sue novasel

El Dorado County to hold special meeting for vacation home rentals

Event Date: 
February 1, 2018 - 6:00pm

There will be a special meeting of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to discuss vacation home rentals (VHRs) in South Lake Tahoe at 6:00 p.m. on February 1 at the City Council chambers.

Supervisor Sue Novasel said she believes a meeting about the South Shore should be held on the South Shore so more of the citizens could attend and participate.

The hot topic of VHRs has divided many neighbors with opinions on both side of the issue.

Vacation rental urgency ordinance on El Dorado County Supervisor agenda

There is an item on Tuesday's El Dorado County Board of Supervisor's agenda that caught many by surprise, especially those supervisors appointed to address the issue. Supervisor Shiva Frentzen is seeking conceptual approval of urgency ordinance to place a moratorium on the issuance of new vacation home rental permits in the unincorporated portions of the County located in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Changes on the way for Tahoe Paradise Park; New board member sought

In the works since 2010, the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District is now officially a "recreation and park district." Governor Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 1023 into law that year, creating an expedited procedure for resort improvement districts to convert into community service districts, and in the case of Tahoe Paradise Park, into the recreation and park district.

That "expedited" procedure has taken almost six years for the Tahoe Paradise district to work out.

El Dorado County joins others in state to temporarily ban sales of cannabis

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have voted for a temporary ban of commercial licenses for both medical and recreational cannabis in El Dorado County with the exception of medical cannabis dispensaries allowed to operate under ordinance 4999.

At the same time, they voted to create a new ad hoc Cannabis Advisory Committee to study and create ballot measures for different cannabis commercial uses tied to
taxation for a local election.

Supervisor Sue Novasel, who represents the South Shore will join Supervisor Ranalli on the new committee.

Letter: VHRs in El Dorado County are out of control

Dear Editor;

In writing this letter, I am only expressing my own opinion and not that of
any organization or entity.

Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in the County are out of control. As is
evidenced by the number of residents complaining about noise, parking, trash,
over-occupancy, etc, it is time for our government representatives to act and
change the current ordinance to respect our rights to live in peaceful
neighborhoods.

There are many issues surrounding VHRs that need to be addressed, but I

El Dorado County may revamp VHR ordinance

As with meetings concerning vacation rentals (VHRs) in the City of South Lake Tahoe, many residents from the county turned out to voice concerns with the El Dorado County's Tax Collector C.L. Cherie Raffety Wednesday.

What was different than the City's meetings, Raffety limited how the public could speak about noise, parking, occupancy, hot tubs, zoning and other issues they have in their neighborhoods. She broke up the issues and heard concerns, one subject at a time.

County to hold VHR meeting in South Lake Tahoe

The El Dorado County Tax Collector will be holding a meeting to discuss vacation home rentals (VHRs) in the non-city limits portions of South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the SLT library.

C.L. Raffety is holding the public meeting to discuss recent changes in the ordinance, and hear suggestions for amendments. Under consideration for changes include no sub-leases of vacation homes, signage requirements and looking at ways to eliminate clusters of VHRs in neighborhoods.

Revised medical marijuana rules being worked out, committee sets next meeting

Event Date: 
October 23, 2017 (All day)

The last meeting of El Dorado County's Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee was a packed house, with a majority of those in attendance made up of cannabis growers in the area, and more of the same is expected at their next meeting.

One of the organizers, County Supervisor Sue Novasel of the South Shore, said all participants were respectful of each other's opinions. "It was a good meeting," said Novasel. She said many were concerned about a proposed registration procedure.

El Dorado County reviewing their vacation rental ordinance

El Dorado County initiated the "Good Neighbor Program" in 2014 after holding a public meeting on October 23 of that year.

Tax Collector Cherie Raffety said during the meeting that the County wanted vacation homes to be a good neighbor instead of creating a situation that causes Sheriff's deputies to be called out for excessive noise. Management companies were to go to neighbors, introduce themselves and leave contact info.

Changes planned in El Dorado County Medical Marijuana Ordinance

Event Date: 
October 12, 2017 - 3:00pm

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee for El Dorado County will meet again on Thursday, October 12 in Placerville to discuss proposed ordinance changes to both the cannabis cultivation ordinance and code compliance ordinance that will create a civil enforcement process for marijuana cultivation.

Supervisors Sue Novasel and Michael Ranalli were appointed to the ad hoc committee in March 2016 and have been meeting with stakeholders since then as well as looking at what similar counties are doing in their communities. The Medical

Opinion: Tahoe South steals the show – with “Modern Family”

This past week is one for the record books in South Lake Tahoe. I know, you’re thinking record temperatures, attendance at one of our special events or our filled-to-capacity lake. All wrong -- I’m referring to ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit TV comedy series Modern Family and the filming of the show’s season premiere here at South Shore.

Laine and Novasel appointed to the California Tahoe Conservancy Board

Now that elected officials are allowed back on the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC), the South Lake Tahoe City Council and El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) both appointed their representatives today.

Governor Brown signed AB1191 on July 24, 2017, defining who could serve on the CTC after the use of elected officials was questioned earlier this year.

First responders and resilient community honored on 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

"It was so frustrating and only so much we could do," recalled Kit Bailey of the U.S. Forest Service during Saturday's Angora Fire First Responder Remembrance Ceremony. "Its miraculous nobody got hurt."

On the 10th anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed 254 homes as it burned quickly through 3,100 acres in the Meyers area of the South Shore, fire responders gathered at the Lake Valley Fire Department to honor those who served that day, and to honor the resilient community that supported them.

Events at Lake Valley Fire and Valhalla mark 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

Event Date: 
June 24, 2017 - 8:30am

Events continue on the South Shore to mark the 10th anniversary of the Angora Fire.

Angora Fire First Responder Remembrance Ceremony
Saturday, June 24, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District Station 7, 2211 Keetak Street, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Angora Commemoration
Saturday, June 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Valhalla Grand Lawn, 1 Valhalla Road, State Route 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Sponsored by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team

Speakers for the event:
Welcome South Lake Tahoe Mayor Austin Sass

Public safety memorial wall to be dedicated in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 19, 2017 - 1:00pm

The public is invited to the dedication of a new public safety memorial wall at Happy Homestead Cemetery on Friday, May 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Local law enforcement and fire departments will be participating, with South Lake Tahoe Mayor Austin Sass, El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel, fire and police chiefs speaking during the ceremony. A large contingent of agency equipment is expected along with honor guards and traditional bell ringing.

McCallum releases resignation letter as community leaders bid her farewell

Judi 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

Novasel holding South Lake Tahoe/Meyers meeting to discuss traffic

Event Date: 
April 6, 2017 - 6:00pm

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel is inviting all county residents to join in the continuing discussion about traffic congestion in Meyers at the next Traffic Congestion update meeting in Meyers on April 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. She will be leading the discussion that was started at the first meeting on February 13 when about 100 people attended.

El Dorado County looks at Traction Control Ordinance for Lake Tahoe roads

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel and her fellow supervisors have taken the first steps to create a Traction Control Ordinance for Lake Tahoe. During their meeting on March 21, approval was given for the concept of an ordinance that, once created, will be back before the Supervisors in April for final adoption.

In coordination with the Community Development Agency, Transportation Division (DOT) and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO), Novasel presented the item for vote to create safer roads during heavy snowstorms in the Lake Tahoe area.

Planning Commissioner resigns after possible conflict identified

A letter sent to the South Lake Tahoe City Council and Lake Tahoe Unified School District has prompted Angela Swanson, a member of the City's Planning Commission, to resign from her position.

Swanson was appointed to the commission after submitting an application and being appointed during the January 17, 2017 City Council meeting. She was one of 11 people vying for the five open positions, each for a two-year term.

City, County, State and law enforcement officials meet to discuss Tahoe traffic jams

Sunday traffic heading west from South Lake Tahoe has been a major problem from the city to Meyers all winter long. Last week, on March 5, there were reports of travel time on the 9.3 mile route along Highway 50 from Stateline to Meyers taking eight hours, and from the Y to Meyers, four hours for the 4.3 mile trip.

What is best solution to keep visitors leaving Lake Tahoe on Highway 50 and not on side streets?

It's another snowy weekend, and another weekend of drivers trying to head home over Echo Summit via Lake Tahoe Blvd and North Upper Truckee Road. With a backup at the chain control stop in Meyers, many are trying to circumvent not only the traffic, but the controls and causing issues on snow covered side roads.

Weekend traffic congestion in Meyers to be discussed at Monday meeting

Event Date: 
February 13, 2017 - 6:00pm

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel is inviting all county residents to join in a discussion about the traffic congestion in Meyers every weekend and holiday, hampering locals in their movement along surface roads and the highway.

As visitors depart South Lake Tahoe, many have become aware of side streets via google and phone apps, thus finding another route that they think is getting them around the backup.

Controversy brewing as City and County reps on Tahoe Conservancy Board resign

Friday's board meeting of the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) was delayed almost two hours due to ice on the road near near Zephyr Cove, causing it to close, and those weren't the only icy conditions on the South Shore that day.

The other ice could be felt during the meeting as conflict of interest, ethics, integrity, suspicious actions and lack of transparency were the theme of the day.

All three items on the agenda Friday were placed there amid a stressed relationship between the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and Patrick Wright, the Executive Director of the CTC.

Vernice Velma Rianda 1928-2016

Vernice Rianda, former long-time Lake Tahoe Community College bookstore employee and mother of El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel, has passed away at the age of 88.

Dr. Larry Green, Dr. Michael Doyle and Adam Jones honored during final LTUSD meeting

They say it's always hard to say goodbye, and that was evident Tuesday evening during the final board meeting for three of the five Lake Tahoe Unified School Board members.

After nine years on the board, Dr. Larry Green chose to not seek a third term, and Dr. Michael Doyle lost in his re-election bid. Adam Jones filled the seat of Sue Novasel for the past two years after she became a county supervisor. He chose not to run this November.

Veterans celebrated in South Lake Tahoe ceremony

The largest crowd ever to attend the annual Veterans Day Celebration in South Lake Tahoe converged at the American Legion Friday as veterans and service men and women from all wars and military operations were remembered.

"Each of us are here today because of a veteran, those who fought to preserve our freedom," said American Legion Post Chaplain Curt Emrie as he opened the ceremony. "Pray for those who paid the ultimate price and always keep veterans near and dear to our hearts."

Details of two more major Caltrans projects unveiled during public meeting

Two hot topics for locals were discussed during a Caltrans informational meeting at the Lake Tahoe Airport on Thursday evening: A roundabout and viaduct replacement.

The 3-legged Roundabout

Citing the safety of the intersection of Highway 50 and 89 in Meyers as the catalyst, project managers, engineers and planners unveiled their plans for a three-legged roundabout at the intersection to the dozens of interested citizens who attended.

Supervisor Novasel forming group to address housing needs in South Lake Tahoe

Housing, or lack thereof, has been a hot topic in recent years in South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding South Shore communities. A recent town hall forum on housing issues was recently held, and there will soon be a housing task force organized by El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel.

During the supervisor's October 25 meeting, Novasel is asking for $15,000 to engage a consultant to lead task force members through six sessions addressing the problem.

Lake Valley Fire promotes and hires seven, welcomes Chief Alameda

It wasn't your normal badge ceremony and pinning at Lake Valley Fire District firehouse in Meyers, a celebration of a new hire or new promotion. This time, it was historic, a ceremony that saw not only new new hires, but the promotion at all ranks in the department, including a new Fire Chief.

County Supervisors spend day in South Lake Tahoe

To get a look at the properties the County owns, and to get a look at services and programs going on in South Lake Tahoe, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) met on the South Shore last week for tours and discussions.

The County owned properties in SLT were highlighted during a morning tour. Each of the properties, the Senior Center, the Museum, the Art League building and the Visitor's Authority building, are owned by the County and maintained by the City.

Dilapidated building torn down, property restoration to begin

An old, blue building on the corner of Highway 50 and Sawmill Road adjacent to the Upper Truckee River is being demolished, and the sensitive land it sits on will be restored to natural wetlands.

The building is near the site of the historic Ethel's Pie Shop.

The 1.05 acre parcel was acquired by the California Tahoe Conservancy under its Tahoe Livable Communities Program in December 2015.

Senator Diane Feinstein holds "Lake Tahoe Stakeholders" luncheon

Protecting Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada is the job of many stakeholders. Its not just a local job, not just a California job, not just a Nevada job, not just a national job, and as witnessed through President Obama's visit to the Lake Tahoe Summit Wednesday, it can only be successful through partnerships of all of those entities along with agencies, local and private investment.

On Tuesday, August 29, the day before the Summit, California Senator Diane Feinstein hosted a lunch for local officials, agencies and federal counterparts, described as the "Lake Tahoe Stakeholders Luncheon".

South Lake Tahoe housing forum brings out passionate crowd

It was an overflowing crowd at the Tahoe Beach Retreat on Wednesday evening at the housing forum hosted by the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals. A well informed panel of experts in the field of affordable housing answered a slew of questions from both the in-house crowd, and those able to ask from home via a live-stream telecast.

What was evident after two hours of discussion is that there is no one single answer to the issue of affordable housing and it will take much more than a wave of a magic wand to bring about a solution.

Clearer picture now for November's elections in South Lake Tahoe

Deadlines 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.

County Supervisors vote in changes for South Lake Tahoe ambulance service

South Shore ambulance service has been a hot topic both locally, and across the county with growing concern over the costs and resulting manpower shortage of providing interfacility transfers (IFTs) to facilities outside of El Dorado County.

To understand the recent actions of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS), a look at the past year is warranted.

The City of South Lake Tahoe Wants Out of the Ambulance Business

Letter to the Editor: City’s 4th of July Parade a huge success

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted its first annual 4th of July parade on Monday, July 4, 2016. There were a total of 78 vehicles and approximately 200 people on foot either walking, biking, or dancing. American Legion Post 795 served as the parade marshals.

The City of South Lake Tahoe would like to say "Thank You" to all the parade participants, businesses and volunteers for making the 4th of July parade a fantastic community event!

The following current and former US armed forces members participated in the 4th of July parade;

No change in service expected as ambulance services change on South Shore

Most people won't even notice as ambulance services change on the South Shore July 1. The final touches to the new Cal Tahoe JPA service agreements were made Wednesday in preparation for a change from the City of South Lake Tahoe operating the ambulances that serve the city, to the function being part of the JPA at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Tahoe Bike Challenge kicks off with party and historical bike ride

The 11th annual Lake Tahoe Bike Challenge was officially kicked off with a ceremony at Lakeview Commons Wednesday afternoon. A small crowd gathered for what was the second kick-off party which culminated in a group bike ride.

Proclamations were read by both El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel and South Lake Tahoe Mayor Pro Tem Austin Sass, both celebrating alternative modes of transportation on the South Shore.

Don Ashton appointed CAO for El Dorado County

Don 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.

Three seats open for LTUSD School Board election in November

There will be three open seats on the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education this fall when voters head to the polls on November 8, 2016.

Governed by a team of five members, only Board President Barbara Bannar and member Ginger Nicolay-Davis are not up for re-election. Seats held by incumbents Adam Jones, Dr. Michael Doyle and Dr. Larry Green will be on the ballot.

Adam Jones, who represents Trustee Area #1, was appointed to the Board in March 2015 following the resignation of Sue Novasel.

El Dorado County approves Safe Routes to School Plan for South Lake Tahoe

During their April 19 meeting, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Lake Tahoe Unified School District’s Safe Routes to School Master Plan. With this approval, the Supervisors support plans to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety around Lake Tahoe schools through infrastructure upgrades, education and encouragement programs, and better enforcement of traffic laws.

Sue Novasel to speak to South Tahoe Chamber

Event Date: 
April 18, 2016 - 6:00pm

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel will speak to the South Tahoe Chamber on Monday, April 18 during a special meeting that begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Catina Restaurant.

Novasel represents District 5 which includes South Lake Tahoe, Meyers and Tahoma.

The meeting is open to Chamber members and the public.

Sue will begin speaking at about 6:30 p.m. after some Chamber business is conducted. There will be a question and answer period moderated by the Chamber Board President in order to get as many questions answered as possible.

Recall effort against Sue Novasel and Brian Veerkamp fails

EL Dorado County Total Recall, the group behind the recall of all five County Supervisors, failed to turn in any of the signatures needed to bring the recall of Supervisors Sue Novasel and Brian Veerkamp to the voters in November.

Youth use drums to grow while at Juvenile Treatment Center

At an event held at the Juvenile Treatment Center in South Lake Tahoe, five youth from the Challenge Program recently performed for their families, other detained youth at the facility, Juvenile Service Council members and community members.

Caltrans looking at roundabout or traffic signal in Meyers

Due to the unsafe intersection of Highway 50 and State Route 89, Caltrans is looking at safety improvements in the area to reduce collisions, and their severity. At this time, the preferred option for Caltrans is adding a roundabout at the intersection to improve conditions after a reported seven accidents at the intersection.

The estimated $3.1 million project is scheduled for construction in 2018-19. It is currently in the environmental phase, with the environmental document scheduled to be finalized in November 2016.

End time nears for El Dorado County recall against supervisors, DA and auditor

On October 27, 2015, Sue Novasel, the County Supervisor representing South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Tahoma and Pollock Pines was served a “notice of intent to circulate a recall petition” by a group of citizens who said they are “tired of the corruption and cronyism that has plagued our county for years.” It wasn’t only Novasel, but all five of the County Supervisors, Shiva Frentzen, Ron Mikulaco, Michael Ranalli and Brian Veerkamp.

Information and education key to eliminating South Lake Tahoe traffic jams

With the massive traffic jam created by travelers trying to get out of South Lake Tahoe during the snowstorm January 31, several options have been discussed to prevent a repeat, especially with a large holiday crowd this weekend.

CHP advises winter tourists not utilize side roads to circumvent traffic

Winter has been welcomed back to the Lake Tahoe basin after a few years of drought and less-than-average snowfall, but a resurgence of winter brings with it not only more visitors to enjoy the snow, but poor traveling conditions for the driver.

Guest Columnist: Sue Novasel - I am proud of our community

El Dorado County and its Board of Supervisors have been in full stride throughout the last year solving critical issues, making important changes to protect tax dollars and providing expanded services to the public.

Land transfer between City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County getting closer

There are many parcels of land in South Lake Tahoe owned by El Dorado County that the City would like to have, and talks between the two are getting closer to making the land transfer a reality.

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