department

Douglas County prepares for onslaught of wet weather

With flood warnings up around Northern California and Western Nevada, Douglas County officials are alerting residents of a flood watch issued for the area from late Saturday night January 7 through Monday morning, January 9.

Douglas County Emergency Management is preparing for changing flood conditions and the safety of Douglas County residents.

Fatalities on Nevada's roads rose in 2016

It wasn't record setting, but it was disturbing for safety officials in Nevada to read the reports that more people died on Nevada roads in 2016 than the previous year.

Preliminary data shows that 327 traffic fatalities occurred on the state's roads in 2016, one more death than in 2015. There were five more crashes, more pedestrians deaths by vehicles (5), and more motorcyclist deaths (21).

Alcohol related crashes and deaths decreased in 2016, with 11.46 percent fewer deaths and 15.38 percent fewer crashes relating to drunk driving.

Free sand bags available for South Lake Tahoe residents

With the heavy rain and high snow levels associated with an atmospheric river hitting the Sierra and Lake Tahoe this weekend, the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are reminding citizens that sand bags are available, free of charge.

During wet storms, residents may find themselves with flooding issues around their homes and garages.

Sand bags are available year-round at the City’s Streets and Snow Removal Yard located at 1160 Rufus Allen Blvd. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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.

Sinkhole causes closure of valley side of Kingsbury Grade

State Route 207 Kingsbury Grade from the summit down to the Carson Valley floor will be closed to traffic "through the coming weeks" due to a sinkhole caused by an eroding drainage pipe under the roadway.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) said the road will remain closed due to traffic safety concerns for the 5,600 vehicles who drive the road daily.

Police make arrest in South Lake Tahoe drive by shooting

Kevin Gonzales, an 18-year-old local man, has been arrested in connection with a drive by shooting that occurred on December 28 at the Pioneer Inn in South Lake Tahoe.

Gonzales was arrested two days later after an investigation by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) was launched into the shooting which took place at 10:00 p.m. at the motel, located on Pioneer Trail.

Sierra snowpack's water content Is 53% below average

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - The weekend's heavy snowfall didn't do enough to bring good news during Tuesday's monthly manual snowpack survey at Phillips Station.

Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program, led a media tour on January 3, 2017 to their normal spot near the turnoff to Sierra-at-Tahoe and found a snow water equivalent of six inches, which is 5.3 inches less that the average early-January total of 11.3 inches, 53 percent of normal.

Minors with alcohol at SnowGlobe biggest problem for law enforcement

The 2016 South Lake Tahoe three-day long music festival, SnowGlobe, is over, and the thousands of of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) fans are headed home after enjoying themselves during the outdoor concert. Like with most festivals of this type, most of the arrests and citations issued by South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO), and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) were for underage drinking.

Early tabulations show that during SnowGlobe this year there were 238 arrests, 148 of those were citations to minors in possession of alcohol.

Broken water pipes could continue to be an issue with upcoming cold weather

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe over the next seven days calls for cold temperatures, winds and several inches of snow, a recipe for an increased risk of broken pipes in homes and businesses in the area.

Last week, both a private home on Saddle Road and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe suffered through broken pipes, a scene that the SLT Fire Rescue Department sees about two dozen times a year. Over the last seven years, SLTFR has responded to 168 calls for broken water pipes. Local plumbers have responded to hundreds of others as well.

Law enforcement and hospital kept busy with SnowGlobe issues

Fans of electronic music flock to South Lake Tahoe for the annual SnowGlobe outdoor music festival held December 29-31. The predominately under-30 crowd come from colleges and communities hundreds and even thousands of miles away to enjoy a specially gathered group of top artists in the electronic dance music (EDM) field. An estimated 15,000 tickets have been sold for the three-day event which is held on the South Lake Tahoe community's newly created ball fields.

Along with the fun though comes issues common at most music festivals: noise, trash, drinking and illegal drugs.

Two-hour standoff with deputies ends peacefully in Incline Village

An Incline Village man is behind bars Friday after being involved in a two-hour standoff with deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at a residence on Winding Way.

At 10:45 a.m., deputies were called out to the home on a call of a family disturbance, and that 28-year-old Shane Donovan had barricaded himself in a bedroom and was acting extremely erratically.

Donovan voiced threats against himself and law enforcement officers on the scene. He further indicated that he may have rigged the entry way to the room with explosives.

Suspects being questioned in South Lake Tahoe drive-by shooting

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is investigating a possible gang related drive-by shooting at the Pioneer Inn Thursday night at 10:00 p.m.

There were no injuries and, as of Friday afternoon, there have been no arrests.

Responding SLTPD officers immediately started looking for the suspect vehicle, described as a dark pick-up truck. While law enforcement searched for the truck, others were at the motel, which is located at 3863 Pioneer Trail, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Law enforcement prepares for thousands of revelers at Stateline

Law enforcement is preparing for the annual New Year's Eve party held at Stateline, an outdoor that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets.

Though Highway 50 through Stateline hasn't had to close until just before midnight the past two years, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is prepared to close it to vehicle traffic in the evening if necessary for public safety. If that should occur, vehicle traffic will be diverted around the Stateline casino core area using upper and lower Lake Parkway Drive.

Emergency crews respond to injury accidents on Spooner Summit

Carson City Fire Department, Nevada Highway Patrol and sheriff's deputies were called to two vehicle crashes on Highway 50 and Spooner west of Carson City this Friday afternoon.

One crash was reported at 3:12 p.m. to be two miles east of Carson City with injuries reported. The other crash was reported at 3:11 p.m. near the junction of State Route 28 in the eastbound lane, according to dispatch.

Two arrested for 'spotlighting' and other charges surrounding illegal deer hunting

Two Markleville, Calif., men were arrested on December 17 after a Department of Fish Wildlife warden caught them near Diamond Valley Road and Airport Road (Alpine County) as they attempted to "spotlight" deer.

According to Lt. Chris Stoots of California Fish & Wildlife, Ramsey Gene Horse, 29, and William Eugene Berreman, 26, were allegedly driving a Ford sedan with an artificial light in an attempt to spot and kill deer, an illegal action called spotlighting. They also had two loaded rifles in the back seat.

Special BOS meeting to vote on $57.1 million loan for new public safety building

Should El Dorado County receive a $57.1 million loan from United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) to replace their aging public safety facility/Sheriff's office in Placerville? The Board of Supervisors (BOS) will make a decision on this at a special meeting on Tuesday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Woman wanted on numerous Nevada charges arrested in South Lake Tahoe

A woman living in South Lake Tahoe has been arrested by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office after an investigation into a fraudulent travel business operating out of Sun Valley, Nev.

In early December, 2016, Washoe County Detectives gained intelligence from a Secret Witness tip that Vivian Saenz-Alvarado, 39, had been residing in the South Lake Tahoe area. Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives contacted the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and provided them with a possible location for Saenz-Alvarado.

Auditions at LTCC for quirky comedy Love/Sick

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - Auditions are being held for the romantic and tragic comedy Love/Sick at Lake Tahoe Community College's (LTCC) Duke Theatre on January 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

Men and women of all ages and types are encouraged to try out for the winter quarter production of the LTCC Theatre Arts Department. Performances of Love/Sick take place March 17-26, 2017.

Dumpster fire at South Lake Tahoe hotel

A fire inside a dumpster at the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge in South Lake Tahoe was quickly distinguished Monday evening.

At 6:48 p.m. December 19, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department received the call, and one engine responded and quickly put out the fire. Damage was contained to the dumpster.

No cause was evident.

Reno man arrested on pimping and prostitution charges in South Lake Tahoe

12/22/16 update: The Reno man accused of bringing female(s) to South Lake Tahoe for prostitution remains behind bars at the El Dorado County Jail tonight on $345,000 bail. 32-year-old Francisco Daniel Nieves was arrested on December 19 without incident in South Lake Tahoe after a victim went into the Carson City Sheriff's Office to report the crime.

This case is still under investigation.

Nieves will be in El Dorado County court on December 30 for an 8:30 a.m. hearing. At this point in time he is being represented by a public defender.

* * *

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Capt. Mark Wygant pleads guilty to child porn charge

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Captain Mark McLeod Wygant, 46, pleaded guilty in federal court today to transportation of child pornography.

Following an FBI and SLT Police Department investigation, Wygant was a
arrested on Jan. 29 2015 and has been in custody ever since. He had been immediately placed on administration leave but resigned just days after his arrest.

"I am pleased that Mr. Wygant plead guilty to his crime and the punishment will now in the hands of the criminal justice system," said SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston.

What to do in South Lake Tahoe this weekend

There is always something to do in South Lake Tahoe and all around the South Shore and this weekend is no different. Here is a list of things to do for families and adults:

For families -

Annual Christmas Bird Count - The 2016-2017 South Lake Tahoe Christmas Bird Count has been scheduled for Saturday, December 17. Barring a significant winter storm, we will hold the count on that date. December 17 @ 8:00 a - (775) 298-0066 - Meet at Alpina Coffee Cafe, 822 Emerald Bay Rd

Police seeks public's help in finding South Lake Tahoe at-risk woman

2:40 p.m. update: Tara Dawn Johnson has been located. She was discovered walking in the area of Lake Tahoe and Al Tahoe Boulevards just before 2:00 p.m. Thursday. She was wet with the rain and cold, but otherwise seemed healthy. Her dog Bart was with her and he is fine as well.

Johnson explained she had walked away of her own accord and found shelter on her own last night. There appears to have been no foul play involved in this case. Johnson has been released back to her care giver.

* * * *

South Lake Tahoe fire causes $400,000 in damage

A quick response by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) saved a Merced Avenue four-plex from major damage Wednesday night.

At 10:54 p.m. December 14, SLTFR received a call of fire in one of the four two-story units. When they arrived they found the bottom floor engulfed. Within seven minutes, the fire was knocked down according to South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of some of the 182 calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to between November 29 and December 5, 2016.

Calls resulting in arrests:

11/29
Suspicious Circumstances in the 1000 block of Johnson Blvd - Police responded and found a person with an outstanding warrant.

11/30
No Arrests

12/1
Possession of Stolen Property in the 3800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

12/2
Assault with a Deadly Weapon in the 900 block of Glorene Ave

LTCC math students claim top prize at statewide conference

A trio of math students at Lake Tahoe Community College grabbed the top prize at a recent statewide mathematics conference for their outstanding student poster entry for general math. Christian Eckert, Mark McCullough and J.C. Stephens were awarded $100 for their winning poster at the California Mathematics Council Community Colleges (CMC3) annual conference, held in Monterey this past weekend.

Kings Beach man dies in accident at Northstar

3::45 p.m. update: The Kings Beach man killed in an accident at Northstar has been identified as 35-year-old Dennis Baltimore, a ski instructor at the resort. His Facebook page says he was also once a Zipline Guide at Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe.

According to reports, Baltimore had been on his skis on Village Run about 12:00 p.m. when a snowboarder in front of him hit a patch of ice and lost control. He tried to avoid the snowboarder but he crashed into rocks and a creek bed.

Pedestrian dies after being hit by car as crossing Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe

A 32-year-old man was killed Saturday, December 10, 2016 after being struck by a car as he ran across Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe near the Town and Country Center.

At approximately 11:23 p.m., officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to the vehicle versus pedestrian call.

Weekend full of Santa, holiday, films, theater and other activities in South Lake Tahoe

There is a full schedule of activites on the South Shore this weekend, plenty to do for the younger set as well as adults. Busy Santa can be found all over town!

Family Friendly -

Cruise with Santa aboard the M.S. Dixie II - Sunday, December 11, 2016, 12:00 – 2:00 pm, Cruise with Santa aboard the M.S.Dixie (530) 543-6191

LTCC Rock Ensemble to "Rock Out For Cancer" at fundraiser

Event Date: 
December 14, 2016 - 7:00pm

A special benefit concert is being held at the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Duke Theater on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. to raise money to help a local woman battling aggressive brain cancer.

Students in the school's Rock Ensemble classes will hit the stage for an evening of classic rock n’ roll hits, some gospel, some country, and a little bit of heavy metal to raise funds for the Angie Peart Cancer Fund.

Angie Peart, who herself is a rock student herself, is the wife of the LTCC reprographics/phone operator Bob Peart. She has been battling brain cancer since 2015.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from November 23 to December 6, 2016.

11/23/16: 9 calls: 3 EMS, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 vehicle accident no injuries, 1 vehicle vs pedestrian accident, 1 cooking fire confined to container, 1 no incident found, 1 mobile property fire

11/24/16: 11 calls: 6 EMS, 1 EMS canceled en route, 1 smoke detector activation/no fire, 1 water or steam leak, 1 unauthorized burning, 1 water problem "other"

Caltrops on South Shore roads causing dozens of flat tires

South Lake Tahoe local Monika Taboada was picking her daughter up from the training room at South Tahoe High on Sunday when she received a flat on one of her new snow tires, leaving her the victim of another "Ninja Road Star" being left on roads around town.

Over the past several months there have been dozens of stories just like Taboada's.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of some of the 411 calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to between November 15 and November 28, 2016.

Calls resulting in arrests:

11/15/16
"Other" misdemeanor at Cedar & Stateline Aves
Felony "Other" in the 4000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Driving on a suspended/revoked license at Friday Ave & Lake Tahoe Blvd
"Other misdemeanor in the 3900 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in public in the 1000 block of Lakeview Ave
"Other misdemeanor in the 3400 block of Spruce Ave

Ocean species responding to a changing climate is subject of next TERC event

Event Date: 
December 8, 2016 - 5:30pm

Oceans are warming, becoming more acidic, and are being depleted of oxygen. How aquatic life reacts to these changes can help us understand more about this monumental issue. Learn how genetic differences facilitate how resilient some organisms are to environmental stress and what we can learn from it.

South Lake Tahoe food tampering suspect faces additional felony charges

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe man arrested on November 22, 2016 in connection with a food tampering case at the Stateline area Raley's has been charged with two more felony counts.

Law enforcement responding to several accidents Saturday evening

12:00 a.m. update 11/27/16: Chain controls have lowered to Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines, heading eastward to Meyers on Highway 50. Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel / all wheel drive vehicles with snow treaded tires on all wheels.

SR 89 northbound: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel / all wheel drive vehicles with snow treaded tires on all wheels.

Celebration of life at Sierra-at-Tahoe for Zach McAllister

South Lake Tahoe native Zach McAllister passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2016. His bright smile and beautiful soul will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His passing has left a huge hole in each of our hearts.

Two more report illness from South Lake Tahoe food tampering

A 45-year-old man is behind bars for allegedly tampering with food at the Raley's Hot Wok and the Baja Fresh in South Lake Tahoe, and the investigation is continuing into what substance the suspect, Harry Dally, put on the food over a two-week period.

New wave of craigslist vacation home rental scams in South Lake Tahoe

You're a group of teachers from San Francisco, visiting South Lake Tahoe for the weekend before heading back to wrap up the semester. You've come to Tahoe to ski for opening weekend. You're a group of friends from San Diego, looking for a mini-reunion.

Safety tips for Lake Tahoe holiday and winter travel

Nevada's Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, City of South Lake Tahoe and Caltrans all had words of advice for travelers this holiday weekend. Roads will be full of cars, and the added threat of high winds and a snow storm will create issues for those not prepared on the road.

More ballots counted; South Lake Tahoe election results remain the same

On Wednesday, the El Dorado County Elections Department released more results from the November 8 election. There are still approximately 200-300 ballots remaining to count from County Supervisor District 5 which is from Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

"We'd like to not wait until the December 6 deadline, but there are quite a few provisional ballots left to count," said Justin Canning of El Dorado County.

All ballots must be certified 28 days after the election, hence their December 6 deadline.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from November 9 to November 22, 2016.

11/9/16: 6 calls - 4 EMS, 1 fire in structure, 1 interfacility transfer

11/10/16: 6 calls - 3 EMS, 1 vehicle accident with injuries, 1 smoke detector activation, 1 scare of smoke/odor of smoke

11/11/16: 7 calls - 3 EMS, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 incident not found upon arrival, 1 unauthorized burning, 1 CO activation due to malfunction

11/12/16: 7 calls - 4 EMS, 2 interfacility transfers, 1 incident not found upon arrival

Suspect arrested in South Lake Tahoe food contamination crime

A South Lake Tahoe man is behind bars tonight after being arrested as the suspect in a food contamination case at Raley’s in the Village Center near Stateline.

On Tuesday, November 22, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) arrested 43-year-old Harry Dally at his residence and booked him into county jail on a single felony count of intentionally dispensing a contaminating substance capable of causing death or injury on food items for human consumption. At this time he is only charged with the crime at the Hot Wok inside of Raley’s. His bail has been set at $100,000.

Douglas County to celebrate additions at Johnson Lane Park

Event Date: 
December 1, 2016 - 10:30am

The Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the new additions at Johnson Lane Park and the public invited to a dedication of the facilities on December 1, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

Construction on the new additions began over a year ago and was completed this Fall on new tennis and pickle ball courts, pavers, playground, pavilion and restroom building.

The park is located at 1476 Stephanie Way in Minden, Nev.

More food tampering incidents in South Lake Tahoe; One sent to hospital

9:00AM Update 11/22/16: The South Lake Tahoe Police Department believes the same person is responsible for recent food tampering incidents at Baja Fresh and Raley's due to similarities in the cases. The unidentified suspect is described as a white male adult, 5'7" with a thin build.

Nevada's weekly wages at all-time high

Weekly wages in Nevada averaged $874 during the second quarter of 2016, up from $854 a year ago, which equates to a gain of 2.3 percent, according to figures released Monday by the state's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

“Weekly wages are at a record high and have grown at least 2 percent in four of the past five quarters,” said Tim Wilcox, an economist with the Research and Analysis Bureau for the state's employment agency. “Wages have been trending up since 2011, albeit at a modest pace.”

Parking lots are the most dangerous places to be during the holidays

One would think a car filled, bumper-to-bumper highway would be the most dangerous place for drivers to be during the holiday season, but no, crowded parking lots lead the list.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has warned there are increased hazards of parking lot traffic during the holidays. Nationwide there are over 50,000 accidents in parking lots and garages resulting in 60,000 injuries and over 500 deaths. In fact. almost 20 percent of all accidents involving vehicles taking place where most might think driving 5 mph or less would lead to safer conditions.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Kirkwood Mountain Resort

An “awesome group” from Kirkwood Mountain Resort’s Food and Beverage department was on hand on Monday, November 7 to donate their time at Kirkwood’s Adopt A Day Sponsorship.

“We want to start off by thanking Bread & Broth for giving us the opportunity of giving back to the community,” wrote Jamie Welch on behalf of her fellow sponsor crew members. “While some of us are from out of town, we appreciate the hospitality Lake Tahoe’s community members have shown us. This has been a heartwarming experience and we hope to help again in the future.”

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of some of the 399 calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to between November 1 and November 14, 2016.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

11/1
Felony "Other" in the 2800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

11/2
Warrant in the 1200 block of Ski Run Blvd
DUI at Johnson Blvd and Al Tahoe Blvd

11/3
Drug Offense in the 1000 block of Johnson Blv
Drunk in Public in the 2600 block of Sussex Ave
Drug Offense in the 2400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

11/4

SLTPD aiding in investigation of man involved in twenty-hour standoff in Cameron Park

A heavily armed 37-year-old man was shot early Friday morning after keeping law enforcement personnel at bay for twenty hours in Cameron Park.

A 911 call about a possible domestic violence situation in an apartment on La Canada Drive was received by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office dispatch at 6:10 a.m. on Thursday, November 17. According to the reporting party, there was an armed man holding a woman and her baby against their will inside the apartment.

Syndicate content