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Two arrested in nationwide casino credit scam

A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment Thursday against Vivian Wang, 53, of Lilburn, Georgia, and Frank Luo, 48, of Las Vegas, Nevada, charging them both with wire fraud and charging Wang with aggravated identity theft. The defendants were arrested today at their residences in Georgia and Nevada.

Opinion: Vacation rental controversy

Although vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe have received a bad reputation in regards to loud parties echoing down our streets, and trash not being disposed of properly, they do help the local economy by bringing in tourist dollars. Even with all of the problems, the assets outweigh the liabilities for both tourists and town residents. For example, tourists will be given a sense of being at home, rather than hearing gamblers stroll the halls late at night.

Opinion: The Next Step To Making Tahoe Great - Loop Road

Our home of beautiful South Lake Tahoe is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. With around 4.3 million visitors in 2011, as well as certain main events and holidays where our city's population doubles and even triples. With this nonstop tourism occurring throughout South Lake Tahoe, it only makes sense to have a “downtown” area, which is what the loop road will provide. Despite the concerns of how the loop road will hurt our community, there are a lot of long term social and environmental benefits involved in this project.

Location

South Tahoe High School
1735 Lake Tahoe Blvd. CA 96150
United States
38° 54' 35.8704" N, 120° 0' 55.0836" W

"A Night at the Museum" Donner Fundraising Gala

Event Date: 
December 4, 2015 - 6:00pm

On Saturday, June 4, 2016, the Sierra State Parks Foundation is proud to host the second annual fundraising gala “A Night at the Museum: Celebrating the Pioneer Experience”. This “country elegant” evening will kick off the fundraising efforts to restore the 98 year-old Donner Pioneer Monument. Starting at 6:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a night filled with live music, costumed period actors, unique food, and our signature “Not-So-Silent Auction”.

Location

Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center
12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee CA 96161
United States
39° 19' 26.9076" N, 120° 13' 55.6824" W

Tahoe Talks: Stormwater pollution and what is being done to protect Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 18, 2016 - 12:00pm

In the next "Tahoe Talks" on Wednesday, May 18, learn about the number one threat to Lake Tahoe’s legendary clarity: stormwater pollution. Local experts will talk about projects around Lake Tahoe that are helping to keep pollution from entering the Lake and steps you can take every day to prevent things like trash, oil, fine sediment and nutrients from making their way to Lake Tahoe.

Speakers:

Moderator: Zack Bradford, Natural Resources Manager, League to Save Lake Tahoe
Russ Wigart, Stormwater Coordinator, El Dorado County

Open houses held to get public input on Tahoe Transportation Plan

Event Date: 
May 24, 2016 - 5:00pm

Lake Tahoe’s two regional bi-state agencies for transportation, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), are inviting the public to attend interactive open houses this month to learn more about draft proposals to improve Tahoe’s highway corridors and share their ideas and input.

The open houses are Tuesday, May 17 at the North Tahoe Events Center in Kings Beach, and Tuesday, May 24 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Both are from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Four cited for selling alcohol to minors

Four people were cited for selling alcohol to minors on April 29 during a compliance sting by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

During the operation, minors under the direct supervision of officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from ten retail licensees in the city limits.

40 percent of those businesses sold alcohol to the teen decoys. Clerks at Safeway Gas, Chevron Gas, Whiskey Dicks and Chevy's Restaurant were all cited and face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation.

Upper Truckee River near airport closed to the public this summer: Rafting to be affected

The U.S. Forest Service and California Tahoe Conservancy will be finishing their fourth and final year of creating a new channel for the Upper Truckee River near the South Lake Tahoe airport. To accomplish their final tasks, the meadow and river will be closed to the public for much of the summer in order to divert the water into the new channel, relocate fish and mussels, and finish up vegetation projects.

Lake Tahoe's clarity drops five feet

Warmer water led to a loss in clarity of Lake Tahoe in 2015, according to data released Tuesday by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. The average annual clarity (measurements from both summer and winter) is at 73.1 feet, a 4.8 foot decease from the previous year.

This isn't all bad news though, the clarity is still over nine feet greater than the lowest recorded average of 64.1 feet in 1997.

Researchers lower a 10-inch wide disk called a Secchi into the lake, and researchers measure the depth of its visibility.

Future-Ready South Shore forum and luncheon

Name: Future-Ready South Shore Forum & Luncheon
Date: April 26, 2016
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT

Spring Art Exhibits at LTCC highlight talent of faculty, staff and students

Event Date: 
April 14, 2016 - 5:00pm

The community is warmly invited to Lake Tahoe Community College on Thursday, April 14 to enjoy two new art exhibits celebrating the talents of LTCC’s faculty, staff, and students. Free artist receptions will be held simultaneously from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering a chance to meet the artists whose work will be on display and enjoy light refreshments.

City proposes changes to the Vacation Home Rental ordinance

As a follow-up to their February 16 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday looked at proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental Ordinance that are meant to streamline City Code, remove duplicate language and make it easier to read.

Hilary Roverud, the SLT Deputy Director of Development Services, made the presentation that covered self-limiting occupancy, parking standards and apartments being used as vacation rentals.

Judge hands down sentence to man who killed bear in South Lake Tahoe

"These are always tough cases," said El Dorado County Judge Suzanne Kingsbury Friday as she handed down an unexpected sentence to the 78-year-old man who killed a bear near his South Lake Tahoe home on July 10, 2015.

Gilbert Alan Wetenkamp pleaded no contest on March 11, 2016 to the misdemeanor charge of unlawfully taking of a bear.

Opinion: Be informed on the US50 revitalizaton project plan

Rarely do I use this space to comment upon political issues within our community. That said, with the “politicization” of the US Hwy 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project I felt the need to share some background and perspectives for consideration.

South Lake Tahoe man pleads "no contest" to killing bear last summer

The 78-year old man responsible for killing a bear found off Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe on July 10, 2015 has pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge of unlawfully taking of a bear.

Appearing in El Dorado County court Friday, Gilbert Wetenkamp admitted to killing the bear that he said in July caused damage to his home over several incidents, and that he feared for his life.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Monday

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Monday, March 7, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Winter Storm Warning extended until 3/7/16 4:00 p.m.

Winds may have an affect on some lift operations today.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday, March 1, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect from March 1, 8:00 a.m. until March 1, 10:00 p.m.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 60 and a low tonight of 34. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a south wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Time running out to comply with federal law to register drones

If you own a drone weighing more than 0.55 lbs. but less than 55 lbs., and you’ve been flying it outdoors or plan to fly it outdoors for hobby or recreation, federal law requires you to register by this Friday, February 19, 2016. More information is available online at http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/

Former El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy pleads guilty to drug trafficking

Mark Zlendick, the former El Dorado County sheriff's deputy who was arrested in May, 2015 on drug charges, pleaded guilty to one charge of drug trafficking Tuesday, February 9.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday, January 26, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high of 42 and a low tonight of 21. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.

Ask Hopeful Henry: Silly or Serious?

Dear Henry,

Just curious, my cat has started sticking his tongue out, I mean a lot. He will just sit and stick his tongue out at me. It’s cute but should I be concerned?

Thanks,
Arnold

Dear Arnold.

I’m actually glad you brought this up. While yes it’s cute, I had a kitty with this habit. While some cats just do this for no apparent reason my concern with your kitty is that it is new behavior. If you cat was doing this its whole life and your veterinarian had seen no signs of trouble then I would say you just have a silly kitty.

Multi-media artist brings exhibit to Lake Tahoe Community College

Event Date: 
January 14, 2016 - 5:00pm

Multimedia artist Cynthia Hooper, whose videos and paintings capture various landscapes found in California and Mexico, is bringing her artistic talents to Lake Tahoe Community College’s Haldan Gallery this winter. Research & Desire: Recent Videos and Paintings by Cynthia Hooper opens Thursday, Jan. 14, with an Artist’s Reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Haldan Gallery. Hooper will give a short talk about her work at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to attend this free event. The exhibit remains open until March 18.

New superintendent selected for El Dorado County Schools

The El Dorado County Board of Education has promoted one of its own to the top job, one that has been vacant since the November, 2015 resignation of Jeremy Meyers.

Dr. Ed Manansala became the new superintendent Tuesday, moving up from his position as Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, one he'd held since June of 2013.

Search and Rescue locates out of bounds snowboarder near Cold Creek

Search and Rescue volunteers from El Dorado County recently responded to a report of an out-of-bounds snowboarder from Heavenly who ended up near the Montgomery Estates neighborhood. Twelve volunteers on skis, snowmobiles and snowshoes made their way about four miles into the wilderness before locating 41 year-old Pavel Kletsov.

On Friday, December 11, Kletsov left the boundaries of Heavenly Valley Ski Resort and ended up in the Cold Creek Drainage, just above Montgomery Estates. Due to the fresh new snow and terrain he got stuck and could not get out on his own.

Upper Truckee Marsh to be restored

After decades of planning, analysis, and public input, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board recently approved the final plan to restore the largest remaining wetland in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Upper Truckee River and Marsh Restoration Project will restore over 500 acres of highly disturbed wetland habitat, improving the natural filtration capacity of the Marsh and reducing a major source of fine sediment that clouds Tahoe’s famed lake clarity.

Fire Chief with history of alcohol problems resigns after DUI arrest

Garden Valley Fire Chief William Dekker resigned today after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

On December 18, at about 1:50 p.m., El Dorado County sheriff's deputies responded to a call of a neighbor dispute in the town of Greenwood, 17 miles north of Placerville. The person who called 911 said his neighbor, Dekker, had threatened to shoot him during a dispute over a loose dog, according to a statement released by the Sheriff's department.

Man charged for sending death threats to Placerville company

A 57-year-old man from Washington has been indicted on charges he posted threats on a popular news website that he was going to kill an officer of StemExpress, a company in Placerville, Calif. that sells stem cells and human tissue to biomedical research companies.

Scott Anthony Orton, of Puyallup, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after he posted threats on July 16, 2015 after videos surfaced that supposedly showed a relationship between Planned Parenthood and StemExpress.

TRPA fines Martis Camp Club for unauthorized dredging

To resolve a pending violation for unauthorized dredging, the Martis Camp Club has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine and restore the area disturbed at its Martis Camp Beach property, located at 6920 North Lake Blvd., in Placer County. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board approved the settlement agreement yesterday.

New drone regulations for Lake Tahoe and the US

Now that the gift giving season is upon us, many people may have model airplanes, drones or quadcopters on their wish list. There are some new rules in place that all users of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) need to know.

The Federal Aviation Administration today that all UAS units weighing between 0.55 pounds and 50 pounds must be registered by February 19th, 2016.

LTCC holding auditions for next production, Musical Comedy Murders of 1940

Event Date: 
January 5, 2016 - 7:00pm

The Theatre Arts Department at Lake Tahoe Community College encourages actors of all ages and ethnicities to audition for its Winter production of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, written by John Bishop. Auditions will be held Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in LTCC’s Duke Theatre, inside the Fine Arts Building. Performances of the play take place March 11-20, 2016.

Police Chief's monthly message to the South Lake Tahoe community

Police Department 50th Anniversary As you might expect, once the City was incorporated in 1965, it took some time to create a police department. On July 1, 1967 the police department began providing police services to the City. In 2017,we’ll plan a small public 50th celebration at the police department. Our initial plans include hosting and honoring some of the department’s original members. Over the years there have been many changes. Some points of interest include:

South Lake Tahoe Cancer League selling See's Candy for season

A sure sign of the holiday season is the opening of the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League's See's Candy Store. Their large selection of fine chocolates are the perfect gift for anyone on your list, and the best thing is that all proceeds go to help locals struggling with cancer.

The See's store is now open at the "Y" from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily until Christmas Eve, or as long as supplies last. It is occupying a vacant store near Starbucks and Beach Hut Deli in the Raley's center.

Talking turkey: Fabulous brine and a unique barbecue twist

For years I thawed my turkey, covered it with butter and herbs and foil, and popped it into the oven, always afraid to steer away from what I knew worked.

That was, until I watched Emeril Lagasse on Good Morning America about ten year ago. Now, its all about the brine!

The first year I tried the brine I had the recipe all written out and followed it closely, but since then I improvise with whatever is in the kitchen cupboards.

Since this is Tuesday there is still time to do a brine, but you need to hurry.

Redding man faces $5M fine and 40 years in prison for pot crimes

After a five–day trial, a federal jury today found John James Kash, 52, of Redding, Calif., guilty of three counts of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, and conspiracy to launder money, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

Meeting the transportation challenges of tomorrow

This past summer was Lake Tahoe’s busiest tourist season in recent memory. With the economy rebounding and major population growth projected for nearby metropolitan areas, this summer is also a harbinger of change. We must be prepared to meet the challenges of increased visitation in the future.

Whittell grad the creative force behind Festival of Trees artwork

Nicole Byer, a 2012 graduate of Whittell High School, is the artist behind the Barton Festival of the Trees posters and Gala invitations.

Currently a senior at the School of Art Institute of Chicago, Byer made contact with organizers of the Festival last year and offered her services for their artwork needs for this year's Festival of the Trees.

Over the summer she met with Kindle Craig and Sara Conrad of the Barton Foundation, the organizers of the annual holiday program.

The Loft at Heavenly Village opening soon with magic, food and drinks

The Loft at Heavenly Village has been in the works for months, and now it's just a few weeks from opening day on December 15.

The new indoor, year-round live theater is in a newly created space above the current Heavenly Village Cinemas created by PR Entertainment. It will include a bar and lounge, 107 seat theater and Italian restaurant featuring Chef Lisa Devenchezi-Miller, who also owns of Capisce? in South Lake Tahoe.

Second suspected DUI lands El Dorado County schools chief in jail

El Dorado County schools chief Jeremy Meyers was arrested Thursday for the second time in five months for allegedly driving under the influence, this time after he crashed his truck into a utility box at 2 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Meyers, 45, allegedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or more, a threshold approaching twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent, according to the CHP. Authorities did not provide his exact blood alcohol level.

TRPA approves settlement for Tahoe Keys Marina violation

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board on Wednesday approved a $7,500 settlement agreement with the Tahoe Keys Marina and Yacht Club, LLC.

The settlement is for the Tahoe Keys Marina and Yacht Club’s unauthorized grading and creation of coverage at a California Tahoe Conservancy property located near the end of Venice Drive in South Lake Tahoe. The property impacted by this violation is not classified by TRPA as a stream environment zone or wetland.

TRPA and backcountry skiers working to address winter recreation access

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, El Dorado County, and members of Tahoe Backcountry Alliance announced today they are partnering to create a coalition of stakeholders to maintain and enhance public access for winter backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

“We’re optimistic about this opportunity to work together to get back some of the access that we have lost in the past, and work to enhance access in the future. Let’s together reclaim and preserve backcountry access in the Tahoe Basin,” said Mike Schwartz and Todd Offenbacher, of Tahoe Backcountry Alliance.

Tragic Loss of South Lake Tahoe Police Officer Mark Hounsell

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we inform our South Lake Tahoe community and others of the passing of Officer Mark Hounsell and his wife Jeanne. Mark had served the citizens of South Lake Tahoe as a Police Officer since May 19, 2007.

Eight men indicted for manufacturing and selling rifles illegally

A federal grand jury returned a 70-count indictment today against eight men, charging them with various firearms offenses involving manufacturing and dealing firearms without a license, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and ATF Special Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder announced.

History Hike to Glen Alpine Springs

While many may hike past Lily Lake to get to a myriad of trails going through Desolation Wilderness, I took the trail to go the historic Glen Alpine Springs. Even though my walk was mid-day on October 13, I passed many other hikers on the two-mile hike, all enjoying the warm, un-fall like weather.

Even though I've lived in South Lake Tahoe for 36 years, I'd never gone past Lily Lake. Wanting to get to the springs before winter, there was no time like the present to finally accomplish that task!

2nd annual WinterWonderGrass Tahoe Festival returns to Squaw Valley

Event Date: 
April 1, 2016 (All day)

WinterWonderGrass Tahoe Festival is returning for its second year at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe, California April 1-3, 2016. Music, Brews and Mountains are the foundation for WinterWonderGrass, a boutique winter music and craft beer festival featuring more than 20 bands and 16 California breweries over three days on three stages. Drawing from Olympic Valley’s natural beauty and mountain lifestyle as inspiration for the event, these fine ingredients of the North Lake Tahoe lifestyle are brought together at WinterWonderGrass Tahoe to create the ultimate community gathering.

South Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival returns for sixth year

Event Date: 
October 16, 2015 (All day)

The sixth annual “South Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival” arrives at Harrah's and Harveys Lake Tahoe, Oct. 16 - 18, for an autumn weekend of great food, fine wine and high spirits.

Award-winning Chef Mark Tarbell is the featured celebrity chef this year, hosting several key events.

Man arrested in South Lake Tahoe indicted on kidnapping charge

A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Matthew D. Muller, a 38-year-old disbarred lawyer from Orangevale, charging him with one count of kidnapping.

Muller is charged with kidnapping physical therapist Denise Hoskins at the Vallejo home she shared with her boyfriend on March 23 and keeping her captive for two days before dropping her off near her mother's house in Huntington Beach. He allegedly demanded a $15,000 ransom.

Homewood man faces charges of furnishing alcohol to minors

A man from Homewood, CA was arrested and cited on September 25, 2015 for allegedly furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors during the South Lake Tahoe Police Department's "Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation."

Mark Finlayson, 38, was approached by a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer outside a store in the area of Emerald Bay Road and Lake Tahoe Blvd. The minor asked Finlayson to buy them alcohol, stating they were underage and couldn't purchase the alcohol by themselves.

Finlayson faces a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

Reception kicks off three art exhibits at Lake Tahoe Community College

Event Date: 
October 1, 2015 - 5:00pm

Long time local artist Ellen Nunes joins Chinese artist Yu Ji and winners from the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Spring Art Show in a trio of art exhibits on campus this fall. To celebrate the three shows, the community is invited to attend the free artist receptions for all three exhibits which will be held simultaneously on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This gives people an opportunity to meet the artists, see their works up close, and enjoy light refreshments with fellow art lovers.

Effects of winter storms on clarity of Lake Tahoe topic of upcoming workshops

Event Date: 
October 13, 2015 - 6:00pm

Everyone hopes for a winter of big storms at Lake Tahoe. Recent media hype evokes images of a "Godzilla" El Niño. But for Tahoe, big storms come with big impacts to Lake clarity as snowmelt and stormwater runoff transport pollutants and fine sediment into the Lake.

So how do Tahoe communities protect the Lake from big storm events?

The aftermath of Proposition 47: Property crime up in South Lake Tahoe

In November, 2014, 60% of the voters in California approved Proposition 47, the "Safe Neighborhoods and School Act."

Since then, South Lake Tahoe and other cities across the state are seeing a big increase in crime. Prop. 47 reduced the penalties for certain theft and drug crimes in California. Several crimes that were once a felony because a misdemeanor overnight.

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