tahoe basin

Weather Storm Watch in effect from 5 p.m. Halloween until 11 a.m. Saturday

The seven day forecast for the Lake Tahoe basin includes sunshine, rain and snow. A foot of snow is expected at upper elevations with 2" to 6" forecast at lake level.

South Lake Tahoe trick or treaters prepare for cold and snow every year, and this year their preparations will be put to good use. Rain will start just after noon Friday according to weather.gov. Highs will be near 58 and breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Opinion: Is Meyers a community willing to work together?

After witnessing the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District (TPRID) meeting last week I starting thinking how the residents of Meyers and Tahoe Paradise could be better served.

What happened at the TPRID meeting was a sad display of a board in action. There was yelling, arguing and, what one person witnessing everything said, “don’t air your dirty laundry in a meeting like this.”

A bit of winter in the mountains this weekend

The Lake Tahoe basin saw a glimpse of winter Saturday with snow falling in the upper elevations.

Heavenly, Sierra and Northstar all saw up to three inches of snow this afternoon and a little more is expected as the weather front continues into Sunday morning.

Opening day for Heavenly and Northstar is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21.

Think South Lake Tahoe needs faster internet? Submit a quick computer speed test.

All of the major cell phone companies were in town last week, meeting with local agencies to determine the need for better cell phone coverage. As most locals are aware, there are several pockets of "no cell phone" coverage in town.

Since 80% of the Lake Tahoe basin is owned by the U.S. Forest Service, the choice on where to put new cell phone towers is limited. They are looking into new partnerships with local land owners to see what can be done.

Snow fell at Heavenly this week, when is next storm expected?

Heavenly Mountain Resort is aiming for a November 21 opening day and a dusting of snow on their upper mountain built anticipation for the winter season.

The 10 day forecast shows a wet system entering the Tahoe basin on Saturday, providing a 60% chance of showers during the day with a rainfall total of just .08". There is a 6% chance of rain on Sunday. A larger storm is anticipated to arrive on Halloween night with 1" of snow and .22" of rain predicted for Friday, .3" of snow on Saturday, .7" of snow on Sunday and .7" of snow on Monday.

Accuweather's forecast:

Basin agencies working together for wildfire protection

September brought the reality of wildfires to the forefront in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The King Fire came within eight air miles of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit boundary, and as we all anxiously awaited its containment, the Cascade Fire broke out in the Desolation Wilderness.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore.

10/11
11:57 a.m. - Skyline Drive - GRAND THEFT. ITEMS REPORTED STOLEN OUT OF UNLOCKED VEHICLE.

12:09 p.m. - Memory Lane - GRAND THEFT. A 61 YEAR OLD MAN REPORTED A THEFT OF $995 IN CURRENCY VIA A TELEPHONE SCAM. A REPORT WAS GENERATED AND FORWARDED TO DETECTIVES AND THE SOUTH LAKE TAHOE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR INFORMATION.

Tallac Historic Site retrofit approved; work could begin in 2015

A decision to approve the retrofit project to revitalize the Tallac Historic Site was announced today by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).

The project, in the works for a few years, will improve recreational facilities, implement water quality BMPs, as well as upgrade paths, restrooms, parking and picnic areas.

Prescribed burns to take place on urban lots in Lake Tahoe basin

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the fall/winter prescribed fire program this week. Operations may take place tomorrow, October 16, 2014, on various urban lots around the Lake Tahoe Basin including Elizabeth Drive on the West Shore, Christmas Valley, Angora Creek, Elks Club Drive, Echo View Estates, and Bakersfield Avenue on the South Shore.

Nineteen positions open on City of South Lake Tahoe Commissions

If you are a South Lake Tahoe area resident and want to be involved in your community, the City Council is looking for you!

They are now collecting applications for two-year appointments to the Airport Land Use Commission, Building/ADA Board of Appeals, Parks & Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission. Some of the openings are for City residents only while others just need to live in the Lake Tahoe basin portion of El Dorado County.

South Lake Tahoe's Forest Service facilities start to close for the season

It's that time of year when recreation areas start to closed down for the season.

Nevada Beach, Fallen Leaf, Bayview, Meeks Bay, and Kaspian campgrounds, and Nevada, Pope, Baldwin, Meeks Bay, William Kent, and Kaspian beaches all closed for the season on Monday, October 13. The Tallac Historic Site closed at the end of September.

Camp Richardson and Zephyr Cove resorts remain open year-round.

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center will remain open on weekends through the end of October.

Op/Ed: Voting For LTCC’s Measure F Makes Tahoe Safer

Wait, what? Safer? Yes! As a 20-plus-year South Lake Tahoe resident and a recently retired FBI agent, I have experienced Lake Tahoe Community College as a student, a guest speaker, and as an occasional criminal justice instructor. Over the years, these connections have proven to me just how essential LTCC is in giving our local youth a pathway towards a productive future.

Sign ups being taken for 11 week Master Gardener training session

The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) invites adults interested in helping others learn about gardening and landscaping to apply to train as a Lake Tahoe Master Gardener volunteer. UCCE Master Gardener volunteers learn University-based scientific information and then share that knowledge with the gardening community. Master Gardener volunteers are people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Kingsbury Grade is reopening to through traffic on Tuesday

Kingsbury Grade, which has been closed at the summit due to a $15M road construction project, is scheduled to open on Tuesday, October 7 at 6 a.m.

Construction work will continue after Tuesday's reopening for a couple of weeks. State Route 207 (Kingsbury Grade) had two construction closures, one in May and the other since Labor Day. The through traffic closure was originally slated to end in mid to late October.

TRPA launches online system for grading exception requests

The five month long grading season in Lake Tahoe ends on October 15 and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has made it easier for builders to request an extension.

TRPA now has an online system to handle the requests in order to improve customer service and eliminate the need to people to drive to their office.

Grading season for construction projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin extends from May 1 to October 15. Soil disturbance during wet conditions can harm the lake’s water quality. Outside of the grading season, soil disturbance activities generally require an exception.

USFS lifts fire restrictions on some National Forest lands

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will lift fire restrictions on National Forest System lands beginning Friday, October 3, 2014.

“Although fire restrictions will be lifted on Friday, remember campfires are never allowed in the Desolation Wilderness,” said Forest Service fire management officer Kit Bailey.

Annual Festival in honor of the Kokanee Salmon this weekend

Last year, a government shut down caused the annual South Lake Tahoe festival that honors the Kokanee Salmon to be canceled, though nobody told the fish. Highway 89 was lined with cars since people had to walk in to view the fish spawning as well as enjoying fall foliage.

Bear proof food lockers now required for Fallen Leaf and Meeks Bay Campgrounds

Improper storage of human food and other scented items, and improper disposal of refuse is a leading cause of human-bear conflict. Due to the fact that bears are attracted to food and things that smell good, proper handing of these items is required at Fallen Leaf and Meeks Bay campgrounds starting October 1.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has issued the final decision for Forest Order No. 19-14-14 that requires the proper storage of food and refuse.

New interactive science exhibit coming to Lake Tahoe

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded $150,000 to the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) to create a new, interactive public exhibit at the Tahoe Science Center, located in Incline Village. The exhibit will merge the results of citizen science with TERC’s new, real-time monitoring network that is being installed around the lake to understand and improve the clarity and health of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.

The 20 acre Cascade Fire in South Lake Tahoe now 90% contained

9/29/14 update: Heavy precipitation over the weekend allowed firefighters to achieve 90 percent containment of the Cascade Fire near Snow Lake in the Desolation Wilderness. Crews will begin repairing impacts from fire suppression activities and will monitor the fire to detect any renewed activity later this week due to drier, warmer and windier conditions.

Bayview Trailhead and Campground and TaylorCreek Sno-Park on Hwy. 89 have reopened. The cause of the 20-acre fire is under investigation, but it has been determined to be human-caused.

League invites volunteers to join in Annual Stewardship Day

Event Date: 
September 27, 2014 - 9:00am

The League to Save Lake Tahoe invites volunteers to come stabilize stream banks, pull invasive plants and restore trails for the 17th annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day on September 27 at Tahoe Paradise Park in Meyers.

The park lies along the Upper Truckee River, Lake Tahoe’s largest tributary. Volunteer efforts will have a tangible effect on reducing sediment flow into the river, and help Keep Tahoe Blue. This is the League’s third year hosting the event at this location.

49,000 customers to benefit from proposed Liberty Utilities power line upgrade

The TRPA, U.S. Forest Service and the California Public Utilities Commission have released a final environmental impact report on the proposed electrical system upgrade in North Lake Tahoe by Liberty Utilities.

The proposed 625 and 650 Electrical Line Upgrade Project would consist primarily of an upgrade of Liberty Energy's existing 625 and 650 electrical power lines and associated substations from 60 kilovolt to 120 kV, to allow the entire North Lake Tahoe Transmission System to operate at 120 kV.

Op/Ed: With a common vision, working for a breakthrough on funding

“A breakdown can pave the way for a breakthrough,” California Governor Jerry Brown said at the Lake Tahoe Summit on August 19.

The governor was speaking about the challenges people face in looking beyond their differences for common ground, whether that’s working to craft the $7.5 billion water bond California voters will consider in November or working across state lines to protect and restore Lake Tahoe.

Learn about new Heavenly Mountain Resort plans at USFS Open House

Event Date: 
September 18, 2014 - 6:00pm

Heavenly Mountain Resort's proposed Epic Discovery Project will be featured at an open house hosted by the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday, September 18.

The resort wants to expand year-round activities to include zipline and skycycle canopy tours, a mountain bike park, a ropes course, water activities, hiking trails, mountain excursion tours and nature interpretation. Heavenly is also proposing to create a snowcat emergency evacuation route for the gondola line.

Firefighters have put a line around 89% of the King Fire

9/28/14 10:00 p.m. update: 4,420 firefighters and support staff are still on the scene of the 97.099 acre King Fire which is now 89% contained.

After 4 days of precipitation with accumulations of 1-3 inches, fire spread has been halted, however heat remains in the heavier fuels and in the heavy duff sheltered from the rain under the dense timber canopy. As the weather turns warm and dry over the next several days, expect to see an increase in fire activity and smoke production; however spread potential is extremely low, doe to the successful suppression efforts.

Lake Valley Fire Department gets $26,000 grant for forest health in Meyers

The Lake Valley Fire Department was given a $26,000 grant to clear brush and hazard trees from a 6.5 acre parcel in Meyers. The grant was given by the Forest Service to help reduce the risk of wildfire in Meyers.

The parcel is owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy across from the Tahoe Pine Campground.

Forest Service acquires Tahoe Mountain Parcels

Two more vacant lots in South Lake Tahoe have been added to the increasing cache of land the U.S. Forest Service has accumulated to preserve for public use.

These two lots are 3.13 acres each and located on Tahoe Mountain. They purchased one with great lake views for $135,000 and a second one for $100,000. This second lot is adjacent to the new hiking and mountain biking trail that begins on Deveron Way.

Smoke in basin from the Happy Camp Fire; Yosemite Fire has burned 4,400 acres

Many thought the smoke filling the Lake Tahoe basin on Tuesday was from Yosemite's Meadow Fire, but because of the way winds were flowing the basin smoke was actually from the Happy Fire in Northern California.

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Happy Fire had burned over 105,000 acres and is 30% contained. The lightning caused fire started on August 12 and is burning west of Yreka and I-5 along Hwy 96 in the Klamath National Forest.

Agencies and public work together to keep Lake Tahoe beaches clean

The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority would like to thank all of our community members, visitors, businesses and agencies who have helped keep our Lake Tahoe beaches clean throughout a busy summer season. Debris on Lake Tahoe’s beaches affects everyone’s enjoyment of the lake, and trash and debris on the beaches and streets can easily find its way to the lake and adversely impact lake clarity, water quality and wildlife.

Lake Tahoe native mussels being relocated in order to protect species

Quagga mussels have been getting all the press lately but today it was the river mussel's turn for notoriety.

Native to the western U.S., the river mussel is now a protected species due to their population being threatened by dams, habitat modification due to the disappearance of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout from the Upper Truckee and other river habitat changing occurrences.

Free wildflower slideshow at LTCC

Event Date: 
September 12, 2014 - 7:00pm

LTCC faculty member Lisa Berry will present photos of wildflowers taken in the lake Tahoe basin.

Everyone is invited to this free event on September 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Board Room in the library building.

Wetlands to be restored and dam removed at Incline Lake

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit purchased Incline Lake on the north shore in 2011, and after it was deemed unsafe to development downstream it was drained.

Now they are planning on restoring the wetlands in the area and removing the dam.

Mark McLaughlin Presents Lake Tahoe and the Comstock at SLT Library

Event Date: 
September 20, 2014 - 11:00am

Mark McLaughlin, award-winning, nationally published author, professional speaker, and photographer returns to the SLT Library with the compelling presentation: The History of Lake Tahoe and the Comstock.

The 1859 discovery of silver in western Nevada and the development of the Comstock brought entrepreneurs of all types to the region. It also brought disastrous consequences for the Tahoe basin and its environment. But one timber baron was a visionary who saw beyond the denuded lake-side slopes to dream of a paradise for tourists and nature lovers.

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
United States

Motorists preparing for month long Kingsbury Grade Closure

As soon as the holiday visitors head home after the Labor Day weekend, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will close State Route 207 to through traffic starting Tuesday, September 2.

Kingsbury Grade will be closed at the top near Tramway Drive. The lake side of the Grade will be open but the valley side will not. NDOT will temporarily re-open SR207 for the Genoa Candy Dance September 27 and 28.

'Reggae in the Pines' - a benefit music concert to raise funds for the Sugar Pine Foundation

Event Date: 
September 6, 2014 - 8:00pm

Join us for a night out!

The Sugar Pine Foundation and Himmel Haus are hosting a benefit music concert 'Reggae in the Pines' to raise money for planting 10,000 sugar pines in the Tahoe region.

Come enjoy some live music from local reggae band WEAPON, who are donating their services for free for the event, and Brewfish, a reggae/rock band from Long Beach, CA.

Will Eichelberger will be creating a LIVE ART MURAL, with lots of paints and a photo he captured, come check out his unique mixed-media art! He will also be donating one of his art pieces for the AUCTION!

Location

Himmel Haus German Bar & Restaurant
3819 Saddle Road South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States

Two new board members for Tahoe Prosperity Center

Not only has the Tahoe Prosperity Center has been working on issues to create healthier communities around the lake, they have also been welcoming new members to their Board of Directors.

New to the board are locals John McLaughlin, Chief Financial Officer of Edgewood Companies and Ken Riley, Senior Vice President, Kiewit Infrastructure Group, Inc. They join 24 other community members on the board whose goal is to also promote regional sustainability through economic vitality and by being environmental stewards.

Heavenly looking to expand summer activities with Epic Discovery Project

An environmental impact report on the Heavenly Epic Discovery Project is ready for public viewing. The new project, located at Heavenly Mountain Resort, will expand their summer activities to include more canopy tours, hiking and biking trails as well as interpretive activities.

Since 2011 the U.S. Forest Service has allowed more summer activities on national forest lands.

The following increase in activities are being proposed:

17th Annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day

Event Date: 
September 27, 2014 - 9:00am

Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day is the largest volunteer restoration event in the Lake Tahoe basin. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to restore trails, stabilize stream banks and plant native plants. Last year 82 volunteers from various organizations participated to help restore Tahoe Paradise Park in Meyers, CA.

This year, volunteers are invited to help restore the watershed habitats that lead to Lake Tahoe.

The stewardship project starts at Tahoe Paradise Park in Meyers at 8 a.m.

Location

Tahoe Paradise Park
1011 E San Bernardino Ave
United States

50th anniversary of National Preservation Act celebrated

Attendees of the Valhalla Art, Music and Theater Festival learned how to use a cross-cut saw, the primary tool still used today to keep trails open and accessible in the Wilderness. The event celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 National Wilderness Preservation Act.

U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit staff provided saws, logs and gloves and guided over 50 participants of all ages as they cut through a 10-inch log and received the souvenir slice branded with the 50th Wilderness Anniversary logo.

Local fuel reduction efforts recognized

Sixteen local, state and federal agencies were recognized during Tuesday's Lake Tahoe Summit.

A proclamation signed by by Senators Dianne Feinstein, Dean Heller and Harry Reid, Representatives Mark Amodei and Tom McClintock and Governors Jerry Brown and Brian Sandoval honored the release of the Multi-Jurisdiciont Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy.

The original strategy, finalized in 2007, has successfully guided wildfire risk reduction projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Survey being conducted to see if better, faster internet needed in Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Prosperity Center (TPC) wants to facilitate the expansion of high speed internet in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. In order to see where the need is, a speed test of your current internet service and a survey is being conducted.

New signs installed along Lake Tahoe's Nevada entrances

People coming into the basin to attend the annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Tuesday will find new signs on the three Nevada entrances: Kingsbury Grade (State Route 207), Spooner Summit (U.S. Highway 50) and the Mt. Rose Highway (State Route 431).

The signs read, “Entering the Lake Tahoe Watershed — Help Protect It!” They were put up to remind everyone passing by them that Lake Tahoe is a special place that needs protecting by everyone coming to visit (and those who are already here).

New trail created to connect High Meadows to Tahoe Rim Trail

A new three mile long trail has been completed that now connects High Meadows to the Tahoe Rim Trail. The new path, called the Monument Pass Trail, is located in the southeast end of South Lake Tahoe at the Cold Creek Trail at High Meadows. The trail is multi-use and will be enjoyed by cyclists and hikers.

The new trail is part of a larger group of trail projects known as the Trail Access and Travel Management Plan (Trail ATM), a process used by the Forest Service to plan, review, design and construct trail systems in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Generation Green Graduates

Students from the South Lake Tahoe area graduated from Generation Green, a program designed to introduce students to careers in natural resources management through a transformative summer experience.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report for South Lake Tahoe

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore.

7/11
1:22 a.m. - Prospector Trail: A 21 YEAR OLD WOMAN WAS ARRESTED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
12:10 p.m. - Cherry Hills Circle: SUSPECT, A 40 YEAR OLD WOMAN, ASSAULTED THE VICTIM, A 55 YEAR OLD MAN, WITH A "BALL CHUCKER", A PLASTIC DEVICE USED TO THROW A TENNIS BALL.

7/12
3:03 a.m. - Oaxaco Street: A REPORT OF NOISE DISTURBANCE FROM VACATION RENTAL.

Fire danger still extremely high; bans in place

With the major forest fires burning throughout California, Oregon and Washington, it's a good time to remind everyone that there are fire restrictions in place in South Lake Tahoe.

The City of South Lake Tahoe and the U.S. Forest Service both have fire bans in place. Campfires and charcoal barbecues have been restricted to designated forest service recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin since June 26, even if campers and back country hikers have a fire permit.

Lake Tahoe Attracts Top-Notch Physicians

Physicians are in high demand, but not just from patients. With an impending physician shortage and more job competition, medical administrators and recruiters will spend hours attending meetings, networking, and recruiting to hire top-notch physicians.

In a 2012 study, the Association of Staff Physician Recruiters (ASPR) estimated that physician recruitment costs between $75,000 and $90,000 per doctor. This does not include the time and effort to set up a medical practice and then to retain a physician.

Update: Over 500,000 acres burned in the West

8/5/14 9:15 a.m. update: Rains in Northern California on Monday did little to penetrate the canopy of the raging fires according to Bald Fire Inicident Command, but the fire did burn less actively. As of Tuesday morning, the lightening caused fire has consumed 39,850 acres and is 30% contained. Nearly 1,000 fire fighters are on the fire.

The other large fire near the town of Burney, the Eiler Fire, is now 20% contained and it has burned 28,600 acres. The estimate date for full containment is August 20th and for the Bald Fire, August 17th.

Tahoe Rim Trail Association has events left to enjoy this summer

What began as a dream in 1977 is now a 165-mile trail around Lake Tahoe for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. Retired U.S. Forest Service officer Glen Hampton researched and explored places along the perimeter for the trail to go. He nvestigated aged pathways used by early pioneers, Basque Shepherds, and the Washoe People. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA)was founded in 1981 and construction on the trail began three years later.

Novasel and Curtzwiler tell audience why they should win County Supervisor race

There are a few buzz words that are evidently going to be used during the El Dorado County District 5 Supervisor race this summer and fall.

Economic Vitality - An economy with sufficient jobs, products and services to support the community. A sufficient tax base provides citizens with police and fire, parks and recreation and public services needed by the population.

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