clean

Harry Reid, the "all star lineup and clean up hitter Barack Obama"

"We're here to celebrate because we love Lake Tahoe," Nevada Senator Harry Reid said at the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Wednesday. Reid, who started the focus on Lake Tahoe along with President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore with the first Summit in 1997.

"Like a World Series team who can't rest on their laurels," said Reid, "we need to build on progress."

Reid went on with his World Series antidote and introduced the "All Star Lineup" at the 20th Summit, his last in office as he won't be seeking reelection after serving the state in Washington since 1987.

Smartphones now used to keep invasive species out of Lake Tahoe

Smartphones and invasive species don't normally go together, but this summer in Lake Tahoe, one was used to help keep the other out.

In a new partnership with other agencies around the West, the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program receives real-time updates from other land managers about vessels traveling to Lake Tahoe from waters with a high risk of containing invasive species.

By sharing the data, Tahoe's watercraft inspectors are alerted before the suspect boats show up.

Kirkwood and Vail Resorts face steep fines for dumping asphalt into creek

Kirkwood Mountain and Vail Resorts are facing steep fines after an anonymous complaint led Central Valley Water Board officials to investigate water quality impacts after it was found that asphalt grindings from parking lots at the resort ended up in Kirkwood Creek during snow removal operations during the 2015-16 season.

It was found during the inspection that the asphalt grindings, commonly spread on parking lots to assist with traction during icy and snowy conditions, ended up in Kirkwood Creek and other sensitive areas.

Fire west of Lake Tahoe held to 25 acres; Now 60% contained

7:20 p.m. update 8-7-16: Firefighters will soon be in clean up mode on the Alder Fire after they made good progress today. They strengthened lines today increasing the containment of the fire to 60 percent.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

9:00 a.m. update 8-7-16: Firefighters made good progress on the Alder Fire overnight and the fire is now 40 percent contained. The amount of brush and timber burned has been updated to 25 acres.

Keep Tahoe Blue Labor Day Beach Cleanup

Event Date: 
September 5, 2016 (All day)

The beaches can get thrashed with trash after the popular holiday weekend festivities. Help us keep our beaches clean! We provide cleanup materials, refreshments and a prize. Ride your bike to receive a special gift. Bring your reusable water bottle and friends!

For questions or more information, email events@keeptahoeblue.org or call 530.541.5388.

RSVP at keeptahoeblue.org/rsvp

Location

Nevada Beach
United States

Kudos: Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless thanks clean-up volunteers

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) would like to thank the many volunteers who participated in our litter pick up day around the 981 Silver Dollar neighborhood on July 9. We also appreciate Clean Tahoe for contributing supplies.

Participants included Chara Fugii, Norine Hegy, Jenn Lay and Jill Parmele. We appreciate their help in being good neighbors and keeping the area free of trash.

Volunteers pick up thousands of pounds of holiday trash

Hundreds of volunteers hit the Lake Tahoe beaches on Tuesday to clean up after the holiday revelers who flocked to area beaches to celebrate the 4th of July.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe coordinated the trash pick up efforts at nine area beaches. Their volunteers gathered almost 1,600 pounds of trash which included 7,738 cigarette butts.

Single-use plastics were the second-most commonly found category of trash, following cigarette butts.

Pyrotechnic crews finish up preparations for Lake Tahoe fireworks show

Tens of thousands of people will be enjoying the Lights on the Lake fireworks show over Lake Tahoe Monday, most of them unaware of the hundreds of hours of work put into their enjoyment.

"We love out job," said Zambelli Fireworks Western Region Project Manager John Hagan. "We can use explosives to make people happy."

Zambelli is the company hired to produce the 25 minute pyrotechnic show over Lake Tahoe on July 4, starting at 9:45 p.m.

TYFS to hold annual 5k ColorBlast Run in the Carson Valley

Event Date: 
August 20, 2016 - 9:00am

Tahoe Youth and Family Services, who serve the communities of Alpine County, Douglas County and South Lake Tahoe, is holding their fourth ColorBlast Run fundraiser on August 20. This event is part of the Carson Valley Medical Center’s Health Fest 2016.

Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue beach cleanups

Event Date: 
July 5, 2016 - 8:30am

After the July 4th festivities, our beaches are thrashed with trash. This trash can hurt wildlife and lake clarity. Be a part of the solution and help us this day to keep our beaches clean.

Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe and clean a beach. They will provide refreshments, cleanup bags, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Please bring your reusable water bottle, gloves if you have them, sunscreen, your friends and family, and a smile!

Each attendee will receive a raffle ticket for great prizes from Keep Tahoe Blue and our partners.

Join us at one of the following sites:

USFS: 66 million dead trees in Sierra; 26 million since October

The number of dead trees in the Sierra Nevada are now at historic levels and have fueled the risk of catastrohpic wildfires according to the U.S. Forest Service.

They announced Wednesday that they have identified an additional 26 million dead trees in California since October 2015, bringing the total to at least 66 million dead trees in the state. The most recent additions are located in six counties across 760,000 acres in the Southern Nevada region.

Think First - Keep Tahoe Fire Safe

June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. And nine years later, the 2007 Angora Fire remains a vivid remember that wildfire is one of the greatest threats facing our environment, our homes, and our businesses. We must prepare accordingly.

Our region continues to take important steps to manage that wildfire threat, improve the health of our forests, and create fire adapted communities that are prepared for the next wildfire at Tahoe. But there is more work to do.

Not too late to participate in Tahoe Bike Challenge; Celebration June 18

Event Date: 
June 18, 2016 - 12:00pm

For two weeks every year, Lake Tahoe area commuters, students and recreational riders get on their bikes instead of in the cars to get to where they need to go. This year's event started on June 1 and goes until June 14 so there are just a few days to make your bike rides count.

In addition to all the other reasons to participate (including that it is fun & free), the data collected goes to help show the need for bicycle paths and other infrastructure when we apply for grants and other funding.

Property owners fighting weeds in the Tahoe Keys

In an effort to prevent the growth and spread of invasive weeds in the Tahoe Keys, residents are being proactive in the fight to keep their lagoons clean. The Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) has submitted an updated Integrated Management Plan to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board for approval.

TKPOA's plan is an adaptive, holistic one to greatly reduce aquatic invasive weeds in its lagoons.

El Dorado County election results

Under half of the registered voters in El Dorado County turned out in the polls Tuesday for the Presidential primary race that also chose a county judge and a few measures adjusting the county charter and growth in the county.

50,477, or 46.11 percent of the voters, voted in the June 7, 2016 election.

Measures needed to pass by a majority:

Measure A passed by a 2,600 vote margin with 53.02 percent of the vote. The preamble of the County Charter will be changed to new wording.

Opinion: Air quality in Lake Tahoe

To keep Tahoe cherished and known for its beauty, locals try in their best efforts to “keep Tahoe blue.” Sadly, negative effects in our ecosystems come from humans which could damage the clarity of the lake and the air quality. Bad air quality comes from numerous sources, such as car emissions, uncontained fires, and contributors to toxic runoff into the forest; these sources of pollution must be stopped.

Tahoe Talks: Preventing the spread of aquatic invaders in Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 15, 2016 - 12:00pm

How do aquatic invasive plants and animals threaten the ecology and water quality of Lake Tahoe? Learn about steps you can take to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species during the next Tahoe Talks in the Aspen Room at Lake Tahoe Community College on Wednesday, June 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Local experts will talk about why it’s important to inspect your boat, clean your recreational equipment and keep an eye out for aquatic invasive plants.

Speakers:

Zack Bradford, Natural Resources Manager, League to Save Lake Tahoe

Sawmill Pond stocked and ready for Optimist Kid's Fishing Derby

Event Date: 
June 4, 2016 - 8:00am

The park is clean, the picnic tables are stained, and the pond is stocked, all in time for the annual Kid's Fishing Derby hosted by the Lake Tahoe Optimist Club.

From 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 4, all children 14-years-old and under are invited to Sawmill Pond to enjoy a morning packed with fun.

There will be prize giveaways, free hot dogs and drinks donated by Raley's Supermarket.

Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters, Francine Tanner and Mack the Naw will be on hand with loaners poles, tackle and to help with fish cleaning.

Leave No Trace events in South Lake Tahoe to raise awareness

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and its Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers team are partnering with the Lake Tahoe Outreach Committee and other Lake Tahoe organizations to host community events and educational activities June 6-13. As visitors flock to the outdoor recreation wonderland that is Lake Tahoe the trails, beaches and forests are experiencing an increase in use and the associated impacts of trash, trail erosion and shoreline degradation.

City receives $3 million in grants for South Lake Tahoe projects

Four new projects in South Lake Tahoe will be moving forward after the City was awarded $3 million in grants from the federal government through TRPA's Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO).

The money will be used for the following:

$1.8 million for design and construction of the Sierra Boulevard Complete Street Project
$510,000 for construction of the Tahoe Valley Greenbelt Project
$390,000 for purchase of a Sander vehicle replacement
$200,000 for the design and engineering of the Lake Tahoe Boulevard Bike Trail

Group formed to battle new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance change

You've spent your life savings on the dream, to buy a home in South Lake Tahoe. Better yet, you've found the perfect property where you can find a way to live in Tahoe and own a home that brings in some income.

There are current 56 different parcels in the City limits that are multi-family units that are also licensed vacation rentals and the City of South Lake Tahoe wants to prevent them from being rented, thus stopping the home owners from earning the needed income to keep their home.

Small diesel leak in the Tahoe Keys cleaned up; cause unknown

There has been another spill in the Tahoe Keys, this time a small diesel fuel spill in the Spinnaker Cove area between White Sands and the beach.

On Wednesday, May 25, the spill was reported at about 4:00 p.m. to the California Office of Emergency Services by the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA). Employees from TKPOA immediately placed booms in the water to keep the fuel from spreading.

Clean Harbor arrived on Thursday to lay out more booms and absorbent pads on the fuel and were able to pull them out on Friday.

$5 Dump Day for South Lake Tahoe residents June 4

Event Date: 
June 4, 2016 - 8:00am

Need to clean out your yard, attic, or garage? Once you've reused or recycled all that you can, get rid of the rest at Clean Tahoe's annual Community Cleanup Day (aka $5 Dump Day) on Saturday, June 4, 2016. It's the one day of the year South Shore residents can bring unwanted items to South Tahoe Refuse at HUGE discounts.

Community bike path cleanup scheduled for June 11

Event Date: 
June 11, 2016 (All day)

Join us as we celebrate the Tahoe Bike Challenge with a community bike path cleanup event!

Volunteers can meet at one of four locations throughout South Tahoe to pick up litter from the areas around our bike paths. Then we’ll get together at the League to Save Lake Tahoe office located at 2608 Lake Tahoe Boulevard for a free lunch, raffle and celebration after 12:00 p.m. All ages are welcome and all supplies will be provided.

We encourage volunteers to ride their bike, which also makes you eligible to enter a free raffle for a chance to win a prize.

Community weighs in on Lake Tahoe transportation issues

There is a balancing act needed to provide quality transportation, protect Lake Tahoe, keep clean air and meet the needs of the communities around the lake, but that is what Tahoe Transportation District is trying to accomplish with a series of pubic outreach efforts.

On Tuesday night in South Lake Tahoe, staff from the TTD, Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO) and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) held an open house at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel to get a pulse on the feelings of the public about transportation.

This is Bear Country: Practice proper food storage and trash disposal

Several local agencies have teamed together to inform the public on the importance of proper food storage and trash disposal at their Lake Tahoe homes and vacation rentals.

Inaugural community clean-up day on Saturday

Event Date: 
May 21, 2016 - 9:00am

The Clean Tahoe program is organizing the first Spring Clean day in South Lake Tahoe, something they hope will become an annual event in all local neighborhoods.
All community members are welcome to participate at various locations throughout the South Shore on Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Cleanup supplies will be provided as well as a free lunch for all volunteers at Lakeview Commons at El Dorado Beach afterward.

Sign up online at www.clean-tahoe.org/spring-clean or call (530) 544-4210.

Ask Hopeful Henry: We need litter box advice

Litter Box advice that will keep you and kitty happy.

Women of the Moose in SLT help local homeless youth

A community group effort led by the Women of the Moose (WOTM) Chapter 408 in South Lake Tahoe is helping the homeless youth of the community

WOTM help out with the kids who are part of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District's McKinney Vento program. LTUSD receives an annual allocation of about $1,000 to purchase school supplies and help with bus transportation for its approximately 250 homeless students.

Hopeful Henry: May is Pet Cancer Awareness month.

The last word you want to hear from your veterinarian is cancer.

As humans, we know that there are things that we can do to try to prevent some types of cancer. Well, there are some things we can do to decrease the chances of our pets getting cancer also.

Read on for the top five ways to reduce your pet’s cancer risk.

Have your pet spayed or neutered.

Valhalla Boathouse Theatre celebrates 20 years in South Lake Tahoe

It once housed The Shiek, a boat named in honor of Rudolf Valentino, friend and frequent guest to the Pope Estate in South Lake Tahoe. The Shiek was the biggest and fastest boat of its time on Lake Tahoe.

In the late 1800's it housed the boats of William Tevis who owned the 75 acre sprawling estate along the South Shore.

South Lake Tahoe needs to be interesting and ready to give a total experience

There was once a time when having a beautiful lake, spectacular scenery and non-stop action and gambling was enough for the tourist to visit South Lake Tahoe and the South Shore.

This is no longer the case and the community needs to become future ready.

Carl Ribaudo, owner of Strategic Marketing Group, spoke at the Future Ready Tourism Forum at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel on April 26, 2016.

While change is always tough Ribaudo said, South Lake Tahoe needs to be prepared as the tourist shifts from making a transaction when coming to Tahoe to wanting an experience.

Forest Service to start opening Tahoe recreational facilities

The opening dates for recreational facilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin have been announced, with the first ones set to e ready April 30, 2016.

Kiva Picnic area, Baldwin and Nevada beaches, Big Meadow trailhead, the McKinney Rubicon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area and Sawmill Pond, Eagle Falls, Chimney Beach and Secret Harbor parking areas will open April 30, 2016.

The Tallac Historic Site opens April 30, 2016, and will be staffed beginning Saturday, May 21, 2016 for Memorial Day weekend.

The Sandpit OHV area opens May 10, 2016.

Cleanup of Tahoe Keys oil spill continues

Investigators from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden's office were at the Tahoe Keys Marina again on Wednesday, trying to find the source of an oil leak that was discovered on Monday, April 11. They were joined by a press information officer and a biologist, all from the agency's pollution office.

They said was no wildlife impact found at the scene, and all fish in the shallow marina and birds in the area didn't appear to be harmed by the oil.

Opinion: Re-Making Tahoe in the 21st Century

When people visit Tahoe for the first time, they marvel at the extraordinary natural landscape and fresh, clean air. At the same time, some are shocked at the dilapidated condition of the built environment: rundown buildings, crumbling infrastructure, and tired-looking development. The paradox is compelling. Despite TRPA’s mandate to harmonize the natural and human-made landscapes so that they blend together, outdated development that preceded environmental standards now serves as blight in our community.

Oil leak at Tahoe Keys Marina

An oil leak found Monday, April 11, 2016 at the Tahoe Keys Marina is being cleaned up, but the source of the oil is still unknown. After being found, the spill was reported to the California Office of Emergency Services, the agency that deals with oils spill hazardous materials.

The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) is investigating the leak and have taken samples to test to try and determine origin.

Clean Harbors has been hired by the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association to clean up the oil. Their truck and containment boom were at the marina on Tuesday.

Hopeful Henry: The Bears are Back!

Dear Henry,

I’m a local and have noticed the bears are back! I’ve already seen cubs and a lot more sightings in my neighborhood when compared to last year. Could you cover some bear safety tips in your article for those who are new to area or visiting in one of the many vacation homes?

Thanks,
Ron

Thanks Ron,

Illegitimate massage parlors focus of proposed South Lake Tahoe enforcement

The definition of a massage parlor according to Wikipedia is: A place where massage services are provided. Some massage parlors are fronts for prostitution and the term "massage parlor" has also become a euphemism for a brothel, to the annoyance of professional masseurs.

Clean up criminal records at an upcoming free clinic

You may be able to clean up your criminal record at an upcoming clinic if you were convicted of misdemeanors or felonies in El Dorado County over one year ago that resulted in jail time, alternative sentencing, or probation.

At the free clinic, you will receive information on whether you are eligible to petition the Court for a dismissal of certain convictions in California. If you were convicted in El Dorado County and successfully completed all the terms of your sentence, you will receive instructions on how to “clean up” your record.

Tahoe man busted for pounds of pot after pepper spraying homeless man

A 20-year-old South Lake Tahoe man was arrested Monday on felony drug charges after he allegedly used pepper spray on a homeless man and then called 911 dispatch to report what he had done, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.

Large boulder falls onto Highway 50 north of Cave Rock tunnel

A large boulder has rolled down onto Highway 50 on the Lake Tahoe east shore near Logan Creek, causing a dent in the road but no injuries.

The Nevada Highway Patrol was dispatched to the incident at 6:19 p.m. Saturday, February 20. Once there they found the boulder, it was reported to be eight feet across, blocking one lane north of the Cave Rock Tunnel in the westbound lane.

One passerby said the boulder was bigger than their Lincoln Navigator, at least six to seven tall.

Hopeful Henry: Be a responsible pet owner

Ask Henry:

It’s Responsible Pet Owners Month so I wanted to share my top ten things you need to do to be a responsible pet owner.

1) Being a responsible pet owner starts before you even get a pet. Make sure you pick a breed that fits with your lifestyle. Do you live in an apartment? If so I wouldn’t rush out and get a Great Dane. Always consider adopting from a shelter, there are so many animals looking for their forever homes. If you must go with a breeder make sure they are reputable!

First $19 million from Measure F being spent at Lake Tahoe Community College

South Lake Tahoe, CA— With the support of South Lake Tahoe’s voters, Lake Tahoe Community College successfully passed a $55 million bond measure in November 2014. Called Measure F, the bond will make it possible for the college to upgrade and modernize its technology, make necessary repairs to aging facilities and systems, and improve educational programs and students’ learning environment. The first set of bonds was sold¬ in July 2015 for $19 million, or 35% of the $55 million voters approved.

Guest Columnist: Sue Novasel - I am proud of our community

El Dorado County and its Board of Supervisors have been in full stride throughout the last year solving critical issues, making important changes to protect tax dollars and providing expanded services to the public.

Help needed for UC Davis 2016 Science Fair in Incline Village

The 11th annual Science Expo is just around the corner and they are looking for volunteers to help facilitate the exciting and fun activities on five days (Monday through Friday, March 14-18) at eleven different 2 hour and 15 minute sessions:

Monday, March 14 / 9:15-11:30 am
Monday, March 14 / 11:30-1:45 pm
Tuesday, March 15 / 9:00-11:15 am
Tuesday, March 15 / 11:05-1:20 pm
Wednesday, March 16 / 9:30-11:45 am
Wednesday, March 16 / 11:45-2:00 pm
Wednesday, March 16 / 3:45-6:00 pm
Thursday, March 17 / 8:45-11:00 am
Thursday, March 17 / 11:05-1:20 pm
Friday, March 18 / 9:45-12:00 pm

Kudos: Azul Latin Kitchen serves at Bread & Broth

Azul Latin Kitchen was the “Adopt A Day of Nourishment” sponsor for the Bread & Broth dinner served at St. Theresa Church Grace Hall on Monday, January 4. It is a great fit to have the Tahoe Restaurant’s Azul Latin Kitchen join with B&B to provide meals to local individuals who are in need of hot nutritious food along with a warm and secure place to spend an hour or two during Tahoe’s very cold winters.

Actor Mark Ruffalo testifies at Nevada solar panel hearing in Carson City

A big-name actor joined others in testifying Wednesday before a panel on Nevada solar power rates. A rate hike that took effect on January 1 has caused a ripple through the industry, resulting in hundreds of layoffs.

The Public Utilities Commission met in Carson City to discuss whether to suspend controversial new rates for rooftop solar power customers. They were looking at requests from solar company groups and the state consumer advocate to put a stay on the new rate hikes.

The actor is a climate change advocate and was greeted by a standing ovation after his testimony.

Before Hwy 50 it was horses and wagons on the Johnson Cut-Off

The trip is hot and dry. A layer of several feet of dust lined the route, flying around as the wheels of the wagons and hooves of the horses pass over. The road is steep and over granite along the 130 miles from the Carson Valley to Placerville. When not the middle of summer, the road is muddy or buried by snow. A horse could cover the terrain in 24-hours.

The road is Johnson's Cut-off and the year is 1852. It was built by John Calhoun "Cock-eye" Johnson as a way to cut off 50 miles and 2,000 feet in elevation from the common route people took over Donner Summit as they emigrated West.

Warm Room opens doors in South Lake Tahoe

We've seen them walking along the streets, sleeping in the forests or hanging outside of an all night market. The faces of South Lake Tahoe's homeless. Winter can be brutal on the homeless in town with below freezing temperatures, snow covered paths and no place to keep warm.

That is, until today.

The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless opened the doors of their new Warm Room on Friday, ready to take in their first visitors at 7:00 p.m. It is a safe and warm place for people over 18, getting them out of physically harmful conditions.

Opinion: Why Total Recall is Necessary

The Mountain Democrat Editorial Friday December 11, 2015 titled “Total recall a total waste of time” on page A5 is far below the minimum standards of an honest newspaper. The article uses accusations of gossip, vague personal attacks, and sneering degradation of “some of the people” to dismiss the serious issues plaguing our County government.

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