regulations
Family of South Lake Tahoe drowning victim sues SUP company
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/23/2016 - 2:32pmThe family of an off-duty Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputy who drowned last year has sued a South Lake Tahoe paddle boat company as part of a push for increased regulations in the boating industry.
SLT City Council candidate Tamara Wallace
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:33pmAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Tamara Wallace, 46, Retired Businesswoman/Chamber Exec
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
Several California cities move to ban marijuana sales ahead of state vote
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/02/2016 - 2:12pmWorried that California might legalize recreational marijuana, the state’s third-largest city by population has voted to ban pot sales ahead of Tuesday’s election.
San Jose isn’t alone in scrambling to block the possible effects of Proposition 64, which would legalize pot but also allow local bans on sales.
Dozens of cities and counties from tiny Blue Lake in the heart of Northern California’s pot-growing mecca to National City near the Mexico border have either imposed or are contemplating tough restrictions on recreational marijuana sales and cultivation.
Upcoming public workshop on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 6:03pmEvent Date:
November 16, 2016 - 6:00pm
As planned, the City of South Lake Tahoe is now conducting a study of the socioeconomic impacts of vacation home rentals (VHRs) on the region. Their "Vacation Home Rental Analysis" is being led by a team of consultants from the firm, Michael Baker International.
Part of their study includes both stakeholders meetings and meetings with the community, both of which begin later this month.
Letter: I support Larry Reilly for LTUSD School Board
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 5:30pmHaving served under many different school boards in my forty-two years of teaching in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, I know the importance of a dedicated, well-informed group of individuals who work cooperatively for the betterment of all the students and employees of the district.
I support Larry Reilly because he is dedicated to education as evidenced by his thirty-nine years as an outstanding teacher. He is well-informed as to the changing laws and regulations governing education. His years as an athletic coach attest to the fact that he knows the importance of team work.
Help guide creation of a scenic Lake Tahoe shoreline plan
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/20/2016 - 11:21pmEvent Date:
November 3, 2016 - 6:00pm
Millions of visitors and most residents interact with Lake Tahoe from the shoreline, and a plan is currently being created to protect it while also enhancing recreational access to the lake.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is inviting people to attend an upcoming community workshop on Thursday, November 3 to share input and ideas and help guide the creation of a Shoreline Plan. The workshop is open to the public and will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the TRPA offices in Stateline at 128 Market Street.
South Lake Tahoe council candidates share their views on sustainability and climate issues
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/18/2016 - 10:19pmThe South Lake Tahoe chapter of the Citizen's Climate Lobby recently asked all ten of the candidates their views on climate change, green buildings and our carbon footprint and how they can make a change if elected.
The Citizen's Climate Lobby is an organization focused on national policies to address climate change, and the South Lake Tahoe chapter is one of 354 in the United States and abroad.
Patricia Sussman of the local chapter said just five of the candidates responded to their questions.
Community input sought for creation of a Tahoe Shoreline Plan
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/07/2016 - 8:22pmEvent Date:
November 3, 2016 - 6:00pm
A collaborative planning process to enhance and protect the 72 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline has begun, and they would like public input to complete the plan.
There will be two workshops this fall to help guide creation of a Shoreline Plan that not only protects the scenic shoreline, but enhances recreational access to the lake.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is seeking community input during the workshops which will be held on the North Shore on Wednesday, Sept. 21 and at the south end on Thursday, Nov. 3.
Opinion: Planning for affordable housing on the South Shore – Let’s Go!
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/01/2016 - 3:19pmIt’s time for the residents of South Lake Tahoe to employ one of their greatest characteristics with regard to affordable housing – creativity. Creativity is a prerequisite to thriving and sustaining in this town, it always has been. How many times has someone off the hill asked how you can make a living being here? We do it by willing it with creative, even experimental ideas, and now we need to do that together to put a halt to a terrible trend with housing.
County marijuana committee creating policy in case November ballot measure passes
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 7:58pmThe Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee was created by the El Dorado County Supervisors to address taxation, cultivation, medical marijuana and other issues surrounding the use and distribution of the drug in the county.
October completion date expected for upgraded Lake Tahoe Airport lobby
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 12:46pmSeveral local contractors are working on the renovation of the Lake Tahoe Airport lobby, one that is costing the City $627,371,
Improvements include mechanical and ADA improvements on the interior of the 57-year-old building. The last time the air and heating were upgraded was 40 years ago.
Opinion: Another historic turning point for Tahoe this Summit
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/18/2016 - 10:45amLake Tahoe was at a crossroads in 1997. The lake’s famous water clarity, once measuring 100 feet, was declining year after year because of stormwater pollution from roads and developed areas and erosion from streams damaged by logging and cattle grazing.
Nevada Governor visits Lake Tahoe for Tahoe Beach Club groundbreaking
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/15/2016 - 8:22pm"It's going to be an interesting journey," then-TRPA director Juan Palma told Bob Mecay back in 2002. Little did Mecay know then that it would take until 2016 to see completion of that journey.
Mecay, President of Tahoe Beach Club, unveiled the end of the journey in a beachfront groundbreaking ceremony Monday in a spot that will see 143 condominium residences, a private beach club, two to five-bedroom condominiums, a private pier, lakefront clubhouse, health club, spa and pool.
First VHR in South Lake Tahoe denied a permit under new regulations
Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/12/2016 - 4:07pmA home being built on Overlook Court near Heavenly Mountain Resort is the first one to be denied a Vacation Home Rental permit under the Planning Commission's interpretation of the new VHR guidelines created by the City of South Lake Tahoe.
During their monthly meeting at the airport on Thursday, the commission voted 2-2 to uphold the denial of the permit made by the zoning administrator, John Hitchcock. The fifth member of the commission, Shannon Eckmeyer, was not at the meeting due to another engagement.
Working to protect our shoreline and enhance recreation access
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/21/2016 - 4:50pmMillions of people visit our region each year, and the shoreline is where most of them go to enjoy the beauty and the cold, famously clear water of Lake Tahoe.
The shoreline is also where a challenging mix of planning issues converge: Protecting the environment and our lake’s awe-inspiring scenery, managing recreation access, and respecting private property rights.
New regulations for South Lake Tahoe massage parlors and therapists
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 11:28pmThere 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.
Taxi cabs in South Lake Tahoe now on more level playing field with rideshares
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 10:37pmFor months the operators of taxicabs in South Lake Tahoe have said the regulations they have to abide by when operating in the City limits were unfair since app-based rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft didn't have to follow the same controls.
After Tuesday's City Council meeting, the cabs and rideshares will now be on a more level playing field with less regulation.
The "cabbies" at the meeting all left happy with the 5-0 vote of the Council to reduce the number of regulations they once had to abide by, and with a new ordinance created through group meetings with both sides.
South Lake Tahoe residents, along with rest of state, continue to conserve water
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/15/2016 - 9:18amDespite near average rainfall in much of Northern California this past winter, 60 percent of the state remains in severe or extreme drought. Groundwater basins and many reservoirs are badly depleted as the state’s drought grinds into a fifth year. Those living in, and visiting, South Lake Tahoe, have enjoyed higher water levels to view, boat and recreate in.
El Dorado County Supervisors vote to change VHR regulations at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/29/2016 - 8:58pmDuring Tuesday's El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting they quietly voted to change the ordinances regulating vacation homes in the Lake Tahoe portion of the county (Meyers and all unincorporated areas on the South Shore). Missing was the heated public comments from the Vacation Home Rental owners as seen at South Lake Tahoe City Council meetings.
The changes for VHRs in the Tahoe side of the County (the Board of Supervisors at a duly noticed meeting shall have the authority to impose additional standard conditions applicable to vacation home rentals as necessary):
Fire pit restrictions differ on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/28/2016 - 9:05pmDepending on where you live on the South Shore, you may be able to have a wood fire in your outdoor fire pit, or, maybe not.
Restrictions differ between Tahoe Douglas Fire Department and the City of South Lake Tahoe and Lake Valley Fire Departments.
Cal Fire and the U.S Forest Service also have fire regulations to be aware of.
Authors to speak on Historic Bodie Railroad
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 06/12/2016 - 2:45pm
Event Date:
June 19, 2016 - 10:00am Authors Wanda and Richard Canton will speak on their book, Bodie Railway & Lumber Company: Railroad in the Sky 1881–1917, in a free presentation at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Sunday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m.
The Cantons’ book tells the story of the dream of bringing timbers and cordwood to the remote mining town of Bodie, Calif. by train. In 1880 the mining town of Bodie was located at over 8300' in the eastern Sierra. The plans for a 32-mile narrow gauge railway developed through hard work and some luck as well.
Location
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
1450 Highway 88, Minden, NV 89423
United States
38° 56' 28.2588" N, 119° 46' 46.4556" W
See map: Google Maps
Historian Frank Mullen to speak on Donner tragedy
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/26/2016 - 2:32pm
Event Date:
June 4, 2016 - 10:00am Historian and author Frank X. Mullen will present his program, “In the Footsteps of the Donner Party”, in a free presentation at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Saturday, June 4, at 10:00 am.
Location
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
1450 Highway 88, Minden, NV 89423
United States
38° 56' 28.2588" N, 119° 46' 46.4556" W
See map: Google Maps
Vacation Rental Ordinance updated to exclude multi-family properties
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/17/2016 - 9:50pmJust as it is when the topic of vacation rentals is on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda, a large, and at times, angry, crowd gathered.
The task at hand Tuesday was to review changes to the current Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance which included 11 changes which will take effect 30 days after the June 7 Council meeting if approved.
Workshop being held for contractors on Tree Removal and Defensible Space
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/05/2016 - 7:04pmEvent Date:
May 27, 2016 - 8:30am
The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is hosting a free workshop for local defensible space and tree removal contractors on Friday, May 28 to be held on Friday, May 27, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency offices, 128 Market Street, Stateline, NV 89449.
Contractors attending this workshop will be included on the 2016 Tree Removal and Defensible Space Contractor List provided to residents participating in defensible space grant programs, requesting tree removal permits, or receiving defensible space inspections.
Attendees will receive training on:
Gov. Brown signs bill to raise smoking age to 21: Vaping, chewing, dipping included
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/04/2016 - 5:38pmGov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday enacted California’s most significant new tobacco regulations in decades, signing laws that will place tight restrictions on use of the increasingly popular e-cigarette and make California the second state to raise its smoking age to 21.
Brown signed five closely-watched bills, which will also expand smoking restrictions in the workplace and on school properties.
But he vetoed one measure that would have allowed cities and counties to impose local taxes on tobacco products.
Water and sewer rates going up for South Tahoe Public Utility customers
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/27/2016 - 5:26pmThe South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) is currently in the process of preparing the 2016/2017 budget. We invite the community to participate in a Public Meeting and Presentation on the Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan at the District Offices on May 12, 2016, at 6 pm.
In 2014, the District sent a five-year Proposition 218 notice to all customers; this permitted the District to increase water rates up to a maximum of 6.5% and sewer rates up to a maximum of 6.0%.
Water
City proposes changes to the Vacation Home Rental ordinance
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/06/2016 - 10:03pmAs a follow-up to their February 16 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday looked at proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental Ordinance that are meant to streamline City Code, remove duplicate language and make it easier to read.
Hilary Roverud, the SLT Deputy Director of Development Services, made the presentation that covered self-limiting occupancy, parking standards and apartments being used as vacation rentals.
Illegitimate massage parlors focus of proposed South Lake Tahoe enforcement
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/05/2016 - 10:47pmThe 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.
Vacation home rentals and massage parlors tackled at next City Council meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/04/2016 - 9:16pmEvent Date:
April 5, 2016 - 9:00am
The Tuesday, April 4 South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting may have a short agenda, but two hot topics will be sure to bring out interested locals.
In February, 2016, Council sent proposed changes to a sub-committee, and those results will be up for vote Tuesday.
Proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance include:
- Application for a VHR permit will not trigger the need to comply to TRPA BMP and coverage compliance.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/03/2016 - 9:04amEl 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.
3/27
Opinion: Be informed on the US50 revitalizaton project plan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 9:41pmRarely do I use this space to comment upon political issues within our community. That said, with the “politicization” of the US Hwy 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project I felt the need to share some background and perspectives for consideration.
Tahoe Talks: "How to City - A Property Owner's Guide to the City and TRPA"
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 9:16amThe next Tahoe Talks, the series of community forums sponsored by Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization and its partners, will be focused on how South Lake Tahoe homeowners can work with the City and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on accomplishing home projects.
NV Energy to replace 60-year-old transmission line to Tramway Drive
Submitted by admin on Fri, 02/05/2016 - 6:02pmNV Energy is proposing to replace the electrical transmission line that runs from Foothill Rad in the Carson Valley to Tramway Drive near Heavenly Mountain Resort, and a public comment period has been initiated.
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is seeking public input on 634 Line Rebuild project. The draft Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzes the proposed replacement of the transmission line that serves the Kingsbury substation, which provides electricity to Heavenly Mountain Resort and the surrounding Kingsbury Grade area.
South Lake Tahoe City Council wrap-up; Plastic bag ban partially rescinded
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/22/2016 - 8:46pmThe agenda for the South Lake Tahoe City Council was a light one this week.
The plastic bag ban ordinance was amended to only affect grocery stores and not retail outlets. Former Mayor Hal Cole asked for the issue to be brought back before the council in October. "I thought we were only voting to bring the ordinance back for review, not to pass it," Cole said about his vote on October 15, 2013.
Plastic Bag Ban Timeline
September, 2012 - City's Sustainability Committee eyes plastic bag ban
New app helps drones users with regulations and restrictions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/14/2016 - 10:07amThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a smartphone app that will help owners of unmanned aircraft systems (a.k.a. drones) with current or upcoming requirements and restrictions.
The B4UFLY app is now available for Apple devices and can be found in the App Store. Now, with just two taps of the phone, users know if it is safe to fly at their current location.
City of South Lake Tahoe's 2015 Year in Review
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/31/2015 - 1:47pmAs we welcome in 2016, the City of South Lake Tahoe would like to reflect on the accomplishments of 2015. The following is a summary of accomplishments during 2015.
Strategic Priority: Fiscal Sustainability
The most important issue facing cities and local agencies is continued steadfast attention to the budget, both short term and long term fiscal impacts.
· FY 15/16 budget adopted on time and without use of alternative revenues (3rd consecutive year).
· Adopted 5-year Financial Forecast and 5-Year Capital Investment Plan.
New drone regulations for Lake Tahoe and the US
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/14/2015 - 10:11pmNow that the gift giving season is upon us, many people may have model airplanes, drones or quadcopters on their wish list. There are some new rules in place that all users of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) need to know.
The Federal Aviation Administration today that all UAS units weighing between 0.55 pounds and 50 pounds must be registered by February 19th, 2016.
USFS want public's input on how they handle maintenance and events on their Lake Tahoe land
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/03/2015 - 7:00pmThe U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is seeking comments on a proposal for the management and uses of existing roads, trails and facilities located on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
STPUD explains benefits of snowmaking during a drought
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/30/2015 - 9:32pmWinter has arrived in the Tahoe Basin with very welcome early snow events and freezing night time temperatures, allowing snowmaking operations to commence to help open ski resorts early. Given California’s drought and the District’s request for continued water conservation, one may wonder about the wisdom of using water for snowmaking.
New HR director at Hard Rock brings years of local experience
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/30/2015 - 7:16pmJan Garcia has been hired as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe’s director of human resources.
Prior to joining the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, Garcia served as human resources manager for Edgewood Companies. She has fourteen years of experience in the gaming industry, having served as regional director of human resources for Herbst Gaming, Inc., and director of human resources for both Caesars Lake Tahoe and the Reno Hilton.
Be safe this winter - Be prepared
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/27/2015 - 10:34amWinter is here and that means more family and friend gatherings inside the home. Whether in the kitchen, near the fireplace or stove, it’s always a good idea to brush up on home safety tips.
Before we gather around the fireplace or stove, remember these important safety tips:
• Have a qualified professional install stoves, chimney connectors, and chimneys.
• Stoves should have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
Measure to restrict Airbnb rentals in San Francisco losing by wide margin
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/03/2015 - 10:45pmSan Francisco voters are poised to hand a decisive victory to Airbnb and city residents who want to turn their homes into vacation rentals. Proposition F, a measure to curb short-term rentals drastically, was losing by a margin of 61 percent to 39 percent, according to the early count of mail-in ballots.
Prop. F, the most contentious and most expensive issue on the Tuesday ballot, centers on whether vacation rentals divert scarce housing to lucrative illegal year-round hotels, as its backers claimed, or help middle-class people make ends meet, as Airbnb and other opponents said.
Caesars fined $9.5 million over lax money-laundering controls
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/09/2015 - 7:24amU.S. and Nevada regulators have fined Caesars Entertainment Corp.’s bankrupt unit a total of $9.5 million for deficient anti-money-laundering controls at its Caesars Palace VIP rooms, which cater mainly to Chinese high-rollers.
Campfire permit required for Rubicon Trail campers
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/04/2015 - 10:30pmDue to unprecendented dry conditions, visitors on the Rubicon Trail are urged to be especially careful with campfires. Outside of hosted campgrounds, you must have a California Campfire Permit to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, use a gas stove or gas lantern.
Remember that regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions so always check with the U.S. Forest Service for current campfire restrictions.
New bleachers at South Tahoe High ready for home opener, almost
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/27/2015 - 10:12pmThe new half-million dollar bleachers at South Tahoe High should be ready for Friday night's home opener between the South Tahoe Vikings and the El Dorado Cougars.
While the press box is in, and the seats are ready, the perimeter of the stands was fenced off on Thursday afternoon. School officials on site at the time said "all should be ready to go by game time."
Summer rainstorms and state regulations for school bleachers held up the process which began right after June, 2015's graduation ceremony.
1,500 hear GOP presidential hopefuls in Gardnerville
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/15/2015 - 10:06pmMore than 1,500 people flocked to Gardnerville on Saturday for one of the biggest gatherings of 2016 presidential candidates in Nevada since campaign season started.
Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s Morning Nevada PAC hosted the first Basque Fry featuring five GOP contenders on the Corley Ranch southeast of town. Republican hopefuls including businesswoman Carly Fiorina, Dr. Ben Carson, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker each made pitches to the crowd as to why they should be the nominee. Former New York Gov. George Pataki was slated to appear, but did not.
New South Lake Tahoe VHR ordinance goes into effect October 1
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/04/2015 - 10:05pmA new vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance will take effect in South Lake Tahoe on October 1, 2015.
The new ordinance will require all homeowners who want to rent out their homes to get it inspected by the Zoning Administrator prior to being issued a license. Since the real estate community told City Council that not having a permit prior to escrow may cause homeowners to lose sales, the current homeowner may now get it inspected prior to the sale in order to take as much uncertainty away from sales as possible. This inspection will be valid for one year.
New Vacation Home Rental ordinance passes City Council
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/21/2015 - 4:10pmIt was another packed house at the South Lake Tahoe City Council's meeting Tuesday, which has been commonplace for all of the meetings and workshops on the contentious subject of vacation home rentals.
In a unanimous vote of 4-0 (Councilman Tom Davis had to recuse himself), the City Council voted to implement an ordinance that addresses three key issues:
Vacation rentals on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/18/2015 - 10:25pmThe South Lake Tahoe City Council will be discussing changes to the Vacation Home Rental Ordinance on Tuesday that, if passed, will bring about changes to the permit review process, add criteria to be considered when a new permit is issued, and the addition of an annual renewal review.
There have been several packed council and community meetings on the topic of the proposed updated to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance, and Tuesday's meeting should be no different.
Wrap up of South Lake Tahoe holiday rules about fire, alcohol and fireworks
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/03/2015 - 8:20amIt may seem like lyrics from the Five Man Electrical Band: Sign, sign, everywhere a sign; Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind' Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
Everyone wants to enjoy the South Lake Tahoe area on the 4th of July holiday weekend. In order to keep everyone safe there are rules and regulations in place to do so.
1. Portable Charcoal Grills Prohibited on All Forest Service Beaches. You can use the limited number of Forest Service provided grills.
2. Campfires are not permitted on National Forest beaches or in the general forest.