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TRPA announces top 15 Best in the Basin awards

he Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Wednesday recognized 15 exceptional projects completed in 2016 with Best in Basin awards.

Now in its 27th year, TRPA’s Best in Basin awards program each year showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

El Dorado County assessed home values up $1.7B

El Dorado County Assessor Karl Weiland today announced the assessed value of
all taxable property in El Dorado County increased by almost six percent from last year. The $31.5 billion property tax roll, which reflects the assessed value as of January 1st, 2017 is approximately $1.7 billion above last year’s assessed value of $29.8 billion.

The $31.5 billion dollar roll generates about $315 million in property taxes every year that support schools, public safety, local districts, cities and County government services.

Season winding down for El Dorado Beach Boat Ramp

Beginning on Monday, September 18, 2017, the El Dorado Beach Boat Ramp at Lakeview Commons will be closed Monday through Wednesday, and open Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The last launch will be at 4:30 p.m.

The last day of Boat Ramp operations will be Sunday, October 1, 2017.

The maximum boat length is 23 feet. The boat length is subject to change due to water levels. The boat ramp passes under Lakeview Avenue, with a maximum 12 foot clearance.

Thieves steal over $110K in construction materials in Washoe County

Suspects are being sought after two construction sites in Washoe County lost over $110,000 in materials during late night burglaries this week.

Detectives from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating two large commercial burglaries that took place between Wednesday night and Friday morning at construction sites in different parts of the county.

Meyers Area Plan ready for community input

The Final Draft of the Meyers Area Plan was released today along with the associated joint environmental document. This draft updates 20-year old policies to streamline permitting for small projects, improves consistency between El Dorado County and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) policies and standards, promotes recreation and bicycle/pedestrian improvements, establishes zoning to better reflect current conditions, conserves land around the Upper Truckee River, formalizes a local citizens advisory council, and integrates design standards and guidelines.

Vail Resorts to add workforce housing in Colorado

A subsidiary of Vail Resorts announced Wednesday that it has received approvaly to convert a portion of a commercial property they own in Silverthorne, Colorado to workforce housing.

Colorado Mountain Express got a conditional use permit for their $440,000 project is the latest in Vail Resorts’ $30 million commitment to creating workforce housing opportunities in the communities in which the Company operates, including the Wintergreen development in Keystone and the recently announced plans to rezone a parcel of land in East Vail for workforce housing and open space, pending approvals.

Pine Nut Harvest 2017: Season begins on Nevada public lands

The 2017 pine nut harvest season kicks off on lands managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Both agencies are working together to ensure the public is safely harvesting pine nuts and aware of the regulations.

The length of the pine nut harvest season varies depending on crop quality and seasonal weather conditions. It is generally September to late October when pine nuts are available for harvest.

City of South Lake Tahoe looks at temporary ban of marijuana sales

There is no need to rush into an ordinance regulating the sale of marijuana in South Lake Tahoe. That was the overwhelming opinion of the SLT City Council Tuesday night after a special, four-hour long Cannabis Workshop.

"We owe it to our community to make sure we take every measure to protect them," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.

Work begins at Bijou Marketplace; Whole Foods 365 plans first Lake Tahoe store

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "We've been waiting to be in South Lake Tahoe for a long time," said R. Adam Smith, Executive Director of Store Development for Whole Foods in Northern California. "Couldn't be more thrilled than to be here today."

Smith took part in Monday's groundbreaking at the new Bijou Marketplace along with the Jim Halferty and Chris Peto of Halferty Development Ground, the owners of the property along Highway 50 and the corner of Ski Run Boulevard, and local officials.

Detwiler Fire cause released; Over 81k acres burned and now 97% contained

The discharge of firearms on public lands has been determined the cause of Mariposa County's Detwiler Fire which has destroyed 63 homes, 67 minor structures and 1 commercial building since starting July 16, 2017.

21 other homes and buildings were damaged.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) investigators said specifics are still under investigation.

The Detwiler Fire has burned 81,826 acres and was 97 percent contained as of 7:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5.

Two die in Minden skydiving accident

August 4 update: The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The pair's parachute deployed but there was an unknown problem that caused it to not slow their descent.

* * *
Update 2:55 p.m.: At approximately 10:15 am on Thursday, August 3rd, 2017, deputies of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office were called to a report of two skydivers down near the Minden Airport. Upon arrival, deputies found two deceased skydivers on the ground outside the perimeter of the airport.

Judge rules against Tahoe Keys Marina, water to stay off for now

The water at the Tahoe Keys Marina will remain off for the time being after the issue was brought before El Dorado Superior Court for the third time in less than a week on Tuesday, July 18. With the water at the marina turned off, water is also turned off to the Fresh Ketch restaurant as well as apartments and businesses at the marina.

South Lake Tahoe 4th of July weekend: Safety urged for for a fun holiday

South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.

And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.

South Lake Tahoe and Placerville official Recycling Market Development Zone

El Dorado County has become the state of California's 39th Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ). This is a new designation for South Lake Tahoe and Placerville that will combine recycling with economic development to fuel new businesses, expand existing ones, create jobs and divert waste from landfills.

“With this designation, our County has another arrow in our economic development quiver to attract new business and help existing businesses expand,” said Tiffany Schmid in the County’s Economic Development Division. “And it helps make El Dorado County a greener place to do business.”

New business licenses issued in South Lake Tahoe

The following 105 businesses took out business licenses with the City of South Lake Tahoe during the months of April and May:

April 3
A GRAVENSTEIN EYELASH EXTENSIONS
PRINT MEDIA LLC

April 4
BAJA FRESH #30324
DHARMA LOVE

Aril 5
CALIFORNIA RENTALS
LC SERVICES

April 6
ILEEN'S CRYSTAL KLEENING
SIERRA ECOTONE SOLUTIONS LLC

April 7
SECURITY PAVING COMPANY INC
TITANIC LONGBOARDS LLC

April 10
BLANCAS EST HOUSE CLEAN
TRUE NORTH RESEARCH

April 11
CLEAR BLUE SERVICE CO
SINK COMBS DETHLEFS

April 12
COZY RAY

April 13
CATHYS QUICK HELP

10th anniversary of Angora Fire: "I didn't think it'd be fair for us to have fun with the tragedy"

June 25 to July 10, 2007: The Angora Fire destroys 242 homes, burns 3,100 acres, destroys 67 commercial structures, and damages 35 other homes. The fire was 100% contained by July 2 and firefighters had 100% control of the fire on July 10.

July 13 to July 15, 2007: 78 celebrities participate in the American Century Golf Championship at Edgewood Tahoe.

Activities surround 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - On June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire started at an illegal campfire at about 2:15 p.m. near North Upper Truckee Road in Meyers. The wind driven wildfire consumed 3,100 acres, destroyed 242 homes and 67 commercial structures, and damaged 35 other homes. As many as 2,180 firefighters battled the blaze with was 100% contained by July 2. There will be several community events to mark this tragic anniversary.

Thursday, June 22

Appeal to the Bijou Park Creek Marketplace withdrawn

The City of South Lake Tahoe is pleased to announce the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of the Mitigated Negative Declaration of the Bijou Park Creek Marketplace (former Knights Inn) project has been withdrawn. The City appreciates the Appellant’s admission of the project’s benefits to the environment and her disclaim of the appeal.

Opinion: Liberty Utilities environmental commitment

Liberty Utilities-CA serves nearly 50,000 electric customers in one of the most pristine areas of the country—the Lake Tahoe and surrounding region of Northern California. While it’s no surprise that our customers rank environmental responsibility as very important, it’s been a welcome surprise that they rank Liberty’s environmental stewardship higher each year. In 2016, 75% said we were environmentally responsible—up from 68% the year before!

Liberty Utilities has taken several steps in recent years that contribute to our customers recognizing our environmental commitment.

South Lake Tahoe boat ramp to close early for holidays/special events

The City of South Lake Tahoe boat ramp on at El Dorado Beach will close early during holidays and special events this summer

Holiday and Special Events Schedule
Hours on Thursdays for Live at Lakeview Summer Concerts
The Live at Lakeview Summer Music Concert Series begins on Thursday, June 22, 2017. The summer concert series will occur every Thursday beginning on June 22nd to August 31st from 4:30-8:30. On these Thursday’s the boat ramp will open at 8am and close at 1pm. Boats will need to be off the lake by 1pm.

Hours for 4th of July Holiday

Angora Fire 10 years later: Water suppliers complete $1.6M in water infrastructure projects

Igniting on June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire rapidly spread to over 3,100 acres, destroying 254 homes, 75 commercial structures and resulting in more than $141 million in damages. In response to this disaster, an Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission was formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the laws, policies and practices that affect the vulnerability of the Tahoe Basin to wildfires.

Nevada State Fair this weekend, El Dorado County Fair follows

Area residents and visitors can enjoy two big fairs with rides, music and exhibits. The 2017 Nevada State Fair runs from June 8 to June 11, and the El Dorado County Fair goes from June 15-18.

Nevada State Fair information provided by Jeff Munson, CarsonNow.org

The 2017 Nevada State Fair returns this week to Carson City bringing four days of fun, entertainment, carnival rides, culture, music and more to Mills Park.
From Thursday, June 8 to Sunday, June 11, the Nevada State Fair will showcase exhibits from each participating county throughout the Silver State.

Sass Talk: Cannabis discussion continues

I took a couple of field trips this month related to learning more about cannabis and how it may affect our city if retail, commercial grows, testing, and edible production are implemented. I learned a lot and will share some of the highlights with you.

The first trip was to Breckenridge, a visit I piggybacked on top of a wedding I attended in Vail. I met with their Mayor, City Manager (formerly the police chief) and the assistant city manager. We met for two hours and our talk was primarily centered on their experiences with the legalization of cannabis in Breckenridge.

El Dorado Beach boat ramp at Lakeview Commons open

The City of South Lake Tahoe has opened their boat ramp for the season.

2012 was the last year the El Dorado Beach boat ramp was open due to the following years of less than stellar winters and the ensuing drought.

The cost is $17.00 - Day Use Launch, $40.00 - Commercial Day Use Launch and $138.00 - Annual Pass. There are staff members assigned to the launch to collect fees. The ramp is open 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. daily with the last launch at 4:30 p.m.

Escrow closes on "The Chateau," luxury condo-tel planned

The sale of "The Chateau at the Village" in South Lake Tahoe is complete and the eight acres of land and entitlements are now owned by Tahoe Chateau Land Holding, LLC, a Chinese-American investment group.

The holding company, owned by Kawana Holdings, will own "air rights" above the existing retail area, related parking and the garage structure, the former convention center pad. The seller, Owens Realty Mortgage Inc., keeps the existing retail buildings and improvements that are home to McP's, Dough and various shops.

Annual Community Cleanup Day on June 3

Event Date: 
June 3, 2017 - 8:00am

The annual trek to the dump for Clean Tahoe's Community Cleanup Day will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3.

Time to clean up your yard, garage and home and dispose of everything at a low rate of $5 per vehicle load for California residents or $10 for those in Nevada. U-Hauls and oversized trucks will be priced by size.

For the day there will also be free document shredding and free e-waste disposal. Get rid of refrigerators for just $15 each (normally $42).

Jack Wagner returning to Lake Tahoe for American Century Golf Championship

Famed actor and two-time American Century Championship winner Jack Wagner will compete for another victory in Lake Tahoe along with an impressive list of fellow movie and TV personalities adding star power to the field of active professional and retired athletes and Hall of Famers.

Also in the competition from Hollywood this summer are John O’Hurley, Kevin Nealon, Brian Baumgartner, Bruce McGill, Alfonso Ribeiro, Oliver Hudson and Rob Riggle.

City of South Lake Tahoe sells property to Halferty Development for $3.1 million

Portions of the land where Knight's Inn currently sits and the corner lot at Ski Run Boulevard and Highway 50 were sold today to the Halferty Development Corporation for $3,100,000.

During a special meeting of the City Council two agreements were approved. The first was a Commercial and Disposition and Development Agreement (CDDA) and the second was a Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between the City of South Lake Tahoe and Halferty.

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 Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

4/30
1:48 p.m. - Driving without a license - Mt. Rainier Dr - 27-YEAR-OLD MALE DRIVER CITED FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITHOUT A LICENSE.

10:55 p.m. - VHR Noise - Lupine Trail - HOT TUB PARTY WAS CALLED IN BY NEIGHBORS. CONTACTED SUBJECTS WHO WERE ADVISED.

5/1

California Boater Card soon to be required for Lake Tahoe and other waterways

To increase safety on not only Lake Tahoe, but on waterways across the state, operators of motorized vessels will soon be required to possess a California Boater Card. The first group to fall into this category, those 20 years of age or younger, must have a card by January 1, 2018 with other age groups added annually.

Those renting boats will not be required to get a card, nor will those in the state less than 60 days or holding a commercial fishing license.

Power from recycled water at STPUD plant to be sold to Liberty Utilities

South Tahoe Public Utility District's (STPUD) new hydro-power generating unit at their Diamond Valley Ranch facility in Alpine County is expected to start commercial operations on October 1, 2017. When it goes on line they will start selling power generated from the recycled water flowing down from the top of Luther Pass towards their storage reservoir to Liberty Utilities.

Public invited to Electric Vehicle Summit in Lake Tahoe

The public is invited to an Electric Vehicle Summit sponsored by Liberty Utilities at the North Lake Tahoe Events Center on Monday, April 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The summit will include displays of two Tesla vehicles, a Proterra 40-foot electric bus and a ChargePoint EV charging station.

The summit agenda:
8:30 a.m.: check-in
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Presentations
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Interaction w/vendors and test drives

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 173 calls between March 21-27, 2017.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

3/21
No Arrests

3/22
No Arrests

3/23
DUI in the 1700 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Burglary in the 1100 block of Fairway Ave
DUI in the 2200 block of Wyoming Ave
DUI in the 1100 block of Keller Ave

3/24
DUI at Fern and Montreal Roads
Transient/Homeless in the 1000 block of Emerald Bay Rd

Free LED light bulbs and energy audits offered by Liberty Utilities

Liberty Utilities will be at community events around the Lake Tahoe Basin through the end of April where customers can come by and receive free LED light bulbs if they sign up for a free energy audit.

Energy experts will be at the Liberty Utilities booth at these events providing customers with the most up-to-date information about ways they can reduce their energy consumption and, as a result, their energy costs.

- Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber Business Expo. Friday, March 31 from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Harvey’s

Kings Beach improvements focus of summer project

Improvements at the community of Kings Beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe continue. Placer County will begin work on the Kings Beach Commercial Core Improvement Project this summer, and officials are also connecting with the community members to see what else they'd like to see.

Special SLT City Council meeting Tuesday on purchase of Knight's Inn

What is officially known as the Bijou Park Creek Watershed Restoration Project, or unofficially the Knight's Inn Project, will be brought before the South Lake Tahoe City Council to be approved during a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m.

The three phase, 850-acre project will be both an environmental and economic development project, something the City has been working on for several years.

Final suspect in murder of NorCal pot grower arrested in New Jersey

One by one detectives from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department have been rounding up all six suspects wanted for the brutal November 11, 2016 murder of Jeffrey Quinn Settler, 35, a commercial marijuana grower.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass on roads, traffic and trails

The following is Mayor Austin Sass's monthly letter to the community:

Suspect in murder of Mendocino commerical pot grower arrested in South Lake Tahoe

2/25/17 - Updated information at the end of this story provided by Mendocino Sheriff.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - A fugitive pot plant trimmer suspected in the robbery and brutal killing of an operator of a commercial marijuana farm in Mendocino County was arrested in South Lake Tahoe Friday afternoon.

Tahoe Truckee Unified School District receives largest rebate ever awarded by Liberty Utilities

Almost $20,000 was recently awarded to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) for improvements made in 2016 to increase energy efficiency at two school facilities.

Even though the check Liberty Utilities gave to TTUSD was for $19,638.42, the district can expect more than $15,700 in annual energy bill savings.

The rebate represented the largest incentive payment provided to any commercial customer by Liberty Utilities since it began operations in the Lake Tahoe and surrounding region.

The district made the following two changes:

City Council approves new residential marijuana cultivation ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - As the State of California figures out how commercial sales of recreational marijuana will be handled in 2018, the City of South Lake Tahoe has adjusted the marijuana ordinance to handle residential grows.

With the passage of Proposition 64 in November, residents can grow up to six plants in their homes, and the City changed their medical marijuana ordinance to match the requirements of the new law legalizing recreational use.

Council to discuss marijuana ordinance for South Lake Tahoe

With the passage of Proposition 64 in November, South Lake Tahoe and other cities around the state are taking a look at their codes and regulations to be consistent with requirements that came with the legalization of marijuana for personal use. Californians voted 57.13 percent in favor of the proposition. On a local level, the vote was very close in El Dorado County with 50.07 percent of the voters against the legalization of marijuana.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Snow removal, fire code, state of emergency and more

It’s been great seeing all of my friends and acquaintances who have lived here for less than 10 years posting photos and sharing how Snowmageddon 2017 has blown them away. I did the same when I first moved to Tahoe back in the 70’s and storms like this were not uncommon. Back then playing was more important than clearing the snow. I had a big Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup and I j drove over the snow in my driveway and packed it down. I did not own a snowblower and can’t remember shoveling much. One year the packed snow was so high I could not get the truck under the carport.

South Lake Tahoe Q & A over snow removal

The one constant in Lake Tahoe this season is snow. The City of South Lake Tahoe is responding to several community complaints and questions about how they have, and will be dealing with removing the snow:

1) Concern – City has rotary blowers sitting idle at the corporation yard.

TRPA approves Tahoe Basin Area Plan, Lodge Project

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday unanimously approved Placer County’s Tahoe Basin Area Plan and the Tahoe City Lodge Project.

“This is the fourth area plan approved at Lake Tahoe and an important milestone for implementing the 2012 Regional Plan,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, executive director of TRPA. “With this plan, we can take significant steps to improve the environment and strengthen communities on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.”

How much snow is too much snow for your Lake Tahoe home's roof?

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - With the collapse today of the roof at a local liquor store and the evacuation of another commercial area, the City of South Lake Tahoe is reaching out to the community with information on potential hazards with snow loads on roofs.

But what is the snow load for your roof?

Residential garbage not being picked up in South Lake Tahoe Monday

South Tahoe Refuse will not be picking up residential trash in South Lake Tahoe Monday due to heavy snow making many streets impassible at this time.

Residents may go to South Tahoe Refuse and dispose of their garbage for free, or wait until next week's Monday pick up day.

They are attempting to get to their commercial customers.

Any questions can be directed to South Tahoe Refuse at (530) 541-5105.

Guest Columist: The many faces of human trafficking

Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, what do you think of when you hear the term "human trafficking"? If you're like most people, you think of a story like the following true story, where police conduct an operation at a suspected residential brothel and encounter Sally, a 25-year-old citizen of Korea. Sally came to the U.S. having been promised a job as a maid. Instead, she was threatened with violence and forced to work in a brothel until she made $15,000. But the brothel owner retained $10,000, plus additional fees for food and a motel room when she could not work.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: City Council, the TWC, VHR's and more

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - I could not be more honored and excited to represent this community as your Mayor. Having served on City Council for two years, I have learned that there are deeply passionate and extremely knowledgeable citizens and fellow council members who care immensely about our community and the decisions made by our City.

Structure fire causes major damage to lodge structure at Lake Tahoe's Homewood Mountain Resort

5:00 p.m. update 12/28/16: Homewood Resort at Lake Tahoe will be opening their lifts on Thursday, just one day after a fire destroyed their South Lodge.

"We are expecting to have 'top-to-bottom' skiing and boarding available to our guests," says a message on the Homewood website. "Our team would like to thank the North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Placer County Sheriffs, our community partners and most importantly our amazing employees that are working to get our operations up and running for tomorrow."

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