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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A temporary closure order for USFS beaches and recreation sites around Lake Tahoe has been extended through at least May 15, 2020. The original order was set to expire May 1. To keep in alignment with current federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing, and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers, it was extended.

Trailheads and trails outside of the orange areas of the attached maps, or the ones on the closure website, are not affected by this order but parking lots are closed.

With a ski and snowboard season cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, Vail Resorts announced Monday morning a plan to address the many concerns of pass holders. They will be providing 2019/20 season pass holders with credits of 20 percent to 80 percent, depending on how often they were able to use that pass during the season.

In a letter to pass holders, the plan was laid out:

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is presenting their fourth "Tip of the Week," an ongoing series for the public since they are unable to perform their normal community outreach services.

If you had to process an insurance claim after a wildfire, would you be able to remember every valuable item in your home?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital is prepared to handle a surge in COVID-19 patients with an extra 150 beds identified for use if needed, and if that supply is used, more space is ready to be used through the help of community partners.

This was from Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO & president of Barton Health who participated in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, hosted by the Tahoe Chamber.

RENO, Nev. – Peter Lucas, 35, of Reno, was arrested yesterday and appeared in court today for allegedly stealing hundreds of surgical masks from a supply cart at the Ioannis A. Lougaris VA Medical Center (VA Medical Center) in Reno.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues to adapt and respond to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community. The health and safety of patients and care providers is the top priority, and operational changes continue to evolve at Barton Memorial Hospital and across Barton’s coordinated network of medical offices in preparation for any potential surge in patient care.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As people watch the news they see the stories about a global shortage of the supplies needed by medical professionals fighting the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Barton Health is South Lake Tahoe is preparing for a potential influx of patients seeking care and is making every effort to ensure their supplies are adequate. They are working with regional health partners, new and existing vendors, local businesses and community members to procure the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to keep their healthcare workers and patients safe.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With "Stay at Home" orders from the state down to the local government, many are learning to adjust to the things they took for granted just a month ago.

One of those is a trip to the grocery store.

Even with all South Lake Tahoe grocery stores open, it doesn't mean it should be shopping as normal, a.k.a. "pre-coronavirus days."

Most households don't have refrigerator or freezer space, or even cupboard space to not have to make a run to the grocery store once in a while. But the fewer trips one makes, the better it is to remain safe and virus-free.

Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.

We’re warning Medicare beneficiaries that scammers may try to use this emergency to steal their Medicare number, banking information, or other personal data.

Unfortunately, scammers come out of the woodwork during times of uncertainty and change. So make sure you give your Medicare number only to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as they have for the past 43 years, the Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra Club is honoring women and youth in the South Lake Tahoe community. They recently held their annual awards celebration and honored four young women from South Tahoe Middle School and South Tahoe High School as well as four women from the community.

For the GIVE Award, honored were Alexi Haven, Tovah Jordan, Esty Zanetti, and Maiella Riva. The Ruby Award was given to Suzanne Boyer and the Live Your Dream Award was given to Heather Wilson, Olga Zepeda and Kelly Meyer.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College invites one and all to a free closing reception for its three current art exhibits on Saturday, March 14 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Come enjoy beautiful art, free refreshments, and live music courtesy of the Reno Swing Set! The opening ceremonies were previously canceled due to snow.

NO on Measure M. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has repeatedly told us they are willing to engage us with our GPS and to a lesser degree the VHR's. They told me to my face at the wed meeting that have contacted us and were working with us. Nothing could be further from the truth.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and the El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson are investigating possible illegal and improper predatory towing practices.

SLTPD has received several informal complaints from the public about the possible illegal tow practices that involve cars removed from private parking areas near the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe.

The complains involve a tow company improperly holding stored vehicles longer than necessary, thus adding extra storage fees to the vehicle's owner.

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra’s $300 sponsorship and manpower donation, Bread & Broth (B&B) volunteers were able to prepare and serve another great dinner on January 13. Ever since the inception of B&B’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) sponsorship program back in 2012, the Kiwanis Club has been adopting the second Monday dinner in the month of January. The Club was one of the first organizations to host an AAD and they have been a consistent supporter of B&B’s goal of easing hunger in our community.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to December 13 - December 27, 2019.

Dec. 13-15

ARRESTS:
31-year-old female arrested for felony resisting arrest, felony child cruelty, misdemeanor domestic violence, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
34-year-old female cited and released for driving on a suspended license.
26-year-old male cited and released for displaying unlawful registration.
37-year-old male arrested for felony domestic violence and bringing a controlled substance into the jail.

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.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A Volvo SUV was stolen in Minden, Nevada on December 7 and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office was able to recover it within 45 minutes. Arrested was 19-year-old Shane Dollar, a convicted felon for previous auto theft.

This car was recovered quickly which isn't always the case. Law enforcement is reminding the public to please lock and secure your vehicles at all times and never leave your keys in the ignition. This time of year it can be tempting to turn on the car and go back inside the house as it warms up.

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

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.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The search is on for a new superintendent for Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) to replace Dr. James Tarwater who informed the board in June he would be retiring at the end of the school year in 2020.

At their last meeting, the Board of Education hired Rich Thome and former LTUSD Superintendent Rich Fischer of Leadership Associates to conduct the search.

This fall, Rabbi Mordey Richler of Chabad at Lake Tahoe will offer Worrier to Warrior, a new six-session course, to help people deal with life challenges by accepting themselves and finding meaning in adversity.

Beginning Thursday, Nov. 14 at 10:00am, participants in the course will take on life’s challenges by examining factors that prevent us from achieving a more positive outlook—guilt, shame, and fear of inauthenticity—in light of the notion that a purposeful life provides the key to well-being.

Are you, or do you know of, a young woman in grades 8-12 who volunteers in the community or at school?

The Soroptimist International clubs of Tahoe Sierra and South Lake Tahoe recognize young women annually through their G.I.V.E. award program (Girls Into Volunteer Experience).

An award of $100 is given to winners of this award and the Soroptimists also give $100 to the organization of the winners' choice.

Every year In November, Vail EpicPromise Grants are generously awarded to many local community non-profit organizations including the Bread & Broth organization. In addition to supporting Bread & Broth’s B&B 4 Kids Program, the Vail Grant provides funds to sponsor 12 annual B&B Adopt A Day of Nourishment dinners which are served at St. Theresa Grace Hall on Monday evenings to any member of the community who attends the dinner.

Discount brokers competing to drive client growth have been in a race to the bottom when it comes to fees. I for one believe this is a good thing. Yes, more people should have access to the financial markets at lower costs. That is a good thing. This could even be good as these firms may actually compete with traditional brick and mortar banks for new clients as well and bringing a higher level of banking experience to more people.

I like that the “Discount Brokers” have finally found the bottom $0.

Unfortunately, they are still in the business of making money, how though?