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USFS closes South Shore Recreation areas: Up to $10,000 fine for violation of order

(Since publishing, LTBMU has corrected the date their order expires.)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors are now closed. In an announcement Wednesday, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) said the closures are to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers.

Poor response rate and COVID-19 concerns prompt extension of Census deadlines

The 2020 Census is underway and while more households across America are responding every day, there are still many that have not been heard from. Over 70 million households have responded to date, representing over 48 percent of all households in America.

The California response rate is a bit higher at 49.2 percent and 48.3 perfect of Nevadans have replied.

South Lake Tahoe is lower than most, with 20.9 percent of the population replying so far.

Other area results:
44.3 percent El Dorado County
47.9 percent Douglas County
51 percent City of Reno

Barton Hospital prepared for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital is prepared to handle a surge in COVID-19 patients with an extra 150 beds identified for use if needed, and if that supply is used, more space is ready to be used through the help of community partners.

This was from Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO & president of Barton Health who participated in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, hosted by the Tahoe Chamber.

Column: Helping loved ones process critical incident stress

As our nation faces the impacts of coronavirus COVID-19, it’s likely that we all have a loved one who is involved in an ongoing emotionally-charged event, known as a critical incident. Whether a healthcare worker, a grocery store employee or someone who has been furloughed from work, there are people all around us experiencing individual responses that are common to critical incident stress. This global pandemic offers many opportunities to support each other as we cope.

Tahoe Transportation District rolls out fare-free transit

STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is rolling out zero-fare bus service on the South Shore starting Sunday, April 12.

While they already had plans in place for a free system to help eliminate traffic, the rollout is sooner than expected in order to make travel safer in response to COVID-19 by eliminating fare exchanges between drivers and riders.

It's okay - daily life looks different for everyone at this time

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a few weeks (though it may seem like months) since business shut their doors, nonessential workers were asked to stay home and nonessential travel came to a screeching halt in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.

National map shows local areas perform well in social distancing efforts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County and Douglas County both scored well in the Unacast Social Distancing Scoreboard that rates states and counties across the United States in how well they are social distancing during the pandemic.

Overall, residents are abiding by the states' "stay at home" ordering and leaving home to work at essential jobs and for essential needs such as food.

TRPA ramps up their online permitting process

STATELINE, Nev. - Since there is no such thing as "business as usual" in the world today, businesses and agencies continue to change how they help customers and the public in a virtual world in order to protect all during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is one that is expanding virtual services with the building season ahead to protect both staff and customers.

Agency employees have been working around the clock to move permitting, planning, and document request services to online operations since stay-at-home orders went into effect.

South Lake Tahoe library offering story time and other digital services while closed

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Even though the El Dorado County library in South Lake Tahoe is closed to the public to comply with social distancing requirements, many services including storytime are offered online.

Library cards that are due to expire have been extended. All books due during their closed times will be accepted after reopening with no late fees. Their drop box is closed so no books can be dropped off.

All due dates have been extended to May 29, 2020.

South Lake Tahoe parks to remain closed during pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Parks run by the City of South Lake Tahoe that were closed for the season will remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We aren’t discouraging public access to the parks, we want our residents to get outside during this crisis,” said Public Works Director Ray Jarvis. “We are going to keep the parks closed to vehicle access though to discourage large gatherings and to continue to encourage people to follow state and federal guidelines.”

Barton Health's community updates and advisories on coronavirus COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues to adapt and respond to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community. The health and safety of patients and care providers is the top priority, and operational changes continue to evolve at Barton Memorial Hospital and across Barton’s coordinated network of medical offices in preparation for any potential surge in patient care.

Douglas County to VHR owners and tourists: Do not rent homes, Do not visit at this time

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Consistent with directives issued by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Douglas County is urging travelers and short-term rental owners/managers, to take this threat to our community seriously, act responsibly and refrain from renting vacation home properties to non-essential travelers at this time.

FBI warns of possible cyber crimes during coronavirus pandemic

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The FBI anticipates cyber actors will exploit increased use of virtual environments by government agencies, the private sector, private organizations, and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer systems and virtual environments provide essential communication services for telework and education, in addition to conducting regular business. The criminal, or cyber actor, will exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to steal sensitive information, target individuals and businesses performing financial transactions, and engage in extortion.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District students will not return this school year

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Governor Newsom said it was a possibility two weeks ago, California’s schools chief Tony Thurmond recommended the state’s public schools prepare to provide distance learning through the end of their school years on Tuesday, and now today, it became a reality in South Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) announced they are taking a safety-first approach and immediate action to extend the school facility closures through the end of the school year.

Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities Weekly Tip: Make a Family Evacuation Plan

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Due to Stay at Home orders in place it may be several weeks before the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is able to do normal outreach, they are providing weekly tips on how to prepare for wildfire inside the home.

This Week's Tip: Make a Family Evacuation Plan

El Dorado County Stay at Home directive extended until April 30

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams today issued a directive extending the amount of time County residents are to remain at home except to engage in “essential activities.” The extension now goes to Thursday, April 30, 2020.

Residents are asked to stay in their homes as much as possible to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Only essential business and essential travel is permissible by the order.

Tahoe Youth & Family Services to host live chat on coping with the coronavirus pandemic

Event Date: 
April 15, 2020 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Youth and Family services will launch their first Facebook Live! Chat to help area residents face the stress created by the current coronavirus pandemic starting on April 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.

The nonprofit's licensed clinical social workers will be joined by their licensed and certified drug and alcohol counselors to answer questions and provide tools and tips to help maintain mental health during these difficult and challenging times.

The panel will take questions both before the event and during the broadcast.

Tahoe Transportation District providing bus service during pandemic; Changes possible

STATELINE, Nev. – As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves, Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) continues to operate regular transit services for essential workers and services during the shelter-in-place order. TTD understands that public transportation is part of the community’s critical infrastructure and is committed to ensuring that transit services remain safe and reliable.

Barton Health accepting the medical supplies in high demand and short supply

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As people watch the news they see the stories about a global shortage of the supplies needed by medical professionals fighting the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Barton Health is South Lake Tahoe is preparing for a potential influx of patients seeking care and is making every effort to ensure their supplies are adequate. They are working with regional health partners, new and existing vendors, local businesses and community members to procure the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to keep their healthcare workers and patients safe.

NDOT invites Nevadans to participate in "Walk and Roll Wednesdays"

CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation is launching “Walk and Roll Wednesdays” to give socially-distanced Nevada families the opportunity for healthy and fun outdoor activity.

North Lake Tahoe artists selected for East Shore Trail mural

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A husband and wife artist team from North Lake Tahoe has been selected to paint the tunnel mural on the popular new Tahoe East Shore Trail. Over 34 people responded to the public call for submissions by the Tahoe Fund and a team of local nonprofits, private section and government agencies collaborated to select the winner.

Stay at Home in South Lake Tahoe: Police and City addressing concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ever since Governor Newsom issued a 'Stay at Home' order on March 19, 2020, there has been confusion on what businesses are essential and what the public can and cannot do. The order was created to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Alpine County has first confirmed case of COVID-19

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Today the Alpine County Health Department was notified of the first laboratory-confirmed case of the new coronavirus COVID-19 infection in an Alpine County resident. The individual is recovering at home and was never hospitalized.

Alpine County is located south of Lake Tahoe, has a population of 1,120 and is 743 square miles in size and includes Markleeville and Bear Valley.

An investigation has determined the person was exposed and acquired the infection in a location distant from Alpine County. This person and their household "have

Vail CEO and his wife donate $2.5M to communities their resorts are located

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Once again, Vail Resorts' CEO Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam are giving back to the communities where their employees live and where their company operates.

Today, they announced a donation of more than $2.5 million to provide immediate support to those areas as all contend with the severe impacts of COVID-19.

Immediate emergency relief grants will total $1.5 million and will be distributed to communities including South Lake Tahoe.

Washoe County reports their first death of a resident from COVID-19

In a Monday morning press conference, Washoe County updated the community on the current COVID-19 situation as they continue to urge residents to stay at home to prevent its spread.

The first Washoe County resident died from COVID-19 over the weekend. He was in his 49s and the case is under investigation. It is unknown at this time if the man has underlying health conditions.

“We’re devastated to learn that a Washoe County resident has died due to COVID-19,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”

Douglas County virtual meeting access information

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Public meetings have gone to a virtual format to protect the public against health threats posed by the coronavirus and COVID-19. Promoting social distancing and reducing public gatherings have led local governments to create materials and procedures for the public to still participate and to follow the Brown Act.

Douglas County Commissioners will no longer have a physical location designated for their meetings and copies of the agenda will no longer be physically posted.

Meeting materials will be posted on the following websites:

Safe shopping for all age groups during coronavirus pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With "Stay at Home" orders from the state down to the local government, many are learning to adjust to the things they took for granted just a month ago.

One of those is a trip to the grocery store.

Even with all South Lake Tahoe grocery stores open, it doesn't mean it should be shopping as normal, a.k.a. "pre-coronavirus days."

Most households don't have refrigerator or freezer space, or even cupboard space to not have to make a run to the grocery store once in a while. But the fewer trips one makes, the better it is to remain safe and virus-free.

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.

Nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Public Health Department has announced there are now nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26. The County is not identifying the communities where these cases are.

This brings the total number of positive cases in the State of California to 4,040. There have been 82 deaths in the state.

Of those 3,666, 886 are community-acquired cases; 2,120 were acquired through person-to-person transmission, travel (including cruise ship passengers), repatriation, or under investigation. This includes 42 health care workers.

Forest Service to close developed recreation facilities but keep forest trails open

USDA Forest Service (USFS) has closed its developed recreation facilities on National Forest land in California in order to assist people in abiding by Governor Newsom's recent statewide shelter-in-place order.

They will be closed until at least April 30 in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart during the COVID-19 crisis.

In a press release, USFS officials said that while they appreciated the public's interest in outdoor recreation they needed to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Is South Lake Tahoe prepared for the coronavirus?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have asked, what if our community starts getting COVID-19 cases, are we prepared? Many different groups, agencies, and the government have been working diligently and collaboratively on emergency plans to prepare.

Monthly Medicare column: What you need to know about coronavirus and Medicare

Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.

We’re warning Medicare beneficiaries that scammers may try to use this emergency to steal their Medicare number, banking information, or other personal data.

Unfortunately, scammers come out of the woodwork during times of uncertainty and change. So make sure you give your Medicare number only to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.

Love of dance helping South Lake Tahoe youth cope with coronavirus seclusion

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Students enrolled at Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio in South Lake Tahoe cannot attend classes in person due to coronavirus restrictions, but they are still enjoying their love of dance with online dance classes.

Marcia Sarosik, better known as Ms. Marcia, has been teaching dance in the community for 41 years and this is the first time she's had to close the studio for an extended period. One of her former students, Chelsea Wightman, created a program for dancers to log onto to stay connected to the studio on James Avenue.

Letter: Vacation home rental group asks Lake Tahoe visitors to stay home

The vacation home rental (VHR) industry stands with our neighbors, community, and City Leadership in South Lake Tahoe to discourage visitors to our town at this time. South Shore of Tahoe VHR industry companies have blocked calendars to prevent reservations, issued full refunds for cancelations, and offered incentives encouraging visitors to postpone travel to later dates.

We all need to do our part to eliminate the spread of COVID-19 with social distancing, limiting exposure to our friends, family, and neighbors, and make every attempt to flatten the curve.

One confirmed case of community transmitted coronavirus in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County officials announced today the first confirmed case of community transmitted COVID-19 in an El Dorado County resident. The resident acquired the COVID-19 virus from an unknown source. This brings the count up to three of County residents with confirmed cases, one is a resident but was not in the county at the time of contraction and illness, and another was travel related.

Jury trials in South Lake Tahoe and California suspended for two months

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Monday issued a statewide order suspending all jury trials in California's superior courts for 60 days and allowing courts to immediately adopt new rules to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In South Lake Tahoe, Judge Suzanne Kingsbury had previously announced new practices in the El Dorado County courtrooms and suspension of the use of juries until April 16.

Incline Village GID asks visitors to stay home, for now

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) is asking anyone who is considering visiting the Incline Village or Crystal Bay area to reschedule their visit.

They said that, as a small and remote mountain-lake community, healthcare, support services, and facilities lack the capacity and resources to handle an outbreak of COVID-19.

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?

Senior Citizen services and store hours in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The threat of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 is a scary one for all people, especially the more vulnerable citizens of the community including senior citizens.

The South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is closed but nutrition services are being provided on a "to go" basis. Those 60 and older can stop by Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and get a hot meal to go for a $3 suggested donation. Their Meals on Wheels program serves about 80 seniors with hot meals delivered Monday through Friday.

El Dorado County issues "Shelter in Place" for South Lake Tahoe and rest of county

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams has issued a "Shelter in Place" for all county residents effective on Friday, March 20 starting at 11:59 p.m.

Residents are being directed to remain at home except to engage in essential activities in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier today, Placer County did the same thing which affects North Lake Tahoe.

There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County and this action is meant to help keep the spread minimal when cases are confirmed.

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.

Latest Barton Health efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues its work with city, county, and state health agencies to provide screening and appropriate care for coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 a serious concern.

City of South Lake Tahoe: Stay home, maintain social distancing, follow CDC guidelines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many resort towns are dealing with results of parents out of work and students out of school due to the coronavirus - increased visitation. Officials are reminding all that shelters in place and advisements to stay home are serious and not a reason to go on vacation, and South Lake Tahoe is no different.

LTCC on snow delay; School lays out its response to COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is on a delayed start of 10:00 a.m. this morning to allow time for snow removal operations to catch up around town.

LTCC plans on being open this coming week with staff on hand to assist students. They have moved face-to-face Winter quarter final exams to March 16-20 and have put social distancing measures into place on campus to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe to close due to coronovirus concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) will be joining Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) and closing on the advice of El Dorado County due to safety concerns stemming from the coronavirus COVID-19.

BGCLT will be closed the same time frame as LTUSD which will be determined weekly, but at least for the week of March 16-20.

At this time, BGCLT Executive Director Jude Wood said there is a possibility they may not be able to reopen for Spring Break, but that determination will come as soon as possible.

South Lake Tahoe and all other El Dorado County schools to close starting Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All schools in Lake Tahoe Unified School District and the rest of El Dorado County will be closing for at least a week, starting Monday, March 16, 2020.

The decision was made for the safety and wellness of students, families, and school personnel due to the current threat of the world-wide coronavirus COVID-19. There are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in El Dorado County.

Coronavirus concerns change LTCC physical education classes and gym use

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) took additional steps on Friday to help curb the spread of the Novel Coronavirus related to fitness classes. They sent out an email to staff and students, letting them know of closures but some do affect community members who use the gym and facilities.

For up-to-the-minute news on LTCC closures and events, visit http://www.ltcc.edu/campusresources/health-and-safety/coronavirus.php. They will be updating them as things change.

LTCC to cancel outside use of facilities and implements policies to limit COVID-19 spread

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is committed to helping mitigate the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to take measures to keep staff and students safe. With that in mind, effective immediately LTCC is canceling all community events and outside group meetings planned for on campus to help reduce the chance of exposure and spread. Furthermore, LTCC is canceling all non-essential travel for LTCC employees. These are measures designed to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of exponential community spread of COVID-19. These measures will be in effect until further notice.

Volunteerpalooza 2020

Event Date: 
April 1, 2020 - 5:30pm

Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe for a Keep Tahoe Blue volunteering extravaganza on Wednesday, April 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at their offices, 2608 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

All ages of volunteers who want to learn more about the League’s programs, volunteering opportunities and upcoming events in a fun, social atmosphere are welcome to attend.

Attendees will walk away with a volunteering gameplan for the coming months as well as the ability to help League staff outreach at upcoming events.

Location

League to Save Lake Tahoe Offices
2608 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States

The Dodov Foundation… A ‘Beacon’ Of Positivity

In today’s world, our own voice is the strongest it has EVER been. You can reach so many people through social media. Unfortunately, very few of us use this platform to do something bigger than ourselves. We post our opinions but don’t act upon them to make changes. And that’s where Natalia and Alex Dodov stray from the rest of us. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, they use their opportunities and energy to help kids learn about avalanche safety solutions.

Seeing The Dodov Foundation In Action

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