law

South Lake Tahoe Police: We are in protect mode and we are not shutting down roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As soon as the City of South Lake Tahoe issued an emergency order that allows them to issue administrative citations to those who violate California's 'stay at home' order, social media has been ablaze with rumors about martial law.

"We are not stopping cars unless it is for a traffic violation," stressed South Lake Tahoe Interim Police Chief Shannon Laney. "We are in protect mode for the community during this pandemic.

A rumor was started via social media, warning everyone that police were stopping all cars and identification was being checked.

City of South Lake Tahoe now has power to fine those violating "Stay at Home" order

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe issued an emergency order Friday morning, one that gives them the power to issue administrative citations to those who violate California Governor Newsom's 'stay at home' order.

“We are taking this crisis seriously and it is important that those who don’t, know there can be consequences to ignoring the Governor’s orders,” said Interim City Manager Brad Kilger, “This is about keeping our community safe, and that’s what this city is going to do.”

Part of Kilger's role for the city is as its director of emergency services.

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe rescheduled

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another event casualty due to the coronavirus is the 29th annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. Originally set for Sunday, June 7, it has been rescheduled to combine with the 18th annual Tour de Tahoe, set for Sunday, September 13, 2020. This due to the uncertainty of current and changing CDC coronavirus COVID-19 restrictions and mandates by national, state and county health agencies.

Stay-at-home FAQs from California Department of Health

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health have ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.

Some people may be confused and hear different messages and wonder exactly what are "essential services". To list what the State order covered they have come out with a guideline to help navigate these unchartered waters.

What does this mean?

El Dorado County Superior Court limiting access in response to COVID-19

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Due to the current public health crisis, the El Dorado County Superior Court will be limited access to courthouses, effective immediately. They currently plan to resume normal operations on April 17, 2020, though with the rapidly unfolding coronavirus situation, this could change.

Courtrooms will be practice social distancing, including at least two seats between people in the gallery. Members of the public are strongly discouraged from attending court proceedings unless they are statutory support persons or those who have been subpoenaed.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested on 99 felony counts of suspected child molestation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a three-month-long investigation into a suspected serial molester, a South Lake Tahoe man has been arrested.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) announced the arrest of Christopher Scott Flanders, a 51-year-old local man. Multiple alleged victims are from the South Lake Tahoe area, police said.

Acting on a warrant, Flanders was arrested on Wednesday, March 18 in the Placerville area with the assistance of the Sacramento PRCS Task Force. He is currently in the El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe with bail set at $2,000,000.

Multiple accidents, heavy snow, reported on Lake Tahoe and Sierra roadways

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's been a busy day on the highways around Lake Tahoe today with several accidents and road closures.

As of 5:00 p.m. Saturday, law enforcement and rescue teams have responded to a reported head-on collision on Pioneer Trail, west of Golden Bear, a collision on Pioneer Trail and US 50 in Meyers, a collision on US 50 at Kyburz, a car off the roadway on SR89 near Emerald Bay and two collisions on US88 near Kirkwood. There are also numerous collisions on I80 and on the North Shore.

South Lake Tahoe plastic bag ban to meet state regulations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since the adoption of a ban in January 2014, South Lake Tahoe has not allowed single-use plastic bags in grocery stores and at food vendors. The ban was to apply to all other retail outlets after one year, but that ban was delayed by the City Council at that time and then later amended to remove that portion.

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.

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.

Business Licenses issued by the City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 86 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of December 2019 and January 2020:

DECEMBER

12/2
RALPH ANDERSEN & ASSOCIATES

12/3
MCCOY CONSTRUCTION LLC

12/4
ANDREW BOWEN SERVICES

12/5
ACORN LANDSCAPING
MINTIER HARNISH LP

12/6
LWE HANDYMAN SERVICES
MINDEN HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
WHITE MAGIC MUSIC LLC

12/10
TAHOE CANNABUS

12/12
ALOIS BAUMGARTNER TAXI DRIVER

DNA proves innocence of man convicted of El Dorado County murder

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A man who was facing life in prison after being convicted in 2005 for a murder that authorities now know he did not commit, is now heading home a free man. Ricky Leo Davis, now 54, was 20-years-old when a friend of his mother, 54-year-old Jane Hylton, was brutally murdered in their El Dorado Hills home in 1985.

On July 7, 1985, Davis and his 19-year-old live-in girlfriend, Connie Dahl, called law enforcement, saying they were at a party in Cameron Park and returned home to find Hylton murdered.

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.

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.

Where to watch Superbowl LIV in South Lake Tahoe

Super Bowl LIV, the 54th Super Bowl (the 50th modern-era National Football League championship game) will decide the champion for the NFL's 2019 and 100th season. The National Football Conference champion San Francisco 49ers will play against the American Football Conference champion Kansas City Chiefs.

No matter who you are rooting for, or if you just enjoy watching the game which is known for epic halftime shows and commercials (and championship football), South Lake Tahoe and Stateline are providing parties and fun spaces to do so on Sunday.

Here are a few of those ideas:

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.

South Tahoe High's Melissa Berry wins Outstanding Teacher of America award

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Melissa Berry, AP Psychology and US History teacher at South Lake Tahoe High School was selected to receive one of the five 2019 Carlston Family Foundation Outstanding Teachers of America Awards.

In November, Ms. Berry received a $15,000 cash award at the Carlston Family Foundation’s 17th Annual Awards Ceremony in Mill Valley, Calif. During Tuesday's Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) board meeting, she received an additional $5,000 grant for South Lake Tahoe High School.

Changes to how voters will vote in 2020: South Lake Tahoe vote center and drop box locations

With the March primaries just weeks away, voters will be considering not only their choices on the ballot but will also need to consider how they will cast their votes in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County.

With poor voter turnout, especially in South Lake Tahoe, and more registered voters choosing to vote by mail, the polling places set up on election days were not frequently used.

Tips to keep pets safe during winter in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the arrival of winter, El Dorado County Animal Services is reminding residents to take precautions with their pets.
“Winter in our county regularly brings freezing temperatures, frigid wind, ice and snow,” said Henry Brzezinski, Chief of El Dorado County Animal Services. “These conditions can adversely affect animals in numerous ways, and even threaten a pet’s life. A few simple steps can ensure your pet’s safety.”

El Dorado County man pleads guilty to distributing designer drug that caused minor's death

Over seven years after the death of a juvenile, the person found responsible plead guilty Monday in federal court to distribution of a controlled substance known as 25I-NBOMe that caused death the death of the minor in 2012.

According to court documents, during September 2012, Elijah Richter, 28, of Camino, Calif. imported hallucinogenic drugs, including a controlled substance known as 25I-NBOMe, from Europe to his residence in El Dorado County. He placed orders on his computer through Silk Road, a now-defunct “dark” website.

Facts about California's water legislation and what it means for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - No, you're not going be fined for taking a shower and doing laundry on the same day. A news story by a Los Angeles area television station and carried through the internet on New Year's Day wrongly stated just that as an effect of upcoming water efficiency laws.

Letter: County needs to protect residents from impacts of SnowGlobe

Again, my family and I have been subjected to the invasive noise pollution inside our home from yet another SnowGlobe event. I live in the county near Sierra House School. I purchased this home to live in a quiet and peaceful alpine environment. Now, my home is 1.18 miles or 6,225 feet from a large and loud musical venue that violates noise regulations, creates pollution, and drains governmental resources in my community. All the while, I am paying tax dollars for services not rendered. It is very disappointing, to say the least!

Amador County murder suspect arrested after 12-hour search in Incline Village

1:15 p.m. UPDATE: Sean Purdy has been arrested. WCSO deputies just arrested Amador County fugitive Sean Purdy. Washoe County Sheriff Balaam expressed his deep appreciation to all the deputies and investigators from multiple agencies who have tenaciously worked for the safety of the community during the past 12 hours. He was arrested in the Memorial Point area just north of Sand Harbor near Incline Village. Details of the arrest are coming.

Arrests and medical issues down during second day of SnowGlobe in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. The second night of the 9th annual SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe is in the books.

From a law enforcement side, things have been fairly quiet when compared to past years. On Monday night there were 35 citations issued by the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), all related to minors in possession or adults furnishing alcohol to minors.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department arrested two people for public intoxication at the event.

Dozens of new California laws go into effect in 2020

New laws will be going into effect in California in the new year, putting into place California legislature action during 2019. There are many changes including road safety and distracted driving penalties, roadkill rules, minimum wage, independent workers and rent caps.

Except where noted, these laws are effective January 1, 2020:

Traffic Safety

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several new laws passed this year:

Law enforcement spends the day reading with kids and giving away gifts in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) joined forces this holiday to help spread cheer and gifts to children in the community.

On Saturday, December 21, the deputies and officers collaborated to provide a book reading, meet and greet with Santa and gift-giving to the children of South Lake Tahoe. The kids thought they were coming for the popular SLTPD Books & Badges and were treated to a BIG surprise.

Column: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency celebrates 50 Years

The year was 1969. And what a year it was. On July 20, 1969—the Viet Nam War was raging—American Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon. For much of the decade, America and indeed the world had been mesmerized by the space race.

Badges and Books: Holiday Edition at SLT Library

Event Date: 
December 21, 2019 - 10:30am

It's time once again for Badges & Books, and on Saturday, December 21, the theme is "Holiday Style," complete with Officer Santa Claus!

Kids will read with officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at the library starting at 10:30 a.m. They will read a special story with local law enforcement and learn what they do in the community.

The South Lake Tahoe Library is located at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.

Douglas County car theft a good reminder for the public

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A Volvo SUV was stolen in Minden, Nevada on December 7 and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office was able to recover it within 45 minutes. Arrested was 19-year-old Shane Dollar, a convicted felon for previous auto theft.

This car was recovered quickly which isn't always the case. Law enforcement is reminding the public to please lock and secure your vehicles at all times and never leave your keys in the ignition. This time of year it can be tempting to turn on the car and go back inside the house as it warms up.

Local teen scholar invited to Delegation for Diplomacy in South Africa

Local teen and Lake Tahoe Community College student Laney Terrell has been invited by the International Scholar Laureate Program to join a delegation on International Relations & Diplomacy that will be traveling to South Africa in spring 2020.

"I am so excited for this opportunity to see how other democracies work and represent my Hometown," Terrell said.

South Lake Tahoe City Council votes for nine-month mayor terms

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ever since the South Lake Tahoe became an incorporated city on November 30, 1965, there have been five elected councilmembers. Annually those elected members vote for one of them to hold the position of mayor for a one-year term.

That has now changed.

On Tuesday the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously approved the proposal to have mayor terms of nine months "so they can all get a chance in their four-year term."

South Lake Tahoe Open House book signing for local novelist Robert Max

Event Date: 
December 8, 2019 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – “The police work is authentic, although unconventional. The danger will set you on edge. But above all, NO FORCED ENTRY is a marvelous and unique story that will touch your heart, make you look over your shoulder, and think twice before opening your door,” said retired South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Terry Daniels of Robert Max’s new thriller.

Crafting South Lake Tahoe's wireless communications facility ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most will say their cell phone coverage isn't great in Lake Tahoe or is severely impaired on big tourist weekends such as the 4th of July. With the growth of remote workers coming to live in Lake Tahoe, better internet coverage is also needed for them to work, along with the needs of many others.

South Tahoe High students awarded for their anti-vaping/anti-drug posters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With vaping a growing problem in local schools, the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition (DFC) recently held an anti-vaping, anti-drug poster contest at the high school.

Six South Tahoe High School students were recognized last week for their creativity and artwork, and three of the entries will be used in an anti-vaping campaign to draw awareness to the growing problem not only in South Lake Tahoe but across the globe.

The awards went to:

1st place: Madison DialTuttle - $200
2nd place: Alexandra Otomo - $100
3rd place: Aeris Wright - $50

No planned weekend traffic relief in Meyers this winter

MEYERS, Calif. - Residents attending the El Dorado County Town Hall meeting in Meyers on Thursday didn't hear what they wanted to about the upcoming winter and any plans that could be put in place to alleviate traffic jams in neighborhoods.

As is the case with all meetings concerning traffic in Meyers, there were several audience members with ideas from instituting maximum vehicles allowed in the Lake Tahoe Basin to turn restrictions and road closures during specific hours.

Nevada Supreme Court affirms ruling of $230K owed to IVGID

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Years of legal battles between the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) and resident Aaron Katz appear to be drawing to a close after the Nevada Supreme Court on Friday affirmed a 2016 ruling that Katz pay almost $230,000 of attorney fees and costs.

Tahoe Basin Wildfire Pre-Attack Plans funded by Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has announced a donation of $18,057 to the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) to enhance wildfire suppression capabilities on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. This donation will result in the expansion of strategic and tactical Wildfire Pre Attack plans covering the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. Pre Attack Plans help first responders by identifying critical infrastructure, vulnerable population groups, evacuation routes, water sources, Temporary Refuge Areas, and locations where forests have been thinned before a wildfire strikes.

New officer sworn in for South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 2008 Douglas High School graduate is the newest member of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

Ryan Brown was sworn in by SLTPD Chief Brian Uhler in front of family, fellow officers, members of the SLT Fire Department and other staff members on Monday afternoon. He comes from the Alpine County Sheriff's Office where he spent four years as a deputy. Ryan has also been with the Nevada Air National Guard for six years.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office promotion and graduations celebrated

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) celebrated graduations and promotions on Wednesday, November 14.

Deputy Steven Schultz was promoted to the rank of Investigator. He has more than 36 years of law enforcement experience in both California and Nevada.

Kentucky man arrested after allegedly stealing EDSO vehicle from South Lake Tahoe parking lot

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 30-year-old man from Kentucky is behind bars after allegedly stealing an El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) patrol car from South Lake Tahoe.

During shift change on Wednesday morning at their South Lake Tahoe office, a deputy noticed their loaded patrol SUV was missing from the parking lot. EDSO immediately began to track the SUV and found it to be traveling westbound on US50 past Echo Summit so they advised CHP, Placerville Police Department (PPD) and EDSO units on the west slope.

Grand Jury indicts four men at forefront of marijuana grows linked to El Dorado County deputy's killing

As soon as word spread that El Dorado County Deputy Brian Ishmael was shot and killed in the line of duty on October 23, multiple federal agencies were mobilized and went to work to not only find out who was directly responsible for the death, but also to uncover those in charge of the illegal marijuana grows at the forefront of the case.

Jake Krzaczek sworn in as South Lake Tahoe Police Department's newest officer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Jake Krzaczek, the newest officer for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), was sworn in Monday afternoon in front of a large crowd of family, friends, fellow officers from SLTPD, firemen and paramedics from SLT Fire Rescue, and other members of the community.

Officer Krzaczek, who is 24-years-old, was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe and graduated from STHS in 2013. He has been with the Alpine County Sheriff's Office as a deputy for the past two years.

Services set for slain El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Ishmael

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Funeral services for El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brian Ishmael will be held on Tuesday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Bayside Church Adventure, located at 6401 Stanford Ranch Road in Roseville, CA.

Funerals for law enforcement who died in the line of duty are very large, with people coming from across the country and the world. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) expects thousands of people to attend.

Supervisor of two marijuana gardens arrested in connection with death of El Dorado County deputy

There has been another arrest in connection with the shooting death of El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Ishmael.

The supervisor of two marijuana gardens in the rural communities of Somerset and Georgetown, Jorge Lamas, was arrested in Yuba City on October 25 by the U.S. Marshals Service. Lamas is a resident of that Northern California town.

South Lake Tahoe to create an ordinance for electric scooters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First it was Lime Bikes, but now the company's Lime Scooters have created both enjoyment and concern in South Lake Tahoe. The popular mode of transportation is used by millions worldwide and provides over 100,000 annual rides in South Lake Tahoe.

But the illegal use by minors and a flaw in the Lime app process has drawn concern from local law enforcement and residents.

Three arrested in connection with shooting death of El Dorado County deputy

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Three men have been arrested in connection with the death of El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Ishmael.

Early Wednesday, October 23, Deputy Ishmael responded to a call of theft from a marijuana garden behind a residence on Sand Ridge Road in Somerset, southeast of Placerville. He had a ride-along passenger at the time, an off-duty San Joaquin County Sheriff's deputy.

El Dorado County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed in line of duty; Two arrested

11:30 a.m. UPDATE: Deputy Brian Ishmael of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office died in the line of duty early Wednesday after being shot after arrival at a home in Somerset, Calif. They were responding to a call of theft from a marijuana garden.

El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini held a press conference Wednesday morning, updating the public on some of what transpired earlier in the day.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 109 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of August and September 2019:

August (59)

8/1
GREEN EARTH HOME CLEANING

8/2
AC DIKE CO
ENPRO SERVICES
SUPERIOR MECHANICAL SERVICES INC
WILLIAM STAEHLIN STRUCTURAL ENGINE.

8/5
GABRIEL UBIAS CORONA TAXI DRIVER
TEX'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

8/6
CENTRAL PACIFIC ROOFING INC
COMPASS TEAM BLAIR TAHOE
MASSAGE BY MONICA ROSE

8/7
ALPINE EXTERIORS
DARS CABIN IN THE WOODS SHARED HOME
LAKE TAHOE COMM. PRESBY. CHURCH
MOUNTAIN DESERT BUILDERS
RGH CONSTRUCTION LLC

City looks at South Lake Tahoe Police Take-Home Vehicle Program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chief Brian Uhler presented the idea of a take-home vehicle policy for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) to the City Council Tuesday, something that many other departments across the world have found to be successful in both recruiting and retention. Not only for these reasons, but take-home vehicles have also resulted in cleaner cars with fewer mechanical problems, longer life-spans and reduced costs.

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