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Tahoe casinos "win" figure $18.2 million in December

Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $1,432,633,317 for December 2023, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board's monthly report released Wednesday. This amounts to a 9.04 percent increase compared to the same month a year ago when licensees reported a gaming win of $1,313,801,128. For the fiscal year to date (since July), the gaming win has increased by 5.49 percent with $8,005,945,288 in "win".

The "gaming win" represents the computed income of casinos before business expenses and taxes.

South Tahoe Public Utility District to hold rate study workshop

Event Date: 
February 1, 2024 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The South Tahoe Public Utility District is holding a special board meeting on Thursday, February 1 at noon. The meeting is being held to conduct a rate study workshop.

The workshop will be held in the District Board Room, 1275 Meadow Crest Drive, South Lake Tahoe.

The agenda:

1. CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL MEETING – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (At this time, please silence phones and other electronic devices so as not to disrupt the business of the meeting.)

Winter Storm Warning in effect for Lake Tahoe Wednesday-Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An atmospheric river is heading to the California coast, and even though much of the precipitation is going south and north, Lake Tahoe should see some of its effects. After a few days of warm weather, a potent winter storm will bring windy and colder conditions with periods of heavy snow to the Sierra and higher elevations of northeast California, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Heavenly Mountain COO said breakdown in protocols left woman in gondola for 15 hours

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It wasn't the ski trip to Lake Tahoe that Monica Laso planned on having, but it certainly isn't going to be one she soon forgets.

Laso was skiing with friends on her first visit to Heavenly Mountain Resort last Thursday, January 25, when she became separated from them. According to interviews she's been giving to media outlets, Laso said she approached gondola operators at 4:58 p.m. to get a ride down the mountain. At 5 p.m., she said the lifts stopped for the day.

Registration open for Eric Nageotte Memorial "Fresh Tracks" 5K Snowshoe Walk and Race

Event Date: 
February 25, 2024 - 10:00am

If you have never experienced snowshoeing, this is your chance! If you can walk, you can snowshoe! You don't have to race, just have FUN! The annual Eric Nageotte Memorial "Fresh Tracks" 5K Snowshoe Walk and Race will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Sign up by Feb. 22 to save $10 off the race day registration fee and be sure to reserve a pair of snowshoes if you need them or bring your own. First-time walkers are encouraged.

Person of interest sought in Lake Tahoe shooting on West Shore

HOMEWOOD, Calif. - The Placer County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) investigations unit has identified 26-year-old Luis Sanchez-Cabada as a person of interest in the shooting that occurred on Monday in Homewood on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.

At this time, PCSO said they believe this was an isolated incident and there is no additional risk to the community. The shooting on January 29 occurred on West Lake Blvd. near Silver Street near the Swiss Restaurant.

Former Whittell and Washoe County teacher sentenced in Lake Tahoe stalking case

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In a one-day trial Monday, former Whittell High School teacher Michael John Ismari was given a sentence of 180 days for the stalking of an ex-girlfriend. He will serve 30 days with 150 days suspended for two years.

Tahoe Township Justice of the Peace Michael Johnson imposed the sentence after hearing from the victim, her friends, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and Ismari himself. Through his attorney, Ismari asked to start the sentence in ten days, but Johnson had him remanded into custody as soon as sentenced.

Snowpack still well below average - Monthly measurement at Phillips Station 58% of average

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With several storms forecast for the Sierra Nevada in the coming days, the snowpack may change, but as of today, the snow water equivalent of 10 inches measured at Phillips Station is 58 percent of the average for that location.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its monthly winter measurement at Phillips Station near Sierra-at-Tahoe, west of Lake Tahoe. Staff found 29 inches of snow. One year ago, the statewide measurement was 214 percent of the average for this date.

Lake Link expands coverage in South Lake Tahoe and Douglas County

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Link, the free on-demand micro-transit service on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe has expanded its service area. Lake Link launched in July 2022 and is operated by the South Shore Transportation Management Association (SSTMA).

Prescribed fire operations set to continue this week around Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will continue burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S.

Placer County Sheriff's Office responding to shooting on West Shore of Lake Tahoe

TUESDAY UPDATE: The Placer County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) investigations unit has identified 26-year-old Luis Sanchez-Cabada as a person of interest in the shooting that occurred on Monday in Homewood on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. More info here.

HOMEWOOD, Calif. - Deputies from the Placer County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) are on the scene of a shooting near the 5000 block of West Lake Boulevard in Homewood on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.

POSTPONED - Rod Stewart heading to Lake Tahoe for summer concert

Event Date: 
August 9, 2024 - 8:00pm

An evening of timeless hits and a legendary performance is on tap for the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Area when Rod Stewart comes to the South Shore for a show on August 9 at 8 p.m.

The legendary British rock and pop singer, songwriter, recording artist, and record producer. The 79-year-old Grammy Award-winning icon is a member of both the US and UK Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.

Column: The power of a calming voice - Nurturing children in a chaotic world

In today’s fast-paced and overstimulated world, using a soothing voice when talking to children of any age can have profound effects. It helps reduce anxieties, counter life’s pressures, provide a break from overstimulation, and slow down the chaos of school, sports, and social schedules.

A calming voice can create a nurturing environment for children, from infancy to adolescence. Here are some benefits:

Sooth Anxieties

Column: The power of a calming voice - Nurturing children in a chaotic world

In today’s fast-paced and overstimulated world, using a soothing voice when talking to children of any age can have profound effects. It helps reduce anxieties, counter life’s pressures, provide a break from overstimulation, and slow down the chaos of school, sports, and social schedules.

A calming voice can create a nurturing environment for children, from infancy to adolescence. Here are some benefits:

Sooth Anxieties

Idea of South Lake Tahoe becoming a charter city tabled, for now

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The possibility of a ballot measure to move the City of South Lake Tahoe from a general law city to a charter city has been taken off the table for the time being.

Two members of the City Council, Mayor Cody Bass and Councilmember Scott Robbins, were appointed to a subcommittee to explore a possible ballot measure. Bass has long been a proponent of the charter city idea as a way to create more revenue by imposing a transfer tax on real estate transactions, something a general law city cannot.

Sunny, warm start and cold, snowy end to the week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Warm and dry conditions will persist through most of Wednesday as high pressure traverses the Sierra and western Nevada, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Winds will begin to increase Wednesday afternoon as a storm approaches the West Coast. That storm will bring much colder temperatures, heavy wet Sierra snow, and valley rain Wednesday night into Thursday. Snow showers may linger at all elevations Friday into the weekend.

The weekly forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

Upcoming meetings on El Dorado County's updated Defensible Space Ordinance.

Event Date: 
February 13, 2024 - 6:00pm

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County is in the process of updating its Defensible Space Ordinance. The Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience (OWPR) will be hosting two public workshops to provide additional information on the proposed Ordinance amendments and address any questions or concerns, on on each side of the county.

Mark your calendar for February 13 in Meyers and 29 in Cameron Park to learn and ask questions about the County's defensible space ordinance changes and how they impact you.

City hosts Winter Operations Open House on Saturday, February 10

Event Date: 
February 10, 2024 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Community members of all ages are invited to join in a family-friendly Winter Operations Open House on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex.

Check out the City’s new snow removal equipment and be able to take a peek inside and see how it all works. Also, learn about the enhancements to this year’s snow operations.

Plus, kids can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, games, crafts, and taking a photo with a fairy princess and snowman.

The Recreation Complex is located at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.

Douglas County manager's office to take over operations at China Spring Youth Camp

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - On January 18, the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance that revises the oversight of China Spring Youth Camp from the 9th Judicial District Court to the Douglas County Manager’s Office. This ordinance will be effective February 1, 2024.

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 Jan. 8-14, 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 Jan. 8 - Jan. 14, 2024

1/8

Arrests
None

Other Calls

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office calls in the 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.

January 18 - January 24, 2024

1/18

16:12 GRAND THEFT REPORT - Occurred at Heavenly Valley Ski on Saddle Rd. in South Lake Tahoe. Disposition: REPORT TAKEN.

Kudos: Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra hosts Bread & Broth meal

The Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra has been an annual Bread & Broth Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) sponsor since the program’s inception over 12 years ago. The organization is known for its involvement in helping children, and through its Aktion Club, the organization provides leadership and service projects for adults living with disabilities.

City seeks public's input on the Bijou Park Connector Multi-Use Trail

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Dennis T. Machida Memorial Greenway (Greenway) is a multi-use trail planned to provide a paved trail from the Tahoe Sierra neighborhood to Van Sickle Bi-State Park as a backbone of the overall trail network throughout the Lake Tahoe south shore area. Previously known as the South Tahoe Greenway Shared Use Trail, the 3.86-mile trail links neighborhoods on the south shore to each other and to public amenities and facilities.

The Road Beat: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid review - Big times

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the grand addition to the Highlander SUV line, and it impresses.

What is it?

Woman spends night in gondola cabin at Heavenly Mountain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A woman was found Friday morning at Heavenly Mountain Resort after spending the night in a gondola cabin. It is unclear how she got there, and if she was in a gondola cabin near the lift base, or the middle above the slopes.

“The safety and well-being of our guests is our top priority at Heavenly Mountain Resort. We are investigating this situation with the utmost seriousness,” said Tom Fortune, VP and COO of Heavenly Mountain Resort and the Tahoe Region.

Suspect dies after going towards officer with knife following Tahoe City carjacking

UPDATE 1/27: The suspect in yesterday's incident involving California State Parks has been identified as 29-year-old Vinton Miller, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Miller was staying in the Tahoe area on a work visa from Jamaica. They are still actively investigating this case and will continue to release further information as the investigation continues.

Lake Tahoe man sentenced to 35 years to life for sexually abusing young girls

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Lake Tahoe resident Zachary Nance, 36, has been sentenced to at least 35 years in prison for sexual assault and lewd acts he committed with two young girls over several years. In Douglas County court on Monday, Judge Thomas Gregory told Nance his sentence after one of the victims spoke in court, and two grandmothers read other victims' statements.

One victim was sexually abused by Nance from the ages of 8-12, another was 6 years old when he started.

Letter: Shady Glenbrook VHR politics exposed

Dear fellow Douglas County residents. Back in November, I wrote an op-ed about how some things are not adding up regarding the proposal to ban vacation home rentals (VHRs) north of Cave Rock. Now, the truth has finally come out.

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: Dennelle Knudson, dennelle.knudson@sothebysrealty.com
Listing Office: Sierra Sotheby International Realty

Property Address: 3471 Champlain Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
MLS #: 139710

Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Square Footage: 2,032 Sq Ft.
Price: $899,000

Smokey Bear sign stolen at Spooner Summit

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The US Forest Service is looking for the bear-napping culprit who removed Smokey Bear from the roadside sign on Spooner Summit on US50.

Earlier this week, US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) fire prevention officers discovered the Smokey Bear fire Danger sign on Spooner Summit had been vandalized and Smokey Bear is missing. These fire danger signs are strategically placed along highways around Lake Tahoe to alert the public to the current fire danger rating.

They are also not cheap to replace.

Almost 4 million lethal doses of fentanyl seized during Douglas County and Washoe County arrests

Law enforcement made four drug-related arrests in Douglas and Washoe counties recently, taking a large amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl off the streets.

On January 16, just after midnight, a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy, along with DCSO K9 Officer Blaze, conducted a traffic stop in Stateline, Nevada. The two occupants in the vehicle, Krista Vincent-Blanchfield and Joseph Daniel Rasberry, both of Sacramento, were taken into custody after more than one pound of methamphetamine was found in their car.

Learn about the historical beginning of Highway 395 at Minden Mill Distilling history talk

UPDATE: All seats for this show have been taken. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Longtime South Lake Tahoe local, Kenneth Anderson, passes away at 92

Kenneth (Ken/Kenny) Victor Anderson, 92, of Roseville, California, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023, at Sutter Roseville Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Ken was born on April 18, 1931, in Hollywood, California to Ruth & Carl Anderson. Early on he was always a hard worker and a loving person to his friends and family. In his late teens and early 20's he worked in newspaper distribution and was in the Air National Guard.

Fire Adapted Communities train Tahoe residents to prepare for wildfire

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Resource Conservation District, a member of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, is encouraging homeowners and residents at Lake Tahoe to participate in the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Community program in 2024. The initiative focuses on creating Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) through a multifaceted approach that includes physical measures like home hardening and defensible space, as well as prevention, planning, and education.

Keep Community First group tells city council "no new taxes"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council Chambers were in full Tuesday night, all there in support of an item not on the agenda. Keep Community First is a group of business owners and community members who oppose possible upcoming taxes on the ballot in South Lake Tahoe - a vacancy tax and a tourist occupancy tax (TOT) increase, as well as sharing their concerns about talk on a rise in the minimum wage.

The city council previously voted 2-3 for a vacancy tax to be put on the ballot, so the efforts to add one are by a citizen's initiative.

Former firefighter, a convicted arsonist, pleads not guilty to planting explosives

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A former firefighter who has already served two prison sentences for wildland fire arson, was arraigned in El Dorado County Superior Couty on 12 felony charges related to the detonation of improvised explosive devices.

Six Barton Health infusion nurses recognized for exceptional care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the first time in Barton Health history, an entire nursing team was selected as recipients of The 2023 Team DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses. Barton Infusion nurses, Melissa Dahl, RN, Sierra Estrada, RN, Marla Handsaker, RN, Mindy Langevin, RN, Lisa Malone, RN, and Joelle Treanor, RN, received a recognition ceremony on January 18. The award is in recognition of the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide to create a superior experience for patients and their families.

South Lake Tahoe City Council approves rise in VHR violation fees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a vote of 4-1, the City Council voted Tuesday to raise the range of fines for VHR citations from $250-$1,000 to $1,500-$5,000.

The agenda item said, "The intent of increasing the fines, however, is
not to increase revenue, but to discourage and penalize violations, so the hope is that the number of citations issued will decrease with the increased fines."

Council approves new Planning and Parks and Recreation Commissions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council updated the members of the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission.

Five residents applied for the two-year open terms for the Planning Commission and a one-year term. Incumbent Gavin Feiger, Julia Lucksinger, and Jackson Realo were appointed. It took a few motions to get one passed as there were so many qualified candidates.

Annual Ski California Safety Day to focus on "Your Responsibility Code"

Ski California will host its sixth annual Safety Day on Saturday, January 27, with resorts in California and Nevada planning to offer a variety of safety-themed activities and experiences.

Germs, video games, and bacteria just a few of attractions at South Tahoe High Schools Science Expo

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Does playing video games make you smarter? Does the five-second rule protect you? Are all hand sanitizers the same? Do "fast relief" medications work faster?

These were all themes of South Tahoe High School (STHS) students during the science department's first Science Expo last week.

Science Department chair Kyle Tomes said students from the mandatory science classes (biology, chemistry, STEM) participated.

"Kids always ask, 'Why does this matter?' so the kids used science to explore the answer," said Tomes.

LTCC Night with the Lake Tahoe Lakers

Event Date: 
February 9, 2024 - 7:00pm

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is excited to partner with the Lake Tahoe Lakers hockey team for LTCC Night with the Lakers on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 7:00PM at the Tahoe Ice Arena, located at 1176 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.

Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco will conduct the ceremonial puck drop at 7:30PM and current LTCC student Lina Caro Flores will sing the National Anthem.

Location

Tahoe Ice Arena
1176 Rufus Allen Blvd
United States

Soroptimists of Tahoe Sierra sponsors Lasagna Love meal at Bread & Broth

Event Date: 
February 12, 2024 - 4:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - – Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) will join six cooks from Lasagna Love to sponsor Bread & Broths (B&B’s) Adopt A Day of Nourishment on Monday, February 12. Their collaboration will provide a special themed meal for regular guests and any interested community members.

Virginia Truckee Railroad Valentine Trains...two to choose from

Event Date: 
February 10, 2024 (All day)

Looking for a unique way to treat your Valentine this year? Join the fun on the Virginia Truckee Railroad with two events on Saturday, February 10, and immerse yourself in solving a Murder Mystery with the Fun Time Players at 2:30 p.m. or choose the 4:30 p.m. Whiskey Tasting train. The Whiskey Train will be featuring the music of Northern Nevada’s own Carson Chandler and tastes of a unique locally distilled whiskey from Dovetail Distillery in Mound House, Nevada.

Lake Tahoe widespread prescribed fire operations to continue

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Members of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S.

Caltrans meeting on US50 paving project rescheduled to avoid council meeting conflict

Event Date: 
January 24, 2024 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Caltrans has rescheduled a public meeting this week on a proposed $27.1 million project on U.S. Highway 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) in the City of South Lake Tahoe. To avoid a conflict with a scheduled City of South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting on Tuesday, Caltrans has rescheduled this meeting virtually to Wednesday, January 24
from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can join the meeting at:
https://cadot.webex.com/cadot/j.php?MTID=m15985a73b37c20cb1512af24f53df68e

South Tahoe Newspaper Agency closes, end of delivery of big city papers to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since 1961, South Shore residents have been connected to large city newspapers because of one business, South Tahoe Newspaper Agency. The San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee, N.Y. Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Reno Gazette Journal were delivered to homes and businesses by Kenneth Anderson, then later his son Steve.

Many people now connect to the news by digital copies, but the paper version is still appreciated by many.

The Andersons delivered the paper from Glenbrook to Christmas Valley, no matter the weather conditions.

Letter: Misleading verbiage on VHR ban signature gathering a concern, action can be taken

Dear Editor: The proponents of the so-called “VHR Ban” initiative in Douglas County have submitted the signatures gathered over the past few months. The signatures will be reviewed by the office of Douglas County Clerk Amy Burgans to verify if they are those of registered voters within the county as required by Nevada state law.

Final flight for restaurant at Lake Tahoe Airport; Charles Barkley and Tom Cruise among famous customers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community showed up in force at the Flightdeck Sports Bar and Grill at the Lake Tahoe Airport this past week after learning it was going to close. Owner Sheila Benson put the word out on social media about its pending closure and hopes that someone interested in being a partner or investor would come along.

After two years in business, Benson said she couldn't keep the doors open any longer due to multiple reasons - labor, taxes, insurance, cost of goods, delivery fees, and more. Those costs kept rising but revenue was dropping.

Rain and snow mid-week around Lake Tahoe; High of 50 on Sunday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plan on another round of rain, mountain snow, and
gusty winds that persist through Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS)in Reno says there is another chance of showers Wednesday into Thursday, and the final week of January is trending towards mild and drier.

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