public health
El Dorado County supervisors add $1,000 fine for vacation home rental use in Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/18/2020 - 5:24pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to issue citations to anyone violating the ban on nonessential travel in the Lake Tahoe Basin as it pertains to the use of vacation home rentals (VHRs).
Anyone found using a VHR is subject to a $1,000 fine per day of violation.
USFS closes South Shore Recreation areas: Up to $10,000 fine for violation of order
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 4:37pm
(Since publishing, LTBMU has corrected the date their order expires.)
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors are now closed. In an announcement Wednesday, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) said the closures are to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers.
County health officer sets the record straight about non-essential businesses and travel
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/11/2020 - 6:13pm
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.
Barton Health seeks those with clinical experience to join "Medical Corps" as influx of COVID-19 cases expected
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 11:07am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is seeking retired or available physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals with clinical expertise to work with the hospital as it prepares to treat an influx of patients expected during the coronavirus crisis.
El Dorado County health official orders end to all nonessential travel to Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 7:25pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Those living in the Lake Tahoe Basin have experienced a large number of visitors and non-fulltime residents coming into the area, and today the El Dorado County Public Health Officer issued a no-travel order.
Dr. Nancy Williams issued the order to start immediately and will remain in place until April 30, 2020, unless extended or modified.
South Lake Tahoe parks to remain closed during pandemic
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 4:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Parks run by the City of South Lake Tahoe that were closed for the season will remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We aren’t discouraging public access to the parks, we want our residents to get outside during this crisis,” said Public Works Director Ray Jarvis. “We are going to keep the parks closed to vehicle access though to discourage large gatherings and to continue to encourage people to follow state and federal guidelines.”
Barton Health's community updates and advisories on coronavirus COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 1:19pm
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.
El Dorado County Stay at Home directive extended until April 30
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 9:28pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams today issued a directive extending the amount of time County residents are to remain at home except to engage in “essential activities.” The extension now goes to Thursday, April 30, 2020.
Residents are asked to stay in their homes as much as possible to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Only essential business and essential travel is permissible by the order.
Barton Health accepting the medical supplies in high demand and short supply
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 10:16am
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.
Vail CEO and his wife donate $2.5M to communities their resorts are located
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 4:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Once again, Vail Resorts' CEO Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam are giving back to the communities where their employees live and where their company operates.
Today, they announced a donation of more than $2.5 million to provide immediate support to those areas as all contend with the severe impacts of COVID-19.
Immediate emergency relief grants will total $1.5 million and will be distributed to communities including South Lake Tahoe.
Douglas County virtual meeting access information
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 10:14am
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Public meetings have gone to a virtual format to protect the public against health threats posed by the coronavirus and COVID-19. Promoting social distancing and reducing public gatherings have led local governments to create materials and procedures for the public to still participate and to follow the Brown Act.
Douglas County Commissioners will no longer have a physical location designated for their meetings and copies of the agenda will no longer be physically posted.
Meeting materials will be posted on the following websites:
Nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/27/2020 - 7:20am
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Public Health Department has announced there are now nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26. The County is not identifying the communities where these cases are.
This brings the total number of positive cases in the State of California to 4,040. There have been 82 deaths in the state.
Of those 3,666, 886 are community-acquired cases; 2,120 were acquired through person-to-person transmission, travel (including cruise ship passengers), repatriation, or under investigation. This includes 42 health care workers.
Tahoe Magic serves the community during times of crisis
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 3:33pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What started out as a charity that shared the magic of the holidays with local children has now become a lifeline of support that immediately provides South Lake Tahoe families with financial assistance when they are in crisis.
The 501c3 non-profit was founded in 1994 and has helped low-income families on a year-round basis with one-time crisis funding, but that role is now growing due to the current COVID-19 health and economic crisis. Tahoe Magic recently launched its new website TahoeMagic to show how those in need can be assisted.
Is South Lake Tahoe prepared for the coronavirus?
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 1:12pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have asked, what if our community starts getting COVID-19 cases, are we prepared? Many different groups, agencies, and the government have been working diligently and collaboratively on emergency plans to prepare.
Latest efforts by Barton Health to prevent community spread of COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/25/2020 - 5:27pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Operational changes, including hospital visitation, screening protocols and testing facilities, continue to be made in the wake of El Dorado County’s first reported cases of coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 is a concern. Regardless of confirmed cases in South Lake Tahoe, the advice of Barton Health medical experts is to assume COVID-19 is in the community and stay home unless absolutely necessary, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others if you must leave the home.
El Dorado County backs Governor's 'Stay at Home' order - Do not visit to recreate or vacation
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 9:43pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds are to be used only to house homeless, COVID-19 emergency workers or continue to house residents according to an El Dorado County directive issued on Tuesday. Staying in one of these types of temporary housing is not considered "essential" by Governor Newsom's March 18th "Stay at Home" order.
One confirmed case of community transmitted coronavirus in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 2:40pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County officials announced today the first confirmed case of community transmitted COVID-19 in an El Dorado County resident. The resident acquired the COVID-19 virus from an unknown source. This brings the count up to three of County residents with confirmed cases, one is a resident but was not in the county at the time of contraction and illness, and another was travel related.
Jury trials in South Lake Tahoe and California suspended for two months
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 11:25am
California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Monday issued a statewide order suspending all jury trials in California's superior courts for 60 days and allowing courts to immediately adopt new rules to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In South Lake Tahoe, Judge Suzanne Kingsbury had previously announced new practices in the El Dorado County courtrooms and suspension of the use of juries until April 16.
Washoe County reports 19 new cases of COVID-19; Douglas 1 and no new cases in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/23/2020 - 11:56pm
On Monday, the Washoe County Health District reported 19 additional cases of COVID-19 in that county, moving the total number of cases to 44.
Due to the influx of cases, the Health District will not provide specific details or any other information due to medical information and privacy requirements.
The additional 19 confirmed cases were from 2-plus days of testing due to the increased number of tests being submitted to the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory from throughout the region and state.
City of South Lake Tahoe asks lodging industry to not rent to visitors during "Stay at Home" order
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/23/2020 - 2:16pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Interim Police Chief Shannon Laney sent out a letter to vacation homeowners and lodging properties on Monday, telling them to cease renting to non-exempt short-term visitors. California Governor Newsom issued a state-wide Stay at Home Order on March 19, 2020, which bans all non-essential travel, including staying in accommodations in Lake Tahoe.
Douglas County leaders update on COVID-19 response and community support
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/23/2020 - 12:57pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In response to COVID-19, Douglas County officials continue to work closely with Carson City Health and Human Services and a regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that has been set up in Carson City to ensure compliance with the Governor’s directive while working in partnership to keep Douglas County residents safe.
Tahoe Homeless Coalition adjusts to COVID-19: Operations now 24 hours/day
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/23/2020 - 12:38pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the rapidly changing health crisis brought by coronavirus and COVID-10, the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) has a new
coordinated COVID-19 response and will be open 24-hours-a-day through April.
In preparation for increased utilization and operational capacity surging expected for the next several months, TCH has made the changes to their sheltering and support service programs. They have seen a 30 percent increase in nightly shelter requests and anticipate that number will increase significantly over the coming weeks.
Stay-at-home FAQs from California Department of Health
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 11:06am
The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health have ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.
Some people may be confused and hear different messages and wonder exactly what are "essential services". To list what the State order covered they have come out with a guideline to help navigate these unchartered waters.
What does this mean?
El Dorado County COVID-19 Friday update
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 6:27pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A man from El Dorado County who traveled to the State of Washington has a confirmed case of COVID-19. It is believed he was exposed while there and was tested in Placer County.
It is unknown why he took the test in another county.
His symptoms appeared when got back from Washington and immediately isolated himself and did all of the recommended steps.
“His symptoms were mild, he self-isolated when he became symptomatic as health officials have been suggesting, and he has fully recovered,” said El Dorado County Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams.
El Dorado County Superior Court limiting access in response to COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/19/2020 - 4:21pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Due to the current public health crisis, the El Dorado County Superior Court will be limited access to courthouses, effective immediately. They currently plan to resume normal operations on April 17, 2020, though with the rapidly unfolding coronavirus situation, this could change.
Courtrooms will be practice social distancing, including at least two seats between people in the gallery. Members of the public are strongly discouraged from attending court proceedings unless they are statutory support persons or those who have been subpoenaed.
Latest Barton Health efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe community
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/19/2020 - 12:22pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues its work with city, county, and state health agencies to provide screening and appropriate care for coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 a serious concern.
Lake Tahoe Education Foundation re-imagining their AleWorx fundraiser
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/19/2020 - 12:39am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation and Lake Tahoe Aleworx have teamed up to raise $20,000 in 2020 for local students. The 20th of each month was to be a special night at AleWorx with proceeds going to the Foundation.
No confirmed COVID-19 cases in El Dorado County, one in Truckee
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 5:59pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials and agency partners have been closely monitoring the outbreak of novel Coronavirus COVID-19. As of March 17 at 2:00 p.m. there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County.
Sierra-at-Tahoe to close "indefinitely" - still chance of Spring reopening
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 2:26pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -Sierra-at-Tahoe has announced they will be continuing to suspend their operations for the 2019/20 season indefinitely due to the COVID-19 health issue.
"The health and safety of our guests and employees is our primary concern. During this time of uncertainty, we will do our part to help stop the spread of this virus," the resort spokesperson Sarah Sherman said in a statement.
South Lake Tahoe and all other El Dorado County schools to close starting Monday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 2:28pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All schools in Lake Tahoe Unified School District and the rest of El Dorado County will be closing for at least a week, starting Monday, March 16, 2020.
The decision was made for the safety and wellness of students, families, and school personnel due to the current threat of the world-wide coronavirus COVID-19. There are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in El Dorado County.
LTCC to cancel outside use of facilities and implements policies to limit COVID-19 spread
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 8:28am
Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is committed to helping mitigate the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to take measures to keep staff and students safe. With that in mind, effective immediately LTCC is canceling all community events and outside group meetings planned for on campus to help reduce the chance of exposure and spread. Furthermore, LTCC is canceling all non-essential travel for LTCC employees. These are measures designed to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of exponential community spread of COVID-19. These measures will be in effect until further notice.
El Dorado County declares public health emergency in response to COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/12/2020 - 8:19pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County today declared a public health emergency to ensure appropriate resources and funding are available to the County in its response to novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
Tahoe Douglas Rotary cancels annual St. Patrick's Celebration due to Covid-19 concerns
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/10/2020 - 12:03pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club has decided to cancel its 52nd annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration planned for March 20, 2020, but people may still participate in an online auction and Hawaiian vacation raffle.
The club said, that though no cases of the CoronaVirus Covid-19 have been confirmed in this area, they wanted to keep with its commitment to benefit the community and not hold the popular event.
Area agencies planning and using precaution in case COVID-19 hits South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/06/2020 - 5:36pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over 34 million Americans have caught the flu this year with over 20,000 deaths recorded, but its the coronavirus COVID-19 that is getting all the headlines.
There are no current reported cases of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe/El Dorado County, Alpine County or Douglas County, but local agencies want to be prepared, just in case people come down with the virus.
LTUSD staff and students who traveled to COVID-19 affected countries asked to self-quarantine
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/28/2020 - 11:53pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in El Dorado County or South Lake Tahoe, but the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education and the district's leaders are keeping apprised of the situation. They have been collaborating with El Dorado County Public Health with guidance from the California Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control to determine the best course of action to protect students and staff members while meeting their educational needs.
El Dorado County update on novel coronavirus COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/28/2020 - 5:05pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials and agency partners are closely monitoring the outbreak of novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in China. As of today, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County.
“It’s important to keep in mind that while the situation is evolving, the risk throughout the U.S. is currently low,” said El Dorado County Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams.
El Dorado County's 100 top paid employees
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/14/2020 - 11:21pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Auditor-Controller Joe Harn has updated the list of the County’s 100 highest compensated employees for the calendar year 2019.
Facts about the flu and Wuhan coronavirus
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/04/2020 - 3:47pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At least one vacationing family is canceling their trip to Lake Tahoe due to fears about the spread of coronavirus 2019-nCoV, but health officials say this virus is not currently spreading in the community, here or in the United States. If they want to be concerned about anything being spread, they say, the flu is what they really need to be focusing on.
During this 2019-20 flu season, 10,000 people have died in the United States and there have been 19 million cases and 180,000 hospitalizations, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Tahoe National Forest Meetings: Managing natural fire for multiple resource benefits
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/10/2020 - 12:12am
The Tahoe National Forest will be hosting several public information meetings this month to discuss a proposed amendment to the Tahoe National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.
Presentations and discussions at the public meeting will cover:
- The historic and present role of natural fire within the Tahoe National Forest
- Details of the proposed amendment that would expand opportunities to use naturally ignited, lightning-caused wildfires (natural fire) to achieve multiple resource benefits
Letter: County needs to protect residents from impacts of SnowGlobe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/02/2020 - 10:46am
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!
Dozens of new California laws go into effect in 2020
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/26/2019 - 4:33pm
New laws will be going into effect in California in the new year, putting into place California legislature action during 2019. There are many changes including road safety and distracted driving penalties, roadkill rules, minimum wage, independent workers and rent caps.
Except where noted, these laws are effective January 1, 2020:
Traffic Safety
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several new laws passed this year:
It's flu season, take precautions to not become a statistic
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/17/2019 - 1:06am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of the year when people are experiencing coughs, fevers, sore throats, body aches and runny or stuffy noses. It's flu season!
El Dorado County health officials said they saw an earlier start than normal of the flu season this year and now all regions of the country are seeing elevated widespread levels of flu-like illness.
Seasonal influenza activity in the United States has been elevated for five weeks and continues to increase, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/13/2019 - 9:59pm
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
Vail Resorts CEO and his wife donate over $2.8M for emotional wellness programs, including some in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/10/2019 - 3:28pm
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.
South Lake Tahoe kick-off meeting for City’s new Climate Action Plan
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/05/2019 - 8:56pm
Event Date:
December 11, 2019 - 6:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community is invited to a meeting on the City’s first-ever Climate Action Plan on Wednesday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at the airport.
In April 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council signed a proclamation to move the City’s entire electrical grid to clean energy by 2032, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below baseline by 2040.
Tahoe Film Festival returns to the North Shore
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/02/2019 - 12:49pm
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.
Annual Firefest returns to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 4:14pm
Event Date:
September 21, 2019 - 10:00am
Fire Fest is returning to the South Shore on Saturday, September 21, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the back of Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.
Helicopters will be the stars this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines! Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.
Alpine County responds to report of unhealthy drinking water
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 1:18pm
ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - "Pristine pure premium quality drinking water is freely
available to all in Alpine County," said Dr. Richard O. Johnson, the Alpine County Health Officer.
Kudos: Local healthcare agencies promote wellness at Warm Room
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 8:27pm
Thanks to the support of local health organizations, the Tahoe Warm Room was able to help 113 children, women and men during the region’s severe winter months.
South Lake Tahoe City Council to discuss possible change to Charter City
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/01/2019 - 7:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the City formed in 1965 it was incorporated as a general law city for the purpose of having more local control over public services such as police, fire, and snow removal.
Now there is discussion about changing to a charter city. During their March 5 meeting, Councilmember Cody Bass asked that this subject come forward at a future meeting and Councilmembers Jason Collin and Devin Middlebrook said they were interested in learning more about what the differences are between the two, and what it would mean to South Lake Tahoe to switch.
