safety
Full closure of US50 over Echo Summit planned for June
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 4:09pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Work on US50 over Echo Summit to replace an 81-year-old bridge has resumed. The $14.1 million Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct Replacement Project will replace the bridge with a structure that meets current seismic and safety standards.
Travelers can expect daytime work with one-way reversing traffic now, with around-the-clock one-way traffic control from May 26 until May 31, then full closure from June 1 until about June 14.
Caltrans and its contractor expect work to be completed this year.
The current schedule:
Bread & Broth thanks community as need and program expands
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 11:11amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The commitment of Bread & Broth over the last thirty years has solely focused on the mission to ease hunger in the South Lake Tahoe community. That mission took on new meaning beginning in mid-March with the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak when record numbers of individuals seeking food assistance from the various programs and services provided by B & B.
USFS closures at spots around Lake Tahoe, not just SR89 corridor
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 11:36pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Earlier this week the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced all national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors were closed to the public with fines for individuals or groups disobeying the order.
They said the closures were to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers.
Virtual Bliss Assembly with Lake Tahoe providers
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 8:03amEvent Date:
April 22, 2020 (All day)
Over a dozen Tahoe South health, wellbeing, and experience providers will be guiding virtual experiences over Zoom April 22 to April 25. Learn health and wellness practices that are applicable now as well as throughout the rest of your life. Engage with others, listen to music, learn new things, view Tahoe from the comfort and safety of your home, and engage in play.
People from both Lake Tahoe and outside the area are invited to join in. Develop new practices that can help you to remain mindful and calm no matter what is happening around you.
Events Center approved by Douglas County Commissioners
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 9:44pmSTATELINE, Nev. - In what has been a hotly debated topic for months between the five Douglas County Board of Commissioners and members of the public, the Tahoe South Events Center passed the final hurdle Thursday. In a 3-2 vote, the commissioners approved bond issuance, the final step in the approval process. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) had previously unanimously approved it.
New reflective traffic lights installed in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 3:07pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - You may have noticed stoplights along Lake Tahoe Boulevard have been changed over the past several days. Crews from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) installed the new light backplates not only in South Lake Tahoe but across the state to increase the visibility of the signals.
Barton Health community update: Patient surge planning almost complete
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 1:30pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While determining the exact timing and scope of coronavirus’ peak in the Lake Tahoe region is difficult, Barton Health is working diligently to be prepared to respond accordingly and address the needs of patients in the community. Surge planning is almost complete including more than doubling hospital bed capacity and expanding facilities to accommodate those who may be infected by the virus.
USFS closes South Shore Recreation areas: Up to $10,000 fine for violation of order
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 4:37pm(Since publishing, LTBMU has corrected the date their order expires.)
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors are now closed. In an announcement Wednesday, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) said the closures are to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers.
Poor response rate and COVID-19 concerns prompt extension of Census deadlines
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 1:19pmThe 2020 Census is underway and while more households across America are responding every day, there are still many that have not been heard from. Over 70 million households have responded to date, representing over 48 percent of all households in America.
The California response rate is a bit higher at 49.2 percent and 48.3 perfect of Nevadans have replied.
South Lake Tahoe is lower than most, with 20.9 percent of the population replying so far.
Other area results:
44.3 percent El Dorado County
47.9 percent Douglas County
51 percent City of Reno
South Lake Tahoe mobile vending ordinance modified to ease food truck rules
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 10:32amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just over a year ago the South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a new mobile vending ordinance after the desire for food trucks was expressed by locals and businesses without kitchens.
New fire chief selected for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 2:15pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The new fire chief hired for South Lake Tahoe is no stranger to the Sierra Nevada and El Dorado County.
Clive Savacool, the former chief of the Garden Valley Fire Protection District, will be taking the helm at South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, a position vacated when Jeff Meston retired in February 2019.
Road Beat: Volvo XC40 - Great looks and design, and now less disconnected
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/12/2020 - 4:16pmVolvo has been on a serious roll with some new product that is off the charts like the new S90, V90, XC90, and XC60 and their sales growth indicates renewed customer enthusiasm. But now we have the new XC40 which was rewarded recently with the European Car of the Year for 2018. So, it was with much anticipation that I awaited the arrival of the new XC40.
Agencies seek public input on 59,000 acre Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/11/2020 - 11:17amLAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The proposed Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project is in the final planning stages and the three agencies involved, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California Tahoe Conservancy, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, are inviting the public to provide their input. The project is a big one, covering 59,000 acres, and will provide a science-based, all-lands approach to guide restoration approaches on the West Shore over the next two decades to increase the resilience of ecosystems and human communities.
Tahoe Transportation District rolls out fare-free transit
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/10/2020 - 1:02pmSTATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is rolling out zero-fare bus service on the South Shore starting Sunday, April 12.
While they already had plans in place for a free system to help eliminate traffic, the rollout is sooner than expected in order to make travel safer in response to COVID-19 by eliminating fare exchanges between drivers and riders.
Tahoe Douglas Rotary donates $20,000 to local nonprofits amidst COVID-19 emergency
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/10/2020 - 12:37pmSTATELINE, Nev. - Due to the catastrophic impact of COVID-19, the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Douglas announced its immediate initial commitment and disbursement of $20,000 in cash grants to four South Lake Tahoe Community proactive support agencies - Tahoe Magic, Christmas Cheer, Giving Angels and Bread & Broth.
The club has been serving the South Shore community since 1965 and just completed an online auction in lieu of their normal annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office promotes Autism Recognition Alert Program
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 1:30pmDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is displaying magnets on their patrol cars for the month of April as well as sporting a newly wrapped vehicle with vinyl decals to increasing awareness throughout the community surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For the first time, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has wrapped a car with blue puzzle pieces as an inviting way for children and adults with autism to meet police officers in a casual setting.
Letter: Lake Tahoe Event Center- Your support needed
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 10:06amWith coronavirus impacts being our community's major priority, we hope you're staying safe and encourage everyone to stay at home and follow directions from health organizations so we can return to our jobs, schools, and normal lives safely, and as soon as possible. While health wellbeing is the leading concern, the reality of long-term economic impacts from this terrible virus makes the need to plan for a secure future a priority now more than ever.
Reno man arrested after allegedly stealing hundreds of surgical masks from VA Hospital
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 7:06pmRENO, Nev. – Peter Lucas, 35, of Reno, was arrested yesterday and appeared in court today for allegedly stealing hundreds of surgical masks from a supply cart at the Ioannis A. Lougaris VA Medical Center (VA Medical Center) in Reno.
Barton Health community update: Medical Corps needed, 1300 masks made
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 6:40pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Working closely with state and county health agencies in a regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health is preparing for an anticipated patient surge by more than doubling its hospital bed capacity as well as expanding its facilities to accommodate patients who may be infected by the virus.
Earth Day online - Virtual Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/07/2020 - 9:05am
Event Date:
April 22, 2020 (All day) 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and now, more than ever, it is important to spend time reflecting on and celebrating Mother Earth. The Sierra Nevada Alliance (Alliance) is proud to provide a way to appreciate our planet and inspire advocacy from the safety of your couch during the coronavirus pandemic. The Alliance is inviting everyone to celebrate Earth Day online with the Virtual Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour.
Incline Village GID votes to ban smoking from all facilities
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 1:29pmINCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to prohibit the use of any form of tobacco at all district-owned and operated facilities, including restrooms, spectator and concession areas.
Per Nevada statutes, marijuana and vaping use were already prohibited in all public spaces.
The move by the board was to "help protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and guests of Incline Village and Crystal Bay."
Important service update from South Tahoe Refuse
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 12:55pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Refuse is continuing to provide essential health and safety services to the community with regular trash pickup and they are notifying customers of some changes they have implemented to minimize the spread of coronavirus and protect their employees.
Effective immediately:
Garbage collectors will not pick up any loose garbage. All trash must be contained in bags within trash cans and secured with a lid, or in a secured dumpster.
Caltrans projects in South Lake Tahoe and on Echo Summit set to resume in May
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/04/2020 - 4:35pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be returning to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe this spring to complete two major projects.
South Lake Tahoe parks to remain closed during pandemic
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 4:34pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Parks run by the City of South Lake Tahoe that were closed for the season will remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We aren’t discouraging public access to the parks, we want our residents to get outside during this crisis,” said Public Works Director Ray Jarvis. “We are going to keep the parks closed to vehicle access though to discourage large gatherings and to continue to encourage people to follow state and federal guidelines.”
Barton Health's community updates and advisories on coronavirus COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 1:19pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues to adapt and respond to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community. The health and safety of patients and care providers is the top priority, and operational changes continue to evolve at Barton Memorial Hospital and across Barton’s coordinated network of medical offices in preparation for any potential surge in patient care.
Douglas County to VHR owners and tourists: Do not rent homes, Do not visit at this time
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 1:09pmDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Consistent with directives issued by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Douglas County is urging travelers and short-term rental owners/managers, to take this threat to our community seriously, act responsibly and refrain from renting vacation home properties to non-essential travelers at this time.
FBI warns of possible cyber crimes during coronavirus pandemic
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 11:26amSACRAMENTO, Calif. - The FBI anticipates cyber actors will exploit increased use of virtual environments by government agencies, the private sector, private organizations, and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer systems and virtual environments provide essential communication services for telework and education, in addition to conducting regular business. The criminal, or cyber actor, will exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to steal sensitive information, target individuals and businesses performing financial transactions, and engage in extortion.
Lake Tahoe Unified School District students will not return this school year
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 6:02pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Governor Newsom said it was a possibility two weeks ago, California’s schools chief Tony Thurmond recommended the state’s public schools prepare to provide distance learning through the end of their school years on Tuesday, and now today, it became a reality in South Lake Tahoe.
El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) announced they are taking a safety-first approach and immediate action to extend the school facility closures through the end of the school year.
Census Day: Use time at home to help shape the future of the community
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 10:14amToday is Census Day, the day that determines who is counted in the 2020 Census and where they are counted.
Tahoe Transportation District providing bus service during pandemic; Changes possible
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 2:47pmSTATELINE, Nev. – As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves, Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) continues to operate regular transit services for essential workers and services during the shelter-in-place order. TTD understands that public transportation is part of the community’s critical infrastructure and is committed to ensuring that transit services remain safe and reliable.
Barton Health accepting the medical supplies in high demand and short supply
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 10:16amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As people watch the news they see the stories about a global shortage of the supplies needed by medical professionals fighting the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Barton Health is South Lake Tahoe is preparing for a potential influx of patients seeking care and is making every effort to ensure their supplies are adequate. They are working with regional health partners, new and existing vendors, local businesses and community members to procure the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to keep their healthcare workers and patients safe.
NDOT invites Nevadans to participate in "Walk and Roll Wednesdays"
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 9:33amCARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation is launching “Walk and Roll Wednesdays” to give socially-distanced Nevada families the opportunity for healthy and fun outdoor activity.
Alpine County has first confirmed case of COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 5:08pmALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Today the Alpine County Health Department was notified of the first laboratory-confirmed case of the new coronavirus COVID-19 infection in an Alpine County resident. The individual is recovering at home and was never hospitalized.
Alpine County is located south of Lake Tahoe, has a population of 1,120 and is 743 square miles in size and includes Markleeville and Bear Valley.
An investigation has determined the person was exposed and acquired the infection in a location distant from Alpine County. This person and their household "have
Douglas County virtual meeting access information
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 10:14amDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Public meetings have gone to a virtual format to protect the public against health threats posed by the coronavirus and COVID-19. Promoting social distancing and reducing public gatherings have led local governments to create materials and procedures for the public to still participate and to follow the Brown Act.
Douglas County Commissioners will no longer have a physical location designated for their meetings and copies of the agenda will no longer be physically posted.
Meeting materials will be posted on the following websites:
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/29/2020 - 11:11amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.
Calls Added to Last Week's Report:
No reports were added to last week's daily call logs.
This Week's Report:
Road Beat: Toyota Tundra - Not just getting it right, but getting it fun
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/29/2020 - 10:22amIt’s been over two years since my last visit with this second and a half-generation Tundra (the second generation was introduced in 2008 and heavily refreshed in 2014). My last review remarked how Toyota finally made the Tundra into a real “Cowboy Cadillac” (it’s built near San Antonio, Texas) with a ride smoother than a baby’s butt. This new Tundra feels even a bit smoother, perhaps a little less jiggly over Caltrans challenged pavement. And my tester was the new TRD Pro edition.
Safe shopping for all age groups during coronavirus pandemic
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 4:46pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With "Stay at Home" orders from the state down to the local government, many are learning to adjust to the things they took for granted just a month ago.
One of those is a trip to the grocery store.
Even with all South Lake Tahoe grocery stores open, it doesn't mean it should be shopping as normal, a.k.a. "pre-coronavirus days."
Most households don't have refrigerator or freezer space, or even cupboard space to not have to make a run to the grocery store once in a while. But the fewer trips one makes, the better it is to remain safe and virus-free.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 29 - April 4
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 3:34pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:
Please remember to stay home except for essential needs.
California is under a Stay-at-Home Order and only essential travel is permitted.
~ Avoid travel ~ Stay-at-Home ~ Beat COVID-19 ~
Learn more at covid19.ca.gov
#StayHomeSaveLives
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
City of South Lake Tahoe now has power to fine those violating "Stay at Home" order
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/27/2020 - 12:59pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe issued an emergency order Friday morning, one that gives them the power to issue administrative citations to those who violate California Governor Newsom's 'stay at home' order.
“We are taking this crisis seriously and it is important that those who don’t, know there can be consequences to ignoring the Governor’s orders,” said Interim City Manager Brad Kilger, “This is about keeping our community safe, and that’s what this city is going to do.”
Part of Kilger's role for the city is as its director of emergency services.
Barton Foundation spearheading homemade face mask project in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 7:16pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The fact that medical workers in the United States are in need of face masks to protect them against COVID-19 has been well-publicized in the media.
To help with an anticipated need at Barton Hospital in South Lake Tahoe, the Barton Foundation has created a homemade face mask sewing project after members of the community reached out to see how they could help.
Staff researched the best safety options and there are three masks volunteers can use, one with a filter and two simpler versions.
Forest Service to close developed recreation facilities but keep forest trails open
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 5:03pmUSDA Forest Service (USFS) has closed its developed recreation facilities on National Forest land in California in order to assist people in abiding by Governor Newsom's recent statewide shelter-in-place order.
They will be closed until at least April 30 in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart during the COVID-19 crisis.
In a press release, USFS officials said that while they appreciated the public's interest in outdoor recreation they needed to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Is South Lake Tahoe prepared for the coronavirus?
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 1:12pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have asked, what if our community starts getting COVID-19 cases, are we prepared? Many different groups, agencies, and the government have been working diligently and collaboratively on emergency plans to prepare.
Latest efforts by Barton Health to prevent community spread of COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/25/2020 - 5:27pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Operational changes, including hospital visitation, screening protocols and testing facilities, continue to be made in the wake of El Dorado County’s first reported cases of coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 is a concern. Regardless of confirmed cases in South Lake Tahoe, the advice of Barton Health medical experts is to assume COVID-19 is in the community and stay home unless absolutely necessary, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others if you must leave the home.
Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition announces annual award winners
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 11:49amLAKE TAHOE, Nev. - During these challenging times, everyone can use some good news which is why the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition (LTBC) has announced its 2019 Bicycle Achievement Awards. Each year, the LTBC honors those that have made significant advancements to promoting safer bicycling and walking opportunities for the Lake Tahoe-Truckee area.
This year, LTBC received 13 nominations and has announced the following Bike Achievement Awardees:
Public Agency: City of South Lake Tahoe
Message from Barton Health and other regional healthcare systems
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 10:06amThe following is a press release from Barton Health, Carson Tahoe Health, Marshall Medical Center and Tahoe Forest Health System:
With the continuing spread of COVID-19 within the U.S., the healthcare providers of the greater Lake Tahoe/El Dorado Region are working closely with each other and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as California and Nevada health authorities, to care for affected individuals. We are also jointly taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within our communities.
Information about COVID-19
Douglas County leaders update on COVID-19 response and community support
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/23/2020 - 12:57pmDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In response to COVID-19, Douglas County officials continue to work closely with Carson City Health and Human Services and a regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that has been set up in Carson City to ensure compliance with the Governor’s directive while working in partnership to keep Douglas County residents safe.
Letter: Together in isolation
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/22/2020 - 10:49amAs we sit isolated in our homes, sequestered from our ordinary lives, we are discovering all the things we take for granted. Our freedom to move, access to food and entertainment and, most importantly, our health. Like new parents discovering how much time they squandered in their previous lives, we will eventually come to terms with our isolated existence, only to return to our ordinary lives in a shock to our discovery. Until then, we need to learn to appreciate our time with our families, learn to cope with isolation and keep ourselves and our Community safe by keeping to the plan.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 22 - 28. 2020
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 7:00pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled work on El Dorado County and other Sierra roads.
Lake Tahoe bus schedules may change due to conoravirus; Input sought
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 6:11pmSTATELINE, Nev. - Rider input is needed by the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) in order to best determine their bus routes during the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19.
TTD is asking riders to contact them with what routes and runs are most important. In the meantime, they have implemented safety measures for both riders and employees to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Stay-at-home FAQs from California Department of Health
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 11:06amThe California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health have ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.
Some people may be confused and hear different messages and wonder exactly what are "essential services". To list what the State order covered they have come out with a guideline to help navigate these unchartered waters.
What does this mean?