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Schools plan return to in-person instruction in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If COVID-19 numbers continue on their current downward trajectory, students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District will be able to return to the classroom February 1 when Phase 2 of reopening plans resumes.

District officials announced Friday they are "cautiously optimistic" about the return to in-person learning in grades TK through 8. LTUSD has been monitoring the local COVID-19 data and case numbers have been stable or trending down, including decreasing cases among their staff, over the last several days.

TRPA updated Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection program and fees for 2021

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board has approved updates to Lake Tahoe watercraft inspection fees and added enhancements to make inspections more convenient following an unprecedented year for the program, the agency said today.

Column: Positive momentum through relationships for Lake Tahoe

Like 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.

Recreate responsibly if heading to Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With nice weather, a relaxing of some travel restrictions, and some snow on the ground, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is expected to be a busy one in the Sierra.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and California State Parks have joined together in an outreach campaign to provide simple actions to increase the enjoyment of the outdoors experience. Staying local, planning ahead, social distancing guidelines, not leaving trash and following the posted rules are just some of the ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

Groundwater management plan update for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Public Utility District is seeking input from the public as they update the Groundwater Management Plan for the greater South Lake Tahoe area.

Barton Health could be called on to accept patients from outside the area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hospitals across California have been experiencing the effects of the coronavirus, with overflowing intensive care units (ICUs) and a workforce stretched to its limits.

On January 5, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced a plan to reduce pressure on strained hospital systems and redistribute the responsibility of medical care across the state so patients can continue to receive lifesaving care.

This mandate is meant to share resources and staffing related to the current COVID-19 surge.

It's official: NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ coming to Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - It's been a plan in the works for months and today the National Hockey League (NHL) made it official - they are bringing NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ to Edgewood Tahoe February 20-21, 2021.

Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday will showcase the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20. Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday will feature the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. Both games will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

Sign up to be on COVID-19 vaccine alert list

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Now that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is moving through the official phases and tiers, a vaccine list has been start for those who are able to respond to a Placerville or South Lake Tahoe Public Health Office within 30-60 minutes of getting an alert.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Conditions and weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will conduct widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Smoke may be visible.

1. Panther ULM - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - Fallen Leaf Rd. and Highway 89, South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles, Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 01/13-18/21. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 5-7 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time. Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas:

Special Planning Commission meeting to address new building standards and cannabis permit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

First on the agenda is a possible vote on an update to City Code and the design standards included in it after receiving a grant from the State to do so. There have been public workshops and meetings with contractors and developers, along with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), to get their input on the updates the standards.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District seeks developer fee increase

SOUTH 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.

LTUSD to remain in distance learning due to current county-wide COVID data

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler has notified teachers, students and staff that they will have to postpone the reopening of in-person classrooms. Citing COVID-19 case levels not dropping to the desired levels in El Dorado County, and testing/tracing capacity, LTUSD will continue with distance learning at this time.

COVID-19 vaccines start moving through first phase in El Dorado and Alpine counties

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During both the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisor meetings on January 5, questions were asked of the health care professionals as to when the public can expect to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Ongoing prescribed burn operations around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Operations will continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Public meeting on planning of 56-Acre Master Plan

Event Date: 
January 20, 2021 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to participate in another 56-Acre Master Plan virtual session on January 20, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Planning is underway to create a signature park and area in the heart of South Lake Tahoe that will fill a large wish list of projects.

There are many ways the community can participate including taking the self-guided tour onsite, the online survey, and joining the public online meeting.

Online Public Meeting:

South Lake Tahoe businesses can apply for COVID-19 relief grant program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a very short window for small businesses to apply for the latest round in COVID-19 relief grants. From December 30 2020 - January 8, 2021, businesses can apply for some of the $475 million that will be made available in two rounds.

Law enforcement prepares for possible New Year's Eve crowds on South Shore

Even with the current pandemic, New Year's revelers could still flock to the Stateline casino corridor and South Lake Tahoe on Thursday so law enforcement will be prepared. With no SnowGlobe this year due to the pandemic, and Heavenly Village New Year's Eve activities canceled, it is unknown as to what will take place in an area that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets to bring in the new year. Last year it was estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people took to the streets at midnight at Stateline and 6,500 at Heavenly Village for its 9:00 p.m. fireworks.

Federal Transportation Improvement Program draft available for public comment

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), has released the Draft 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and the public comment period on its contents is now open for the next 30 days.

Douglas County reaches out to Lake Tahoe servers with “Call for a Ride. Stay Alive” Campaign

STATELINE, 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.

City of South Lake Tahoe joins in “Pay It Forward” initiative with $10,000 donation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Paying it forward has spread quickly through the South Lake Tahoe community this holiday season, and now the City is joining in to help those in need while at the same time helping out small locally-owned restaurants.

The “Pay It Forward” initiative involves community members and organizations contributing money to open tabs at local restaurants. It’s a program that helps those in need and helps support the restaurants when they need it the most.

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.

Tahoe Best in the Basin Award winners announced

Seven outstanding restoration, sustainability, and construction projects were recognized as recipients of Best in the Basin awards by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) during an online meeting of the agency’s Governing Board. The projects and programs each exhibit outstanding planning and execution and lead the way in environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Region, according to the agency.

Barton Health starts vaccinating front line healthcare workers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has begun the process of inoculating its frontline healthcare workers at the South Lake Tahoe hospital. The first 500 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were received from the State of California Thursday.

Doses received during the vaccine rollout in Phase 1a have been specifically allocated for healthcare workers and hospital Skilled Nursing Facility residents, under California’s tiered vaccination plan.

Douglas County agencies partner to hold drunk driving intervention training for Tahoe servers

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection (TDFP), state agencies, local non-profits and businesses are coming together to launch a campaign aimed to help our community stay safer by providing server intervention training and ride alternatives to those who are drinking and need to get home.

Call For A Ride, Stay Alive is a drunk driving awareness campaign that offers server intervention training to employees from casinos and other Stateline area businesses.

Remodeled South Lake Tahoe vegan restaurant reopens with new look, new menu, new hours

Event Date: 
February 28, 2021 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For over eight years Sandi Cole has been operating Simple Bliss Vegan Cafe is South Lake Tahoe inside the Swiss Chalet Village. Her homemade specialties have been treating customers to much-loved flavors and dishes, from handcrafted drinks to desserts.

Simple Bliss now has a new look and design, one that will work through the pandemic with take-out orders only to a time when all can once again sit down and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Coronavirus vaccines arrive in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH 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.

Agencies to host public workshop on Meeks Bay Restoration Project

Event Date: 
January 7, 2021 - 5:30pm

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) in coordination with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, will host a virtual public workshop about the Meeks Bay Restoration Project from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. The workshop will provide the background and need for the project, share proposed restoration and site improvement alternatives, describe the next steps in the environmental planning process and solicit feedback on the alternatives.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

Widespread prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe resume

Weather and conditions permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn hand piles and smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Lyons Ranch - Northwest of the Golden Bear Subdivision. East of Lake Tahoe Airport.
Responsible Agency: California Tahoe Conservancy
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 12/14-17/2020

Column: Healthier, happier holiday celebrations

As we prepare to say goodbye (and maybe even good riddance) to 2020, the end of the year brings several holidays. Whether celebrating Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanza, and of course, New Year’s Eve, remember that indoor holiday gatherings with others not in your immediate household can put you, your community, and those you care about at risk. As challenging as it is, staying home for the holidays is your best way to protect yourself and loved ones, and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in a time when healthcare and essential workers critically need that support.

USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19

National Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.

Column: Finding bright spots on the horizon

We are ready for some glad tidings this holiday season. While we look forward to the spirit of generosity and warmth the season brings, many are also hoping the New Year will deliver a meaningful reset. Propelling ourselves forward and out of crisis will require fortitude and drive. The pending vaccine is a bright spot on the horizon, but there are other positive indicators for better days to come.

Vail Resorts contributes $25,000 to Clean Up The Lake campaign

A previously announced matching donation by Tahoe Blue Vodka of $100,000 has received its first match from Vail Resorts. The Tahoe Fund said Vail contributed $25,000 in support of its campaign to remove trash around all 72-miles of Lake Tahoe with Clean Up The Lake.

Column: Persevering this winter’s surge together

We cannot turn on the news, surf the web or walk down the street without constant reminders that we, along with the rest of the world, are battling a virus that has already taken a huge toll on our lives. No one has been immune to the impacts of this virus.

South Shore Transportation Management Association reactivated with new website, new focus

The nonprofit South Shore Transportation Management Association (SSTMA) has been reactivated to serve as a community forum for the advancement of transportation, transit and community mobility solutions.

It was formed originally in 1994 after a study was conducted to determine the most effective way to engage the private sector in transportation on the South Shore. Over the years its focus moved from the development of the Nifty Fifty trolley system to transportation initiatives and the formation of the Tahoe Transportation District.

Need health insurance? Virtual services have your enrollment covered

State health insurance exchanges, like Covered California and Nevada Health Link, are now in open enrollment - the time when we can sign up for coverage for the year ahead. It’s always a good idea to make sure you and your family have health insurance, and with the current surge of COVID-19, you don’t want to be uncovered. Luckily, there are many options for families and individuals to enroll virtually, including free, bi-lingual enrollment services offered here in our community.

Kirkwood opens for 2020/21 season, Heavenly expands to Nevada side

In a year filled uncertainties and safety mandates, many have been anxiously awaiting the ski season at Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort opened last week, and now their sister Vail property, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, has opened.

As long as allowed, Kirkwood's winter operating plan is focused on comprehensive safety protocols, Kirkwood opened Friday with more than 180 acres of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

Updated Lake Tahoe vacation home ordinance passed by El Dorado County

EL 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.

Recreate responsibly this winter

With winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there. Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go.

LTUSD to remain on distance learning through at least January 8

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) announced late Wednesday that they will be staying on distance learning until at least January 8, 2021.

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area, District officials said they are concerned for the health and safety of staff and students. With Winter Break starting December 21 they said the likelihood of a significant decrease in community spread before then. School will not be in session until January 4.

Brooke Laine and Jason Collin end terms on South Lake Tahoe City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former mayors Brooke Laine and Jason Collin said their good-byes Monday at their final City of South Lake Tahoe council meeting. Collin decided to not run after his four-year term as did Laine who finished ten years on the council.

Barton Hospital prepares to handle possible surge of COVID-19 patients

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There has been a lot of recent conversation about the stress COVID-19 patients have put on hospital systems across the country, including El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. Concern has been expressed about the occupancy rates at Barton Hospital and what its capacity is to handle the current surge of residents testing positive for the virus.

Record low rainfall in October leads to just 10% of water supply requests fulfilled

With California off to a dry start for the water year, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced Tuesday an initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation of 10 percent of requested supplies for the 2021 water year.

Initial allocations are based on conservative assumptions regarding hydrology and factors such as reservoir storage. Allocations are reviewed monthly and may change based on snowpack and runoff information. They are typically finalized by May.


Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) members will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and conditions permitting. California State Parks and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn hand piles on the east and west shores. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park
Responsible Agency: California State Parks
West of Hwy 89, along S Fire Rd and Campground Rd
Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 20.00
Planned Ignition: 11/30/2020 - 12/18/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 3 weeks

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

California State Park and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District crews are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Secret
Responsible Agency: Tahoe Douglas Fire District
North of Glenbrook
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 11/23/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 2-4 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park

Celebrate safely this holiday season

The holidays are upon us, bringing a time to celebrate and gather. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, however, even small in-person gatherings are a contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases we are seeing across the nation and in our own community. This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, family, and community healthy and safe.

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country open November 27

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country will open for the 2020/21 winter season on Friday, November 27, 2020 with new safety procedures.

“We are eager to welcome our guests back to the mountain and are thrilled that opening day is just a week away,” said Greg Dallas, President and CEO of Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge. “Our team has worked tirelessly on a reopening plan that keeps the safety of our guests and staff as the top priority.”

LTCC awarded Blue Ribbon Tallac Achievement Award for Mobility Hub project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and its new Mobility Hub won the Tallac Achievement Award during the 13th annual Blue Ribbon Awards Thursday evening.

The award is given to an exemplary infrastructure project that revitalizes and enhances the economy and community of Tahoe’s South Shore.

Barton Health updates community on their surge preparedness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The safety of patients and healthcare workers is Barton Health’s top priority. The health care system has operations in place to continue to meet the demand for medical services as COVID-19 cases surge across the nation and Lake Tahoe. After preparation for the anticipated increase of patient volume this fall and winter, aspects of Barton’s plan are being implemented to meet the needs for patient care.

Heavenly Mountain Resort prepares for opening day Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Opening day at Heavenly Mountain Resort is planned for Friday, November 20, with ski and snowboard operations exclusive for all pass holders until December 8.

This year there are many changes due to COVID-19 and Vail says their goal is to prioritize pass holders, including those who have the Epic Day Pass. Those with passes need to reserve their day on the slopes as does the general non-pass holding public.

There will be no ticket sales at the Vail ski resorts this season and all is conducted virtually except for sightseeing rides.

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