planning

Letter: Vote "No" on Measure B

Measure B is up for a vote. I am voting NO because the Lake Valley Fire Protection District spends most of its revenue on salaries and benefits leaving nothing to pay for new equipment.

TRPA housing committee to discuss Accessory Dwelling Units in Lake Tahoe Basin

Event Date: 
February 12, 2020 - 1:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Local Government and Housing Committee of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, February 12 to discuss Accessory Dwelling Unit policy in the Lake Tahoe Basin. They will be meeting at 1:00 p.m., at TRPA office, 128 Market Street, Stateline, Nev.

Proposed plans for SR-28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit released

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - New plans have been released on the State Route 28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. After the success of the East Shore Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, the plan is to continue the shared-use trail with other improvements to highway safety and infrastructure; summer recreational access; water, air and scenic quality; and increase non-motorized access to the corridor.

The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has issued a draft decision for the proposed improvements to this area.

El Dorado County to handle most residential, multi-family and commercial permits for TRPA

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a move to help property and business owners save time and money, El Dorado County will begin processing additional permits on behalf of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) starting January 28, 2020.

Protecting Lake Tahoe’s environment is the paramount goal of the TRPA and in meeting that goal, a TRPA permit is required for most construction projects inside the Lake Tahoe Basin. This runs the gamut from the addition of a new deck to a sign for a new business.

New agreement in the works for 56-acre South Lake Tahoe downtown project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The long-discussed 56-acre parcel in the middle of South Lake Tahoe is finally seeing movement again, and both the South Lake Tahoe City Council and El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) supporting further conversation. A formal agreement between the two is expected later in 2020 with another one-two years of public meetings, consultant review, and planning before plans are implemented. The California Tahoe Conservancy is funding the cost of the consultant, just as they did 30 years ago.

South Lake Tahoe public meeting to discuss new wireless facility ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Want to help craft the City of South Lake Tahoe's new wireless facility ordinance? The City is holding another public meeting to focus on the future of communications systems on Thursday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tahoe Beach Retreat's conference room, 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

The public will be joined by City Council, Planning Commission and staff to discuss the ordinance which will guide the future of cell towers, mini-towers and other forms of wireless facilities in South Lake Tahoe.

Interim city manager selected for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the departure of City Manager Frank Rush looming and a search on for his replacement, the South Lake Tahoe City Council today hired an interim city manager.

During closed session they approved the hiring of Brad Kilger who brings with him years of experience to the position.

Kilger has over 40 years of professional municipal government experience.

South Lake Tahoe City Council denies appeal of planned Verizon cell tower

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A overflowing crowd was at Tuesday's City Council meeting to take part in what has become a hot topic in the South Lake Tahoe community - cell towers.

Before the Council was an appeal to the Planning Commission's June 13, 2019 approval of a Special Use permit for a Verizon Wireless Monopine planned for installation at 1360 Ski Run Boulevard on the site of Hansen's sledding hil

South Tahoe High students 'building' up their skills for the workforce

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Gone are the old high school woodshop prerequisite napkin holders and cutting boards. In their place are sheds and dog houses built to code, giving their creators valuable life and work skills for their futures.

Students in the South Tahoe High Woodshop 1 classes have been building dog houses, complete with insulation and roofs and sides built with techniques found in residential construction.

Billboard to help spread word of responsible recreation in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone has seen the pictures, piles of broken plastic sleds left behind in the snow, trash left behind on the beaches and even pet waste disposal bags left along the trails.

Shared on social media, these photos of irresponsible people enjoying the beauty of Lake Tahoe have spread like runny pancake batter. The reason most visit and live around the Lake Tahoe Basin is for the natural beauty everywhere one looks. The majestic peaks and pine-tree filled mountains, the crystal blue water, beaches lining much of the 72-mile circumference of the pristine Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School kindergarten applications now being accepted

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The calendar may say January but its not too early to start planning for the 2020-21 school year if your kindergarten-age child would like to attend the Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School (LTESMS).

The school has started taking names for the Fall ‘20 “line-up” of kindergartners.

Cell tower and 56-acre project in South Lake Tahoe top full agenda for City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first meeting of the new year for the South Lake Tahoe City Council will take place on Tuesday, January 14. They will start off with two closed session meetings to discuss the interim city manager position, one on Friday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., prior to the start of their regular meeting.

Public invited to panel discussions on Lake Tahoe, Climate Change and Wildfires

Event Date: 
January 27, 2020 - 8:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - Operation Sierra Storm, a leading national weather conference being held on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe Jan. 26-28, 2020, is a cutting-edge meteorological forum and seminar for network television meteorologists from around the country.

The Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority has invited the public to one of the events during the conference, Fire Conditions, Community Safety and Tahoe Climate Impact, on January 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Harveys Lake Tahoe Cabaret Theater.

Column: 2019 Highlights from South Tahoe Public Utility District

Every day we wash our dishes, fill our water glass, and flush the toilet, likely without thinking much about the systems required to make this all possible. I’d like to think we are doing our job so you don’t have to think too much about it.

Letter: County needs to protect residents from impacts of SnowGlobe

Again, my family and I have been subjected to the invasive noise pollution inside our home from yet another SnowGlobe event. I live in the county near Sierra House School. I purchased this home to live in a quiet and peaceful alpine environment. Now, my home is 1.18 miles or 6,225 feet from a large and loud musical venue that violates noise regulations, creates pollution, and drains governmental resources in my community. All the while, I am paying tax dollars for services not rendered. It is very disappointing, to say the least!

Changes in layout planned to mitigate sound for 9th annual SnowGlobe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There have been changes over the past eight years with the annual outdoor music festival in South Lake Tahoe, SnowGlobe, and many of them are meant to mitigate sound that affects nearby neighbors.

The festival draws thousands of electronic dance music and festival fans from around the world December 29-31 each year.

Viking Corner: This week at South Tahoe High

South Tahoe High School’s students get ready for holiday break. This week, leadership spreads holiday cheer, Climate Crew sets out for a conference, and basketball gets ready for another home game.

On Campus
Leadership created a spirit week leading up to the break. Each day, students dressed up according to theme of ugly sweaters, Hanukkah, ski bum, holiday character, and pajama day. Leadership and Associated Student Body are holding a holiday rally in the Blue Gym tomorrow.

Opinion: No Globe Alliance appreciates efforts to minimize noise impacts

The annual SnowGlobe Music Festival is fast approaching and local residents should plan accordingly. There are changes in the noise requirements and the sound will be shut off at 10:00 p.m. the first two nights and will be required to meet the averaged noise limits defined in the Bijou/Al Tahoe Community Plan for the hours after 10:00 p.m. on the final night.

Column: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency celebrates 50 Years

The year was 1969. And what a year it was. On July 20, 1969—the Viet Nam War was raging—American Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon. For much of the decade, America and indeed the world had been mesmerized by the space race.

TRPA honors 29th annual Best in the Basin award winners

STATELINE, Nev. - Six projects were given Best in the Basin awards Wednesday by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). The presentation of the 29th annual winners was made before their board meeting at Stateline.

The TRPA Best in Basin awards program showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The December edition of the City of South Lake Tahoe's "At Lake Level" has been released by City Manager Frank Rush. This month Rush covers SnowGlobe, the 56-acre site and a possible new Fire/EMS station for the community.

56-Acre Site

California Tahoe Conservancy board approves forest health, aquatic species and marsh restoration funds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Board has authorized spending $1,036,750 to implement three high-priority projects to reduce fire risk and improve forest health in South Lake Tahoe and on the west shore.

During their meeting on Thursday, the CTC Board approved funding for projects that include:

- Spending up to $211,250 on forest thinning on Conservancy land in the South Lake Tahoe Ski Run and Bijou neighborhoods,

- A grant to the South Tahoe Public Utility District for up to $338,000 for forest thinning on the grounds of its treatment plant, and

Discussion on two parcels in South Lake Tahoe helping address housing crisis

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Approximately 50 community members attended Wednesday's community meeting about the current housing crisis in South Lake Tahoe, and possible solutions through using California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) asset lands near the "Y".

The DTC was joined by state and local partner agencies in discussing how their "asset lands" at 1860 Lake Tahoe Boulevard and 1029 Tata Lane could support sustainable development consistent with local planning. Both properties are subject to the City of South Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe Valley Area Plan.

Column: Lake Tahoe West Landscape Restoration Strategy.

As the Fire Chief serving the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, I am acutely aware and concerned about the potential for catastrophic wildfire here.

Ceremony to celebrate completion of new SR 89 realignment and bridge project in Tahoe City

Event Date: 
December 16, 2019 - 10:00am

TAHOE CITY, Calif. – A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, December 16 to celebrate the opening of the State Route 89 realignment, including the new Truckee River Bridge in Tahoe City.

Attendee parking will be located at the Tahoe City Transit Center along West Lake Blvd. The public should plan to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to park and walk to the ceremony location, which starts at 10:00 a.m. The bridge will be closed for the event.

Discarded plastic sleds around Lake Tahoe a focus of artwork and Tahoe Fund project

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. = Discarded plastic sleds and their pieces +are still an issue around Lake Tahoe and continue to be a focus of efforts with partners of the Tahoe Fund. One local artist has taken this unsightly trash and used the discarded sled pieces found on sled hills around Lake Tahoe to create an eight-foot-diameter "Sledflakes."

Vail Resorts CEO and his wife donate over $2.8M for emotional wellness programs, including some in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, today announced they were donating more than $2.8M to further strengthen emotional wellness programs in more than ten mountain communities where Vail Resorts operates. This is the second consecutive year their Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust has distributed behavioral health grants.

New transportation plan to focus on communities, quality of life and economy

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is kicking off an update to the Regional Transportation Plan. The Regional Transportation Plan lays out the vision for the transportation system at Lake Tahoe and focuses on transit, trails, technology, and communities to support the environment, economy, quality of life, and visitor experience.

Crafting South Lake Tahoe's wireless communications facility ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most will say their cell phone coverage isn't great in Lake Tahoe or is severely impaired on big tourist weekends such as the 4th of July. With the growth of remote workers coming to live in Lake Tahoe, better internet coverage is also needed for them to work, along with the needs of many others.

Adulting 101 classes at South Lake Tahoe Library

Event Date: 
December 9, 2019 - 3:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe Library will host a two-night Adulting 101 series in December for those ages 15 to 25-year-old.

Each night of classes will cover the basic skills of growing up and becoming adults. In order to create an environment appropriate for teens and young adults, age limits will be enforced. The classes will be from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

On December 9, learn about and focus on financial planning. In this class, financial experts will teach the basics of budgeting, credit, and much more. Presented by Wells Fargo At Work.

Judge rules that South Lake Tahoe cannabis microbusiness approvals can move forward

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Sacramento Superior Court Judge has narrowed the scope of the temporary injunction filed against the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City Council, and the Development Services Director Kevin Fabino on November 15.. The judge ruled on Friday, November 22 that his previous order will not affect microbusinesses, just retail sales, according to South Lake Tahoe City Attorney Heather Stroud who was in Sacramento for the ruling.

Tahoe Basin Wildfire Pre-Attack Plans funded by Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has announced a donation of $18,057 to the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) to enhance wildfire suppression capabilities on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. This donation will result in the expansion of strategic and tactical Wildfire Pre Attack plans covering the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. Pre Attack Plans help first responders by identifying critical infrastructure, vulnerable population groups, evacuation routes, water sources, Temporary Refuge Areas, and locations where forests have been thinned before a wildfire strikes.

Collaborative efforts in South Lake Tahoe and the County keep 30 people from being homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has been recognized for setting the stage as the county-wide homeless strategic planning process is about to begin. They utilized a one-time grant of $30,000 to help 30 people in 17 households avoid homelessness in El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. In the last four months, efforts by the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and the El Dorado Opportunity Knocks Continuum of Care (EDOK) have utilized almost the whole grant that was provided through El Dorado County Health and Human Services

Douglas County Commissioners to discuss end to monthly meeting in Lake Tahoe

STATELINE, Nev. - Currently, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners meet once a month at Lake Tahoe, but if Commissioner John Engels gets his way, this week's meeting will be their last at the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority (LTVA) building.

They have been meeting at the lake on the third Thursday of the month, but Engel's presentation will suggest this meeting take place in Minden just as their other three monthly meetings do.

Due to conditions, Heavenly and Northstar push out opening dates

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort announced Tuesday they have changed their opening days due to unusually warm November weather that limited their snowmaking production.

They were both planning on opening this Friday, Nov. 22. At this time, Heavenly will target Wednesday, Nov. 27 and Northstar will target Friday, Nov. 29 to open for skiing and snowboarding. Kirkwood will announce an opening date in the coming days.

Column: Marching forward with forest health

Last week our collective memories returned to that terrible November morning as a raging wildfire swept through Paradise, California. We woke that morning to images of wholesale devastation as fearsome winds drove racing flames from one town and one home to the next. We were horrified to watch videos of citizens running for their lives, desperately trying to escape the smoke and flames that were engulfing everything in their path. Eighty-five people lost their lives—the deadliest fire in California history— in what we now call the Camp Fire.

Local man files temporary injunction; South Lake Tahoe cannabis permit process on hold

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is another delay in cannabis businesses being able to move forward in South Lake Tahoe.

Local business owner John Runnels filed a temporary injunction against the City of South Lake Tahoe, the City Council and the Development Services Director Kevin Fabino in Superior Court in Sacramento Friday afternoon. That action has put a temporary halt to all cannabis-related permits being processed in the city until a December 20 court date.

Public input sought at next US50 Main Street Management Plan Open House

Event Date: 
November 20, 2019 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The third of four open houses to discuss the Highway 50/Main Street Management Plan for the South Shore will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in South Lake Tahoe.

After the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) approved the Highway 50 Revitalization Plan last year, focus has been on the Main Street plan (MontBleu/Lake Parkway to Pioneer Trail).

Caltrans and partners officially open first of two roundabouts in Meyers

Caltrans addressed what they reported to be an increase of accidents at the intersection of US50 and SR89 with a $7.3 million roundabout in Meyers, and today there was a ribbon-cutting with local partners to officially open it up.

What used to be a T-intersection with one stop sign is now a three-leg roundabout with a bypass lane. Years of studies, planning, environmental reviews, and engineering led to this past summer's build by Q&D Construction.

US50/SR89 roundabout completion to be marked with public ceremony

MEYERS, Calif. - Caltrans has completed its U.S. Highway 50/Highway 89 Roundabout Project. They will be joined by partner agencies on Thursday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate the $4.1 million project that converted a T-intersection into a three-leg roundabout with a bypass lane.

Caltrans Project Manager Martin Clark, El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel, Tahoe Regional Planning Executive Director Joanne Marchetta, Tahoe Transportation District Board Chairman Steve Teshara, Q&D Construction Vice President Jeff Bean will be on hand.

South Lake Tahoe City Council votes to revamp meeting schedule in 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a quest to allow staff and City Council time to address strategies and goals and less time spent on preparing reports for meetings, the South Lake Tahoe City Council moved on Tuesday to adopt a new meeting schedule for 2020, one that gives them one major meeting a month along with budget workshops, closed sessions, joint agency meetings, team building sessions, and public forums.

Caples Fire 100% contained, 3,435 acres burned

A burned area assessment of the area burned by last month's Caples Fire is now underway. The Incident Commander Kevin Breitwieser has declared that the Caples Fire is now 100 percent contained and in patrol status at 3,435 acres.

There has been almost no change in fire size since October 18. The extreme wind event on October 26 that prompted a public safety power shutoff was a good test of the containment lines and resulted in three small spots that were extinguished. Traces of smoke from interior burning will continue to be visible, but no additional fire growth is expected.

EDC school leaders educate Gov. Newsom on PSPS impacts

On Thursday, October 31, Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond visited El Dorado County and Blue Oak Elementary School to learn about the impacts of the recent PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Gov. Newsom and Superintendent Thurmond met with El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala, Buckeye Union School District (BUSD) Superintendent Dr. David Roth, and several BUSD officials to hear first-hand about the challenges that school officials encounter when making decisions regarding school closures.

Overnight lows and dry air allow for snowmaking operations to start around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While the below-average low temperatures in Lake Tahoe area may be causing some to sadden at the changing of the seasons, ski resorts are moving into high gear and taking advantage of the cold to make snow.

Both cold temperatures and dry air combine to create ideal conditions for making snow.

Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are all planning to take advantage of this week’s cool weather window to build a solid base for the upcoming winter season.

New segment of State Route 89 in Tahoe City opens

TAHOE CITY, Calif. - What many have been waiting for is now open to traffic on the North Shore. The long-anticipated new quarter-mile segment of State Route 89 includes a new 153-foot bridge crossing over the Truckee River, a roundabout on the south end next to the Tahoe City Transit Center and another roundabout on the north end near the Caltrans Maintenance Station, allowing a second entry/exit route for Lake Tahoe’s West Shore.

The new Truckee River Bridge and realignment of SR89 are meant to ease congestion in the Tahoe City area.

Opinion: Sierra Boulevard is at an end; Looking forward to the next beginning

It's been one heck of a summer in terms of driving around town. Between Echo Summit and the Meyers roundabout, the horrible accident at Elks Club, US50 through town and then the construction at Stateline that caused delays back to Zephyr Cove in mid-September. Luckily, the Stateline issue was quickly remedied, the highway at Elks Club seems mostly repaired, and the Meyers roundabout turned out great.

Community newsletter from the City of South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe has launched its October Edition of "At Lake Level." The monthly newsletter is prepared by City Manager Frank Rush in an effort to keep the community well informed about City issues and initiatives.

Development Commodities Available at No Cost for Qualified Affordable Housing, Town Center, and Distressed Property Development

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High and Homecoming News

Homecoming week is finally here. Locals and alumni, students and staff of South Tahoe High School prepare for the festive weekend. Students battled for school spirit and built floats, while a new homecoming king and queen are to be crowned under Friday night lights.

Homecoming
Julia Russel’s leadership classes spent the past two months planning the homecoming weekend, including the spirit rally, parade and dance.

El Dorado County closes some of their west slope offices due to power outage

Due to PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shut off, the following is the current status of
County buildings operations on the West Slope:

Closed to the public
Agriculture
1. Building A (Board of Supervisors, Chief Administrative Office, Human Resources, County Counsel)
2. Child Support Services (Shingle Springs)
3. Health and Human Services Agency - Briw Road
4. Health and Human Services Agency - Spring Street Complex
5. Placerville Jail
6. Libraries – Placerville, Georgetown
7. Union Mine

Open to the public
1. Animal Shelter
2. AQMD

Cannabis businesses not allowed under Meyers Area Plan, for now

MEYERS, Calif. - El Dorado County has opened the online availability of pre-applications and applications for commercial cannabis use permits and annual operating permits, but those wanting to operate in Meyers must wait. The Meyers Area Plan does not meet the permitted zones for the retail sales, cultivation, delivery and manufacturing licenses that will be issued.

There are a few locations in the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County on the East Slope (Lake Tahoe area) that could fit the requirements between Meyers and South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

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