law

Area voters to decide new State Senator on Tuesday

On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, voters will be selecting their new District 1 State Senator, a vacancy created when Ted Gaines won a seat on the state Board of Equalization in November.

District 1 spans California’s northeastern corner from the Oregon border to Lake Tahoe, including some of the Sacramento area’s eastern suburbs. Residents living in Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou Counties are in District 1 as well as parts of Placer County (Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, and Rocklin) and Sacramento County (Folsom, Orangevale, and Fair Oaks).

Lime Scooters but not Lime Bikes return to South Lake Tahoe this summer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After two summers in South Lake Tahoe, Lime is not bringing back their green bikes to town this May and instead are concentrating on their popular electric scooters, the fastest growing segment of the San Franciso-based company.

SLTPD participating in Applebee's Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics

Event Date: 
March 29, 2019 - 5:00pm

South Lake Tahoe police officers will be part of the waitstaff at Applebee's on Friday, March 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to raise money for Special Olympics Northern California.

One-hundred percent of the tips the "celebrity waiters" earn will be donated directly to Special Olympics Northern California, which provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Douglas commissioners oppose Nevada gun background check law

Douglas County has made it clear to the State of Nevada they won't stand for any legislation that exceeds federal firearm transfer requirements. Their reaction came after Governor Steve Sisolak signed SB 143, a bill that would require background checks on gun sales, on February 15, 2019.

Kindergarten registration dates set for South Lake Tahoe children

This story has been updated:

Registration for kindergarten students in Lake Tahoe Unified School District for the 2019/20 school year will be held April 29-May 10, 2019 for Tahoe Valley and Sierra House elementary schools. For those enrolling in the Two-Way Immersion program at Bijou and wanting to enter the lottery for enrollment at Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School, the deadline is March 22.

El Dorado County Sheriff D'Agostini to speak in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
March 19, 2019 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to join El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini as he presents "Criminal Activity: Awareness, Reporting & Prevention" on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Library.

He will discuss topics the South Shore community is interested in including homelessness, crime trends and the most common financial scams targeting our communities and ways to avoid falling victim to scammers.

In addition, the Sheriff encourages questions from the audience on any other subjects that are of concern.

How full is Lake Tahoe?

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Sierra Nevada has seen epic amounts of snowfall this winter and recent measurements at both Phillips and Mt. Rose show water content of the snowpack well above normal.

Active shooter training for Lake Tahoe businesses and staff

Event Date: 
March 20, 2019 - 12:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – With a critical increase in active shooter events across the country, the Tahoe Chamber is holding a Level UP Workshop on the subject Wednesday, March 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in their Stateline office.

Workplace violence affects about 2 million workers in the U. S. each year. With this violence continuing to pose a looming threat, active shooter training is essential for all businesses. Active shooter events most commonly occur in businesses - 45 percent, schools - 25 percent, and government facilities - 10 percent.

NAMI hosting free legal seminar to help navigate mental illness treatment and support

Event Date: 
March 8, 2019 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a free legal seminar on Friday, March 8 to help caregivers and family members of those with mental illness navigate the system to remove barriers and improve access to care for their loved ones in South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding communities.

Terrorism of 9/11 was call to duty for South Lake Tahoe police officer

September 11th, 2001 terrorists shocked the nation as Americans all across the country watched the twin towers fall. The tragic events that day changed the lives of many Americans. Some lost their mothers, fathers, sisters, friends, and brothers, and for some, like Officer Traci Trapani of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), the events of that day were a call to duty to protecting the general welfare of the American public against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

Two South Lake Tahoe cold cases solved with genetic genealogy

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Two decades old murders in the South Lake Tahoe area have been solved using genetic genealogy, identifying a deceased local man as the murderer of two women.

During a El Dorado Cold Case Task Force press conference in Placerville Monday, District Attorney Vern Pierson said Joseph Stephen Holt of South Lake Tahoe and San Jose was responsible for killing Brynn Rainey in 1977 and Carol Ann Andersen in 1979.

Carlquist promoted to sergeant for South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Not only has the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) added some new recruits, they've also promoted from within.

Nicholaus "Nick" Carlquist is the newest sergeant on the force.

The Cal State Monterey graduate became a paramedic before sponsoring himself through the police academy and ending up with the Hollister (CA) Police Department.
Nick then came to South Lake Tahoe and has been with the department since 2008.

GPS to Lake Tahoe: Don't let it steer you wrong

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe is the destination of thousands of people a month, no matter what the season. It's beauty, splendor and recreational opportunities beckon people from around the world. The epic snowfall this season has put many Sacramento and Bay Area residents on the roads to Lake Tahoe, but with the crowded highways (both I80 and US50), many drivers are going to their GPS and mapping apps to find the best, and quickest, route to paradise.

Valorie Jean Turley ~ 1953 - 2019

Valorie Jean Turley left our presence Sunday, January 13, 2019.
Valorie leaves three children, Jeremy Houston Sheldon, Jerrad Joseph Sheldon, of
Carson City, Nevada; and Kourtny Jean Sheldon of Las Vegas, Nevada.
As well as her three children, she leaves a daughter-in-law, Veronica (Mrs. Jeremy Sheldon) and beloved grandchildren, Helen Bernice Sheldon and Garrett Sheldon.

“To describe my mother is to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing falling colors of a rainbow.” (Maya Angelou)

Letter: Solution to Meyers traffic problems

We are not unique in the fact that traffic apps have been showing shortcuts and causing headaches in neighborhoods, which have become freeways filled with people speeding through them to "save" up to a minute on their commute.

We do not have the luxury of support from our elected officials as other communities do, so we must come up with a solution ourselves.

Meyers is under siege every weekend with tourists trying to get home after a long weekend of enjoying what we sometimes take for granted and they are using traffic apps to try to get around the gridlock.

Flood Advisory in place for most area counties

A Flood Advisory has been issued for Alpine County, Placer County, El Dorado County, Sierra County, Nevada County, Southern Washoe County, Douglas County, and Western Carson City. It will remain in effect until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Column: SLTPD and EDSO saves woman's life with arrest

After a six-month investigation into drug transactions in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the El Dorado Sheriff's Department Narcotics Task Force executed search warrants at two locations in South Lake Tahoe on August 23, 2017. Large amounts of heroin, methamphetamine and approximately 12 firearms were seized in the search. Lynwood Towle, Shawn German, Melissa Griffis, Paul Ryan, and Krystal Long were all arrested, charged, and eventually pleaded guilty to various charges stemming from those searches.

Drivers on closed Mt. Rose Highway a concern to Nevada Highway Patrol

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - During the storm that hit Lake Tahoe on Saturday, February 9, several drivers decided to ignore closure signs on the Mt. Rose Highway and proceed without complying to chain requirements on the open portions. These vehicles became stuck in the heavy snowfall or stopped due to zero visibility white-out conditions, leading rescuers into what they call "life-threatening conditions."

USFS to hold open house for OHV trails in Tahoe National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service is preparing an annual application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, to request funding for trail maintenance, restoration, law enforcement, education and safety, and potentially development of facilities, and planning for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access.

On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, the Forest Service will host an open house from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Nevada City for individuals and organizations to provide input and review proposals for the application.

38 years after skull is found, Jane Doe has a name

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - On March 22, 1974, Nancy Webster, 37, and her daughter, 19-year-old Rebecca Dinkel were seen at a café in the Garden Valley area of El Dorado County.

They left the cafe shortly after Nancy received a threatening phone call from her abusive, common-law husband, Clifton Mahaney.

It was the last time anyone saw either one of them alive.

South Lake Tahoe cannabis ordinance approved

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Analogies of touchdowns and goals were given to today's approval of a cannabis ordinance for South Lake Tahoe, the culmination of many months of meetings, discussion, disagreements and committee work.

On March 7, 2019, South Lake Tahoe will have a cannabis ordinance, opening the door to retail sales, cultivation, manufacturing, and lab testing businesses.

South Lake Tahoe traffic meeting: "Our quality of life has been affected"

MEYERS, Calif. - Traffic through neighborhoods in the Meyers area has become unbearable to many residents as vehicles leaving South Lake Tahoe to take to side streets in an effort to circumvent Highway 50 traffic over Echo Summit.

In an effort to find solutions to a problem that keeps Meyers residents from their homes for hours at a time, a townhall-style meeting was held on Friday night.

Letter: Agencies alert public on what they're doing to alleviate traffic leaving South Lake Tahoe

The following is a letter created by the four agencies currently working together to try and find a solution to the traffic problem in Meyers as visitors exit Lake Tahoe after a weekend. A public meeting was held on Friday night and that story will be carried on Saturday.

Community gives thanks to Douglas County Sheriff's and District Attorney's offices

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - After the recent tragic events in Douglas County, members of the community thought it would be nice to thank the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for all their hard work and dedication after the murders and accidental deaths.

Drug trafficking pair nabbed in Carson City sentenced to total of 16 years in prison

Two drug traffickers were sentenced today to a total of 16 years in federal prison after a traffic stop in Carson City for speeding led to the discovery of large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in their car.

Danny Lyle Jensen II, 39, and Kimberly Lopes, 37, both of Henderson, Nevada, were sentenced to 130 months and 63 months, respectively, and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben. They previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Jewish approach to criminal justice to be studied at Chabad

Event Date: 
Repeats every week until Mon Mar 18 2019 .
February 4, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
February 11, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
February 18, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
February 25, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
March 4, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
March 11, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
March 18, 2019 (All day)

With criminal justice reform center-stage in the United States, Chabad will offer Crime and Consequence, a new CLE accredited six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) exploring 3000 years of Jewish perspective on conviction, sentencing, and criminal rehabilitation.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 4 at 7:00pm participants in the course will challenge their thinking, ponder the implications of ancient Talmudic wisdom for complex modern cases, and get to the heart of the most pressing injustices facing our criminal justice system today.

Douglas County again looking for task force members as they revamp VHR ordinance

STATELINE, Nev. - Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in Douglas County were on last Thursday's agenda for the Board of County Commissioners, leading them to seek additional representatives for their newly appointed VHR Task Force.

Douglas County uses the services of Host Compliance, the same company hired by the City of South Lake Tahoe to seek out unlicensed VHRs and under-reported Tourist Occupancy Tax (TOT). They charge the County $94,000 annually for their services.

Murder charges filed against Martinez-Guzman; Timeline of crimes revealed

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Murder suspect Wilbur Ernesto Martinez-Guzman will be tried jointly in Reno, Nevada by both the Douglas County and Washoe County district attorneys in what could be a landmark case.

During a joint press conference Monday, the DAs from both counties outlined their case against Martinez-Guzam for the murders of Connie Koontz, Sophia Renken, Gerald David and Sharon David.

City of South Lake Tahoe and owners group reach agreement on Measure T lawsuit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City and the South Lake Tahoe Property Owner's Group have reached an agreement on the enforcement of Measure T, a voter-initiated ballot measure to remove over 1,300 vacation home rentals from neighborhoods by the year 2021.

There were two major portions of the measure though that were to go into effect immediately, a change to occupancy rates and a halt to the issuing of new permits for the vacation accommodations made popular by websites like Airbnb.

Murder suspect allegedly sold property of victims at Carson City pawn shops

The 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of two Gardnerville woman and an elderly Reno couple earlier this month had allegedly pawned several items stolen from the victims at Carson City pawn shops, according to a criminal complaint filed in Carson City Justice Court.

S.T.A.R. program.celebrates 25 years in El Dorado County

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office started the S.T.A.R. program (Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees) in 1994 with volunteers in Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. The volunteers help law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics to ensure public safety, by performing traffic controls and maintaining roadblocks.

Man arrested after honey oil lab starts house fire in Meyers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A rental home in Meyers was severely damaged in a fire on January 15, 2019, the result of an illegal drug lab according to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO).

At 3:18 p.m., Lake Valley Fire Protection District responded to the report of a car crashing into a home at the intersection of Tomahawk Lane and Apache Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a structure and vehicle fire and called in South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue for backup.

Standstill on South Lake Tahoe area highway and streets; Groups looking into solution

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's almost a perfect storm for traffic in Lake Tahoe: extra visitors in town for the holiday weekend and epic ski conditions with snow and chain requirements over US50 and Echo Summit.

On Monday, locals and visitors alike were part of that storm, leaving motorists stranded along US 50, Lake Tahoe Blvd., and all surface streets in Meyers that have a link to the highway over Echo Summit.

Suspect in all four Northern Nevada murders in custody

UPDATE 1/23/19 - The suspect in the quadruple murder in Northern Nevada was in the country illegally from El Salvador when he was arrested on January 19, 2019. Tips received by law enforcement led them to Wilbur Ernesto Martinez-Guzman, and as they built a murder case they started to tail him. Immigration officials were unaware of Martinez-Guzman until those tips came in.

Officials did not want to lose the suspect and arrested him on immigration charges as the investigation continued and the murder case developed.

Arrest in Carson City related to Reno homicide investigation

UPDATE 1.20.19 - The 19-year-old man who was arrested in Carson City Saturday night is the suspect in all four Northern Nevada murders according to law enforcement. Find updated story on press conference here - http://southtahoenow.com/story/01/20/2019/suspect-all-four-northern-nevada-murders-custody

CARSON CITY, Nev. - One person is in custody tonight in connection with the investigation into Wednesday's double homicide in South Reno.

Two promotions and new reserve deputy for Douglas County Sheriff's Office

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office announced two promotions and a new reserve deputy today.

Longtime Douglas County resident Ron Michitarian was promoted from the rank of sergeant to captain, a duty he will start on January 26. He was presented his badge by his son, Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Connor Michitarian.

Also effective on January 26, Investigator Nadine Chrzanowski will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Chrzanowski was presented her badge by Sheriff Coverley.

Washoe County Sheriff releases names of Reno homicide victims

RENO, Nev. - A Reno couple in their 80s have been identified as the victims in Wednesday's double homicide.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office today said 81-year-old Gerald David and his wife, Sharon David, age 80 were killed in their home. Next of kin have been notified.

Both victims died as a result of gunshot wounds, similar to the method used in the two recent Douglas County murders.

Similarities between Douglas County and Washoe County homicides

RENO, Nev. - Keeping the community safe is the number one priority of law enforcement working on four recent murders in Reno and Douglas County. This was the message from Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam during a press conference late Thursday afternoon.

Two elderly people, a man and a woman, were killed in a home in southwest Reno. Their bodies were discovered on January 16 after concerned neighbors called law enforcement after not seeing the residents. Their names and ages have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Merger of El Dorado Savings with PacWest Bancorp terminated

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In September, PacWest Bancorp announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger with El Dorado Savings, a transaction that was valued at approximately $466.7 million at the time.

Now the deal is off.

At a meeting of El Dorado shareholders on January 9, 2019, the transaction did not receive the two-thirds affirmative vote of outstanding shares as required under applicable federal law.

Letters: January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

As January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, one might ask, “exactly what is human trafficking?”

Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, for the purpose of exploitation. Sex trafficking is defined as a commercial sex act that is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age. Of particular note is the automatic classification of trafficking in children under 18 years of age.

Office and business closures in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All El Dorado County facilities in South Lake Tahoe are closed for Thursday, January 17 due to inclement weather. This includes the South Lake Tahoe Library.

Due to a blizzard warning and high winds, both Snowmobile Tours and MS Dixie II Sightseeing Cruise has been cancelled for today.

Tahoe Toys & Treasures is closed.

El Dorado County office of Education is closed, which is a county office, but most know it as Head Start and Early Head Start.

Volunteers for Bread & Broth 4 Kids: Food bags will be packed on Friday morning at 8:45 instead of Thursday.

Law enforcement continues search for murder suspect(s) in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The investigation into the murder of two Gardnerville, Nevada women continues and Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley urges the community to remain vigilant and to pay attention in their neighborhoods.

During the evening of January 9-10, 56-year-old Connie Koontz was murdered in her home on James Road and sometime in the overnight hours of January 12-13, 74-year-old Sophia Renken was also murdered in her home.

Tom Stone selected as new Douglas County manager

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - It has been announced by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners that Tom Stone is the new county manager.

Stone, who beat out 42 potential candidates for the position, has lived in Douglas County since 2011.

“I’m looking forward to working with all five commissioners and the great staff at Douglas County”, said Stone. “Seldom in a person's lifetime do they have the opportunity to serve two exceptional counties in two great States. I am truly honored.”

South Lake Tahoe man arrested after allegedly attempting to carjack firefighter's vehicle

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 27-year-old South Lake Tahoe man picked the wrong vehicle to try and carjack and is now behind bars for his actions, facing several charges including attempted kidnapping.

SnowGlobe addresses many issues; NoGlobe Alliance remains concerned with sound

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SnowGlobe 2018 is in the books, and according to law enforcement and other safety personnel as well as festival organizers, it was the most successful one yet.

There were fewer arrests and citations, fewer medical issues and an increase in community collaboration to help the event be both successful and less of a burden to the neighboring residents who have expressed concern over noise from the bass-centric sounds of the electronic music performers on the outdoor stages.

Public memorial for Judge Terrence Finney in South Lake Tahoe Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A public memorial for the first superior court judge in the community, the Honorable Terrence M. Finney, will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Department 3 of the South Lake Tahoe courthouse.

Finney passed away on November 7, 2018 at the age of 84.

South Lake Tahoe man with gang ties arrested with loaded assault rifle

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What started out as car crash involving a suspected drunk driver turned out much differently for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on New Year's Eve.

Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision in the 800 block of Los Angeles Avenue on December 31. Upon arrival they found that a Chevrolet Silverado had struck a parked car and a bear box. The driver, 33-year-old Victor Alfonso Ramos-Eucendo of South Lake Tahoe, appeared to be intoxicated.

City calls second night of SnowGlobe a "success"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Law enforcement and medical issues associated with the 2018 SnowGlobe Music Festival were down again on the event's second night, leading City of South Lake Tahoe staff to call the evening "another success."

After much concern from the community, staff has been working to alleviate concerns from them concerning noise and trouble for law enforcement.

Highlights of the second day include:

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 time of story.

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

12/21

Coroner says El Dorado County woman's death a homicide

The death of the 60-year-old grandmother whose body was found by her son on December 18 has been deemed a homicide as a result of blunt force trauma.

Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) arrived at the home of Helen Hoover McKinney at approximately 8:00 p.m. Once inside they found the victim inside the residence in the town of El Dorado.

Investigators have determined there was no forced entry to the home and the victim's 2017 Nissan 370Z was missing. McKinney's last known contact with family or
friends was on November 29.

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