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COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe and surrounding counties
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 6:05pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are just eight active cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County as of Tuesday, May 5. No new cases have been reported with two new recoveries recorded, and 80 new tests were administered by the County. 2,550 people have now been tested for the virus.
Lake Tahoe Community College to offer online and virtual classes for summer and fall quarters
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 12:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Given the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and how open or not the state of California may be in the months to come, Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) has announced its Summer and Fall quarter class formats that will allow high-quality education to continue in the safest manner possible.
Letter: South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce offers leaders suggestions on reopening
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 11:37am
The following is a letter sent to El Dorado County and City of South Lake Tahoe. It is published here in its entirety at the request of the author.
The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce would like to offer encouragement and support of a revival of the local economy, while continuing to keep the health and safety of our residents in mind. Cases of COVID-19 have remained low in our region when compared to other more populated areas around the State and Nation. We applaud the quick action taken by the County and City that has helped us keep the case count low.
Old Tahoe Pines Campground restoration to include picnic area, parking and trails
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 7:00pm
MEYERS, Calif. - An old campground at the base of Echo Summit in Meyers is undergoing a major transformation that will not only create new wetlands and restore habitat along the Upper Truckee River, it will also create public access.
Work gets underway this week at the old Tahoe Pines Campground on a $1.63M project that will include new accessible-to-all trails, bridge and parking lot, and other features along the river which is Lake Tahoe's largest tributary.
City of South Lake Tahoe special meeting to request Governor Newsom allow a phased reopening
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 10:27am
Event Date:
May 6, 2020 - 9:00am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. with a single agenda item: Authorization of a letter signed by Mayor Jason Collin to California Governor Gavin Newsom to request approval for the City of South Lake Tahoe for its transition to Phase 2 of re-opening the County of El Dorado and City of South Lake Tahoe for individuals and businesses.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork May 3 - 9
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/02/2020 - 2:20pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected in late spring 2020. No traffic-interfering work is scheduled.
Barton Health Doctor of the Year: Dr. Kandra Yee
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 11:46am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. Kendra Yee received a "landslide" of nominations from staff and physicians to be the 2020 Barton Health Doctor of the Year.
Dr. Yee is Chief of COVID-19 Emergency Operations, Chief of Staff, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and a practicing Emergency Medicine Physician at Barton Memorial Hospital.
Heartfelt nominations for Dr. Yee spoke to her vision and dynamic leadership on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, and steadfast care for patients and healthcare workers alike:
#TahoeTogether campaign supports those in need during Coronavirus Crisis
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 10:48am
Lake Tahoe is one lake, one regional economy and we always come together during a crisis. Community members are already supporting each other in numerous ways. The Tahoe region’s three Community Foundations along with the Tahoe Prosperity Center are launching #TahoeTogether, a new campaign focused on continued coordination of efforts to support community members in need during this crisis.
South Lake Tahoe business rises to closure challenges
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 10:23am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many South Lake Tahoe businesses have been impacted by closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic but one business, Rise Designs, has worked on sharing their designs with other local enterprises through their "Tahoe is My Happy Place" campaign.
Mike Miller and Marley Reel, coowners of the 13-year-old business that specializes in screenprinting custom hats and shirts with artwork for many local businesses and groups. They do projects with a customer's artwork or help them with it. They also recently created the City of South Lake Tahoe's new logo.
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.
Dispute at Lake Tahoe construction site; One transported via Cal Star, other by ambulance
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 10:11am
5.1.20 UPDATE: In the morning hours of April 30, 2020, a group of construction workers were involved in a physical altercation at their job site at the new Tahoe Beach Club at the end of Kahle Drive. During the physical fight, a knife was produced and one male sustained major knife inflicted injuries to his head/face and he was transported to Renown Medical Center in Reno via Cal Star.
Another male suffered minor non-life threatening injuries and he was transported to Barton Hospital in South Lake Tahoe.
City Council votes to give $50K to local food sources; Works on business assistance plans
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/29/2020 - 2:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Tuesday to give $50,000 to local charities who supply food to locals in need to help them meet the growing demand for food during the pandemic.
Bread & Broth, Bread & Broth 4 Kids, Christmas Cheer, Phoenix Food Pantry, and the Family Resource Center will all be getting a check for $10,000 each from the City to help fill their shelves to meet the need.
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.
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.
Vail Resorts announces 20-80% credit to pass holders for next ski season
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 9:45am
With a ski and snowboard season cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, Vail Resorts announced Monday morning a plan to address the many concerns of pass holders. They will be providing 2019/20 season pass holders with credits of 20 percent to 80 percent, depending on how often they were able to use that pass during the season.
In a letter to pass holders, the plan was laid out:
Column: The 50th anniversary of Earth Day: A pivotal moment
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/26/2020 - 7:24pm
With the global spread of Covid-19, we have discovered how quickly our world can change and have responded with sacrifices. It’s clear that we deeply value the health and well-being of our community.
With our response, we have improved the health of our planet, too. It’s remarkable! On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, our skies are the cleanest they have been for over a century.
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
152nd Airlift Wing to fly over Lake Tahoe/Northern Nevada hospitals to recognize their COVID-19 battles
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/26/2020 - 10:29am
Event Date:
April 28, 2020 - 12:00pm
The Nevada Air Guard High Rollers will be honoring the men and women in healthcare who are battling COVID-19 by doing a flyover of Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada area hospitals with a C-130 on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
152nd Airlift Wing will start from its base in Reno and pass over Renown South Medical Center at noon, and for an hour pass over the following hospitals.
Carson Tahoe Hospital, Carson City - 12:07 p.m.
Carson Valley Medical Center, Gardnerville - 12:10 p.m.
Barton Memorial Hospital, South Lake Tahoe - 12:14 p.m.
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.
Giving Tuesday pet adoption and fundraising day for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 8:25am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is having a special puppy adoption day on May 5 to coincide with the annual Giving Tuesday fundraising day.
"Little Rays of Sunshine" is bringing two litters with a total of 11 puppies, along with one of the moms, to the public for adoption.
Pictured here is the mom Sunshine with one her puppies, Hope.
Portion of Barbara Avenue in South Lake Tahoe to close for Greenway project
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 4:16pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barbara Avenue between Lodi Avenue and Sierra Boulevard will be closing April 27 through October 15 as it will be a stating area for the construction of the South Tahoe Greenway Shared Use Trail.
This is the same area used for staging on the City of South Lake Tahoe's Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project in 2019.
Construction of new phases of South Tahoe Greenway Shared-Use Trail underway
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 12:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Work has begun on two phases of the 3.86-mile long South Tahoe Greenway Shared-Use Trail (Greenway) that will connect Sierra Boulevard in Tahoe Sierra Tract to the Van Sickle Bi-State Park near Stateline in South Lake Tahoe.
The project was approved in 2011 and 2016 and will provide users with a safe way to travel by non-motorized means off of the highway through the heart of South Lake Tahoe. The whole length will include neighborhood connectors and the ability to join the popular trail from the Y to past Baldwin Beach.
Full closure of US50 over Echo Summit planned for June
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 4:09pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Work on US50 over Echo Summit to replace an 81-year-old bridge has resumed. The $14.1 million Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct Replacement Project will replace the bridge with a structure that meets current seismic and safety standards.
Travelers can expect daytime work with one-way reversing traffic now, with around-the-clock one-way traffic control from May 26 until May 31, then full closure from June 1 until about June 14.
Caltrans and its contractor expect work to be completed this year.
The current schedule:
Kudos: Thank you Barton healthcare workers
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 11:55am
We would like to express our sincerest appreciation and deepest thanks to the Barton Health team for their efforts to address the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. This is an unprecedented time to work in health care, and the staff, physicians, and administration have risen to this challenge while showing perseverance, nimbleness, and strategic creativity. The dedication to their job and the brave face they don each day while arriving at work is humbling. As Board members and community members we are deeply moved by this courage.
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.
Fundraising campaign started to keep Emerald Bay Bar & Grill in business
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/18/2020 - 1:03pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Times are tough for many during the coronavirus pandemic with small businesses struggling to make ends meet when unable to have their doors open.
One of those businesses is Emerald Bay Bar & Grill at 888 SR89 in South Lake Tahoe.
Formerly known at Brother's Place, owner Spencer Weiss and his family and friends have turned to GoFundMe as a way to get donations and save the business.
South Shore concierge service provides free grocery delivery for seniors and those in need
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 1:27pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A South Lake Tahoe-based concierge service is now offering free grocery delivery to seniors over the age of 65 and to those in need.
Tahoe Warm Welcome has been providing home and guest services to homeowners and visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin since 2006. Operated by two long-time locals with over 30 years of customer service experience, they are no expanding what they offer during the coronavirus pandemic to include free shopping services for seniors and anti-viral sterilization cleaning packages for the home.
Events Center approved by Douglas County Commissioners
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 9:44pm
STATELINE, Nev. - In what has been a hotly debated topic for months between the five Douglas County Board of Commissioners and members of the public, the Tahoe South Events Center passed the final hurdle Thursday. In a 3-2 vote, the commissioners approved bond issuance, the final step in the approval process. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) had previously unanimously approved it.
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
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.
National Dispatchers Recognition Week April 12-18
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 7:33am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - April 12-18 is designated as National Telecommunicators Recognition Week, a time to honor the 911 dispatchers for their ongoing dedication to their communities.
The dispatch team covers the town 24/7 every day of the year and provides emergency and non-emergency coverage and helps the public and first responders with the resources they need.
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.
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.
Letter to the citizens of South Lake Tahoe about potential recall
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/10/2020 - 5:08pm
In the coming days and weeks, you will see a recall petition circulating for me. I voted my conscience on an item before the city council and certain members of the public disagreed with that vote.
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.
It's okay - daily life looks different for everyone at this time
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 11:58pm
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
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 11:10pm
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.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office promotes Autism Recognition Alert Program
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 1:30pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is displaying magnets on their patrol cars for the month of April as well as sporting a newly wrapped vehicle with vinyl decals to increasing awareness throughout the community surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For the first time, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has wrapped a car with blue puzzle pieces as an inviting way for children and adults with autism to meet police officers in a casual setting.
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.
Christmas Cheer in great need of food donations
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 1:53pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Christmas Cheer is an emergency food pantry operating in South Lake Tahoe and, with an increased need with many out of work due to the current coronavirus situation, they are running low on non-perishable food supplies.
They have seen many more people than normal coming into their office and volunteers say it is putting a big dent on their supply.
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's Bread & Broth seeks volunteers as needs increase
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 10:41am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For over thirty years, Bread & Broth has provided hot, nutritious meals for those facing food insecurity in the South Lake Tahoe community. They provide food on Monday and Friday evenings, and, since 2015, weekend food bags for K-8 Lake Tahoe Unified School District students.
Fundraiser set up for those out of work due to business closures in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 12:05am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a large number of South Lake Tahoe employees currently out of work due to closures mandated by the fight against the coronavirus, a South Lake Tahoe woman has set up a fundraiser to help those financially hurt the most.
Roberta Hainline, housekeeping manager with Vacasa, was concerned after she had to lay off her entire staff of 22.
"I know that all of those people that lost their jobs live paycheck to paycheck. Even though they are eligible for unemployment, the need is immediate," said Hainline, who was also furloughed.
Caltrans projects in South Lake Tahoe and on Echo Summit set to resume in May
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/04/2020 - 4:35pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be returning to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe this spring to complete two major projects.
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.
FBI warns of possible cyber crimes during coronavirus pandemic
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 11:26am
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.
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.
