california

Lake Tahoe chain controls in place; expect them to fall this morning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chain controls are currently up on some mountain highways around Lake Tahoe. It was windy overnight, bringing in a quick storm that left a dusting of snow at lake level. As things clear out this morning, the rest of Wednesday will be partly sunny with a high near 39. Southwest winds will continue up to around 10 mph. Tonight, snow is likely, mainly after 4:00 a.m. Low will be around 21. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible.

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies, are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin over the next few weeks, weather permitting.

The 13 areas currently on the planned operations:

The old Tahoe Pines Campground near the intersection of US Hwy 50 and South Upper Truckee Rd. by the California Tahoe Conservancy. 8 acres of Machine Piles.

Upper Kinsbury, Valley Side by the Tahoe Douglas Fire District. 40 acres of Hand Piles.

Drivers stopped for snow play adventures continue to park dangerously & illegally

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many head to the Sierra to experience snow in all forms, from the ski slopes to sledding and building snowmen. With the fun and excitement awaiting, many seem to have forgotten the laws of being safe on the roadway and parking on the highways, and not observing "no parking" zone rules,

Ted Gaines in South Lake Tahoe to discuss new taxes on commercial and industrial properties

Event Date: 
January 9, 2020 - 9:30am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former California State Senator Ted Gaines will be in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday, January 9 to discuss the proposed amendment to Proposition 13 that will remove commercial properties from their property tax protection and tax them on market value and not purchase price.

Gaines is a member of the California Board of Equalization for the 1st district. He will be speaking during the monthly meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association and the public is invited.

The meeting will be held at the LTVA meeting space at 169 US-50 Stateline, Nev. 9:30 a.m.

Facts about California's water legislation and what it means for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - No, you're not going be fined for taking a shower and doing laundry on the same day. A news story by a Los Angeles area television station and carried through the internet on New Year's Day wrongly stated just that as an effect of upcoming water efficiency laws.

Thousands in South Lake Tahoe and Stateline for New Year's Eve celebrations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The ringing in of the new year was celebrated several different ways across the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

At Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, a season-long celebration concluded with a New Year's Eve celebration attended by an estimated 6,500 people. The festivities included a 9:00 p.m. fireworks show on the gondola, concerts and special activities all day long.

Column: 2019 Highlights from South Tahoe Public Utility District

Every day we wash our dishes, fill our water glass, and flush the toilet, likely without thinking much about the systems required to make this all possible. I’d like to think we are doing our job so you don’t have to think too much about it.

First snow survey of the season: 97% of average near Echo Summit, 90% of average in Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the first manual snow survey of the season at Phillips Station Thursday, and they found 33.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 11 inches. The snowpack at this location is 97 percent of average, with the Sierra as a whole at 90 percent of average.

Road Beat: 2020 Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid, Still an almost perfect EV

Clarity was originally a name reserved for Honda’s venture into fuel cells which still exists in the Clarity Fuel Cell. But at a price approaching $60,000, its sales are very small at about 625 units for 2018. While that is a percentage increase of about 35 percent, the actual number of increased unit sales was under 200 year over year. See how percentage increase figures can be misleading? However, the new Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is having robust sales in comparison (over 18,0000 units sold) and for many a good reason.

Dozens of new California laws go into effect in 2020

New laws will be going into effect in California in the new year, putting into place California legislature action during 2019. There are many changes including road safety and distracted driving penalties, roadkill rules, minimum wage, independent workers and rent caps.

Except where noted, these laws are effective January 1, 2020:

Traffic Safety

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several new laws passed this year:

Charges to be filed against driver involved in deadly tanker crash in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The driver of a Prius involved in a deadly tanker crash on US50 near South Lake Tahoe will be charged with a single count of misdemeanor manslaughter.

Four local families given special Christmas through Heavenly Holidays donation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Four local families were treated to presents for their children at Fire & Ice in South Lake Tahoe on Monday. Mom even got to take home a special gift too!

Identified through SOS Outreach, the kids met with the jolly Santa Claus and were given bags of gifts to take home.

US50 near Sierra-at-Tahoe reopens after head-on collision

7:15 p.m. UPDATE: All lanes have been reopened on US50 west of Sierra-at-Tahoe after a two-car head-on collision between a van and a SUV just after 5:00 p.m. Sunday. All injured parties have been transferred to Barton and the vehicles have been towed away.

At this time the extent of injuries is unknown but unconfirmed reports say all are minor at this time.

* * *

Snow brings a mess to roads around South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The latest storm hit quickly Sunday morning, bringing snow to South Lake Tahoe area roads and, with those, chain controls, traffic issues and collisions.

Drivers heading west over Echo Summit have been attempting short cuts through Lake Tahoe Blvd., Mandan Street, Sawmill Road and North Upper Truckee, and because of that they are creating a mess with double parking as they put on chains and blocking the roadway.

Viking Corner: This week at South Tahoe High

South Tahoe High School’s students get ready for holiday break. This week, leadership spreads holiday cheer, Climate Crew sets out for a conference, and basketball gets ready for another home game.

On Campus
Leadership created a spirit week leading up to the break. Each day, students dressed up according to theme of ugly sweaters, Hanukkah, ski bum, holiday character, and pajama day. Leadership and Associated Student Body are holding a holiday rally in the Blue Gym tomorrow.

Column: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency celebrates 50 Years

The year was 1969. And what a year it was. On July 20, 1969—the Viet Nam War was raging—American Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon. For much of the decade, America and indeed the world had been mesmerized by the space race.

TRPA honors 29th annual Best in the Basin award winners

STATELINE, Nev. - Six projects were given Best in the Basin awards Wednesday by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). The presentation of the 29th annual winners was made before their board meeting at Stateline.

The TRPA Best in Basin awards program showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

Six indicted for falsely claiming benefits for properties destroyed in Paradise Camp Fire

On Thursday, Dec. 12, a federal jury returned indictments against six defendants who made false claims for benefits in connection with the 2018 Camp Fire and received funds from FEMA to compensate for their losses, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

South Lake Tahoe to start new search for city manager and fire chief

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the City of South Lake Tahoe in need of both a city manager and fire chief, the City Council today discussed the best route to take on their recruitment.

Ronald Gordon Renaldi ~ 1933 - 2019

Ronald Gordon Renaldi, R.Ph., passed away on December 4, 2019 at the age of 86.

Born in Oakland, California on October 26, 1933 to Hazel and Joseph Renaldi. Ron grew up in Oakland, graduating from Saint Elizabeth High School in 1951. He earned a BS from the University of California, Berkeley in 1955.

Kenny Chesney coming to Lake Tahoe on Amphitheater CHILLAXIFICATION tour

STATELINE, Nev. - An early Christmas present for country music fans. Harrah's and Harvey's Lake Tahoe have announced the first act confirmed for the 2020 Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series.

Country music superstar Kenny Chesney will bring his Amphitheater CHILLAXIFICATION tour to Tahoe on July 2 & 3, 2020. Chesney’s amphitheater shows feature popular, multi-talented musician and Oakland, California native Michael Franti & Spearhead as support on the stage.

More information, including on sale dates, will be announced soon.

It's flu season, take precautions to not become a statistic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of the year when people are experiencing coughs, fevers, sore throats, body aches and runny or stuffy noses. It's flu season!

El Dorado County health officials said they saw an earlier start than normal of the flu season this year and now all regions of the country are seeing elevated widespread levels of flu-like illness.

Seasonal influenza activity in the United States has been elevated for five weeks and continues to increase, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

South Lake Tahoe CHP office collecting toys for kids

The South Lake Tahoe California Highway Patrol Office (CHP) in Meyers is collecting toys for children in the community.

They will have a barrel in their office through the end of the week, December 20.

Once collected the toys will be distributed among local, South Lake Tahoe and Meyers nonprofits who need them for their clients.

CHP is located at 2063 Hopi Avenue, South Lake Tahoe. Call Officer Ruth Loehr at (530) 577-1001. The office is open 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. M-F.

Snow blankets Lake Tahoe and Sierra, chance of sunshine moving in for a few days

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A quick-moving storm made its was over the Sierra and Lake Tahoe Saturday night and Sunday morning, leaving behind a few inches of snow and the beautiful views the region is known for.

Recorded snowfall in South Lake Tahoe was 5" with 7" at Heavenly Mountain Resort and 7-10" over at Homewood. The forecast shows some days with sunshine and cold nights ahead until the next chance of snow on Wednesday and again next weekend.

California Tahoe Conservancy board approves forest health, aquatic species and marsh restoration funds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Board has authorized spending $1,036,750 to implement three high-priority projects to reduce fire risk and improve forest health in South Lake Tahoe and on the west shore.

During their meeting on Thursday, the CTC Board approved funding for projects that include:

- Spending up to $211,250 on forest thinning on Conservancy land in the South Lake Tahoe Ski Run and Bijou neighborhoods,

- A grant to the South Tahoe Public Utility District for up to $338,000 for forest thinning on the grounds of its treatment plant, and

Purchase of one electric bus, four diesel buses on LTUSD agenda Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Timing seems perfect to have a fleet of electric buses for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD), but trustees have the purchase of just one on their Friday night agenda along with the purchase of four diesel buses.

The Board's annual organizational meeting is set for December 13 at 5:00 p.m. instead of their normal Tuesday meeting. During the meeting, they will elect a new board president and clerk, and elect representatives to El Dorado County School Boards Association and Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, and assign annual duties for the trustees.

Discussion on two parcels in South Lake Tahoe helping address housing crisis

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Approximately 50 community members attended Wednesday's community meeting about the current housing crisis in South Lake Tahoe, and possible solutions through using California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) asset lands near the "Y".

The DTC was joined by state and local partner agencies in discussing how their "asset lands" at 1860 Lake Tahoe Boulevard and 1029 Tata Lane could support sustainable development consistent with local planning. Both properties are subject to the City of South Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe Valley Area Plan.

Warning for those who received El Dorado County voter postcards

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – Voters who have been mailed a postcard from the
El Dorado County Registrar of Voters Bill O’Neill indicating they are a "No Party Preference" may have to re-register.

“We are confident our mailing list of NPP voters is accurate, however, some voters may have had their party preference unknowingly changed as a result of automatic voter registration through the California Department of Motor Vehicles,” O’Neill said.

Warning for those who received El Dorado County voter postcards

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – Voters who have been mailed a postcard from the
El Dorado County Registrar of Voters Bill O’Neill indicating they are a "No Party Preference" may have to re-register.

“We are confident our mailing list of NPP voters is accurate, however, some voters may have had their party preference unknowingly changed as a result of automatic voter registration through the California Department of Motor Vehicles,” O’Neill said.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Lake Tahoe Basin from Friday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. to Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m.

A series of systems will bring additional rain and snow to the region through Sunday, starting with a relatively warm system Thursday into Friday morning. It will bring gusty winds to western Nevada with rain and very high elevation snow for the Sierra and portions of northeast California, according to the National Weather Service.

Column: Lake Tahoe West Landscape Restoration Strategy.

As the Fire Chief serving the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, I am acutely aware and concerned about the potential for catastrophic wildfire here.

AlertTahoe fire camera system detects 57th fire in Lake Tahoe

The AlertTahoe 11-camera system surrounding the Lake Tahoe Basin has been credited for detecting its 57th fire since first being installed in 2013.

As the Kincade Fire in Sonoma and the Easy Fire in Southern California raged, a camera in Lake Tahoe spotted a small fire on the West Shore. Fire crews were able to respond and quickly put it out.

Vail Resorts CEO and his wife donate over $2.8M for emotional wellness programs, including some in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, today announced they were donating more than $2.8M to further strengthen emotional wellness programs in more than ten mountain communities where Vail Resorts operates. This is the second consecutive year their Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust has distributed behavioral health grants.

Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble raise almost $4K for Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This year's Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble were once again successful, this time raising almost $4,000 for the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH).

The City of South Lake Tahoe and TCH were cosponsors of the event and are thanking the community for their support.

“This event just keeps getting better and better and that is thanks in large part to the community support,” said Recreation Superintendent Lauren Thomaselli. “This year's Turkey Trot was one of the best we’ve had and all raised money and donations for some very worthy causes.”

After 50 years with USFS, Supervisor Crabtree to retire

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree announced that he will retire on January 6, 2020, completing a career that spanned 50 years.

South Lake Tahoe housing crisis focus of community meeting

Event Date: 
December 11, 2019 - 6:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy and their State and local partners invite the public to a community meeting to discuss opportunities to help address the housing crisis in South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, December 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

CTC owns two properties at the one, one 9.75 acres and the other 1.6 acres in 1989 for the purpose of using the non-sensitive portions of the lots for purposes consistent with the now current area plan.

Snow blankets Lake Tahoe after wet storm passes through

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Road controls are dropping on many of the Sierra's highways as the latest of storms passes through. Rain prevailed for much of the weekend, but not before ski resorts received a foot of new snow.

Heavenly Mountain Resort reports 12" of new snow, Sierra-at-Tahoe 14", Kirkwood 12" and Squaw Valley 16" in the last 24 hours. The West Slope experienced an afternoon and evening of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, and fog. Lake Tahoe is forecast to receive some of that freezing fog on Sunday night.

Unique Lake Tahoe experiences available at Sierra State Parks online auction

lAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The popular Sierra State Parks Foundation annual end-of-the-year online auction is now live, offering the public chances to win four unique experiences, perfect for a Christmas present or unforgettable summer in Lake Tahoe.

From now until December 31, 2019, at 11:59 p.m., people can submit bids on experiences: Vikingsholm Tour & Tastings at Vikingsholm Castle, Breakfast on the Porch at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, Dinner for Eight inside the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, and Stake Your Claim BBQ Dinner at Emerald Bay (lake level).

Winter Storm Watch in place Friday-Sunday for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - More unsettled weather is on the way. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning for the greater Lake Tahoe area.

LTCC women's soccer blanks Sierra College, off to CCCAA Final Four

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - For the second consecutive year, the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) women's soccer team is headed to the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Tournament.

The Lady Coyotes beat Sierra College Monday afternoon by a score of 2-0 in the third round of the NorCal Regional Playoffs at Consumnes College in Sacramento. The game was originally scheduled on the LTCC field in South Lake Tahoe but snow moved it to the valley.

Tahoe Film Festival returns to the North Shore

The 5th annual Tahoe Film Fest presents an incredible selection of new feature films and documentaries on various topics, as well as important award-winning environmental films. Several filmmakers introduce their works. The event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy almost thirty films and interact with other film aficionados.

All proceeds from the festival, which runs on the North Shore from December 5-8, go to support educational programs at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

Rain in the Lake Tahoe Basin; Higher elevation snow and avalanche warning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Storm Warning remains in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin until 10:00 a.m. Monday. It is currently raining at lake level and at Echo Summit.

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Sierra from Yuba Pass to Ebbetts Pass from Sunday morning until Monday morning at 7:00 a.m.

The latest storm system is still over the Sierra with more on the way. With high of 38 and low of 33, expect rain to continue in South Lake Tahoe.

Road conditions at 11:00 a.m. Sunday:

I80

Big rigs not allowed on I80 or US50; Chain controls in place over Lake Tahoe area roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavy traffic over Donner Summit on I-80, an incoming snowstorm and slick conditions have led Caltrans officials to not allow any commercial tractor-semitrailer combinations on the highway from Applegate to the state line. They estimate this will be the case until Monday morning.

Many of those big rigs were coming over US-50 and Echo Summit, but no longer. The commercial semis 65-feet and longer are no longer allowed over the summit. It is unknown at this time when they will be allowed.

LTCC women's soccer wins, faces Sierra College in round three of playoffs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) women's soccer team has shutout their opponents so far in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Norcal Regionals, blanking West Hills and San Francisco City College in the first two rounds.

The 18-0-2 Coyotes will face the Sierra College Wolverines (19-3) in the third round Monday, December 2 at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento at 4:00 p.m. Sierra College beat Evergreen Valley 3-2 in overtime and Clovis 4-1 leading up to the LTCC game.

I80 closed due to multiple spin outs; Chain controls up on US50

There have been multiple vehicle spinouts on I80, forcing its closure tonight between Colfax and the Nevada state line. Highway 20 also is closed at Nevada City due to the spinouts. Motorists on I-80 should be prepared for long delays, according to Caltrans.

It is not snowing but ice is a concern.

Chain controls as of 8:45 p.m. Friday:

US 50
Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 59.8 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California.

I80

Conservancy receives $2.98M to help restore Upper Truckee Marsh

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) has been awarded a large piece of funding to help its $10.6 million project to restore the 500 acre Upper Truckee River Marsh.

CTC was awarded $2.98M by the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) to help with the project at the marsh, the largest wetland in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

South Lake Tahoe Open House book signing for local novelist Robert Max

Event Date: 
December 8, 2019 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – “The police work is authentic, although unconventional. The danger will set you on edge. But above all, NO FORCED ENTRY is a marvelous and unique story that will touch your heart, make you look over your shoulder, and think twice before opening your door,” said retired South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Terry Daniels of Robert Max’s new thriller.

Beautiful Thanksgiving day around Lake Tahoe, more snow expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chain controls over many mountain roads are being lifted this morning as the beautiful blue skies Lake Tahoe is famous for are appearing from behind the clouds.

As of 11:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving, Caltrans has removed chain controls from US50 at Echo Summit but there is a small pocket from Fresh Pond to Sly Park that requires them at this time.

US50 reopens after 77 cows wrangled after escape from jackknifed big rig

10:15 p.m. update: US50 is now open in both directions. The last of the cows were wrangled and removed from the roadway.

77 cows were on the cattle truck when it jackknifed.

* * *
9:00 p.m. update: CHP reports US50 is still closed and they estimate it will reopen by 10:00 p.m.

* * *

It isn't the snow over Echo Summit that is hampering the Wednesday night drive on Highway 50 east of Placerville, its the cows and a jackknifed big rig near Apple Cafe and Carson Road.

A foot of snow blankets South Lake Tahoe; Heavenly opens and road controls in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is one word to describe Wednesday: SNOW! Winter made its appearance in the Lake Tahoe basin Tuesday and will continue this week as one storm exits and another stops by.

Lake Tahoe Community College is closed for the day. The college will reopen at its normal time after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on Monday, Dec. 2. The City of South Lake Tahoe offices are open.

Syndicate content