regulations
Styrofoam ban approved for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/07/2018 - 12:05am
The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to start the process to implement a three-tier ban of Styrofoam (Polystyrene) in the city limits.
Following the path of over one hundred cities and counties in California, South Lake Tahoe will ban single-use Polystyrene used for take-out foods, and ban retail sales of foam coolers and single-use food containers at all retail stores. The third tier voted on is already a part of special event regulations - all containers used must be compostable.
South Lake Tahoe meeting on vacation rental ordinance for El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/30/2018 - 1:49pm
Event Date:
February 1, 2018 - 5:30pm
Vacation rentals in El Dorado County in the Tahoe basin outside the South Lake Tahoe city limits will see new regulations in the future, many of which will be conceptually approved during the Board of Supervisors meeting in South Lake Tahoe February 1.
LTCC accreditation extended for 7 more years
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/29/2018 - 2:14pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) has just received the highest level of accreditation possible from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC). The commission reaffirmed the college’s accreditation for seven years on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation. This reaffirmation puts the college in excellent standing until its next full accreditation review in Fall 2024.
County and City vote to extend temporary bans on sales of cannabis
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/25/2018 - 12:30am
On Tuesday both the South Lake Tahoe City Council and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted to extend their ban on commercial sales of cannabis as they work out the rules and regulations for their jurisdictions.
The ban on sales in South Lake Tahoe was set to expire on January 25, 2018, and without an extension or ordinance in place, anyone could have applied for a license to sell with the State of California.
Letter: An open letter to South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/22/2018 - 12:16am
Dear Council Members:
My name is Scott Ramirez, I am a long time resident of South Lake Tahoe. Some of you know me and my family and are familiar with our activities to support our town. We are advocates for our community and volunteer where we can.
Recreational cannabis shops running out of this product
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 11:52pm
Less than two weeks after recreational pot sales became legal in California, some of Sacramento’s dispensaries already are complaining about supply problems.
Curtis Ducart, purchasing manager for River City Phoenix and Hugs Sacramento, said the dispensaries haven’t been able to stock many of the edible marijuana products that are popular with people who consume cannabis but don’t like to smoke it. He said the dispensaries only have been able to secure products from three manufacturers instead of the 10 they used when they served only medical customers.
No moratorium on vacation rentals in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 12:23am
Tuesday's El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting was just as all other meetings about vacation home rentals have been: A full house and a large contingent passionately representing both sides of the issue.
Supervisor Shiva Frentzen sought conceptual approval of an urgency ordinance to place a moratorium on the issuance of new vacation home rental (VHR) permits in the unincorporated portions of the County located in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Meyers Area Plan topic of three upcoming meetings
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/04/2018 - 1:43pm
Meyers, the commercial, public services, and recreation hub of unincorporated El Dorado County at the South Shore may soon have a new area plan and there are three upcoming public meetings on the plan. It could be adopted at the third meeting, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board meeting on February 28.
Change in permitting process for Washoe County projects in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 3:17pm
Washoe County, Nevada and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) are continuing to work together to streamline project permitting for their customers, and have announced a change in the permitting process for projects in the Washoe County portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Sheriff D'Agostini says DOJ "less than honest" about new ammunition vendor licenses
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/29/2017 - 3:05pm
12/29/17 10:45PM Update: Press releases and letters between Sheriff D'Agostini and Robert D. Wilson, California Deputy Attorney General were exchanged today after South Tahoe Now first posted this story. The Sheriff has suggested that the Department of Justice has not been honest with their response to the media about the situation.
First weekend of VHR ordinance in South Lake Tahoe nets eight violators
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/26/2017 - 3:25pm
Over the first weekend of enforcement of the new South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Ordinance, eight violations were issued at a price tag of $8,000.
Parking was the biggest offense with renters having more cars than allowed, something that caught many by surprise as they thought noise would bring in the most violations for vacation home rentals (VHR). Four citations were issued for parking, two for exceeding occupancy, one for parking and noise combination and one for being an unpermitted VHR.
The SLT City Council voted in the new ordinance to take effect December 22, 2017.
New rules for vacation rentals in SLT start December 21
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 3:41pm
After months of debate and community discussions, South Lake Tahoe will have a new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance (VHR) starting December 21, 2017, but don't expect the discussions to be over.
The City Council will continue to evaluate the ordinance and look at it during a meeting a least quarterly as they look at what is working and what still needs adjustment.
Main points of the VHR ordinance:
Meyers Area Plan could be adopted at upcoming meetings
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 7:09pm
Meyers, the commercial, public services, and recreation hub of unincorporated El Dorado County at the South Shore may soon have a new area plan.
The Meyers Area Plan is the comprehensive long-term plan for the Meyers Community and, if approved, will replace the original Meyers Community Plan (MCP) adopted in 1993. The MCP currently serves as the comprehensive land use and zoning plan for the community of Meyers, consistent with the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan and the El Dorado County General Plan. It was originally meant to last a decade, not the almost 25 years its been in place.
Tahoe Douglas Fire offering free ash cans to those living in their district
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/24/2017 - 6:01pm
Cooler nights are prompting residents to start burning wood in the fireplaces and stoves, and proper disposal of the remaining ashes are important in preventing fires in trash cans and yards.
The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District has partnered with Kingsbury Hardware again to provide ash cans to the homeowners of the Fire District for the safe disposal of hot ashes. This program is available free of charge to those residents who are part of the district who use a wood burning appliance to heat their homes.
Sass Talk: VHRs, Martin Hollay and Yes on C
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/07/2017 - 8:48am
On Tuesday, a majority of city council agreed on a revised VHR (Vacation Home Rental) ordinance. In two weeks we will vote on the first reading of the ordinance and if a majority supports it, on November 7th would be the final vote to adopt the revised regulations and rules. The ordinance would then go into effect 30 days later.
Collapsed building getting new roof and new look
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/05/2017 - 10:26pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Work crews have been busy at the historic Pioneer Center on Harrison Avenue where a roof collapsed on January 23, flooding out the liquor store and thrift shop beneath it.
Hoyt Holmes of H.W. Holmes Incorporated has been hired to rebuild the structure which will have a smaller version of the liquor store and a new retail/coffee shop space as well as the existing Port-of-Subs, Sierra Veterinary Hospital, Rojo's and Jalisco's.
Holmes said the new roof will be up by October 31 and construction should be complete around the beginning of 2018.
Special City Council meeting addresses Vacation Home Rentals
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/28/2017 - 11:27pm
Vacation home rentals (VHRs) in South Lake Tahoe are again the subject of a City Council meeting. In an effort to come to an ordinance that satisfies all sides, the October 3 council meeting will look at several topics that were discussed at the September 5 VHR workshop.
Group asks City Council to consider allowing food trucks in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/19/2017 - 9:04pm
A planned food truck event in South Lake Tahoe had to be cancelled this summer due to the prohibitive costs and processes involved in putting on such an event.
"We are so hungry to get a food truck culture going in Lake Tahoe,” said Rob Giustina of On Course Events, the company who had planned the "Tahoe Truck Stop" food truck weekend event.
Opinion: Who owns the 'All Year Playground?'
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 11:21pm
I read with great interest Mayor Sass’s recent editorial of how he and Wendy David have been living, sleeping, and eating the VHR issue for over 2 years. I internalized these words and reflected how we, as responsible vacation home rental managers, have been dealing with inept City Councils and City Management for over 12 years.
Occupancy, density and caps of SLT VHRs topic of long meeting
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 1:19am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are two topics that fills the City Council chambers: Marijuana and Vacation Home Rentals (VHR). Interested residents and other stakeholders in the City's proposed changes to the VHR ordinance not only filled chambers, but filled seats surrounding televisions in the lobby where the proceedings were aired.
After almost six hours of presentation and conversation, the City Council voted to bring back the new ordinance in one month on October 5.
"Our job is to make a decision, not continuing to kick the can down the road," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.
PATH asks for help in fight against human trafficking
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/05/2017 - 10:12pm
Changes to the Communications Decency Act (CDA) are in the works that will change the 21-year-old set of regulations that function as the internet’s liability shield. If approved, those who run websites that allow sex trafficking ads, such as Backpage.com, will be held accountable.
Named the "Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017," the legislation would increase sites’ responsibility for user content, something they were protected from when CDA Section 230 was put in place in 1996.
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.
City of South Lake Tahoe looks at temporary ban of marijuana sales
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/30/2017 - 12:55am
There is no need to rush into an ordinance regulating the sale of marijuana in South Lake Tahoe. That was the overwhelming opinion of the SLT City Council Tuesday night after a special, four-hour long Cannabis Workshop.
"We owe it to our community to make sure we take every measure to protect them," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.
Choices limited on what to do with California's 102M dead trees
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/29/2017 - 2:02pm
There are now an estimated 102 million dead trees in California, creating unhealthy forests that are prone to major and catastrophic wildfires. Even though funds are being allocated to remove many of them, where will that timber go?
For now, there aren’t many options because of what has transpired from the government since 1968.
In that year the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior issued orders restricting the volume of timber that could be harvested from Federal lands in the West. It was updated in 1969 to limit the total harvested to 350-million-board-feet.
Beach and cell tower among agenda items at Tahoe Paradise Park board meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/28/2017 - 9:29pm
Event Date:
August 31, 2017 - 6:00pm
The monthly meeting of the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, August 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the park's clubhouse.
MEETING AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER AND CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Special evening meeting for City Council's Cannabis Workshop
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/23/2017 - 10:34pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council is holding a Cannabis Workshop on Tuesday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m. in their chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport.
They decided to hold the meeting during the evening hours instead of their normal 9:00 a.m. meeting time in hopes more citizens would attend and speak.
No sales of cannabis are currently allowed in California outside of medical marijuana dispensaries. The state is finalizing their regulations and the City wants to be prepared as those are slated to start January 1, 2018.
El Dorado County appoints two new directors for reorganized departments
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/06/2017 - 7:26pm
El Dorado County reorganized what is now Community Development Services to include directors of three primary departments, and they recently announced the hiring of two of those new directors, one for Planning & Building and the other for Environmental Management. Both men were interim directors as the departments were being reorganized and the search for director was underway.
Air quality issues close Bank of the West in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/01/2017 - 3:13pm
8:00 p.m. update: Road construction on Highway 50 is what led to the closure of Bank of the West in South Lake Tahoe.
"Nearby construction resulted in an air quality issue at our South Tahoe Branch, which was quickly identified and is being remedied," Anita Fox, Senior Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications for Bank of the West told South Tahoe Now this evening. "We anticipate re-opening the branch no later than Thursday."
In the meantime, those wishing to conduct in-branch transactions can visit the bank's Tahoe City Branch at 150 West Lake Boulevard.
Public has opportunity to comment on new Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 8:35am
An updated plan for the 72 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline is in the works, one that could enhance recreation while also bringing more piers and buoys to the lake. Stakeholders have been working collaboratively in developing solutions to both manage natural resources while improving access to the lake for recreational purposes.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, (TRPA) is asking for public comment as they go through the process of preparing a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan.
Committee to work on updated South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Ordinance
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 11:33pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What does a win-win-win vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance look like?
It may not yet be known after today's workshop held during the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting in front of a full house, but all sides appear to be committed to creating something that works for everyone in the community.
Cities across the country are grappling with their own ordinances for VHRs as the new trend towards vacationing centers around renting a home instead of staying in a motel or hotel.
First foray into South Lake Tahoe regulations for marijuana growing and selling
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 2:59pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since the passage of Proposition 64 by voters in California in September, the state, cities and counties are figuring out how to move forward in allowing, or not allowing, storefront sales in their communities.
During Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, the City will look at their City Code 6.55 Article X which is for marijuana cultivation and medical marijuana dispensaries.
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.
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.
Tahoe Paradise Park District meeting Thursday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/19/2017 - 11:04pm
Event Date:
June 22, 2017 - 6:00pm
A meeting of the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, June 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the park's clubhouse located at 1011 E. San Bernardino Ave in Meyers.
Among the items on their agenda:
17/18 Budget approval
Park rules and regulations
Beach sand project
Tennis Court resurfacing
Music in the Park program
Protection of wildlife from lake outflow
Master Plan
The public is invited to attended.
Socioeconomic study on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals released
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/14/2017 - 9:06pm
When the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted on a new Vacation Rental Ordinance in 2015 they also promised to hire a consultant to prepare a socioeconomic study on the impact vacation home rentals (VHRs) have on the community.
The results of the study were presented to the City Council and the public during a special meeting on Tuesday.
72 Miles of Pure Liquid Fun along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 06/07/2017 - 3:20pm
It’s going to be a paddler’s paradise this summer.
Sass Talk: Cannabis discussion continues
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/03/2017 - 9:01am
I took a couple of field trips this month related to learning more about cannabis and how it may affect our city if retail, commercial grows, testing, and edible production are implemented. I learned a lot and will share some of the highlights with you.
The first trip was to Breckenridge, a visit I piggybacked on top of a wedding I attended in Vail. I met with their Mayor, City Manager (formerly the police chief) and the assistant city manager. We met for two hours and our talk was primarily centered on their experiences with the legalization of cannabis in Breckenridge.
Boating safety from the Coast Guard
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/26/2017 - 9:04pm
The Coast Guard reminds boaters to exercise caution and safe boating practices while on the water, including rivers and Lake Tahoe while enjoying the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
All boaters and beach goers are encouraged to be aware of boat traffic, prepare for potential hazards and keep advised of weather changes through the National Weather Service. Winds are supposed to be calm on Lake Tahoe this weekend, one should always check.
Quagga mussels found on boat during inspection near Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/26/2017 - 3:23pm
The watercraft inspection spots around Lake Tahoe once again proved their valuable service when a boat at the Alpine Meadows station was found to have quagga mussels on board May 14.
The boat was quarantined for several days and Tahoe Resource Conservation District staff performed multiple decontaminations to ensure all invasive species were removed before the boat was released to the owner.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board voted to increase prevention methods by requiring motorists towing boats to remove drain plugs from their watercraft after leaving the lake.
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.
100s join People's Climate March in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/29/2017 - 7:31pm
People marched to the White House. People marched in New York. People marched in London, and people marched in South Lake Tahoe.
According to organizers, an estimated 400-500 people marched from Lakeview Commons to Earth Day festivities at Bijou community Party Saturday morning. South Lake Tahoe marchers were young, old, two-legged and four-legged, with many carrying signs to promote the protection of the environment.
Education and participation needed as South Lake Tahoe develops cannabis regulations
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/19/2017 - 10:01pm
There was one thing all speakers during Wednesday evening's Town Hall on recreational cannabis agreed on: People need to get involved, educate themselves and share their opinions with their elected leaders at local, county and state levels.
A panel of six people spoke to the crowd of almost 100 people (and another 300 who were viewing online) during the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals (TRYP) fourth Town Hall meeting in South Lake Tahoe.
LTUSD provides assurance of education for all students, no matter immigration status
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/15/2017 - 10:30pm
Even though the United States Supreme Court declared in 1982 that local school districts have a constitutional mandate to educate all students residing within their jurisdictional boundaries, regardless of their immigration status, actions of President Trump have caused concern among the Latino population of South Lake Tahoe and many other communities.
Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District meeting Thursday
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/23/2017 - 1:48pm
Event Date:
February 23, 2017 - 6:00pm
A public meeting will be held by the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District Board of Directors on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the park located at 1011 E. San Bernardino in Meyers.
Discussion on several items are on the agenda, including park regulations, improvements and weddings/special events.
Here are some of those agenda items:
Disc golf at park update
RVs in the park
Surplus equipment removal update
each sand project
Grants update (including ADA)
Potential conversion to Recreation district
Sign program for park update
LTCC passes resolution supporting diversity, undocumented students
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/15/2017 - 11:38am
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution at its Tuesday night meeting in support of undocumented students and the benefits of diversity to LTCC’s campus and beyond. This resolution follows the release of a Statement on Diversity from LTCC’s new Superintendent/President, Jeff DeFranco, published in the wake of White House changes to immigration policy.
Here is the full text of the Board’s resolution:
City of South Lake Tahoe making changes to retiree health care plan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/07/2017 - 10:29pm
Eligible retirees from the City of South Lake Tahoe will soon be able to opt out of the City's medical insurance plan and get the money to use as they wish.
The City Council voted Tuesday to give the one time offer to their 145 retirees. How much they'll get is based on their years of service and number of years to being eligible for Medicare. They will be notified what their compensation offer will be.
Council to discuss marijuana ordinance for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/05/2017 - 7:57pm
With the passage of Proposition 64 in November, South Lake Tahoe and other cities around the state are taking a look at their codes and regulations to be consistent with requirements that came with the legalization of marijuana for personal use. Californians voted 57.13 percent in favor of the proposition. On a local level, the vote was very close in El Dorado County with 50.07 percent of the voters against the legalization of marijuana.
South Lake Tahoe vacation rental workshop shows wide range of opinions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/26/2017 - 10:34pm
The City of South Lake Tahoe's second workshop on vacation home rentals (VHRs) drew about 45 people in person Wednesday, while several others participated from home via the internet. As is every discussion about VHRs in the community, passions ran high and differences were apparent.
Vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe still divisive topic
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 2:06pm
The vacation home rental (VHR) businesses in South Lake Tahoe have joined together in an effort to address, not only issues residents have with their homes, but to address their relationship with those who control and vote on their regulations.
"Our biggest fear is that the City has changed the intent of the ordinance without the council approval," said Josh Priou, Director of Product Development at Lake Tahoe Accommodations and a member of SLTVRA, South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Alliance.
Electric rates go up January 1 for Liberty Utility customers
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/12/2016 - 3:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Beginning January 1, 2017, customers of Liberty Utilities will see an increase in their electric bills from just under one percent to 17 percent.
The average residential small business customer will see a small increase, while larger commercial customers will see substantial change in their bills (A1 customers less than one percent, A2 16 percent and A3, 17 percent). Rates would have been higher had savings in fuel and energy costs been figured in.
