2020

Reminder to keep up on pet's vaccines after rabid skunks found in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The identification of three rabid skunks on the West Slope has prompted the El Dorado County Animal Services to remind pet owners to keep up on their animal's rabies vaccines.

Cal Tahoe JPA seeks bids to remodel old jail for new headquarters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bids are currently being sought for the remodel project at the new home of the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CalTahoe) in South Lake Tahoe. They have been without a permanent home since early 2020 when South lake Tahoe Fire Rescue took back its Station 2 for fire and medic operations.

Record number of Bald Eagles found at Lake Tahoe during annual count

NCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — A record number of Bald Eagles were counted at Lake Tahoe during the recent annual survey conducted by the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science (TINS) and its team of 200 volunteers.

This year 42 Bald Eagles were found, surpassing the previous record of 27 set in 2017.

The record number of volunteers are double the number who turned out for last year's event, part of why TINS believes this was the most accurate count to date. TINS took over local coordination of the national tracking effort nine years ago.

Schools plan return to in-person instruction in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If COVID-19 numbers continue on their current downward trajectory, students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District will be able to return to the classroom February 1 when Phase 2 of reopening plans resumes.

District officials announced Friday they are "cautiously optimistic" about the return to in-person learning in grades TK through 8. LTUSD has been monitoring the local COVID-19 data and case numbers have been stable or trending down, including decreasing cases among their staff, over the last several days.

TRPA updated Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection program and fees for 2021

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board has approved updates to Lake Tahoe watercraft inspection fees and added enhancements to make inspections more convenient following an unprecedented year for the program, the agency said today.

Is the COVID-19 surge over in El Dorado County?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are some promising signs that the COVID-19 surge is over in El Dorado County. If current data continues in the direction it has been headed, El Dorado County is likely near the peak of the post holidays COVID-19 surge.

The surge of cases and hospitalizations began two weeks after Halloween, then continued through the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holidays.

The El Dorado County Public Health Director Dr. Nancy Williams says we won't reliably know until another week or two has passed if the surge has hit its peak.

Amador County man arrested in Reno after Pine Grove woman's body found

1/22/21 UPDATE: The murder suspect Jerry Lee Adams Jr. has been arrested in Reno. For the past two days, investigators from the Amador County Sheriff's Office followed up on multiple tips regarding the suspect's whereabouts. On Friday, January 22, 2021, they developed information that Adams was possibly in the Reno area. This information was provided to the Reno Police Department and at approximately 4:00 p.m., Adams was located inside a Reno area casino and arrested for the murder of Savana Lee Burger.

New business licenses issued by the City of South Lake Tahoe

The following businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of November and December 2020:

NOVEMBER

11/3
FOOD FREEDOM & HEALING COACHING 20

11/4
Y B MESSY

11/5
MARTA MCLEAN LMFT

11/6
A&A CONSTRUCTION INC

11/9
LABRADOR TAXI DRIVER
SCOTT VAN NEST CLEANING

11/10
DREADFUL SAVIOR
EVOLVE MICROBLADING PMU

11/12
EVOLVE MICROBLADING PMU

11/13
LAKE TAHOE LOCAL CONTACT SERVICES

11/16
KOSKIN CONSTRUCTION
LILLYS TIRE
RUELAS HOUSE CLEANING

11/18
CABIN CREEK ENTERPRISES LLC
EMERALD BAY PHYSICAL THERAPY

Where and how to get COVID-19 vaccines in counties around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With five different counties in two different states surrounding Lake Tahoe, there are different procedures concerning COVID-19 vaccines depending on which area one resides. As more doses of the vaccine become available, each county is in charge of its own vaccination rollout. Most in California will be vaccinated at community vaccination sites, doctor’s offices, clinics or pharmacies, depending on their county's plans.

On the Nevada side of the lake the state has developed "lanes" instead of the California side "tiers." All information is listed below.

South Lake Tahoe joins other communities in National Moment of Unity and Remembrance

Event Date: 
January 19, 2021 - 2:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe and other communities around the lake will join the nation on Tuesday, January 19 as they honor those who have died during the pandemic.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Lake Valley Fire Honor Guard will take part in the nationwide bell-ringing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. There will not be a public ceremony but all are encouraged to ring bells or turn their outdoor lights on to participate in the memorial as well.

The green light to reopen caught many South Lake Tahoe businesses by surprise

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the news hit that the Sacramento Region was moving out of the stay-at-home order Tuesday evening, the announcement caught many by surprise, especially those businesses that had been closed since it went into effect December 10, 2020.

Message from El Dorado County Sheriff

As your elected Sheriff I want to address any citizen concerns regarding potential unlawful protests and violence stemming from next week’s Presidential inauguration. I want to send a clear and unwavering message to the residents and visitors of El Dorado County. Your Sheriff’s Office will continue to vehemently support and defend an individual’s constitutional rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Finding the silver lining through the "Feel Good Movement" in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Stay-at-Home orders as a result of the pandemic have been hard on everyone but the "Feel Good Movement" in South Lake Tahoe has been a force in the creation of joy.

Teresa Diane Golden ~ 1944 - 2020

Teresa Diane Golden, known as Teri, passed away peacefully in her home on December 29, 2020. She was 76. Teri loved living in South Lake Tahoe. She was active in the Democratic Party, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Christmas Cheer, the Drugstore Project, helping hikers on the Pacific Rim Trail, the AARP tax preparation, and many other endeavors. Teri was also a member of the Community Presbyterian Church and The Women of the Moose. Her neighbors described her as a loving and generous person.

El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe exit state's stay-at-home order

1/13/21 UPDATE: The state has updated its website to reflect that hotels and vacation rentals can open with modifications in the purple tier. For all businesses, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just moments ago, the Greater Sacramento Region, of which El Dorado County is a part, was granted authority by the State to exit the Regional Stay At Home Order, effective immediately. This is based on the State’s four-week projection putting the region’s ICU capacity at 19.1 percent, above the 15 percent threshold announced last month.

SBA and Treasury announce re-opening of PPP loans for businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, have reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility has been released in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

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

1. Panther ULM - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - Fallen Leaf Rd. and Highway 89, South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles, Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 01/13-18/21. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 5-7 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time. Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas:

South Lake Tahoe's new truck quickly becoming valuable fire-fighting tool

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a long wait. The December, 2020 arrival of a new ladder fire truck for South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue was a journey that began in 2013 when a Ferrara ladder truck has been ordered to the tune of almost $1,050,000. That truck replaced an aging 1982 truck and was paid for by California sales tax funds that are for public safety. As soon as that truck arrived in 2014 though, it was trouble.

Kudos: Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe thanks supporters of 12th annual Coat Drive

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe wishes to extend our appreciation to the following for their help, support, and generous donations that help us to purchase and distribute brand new coats, beanies, and gloves to ensure that the youth in our community stay warm this winter.

The generosity of our donors:
• The Bob Baunhauser Foundation, in remembrance of member Bob Baunhauser
• TLC Investment, in remembrance of member Katy Fagan
• 2020 American Century Championship/Celebrity Golf
• El Dorado Community Foundation/Give Tahoe

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 December 28, 2020 - January 3, 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 week's report: http://southtahoenow.com/story/01/03/2021/south-lake-tahoe-police-blotter

12/28

Arrests

Western Nevada College Dean's List announced

Despite the changes in learning platforms brought on by the coronavirus, Western Nevada College is proud to announce that more than a third of its full-time students were still able to make the fall semester dean’s list.

The WNC Fall 2020 Dean’s List includes 408 students, accounting for 34.7 percent of the college’s full-time students.

To earn the distinction of making WNC’s Dean’s List, students must complete at least 12 units during the semester and accumulate a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

Honorees include:

Carson City

South Lake Tahoe city manager earns international government credential

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Manager Joe Irvin, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Irvin is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

Arrest made in connection with overdose death of Douglas County resident

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A three-week long investigation into the death of a 35-year old Gardnerville man has led to the arrest of Brittany Miller of Dayton, Nev.

On December 19, 2020, Jason Kaspian was found deceased due to a suspected overdose from an opioid-based substance in his Vista Grande Drive apartment. An investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) into Kaspian's death lead them to the person they believe sold him the controlled substance.

Ongoing prescribed burn operations around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Operations will continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Birth Announcement: Welcome Nora Mayland Kerr

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has announced the first baby of 2021 was delivered at its Family Birthing Center, arriving at 4:33 p.m. on Friday, January 1, 2021.

Nora Mayland Kerr was born to Stateline NV. residents Dylan and Blair Kerr. Nora weighed six pounds 11 ounces at birth, measured 19 inches long, and was delivered by Dr. Clare Rudolph. Nora’s middle name is a long standing family name from her grandfather. Nora has one sibling, ten-year old sister, Emily.

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 December 21 - 27, 2020. 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.

12/21/20

Arrests
00:28 DUI Pioneer Tr & Aspenwald Rd
15:55 DUI 1100 Block of Keller Rd

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/12/27/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

12/27

Happy New Year message from Superintendent Todd Cutler

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dear LTUSD friends and families, As the holiday season comes to a close and a new year is upon us, I greet the opportunity to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021. Happy New Year!!

Two NHL outdoor games planned for Edgewood Tahoe in February

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There will be two National Hockey League (NHL) games held outdoors at a new rink at Edgewood Tahoe in February, according to a report today on Sports Net Canada.

The outdoor games will be between the Las Vegas Knights and Colorado Avalanche on February 20 and the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers on February 21.

New laws taking effect in California January 1, 2021

Through the pandemic, legislative sessions in Sacramento were canceled just as they were across the country, not giving the time needed to add new legislation. As a result, in 2020 Governor Gavin Newsom signed the lowest number of laws since 1967, just 372. In comparison, in 2019 there were 870 new laws, 1016 in 2018 and 859 in 2017.

Many of the new laws are centered around COVID-19, addressing systemic racism, employee rights and policing. For a full list, select 2020 here.

Stay-at-home order likely to be extended for South Lake Tahoe and the Sacramento Region

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a few days of being above the benchmark of 15 percent, hospitals in the Sacramento Region have fallen below that number of available ICU beds. South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are part of the Sacramento Region which fell under Governor Newsom's Stay-at-Home Order on December 10, 2020.

As of December 31, the Sacramento Region ICU availability was 14.4 percent.

South Lake Tahoe City Council starts off the new year with a meeting Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council will hold their first scheduled meeting of 2021 on Tuesday with discussion and possible vote on new proposals from the the City of South Lake Tahoe response to COVID-19, a summary of the new housing program and near term rental housing strategies, and the 2020 Lake Tahoe Airport Economic Impact Study findings.

The January 5 meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. and can be viewed on Channel 21 or online.

The agenda also includes consent items:
- Emergency Order No. 6 which authorizes cannabis retailers to temporarily operate curbside pickup.

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks community for Christmas meal

For Bread & Bread there is so much to be thankful for as the year 2020 comes to an end. The organization would like to acknowledge all of the members of the Lake Tahoe South Shore community who have so generously supported our efforts to feed and help those in need during this holiday season.

Sierra snow pack near Lake Tahoe at 93% of average

PHILLIPS STATIONS, Calif. - The Sierra snow pack was measured at 93 percent of average on Thursday at Phillips Station, west of Lake Tahoe, the first of the winter 2020 snow pack surveys.

A team from California Department of Water Resources (DWR) found 30.5 inches of snow with 10.5 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE).

South Lake Tahoe businesses can apply for COVID-19 relief grant program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a very short window for small businesses to apply for the latest round in COVID-19 relief grants. From December 30 2020 - January 8, 2021, businesses can apply for some of the $475 million that will be made available in two rounds.

Law enforcement prepares for possible New Year's Eve crowds on South Shore

Even with the current pandemic, New Year's revelers could still flock to the Stateline casino corridor and South Lake Tahoe on Thursday so law enforcement will be prepared. With no SnowGlobe this year due to the pandemic, and Heavenly Village New Year's Eve activities canceled, it is unknown as to what will take place in an area that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets to bring in the new year. Last year it was estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people took to the streets at midnight at Stateline and 6,500 at Heavenly Village for its 9:00 p.m. fireworks.

Column: 2020 Highlights from your Water and Sewer District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Back in the 1940s, before South Tahoe Public Utility
District existed, sewage flowed directly into beautiful Lake Tahoe. Citizens rallied to sign a petition to form the District and this year marks our 70th anniversary. From a single septic field to an award-winning 7.7 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility, with 100% recycled water and biosolids, a lot
has changed over the years.

South Shore casinos again perform better than most of Nevada

STATELINE, Nev. - Nevada’s non-restricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $771,162,743 for the month of November 2020, the sixth month of casinos reopening in the state after being closed due to the coronavirus. This amounts to a 17.75 percent decrease compared to November 2019, when licensees reported a gaming win of $937,533,406, according to the monthly report released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board today.

Pine Nuts with McAvoy Layne: Name one good thing about 2020

Most of us might agree, 2020 was the annus horribilis of our lifetime. But just as the darkest cloud has a silver lining, 2020 has offered one thing about which we can all brag and be proud. I can't think of what that one thing might be just now, though it does occur to me that learning how to cut our own hair might be a thing to celebrate and be genuinely proud, unless of course you're a barber.

I should think that my being the first person in our village to grow moss on my face should amount to something to brag about, though my dear mother covers her eyes when she greets me.

Small weather systems bring chance of snow to Lake Tahoe for last week of 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a few chances for precipitation as we wrap up 2020 and head into 2021, but at this point in time the systems on the horizon aren't looking like big snow makers.

As one system leaves Monday afternoon there will be a break in snow/rain activity on Tuesday, the next weather system is projected to arrive Wednesday evening and exit quickly by Thursday morning. While the more likely scenario favors light
snow (up to 2") for the Sierra and northeast California/far northwest Nevada it could cause some morning commute issues.

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/12/20/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-

This Week's Log:

12/20

1:37 a.m. - Vacation Home Rental - Piute St - VHR- NOISE

James Anthony Biller ~ 1941 - 2020

James Anthony Biller was born in Ventura, CA, July 10, 1951, to Jack and Marjorie Biller. Growing up in Ventura, he surfed, sailed, played water polo for the Ventura High Cougars, and was one of the best swimmers Ventura High had ever seen, getting his varsity letter and pin as a sophomore and setting swimming records that stood for many years after he graduated in 1969. That Jim had a love of the beach, sailing, and everything that had to do with the water was obvious to everyone around him.

Merry Christmas

As we prepare to bid the year of 2020 a fond farewell, we are celebrating Christmas as best we can during these unprecedented and uncertain times.

I could start with all the normal holiday greetings like Merry Christmas, May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter, or I hope the magic of Christmas fills every corner of your heart and home with joy — now and always, but this year seems like so much more is needed.

Longtime local Larry Lukins ~ 1944 - 2020

Larry Lukins passed away on November 25, 2020. He was born February 22, 1944 to Melvin and Hazel Lukins of South Lake Tahoe. Larry was the third generation of Lukins’ raised in South Lake Tahoe.

Larry was always proud of growing up in “old Tahoe” and loved to share stories of the good ole days. As a child growing up in South Lake Tahoe, Larry and his brother Danny spent much of their time working on and building airplanes, cars and boats.

Raul I. Aguilar ~ 1942 - 2020

Raul I. Aguilar was one of 10 children, born on April 17, 1942 in Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico and passed away on December 19th, 2020 in South Lake Tahoe, California. In his 20's, Raul worked as a radio disc jockey and enjoyed playing and winning in chess tournaments.

Raul moved to South Lake Tahoe in the early 1970's where he later got married and had three children. Raul always worked in the service industry as a banquet server and enjoyed meeting people and catering all sorts of events along the way.

Town of Truckee votes to adopt urgency ordinance for lodging to keep community safe

TRUCKEE, Calif. - Facing an influx of tourists during the Governor's Regional Stay-at-Home order just as South Lake Tahoe has seen, the Town of Truckee Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance Tuesday night to protect the public's health. Any hotel, motel or vacation home rental in use during the Stay-at-Home order can now face the revoking, suspension or denial of their Tourist Occupancy Certificate.

The Stay-at-Home order states lodging properties are to not be rented to anyone except essential workers in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

GO Local Tahoe Digital Gift Card program launched by Tahoe Chamber

The Tahoe Chamber has launched the GO Local Tahoe Digital Gift Card program to boost immediate local spending that will support South Shore restaurants, retailers and service providers throughout the recent Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The GO Local Tahoe Card is a community based, e-gift card that allows you to give the gift of supporting LOCAL and allows your recipient to spend with local businesses of their choice. The ease of this gift card makes it the perfect last-minute holiday gift and stocking stuffer for a Tahoe lover.

South Lake Tahoe woman dies from COVID-19, Go Fund Me set up to help with expenses

A South Lake Tahoe woman has become the 11th resident of El Dorado County to die from COVID-19. Elda Yadira Dueñas passed away at Barton Memorial Hospital on December 16, 2020.

Letter: 2020 has been a year of incredible challenges for Live Violence Free

2020 has been a year of incredible challenges and changes for our organization. At Live Violence Free, we worked hard to continue to meet the needs of our community. Our resilient staff, volunteers, and board members have risen to the challenge and provided stabilizing support to the community, and we are here every step of the way.

Barton's COVID response fund receives $110,000 in donations to help locals

The Barton Foundation’s 2020 virtual gala received overwhelming support from donors, raising a record-breaking $110,000 to benefit the Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. These donations are immediately being put to use, helping community members hit hardest by the pandemic: those facing food insecurity and other economic hardship, as well as healthcare workers on the frontline.

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