retirement
City Council makes it official: Dirk Brazil's interim city manager contract approved
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/05/2018 - 11:07pmHe's been on the job for a few weeks, meeting with staff and getting to know the ropes in South Lake Tahoe, but Dirk Brazil's employment contract for the interim city manager position was officially approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting, his first official day on the job.
SLTPD honors and promotes during National Police Week
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 10:32pmThe South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) held the annual awards ceremony Thursday, honoring the retirement of K9 Tara, the promotion of Jeff Roberson to Sergeant, awards for bravery and for service.
The celebration was started with the National Anthem sung by South Tahoe High School senior Caroline Krolicki and a presentation of the colors by the department's Honor Guard.
Dirk Brazil ready to take on interim city manager role for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 6:39pmRecently retired from the City of Davis, Dirk Brazil has been selected to become the City of South Lake Tahoe's interim city manager starting June 5.
Even though he doesn't start officially until next month, Brazil has been in town meeting with various stakeholders and getting to know the city.
He said a lot of things in a city are the same, departments and their functions are similar, but each one has its own issues.
Ceremony for SLT police awards and retirement of K9 Tara moved
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/16/2018 - 4:27pmDue to the chance of inclement weather on Thursday, May 17, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department Annual Awards Ceremony held in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Week has been moved to the City Council Chambers located at 1901 Airport Road.
The event starts at 4:00 p.m. and will include awards, the retirement of K9 Tara, and the swearing in ceremony of recently selected Sergeant, Jeffrey Roberson.
The 10-year-old Tara's handler is Sergeant Jason Cheney.
Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 10:51pmThere are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.
South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.
Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V
Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini honored with special day, governor's proclamation
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/10/2018 - 5:59pmKudos and acknowledgements are starting to line up for Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini as he wraps up more than 45 years of serving the public of Nevada.
Nevada Governor Sandoval has proclaimed Wednesday, May 16, 2018 to be Sheriff Ron Pierini Day.
South Lake Tahoe Police K9 Tara to retire
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/03/2018 - 7:53pmEvent Date:
May 17, 2018 - 4:00pm
5/16 UPDATE: Due to the forecast, this event has been moved to the City Council Chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport.
* * *
The South Lake Tahoe Police Canine Association has announced that K9 Tara will be retiring on May 17 during the annual South Lake Tahoe Police Department's (SLTPD) awards ceremony.
The 10-year-old Tara's handler is Sergeant Jason Cheney.
Andy Wirth announces his retirement from Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/12/2018 - 9:37pmFollowing eight years at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Andy Wirth has announced plans to retire and step down from the position of President & COO of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings.
Abelow earns Certified Financial Planning certificate
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/30/2018 - 4:29pmNicholas "Nic" Abelow an independent financial advisor at Abelow, Pratt & Associates in South Lake Tahoe, California, has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. This is a mark in the financial services industry awarded to financial advisors who have met certain standards for experience, knowledge and ethical conduct in financial planning.
“I am honored to have earned the CFP® certification,” said Nic “It further demonstrates my dedication and commitment to my clients to provide them with objective financial advice to help them work toward their financial goals.”
New Executive Chef for Edgewood Tahoe's three lakefront restaurants
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/02/2018 - 8:49pmThere is a new chef at the helm of Edgewood Tahoe's three restaurants after the retirement of Frank Stagnaro, the resort’s executive chef for over 25 years.
Executive Chef Charles Wilson was amazed at the view from the resort that sits on the shore of Lake Tahoe.
“One of the reasons I’m here is this property,” Wilson said. “Walking into the Great Room and looking out the windows was the moment. The culinary team’s job is to match the ambiance of the resort, and this setting is truly spectacular.”
Retired South Lake Tahoe K9 Duke passes
Submitted by paula on Sun, 12/17/2017 - 9:48pmRetired South Lake Tahoe K9 Duke has passed away according to the South Lake Tahoe Police Canine Association. During his years of service he was responsible for the seizure of almost half a million dollars cash and countless narcotics detection arrests. He had numerous street suspect apprehensions, none of which were ever challenged in criminal or civil court according to his handler, Tony Broadfoot.
Duke had been trained by the Dutch Police in Belgium prior to coming to South Lake Tahoe in December of 2005.
Tony Broadfoot wrote this about Duke on the association's Facebook page:
Opinion: Future costs of college and how to plan for it
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/29/2017 - 8:21pmAs a parent, you may be concerned about how to pay for your child’s future higher education expenses. You want what’s best for your child and to help them fulfill their dream of becoming whatever they want to be. However, as we all know, the cost of college is getting more expensive each year. By the time your children are ready for college, it may be even more expensive than you thought.
SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston wins award
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/15/2017 - 6:38pmChief Jeff Meston of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is the recipient of the Ed Bent Training Excellence Award in recognition of being the Outstanding Fire Instructor of the Year at the California Training Officers Symposium held this week in Fresno, California.
The award was created many years ago on behalf of Ed Bent for his contribution as a founding father of statewide training and curriculum for the California Fire Service.
Robert Rossi honored for decades of dedication to Lake Valley Fire Protection District
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 3:55pmFor over four decades, Robert Rossi has served the community in several positions from volunteer firefighter to battalion chief to board member.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) honored outgoing Director Robert Rossi, a position he's held since 2010.
Vail Resorts posts gain in 2017; CalPERS increases their investment
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/02/2017 - 7:30amVail Resorts Inc., the parent company of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood and Northstar California, posted income of $210.6 million for fiscal 2017, and increase of 40.6 percent over 2016.
Highlights of their year:
Total skier visits for fiscal 2017 increased to approximately 12.0 million, up 20.1 percent
Total lift revenue increased $160.3 million, or 24.4%
Ski school revenue increased $34.5 million, or 24.1%
Dining revenue increased $29.6 million, or 24.4%
Retail/rental revenue increased $52.3 million, or 21.7%
Opinion: Who owns the 'All Year Playground?'
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 11:21pmI 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.
Social Security - Your decision of a lifetime
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 10:35amEvent 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.
Author to speak on Nevada State Children's Home at Dangberg Historic Park
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 07/30/2017 - 3:29pm
Event Date:
August 6, 2017 - 10:00am Author Bonnie Boice Nishikawa will speak on her book Nevada State Orphans/Children’s Home: My Life as a “Home” Kid at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Sunday, August 6, at 10:00 am.
The Nevada State Orphans Home at Carson City was authorized in 1869 by the legislature with construction beginning the same year. The first child was admitted in October of 1870.
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
Letter to the Editor: Successful students are the "products" of LTCC
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/19/2017 - 12:07pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone knows what Barton Hospital does. We have all used it for one reason or another. Yet many people in our community may not fully appreciate what Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) brings to our community. On June 30, LTCC held its graduation ceremony with over 150 students getting a degree or certificate. Many will go on to a 4-year university to get a bachelor’s degree. We now know where last year’s 163 students who graduated from LTCC went.
Holocaust survivor to speak in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 07/03/2017 - 10:24am
Event Date:
July 13, 2017 - 7:00pm Holocaust Survivor Dr. Jacob Eisenbach will be the special guest speaker at Chabad at the Ski Run Marina in South Lake Tahoe on July 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Jacob Eisenbach was born in Poland in 1923. Nicknamed “Kuba” by his father, Eisenbach grew up in a loving household with all of the hopes and dreams of any family… he was to be a doctor, his brother Sam, an author… his sister dreamed of a career as a pharmacist. That all changed when Hitler’s army invaded Poland in 1939.
Location
Chabad at the Ski Run Marina
900 Ski Run Blvd
United States
38° 56' 57.8904" N, 119° 57' 33.156" W
See map: Google Maps
Opinion: Difficult choices in El Dorado County budget
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/05/2017 - 11:44amLast Friday, I delivered to the Board of Supervisors and publicly released the County’s Recommended Budget. The 422-page document deserves some context.
New STHS principal introduced as Chad Houck prepares for new job
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 4:57pmFriday will be the last day on the job at South Tahoe High School (STHS) for Principal Chad Houck. He, his wife and five children are headed to Ridgecrest where he'll be the Dean of Instruction for Cerro Coso Community College starting June 5.
CalPERS to extract $4.5B from public agencies over next 5 years: City's total up $4.9M
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/15/2017 - 2:07pmDuring Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, the City's financial forecast over the next five years will be presented. Included in that will be a review of how the City prepared to meet anticipated increases for South Lake Tahoe programs and services by budgeting conservatively. What could not be budgeted for though was a 100% increase by the California Public Employee Retirement Systems (CalPERS).
New lieutenant and sergeant for South Lake Tahoe Police Department
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/03/2017 - 7:18pmTwo members of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) were promoted on during an official swearing-in ceremony at the Lake Tahoe Airport on Monday.
Shannon Laney was promoted to lieutenant and Doug Sentell was promoted to sergeant as they took their oath with SLTPD Police Chief Brian Uhler.
With the retirement of Brian Williams, Laney was chosen to take his place, then Sentell took over Laney's old position.
McCallum releases resignation letter as community leaders bid her farewell
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 8:42pmJudi McCallum, the longtime El Dorado County employee who served as the assistant to the District 5 Board of Supervisors for 26 years, has shared her official resignation letter with South Tahoe Now.
On March 20, McCallum reached out with a personal letter to friends and the employees of the County as she began her first day of retirement. Here is her resignation letter:
March 27, 2017
El Dorado County Human Resources and Board of Supervisors
Judi McCallum leaves her El Dorado County post to pursue passions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/22/2017 - 7:10amFor the past 26 years, Judi McCallum has been keeping the El Dorado County Supervisors from Lake Tahoe organized, on schedule, and connected to those they serve.
"I have had such a great run as a Supervisor's Assistant at the County of El Dorado Board of Supervisors doing exactly what I love most, helping people," McCallum told South Tahoe Now during her first hour of retirement.
Since 1991 she has worked for four District V Supervisors, with 18 elected Supervisors down the hallway, more than 10 Chief Administrators or Interims, and 1,600 "amazing" county employees.
Lt. Brian Williams retiring after 30 years serving the South Lake Tahoe community
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 5:05pmAs he reflects back on 30 years in uniform for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Lt. Brian Williams knows the dates that will be forever etched into his memory. 12/29/1986, 6/10/1991, 1/29/1997, 10/25/2005 and 8/26/2009.
December 29, 1986: Brian starts with SLTPD and heads off to the Police Academy in Santa Rosa.
City of South Lake Tahoe making changes to retiree health care plan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/07/2017 - 10:29pmEligible 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.
Firefighter of the Year and other honors awarded at South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue ceremony
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/29/2017 - 1:18pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) had their annual awards ceremony on Friday January 27 to celebrate their accomplishments in 2016 and honor staff and volunteers.
Firefighter of the Year - Brenan Davis
Paramedic of the Year - Kim George
STAT Volunteer of the Year -JoAnn Conner
Dispatcher of the Year - Melissa Dube
Citizen's Award - Jack Francis
Fire Chief Jeff Meston's Meritorious Awards went to Tyler Jack for his work on the department's social media accounts and to the City's Press Information Officer Tracy Franklin.
Longtime LTCC Trustee Dr. Wenck retires after 42 years on board
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/16/2016 - 7:27pmSouth Lake Tahoe - The year was 1974. Richard Nixon resigned as president, Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, All in the Family and Sanford and Son were number one and two on the top TV show list, gas was 38 cents a gallon and Dr. Frederick “Fritz” Wenck became an elected Board of Trustees member for Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC).
Fast forward to 2016 and Dr. Wenck retired from the board.
Financial Tips: Create a holiday budget
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/17/2016 - 3:17pmAs the traditional giving season approaches, there is one important item to add to your to do list: Create a holiday budget. Before the gift shopping and wrapping begins, take control of your wallet through financial preparation. Remember, you can avoid the credit card crunch and the dangerous pitfall of borrowing against your company's retirement savings plan or IRAs.
Here's how to establish a holiday wish list and spending budget:
Approval of VHR permit in South Lake Tahoe: Hours of debate, thousands of dollars
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/14/2016 - 11:27pmRoman Kreminski lives in South Lake Tahoe and, like many others, makes his living in building "Spec Homes," the process of building and selling homes for sale without any particular buyer in mind. It used to be a good business for Kreminski based on speculation of a strong real estate market and buyers waiting to invest in paradise.
He kept about five local families working full time to build the homes.
After Thursday's South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission meeting Kreminski said, "I'm done."
El Dorado County BOS appoint interim head of the Community Development Agency
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 8:34pmA former member of both the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and California State Assembly has been named the interim director of the El Dorado County Community Development Agency.
At the BOS meeting Tuesday, Roger Niello was appointed to fill the spot vacated when Steve Pedretti left the position for Placer County.
Niello begins his job November 2.
Before he went into public service, Niello managed the Niello Auto Group for
25 years until 1999.
Lake Tahoe protection and Sacramento flood control in Senate bill
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/14/2016 - 4:49pmCalifornia’s Salton Sea and state-straddling Lake Tahoe would receive funding for environmental restoration under a bill set for Senate approval Thursday.
More controversial water-related efforts remain stuck in Capitol Hill limbo, however.
Put simply, California’s diverse water ambitions face a complicated future in what remains of the 114th Congress.
Clearer picture now for November's elections in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/18/2016 - 8:33amDeadlines for candidates interested in sitting on four local boards and councils have come and gone for most of the contests, so there is now a much clearer picture on the November elections.
There are now ten people interested in sitting on the South Lake Tahoe City Council. With a deadline of 5:00 p.m. on August 17, the last of the candidates submitted their paperwork just under the wire.
Hal Cole not running for 6th term: Filing deadline extended for City Council candidates
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/10/2016 - 3:44pmFormer Mayor and current City Councilman Hal Cole will not be running for a sixth term this November, so the filing period for candidates has been extended by five days.
This Friday, August 12 was the original deadline, but that was only in the case of an incumbent running for their current seat. JoAnn Conner has filed papers to run for re-election, but Cole has decided to hand off the hand to a new Council member.
The deadline to turn in paperwork has been extended to Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.
Christine Cosbey Smith March 10, 1949 - July 23, 2016
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/04/2016 - 8:25amChristy Smith was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Wife, Sister and Daughter who dedicated her life to the service of others, especially children. She passed away on July 23rd after a courageous battle with cancer.
Christy was born March 10, 1949 in Altadena, California to Jack and Marjorie Cosbey. She spent her childhood in Southern California, graduating in 1967 from Long Beach Polytechnic High School. She studied Nursing at Long Beach State College and worked as a nurse in Cardiology and Family Practice.
Letter to the Editor: Positive Disagreement
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/26/2016 - 2:46pmWhy is there so much negativity in our community about issues on which we disagree? I posted a comment supporting my friend Jason Collin in this online news site and Kenny Curtzweiler replied that people should not donate to the non-profit organization I work for – the Tahoe Prosperity Center. How is that acceptable? Are we not allowed to voice our opinions and not be branded for them? My opinions are my own and not those of the Tahoe Prosperity Center. To equate one with the other (and then to ask people not to support the incredibly important work we are doing) is irresponsible.
Anthony J. “Tony” Magliari 1930- 2016
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/15/2016 - 8:35amFormer Sierra Sands school superintendent Anthony J. “Tony” Magliari passed away at his home in Ridgecrest, California, on June 14, 2016, at the age of 85. Born in Los Angeles on October 5, 1930, Magliari, the son of an Italian immigrant, graduated in 1948 from George Washington High School, where he served as student body president. While attending Los Angeles City College Magliari enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve and was called into active duty during the Korean War in 1951.
Slew of candidates needed for local positions this fall
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/06/2016 - 6:42pmThe City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Lake Tahoe Community College and South Tahoe Public Utility District have all released advertisements, press releases and emails to the public, looking for candidates for their open seats this election season.
There will be two open seats for City Council, three seats for LTUSD School Board of Trustees, two for LTCC Board of Trustees, and two for the STPUD Board of Directors. All will be voted on during the next election, November 8, 2016.
Wenck won't seek reelection; Retiring from LTCC board after 42 years
Submitted by admin on Wed, 07/06/2016 - 1:33pmThe Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) will be saying good by to Dr. Fritz Wenck this December as he leaves the LTCC Board of Trustees after serving for 42 years. Wenck is the current President and one of the longest-serving trustees in California’s community college system.
Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief retiring after 36 years of service
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 8:40pmEngineer test. Check. Hire an Assistant Chief. Check. Negotiate new three year contract with union. Check. Retire ....Almost check.
The board on the wall in Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Ben Sharit's office has a list of to-dos, things he had to accomplish before he could retire. On Thursday, June 30, he will be able to check them all off.
Ben Sharit, the Chief since 2011, will leave his post after being in the EMT, paramedic, firefighter business since 1980.
California voters hit the polls Tuesday; El Dorado County vote includes ballot measures
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/07/2016 - 7:44amThe California State Primary is Tuesday, June 7, and there are a few local items on the ballot.
The following are summaries of what voters on the lake side of El Dorado County will be voting on. If people are unsure of their polling place, visit this site, input your address and birthdate: http://elections.edcgov.us/lookup.fwx
Measure A - The preamble of the County Charter will be changed if passed. The proposed wording is below, with :
Group formed to battle new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance change
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/28/2016 - 6:07pmYou've spent your life savings on the dream, to buy a home in South Lake Tahoe. Better yet, you've found the perfect property where you can find a way to live in Tahoe and own a home that brings in some income.
There are current 56 different parcels in the City limits that are multi-family units that are also licensed vacation rentals and the City of South Lake Tahoe wants to prevent them from being rented, thus stopping the home owners from earning the needed income to keep their home.
Charles 'Butch' Jensen 1943 - 2016
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/28/2016 - 4:35pmCharles “Butch” Jensen died peacefully in Sacramento on May 14, 2016 of cancer. He was 73 years old.
Don Ashton appointed CAO for El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/24/2016 - 4:00pmDon Ashton, the El Dorado County Director of Health & Human Services, was appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) during the Board of Supervisor's meeting in Placerville Tuesday.
When Sue Novasel, the South Shore representative on the Board of Supervisors was asked why Ashton was chosen, she said his 23 years of experience in the public sector is extensive, and he'll know how to take the county to the next level.
Vacation Rental Ordinance updated to exclude multi-family properties
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/17/2016 - 9:50pmJust as it is when the topic of vacation rentals is on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda, a large, and at times, angry, crowd gathered.
The task at hand Tuesday was to review changes to the current Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance which included 11 changes which will take effect 30 days after the June 7 Council meeting if approved.
Officer hanging up her shield after 29 years with SLTPD
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 9:11pmWhat does a police officer do after they retire?
Hunt for Bigfoot, of course.
That is what South Lake Tahoe Police Officer Donna Kingman said she'll be doing after hanging up her shield after 29 years of working in the community. Her official last day is April 30, but Thursday was her last shift working in uniform.
Of course, she won't be hunting for Bigfoot in cold, shaded areas as she'll be seeking sun and a life of being "footloose and fancy free."
Elected county officials back Don Ashton for Chief Executive Officer
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/05/2016 - 7:18pmSeven elected officials in El Dorado County submitted a letter of recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, backing Don Ashton for the position of Chief Administrative Officer. The county has been searching for someone to take the top spot after a series of people were in the position. Larry Combs came out of retirement to be the Interim CAO on June 29, 2015.
Ashton is the current Director of Health & Human Services.
Here is the letter sent to the Chair of the Board of Supervisors in its exact original state:
Dear Supervisor Mikulaco:
Carolyn Batchelor 1946-2016
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/03/2016 - 1:26pm
Event Date:
March 5, 2016 - 10:00am We lost a beautiful, vibrant spirit much too soon. Our beloved Carolyn Batchelor left us February shortly after Valentine's Day, and our hearts are broken.
Carolyn Wands was born in Nampa, Idaho. She was the only child of Dr. Robert and Eileen Wands. At the age of eighteen Carolyn moved to Ontario, California, with her husband, Steve Batchelor. She, Steve, and their children lived in Cucamonga and Crestline.