agencies

Camp Richardson light to remain "off line" indefinitely

CAMP RICHARDSON, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After meeting with partner agencies, Caltrans has decided to discontinue the use of the pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing device on State Route 89 in Camp Richardson indefinitely.

In an effort to make for safe pedestrian passage across the highway and to manage traffic through the State Highway 89 corridor, Caltrans installed the beacons in 2016 but they were often confusing to drivers with its yellow and red light system.

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care celebrates 40th anniversary with special party

Event Date: 
May 20, 2018 - 2:00pm

For 40 years, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) has been helping animals out of Tom and Cheryl Millham's home. Every from bears to birds have entered their loving doors, and now they are holding a celebration of the first 40 years on Sunday, May 20 at Revive Coffee and Wine from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There will be a ceremony at 4:00 p.m. acknowledging various people and agencies who have worked with LTWC as well as receiving proclamations from the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, the State of California and from the U. S. House of Representatives.

Caltrans awards $9.5M contract for Highway 50 repaving at El Dorado County line

The main artery between South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento/Bay area will be getting a much needed repaving job with funds from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the gas tax increase that went into effect January 1, 2018.

Caltrans will repave 200 lane miles on U.S. Highway 50 from the El Dorado/Sacramento County line to west of Sunrise Boulevard in Sacramento County from the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

Funds generated because of the bill's passing come from:
A 12-cent-a-gallon increase on gas excise tax
A 20-cent-a-gallon increase in diesel excise tax

Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5

There are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.

Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V

Barton Foundation to give away $50,000 in grants

The Barton Foundation will be awarding $50,000 in grant funding to improve community health. As part of Barton Health’s commitment to community health and collaboration, this annual grant cycle provides funding for programs and services that positively impact the health of the local community. Applications are being accepted through May 31, 2018.

Grant criteria and the application can be found online at bartonhealth.org/grants, and for more information contact Marty Chartraw at 530.543.5784.

Inaugural "Bikes for Kids" program in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 19, 2018 - 11:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Association and Police Officers Association have joined forces and will be giving away 25 bicycles to pre-selected youth on Saturday, May 19 at the Bijou Bike Park.

Along with a bike, the 25 youth will also receive bike helmets from the California Highway Patrol.

This is the first annual “Bikes for Kids” program that the fire and police agencies are hosting in partnership with the California Highway Patrol and the youth advocate for Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

Lake Tahoe protection groups appealing decision on Martis Valley West project

The League to Save Lake Tahoe, Mountain Area Preservation and Sierra Watch are filing today a notice of appeal in California’s Third District Court of Appeals seeking adequate environmental protection for Lake Tahoe from the proposed Martis Valley West Project.

Tahoe Shoreline Plan released; Decade-long moratoriums could be lifted

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) today released a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed Shoreline Plan for Lake Tahoe. The draft report is available for two months of public review and comment that will conclude Monday, July 9.

Human trafficking presentation in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 18, 2018 - 6:00pm

Nationally recognized human trafficking consultant John Vanek will return to South Lake Tahoe for a May 18, 2018 presentation as a guest of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and Live Violence Free.

Vanek, an author and retired lieutenant of the San Jose Police Human Trafficking Task Force, will speak on that date at Sierra Community Church at 6:00 p.m. Vanek is a leadership, collaboration, and anti-human trafficking consultant and speaker working with law enforcement agencies, non-governmental and community-based organizations, academic institutions and private sector companies.

Special City Council meeting for Brown Act/AB 1234 training and city manager interviews

Event Date: 
April 30, 2018 - 3:00pm

Words many hear when dealing with public agencies are the words "Brown Act." These words have also been used many times recently in complaints about the South Lake Tahoe City Council. But how many understand their meaning and how they came about?

On Monday, April 30, the City Council will hold a special meeting to take care of a few items prior to their May 1 meeting, and a training on the Brown Act and AB 1234 are part of that.

Column: Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan on track

Lake Tahoe’s shoreline is a place of majestic beauty with sandy beaches and secluded, boulder-strewn coves. It’s where residents and visitors alike go to enjoy Tahoe’s famously cold, clear water, whether they are dipping their toes in for the first time or launching their boat, kayak, or paddleboard for a daily outing.

New South Lake Tahoe communications system; Price tag close to $4M

In the South Lake Tahoe public safety communication system installed in 1965, there are three major problems:

1) There are three systems working totally separately: the police, fire and public works departments;

2) Trees have grown since the system was installed 53 years ago, now blocking signals through the town;

3) Having functioning radio frequencies near water is challenging.

STPUD receives second award for transparency

South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) has been awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence through California Special District’s Association. The certificate is good for two years and is the second consecutive time STPUD has been issued one.

Injured man rescued by CHP helicopter near Kyburz

A Napa man was hoisted out of the Kyburz area on Friday after falling about 30 feet from a rock formation while climbing.

The H20 helicopter from the California Highway Patrol responded due to the remote location and they were assisted by the El Dorado County Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE personnel who treated the patient and prepared him for extraction.

The 52-year-old man was then transported to Barton Hospital in South Lake Tahoe for the treatment of major injuries.

Kingsbury Grade construction to last until fall

Roadway drainage pipe improvements on Kingsbury Grade (State Route 207) began this week, the second scheduled season of improvements.

Kudos: Drug Store Project successful due to community partnerships

If you had walked onto the LTCC campus on Tuesday, April 3, you would have never guessed that there were 325 6th grade youth and 220 agency and volunteer workers throughout the corridors, all learning information on how and why to keep themselves safe from drugs. “Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free. With the country’s attitudes and norms about drug use changing, times are even more difficult for our kids.

LimeBike to expand to use of scooters in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe was the first city in California to carry the dockless bicycle sharing system, LimeBike, and now the community may soon be seeing the next generation, Lime-S.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Sam Dreiman, Manager of Strategic Development for LimeBike, and Jesse Patterson, Deputy Director of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, made a presentation to Council on numbers from 2017 and plans for 2018.

Accidental drowning ruled as cause of death of woman found in Upper Truckee River

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The cause of death of the Sacramento resident whose body was found in the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe on April 9, 2017 has been as accidental drowning by the El Dorado County Coroner.

Pamela Suswinsky, 62, was in town with her ex-husband and friend, Henry Suwinsky, and they were staying at the Motel 6 on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Henry said they came to town because she wanted her dog, Wilson, a 150-plus pound Newfoundland to experience snow for the first time.

Column: Funds needed to make fire response proactive instead of reactive

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Last October, California experienced a series of devastating wildfires that destroyed property and took lives. In a four month period the State endured fires and floods from San Diego to Mendocino that destroyed over 11,000 homes and commercial structures and killed 64 Californians. Local Government fire and rescue personnel and equipment comprised up to 80 percent available resources for mutual aid throughout the State. The City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department along with other fire agencies around the basin engaged in these critical fire fights.

Explosions close Highway 50 at Stateline

11:47 p.m. update: Eastbound lanes on Highway 50 have reopened. The westbound lanes are still closed and traffic must use Lake Parkway instead.

* * *
10:45 p.m. update: Limited traffic will soon be allowed back on two lanes of Highway 50 through Stateline after NV Energy has re-energized their lines and power is back on in the area. As of 10:30 p.m., Douglas County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said it should be about an hour longer until open.

Explosion holes are being patched temporarily and traffic will not be allowed to drive on the plates.

Joining Forces distracted driving campaign: U Drive, U Text, U Pay

The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) is joining other law enforcement agencies across the state in a Joining Forces Distracted Driver campaign April 1-15, 2018. NHP will be working diligently to urge motorists to keep their eyes on the road and put away cell phones or other items that cause distractions. On average, texting takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. When traveling at 55 mph, that is enough time to cover the length of a football field.

Lucky Beaver donates to Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows

Today, Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger presented the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows with a $5,000 donation to support before and after-school programming at the organization’s 22 sites throughout the Truckee Meadows, which serves Reno, Sparks and Fernley areas.

Law enforcement investigating shots fired; Pioneer Trail shut down

UPDATE 5:15PM: Pioneer Trail is back open after multiple agencies responded to the sounds of gunshots near Temple Bat Yam.

At 11:09 a.m. March 18, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) dispatch received two simultaneous calls for the same general area, one for the shots fired and another for the activation of a burglar alarm. Since they were so close in proximity, police officers responded as they could be related calls according SLTPD Officer Matt Morrison.

Bears at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care heading back home soon

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The four bear cubs who have been spending the winter at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) will soon be heading back into the wild.

Last summer, the nonprofit organization in South Lake Tahoe lost two of their six cubs suddenly to a virus called Canine Adenovirus. This came as a shock to the group who has rehabilitated animals from not only Lake Tahoe, but from around the state since forming forty years ago in 1978.

Conservancy approves funding for ED raise and several projects

During this week's California Tahoe Conservancy board meeting, funds were not only approved for the Greenway shared use trail in South Lake Tahoe, but also for grants to be used on the lake, a forest health project and a 10 percent raise for Executive Director Patrick Wright.

Designate a sober driver on St. Patrick's Day

While the public makes plans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and other law enforcement agencies are preparing to keep the roadways free of impaired drivers so that everyone can safely enjoy the festivities.

SLTPD is adding two patrols on Saturday to watch for drunk drivers on local roads, and CHP officers will be doing to the same.

Meyers traffic plan has some success after first weekend

If you drive through Meyers on a Sunday you've most likely come across gridlock traffic through the neighborhoods as vehicles trying to head west after their South Lake Tahoe weekend look for the quickest route, courtesy of smart phone apps.

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel held a Town Hall meeting on February 28, providing a forum for residents, law enforcement and staff to discuss solutions. One suggestion that came out of that meeting was put into place on Sunday, March 4 and was fairly successful.

Opinion: TRTA, USFS and partners more important now than ever

Non-profit partners of government agencies play a critical role in managing trails, recreation, planning and other essential activities taking place on public lands. Locally, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) is the region’s largest non-profit trail organization and has the primary responsibility for managing and maintaining about 200 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails in and around the Tahoe Basin in partnership with the US Forest Service (USFS) and NV State Parks.

Good decision making key to staying safe around Lake Tahoe

Search and Rescue (SAR) teams from Douglas County and El Dorado County save lives each year, and many times they have to respond to adverse conditions just as was the case when they were called out to Mott Canyon after two skiers were lost last week after skiing out of bounds at Heavenly.

Foundation gives $85,000 to enhance Barton Health services

Barton Foundation released its first wave of funding for new equipment, services, and programs that will impact the Lake Tahoe community through Barton Health in 2018. The Foundation dispersed $85,000 to increase patient safety and privacy, offer comfort for children and their family members, and provide education and training for local first responders.

AlertWildfire mountaintop camera network tracked 240 western wildfires in 2017

Mountaintop cameras from the University of Nevada, Reno spotted or tracked 240 fires in Nevada and California in 2017. This helped to keep firefighters more situationally aware and able to mount appropriate responses more rapidly over tens of thousands of square miles of forests and rangelands, including rural communities.

This is a new and expanding tool for fire managers who oversee the wildland and wildland/urban interface.

Widespread prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around the Tahoe Basin, weather permitting. North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy and U.S.

SAR volunteers aid in search of Bay Area man missing in Yosemite

A weekend hike in Yosemite turned into a six-day long ordeal for a Bay Area man this week.

Oakland resident Alan Chow, 36, had his backpacking gear and wilderness permit when he set out on a solo hike Saturday, February 17 on the loop trail in Yosemite's northern wilderness area above Hetch Hetchy, about a mile from O'Shaughnessy Dam.

He became disoriented and lost his way.

Myanmar delegation visits forest thinning projects in Lake Tahoe

Seven delegates from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar stopped by Lake Tahoe last week to learn about the Forest Service’s role in natural resource management in the Tahoe Basin.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management (LTBMU) hosted the group and took them on a field trip to see recent forest thinning operations near Pope Beach and Emerald Bay.

Prescribed burns sending smoke into air around Lake Tahoe

Smoke from prescribed fire operations can be seen above South Lake Tahoe from points all around the lake.

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, has numerous locations around Lake Tahoe where they will be burning overgrown vegetation.

Nearly two dozen arrested in City multi-agency drug sweep

Nearly two dozen people were arrested during a monthlong Carson City area drug sweep that involved multiple agencies, the Carson City Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Team announced Friday.

The Carson City SET, with the assistance from multiple agencies to include, the Department of Public Safety Tri Net Narcotics task force, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit and the Reno Police Department Street Enforcement Team conducted the narcotics suppression operation targeting those using and selling narcotics in the Carson City area.

LTUSD to adjust safety procedures in wake of recent school shootings

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Since January 1, 2018 there have been 18 school shootings in the United States, 25 fatal school shootings since 1999's Columbine High School tragedy. With the deadly shooting February 14, 2018 at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, many communities are looking at their own schools and their safety procedures to help prevent a repeat of a tragic event.

What is commonplace at schools across the country are drills for "shelter in place" and for students to understand what to do, and not do, in case of an emergency.

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe to resume

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, may continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting. Smoke may be present.

A) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - 60 acres
B) Big Meadow - 100 acres
C) Brockway, Kings Beach - 70 acres
D) Logan Shoals to Spooner Summit - 15 acres

A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Special City Council meeting to decide Kerry's fate; Meston outlines plans

News spread through South Lake Tahoe this week that surprised and shocked many, the City Council's decision to put City Manager Nancy Kerry on indefinite leave. The council will be meeting in closed session on Monday, February 12, 2018 to discuss the situation. Their agenda item, "PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)" starts at 9:00 a.m.

That section of code allows special and closed session meetings to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.

Safety along Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe analyzed

Highway 50 through South Lake Tahoe serves a lot of functions, from a local road for commuters both on bicycles and in cars, to a major highway to transport visitors through the city.

Tahoe Douglas Fire promotes Bryce Cranch to battalion chief

Captain Bryce Cranch has been promoted to the position of Battalion Chief, filling the vacancy left by retiring chief Rich Nalder.

Prescribed fires planned around Lake Tahoe this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, are planning to continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting.

In the map above, the following areas are planned:

A) Cave Rock Area - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 5 acres
B) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 70 acres
C) Lyons Ranch, West of Golden Bear Subdivision - California Tahoe Conservancy will be burning 10 acres

Human trafficking: Awareness and education are key to ending it

Human Trafficking is the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others; a modern day form of slavery. It is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 20.9 million people around the world

And its happening outside our door.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony

An overflowing crowd of family, friends and community members filled the City Council chambers Monday as South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue held their 5th annual awards ceremony.

The staff was honored for their service doing a job that protects the lives, homes and environment of the South Lake Tahoe community and its visitors.

"Your recognition is well deserved, and well earned," said Mayor Wendy David.

SLTFR Fire Chief Jeff Meston led the ceremony which honored the following:

Firefighter/Medic of the Year: Dustin Winter
Dispatcher of the Year: Jillian Gard

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe resumes

he Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies continue to carry out prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting. Smoke may be present.

Burn areas in Lake Tahoe (size, location, responsible agency):

A) 25 acres - West side of First Creek drainage - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
B) 20 acres - Diamond Peak Ski Resort - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
C) 8 acres - Champagne Rd. - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

Impaired driving over Super Bowl weekend a focus of law enforcement

Over the next two weeks, Northern Nevada residents can expect to see double or even triple the normal law enforcement presence. The Nevada Highway Patrol has joined forces with law enforcement agencies statewide to crack down on impaired driving, and has an important message for the public: if you’ll be drinking, designate a sober driver, and if you drive impaired, you will be arrested.

Public meeting on growing PCE plume in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 7, 2018 - 6:00pm

Update 1/26: Due to a scheduling conflict the meeting has been moved from Tahoe Valley Elementary School to the South Lake Tahoe City Council Chambers.

***
A 400 acre plume of contaminated groundwater will be the focus of a public meeting on February 7 in the SLT Council Chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Domestic violence suspect apprehended after hours-long standoff

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - A violation of a restraining order in South Lake Tahoe Monday afternoon led to an hours-long standoff, closed off neighborhoods and subsequent arrest of a man with a long history of violence.

On Monday, January 22, at about 4:30 p.m., the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) received a call that Brandon Bannowski, 25, had violated a Restraining Order and allegedly entered the home of his ex-girlfriend, threatened her with a baseball bat and choked her.

EDC looking for committee member to represent low income residents

The Community Action Council of El Dorado County is seeking an individual or agency to represent the interests and concerns of low-income people/families living in El Dorado County, with special attention on housing, nutrition and low-income program needs. The El Dorado County Community Action Council is looking to fill a vacancy on the Council within the Low-Income Sector Membership category. The Council meets monthly in Placerville.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 336 calls between January 4 -15, 2018.

Calls Resulting in Arrests/Citations:

1/4

Trespassing in the 2100 block of South Ave
Evading in the 2800 block of Hank Monk
Domestic Battery in the 3700 block of Tamarack

1/5

Domestic Battery in the 3700 block of Tamarck
Unlicensed Driver in the 3700 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

1/6

Spousal Abuse in the 1200 block of Lester ave

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