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Slink Fire burning southwest of Topaz Lake grows to over 2,200 acres

Smoke from the fires burning north of Lake Tahoe continue to fill the area Sunday morning. The Sheep Fire near Honey Lake is 29,517 acres and 38 percent contained, the Loyalton Fire is at 98 percent containment and 47,029 acres. The North Complex burning in Lassen and Plumas forests is 61,093 acres and 37 percent contained.

Safety changes: Vail moves to presale of lift tickets to manage number of guests

Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, all members of the Vail Resorts family, will be operating differently during the winter season 2020/21. Vail plans on opening both Heavenly and Northstar on November 20 and Kirkwood on December 4.

Ticket sales, use of season passes and facility uses will all be handled to promote physical distancing and protect the safety of staff and guests.

Road Beat: Hyundai Sonata - The new mid-size class act

A boulevardier, taken from Merriam-Webster, is a frequenter of the Parisian boulevards, or a person-about-town in more broad terms. So basically, to be a Parisian boulevard connoisseur, you must be fashionable, social, and energetic. Being wealthy helps, too. The new Hyundai Sonata is the attainable boulevardier for a new generation.

Trash Talk: Reduce and reuse are key in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We have all seen the photos of trash left behind on beaches, trails, parking lots and surrounding dumpsters not only in Lake Tahoe but across the country. This is only the tip of the problem and managing our trash is key to prevent landfills being overflowed with our unnecessary waste.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Glag Warning from noon to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25. They are calling for a chance of thunderstorms and strong outflow winds in the Lake Tahoe area.

There is the possibility of isolated to scattered thunderstorms with little, or limited, rainfall though the storms may be a hybrid of wet and dry. The faster storm motions will likely allow for lightning strikes outside of the main thunderstorm cores. With fire fighting resources already stretched thin, any new fire starts will be an issue.

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards 19 scholarships

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) awarded scholarships to a group of local students from South Tahoe High, George Whittell High, the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy and Lake Tahoe Community College. The club, serving the community since 1959, has given out over one-million dollars to local graduates over the years.

Road Beat: Hyundai Venue affordable front row fun

The nosebleeds usually refer to the worst seats in the house; they’re the highest up, and furthest away from the action. At any venue, the nosebleeds are also always the cheapest. The adage ‘you get what you pay for’ defines them perfectly. The Venue may be priced like the nosebleeds, but with the fun and style of the much more expensive floor seats.

How much are you willing to pay for parking fines around Lake Tahoe?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you are accustomed to paying premium prices for parking in towns like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento, how much would you be willing to pay for a parking ticket in Lake Tahoe?

Apprently whatever it costs.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued 297 parking citations along SR89 at Emerald Bay in July and 273 during the first 11 days of August. Six vehicles were towed from the area during this time.

Maeson back home in South Lake Tahoe; Family thanks community for overwhelming support

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a wild two weeks for the Howard family, ever since ten-year-old Maeson entered the UC Davis Children’s Hospital with what appeared to be a COVID-19-releated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), or Kawasaki disease.

Maeson Howard is on the road to recovery and back in his Christmas Valley home with his parents and sister.

Maeson back home in South Lake Tahoe; Family thanks community for overwhelming support

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a wild two weeks for the Howard family, ever since ten-year-old Maeson entered the UC Davis Children’s Hospital with what appeared to be a COVID-19-releated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), or Kawasaki disease.

Maeson Howard is on the road to recovery and back in his Christmas Valley home with his parents and sister.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 9-15

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Fundraising account set up for South Lake Tahoe 10-year-old

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There has been an outpouring of concern for 10-year-old Maeson Howard who is currently in the UC Davis Children’s Hospital fighting multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) or Kawasaki disease. Since we shared Maeson's story on Monday, many had asked how they can help the family. Maeson attends Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School and lives with his parents and sister in Christmas Valley.

As South Lake Tahoe boy fights for his life, dad wants officials to take COVID-19 more seriously

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As a ten-year-old from Christmas Valley fights for his life at UC Davis, his father has started a fight of his, one that is asking people to take COVID-19 seriously and to stay away from Lake Tahoe in the midst of the pandemic.

Road Beat: 2020 Toyota GR Supra

“It’s just a BMW, isn’t it?” Every Supra owner will indubitably be asked this annoying question at some point, likely many, many times. And that’s a real shame because, regardless of the backstory of how the new Supra came to be, it’s a wonderful sports car for the road.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 26 - August 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Tahoe Bike Challenge riders log over 45,000 miles

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Over 300 locals and visitors took part in the 15th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge, biking 45,442 miles during the month-long event. The Tahoe-basin wide challenge was a friendly competition that annually encourages individuals and teams to track trips and miles completed on their bikes.

“Congratulations to all of the winners and riders,” TRPA Transportation Planner Kira Smith said. “Although this year looked a little bit different, we hope the Challenge inspires people to bike and walk through the rest of the year.”

Road Beat: 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition

Remember minivans? Now think about this for a moment: how many new minivans do you see on the road? In my youth, it seemed like every third car on the road was a people carrier. In 2020 I hardly see any brand-new ones, and the answer seems to be that minivan buyers simply switched to SUVs instead. Maybe it’s because they’re simply uncool and became a cliché of new parents. Regardless of the reason, what if there was a vehicle that is a marriage of both? Enter the Pilot.

Abundance of "miller moths" around Lake Tahoe this year

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If they were flowers on the ground or money in trees, most would welcome them. But they aren't. And love them or hate them, they’re back!

Miller moths, or the army cutworm, have become a nuisance in many parts of Lake Tahoe over the last few weeks, but not all areas have been affected. Those who have them around their homes are seeing dozens each night, swarming around their lights both inside and outside.

South Lake Tahoe police and fire rescue ducklings from storm drain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It wasn't your normal, every day type of call for service that the South Lake Tahoe Police Departments (SLTPD) and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to on Monday night, but it was one of the happier ones.

On June 22, SLTPD officers were notified of some ducklings who were stuck in a storm drain and they called SLTFR Engine 1 for assistance in getting the eight ducklings out. All were removed from the drain and transported to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC).

Road Beat: A Tale of Two Highlanders

“There can only be one.” The movie Highlander might be considered an acquired taste, but the Toyota Highlander has been anything but. Since its inception in the early 2000s, Highlander has become the dominant force in the mid-size SUV segment. As the antagonist Kurgan said in the movie, though, there can only be one. And one there is, but which Highlander might that be? Spoiler, it’s the Hybrid. For most Toyota devotees, that’s as much reading necessary to decide on their next Toyota. I say next because Toyota buyers are a different breed; they’re loyal.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Tahoe, Donner, Fallen Leaf, Prosser, and Boca for Friday, June 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Winds will be from the southwest 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Waves 2-4 feet on Lake Tahoe can be expected.

Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

The three-day forecast:

100 Miles for Tahoe Virtual Challenge - Run, walk, bike during the month of June

The Tahoe Mountain Milers Running Club (TMMRC) is inviting the public to lace up your shoes and run/walk/hike during the month of June for the 100 Miles for Tahoe Virtual Challenge, a fundraiser benefiting the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

Each year, TMMRC contributes part of the proceeds from races like Escape from Prison Hill to the TRTA, but these race, like so many others, are canceled for the time being. Still, running isn't canceled, and neither is the need for stewardship and maintenance of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Cocktails on Brenda's Balcony has become a pandemic social media hit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When Brenda Simpkins first posted a picture on Facebook of a glass of chardonnay on her balcony with Mt. Tallac in the background, little did she know she would become a much-needed respite in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

She posted that photo on the I Love Lake Tahoe page, gathering hundreds of "likes" and several comments about what her next drink would be. A new fan suggested a Lemon Drop would look nice on the balcony, and so it began.

Winter Weather Advisory to start off the weekly South Lake Tahoe forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The calendar says the week before Memorial Day, but Mother Nature isn't too keen on letting summer get a start in Lake Tahoe.

A late-season storm will bring gusty winds, below-average temperatures, mountain snow, and periods of valley rain for the rest of today through Tuesday. Cloud cover hangs around into Wednesday keeping temperatures below seasonal averages with a few showers possible. Winds increase Thursday ahead of another system
which could bring a second round of cooler temperatures and scattered showers back to the region for Friday and Saturday.

Road Beat: 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Limited - Still best basic hybrid you can buy

It has been about a year and a half since I last tested a Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, a base model stickering for just $23,210. This time around, my tester was a near top of the line limited. Essentially, they are the same vehicle except for content. But that doesn’t mean that this base unit is a stripper? It isn’t as it comes standard with power windows, mirrors, backup camera, and most everything else one could want.

Alpine County releases their roadmap to reopening

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Alpine County is grateful to report that we still have only one resident with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 infection. That occurred in March, the person was not hospitalized, and has recovered. Surrounding counties continue to report either no change or a small increase in the number of cases (El Dorado – 56, with 20 in South Lake Tahoe, Douglas (NV) – 24, Calaveras – 13, Amador – 8, Tuolumne – 2, Mono - 32).

Column: Practice yoga everywhere

At Lake Tahoe Yoga our motto is "Practice Yoga Everywhere." Yoga is what you do beyond your mat and while out in the world. Join us to learn more.

Yoga is Time with Loved Ones
Attending a scheduled class at a Yoga studio is a great way to be guided in movement and be around others who enjoy the same thing.

If you're looking to connect with family or friends a Private Yoga Session is the best option. It reduces the variety of aspects that make people uncomfortable.

Letter: South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce offers leaders suggestions on reopening

The following is a letter sent to El Dorado County and City of South Lake Tahoe. It is published here in its entirety at the request of the author.

The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce would like to offer encouragement and support of a revival of the local economy, while continuing to keep the health and safety of our residents in mind. Cases of COVID-19 have remained low in our region when compared to other more populated areas around the State and Nation. We applaud the quick action taken by the County and City that has helped us keep the case count low.

Placer County reminds would-be visitors that non-essential travel to Lake Tahoe still under state's orders

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With Placer County’s local health order expiring May 2, county officials and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association are reminding would-be-visitors that while they are preparing now for when North Tahoe reopens, that date still depends on the state’s timeline for loosening physical distancing requirements.

Tahoe Magic gives out over $110K to locals; More donations sought to fill need

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There has been a huge outpouring of support for Tahoe Magic during the COVID-19 crisis. With that support is a growing need in the South Lake Tahoe community.

In just five weeks, the South Lake Tahoe non-profit has given away over $110,000 to more than local 785 families in need. In a normal year they give out about $30,000 to deserving families.

Group started to match Lake Tahoe graduating seniors with gift-giving community members

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With high school seniors missing out on all of the traditional end-of-school activities such as prom and graduation, parents and community members around the globe have been coming up with unique ways to celebrate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In South Lake Tahoe, Baylee Inman decided to help out grads from all schools in Lake Tahoe, including homeschooled students and started a Facebook group Adopt-a-Senior Lake Tahoe to match the students with a gift-giving angel.

Column: The 50th anniversary of Earth Day: A pivotal moment

With the global spread of Covid-19, we have discovered how quickly our world can change and have responded with sacrifices. It’s clear that we deeply value the health and well-being of our community.

With our response, we have improved the health of our planet, too. It’s remarkable! On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, our skies are the cleanest they have been for over a century.

Roadwork schedule for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra for April 25-May 2

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

Please remember to stay home except for essential needs.
California is under a Stay-at-Home Order and only essential travel is permitted.
~ Avoid travel ~ Stay-at-Home ~ Beat COVID-19 ~
Learn more at covid19.ca.gov
#StayHomeSaveLives

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Giving Tuesday pet adoption and fundraising day for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is having a special puppy adoption day on May 5 to coincide with the annual Giving Tuesday fundraising day.

"Little Rays of Sunshine" is bringing two litters with a total of 11 puppies, along with one of the moms, to the public for adoption.

Pictured here is the mom Sunshine with one her puppies, Hope.

Sugar pine seedlings to be handed out to students at South Lake Tahoe elementary schools

Event Date: 
April 24, 2020 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A team of volunteers will be handing out sugar pine seedlings to students at four South Lake Tahoe school sites on Friday, April 24.

The Sugar Pine Foundation has given a box of seedlings to Bijou Community School, Sierra House Elementary, Tahoe Valley Elementary, and South Tahoe Middle School. The free seedlings will be given out when students pick up their meals between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. while supplies last.

At Tahoe Valley, TRex will be on hand to hand out the sugar pines, and at the Middle School, meet Hans the service dog.

Soroptimist of Tahoe Sierra's virtual Elegant Evening a success

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many nonprofits have had to cancel their fundraisers due to the coronavirus, but the ladies of the Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) club in South Lake Tahoe weren't going to let the virus stop them.

Their 31t annual Elegant Evening was slated to be held at Harrah's Tahoe on April 18 with a sit-down dinner, live music, and dancing, raffle, and auction. The venue closed and restrictions on meeting in groups of over 10 people were created, so what do you do with an event that brings together 500 community members?

Move it online, of course.

Sugar Pine Foundation giving away seedlings to be planted around Lake Tahoe

4/20 Update: The response was huge this weekend and all of the seedlings the Sugar Pine Foundation had to give way were gone in the first day! They have 2,000 more to distribute on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00 a.m. while supplies last, except at the Mountain Hardware location.

Week full of virtual activities for 50th anniversary of Earth Day

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - There will be no Earth Day Celebration festivals around the lake this year, but Lake Tahoe and Truckee event organizers have created a virtual version with daily activities for the whole family.

Despite the current global situation, everyone can still celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day thanks to the team at The Tahoe Fund spearheaded a group via their Take Care program that has provided daily activities and challenges for students and parents to participate in over the course of the week.

Road Beat: Volvo XC40 - Great looks and design, and now less disconnected

Volvo has been on a serious roll with some new product that is off the charts like the new S90, V90, XC90, and XC60 and their sales growth indicates renewed customer enthusiasm. But now we have the new XC40 which was rewarded recently with the European Car of the Year for 2018. So, it was with much anticipation that I awaited the arrival of the new XC40.

County health officer sets the record straight about non-essential businesses and travel

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Since California Governor Newsom issued "Shelter in Place" orders for the state on March 19, life changed for millions of people. What was once commonplace, changed overnight.

Navigating through what is essential and what is nonessential has been a struggle for many.

The El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams created a statement Friday to reiterate business, activity and travel restrictions. She also said that she and county leaders may have to impose stricter limitations than imposed by the state should some current practices continue.

Road Beat: Toyota Tundra - Not just getting it right, but getting it fun

It’s been over two years since my last visit with this second and a half-generation Tundra (the second generation was introduced in 2008 and heavily refreshed in 2014). My last review remarked how Toyota finally made the Tundra into a real “Cowboy Cadillac” (it’s built near San Antonio, Texas) with a ride smoother than a baby’s butt. This new Tundra feels even a bit smoother, perhaps a little less jiggly over Caltrans challenged pavement. And my tester was the new TRD Pro edition.

Key's Cafe offering free breakfast to South Lake Tahoe children

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With schools not in session, many families have been left scrambling to provide the meals that would normally be provided at school.

Starting Monday, the Keys Cafe is offering free breakfast to children in grades K-6th with 30 percent off for parents. Keys Cafe is located at 2279 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #2, South Lake Tahoe. It is behind Enterprise Rental Car near Tahoe Keys Blvd. The free offer is good from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. M-F until April 1.

CAPP Fund created to help South Lake Tahoe high school students with college application costs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new nonprofit organization based on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe has been formed to help high school seniors apply for colleges by picking up the application fees.

The CAPP Fund was opened in 2020 with a goal of increasing access to higher education by helping high school seniors at both South Tahoe High School and George Whittell High School with the costs of a four-year college application. Each application costs between $60 and $100 and the costs can add up when seeking the college(s) of their choice.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Chance of rain and snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Intermittent Sierra showers will continue through Monday before another storm swings up from southern California with increased chances for precipitation south of Highway 50 for Tuesday and Wednesday. More mild and sunny conditions will return for the last half of the work week before another storm approaches for the weekend according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

The NWS Reno weekly forecast for South Lake Tahoe:

Monday - A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 8 - 14

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Road Beat: 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid still the best of the best

After testing nearly every hybrid on the market including products from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford. Toyota’s 2020 Avalon hybrid is the best yet (actually it is tied with the Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h which essentially share chassis and hybrid system). Usually, the predominant factor in buying a hybrid is fuel economy and while the Avalon is rated at 43/43/43 mpg which is not the highest rating among hybrids, it can clearly outperform those numbers while doing so many other things extremely well.

Play Ball! Signups and tryouts scheduled for South Tahoe Babe Ruth

Event Date: 
March 22, 2020 - 11:00am

It’s time to sign up for the South Tahoe Babe Ruth 2020 season!

Last year, all three of the South Tahoe Babe Ruth All-Star age divisions were Nevada State Champions. Now its time to start the new season and tryouts are scheduled for March 22 and 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Depending on weather, tryouts will be held at Todd Fields or South Tahoe High School.

Babe Ruth is a recreational baseball league serving players born on or before August 31, 2007 and have aged out of Little League. Everyone plays.

To sign up, please use the following link:

South Tahoe Little League holds final registration day, junior umpire training and clinics Sunday

Event Date: 
March 1, 2020 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This is a big weekend for South Tahoe Little League.

On Sunday, March 1, it is AAA and Majors Warm-Up Clinic in the South Tahoe High School Gym. Go "knock off some rust" before player evaluations on March 15 and 22 (reserve time for those two dates here).

The AAA players clinic will run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Majors will hold theirs from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Managing Cholesterol Through Your Diet - A free heart health talk

Event Date: 
February 27, 2020 - 6:00pm

Learn how a plant-based diet approach can help manage your cholesterol and improve heart health during then next free community wellness lecture hosted by Barton Health on Thursday, February 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Do a little self-care during National Heart Health Month, and hear from cardiologist Dr. David Young at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, 2170B South Ave., South Lake Tahoe on the Second Floor.

Attend four or more lectures in a year and be entered to win a $150 gift certificate to a South Lake Tahoe business of your choice.

Letter submitted to Chief Alameda, LVFPD

Dear Chief Alameda:

Here’s my take on Measure B, please correct me if I am out of the ballpark.

Revenue for LVFD for FY 18/19 was $6.8 million/year.

Salaries/wages paid out were a whopping $5.3 million including Overtime: $175,000 and Other Pay including Bonuses: $591,000.

Equipment purchased last year: $77,000.

This year, 2018/19: Equipment budgeted: $22,000.

It is fairly obvious where all the money went: into salaries/wages and benefits.

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