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Second variant of COVID-19 found in Washoe County

The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) is announcing the first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in Washoe County. The Nevada State Public Health Laboratory (NSPHL) confirmed the new variant, which was first detected in the United Kingdom (UK).

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting 11 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday: 0 from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 3 in El Dorado Hills, 0 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 0 in North County, 1 in Greater Placerville, 2 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 1 in South County, 3 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: 1. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 102.

South Shore waiting to make 4th of July fireworks celebration decision

STATELINE, Nev. - Earlier this week the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitor Bureau (IVCBVB) announced they were canceling its 4th of July fireworks display for the second consecutive year due to ongoing pandemic concerns and heightened summer visitation concerns.

Process begins to raise parking fines along US50 and SR89

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is kept busy almost every weekend on highways they patrol leading to, and around, Lake Tahoe. There are speeding issues and traffic concerns as with other heavily used roadways, but local CHP officers are kept even busier in the Tahoe area due to illegal parking.

During the winter, travelers pull over on US50 between Strawberry and South Lake Tahoe and on SR89 near Emerald Bay to get out and enjoy the snow. Most of the time they are parking on stretches that are marked as "No Parking" and adjacent to private property.

Column: Taking unprecedented action against aquatic invasive species

A return to pre-pandemic normalcy is still a few steps from our reach, but as the vaccine continues to roll out and contagion numbers improve, many of us are looking forward to taking our lives off hold and possibly having a safe summer. Warmer temperatures enliven more than our spirits, however. Aquatic invasive weeds in Lake Tahoe do most of their malignant growth in warmer weather, and this summer will also mark a surge in basin-wide work to knock them back.

South Tahoe Refuse donates used trucks to Sister City Ameca, Mexico

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Refuse is donating two of its dump trucks to the City of Ameca, the sister city of South Lake Tahoe located in Jalisco, Mexico.

John Marchini of South Tahoe Refuse was part of the first Sister City delegation from South Lake Tahoe that visited Ameca in February, 2020. During that visit they toured the city's wastewater treatment facility, its disposal services and landfill. With Marchini's assistance they are looking at the possibility of relocating that landfill and becoming more environmentally conscious.

Taylor and Tallac Creek Marsh invasive species removal preparations underway

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have noticed the new fencing that went up last week around the Taylor Creek and Tallac Creek marsh in South Lake Tahoe. These fences along the beach and marsh were installed around a project area where crews are working to remove aquatic invasive plants.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting 6 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday: 2 are from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 0 in El Dorado Hills, 0 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 0 in North County, -2 in Greater Placerville, -1 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 1 in South County, 2 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: 4. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 101.

Lake Tahoe resident named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor list for fourth consecutive year

STATELINE, Nev. - Michael Holcomb of the South Shore has been named to Forbes Magazine's 2021 list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, the fourth consecutive year he has appeared on the list.

Holcomb is a Morgan Stanley Family Wealth Director and Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Lake Tahoe Wealth Management office on Kingsbury Grade in Stateline.

South Lake Tahoe City Council to hold first of 2021 night meetings

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the new City Council assembled after the November election it was decided that some meetings in 2021 would be held in the evening. The first of those will be Tuesday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m.

As is the norm through the pandemic and until large groups can safely gather, this meeting will be held virtually. The agenda and log-in instructions can be found in both English and Spanish on the City's website.

Tuesday's agenda includes the following:

Road Beat: 2021 Volvo V90 T6 AWD R-Design makes a case for wagons

Long live the wagon. While there might be some tasteless leftovers from the years of the forgettable 'station wagons,' wagons should not be disregarded. In fact, newsflash: wagons are even cool. No, not small little hatchbacks but proper wagon estate cars. If you don't believe me, just take a gander at this Volvo, because when a wagon looks like the Volvo V90 then yes, they are indeed very, very cool.

Recreate Responsibly is theme of virtual Earth Day art contest

Share your talent and help Sierra State Parks Foundation make the earth a better place! They have announced the return of the Virtual Earth Day Art Contest, which looks to spark the creativity of all those who love the parks of the Lake Tahoe - Donner region. The contest will run from March 25 until April 16. Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22.

Alpine County is first in state to move down to yellow tier

Alpine County has moved down to the yellow tier, the least restrictive tier in the
blueprint used by the State of California to quantify risk from COVID-19 infection. They received the news on Tuesday and are the only county in the state to achieve this coveted designation.

At a minimum, counties must remain in a tier for at least three weeks before moving to a less restrictive tier. Counties must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks to move to a less restrictive tier.

Local riders earn D-1 Certification from the United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

MINDEN, Nev. - Bayview Farms Pony Club Riding Center has announced the certification of Bailey Brown, Briezy Caron, Madelynn Hodgkins, and Taylor Undercoffler from Unrated to D-1 at a testing held on March 7, 2021 in Minden.

To earn the certification, Bailey (age 7), Madelynn (age 7), and Taylor (age 16) of South Lake Tahoe, and Briezy (age 10) of Carson City passed an examination that tested horsemanship skills and equine knowledge.

Vail Resorts in Lake Tahoe to extend season by one week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort have announced they will all extend their seasons by one week.

The announcement allows skiers and riders with additional opportunity for skiing and riding this season. It is also a way for Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood to say thank you to guests and pass holders, who have been supportive through a COVID-safe and unique season.

All three resorts operate on a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service.

Here are the new closing dates for the Lake Tahoe resorts:

DCSO seeks public's assistance in locating stolen tractor and backhoe

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. 0 The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen 1995 Caterpillar 416D Tractor and Backhoe.

Over the weekend of March 6-7, 2021, the Caterpillar tractor and backhoe were stolen from a construction site in the area of Johnson Lane located in Minden, Nevada.

The backhoe arm, located on the rear of the tractor, has the name “De Ja Vu” stenciled on it.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting 4 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday. The County's health officer announced 0 are from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 1 in El Dorado Hills, 0 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 0 in North County, 0 in Greater Placerville, 0 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, 3 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: 0. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 97.

Heavenly Village Easter Egg Hunt

Event Date: 
April 4, 2021 - 10:00am

The Shops at Heavenly Village are holding an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. for children ages 12 and under. Over 10,000 candy and toy-filled eggs will be hidden including $1,000 in cash prize eggs. Select eggs contain offerings from shops at the Heavenly Village Shop.

The cost is $5 per child and a limited number of tickets are available. To sign up, visit https://www.eventbri.te.com/e/heavenly-village-easter-egg-hunt-tickets-141172295135. All proceeds will be given to a local charity.

2021 Arbor Day Tree Hunt

LAKE TAHOE BASIN - The Sierra State Parks Foundation will host the 2021 Arbor Day Tree Hunt, which will run for six weeks starting March 19. The scavenger hunt encourages the Lake Tahoe community to explore the outdoors and gain new knowledge of local tree species.

Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra honors two local women

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) Club is honoring two local women this week, winners of the Live Your Dream and Ruby awards. They will be recognized during the club's meeting on March 11. Each will receive a check and certificate, and in the case of the Ruby Award, a donation also goes to the non-profit they represent.

Ski resorts reporting 7-14" of snow overnight; Winter Weather Advisory in place all day in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Much needed snow fell over the Sierra overnight, leaving behind a nice addition to the seasonal snowpack. More snow is expected as the Winter Weather Advisory is in place until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. Additional accumulation of 1-2" is possible at lake level.

Reported snowfall from the last 24 hours:
Heavenly - 7"
Sierra-at-Tahoe - 10"
Kirkwood - 14"
Mt. Rose - 6-8"
Northstar - 4"
Squaw Alpine - 10"

Road controls in place at 9:30 a.m.:

I80

NDOT report shows U.S. 50 Tahoe corridor more dangerous than other Nevada highways

STATELINE, Nev. - Sunday's fatal collision on U.S. 50 between Zephyr Cove and Marla Bay is another statistic for a dangerous stretch of road, one that has approximately 63 percent more fatal crashes than similar rural principal arterial highways across Nevada.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting 17 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday. The County's health officer announced 1 are from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 8 in El Dorado Hills, 3 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 1 in North County, 5 in Greater Placerville, 2 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, 0 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: -3. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 97.

Gardnerville man dies in three-car collision on US50 near Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) has released its preliminary investigation results on Sunday's fatal collision on U.S.50 near Marla Bay.

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at approximately 5:11 p.m., NHP responded to the crash between three vehicles at Douglas County Mile Marker 3 (the curve between Marla Bay and Zephyr Cove).

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/03/01/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

2/28

South Lake Tahoe blood drive at fire station

Event Date: 
March 22, 2021 - 9:00am

Vitalent will be holding its next South Lake Tahoe blood drive on March 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The location has been moved to fire station #3 due to the county's efforts to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine at the training center.

Fire station #3 is located at 2102 Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Donations are to help maintain a healthy blood supply for patients when they need it the most.

Make an appointment here.

Drop-ins are accepted if space is available.

Donation from popular Lake Tahoe cocktail nets $150,000 for Tahoe Fund

Famous for their Wet Woody drinks, the Tahoe Restaurant Collection is also serving up support for the Tahoe Fund through the “$1 for Tahoe” fundraising program (also known as Green Bucks) at all four of its restaurants. Guests of Gar Woods, Riva Grill, Caliente and Bar of America are invited to leave donations to the Tahoe Fund when they close out their tab. Thanks to its patrons, Tahoe Restaurant Collection has surpassed $150,000 in contributions since they opted into the program in 2015.

Teacher Appreciation Tuesday in South Lake Tahoe

As we approach the one-year marker of the pandemic, a local non-profit wanted to honor teachers and staff in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District! Teachers and staff have taken on new technology, distance learning, student mental health issues, and so much more!

Lift Literature is a new non-profit in South Lake Tahoe whose mission is to ignite the love of reading in every child. They want to upLIFT teachers, parents, and students through this time and encourage a passion for reading.

Not too late to sign up for TYFS Minutes for Recovery

Tahoe Youth and Family Services (TYFS) and the Carson Medical Center are partnering in the 2021 virtual Minutes for Recovery. Sign-ups for the event end on March 31. This is a great chance to get in shape physically and emotionally since Spring is right around the corner.

Take advantage of this opportunity to support a good cause by doing something positive for yourself! It is not too late to put a team together. Dust off those shoes and start moving!

Most minutes logged win the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting 35 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since Friday. The County's health officer announced 0 are from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 7 in El Dorado Hills, 4 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 0 in North County, 2 in Greater Placerville, 5 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, 18 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: -1. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 100.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Conditions and weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Smoke may be visible.

Tahoe Prosperity Center receives US EDA grant for Tahoe Basin Resiliency Plan

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Prosperity Center announced today that it received a notice of award of a US Economic Development Administration grant of $164,348 to facilitate a Tahoe Basin-wide Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan.

“Tahoe’s Transition – Economic Recovery to Resiliency will create an action plan with steps for the region to implement to diversify the regional economy, which has become dangerously dependent on the Tourism sector,” said Heidi Hill Drum, Tahoe Prosperity Center’s CEO.

South Lake Tahoe Community Conversation this Wednesday

Event Date: 
March 10, 2021 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe will hold its next Community Conversation town hall meeting via Zoom this Wednesday, March 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Now is the time to ask city leadership those questions you've been wanting to know the answers to. Engage in meaningful conversation without the constraints of a normal agendized meeting.

Ask questions and get answers.

To participate in the virtual meeting, visit https://zoom.us/j/96519959557.

Winter Storm Watch issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Mono County from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 9 to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Heavy snow is possible. For the Tahoe Basin, 6 to 12 inches possible at Lake Tahoe level with 12 to 18 inches above 7000 feet. For Alpine and Mono counties...6 to 12 inches possible above 7000 feet with up to 18 inches near the crest, and up to 4 inches possible along and east of US-395.

To start the week off, a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect until 7:00 p.m. Monday.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the weeks of February 8 - 14, 2021. 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. COVID calls are related to state and county guidelines.

Last report: http://southtahoenow.com/story/02/21/2021/south-lake-tahoe-police-blotter

New report:

2/8

Arrests

Collision at US 50 near Presbyterian Conference Center at Zephyr Cove

11:25AM 3.8.21 Update: The NHP Major Incident Response Team (MIRT) is expected to complete the preliminary investigation of the fatal collision on Tuesday afternoon. No other information is available at this time.

10:25PM Update: US50 at the scene of the earlier three-vehicle collision has reopened. No other details are available at this time.

7:30PM Update: There’s no estimated time for reopening the roadway at this time. Closure is estimated to last another several hours according to the NHP. Avoid the area.

Some winter weather returns to South Lake Tahoe to start off the week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a relatively quiet Sunday, an active weather pattern will resume on Monday with periods of snow and gusty winds through Wednesday and possibly Thursday. While the National Weather Service in Reno (NWS Reno) is not anticipating any strong storms, these storms will be on the colder side, which could bring snow to lower elevations.

A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 8. Expect winds from the southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Waves on the lake will be 3 to 5 feet.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 7 - 13

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Invasive mussels that could impact Lake Tahoe discovered in aquarium product

Zebra mussels that could significantly damage the ecology of Lake Tahoe have been discovered in moss ball products for sale online and in pet stores across the U.S. Since the discovery they are being pulled from shelves, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) said today. These mussels are regarded as one of the most destructive invasive species in North America and an infestation of them could significantly impact the Tahoe region.

City to examine year-round uses at Bijou Golf Course

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In its recently approved strategic plan, the City of South Lake Tahoe listed many priorities and goals that will provide direction for City Council and staff for the next five years.

Douglas County VHR ordinance to receive major update

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The current ban on new vacation home rental (VHR) permits in Douglas County has been extended as the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) work to finalize an updated ordinance for the program.

Finding your COVID vaccine in El Dorado and Douglas counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine along with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, more doses are now available in the country, but finding them has been a challenge for many.

With the South Shore split between two states, there are different vaccine distribution methods. People need to also know where they fall in the eligibility list.

California

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting 3 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday. The County's health officer announced 0 are from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 2 in El Dorado Hills, -1 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 0 in North County, -2 in Greater Placerville, 4 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, 0 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: 0. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 101.

County releases results for Meyers Commercial Cannabis businesses

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif.- After months of waiting, the El Dorado County Planning and Building Department has released the results of its Meyers Commercial Cannabis Retail Selection merit based scoring.

After receiving input from the County’s Sheriff’s Department, Air Quality Management District and the Planning Division, the Planning and Building Department announced the finalist from a short list of three applications.

Incline Village Transportation Town Hall listening session on planned mobility hub

A major step in connecting all transportation hubs around Lake Tahoe will be a planned mobility hub in Incline Village, Nev. Four town hall meetings have been held over the past few weeks and a listening session will be held on Friday, March 5 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Town Hall styled forums with community discussion periods were led by the Tahoe Transportation District, Washoe County, and the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Visitor's Bureau.

NHL donates a Zamboni for the Tahoe South Event Center

STATELINE, Nev. - The NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ held over the February 20-21 weekend at Edgewood Tahoe featured the best of what Lake Tahoe is all about - beautiful scenery and hospitality. As a parting gift, the NHL donated a Zamboni for the Tahoe South Event Center to utilize for ice events in the multi-purpose facility.

Column: One year later, a look back on the pandemic

A year ago, February 2020, Barton Health moved quickly to meet the emerging global public health crisis and prepare for its anticipated arrival in our region. Long days and nights were spent planning to ensure we were prepared to care for this community as well as our team members as best as possible amid the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting 6 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday. The County's health officer announced 0 are from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 1 in El Dorado Hills, 0 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 0 in North County, 5 in Greater Placerville, 2 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 1 in South County, 4 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: -7. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 101.

U.S. Highway 50 South Lake Tahoe Safety Project virtual public open house

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is holding virtual open house for the new U.S. Highway 50 South Lake Tahoe Safety Project slated for the 2024/25 building seasons. The purpose of this $16.8 million project is to reduce vehicle collisions with those who walk and bicycle within this segment of Highway 50 (referred to as Lake Tahoe Boulevard within city limits) from the junction of the Highway 89 “Y” to Pioneer Trail.

There were 41 reported collisions, including six fatalities, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Most of those collisions occurred at night, Caltrans said.

2022 Ground breaking planned for new South Lake Tahoe aquatics and recreation center

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Final plans on the new South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center are getting close and City Council was given a presentation on the status and timeline during it meeting Tuesday.

Planners and architects involved in the project have been meeting with stakeholders and the community, asking what is important to them to have in the new 60,000-square-foot hub of activity. More outreach is planned before final plans are created before the end of 2021.

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