solar

Column: 2020 Highlights from your Water and Sewer District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Back in the 1940s, before South Tahoe Public Utility
District existed, sewage flowed directly into beautiful Lake Tahoe. Citizens rallied to sign a petition to form the District and this year marks our 70th anniversary. From a single septic field to an award-winning 7.7 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility, with 100% recycled water and biosolids, a lot
has changed over the years.

Eric Michael Berg ~ 3/13/1988 - 11/29/2020

Eric Michael Berg tragically and unexpectedly passed on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the age of 32. The severity and duration of his addiction to alcohol was almost entirely hidden from his friends and family. He passed just hours before family intended to bring him to a medical detoxification facility.

Special online auction to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. . – A fun and unique gift and golf-themed fundraising auction in underway to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.

More than 50 items can be bid on including golf caddie spots at Edgewood Tahoe during celebrity golf, a one-week vacation in Hawaii, and golf and hotel packages across the country.

The online auction will accept bids through Saturday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. TO bid, visit https://m.charityauctionstoday.com/m/auctions/BGCLT2020-15641/items.

Letter to the Editor: Why are we subsidizing solar panels?

After listening to some TedX speeches and my own observations and common knowledge of science, I have come to understand one of the major problems of renewable energy that I believe will make most of the wind mill and solar panel energy producing processes obsolete within a few years.

STPUD candidates respond to questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.

South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.

Letter to the Editor: Choose Unity over Division

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

City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

SLT Council Candidate John Friedrich

South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.

Today's candidate is John Friedrich

Profession: Founder and Director, Tahoe Green Jobs Initiative

How many years in SLT: 15

Week-long series "Getting to Net Zero in Tahoe: Taking Local Climate Action"

Event Date: 
October 5, 2020 (All day)

The Tahoe Climate Change Action Network (TCCAN) is hosting a week of online events with opportunities to connect individual, community and regional efforts to the global movement to ensure we are counting down to a better, carbon neutral future.

Chris Sneed: The man behind the 9-11 flag flying over US50

Those of us who were alive remember where they were and what they were doing when they saw or heard of the first planes fly into the towers in New York City on September 11, 2001.

Chris Sneed was working in Incline Village on a pipe replacement project for Granite Construction on Lakeshore Boulevard on 9-11-01. He needed a part and ran into Spitsen Lumber. He was in line and saw the store's 12" television showing a plane hit the first tower, and then the second tower.

South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.

Column: 2019 Highlights from South Tahoe Public Utility District

Every day we wash our dishes, fill our water glass, and flush the toilet, likely without thinking much about the systems required to make this all possible. I’d like to think we are doing our job so you don’t have to think too much about it.

Month full of activities during Heavenly Holidays in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The popular Heavenly Holidays has returned to the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. This family-friendly event runs until December 31.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 43 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of October 2019:

10/1
STATEN SOLAR CORPORATION

10/2
TAHOE DAVE'S SNOW REMOVAL
URIAH KAUFMAN SHARED HOME RENTAL

10/3
PC EXPLORATION INC

10/4
THE ALDER INN

10/6
DK ACOUSTICS INC
L&L INTERIOR INC

10/7
AMAZING HOME BUILDERS INC
BRYANS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
ELITE LIBATIONS
MARKET CONTRACTORS
THE FOREST

10/8
CROWN PAINTING INC
NC CONCRETE CONST.

10/9
BASE LEVEL
DULCE'S MARIA CLEANING
FRANCISCO'S HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

10/10
ASPEN AVE LLC

Erasing your carbon footprint, from baby steps to leaps and bounds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Millions around the world participated in the Global Climate Strike this past September, trying to make their voices heard as they called for action.

A reported 7.6 million people took to the streets, the biggest climate mobilization in history. From small villages to big cities, people spoke, walked, joined hands and used their voices in defense of the climate and an end to reliance on fossil fuels.

EDC school leaders educate Gov. Newsom on PSPS impacts

On Thursday, October 31, Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond visited El Dorado County and Blue Oak Elementary School to learn about the impacts of the recent PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Gov. Newsom and Superintendent Thurmond met with El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala, Buckeye Union School District (BUSD) Superintendent Dr. David Roth, and several BUSD officials to hear first-hand about the challenges that school officials encounter when making decisions regarding school closures.

Community newsletter from the City of South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe has launched its October Edition of "At Lake Level." The monthly newsletter is prepared by City Manager Frank Rush in an effort to keep the community well informed about City issues and initiatives.

Development Commodities Available at No Cost for Qualified Affordable Housing, Town Center, and Distressed Property Development

Final piece of the Lake Tahoe fire camera network now in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What would happen if fire-fighting agencies could stop a wildfire before it gains momentum and wipes out homes, communities and/or forests? That is being answered with well over 100 fire cameras now in place across the west, all because of foresight of Dr. Graham Kent, the Director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR).

Letter: CIty of South Lake Tahoe takes on renewable energy leadership

South Lake Tahoe’s renewable energy leadership is providing the opportunity for the installation of substantive solar projects on the rooftops and properties of public buildings throughout the Sierra. The City took on this leadership role in May after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to become the lead agency for the Sierra under the Solar Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Fund, a not-for-profit program aimed to empower public agencies to evaluate and participate in regional collaborative procurement of municipal solar projects.

Burning Man idea turns into Lake Tahoe business

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have you ever wanted to experience Lake Tahoe from the comforts of a camper, enjoying the outdoors and campfires, while fishing for dinner outside your door that you'll cook on an open stove? Then cuddling up in bed with nothing but the sounds of nature outside to lull you to sleep?

Don't have the gear to make this happen?

James "Jay" Cooley and Alecia Baker do, and they are in business to help create those kinds of memories with Tahoe RV Rentals.

Solar workshop in South Lake Tahoe for homeowners and businesses

Event Date: 
February 20, 2019 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have you been curious about using solar energy at your South Lake Tahoe home or business? Curious if we can use the panels on our snow-covered roofs?

Liberty Utilities is holding a free solar workshop in South Lake Tahoe on February 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the library to provide information on solar energy and their Solar Incentive Program.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 137 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of September, October and November of 2018:

September - 52 Licenses

9/04
PEACE LOVE TAHOE
REAGAN SHARED HOME RENTAL
TOM WOHRMAN SPORTS
WINTERS EVE

9/05
RICKS REPAIR

9/6
BOOT CAMP FITNESS ACADEMY, LLC

9/8
J&S ASPHALT

9/10
1032 4TH ST APARTMENTS
737 SAN JOSE APARTMENT BLDG
ARTISTICRAT PAINTING & HOME SERVICE
HELPING HANDS CONSTRUCTION
LAKE TAHOE AUTOMOTIVE
MATTOX CONSTRUCTION
MCCOOL CONSTRUCTION
WYNN NAIL BAR

9/11
CONSCIOUS CUTLERY

Letter: STPUD candidate Jim Jones - Build for future, don't steal from it

The following is a Letter to the Editor from South Tahoe Public Utility District Board Member Jim Jones, a candidate for re-election:

To the Community:

SLT City Council candidates respond to more renewable energy committee questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight of the nine City Council candidates responded to a series of questions given to them by the 100% Renewable Energy Committee. On Sunday we printed their first responses - http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/08/2018/slt-city-council-candidates-respond-100-renewable-committe... - and here are the remaining questions and answers:

SLT City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to do two things: Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032; and reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040. The 100% Renewable Committee was formed to help the City accomplish these tasks.

Letter: Why you should vote Nick Exline for South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board

My name is Nick Exline and I am asking for your vote on November 6th for the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board as I will bring a higher level of commitment, leadership and vision to the STPUD Board.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 44 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe in the month of May, 2018.

5/1
BELLICK CONSTRUCTION INC
DMITRIS ART & DESIGN
ENSYNC SPIN STUDIO
HERITAGE ANCIENT NUTRITION BAR
BODYWORKS MASSAGE THERAPY

5/2
CEDAR INN AND SUITES

5/3
METRO SIGN LAKE TAHOE

5/4
CHICKEN IN A BARREL
MCPARLAND SHARED VACATION RENTAL

5/7
MOUNTAIN BREWS
SKATEHOUSE
TAHOE BEAR BOX CO

5/10
ELIZABETH WEDDING DESIGNS

5/14
MADOLE CONSTRUCTION
PORTER ROOFING
THORPE DESIGN
WELLBEING CONSTRUCTION INC

5/15
TALLAC CATERING COMPANY
YANLING XU MASSAGE THERAPY

Free solar assessment opportunity in South Lake Tahoe

On April 17, 2017 the City of South Lake Tahoe committed to becoming the 26th city in the United States to obtain 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2032. This 100 percent renewable effort was joined locally by the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Vail Resorts and our regional neighbors Truckee and Nevada City.

City Council to look at marijuana sales ordinance during Tuesday's meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At their May 1 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council gave direction to the City Attorney's office to draft ordinances to regulate sales, cultivation and distribution of medical and adult-use cannabis.

Consensus at that meeting was to allow for two micro-businesses, two retail businesses, two cultivation businesses up to 5,000 square feet and unlimited testing labs.

At that same meeting, the Council assigned councilmembers Austin Sass and Brooke Laine to an ordinance sub-comittee and they have worked on the ordinance will be voted on Tuesday.

Tahoe Wildlife Care: Layton released back into the wild

In the 18 years that Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care have been caring for bear cubs, 96 have passed through their doors. Most of those 96 have wintered at the facility on Cherry Hills Circle, and today, Layton, left his temporary home in South Lake Tahoe and went back Laytonville, Calif., the area he was found in.

Late in the evening on June 23, 2017, Layton arrived at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care after being found alone, full of mites, foxtails, ticks and underweight. He weighed in at 15 pounds and was about four or five months old.

Free Lake Tahoe solar workshop for homeowners and business owners

Event Date: 
April 5, 2018 - 6:00pm

There will be a free solar workshop for homeowners, business owners and schools offered by Liberty Utilities at the BaseCamp Conference Center at Squaw Valley on Thursday, April 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows have 100% renewable energy goal in 2018

To help achieve Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows’ goal to be powered by 100 percent clean, renewable energy sources, Liberty Utilities, the electric service provider in the Lake Tahoe region of California, is actively collaborating with resort leadership to identify and develop new renewable energy generation, storage and energy efficiency projects to benefit the Olympic Valley and surrounding areas. Subject to regulatory approval, the two companies intend to achieve the resort’s 100 percent renewable goal as early as December 2018.

Customers weigh in on Liberty Utilities in survey

The cumulative results of Liberty Utilities’ quarterly Customer Satisfaction Surveys in 2017 show improvements in corporate citizenship and communications. The survey also showed overall customer satisfaction increased by six points compared to first quarter results.

The online survey is independently conducted by JD Power, and Liberty Utilities’ results are compared with comparable electric utilities in the west. Some highlights of the 2017 survey results show:

Viewing party for 1st blue moon total lunar eclipse since 1866

Event Date: 
January 31, 2018 - 3:15am

The first blue moon total solar eclipse seen in almost 152 years will occur on Wednesday, January 31 and the public is invited to a free viewing party at the Jack C. Davis Observatory in Carson City.

To catch this once in a lifetime event you'll have to get up early though as the observatory on the Western Nevada College will open at 3:15 a.m. Viewing will be available until 7:00 a.m.

Free solar energy workshop for Lake Tahoe home and business owners

Event Date: 
December 19, 2017 - 6:30pm

Liberty Utilities will host a free solar workshop for homeowners and small businesses on December 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Library.

Find out about solar energy as well as their Solar Incentive Program.

South Lake Tahoe featured in national report on 100% renewable energy commitments

Today, the Sierra Club released a new report showcasing 10 U.S. cities that have made ambitious commitments to be powered with 100 percent clean, renewable energy like wind and solar. View the report: https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/blog/RF100-CaseStudies_2017.pdf

This is the second annual case studies report from Ready For 100, a Sierra Club campaign launched in 2016 working in cities across the United States, including South Lake Tahoe, to accelerate a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy.

Solar workshop in South Lake Tahoe for homeowners and businesses

Event Date: 
September 23, 2017 - 1:00pm

Even with snow on roofs in South Lake Tahoe, it is possible to go solar. Learn more at the Liberty Utilities solar workshop on Saturday, September 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Library.

Utility representatives will be on hand to discuss various aspects of installing and using solar energy at homes and businesses.

Learn more about the Liberty Utilities Solar Incentive Program which provides cash incentives to offset the cost of installing panels. So far, 30 locals have applied for this program which is also available for schools in our community.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Liberty Utilities

“Here at Liberty, one of our core values is community. We are all part of this community and enjoy participating by giving back whenever we can.” This was the collaborative comment given by the sponsor crew members from the Adopt A Day of Nourishment host Liberty Utilities at their sponsorship dinner on August 21. Representing Liberty Utilities were team members Theresa Faegre, James Martin and Kelsey Zieba who had a fun time serving the Solar Eclipse themed dinner proved by Bread & Broth’s creative and talented cooks.

Be Smart: A partial eclipse can fry Your Naked Eyes

The day of the long-awaited coast-to-coast solar eclipse has all but arrived — and if history is any guide, it's likely that somebody's eyes are going to get hurt.

"The ones we're really concerned about are the people who have never seen an eclipse before — or just decided that, you know, 'Today is a nice day to go take a look at a solar eclipse' — and, 'Oh, I probably don't need to do very much to get ready to do that.' Then I get worried," says Ralph Chou, an optometrist and vision scientist at the University of Waterloo in Canada. He has seen 18 total solar eclipses.

Astronomy Talk: Extraterrestrial Life at SLT Library

Event Date: 
October 3, 2017 - 6:00pm

Extraterrestrial Life in the Solar System? Is there life out there? If E.T. does exist where would we find it, and what would it look like? Scientists have sent messages out into the depths of the galaxy and have spent decades listening for signs of intelligent life with no success. Are we alone? Tony Berendsen, outreach astronomer, and owner of Tahoe Star Tours will discuss the possibilities, mixed with some of his Poastromy (astro-poetry). Join us for this free and interesting out-of-this world presentation. Open to all.

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe
United States
38° 56' 43.5228" N, 119° 58' 22.2276" W

NDOT: Don’t let eclipse cast a shadow on life

Nevada Department of Transportation officials are reminding motorists to drive safely as an eclipse darkens Nevada skies on Aug. 21.

In northern Nevada, the sun will be as much as 90 percent eclipsed during mid-morning hours of Aug. 21.

Approximately 200 million people, nearly two-thirds of the country’s population, live within a day’s drive of the path of the full solar eclipse, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

South Lake Tahoe joins others to reduce electrical use during eclipse

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will pass over the Pacific Northwest affecting the California solar resources supplying power to the grid. During the eclipse from 9:02 a.m. to 11:54 a.m., the moon will obscure much of the solar rays directly affecting the output of both large scale photovoltaic (PV) electric power plants and rooftop solar. A loss of 4,194 megawatts(MW) of California large scale solar electricity is expected.

Western Nevada College observatory to offer eclipse viewing

Event Date: 
August 21, 2017 (All day)

Don’t have the time or means to travel to the "path of totality" to view a total solar eclipse later this summer? The Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College has you covered when the moon covers the sun on August 21.

Although the campus will be hundreds of miles south of the "path of totality" and will experience a partial eclipse, the public can get a better view of the solar eclipse on that Monday morning at the observatory on the Carson City campus.

Ready for the solar eclipse? Your Lake Tahoe viewing guide

Event Date: 
August 21, 2017 - 9:00am

Across the United States people are forking out big bucks for lodging in the "path of totality," the 70-mile wide stretch of land across the country where the total eclipse will be seen on August 21, 2017. People who descend upon this path for the big event are "are in for an unforgettable experience" according to Space.Com.

Hotels and camping spots in this path are going for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for the day of the big show.

El Dorado County receives loan to build 11-acre public safety complex

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County has received a $57.14 million loan to build a public safety complex in Diamond Springs that will bring together the Sheriff’s Office operations which are currently spread out across 13 different locations in the county.

The loan is provided through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program.

New bike ride share program to start in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

South Lake Tahoe is about to be invaded by a fleet of 200 cutting-edge lime green "smart" bicycles. LimeBike out of the Bay Area unveiled their new dockless ride share on Tuesday, giving the public a sneak peak of what will officially start on the South Shore Saturday, July 15 for a pilot program.

"We are thrilled to be here," said Andrew Savage, Vice President of Strategic Development for LimeBike. "This will make mobility more fun."

Opinion: Liberty Utilities environmental commitment

Liberty Utilities-CA serves nearly 50,000 electric customers in one of the most pristine areas of the country—the Lake Tahoe and surrounding region of Northern California. While it’s no surprise that our customers rank environmental responsibility as very important, it’s been a welcome surprise that they rank Liberty’s environmental stewardship higher each year. In 2016, 75% said we were environmentally responsible—up from 68% the year before!

Liberty Utilities has taken several steps in recent years that contribute to our customers recognizing our environmental commitment.

Liberty Utilities invites public to new 50 MW Solar Energy Center

Event Date: 
April 19, 2017 - 9:30am

A new solar energy project will be unveiled to the public on Wednesday, April 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the town of Luning, Nevada. Since going on line, the new 50 MW Luning Solar Energy Center has supplied 25 percent of Liberty Utilities' customers’ energy needs with clean, renewable energy.

The Luning center is located on Highway 361 at Mile Marker 25, approximately a three-hour drive from South Lake Tahoe.

“We’re very excited to share this official opening with our customers and the community of Luning,” stated Travis Johnson, Liberty Utilities’ VP of Electric Operations.

Can South Lake Tahoe use 100% renewable energy by 2030?

There are now 27 cities in the United States committed to operating with 100 percent renewable energy, will South Lake Tahoe be #28?

Cities already on board include both large an small communities. Some of those are Madison, Wis.; San Diego, Calif.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Pueblo, Aspen and Boulder, Colo.; and Moab, Utah. Efforts are currently underway for Truckee to join that group. Even Las Vegas operates their municipal buildings and facilities with 100 percent renewable energy.

New business licenses issued in South Lake Tahoe

The following 37 businesses took out licenses with the City of South Lake Tahoe in the month of November, 2016.

11/03/2016
BIJOU CREATIVE - JAGACIEWSKI DANIEL
CONFORTI PLUMBING INC - CONFORTI PLUMBING INC
KEN WAGNER CONSULTING - WAGNER KEN
LAKE TAHOE WOW - SKIBUM FAMILY INC

11/04/2016
AMBLER CONSTRUCTION - AMBLER MICHAEL
MICHAEL HARRIS RIDE SHARE - HARRIS MICHAEL

11/07/2016
BURKE WILLIAMS AND SORENSEN LLP - BURKE WILLIAMS AND SORENSEN LLP
ENGEL INSULATION INC - ENGEL INSULATION INC

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