work
Column: What constitutes domestic violence?
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 7:11pmDomestic violence, as known as intimate partner violence, is an issue that touches every community. There were 265 reports of domestic violence in South Lake Tahoe, including domestic disturbance, domestic battery, and domestic assault from January 1, 2019, until October 9, 2020. There are many forms of abuse, besides physical assault, that constitute domestic violence.
City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 5:23pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.
Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.
Al Tahoe Firewise Community volunteers to perform property assessments
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 10:11amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the support of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR), the Al Tahoe neighborhood has begun the process of becoming a certified Firewise USA ® recognized neighborhood.
As part of the application process, SLTFR and Al Tahoe community volunteers will be walking in the Al Tahoe neighborhood October 27-30 and performing random wildfire risk assessment/evaluations on 20 percent of the 1520 properties from the street.
The volunteers will have bright yellow vests on so they can be easily identified
Overland Meat & Seafood pays it forward once again - Tacos for Tahoe giveaway
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/19/2020 - 11:37pmEvent Date:
October 26, 2020 - 10:00am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Seven hundred people will be the recipients of the next Overland Meat & Seafood "Tacos for Tahoe" giveaway on Monday, October 26 starting at 10:00 a.m.
Brian Cohen, owner of the popular market in South Lake Tahoe, will be continuing what they did three different times at the beginning of the pandemic. At the first ground beef giveaway Cohen went through all 1,000 pounds of meat in 90 minutes.
This time he giving away 1,400 pounds.
"Many people are still struggling in our town," he said. "We are here to help out the community."
CASA El Dorado holds first free virtual Gala. - LIVE performance with David Garibaldi
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/19/2020 - 9:45pmEvent Date:
November 7, 2020 - 6:00pm
Child Advocates of El Dorado is holding its first one-hour virtual Gala on November 7 starting at 6:00 p.m.
The event is free to attend, but it is the local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) annual fundraiser, hosted this year by Eileen Javora Boeger. There will be live entertainment by world-renown performance painter David Garibaldi.
CASA El Dorado benefits the community by serving the abused, neglected and at-risk children in our county’s foster care system. This is accomplished by recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers from the community.
Letter: Duane Wallace letter to voters
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/18/2020 - 5:44pmDear Voters: Everyone knows what goes downhill, but the South Tahoe Public Utility District knows how to recycle it into 381,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. A recent feature article by the Association of California Water Agencies pointed out that STPUD is one of only a handful of utility districts in the entire world that can claim 100% reuse of wastewater and bio solids. Here’s how. We use centrifuges instead of the usual pollution causing burners. That allows us to make fertilizer for ranch land.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork October 18-24
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/18/2020 - 4:27pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Orders now being taken for commemorative Lake Tahoe coin
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/17/2020 - 9:21amLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — The limited-edition Lake Tahoe Commemorative Coin is now available to the public, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation (Parasol) announced this week.
Column: Turning lessons into transportation solutions
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/16/2020 - 5:10pmAutumn’s reflections have begun and Lake Tahoe’s forests and wildlife are preparing for the winter. While fall is generally a treasured time of year at the lake, a sense of uneasiness hangs in the crisp air as we brace for the next phase of the COVID crisis.
Summer was record breaking on many fronts. Businesses and agencies with major staff and budget shortages were suddenly required to manage the pandemic, following strict protocols. Trash overflowed on our pristine beaches and roadways. Follow that with more than 8,300 wildfires and 4 million acres burned in California alone.
Workshop on future plans for 56-acre project in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/16/2020 - 12:59pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a new date for the public meeting on the 56-Acre Project in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. As the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County work out the financial arrangement of using county land, plans are underway for how it will look. Through a grant, the California Tahoe Conservancy gave the funds needed to create the master plan for the area.
Letter to the Editor: We Choose a Voice For Locals
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 7:33amIt's a great thing to call for unity. It sounds good and feels good. But for far too long hollow calls for "working together" have become excuses for bulldozing over the needs of the people who live and work here in favor of the needs of the developers, resorts and casinos.
I chose the locals.
I choose to give a voice to those who are marginalized.
And if this seems like I’m causing trouble, then it is, as John Lewis called it, good trouble.
STPUD candidates respond to questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 9:37pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.
South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.
Chelcee Thomas hired as the new executive director for Live Violence Free
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 9:08pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Live Violence Free, the South Lake Tahoe-based agency committed to promoting a violence-free community, has announced the appointment of a new executive director.
Chelcee Thomas has returned to her hometown to lead the 43-year-old agency. The South Tahoe High graduate has dedicated her career to supporting social
Letter to the Editor: Choose Unity over Division
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 11:05amWe are both running for South Lake Tahoe City Council to move our community past division, negativity, misinformation and finger pointing, and toward common ground solutions on critical issues. We’re all in this together.
Column: Adjusting with the Times
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/13/2020 - 3:29pmOverwhelm, aggravation, annoyance, frustration, irritation, unsettling. . .What other words can you think of to describe our current circumstances? Luckily, there is a cure for all of these feelings. You already know what I am going to say: Yoga.
Just Stop
Free screening of the award-winning film Wilder Than Wild extended two more weeks
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 1:30pmThe free virtual screening of the Wilder Than Wild film has been extended through October 25.
If you missed the first presentation, you're in luck!
The award-winning documentary Wilder Than Wild: Fire, Forests, and the Future reveals how fire suppression and climate change have exposed Western landscapes to large, high-intensity wildfires. The sixty-minute film explores strategies that are being developed to help mitigate the impact of these fires.
Douglas County Commissioners to possibly vote on new VHR regulations for Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/11/2020 - 1:25pmDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During their Thursday, October 15 meeting, the Douglas County commissioners will hear a presentation about the work done by an appointed task force about vacation home rentals (VHRs) in Tahoe Township. The agenda item is listed as having possible action by the commissioners.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork October 11-17
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/10/2020 - 7:47pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Op/Ed: Creating a community without the divide of a state line
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 2:00pmOn October 31, 2016 I wrote an editorial "Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork" due to a growing vibe of discourse and anger across the country as well as in South Lake Tahoe.
Since we are once again in the midst of a contentious national election I saw a need to once again look at the definition of community as we focus on our local situation in El Dorado County and Douglas County.
com·mu·ni·ty:
New forestry program headed to Lake Tahoe Community College
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 12:17pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new Forestry Education and Job Placement program is heading to Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) in South Lake Tahoe.
To get things started, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board awarded the college a $351,000 grant and $480,000 was received from CAL Fire’s Forest Health Grant Program. LTCC has hired Kim Carr as their contracted consultant on the project and she helped write the grants and secure funding for the new avenue of education in South Lake Tahoe. She is bringing 30 years of forestry and environmental experience to the college.
Column: Delivering care for mothers and babies
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 10:31amAs a mother and as a physician, I understand there are many unknowns right now for moms as they prepare to deliver their babies. Despite the challenges we face with the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health continues to provide compassionate care that puts mothers and babies first. Barton’s practices in place honor the needs of mother and child while upholding everyone’s health and safety.
Letter to the Editor: South Tahoe Youth climate group endorses Scott Robbins and John Friedrich for city council
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 9:40amAt this point in time, the intersection between equity and climate change has never been clearer. The Sunrise Movement is a national youth climate group that is seeking a future that’s not only sustainable, but also just. With only 11 years left to transform our economy away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need to elect officials now who will defend our future. The remedies for unsustainable practices must work for everyone in this city. That’s why we’re endorsing John Friedrich and Scott Robbins for the city council of South Lake Tahoe.
Letter to the Editor: Shops at Heavenly Village support Williams and Carter for Council
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 7:45amOn September 22, 2020 the Tahoe Chamber endorsed City Council Candidates Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich. We strongly believe they are the wrong choice for this position and will not represent the businesses, jobs, local working residents, and current challenges in our community effectively.
Letter to the Editor: Council candidate weighs in on contributions
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 7:38amAs a candidate for City Council, in the city of South Lake Tahoe, I became very upset at a very disturbing text I had received on Friday concerning campaign contribution and form 460 lings.
Restoration nearing completion, public soon able to access old Tahoe Pines campground
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/08/2020 - 1:48pmThe unique and valuable habitat of the Upper Truckee in Meyers has been preserved through another California Tahoe Conservancy project at the site of the old Tahoe Pines Campground. The project opens public access to the river and will feature a picnic table or two, bike racks and informational kiosk.
Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits available November 16 online
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/08/2020 - 10:36amChristmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ltbmu.
City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 8:12pmOn April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
SLT Council Candidate Stacey Ballard
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 3:12pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers have been published in the order received. Today is our final candidate.
Today's candidate is Stacey Ballard
Profession: Artist/Author
How many years in SLT: I have lived in Tahoe on and off since 1997, over 16 in total.
COVID Kudos: Safer and Better Biking in Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 12:50pmThere are changes in the air and it's not just the leaves. School is going back, construction season is wrapping up, and Al Tahoe Boulevard is getting a new look.
SLT Council Candidate Cristi Creegan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/06/2020 - 1:44pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Cristi Creegan
Profession: Business Owner
How many years in SLT: 23 years
SLT Council Candidate Douglas Williams
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/05/2020 - 2:39pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Douglas Williams
Profession: Hospitality
How many years in SLT: 10 years
Tahoe's transportation future focus of TRPA webinar
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 7:25pmEvent Date:
October 12, 2020 - 12:00pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Years of planning for the future of transportation around Lake Tahoe has led to the creation of a Regional Transportation Plan. Join the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Monday, October 12 during a one-hour webinar on the draft plan starting at noon to learn more (register here).
SLT Council Candidate Bruce Grego
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 4:07pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Bruce Grego
Profession: Attorney
How many years in SLT: 53 years
Get bear bear box painted through Sierra State Parks fundraiser
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 11:25amDoes the Bear Box in front of your house need some artistic expression? Want another way to support the Sierra State Parks Foundation and local Tahoe artists? Be the envy of your neighborhood and invest in our Bear Box Art Fundraiser!
Citizen science drives environmental restoration and reservation in Tahoe-Truckee Region
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 11:06amLAKE TAHOE - Volunteer citizen scientists working with the League to Save Lake Tahoe conducted surveys of Donner and Spooner Lakes to detect aquatic invasive species, and restored native wetland habitat in Johnson Meadow in September. Both efforts are aimed at preserving the Tahoe-Truckee region’s unique ecology.
Column: Community health goes beyond health care
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/03/2020 - 5:54pmWhen we look at our community’s health, there are many other factors that determine a person’s ability to thrive - beyond health care services. Social determinants of health are defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as the conditions in places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect outcomes for health and quality of life. These determinants are complex, and can be deeply rooted; including income and employment opportunities, housing instability, food insecurity, family and social support, transportation, and adverse life effects.
SLT Council Candidate John Friedrich
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/03/2020 - 2:23pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is John Friedrich
Profession: Founder and Director, Tahoe Green Jobs Initiative
How many years in SLT: 15
Batten sentenced 26 years to life for his part in South Lake Tahoe murder
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/02/2020 - 11:04pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - He was the star running back of Benicia High School before graduating in 2015. He led the Panthers with 901 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns his senior year and was named their Most Valuable Offensive Player.
Less than one year later he was in South Lake Tahoe with a group of men accused of fatally shooting Dennis "Spike" Wright, Jr. over a drug deal at the Beverly Lodge.
Kudos: Celebrating Miles for Recovery 2020 - 2021
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/02/2020 - 4:07pmThe month of September has come and gone. It is with much appreciation I want to thank all our participants who braved these crazy times and participated in this months Miles for Recovery Event. You did not let the smoke or COVID and its many consequences get in your way. You turned these challenges into motivation and moved forward knowing both your physical and mental health would be better for participating.
SLT Council Candidate Scott Robbins
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/02/2020 - 3:41pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Scott Robbins
Profession: National Security Analysist
How many years in SLT: 4
SLT Council Candidate Leonard Carter
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/01/2020 - 2:24pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Leonard Carter.
Occupation: Retired
How many years in SLT: 32 years
1. Explain why you are running for City Council and what your qualifications are. I believe I can help the council focus on real issues, such as: roads, law enforcement, trash, public safety, fire suppression, and not burn out on spurious popular topics.
USFS closes Taylor Creek for one month due to crowd and safety concerns
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/01/2020 - 2:00pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The numbers of people who normally visit Taylor Creek for the fall spawning of the Kokanee salmon has prompted forest officials to close the popular area October 2 - November 2, 2020.
Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the area is closed.
Give Tahoe grants available for South Lake Tahoe non-profits
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/01/2020 - 8:53amGive Tahoe, formerly South Lake Tahoe Endowment Fund and a fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation, will continue the ongoing work to deliver important philanthropic funds to the community. This year the challenges facing the community of South Lake Tahoe look different than ever before. With a summer of experience, and the concerns and problem sets that developed over the months, it was determined that a pivot in what Give Tahoe grants to is necessary, timely and well-focused.
Opinion: LTUSD Board supports student-led climate initiative
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 11:09pmFormer Climate Crew Co-president, Anthony Pedigo, introduced Resolution No. 2020/21-07 in Support of School District Climate Literacy to the LTUSD School Board on September 22, 2020. It was the culmination of a year of passionate student organizing, writing and mobilizing. The resolution passed unanimously.
Tahoe Douglas Rotary speaker: An Untold American Tale about Fighting Fascism in 1930s New Jersey
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 8:21pmEvent Date:
October 9, 2020 - 12:00pm
The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club will be welcoming screenwriter, author and executive producer Leslie K. Barry to their October 9 meeting, and the public is invited to join in the virtual event. She will be speaking about her new book, Newark Minutemen: A True 1930’s Legend About One Man’s Mission to Save a Nation’s Soul Without Losing His Own.
SLT Council Candidate Keith Roberts
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 12:07pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Keith Roberts.
Profession: Executive Chef
How many years in SLT: 5 years
Teens 4 Tahoe hosts Wilder Than Wild virtual screening
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 11:10amEvent Date:
October 4, 2020 - 5:00pm
Teens 4 Tahoe, an environmental stewardship group formed by six teens in collaboration with the nonprofit Tahoe Fund, will host a free virtual screening of the award-winning documentary Wilder Than Wild: Fire, Forests, and the Future on October 4, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The virtual event, proposed by the teens living in Tahoe and around the Bay Area, will be the group’s first effort to help educate their peers about wildfire preparedness. It will include viewing of the one-hour long documentary followed by an online Q&A session with Kevin White, the film’s producer.
LTUSD shares next phase of South Lake Tahoe school reopening plans
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 7:34pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) will be adopting their previously released Pandemic Educational Plan with some modifications as they move into Phase 2 starting October 12, 2020.
During their special meeting Monday, several parents, teachers and trustees voiced their opinions and concerns representing all sides, from keeping students in Phase 1, moving to Phase 2, as well as skipping to Phase 3.
SLT Council Candidate Daniel P. Browne, Jr.
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 4:12pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Daniel P. Browne, Jr.
Occupation: Veteran and Retired Businessman
How many years in SLT: 48 Years
Hilary Roverud officially named Development Services Director
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 11:38amAfter more than 15 years of service, Hilary Roverud has been named Development Services Director after filling the position on a temporary basis since the resignation of Kevin Fabino on July 6.
“Hilary is incredibly skilled and loved by the staff she has worked with for so long,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “As a community, we are lucky to have her in this leadership role and know she will continue moving that department in the right direction.”