vote
City denied Bijou Park Creek Watershed grant, for now
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/16/2017 - 9:04pmIt's been one year since the City of South Lake Tahoe was denied a grant by the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) for their Bijou Park Creek Watershed and SEZ Restoration Project, and today, the Conservancy Board did it again.
Special SLT City Council meeting Tuesday on purchase of Knight's Inn
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 6:17pmWhat is officially known as the Bijou Park Creek Watershed Restoration Project, or unofficially the Knight's Inn Project, will be brought before the South Lake Tahoe City Council to be approved during a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m.
The three phase, 850-acre project will be both an environmental and economic development project, something the City has been working on for several years.
Dancing With the Tahoe Stars crowns new champion
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/05/2017 - 1:13pmA packed house at MontBleu Resort on Saturday night was on hand to see Blue Angel Cafe owner, and Lake Tahoe Community College Board Trustee Jeff Cowen win the mirror ball trophy for the 5th annual Tahoe Arts Project's Dancing with the Tahoe Stars.
Cowen, and his professional partner Rhonda Keen performed a Bollywood number that brought down the house.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor working on his moves for Dancing With the Tahoe Stars
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/28/2017 - 1:00pmEvent Date:
March 4, 2017 - 6:30pm
What has become the South Lake Tahoe area "event to attend" for the past four years, Tahoe Arts Project's Dancing With the Tahoe Stars once again has filled the stage with men and women from the local community.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Austin Sass and his professional partner Catherine Arens are two of those participating on the MontBleu stage and have been working several hours a week on their Samba routine.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass on roads, traffic and trails
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/25/2017 - 6:46pmThe following is Mayor Austin Sass's monthly letter to the community:
Douglas County room tax may increase 1% to fund event center at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/16/2017 - 11:07pmTransient Lodging License taxes may soon be increased one percent at properties in the Lake Tahoe portion of Douglas County (Lake Tahoe Township) to fund redevelopment projects including the addition of an event/convention center.
Overwhelming support for the tax increase was evident at the Douglas County Commissioner's meeting Thursday, where the elected officials voted 4-1 to approve the increase which would go into effect May 1, 2017.
City Council approves new residential marijuana cultivation ordinance
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/07/2017 - 7:42pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - As the State of California figures out how commercial sales of recreational marijuana will be handled in 2018, the City of South Lake Tahoe has adjusted the marijuana ordinance to handle residential grows.
With the passage of Proposition 64 in November, residents can grow up to six plants in their homes, and the City changed their medical marijuana ordinance to match the requirements of the new law legalizing recreational use.
Council to discuss marijuana ordinance for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/05/2017 - 7:57pmWith the passage of Proposition 64 in November, South Lake Tahoe and other cities around the state are taking a look at their codes and regulations to be consistent with requirements that came with the legalization of marijuana for personal use. Californians voted 57.13 percent in favor of the proposition. On a local level, the vote was very close in El Dorado County with 50.07 percent of the voters against the legalization of marijuana.
South Lake Tahoe's Measure T deemed unconstitutional
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/27/2017 - 8:37pmFriday was the end of voter approved Measure T in South Lake Tahoe.
During a January 27 court hearing in Placerville, EL Dorado County Superior Court Judge Jim Wagoner said that Measure T was fundamentally flawed, unconstitutional and unenforceable.
City crews working nonstop to clear South Lake Tahoe roads
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/24/2017 - 8:58pmThe roads around Lake Tahoe have been hard to navigate this week after several feet of snow fell in the basin after the last series of storms over the weekend. Many streets in South Lake Tahoe remain narrow and thick with snow, making it hard to drive through neighborhoods.
Just as residents struggle with all that snow left on their roofs, driveways and walkways, City snowplows are also struggling with what seemed at times as nonstop snow.
Snow doesn't stop supporters as South Lake Tahoe march draws 500
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/21/2017 - 5:20pm"This is incredible," said Heddy Kaufer of South Lake Tahoe as she joined an estimated crowd of 500 men, women and children for the Bi-State Women's March on Washington Lake Tahoe.
Like millions of others who marched around the world on January 21, the festive South Lake Tahoe group walked a three mile route from the Hard Rock Lake Tahoe to the Senior Center in support of not only women's rights, but all human rights.
As the long line of walkers were greeted by honks from cars, they chanted "Love, Not Hate, Makes America Great!"
Tahoe Arts Project presents 2017 Dancing with the Tahoe Stars
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/19/2017 - 12:36pmEvent Date:
March 4, 2017 - 6:30pm
The anticipated list is out! Tahoe Arts Project (TAP) has announced the participants in the 5th annual Dancing with the Tahoe Stars which will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in MontBleu's showroom.
The stars and pros for this special evening:
Betsy Belotti and Rainer Herm
Marimille Dacia and Gerzon Chaves
Alison Ganong and Bob Truesdale
Brooke Hernandez and Alex Kaskie
Cindy Martinez and Rex Kline
Jeff Cowen and Rhonda Keen
John Freidrich and Jodi Patton
Matt Levitt and Robyn Lindner
Chuck Malone and Angela Smith
Austin Sass and Catherine Arens
City of South Lake Tahoe declares state of emergency to pave way for funding
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/18/2017 - 7:45pmThe South Lake Tahoe City Council members voted unanimously to declare a state of emergency in the city after widespread flooding occurred after an atmospheric river passed over the community on January 7 and 8, 2017. The flooding was replaced by several feet of snow through January 12.
While the total impact on the community during the storm has yet to be tallied, making the declaration directs state and federal funds to South Lake Tahoe to alleviate the financial burden should major repairs be needed.
Vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe still divisive topic
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 2:06pmThe vacation home rental (VHR) businesses in South Lake Tahoe have joined together in an effort to address, not only issues residents have with their homes, but to address their relationship with those who control and vote on their regulations.
"Our biggest fear is that the City has changed the intent of the ordinance without the council approval," said Josh Priou, Director of Product Development at Lake Tahoe Accommodations and a member of SLTVRA, South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Alliance.
Controversy brewing as City and County reps on Tahoe Conservancy Board resign
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/15/2017 - 6:33pmFriday's board meeting of the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) was delayed almost two hours due to ice on the road near near Zephyr Cove, causing it to close, and those weren't the only icy conditions on the South Shore that day.
The other ice could be felt during the meeting as conflict of interest, ethics, integrity, suspicious actions and lack of transparency were the theme of the day.
All three items on the agenda Friday were placed there amid a stressed relationship between the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and Patrick Wright, the Executive Director of the CTC.
Opinion: Why I March
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 8:13pmThe Women’s March on Washington DC on January 21, 2017 is slated to be a historic demonstration of human beings who believe in equality and social justice for all. Although titled “women’s march” the march is for EVERYONE who cares about human rights. Human rights are women’s rights. This event will go down in history because it has turned into a march of global proportion with sister events being held in communities across the country and the world.
Special BOS meeting to vote on $57.1 million loan for new public safety building
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/22/2016 - 10:26pmShould El Dorado County receive a $57.1 million loan from United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) to replace their aging public safety facility/Sheriff's office in Placerville? The Board of Supervisors (BOS) will make a decision on this at a special meeting on Tuesday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Opinoin: Passage of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act caps year of progress
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/16/2016 - 4:50pmFour years ago this month, TRPA approved the 2012 Regional Plan. The landmark plan charts a course to restore Lake Tahoe’s environment and revitalize our communities and it was forged through Herculean work by California, Nevada, local governments, the public, and dozens of other partners.
Many Tahoe Basin stakeholders once questioned if we could work together, but the Regional Plan ushered in an era of collaboration. Today, the answer is how can we work together more efficiently. By building and strengthening partnerships we have made remarkable progress. This year was no different.
Austin Sass new South Lake Tahoe Mayor
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/13/2016 - 8:55pmAt the beginning of Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, Austin Sass was voted in as mayor, Wendy David as vice mayor and new Councilmembers Jason Collin and Brooke Laine were sworn in.
It was an unanimous vote for Sass, but with three Councilmembers interested in being vice-mayor, the vote for that position was a much closer 3-2. Both Brooke Laine and Tom Davis also expressed a desire to serve under Sass. Collin was the only one not interested in either position, citing his being "the new kid on the block" and wanted to learn the job he was elected for first.
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative in a legal battle with landlord, dispensary license at jeopardy
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/12/2016 - 10:49pmThere is a legal battle in South Lake Tahoe that has put a long-time resident against the owner of the City's lone medical dispensary, Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC).
Late night vote in Washington brings $415 million to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/10/2016 - 10:28pmLate Friday night, the U.S. House of Representatives joined the U.S. Senate in passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, which will bring $415 million in future funding to Lake Tahoe over the next seven years. The decision brought cheers from many local agencies, including the League to Save lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
Vail Resorts calls on Congress to approve Lake Tahoe Restoration Act
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/05/2016 - 10:36amVail Resorts has called on the United States Congress to approve the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015. This Act provides $415 million in funding and reauthorizes important Lake Tahoe restoration activities that began in 1997 and refocuses federal, state and local efforts toward reducing wildfire threats, improving water quality and clarity, and combating invasive species. All of these are important to the local economy at one of the most visited lakes in the world.
SOS Outreach wins $50,000 award from Gatorade
Submitted by admin on Fri, 12/02/2016 - 9:22pmA charity with operations in South Lake Tahoe is the recipient of the national $50,000 Gatorade "For the Love of Sports" campaign. Besides Lake Tahoe, SOS Outreach serves youth in Colorado and Seattle.
"Thank you to the Tahoe community for the support during the For the Love of Sports Campaign to help us win the $50,000," said Theresa Papandrea, VP of Youth Programs for Lake Tahoe.
Papandrea said the SOS Outreach efforts will serve around 700 local youth and 5,000 nationally.
More ballots counted; South Lake Tahoe election results remain the same
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/23/2016 - 8:15pmOn Wednesday, the El Dorado County Elections Department released more results from the November 8 election. There are still approximately 200-300 ballots remaining to count from County Supervisor District 5 which is from Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.
"We'd like to not wait until the December 6 deadline, but there are quite a few provisional ballots left to count," said Justin Canning of El Dorado County.
All ballots must be certified 28 days after the election, hence their December 6 deadline.
Ballot tally updated: South Lake Tahoe election results remain the same
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/16/2016 - 9:50pmNovember 17, 2:30 p.m. update: There are about 500 provisional ballots from the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers areas that need to be counted, along with a few mail-in ballots.
According to Linda Webster, Assistant Registrar of Voters for the County, there are a few mail-in ballots still to be counted county-wide. She expects there will be an update to the returns before Thanksgiving with a final release of figures right after the holiday. It will be that final report that will include the provisional ballot count.
El Dorado County still needs to count over 23,000 votes
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/16/2016 - 12:12amThe election was seven days ago, but the final ballots cast in El Dorado County have yet to be tabulated, and it might not be until Friday for the results of over 20,000 ballots are released. Another 3,000 provisional ballots should be counted by Monday.
As of 5:00 p.m. November 15, the 20,000 ballots were about to be scanned.
Approval of VHR permit in South Lake Tahoe: Hours of debate, thousands of dollars
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/14/2016 - 11:27pmRoman Kreminski lives in South Lake Tahoe and, like many others, makes his living in building "Spec Homes," the process of building and selling homes for sale without any particular buyer in mind. It used to be a good business for Kreminski based on speculation of a strong real estate market and buyers waiting to invest in paradise.
He kept about five local families working full time to build the homes.
After Thursday's South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission meeting Kreminski said, "I'm done."
South Lake Tahoe resident asks City to ban street parking on Regina Road
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/13/2016 - 12:13amNoel Farmer, a South Lake Tahoe resident, has been a vocal opponent to Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in his Heavenly Valley neighborhood. Farmer is present at City Council and Planning Commission meetings, as well as Zoning Administrator meetings when the topic is VHRs.
During this Tuesday's meeting at the airport, the City Council members will discuss Farmer's petition to ban street parking on the dead-end street where he lives, Regina Road, in the 3600 and 3700 blocks.
Letter: Annie Davidson thanks community, addresses issues
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/11/2016 - 2:34pmTo the South Lake Tahoe Community,
With the election over, I am writing to congratulate the new LTUSD Board members, to respond to some of the claims Derek Allister made public in the final days of the election, and to reaffirm my commitment to volunteer my time and talents to this school district into the future.
Tahoe conservationists challenge Martis Valley West project in court
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/10/2016 - 9:41pmLegal action against the approved Martis Valley West project was taken in court Thursday as three groups, Sierra Watch, Mountain Area Preservation and the League to Save Lake Tahoe, joined forces to stop the controversial development proposal they feel threatens Lake Tahoe's clarity.
City celebrates passage of Measure P in Tuesday's election
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/09/2016 - 11:15amMeasure P, the two percent raise in transient occupancy tax for lodging properties in the City limits, has passed by a fairly large margin. With 100 percent of the precincts counted, a "yes" vote of 3,214 to 1,537 has passed by a 35.30 percent difference in the unofficial results.
The measure will use the funds raised by the extra tax to support recreational improvements in the City. A new recreation center, competitive pool and ball courts are in the plans.
Nevada legalizes marijuana, expands background checks
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/09/2016 - 8:39amVoters have narrowly approved an initiative to tighten gun background checks in Nevada. Backers of Question 1 said they wanted to close the loopholes in the current law by requiring background checks through a licensed gun dealer when most firearms change hands, including personal and online sales.
The vote totals were:
Yes - 558,586
No - 548,685
Question 2, the legalization of marijuana
Yes - 602,400
No - 503,615
Douglas County election results
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 11:20pm7:00 a.m. 11/9 update: 100 percent of the precincts have been counted in Douglas County.
Douglas County School Board
Area 3
Keith Byer 13,009 65.88 %
Michael Kiger 6737 34.12 %
Area 4
Linda Gilkerson 11,760 58.19 %
Larry Lippman 8450 41.81 %
Cave Rock General Improvement District
Ralph Miller 53 43.80 %
Joanne Zerg 45 37.19 %
Michael Rooney 23 19.01 %
Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District
Greg Felton 1710 27.57 %
Ann Grant 1680 27.08 %
Larry Schussel 1678 27.05 %
Laine and Collin, Measures P and T win
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 10:43pm6:00 a.m. 11/9 Update: It took awhile for ballots to be counted, but 100 percent of the precincts have now been counted for El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. The results are unofficial as some mail-in ballots will still be tallied.
Former councilwoman Brooke Laine and hospital executive Jason Collin will be headed to the South Lake Tahoe City Council in what turned out to be a close race with local politics newcomer, Tamara Wallace. Current Councilwoman JoAnn Conner will not be returning for a second term.
SLT City Council results, the top two vote-getters win:
Get out and vote - Election Day 2016
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 9:38amMany are ready for this election to be over the national level with the negativity surrounding the campaigns. On a local level there are several choices before voters.
If you have not already submitted your ballots, find your polling place here:
If you live in the South Lake Tahoe City limits, you are able to vote for two of ten candidates for City Council (in alphabetical order):
Brooke Laine
Dan McLaughlin
Jason Collin
JoAnn Conner
Permit for SnowGlobe late night party at Hard Rock denied
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 8:47pmCiting concerns for safety, under-age party goers and an already taxed law enforcement staff, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners denied an outdoor festival permit for SnowGlobe Late Night events December 29-31 at Stateline.
Chad Donnelly proposed the after-party each night of the annual concert to be held under a tent in the parking lot of Hard Rock Lake Tahoe from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The proposal was just in writing as neither Donnelly or representatives from the Hard Rock attended the meeting.
Letter: Long time educator asks for your vote for LTUSD board
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 4:26pmHello South Lake Tahoe,
As you reflect on voting for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education Trustee in Area 1, I respectfully ask for your thoughtful consideration.
Letter: YES on Proposition 52
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 1:03pmThis November, please vote YES on Proposition 52. Proposition 52, the Medi-Cal Funding and Accountability Act, extends the current partnership between the state and California hospitals to help fund the health care needs of 13 million children, seniors, and low-income families in California.
In the last two years, the number of Med-Cal recipients in South Lake Tahoe has doubled. El Dorado County receives $20,136,379 in federal funding each year and without this money our working families who would not be able to afford health care services.
SLT City Council candidate Trey Riddle
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:46pmAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Trey Riddle, 38 years old, Bartender, 3 years in South Lake Tahoe
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate Tamara Wallace
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:33pmAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Tamara Wallace, 46, Retired Businesswoman/Chamber Exec
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate Dan McLaughlin
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:22pmAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Dan McLaughlin, 66, Sales Manager for Lake Tahoe Television, has lived in Lake Tahoe for 43 years.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate John Shearer
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 11:53amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
John Shearer, 49 years old, has lived in South Lake Tahoe for over 30 years and own and operate several local businesses.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
Letter: I respectfully ask for your vote for Lake Valley Fire District Board
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 11:32amAs a resident of the District for the past 38 years, with the last 11 years serving as Director for the Lake Valley Fire District (LVFD) Board and 10 years as Chairman of Cal Tahoe JPA, our local emergency medical service (EMS) provider, I wish to leverage my experience and continue my passion for community service as a Director of LVFD. With a distinguished career in public service of over 40 years, having many years of experience in oversight and management in local Fire District some noteworthy accomplishments are:
SLT City Council candidate Jason Collin
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 11:18amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Jason Collin, 43, Administrative Director of Post-Acute Services & Owner/Race Director for Epic Tahoe Adventures, 8 years living in Tahoe.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate JoAnn Conner
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:43amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
JoAnn Conner, 67, Small Business Owner, 35 years in SLT.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
Letter: Thank you for your support for LTUSD Board
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:21amTo the South Lake Tahoe Community,
Thank you for considering me for Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board member. With your support, I will serve the residents of Trustee Area #1. My husband Matt Lucksinger, a South Tahoe native, and I decided to move to the LTUSD in 2014, excited to have our daughters enter school and to be able to participate in this community. School Board service is an extension of that decision.
SLT City Council candidate Brooke Laine
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:15amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Brooke Laine, 52, Branch Manager, US Bank, Born and raised in SLT
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate Ted Long
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:07amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Ted Long, 77, attorney and lecturer, 21 years full time skiing here since 1965.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations
Is South Lake Tahoe safer after passage of the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act?
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/06/2016 - 3:03pmThe current crime and police officer staffing statistics in City of South Lake Tahoe is consistent with the State of California as a whole. Most of the crimes for which the Safe Neighborhood and Schools Act have mandated a reduction in criminal penalties have increased in our city. Also consistent with state-wide statistics is the reduction in numbers of South Lake Tahoe police officers available to address local crime.
Letter: Local doctor supports Annie Davidson for LTUSD Board
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/05/2016 - 11:17pmDear Voters,
I am writing to endorse Annie Davidson for LTUSD School Board. As coach of my daughter’s soccer team, Annie showed true devotion to her athletes and was an incredible teacher and mentor for the girls she coached. She showed true patience and skill in coaching nine 7-year-old girls. I got to know Annie during this time and was impressed with her enthusiasm for our youth and our community.