government
Is the COVID-19 surge over in El Dorado County?
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/22/2021 - 9:33amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are some promising signs that the COVID-19 surge is over in El Dorado County. If current data continues in the direction it has been headed, El Dorado County is likely near the peak of the post holidays COVID-19 surge.
The surge of cases and hospitalizations began two weeks after Halloween, then continued through the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holidays.
The El Dorado County Public Health Director Dr. Nancy Williams says we won't reliably know until another week or two has passed if the surge has hit its peak.
Where and how to get COVID-19 vaccines in counties around Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/17/2021 - 12:23pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With five different counties in two different states surrounding Lake Tahoe, there are different procedures concerning COVID-19 vaccines depending on which area one resides. As more doses of the vaccine become available, each county is in charge of its own vaccination rollout. Most in California will be vaccinated at community vaccination sites, doctor’s offices, clinics or pharmacies, depending on their county's plans.
On the Nevada side of the lake the state has developed "lanes" instead of the California side "tiers." All information is listed below.
Column: Positive momentum through relationships for Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/15/2021 - 9:21pmLike many residents and visitors of Lake Tahoe, I have had the good fortune of running, hiking, swimming, skiing, dining, lodging and otherwise living in and around Lake Tahoe nearly all of my life. Tahoe has played a vital role in the development of my most treasured relationship, with my wife Lisa, where we both learned to care for much more than ourselves, and where we were married 25 years ago on the west shore.
Message from El Dorado County Sheriff
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 8:06pmAs your elected Sheriff I want to address any citizen concerns regarding potential unlawful protests and violence stemming from next week’s Presidential inauguration. I want to send a clear and unwavering message to the residents and visitors of El Dorado County. Your Sheriff’s Office will continue to vehemently support and defend an individual’s constitutional rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
SBA and Treasury announce re-opening of PPP loans for businesses
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 12:43amThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, have reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility has been released in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.
Lake Tahoe Unified School District seeks developer fee increase
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 8:40pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is seeking a increase of developer fees that go to the district from $2.24 per square foot to $3.20 per square foot. They plan to use the increase in revenue to support its program to reconstruct existing facilities, funds that are needed due to rising costs in South Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe city manager earns international government credential
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 10:57amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Manager Joe Irvin, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Irvin is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.
Douglas County reaches out to Lake Tahoe servers with “Call for a Ride. Stay Alive” Campaign
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/26/2020 - 4:37pmSTATELINE, Nev. - Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) took the first step in rolling out their campaign aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the roads by providing server intervention training to employees at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Lucky Beaver, Dotty’s, and Lake Tahoe AleWorX.
Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless begins move-ins at purchased motels
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 12:07pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) successfully purchased El Nido Motel using some of the awarded Project Homekey funding. The property will provide much-needed affordable housing and supportive services for the most vulnerable local seniors, people with disabilities, and others at high risk of cold exposure and COVID-19 illness. The first client move-ins began last week, including medically fragile seniors who were living unsheltered in our community for many years.
Open letter to the South Lake Tahoe community:
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/21/2020 - 10:39pmIt was a great honor to serve as a member of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Trustees for the last four years. As previously reported, I am stepping aside to focus on my career and raising my beautiful baby girl. I said many times while I was on the Board that every family in the District was my family, and every child in the District was my responsibility. Now that I have a child of my own, I think the parents of LTUSD will understand when I say that I need to focus on my own family for the time being.
Howie's Top 20 favorite Christmas movies
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/21/2020 - 10:14amChristmas started early for this guy once the pandemic hit. I put my Christmas lights up over the 4th of July and for a short while started watching Christmas movies too to try and get that feel-good feeling happening. Okay, I also did it because I wanted to watch movies where no one was wearing a mask and hugging one another without fear of being exposed. I’ve always enjoyed movies for their pure escapism and who doesn’t want to escape what we’ve been through already ya know? I also like being wrapped around a movie completely.
Former South Lake Tahoe CSO now Douglas County clerk-treasurer
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/18/2020 - 8:38amDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Former South Lake Tahoe Police Department Community Service Officer Amy Poole was named the new clerk-treasurer for Douglas County Thursday.
Poole was one of three candidates vying to fill Clerk-Treasurer Kathy Lewis's term. During the Douglas County Commissioner meeting, Poole was selected and fill the remaining two years of Lewis' term. Lewis resigned and her last day is Friday, December 18.
“I love every aspect of government,” said Poole Thursday. “I’m willing to be trained and I’m humble enough to know that the staff knows more than I do.”
Coronavirus vaccines arrive in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/17/2020 - 3:45pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The overnight snowstorm brought more than powder as the first shipment of the Pfitzer-BioNTech vaccine for the coronavirus arrived in South Lake Tahoe at Barton Hospital.
El Dorado County received a total of 975 doses with about five hundred doses shipped to South Lake Tahoe Thursday, Marshall Hospital in Placerville will receive theirs on Sunday. The local doses will be administered to Barton's healthcare workers and skilled nursing residents, beginning Friday, December 17.
Mono County and Southern California, San Joaquin regions prepare for stay-at-home orders
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/05/2020 - 3:39pmMono County, home to Mammoth Mountain, Bridgeport, and Topaz Lake, is set to go on Stay-at-Home orders with the rest of the Southern California counties on Sunday. They will join the San Joaquin region as areas set to move to the stricter health orders due to a rapidly dwindling supply of ICU beds.
South Lake Tahoe City Clerk earns Certified Municipal Clerk designation
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/04/2020 - 4:11pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Clerk Susan Blankenship has earned the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC), which was awarded by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), Inc.
IIMC grants the CMC designation only to those municipal clerks who complete demanding education requirements, and who have a record of significant contributions to their local government, their community and state.
Updated Lake Tahoe vacation home ordinance passed by El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/03/2020 - 11:59amEL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have passed an updated vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance for the Lake Tahoe portion of the county.
In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the second reading of the ordinance passed, one that adds a ceiling on the number of permits allowed. Supervisor Sue Novasel had to recuse herself because of a resident's request that she do so due to her husband's investment company.
Vote on new mayor, more recovery funds, and emergency order on South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/29/2020 - 3:26pmEvent Date:
December 1, 2020 - 9:00am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Following a special meeting on Monday to certify the November 3 election and say goodbye to outgoing councilmembers, newly elected Councilmembers Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich will be sworn in at the beginning of Tuesday's regular meeting.
The 9:00 a.m. meeting on December 1 will also include the following agenda items:
Local small business shopping more important now than ever
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/28/2020 - 10:40amSouth Lake Tahoe has a wide variety of small businesses from jewelry to experiences on the lake. With the impact of the pandemic on their business this is a perfect season to think of them while doing your shopping.
Small Business Saturday is November 28, the annual day after Black Friday to highlight shopping at the places who are a part of the community. They are the businesses we go to when seeking donations for silent auctions or to provide food for fundraisers. They are invested in the well-being of the South Shore community and to keep them here we need to support them now.
Letter to the Editor: The worse it gets, the more we need each other
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/20/2020 - 4:16pmWe are a very small congregation; we are following all the guidelines from State, County, City and our governing body Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Tattoo, hair, and massage parlors are allowed to remain open and deemed as “essential” for Personal Care Services. What about Spiritual Care Services?
When we are at church, we are one in Christ, in prayer, taking authority over the enemy and over the fallen things in this world. There is a supernatural power in the “two or three” gathering together!
Surge of COVID--19 cases in Alpine County concerns health officer
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/20/2020 - 9:51amALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The least populated county in California is just to the south of Lake Tahoe. Alpine County, population about 1,200, includes the towns of Markleeville, Woodfords, Kirkwood and Bear Valley. While not big, Alpine County is experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases just like the rest of the country.
Tahoe Chamber to hold webinar to help diffuse workplace tension in the current climate
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/07/2020 - 7:25pmEvent Date:
November 18, 2020 - 12:00pm
The South Shore business community is invited to attend the Tahoe Chamber’s next Level UP Webinar: Diffusing Workplace Tension – Politics, Polarization, and the Pandemic on November 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. This interactive webinar will be facilitated by Laura Moriarty of Tahoe Training Partners. She will provide productive solutions to difficult situations in the workplace.
El Dorado County down to 1,000 votes to count - Creegan and Friedrich new South Lake Tahoe councilmembers
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/06/2020 - 6:33pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Elections Department tabulated another 9,614 ballots on Friday, leaving about 1,000 provisional ballots left to count.
At this time, 115,339 ballots have been counted of the possible 135,554 voters (85.09%).
Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich appear to be the next two South Lake Tahoe City councilmembers. They led the race since the first ballots were counted on election day and came out victorious in the field of ten candidates.
Election results: Creegan and Friedrich still on top of Council race, Measure S passing
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 7:47pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Elections Department has tabulated another 16,320 ballots. They plan to have the count of 9,200 mail-in ballots completed Friday. Then there will be about 1,200 provisional ballots left to count and some ballots that were waiting on signature corrections.
At this time, 105,725 ballots have been counted of the possible 135,554 voters (77.99%).
Tahoe Douglas Rotary speaker: James Ellman about his book "Hitler’s Great Gamble”
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 9:59amEvent Date:
November 6, 2020 - 12:00pm
The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club will host researcher and author James Ellman during their virtual meeting on Friday, November 6.
Ellman will discuss his book, Hitler's Great Gamble: A New Look at German Strategy, Operation Barbarossa, and the Axis Defeat in World War II, during the 12:00 p.m. meeting and the public is invited to attend.
South Lake Tahoe's Measure S passing, Creegan and Friedrich leading
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/04/2020 - 8:53am4:00 p.m. UPDATE: There will be no more updates to the El Dorado County ballot count on Wednesday. According to election officials, mail in ballots are being counted but nothing will be updated on their website until tabulations occur Thursday afternoon.
There have been no updates since Tuesday night to the Douglas County election results.
South Lake Tahoe businesses can now apply for global "Safe Travels" stamp through LTVA
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/31/2020 - 10:16pmSouth Lake Tahoe has earned “Safe Travels stamp and global protocols” recognition as part of a progressive group working to restore confidence in travel from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Time to Fall Back as daylight saving time comes to an end for 2020
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/30/2020 - 9:31pmDaylight-saving time comes to an end for 2020 on Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 a.m. in much of the United States. Clocks will move back one hour as standard time starts its run.
The practice of having the time change started in the early 1900s as a way to make better use of daylight during the spring and summer months, so there is an extra hour of sunlight in the evening instead of the morning.
Letter: Candidate Grego weighs in on the issues
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/28/2020 - 11:40amI have read a number of candidate statements and articles about their hopes and aspirations for our community. I applaud each candidate that is running for local office; the challenge is getting their messages to voters.
I must say, however, despite all of the objectives that the candidates seek to achieve while in office, they are missing an important point. It is not only what you want to accomplish, but how to do so.
My history of involvement has spanned decades in our community and the positions that I have taken are of public record.
Letter to the Editor: Why are we subsidizing solar panels?
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 10:30pmAfter listening to some TedX speeches and my own observations and common knowledge of science, I have come to understand one of the major problems of renewable energy that I believe will make most of the wind mill and solar panel energy producing processes obsolete within a few years.
Column: Tourism Future at Tahoe South - Responsible, Sustainable Destination
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/23/2020 - 2:07pmWhile the consensus is that 2020 will look much better in the rearview mirror, it will leave indelible experiences that shape discussions, planning, and direction for years to come.
It certainly reinforces sustainability as the future of tourism here at Tahoe, with benchmarks to embrace including environmental integrity, economic development, and social equity for visitors and locals.
City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 5:23pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.
Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.
Letter: Duane Wallace letter to voters
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/18/2020 - 5:44pmDear Voters: Everyone knows what goes downhill, but the South Tahoe Public Utility District knows how to recycle it into 381,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. A recent feature article by the Association of California Water Agencies pointed out that STPUD is one of only a handful of utility districts in the entire world that can claim 100% reuse of wastewater and bio solids. Here’s how. We use centrifuges instead of the usual pollution causing burners. That allows us to make fertilizer for ranch land.
Letter to the Editor: We Choose a Voice For Locals
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 7:33amIt's a great thing to call for unity. It sounds good and feels good. But for far too long hollow calls for "working together" have become excuses for bulldozing over the needs of the people who live and work here in favor of the needs of the developers, resorts and casinos.
I chose the locals.
I choose to give a voice to those who are marginalized.
And if this seems like I’m causing trouble, then it is, as John Lewis called it, good trouble.
STPUD candidates respond to questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 9:37pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.
South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.
Douglas County Commissioners to possibly vote on new VHR regulations for Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/11/2020 - 1:25pmDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During their Thursday, October 15 meeting, the Douglas County commissioners will hear a presentation about the work done by an appointed task force about vacation home rentals (VHRs) in Tahoe Township. The agenda item is listed as having possible action by the commissioners.
City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 8:12pmOn April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
South Lake Tahoe resident celebrates her 99th birthday
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 2:41pmIn the year 1921, New York Yankee Babe Ruth hit his 138th homerun as the team made their first World Series appearance, Coco Chanel introduces "Chanel No. 5". Boeing obtains orders for aircraft and abandons furniture-making, Albert Einstein receives the Nobel Prize in Physics, Woodrow Wilson (until March 4) and Warren G. Harding (from March 4) were president, and technology made advancements towards what would be the first television. Charles Bronson, Nancy Reagan, and John Glenn were born.
SLT Council Candidate Cristi Creegan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/06/2020 - 1:44pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Cristi Creegan
Profession: Business Owner
How many years in SLT: 23 years
Fire Chief tells how Measure S can help fund needs in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/05/2020 - 10:49pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be hard to find someone in favor of taxes, but with them being the reason many things in this world are funded, they are accepted to some degree.
On November 3, the City of South Lake Tahoe will be asking voters for support of a one-cent local sales tax known as Measure S.
SLT Council Candidate Bruce Grego
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 4:07pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Bruce Grego
Profession: Attorney
How many years in SLT: 53 years
SLT Council Candidate Scott Robbins
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/02/2020 - 3:41pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Scott Robbins
Profession: National Security Analysist
How many years in SLT: 4
SLT Council Candidate Keith Roberts
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 12:07pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Keith Roberts.
Profession: Executive Chef
How many years in SLT: 5 years
SLT Council Candidate Daniel P. Browne, Jr.
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 4:12pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Daniel P. Browne, Jr.
Occupation: Veteran and Retired Businessman
How many years in SLT: 48 Years
US50 Echo Summit one lane closure starts Sunday night
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/13/2020 - 4:02pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Motorists over US50 Echo Summit will have continuous one-way traffic control starting Sunday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m. The Sidehill Viaduct Project enters its final stages with almost five days of bridge destruction and then complete road closure for two weeks as seven precast, prestressed 96-foot bridge girders are installed, along with associated work.
Sunday, Sept. 13 - 8:00 p.m. - Continuous one-way traffic control begins
Friday, Sept. 18 - About 3:00 a.m. - Full closure of highway
Column: Climate change front and center at Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 10:03amAs ashes fell delicately from a blazing orange sky earlier this week, Lake Tahoe got a jarring glimpse of just one of the threats of the climate crisis. The frequency and intensity of wildfires in the West are breaking records and destroying communities. Scientists are also measuring wilder weather patterns, more severe droughts, and changing ecosystems as the planet’s temperature rises. More drought means more dead trees, and hotter summers mean a longer and more
severe fire season.
Constitution Week celebrated by local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 10:51amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law the resolution that annually celebrated the Constitution during the week of September 17 to 23.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Lake Tahoe Chapter will honor the Constitution with a display in the South Lake Tahoe branch of the El Dorado library. It went up September 1 and will be there the entire month.
IRS and Department of Justice phone scams circulating in area
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 8:11amThere are currently some scams currently spreading through the area from phone calls from IRS and Department of Justice impostors.
The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an impostor scam. The department strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target the elderly.
South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 5:03pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.
Interactive story book released to highlight the 59,000-acre Lake Tahoe West restoration project
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/23/2020 - 11:56amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.—Lake Tahoe West partners have released an interactive “story map” to explain ongoing and proposed actions to restore forests and watersheds across 59,000 acres of Lake Tahoe’s west shore. (StoryMap Here)
Are you ready in case of a wildfire at Lake Tahoe?
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/19/2020 - 7:05pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With 367 current wildfires in the state of California, fire fighting resources are spread thin. Calfire If there was a fire in South Lake Tahoe, are you prepared?
Tens of thousands of residents are evacuated from their homes in Napa, Sonoma, Santa Cruz, Salinas, Grass Valley, Nevada City and other cities in the state. Most of the fires were started by a massive lightning storm over Northern California Sunday where over 10,800 lightning strikes were observed.