tahoe basin

Kudos: St. Joseph CLT thanks PFUND Family Foundation

The Board of Directors and membership of St. Joseph Community Land Trust wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the PFUND Family Foundation for its generous gift of $5,000. This donation will assist us considerably in our mission to help provide affordable housing and to improve the quality of life for residents of the Lake Tahoe Basin.The continued support of the PFUND Family Foundation over the years is very much appreciated.

- Cathy Kope, Executive Director, St. Joseph Community Land Trust

Table Fire now 65% contained - 465 acres burned

6:30PM UPDATE - Containment has reached 65%. Fire is now 465 acres due to tactical firing operations that brought fire to containment lines. Over the next 12 hours crews will continue to mop up perimeter of fire and begin rehab of fire lines and fire area.

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The Table Fire burning near Ice House Road west of Lake Tahoe remains at 420 acres burned and 25 percent contained. Fire growth due to easterly winds that are expected to continue Sunday.

No road closures but be aware of fire traffic on the Wrights Lake tie road.

Lake Tahoe recreational areas and forest roads begin their seasonal closures

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will soon begin closing recreational facilities and forest roads around the Lake Tahoe Basin for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads. Keep in mind that Tahoe Valley and Zephyr Cove Resort campgrounds remain open year-round along with Camp Richardson and Zephyr Cove resorts and beaches.

Can a mega fire happen in Lake Tahoe?

Before that question can be answered, we need to understand what a mega fire is. To be a mega fire it needs to meet these five points:

1. Starts near or in a high fire danger area during approaching or actual red flag conditions,
2. Escapes the initial attack,
3. Develops into a campaign fire covering a large area,
4. Requires thousand of firefighters and extensive additional resources to bring final containment,
5. Often cause huge property and other cultural losses in addition to vegetation destroyed.

USFS celebrates Best in Basin awards for Camp Richardson and Stinger projects

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), along with partners Camp Richardson Resort and the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA), were recognized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) with two “Best in Basin” awards for the Camp Richardson Resort and Campground BMP retrofit and the Kingsbury Stinger Trail Project.

Table Fire west of Lake Tahoe now at 110 acres, 15% contained

The Table Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe near Ice House Reservoir has now burned 110 acres and firefighters have it 15 percent contained.

Fire officials from the U.S. Forest Service say the updated acreage (up from Wednesday's 50 acres) is mostly due to digitally mapping the fire line. The fire is in remote country and not threatening any structures. The fire is in a sheltered location so the predicted winds on Saturday are not expected to have a significant effect.

LTUSD adopts Healthy and Environmentally Sound Schools resolution

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a “Healthy and Environmentally Sound Schools” resolution at its October 10 meeting. This supports expanded energy efficiency programs, and alignment with the City of South Lake Tahoe’s recent commitment to get 100 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources.

Highway 50 construction in South Lake Tahoe extended

Construction on U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe has been extended through the end of October, weather permitting.

Expect lane closures near the "Y" to Winnemucca Avenue. No detours will be in place so expect heavy traffic and delays.

Caltrans announced Tuesday they are working hard to finish this stretch of the new storm drain system project, suggesting drivers to plan ahead and #BeWorkZoneAlert.

"Thanks for your patience as we work to help protect Lake Tahoe's water and keep it clean for generations to come," said Caltrans.

Public invited to participate in Herbert Avenue Transportation Study

Event Date: 
October 25, 2017 - 6:00pm

Herbert Avenue in South Lake Tahoe may be revamped due to the new business development on Highway 50 and Ski Run Boulevard and the existing businesses at Herbert Avenue and Highway 50. To involve the community and get their opinion, the City of South Lake Tahoe is holding a public meeting at the Senior Center on Wednesday, October 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The "Herbert Avenue Circulation Study" is looking at possible alternatives to the current configuration.

The evening will include a presentation by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. and community discussion.

Wind fuels lightning caused fire west of Lake Tahoe

9:30AM Update 10/11 - Fire was active last night as it slowly backed down the mountain towards the indirect check lines. The fire is in remote country and not threatening any structures.

So far, 50 acres have burned and it is 10 percent contained.

The smoke from the Table fire is visible from Highway 50 and the Tahoe Basin. This is a lightning start from a previous storm that Sunday's high wind event activated.

Note: the smoke blanketing the Placerville and Pollock Pines areas is not from the local fires.

Prescribed fires set to return in Lake Tahoe basin

The fall prescribed fire program in the Lake Tahoe Basin will return in early October, weather permitting, according to the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT). The first areas to be burned have not been announced.

TFFT is made up of local, state and federal fire and land management agencies in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Fish are the stars at annual festival in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Fall Fish Festival will take place at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 – 8, 2017. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located on SR Highway 89, three miles north of South Lake Tahoe, California. Hosted by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit in collaboration with the Tahoe Heritage Foundation, the festival is an opportunity to learn about the variety of fish species that live in Lake Tahoe and its streams including the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout.

South Lake Tahoe activities: Sample the Sierra, Art After Dark, Canelo vs Golovkin

Going to be out and about in South Lake Tahoe this week? Here are some of the activities to enjoy in town from Friday to Thursday:

Great Sierra River Cleanup - Join the ninth annual Great Sierra River Cleanup in conjunction with California Coastal Cleanup day on September 16 starting at 8:00 a.m. Join hundreds of volunteers this day in cleaning up the Lake Tahoe region. (more info here)

First tornado warning issued for the Lake Tahoe basin; Waterspout and funnel cloud spotted

The National Weather Service (NSW) in Reno today issued their very first tornado warning for the Lake Tahoe basin.

At 3:45 p.m. a severe thunderstorm warning was issued first for the middle of Lake Tahoe near Glenbrook. At that time one of their team members saw a funnel cloud over Incline Village and sent in a photo, so the tornado warning was issued immediately.

Even though Wednesday's warning was the first for Lake Tahoe, there have been five issued for northwest Nevada since 2000 according to Scott McGuire of the NWS Forecast Office in Reno.

Guest Columnist: Restoring Lake Tahoe’s Clarity

Lake Tahoe is known around the world for its crystal-clear water. For several decades, Tahoe’s clarity, which measured more than 100 feet in 1968, was declining each year because of stormwater pollution from poorly planned development and the lingering effects of historical activities such as cattle grazing and logging.

Sample the Sierra after party, Local After Dark, features art, dance, food and music

Event Date: 
September 16, 2017 - 6:30pm

In South Lake Tahoe on Saturday, September 16 after Sample the Sierra, a new community event will be held to benefit Tahoe Youth & Family Services.

Local Art After Dark at the Benko Art Gallery will feature live music, live art, dance performances, local food and drinks from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 at the door and $10 for Sample the Sierra ticket holders and locals (will need to show wristband or local ID at the door. Locals include Tahoe basin and extends to Placerville and Carson/Reno).

Bears breaking into cars at Desolation Wilderness trailhead

Its not just a picnic basket bears have been after at the Bayview Trailhead this week. Some hikers have returned from the trail to find their cars not only broken into, but mauled.

Pictures on the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Twitter page have shown windows torn from their frames and the foam from seats pulled apart.

Bears want food, and if food, not matter how small of trace, is left in a car, they will go after it.

These break-ins are a good reminder to not leave food in cars, no matter if the door is locked or not.

Motorists reminded of lane changes in Caltrans work in Lake Tahoe

Motorists can expect longer delays on the Highway 50 project in South Lake Tahoe starting at midnight tonight as increased lane restrictions go into place for the rest of the construction season.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, and around the clock until 11:00 a.m. Friday each week, Highway 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) will be reduced to one lane in each direction from Dunlap Drive to Winnemucca Avenue to accommodate grinding and paving operations. Motorists can expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

Expect these lane restrictions to be in place until Friday, October 13.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 90 businesses took out business licenses with the City of South Lake Tahoe during the month of July, 2017 (spelling of the business names is taken directly from the City's website):

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4-SEASONS DECOR
A STERLING AFFAIR
ARTIST TO YOU - METAL ART
BAKER HOME PRODUCTS
CALVIN LEE CLOTHING STORES
DESERT PARADISE CLOTHING
GERALD DEWEY SALES
HENERY'S NIGHT LIGHTS
PS DESIGN
ROYAL OIL MFG
STEVEN LN PROPERTY
SWEET FEATHER
SWEET JEAN'S NUTTY GOURMET
THOMAS PHOTO ARTS

7/5

4LEAF INC
KOA ARCHITECTS
OUR ART'S DESIRE LLC

7/6

CLASSIC CUT LAWN CARE

More stabilization work needed on new Upper Truckee River channel

The winter took its toll on the new Upper Truckee River channel near the Lake Tahoe Airport, and crews from the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) are doing stabilization work in the area.

Community celebrates local public safety employees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day was held on Thursday, September 7, and community members came out to say "thank you" to personnel from several agencies.

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted the event which had live music, free BBQ and ice cream and a thank-you card making station.

Kids were able climb on board fire trucks, meet the new Search & Rescue puppy and get to know those who protect them on a daily basis.

Agencies invited were:

Calfire
· California Highway Patrol
· Nevada Highway Patrol
· Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Lane restrictions and work hours to increase on Hwy 50 in South Lake Tahoe

Work on the $56 million Highway 50 project in South Lake Tahoe is suspended for the Labor Day weekend, but once the holiday traffic leaves drivers can expect longer delays when lane restrictions are increased.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 12:01 a.m., contractor Security Paving Inc. may reduce the highway to one open lane iSn each direction around the clock until 11 a.m. on Fridays.

Beginning Sept. 10, work will be around the clock from midnight Sunday to 11 a.m. Friday each week, with weekends free of construction. Motorists can expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

NDOW allowing 20 black bears to be hunted; Protesters plan demonstration

On September 15, 2017 the annual Nevada bear hunt season opens, and this year 45 hunters have been issued tags to participate in the season that lasts until December 1, or until the quota of 20 black bears has been met. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) calls this the "Black Bear Harvest."

In protest of the hunt, a "peaceful, educational" demonstration has been planned by NoBearHuntNV.org and Compassion Works International on September 16 in Reno. Participants will be meeting at the intersection of South Virginia and McCarran in front of Reno Star sculpture at 11:00 a.m.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for August 27-Sept 2

The following is a list of the Caltrans projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin for the week.

EMERGENCY PROJECT

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): The highway is reduced to one lane in each direction at Bridal Veil Falls for slope and roadway repair work. Completion is expected by the end of the year.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Approval granted for removal of dead and dying trees in Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday approved an emergency permit for Caltrans to remove hazardous dying trees along its highways and rights of way in the Tahoe Basin.

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a tree mortality emergency in October 2015 because of widespread tree die-offs after several years of severe drought. There are now an estimated 102 million dead trees in California, with the greatest tree mortality in the Southern Sierra Nevada.

New partnership established to protect Lake Tahoe and Central Sierra

Today at the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit, the creation of a new partnership of state, federal, environmental, industry, and research representatives working together to protect Lake Tahoe and the surrounding central Sierra Nevada was announced. The effort, the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative, is focused on restoring the health and resilience of the area’s forests and watersheds. It builds on the legacy of work that has been done to “Keep Tahoe Blue,” and a variety of activities already underway in the Central Sierra landscape.

On heels of Tahoe Summit, grant given to TRPA to monitor wetlands

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $197,250 to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to assess and restore wetlands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Today’s announcement coincided with the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit in South Lake Tahoe.

TRPA will use the grant to develop a regional plan for monitoring changes in wetlands over time, prioritizing wetland restoration efforts and establishing goals for successful wetland projects.

Caltrans finishes $62M Lake Tahoe West Shore project on Hwy 89

Work to rebuild State Highway 89 along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe from Tahoma just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City is now complete, Caltrans announced today. It also came in $8,000,000 under budget.

Construction on the project started in 2012 when a contractor for Southwest Gas began relocating gas lines that were in conflict with the new drainage systems to be built. That work was completed in 2014. Caltrans’ contractor, Road and Highway Builders, began drainage work in 2013 and started roadwork in 2014.

Governor, senators and others to speak at 2017 Lake Tahoe Summit

Event Date: 
August 22, 2017 - 10:00am

California Senator Diane Feinstein is hosting the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at Vahalla in the Tallac Historic Site from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The theme for the day is "2017- A Pivotal Point for the Future of Lake Tahoe.”

The event will examine successful restoration projects and ways to address new challenges facing the lake. A key focus will be combating the effects of climate change in the Lake Tahoe basin.

Work to keep Lake Tahoe's clarity paying off

Lake Tahoe’s extraordinary deep water clarity is attributed to its uncommonly clean water which allows sunlight to reach much greater depths than possible in most other water bodies. Fine sediments through stormwater runoff into the lake reduces this clarity.

Opinion: Confronting climate change at Lake Tahoe

For 20 years, every August we’ve paused to reflect on our collective commitment to Lake Tahoe’s restoration at the Lake Tahoe Summit. This year, with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein hosting the event, the issue of climate change will be front and center. Climate change poses incredible challenges for Tahoe, affecting not only the health of its famously cold, clear waters, but the health of its expansive forests and what is to become of our $5 billion outdoor recreation-based economy.

Wellness Outings: A prescription for “Nature as Medicine”

South Lake Tahoe, CA – Recovering from a major joint surgery doesn’t usually inspire the idea of snowshoeing by moonlight, but that’s exactly what Carol Bennis, age 75, was asked to do during her recovery last February.

Carol had never been on snowshoes before, or hiked at night, but when she heard her surgeon and other patients at a similar stage of recovery would be there, she decided to try it out.

Caltrans working on I-80 and Hwy 50 this week

Those traveling to and from Lake Tahoe this week may want to take note of traffic alerts on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be doing overnight Work to repair rough spots in the roadway Monday night through Friday morning. They will be doing grinding and paving work on U.S. Highway 50 on the section of the roadway that descends after Echo Summit into the Tahoe Basin.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH 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 Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

7/30

4:34 a.m. - Vacation Rental Ordinance - Colusa St - VHR NOISE COMPLAINT

10:03 a.m. - Coroner Case - Tahoe Paradise - 55-YEAR OLD MALE DECEASED

Alpine County Grand Jury: Get more money and new agreement from STPUD

The Alpine County Grand Jury has released their 2016-17 report and in it they are recommending the County improve their relationship with South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) and work out a new financial deal with the South Lake Tahoe based water provider.

Letter: Over $20k raised for Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club at Brewfest

South Lake Tahoe’s first ever Brewfest last month was such a huge success that it ran out of beer and raised over $20,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.

Scattered showers and thundershowers forecast for Lake Tahoe Monday-Tuesday

A change in weather is forecast for the Lake Tahoe Basin, with a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms in the forecast for July 24-25. By Wednesday the area will dry out and highs of 88 are expected by the end of the week.

With the chance of showers and thunderstorms also comes a chance of gusty winds, hail and flash flooding possible in some areas of Western Nevada. Activity on the water should cease when this activity starts.

Forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

South Lake Tahoe holds 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day

Event Date: 
September 7, 2017 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone is invited out to Lakeview Commons on Thursday, September 7 to say "thank you" to the men and women who protect the South Shore communities at the 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day.

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be hosting the event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature live music, BBQ, a thank you card making station and blue ribbons to tie around the trees at Lakeview Commons as a visual way to say thank you.

This is a multi-agency event to show appreciation:

· Calfire
· California Highway Patrol

Lake Tahoe area roadwork July 23 - 29

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be working on the following road projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin between July 23-July 29, 2017.

EMERGENCY PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): The highway is reduced to one lane in each direction at Bridal Veil Falls for slope repair work.

State Route 193 (El Dorado County): Motorists can expect a full closure of the highway from the junction with State Route 49 in Placerville to Chili Bar from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday for roadwork repairs. More information: http://bit.ly/2to2pbb

Detwiler Fire burns 70,596 acres; Haze expected Friday in Lake Tahoe-Reno-Carson City area

7:45 p.m. update: There is less smoke in the Lake Tahoe basin this evening but air quality is still measuring in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range. The Detwiler Fire is burning in drought stricken chaparral and in an area of severe tree mortality and has consumed 70,596 acres and is now 10 percent contained.

As of tonight, 50 residences and 49 other structures have been destroyed and widespread evacuation orders are still in place.

Widespread haze over Lake Tahoe, Reno and Carson City areas is forecast again for Friday.

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Hike with a ranger this summer at top of Heavenly Gondola

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The sun is out and the snow is melting - now is the time to get out and enjoy summer on your National Forest lands! The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and Heavenly Mountain Resort invite you to Hike with a Ranger this summer. Hikes will take place every Friday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the top of the Heavenly Gondola. The duration of the guided hike is approximately one hour and will continue every weekend through September 2, 2017, weather permitting.

Lake Tahoe air quality to continue in the unhealthy range

The intensifying Detwiler Fire near Mariposa, Calif. continues to send smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin, Alpine County, Reno, Carson City and the Carson Valley, causing air quality to be in the unhealthy range.

As of Wednesday morning the Detwiler fire had burned over 45,000 acres, sending a plume of smoke due north, into our area. It is 7 percent contained and caused the evacuation of the town of Mariposa as well as many surrounding roads and neighborhoods.

Detwiler Fire near Mariposa grows, smoke/haze expected to continue in Lake Tahoe

The Detwiler Fire near Mariposa, Calif. has grown to 19,600 acres this evening, prompting evacuation of the town as well as surrounding areas near Highways 49 and 140.

The fire remains at fiver percent contained.

At this time, one structure has been destroyed and one damaged, and 300 other buildings are threatened. 780 firefighting personnel are at the scene which is west of Yosemite and east of Lake McClure. Nine airtankers, 100 engines, 5 helicopters, 9 dozers and 4 water tenders are being used on the fire.

California fire sending smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin and Reno

A large fire in California in Mariposa County is sending out a lot of smoke, some of it ending up in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The Detwiler Fire has burned 15,500 acres as of Tuesday morning, is five percent contained and threatens 300 homes along Highway 49 north of the town of Mariposa.

Winds from the south are sending that smoke along the Sierra, over Lake Tahoe and into Carson City and Reno areas according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

El Dorado County sends more money to Cal Tahoe JPA for ambulance services

More money is on the way to the South Shore to fund ambulance services thanks to a unanimous vote by the El Dorado County Supervisors during their June 27 meeting. An amendment was made to the original contract between the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) and the County, giving an extra $790,000 per year as well as funds to buy a new ambulance.

The extra money will help fund a special team for interfacility transfers.

USFS to start chemical treatment of invasive species in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting later this month, the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start using chemical treatment to try and eradicate, control and contain known infestations of invasive plants. Their focus will be on 90 sites covering 18.25 acres of sites inside the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Jack Johnson to match donations to League to Save Lake Tahoe

Jack Johnson is not only an entertainer, but he is also an environmentalist doing what he can to reduce his impact on the earth. When Johnson comes to Lake Tahoe this summer on July 28 and 29, one can not only expect great music, but also a zero waste tour.

His All at One initiative is a social action network where everyone can make a positive change in their local and world community. As he tours, Johnson will connect with non-profit groups, take environmental action, and receive rewards. All At Once promotes Sustainable Local Food Systems and Plastic Free Initiatives.

Hazy skies around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra

Have you noticed hazy skies around Lake Tahoe today? No, there are no fires nearby but the Air Quality Index (AQI) is showing a "moderate" range.

There are two fires southwest of Yosemite near Mariposa, but winds are most likely not strong enough to carry that smoke into the Tahoe Basin and Northern Nevada. The Spring Fire started Sunday afternoon and has now burned 60 acres. Nearby the four-day old Ben Fire is 95 percent contained.

Music in the Castle at Vikingsholm

Event Date: 
July 15, 2017 - 5:30pm

Experience Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle in a new and delightful way when the Sierra State Parks Foundation holds Music In The Castles on Saturday, July 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Drive down to the castle for this private concert inside the castle. Enjoy a twilight reception in the courtyard with wine and hors d'oeuvres.

South Lake Tahoe 4th of July weekend: Safety urged for for a fun holiday

South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.

And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.

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