department

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.

Lightning strikes tree as weather brings hail and heavy rain

A strong thunderstorm made its way through the South Shore Sunday at 2:10 p.m., leaving behind heavy rain, small hail, some minor flooding and a downed tree. The National Weather Service in Reno said wind gusts were up to 40 mph in some areas at the time.

On Oglala Street in Meyers, lightning struck the top of a tree and caused it to "explode" according to neighbors. Lake Valley Fire Department arrived almost immediately and there was no major damage, and no injuries.

El Dorado County appoints two new directors for reorganized departments

El Dorado County reorganized what is now Community Development Services to include directors of three primary departments, and they recently announced the hiring of two of those new directors, one for Planning & Building and the other for Environmental Management. Both men were interim directors as the departments were being reorganized and the search for director was underway.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for August 6 - 12

The following is the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) roadwork schedule for the Lake Tahoe area. Please note, due to “Hot August Nights” events in Reno, and the expected extra traffic in Tahoe, most lane closures will be restricted from noon Thursday, August 10 until 8 p.m. Monday, August 14.

EMERGENCY PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): The highway is reduced to one lane in each direction at Bridal Veil Falls for slope repair work.

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.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 266 calls between July 25 - July 30, 2017.

Calls Resulting in Arrests/Citations:

July 25
Warrant in the 1900 block of Airport Rd
Transient/Homeless in the 3900 block of Pioneer Trail
Warrant in the 1200 block of Al Tahoe

July 26
Transient/Homeless in the 1000 block of Johnson Blvd
Driving on a suspended/revoked license at Fawn Way & Fairway Ave
Providing False Info in the 1400 block of Melba Dr

Woman injured after high speed motorcycle chase in South Lake Tahoe

An attempted traffic stop in South Lake Tahoe Saturday afternoon led to a high speed chase through town that ended with a woman being injured and the suspect getting away.

At 12:35 p.m. July 29, a call came into police dispatch about a disturbance between a male and female on the side of Tahoe Keys Boulevard near the intersection with Michael Drive. The caller said it appeared the female was trying to leave the area but was being prevented by a male on a motorcycle.

New freeway connecting Lake Tahoe to Reno opens Wednesday

The trip from Lake Tahoe to Reno just got a bit shorter as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) opens the final three miles of the Interstate 580 Carson City Freeway project to traffic on Wednesday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Construction on this final, southern portion of the project began in 2015.

As part of a phased opening, the new freeway ramps between Fairview Drive at the northern end of the new Carson City Freeway will open later that afternoon or on August 3.

Body recovered in Lake Tahoe believed to be that of UNR football player Marc Ma

Officials searching for the body of missing paddle boarder Marc Ma have just recovered a body in Lake Tahoe, tentatively believed to be the 20-year-old presumed drowned last summer.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for July 31 - August 5

The following are California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) projects in the at Lake Tahoe.

EMERGENCY PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): The highway is reduced to one lane in each direction at Bridal Veil Falls for slope repair work.

State Route 193 (El Dorado County): Motorists can expect a full closure of the highway from the junction with State Route 49 in Placerville to Chili Bar from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday for roadwork repairs. More information: http://bit.ly/2to2pbb

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

California Energy Standards residential review course for contractors

Event Date: 
August 25, 2017 - 8:00am

The City of South Lake Tahoe's Development Services Department invites contractors to attend the 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards on Friday, August 25th, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers.

The course is being offered free of charge.

National Night Out - Staying safe at home, work and play

Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, nearly 40 million people in 16,000 communities across the United States turn out to celebrate National Night Out. The event was first hosted in 1984 as a way to bring communities together and promote stronger ties between citizens and the law enforcement personnel who serve them. Communities are at their best when neighbors feel a common bond and a sense of community not only among themselves but also with their local public servants, and National Night Out is a fun and enjoyable way to foster those important ties.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 517 calls between July 11 - July 24, 2017.

Calls Resulting in Arrests/Citations:

July 11
12:09 p.m. - Driving on a suspended/revoked license - 800 block of Tallac Ave
2:06 p.m. - Drug Offense in the 2600 block of Bertha Ave
7:15 p.m. - Drunk in Public in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
9:54 p.m. - Warrant in the 1100 block of Ski Run Blvd

July 12
2:11 p.m. - Fraud in the 800 block of Tahoe Keys Blvd

Burke Creek Restoration Project begins final stage

The final phase of the Burke Creek Highway 50 Crossing and Realignment Project near Kahle Drive in Stateline will begin on Monday, July 31.

Douglas County, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Division of State Lands, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered together to restore the Burke Creek channel and adjacent marsh. The project aims to decrease the amount of sediment that flows into nearby Lake Tahoe while also reducing the potential for flooding on U.S. Highway 50.

New deputy for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office

During a ceremony on July 24 the Douglas County Sheriff's Office welcomed a new deputy, Kylie Shepherd.

In front of family and friends, Deputy Shepherd was administered her oath of office.

She grew up in Lyon County, Nevada and later attended Western Nevada College and obtained an Associate of Arts and an Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

Deputy Shepherd will start her service with the department in the Jail Division.

Water restored to Tahoe Keys Marina

4:30 p.m. update: At 3:35 p.m. Friday afternoon the water was turned back on at the Tahoe Keys Marina. The two parties, Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association and Tahoe Keys Marina Management Inc., were able to work out an arrangement to get things flowing again.

The marina's lawyer Michael Matuska said he will file notice with the court to vacate the August 3 hearing as the two parties will be working on a continued relationship out of court.

Matuska did not release the specifics of the arrangement that restored the water service which has been down since July 11.

Mapping glitch downsizes Preacher Fire to 4,651 acres burned

8:45 p.m. update: Firefighters on the Preacher Fire have gained ground on the fire and have been able to get it 20 percent contained. It was actively burning all day with single tree torching, creeping, and wind-driven runs. The total burned remains at 4,651 acres.

* * *
4:45 p.m. update: Acreage burned in the Preacher Fire is a lot less than previously reported due to a glitch in mapping. The fire, which started Monday with a lightning strike, has burned 4,651 acres.

Douglas County narrows down group of applicants for Asst. County Manager job

Douglas County will soon have an Assistant County Manager. Over 100 people applied for this new position, and that initial pool of applicants has now been narrowed down to eight after phone interviews with Human Resources.

The next step are panel interviews for those finalists which are scheduled for August 7, 2017. The panel consists of elected ofneighboring counties.

Panel interviews are scheduled for August 7, 2017. The panel consists of elected officials, employee representatives, department directors, and leadership from neighboring counties.

South Lake Tahoe holds 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day

Event Date: 
September 7, 2017 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone is invited out to Lakeview Commons on Thursday, September 7 to say "thank you" to the men and women who protect the South Shore communities at the 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day.

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be hosting the event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature live music, BBQ, a thank you card making station and blue ribbons to tie around the trees at Lakeview Commons as a visual way to say thank you.

This is a multi-agency event to show appreciation:

· Calfire
· California Highway Patrol

Lake Tahoe area roadwork July 23 - 29

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be working on the following road projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin between July 23-July 29, 2017.

EMERGENCY PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): The highway is reduced to one lane in each direction at Bridal Veil Falls for slope repair work.

State Route 193 (El Dorado County): Motorists can expect a full closure of the highway from the junction with State Route 49 in Placerville to Chili Bar from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday for roadwork repairs. More information: http://bit.ly/2to2pbb

1000s walk, ride and skate on new I-580 in Carson City

Thousands of people turned out Saturday morning to celebrate the near-completion of the much-anticipated Carson City Interstate 580 freeway bypass riding their bicycles, walking, jogging or skating on top of the pavement that will soon carry tens of thousands of vehicles upon it when open next month.

The I-580 run, walk and ride event began about 9 a.m. Saturday and continued until noon.

Letter: EDC Probation does critical work in criminal justice system

By proclamation of the County Board of Supervisors, El Dorado County celebrated Probation Services Week this week, July 17 – July 21, 2017. As the Chief Probation Officer in El Dorado County, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the critical work probation does in our criminal justice system and say thank you to all the men and women of my department who work tirelessly to protect our communities, reduce recidivism, restore victims, promote healthy families, and live the vision of our department: Safe Communities Through Changed Lives.

Free tree removal for low-income El Dorado County seniors

With tree mortality issues so prevalent in the Sierra, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors today launched a Tree Removal Grant Program for low-income seniors.

“The tree mortality issues in our county remain very serious. We’re just happy to have this program available to assist private homeowners, especially our seniors with limited income, who have no other means to remove dead or dying trees from threatening damage to their homes,” said District IV Supervisor, Michael Ranalli.

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.

El Dorado County sends more money to Cal Tahoe JPA for ambulance services

More money is on the way to the South Shore to fund ambulance services thanks to a unanimous vote by the El Dorado County Supervisors during their June 27 meeting. An amendment was made to the original contract between the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) and the County, giving an extra $790,000 per year as well as funds to buy a new ambulance.

The extra money will help fund a special team for interfacility transfers.

Coffee With a Cop in South Lake Tahoe Tuesday

Event Date: 
July 18, 2017 - 9:00am

The third Coffee With a Cop in the area this summer will be held on Tuesday, July 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Starbucks at the South Y Center in South Lake Tahoe.

The community is invited to meet with members of the California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff. Stop by and discuss issues or just meet law enforcement in an informal, neutral location.

One simple item will help save lives when on Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE - Boating, rafting, kayaking and paddling are just a few ways to enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe, but they come with simple safety precautions and preparations to ensure that day is complete and enjoyable.

"People are very excited to get on the water," said Edwin Lyngar, Nevada Department of Wildlife's (NDOW) Water Educator. "Take safety precautions as you can't depend on luck."

Lyngar as well as both California and Nevada water safety experts were at Sand Harbor last week to inform the public about how easy it is to be safe on the water.

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in South Lake Tahoe Monday

Event Date: 
July 17, 2017 - 9:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department will be hosting the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Monday, July 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at SLT Fire Station #3 located at 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

All donors will receive a limited edition Battle of the Badges shirt.

To schedule an appointment, contact Kim George at (530) 307-9596 or log on to www.BloodHero.com, select “Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: SLTF.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 321 calls between July 4 - July 10, 2017.

Calls Resulting in Arrests/Citations:

7/4 (74 calls)

2:33 a.m. - Drunk in Public in the 1000 block of Long Valley Ave
5:06 p.m. - Drunk in Public in the 2100 block of South Ave
5:08 p.m. - Drunk in Public in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
5:25 p.m. - DUI at Statelin Ave & Cedar Ave
11:20 p.m. - DUI in the 3900 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

7/5 (60 calls)

Two new fires in Northern Nevada in Washoe Valley and Cold Springs

11:30 p.m. update: All evacuation orders have been lifted on both the Brenda Fire and the Cold Springs Fire.

Multiple resources aggressively attacked both fires Friday, preventing them from moving through the dry hillsides.

As of tonight, Truckee Meadows Fire Department is reporting 1500-2000 acres have burned in the Cold Springs Fire.

The Brenda Fire east of Washoe Lake has burned an estimated 1200 acres and it is 10 percent contained.

* * *

South Lake Tahoe gas station attendant's murder focus of Cold Case Task Force

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Cold Case Task Force of the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office is seeking the public's assistance in solving the unsolved murder of South Lake Tahoe resident Manpreet Singh. Singh was the lone attendant on the night shift at U.S. Gas on August 6, 2013 when a gunman entered the store, shot and killed Singh.

A customer walked into the store that evening at 10:50 p.m. and called 911 to tell them Singh had been shot. Video from that night shows the gunman walk from Palmira Avenue and enter the store at 10:40 p.m.

Safe neighborhoods and camaraderie focus of National Night Out

Event Date: 
August 1, 2017 - 4:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe and Meyers community will be joining local law enforcement fo National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Environmental Science Magnet School located at 1095 E. San Bernardino Ave.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.

Popular South Lake Tahoe waterfront restaurant closed after water shut off

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An ongoing legal battle between the Tahoe Keys Marina and the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) has resulted in the water being shut off to all buildings at the marina.

Since the Fresh Ketch restaurant and adjacent deli are in one of those buildings, the El Dorado County Health Department shut them down due to a lack of water. A notice was also put up on the apartments in the complex advising residents of unsafe living conditions since there was no running water.

Committee to work on updated South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What does a win-win-win vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance look like?

It may not yet be known after today's workshop held during the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting in front of a full house, but all sides appear to be committed to creating something that works for everyone in the community.

Cities across the country are grappling with their own ordinances for VHRs as the new trend towards vacationing centers around renting a home instead of staying in a motel or hotel.

Former President Bill Clinton expected to fly into South Lake Tahoe

During the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Tuesday, City Manager Nancy Kerry said former President Bill Clinton may be arriving into town for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Stateline this week.

While the former president isn't scheduled to play golf during the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe this week, he may be arriving at the Lake Tahoe Airport as celebrities are also arriving, said Kerry.

The city has made preparations for his arrival, but there is no guarantee he'll show, she said.

South Lake Tahoe massage parlor owner arrested for sexual battery

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The owner of a South Lake Tahoe massage parlor has been arrested on suspicion of sexual battery.

Qiteng "Eric" Lu, owner of Chinese Magic Massage at 3330 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, was arrested without incident on July 6 after a customer said that during her massage she was sexually battered.

Investigators from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) found enough cause to arrest Lu after interviewing the 34-year-old victim.

1-80 reopened with reduced lanes due to fire near state line north of Lake Tahoe

9:45 p.m. update: Interstate 80 has one lane westbound near the fire at the CA/NV state line. Both eastbound lanes are open.

The fire has burned an estimated 500-600 acres, depending on which source is used. The fire is 5 percent contained. Winds tonight are expected to push the fire back down the mountain and higher winds are expected on Tuesday.

* * *

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 289 calls between June 27 - July 3, 2017.

Calls Resulting in Arrests/Citations:

6/27 (31 calls)

9:57 p.m. - Transient/Homeless - 1000 block of Lakeview Ave

6/28 (37 calls)

1:02 a.m. - Drunk in Public in the 2100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
9:40 a.m. - Transient/Homeless- 4000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
1:38 p.m. - Warrant in the 2100 block of James Ave

New HR Director for El Dorado County

El Dorado County Chief Administrator Don Ashton today announced the hiring of Tameka Usher as the County’s new Director of Human Resources. Usher begins July 10th, 2017.

“The County is fortunate to have someone of Tameka’s ability to lead the Human Resources Department on behalf of our nearly 1,850 employees,” said Ashton. “She is highly regarded for being able to collaborate with county leaders throughout the State in regards to public sector human resources policies to reach decisions and outcomes that are for the greater good of an organization.”

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are the 152 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from June 27-July 6, 2017.

June 27
06:16 - 2600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
09:25 - Champlain Dr at Herbert Ave - Smoke scare, odor of smoke
10:29 - 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
10:46 - 4000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
11:29 - 3800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

Construction underway on Gondola Vista Estates in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In the works since 2002, construction has begun on a new housing development project underneath the gondola in South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe police looking for assailant who severely injured man

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in finding the person responsible for the recent assault of a 23-year-old man from Pennsylvania.

On Monday, June 26, 2017, officer responded to a 9-1-1 call in the area near Hotel Becket on Park Avenue between Cedar Avenue and Lake Tahoe Blvd. When they arrived they found the victim, Adam Albaugh, unresponsive and suffering from a significant head injury.

Importance of understanding dangers of cold water shock

With recent water tragedies in Lake Tahoe we are republishing this 2016 article.

The most common misunderstanding about swimming in Lake Tahoe is that people can suffer from hypothermia, which leads to death. The real truth is that "cold water shock" will kill much quicker than hypothermia ever will.

"The sudden lowering of skin temperature on immersion in cold water represents one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter." Golden and Tipton in Essentials of Sea Survival

New fire now burning near Spanish Springs

Crews with Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Forestry and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District have responded to a new fire burning near Spanish Springs and the Pyramid Highway. Dubbed the Winnemucca Ranch Fire, flames have consumed 1,500 acres since starting at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday.

Both ground and air resources are on scene.

At least 11 homes are threatened, according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.

Ironwood Road is being evacuated, according to the Washoe County Sheriff.

Firefighters contain 4th of July fire on Highway 50 at Spooner

Carson City Fire Department, East Fork Fire and Tahoe Douglas Fire responded to a brush fire on the valley side of Highway 50 on Spooner.

The fire was reported at around 12:20 p.m. and said to be around 1-2 miles up Highway 50 on the north side. Smoke and flames are visible at the time.

By 1:07 p.m., firefighters at the wildfire reported the blaze was contained with responding units on scene building a hose line around the fire and mopping up. The cause is under investigation.

Highway 50 at the area of the fire has been closed but is reported open at this time.

Public invited to walk, run and ride on new highway section in Carson City

Event Date: 
July 22, 2017 - 9:00am

The community is invited to take part in a free fun walk, run and ride celebrating the upcoming opening of the last leg of the Interstate 580 Carson City Freeway, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced.

While the freeway isn't scheduled to open to vehicles until August, NDOT is going to have an opening ceremony to pedestrians, runners and cyclists on Saturday, July 22 at 9:00 a.m. Participants can arrive at any time from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a self-paced experience on the new freeway.

Tracy man held on $1.5M bail after being arrested in South Lake Tahoe

A 27-year-old man from Tracy, California was arrested in South Lake Tahoe Sunday after a warrant had been issued for his arrest on a slew of charges stemming with his relationship with a 16-year-old girl.

Since his arrest, Omar Oceguera has been transferred from the El Dorado County Jail to the San Joaquin County Jail where his sits on a $1.515 million bail hold.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 291 calls between June 20 - June 26, 2017.

Calls Resulting in Arrests/Citations:

6/20 (39 calls)

DUI in the 3800 block of Pioneer Trail
Warrant in the 3900 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Warrant on Werner Salas Dr
DUI in the 2700 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Under the Influence: Drugs in the 900 block of Lakeview Ave
Unlicensed Driver at Park Ave and Manzanita

6/21 (36 calls)

No Arrests

6/22 (37 calls)

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 Fire Rescue

The following are the 74 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from June 20-26, 2017.

6/20
09:26 - 2200 block of Lupine Tr - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
11:00 - Stockton Ave at William Ave - Vehicle accident with injuries
14:40 - Barton Hospital - EMS call, Interfacility Transfer
18:46 - 1400 block of Melba Dr - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
18:54 - 1000 block of Julie Ln - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

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