2020

Truckee, El Dorado and Placer County leaders ask AirBnB to not allow rentals during Stay-at-Home order

El Dorado County, Placer County and Town of Truckee representatives have sent a letter to Airbnb, asking for assistance stopping short-term rentals (STR) during the current Stay at Home Order. They told the vacation rental booking company that their help is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and asked them to not allow rentals in Truckee and the California side of Lake Tahoe during the order which is through at least January 1.

Food assistance in South Lake Tahoe through the holidays

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many people in the South Lake Tahoe area could use some extra help during the holidays, and local sources of free food are available to help ease some needs.

Bread & Broth will be open on Monday, December 21 and 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with bags of food. Also, their Friday food bag operation will not be open on Christmas Day but will resume on New Year's Day, January 1, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are located at St. Theresa Grace Hall at 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe.

Howie's Top 20 favorite Christmas movies

Christmas started early for this guy once the pandemic hit. I put my Christmas lights up over the 4th of July and for a short while started watching Christmas movies too to try and get that feel-good feeling happening. Okay, I also did it because I wanted to watch movies where no one was wearing a mask and hugging one another without fear of being exposed. I’ve always enjoyed movies for their pure escapism and who doesn’t want to escape what we’ve been through already ya know? I also like being wrapped around a movie completely.

"In God We Trust" sign added to Douglas County board chamber wall

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A new "In God We Trust" display has been added to the wall of the Douglas County Board Chamber. In 2019, the County Commissioners passed a resolution supporting the display of the national motto in the chambers and after fundraising efforts the sign was created by the winning bidder, YESCO, LLC.

The new "In God We Trust" was installed during the commissioner's December 10, 2020 meeting.

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 and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/12/13/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

12/13

Del Laine ~ March 20, 1930 - December 18, 2020

Del Laine has left her mark on South Lake Tahoe in ways that many local residents might not know. She was a mover and shaker, whose focus was on making the city a better place. Her most important role, though, was promoting the well-being of women.

This pioneer died Dec. 18, 2020, at home from natural causes, with family at her side. She was 90.

She was born Dolores Mae Wright on March 20, 1930, in Oakland, Calif., to Mabel Paulson and Leslie Wright.

New South Lake Tahoe based company conducts workplace COVID-19 testing.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new company has launched to meet the community needs of COVID-19 testing with workplace testing and overnight results. Test Well today announced the launch of its purpose-built lab in South Lake Tahoe that will not only lower the cost but provides increased accuracy of test results.

The Test Well team, composed of industry experts and local personnel, will prioritize the testing of frontline and essential workers at scale. Starting Monday, December 21, 2020, Lake Tahoe area employers will have access to quick and affordable testing for their employees.

Coronavirus vaccines arrive in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The overnight snowstorm brought more than powder as the first shipment of the Pfitzer-BioNTech vaccine for the coronavirus arrived in South Lake Tahoe at Barton Hospital.

El Dorado County received a total of 975 doses with about five hundred doses shipped to South Lake Tahoe Thursday, Marshall Hospital in Placerville will receive theirs on Sunday. The local doses will be administered to Barton's healthcare workers and skilled nursing residents, beginning Friday, December 17.

Tahoe athletes to offer backcountry safety tips during free live panel session

Featuring some of the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding, the inaugural Tahoe Backcountry Awareness Week will culminate with the Athlete Summit on Thursday, December 17. The free virtual event, designed to encourage those planning to venture into the backcountry to educate themselves before doing so, will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a live Q&A period with Michelle Parker, Jeremy Jones, Elyse Saugstad, Cody Townsend and Amie Engerbretson.

Douglas County DA gets dismissal of OSHA violations surrounding Trump visit

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Two citations issued by the state after President Trump's September 12, 2020 visit have been dismissed. They were both issued following his visit at the Minden-Tahoe Airport since the visit was during Governor Sisolak's emergency order that prohibited public gatherings of more than 50 people.

The State of Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA) has agreed to dismiss the two citations after they were formerly contested by the Douglas County District Attorney who represented both parties charge, the County and ABS Aviation, Inc.

New $5M public communication system heading to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First responders in South Lake Tahoe have been dealing with an antiquated public safety communications system for years but that is about to change. On Tuesday, City Council approved the funds needed to fix the system with much more than a band-aid.

El Dorado County sends letter to governor asking for local control on COVID-19 safety rules

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - In a move initiated by the Republican-based North State Conference, a letter has been sent by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to Governor Newsom to ask for local control of the state's rules through the pandemic.

Assemblyman Kevin Kiley gathered leaders from 16 Northern California counties at this Fall's Conference of North State Leaders. No Democrat leaders were invited. The conference was held to obtain a joint response to counter Governor Newsom's approach and out of it came a "Healthy Communities Resolution."

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

Widespread prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe resume

Weather and conditions permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn hand piles and smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Lyons Ranch - Northwest of the Golden Bear Subdivision. East of Lake Tahoe Airport.
Responsible Agency: California Tahoe Conservancy
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 12/14-17/2020

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 and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/12/06/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

12/6

Column: Healthier, happier holiday celebrations

As we prepare to say goodbye (and maybe even good riddance) to 2020, the end of the year brings several holidays. Whether celebrating Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanza, and of course, New Year’s Eve, remember that indoor holiday gatherings with others not in your immediate household can put you, your community, and those you care about at risk. As challenging as it is, staying home for the holidays is your best way to protect yourself and loved ones, and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in a time when healthcare and essential workers critically need that support.

Health & Human Services reducing hours of South Lake Tahoe office due to COVID-19

In response to the recent increased number of COVID-19 cases in the South Lake Tahoe region, the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Self Sufficiency office located at 3368 Sandy Way in South Lake Tahoe is temporarily reducing the hours that the lobby is open to the public. Beginning Monday, December 14, 2020, the lobby will be open to the public Monday - Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for persons needing to conduct business in person.

USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19

National Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.

Driver leads Douglas County deputies into South Lake Tahoe at speeds up to 100 mph

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A vehicle pursuit from the Douglas County side of the state line into South Lake Tahoe Sunday led to the apprehension of a 19-year-old man and a 14-year-old juvenile.

Column: Persevering this winter’s surge together

We cannot turn on the news, surf the web or walk down the street without constant reminders that we, along with the rest of the world, are battling a virus that has already taken a huge toll on our lives. No one has been immune to the impacts of this virus.

Overland Meat & Seafood pays it forward once again with free hamburger

Event Date: 
December 14, 2020 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Overland Meat & Seafood Company will once again pay-it-forward in South Lake Tahoe and give away hamburger to those in need of some help with putting food on the table during these trying times. The new giveaway day is Monday, December 14 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Brian Cohen, owner of the popular market in South Lake Tahoe, will be continuing what they have now done four different times since the beginning of the pandemic. So far they have given away thousands of pounds of hamburger to people in the community.

Shakespeare at Sand Harbor holds The Snow Must Go On virtual fundraiser

Event Date: 
December 20, 2020 - 4:30pm

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, in partnership with Great Lakes Theater and Idaho Shakespeare Festival, will present The Snow Must Go On – A Virtual Holiday Cabaret Fundraiser on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. A merry ensemble of artists will share festive songs and stories that will bring comfort and joy straight to patron’s homes this holiday season.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado Public Health is working to reduce the backlog in positive results from the weekend and believes that the case count published today, 12/7/2020, is an undercount of at least 150 cases. The state database shows the weekend new case count could much higher. Each day we post the figures released by El Dorado County health officials,

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue decorated holiday truck schedule

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has been able to reverse its earlier decision and is once again going to launch the decorated fire truck through the community. They will be running nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. December 10-24, 2020.

Here is their schedule:

Thursday Dec 10th – Keys/Venice

Friday Dec 11th – Glenwood area

Saturday Dec 12th – Keys/State streets

Sunday Dec 13th – Barton / Tahoe Island Dr

Monday Dec 14th – South Y / Tata Ln area

Tuesday Dec 15th – Al Tahoe Blvd / Pioneer Village

Wednesday Dec 16th – Springwood / Bijou Pines

Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe provides 600 coats to local youth; New members welcome

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Coats for Kids is an annual Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe signature project. For the past three weeks members of the club have been busy purchasing coats and distributing them to students in need in our community.

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 and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/11/29/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

11/29

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.

Mono County and Southern California, San Joaquin regions prepare for stay-at-home orders

Mono County, home to Mammoth Mountain, Bridgeport, and Topaz Lake, is set to go on Stay-at-Home orders with the rest of the Southern California counties on Sunday. They will join the San Joaquin region as areas set to move to the stricter health orders due to a rapidly dwindling supply of ICU beds.

Kirkwood opens for 2020/21 season, Heavenly expands to Nevada side

In a year filled uncertainties and safety mandates, many have been anxiously awaiting the ski season at Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort opened last week, and now their sister Vail property, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, has opened.

As long as allowed, Kirkwood's winter operating plan is focused on comprehensive safety protocols, Kirkwood opened Friday with more than 180 acres of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin honored with 2020 Golden Sparky Award

Fire Marshal Eric Guevin of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) was recently awarded the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada (FPAN) 2020 Golden Sparky Award.

The Golden Sparky Award is the State of Nevada’s highest award for outstanding achievement in fire prevention and fire safety education for fire service personnel.

Guevin has served as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Education Network Representative for the State of Nevada. In this capacity, Eric became a vital liaison between the FPAN, the Fire Safety Educators of Nevada, and NFPA.

Kudos: Tahoe Magic thanks community

Farwell 2020! We will always remember this year, but for most of us, we are also ready to kiss it goodbye with a swift kick to the curb. Our community, like all communities has been hard hit with lost income, closed businesses, stay at home orders, COVID and virtually learning at home. We have missed socializing, travelling, entertaining and being entertained, enjoying our extended family and cannot even see a friend’s smile behind their mask. We missed so much of 2020 and it has hurt, to be honest.

Updated Lake Tahoe vacation home ordinance passed by El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have passed an updated vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance for the Lake Tahoe portion of the county.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the second reading of the ordinance passed, one that adds a ceiling on the number of permits allowed. Supervisor Sue Novasel had to recuse herself because of a resident's request that she do so due to her husband's investment company.

LTUSD to remain on distance learning through at least January 8

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) announced late Wednesday that they will be staying on distance learning until at least January 8, 2021.

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area, District officials said they are concerned for the health and safety of staff and students. With Winter Break starting December 21 they said the likelihood of a significant decrease in community spread before then. School will not be in session until January 4.

Update: South Lake Tahoe decorated fire truck to make holiday rounds this year

UPDATE: The South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue decorated truck will run again in 2020. Once repairs are completed a schedule will be released.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The longstanding tradition of the decorated South Lake Tahoe Fire Truck making the rounds through neighborhoods will be taking a year off due to COVID-19.

The tough decision was made due to safety and protecting participant's health.

Barton Hospital prepares to handle possible surge of COVID-19 patients

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There has been a lot of recent conversation about the stress COVID-19 patients have put on hospital systems across the country, including El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. Concern has been expressed about the occupancy rates at Barton Hospital and what its capacity is to handle the current surge of residents testing positive for the virus.

Record low rainfall in October leads to just 10% of water supply requests fulfilled

With California off to a dry start for the water year, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced Tuesday an initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation of 10 percent of requested supplies for the 2021 water year.

Initial allocations are based on conservative assumptions regarding hydrology and factors such as reservoir storage. Allocations are reviewed monthly and may change based on snowpack and runoff information. They are typically finalized by May.


Douglas County Public Health Officer issues guidance after rise in COVID-19 cases

Douglas County has recently seen an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in an extremely short period of time. This is part of a regional and statewide trend in rapidly increasing confirmed COVID-19 infections and they are experiencing strain to their healthcare system and first responders.

Douglas County cancels public holiday events due to rise in COVID-19 cases

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. = After consultation with the Douglas County officials, the towns, public safety agencies, and Douglas County Emergency Management it was determined in-person public holiday events in the towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden have been canceled. This includes the 25th annual Parade of Lights hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce. County officials said the action was deemed necessary for the safety of the community, due to the most recent State directive limiting public gatherings to no more than 50 people.

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) members will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and conditions permitting. California State Parks and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn hand piles on the east and west shores. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park
Responsible Agency: California State Parks
West of Hwy 89, along S Fire Rd and Campground Rd
Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 20.00
Planned Ignition: 11/30/2020 - 12/18/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 3 weeks

Vote on new mayor, more recovery funds, and emergency order on South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda

Event Date: 
December 1, 2020 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Following a special meeting on Monday to certify the November 3 election and say goodbye to outgoing councilmembers, newly elected Councilmembers Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich will be sworn in at the beginning of Tuesday's regular meeting.

The 9:00 a.m. meeting on December 1 will also include the following agenda items:

Gary S. Slossberg appointed as El Dorado County Superior Court Commissioner

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A new court commissioner has been announced by the El Dorado County Superior Court. After an extensive search and vetting process, Gary
S. Slossberg was appointed by Presiding Judge Suzanne Kingsbury.

Slossberg will be based in Placerville but will serve in all of the courts in El Dorado County. He will specialize in cases involving family law, child support, domestic violence and civil harassment, juvenile dependency and delinquency, traffic, limited civil cases, as well as overflow matters as assigned by the Presiding Judge.

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 and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/11/22/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

11/22

Tahoe Film Fest returns with modified schedule on North Shore

INLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The 6th Annual Tahoe Film Fest presents environmental and independent feature length and award winning films to North Lake Tahoe from December 3-6, 2020. Special guests and filmmakers will be present at many of the films.

The festival takes on a new look during the pandemic. The films originally scheduled for Northstar had to be moved as movie theaters must only operate outdoors due to Placer County's Purple Tier. The theaters on the Nevada side can still show films but only at 50 percent capacity.

New business licenses issued by the City of South Lake Tahoe

The following businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of September and October 2020:

September

9/1
HANDYMAN PETE
SMR DEVELOPMENT
STONE'S BREATH

9/2
TAHOE CHATEAU LAND HOLDING LLC

9/3
SCOTTS CLEAN SWEEP AND SNOW REMOVAL

9/5
VALLEY ROOFING

9/8
HIXENBAUGH WORKS
LESLIES SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIES

9/9
FREE BIRD CHAI LLC
GS PROFESSIONALS LLC
REDSTAR CUSTOM PAINTING
YOGA TAHOE

9/10

Special City Council meeting Monday to certify election; honor Collin and Laine

Event Date: 
November 30, 2020 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The results from the November 3, 2020 election were certified by the El Dorado County Registrar of Voters Bill O'Neil on Wednesday and the City of South Lake Tahoe will certify the results of local items during a special meeting on Monday, November 30 at 9:00 a.m.

Kindness and gratitude from that first Thanksgiving in 1621 to today

If those who attended the first Thanksgiving in 1621 happened to time travel and visit the 2020 version, what would they think of our version of the holiday?

That first celebration wasn't called Thanksgiving, they didn't have potatoes or pumpkin pie, but they did have a feeling of gratitude and thankfulness over the three-day celebration after a successful harvest.

Thanksgiving is based on the idea that we should all take time to count our blessings at least once a year and to celebrate it with family and friends.

Letter: Fondo Milagroso de Tahoe (Tahoe Miracle Fund) seeks donors to fill need

During the course of executing the 2020 Census, the El Dorado Community Foundation was tasked with increasing the census numbers in two distinct census tracks in South Lake Tahoe. These two tracks have historically reported the lowest response rate for the census over the last twenty years.

Join Santa in his Campaign For Kindness this season in South Lake Tahoe

Santa is going to be very busy this season in South Lake Tahoe, not only preparing his gift list for children and keeping the elves busy, but by answering each and every letter left for him in a special mail box.

2020 has been a difficult year for many, and who couldn't use some extra cheer with a letter from the jolly guy in the red suit? He will be responding to each child with a message about kindness and hope during challenging times along with a special personalized certificate of kindness!

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials say another 73 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday. Of those, 23 are in El Dorado Hills, seven in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, four in North County, four in Greater Placerville, two in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, three in Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 27 in Lake Tahoe region. There are three awaiting address confirmation.

One of those new cases, ten are under the age of 18, 33 are aged 18-49, 24 are aged 50-64, and six aged 65 or older.

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

California State Park and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District crews are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Secret
Responsible Agency: Tahoe Douglas Fire District
North of Glenbrook
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 11/23/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 2-4 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park

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