illegal

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.

New California laws in 2017: Human trafficking, car seats, cell phones and more

Denim is now the state’s official fabric to recognize its role in California history, and every autographed collectible sold in California must come with a certificate that verifies it's not a forgery. Those are just two of 898 new laws facing Californians in 2017.

Here are just a few of them compiled in part by California Highway Patrol (CHP):

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.

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.

CVS now sells overdose reversal drug over the counter in Nevada and California

CVS announced today that it will now sell the opioid overdose antidote naloxone without a prescription in all of their Nevada locations. This brings the total to 37 states where the drugstore chains sells naloxone over-the-counter, including California.

Five businesses cited for selling alcohol to minors in Douglas County

Five Douglas County businesses were recently cited for selling alcohol to minors.

On November 2, Douglas County Sheriff's Office visited 28 businesses with liquor licenses to determine if they were being compliant with state law and not selling to minors.

Wal-Mart North County, Maverick, World Market, Grocery Outlet and Lucky Discount Liquor all received citations for furnishing alcohol to people under the age of 21. The employees who sold the alcohol was also cited.

The following businesses were checked and they successfully passed the alcohol compliance check.

Alleged sales of marijuana edibles at Douglas High leads to arrest and hospital visit

One student at Douglas High School in Minden was arrested along with a nearby resident after allegedly selling marijuana laced Rice Krispie treats on school groups which led to one student needing medical treatment.

On November 3 an investigation began after a student complained of feelings of anxiety and an accelerated heart rate. She said she may have eaten a Rice Crispy square laced with marijuana earlier in the day and named another female student as the person who brought the edible marijuana to school.

The ill student was taken to a medical facility for treatment by her parent.

Is South Lake Tahoe safer after passage of the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act?

The current crime and police officer staffing statistics in City of South Lake Tahoe is consistent with the State of California as a whole. Most of the crimes for which the Safe Neighborhood and Schools Act have mandated a reduction in criminal penalties have increased in our city. Also consistent with state-wide statistics is the reduction in numbers of South Lake Tahoe police officers available to address local crime.

What Denver DA wants Californians to know about legalizing marijuana

As voters in California prepare to vote either for or against Proposition 64, the legalization of marijuana, the District Attorney of Denver has written a letter warning against "yes" votes, and shares what they learned as a state since legalizing the recreational use of the drug.

Mitchell R. Morrissey said the promises made in the proposition are "lies."

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story may be updated when provided.

10/23/16

1:15 a.m. - Disorderly Conduct: Alcoholo - Jicarilla Dr - A 34-YEAR-OLD MALE WAS ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION. THE SUSPECT WAS BOOKED INTO EDCJ AND LATER RELEASED
PURSUANT TO 849(B)(2) PC.

6:56 a.m. - Death Investigation - South Lake Tahoe - 89-YEAR-OLD FEMALE DECEASED.

US Coast Guard has record year in drug seizures - $5.6 billion worth

With a growing cocaine problem, not only in South Lake Tahoe but in the whole country, the U.S Coastguard and their interagency partners are being kept busy seizing the drug from ships in the Pacific Ocean headed to the United States.

The Coast Guard broke records over the last 12 months by removing more than 416,000 pounds of cocaine worth over $5.6 billion from boats and ships. Their previous record was 367,700 pounds seized in 2008.

Special fraud officer appointed to oversee elections in El Dorado County

A special election officer has been appointed by the U.S. Attorney's Office to oversee any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud," said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. "The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from October 1 - 11, 2016.

10/1/16: 10 calls - 5 EMS, 1 interfacility psych transfer, 1 person in distress, 2 illegal attempts to burn, 1 alarm sounded - no fire

10/2/16: 7 calls - 3 EMS, 1 building fire, 1 vehicle accident with injuries, 1 interfacility psych transfer, 1 chimney or flue fire

10/3/16: 8 calls - 4 EMS, 2 interfacility transfers, 1 gas leak, 1 good intent call

10/4/16: 7 calls - 5 EMS, 1 no incidents found upon arrival

SLEDNET: South Shore drug task force dissolved

For the past several months there has been no official SLEDNET servicing the South Shore, and today it was announced that the drug task force that has been serving the community since 1988 has dissolved.

NHP urges caution as 50,000 bikers take to roads during Street Vibrations

The 2016 Street Vibrations Motorcycle Rally is underway and the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) is asking all motorists to use extra caution over the weekend. An estimated 50,000 motorcycle enthusiasts will take to northern Nevada streets during the event which runs September 21 - 25.

The NHP today announced that while they wish participating and or spectating to have a great time at the event, they also urge to be aware of this large influx of motorcycles and keep your eyes out for them while operating on our highways.

10 cited for alleged illegal contracting violations during South Lake Tahoe sting

Contractors State License Board (CSLB) investigators working with investigators from the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office cited ten men posing as licensed contractors during a recent sting operation.

Four of the individuals caught are Nevada residents, and the other six are South Lake Tahoe locals.

Posing as homeowners, investigators invited suspected unlicensed contractors to place bids on home improvement projects for a single-family home near the Tahoe Paradise Golf Course. Suspects placed bids ranging from $1,150 for interior painting to $6,000 for tile installation.

Another small fire in South Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning

The eighth fire in ten days broke out early Wednesday morning in South Lake Tahoe, this time on Edna Street near Pioneer Trail. Just under one-half of an acre of National Forest Service land burned in the 12:30 a.m. fire which burned a short distance away from Friday's Ralph Drive fire.

Firefighters from US Forest Service, South Lake Tahoe, Lake Valley and Cal Fire all responded and got the fire under control quickly, and had the area contained with a wet line by 6:46 a.m.

Here is a breakdown of the recent fires:

Fire danger at Lake Tahoe remains a concern for fire officials

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is reminding the public that fire danger in the Lake Tahoe Basin remains high due to the ongoing drought and lack of precipitation. Illegal campfires and warming fires continue to be a concern for fire officials and are the major cause of wildfires in the basin. Fire restrictions are still in effect on National Forest land and will remain in effect until the official end of fire season.

Another suspicious fire on the South Shore, this time in Rabe Meadows

A series of fires along the South Shore of Lake Tahoe are still under investigation and have caused some concern among residents. The most recent one, on Tuesday, burned a portion of grass at Rabe Meadow near Kahle Drive at Stateline.

The fire, which burned a patch 30 feet by 40 feet, was reported at 10:13 a.m. Both Tahoe Douglas Fire Department and the US Forest Service responded.

Placerville business owner pleads guilty to filing more than $60 million in tax refunds

The owner of Advanced Financial Services (AFS) in Placerville pleaded guilty to filing more than 250 false claims for refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) along with two of her employees. They all face large fines and years in jail.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

8/21/16

12:25 a.m. - Driving on a Suspended License - Highway 50 - 61-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED.

12:25 a.m. - Vacation Rental - Blitzen Rd - DISPATCHED TO RESIDENCE FOR NOISE COMPLAINT.

11:27 a.m. - Reckless Driving - Chris Ave - SUSPECTS: FEMALE AGE 25, MALE AGE 44

Small fires started this summer at transient camps around South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and other area fire departments have responded to several illegal cooking fires in homeless encampments this summer, some which have spread to burn up to several hundred feet.

The cause of the July 19 fires behind the power station by the Heavenly Gondola and in the Trout Creek area behind Ross are still under investigation, but sources have said they were both most likely started by illegal campfires. Fire crews also responded to transient camp fires on July 27 and August 8 as well as several illegal cooking fires.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Incidents

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from July 13 to July 31, 2016.

7/13 - 14 calls: 9 EMS, 1 psych interfacility transfer, 3 smoke scare/smell of smoke, 1 canceled en route.

7/14 - 11 calls: 7 EMS, 1 public service call, 2 interfacility transfers, 1 no incident found.

7/15 - 8 calls: 5 EMS, 2 interfacility transfer, 1 smoke detector malfunction.

7/16 - 17 calls: 14 EMS, 1 citizen complaint, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 canceled en route.

7/17 - 10 calls: 8 EMS, 1 grass fire at rear of 1030 Al Tahoe Blvd, 1 canceled en route.

NHP interviews person of interest in illegal traffic stops

As a followup to a story carried on South Tahoe Now Wednesday, a person of interest came forward today in the alleged illegal attempted traffic stop on southbound IR580 in the area of the Mt. Rose Highway.

Members of the Nevada Highway Patrol contacted and thoroughly interviewed the unidentified man who attempted to pull over a motorist with an unmarked pickup truck.

New regulations for South Lake Tahoe massage parlors and therapists

There will soon be a new ordinance in the City of South Lake Tahoe that will regulate massages, massage establishments and massage therapists.

"We will be raising the level of standards to legitimize the industry," said Mayor Wendy David.

There are currently 125 licensed massage therapists in the City, and an unknown number of people who are not. The new ordinance will be in place to make all comply and be licensed therapists in 90 days, or they cannot conduct business.

1882 pounds of illegal fireworks confiscated at Truckee "bug" station

Fire and law enforcement officers across the State are working together to confiscate illegal fireworks and get them off the street. In Placer County, an announced inspection of all vehicles going through the Truckee agricultural station netted 1,882 pounds of illegal fireworks, resulting in 20 misdemeanor citations and seven felony arrests.

In another operation, CAL FIRE joined a multi-agency fireworks seizure operation in San Bernardino County that resulted in the confiscation of 25,406 pounds of illegal fireworks, 51 misdemeanor citations issued, as well as two felony arrests.

USFS asks public to stay safe during the Fourth of July holiday at Lake Tahoe

The Fourth of July holiday period is the busiest time of year in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For those visiting during the holiday and attending one of the firework displays over the lake, expect extremely crowded conditions and excess traffic. Because of the Basin’s high elevation, expect intense sunlight during the day and much lower temperatures at night. Bring sunscreen, a jacket, and carry a flashlight. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Incidents

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from June 16 - June 23, 2016.

6/16 - 6 calls: 5 EMS, 1 "no incident found upon arrival"

6/17 - 14 calls: 7 EMS, 1 call to assist invalid, 1 steam/vapor thought to be smoke, 1 gas leak, 1 dispatch error, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 unauthorized burning, 1 medical assist

6/18 - 6 calls: 5 EMS, 1 false alarm

6/19 - 6 calls: 3 EMS, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 unauthorized burning, 1 attempted illegal burning

Nine years since Angora Fire: AlertTahoe cameras try to avoid another disaster

Nine years after the devastating Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe, the AlertTahoe system of cameras around the Lake Tahoe basin is helping to prevent another such disaster.

June 6, 2016: The Sagehen Fire, north of Truckee, broke out and was quickly extinguished by the USFS, Northstar and Truckee Fire Departments.

June 9, 2016: The Truckee Meadows Fire Department quickly put out the Patrick Fire off Interstate 80, near Reno.

Boating under the influence focus of Lake Tahoe campaign this weekend

As the summer recreational boating season gets into full swing, several law enforcement agencies are ramping up enforcement of boating under the influence laws on Lake Tahoe and other bodies of water. This is all part of a national safety campaign that begins this weekend, June 25 and 26 to heighten awareness and enforcement. Operation Dry Water focuses on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Think First - Keep Tahoe Fire Safe

June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. And nine years later, the 2007 Angora Fire remains a vivid remember that wildfire is one of the greatest threats facing our environment, our homes, and our businesses. We must prepare accordingly.

Our region continues to take important steps to manage that wildfire threat, improve the health of our forests, and create fire adapted communities that are prepared for the next wildfire at Tahoe. But there is more work to do.

Opinion: Massage Parlors in South Lake Tahoe, Legitimate or Not?

Event Date: 
June 7, 2016 (All day)

Massage parlors are formally known for giving massages as well as allowing an opportunity for relaxation, however, local massage parlors have recently been accused of giving “happy endings” at the end of their sessions, which is considered prostitution. Without question, this activity is giving our beautiful town a bad reputation, creating the possibility of an economic downturn, and an increase in local crime.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

5/8
6:19 p.m. - Domestic Dispute - Wintoon Drive

5/9
11:35 a.m. - Burglary - Johnson Pass Rd - REPORTING PARTY REPORTED A BURGLARY

5/10

Bijou Bike Park: Preventing damage, safety issues and planned updates

Sledders and snowboarders this season were not kind to the new Bijou Bike Park, breaking down banked trails, overturning tables and benches, and leaving the area full of trash.

At Thursday's South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, City staff, commissions and bike enthusiasts discussed how to ensure the damage and some other issues at the park come to an end.

Letter to the Editor: Why vote for Bernie Sanders

In a representative democracy, the system the United States supposedly has, the policy making is controlled by the representatives elected by the people. The idea behind representative democracy is that people will elect representatives that will serve their best interest. However, in the United States the funding for election campaigns is provided by large corporations, banks, and a handful of wealthy individuals that results in the election of representatives who serve the best interests of the large corporations, banks, and wealthy individuals.

Sunday's home explosion highlights issue of BHO labs in South Lake Tahoe

Sunday night's honey oil lab explosion in a South Lake Tahoe home could have been much, much worse. Neighboring homes could have burned, people could have died.

While the incident on Plum Street is still under investigation by the South Lake El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team (SLEDNET), and few details have been released, the subject is one of not only local concern, but one of national concern.

NDOT: Slow down and focus to eliminate Work Zone crashes

With the return of road improvement projects along Lake Tahoe and other Nevada roads, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Highway Patrol are reminding motorist to drive safely in road work zones, not only during this week which is National Work Zone Awareness Week, but all year long.

From July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2015, there were 166 crashes in Washoe County work zones, resulting in 53 injuries and two fatalities. Statewide in Nevada, these numbers were significantly hire during the same periord: 1020 crashes, 612 injuries and 12 fatalities.

Hopeful Henry: The Bears are Back!

Dear Henry,

I’m a local and have noticed the bears are back! I’ve already seen cubs and a lot more sightings in my neighborhood when compared to last year. Could you cover some bear safety tips in your article for those who are new to area or visiting in one of the many vacation homes?

Thanks,
Ron

Thanks Ron,

Illegitimate massage parlors focus of proposed South Lake Tahoe enforcement

The definition of a massage parlor according to Wikipedia is: A place where massage services are provided. Some massage parlors are fronts for prostitution and the term "massage parlor" has also become a euphemism for a brothel, to the annoyance of professional masseurs.

Sheriff warns of dangers of sexting and human trafficking of youth

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is concerned about a growing trend with the use of social media by youth, and has shared a warning from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Human Trafficking Bureau on dangers of “sexting” and the potential of pedophiles coercing children into unsafe acts.

10 Things Parents Can Do About the Dangers of “Sexting”

1. Talk with your child about the potential dangers of Internet activities. Tell them you have a responsibility to monitor their Internet use and will check their accounts periodically.

South Lake Tahoe is not immune to Human Trafficking

This is part two in a series of a look into Human Trafficking in South Lake Tahoe.

Human trafficking. Its not just a Third World problem, its not just a big city problem, and its not a poor or rich problem. There are millions around the world who are victims to human trafficking, a business that is estimated to be a $32 billion industry.

And its happening in our backyard.

The facts are sobering.

South Lake Tahoe investigation leads to Georgetown drug bust

An investigation into the sales of drugs surrounding the murder of Dennis Wright, Jr. in South Lake Tahoe last month led the El Dorado County Sheriff SWAT team to Georgetown, Calif., on February 2, 2016 where they arrested 33-year-old Teveraz Lopez on drug charges.

Two separate investigations are currently ongoing surrounding the death of Wright, both a homicide investigation and a narcotics investigation according to EDSO Lt. Jim Byers.

Vaping becoming an issue in South Lake Tahoe schools

South Tahoe High's Principal Chad Houck made a phone call to parents last week, warning them of the increased use (and subsequent detection) among teens of what is known as "vaping."

Vaping is to "inhale and exhale the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device." The devices are vaporizers, and what goes inside them became popular as a way to cut back on smoking cigarettes starting in 2007, but a 2014 Science News study showed that vaping did not boost quit rates.

Assault and larceny crimes on the rise in South Lake Tahoe and County

Crime statistics for South Lake Tahoe, Placerville and the unincorporated area of El Dorado County have been released for 2015, and while some areas have seen a decrease in some types of crime, others have seen some significant changes between 2014 and 2015.

Fear of freezing to death prompts two criminals to call 911

Two men trying to evade arrest on January 22, ended up calling 911 and telling officers they were freezing to death and in fear of dying.

Tristen Crossland and Derek Dion were the lone occupants of a car that was pulled over by a California Fish and Wildlife officer on the morning of Friday, January 22, near Highway 50 and Wrights Lake Road when they decided to flee on foot.

South Lake Tahoe arrests down over the New Year holiday

As usual, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department bolstered our patrol staffing to meet the emergency response needs of our crowded City during the New Year celebration period. There were squads of officers patrolling the state line area, the Snow Globe festival and extra officers were also assigned to work patrol throughout the City. South Lake Tahoe was quite full with holiday revelers, and the number of calls for emergency police responses was consistent with recent past years. We are pleased to report there was a decrease in arrests as compared to last year.

Minors and alcohol the biggest issue for law enforcement at SnowGlobe

The three-day SnowGlobe music festival in South Lake Tahoe attracts a young crowd with many college, and high school students in attendance. They enjoy the electronic music with DJs that are heard throughout the venue on the three stages.

What is also popular at the event is drinking. The trained staff that serves alcohol at SnowGlobe knows what to look for in the way of fake identification which is evident of the citations issued over the first two days at the festival.

Road to SnowGlobe: Three days of music for concertgoers and neighbors

Thousands of music fans will descend upon South Lake Tahoe this week for what has become the most popular outdoor winter music festivals in the country.

Thousands of people will be on hand December 27 through 31 to experience what is being billed as a fusion between music festival, winter expedition and New Year's Eve celebration.

Also promised is cold, with night time temperatures in the low teens. Appropriate clothing and outerwear is strongly encouraged.

For the list of artists each day, see the photos in this story.

Tuesday's show runs from 2:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Fire Chief with history of alcohol problems resigns after DUI arrest

Garden Valley Fire Chief William Dekker resigned today after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

On December 18, at about 1:50 p.m., El Dorado County sheriff's deputies responded to a call of a neighbor dispute in the town of Greenwood, 17 miles north of Placerville. The person who called 911 said his neighbor, Dekker, had threatened to shoot him during a dispute over a loose dog, according to a statement released by the Sheriff's department.

Councilwoman sues the City of South Lake Tahoe and City Manager

City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner filed a lawsuit against the City of South Lake Tahoe and City Manager Nancy Kerry in El Dorado County Court on Wednesday, December 9, asking for the City Council's censure of her be withdrawn.

In a special meeting of the Council on October 19, Conner was censured for interactions she had with City staff which at times were described as bullying and creating a hostile work environment.

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