environmental

Column: Collaboration key to new Tahoe challenges

Warming temperatures pose major challenges for Lake Tahoe's environment, communities, and the outdoor recreation that drives its economy. Research by University of California, Davis's Tahoe Environmental Research Center, University of Nevada, Reno, and Desert Research Institute clearly shows Lake Tahoe is warming.

Community partners bring "Farm-to-School" program to South Lake Tahoe schools

SOUT LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is often said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In South Lake Tahoe, the same could be said about keeping kids healthy. October is National Farm to School Month, and in South Lake Tahoe, the UC Cooperative Extension CalFresh nutrition education program has partnered with Barton Health and Lake Tahoe Unified School District to implement Harvest of the Month, a statewide initiative that motivates students to make healthier choices and brings fresh, in season produce to all South Lake Tahoe elementary schools.

Prescribed burns at two locations around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service may conduct prescribed fire operations in Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore and near Twin Peaks on the South Shore beginning today, October 17, 2018. Smoke will likely be present.

A) Along lakeside of Hwy 89, north of General Creek, 17 acres of understory will be burned by California State Parks. Duration of ignition and smoke production is one week with smoke expected to travel northeast.

Sewage spill into South Lake Tahoe storm drain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A sewer blockage at a home on Kokanee Trail sent sewage into the street gutter and flowing into a storm drain Friday morning in South Lake Tahoe.

South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) received a call at 8:15 a.m. October 12 reporting a leak in the 3000 block of Kokanee Trail. Upon investigation they found the spill and immediately responded with a vactor truck and suctioned up the overflow to prevent additional sewage from flowing into the storm drain. Once the
spill was stopped, the crew worked to clean it up.

It's fall, that must mean it's time for prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Six different areas around Lake Tahoe have been slated to receive fuels treatment over the next week with some of the prescribed fires starting today, October 10.

Public comment sought on future Interstate 11 from Las Vegas to Northern Nevada

The public has the opportunity to comment on the Nevada segment of Interstate 11 (I-11), a planned four-lane highway from Mexico to Canada. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking public input on recommended corridor alternatives for the future I-11 connecting Las Vegas and northwestern Nevada.

Standing room only for Jessica Morse Town Hall meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There were no seats available and people were standing along the sides of the Lake Tahoe Community College board room Sunday, all to see Congressional Candidate Jessica Morse.

SLT City Council candidates respond to more renewable energy committee questions

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

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.

New city attorney on board for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With several hot topics on the horizon, Heather Stroud was approved today to be the new city attorney for South Lake Tahoe.

She was introduced during Tuesday's City Council where they unanimously approved her contract. Stroud then moved to the city attorney chair for the rest of the meeting.

Stroud's five-year contract gives her a base salary of $160,000.00 plus paid sick days, a car allowance of $250, and an opportunity to buy into the City's health plan.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 60 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe in the month of August, 2018

1 DAY BATHROOMS
3665 SPRUCE RENTALS

ACTIVE CLEAN ENERGY
ALPINE MIDWIFERY
AMAC CONSTRUCTION
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC
AROS COMMUNICATIONS

BEALS STYLES
BENVENUTO SHARED HOME RENTAL
BEYOND CLEANING SERVICES
BEYOUTIFUL BROW CO.
BRIAN STEPHENS GENERAL CONTRACTOR

CATHERINES CLEANING SERVICES
CLARITY CLEANING
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PROJECT INC
COMPASS CLAY STUDIO

DAWSONS FLOOR FASHIONS
DB'S HANDYMAN SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT DATA & CONSULTING

Eveyone a winner as W.E. C.A.R.E Sports visits South Lake Tahoe schools

W.E. C.A.R.E. Sports has spent the week in South Lake Tahoe, visiting each elementary school thanks to a grant awarded by the Tahoe Women's Community Fund to bring the program to Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

The Oregon-based organization helps support the physical development and social-emotional tenets for young children by teaching life skills and building self-esteem.

Every child is on an equal playing field as they are introduced to unique alternative sports in a positive non-judgmental environment where everyone wins.

Volunteers restore streambanks and protect native species to Keep Tahoe Blue

Almost 100 volunteers participated in the League to Save Lake Tahoe's 21st annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day on the first day of Fall, September 22, 2018. They restored crumbling stream banks, worked to protect native species and removed litter from Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe.

“Hands-on restoration work is one of the most important actions we can take to Keep Tahoe Blue,” says Marilee Movius, the League’s community engagement manager, “and many hands make for lighter work to help out our busy land managers.”

Column: Decisions nearing for Shoreline Plan and Development Rights

This September and October, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board will move forward with hearings and final milestone decisions on two significant initiatives: A new Shoreline Plan and an overhaul of the agency’s transferable development rights system.

TRPA will hold hearings for both these initiatives at the Governing Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 26, and could hold final votes on them as early as Wednesday, Oct. 24.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Nevada Beach

Event Date: 
September 22, 2018 - 9:00am

The public is invited to celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) with the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and our partners at Nevada Beach Pavilion on Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The LTBMU and Tahoe Recreation will host this free community event, which provides an opportunity for the public to connect and engage with volunteers and organizations to learn how to best enjoy and protect our public lands.

Letter: Why you should vote Nick Exline for South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board

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.

2019 project to reroute Upper Truckee River through South Lake Tahoe marsh

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Money is on its way to South Lake Tahoe to restore the Upper Truckee Marsh, the largest remaining wetland in the Sierra Nevada, and reverse damage created by decades of development.

The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) announced Thursday they received $1,700,066 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife towards their project to redirect the Upper Truckee River to its historic network of channels through the Marsh. Water flowing through the Marsh will slow down, allowing sediment to settle instead of reaching Lake Tahoe.

New Meyers Advisory Council focus of community meeting

Event Date: 
September 19, 2018 - 10:00am

El Dorado County Planning staff and Supervisor Sue Novasel will be at the Freel Perk Coffee Shop on Wednesday, September 19 to chat about the County's proposed Meyers Advisory Council.

Interested citizens can stop by at any between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Novasel and staff will be available to discuss the Advisory Council and answer questions about the process to establish it. If you cannot attend, call 530.573.7905 for any questions and comments.

The resolution for establishing the Meyers Advisory Council:

Forest Service to host public tour for Meeks Bay Restoration Project

Event Date: 
October 10, 2018 - 2:00pm

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will host a public tour to announce the proposed action and public comment period for the Meeks Bay Restoration Project on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The public tour will take place from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Meeks Bay Resort, 7941 Emerald Bay Road (Highway 89), Meeks Bay, CA 96142. The 45-day comment period begins with the publication of the Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register on Tuesday, Sep. 11, 2018. Comments are most helpful if received by Friday, Oct. 26, 2018.

Portions of Spooner Lake and Tahoe Rim Trails to close as forest health issues addressed

With dense vegetation spanning over 300 acres, the iconic Spooner Lake portion of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is increasingly susceptible to environmental disturbances threatening the health of the Tahoe Basin. State officials from forestry, parks and lands announced Thursday the closure of the Spooner Lake portion of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park from Sept. 12 to Nov. 16 to address forest health issues.

Letter: Bijou Garden Grows Community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Family Resource Center (FRC) has long been a stronghold for the South Lake Tahoe community, providing necessary life services to community members in need. This summer, the FRC was especially busy with the ninth year of Parabajitos, an early intervention and prevention program that aims to engage youth and strengthen their connection with their community. The FRC is also home to the Bijou Community Garden, a project started four years ago by community member Brian Hirdman.

Location

Family Resource Center
3501 Spruce Ave
United States
38° 56' 24.5184" N, 119° 57' 33.0948" W

Weed killing mats lining parts of Lake Tahoe

The final bottom barriers have been installed at Lakeside Marina, completing a project to cut light to invasive weeds that thrive in warmer parts of Lake Tahoe.

Ferguson Fire 100% contained; firefighters gaining control on most others

There are still several fires burning in California but firefighters have gained the upper hand on many of them.

Ferguson Fire: The Ferguson Fire is now at 96,901 acres with 100 percent containment and 881 personnel currently engaged on the fire. During the most critical time in the fire, over 3,000 people were assigned to the incident from all over the world. There have been 2 fatalities and 19 injuries. 10 structures have been destroyed.

It's back to school for South Shore students

It's back to school from youth at the south end of Lake Tahoe on Monday, August 27. Both Lake Tahoe Unified School Distrist and Douglas County School District open their doors and welcome back students for the 2018/19 school year.

All school offices are open and available to help with registration and scheduling needs and to pick up schedules.

"A Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy" topic of next TERC talk

Event Date: 
August 30, 2018 - 5:30pm

Join UC Davis TERC in Incline Village for a special summer feature lecture on Thursday, August 30, with Jared Blumenfeld, former EPA Regional Administrator.

For Jared, walking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail opened up new ways of thinking about our relationship with nature. Jared's talk will combine his amazing hiking photographs, stories of adventure and insights about the current state of environmental politics.

Column: 10 years of fighting invasive species at Tahoe

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Lake Tahoe’s Watercraft Inspection Program. Under the program, every motorized watercraft is inspected to ensure it is clean, drained, and dry and not carrying aquatic invasive species before launching at Tahoe.

Drinking water meets standards as 400-acre PCE plume remains in South Lake Tahoe

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was found in drinking water wells in South Lake Tahoe near the "Y" in 1989, and it remains in the groundwater today, forming a containment plume from the intersection of Highway 50 and State Route 89 and heading toward Lake Tahoe through the Tahoe Keys.

Lisa Maloff pledges money to get STEAM and gardening programs for LTUSD

Mrs. Lisa Maloff, the Angel of Tahoe, has offered a generous donation for STEAM and Garden Education for Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD). In the works since April, the LTUSD Board of Trustees today heard plans from two parents who have been working on the donation and ideas for implementation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) and gardening education in all South Lake Tahoe schools.

#TeamTahoe focus of Lake Tahoe Summit

The annual Lake Tahoe Summit held this week at Sand Harbor State Park marked the 22nd time government officials, public agencies, non-profit environmental groups, the public and other groups came together to renew their focus and commitment on preserving the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Movie Review: The Meg opens in theaters August 10

Let me just say right off the top no, it's not another ripoff of 1975's "Jaws" (although I did think that way when I first saw the trailer). Oh sure there are some parallels taking place in the summer, a huge shark (this one is prehistoric though) and yes, they needed a bigger boat too. That said "The Meg" does stand on its own with the trifecta elements of sarcastic humor, a long standing feud between former friends and of course, a love interest complete with a little girl (played by Shuya Sophia Cai) who at times steals the scenes like most little kids do).

CAL FIRE awards $27.5 million to reduce wildfire risks

Today, CAL FIRE awarded four grants totaling $27.5 million to fund high-priority forest health projects designed to combat climate change and reduce the risk of wildfires.

Column: Time is now to prepare Lake Tahoe for our changing climate

Last month, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center released the Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, which included their finding of an average of 59.7 feet depth of water clarity for 2017, the lowest since they began taking measurements. In advance of the 2018 Lake Tahoe Summit, the following is from Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, chief executive officer for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, on the findings:

Out and About in South Lake Tahoe: Sean Pawling

On Sunday, 2003 South Tahoe High graduate Sean Pawling stopped by Revive Coffee & Wine to give an afternoon concert with his appropriately named band, The Sean Pawling Band.

In third grade at Meyers Elementary (now knows at the Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School), Sean said he knew he wanted to be a rock star so joined the inaugural season of the Blue Ribbon Choir. Since then he has taken his talents to UCLA where he majored in music and was the trombonist in the school's marching band, and then on to USC where he got a master's degree in music.

22nd annual Lake Tahoe Summit to bring together senators, the public and agencies

Event Date: 
August 7, 2018 - 10:00am

U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) will host the 22nd Annual Lake Tahoe Summit at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village, Nevada on Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Beach and park operations will be closed until 1:00 p.m. that day.

Lawmakers from Nevada and California will meet on the shores of Lake Tahoe to discuss how to protect a national treasure as it faces continued threats to water clarity, invasive species, wildfire and drought.

South Lake Tahoe water companies to update public on 400-acre PCE plume

Event Date: 
August 8, 2018 - 6:00pm

Since tetrachloroethylene, PCE, was found in drinking water wells near the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe, local water companies have been working together to ensure residents have safe drinking water. Those companies, South Tahoe Public Utility District, Lukins Brothers Water Company, and Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association, will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, August 8, to provide updates about the groundwater contaminant at the South Lake Tahoe Airport from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Steve Teshara named president of California Association of Councils of Governments

Steve Teshara, CEO of the Tahoe Chamber and chairperson of the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) Board of Directors, now has another leadership duty for the upcoming year.

Teshara will serve as the president of the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG), a group whose membership includes 47 regional governments involved in the planning, funding, and development of the state’s transportation infrastructure.

He has been representing TTD on the CALCOG Board.

USFS holds grand opening of the new Round Hill Pines Beach Resort

The U.S. Forest Service held a grand opening ceremony at the newly remodeled and reconfigured Round Hill Pines Resort on Monday, officially welcoming the public to their new beachside facilities.

League to Save Lake Tahoe backs Upper Truckee River Project at Lake Tahoe Golf Course

The following is a comment in support of Preferred Alternative 2B of the Upper Truckee River Restoration and Golf Course Reconfiguration Project submitted by the League to Save Lake Tahoe to California State Parks:

Restoration of Upper Truckee River planned near Lake Tahoe Golf Course; Public comment ends July 30

There are just two days left for the public to comment on a proposed restoration project of the Upper Truckee River that runs adjacent to the Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Washoe Meadows State Park.

State of the Lake:Both air and water temperatures in Lake Tahoe Basin on the rise

In June, 2018, we found out the epic clarity of Lake Tahoe was measured at an average of 59.7 feet in 2017, a 9.5 foot drop from the previous year and 10.3 feet lower than the five-year average according to a report compiled by the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) at the University of California, Davis.

This measurement surpassed the previous lowest level of 64.1 feet which was recorded in 1997, but far below the record high of over 100 feet in the mid-1960s.

More changes to VHR ordinance in El Dorado County to be discussed

During the July 24 El Dorado County Board of Supervisor's meeting, the next phase of additions to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance will be discussed.

The ad hoc committee of Supervisors Sue Novasel and Michael Ranalli will be making the following recommendations:

Cap at a maximum of 12 overnight occupants, even if a home has enough bedrooms to accommodate more. The calculation of 2 people per bedroom plus 2. If someone wishes to have more than 12 the homeowner may apply for a conditional use permit.

Column: Lake Tahoe Summit-recommitting to collaboration

Nearly 25 years ago, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and dozens of partners embarked on an unprecedented mission to conserve and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin’s treasured natural resources through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP).

Lake Tahoe Community College selects new Director of Institutional Effectiveness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Donna Sohan, the new Director of Institutional Effectiveness, who joined the campus administration in early July after a national search.

LTCC Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco said, “Dr. Sohan fills a critical role for the college. She has worked extensively with both four-year and community colleges and brings to LTCC the essential experience in generating, analyzing and utilizing data effectively necessary to support the full range of institutional decision-making.”

Letter: Our most vulnerable citizens

This is an Open Letter to Lisa Maloff

First let me say how grateful our city is to you for the generosity you have displayed. As a private citizen of more modest means, it is over whelming to think of how much can be realized when a person is so giving.

Bike challenge week riders pedal 11,215 miles and save $2,493 in gas purchases

During the first two weeks of June, participants in the 13th annual Lake Tahoe Bike Challenge traveled 11,215 miles on foot or on bicycle, burning an estimated 482,245 calories and preventing an estimated 12,105 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and $2,493 in gasoline purchases.

Organized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, the basin-wide Bike Challenge is a friendly competition to see what individuals and teams can rack up the most trips and miles by biking, walking, or taking transit instead of driving cars.

Hike with a ranger this summer in Lake Tahoe

Try something new this summer as you're enjoying Lake Tahoe and the National Forest lands - Hike with a ranger!

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and Heavenly Mountain Resort invigte everyone to Hike with a Ranger this summer. The one-hour long hikes will take place every Friday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the top of the Heavenly Gondola.

Hikes will continue will continue every weekend through September 2, 2018, weather permitting.

Chariot microtransit system arrives in South lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Your chariot has arrived!

The League to Save Lake Tahoe has teamed with Chariot to bring a new microtransit service to the South Shore starting on Monday, July 9. They will use the busy summer traffic-congested tourist area to test a solution for transportation issues around the lake.

Nearly 500 gather up 1,458 pounds of trash from Lake Tahoe beaches

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - 499 volunteers hit the beaches of Lake Tahoe Thursday as part of the annual July 5 Beach Cleanup crew. Each year, volunteers hit the beaches to pick up trash left over by holiday revelers.

This year they removed 1,458 pounds of litter from five beaches: Commons Beach in Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Kiva Beach, Nevada Beach and Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe. Not only did they comb the six miles of beach, but they also sorted and counted the items collected.

Learn how to "Take Care" of Lake Tahoe" via new website

The Tahoe Fund has launched a new website, Take Care Tahoe (www.takecaretahoe.org), to connect visitors and locals with all the events and volunteer opportunities that Tahoe has to offer in keeping Lake Tahoe and the surrounding lands pristine for generations to come.

Douglas County Manager Larry Werner asks to be released from contract

Douglas County Manager Larry Werner has requested to be released from his contract giving a 60 day notice effective August 31, 2018.

“The time I have spent working for Douglas County has been challenging but rewarding,” said Larry. “I know that it is time for me to pursue retirement and family, but I will miss working with the great people in this community in this capacity.”

Discussion of Larry’s resignation and a plan for the future of the position will be held at the July 5, 2018 Board of County Commissioners meeting and has been placed on the meeting agenda.

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