personal
Sass Talk: It's ok to not go along, to just get along
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/02/2017 - 7:32pm
This opinion piece has been updated.
IRS scam targeting South Lake Tahoe residents
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/30/2017 - 11:10am
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department has received multiple reports regarding a phone scam to local residents. Callers are identifying themselves to potential victims as an employee of the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). These phony IRS Agents inform the victim they have a warrant for their arrest or owe taxes. This is a scam. Callers claiming to be from the IRS tell intended victims they must pay using a pre-paid debit card, credit cards or wire transfer. The scammers threaten those who refuse to pay with arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license.
Partnership emphasizes nature is the best medicine
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 6:55pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To show nature is the best medicine, Barton Health and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) have partnered together to give the community Wellness Outings.
Patients will have access to the forest through a guided outing with a USFS ranger and physician or nurse.
In addition to Wellness Outings, the partnership will provide wellness and injury prevention training for USFS rangers and firefighters, as well as accessibility of public lands to promote outdoor recreation.
Sheriff gives 12 tips for a safe holiday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/20/2017 - 12:24pm
With Black Friday just days away and the excitement of the holiday season beginning to build, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office offers Twelve Tips of Holiday Safety to help residents stay focused on personal safety.
“First and foremost, stay alert,” Sheriff Chuck Allen said. “Be careful not to get so caught up in the shopping frenzy that you lose awareness of your surroundings. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood or while out shopping, report it to law enforcement or store security.”
Letter: Let's rally around those who care for our earth, people, and community
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/12/2017 - 12:05am
The next election is around the corner and civic life in America is as fragile as our generation has ever seen it. Let's decide now to rally around leaders who prioritize care for others above personal gain or party lines. Let's rally around caring for our earth, for people, for communities. This feels like a new idea because care challenges the perverse rationale of greed and the foolish habit of partisan divisions we are so used to. We must actively resist the messages of the market that say we need to stay hooked on getting more things to be happy.
Vacation rental scams through Craigslist continue in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/10/2017 - 8:52am
Unknowingly, visitors to South Lake Tahoe are renting legitimate vacation homes through illegitimate parties, leaving them without money or a place to stay when they arrive.
South Tahoe Now has been warning people for years about renting both short-term and long-term homes through Craigslist, the online classified ad forum.
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is warning potential vacation home renters that scams continue on Craigslist.
Kudos: “Faces of Homelessness” appreciation
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 10:58am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A gracious “thank you” to those who participated in the “Faces of Homelessness” on October 26, 2017 at Valhalla, especially our primary event sponsors Temple Bat Yam and the Tahoe Chamber. It was warm inside the great room, with a fire roaring behind our presenters; however, their accounts of being homeless were quite chilling. Six adults and local middle school and high school youth provided touching accounts of their personal stories of homelessness to an audience of strangers.
Scam targeting users of CalWORKS and CalFresh
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/06/2017 - 5:30pm
The is a current scam in California that targets people enrolled in public assistance programs in the state. Though there are no known victims in El Dorado County, the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) would like to let all users of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to be on the lookout for potential scammers using text messaging.
Op/Ed: How we can be a community and help one another
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/02/2017 - 11:59am
Have you ever made a decision that took you down the wrong path in life? Boy. I sure have.
Have you ever stumbled and fallen when facing challenges that seemed insurmountable? I’m raising my hand.
Did life ever throw you a curveball that you didn’t see coming, and perhaps you reacted in a way that didn’t serve you well? This has happened to me more times than I can count.
Do you or someone close to you struggle with addiction or mental health challenges? My family and personal relationships certainly haven’t been immune to either of these troubling issues.
Public input sought on 3-year plan for Mental Health Services Act.
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 7:19pm
The Behavioral Health Division of the El Dorado County (EDC) Health and Human Services Agency invites the public to provide input on the County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three Year Plan Annual Update for Fiscal Year 2018/19. Community members can provide input by email, online survey or at an upcoming community meeting.
Community meetings to receive input for the MHSA plan are scheduled as follows:
Wendy Shehadi 1941-2017
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/27/2017 - 8:43pm
Former South Lake Tahoe resident Wendy Shehadi passed away on October 19 2017 at the age of 76 in Las Vegas. Wendy is survived by her husband Dick; sons Mark and Scott; guardian son Mike Cokeron; grandsons Michael and Ryan Shehadi; brother Dr. Richard Rupp; sister in law Louise Rupp; brother in law Michael Shehadi; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Six Jewish Debates coming to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 1:38pm
Event Date:
October 30, 2017 - 7:00pm Chabad at Lake Tahoe will recount 2,000 years of Jewish history through the lens of six epic debates that rocked the Jewish world and still resound powerfully today.
Beginning Monday October 30th at 7:00 p.m., Chabad at the Ski Run Marina will be offering a new six-session course titled Great Debates in Jewish History.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 2:39pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.
Some of those recently added to last week's log:
10/4
12:33 a.m. - Assist Other Agency - Black Bart Ave - DEPUTIES LOCATED A SUSPECT VEHICLE FROM SOUTH LAKE TAHOE SHOOTING. TWO MALE SUSPECTS, AGES 20 AND 26.
Volunteer AARP tax counselors needed for the 2017 tax season
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 5:23pmThere are a few openings for volunteer tax-aide counselors for the 2017 tax season to provide free personal income tax assistance in El Dorado County for seniors and low-to-moderate income residents under the AARP Tax-Aide program.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/01/2017 - 11:05am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.
Some of those recently added to last week's log:
9/20
8:20 a.m. - Vehicle Abatement - Chippewa St
6:49 p.m. - VHR Complaint - Kulow St - A BACK PATIO LIGHT SHINED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S RESIDENCE.
9/21
South Lake Tahoe man facing multiple charges after Douglas County arrest
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/21/2017 - 9:20pm
South Lake Tahoe resident Ray Brashears, age 33, is facing a plethora of charges after being arrested by deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) Tuesday night.
The deputies pulled over Brashears September 19 at 9:00 p.m. and discovered he had an active misdemeanor warrant out of Tahoe Township for theft. He was also on probation through Nevada Parole and Probation.
South Lake Tahoe fire stations stocked with loaner life jackets
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/20/2017 - 7:33pm
The use of life jackets saves lives, especially on Lake Tahoe where Cold Water Shock can kill a person in minutes.
It has been a deadly year on the lake, and the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) department has started a new program to help save lives in the future.
California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has partnered with SLTFR in making life jackets available to the public on a loan basis. They have infant, child and adult sizes.
Social Security - Your decision of a lifetime
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 10:35am
Event Date:
September 26, 2017 - 6:00pm
- Do you know how to get 32% more social security income for life?
- Most people don’t know ALL of the choices available.
- Do you want help understanding this complex decision?
- Be informed, you only get one chance to choose.
An evening with Troy Simmons – National Speaker on Social Security on September 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Golf Course in South Lake Tahoe.
Limited Seating – Reserve Seat Here or by calling 775-588-6116 or email CRessler@1stallied.com.
LTCC vision: To be California's premier destination community college
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/14/2017 - 11:40pm
As the world changes around South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is evolving to meet the new demands of education and the student body. As there is a decline in community college enrollment across the country, LTCC is being creative in recruitment of students to the campus and investing in not only the environment, but in removing barriers many have in getting a secondary education.
That was the message during Lake Tahoe Community College President Jeff DeFranco's first State of the College Address on Thursday.
Opinion: Tahoe South steals the show – with “Modern Family”
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/05/2017 - 3:09pm
This past week is one for the record books in South Lake Tahoe. I know, you’re thinking record temperatures, attendance at one of our special events or our filled-to-capacity lake. All wrong -- I’m referring to ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit TV comedy series Modern Family and the filming of the show’s season premiere here at South Shore.
Pine Nut Harvest 2017: Season begins on Nevada public lands
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/04/2017 - 7:08pm
The 2017 pine nut harvest season kicks off on lands managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Both agencies are working together to ensure the public is safely harvesting pine nuts and aware of the regulations.
The length of the pine nut harvest season varies depending on crop quality and seasonal weather conditions. It is generally September to late October when pine nuts are available for harvest.
Finding the words to talk about suicide
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/04/2017 - 5:00pm
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and South Tahoe Now will be running a series of stories on suicide prevention.
Each year, more people die from suicide than war, homicide, and natural disasters combined.
The good news is that suicide can be prevented if the signs are detected and the right actions are taken.
Author to speak on Women and the Pony Express at Dangberg Historic Park
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 12:44pm
Event Date:
August 19, 2017 - 10:00am Author Melba J. Ray-Leal will speak on her book, "Women and the Pony Express," in a free event at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Saturday, August 19, at 10:00 am.
Location
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
1450 Hwy 88, Minden, NV 89423
United States
38° 56' 28.2588" N, 119° 46' 46.3872" W
See map: Google Maps
Douglas Diaries to highlight locals in Douglas County
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/15/2017 - 9:47pm
Douglas County, Nevada is filled with exciting, fantastic and vibrant people. Individuals from around the world come to Douglas County to experience wonderful events that locals experience annually. A website called Douglas Diaries was created by Pierce Baker, Public Information Officer Intern, as a gateway to highlight individuals in Douglas County and their interesting stories.
South Lake Tahoe Photo of the Week
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 6:04pm
Lynley Payne sent in this photo of a bear taking a mid-day bath in the Tahoe Keys.
Lynley and her family live on Inverness Drive in South Lake Tahoe and watched the bear swim over from Lucerne Drive to Monterey Drive in the Keys on Wednesday. She and her son kayaked over as the bear stayed in the water near shore. As they hovered near the edge of the dock, her son was able to take this photo with a zoom lens.
"The bear wasn't too happy being disturbed so he ambled off down the street," said Lynley. "It never gets old seeing these magnificent animals up close and personal."
Alpine County Grand Jury: Get more money and new agreement from STPUD
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/04/2017 - 12:35am
The Alpine County Grand Jury has released their 2016-17 report and in it they are recommending the County improve their relationship with South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) and work out a new financial deal with the South Lake Tahoe based water provider.
Body recovered in Lake Tahoe believed to be that of UNR football player Marc Ma
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/31/2017 - 3:17pm
Officials searching for the body of missing paddle boarder Marc Ma have just recovered a body in Lake Tahoe, tentatively believed to be the 20-year-old presumed drowned last summer.
National Night Out - Staying safe at home, work and play
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/30/2017 - 8:11pm
Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, nearly 40 million people in 16,000 communities across the United States turn out to celebrate National Night Out. The event was first hosted in 1984 as a way to bring communities together and promote stronger ties between citizens and the law enforcement personnel who serve them. Communities are at their best when neighbors feel a common bond and a sense of community not only among themselves but also with their local public servants, and National Night Out is a fun and enjoyable way to foster those important ties.
Former Truckee resident charged in scheme that took $1.7M from investors
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/25/2017 - 2:37pm
Patrick Slavin, 55, formerly of Truckee, has been accused of being behind an investment scheme that allegedly used at least $1.7 million of investor's money.
Slavin was arraigned in federal court Tuesday on a 21-count indictment charging him with mail and wire fraud for the scheme that he ran from 2008 through 2016, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Letter: EDC Probation does critical work in criminal justice system
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 2:27pm
By proclamation of the County Board of Supervisors, El Dorado County celebrated Probation Services Week this week, July 17 – July 21, 2017. As the Chief Probation Officer in El Dorado County, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the critical work probation does in our criminal justice system and say thank you to all the men and women of my department who work tirelessly to protect our communities, reduce recidivism, restore victims, promote healthy families, and live the vision of our department: Safe Communities Through Changed Lives.
One simple item will help save lives when on Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/17/2017 - 11:25am
LAKE TAHOE - Boating, rafting, kayaking and paddling are just a few ways to enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe, but they come with simple safety precautions and preparations to ensure that day is complete and enjoyable.
"People are very excited to get on the water," said Edwin Lyngar, Nevada Department of Wildlife's (NDOW) Water Educator. "Take safety precautions as you can't depend on luck."
Lyngar as well as both California and Nevada water safety experts were at Sand Harbor last week to inform the public about how easy it is to be safe on the water.
Phone scam hitting Liberty Utilities customers; Crooks take at least $2,500 from victims
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/13/2017 - 4:04pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Three Liberty Utilities customers have fallen victim to aggressive phone scams over the last two days taking at least $2,500 from the victims.
In each case the crooks pose as a Liberty Utilities collections representative who threatens to shut off their power if payment was not made within a specified period of time. Sometimes the caller has specific customer information such as last payment amount; Liberty is unaware of how this information has been obtained.
Tahoe Douglas Rotary to hold annual Celebrity Golf breakfast
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 7:34pm
Event Date:
July 12, 2017 - 7:30am
Don’t miss a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear personal insights from Roger Clemens and Jeremy at the 4th annual Tahoe Douglas Rotary Breakfast with the Celebrities on Wednesday, July 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at MontBleu Resort.
Meet and talk to nine-time NHL All-Star center Jeremy Roenick and 11-time All-Star pitcher Roger Clemens, who also won seven Cy Young awards. During breakfast they will talk about their careers and experiences playing alongside 80 of the biggest sports and entertainment stars at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
Importance of understanding dangers of cold water shock
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/05/2017 - 7:30am
With recent water tragedies in Lake Tahoe we are republishing this 2016 article.
The most common misunderstanding about swimming in Lake Tahoe is that people can suffer from hypothermia, which leads to death. The real truth is that "cold water shock" will kill much quicker than hypothermia ever will.
"The sudden lowering of skin temperature on immersion in cold water represents one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter." Golden and Tipton in Essentials of Sea Survival
South Lake Tahoe 4th of July weekend: Safety urged for for a fun holiday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/01/2017 - 9:59am
South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.
And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.
Sass Talk: Cannabis, VHRs and the 4th of July
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/01/2017 - 8:45am
July kicks off the busiest time of the year for our city. Schools out, the temps are soaring in the valleys to the west and east of us, the roads are free of snow, and visitors from all over the world are getting away to see beautiful places and enjoy the great outdoors. For many of our businesses this is is the best time of the year. For many locals who like to play on the mountain trails and along the beach and eventually need to get to work, this is the hardest time of the year.
"Follow your dreams, follow your passion" the theme of LTCC commencement ceremony
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/01/2017 - 12:40am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "Don't be afraid of doing things different and don't be afraid of the outside world," Olympic Gold Medalist and South Shore native Jamie Anderson told those gathered on the soccer field on the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) campus Friday night as she delivered the school's commencement keynote address. "Lead the life you're stoked for."
"Follow Your Dreams" was the theme of the evening as hundreds of family members, faculty, friends and community members watched the LTCC Class of 2017 graduate.
Owners of Zephyr Cove company sentenced for fraudulent exchange visitor program
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/28/2017 - 3:39pm
Perspective employees coming to the Unitied States on a J-1 Visa were taken advantage of by a company run by Zephyr Cove, Nevada resident David Marzano, his wife Linda Blair and adult daughter Janece Burke.
Douglas County rules to keep people safe at Lake Tahoe on 4th of July
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 10:20pm
As the 4th of July approaches, Sheriff Pierini and members of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office are reminding the public about rules the county has surrounding the holiday.
Possession and or discharge of fireworks is unlawful and will not be tolerated. Persons found in violation of the fireworks ordinance face criminal penalties, including a fine of up to $1,000.00 and/or confinement in the county jail for a period of up to six months.
Barton Auxiliary awards $76,500 to students and Birthing Center
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/19/2017 - 8:20pm
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – Thirteen students were recently awarded $19,000 in scholarships by the Barton Auxiliary which also gave $$57,500 to the Barton Family Birthing Center for additional services and equipment.
The awards came during a recognition lunch on June 12.
Barton Auxiliary is a group of volunteers who support Barton Hospital, its patients, and the community through. In 2016, Auxiliary volunteers raised funds from The Attic and gift shop sales, holiday fundraisers, and personal donations to fund their recent awards.
Vail Resorts CEO gives $125,000 to fund South Lake Tahoe summer kids food program
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/09/2017 - 6:47pm
Children from the South Shore of Lake Tahoe no longer need to go hungry during the summer months. Thanks to a generous donation of $125,000 by Rob Katz, Vail Resorts CEO, and his wife Elana Amsterdam, “Summer B&B 4 Kids” will launch on Wednesday, June 21, with a focus on helping the over 50 percent of local children who are receiving free or subsidized school meals during the school year.
Applications being accepted for next Leadership Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/28/2017 - 8:11pm
Since its beginning in 2003, Leadership Lake Tahoe has helped shape the community with over 100 new leaders from various sectors including Vail Resort, Barton Health, South Tahoe Public Utility District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the City of South Lake Tahoe, as well as small business owners and entrepreneurs including South Tahoe Now.
Through a ten-month long, comprehensive program, the current and future leaders increase their knowledge and awareness of the issues and challenges facing the South Shore community.
Events planned in Lake Tahoe for Fire Awareness Month
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/28/2017 - 5:36pm
Event Date:
June 25, 2017 - 11:00am
The snow is melting, water is flowing, and wildfire fuels are growing. Despite all the moisture, the wildfire threat remains a concern. Preparing your home and community now is more important than ever. June is “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are continuing last year’s campaign by asking all Tahoe residents and visitors to “Think First to Keep Tahoe Fire Safe”.
Avoid a tragedy on the lake: Why swimming in Lake Tahoe is unique
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/25/2017 - 6:15pm
A plunge into Lake Tahoe can literally take your breath away. It may be warm outside, but the lake can be dangerously cold. Lake Tahoe’s average surface temperature in the summer is 63°F, and can drop to 53°F just 18 inches below the surface.
Hands-on tour and demonstration of letterpress at Bona Fide Books
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/25/2017 - 10:16am
Event Date:
June 16, 2017 - 5:00pm
Tahoe Letterpress will open its doors for a studio tour and reception Friday, June 16, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Located at Bona Fide Books in Meyers, the print shop will offer hands-on demonstrations and free hand-printed souvenirs to take home. The event is free and open to the public.
Lake Tahoe Basin fuelwood permit sales begin May 30
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 11:23am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif/Nev. - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of personal use fuelwood permits at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, and at the Incline Village office on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Permits cost $20 per cord, with a two-cord minimum purchase and a limit of 10 cords per household.
Senior Project: Homeless Heroes
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 8:43pm
Have you ever wished you could take a magnifying glass to someone’s life? Have you ever wished to be able to live for one day as someone else?
Wish granted.
Who would you choose: a movie star, an athlete, or a president? You would choose someone important; you would choose someone who has made a difference. Be it that difference is taking you into another reality for two hours or creating policies to hoist our country out of The Great Depression. You would want to be up close and personal with someone who has made a difference; you would choose a hero.
4th annual Community Mental & Behavioral Health Forum on Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/08/2017 - 5:55pm
Event Date:
May 9, 2017 - 8:30am
The community is invited to join the South Lake Tahoe Community Mental & Behavioral Health Cooperative for the 4th annual forum at South Tahoe High on Tuesday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This is a free event and parents, caregivers, educators, coaches, therapists, clinicians, and volunteers are encouraged to attend.
The morning event will be facilitated by Michard Ward and is hosted by the Barton Health Foundation.
• Uncover common stressors that are impacting our school/work
and personal life
• Address resiliency in our community
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Teamwork, roads and VHRs
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 8:39am
This past city council meeting all 5 council members agreed to have staff present us a ballot measure that would increase the city sales tax by 1/2%. This came after a survey was completed and results were presented by the outside independent company contracted by the city. The results indicated that almost 68% of the survey respondents supported the increase as long as the funds would be dedicated by law to roads.
Linkin Park with Machine Gun Kelly to play at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Concert series
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/02/2017 - 3:04pm
Linkin Park announced their One More Light World Tour today, and they'll be making a stop at the lake on Friday, September 1 at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys.
They will hit the stage with special guest Machine Gun Kelly.
In an effort to put tickets into the hands of real fans, first access to tickets for the One More Light World Tour will be reserved exclusively for fans – not scalpers or bots, just as Eric Church has done with his tour (he follows Linkin Park on September 2 and 3).
