department

Truck heading to South Lake Tahoe catches fire, causes explosions

STATELINE, Nev. - A big rig heading west on US50 near the state line on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe caught on fire just after 3:00 a.m. Monday, March 2.

Crews from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) responded. The driver of the truck disconnected the cab from the trailer and TDFPD was able to suppress the fire before it spread.

Election update: Some El Dorado County ballots can still be changed

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - With three candidates dropping out of the presidential race just before Super Tuesday, many wonder what happens to their vote if it were for Styer, Buttigieg or Klobuchar.

If a ballot was mailed in and counted, whomever one voted for must remain the same.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 1-7, 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Road Beat: 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid still the best of the best

After testing nearly every hybrid on the market including products from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford. Toyota’s 2020 Avalon hybrid is the best yet (actually it is tied with the Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h which essentially share chassis and hybrid system). Usually, the predominant factor in buying a hybrid is fuel economy and while the Avalon is rated at 43/43/43 mpg which is not the highest rating among hybrids, it can clearly outperform those numbers while doing so many other things extremely well.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to February 21 - February 25, 2020.

2/21 - 2/23

ARRESTS (14):
25-year-old male arrested for DUI.
36-year-old male arrested for DUI.
44-year-old female arrested for trespassing.
30-year-old male arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.
50 year old female arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and violating a protective order.
60-year-old male arrested for resisting arrest.
40-year-old male arrested on a warrant of Douglas County.

LTUSD staff and students who traveled to COVID-19 affected countries asked to self-quarantine

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in El Dorado County or South Lake Tahoe, but the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education and the district's leaders are keeping apprised of the situation. They have been collaborating with El Dorado County Public Health with guidance from the California Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control to determine the best course of action to protect students and staff members while meeting their educational needs.

El Dorado County update on novel coronavirus COVID-19

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials and agency partners are closely monitoring the outbreak of novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in China. As of today, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County.

“It’s important to keep in mind that while the situation is evolving, the risk throughout the U.S. is currently low,” said El Dorado County Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested after leading police on pursuit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 26-year-old man was arrested Thursday night after allegedly leading officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on a pursuit through the Ski Run neighborhood.

At approximately 10:45 p.m., an SLTPD sergeant noticed the driver of a small motorcycle fail to stop at a stop sign at Spruce Avenue and Ski Run Boulevard. The motorcycle was also without a license plate attached, according to reports.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler says goodbye; March retirement date set

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In just two weeks the City of South Lake Tahoe will be saying goodbye to its sixth police chief since becoming incorporated in 1965.

Chief Brian Uhler will be wrapping up a 40-year career in law enforcement when he retires from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on March 12, 2020. He has been the second-longest serving chief, coming within a couple of months of the City's second police chief, John Crow.

Dry, warm conditions lead to a snowpack at 47% of average

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The monthly manual survey of the snowpack at Phillips Station, just west of Lake Tahoe, revealed data that won't catch many by surprise. There is 29 inches of snow with a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 11.5 inches at the location near US50 and Sierra-at-Tahoe Road. This is 47 percent of the March average at this spot.

The SWE measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack, which provides a more accurate forecast of spring runoff.

Heartbreaking end after police pull drowning dog out of Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On just after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to a call of a dog that was hit by a vehicle near the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Lobo, a large Siberian Husky, was accidentally let out of a hotel complex while the family was away. Witnesses tried to render aid at the scene but Lobo panicked, bit them and ran off.

Sales tax revenues increase in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Quarterly reports on the sales tax received by the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County (EDC) were released this week. The quarter ending September 2019 shows the County's taxable sales in the unincorporated area grew by 4.3 percent when compared to the same period in 2018. In South Lake Tahoe, taxable sales grew by 6.0 percent. County-wide including both cities within its boundaries saw a 5.1 percent increase. In comparison, the Sacramento region was up 4.5 percent.

Solano County man found guilty of murder and robbery by South Lake Tahoe jury

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A jury of seven men and five women took just 80 minutes on Tuesday to find Dion Jermaine Vacarro guilty of murdering Dennis "Spike" Wright, Jr. in South Lake Tahoe on January 30, 2016.

Vehicle reported stolen in Placerville leads to arrests made in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Thursday, February 20, an officer from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on routine patrol located a vehicle that was believed to be part of a crime in the Placerville area.

At 8:00 a.m. two days prior, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) responded to a call near Placerville about an alleged carjacking. The victim knew the suspects and had been riding in the vehicle with them at the time of the incident. They had just driven from South Lake Tahoe to the Placerville area where the crime occurred, EDSO said.

CANCELED - Closing receptions for Lake Tahoe Community College art exhibitions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College invites one and all to a free closing reception for its three current art exhibits on Saturday, March 14 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Come enjoy beautiful art, free refreshments, and live music courtesy of the Reno Swing Set! The opening ceremonies were previously canceled due to snow.

Letter: Let's give our firefighters a chance to be successful!

Another tax. Another agency short funds. Every year someone needs more money. I get it, it gets old. Why didn't they budget better? They have a multi-million dollar budget, why can't they make it work?

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork February 23 - February 29

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

SPECIAL EVENT

State Route 28 (Placer County) from the junction with State Route 89 to Sierra Terrace Road in Tahoe City: Motorists can expect the highway closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 29 for the SnowFest Parade.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to February 4 - February 20, 2020.

2/4

ARRESTS (2):
71-year-old male arrested for public intoxication.
34-year-old male arrested for public intoxication, violation of probation, and on a felony warrant out of Nevada County for violation of probation.

TRAFFIC STOPS (4)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE (24):
Alarm: 800-block Emerald Bay Rd
Assist Outside Agency: Tata Ln/Lake Tahoe Blvd
Assist Outside Agency: 3400-block Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Forest Service hosts off-highway vehicle grant open house in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 20, 2020 - 4:00pm

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will host an open house in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, to provide information and seek public input on their annual California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division grant applications. The OHMVR applications request funding for trail maintenance and operation of facilities for off-highway vehicle access in the Tahoe Basin.

Vail awards $2.8 million in grant support to 76 Lake Tahoe area nonprofits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vail Resorts EpicPromise has selected 76 local nonprofits in the Lake Tahoe area to receive one of their 2019-20 community grants, totaling $2.8 million in grant support.

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood recently held a breakfast to honor the recipients. The followed with a similar celebration at Northstar, the third area Vail resort.

Remodel and tech investments expand medical imaging at Barton Health

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues its expansion of medical imaging technology, investing in the latest equipment that enhances services, expands care, and improves the patient experience. The acquisition of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system has equipped Barton to now offer advanced MRI prostate and breast screenings. In addition, Barton’s Nuclear Medicine Suite recently completed a $1.2 million remodel to accommodate a new hybrid SPECT/CT scanning system that provides a new view on health issues within the body.

New hotel coming to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The old Super 8 motel on Lake Tahoe Boulevard and adjacent Lotus Pho restaurant in South Lake Tahoe are currently closed as pre-construction activities have begun on a four-story 120-unit Hampton Inn and Suites.

The asbestos abatement has been completed as have the pre-demolition permits and the current two-story building is set for demolition soon. Once that happens, crews will be waiting for the May 1 grading date to get started on what is promised to be a "facelift to the area."

Letter: No on Measure M because of VHR and GPS road issues

NO on Measure M. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has repeatedly told us they are willing to engage us with our GPS and to a lesser degree the VHR's. They told me to my face at the wed meeting that have contacted us and were working with us. Nothing could be further from the truth.

El Dorado County's 100 top paid employees

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Auditor-Controller Joe Harn has updated the list of the County’s 100 highest compensated employees for the calendar year 2019.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork February 16 - 22

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until building season begins May 15. The following is their weekly schedule:

LONG TERM PROJECTS

Barton Foundation gives over $360,000 to community health improvements

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation provided more than $360,000 in funding during 2019, delivering a profound community impact made possible by philanthropy and donor generosity over the year. Medical equipment, new technology, care provider education, and support, expanding access to mental and behavioral health services, and funding for local organizations were all aspects of the Barton Foundation’s scope of giving last year, as part of its commitment to community well-being through Barton Health.

USFS seeks public input on Off-Highway-Vehicle recreation grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The public is invited to an open house hosted by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) on Thurdsay, February 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They will be providing information and seeking public input on their annual California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division grant applications.

The OHMVR applications request funding for trail maintenance and operation of facilities for off-highway vehicle access in the Tahoe Basin.

Illegal tow practices being investigated by South Lake Tahoe police

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and the El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson are investigating possible illegal and improper predatory towing practices.

SLTPD has received several informal complaints from the public about the possible illegal tow practices that involve cars removed from private parking areas near the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe.

The complains involve a tow company improperly holding stored vehicles longer than necessary, thus adding extra storage fees to the vehicle's owner.

Fours years after man killed in South Lake Tahoe over pot deal, one trial begins

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a snowy night on January 30, 2016, when Dennis Wright, Jr. brought at least 100 pounds of pot to the Beverly Lodge on Lake Tahoe Boulevard to sell to an interested party. Wright, who was better known as Spike, never made it back to his home in River Pines, Amador County that night. Instead, he was shot and killed at about 7:45 p.m. in the parking lot of the motel.

El Dorado County meeting in South Lake Tahoe to discuss state of snow removal equipment

Event Date: 
February 12, 2020 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County officials will hold a public meeting detailing the current state of snow removal equipment used in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, February 12 at the California Conservation Corps, 1949 Apache Ave. It starts at 6:00 p.m.

Barton Health nurse receives international award for exceptional care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, February 5, Ashley Collard, RN, BSN, was honored by Barton Health with the international DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. A nurse in the Medical/Surgery Department at Barton Memorial Hospital, Ashley’s compassion and skill received sincere gratitude from a patient’s family, and a nomination to be this quarter’s DAISY Award® winner.

Barton expands walk-in orthopedic care services in South Lake Tahoe and Carson City

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health is expanding its orthopedic medical services, offering same-day care to address a variety of musculoskeletal injuries with no appointment necessary. Walk-in orthopedic care is now available at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe, Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and at the same time on Tuesday and Wednesday at Barton’s Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine office, located at 935 Mica Drive in Carson City.

South Lake Tahoe police arrest parolee after multiple attempts to escape; Search on for second man

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 25-year-old South Lake Tahoe man has been arrested on multiple charges after he tried to escape police custody twice on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Christopher Hendrickson has been arrested on charges of resisting arrest, escape from custody, corporal injury to his spouse, willful cruelty to a child, forcible entry into a property and felony vandalism.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to January 30 - February 3, 2020.

1/30

ARRESTS (4):
31-year-old female arrested for felony domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, false imprisonment, and preventing a witness or victim by threat or force.
47-year-old male arrested on a Douglas County warrant.
40-year-old female arrested for public intoxication, battery on a peace officer, and resisting arrest.
58-year-old male arrested for trespassing.

TRAFFIC STOPS (11)

Facts about the flu and Wuhan coronavirus

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At least one vacationing family is canceling their trip to Lake Tahoe due to fears about the spread of coronavirus 2019-nCoV, but health officials say this virus is not currently spreading in the community, here or in the United States. If they want to be concerned about anything being spread, they say, the flu is what they really need to be focusing on.

During this 2019-20 flu season, 10,000 people have died in the United States and there have been 19 million cases and 180,000 hospitalizations, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Funding for reimagination and renovation of Spooner State Park now in place

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Construction is set to begin in May 2020 on the renovation and reimagination of facilities at Spooner Lake State Park. A collaboration between Nevada State Parks, Nevada State Lands and the Tahoe Fund has been successful in securing funding and donations to complete plans for the 35-year-old park.

Fire hits South Lake Tahoe home twice in one night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A home on Idaho Avenue in South Lake Tahoe had two fires overnight, resulting in damage to both the house and garage.

At 5:52 p.m. February 1, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was called out to the home after what appears to be ashes placed in the garage caught on fire. The fire was knocked down and after being cleaned up, the fire crew left.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During Thursday's annual South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue's annual awards ceremony, seven were honored for their milestones in length of service, three were given special citizen's awards and another four were given the dispatcher, firefighter and meritorious awards.

Award Winners

Engineer Paramedic Mike Taormina was given the Firefighter of the Year award

Melissa Dube was given the Dispatcher of the Year award

Captain Leslie Asbury and Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen were given the Fire Chief Meritorious awards

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to January 15 - January 29, 2020.

1/15/20

ARRESTS (6):
54-year-old male arrested for hit and run causing injury and DUI.
53-year-old male arrested for public intoxication.
36 year old female arrested for theft and felony threats.
20-year-old male arrested for being a minor in possession of alcohol.
32-year-old male arrested for public intoxication, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance.

Proposed plans for SR-28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit released

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - New plans have been released on the State Route 28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. After the success of the East Shore Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, the plan is to continue the shared-use trail with other improvements to highway safety and infrastructure; summer recreational access; water, air and scenic quality; and increase non-motorized access to the corridor.

The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has issued a draft decision for the proposed improvements to this area.

Sierra snowpack at 79% of February average

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the second manual snow survey of the season at Phillips Station Thursday, and they found 40.5 inches of snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE) of 14.5 inches. The snowpack at this location is 79 percent of the February average, with the rest of the state measuring in at 73 percent of average.

The Phillips Station total is 58 percent of the seasonal average.

"It's decent but below average," said Sean de Guzman, chief of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Section.

Jury finds South Lake Tahoe man guilty of multiple counts of child molestation

A South Lake Tahoe man has been found guilty on four counts of felony child molestation which included one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child under 14, two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts upon a Child under 14, and one count of Forcible Lewd Act upon a Child under 14.

John Robert Garcia, 45, was arrested in April 2019 after a five-month-long investigation by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and El Dorado County District Attorney's Office.

Tax measure on March ballot to fund snow removal equipment on South Shore

MEYERS, Calif. - The El Dorado County Department of Transportation (DOT) is asking voters in Meyers and the county areas of South Lake Tahoe for money to replace their aging snow removal fleet and equipment.

On March 3, voters will be deciding whether or not they want to pay $60 more a year via their property taxes to fund CSA3 (from Strawberry to Meeks Bay to South Lake Tahoe City Limits). Measure M, if passed, will supply an extra $540,000 annually for the sole purpose of buying and leasing snow removal equipment. The funds could not be used for salaries, pensions or any other purpose.

Proposed parcel tax for county residents to support Lake Valley Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On March 3, 2020, voters in the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) boundaries will decide if Measure B should pass, a measure that would give the fire department funds for much-needed equipment, apparatuses, and supplies.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 25 - February 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has some scheduled work on roads in the Sierra in the coming week. While the major mountain roadwork is stopped until spring, there is still work being done.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work is winter suspension on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected in late spring 2020.

Move by Newsom puts South Lake Tahoe parcels on the list for affordable housing projects

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two parcels owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) appear to be on their way to becoming home to affordable housing projects in South Lake Tahoe.

To address the shortage of housing for Californians, Governor Newsom ordered the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to identify and prioritize excess state-owned property and aggressively pursue sustainable, innovative, cost-effective housing projects.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested on drug charges; Bail set at $1.5M

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Stuart Robert Miller, 32, was arrested by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) on Saturday, January 11, 2020, after a traffic stop lead to the discovery of a large amount of cocaine (2.25 pounds), a large amount of cash, methamphetamine, and heroin in the vehicle.

The Western El Dorado County Narcotics Enforcement Team (WENET) obtained a search warrant of his home on Glorene Street in South Lake Tahoe. Inside, deputies found a large amount of methamphetamine (approx. 100 grams) and a loaded firearm.

USFS sending more U.S. crews to fight Australian bush fires

As wildfires continue to burn in Australia, the United States is sending additional U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) wildfire personnel to assist with ongoing bushfire suppression efforts in Australia. Three 10-person Incident Management Teams and a group consisting of air support personnel have arrived in Australia in recent days.

New audiologist joins Barton Health team

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health welcomes audiologist Marina Mulvey, Au. D., to its Ear Nose & Throat Department, and Barton Audiology office. Dr. Mulvey’s expertise and scope of practice expands audiology care at Barton, as patients can now obtain hearing aids locally and not have to travel for these medical devices. Dr. Mulvey has more than 25 years’ experience dispensing hearing aids.

Lineup announced for Tahoe Arts Project's Dancing with the Tahoe Stars

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The much-anticipated pairings for the Tahoe Arts Project's 8th annual Dancing With the Tahoe Stars have been announced!

The local celebrities met their professional partners Tuesday night during a party at the Hard Rock Casino.

"Everyone is super excited about it," said Tahoe Arts Project Executive Director Peggy Blowney.

The stars (on the left) and their dancing partners:

Debbie Brown, owner of Cold Water Brewery with Matthew Slater
Jeff Connor, local musician and California Burger partner with Rhonda Keen

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