minor

Electrical short at South Lake Tahoe motel causes early morning fire

The cause is still under investigation as to why a mattress caught on fire Friday morning, sending two people to Barton Hospital with minor injuries.

Just after 6:23 a.m. May 27, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to the Sky Lake Lodge at 2644 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Once they arrived they found a mattress on fire.

Preliminary investigation shows an electrical short on or near the mattress caused the fire.

Drivers might experience travel delays at Cave Rock this holiday weekend

Motorists should keep in mind the Cave Rock area construction project as they plan their travel around Lake Tahoe not only over the Memorial Day weekend, but during all holidays and this summer. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is reminding motorists to anticipate minor travel delays.

“We encourage everyone to visit and enjoy Lake Tahoe,” NDOT District Engineer Thor Dyson explained. “But, with many visitors traveling to Lake Tahoe for holidays such as Fourth of July, drivers should plan a little extra travel time for road improvements being made in the Cave Rock area.”

EDC Habitat for Humanity's, A Brush with Kindness, volunteer orientation

Event Date: 
May 24, 2016 - 6:30pm

El Dorado County Habitat for Humanity’s “A Brush with Kindness” (ABWK), in South Lake Tahoe, will be holding a volunteer orientation meeting on May 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 pm. The Carpenters Local 1789 Hall has graciously donated the use of their building at 2720 Young St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 for this event.

Volunteers are being recruited to assist low-income homeowners who need exterior maintenance work on their homes, such as painting, minor exterior repairs, yard cleanup, and minimal landscaping.

Location

Carpenters Local 1789 Hall
2720 Young St, South Lake Tahoe
United States
38° 55' 43.1616" N, 119° 58' 47.7156" W

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.

El Dorado County names Poet Laureate

El Dorado Arts Council has inaugurated a Poet Laureate program for El Dorado County. This post, officially appointed by a conferring institution, is bestowed on a noted poet to honor his or her body of work and to celebrate poetry as an art form.

Taylor Graham was chosen by a panel of literary experts because of the caliber of her work, her engagement with poets and writers in the community, and the critical acclaim her work has garnered.

Public meeting on Sand Harbor Bikeway and other SR28 projects

Event Date: 
April 26, 2016 - 4:00pm

A project designed to help protect environmentally sensitive resources while providing safer, adequate access the area south of Lakeshore Drive along State Route 28 is the focus of an upcoming public meeting on Tuesday, April 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at The Chateau at Incline Village. A question and answer period will be at 5:30 p.m.

DCSO: Veterinarian found dead in Carson City was sole suspect in lewdness investigation

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has released information regarding the death of Carson Valley veterinarian Lance Gorrindo earlier this week:

“At the time of Lance Gorrindo’s death he was the sole suspect being sought by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in connection to an active Lewdness with a Minor investigation. The identity of the victim is confidential by law and not subject to disclosure.”

Formal charges had not been filed against Gorrindo prior to his death, according to Carson Valley Times.

South Lake Tahoe Police search for convicted sex offender

Rafael Corea, a 61 year old former restaurant worker, has failed to register as a sex offender and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department would like to find him.

In 1995, Corea was convicted for lew and lascivious acts with a minor aged 14 or 15. As part of his conviction he much register as a sexual offender for the rest of his life, and he failed to do so in 2015 as required.

SLTPD detectives discovered Corea has moved out of his former residence in South Lake Tahoe and his current whereabouts are unknown, and they'd like the public's help in locating him.

Douglas County man jailed for domestic battery and firing gun inside home

A 57-year-old Douglas County man was arrested early Wednesday on suspicion of domestic battery and shooting multiple rounds from a firearm inside his home.

Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office responded to a call of domestic dispute with shots fired at the 3400 block of Tourmaline, south of Carson City at 4:00 a.m. on April 6. When they arrived they heard additional gun fire coming from the residence.

Soon after, Daniel Vanhooser came out of the home and was taken into custody without incident.

Washoe Sheriff cybercops nab child predator in Reno

Joshua Larsen, age 36 of Reno, was arrested by members of the Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (I.C.A.C.), on child Sexual Assault and multiple child pornography charges, including Use of a Minor in Producing Pornography.

Law Enforcement became aware of Larsen after a tip was provided to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s “Cybertipline.”

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 134 calls between March 23 and March 28, 2016.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

3/23
2:49 a.m.- Liquor Laws in 3300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - Officer saw two minors with bikes parked, sitting drinking beers. They said a man went into the Safeway Gas Station and bought it for them. Man providing beer was found, arrested for providing alcohol to a minor, and kids arrested for minors with alcohol.
12:07 p.m. - Battery in 1000 lock of Heavenly Village Way

Successfull opening night for South Tahoe High's Rumors

Event Date: 
April 1, 2016 - 7:00pm

The cast and crew of South Tahoe High School's Rumors is celebrating another successful production of their highly acclaimed Theater Arts Department. Under the tutelage of STHS Theater Director Nannette "Liz" Niven, the Neil Simon play opened Thursday night to a packed house, and they expect more of the same during the next four shows.

Location

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

Hopeful Henry: Spring Pet Tips

Spring is back and officially stars this Saturday the 19th, and with the change of season upon us, our thoughts turn to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects. Before you take on your springtime projects keep an eye on possible hazards that will affect your furry family members.

Easter Treats and Decorations

South Tahoe High School presents the comedic farce, Neil Simon's RUMORS

Event Date: 
March 24, 2016 - 7:00pm

South Tahoe High's Performing Arts Department is presenting Neil Simon's RUMORS, a fast paced comic farce set in the home of Charlie and Myra Brock in the late 1980’s.

The guests have arrived for the 10th wedding anniversary of the couple but they are met with mayhem. Charlie, the Deputy Mayor of New York, has shot himself and his wife, Myra, is missing. Although Charley’s injury is minor, misunderstandings and rumors abound in this fast paced sophisticated farce.

Location

South Tahoe High School T.A.D.A. Theater
1735 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States
38° 54' 35.8704" N, 120° 0' 55.0836" W

South Lake Tahoe is not immune to Human Trafficking

This is part two in a series of a look into Human Trafficking in South Lake Tahoe.

Human trafficking. Its not just a Third World problem, its not just a big city problem, and its not a poor or rich problem. There are millions around the world who are victims to human trafficking, a business that is estimated to be a $32 billion industry.

And its happening in our backyard.

The facts are sobering.

California Assembly votes to raise smoking age to 21, seeks e-cigarette bans

In an effort to target young smokers and keep them away from the harm of nicotine, the California Assembly voted to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 on Thursday. If it passes the Senate, California would be among the first states to raise the smoking age. Hawaii has already done so, and it appears New Jersey isn't far behind.

Last year, the state Senate approved the bill but it stalled for months in the Assembly, so many legislature observers in Sacramento think the move to raise the smoking age won't face much opposition.

NDOT dismantles boulder that fell on Highway 50 between Glenbrook and Cave Rock

On Tuesday, February 23, 2016, Nevada Department of Transportation crews started the dismantling process of the large boulder that fell onto Highway 50 northeast of the Cave Rock tunnel Saturday night.

The large boulder rolled onto the roadway, causing damage to the road and guardrail, but no injuries or vehicle damage, at approximately 6:30 p.m. February 20. The size of the boulder is estimated at nine feet wide by six feet high.

14 car pile-up sends 1 to hospital and closes Highway 88 for three hours

A series of five collisions occurred on Highway 88 on the morning of Saturday, February 6, 2016 near the Kirkwood Inn, injuring two and sending one to the hospital.

The collisions were caused by multiple drivers traveling at unsafe speeds for the conditions and following too close to other vehicles according to the California Highway Patrol.

"Slow and Steady Wins the Race couldn't be more true this Saturday morning," the South Lake Tahoe office of the California Highway Patrol said in a statement. "You can't be the first on the mountain if you don't make it there."

Ponderosa High School coach arrested for inappropriate relations with students

The Ponderosa High School water polo coach was arrested by the El Dorado County Sheriff's deputies on Tuesday, January 26 on charges of sex with a minor with the intent of committing sexual acts and possession of child pornography.

Shane O’Rourke, 22, was arrested after the school's resource office obtained information that a coach at the school was possibly involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student. An investigation conducted with EDSO investigators determined O'Rourke had two inappropriate sexual relations with students.

Douglas County hires new Human Resources Director

After a competitive recruitment process was conducted for the Director of Human Resources, Douglas County has selected current Interim Human Resources Director Wendy Lang for the permanent position of Director of Human Resources.

“I am very excited about this position and I look forward to serving employees throughout the County in full capacity,” said Wendy Lang. “My background and experience aligns with the needs of the organization and I am excited to do great work with the entire Human Resource team.”

South Lake Tahoe Teen Court needs student volunteers

Event Date: 
January 21, 2016 - 5:00pm

El Dorado County Teen Court in South Lake Tahoe is recruiting new student participants for the spring program. All students going to school in the county in grades 8 through 12 are eligible.

The Teen Court volunteer training will be held on January 21, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the El Dorado County Superior Court, Department 4, located at 1354 Johnson Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe.

Tips to avoid tendon strain

As we gear up for outdoor winter activities, the potential for sports-related injuries stacks up. Tendonitis is a common winter sports injury. Here are some facts about this condition and different ways to prevent it.

Tendons are bands of fibrous connective tissue that attach muscles to the bones. Micro tears in the tendon can lead to irritation and inflammation known as tendonitis. If the area is not well rested or treated, the tendon starts to degenerate and can turn into unhealthy scar tissue that does not perform or move well.

Gardnerville man arrested on domestic battery and child abuse charges

A Douglas County man is in jail this morning after allegedly battering his wife and strangling her, shooting off a gun inside their home and resisting arrest on Monday, January 5, 2016.

At 11:10 p.m., deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call from a home in the 1300 block of Banner Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos neighborhood. A woman had called, saying she had been battered and strangled by her husband.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Sunday

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Sunday, January 3, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high of 37 and a low tonight of 21. Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. East wind around 5 mph. Tonight: A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

South Lake Tahoe arrests down over the New Year holiday

As usual, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department bolstered our patrol staffing to meet the emergency response needs of our crowded City during the New Year celebration period. There were squads of officers patrolling the state line area, the Snow Globe festival and extra officers were also assigned to work patrol throughout the City. South Lake Tahoe was quite full with holiday revelers, and the number of calls for emergency police responses was consistent with recent past years. We are pleased to report there was a decrease in arrests as compared to last year.

Short and quiet New Year's Eve celebration at Stateline

The celebratory crowd at Stateline was once again a small crowd, estimated by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to be between 5,000-10,000. The road through the casino corridor didn't have to close until 11:58 p.m.

Minors and alcohol the biggest issue for law enforcement at SnowGlobe

The three-day SnowGlobe music festival in South Lake Tahoe attracts a young crowd with many college, and high school students in attendance. They enjoy the electronic music with DJs that are heard throughout the venue on the three stages.

What is also popular at the event is drinking. The trained staff that serves alcohol at SnowGlobe knows what to look for in the way of fake identification which is evident of the citations issued over the first two days at the festival.

Unique South Tahoe High fundraiser helps basketball teams and needy children

Many of us have contributed to local school sports teams by buying candy bars, raffle tickets or attending fundraiser dinners, but how many of us have bought soap for ourselves, provided for a needy child in Africa at the same time we're also supporting the teams?

Ask Hopeful Henry: Should I give my dog bones?

This week we had a request for help from a family whose 10 month old German Shepard got his muzzle stuck in a knuckle bone purchased from a pet store. He had eaten out the center of the bone and the bone became lodged onto his jaw. After the owner tried for an hour to remove the bone it became apparent that an emergency vet appointment was need. The bone had broken his tooth and was causing extreme pain. Alpine Animal Hospital was nice enough to squeeze them in right away and was able to remove the bone with a minor surgery.

New Douglas County Deputy Sheriff sworn in

Sheriff Ron Pierini announced his department's newest deputy Monday. Derek Short was sworn in as a Douglas County Deputy Sheriff during a ceremony at their office in Minden, Nev.

Derek Short graduated from Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Criminal Justice. He will start his career with DCSO in the Jail Division.

Seven local gang members arrested in South Lake Tahoe

Suspicious activity on Halloween night led to the arrest of five men and two juvenile girls in South Lake Tahoe on several charges.

Near midnight, two officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) observed two car loads of suspected gang members drive to the dead end of Spruce Avenue, where a drive-by shooting on October 14 had taken place. Some of the occupants had blue bandanas over their faces.

Operation Scarecrow keeps Nevada children safe from predators

In an effort to keep children safe, the Nevada Department of Public Safety-Division of Parole and Probation is conducting their 9th Annual Halloween Operation “Scarecrow” in conjunction with United States Marshals Service’s Operation “Trick Or Treat.”

They are providing enhanced safety for children living in Carson City, Reno, Sparks and Washoe County who may be targeted by sexual predators during the Halloween holiday with their joint task force operation which has been in affect all week.

Memorial service set for South Lake Tahoe Police Officer Mark Hounsell and wife Jeanne

Event Date: 
October 24, 2015 - 11:00am

There will be a memorial service for South Lake Tahoe Police Officer Mark Hounsell and his wife, Jeanne Hounsell on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at LifePoint Church in Minden, Nev.

The couple was killed along with a family friend in a single vehicle rollover accident near Fallon, Nev on Saturday, October 17. Hounsell's four children were also in the car, but survived with minor to moderate injuries.

Illinois woman identified in crash that killed South Lake Tahoe Police Officer Hounsell

Laura Fisher of Washington, Illinois has been identified as the third victim in Saturday's single vehicle rollover accident on Highway 50 in Churchill County that also claimed the life of South Lake Tahoe Police Officer Mark Hounsell and his wife Jeanne.

The 33-year-old Fisher was visiting the Hounsells.

The Nevada Highway Patrol investigation details indicate a white 2004 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Minden resident Mark Hounsell, 42, was traveling westbound on US Highway 50. Six other occupants were in the vehicle including his wife Jeanne, 34, Fisher, four children.

Ponderosa High students arrested after filming sex act

Two male Ponderosa High students were arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Juvenile Hall on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, sexual exploitation of a child and conspiracy to commit a felony crime.

Deadly head-on collision on Highway 50 near Kyburz

A Friday evening head-on collision near the town of Kyburz on Highway 50 claimed the life of one woman and sent four others to area hospitals.

At 5:44 p.m. October 16, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the accident 18 miles east of Pollock Pines. A woman was driving eastbound when, for unknown reasons, she crossed into the westbound lane and hit an SUV carrying four people.

The solo driver was killed. Her identity has not yet been released.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

9/27

12:01 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise - Apache Ave - DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO A REPORT OF A PARTY AT A KNOWN VACATION RENTAL

3:12 p.m. - Unlicensed Driver - Emerald Bay Rd

9/28

8:30 p.m. - Domestic Dispute - Hwy 50 - DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO A VERBAL DISPUTE.

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.

Local youth volunteers needed for Tahoe Teen Court

South Lake Tahoe students in grades 8 through 12 who live in El Dorado County are invited to participate in the juvenile justice system through the Teen Court program.

Orientation training will be held on October 1, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Superior Court, Department 4, located at 1354 Johnson Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe. After completing the mandatory orientation training, teens will serve as court personnel for real cases in which a minor has committed an offense, admitted the offense and chosen to be judged by his/her peers.

TRPA gives City of South Lake Tahoe more control over building permits

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has entered into a new partnership with the City of South Lake Tahoe to streamline the permit process in city limits.

When the Tahoe Valley Area and Tourist Core Plans were approved, it opened the door for a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) so city staff can carry out TRPA's environmental review.

"The TRPA wants the community to thrive," said John Hitchcock, Planning Manager for the City. "They are comfortable with us taking the lead on projects."

The new MOU went into affect on Monday, September 14, 2015.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested on charges of arson, domestic violence and assault of police officer

A South Lake Tahoe man is facing a slew of charges after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend after telling her they were going to die, setting his apartment on fire with gasoline, and burning a police officer.

A 911 call came into the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on Wednesday, September 9 at 2:00 p.m. from a woman who said her boyfriend was pouring gasoline inside his apartment after physically assaulting her. As the girlfriend was on the phone with police dispatch she told them the apartment was then on fire.

Easier and cheaper process looked at in South Lake Tahoe City Codes

What once took hours of City of South Lake Tahoe staff time as well as weeks for applicants to get answers may soon be a one hour process.

Since it was organized in 2014, the City Attorney has been working with departments to update each section of the City Code. For portions that pertains to zoning, land use, development standards and building standards, City staff looked at ways to streamline the process and remove permit process portions of the code where possible.

Project in Incline Village to keep pedestrians safe

Ten million dollars of Nevada state highway funds will be spent on pedestrian enhancements in the Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe areas over the next year.

The first $300,000 will be spent on a Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) project that began Tuesday that is relocating a crosswalk and adding safety signs on Highway 28 in the Incline Village.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

8/30

2:02 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise - Bonanza Ave - DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO A NOISE DISTURBANCE REPORT IN THE AREA OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE. AN INFORMATION REPORT WAS GENERATED AND FORWARDED TO DEPUTY ALMOS FOR FURTHER FOLLOW-UP.

South Lake Tahoe Building Permit Center extends hours

In order to improve customer service, the South Lake Tahoe Permit Center expanded their hours of operations.

Beginning today, August 17, the center will be open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no closures during the day.

The City recognized the need to provide quality customer service to the development community. The new hours of operation will help assist individuals and businesses who want to invest in the community, improve their buildings, and build new projects by providing more opportunities for permit processing needs.

DUI pursuit in Douglas County ends with damaged patrol cars

A response by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to a reported DUI on Sunday evening resulted in two patrol cars being damaged and an arrested suspect facing a slew of charges.

On August 16, 2015 at 5:13 p.m., deputies responded to a reported DUI call about a driver in a red Dodge pickup. The vehicle was located and stopped in the parking lot of Lampe Park where deputies began a DUI investigation. The driver of the truck, 56-year-old Michael Clifford Stewart of Gardnerville, NV, started his vehicle and drove away from the deputies.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

6/28

12:12 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise Complaint - Elks Club Dr - DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO A VACATION RENTAL FOR A NOISE COMPLAINT.

12:42 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise Complaint - South Upper Truckee Rd - DEPUTIES RESPONDED FOR LOUD NOISE. THE RENTER WAS ADVISED AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN.

DUI rollover accident in South Lake Tahoe lands local man in jail

A single car rollover accident on Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe in the early mornings hours on Friday led to the arrest of the driver, and a trip to the hospital for his passenger.

On July 3, 2015, at about 2:00 a.m., the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to a reported single vehicle rollover traffic collision on Pioneer Trail near Woodbine Road. When officers arrived on scene, they found a blue Chevrolet Trailblazer resting on its roof.

Head on collision closes down Kingsbury Grade Friday afternoon

The Nevada Highway Patrol says injuries were minor after a reported head-on collision on Highway 207 Friday, July 3.

A call came in to dispatch at 2:56 p.m. that two cars collided on Kingsbury Grade. The road was closed for 1.5 hours as the accident was cleaned up, creating a large backup.

All vehicles were towed away and the injured did not require an ambulance.

The reports aren't final as of yet and no other details are available at this time.

Car thefts in South Lake Tahoe rose in 2013, leveled off in 2014

In the State of California, vehicle thefts dropped 7% in 2014, marking the second straight year of decline.

For South Lake Tahoe, it was the first year of decline in three years.

In 2013, vehicle thefts in the city limits jumped 46% from 37 stolen cars to 54. Following in 2014, there was a drop of 7% when 50 cars were stolen according to figures obtained by South Tahoe Now from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

To date, 2015 is looking to be a repeat of last year with 25 car thefts through June.

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