affordable housing
City unveils monthly newseltter to keep public informed
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/02/2019 - 8:21am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. The City of South Lake Tahoe has launched its new
newsletter - "At Lake Level." The monthly newsletter is written by City Manager Frank Rush and prepared by Communications Manager Chris Fiore in an effort to keep the community well informed about City issues and initiatives.
New Leadership
Teachers fill LTUSD board room to ask for pay increases
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/19/2019 - 11:05am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dozens of school teachers in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) filled the board room in South Lake Tahoe last Tuesday to show trustees they want a cost of living increase to their pay.
Jodi Dayberry, President of the South Tahoe Educators Association, led the teachers in their presentation to the LTUSD Board of Trustees, telling the five elected members teachers are struggling due to the high cost of living and many have second jobs and summer jobs to fill their financial void.
Land at the Y in South Lake Tahoe to be purchased for affordable housing project
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 4:26pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A vacant one-half acre lot on Emerald Bay Road at the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe will soon become an “affordable by design” housing project and could be the site of tiny houses. At Thursday's California Tahoe Conservancy meeting they announced their intent to sell one of its developable properties to Dinsmore Sierra who will finance and build the project which is across the street from Alpina Cafe.
El Dorado County Sheriff D'Agostini to speak in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/12/2019 - 4:44pm
Event Date:
March 19, 2019 - 1:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to join El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini as he presents "Criminal Activity: Awareness, Reporting & Prevention" on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Library.
He will discuss topics the South Shore community is interested in including homelessness, crime trends and the most common financial scams targeting our communities and ways to avoid falling victim to scammers.
In addition, the Sheriff encourages questions from the audience on any other subjects that are of concern.
Community forum on the US 50 Revitalization Project in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/12/2019 - 8:44am
Event Date:
March 14, 2019 - 5:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community is invited to attend a forum on the US 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project this Thursday, March 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center.
City Council hears update on US50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/07/2019 - 6:06pm
Event Date:
March 14, 2019 - 5:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's been over three decades in the making. The US50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the Loop Road, is getting closer to becoming a final plan and its implementation.
The South Lake Tahoe City Council heard a presentation by Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), Lew Feldman and John Hasty of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Tuesday, outlining what has been accomplished and what is left to be done.
Column: Building on Lake Tahoe’s Progress
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/19/2019 - 5:40pm
2018 was an extraordinary year for Lake Tahoe, and one of the region’s most successful years in decades. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) assisted by dozens of partners approved landmark programs and projects, including a new Shoreline Plan, a comprehensive update of TRPA’s development rights system, and the U.S. 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project.
South Lake Tahoe apartments found to be unsafe - tenants must vacate
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 3:13pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Six families in South Lake Tahoe don't know where they will be spending Christmas after receiving notice Wednesday that the apartment building they've been calling home was found to be unsafe, giving them until Monday, December 17 to find a place to live.
US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project approved by TRPA
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/15/2018 - 7:09pm
LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV - It's been 38 years in the making. On Thursday, November 15, 2018, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the final joint environmental document for the US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the "Loop Road."
Last week, the board of the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) unanimously approved the same document, the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS/EIS).
Letter: It's time to vote for Tamara Wallace
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/03/2018 - 1:04am
Dear Citizens of South Lake Tahoe,
Overwhelming support of South Shore Community Revitalization Project at TRPA meeting
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/01/2018 - 11:55pm
STATELINE, Nev. - A standing room only crowd was in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board room on October 25, 2018 for an updated presentation, and plans for the next steps, of the U.S. 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project, commonly known as the Loop Road. It reroutes Highway 50 from its current location in front of Heavenly Village and the casinos to behind Raley's, the Village Center and Harrahs Tahoe.
South Tahoe Now: No on Measure T
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/29/2018 - 10:50pm
Election season can be an exciting time of year with anticipation of the possibilities, but this year in South Lake Tahoe election season is full of negativity that has pitted neighbor against neighbor. One year ago I wrote an editorial "Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork," and today I urge continuance of community, collaboration and teamwork.
Letter: Is Measure T Really Too Extreme?
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/29/2018 - 10:24am
I am surprised that some people call Measure T “too extreme,” when the measure a) still allows fulltime residents to rent out their houses for 30 days per year, b) promotes the development and expansion of VHRs in areas properly zoned as commercial or part of the Tourist Core.
Do you know what is really “too extreme”?
• Local businesses struggling to fill open positions because their employees can’t find long-term housing in Tahoe.
Letter: Vacation rentals can work in South Lake Tahoe - No on T
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/25/2018 - 9:41pm
As a full-time resident of South Lake Tahoe for the better part of 20 years, I write today to share why I am voting No on Ballot Measure T this November - a measure to ban vacation rentals within the city limits.
SLT City Council candidates respond to more renewable energy committee questions
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/08/2018 - 8:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight of the nine City Council candidates responded to a series of questions given to them by the 100% Renewable Energy Committee. On Sunday we printed their first responses - http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/08/2018/slt-city-council-candidates-respond-100-renewable-committe... - and here are the remaining questions and answers:
SLT City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Committee questions
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/08/2018 - 12:14am
On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to do two things: Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032; and reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040. The 100% Renewable Committee was formed to help the City accomplish these tasks.
Meet the Candidate: Hal Cole says his experience and calm leadership will guide City
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/06/2018 - 9:31am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, Hal Cole gives his responses as he attempts to return to the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Tom Davis promises to continue to be fair, open and listen to the concerns of all
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/05/2018 - 2:04pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, the current Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis gives his responses as he seeks re-election to the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Tamara Wallace wants City to concentrate on basics - police, fire and roads
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/04/2018 - 10:21am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, the first-time candidate Tamara Wallace gives her responses as she seeks a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Devin Middlebrook says transparency and trust are his key pillars
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/02/2018 - 8:14am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, the first-time candidate Devin Middlebrook gives his responses as he seeks a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Tahoe Chamber hosts community forum for South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 12:08am
Event Date:
October 4, 2018 - 5:30pm
Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) is hosting a candidate forum on October 4 for candidates running for South Lake Tahoe City Council. Three City Council member seats are up for election, which includes those held by incumbents, and candidates, Wendy David, Tom Davis and Austin Sass. All nine candidates are confirmed to attend.
The forum will be held in the Lake Tahoe Community College Board Room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Letter: Why you should vote Nick Exline for South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 09/14/2018 - 2:31pm
My name is Nick Exline and I am asking for your vote on November 6th for the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board as I will bring a higher level of commitment, leadership and vision to the STPUD Board.
Column: Collaborative action needed to solve South Lake Tahoe housing problem
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/13/2018 - 4:20pm
In classic Tahoe style, when there is a problem we study it. In the past five years, the housing issue has been studied on several fronts. In that time, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Placer County and the North Tahoe-Truckee area have all conducted Housing Studies and the City of South Lake Tahoe updated its Housing Element. What has been the result of all these studies? This column highlights the key recommendations from those studies and where we are now in terms of implementation.
STPUD looks to pave way for affordable housing projects in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/10/2018 - 12:02am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Thursday, the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board of Directors discussed changing their administrative code to allow for the transfer of sewer and water units from one parcel to another in order to encourage the building of affordable housing projects.
Since 2012, the transfer of the sewer units have not been allowed by STPUD, but with the current lack of affordable housing on the South Shore the board will look to approve a change of the code at their September 20, 2018 meeting.
Letter: STPUD updates from board member and candidate Duane Wallace
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 4:08pm
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.
Letter: South Lake Tahoe City Council must be leaders on affordable housing
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/25/2018 - 4:16pm
The follow letter was given to South Tahoe Now and mailed to the South Lake Tahoe Mayor, City Councilmembers and staff:
Dear Mayor David and Council Members:
I am writing to you as a follow-up to my letter of May 12, 2018 (see at end of story) regarding Policy Priorities and Issues for City Government.
Quality and Affordable Housing for Residents is Very Important
City Council makes it official: Dirk Brazil's interim city manager contract approved
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/05/2018 - 11:07pm
He's been on the job for a few weeks, meeting with staff and getting to know the ropes in South Lake Tahoe, but Dirk Brazil's employment contract for the interim city manager position was officially approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting, his first official day on the job.
Dirk Brazil ready to take on interim city manager role for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 6:39pm
Recently retired from the City of Davis, Dirk Brazil has been selected to become the City of South Lake Tahoe's interim city manager starting June 5.
Even though he doesn't start officially until next month, Brazil has been in town meeting with various stakeholders and getting to know the city.
He said a lot of things in a city are the same, departments and their functions are similar, but each one has its own issues.
Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 10:51pm
There are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.
South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.
Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V
Changes ahead for South Shore bus services
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/13/2018 - 11:07pm
One thing is certain, something has to change or there will not be enough money to operate buses around the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. What isn't certain is how those changes will look, where extra funding can come from, or if services will have to be cut.
During Friday's Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) board meeting, options to keep a sustainable transit system in place for Lake Tahoe were discussed. Buses continue to operate at a loss and that cannot continue, according to the TTD staff.
Letter: Let the voters decide fate of Bypass Loop Road
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/26/2018 - 8:58pm
The following was sent to the South Lake Tahoe City Council and was shared with South Tahoe Now:
Column: Making progress on Tahoe’s housing shortage
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/22/2018 - 6:30pm
Like many communities across the country, the Tahoe Basin is facing an affordable housing crisis. The high cost to buy or rent a home is simply unaffordable for most Tahoe residents. It’s a problem for people of many economic backgrounds, including middle-income teachers, nurses, police, and firefighters.
WNC student tackles affordable housing in shipping containers
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/14/2018 - 6:21pm
Two pressing issues in Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada are problems encountered by cities throughout the country, affordable housing and homelessness, and a student at Western Nevada College believes he has a viable solution.
Western Nevada College (WNC) student Masih Madani is devoted to seeing these two issues addressed by constructing tiny houses from out-of-circulation shipping containers. The 320-square-foot galvanized steel containers can be stacked side by side, as well as on top of each other, creating a variety of housing possibilities.
Douglas County Commissioners to vote on Master Plan update, including housing element
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/29/2017 - 12:26am
Douglas County Commissioners will be voting on the 20-year update to the Douglas County Master Plan during a special meeting on Tuesday, December 4 at 9:00 a.m. in the Courthouse at 1616 8th Street in Minden.
Tuesday's discussion will focus on the housing element of the plan along with other portions including safety.
Those unable to attend but would like to comment can submit written comment to the commissioners via their website here: https://www.douglascountynv.gov/46/Board-of-County-Commissioners.
Douglas County forming housing task force
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/22/2017 - 9:19pm
An Affordable Housing Task Force has been formed to assist Douglas County in its efforts to develop quality affordable housing opportunities. This has been in the works since July when they entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nevada Rural Housing Authority “For Creating a Viable Path to Achieving Affordable Housing for Douglas County, Nevada.”
Part of the Board of County Commissioners Strategic Plan includes evaluating the potential of offering affordable housing development incentives through the update of the Housing Element of the Master Plan.
Kudos: St. Joseph CLT thanks PFUND Family Foundation
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 2:52pmThe Board of Directors and membership of St. Joseph Community Land Trust wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the PFUND Family Foundation for its generous gift of $5,000. This donation will assist us considerably in our mission to help provide affordable housing and to improve the quality of life for residents of the Lake Tahoe Basin.The continued support of the PFUND Family Foundation over the years is very much appreciated.
- Cathy Kope, Executive Director, St. Joseph Community Land Trust
Revived interest in sale of Kingsbury Middle School
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 12:40am
Since escrow on Kingsbury Middle School fell through over a year ago, the school has remained vacant and unlisted at an annual cost of $45,000. Now the Douglas County School District is considering putting the property up for sale once again.
Public workshop on US 50 / South Shore Revitalization Project
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 7:51am
Event Date:
October 5, 2017 - 5:00pm
The public has another opportunity to give feedback on the design of the U.S. 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Formerly known as the Loop Road Project, this one seeks to divert Highway 50 from its current location near the intersection with Pioneer Trail and move traffic behind Raleys and the casinos, then reuniting with the current location of Highway 50 in Stateline, Nevada with a roundabout.
South Lake Tahoe affordable housing complex receiving upgrades
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 09/29/2017 - 2:46pm
The residents of a local affordable housing complex are looking forward to a facelift of the place they call home. The Sierra Garden Apartments, located at 1801 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe, are set to receive a $15 million renovation funded through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bonds.
Vail Resorts to add workforce housing in Colorado
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 10:57pm
A subsidiary of Vail Resorts announced Wednesday that it has received approvaly to convert a portion of a commercial property they own in Silverthorne, Colorado to workforce housing.
Colorado Mountain Express got a conditional use permit for their $440,000 project is the latest in Vail Resorts’ $30 million commitment to creating workforce housing opportunities in the communities in which the Company operates, including the Wintergreen development in Keystone and the recently announced plans to rezone a parcel of land in East Vail for workforce housing and open space, pending approvals.
Occupancy, density and caps of SLT VHRs topic of long meeting
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 1:19am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are two topics that fills the City Council chambers: Marijuana and Vacation Home Rentals (VHR). Interested residents and other stakeholders in the City's proposed changes to the VHR ordinance not only filled chambers, but filled seats surrounding televisions in the lobby where the proceedings were aired.
After almost six hours of presentation and conversation, the City Council voted to bring back the new ordinance in one month on October 5.
"Our job is to make a decision, not continuing to kick the can down the road," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.
Homelessness is a housing issue in South Lake Tahoe and beyond
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/01/2017 - 12:33am
Homelessness isn’t just a South Lake Tahoe issue. It isn’t just an El Dorado county issue. It isn't just a California problem, though the state ranks 49th in housing units per capita.
And it isn't a problem that is going away any time soon and will take a change in the way the problem is currently being addressed to be solved. For every 100 people who are added to the population of California there are only 32 housing units built to house them.
No extension or new purchase agreement accepted for Kingsbury Middle School
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 12:11am
It's back to the drawing board for the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Trustees after they officially decided to not give Patrick Taylor and Lake Parkway LLC another extension in their effort to buy Kingsbury Middle School.
Citing no confidence in the buyer's ability to put a deal that can close together, the trustees voted unanimously to take the steps needed to put the old middle school back on the market.
"I think the School District made a poor decision today," Patrick Taylor of Lake Parkway LLC told South Tahoe Now. "They are very unrealistic."
Kingsbury Middle School falls out of escrow
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/02/2017 - 1:17pm
Kingsbury Middle School has fallen out of escrow after the buyer, Lake Parkway LLC, failed to secure financing on the $3.15M purchase by the required date of July 31.
Buyer has one week to close escrow on Kingsbury Middle School sale
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/24/2017 - 6:40pm
The sale of Kingsbury Middle School to Lake Parkway LLC is still on, for now.
At a special meeting of the Douglas County School District Monday, the board voted unanimously to give the buyer until Monday, July 31 to come up with the rest of the $3.15 million purchase price for the middle school which has sat vacant since the 2008-09 school year.
Sale of Kingsbury Middle School is focus of special school board meeting
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/23/2017 - 2:50pm
A special meeting of the Douglas County School Board will be held on Monday, July 24 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss, review and vote on one of two options surrounding the sale of Kingsbury Middle School.
The district closed the school during the 2008-2009 school year due to declining enrollment. Zephyr Cove Elementary School and Whittell High School adjusted the grades the serve to absorb the middle school students. The district put the school building and property on the market in 2012 and it has now been vacant for over eight years.
Construction underway on Gondola Vista Estates in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 8:40pm
Socioeconomic study on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals released
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/14/2017 - 9:06pm
When the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted on a new Vacation Rental Ordinance in 2015 they also promised to hire a consultant to prepare a socioeconomic study on the impact vacation home rentals (VHRs) have on the community.
The results of the study were presented to the City Council and the public during a special meeting on Tuesday.
240 building allocations released by TRPA to Lake Tahoe jurisdictions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 10:12pm
In a unanimous decision during their May 24 meeting, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board voted to release 240 housing allocations to jurisdictions in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
After concern was raised during their April 26 meeting, the TRPA Governing Board's Local Government Committee met on May 11 to address the use of residential
Winners of TRPA Lake Spirit Awards announced
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 3:00pm
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) honored four people with Lake Spirit Awards Wednesday who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting Lake Tahoe and fostering a spirit of collaboration in their work and volunteer time.
This year’s award winners do everything from helping protect Lake Tahoe communities from wildfire and aquatic invasive species to promoting alternative transportation and sustainable lifestyles.
