2021

STPUD extends COVID-19 rate relief program

The South Tahoe Public Utility District Board of Directors extended the COVID-19 Rate Relief Program to assist residents and businesses that are facing financial
hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The District’s COVID-19 Rate Relief Program offers a 50 percent credit up to $3,000 for the next quarterly sewer bill for customers in need.

“Extending the rate relief program is necessary because it’s obvious that the community is still suffering from the financial effects of COVID,” says Kelly Sheehan, Board President.

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.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 24-30, 2021

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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/01/17/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

1/17

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.

Construction bids now being accepted for Spooner Lake State Park improvements

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Nevada State Parks is seeking construction bids for Phase 1 of the Spooner Frontcountry Improvement Project. Phase 1 will involve a complete redesign and update of the over 35-year-old facilities, and construction of a new visitor center and amphitheater at Spooner Lake. Proposals will be accepted at the Nevada Division of State Parks office until March 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. PST.

Al Roker to discuss climate change at Tahoe's Operation Sierra Storm

Event Date: 
January 25, 2021 - 8:00am

Al Roker of NBC’s Today Show fame, will discuss his passion, interest and concerns about climate change, as well as his storied career as keynote speaker at Operation Sierra Storm, the annual television meteorologists’ conference at Lake Tahoe. The public is invited to tune in via Facebook to watch Roker on Monday, January 25.

Operation Sierra Storm (OSS) in an annual weather conference held on the South Shore. Due to health and safety restrictions, the public is unable to attend Monday's event in person, but they are welcome to participate via Facebook.

MontBleu staff credited with saving man's life in swimming pool

STATELINE, Nev. - Staff members at MontBleu Casino Resort are being credited with saving the lives of two people who had been swimming in the hotel's swimming pool. One of the swimmers, a 25-year-old man from Fairfield, Calif., had been underwater for almost two-and-a-half minutes before being pulled from the water.

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.

One arrested after butane honey oil lab explosion in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An explosion and subsequent fire at a South Lake Tahoe home Friday was the result of a butane honey oil (BHO) processing explosion, according to South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

Bad batch of Moderna vaccine pulled from El Dorado County and other California communities

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Fewer than ten reactions from one batch of Moderna vaccines distributed in California has prompted state officials to pull it from circulation. Providers of the vaccine from this batch have been asked to pause the administration of lot 41L20A of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine due to possible allergic reactions that are under investigation.

Nonprofits invited to apply for 2021 Endow El Dorado grants

The El Dorado Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2021 Endow El Dorado Grant Cycle will open on February 1, 2021. Endow El Dorado is open to all nonprofits serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County. This year, this funding opportunity has three areas of focus for non-profits to choose from.

The three areas of focus for grants: :
1) Youth, 0-18 years of age ($5,000 application limit)
2) Social Services and Community Mental Health ($10,000 application limit)
3) Pandemic Response ($10,000 application limit)

Applicants may only apply in one area of focus.

Planning Commission denies changes to planned cannabis microbusiness in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is now an open license for a South Lake Tahoe cannabis microbusiness after one of those approved in 2019 will not finish up the process of opening. On January 14, 2021, the City Planning Commission denied a request from James Street LLC to change the name of the approved operator and extend their deadline to open by six months.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, if conditions and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

1. Twin Peaks 49 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - West River Park Drive and South Upper Truckee Road, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 18-23, 2021

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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/01/10/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

1/10

Fundraising campaign underway to add dog water station in Rabe Meadow

STATELINE, Nev. - The very popular Rabe Meadows to Nevada Beach Trail, also known as the Lam Watah Trail, has no water stations along the route for dogs and their humans, and a local resident is trying to change that.

In cooperation with Douglas County, the U.S. Forest Service and Lake Tahoe Planning and Permitting LLC, Liz Lawton would like to raise the funds necessary to purchase and install a doggie drinking fountain and water bottle filling station. It would be located at the trailhead near the intersection of Kahle Drive and US50 by the restrooms.

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 January 4 - January 10, 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/01/09/2021/south-lake-tahoe-police-blotter

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.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office identifies man found under bridge

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - On Sunday, January 3, 2021, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) responded to the area north of the Cradlebaugh Bridge on Highway 395 after receiving a report of a dead body.

The responding deputies found a decomposed human body. After a three-week investigation, the body has been determined to be that of Claude Randall Withrow, a 61-year-old male from Carson City. Withrow’s cause of death is still under investigation at this time and no other information is available.

Woman arrested as suspect in Incline Village vehicle burglaries

A 28-year-old Reno woman has been arrested on five felony charges stemming from multiple vehicle burglary cases in Incline Village.

Detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Regional Crime Suppression Unit arrested Brandy Sosa on Tuesday. Over the past several weeks, patrol deputies took several vehicle burglary cases. Their investigation led them through neighborhoods where they garnered intelligence through interviews and obtaining surveillance videos.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties; Five new deaths in El Dorado County

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officers announced 181 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday. Of those, 27 are in El Dorado Hills, 27 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 19 in Greater Placerville, 7 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, 4 in Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 1 in North County, 1 in South County, 92 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from today's count: 3 - Total now awaiting address confirmation: 82.

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.

Barton Health could be called on to accept patients from outside the area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hospitals across California have been experiencing the effects of the coronavirus, with overflowing intensive care units (ICUs) and a workforce stretched to its limits.

On January 5, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced a plan to reduce pressure on strained hospital systems and redistribute the responsibility of medical care across the state so patients can continue to receive lifesaving care.

This mandate is meant to share resources and staffing related to the current COVID-19 surge.

It's official: NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ coming to Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - It's been a plan in the works for months and today the National Hockey League (NHL) made it official - they are bringing NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ to Edgewood Tahoe February 20-21, 2021.

Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday will showcase the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20. Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday will feature the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. Both games will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

Sign up to be on COVID-19 vaccine alert list

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Now that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is moving through the official phases and tiers, a vaccine list has been start for those who are able to respond to a Placerville or South Lake Tahoe Public Health Office within 30-60 minutes of getting an alert.

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:

Auditions for children's virtual musical, Super Happy Awesome News

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Black Ice Theater Company's Children's Theatre Program is holding auditions for the virtual musical play, "Super Happy Awesome News." To audition for the March 2021 production, parents will need to submit a video of their young thespian singing their favorite song for at least 30 seconds. The song choice can be anything from "Happy Birthday" to "Jingle Bells."

Submissions will be accepted for children ages 8-14. Please include the child's name and the role they are interested in, if any, and email to info@blackicetheatreco.com by January 15, 2021.

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/01/03/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

1/3

Special Planning Commission meeting to address new building standards and cannabis permit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

First on the agenda is a possible vote on an update to City Code and the design standards included in it after receiving a grant from the State to do so. There have been public workshops and meetings with contractors and developers, along with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), to get their input on the updates the standards.

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

Lake Tahoe Unified School District seeks developer fee increase

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is seeking a increase of developer fees that go to the district from $2.24 per square foot to $3.20 per square foot. They plan to use the increase in revenue to support its program to reconstruct existing facilities, funds that are needed due to rising costs in South Lake Tahoe.

New COVID-19 travel advisory in California: Stay within 120 miles of home

The California Department of Public Health issued a revised Travel Advisory on Tuesday, January 6, 2021, one that supersedes the previous order issued in November and one meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. This new advisory affects all counties in California, whether they are under a Regional Stay Home Order or not.

The updated travel advisory

Tahoe Chamber to hold annual Level UP Webinar on HR and employment law

Event Date: 
January 21, 2021 - 12:00pm

The South Shore business community is invited to attend the Tahoe Chamber’s annual Level UP Webinar on HR & Employment Law updates on January 21, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attorneys of Sutton Hague Law Corporation, Brett Sutton and Jared Hague, will brief business owners and managers on the new COVID-19 compliance laws in Nevada and California and teach attendees how to keep their business protected from liability in the face of these changes.

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.

Alpine School District seeks bids for Diamond Valley School modernization project

After the passing of a school facilities bond in 2018, the Alpine County Unified School District is moving forward on the modernization of Diamond Valley School. The district is requesting sealed bids for the Diamond Valley School - Modernization Building A project and they must be received prior to 2:00 p.m., on February 17, 2021.

COVID-19 vaccines start moving through first phase in El Dorado and Alpine counties

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During both the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisor meetings on January 5, questions were asked of the health care professionals as to when the public can expect to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Two new programs approved to help South Lake Tahoe small businesses

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council approved two programs during their meeting on Tuesday, both to help small businesses in the city limits as well as helping locals spending money locally.

The approved $75,000 to be used for the purchase of bonus gift cards with the Tahoe Chamber. While a person purchases gift cards for use at local businesses they get a bonus gift card paid through the City's funding.

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.

Tahoe Fund donors meet the Tahoe Blue Vodka challenge - $200,000 raised to clean Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif - The Tahoe Fund announced today that Tahoe Blue Vodka’s generous $100,000 match has been met, allowing the nonprofit Clean Up The Lake to begin its massive effort to remove trash around all 72-miles of Lake Tahoe this spring. Support to meet the match was overwhelming, with the matching $100,000 coming from more than 135 businesses and people donating to the cause, including $25,000 from Vail Resorts.

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.

Enjoying nature around Lake Tahoe comes with a responsibility

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With throngs of people heading to Lake Tahoe over the holidays, not only did they travel during a regional and state stay-at-home order, they also failed to remove their broken sleds and other trash when they left. What was left behind has drawn numerous complaints left on social media and with local authorities.

Public meeting on planning of 56-Acre Master Plan

Event Date: 
January 20, 2021 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to participate in another 56-Acre Master Plan virtual session on January 20, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Planning is underway to create a signature park and area in the heart of South Lake Tahoe that will fill a large wish list of projects.

There are many ways the community can participate including taking the self-guided tour onsite, the online survey, and joining the public online meeting.

Online Public Meeting:

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 3-9, 2021

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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!!

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.

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