Tahoe, Meyers and Christmas Valley, the question on the minds of many parents is, when do my children return to school?

Community Disaster Resource Center back up and running for Caldor Fire - seeking donations and finding those in need

The Community Disaster Resource Center (CDRC) is once again in use as the community comes back together after evacuation from the Caldor Fire.

Monday morning Caldor Fire Update: 216,358 acres and 44% contained

Firefighters continued to work tirelessly throughout the night, patrolling and holding the fire at current perimeters. Crews continued the aggressive direct attack, mop up, and building upon previously constructed handline.
In the areas of upper and lower Echo Lake, the fire activity was minimal. The crews continued mop up and patrol.

In Meyers and Christmas Valley, the fire continued to creep and smolder in the interior sections. Crews mopped up and improved the containment line in addition to patrolling around the structures.

Barton Health reopens with limited services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the repopulation of the city of South Lake Tahoe, Stateline and Zephyr Cove communities, Barton Health is providing medical services to the community.

Services include:

Barton Urgent Care
24/7 Urgent Care Services until Barton Emergency Department opens
155 Highway 50, Stateline, NV
775.589.8901

Barton Medical Offices
Virtual/phone visits for most service lines
MyChart communication for all service lines

South Lake Tahoe garbage collection resumes Monday; Additional drop off locations set up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Refuse collection service will resume in the repopulated area of the South Shore on Monday, September 6. Many customers of South Tahoe Refuse will have spoiled food and/or garbage due to the evacuation and are offering a solution before collection days. Bears and other wildlife will be extremely active as residents return, so a reminder to not put any food-related garbage out on the curb until the morning of collection day.

They are offering free temporary drop-off locations for household garbage and spoiled food only:

Slight chance of rain this week in South Lake Tahoe as highs remain in the 80s

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plan for prolonged periods of poor air quality due to smoke from the Dixie and Caldor fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin and western Nevada until fire activity is greatly diminished.

Smoke will fill portions of the Tahoe Basin and settle into some western Nevada valleys during the overnight and early morning hours. Lighter winds through the weekend may limit smoke dispersion in the afternoons and evenings which would allow smoke to linger in valley locations.

Sunday evening Caldor Fire update: It remains at 215, 400 acres and now 44% contained

The Caldor Fire, which started back on Saturday, August 14, remains at 215, 400 acres and is now 44 percent contained.

East Zone

Firefighters continue to make progress around all portions of the East Zone. Due to the outstanding work of the crews and their aggressive mop-up, firefighters were able to add a good amount of containment line today.
Evacuation Orders for South Lake Tahoe city limits were downgraded to an Evacuation Warning at 3:00 p.m. today. They hope to get other neighborhoods in the county portion of the South Shore opened in next couple of days.

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