counselor

Column: ’Tis the season for a little self-care

With the holidays already upon us, one thing is certain this year – the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on millions of Californians, causing us to rethink so much of our daily lives, including reprioritizing family time and our mental health. The holiday season may add more challenges to parents who are balancing career, teacher and caregiver duties, as well as dealing with unanticipated illness, burnout and unemployment. Each of these challenges, for some of us, can make the season feel like the added pressures are insurmountable.

Need health insurance? Virtual services have your enrollment covered

State health insurance exchanges, like Covered California and Nevada Health Link, are now in open enrollment - the time when we can sign up for coverage for the year ahead. It’s always a good idea to make sure you and your family have health insurance, and with the current surge of COVID-19, you don’t want to be uncovered. Luckily, there are many options for families and individuals to enroll virtually, including free, bi-lingual enrollment services offered here in our community.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District promotes four

There is a change of command at the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District. They recently promoted four staff members:

Battalion Chief Bryce Cranch promoted to Assistant Chief

Bryce has held the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Captain, Training Captain and Battalion Chief. Special assignments: EMS Chief, Facilities Chief. Serving the TDFPD community for 16 years.

Captain Chris Lucas promoted to Battalion Chief

Humane Society of Tahoe Truckee starts pet bereavement group

The death of a pet can be devastating, and for some, the grief can be more intense than human loss. To help, the Humane Society of Tahoe Truckee (HSTT) has launched a Pet Loss Support Group for grieving pet parents. This group will help those experiencing this loss, or anticipated loss, of their furry friend.

Free webinar on senior depression

Event Date: 
October 29, 2020 - 10:00am

Prestige Care Carson invites the community to join a free webinar on Thursday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., led by Eldercare Counselor Laura Vaillancourt, MA, LMHC, GMHS. The engaging online discussion will focus on understanding the symptoms of depression in seniors and how families can support these individuals.

Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety: Five practical tips

Event Date: 
September 17, 2020 - 5:00pm

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a good time check in with yourself and loved ones. So many of us are struggling to keep our mental health in check right now. It’s normal to feel anxious about the impacts of COVID-19. Preventing our worries from consuming us can reduce stress and uncertainty—and even more severe behavioral health issues like suicide.

Douglas County launches grant program to help local small businesses

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Funding is now available to assist small businesses in Douglas County that are impacted by COVID-19 with expenses like PPE, utilities, rent and retrofits.

From September 8 - October 6, the County will be accepting applications. The grants will be awarded on an as needed and first come first served basis. For details on eligible businesses and funding amounts, and to preview the application, please visit the Nevada Association of Counties website.

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards 19 scholarships

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) awarded scholarships to a group of local students from South Tahoe High, George Whittell High, the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy and Lake Tahoe Community College. The club, serving the community since 1959, has given out over one-million dollars to local graduates over the years.

Douglas County School District reopening plans approved by board

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - School districts across the country are working on how to safely open for the fall term. Some are going completely digital, some are electing to have in-person classes, and other are considering a hybrid of both types of learning. Besides guidelines from states, districts have to consider further guidelines from local health officials as they create a plan.

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.

Barton Foundation to give away $100,000 in local grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation began accepting applications on June 15 from local nonprofit organizations for this year’s $100,000 Community Health Grant program. Area service groups and organizations that share Barton Health’s commitment to improving community health and well-being are encouraged to apply online at bartonhealth.org/foundation.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020.

FBI warns of possible cyber crimes during coronavirus pandemic

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The FBI anticipates cyber actors will exploit increased use of virtual environments by government agencies, the private sector, private organizations, and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer systems and virtual environments provide essential communication services for telework and education, in addition to conducting regular business. The criminal, or cyber actor, will exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to steal sensitive information, target individuals and businesses performing financial transactions, and engage in extortion.

Column: Be Well During the Holidays

It’s happening, already. You have probably seen them.....in every store....Christmas decorations! Every year it happens: Halloween and Thanksgiving are way-sided by Christmas displays. Here are a few suggestions for how to overcome the anxiety resulting from the displays that are distracting our attention.

No One Can Make You Do Anything

Suicide prevention: Working together to save a life

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. “For anyone who has lost a friend or loved one to suicide, this month can be especially hard,” said Jamie Samboceti, Deputy Director of the El Dorado County Behavioral Health Division. “We hope that by supporting one another and working together to raise awareness about suicide, we can ultimately save lives.”

AAUW-South Lake Tahoe General Meeting

Event Date: 
September 21, 2019 - 10:00am

AAUW-South Lake Tahoe welcomes our sponsored Tech Trek campers and junior counselor to talk about their experiences at the UC Davis camp in July. This is a wonderful opportunity for all interested in finding out more about the opportunity for girls who have completed the 7th grade to attend the STEM camp. The public is welcome to attend and learn more about our mission and activities for the year. Refreshments will be served. This meeting will be held in the Roberta Mason Library Board Room at Lake Tahoe Community College.

Barton Foundation awards $50,000 to groups focused on community's health needs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Fifteen local health programs offered by nonprofits and agencies in the South Lake Tahoe area have been awarded grants by the Barton Foundation. A total of $50,000 was distributed among the groups to aid in their efforts to address the community’s most pressing health issues.

During the 2018 Barton Community Health Needs Assessment, the top health issues identified in the South Lake Tahoe community were access to care, mental health, and substance abuse.

Public invited to Lake Tahoe Community College Commencement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. The entire community is warmly invited to Lake Tahoe Community College’s annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m. on LTCC’s soccer field, located next to the Physical Education building on campus.

LTCC expands College Promise to three years free college for eligble local students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Good news for the entire community on both sides of the California-Nevada border. Lake Tahoe College Promise, the free tuition program at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC), is expanding from one year to three years starting Fall 2019.

Column: Let’s make plan - Prepare and then let go

Did you know that the number of people in Tahoe can triple in the summer months? All of Tahoe South is changed by the many visitors that join us for the fabulous Summers. To get the most out of Tahoe prepare, then just go with the flow.

Make Reservations and Show Up Early

In Yoga, we practice sajatta (preparedness). Considering the options and outcomes, but letting go of expectation allows for and reduces stress. Doing your best to prepare for your next Tahoe Adventure will help you to have a more relaxed experience.

LTCC receives grant to expand College Promise program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The free college program at Lake Tahoe Community College, the College Promise, was just awarded a $150,000 grant to enhance and expand the program. They were just one of three community colleges in the state to receive the grant.

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Promise program provides a free year of tuition for first-time, full-time students. With this grant award, LTCC can further enhance the program, adding free services and extra support to improve Promise student success.

16th annual Drug Store Project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Tuesday, April 2, 325 6th graders from South Tahoe Middle School, Zephyr Cove Elementary School and home-schooled youth, will spend the day at Lake Tahoe Community College going through the 16th annual Drug Store Project.

Since 2004, middle school students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) have gone through the Drug Store Project (DSP), a day-long comprehensive drug prevention program designed to educate youth about the dangers of substance use and abuse.

LTUSD and LTCC to hold joint board meeting Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The annual joint board meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Lake Tahoe Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) and Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) will be held on Tuesday, March 26, starting at 5:00 p.m. in the LTCC Board Room L104.

The agenda will include updates on items that affect both groups:

Column: Love yourself before you love someone else

We All Wear Many Hats
My life has been a series of hats, labels, and roles. I have been a babysitter, library volunteer, dishwasher, waitress, security guard, bartender, teacher, flower delivery girl, nanny, counselor, and coach. I have played the roles of daughter, sister, friend, wife, colleague, employee, and boss. All of these are just labels that make what I am doing at the moment a bit easier to explain. Ultimately, there is just one word to describe me and that is: Self.

Which You Are You?

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

South Tahoe Now will now be publishing stories from Ruby Abuhajleh, a student at South Tahoe High. Her column, Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High, will feature stories about students, faculty, and events.

In School
This was a short week with Monday and Tuesday canceled due to snow days, which meant plenty of sleep and skiing for some of the students at South Tahoe High School.

With five feet of snow outside, Lily Perez, a freshmen, spent two nights at her friend’s house, unable to make it home.

Separating the myths from the facts about health insurance

Signing up for a health insurance plan can be daunting and time consuming. As a Certified Enrollment Counselor, my job is to make it easier for South Lake Tahoe families and individuals to navigate Covered California and enroll in a health care plan.

With all the talk the about health care, I have heard rumblings and rumors about what is happening with the Affordable Care Act and what is changing with insurance. Get informed! Make a free one-on-one appointment with me or one my fellow enrollment counselors, have your questions answered, and get enrolled for 2019.

A tribute to a mentor, a friend and teacher to hundreds of South Lake Tahoe children

Judy Simmons, or “Teacher Judy” as we all knew her, left us on August 28, 2018 to become an angel above. She was a teacher, friend, mentor, listener, consoler and counselor to hundreds and hundreds of children and parents over the last 40 years. Teacher Judy was the co-director of Tahoe Parents Nursery school (TPNS) for 30 years and an educator of the youngest students in our community for more than 40 years. She loved her job, she loved the preschoolers, their families and her co-workers. Each became her friend.

Camp Buck gives kids with diabetes a unique and unforgetable experience

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Imagine you're ten years old and have just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. No other students in your school have this disease, nor do any of your friends or family members. Insulin, glucose, pumps, blood testing, counting carbs are new words you now need to grasp and understand.

Facing life with this chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin is daunting, confusing, overwhelming.

26 retire from Lake Tahoe Unified School District; Over 627 combined years of service

Twenty-six team members from Lake Tahoe Unified School District are retiring this year after serving a collective 627.5 years in the local schools.

During a reception hosted by the Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, each retiree was honored with a gift and plant and a round of applause.

The following certificated and classified retirees will be honored:

Certified Employees - 300.5 years of employment

Joann Allister, P.E. Teacher, 22 years of service
Melissa Bornstein, 2nd Grade Teacher, 35 years of service
Diane Burtraw, Kindergarten TWBI Teacher, 34 years of service

Mt. Tallac celebrates their 76 graduates

"Congratulations on completing the first act of your lives," Keynote Speaker Leon Malmud told the graduates of Mt. Tallac High School Friday. "Leave charged with a sense of possibilities.

Malmud, a South Lake Tahoe resident and author who survived WWII by being hidden by a French family, gave the 76 students a list of lessons as they go forward:

Be Kind to Everyone
Kindness will pay you back
Be credible, people will trust you for your credibility, the core of your existence
Do not work for fools, work for people you like
It is okay to be wrong

Liberty Utilities to award 9 scholarships to high school and college students

Liberty Utilities is offering $4,750 in academic scholarships to eligible high school and college students within its service territory.

The eight schools participating in the sixth annual scholarship program are South Tahoe High School, Loyalton High School, Douglas High School (students residing in Alpine County only), Coleville High School, North Tahoe High School, Truckee High School and Portola High School, as well as Lake Tahoe Community College.

Lake Tahoe Community College student awarded car

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) student Marissa Smith was awarded a refurbished Subaru Thursday during a ceremony at the campus in South Lake Tahoe.

Marissa revealed an unparalleled sense of optimism and perseverance over some rather large life obstacles in an essay she submitted to the college. Dozens of other students also submitted essays but Marissa's caught the judge's attention due to the challenges she has had to hurdle.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 416 calls between November 13 - November 27, 2017.

Calls Resulting in Arrests/Citations:

11/13 - 26 Total Calls

Battery in the 900 block of Ski Run Blvd
Warrant in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

11/14 - 28 Total Calls

Battery in the 2500 block of William Ave
Brandishing in the 2200 block of Lake Tahoe BLvd

11/15 - 26 Total Calls

Auto Theft in the 2300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

Myths and facts about your health insurance

Signing up for a health insurance plan can be daunting and time consuming. As a Certified Enrollment Counselor, my job is to make it easier for South Lake Tahoe families and individuals to navigate Covered California and enroll in a health care plan.

With all the talk the about health care, I have heard rumblings and rumors about what is happening with the Affordable Care Act and what is changing with insurance. Get informed! Make a free one-on-one appointment with me or one my fellow enrollment counselors, have your questions answered, and get enrolled for 2018.

El Dorado Hills school counselor hurt in crash during police chase

A Placerville man is facing a slew of felony charges after he allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, stole a car and crashed into a vehicle being driven by an El Dorado Hills school counselor.

Suicide Prevention: Working together to save a life

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and South Tahoe Now will be running a series of stories on suicide prevention.

“For anyone who has lost a friend or loved one to suicide, this month can be especially hard,” said Laura Walny, manager with the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). “We hope that by supporting one another and working together to raise awareness about suicide, we can ultimately save lives.”

DCSO Deputy Duffy selected as Grand Marshall for Carson Valley Days parade

Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Teresa Duffy will lead the 107th annual Carson Valley Days parade as the Grand Marshall. The theme of the parade and festival is "A Salute to First Responders."

The Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club is organizing the event which runs from June 9 to June 11. The club wanted to raise awareness, celebrate, honor and, most importantly, say thank you to the first responders of Douglas County, those who protect the community on a daily basis.

13 Reasons Why or 300 Reasons Why Not? Community forum to address suicide

Event Date: 
May 30, 2017 - 6:00pm

Best selling book and Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" has sparked conversation about mental health and suicide among youth after the lead character leaves behind 13 tapes after she kills herself. Each tape tells a different person the part they played in her death.

As a response to the movie and how students will react to it, Lake Tahoe Unified School District intervention counselors will be holding a community panel discussion called "300 Reasons Why Not" on Tuesday, May 30 at South Tahoe Middle School's Multi-Purpose Room starting at 6:00 p.m.

LTCC Student-Veteran to receive car from Recycled Rides

Event Date: 
May 26, 2017 - 12:00pm

Lake Tahoe Community College and Recycled Rides invites the South Shore community to a special event where the keys to a refurbished vehicle will be awarded to one deserving LTCC student-veteran. The awarding ceremony takes place Friday, May 26 at 12:00 p.m. outdoors in the college’s Main Building courtyard area. Free barbecue and refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to attend.

Liberty Utilities scholarships open to area high school and LTCC students

Liberty Utilities is once again offering academic scholarships for eligible high school and college students within its service territory which includes South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas. The eight schools participating in the fifth annual scholarship program are South Tahoe High School, Loyalton High School, Douglas High School (students residing in Alpine County only), Coleville High School, North Tahoe High School, Truckee High School and Portola High School, as well as Lake Tahoe Community College.

Letter: Larry Reilly is the right man for the job

This is a critical School Board election. It is important that our future Board continue the great work our present Board has completed over the last decade. So, it is imperative that Larry Reilly be elected as LTUSD School Board Trustee for Area #1. There is a great deal of work that needs to be done in our district. There are important decisions that need to be made. Our schools and our community need practical, tough, experienced leadership to support Dr. Tarwater in his continuing efforts to make LTUSD a great district for our children.

Letter: Larry Reilly for LTUSD School Board

I am a resident and registered voter in Nevada, but I work in Meyers, attended Meyers Elementary, grew up in Christmas Valley, and graduated from South Tahoe High School (STHS). The state line is a blur to me because I view the South Shore as one community. I have two children currently in high school, one at Whittell and one at STHS; I also have another child who graduated from Whittell and is now a college freshman. I believe that a good public education system is the great equalizer in America, and that every child has a right to the best education possible.

How domestic violence In one home affects every child In a class

Part of a series on mental health in schools.

Every Monday morning at Harvie Elementary School, in Henrico County, Va., Brett Welch stands outside her office door as kids file in.

"The first thing I'm looking for are the faces," says Welch, a school counselor. She's searching for hints of fear, pain or anger.

"Maybe there was a domestic incident at the house that weekend," says Welch. "That's reality for a lot of our kids."

Tahoe Valley red carpet greeting; Community meets Mt. Tallac students

The doors opened at all seven schools in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Monday, welcoming students back after their summer vacations.

At Tahoe Valley Elementary, not only were the doors opened, but the red carpet was rolled out, literally. Staff and members of the California Highway Patrol greeted students as they entered the school with fanfare and balloon in celebration of their return.

Not only did the students enjoy the processional, but parents, staff and officers did as well.

School lunch program forms mean much more than free or reduced cost meals

Monday is the first day of school, and most parents will get several forms to fill out for each of their students, but there is one form that many may skip over if they think their children won't utilize it.

Not only does the National School Lunch Program Form give qualifying students free or reduced cost lunches and breakfasts, but it can also mean a few million dollars for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) annually.

22 new certified staff members join Lake Tahoe Unified School District

When students make their way through the doors of classrooms in Lake Tahoe Unified School District on Monday, 22 new certified staff members will be there to greet them.

Al Tahoe Preschool: Michael Pulley, Early Childhood Education Specialist

Tahoe Valley Elementary: Chelsea Casey, Special Day Class

Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School: Anne Lafferty, Special Day Class and Leah Stockton, 1st Grade

Sierra House Elementary School: Jennifer Bronken, 4th Grade and Tamara Dupuis, School Nurse to be split with Bijou

STMS and STHS holding KickStart 2016 on Thursday

Event Date: 
August 25, 2016 (All day)

The beginning of the school can be as hectic for parents as it is for kids due to the amount of paperwork to fill out and items to be purchased. Much of the class time on those first few days is filled with teachers collected those completed forms, sending kids to purchase gym clothes, school pictures, check out Chrome Books, and more. For the first time, both South Tahoe High and South Tahoe Middle Schools are holding "KickStart" day on Thursday, August 25 to alleviate some of those tasks. There will be a series of stations for students and parents to navigate through.

Community invited to Meet & Greet at Mt. Tallac High School

Event Date: 
August 29, 2016 - 10:30am

Mt. Tallac High School of South Lake Tahoe is inviting the community to stop by on the first day of school on August 29 and join them for what is becoming an annual meet and greet event from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

"We feel strongly that providing our students with the opportunity to meet and interact with potential employers and successful adults within our community will promote and support our efforts and the students' drive to give the school year their best effort," said Mt. Tallac High Principal Holly Greenough.

STHS student's senior project shows him how to give back through sports

Seniors at South Tahoe High School must pick something to do for their senior project, a requirement of graduation, one that pushes them to do something different and unfamiliar. Some students learn to play a guitar, while others do stand up comedy. And some students like Ethan Strain, learn how to give back to their community and work with children.

The students must select an advisor for their project, someone who knows the chosen subject and can guide the student to a successful completion.

First $19 million from Measure F being spent at Lake Tahoe Community College

South Lake Tahoe, CA— With the support of South Lake Tahoe’s voters, Lake Tahoe Community College successfully passed a $55 million bond measure in November 2014. Called Measure F, the bond will make it possible for the college to upgrade and modernize its technology, make necessary repairs to aging facilities and systems, and improve educational programs and students’ learning environment. The first set of bonds was sold¬ in July 2015 for $19 million, or 35% of the $55 million voters approved.

Mountain Resort Television daily segment

In today's Mountain Resort Television segment, reporter Ashley Lindner interviews Marco Huerta, a Certified Enrollment Counselor at Barton Health about Covered California.

Watch "The City in 60," where the City of South Lake Tahoe PIO Tracy Franklin updates the public on snow plows and local meetings.

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