service

COVID-19 testing at Lake Tahoe Community College through July

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - COVID-19 testing will continue in the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Physical Education building through the end of July, at a minimum.

The LTCC virus testing site is the only large scale site in El Dorado County after the site at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs closed. There has since opened a testing site in El Dorado Hills.

The decision to continue using the facility as a testing site will be made on a month-to-month basis going forward.

Responsible recreation is urged over the 4th of July weekend at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With months of people being under "Stay at Home" orders, and if the past few days are any indication, this holiday weekend will be busy at Lake Tahoe as people get out in the fresh air, hike, bike, go to the beach and get on the water.

The July Fourth holiday at Lake Tahoe will look a bit different this year with firework shows canceled, social distancing, the requirement of face coverings in public places and growing concerns about responsible recreation.

Fireworks banned in all Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you were planning on setting off fireworks around Lake Tahoe this 4th of July, you can forget about it. They are illegal around the lake and in neighboring counties. A mild winter and a large amount of forest fuels put the area at a high risk of fire this summer, and fireworks could be devastating.

Without the official fireworks shows at the north and south ends of the lake, many fear people will resort to the fireworks bought at roadside stands and Indian reservations. While those are legal in the areas they are sold, they are not legal at Lake Tahoe.

Next week's American Century Championship to support equal justice, COVID-19 and local charities

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - It will be different at the American Century Championship at Edgewood next week with no fans allowed, but what won't be different is the philanthropic focus of the tournament.

Undersheriff Randy Peshon retires leaving a legacy of programs for the community

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There will be some very big shoes to fill when finding a replacement for retiring El Dorado County Undersheriff Randy Peshon. On Tuesday, June 30, Peshon will be putting his badge on for the very last time. For 43 years he's been in some level of law enforcement, the last 33 years in El Dorado County.

During his career in El Dorado County, Peshon has been at the forefront of change from implementing a change in culture at the jail in South Lake Tahoe to getting the new Public Safety Facility built under budget and ahead of schedule.

Kevin Fabino steps down as City of South Lake Tahoe Director of Development Services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Kevin Fabino, Director of Development Services, is stepping down after four years of service with the City of South Lake Tahoe.

“I have enjoyed my time with the City, even though it wasn’t always easy,” said Fabino. “We have faced many challenges and I know the team I leave behind will continue to move this community forward.”

Under Fabino’s leadership, the department has faced many challenges including updating how the city issues building permits and reworking the process for managing new cell towers.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe; Red Flag Warning for Western Nevada

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Expect winds from the west 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Waves on Lake Tahoe will be 2-4 feet. Strongest winds and roughest conditions expected Saturday afternoon and evening, and then again on Sunday.

Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the week of June 14-20, 2020. Location Checks are when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests/citations are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc) but stats are collected separately.

6/14

ARRESTS (1)
Transient/Homeless Lyons Av & Lake Tahoe Bl

LOCATION CHECKS (3)
TRAFFIC STOPS (4)
VEHICLE CHECKS (1)
TRANSIENT/HOMELESS (4)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE

Multiple agencies working on fire east of Lake Tahoe in Douglas County

Update 6/25 at 9:00 a.m.: The Monarch Fire burning in Douglas County is now 1,794 acres. The fire is burning three miles south of Sierra Spirit Ranch in the Fish Springs/ Pinenut Creek Road area.

3:51 p.m. 6/24 update: From Douglas County: Several agencies including Bureau of Land Management, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, East Fork Fire, the US Forest Service and the Nevada Division of Forestry are currently responding to the Monarch Fire, a Brush fire in the Fish Springs Pinenut Creek Rd area. No structures are threatened at this time. No active road closures at this time.

Public meeting on Bijou Park Creek Watershed Restoration Project

Event Date: 
June 24, 2020 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a public presentation from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24 on the Bijou Park Creek Watershed Restoration Project.

The project is three phases, the first beginning with the removal of the Knight's Inn and addressing flooding issues in that area. The objectives of the complete project are to improve stormwater quality, decrease flooding, restore the Bijou Park Creek SEZ (stream environmental zone), and to install a series of stormwater quality and flood control improvements.

Crews working on two lightning caused fires at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe and the Sierra had a lot of lightning and thunder Tuesday afternoon, leading to a few fire starts in the area. The Alert Tahoe Fire Camera system was active with fire officials able to zoom in on possible problem areas.

South Lake Tahoe police and fire rescue ducklings from storm drain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It wasn't your normal, every day type of call for service that the South Lake Tahoe Police Departments (SLTPD) and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to on Monday night, but it was one of the happier ones.

On June 22, SLTPD officers were notified of some ducklings who were stuck in a storm drain and they called SLTFR Engine 1 for assistance in getting the eight ducklings out. All were removed from the drain and transported to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC).

Summer fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire season is upon us and many restrictions are now in effect where outdoor burning, campfires, and fire pits are concerned. 2020 started out with the driest February on record since the 1850s, and there is an increased fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region.

It is important to understand that with all of the different fire areas around Lake Tahoe, there are different rules.

Filing period opens July 13 for South Lake Tahoe elected positions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Election Day in 2020 is on November 3, just 134 days away. There will be several elected positions opening up in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers: South Tahoe Public Utility District, South Lake Tahoe City Council, Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Trustees, Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees, and the Lake Valley Fire Board of Directors.

Highs in the 80's all week in the Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be above-average temperatures continuing through this week, likely the warmest day will be Tuesday at almost 90. Winds will be lighter Monday followed by more typical afternoon westerly breezes by midweek. There are chances for thunderstorms Tuesday-Thursday mainly in the Sierra and near the Oregon border. A cooler system is possible for the end of the month, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno:

Forecast from NWS Reno:

Class of 2020 graduation via ski lift at Sierra-at-Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a perfect day, at a perfect location, at a perfect celebration to wrap up what wasn't such a perfect senior year of high school.

On Friday afternoon, one by one, the South Tahoe and Mt. Tallac High School seniors stepped out of their decorated cars amidst cheering from teachers and staff. They sent the students onto the red carpet, down the stairs to more cheering, and dancing, and more red carpet, as they made their way onto a ski lift at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Tahoe inspections begin June 26 for all boats, appointment required

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The next phase of watercraft inspections will begin next week, Lake Tahoe water agencies announced Friday. From June 26 - July 1, and again starting July 6, inspections for the prevention of aquatic invasive species (AIS) will be available by appointment only.

Fire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple agencies responded to a report of a wildfire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe Friday afternoon about 5:00 p.m.

They were able to jump on the fire quickly, leaving less than 1/4 acre burned.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit and the U.S. Forest Service all responded.

Firefighters have completed a hose lay and hand line around the fire and will remain on the scene to mop it up.

The cause is under investigation.

TTD announces fixed-route service adjustments due to COVID-19 staffing challenges

STATELINE, Nev. - In a continued effort to maintain essential transit services and prioritize the safety of transit operators and passengers, the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is notifying the public that it anticipates periodic frequency reductions for fixed-route services due to COVID-19 staffing challenges. TTD will also limit the number of passengers on paratransit buses to comply with social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Governor: Californians must now wear face masks in most public settings

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As California reaches over 5,000 deaths, Governor Newsom announced Thursday that almost everyone in the state will now be required to wear face masks in public.

“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open, and restarting our economy.”

Barton Foundation to give away $100,000 in local grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation began accepting applications on June 15 from local nonprofit organizations for this year’s $100,000 Community Health Grant program. Area service groups and organizations that share Barton Health’s commitment to improving community health and well-being are encouraged to apply online at bartonhealth.org/foundation.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the week of June 7-13, 2020. Location Checks are when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc) but stats are collected separately.

6/7

ARRESTS (1)
Felony-Other 3rd St & James Av

LOCATION CHECKS (12)
TRAFFIC STOPS (10)
VEHICLE CHECKS (2)
TRANSIENT/HOMELESS (3)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE
BOLO 100 Block of US 50

Lake Tahoe forecast: Wind Advisory to start the week, 80's by the end

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A low pressure system moving across the Pacific Northwest will bring gusty winds Monday. A Lake Wind Advisory is in place Monday from noon to 10:00 p.m. Southwest winds will be from 10-20 mph with gusts 35 mph expected. Waves on Lake Tahoe could reach 2 to 3 feet.

Online map to help locate USFS designated recreation sites around Lake Tahoe and the state

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Need help finding out which Forest service campsites and recreation sites are open or closed? While all of their sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin are open, that is not the case in other areas in the Sierra and the rest of California as we start to come out of seasonal and COVID-19 closures.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Tahoe, Donner, Fallen Leaf, Prosser, and Boca for Friday, June 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Winds will be from the southwest 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Waves 2-4 feet on Lake Tahoe can be expected.

Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

The three-day forecast:

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the week of June 1-6, 2020. The calls listed COVID can be related to home and business checks due to COVID closures including Vacation Home Rentals and violation of stay-at-home orders. Location Checks are when officers search an area at certain address.

6/1

ARRESTS (4)
Warrant 2100 Block of South Av
Transient/Homeless 900 Block of Sunset Dr
Transient/Homeless 900 Block of Sunset Dr
Unlicensed Driver Lake Tahoe Bl & Lodi Av

LOCATION CHECKS (7)

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Added to Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/05/31/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

5/30

7:34 p.m. - Family Quarrel - Clear View Dr - FAMILY QUARREL IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Temperatures closer to average by midweek

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The forecast low-pressure system with winds and a chance of snow brought widely scattered snow over the mountains around Lake Tahoe after a very windy Saturday. The showers will be diminishing this evening with a cold night Sunday. There will be widespread freezing temperatures with South Lake Tahoe seeing mid-20s. Things will start warming up closer to average by the middle of the week with lighter winds. Another low is possible Friday and Saturday with breezy winds, showers, and cooler temperatures.

The National Weather Service in Reno forecast for the week:

Two men rescued from Lake Tahoe after their kayaks capsize

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two men were pulled from the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe after their kayaks capsized late Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on June 6, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue's Marine 17 was dispatched to the water off of Baldwin Beach for possible kayakers in distress. One of the kayakers was able to make a call and the GPS coordinates put the two men several hundred yards off the shore between Baldwin Beach and Emerald Bay.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Saturday followed by chance of snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Lake Wind Advisory for Lake Tahoe remains in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6. Also under the warnings are Donner, Fallen Leaf, Prosser, and Boca.

The National Weather Service is forecasting southwest winds 20-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Waves on Lake Tahoe could be 2-4 feet. Small boats, kayaks and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

And if the wind wasn't enough, there is a chance of snow for Lake Tahoe Saturday night.

The weekend forecast:

Jeff Marsolais leaves LTBMU and becomes new supervisor for Eldorado Forest

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The former Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) forest supervisor has moved over to the same position with the Eldorado National Forest, replacing the retired Laurence Crabtree.

Jeff Marsolais came to Lake Tahoe in 2010, working several positions and for the past five years, had filled the top spot.

The Eldorado National Forest is welcoming back Jeff Marsolais, who will begin serving as the Eldorado’s new forest supervisor on June 22. Jeff worked on the Eldorado National Forest early in his career and is excited to return.

American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe returns in July, but without fans

LAKE TAHOE, Nev, - This year's American Century Championship will return to Edgewood Tahoe for the 31st consecutive year July 8-12, but it will look a lot different than past tournaments due to COVID-19.

East Shore Express to Sand Harbor not operating this summer

LAKE TAHOE, Nev, - Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) announced today that the East Shore Express, its popular summer seasonal transit service from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, will not operate in 2020. TTD plans to resume the East Shore Express service in summer 2021.

100 Miles for Tahoe Virtual Challenge - Run, walk, bike during the month of June

The Tahoe Mountain Milers Running Club (TMMRC) is inviting the public to lace up your shoes and run/walk/hike during the month of June for the 100 Miles for Tahoe Virtual Challenge, a fundraiser benefiting the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

Each year, TMMRC contributes part of the proceeds from races like Escape from Prison Hill to the TRTA, but these race, like so many others, are canceled for the time being. Still, running isn't canceled, and neither is the need for stewardship and maintenance of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Campfire restrictions around Lake Tahoe to reduce chance of human-caused wildfires

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is enacting campfire restrictions to protect the health and safety of employees and communities, effective immediately and until further notice. Outside of developed campgrounds and certain permitted facilities, igniting, building, maintaining or using a fire on national forest land in Lake Tahoe will be prohibited.

El Dorado County recommended budget $87M less that previous year

On Friday May 29, 2019, El Dorado Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton
released his Fiscal Year 2020-21 Recommended Budget to the Board of Supervisors. The total recommended budget is approximately $647.7 million, which is $87.3 million less than the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget, a copy of which can be accessed here.

Letter: Support our local businesses

These are odd times. We are told the best thing we can do is avoid each other and stay home if at all possible. Meanwhile, our local businesses are reopening while tourism continues to be discouraged. Whether you agree with these decisions or not, whether you believe the virus is real or not, our local businesses are struggling to get enough customers to make it worth the effort. I happen to be on the side of approaching reopening with a cautionary approach but I am also very concerned about our local businesses.

Wide range of weather in South Lake Tahoe forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Temperatures will return to around average by Monday then trend much warmer through Thursday and there will be chances for showers and
thunderstorms each afternoon and evening. A stronger storm system for early June reaches the Pacific Northwest coast next weekend for increased winds, much cooler
temperatures, and chances for showers in the Lake Tahoe Basin, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

The NWS Reno forecast for the week:

Tahoe Homeless Coalition housed 148 people this winter; New services now offered

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) had settled into their new winter home on 3rd Street in South Lake Tahoe when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing them to look for a larger space to get more people off the streets.

The City of South Lake Tahoe opened its recreation center to the nonprofit as it was already closed due to the pandemic, allowing TCH to add more beds and services and become a 24/7 facility.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service releases 4,600 more Lahontan cuthroat into Lake Tahoe

Following a successful three-day operation in October, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week released more than 4,600 Lahontan cutthroat trout into Lake Tahoe, helping to restore the iconic species to its native waters.

Lahontan cutthroat trout are the largest inland cutthroat trout in the world and the only trout native to Lake Tahoe.

The 4,645 fish from the Pilot Peak strain, originated at the Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex in Gardnerville and were released into the Nevada side of the lake this week.

Lake Valley Fire selects Brad Zlendick as its new fire chief

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Valley Fire Protection District didn't have to search far for its new chief to replace the retiring Tim Alameda. Brad Zlendick, who has been in the interim chief role since March 18, is now officially the LVFPD fire chief.

Sloan Gordon ~ 8.19.1973 - 5.18.2020

August 19, 1973 - May 18, 2020 - Sloan Michael Gordon signed off on a life lived to its very fullest on May 18, 2020. Though taken far too soon, Sloan managed to live 10 lives in the span of his 47 years, punctuated by adventure, mischief, and quality time with his family and friends.

Sunny with above average temperatures this week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Unusually warm temperatures are forecast Tuesday through Friday of this week as strong high pressure builds over the region and brings with it summer-like heat to the region much of this week with record highs possible. Afternoon thunderstorms could form starting Tuesday, mainly along high terrain. Storms look to become more widespread late week. Stronger winds, a few showers, and more seasonable temperatures (the 60s) are projected next weekend as low-pressure approaches from the Pacific, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Reno.

Drought conditions for Northern California and Northern Nevada

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This week's Drought Monitor shows much of the West in some level of drought. Lake Tahoe, the Sierra, and Western Nevada are all in a "moderate drought" stage with no end in the immediate future.

The 90-day outlook shows higher than average temperatures and lower than average precipitation, neither of which is good to break out of a drought.

Following below-average precipitation most of the winter, May storms delivered 181 percent of average in the Northern Sierra for this time of year, but the results aren't showing enough to remove the area from drought.

Two special Douglas County meetings to discuss a revised budget due to COVID-19

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Wed May 27 2020 .
May 26, 2020 (All day)
May 27, 2020 (All day)

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will be conducting special meetings on May 26 and 27, 2020 to discuss the possible adoption of the FY 2020-21 Final Budgets for Douglas County; Douglas County Redevelopment Agency; the Towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden; and the Tahoe-Douglas Transportation District.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and anticipated $3M shortfall in revenue, the County will discuss reductions in personnel, service, and supplies across all departments.

Keeping Tahoe bears wild - COVID-19 closures can affect their behavior

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Spring is in full swing in the Tahoe Basin and Tahoe black bears are searching for food. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears results in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year, local law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized.

Tahoe Chamber Town Hall with TRPA and USFS

Event Date: 
May 22, 2020 - 11:00am

The Tahoe Chamber is having another one of their virtual Town Hall meetings on Friday, May 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This week's focus will be on the reopening of recreation services in the basin.

Representatives from the US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will provide updates on the availability of access to the USFS beaches and recreation sites and the phased opening of boating season at Lake Tahoe.

Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-0rCKNqnQ7WBnuRyOhKyRg

Column: Reframing mental health now and for the future

As the COVID-19 pandemic made its way across the globe, a shapeless and silent pandemic, borne of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty also began to take hold. While taking care of oneself has been focused on our physical health and hygiene, it has left the mental health and emotional states for many, in limbo and for others, pushed them into crisis.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in effect for the Lake Tahoe Basin from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21.

Winds from the west 15-20 mph are expected on the lake with gusts to 35 mph. Waves will be 1-3 feet with the highest waves on eastern shores.

Small boats, kayaks and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Temperatures will be rising at the lake, with a dip into the 80s anticipated by Tuesday!

The four-day forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Visitors to Lake Tahoe are encouraged to follow stay-at-home guidelines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The messaging from the state, county, and city has been consistent throughout the coronavirus pandemic: This is not the time to travel to South Lake Tahoe. Nevada has also sent out the same message as a ban on nonessential travel that was created to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between communities.

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