law

Kidnapping phone scam in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE. Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) is warning the public of a current phone scam being received in the city.

The scammers claim they have kidnapped a loved one and use that person's name. SLTPD received several calls from the public Thursday. The scammers use the name if a loved one, a close relative or child's. They demand money.

The call is an international one, coming from India.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

9/25

11:15 a.m. - Burglary - Nadowa St - SUSPECTS ENTERED RESIDENCE AND STOLE PROPERTY.

Tahoe Douglas Fire raises funds to award scholarship to Douglas High student

ROUND HILL, Nev. - Every Labor Day, the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) holds a pancake breakfast to support local students in their quest for higher education, and in particular in the field of public service.

They serve Douglas County at Lake Tahoe from the top of Kingsbury Grade to the top of Spooner Summit. This year they chose to invest in the Douglas High School graduating class of 2019 and awarded Alexa Moss with their annual scholarship.

Many of their employees and retirees reside in the valley and have raised their families there.

Undersheriff Randy Peshon reappointed to statewide justice committee

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Undersheriff Randy Peshon has been reappointed to the California State Collaborative Justice Courts Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of superior court judges, court executives, and advocates who report to the Judicial Council of California. They make recommendations to improve justice courts and their processing of cases.

Peshon, who once ran the jail in South Lake Tahoe, has served in this capacity for the past six years and will begin a new three year term on November 1.

"Coffee With a Cop" celebrated all week in South Lake Tahoe; First Responder Friday too

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - National Coffee With a Cop day may be on October 2, but the Starbucks at the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe is going to celebrate the day all week long....and it won't be just for cops.

From open to close, the Starbucks located at 1064 Emerald Bay Road will offer free coffee and pastries to law enforcement and fire fighting personnel, with free coffee for those stopping by to chat. On Monday, some of the officers even stepped behind the counter to make some coffees for patrons.

South Lake Tahoe Police get $40k grant to fight alcohol crimes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to fight alcohol-related crime.

The grant is awarded to local law enforcement agencies in California through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership Program. The grants strengthen SLTPD’s efforts by combining the efforts of their officers and ABC agents. ABC agents have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws and can help communities reduce alcohol-related problems.

El Dorado County supervisors approve adopted budget

PLACERVILLE, Calif. – The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors yesterday unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Adopted Budget to fund the County’s programs and services. State law requires Adopted Budgets to be approved by October 2nd, 2019.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office warns of continued phone scams

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev.- The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public, especially our senior population to be aware of a recent telephone scam being reported to the Sheriff’s Office. This advisement was issued in July of this year, however the Sheriff’s office is receiving reports the calls continue. Unidentified callers are telling the person answering the phone they have a warrant issued from the Sheriff’s Office or another Federal Law Enforcement Agency. The scammer is seeking large sums of money, generally $2000 to $5000 be sent via the mail in the form of pre-paid gift cards.

Boston man dies after diving into Lake Tahoe to assist distressed innertubers

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple agencies searched Lake Tahoe Saturday night into Sunday, looking for a man who dove into Lake Tahoe to assist two people who had fallen off an innertube.

27-year-old Sayen Sengupta from Boston, Massachusetts had been operating a rental boat with 13 passengers. The passengers told law enforcement the boat had been towing two people in an innertube when the two riders fell into the water and became distressed.

Sengupta dove into the water to assist the riders and he was last seen going towards them when he slipped underwater.

Echo Summit closure moved out to October 18, Caltrans tells those at public meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is now looking at October 18 as the beginning of a two-week closure of US Highway 50 at Echo Summit.

9-11 ceremony to be held at American Legion in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 11, 2019 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community and visitors are invited to join members of American Legion Post 795 and the American Legion Auxiliary at a commemorative ceremony to honor the victims and first responders of September 11, 2001.

Its been 18 years since a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda were conducted against the United States on that Tuesday morning in New York, Virginia an Pennsylvania, killing almost 3,000 people.

Moose Lodge raises $14,000 for South Lake Tahoe Cancer League during Longest Day of Golf

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - From sunup to sundown, golfers recently hit the links at Tahoe Paradise Golf Course to raise funds for the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League. Sponsored by the Moose Lodge of South Lake Tahoe for 14 years, the Longest Day of Golf raised $14,000 to go to help local cancer patients.

On Friday a check was presented by tournament organizer Mary Luckel to the Cancer League during a barbeque at the Moose Lodge. The men and women of the Moose Lodge, the golf course and many local businesses helped the league during their Longest Day of Golf.

Two Placerville area men arrested after high-speed chase in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two El Dorado County men have been arrested on multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a chase through South Lake Tahoe and Meyers Friday afternoon.

At 1:12 p.m., the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) was notified of a reckless driver on US50 near Heidi's Restaurant. The person who called it in said the car was a Lexus 4-door and it was heading west.

New partnership created to "Keep Tahoe Bears Wild"

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Basin is bear country and natural resource and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal when living in or visiting bear country. To help spread the message, a new website has been launched, TahoeBears.org, where residents and visitors can go to learn everything they need to know about living, visiting and playing responsibly in bear country.

Pepper spray set off in wings of South Tahoe High

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Much of South Tahoe High was evacuated Friday afternoon after the release of pepper spray was released in the B Wing of the school during 4th period. Other wings of the high school were evacuated as South Lake Tahoe firemen and police responded.

At this time law enforcement and school officials are speaking with parents and students and the incident is under investigation.

Three staff members inhaled the spray and have suffered burning sensation in their lungs. One of them was directed to see medical attention.

US50 over Echo Summit may close up to 14 days this September

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Highway 50 over Echo Summit may close up to 14 days this September to allow the Caltrans contractor to install new girders and demolition work on the existing bridge structure.

There will be two meetings to inform the public of the potential closure and detour (see attached map). Local residents and businesses will be issued passes to use Johnson Pass Road as a detour during the closure, which if in place would be toward the end of the month. More information on that will be provided at the meetings and not before.

DUI checkpoint in South Lake Tahoe/Meyers area Saturday

There will be a DUI checkpoint in the unincorporated portion of El Dorado County on the South Shore Saturday, August 24 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be setting up at an undisclosed location.

The Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Sobriety Checkpoint will be staffed by a team of CHP officers which will be controlling traffic, evaluating driver’s sobriety, and hand out literature warning of the dangers of drinking and driving. Driver license checks will be conducted, and appropriate enforcement action will be taken.

Full response by law enforcement after man with rifle reported at Nevada Beach

STATELINE, Nev. - Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) were called out to Nevada Beach Sunday at 1:30 p.m. when a caller into dispatch said there was a man on the beach with an assault-style rifle.

The beach was immediately shut down and facilities were searched. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department was called out to assist at the beach.

Tahoe Douglas Fire asked people to stay out of the area in a Twitter post - "There is currently a situation at Nevada Beach. Please stay clear. Law enforcement on scene." One hour later they tweeted all was clear.

State rejects ten-year extention of CalTahoe JPA contract

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For months the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CTESOA) has been working on a new ten-year contract to provide emergency ambulance services in the Lake Tahoe area of El Dorado County and northwestern Alpine County, just as they have since 2001. They have been providing these services through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

Pair wanted in Douglas County arrested on burglary and drug charges in Utah

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Two people suspected of burglarizing a home in Gardnerville and stealing a vehicle on July 31 have been arrested in Utah.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) announced the arrest of Jackie Coughran, of Medford, Oregon, and the passenger, Donell Jordon, of Salt Lake City on August 7 in Hurricane, Utah, which is just north of the Arizona border.

National Night Out celebrated in South Lake Tahoe

National Night Out is held across the country on the first Tuesday of August and is a time for the public to come together to learn how to be safer as a community. This year in South Lake Tahoe it was held at Bijou Elementary and had multiple agencies interacting with youth and adults with hands-on exhibits and activities.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office seeks public's help in identifying home burglary suspect

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Law enforcement is asking for the public's help in identifying a man who is the suspect in a residential burglary on July 31 around 5:30 p.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) said the suspect, who is pictured above, is accused of stealing the homeowner's vehicle from their Gardnerville home. The home had a Ring doorbell security system that captured the suspect's approach.

Please contact DCSO Investigator Ryan Young at 775-782-9905 with any information leading to the identity of the subject in the photograph above. Refer to case number 19SO22386.

Driver escapes after high speed pursuit from South Lake Tahoe to Zephyr Cove

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A driver and his passenger escaped after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase from the Heavenly Village area of South Lake Tahoe to Zephyr Cove, Nevada. They crashed their car into a guard rail and ran away.

On Sunday, August 4 an officer from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) attempted to make a traffic stop at 2:06 a.m. when the driver failed to yield and took off. A pursuit ensued into Douglas County, at times reaching high rates of speed. Six minutes later the suspect's car crashed into a guard rail on Highway 50 in Zephyr Cove.

DA to Gov. Newsom: Science, not partisan politics, should guide our reaction to gun violence

In the wake of more senseless violence in our country, we see our politicians taking their now familiar position on their soapboxes to lament their party opponents’ inaction. We need less grandstanding and more real response. While California Governor Gavin Newsom is busy pointing fingers, AB 1722 – an assembly bill based on science and focused on preventing gun violence – languishes in the Appropriations Committee.

Chautauqua and Author Presentations at Dangberg Historic Park

Event Date: 
August 14, 2019 - 6:30pm

August continues with a Chautauqua presentation of Mary McNair Mathews and a presentation by author Brooke Santina at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.

On Wednesday, August 14, at 6:30pm, Mary McNair Mathews, Comstock businesswoman and author of the book Ten Years in Nevada will be portrayed by Anita Watson.

Location

Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
1450 Hwy 88, Minden, NV 89423
United States

Ulman 4k For Cancer riders stop by South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Twenty-eight cyclists left with a tire touch in the water at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on June 2 and will be finishing 4,500 miles later with another tire touch in the Pacific Ocean from Crissy Beach in San Francisco on August 10.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

7/18

Two arrested after suspected bomb closes SR89 at Emerald Bay and Raleys in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A lead from the Las Vegas FBI led law enforcement to South Lake Tahoe to confront what they thought to be a woman intent on harming herself and perhaps others with a bomb.

Heavy law enforcement presence: SR89 closed just north of Emerald Bay

9:00 p.m. Update: A lead from the Las Vegas FBI led law enforcement to South Lake Tahoe to confront what they thought to be a woman intent on harming herself and perhaps others with a bomb.

Scam requesting gift cards circulating South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The scam is old, but if you want to help those in need it may pull at your heart strings....for a moment.

I got a text today from someone claiming to be Father Mauricio Hurtado of St. Theresa Catholic Church. While I am not a member of the church I am co-chair of their Bread & Broth 4 Kids program and it isn't that abnormal for him to contact me, though it is normally through email.

So at 8:25 a.m. Friday when the text says, "Hi Paula, I need a favor from you, text me back as soon as you get my message - Fr. Mauricio Hurtado," I hit reply right away.

Kids on Lime scooters take over lane of Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe; One struck by car

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 13-year-old boy on a Lime Scooter was hit by a car Tuesday night as he was riding it in the fast lane on Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe.

According to South Lake Tahoe Police Department Sgt. Nick Carlquist, a group of about one-half dozen kids on scooters were heading west on the highway in the #2 lane, or better known as the slow lane of the road. They completely took the lane over said Carlquist, forcing drivers into the other lanes and causing a traffic hazard.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office nabs three on stolen vehicle and drug charges

MINDEN, Nev. - Three California residents were arrested by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) on Sunday, July 21 at the Power Dam camping area.

Jeremy Stritenberger, 43, and Riki Scibelli Eltingham, 40, were arrested after a stolen Toyota Tacoma was found at the camping area on Washoe Road. The Toyota and a log splitter were reported stolen in Yuba City, Calif. Deputies located large amounts of property and personal effects inside the vehicle that they believe to be stolen in separate crimes.

Stateline residents arrested after a months-long narcotics investigation

STATELINE, Nev. - Two local residents were arrested early Tuesday after a months-long narcotics investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Street Enforcement Team and State of Nevada Tri Net Investigators.

Timothy Hecox, 61-years-old, and Holly Anderson, 50-years-old, both of Stateline, Nevada, were arrested after a search warrant was served at 169 Faris Court #8 on July 17, 2019. They were booked for trafficking of narcotics and several other drug-related charges.

South Lake Tahoe man indicted on federal firearms and narcotics charges

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe man who led multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed pursuit in El Dorado County and Sacramento in May was indicted by a federal grand jury today on two counts.

What could addition of Accessory Dwelling Units mean for South Lake Tahoe?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Perhaps you know of them as mother-in-law units, tiny houses in the backyard or an extra apartment above a garage for renters. The term Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) has become a popular one in describing these types of housing as the affordable housing conversation turns towards solutions.

From the California Department of Housing and Community Development:

What are the benefits of ADUs?
- ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.

Bay Area man drowns in Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove

10:45 p.m. update: A San Mateo County Correctional Officer has been identified as the victim in Tuesday's drowning at Zephyr Cove.

"It is with great sadness we announce the death of Correctional Officer Andreiam Jeffrey “AJ” Arqueza. AJ passed yesterday afternoon in a drowning accident while enjoying days off with friends in the Lake Tahoe area," said the San Mateo County Code 30 Foundation on a Facebook post.

National Night Out in South Lake Tahoe August 6

Event Date: 
August 6, 2019 - 4:00pm

National Night Out is held across the country annually as a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It will be held on August 6 and South Lake Tahoe and the South Shore will be holding their event that night at Bijou Community School on Spruce Avenue from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Resident complaints lead to arrest of two men in Incline Village

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Two men were arrested after residents of Incline Village reported concerns of suspicious and aggressive salesmen going door-to-door in their neighborhood on Saturday evening.

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Carano Court and Oneil Way around 7:00 p.m. on July 13.

Upon arrival, they made contact with two subjects, later identified as Prince Ojionuka, age 30, and Torris Heckard, age 52. By that time, deputies were also contacted by several other residents who had similar complaints against the two men.

Douglas County Sheriff warns of scam demanding payment by pre-paid credit cards

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Another telephone scam is being reported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and they want to make sure residents, especially the senior population, are informed.

This latest scam is much like others in the past. Unidentified callers are telling the person answering the phone they have a warrant issued from the FBI. The scammer is seeking large sums of money, generally $2,000 to $,5000, be sent via the mail in the form of pre-paid gift cards.

Barbara Avenue in South Lake Tahoe to remain closed

The Sierra Boulevard street project is progressing and the next phase between Barbara Avenue and Alma Avenue is requiring El Dorado County to temporarily close Barbara Avenue until August 15.

The project consists of full roadway reconstruction and pedestrian and drainage improvements along Sierra Boulevard from Palmira Blvd. to Barbara Ave.

The Barbara Avenue closure is necessary to ensure motorist and worker safety. Prior to July 1 the road was kept open on weekends and other non-construction hours but that will no longer be the case.

One home a total loss, another suffers major damage after fire near South Lake Tahoe

MEYERS, Calif. - One house is a total loss and another suffered major damage after a 4th of July fire on Tehama Drive in Meyers.

At 9:30 p.m., a call went into Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) of a house fire. At first, the caller thought the fire to be on Seneca Drive but it turned out to be at 703 Tehama Drive.

LVFPD Battalion Chief Brad Zlendick said the fire spread to a second home next door, causing major damage to the attic and sides.

Bus stuck on Johnson Pass Road at Echo Summit

7:00 p.m. update: According to the CHP dispatch center in Chico, the bus was able to maneuver around the curve and the road has reopened. All passengers reboarded the bus and they were able to continue their journey, over two hours later.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A bus trying to navigate Johnson Pass Road at Echo Summit is stuck, and according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), at least 50 vehicles behind it.

The first report was received by the CHP at 4:49 p.m. Tuesday.

Tahoe Township hotels and VHRs now have new $5/night surcharge

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - A new $5 per night surcharge will be added to all hotel rooms and other transient lodging accommodations within the Lake Tahoe Township area of Douglas County.

As a result of Senate Bill 461, the new law adding the fee went into effect July 1, 2019, giving the new charge to Tahoe-Douglas Visitor’s Authority (TDVA) for a planned event center in Stateline. It affects all bookings received by the lodging properties after July 1.

Chautauqua of Lizzie Borden and historian Mark McLaughlin at Dangberg Historic Park

Event Date: 
July 10, 2019 - 6:30pm

Chautauquan Kim Harris will portray Lizzie A. Borden on Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30 pm, and historian Mark McLaughlin will speak on “Lake Tahoe and the Comstock Era; Stories, Facts and Fun” on Saturday, July 13, at 10:00 am, at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.

Lizzie Andrew Borden was tried and acquitted in a court of law for the axe murders of her father and stepmother in 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts. The court of public opinion sentenced her to a life of public scrutiny and branded her a social pariah.

Location

Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
1450 Hwy 88, Minden, NV 89423
United States

Wilder than Wild movie and panel discussion at Taylor Creek Friday

Event Date: 
June 28, 2019 - 7:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Wilder Than Wild: Fires, Forest and the Future will be shown at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center amphitheater on Friday, June 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Besides the free showing of the film there will be a panel discussion that includes forest management experts, public land management agencies, local fire districts, local law enforcement, Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities, Liberty Utilities and more.

South Lake Tahoe's SnowGlobe: "It’s a great event, it's in the wrong location"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Tuesday to give SnowGlobe a new five-year contract with the criteria that organizers must be working on locating a new location for the event at the end of two years.

If they do not have a good plan in place after those first two years the City could terminate the contract.

El Dorado County Supervisors approve $688 million budget

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 2019-20 budget on Monday, one that spends $688 million to fund the County’s programs and services. $313 million of that amount is the County’s general fund which primarily funds public safety and general government services.

NV Energy and Liberty Utilities outline wildfire mitigation plans for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With electrical transmission lines found to be at fault in recent California fires, agencies responsible for supplying electricity to communities have been creating plans to prevent fires in the future.

Both companies that supply power to Lake Tahoe, NV Energy and Liberty Utilities, have announced new mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of fire.

Cold case task force continues to investigate Joseph Holt; Asks for public's help

The El Dorado County Cold Case Task Force continues their investigation into Joseph Holt to see if he is responsible for other unsolved crimes. They are asking for the public's help in identifying any crimes they may have witnessed or been victims of that may be associated with Joseph Holt.

Syndicate content