state
Lake Tahoe snowpack measures 3% of average for May 1; Statewide stations at 37% of average
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 2:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The fifth and final snow measurement of the year at Phillips Station took place Thursday, and results were very slim. The team from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) measured 1.5 inches of snow with a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 0.5 inches which is three percent of average for May 1.
The SWE measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack, providing a more accurate forecast of spring runoff than snow depth alone.
Barton Health receives seventh "A" in patient safety from watchdog group
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 11:53am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Memorial Hospital received news of another ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group. Assessment data from 28 quality measurements demonstrated better patient outcomes at the Lake Tahoe hospital; the result of collaborative, team-driven systems in place at Barton Health that protect patients from harm.
El Dorado County Supervisors send letter to Newsom asking for phased reopening
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/29/2020 - 10:35am
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During their special meeting on Tuesday, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved sending a letter to Governor Newsom to allow a phased opening of some businesses and loosening restrictions on the public in El Dorado County.
Residents have responded to the closures by abiding by stay-in-place orders enacted to stop the spread of COVID-19.
$11.5M project to restore the Upper Truckee Marsh now underway
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 11:21pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The largest wetland restoration project in the history of the Lake Tahoe Basin is now underway in the Upper Truckee River Marsh. The major project to restore the marsh in South Lake Tahoe has been years in the making to fix the environmental damage done by the creation of the Tahoe Keys.
Decision expected in May on status of major Lake Tahoe events
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 11:22am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - With formal events being canceled due to COVID-19 health concerns, there are two major summer events in Lake Tahoe that are still officially on the calendar. The holding of the American Century Championship (Celebrity Golf) and 4th of July Fireworks for this summer is expected to be determined mid-May.
Incline Village/Crystal Bay leaders announced their fireworks were going to be canceled earlier this month, but the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) board will be voting at their May meeting on the 2020 South Shore display.
El Dorado County lifts orders but California stay-at-home orders still in place
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 8:55am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One layer of stay-at-home orders has been lifted for El Dorado County as its Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams, has lifted her stay-at-home directive effective April 30, the original date it was to be lifted when set on March 19.
This doesn't mean that South Lake Tahoe and the county are open for business though as the State's order is still in effect.
"We are requesting from the Governor that we [South Lake Tahoe] can move towards reopening in a phased approach with attention paid to his six guidelines," said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jason Collin.
Douglas County holding special meeting to discuss recovery and economic impacts
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 3:13pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will be conducting a 1:00 p.m. special meeting on April 29, 2020, to discuss recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impacts to local businesses in Douglas County. The county is actively seeking public comment from residents in regard to economic impacts on local business in Douglas County.
Roadwork schedule for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra for April 25-May 2
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/26/2020 - 6:25pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:
Please remember to stay home except for essential needs.
California is under a Stay-at-Home Order and only essential travel is permitted.
~ Avoid travel ~ Stay-at-Home ~ Beat COVID-19 ~
Learn more at covid19.ca.gov
#StayHomeSaveLives
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 5:04pm
At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.
“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”
Column: 50 years of progress for Lake Tahoe and the nation
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 11:51am
Celebrations have taken on many new forms since the start of social distancing. Birthday parties have become processions of cars parading past a celebrant’s home—people honking and waving, tossing candy and small gifts (for later disinfecting, then enjoying). And huge international celebrations like the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this week have moved online, giving room for individuals to celebrate and explore the conservation movement in new ways.
Quad Counties to offer asymptomatic community based COVID-19 testing
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/23/2020 - 4:35pm
Approximately 1,800 residents in the Quad-County region who do not have any of the COVID-19 symptoms will be able to be tested for the virus starting May 4. The limited number of tests will be given by appointment only and those can be made starting Monday, April 27. About 150,000 people live in the Quad-County region so just over one-percent of residents without symptoms can get tested.
Reopening plans underway for South Lake Tahoe once given the state and county go ahead
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/19/2020 - 9:06pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In less than 90 days life has changed in South Lake Tahoe, California and the United States. The West caught up quickly to the novel coronavirus pandemic that was first contracted by a human in China on November 17, 2019.
Scientists and doctors pled for the public to stay home to keep the virus from spreading, and that plea worked better in some areas than others.
USFS closures at spots around Lake Tahoe, not just SR89 corridor
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 11:36pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Earlier this week the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced all national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors were closed to the public with fines for individuals or groups disobeying the order.
They said the closures were to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers.
Barbara Bannar resigns from LTUSD trustee position, replacement sought
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 8:36am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a dozen years as a trustee on the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education, Barbara Bannar has resigned. To fill her spot as the trustee from Area 5 (pictured above), applications are being accepted until May 15, 2020.
New reflective traffic lights installed in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 3:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - You may have noticed stoplights along Lake Tahoe Boulevard have been changed over the past several days. Crews from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) installed the new light backplates not only in South Lake Tahoe but across the state to increase the visibility of the signals.
Barton Health community update: Patient surge planning almost complete
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 1:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While determining the exact timing and scope of coronavirus’ peak in the Lake Tahoe region is difficult, Barton Health is working diligently to be prepared to respond accordingly and address the needs of patients in the community. Surge planning is almost complete including more than doubling hospital bed capacity and expanding facilities to accommodate those who may be infected by the virus.
USFS closes South Shore Recreation areas: Up to $10,000 fine for violation of order
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 4:37pm
(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
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 1:19pm
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
Campfire and smoking restrictions in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 12:18pm
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is implementing fire restrictions earlier than usual this year to reduce the number of human-caused fires and reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19 during the current pandemic. The Humboldt-Toiyabe will enact fire restrictions prohibiting campfires and smoking outside of vehicles starting on April 15 and going until May 31, or until rescinded.
South Lake Tahoe mobile vending ordinance modified to ease food truck rules
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 10:32am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just over a year ago the South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a new mobile vending ordinance after the desire for food trucks was expressed by locals and businesses without kitchens.
New fire chief selected for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 2:15pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The new fire chief hired for South Lake Tahoe is no stranger to the Sierra Nevada and El Dorado County.
Clive Savacool, the former chief of the Garden Valley Fire Protection District, will be taking the helm at South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, a position vacated when Jeff Meston retired in February 2019.
County health officer sets the record straight about non-essential businesses and travel
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/11/2020 - 6:13pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Since California Governor Newsom issued "Shelter in Place" orders for the state on March 19, life changed for millions of people. What was once commonplace, changed overnight.
Navigating through what is essential and what is nonessential has been a struggle for many.
The El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams created a statement Friday to reiterate business, activity and travel restrictions. She also said that she and county leaders may have to impose stricter limitations than imposed by the state should some current practices continue.
Agencies seek public input on 59,000 acre Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/11/2020 - 11:17am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The proposed Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project is in the final planning stages and the three agencies involved, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California Tahoe Conservancy, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, are inviting the public to provide their input. The project is a big one, covering 59,000 acres, and will provide a science-based, all-lands approach to guide restoration approaches on the West Shore over the next two decades to increase the resilience of ecosystems and human communities.
Column: Helping loved ones process critical incident stress
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/10/2020 - 10:25pm
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
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/10/2020 - 1:02pm
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.
South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting to address cell towers and housing workplan
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 3:26pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 14 starting at 9:00 a.m. with a closed session at 8:45 a.m.
This will be an online meeting that can be followed on Charter Channel 21 or via the City's website, https://cityofslt.us/. Remote public participation is allowed by email or phone (instructions below).
Letter: Lake Tahoe Event Center- Your support needed
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 10:06am
With coronavirus impacts being our community's major priority, we hope you're staying safe and encourage everyone to stay at home and follow directions from health organizations so we can return to our jobs, schools, and normal lives safely, and as soon as possible. While health wellbeing is the leading concern, the reality of long-term economic impacts from this terrible virus makes the need to plan for a secure future a priority now more than ever.
Barton Health community update: Medical Corps needed, 1300 masks made
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 6:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Working closely with state and county health agencies in a regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health is preparing for an anticipated patient surge by more than doubling its hospital bed capacity as well as expanding its facilities to accommodate patients who may be infected by the virus.
Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities weekly tip: #3 Talking to kids about wildfire
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 10:31am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is presenting their third "Tip of the Week," an ongoing series for the public since they are unable to perform their normal community outreach services.
Below are tips, lessons, videos, and hands-on activities for the children in the home.
This Week's Tip: Talking to Kids About Wildfire
Special South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Wednesday
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/07/2020 - 3:55pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council has two items on their special meeting agenda for Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting is live-streamed on Channel 21 and on the City’s website at www.cityofslt.us.
There will be no formal action on the first item. They will be discussing their newly appointed Transformational Change Committee which is comprised of Councilmembers Cody Bass and Devin Middlebrook.
At their meeting last week, the council created two other committees as well that will address the response and recovery to the COVID-19 crisis:
Sierra State Parks holding Earth Day drawing contest for all ages
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/07/2020 - 3:11pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Sierra State Parks Foundation is hosting an Earth Day Drawing Contest for all ages. Show them what you love about Lake Tahoe and the planet!
Age divisions are as follows; Pre-K and Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-12, and Adults. There will be prizes awarded to the winner of each age division.
Incline Village GID votes to ban smoking from all facilities
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 1:29pm
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to prohibit the use of any form of tobacco at all district-owned and operated facilities, including restrooms, spectator and concession areas.
Per Nevada statutes, marijuana and vaping use were already prohibited in all public spaces.
The move by the board was to "help protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and guests of Incline Village and Crystal Bay."
Barton Health seeks those with clinical experience to join "Medical Corps" as influx of COVID-19 cases expected
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 11:07am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is seeking retired or available physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals with clinical expertise to work with the hospital as it prepares to treat an influx of patients expected during the coronavirus crisis.
South Lake Tahoe parks to remain closed during pandemic
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 4:34pm
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
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 1:19pm
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
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 1:09pm
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.
Lake Tahoe Unified School District students will not return this school year
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 6:02pm
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.
Sierra snowpack at 66% of April 1 average; Statewide it is 53% of average
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 3:18pm
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The precipitation of March did not do enough to boost the snowpack in the Sierra to high figures, but it did give surveyors better figures than the 47 percent of average one month ago. The manual measurement of the snowpack at Phillips Station near Sierra-at-Tahoe showed the snow depth was 43.5 inches with a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 16.5 inches. This is 66 percent of the April 1 average at that location southwest of Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe City Council does not approve eviction protection action for businesses
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 2:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their special meeting Wednesday, the South Lake Tahoe City Council discussed three topics related to the current COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
One of their action items was to vote on an urgency ordinance that would establish a moratorium on commercial evictions due to COVID-19. During their emergency meeting on March 20, 2020, the Council unanimously supported a provision to put a temporary moratorium on residential evictions.
Arrests leading to jail bookings are down in El Dorado County during the pandemic
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 12:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Arrests in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are down as a result of "Stay at Home" directives from the State, County, and City.
Though exact numbers are not yet available, a look at the daily arrest logs shows a large decrease. County-wide there were three arrests Sunday and five arrests on Monday, when one month ago there were 32 between the same two days of the month, a reduction of 75 percent.
Census Day: Use time at home to help shape the future of the community
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 10:14am
Today is Census Day, the day that determines who is counted in the 2020 Census and where they are counted.
Tahoe Transportation District providing bus service during pandemic; Changes possible
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 2:47pm
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.
South Lake Tahoe City Council to address COVID-19 related items Wednesday
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 11:07am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, April 1 at 9:00 a.m. to address the formation of a South Lake Tahoe COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force Subcommittee, a moratorium on commercial evictions, and citations and fines for violations of the State of California's Stay at Home order.
North Lake Tahoe artists selected for East Shore Trail mural
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 9:18am
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
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 5:46pm
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
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 5:08pm
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
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 4:46pm
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.
Fifteen confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 4:01pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Health & Human Services has announced three new positive cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing the total to 15. The County does no update figures on weekends so the three new cases are since Friday.
As of March 30, 2020, the virus has been detected on both the West Slope and South Lake Tahoe.
To date, 565 tests have been given with 450 coming back as negative and just over 100 are still pending.
Douglas County virtual meeting access information
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 10:14am
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:
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/29/2020 - 11:11am
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.
Calls Added to Last Week's Report:
No reports were added to last week's daily call logs.
This Week's Report:
