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Letter: Failing policies come to our community, increased taxes cannot

Dear Editor: As a bon a fide Tahoe local (I’ve lived in Tahoe for the majority of my life - I left after high school to go to college and decided to return home to start my career and raise a family), I’ve learned and seen that it usually takes working two jobs or one job more than 40 hours to make a go of it. I’ve seen many characters come and go here due to the transient nature of a tourist town.

Some love it here so much that they are willing to do what it takes.

Letter: Vacancy Tax for South Lake Tahoe is a bad idea

South Lake Tahoe is a beautiful and vibrant community that relies heavily on tourism and seasonal residents to support its economy. The idea of implementing a vacancy tax in South Lake Tahoe is not only unnecessary but could also have detrimental effects on the local economy and housing market.

Nevada Seismological Laboratory monitoring South Reno earthquake swarm

RENO, Nevada — Residents of the south Reno area have likely noticed a few earthquakes in the last couple of weeks. The Nevada Seismological Laboratory (NSL), a unit within the University of Nevada, Reno, has identified and located over 270 small-magnitude earthquakes in the last 30 days so far. The largest related quake to date has been a magnitude 3.5 in the afternoon of Jan. 28 that was felt and heard through much of Reno.

Groups of small- to moderate-sized earthquakes, such as those recently occurring in south Reno, are often called a “swarm.”

Antisemitic hate speech once again makes its way into South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There was a return of antisemitic hate speech during Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting. During the public comment period a person by the name of "Levi" phoned in and spent his four minutes of allowed time spreading hate against Jewish people.

Public meeting on STPUD water and sewer infrastructure needs

Event Date: 
February 29, 2024 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most of South Lake Tahoe’s water and sewer systems were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Additional investments are needed to continue repairing and replacing old water and sewer facilities to avoid costly emergency projects and prepare for the next wildfire.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 6 p.m. South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) will host a public meeting to discuss costs associated with future capital improvements and possible increases to water and sewer rates.

South Lake Tahoe vacancy tax proponents invite public to community happy hour

Event Date: 
February 15, 2024 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A local group of South Lake Tahoe residents is organizing a community happy hour where those interested can stop by to discuss affordable housing solutions and learn more about the residential vacancy tax ballot initiative, now circulating.

STHS grad earns collegiate wrestler of the week honors, heading into conference finals ranked #2

South Tahoe High School (STHS) graduate Andrew Herrera excelled at wrestling while in high school and is continuing his winning ways in college. Herrera started his collegiate career at San Francisco State and is now wrapping it up at Southern Oregon University.

Herrera is currently ranked #2 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) and his team is ranked #15 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) conference (where he is #13). He was recently named CCC's Rize Laboratory Men's Wrestler of the Week after defeating two ranked opponents.

Winter Weather Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe; series of storms heading to area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory to be in effect from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday.

Snow is expected in the Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties.

Expect snow accumulations of 6-12 inches above 5500 ft and accumulations between 10-20 inches above 7000 ft. Winds gusting 35-55 mph in the valleys and gusting to 65-85 mph over ridges.

Identities released of four people who died of suspected fentanyl overdose in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the families and friends of the four victims who died in South Lake Tahoe of a drug-related incident attempt to come to terms with their deaths, their names have been released.

On Monday, February 12, 2024, South Lake Tahoe residents Abraham Lemus (34), Adam Joy (35), Keely Pereira (33), and Douglas County, Nev. resident Clifford Joy (38) all died at a home on Roger Avenue.

Prescribed fire operations at nine locations around Lake Tahoe

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.

Column: Diagnosed with high cholesterol; What does that mean?

Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance found in all parts of your body; it helps your body make cell membranes, many hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in your blood comes from two sources: your liver, which makes all the cholesterol your body needs, and the food you eat (from animal sources such as meat and dairy).

Cholesterol isn’t entirely bad. Cholesterol and other fats are carried in your bloodstream as spherical particles called lipoproteins. The two most commonly known lipoproteins are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Environmental History of Lake Tahoe with Author David Antonucci

Event Date: 
February 27, 2024 - 5:30pm

How did we get to where we are today? David Antonucci answers some of these questions in his book, The Environmental History of Lake Tahoe. He'll cover some of the 170 years of Euro-American occupation of the Lake Tahoe Basin and sequential cultural eras that left Tahoe impacted. It is a compelling story with a complex cast of characters, beginning with native peoples, and loggers, and extending to land developers, environmentalists, tourists, politicians, and scientists.

Barton Health to launch health needs survey in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To better meet the health needs of the community, Barton Health conducts a survey every three years. Meeting those needs is an integral part of Barton Health’s mission and they invest in health programs and partner with local organizations to identify and address the identified unmet needs of varied groups in the region.

Four die in South Lake Tahoe home, drug overdose is suspected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Four people died this morning in South Lake Tahoe in a home on Roger Avenue. The victims, three men and one woman, are estimated to be in their 30s or 40s.

According to South Lake Tahoe Police Department Lt. Jeff Roberson, no cause of death can be determined at this time. Drugs are suspected to be involved, but the cause of death has not been confirmed.

Tahoe Women’s Community Fund to distribute $100,000 - grant requests now being accepted

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Women’s Community Fund Cabinet has announced they have opened its 2024 grant cycle. This year, because of its 238 members and 11 super sponsors, they have $100,000 to donate back to the South Shore Lake Tahoe community.

As always, the focus and impact grants are set for specific areas of need as voted on by their membership.

The Areas of Need for the Focus and Impact Grants must be the "focus"

South Lake Tahoe forecast includes slight chance of rain and snow midweek, snow over holiday weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A dry and mild pattern will continue today and Tuesday. While no big storms are showing up at this time, a more active weather pattern will return mid-week through the weekend with increasing
chances for showers and breezy winds, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual award ceremony - honors staff and two young heroes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The annual awards ceremony for their department was held recently by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR). They use the ceremony each year to recognize milestones and the previous year's accomplishments.

This year's ceremony was held in the Duke Theatre at Lake Tahoe Community College. Family and friends gathered to witness Fire Chief Jim Drennan, City Manager Joe Irvin, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass, and Firefighter’s Association President Al Martinez) address the department.

10th annual Ross fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

Every year, over three million young people are served by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. To show their continued support in preparing today’s youth for a brighter tomorrow, Ross Stores, Inc. is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America with a three-week program called, “Help Local Kids Thrive.”

Beginning February 10, customers in South Lake Tahoe can make a monetary contribution at the local Ross Dress for Less (“Ross”) store during checkout to be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. This campaign runs through March 3.

South Tahoe High Girls Basketball host regional playoff round/Boys head to Elko

Event Date: 
February 12, 2024 - 5:15pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe High School (STHS) girls' basketball team is hosting its regional quarterfinal against Churchill County/Fallon on Monday, February 12 at 5:15 p.m. (please note the time change).

The STHS girls have an 8-2 record and meet the 6-4 Greenwave in the Blue Gym at STHS. The winner of that game plays the winner of Tuesday's matchup between Fernley and Hug in Elko on Friday, February 16. The winner of Friday's game plays in the Region Final Saturday, also at Elko High School.

If contract signed, Ramirez will bring questionable history to Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County School Board is scheduled to offer a contract to John Ramirez, Jr. to sign during their next meeting on February 13.

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.

Feb. 1 - Feb. 7, 2024

2/1

09:42 CIVIL INCIDENT - Officer initiated activity at Barton Memorial Hosp, South Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: UNABLE TO CONTACT.

The Road Beat: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid review - get the RAV4

A review of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Skip it and get the RAV4.

What is it?

60 Days in Gaza

Event Date: 
February 13, 2024 - 7:00pm

Hear the firsthand account from the frontlines with Yonatan Haber from the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, a reserve-service Infantry Brigade in the Israeli Defense Forces.

The event takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 13. at 7 p.m. Please RSVP at JewishTahoe.com/Event.

The Studio selected to represent region at international dance festival

The Studio of South Lake Tahoe has been chosen to represent the Northern California region at the prestigious international dance festival, Dance Excellence, held in Los Angeles from March 31- April 6, 2024. The announcement The Studio dancers would be attending was made one year ago, and since then they have been diligently rehearsing weekly to present original choreography at the festival.

Letter: It's time to stop talking about affordable housing and to start talking about managed decline

The recent lawsuit filed by Mountain Area Preservation against the Tahoe Regional Planning Authority to stop the implementation of their Phase 2 housing program is a prime example of everything that is wrong with the governance of the Tahoe Basin.

John Cristando celebrated by Congressman Kiley, chamber, friends and family

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To celebrate his not only being a WWII veteran but also a South Lake Tahoe business owner for the past 55 years, John Cristando was honored by Congressman Kevin Kiley, the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement, friends and family on Thursday.

Kiley stopped by the dry cleaners in the Bijou Center to read John a proclamation and thank him for his service and dedication to staying in business.

"Being in the presence of a WWII veteran is an honor, our link to the greatest generation," said Kiley.

Artist Talk with Mel Smothers at Tahoe Art League

Event Date: 
February 13, 2024 - 5:00pm

Our next Art League Artist Talk/Community Mixer is Tuesday, Feb 13 at 5 p.m. This event is open to the public. There will be a brief meeting at 5 p.m. and then, at 6 p.m., a talk by artist Mel Smothers. Mel is working on a new series of paintings inspired by Dorothea Lange's Photographs. Image shown: "After Dorothea Lange, 006", Oil on Canvas, 54" x 66", Mel Smothers 2024

Location

Tahoe Art League Gallery
3062 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
United States

MAP files legal complaint against TRPA over Phase 2 housing amendments

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Mountain Area Preservation (MAP) has announced they are legally challenging what they say is the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) violation of the bi-state compact, TRPA regulations, and the approval of the Phase 2 Housing Code Amendments. MAP says the approval of the amendments could negatively impact Tahoe’s natural environment and public safety for present and future generations.

Environmental Coalition elevates science learning at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two hundred and seventy middle school students are delving into the realms of science, snowmaking, winter wildlife, and snow safety this week at Heavenly Mountain Resort with a coalition of environmental educators. Thursday marked the culmination of the tenth year of this immersive, snowshoeing educational experience for local students, according to the South Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition (STEEC).

Kick Off Super Bowl LVIII with a Go Safely Game Plan on the roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LVIII, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) reminds football fans to intercept impaired driving if they are heading out to a Super Bowl party and plan on drinking. Make sure you stick to the “Go Safely” game plan and choose a sober way to go.

During Super Bowl LVIII weekend (Feb. 10 and 11), SLTPD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Valentine's Day Paint & Pints at South Lake Brewing Company

Event Date: 
February 14, 2024 - 6:30pm

Love and paint are in the air this February 14 at South Lake Brewing Company. Enjoy a pint while you paint in this workshop led by local artist Talia Koval starting at 6:30 p.m.

Your ticket includes all painting materials, a painting to take home, and your first pint of beer. Come paint with your own fabulous self, your significant other, loved ones, or friends. Best of all, you get to take your work of art home with you when you're done!

Leashes for Love to benefit Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 13, 2024 - 5:30pm

Join South Lake Brewing Co for Leashes for Love on Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30 p.m. This is a leash-making event to benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe! Participants will learn how to use old climbing ropes to make dog leashes.

It's free to participate and leashes made will be donated to the Humane Society. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to donate your ropes and carabiners if you have them.

Summer job fair for South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation opportunities

Event Date: 
February 12, 2024 - 3:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA, February 8, 2024 – Looking for an enriching summer job? Look no further! The City of South Lake Tahoe’s Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce its Summer Jobs Hiring Fair, offering a range of exciting positions for enthusiastic individuals.

Event Details:
- Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
- Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Recreation & Swim Complex at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe

Available Positions:
- Cashiers: $19.45 - $20.42/hr.
- Recreation Coordinators: $20.71 - $23.18/hr.
- Park Rangers: $17.94 - $22.90/hr.

Liberty holding low income energy assistance program in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 15, 2024 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On February 15, Liberty is hosting an event in South Lake Tahoe to help customers apply for California’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other utility assistance programs that may help people save money on their monthly bills. English and Spanish-speaking representatives will be on-site to help with enrollment in financial assistance and energy savings programs.

Other participating utilities - South Tahoe Refuse and South Tahoe Public Utility District

Where: South Lake Tahoe Library, 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Liberty holding low income energy assistance program in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 15, 2024 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On February 15, Liberty is hosting an event in South Lake Tahoe to help customers apply for California’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other utility assistance programs that may help people save money on their monthly bills. English and Spanish-speaking representatives will be on-site to help with enrollment in financial assistance and energy savings programs.

Other participating utilities - South Tahoe Refuse and South Tahoe Public Utility District

Where: South Lake Tahoe Library, 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda: Establishing Tahoe South Shore Transit JPA, garage funds, cannabis grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council is on Tuesday, February 13 starting at 9 a.m. It will be held at the Lake Tahoe Airport and can be viewed online.

On the agenda:

Lake Tahoe Lakers host final home games of the season

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Feb 11 2024 .
February 9, 2024 (All day)
February 10, 2024 (All day)
February 11, 2024 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Head on down to the Tahoe Ice Arena and cheer on your Lake Tahoe Lakers as they take on the Las Vegas Thunderbirds this Friday through Sunday. This weekend marks the Lakers' last home games for the season so don't miss out on the action.

Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door.

The ice arena is located at 1176 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

More information on the Lakers can be found at https://laketahoelakers.com/.

Douglas County School Board agenda: Discussion of superintendent contract, $32K legal fees, leaving NASB

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County School Board will hold its next regular meeting on Tuesday, February 13 at 4 p.m. in the Douglas High School Media Room.

On the consent agenda to be approved are the bills from the District's legal firm, Joey Gilbert Law. The January invoices total $32,618.61, and with the $39,958.11 invoice approved last month, the firm's bills since being hired in July are now over $242,000.

Upcoming blood drives to help with critical needs in Lake Tahoe and Douglas County area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vitalant urges all eligible blood donors to make an appointment and give in February after plummeting temperatures and harsh winter weather, including rain, snow, sleet, and wind, caused blood drives to cancel and hindered donors from getting to Vitalant centers and mobile blood drives. Nearly 2,000 expected Vitalant blood donations went uncollected in January, including from scheduled drives in the Tahoe and Northern Nevada region.

Join High Sierra Softball this spring - registration underway

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High Sierra Softball has announced its return this spring, and registration is now open! To sign up visit highsierrasoftball.com.

The league is open to ages 5 - 16, and the season runs from April 21 - June 22. Registration runs through March 31.

Petition to get Douglas County VHR ban on the ballot fails to get enough signatures

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County residents who sought to get an initiative on the November ballot to ban vacation home rentals (VHRs) have failed to get the required signatures.

On Wednesday, the Douglas County Clerk’s Office filed a "Certificate of Petition Insufficiency" related to the petition that had circulated to amend the ordinance, banning in neighborhoods and allowing them only commercial and tourist-zoned areas.

Petitioners needed 4,389 valid signatures and they ended up with 4,277 accepted, 112 short.

Letter: Clean, community-minded thinking needed for survival of South Lake Tahoe

Letter to the Community: We have lost business due to shutdowns, COVID-19, the Caldor Fire, road construction, no workers, inflation, overpriced real estate, and entitled locals who want everything for free or wages they think they deserve. Not to mention the long-time residents that are moving due to the high costs of living here.

City of South Lake Tahoe launches snowplow tracking tool for areas within city limits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has launched a new snowplow tracking tool allowing residents to view the progress of snow removal operations throughout the city. GPS tracking devices installed on each snowplow provide updates to the tracking system once a street has been plowed. Residents can easily view the status of snowplow operations in near real-time via a color-coding system applied to each street. Streets on the tracking tool map will change color based on the timeframe of service.

Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger donates $25,000 to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

STATELINE, Nev. – Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger escalated its support for local wildlife by recently donating $25,000 to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.

"We are deeply honored by Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger's substantial contribution," said Catherine Mendez, executive director for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. "Our endeavors to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife rely heavily on the generosity and support of our community. Lucky Beaver is one of our favorite places to dine and this donation is a significant boon to both our operational and capital project funding."

Forbes Travel Guide lists Lake Tahoe property in its 2024 Star Awards

Forbes Travel Guide, an independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises, today unveiled its 2024 Star Awards. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe were each awarded four stars in their categories.

The hotel ratings expanded into new destinations, including Baku, Azerbaijan; Curacao; Iceland; Sardinia, Italy; Kenya; Algarve and Madeira, Portugal; Rwanda; Koh Samui, Thailand; Rabat, Morocco; Makkah, Saudi Arabia; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Barton Foundation donates $430,000 for community health benefits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Continuing its mission of advancing local health care through philanthropy, the Barton Health Foundation has reported a total of $409,000 in grants awarded throughout 2023. These grants, made possible through generous donations, directly support the health of the Lake Tahoe community.

"As we reflect on this past year, we are incredibly grateful for the personal philanthropy of our donors whose contributions truly make a difference in how care is delivered in our community,” said Chris Kiser, Barton Health Foundation executive director.

February Did You Know: Healthy Relationships and Communication

For February, the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK) is collaborating with Live Violence Free to share what healthy relationships and communication look like. Even though we are two months into a new year, it is not too late to make 2024 a year to be a good communicator and build positive and healthy relationships in all aspects of your life. It is important to know what behaviors are okay in any kind of relationship from love interests to friendships and with parents and trusted adults.

TASK is going to feature a three-part campaign for healthy relationships and communication.

"This is totally unthinkable" - Douglas County School Board selects John Ramirez Jr. as next superintendent

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In a move that shouldn't be surprising to anyone following the Douglas County School Board, four members of the board approved the hiring of John Ramirez Jr. as its next superintendent. This move was much to the displeasure of a majority of the public taking part in the meeting.

"This is a dark day for Douglas County School District," said Bob Franks Tuesday night.

Lake Tahoe communities urged to become Firewise USA certified

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 through a multifaceted approach that includes physical measures like home hardening and defensible space and prevention, planning, education, and Firewise certification.

South Tahoe High School Cheer and Dance teams win big at Northern Nevada Cheer and Dance Invitational

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over the weekend, the Cheer and Dance Teams of South Tahoe High School took part in the Northern Nevada Cheer and Dance Invitational. The Cheer Team performed exceptionally, earning a well-deserved 3rd place trophy. The Dance Team also shined by competing in multiple categories and capturing two 1st place trophies in the Hip Hop and Pom Dance divisions. Moreover, Madison Cisneros delivered a breathtaking contemporary solo performance that earned her a 3rd place win.

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