Stay at Home in South Lake Tahoe: Police and City addressing concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ever since Governor Newsom issued a 'Stay at Home' order on March 19, 2020, there has been confusion on what businesses are essential and what the public can and cannot do. The order was created to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

To follow that order, El Dorado County issued a "shelter in place" and the South Lake Tahoe City Council declared local emergencies.

Newsom's "stay at home" order has been debated in South Lake Tahoe both on social media and in neighborhoods where second homeowners and vacationers have taken refuge during these trying times.

To clarify, the City Council held an emergency meeting on March 25 that gave the City of South Lake Tahoe the ability to issue a citation to the owner of a vacation home or other lodging property that choose to rent to people who are defying the Governor's order that bans non-essential travel. An emergency order followed on March 27 that allowed the City to issue administrative fines of $1,000 to those breaking the order.

"The City is taking this seriously, and we want people to be taking this seriously as well," said the City of South Lake Tahoe Communications Manager Chris Fiore. "Our intention is to not necessarily give fines. If operating a nonessential business, it is time to hit the pause button until we are out of this pandemic. If you want to vacation in South Lake Tahoe, this isn't the time to do so."

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and its community service officers have been tasked with informing all businesses about the City's order in how it pertains to the Governor's order. This weekend staff was out in the community, handing out information and answering questions. The information was also mailed out.

"We have been asking for voluntary compliance," said SLTPD Detective Sgt. Travis Cabral. "As with anything new, there will be confusion."

Cabral said it's been tough telling a local business they aren't essential under the Governor and County orders.

"The word 'essential' is confusing," said Cabral. "Our businesses are essential and it's essential they thrive in the community, but under this order, they all can't stay open."

"This is a hard time, and a hard message to tell people they can't run their business," added Cabral. "It is a hard message to give in a very stressful time."

SLTPD has been getting a lot of calls from the public about vacation home rentals violating the order. Cabral says the community officers will respond to all calls, determine if there is a violation. So far, their contact has been informational and fines haven't been issued yet.

Cabral said the lodging and vacation rental calls aren't all cut and dry as there are circumstances including when the home was rented, or if it is used by someone providing an essential service like health care workers.

One area they have been receiving calls on are the homes occupied by second homeowners.

"I tell them (homeowners) to look at the Governor's order. A 'stay at home' order is 'stay at home' and if they are traveling to another location to escape it can be viewed as a violation," said Cabral.

"We respect everybody who loves South Lake Tahoe," said Fiore. "The people who call it home, the people who look to it as an escape, and the people who look forward to visiting every year. At the end of the day, we are encouraging everyone to follow the Governor's order and the County's 'Shelter in Place' order at their place of residence.

Frustrations are high and we understand that, but at this point in time we will all be stronger together and safer apart," added Fiore.

Cabral wants to remind people that vigilantism also will not be tolerated and they will handle concerns of the public. If people have concerns about what is essential, or what is allowed, they should call the SLTPD dispatch non-emergency line at 530.542.6100.

He said they will abide by the Governor's order to maintain the health of South Lake Tahoe citizens and maintain the health of the community.

Essential services will remain open, such as:

Gas stations
Pharmacies
Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
Banks
Laundromats/laundry services
Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.
Real Estate

What’s closed?

Dine-in restaurants
Bars and nightclubs
Entertainment venues
Gyms and fitness studios
Public events and gatherings
Convention Centers
Hair and nail salons

List of Essential Worker - https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf.