homelessness

Where and how to get COVID-19 vaccines in counties around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH 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.

Homeless coalition completes purchase of three South Lake Tahoe motels; move-ins begin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After Governor Newsom announced the state would be giving the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) almost $10 million, the local nonprofit quickly bought three motels to meet its goal of ending homelessness in South Lake Tahoe. The September announcement of the Project Homekey grant came with an end-of-the-year deadline so California communities would get the ball rolling on sheltering the chronic homeless.

New COVID-19 travel advisory in California: Stay within 120 miles of home

The California Department of Public Health issued a revised Travel Advisory on Tuesday, January 6, 2021, one that supersedes the previous order issued in November and one meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. This new advisory affects all counties in California, whether they are under a Regional Stay Home Order or not.

The updated travel advisory

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless begins move-ins at purchased motels

SOUTH 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.

Vail Resorts CEO donates $3.3M to mountain communities, over $400,000 to Lake Tahoe area

Vail Resorts’ Chief Executive Officer, Rob Katz, and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, today announced more than $3.3 million in COVID-19 emergency relief and behavioral health grants.

In nine communities where Vail Resorts operates, these separate donations will support local nonprofits’ ongoing efforts to (1) provide critical need services throughout the pandemic and (2) improve access to and affordability of mental and behavioral health services.

City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions

SOUTH 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 to the Editor: Choose Unity over Division

We are both running for South Lake Tahoe City Council to move our community past division, negativity, misinformation and finger pointing, and toward common ground solutions on critical issues. We’re all in this together.

SLT Council Candidate John Friedrich

South 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 John Friedrich

Profession: Founder and Director, Tahoe Green Jobs Initiative

How many years in SLT: 15

Tahoe Prosperity Center supports Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless - Project Homekey

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless will receive significant funding in the first round of awards for Project Homekey. The funds awarded will support the local community to purchase and rehabilitate housing, including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other properties, and convert them into permanent, long-term housing for people facing homelessness and those currently in insufficient short-term housing. We strongly support the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and their Project Homekey plans.

South Lake Tahoe among first to receive homeless housing funds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) will be receiving $9,576,000 to help their goal of ending homelessness in South Lake Tahoe. The community was one of seven California cities and counties to receive the first wave of Project Homekey grants totaling $76.5 million.

South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions

SOUTH 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.

SLT Police team with others to start South Tahoe Alternative Collaborative Services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A collaboration between the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, El Dorado County Behavioral Health, Barton Health and the Caltahoe JPA ambulance will be bringing a new service to South Lake Tahoe community members in crisis.

The emerging collaboration is called the South Tahoe Alternative Collaborative Services (STACS).

Promotions for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - New South Lake Tahoe Police Chief David Stevenson was sworn in during a ceremony on Monday, receiving his official badge from his wife Jennifer in front of his mother and sister. The virtual ceremony had just a few attendees due to COVID-19 restrictions, but many were able to log onto their phones and computers and watch the 25-year veteran of the force, and South Tahoe High graduate, move into the top spot in the police department.

Undersheriff Randy Peshon retires leaving a legacy of programs for the community

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There will be some very big shoes to fill when finding a replacement for retiring El Dorado County Undersheriff Randy Peshon. On Tuesday, June 30, Peshon will be putting his badge on for the very last time. For 43 years he's been in some level of law enforcement, the last 33 years in El Dorado County.

During his career in El Dorado County, Peshon has been at the forefront of change from implementing a change in culture at the jail in South Lake Tahoe to getting the new Public Safety Facility built under budget and ahead of schedule.

South Lake Tahoe Police HOT team addressing homeless concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Members of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) now make up the city's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), giving them the ability to help change homelessness through relationship building and ongoing collaborative efforts while protecting the whole community.

Tahoe Homeless Coalition housed 148 people this winter; New services now offered

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) had settled into their new winter home on 3rd Street in South Lake Tahoe when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing them to look for a larger space to get more people off the streets.

The City of South Lake Tahoe opened its recreation center to the nonprofit as it was already closed due to the pandemic, allowing TCH to add more beds and services and become a 24/7 facility.

Warm Room expands and relocates to assist South Lake Tahoe homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) as relocated its Warm Room operations to the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center in order to provide a 24/7 shelter for the most vulnerable residents until at least April 30.

In addition to their expanded operations they have also made the following changes:

● Set up 8 isolation bays for people experiencing non-COVID-19 symptoms.
● Providing 22 private motel rooms for our vulnerable seniors and those experiencing complex underlying health conditions.

Tahoe Homeless Coalition adjusts to COVID-19: Operations now 24 hours/day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the rapidly changing health crisis brought by coronavirus and COVID-10, the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) has a new
coordinated COVID-19 response and will be open 24-hours-a-day through April.

In preparation for increased utilization and operational capacity surging expected for the next several months, TCH has made the changes to their sheltering and support service programs. They have seen a 30 percent increase in nightly shelter requests and anticipate that number will increase significantly over the coming weeks.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler says goodbye; March retirement date set

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In just two weeks the City of South Lake Tahoe will be saying goodbye to its sixth police chief since becoming incorporated in 1965.

Chief Brian Uhler will be wrapping up a 40-year career in law enforcement when he retires from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on March 12, 2020. He has been the second-longest serving chief, coming within a couple of months of the City's second police chief, John Crow.

SnowGlobe and guests contribute 213 nights at Tahoe Warm Room; Make strides on waste reduction

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - MTV’s SnowGlobe Music Festival has a continued commitment to give back to the South Lake Tahoe community each year, both during and after the three-day outdoor festival.

SnowGlobe 2019 was able to successfully expand their sustainability program, non-profit, and charitable giving initiatives, they said in a report released Monday.

In 2017, SnowGlobe began its partnership with The Sugar Pine Foundation, planting 200 sugar pine seedlings to help restore Lake Tahoe’s sugar pine population, which now makes up less than 5 percent of the Tahoe Forest.

17th annual Drug Store Project seeks volunteers and donations

Can one event make a difference? We believe it does, one life at a time.

New executive director named for Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has announced the hiring of a new executive director for their nonprofit.

Cheyenne Purrington will be taking over on January 2, 2020 Dr, Marissa Muscat who announced earlier this year she would be stepping down.

Warm Room plans to open in South Lake Tahoe on Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Warm Room is set to open for the winter on Monday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m. The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) announced today they have secured 989 Third Street for their location this season and will open pending completion of a final City inspection.

During the winter, TCH provides overnight refuge from the elements at the Warm Room. The Warm Room provides a safe and warm environment for adult men and women who are experiencing homelessness.

Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble raise almost $4K for Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This year's Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble were once again successful, this time raising almost $4,000 for the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH).

The City of South Lake Tahoe and TCH were cosponsors of the event and are thanking the community for their support.

“This event just keeps getting better and better and that is thanks in large part to the community support,” said Recreation Superintendent Lauren Thomaselli. “This year's Turkey Trot was one of the best we’ve had and all raised money and donations for some very worthy causes.”

Training to be held for South Lake Tahoe Warm Room volunteers

The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless will host training sessions for members of the community who would like to become new Warm Room volunteers this season. The Warm Room in South Lake Tahoe is an overnight emergency shelter that operates three-four months during the winter.

Collaborative efforts in South Lake Tahoe and the County keep 30 people from being homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has been recognized for setting the stage as the county-wide homeless strategic planning process is about to begin. They utilized a one-time grant of $30,000 to help 30 people in 17 households avoid homelessness in El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. In the last four months, efforts by the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and the El Dorado Opportunity Knocks Continuum of Care (EDOK) have utilized almost the whole grant that was provided through El Dorado County Health and Human Services

2nd annual Turkey Trot in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 24, 2019 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and City of South Lake Tahoe are bringing back the popular Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 24. This second annual event to raise much-needed funds for the nonprofit and their seasonal Warm Room. The Trot is held at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center, 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe.

9:45 a.m. - Gobble Wobble (10 and under) begins promptly at 9:45a
10:30 a.m. - 5k run for ages 11 and above

New housing opportunities for homeless transitional aged youth in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Youth & Family Services (TYFS) has announced a groundbreaking new Transitional Living, Rapid Re-housing, and Homeless Prevention Program for transitional aged youth (18-24 years old) that are currently homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless in South Lake Tahoe. This homeless prevention program is a one-time block grant funded by the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) and will be available to our community over the next two years.

Keith Klein ~ 1941 - 2019

Keith Karl Klein, age 78, died peacefully at his home in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, surrounded by his wife and close friends, following a recent diagnosis of cancer.

Kudos: Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless thanks community for successful Tahoe Beach Bash

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless is proud to announce that the Tahoe Beach Bash was a huge success! We would like to extend a special thank you to The Beach Retreat and Lodge at Tahoe for their generosity in allowing us to host the Tahoe Beach Bash in their incredible lake-front outdoor space. The turnout for this event surpassed our expectations and we were able to raise much-needed funds to help us run our programs including the operation of the Warm Room and other outreach services on the South Shore.

Placerville area homeless helped by collaboration led by El Dorado County Sheriff's Office

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - "Instead of trying to find a way to eliminate the homeless, we now have the ability to change homelessness with a new approach - and it is working," said current El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) Detective Chris Macras when South Tahoe Now spent a day with him and the EDSO HOT team in 2017.

Tahoe Beach Bash to raise funds for Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

Event Date: 
July 20, 2019 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A family friendly event has been planned by the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless at their Tahoe Beach Bash on Saturday, July 20 from noon - 4:00 p.m.

This year’s event is being held at The Beach Retreat and Lodge located at 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe. The Beach Bash includes live music, beachside barbecue, silent auction, games, a bounce house, face painting, beautiful lake views, beer and wine tasting, Homebrew for the Homeless’s home-brewed beer contest, and more.

All proceeds go to Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless.

Grant applications being accepted for $50,000 in funding to improve community health

The Barton Foundation will be awarding $50,000 in grant funding to improve community health across the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. As part of Barton Health’s commitment to community health and collaboration, these annual grants provides funding for programs and services that positively impact the health of the local community. Applications are now being accepted through May 31, 2019. Grant criteria and the application can be found online at bartonhealth.org/foundation/grants. For more information, contact Tania Pilkinton at 530.543.5614.

Tahoe Homeless Coalition receives grant for year-round mental health services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A donation from Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam is allowing the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) to offer more mental health services to those experiencing homelessness on the South Shore.

In December, the Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust made more than $2M in contributions to support emotional wellness programs in nearly every mountain resort community in which Vail Resorts operates, including South Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County Sheriff D'Agostini to speak in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
March 19, 2019 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to join El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini as he presents "Criminal Activity: Awareness, Reporting & Prevention" on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Library.

He will discuss topics the South Shore community is interested in including homelessness, crime trends and the most common financial scams targeting our communities and ways to avoid falling victim to scammers.

In addition, the Sheriff encourages questions from the audience on any other subjects that are of concern.

Tahoe Warm Room open house for the community

Event Date: 
February 7, 2019 - 3:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless is hosting an open house at the South Lake Tahoe Warm Room on February 7, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will begin with tours of the Warm Room from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Warm Room is the overnight emergency shelter we operate each winter to give our homeless neighbors respite from the worst of the winter weather. This year the Warm Room is located at 1201 Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe, next door to Ernie’s Coffee Shop.

Tahoe Warm Room finds new location - opens December 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has announced the opening of their Warm Room for the 2018-19 season on Wednesday, December 12. This year they will be located inside the old Emerald Bay Dentistry office at 1201 Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe.

The Warm Room will operate nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. through April 2019.

For the fourth year, the Warm Room will provide overnight refuge from the elements in a safe and warm environment for approximately twenty-five adult men and women who are experiencing homelessness during winter months.

Janet Jackson brings high energy and endless hits to Lake Tahoe

STATELINE, Nev. - Fans of pop star Janet Jackson have been waiting a long time to see her on tour, and after Friday night's concert at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys they can say it was worth the wait.

Jackson had to put a halt to her 2015 tour and have surgery, then her tour ended again in 2016 after she announced her pregnancy. Now she has hit the road with her long-awaited State of the World Tour.

Letter: Mechanics Bank donates to Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) is grateful to Mechanics Bank for a corporate donation of $2500. Founded in 1905, Mechanics Bank provides personal banking, business banking, trust and estate services, brokerage and wealth management services throughout California. Merchants Bank invests in the same communities in which they live and work.

Homebrew for the Homeless event on the beach in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 28, 2018 - 12:00pm

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has announced they are hosting the Tahoe Beach Bash, featuring the 4th annual Homebrew for the Homeless on Saturday, July 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Tahoe Beach Retreat and Lodge in South Lake Tahoe.

This family-friendly event, presented by Tahoe Beach Retreat, features live music, homebrew beer competition, lakeside BBQ, bounce house, local vendors, child-friendly obstacle course, and other entertaining activities for people of all ages.

City Council makes it official: Dirk Brazil's interim city manager contract approved

He's been on the job for a few weeks, meeting with staff and getting to know the ropes in South Lake Tahoe, but Dirk Brazil's employment contract for the interim city manager position was officially approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting, his first official day on the job.

Dirk Brazil ready to take on interim city manager role for South Lake Tahoe

Recently retired from the City of Davis, Dirk Brazil has been selected to become the City of South Lake Tahoe's interim city manager starting June 5.

Even though he doesn't start officially until next month, Brazil has been in town meeting with various stakeholders and getting to know the city.

He said a lot of things in a city are the same, departments and their functions are similar, but each one has its own issues.

WNC student tackles affordable housing in shipping containers

Two pressing issues in Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada are problems encountered by cities throughout the country, affordable housing and homelessness, and a student at Western Nevada College believes he has a viable solution.

Western Nevada College (WNC) student Masih Madani is devoted to seeing these two issues addressed by constructing tiny houses from out-of-circulation shipping containers. The 320-square-foot galvanized steel containers can be stacked side by side, as well as on top of each other, creating a variety of housing possibilities.

From homeless to housed, EDSO Homeless Outreach Team is making a difference

"Instead of trying to find a way to eliminate the homeless, we now have the ability to change homelessness with a new approach - and it is working," said El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Macras.

Kudos: “Faces of Homelessness” appreciation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A gracious “thank you” to those who participated in the “Faces of Homelessness” on October 26, 2017 at Valhalla, especially our primary event sponsors Temple Bat Yam and the Tahoe Chamber. It was warm inside the great room, with a fire roaring behind our presenters; however, their accounts of being homeless were quite chilling. Six adults and local middle school and high school youth provided touching accounts of their personal stories of homelessness to an audience of strangers.

Op/Ed: How we can be a community and help one another

Have you ever made a decision that took you down the wrong path in life? Boy. I sure have.

Have you ever stumbled and fallen when facing challenges that seemed insurmountable? I’m raising my hand.

Did life ever throw you a curveball that you didn’t see coming, and perhaps you reacted in a way that didn’t serve you well? This has happened to me more times than I can count.

Do you or someone close to you struggle with addiction or mental health challenges? My family and personal relationships certainly haven’t been immune to either of these troubling issues.

Speaker series, Faces of Homelessness, coming to South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
October 26, 2017 - 5:30pm

Faces of Homelessness, an event hosted by the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, will take plan on Thursday, October 26 at the historic Valhalla Tahoe at 5:30 p.m.

Around the country, formerly homeless individuals are sharing their stories through a series of Faces of Homelessness panel discussions. The South Lake Tahoe version will feature speakers from Northern California, including Lake Tahoe.

Homelessness is a housing issue in South Lake Tahoe and beyond

Homelessness isn’t just a South Lake Tahoe issue. It isn’t just an El Dorado county issue. It isn't just a California problem, though the state ranks 49th in housing units per capita.

And it isn't a problem that is going away any time soon and will take a change in the way the problem is currently being addressed to be solved. For every 100 people who are added to the population of California there are only 32 housing units built to house them.

Next TRYP Tahoe Town Hall: Addressing Homelessness

Event Date: 
August 30, 2017 - 6:00pm

The Tahoe Regional Young Professionals (TRYP) will be hosting the next installment in the Tahoe Town Hall series on August 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Beach Retreat Conference Center at 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The event, Tahoe Town Hall: Addressing Homelessness, is free to the public, and will feature a panel of experts to discuss the homelessness issue in South Lake Tahoe.

Family fun at Homebrew for the Homeless fundraiser

Event Date: 
September 23, 2017 - 3:30pm

The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless is holding their annual fundraiser, Homebrew for the Homeless, on Saturday, September 23 at the DDRC in Minden, Nevada from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This is a family-friendly event, presented in collaboration with Hops Envy, and will feature live music, a homebrew beer competition, Poker Run, chili cook-off as well as horseback rides, face painting lawn games and bounce house for children. There will also be food and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be a silent auction.

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