california

Historic Great American Outdoors Act passes the House, now to the president's desk

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act today, a piece of bi-partisan legislation that will fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide much needed funding for the crippling $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog at national parks.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorada County health officials have announced 21 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday. Of those cases, 13 are in the Lake Tahoe region, four in El Dorado Hills, two in Placerville, one in Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz and one in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue. They are eight males, 13 females, three aged under 18, 12 aged 18-49, five aged 50-64 and one age 65 or over.

An additional 248 tests were administered county-wide.

Local teen named National Youth Ambassador by Tobacco-Free Kids campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Twenty-five California students have been named as National Youth and Young Adult Ambassadors by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for demonstrating leadership in fighting tobacco use in their communities.

These young leaders were among 133 youth and young adults from 33 states who participated in the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ Digital Advocacy Symposium, a five-day online training session focused on building advocacy, communications and leadership skills.

El Dorado County Opioid Coalition launches new campaign - Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks

The El Dorado County Opioid Coalition (EDCOC) has launched its new opioid prevention public education campaign, "Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks.

The EDCOC works to prevent opioid addiction and overdose in El Dorado County through its treatment, safe prescribing, and naloxone distribution programs and has now started working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Free virtual workshop: Learn how to harden your Lake Tahoe home against wildfire

Event Date: 
July 28, 2020 - 5:30pm

With the fire year underway at Lake Tahoe, it’s critical for residents to prepare their homes for wildfire. One of the most effective ways residents can prepare their homes is by implementing home hardening techniques and maintaining effective defensible space.

Eldorado Resorts completes $17.3B merger with Caesars Entertainment

STATELINE, Nev. - Eldorado Resorts has completed its acquisition of Caesars Entertainment Corp., creating the largest casino and entertainment company in the United States.

Eldorado Resorts paid $8.58B in cash and $8.8B in Caesars debt was assumed in the new entity. The new name for the company is Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

South Lake Tahoe rally held to support local law enforcement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost 200 people showed up Saturday to display their support of South Lake Tahoe law enforcement during a rally on a national day to "Bridge the Blue."

The supporters gathered at the entrance to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and South Lake Tahoe Police buildings before many of them joined a walk down Johnson Boulevard to US50 over to Lakeview Commons and down Al Tahoe, then back to the beginning.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 19 - 25

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Message from El Dorado County School Superintendent

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Today, July 17, Gov. Gavin Newsom released enhanced school health guidance developed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that includes more prescriptive considerations for opening and operating schools. From the onset of this pandemic, the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE), and the 15 school districts we serve, have emphasized the need to utilize state and local health guidance available in order to prioritize student and staff health and safety.

California Tahoe Conservancy names Jane Freeman as acting executive director

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the California Tahoe Conservancy Executive Director Patrick Wright was named interim director of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Forest Management Task Force, his temporary replacement needed to be found.

The agency's Board of Directors didn't have to look too far and selected the Deputy Director Jane Freeman and their interim executive director for the next six to nine months.

David Ralph McNally ~ 1932 - 2020

With his family at his bedside, David Ralph McNally passed away on July 9, 2020 in Reno, Nevada after a brief illness. He was 88.

David was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 23, 1932. He was in the Class of 1950 of New Trier East in Winnetka, Ill. and in Yale’s Class of 1954. He served in the Marine Corps in Japan during the Korean War. While working at Bell and Howell in the 1960’s, David attended night school to earn an MBA at the University of Chicago.

SROs on campus in South Lake Tahoe: More than a police officer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - School Resource Officers, or SROs, have been a recent topic of conversations in the community with some residents questioning the need for an armed officer on South Lake Tahoe campuses.

The word "resource" gives one an insight into their position - a resource for the students, and not only at school. A resource for the parents. A resource for the school district. A resource for the school.

And the job doesn't end there.

Korbel Champagne toasts South Lake Tahoe with $62,500 to area charities

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - During the 31st annual American Century Championship, Korbel California Champagne® once again held its popular Closest-to-the-Pin contest on No. 17 at Edgewood Tahoe.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El DOrado County health officials are reporting another 13 positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, July 14. Of those new cases, six are in the Lake Tahoe Region, three in each El Dorado Hills and Placerville, and one in North County. Ten females and three males make up this group with one under the age of 18, five aged 18-49, five aged 50-64 and two aged 65 and older.

305 new tests were conducted with eight recovers and currently 156 active cases.

Team selected to build affordable housing project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Good news for the South Shore after the California Tahoe Conservancy announced today a major milestone in creating affordable housing at the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe.

The partnership of Related California and St. Joseph Community Land Trust (SJCLT) has been selected to build the community's first modular multi-family housing development. They are naming it Sugar Pine Village.

California Fire Foundation supports South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Fire Foundation and Sysco joined forces to help communities impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and South Lake Tahoe was recently a beneficiary.

The two groups gifted over $5,000 in relief efforts to the South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center for food for the families they serve.

This non-profit organization provides basic needs services, educational opportunities, family advocacy and bilingual counseling for children and adults in the South Lake Tahoe region.

Column: Investing in our public lands can pay big dividends

In South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Mammoth Lakes, our public lands are woven into the fabric of life. These lands are symbols of our strength and keepers of serenity in these turbulent times. As we've seen locally, our parks and public lands are a beloved resource and one that is essential for our collective recovery. If we want our parks and public lands to be there for us for the long haul we need to invest in them now.

California puts "dimmer switch" on reopening - Many South Lake Tahoe businesses affected

California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered all counties in California to close indoor restaurants, bars, movie theaters and wineries as the state combats a surge in coronavirus cases. A list of 30 counties has further restrictions.

"We are moving back into a modification mode of stay at home orders," said Newsom in his Monday press conference. "It's a dimmer switch, not on or off."

He said they are looking at conditions and trendlines, both which are becoming points of concern.

South Tahoe High School grad Tyler Pevenage awarded firefighter's scholarship

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tyler Pevenage, a recent graduate of South Tahoe High School, was awarded the “Michael Hoffman Memorial Scholarship” in the amount of $1,000.

This award is sponsored by the California State Firefighters’ Association Northern Division and open to family members of firefighters.

Tyler’s outstanding academic achievement, involvement in high school sports, leadership, and volunteer work in the community earned her this scholarship that is renewable yearly up to $4,000.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 12 - 18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues to work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Tuesday: Tax increase and Grand Jury on agenda

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council will be on Tuesday, July 14 starting at 9:00 a.m. It will be a virtual meeting and log on/comment instructions are at the end of the story.

On the agenda:

Council will vote on a measure, that if approved by voters on November 3, will add a local one-cent sales tax for general city purposes. There has been outreach done with local residents and finding out what their highest priorities are, and this proposed tax increase would meet those requests:

Compliance to State health mandates urged to keep South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County open

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Board of Supervisors held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the current situation of positive cases of COVID-19 in the county, especially in South Lake Tahoe where numbers are starting to grow.

After almost four hours of discussion, both amongst themselves and during public comment, the Board made the following action items but didn't vote on any county-wide orders:

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There have been another 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County. Seven of the new cases were in El Dorado Hills, five in the Lake Tahoe region of the county, three in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, and one in Placerville. Of the new cases, one is under 18, ten are aged 18-49, four aged 50-64 and one in the 65+ group. Nine are male, seven are female.

Six more people have recovered, with 129 active cases. There has been no change to hospitalization figures and two remain in the ICU. There is one suspected COVID-19 patient in the ICU.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District reopening plans to be discussed at July 14 meeting

Event Date: 
July 14, 2020 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Trustees will hear a draft proposal on what the reopening of school in the fall will look like at during a special meeting on July 14 at 5:00 p.m.

"We are in a unique time for public schools. We have been challenged to create plans for the start of the 2020/21 school year that will provide a quality education for our students and at the same time provide safety for us all. This is not an easy task," new LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler said in his weekly email to staff, parents, and the public.

Man arrested in connection with Sunday's three Lake Tahoe area fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One man has been arrested in connection with three suspicious fires in the Echo Peak and Echo Lakes area on July 5, 2020. The fires, the Echo Fire, the Upper Fire, and the Lake Fire, appear to have been intentionally started.

South Lake Tahoe COVID-19 cases alarming to health officials

Event Date: 
July 9, 2020 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe has 17 percent of El Dorado County's population but around half of the confirmed COVID-19 cases. With a steady increase in confirmed cases over the last few weeks combined with the 4th of July influx of visitors, the County's Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams is looking at the possibility of more restrictive measures for businesses and the public.

Special Board of Supervisors meeting to discuss COVID-19 related enforcement

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - With concern over the increase in COVID-19 cases in El Dorado County, the Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Thursday, July 9 at 2:00 p.m. to meet with Public Health Director Dr. Nancy Williams and discuss options to keep the communities and residents safe.

The board will receive an update on the status of COVID cases in El Dorado County and provide direction to staff regarding enforcement against businesses and individuals who fail to comply with state and local health requirements.

Abundance of "miller moths" around Lake Tahoe this year

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If they were flowers on the ground or money in trees, most would welcome them. But they aren't. And love them or hate them, they’re back!

Miller moths, or the army cutworm, have become a nuisance in many parts of Lake Tahoe over the last few weeks, but not all areas have been affected. Those who have them around their homes are seeing dozens each night, swarming around their lights both inside and outside.

Letter: An open letter to the guy who harassed me for wearing a mask on the street

To the guy who harassed me for wearing a mask on the street:

You know you were wrong to yell at me from your open car window at a red light. You know you were wrong because when I looked up and said, “what?” your first reaction was, “oh, nothing.”

LTCC Foundation's rundraiser Taste of Gold goes virtual

Event Date: 
July 13, 2020 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation is hosting its annual Taste of Gold fundraiser as a virtual event this year through July 18. Funds raised from this event support the Lake Tahoe College Promise program that provides up to three years of tuition-free college for eligible students of all ages, a free textbook lending library, and the Lake Tahoe Community College Food Pantry, which provides crucial nutrition and personal hygiene products to LTCC’s neediest students.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 5 - 11

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. July 2 until 8 p.m. Monday, July 6 due to the July Fourth holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

El Dorado County public health officer: Don't be lax on simple guidelines

Independence Day has a long tradition of bringing family and friends together from near and far to enjoy many of the things that make us uniquely American. Along with all of the freedoms we enjoy we share a strong national conscience. Part of that conscience is accepting responsibility for fulfilling, as individuals,
our civic duties. In these times of pandemic, perhaps our most important civic duty is to ensure the health and safety and wellbeing of ourselves, our families and our community.

Tax-Aide sites will not reopen due to safety concerns

The Tahoe Tax-Aide Team has determined that it will not re-open for this tax season. The health and safety of our site staff, volunteers and taxpayers is our top priority, and the decision not to re-open was made with everyone's protection in mind.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offering online options to assist taxpayers affected by the suspension of in-person services:

• A self-prep option, providing free access to software so you can prepare taxes on your own, is available at aarpfoundation.org/taxaide Click on the "Get Help With Tax Prep" link.

CEO of Tahoe Prosperity Center to co-chair statewide economic recovery group

Heidi Hill Drum, CEO of the Tahoe Prosperity Center, has stepped in to serve as co-chair of the California Stewardship Network, an alliance of regional economic leaders throughout the state, which are instrumental in leading economic recovery efforts in their respective regions.

Drum, who lives on the South Shore, will serve alongside Oscar Chavez, assistant director of the Sonoma County Department of Human Services.

Fight Fire With a Plan campaign for Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Month

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is promoting Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Month during July. This year’s theme is “Fight fire with a plan” to encourage residents and visitors to prepare their family, property and possessions now before a wildfire starts by creating a plan.

Some ways to plan include:

Develop a family evacuation plan.
Assemble a Go-bag and a disaster supply kit for your home and vehicle.
Create and maintain defensible space around homes.
Sign up for emergency notifications for residents and visitors and stay informed.

4th of July Tahoe Truckee Honor Flyover circling Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 4, 2020 - 11:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - There won't be fireworks shows around Lake Tahoe but there will be the 4th of July Truckee Tahoe Honor Flyover honoring our nation's independence and frontline healthcare workers. Warbirds will take to the sky, flying over Truckee and Lake Tahoe communities.

A contingent of historic plans will leave the Truckee airport at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 4th and fly counterclockwise around Lake Tahoe (schedule below), coming back into Truckee by 12:15 p.m. The planes will not be on display at any airport, just a great show in the air.

Temporary public access, traffic changes at the Upper Truckee Marsh

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting in July public access will be limited or restricted in portions of the Upper Truckee Marsh to protect the public during construction of the new river and marsh restoration project.

The California Tahoe Conservancy is restoring more than 250 acres of the marsh ecosystem to enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality entering Lake Tahoe, and create an accessible-to-all trail to Lake Tahoe. Restoration activities will continue into fall 2022.

Undersheriff Randy Peshon retires leaving a legacy of programs for the community

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There will be some very big shoes to fill when finding a replacement for retiring El Dorado County Undersheriff Randy Peshon. On Tuesday, June 30, Peshon will be putting his badge on for the very last time. For 43 years he's been in some level of law enforcement, the last 33 years in El Dorado County.

During his career in El Dorado County, Peshon has been at the forefront of change from implementing a change in culture at the jail in South Lake Tahoe to getting the new Public Safety Facility built under budget and ahead of schedule.

Conservancy awards City of South Lake Tahoe $425K to plan downtown 56-acre project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy has awarded a $425,000 grant to the City of South Lake Tahoe to help plan the future of the 56-Acre site, a south shore hub of civic and recreation activity across Highway 50 from Lakeview Commons.

“The 56-Acre site is already a vibrant gathering place for community members and visitors alike, and it has the potential to be so much more,” said South Lake Tahoe City Councilmember and Conservancy Board member Tamara Wallace.

COVID-19 case update for some Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are no EL Dorado County COVID-19 updates for Friday as the statewide website they utilize for some of their data was down this afternoon. There is one person hospitalized in the ICU in El Dorado County and no suspected cases at this time. The next update is expected on Monday.

All other area Nevada and California counties supplied the following information:

Quad-Counties - Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Lyon

Valhalla art camps for kids to start in July

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Valhalla Tahoe will be hosting three week-long sessions of Outdoor Painting Art Camps with local art teacher Gina Stowell. The camps will be held on the Grand Lawn and are designed to allow students to play through painting.

Column: Dreaming of a just and permanent solution

With its decision last week, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a real sense of relief and a bit of a reprieve to approximately 800,000 DREAMers in America, including 200,000 in California alone. When the justices sided with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, ruling that the way the Trump administration rescinded the program in 2017 was unlawful, it was a big victory for immigrant communities and their many allies.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials have announced there were five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, one in the Lake Tahoe region, two in El Dorado Hills and two in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs. Of the new cases, three are female, two are male, all in the 18-49-year-old range.

There have been seven new recoveries, leaving the active case number at 41.

There have been no additional hospitalizations and one person remains in the ICU. In California, 4,240 people are currently hospitalized with 1,306 of those in ICUs.

Restaurant reopens after deep cleaning when employee tests positive for COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With more and more cases of COVID-19 being confirmed across the nation and more people traveling, the chances of employees at our favorite stores, businesses, and restaurants having the virus are also increasing.

Such was the case this past weekend at The Beacon Bar & Grill in South Lake Tahoe.

An employee showed up for work on Saturday, June 20, and informed management he was running a fever. They immediately sent the employee home. A COVID-19 test taken on Sunday confirmed he was positive for the virus on Tuesday.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials have confirmed three new cases of COVID-19 since Tuesday, one case in the Lake Tahoe region and two in El Dorado Hills. Of the new cases, one is male, two are female and all are aged 18-49.

Harrah's, Harveys and all Caesars properties now have mandatory mask requirements

STATELINE, Nev. - Harrah's Tahoe, Harveys, and all other Caesars Entertainment properties now require masks to be worn by everyone indoors at its properties across the Caesars network. This includes all employees, vendors, contractors, guests, and passersby in their properties.

In a statement today, Caesars Entertainment said the new universal mask requirement began at noon on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Masks are not required when eating and guests will be allowed to smoke or drink by moving the mask, then recovering their mouth and nose when done.

Conservancy Board to consider funding of South Lake Tahoe's 56 acre project plan

The California Tahoe Conservancy Board will meet online on Thursday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m. to consider authorization for awarding grants related to public access improvements, climate change adaptation, and forest restoration. The Board will consider approving a combined $1.3 million in recreation and public access improvement grants and $676,000 in forest health grants

Some of those grants:

Voting open until July 1 to vote for Lake Tahoe as Best American Ski Destination

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe is a nominee in the “Best American Ski Destination” for Hemispheres Magazine inaugural Readers’ Choice Awards. Votes are being accepted in several different categories that have to do with vacations from the best beaches to the best cities for art.

They held a first round of voting in May to determine the finalists, and Lake Tahoe made that cut. Now, you can place your vote for the winners. You’ll have until July 1 to cast your ballot. Those voting can vote for one, a few, or all categories.

Sierra State Parks opens Environmental Awareness Art Exhibit

TAHOE CITY, Calif. – The Sierra State Parks Foundation hosted a virtual art contest for the 50th Earth Day celebration this past April as a way to bring the community together during this period of social isolation. It was met with an enthusiastic response, receiving 65 submissions from all ages. The theme of the art was "What Does Earth Day Mean to you."

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork June 21 - 27

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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