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City Council meeting includes hearing on affordable housing grant, TAUs, and energy upgrades

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council is on Tuesday, October 22 starting at 5:30 p.m. The meeting can be attended remotely or in person in the Council Chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport. Spanish interpretation is available.

On the agenda:

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue hosts annual Pancake Breakfast

Event Date: 
October 26, 2024 - 9:30am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) is holding an Open House and Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 2 on Saturday, October 26 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The station is located at 2951 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

This family-friendly event allows the community to meet SLTFR firefighters, learn about fire safety including the importance of smoke alarms, and enjoy pancakes!

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.

October 7 - October 13, 2024

10/7

07:43 TRESPASS IN PROGRESS - Occurred at Little Norway on Us Hwy 50, in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Disposition: ASSISTED.

10/8

Kudos and winners list from the Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival

Thank you for making the inaugural Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival an unforgettable experience! Your enthusiasm and support filled the festival with energy, passion, and a shared love for storytelling. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to this celebration of documentary filmmaking.

The 2024 LTDFF Audience Choice Award Winners

Favorite Short Film: Still Alive

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 9/30 - 10/6, 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 September 30 - October 6, 2024

9.30

Calls Resulting in Arrest

TedX South Lake Tahoe speakers to focus on growth

Event Date: 
October 26, 2024 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - TEDxSouthLakeTahoe returns this October, offering an evening of inspiring talks from innovators, activists, and visionaries across various disciplines. Set for Saturday, October 26, 2024, the event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Community College's Duke Theatre, located at One College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA.

South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to climate questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the City of South Lake Tahoe gets closer to its goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, incoming council members need to understand sustainability and climate action.

Some of the City's climate goals include reducing community greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 percent by 2040, at least 50 percent by 2030, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

LTUSD Performing Arts present A Veterans Musical Tribute

Event Date: 
November 13, 2024 - 6:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District Performing Arts Department will be presenting "A Veterans Musical Tribute" on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The free event will take place in the South Tahoe Middle School multi-purpose room.

This concert is a wonderful tribute to the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country in the various branches of the military. All veterans and their families are invited to attend the concert to honor and thank them for their brave and selfless duty.

Celebrate Fall at Zephyr Cove Resort with community-driven events

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - Throughout October and November, enjoy festive happenings and connect with other locals at the Zephyr Cove Resort. They will be hosting a series of exciting community-focused events, including the first-ever Costume Dinner Cruise on the M.S. Dixie II, a new Community Day event, and a special cruise honoring veterans and active military personnel.

Saturday, October 26: Costume Dinner Cruise

Continued delays between Kings Beach and Tahoe City for SR28 Broadband Project

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Caltrans is advising motorists of a broadband installation project continuing along SR-28 along the north shore of Lake Tahoe next week.

The broadband project is part of a larger statewide effort by the California Department of Technology to bring high-speed internet into rural communities. The contractor for this project is Teichert Construction.

Utility work and paving operations with one-way traffic control are scheduled along SR-28 at the following locations and times:

Column: Fall Vaccines: For You, For Your Family

Every fall, along with cooler weather, kids back in school, and seasonal gatherings, cases of flu, RSV, and COVID typically rise. Fortunately, immunizations, or vaccines, are available that can help protect against these respiratory diseases.

Column: Team Tahoe Accelerates Forest Health

Tahoe forests are currently glowing with vibrant fall colors even as smoke lingers above the lake from prescribed fire operations. The traits of a healthy forest are integral to the way we experience this incredible place. They are also fundamental to the overall health of the watershed, the safety of our communities, and our region’s resilience to climate change.

Letter: Reasons for voting "yes" on Measure U

As someone who attended Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) schools K-12, and is currently a parent of LTUSD students, I want to share why I’m voting for Measure U from a couple of viewpoints.

Celebration of Life for Jack Francis

Jack Francis, born on July 18, 1935, lived as a true free spirit, embracing adventure at every turn. From his early years in the Navy aboard the USS Meredith to carefree summers surfing in Newport Beach and winters skiing in Aspen, Jack’s love for excitement and new experiences knew no bounds.

Eldorado Forest to issue Christmas Tree permits

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced in September they will be pausing their Christmas Tree permit program for several years except for those in 4th grade. For others, there are options for those seeking the experience to cut down their tree for the holidays.

Wrong-way DUI driver sentenced to 8 years for causing substantial bodily harm to state trooper

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - James Arthur Coolbaugh learned his fate this week, one year after he drove a pickup truck northbound on U.S. Highway 395 through the Carson Valley, using the southbound lanes of travel, before hitting Nevada State Police Trooper Ross Miller in a nearly head-on situation.

South Tahoe High students hit the big screen Saturday with "Horse-Play"

Event Date: 
October 19, 2024 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe High School (STHS) student group, ASMC, is bringing its first movie to Heavenly Village Cinemas on Saturday, October 19 at 6 p.m.

Over the past two winters, STHS students have hit the slopes to create a snowboarding and skiing movie, and those efforts will now be on the big screen in "Horse-Play."

South Lake Tahoe Library holds annual Fall Fest

Event Date: 
October 31, 2024 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Community Hub 5 invites the community to its annual Fall Fest on Thursday, October 31 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There will be community resources for all and trick-or-treating for children ages 12 years and under on the library grounds--wear your costumes! The library is located at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd. South Lake Tahoe.

For more info, please call the South Lake Tahoe Library at 530-573-3185.

Sponsored by First 5 and Friends of the Library.

Forest Service starts year-long public use surveys on Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey is underway on USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) National Forest lands. It will continue through Sep. 30, 2025. The public can expect to encounter California State University, Chico, employees working near developed recreation sites and along National Forest roads. They will be out in all weather conditions wearing bright orange vests near signs that say, “Traffic Survey Ahead.”

Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe seeking unsung heroes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over the past year, our community has produced many volunteers who gave service, without being asked or reimbursed, to people who really needed it. They didn't do it because it was their job or to win any awards or recognition, but just because they felt that it was the right thing to do. They acted with their hearts.

Letter: Measure N is unnecessary

Dear Editor; Seems like many people are overlooking the main reason to vote against Measure N, the “Vacancy Tax”. The truth is that it is totally unnecessary. It is a poorly conceived plan to solve a problem that is already being very successfully dealt with through many prior years of

Changing winters are impacting Lake Tahoe and other freshwater ecosystems

As temperatures rise, particularly in alpine regions, lakes are feeling the heat. Research published today in the journal Science, led by researchers at the Carnegie Institution for Science, indicates that climate change impacts critical winter processes including lake ice conditions. Changes in lake ice conditions impact the function of ecosystems and the communities that live nearby.

New deputy director named for the Douglas County Community Services Department

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Community Services Department has announced the appointment of Ryan Stanton as its new deputy director. With 17 years of dedicated service to the County and an extensive background in parks management, Stanton is poised to make a significant impact in his new role.

“The Community Services Department is confident that Ryan’s extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to Douglas County will lead to continued growth and development in the department and across the organization,” said Community Services Director, Brook Adie.

Recap from LTUSD board meeting - new trustee appointed

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ellen Camacho has been appointed as the new Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) trustee for Area 1, replacing Larry Reilly who did not seek re-election. Since nobody from Area 1 filed to run for office, LTUSD accepted applications and Camacho was announced during a special meeting on October 8. She will officially begin her duties after being sworn in at the December 12, 2024, board meeting.

Two days of Meyers Mountain Fall Festival this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new event is coming to the South Shore--Meyers Mountain Fall Festival--on October 19-20, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Think Apple Hill meets Oktoberfest and you'll get an idea of the fun festival at Tahoe Paradise Park.

Kree Abravanel, co-founder of Meyers Mountain Market and Music in the Park is bringing this new two-day event for the community to enjoy. Two days filled with fun, food, and fall festivities.

Message from South Tahoe High School Principal Justin Zunino on school's progress and future plans

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - South Tahoe High School (STHS) is excited to share its recent accomplishments and initiatives for the 2024-25 school year. With a strong start, the school highlights updates in student enrollment, academics, extracurriculars, and student support systems.

Enrollment and Demographics

Prepare your Lake Tahoe home for cold temperatures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a cold one overnight in South Lake Tahoe, and overnight temperatures below freezing look like they're here to stay for a while.

As temperatures begin to drop, protecting your home plumbing from the damage and expense caused by frozen pipes is essential. Remember these tips to prepare your home for chilly temps.

Before freezing temperatures set in:

Turn off and drain irrigation systems.
Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.
Insulate exposed pipes or faucets.
Seal holes and cracks in exterior walls, foundation, and around pipes.

Letter: Bob Anderson for LTUSD Board

We are endorsing Bob Anderson for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District school board because he will be an outstanding advocate for the students and will make sure the district is transparent in how it is managed. Bob moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1985 with five years of experience teaching in Southern California. He then taught in LTUSD for 26 years at several different levels and school sites.

Seasonal closure of Lake Tahoe recreation sites started with beaches over the weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has begun the annual process of closing National Forest recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many recreation areas and sites including beaches, campgrounds, forest roads, parking lots, and picnic areas.

Campgrounds on LTBMU land managed by Tahoe Recreation, a division of Vista Recreation, closed Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, and included Fallen Leaf, William Kent, Kaspian, and Nevada Beach campgrounds.

Fish and Wildlife has not found evidence of wolves in Lake Tahoe Basin or Hope Valley

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There was excitement back in 2011 when the first wolf sighting in California in almost 90 years was made when "OR-7" crossed into California northeast of Dorris, a small town in Siskiyou County. Even though OR-7 is back in Oregon, there have been several confirmed sightings of wolves in California.

Tahoe Chamber announces election endorsements

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Chamber has a long history of developing and offering election endorsements to those candidates for local office whose approach, demeanor, and values most closely match our
mission and values as a bi-state community-based business organization. This year, the chamber board of directors also endorsed a No vote on Measure N, the so-called South Lake Tahoe “vacancy tax” and a Yes vote on Measure U, the proposed Lake Tahoe Unified School District school facilities improvement bond.

No on Measure N - The South Tahoe “Vacancy Tax”

New business licenses issued in South Lake Tahoe

The following businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during August and September 2024:

August

8/5
MOUNTAIN VOLT ERIDES
AMERICAN RIVER CAULKING, INC.
A+ HANDYMAN SERVICE
QUICK-FAST COMPUTER AND PHONE REPAIRS

8/6
SIERRA STRIPING, INC

8/9
PRO SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION INC.
HEAVENLY VILLAGE ICE RINK

8/10
RIDGELINE CLEANING AND ORGANIZING

8/12
JCR CONSTRUCTION INC
TILO PRODUCTS INC.
CONCRETE VALUE CORP

8/13
LAKE RIDGE HOTEL
HAFGUFA DESIGNS
LEVEL 1 ROOFING
RAMOS ROOFING GROUP

8/14
TAYLOR MADE CONSTRUCTION

8/16

Plans underway to open a Brew Brothers at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Harrah’s Lake Tahoe has announced that construction is underway for Brew Brothers, a new craft beer and dining venue set to open in 2025 (it was previously stated in a press release that this date was 2026 and it has been corrected). Located just off Harrah’s casino floor, Brew Brothers will provide a lively and immersive experience that offers refreshing drinks and delicious bites while complementing the energy of the casino.

Lake Tahoe Historical Society hosts popular Giant Snowflake Making days

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Thu Oct 24 2024 .
October 23, 2024 - 11:00am
October 24, 2024 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Historical Society (LTHS) is hosting two days of its Giant Paper Flake Making classes at 10 a.m. on October 23 and 24. Learn how to make the paper flake from one of many patterns available. Each participant will make two or more flakes, with one of them to take home, and the others to stay in the museum.

All flakes made for the museum will be hanging from the museum's ceiling during the holidays and available for purchase!

The cost to participate is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Karen "Penny" Bennett Martin ~ 1955 - 2024

Karen Ingrid “Penny” Bennett Martin passed away at age 69 on October 11, 2024. She was born in Iraan, Texas on April 18, 1955. Her parents were Eugene “Gene” Bennett and Margareta “Peg” Barber. She was raised by her Great grandparents who named her “Penny” from her copper-colored hair, and then by her paternal grandparents, Gene “Chile” Bennett and Mary Belle “Mama” Bennett.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrests suspect wanted for violent school threats made in Sonoma County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A suspect who allegedly made violent threats against an elementary school in Sonoma County, Calif. was arrested at Lake Tahoe on Monday evening. Earlier in the day, detectives with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect, Kevin Harrington, 47, of Santa Rosa, was likely in the South Lake Tahoe area.

Drug Take Bay Day in South Lake Tahoe October 26

Event Date: 
October 26, 2024 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have bottles of prescriptions sitting unused in your medicine cabinet?

A free and anonymous disposal site for expired and unused drugs will be in the American Legion Post 795 parking lot at 2748 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of National Drug Take Back Day. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) in conjunction with the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK) will be hosting the event. TASK and SLTPD will both be on hand to answer any questions or address any concerns the public may have.

Letter: Support Our Schools and Our Children

I urge you to vote for Measure U - let’s collectively uplift the children of our community. Measure U is a bond that will provide much-needed funds for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District to repair and maintain its facilities. Two years ago the community almost passed a bond, but it lost by a slim margin. We need your vote again and we need you to encourage your neighbors to vote as well. This time around, we have made a bigger effort to communicate the needs to our community.

NV Energy to use helicopters for 'essential fire mitigation work' around Lake Tahoe

Since Monday, NV Energy has been using helicopters to replace power poles and to clear large logs and brush that pose fire hazards to the utility's infrastructure around the Lake Tahoe Basin. The helicopters are needed to navigate steep, mountainous terrain in the area.

The project is expected to last approximately five weeks, according to an NV Energy news release. Motorists, customers, and visitors to the area can expect to see the helicopter working overhead, and logging trucks and other heavy equipment in the area.

Letter: Why to vote no on Measure U

Dear Editor: When Lake Tahoe Unified School District's (LTUSD) Measures C and G passed in 1999 and 2008, within three years after each passage we saw a decline in LTUSD enrollment of 541 and 304 students. All in all, the enrollment declined 1,924 students from 2000 to 2011 moving mostly to the Carson Valley/Reno area simply because it became too expensive to live.

The costs of the parcel taxes were passed on to renters and property owners.

Kudos: Heavenly hosts Bread & Broth meal

“We love coming to Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal and helping out,” shared Katie Shanks, marketing manager for the Heavenly Mountain Resort. Katie is the liaison between Bread & Broth’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment program and Heavenly Mountain Resort team members interested in volunteering at a Monday Meal. On Monday, October 7, Blair Davidson, senior analyst planning, and Tyler Joaquin, parking team lead, joined Katie to help the Bread & Broth volunteers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Monday Meal’s setup, serving, and takedown/cleanup.

Public meeting Wednesday as City of South Lake Tahoe develops Vision Zero action plan to Improve road safety

Event Date: 
October 16, 2024 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has announced its commitment to developing a Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate severe injuries and fatalities on local roadways. This data-driven and comprehensive strategy focuses on creating a safer, more sustainable, and livable community for all roadway users, including those who walk, bike, drive, or use other modes of transportation.

Final Coffee With A Cop for 2024. to be held at Getaway Cafe

Event Date: 
October 18, 2024 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — On Friday, October 18, members of the California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff, and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, have coffee, and build relationships.

All community members are invited to attend. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Getaway Cafe in South Lake Tahoe.

Salmon starting journey up Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Kokanee salmon are starting their journey up Taylor Creek, though it may be a few more days before the fish fill up the viewing areas along the Rainbow Trail.

A walk out to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Monday provided no views of the migrating Kokanee, but two bears were spotted (even though one was far up a tree). Toogee Sielsch, who is on vacation from his job with El Dorado County Vector Control, is spending two weeks at Taylor Creek to assist with the crowds that make the trip to see the salmon run.

Letter: This isn't working

In an op-ed I wrote in August entitled "The HOA no one signed up for”, I said, "would-be developers at Homewood, Crystal Bay, and South Lake Tahoe are learning similar expensive lessons with multi-decade approval processes.” Those words turned out to be somewhat prophetic, as the Biltmore is headed for foreclosure auction and Homewood recently announced they wouldn’t be opening at all this season.

Have you noticed the 45 mph signs missing from Strawberry?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Anyone heading to, or leaving from, South Lake Tahoe on US50 knows the historic spot along the route - Strawberry. Sitting about 20 miles to the west of the lake, thousands of cars drive through each week, most just passing through.

The speed limit on US50 is 55 mph, but for years the speed limit through Strawberry was 45 mph due to the lodge, store, and residents in the area. That is no longer the case.

Valhalla Tahoe celebrates 100 years of the Heller Estate

Event Date: 
October 26, 2024 - 4:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Valhalla Tahoe, the nonprofit organization that manages the historic Heller Estate, commonly known as Valhalla, is celebrating the 100-year-old historic estate with a special event for the community on Saturday, October 26 from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. The event will honor Valhalla by inviting the community to gather at the historic estate and enjoy the buildings and the grounds.

Letter: A Yes on Measure U is an easy vote

Dear Editor, No matter what your thoughts are about other tax measures on this fall’s ballot, please join me in voting ‘Yes’ on Measure U for our schools. Some valid questions arose about how other taxes will be raised, enforced, and spent.

Not so for Measure U.

The entire annual $35 tax (per $100k assessed value) will go to capital repairs and improvements at our school sites. None of it goes to salaries or benefits.

Some controversy over South Lake Tahoe city council candidate's occupation description

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that the voter's guide and ballots have been mailed out in El Dorado County, voters may notice a difference in occupation for South Lake Tahoe City Council Candidate Nick Speal. His occupation description has been concerning to some residents.

Bread & Broth turns 35 years old; Celebrates feeding those in need since 1989

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In 1989, members of the South Lake Tahoe community were facing a struggle with job layoffs in a tough economy and finding themselves in a tough financial situation. Father John Grace, the pastor at the time at St. Theresa Catholic Church, knew he had to do something and talked it over with Wendy David, a long-time volunteer on the South Shore.

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