work
El Dorado County Animal Services rescues two dogs abandoned on US50
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/28/2020 - 9:32pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County Animal Services is looking for information from anyone who may have witnessed two German Shepherd dogs being abandoned on Highway 50 near Bridal Veil Falls and Fresh Pond in earlier this month. The young adult male dogs, which were found malnourished and with their metal chain collars embedded into their necks, were rescued by Animal Services officers and are now safely at the Animal Services Shelter in Diamond Springs.
Stateline power outage caused by water in underground vault
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/28/2020 - 4:38pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Liberty Utility and NV Energy customers in the Stateline area were without power for several hours Sunday evening and early Monday due to water that got into an unground vault on the California side. This required significant additional work to safely restore power to the six Nevada customers and 426 California customers.
Detours available for two road projects in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/28/2020 - 4:12pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As a part of the 2020 Road Rehabilitation Program, the City of South Lake Tahoe will working on two projects over the next two weeks. They will be reconstructing 3rd & 4th Streets from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to South Avenue and working on the Bellamy Court parking project.
Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition challenges all casinos to be smoke-free
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/27/2020 - 5:02pm
The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition (NTPC), comprised of collaborating public health and private partner organizations, celebrates MGM’s decision to open the Park MGM and NoMad in Las Vegas smoke-free. In addition to enforcing existing smoke-free policies, NTPC challenges all Nevada casinos to implement new and stronger policies to be completely smoke-free.
US50 over Echo Summit opens five days early
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/27/2020 - 9:36am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - U.S. Highway 50 is back open to traffic over Echo Summit five days ahead of schedule, Caltrans announced today.
A full closure of Highway 50 over the summit was implemented Friday, Sept. 18 to install seven precast, prestressed 96-foot bridge girders and associated work that included pouring ultra high-performance concrete to connect the girders, building concrete barrier walls and approach slabs, applying a polyester overlay on the bridge, and asphalt paving approaching both sides of the new structure.
US50 over Echo Summit to reopen Sunday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/26/2020 - 12:27pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans has announced the project over Echo Summit is ahead of schedule an plans are to reopen to traffic Sunday morning. This is five days ahead of the planned October 2 reopening after replacement of the 81-year-old bridge.
There could still be some delays with the timing, so plan accordingly and check ahead on http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
The polyester overlay on the new bridge is complete. Asphalt grinding and paving on the approaches to the bridge will start Saturday.
Letter from LTUSD Superintendent on reopening plans; Special meeting Monday
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/25/2020 - 4:40pm
Event Date:
September 27, 2020 - 7:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - I wish to thank you for your patience as the District continues to work through some of the challenges involved with moving to Phase 2 Hybrid learning model. We’ve received a great amount of input from the community through emails to myself and Board members, as well as public comments at Tuesday’s Board meeting, and want to assure you that your interests and concerns are being heard.
Deadline September 30 for South Lake Tahoe COVID-19 receipts
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/25/2020 - 10:24am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe created two programs to help local business owners during COVID-19, a restaurant vouchers and reimbursement of expenses used to open under new health protocols.
Both of these will be ending at the end of the City's fiscal year on September 30.
During the City Council meeting Tuesday, staff reminded everyone in the business community to turn in their receipts and restaurant vouchers by that date.
STMS receives Toshiba grant for its Maker Lab program
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/25/2020 - 7:32am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Middle School (STMS) has received a $2,676 STEM grant from the Toshiba America Foundation. These funds will support the 7th and 8th grade students in the year-long Maker Lab elective.
Letter: Keeping patients safe is a team effort
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 12:32pm
Running a hospital takes a large team of professionals, all pulling together, often under tremendous stress. We often recognize our caregivers who have direct contact with patients. But behind every clinician is a team of people making sure she or he can do their job well and safely.
LTUSD to discuss next phase of learning for South Lake Tahoe students
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/21/2020 - 11:44pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Trustees will be holding their next meeting on Tuesday, September 22. Closed session begins at 5:00 p.m. and regular session starts at 6:00 p.m.
On the agenda will be discussion about the anticipated move to the next phase of reopening, the hybrid model.
V & T Railway Polar Express canceled, replaced with Santa's Drive-Thru Village
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/21/2020 - 5:10pm
As a result of COVID-19, the V&T Railway Commission has announced that fan favorite, Polar Express, has been canceled for the 2020 season. In its place, the railway will host Santa’s Drive-Thru Village, a socially distanced holiday event, December 11 through 13 and December 18 through 24.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork September 20-26
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/19/2020 - 8:51am
SOUTH 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
Tahoe Prosperity Center supports Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless - Project Homekey
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 4:20pm
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless will receive significant funding in the first round of awards for Project Homekey. The funds awarded will support the local community to purchase and rehabilitate housing, including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other properties, and convert them into permanent, long-term housing for people facing homelessness and those currently in insufficient short-term housing. We strongly support the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and their Project Homekey plans.
South Lake Tahoe among first to receive homeless housing funds
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 9:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) will be receiving $9,576,000 to help their goal of ending homelessness in South Lake Tahoe. The community was one of seven California cities and counties to receive the first wave of Project Homekey grants totaling $76.5 million.
Very high fire danger at Lake Tahoe; Red Flag Warning through Friday
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 2:29pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Lake Tahoe Basin is under Red Flag/Critical Fire Weather conditions through 11:00 p.m. Friday.
California is extremely stressed for resources and it is important for residents and guests to understand the dangers these weather conditions present.
With 70-90 mph ridge winds and low humidity values predicted Thursday night into Friday along the crest of the Sierra, any spark could easily become a catastrophic wildfire.
Fork Fire 1753 acres, 34% contained; Slink Fire 26,752 acres and 71% contained
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/16/2020 - 6:54pm
The Fork Fire west of Lake Tahoe remains at 1,752 acres and is now 34 percent contained. Low pressure off the coast will advance toward the region, bringing an increase in afternoon southwest winds across ridge tops and aligned drainages. Dry conditions will persist with slight cooling.
The front will pass over the area on Friday, driving gusty southwest and west winds with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Little to no precipitation is expected.
FAQs from the US Forest Service on closures
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 1:55pm
The USFS regional emergency closures have created a lot of questions from forest recreational users. Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQ) provided by the Forest Service:
Q) Is there an imminent threat of fire, are we in immediate danger?
Tahoe Valley School creates Family Literacy Garden
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:15am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A summer-long project at Tahoe Valley Elementary School is now open to the public and the tree at the center of the love-filled efforts is in memory of student Marianna Zepeda.
The quiet, reflective garden area includes seating, a lending library and a tree dedicated to Marianna, a 4th grade student who passed away June 19.
"She was always happy and sunny," says Principal Christina Grubbs of the young student. "That is why we chose a sunny, yellow tree."
Jack Green ~ 2001 - 2020
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/14/2020 - 1:34pm
Our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate William (“Jack”) Green of Huntington Beach, California tragically ended his life at the age of 19 on September 5, 2020 in Walnut Creek, Calif. His rapid decline in mental health was caused by many factors, central to which was the COVID-19 quarantine. Jack’s family and friends struggle to understand the delusion and despair which lead to this, when his life held such promise.
Smoke plume over Lake Tahoe helps out Fork Fire
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/13/2020 - 7:23pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The forecast southwest winds didn't materialize Sunday, not changing the behavior of the Fork Fire as expected. The fire, burning in western El Dorado County, has consumed 1,752 acres and containment remained at seven percent. Personnel working at the fire, which started on Tuesday, number 266.
The large plume of smoke about 200 miles wide that came into the Lake Tahoe Basin Sunday afternoon also covered the area of the Fork Fire, allowing the fuel temperatures at the fire to remain low and keeping the spread contained.
US50 Echo Summit one lane closure starts Sunday night
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/13/2020 - 4:02pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Motorists over US50 Echo Summit will have continuous one-way traffic control starting Sunday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m. The Sidehill Viaduct Project enters its final stages with almost five days of bridge destruction and then complete road closure for two weeks as seven precast, prestressed 96-foot bridge girders are installed, along with associated work.
Sunday, Sept. 13 - 8:00 p.m. - Continuous one-way traffic control begins
Friday, Sept. 18 - About 3:00 a.m. - Full closure of highway
Barton labor & delivery nurse wins international DAISY Award®
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/13/2020 - 2:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A nurse at Barton Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Center has received the international DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. Labor & Delivery nurse, Rayanne Marshall, RN, BSN, RNC-OB, won the award after being nominated by a patient for the dedication and compassion shown during delivery, making her feel comfortable and well-cared for, even when tensions were high.
Fork Fire stands at 7% containment, 1736 acres - Critical fire weather Sunday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/12/2020 - 8:52pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Another hot and dry day at the Fork Fire today but the incoming increase in winds from the southwest are a concern to firefighters. The winds will start Sunday and could last until Tuesday. The fire is now measured at 1,736 acres and has a containment line around seven percent of the fire.
Fundraising underway for South Lake Tahoe man with Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/12/2020 - 6:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The local community has been showing their love and support for Chris Hogbin and his family. Chris has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma in his neck, lungs, liver, lymph nodes and bones.
He and his wife Sonnet, and their three children "are doing the best they can under the circumstance but things are tough for them right now," said a story on GoFundMe.
Chris Sneed: The man behind the 9-11 flag flying over US50
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 3:49pm
Those of us who were alive remember where they were and what they were doing when they saw or heard of the first planes fly into the towers in New York City on September 11, 2001.
Chris Sneed was working in Incline Village on a pipe replacement project for Granite Construction on Lakeshore Boulevard on 9-11-01. He needed a part and ran into Spitsen Lumber. He was in line and saw the store's 12" television showing a plane hit the first tower, and then the second tower.
City of South Lake Tahoe to fly flags at half-staff for former Recreation Superintendent Judy Crawford
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 11:54am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Former Recreation Superintendent Judy Crawford has passed away. She worked for the City from 1974 until 2003 and was the first woman to hold that position. Crawford was also the President of Great Ideas for Tahoe, or GIFT, during her time in the community.
Born in New Orleans, LA, in 1948, she lived around the country until she settled in South Lake Tahoe.
She started work for the City as a Recreation Supervisor and was eventually promoted to Recreation Superintendent. What she loved the most, teaching young kids how to swim.
Guess the first day of snow and win while supporting Sierra State Parks Foundation
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 11:44am
The Sierra State Parks Foundation will host a virtual fundraiser that challenges folks to predict the first day of snow, which will run until the actual first day of snow. The first snow event will be determined when it snows one inch at the Pioneer Monument located in Donner Memorial State Park (Truckee, Calif.).
South Lake Tahoe blood drives set; Free testing of COVID-19 antibodies
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 11:04am
Event Date:
September 25, 2020 - 11:30am
There will be a South Lake Tahoe Community Blood Drive on Friday, September 25 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center located at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.
To comply with social distancing practices appointments are encouraged and Vitalent is asking all of donors to please schedule an appointment – Click here to make an appointment. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows so please schedule an appointment.
Column: Climate change front and center at Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 10:03am
As ashes fell delicately from a blazing orange sky earlier this week, Lake Tahoe got a jarring glimpse of just one of the threats of the climate crisis. The frequency and intensity of wildfires in the West are breaking records and destroying communities. Scientists are also measuring wilder weather patterns, more severe droughts, and changing ecosystems as the planet’s temperature rises. More drought means more dead trees, and hotter summers mean a longer and more
severe fire season.
Fire updates: Fork, North, Slink, Creek
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 9:47pm
There are over 40 major fires currently burning in California, filling skies with heavy smoke from the ocean to the Sierra up and down the state. While there are no fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a few close enough to be responsible for sending smoke into the region. The closest is the Fork Fire east of Lake Tahoe about 13 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. To the south is the Slink Fire and northwest is the large North Complex.
Fork Fire
Statistics on the Fork Fire have not been updated all day. As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday the estimated size was 2,500 acres.
Nominations sought for 29th annual Best in Basin Awards
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 9:07am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is calling for nominations for projects completed in 2019 that display outstanding environmental design to be recognized in the 2019 Best in the Basin awards program, the agency announced today.
Nominations are due by September 28, according to TRPA.
Now in its 29th year, TRPA’s annual Best in the Basin awards program showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities. The categories are:
Lake Tahoe Community College annual address and convocation held virtually Thursday
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 5:07pm
Event Date:
September 10, 2020 - 9:00am
Join Lake Tahoe Community College President Jeff DeFranco will be giving his annual State of the College Address (SOCS) on Thursday September 10 starting at 9:00 a.m. Learn more about the college's year of accomplishments and goals for 2020-21, including a focus on equity and a commitment to serving the entire Tahoe community in uncertain times.
The theme of the address is "We are better together."
South Lake Tahoe Climate Action Review Plan focus of public workshop
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 4:06pm
Event Date:
September 9, 2020 - 5:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community is invited to a webinar to review the City of South Lake Tahoe's draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) on Wednesday, September 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The City has completed its draft CAP and is in the midst of the public review period. This CAP is critical for reducing emissions in the region and will also provide benefits to the community through supporting local economic development, improving wildfire resilience, reducing air pollution, improving traffic conditions, and improving public health and quality of life.
Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/07/2020 - 4:10pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has changed their previous Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
They have also issued a Special Weather Statement and a Lake Wind Advisory for Tuesday from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Red Flag Warning
This warning is in place due to gusty winds and low humidity for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierrs, and Eastern Nevada Counites. Fire Zone 271 and Fire Zone 272.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork September 6 - 12
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 9:50pm
SOUTH 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.
Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
El Dorado County public health officer urges personal responsibility during holiday weekend
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 1:08pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - This won't be a normal labor Day weekend in Lake Tahoe due to COVID-19 and fire restrictions, but things can still be enjoyed, just differently.
“Before COVID-19, many of us would spend the Labor Day weekend getting together with friends and extended families to enjoy a little down time from work, as is the American tradition. This year, things have changed, but we can still enjoy our holiday weekend safely," said El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams.
Nurse on way to work puts out fire on side of US50 with paddle fin and gallon of water
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 9:48pm
TWIN BRIDGES, Calif. - On Monday, August 31 at about 6:20 p.m., Sara Monroe was doing what she does a few days a week, heading from her home in Pollock Pines to her job at Barton Health in South Lake Tahoe. The CNA with the Skilled Nursing Facility had just passed Twin Bridges on US50 and was heading up the hill towards Camp Sacramento when something caught her attention, perhaps a puff of smoke off the side of the road.
South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 5:03pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.
50th anniversary of the disappearance of Donna Ann Lass from South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 4:32pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was 1:15 a.m. on the morning of September 6, 1970 when nurse Donna Ann Lass was working in the first aid room of the Sahara Tahoe Hotel & Casino in Stateline, Nevada. She made a log entry just before her last patient entered the room 15 minutes later, one-half hour before getting off duty.
Donna was scheduled to make a log entry at 1:45 a.m. but it was never completed and she was never seen again. Although her car was found parked at her apartment she wasn't seen leaving the Sahara.
Barton Health expands services, welcomes new psychiatrist Dr. Joe Hibbeln,
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 3:11pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Internationally recognized psychiatrist, Joe Hibbeln, MD, has joined Barton Health’s team of expert mental and behavioral health providers. A board-certified physician, Dr. Hibbeln is working with patients over 18 years of age at Barton Community Health Center in South Lake Tahoe.
Bare Roots Roasting putting "neighborhood" back into the coffee shop in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 11:58pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Little did Nikki and Justin Foskett know that their planned grand opening of Bare Roots Artisan Coffee Roasting Company would come on the day the pandemic shut everything down.
They didn't despair though, and spent the down time roasting beans, expanding their menu and putting everything they sell online for all to enjoy. Opening a new business is always tough, exciting and stressful, but COVID-19 added a whole lot of unknowns to the picture.
El Dorado County moves to next reopening tier Sept 21 if COVID-19 cases remain low
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 8:29am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County will be able to move to the next colored tier on September 21 if COVID-19 cases remain under four cases per day average and test positivity stays below five percent for two consecutive seven-day periods.
The County started off the new color-tiered reopening plan in the Red/Substantial tier due to data from the weeks of August 5-11 and August 12-18.
"The State requires that a County remain in the assigned tier for three weeks
US395 reopens and Slink Fire evacuations lifted
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 10:48pm
Wednesday evening update: The Slink Fire behavior today was moderate, though the south end saw small, terrain driven runs. The fire is 14,200 acres and 10 percent contained.
Slink Fire burning southwest of Topaz Lake grows to over 2,200 acres
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/30/2020 - 12:20pm
Smoke from the fires burning north of Lake Tahoe continue to fill the area Sunday morning. The Sheep Fire near Honey Lake is 29,517 acres and 38 percent contained, the Loyalton Fire is at 98 percent containment and 47,029 acres. The North Complex burning in Lassen and Plumas forests is 61,093 acres and 37 percent contained.
Safety changes: Vail moves to presale of lift tickets to manage number of guests
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/30/2020 - 11:41am
Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, all members of the Vail Resorts family, will be operating differently during the winter season 2020/21. Vail plans on opening both Heavenly and Northstar on November 20 and Kirkwood on December 4.
Ticket sales, use of season passes and facility uses will all be handled to promote physical distancing and protect the safety of staff and guests.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 30 - September 5
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/29/2020 - 4:52pm
SOUTH 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.
Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Road Beat: Hyundai Sonata - The new mid-size class act
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/29/2020 - 3:47pm
A boulevardier, taken from Merriam-Webster, is a frequenter of the Parisian boulevards, or a person-about-town in more broad terms. So basically, to be a Parisian boulevard connoisseur, you must be fashionable, social, and energetic. Being wealthy helps, too. The new Hyundai Sonata is the attainable boulevardier for a new generation.
Trash Talk: Reduce and reuse are key in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 9:36am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We have all seen the photos of trash left behind on beaches, trails, parking lots and surrounding dumpsters not only in Lake Tahoe but across the country. This is only the tip of the problem and managing our trash is key to prevent landfills being overflowed with our unnecessary waste.
Three vie for the one allowed cannabis retail location in Meyers
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:07pm
MEYERS, Calif. - Three businesses are trying to get awarded the single cannabis retail license being offered in the Meyers Community Center District. After the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted in May to add two Meyers Area Plan zoning districts that would allow cannabis business, the process began to award a license.
