Celebrating a birthday COVID-19-style in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The line of cars wrapped around the block and down the street in the Al Tahoe neighborhood Friday, all to celebrate a South Lake Tahoe teen's 18th birthday.

With stay-at-home orders in place for both a birthday party and high school graduation, Lisa Calderon had to come up with an idea to make her daughter, Kayla Mason, feel special on her birthday.

Lisa made some phone calls to friends, family, the South Tahoe High Dance Team, dancers from Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio, and the South Lake Tahoe Police and Fire Departments. She asked that they line up on Modesto Avenue and at 5:00 p.m., start their parade in front of her home where Kayla would be. And, it was to be a surprise so Kayla's being outside was just a ruse that turned out to be lots of smiles, waving and excitement.

Led by the South Lake Tahoe Police department and their lights and sirens, car after car came by with treating of "happy birthday", horns honking, banners displayed and a gift or two hanging out windows.

The socially distanced celebration for the South Lake Tahoe native was a success.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and JPA ambulances have participated in several drive-by celebrations since the stay-at-home orders came down. They were unable to participate Friday but it was the police department's first chance as their staffing levels don't normally allow them to join in. The timing was right Friday for Kayla, and shift change made the procession a special one.

Happy birthday and congratulations on graduation....best of luck as you pursue your dreams away at college!