town

Column: Mountain towns lobby for funding to protect public lands

Californians, including the people of Lake Tahoe, love our public lands. We love the cold deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the rugged mountains, and the varied forests that are part of the nearly 100 million acres of land all Californians can claim ownership of. We love these public lands not just because of their natural beauty, but because they are central to our way of life. Many of us live here, or moved here, because of what they provide - culture, lifestyle, and livelihood.

Howie Nave chats with Dan Aykroyd on Music, Movies and Vodka

Dan Aykroyd called my morning radio show on 93.9FM Friday to talk about his appearance Sunday over at the Hard Rock Hotel Lake Tahoe. There he will present an evening of Q & A, tell some fascinating stories in an exclusive evening presented by his business, Crystal Head Vodka billed as 'An Evening with Dan Aykroyd.'

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 165 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of May, June and July 2019:

MAY

5/1
BEACH HUT DELI
RIO NAILS SPA
STATELINE BREWERY & RESTAURANT
STATION HOUSE INN

5/2
BLUE MEADOW PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
TAHOE TAX & ACCOUNTING SERVICES

5/3
ANNETTE HUTCHINSON PET SITTING
NORCAL ARCHITECTURE

5/4
ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS INC
KS PLUMBING INC
OLD STAGE MOBILE HOME PARK
TACO BELL 036120
TACO BELL 036125

5/6
CAL HEAVENLY VALLEY MOBILE ESTATES
TAHOE BASIN BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS, LLC
TRUCKEE CREEK COTTAGES

Column: The Road Ahead: Redevelopment, Collaboration, Community, and Climate

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to several hundred Tahoe City residents on a warm summer evening in August. I was there for a celebration that has been a long time coming.

Residents gathered in the parking lot of the blighted Henrikson Building to take a ceremonial swing of the hammer — to say goodbye to an eyesore of a building whose useful life came to an end years ago. They were also there to celebrate what will soon take shape as Tahoe City’s first new hotel in more than 60 years.

Lake Tahoe Historical Society Fireside Chat: Author Gregory Crouch

Event Date: 
September 24, 2019 - 7:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Historical Society is resuming their Fireside Chat series on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. when author Gregory Crouch comes to town.

The popular Fireside Chats are held in the lobby of the historic Camp Richardson Hotel on Emerald Bay Road.

Crouch will be presenting his newest book, The Bonanza King: John Mackay and the Battle over the Greatest Riches in the American West.

Bernie Sanders returns to Nevada on Friday

Event Date: 
September 13, 2019 - 3:00pm

Sen. Bernie Sanders will return to Nevada on Friday, September 13th to host a town hall in Carson City, followed by a rally at the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

Here is the itinerary:

Friday, September 13th
3:00 p.m. Carson City Town Hall
Carson City Community Center Gymnasium, 851 E William St, Carson City, NV 89701

Lake Tahoe and Sierra roadwork for September 8-14

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Scheduled roadwork around the Lake Tahoe Basin is still in full swing before the winter hiatus.

For those wondering about the old Caltrans traffic camera at the Y: it is being replaced and when received there will be a lane closure coordinated for installation.

The camera at the new roundabout in Meyers can be rotated to analyze traffic needs and will not be aimed just at the roundabout for the time being.

The following are the Caltrans projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Supervisor Novasel to hold West Shore town hall meetings

Event Date: 
September 11, 2019 - 5:00pm

There are many issues facing the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in the coming weeks and months and District V Supervisor Sue Novasel will hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss them. Topping the list are the fire stations operated by the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, vacation home rentals, the lack of an El Dorado County Sheriff's deputy living in the area, County road work, snow removal, and fire insurance.

The first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Marie Sluchak Community Park in Tahoma.

El Dorado County fire prompts evacuations near Cool

8:45 p.m. Update: The #CountryFire off Highway 193 and Penobscot Road east of Cool in El Dorado County is now 85 acres and 25 percent contained. Evacuation and road closures are still in place.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A fire burning east of the town of Cool in El Dorado County has burned 75 acres and is 10 percent contained. It is burning off Highway 193 and Penobscot Road and some areas have mandatory evacuations in place.

At 2:50 p.m. Code Red messages have gone out for evacuation notices for the following locations:

Closure of Echo Summit may be closer to mid-October

9.6.19 Update: At this time Echo Summit will be closed for 14 days starting on October 18, 2019.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to a delay in receiving needed supplies, the Caltrans contractor working on the US 50 Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct project will be moving their expected full road closure date.

Caltrans today told the South Lake Tahoe City Council it is looking more like mid-October for their closing the artery between the lake and Sacramento for up to 14 days. They said the actual closure date is still a moving target.

South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda includes Echo Summit, commodities, new logo and budget

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tuesday's City Council meeting will include several items including a closed session at 8:00 a.m. that includes Liberty Utilities' claim that a City snowplow damaged a light pole, causing $56,883.41 in damage.

Moose Lodge raises $14,000 for South Lake Tahoe Cancer League during Longest Day of Golf

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - From sunup to sundown, golfers recently hit the links at Tahoe Paradise Golf Course to raise funds for the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League. Sponsored by the Moose Lodge of South Lake Tahoe for 14 years, the Longest Day of Golf raised $14,000 to go to help local cancer patients.

On Friday a check was presented by tournament organizer Mary Luckel to the Cancer League during a barbeque at the Moose Lodge. The men and women of the Moose Lodge, the golf course and many local businesses helped the league during their Longest Day of Golf.

Caltrans updates Echo Summit two week closure time frame

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has updated the estimated closure time for US50 over Echo Summit.

6th annual adult prom, Bubbles & Bowties

Event Date: 
January 25, 2020 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bubbles & Bowties, the adult prom that annually raises money for juvenile diabetes, will be held at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel on January 25, 2020.

Normally held in October, organizers of Bubbles & Bowties decided to move the popular event for two reasons: Problems with their original venue and a desire to not do a fundraiser near any others in town.

Caltrans: No Echo Summit locals passes available at this time

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ever since the information was released about the possibility of closing US50 over Echo Summit at the end of September, the Caltrans Maintenance Yard in Meyers has been inundated with requests for a local's pass. If the highway is closed, locals will have an option to head west via Johnson's Pass Road.

US50 over Echo Summit may close up to 14 days this September

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Highway 50 over Echo Summit may close up to 14 days this September to allow the Caltrans contractor to install new girders and demolition work on the existing bridge structure.

There will be two meetings to inform the public of the potential closure and detour (see attached map). Local residents and businesses will be issued passes to use Johnson Pass Road as a detour during the closure, which if in place would be toward the end of the month. More information on that will be provided at the meetings and not before.

Passionate commitment to keeping Lake Tahoe clear, clean and protected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For 23 years political leaders from the White House to state capitols have professed their commitment to protecting Lake Tahoe.

At the first Lake Tahoe Summit on July 27, 1997, then-President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore told of their commitment to keeping Tahoe blue after decades of erosion from roads, increased emissions from automobiles and boats, removal of wetlands and overgrown and dying forests were threatening its clarity.

Chautauqua Presentation "Sisters of the Sage" at Dangberg Historic Park

Event Date: 
August 28, 2019 - 6:30pm

August closes with a Chautauqua presentation “Sisters of the Sage” which will highlight the lives of Annie H. Martin, Lillian V. Finnegan and Anna N. Harris at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Wednesday, August 28, at 6:30 pm.

These three influential women from the early days of Nevada will meet to reminisce about their early lives, the suffrage movement and their accomplishments as women, in both Carson Valley and Carson City.

Location

Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
1450 Hwy 88, Mi
United States

El Dorado County meets with insurance commissioner on homeowner policy concerns

El Dorado County, Calif. - Currently, homeowners in fire-prone areas of California and El Dorado County are starting to see skyrocketing insurance premiums, canceled policies canceled and notices of non-renewal within weeks of a policy's expiration.

Due to the alarming rates at which this is happening, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors reached out to the California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to explain the dire situation in the county.

South Lake Tahoe Babe Ruth thanks the community for their support

The South Lake Tahoe Babe Ruth Organization would like to thank the following community members and businesses who so graciously helped our THREE Nevada State Championship Teams (13-year olds, 14-15 year olds, and 16-18 year olds) compete at the Regional Tournament for the Pacific Southwest with their donations! Over 40 local youth benefited from this generosity by getting to play at the “next” level (one step away from the World Series)! The players had an amazing experience thanks to the community support in our little town here on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. THANK YOU ALL!

10th annual Sample the Sierra highlights regional food, wine and art

Event Date: 
September 14, 2019 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sample the Sierra, South Lake Tahoe’s farm-to-fork festival, will celebrate its tenth anniversary of regional foods, wines, beers and spirits at Bijou Community Park in South Lake Tahoe on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

South Lake Tahoe family fights planned cell tower next to their home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "This is a nightmare," says life-long South Lake Tahoe resident Monica Eisenstecken.

Her summer has been filled with preparing to fight the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission's decision in June to allow Verizon to place a 112’ monopine cell tower next door to the home her dad built (it could go as high as 123' with a ten percent change allowed).

Column: 4 Ways To Practice Yoga On The Beach

It smells like Summer! That unmistakable combination of heat, water, sunscreen and sweat is beginning to permeate the air. Are you thinking what I am? Let’s go to the beach! Before we do, though, let’s consider a few Yogic practices.

1) Bring only that which you can easily carry (Bramacarya)

Coast Guard investigators at Lake Tahoe; Six boats cited and fined

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To operate a boat charter company on Lake Tahoe there are rules and regulations one must follow in order to be in legal compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard or face fines and citations, something six local boat operators are now facing.

Conservancy to consider selling some "Asset Lands" for implementation of Meyers Area Plan

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most have seen the blue and gold placards attached to trees on lots around Lake Tahoe, signifying the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) owns that piece of property.

CTC currently owns nearly 4,700 of these labeled parcels comprising around 6,500 acres around Lake Tahoe. Over 4,300 of these parcels are environmentally sensitive, leaving 331 parcels as "asset lands."

Review: Miranda Lambert can add one more to her long list of fans

STATELINE, Nev. - She came out swinging and never stopped with hit after hit and rolled out her newest single in 15 months to a very appreciative and excited crowd.

I admit I never knew much about Miranda Lambert except to see her on award shows and for the fact she was once married to Blake Shelton. I enjoy country music but have never been a dedicated fan, but after Thursday night's show at the Harveys Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena, I am going to start paying much more attention, especially to Miranda.

She started the show off with her 2009 hit That's the Way the World Goes 'Round -

Former South Tahoe High Teacher loses cancer battle

Vali Dees, beloved wife and daughter, passed away at her home in South Lake Tahoe this July 7th, 2019 at 6:45 PM. She was attended by her husband, Jeff Davies, and her mother, Helen Valborg, when she finally succumbed to the cancer she had been so determined to overcome. Her death deprives the world and all who knew her of a bright and healing light.

South Lake Tahoe Labor Day traffic test to include full road closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In an attempt to address traffic concerns on side roads in the Meyers area, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and El Dorado County (EDC) conducted a test and put up two road closures on Sunday, July 7, 2019.

Barriers were placed at the intersections of Highway 50 and both Sawmill and North Upper Truckee roads in an attempt to keep westbound holiday traffic out of the neighborhoods and on the highway. In addition, they were also evaluating the traffic backup on both roads and the routing of traffic by directional apps like Waze and Google.

Reno Open Studios at Reno Town Mall

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Sep 08 2019 .
September 6, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
September 7, 2019 (All day)
Event Date: 
September 8, 2019 (All day)

Every year local Reno artists open their studio doors for a weekend to thousands of art lovers. This is "Reno Open Studios"​ and will take place September 6 -8 (same weekend as The Great Reno Balloon Races) This year, we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary. This year artists within Nevada Marketplace, Artists Co-op Gallery Reno, Latimer Art Club and about individual 40 artists will participate. Our participating artists include watercolor, photography, sculptures, fabric/mixed media, copper, pastel, jewelry, glass, oil and acrylic.

Location

Reno Town Mall
4001 S Virginia Street Reno, NV
United States

Another South Lake Tahoe Babe Ruth team advances toward World Series

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Earlier this week the South Tahoe Babe Ruth 13-year-old all-star team became the Nevada State champs and are now headed to the regional finals in Utah.

Tahoe Art League's 13th Annual Artist Studio Tour - Weekend #1

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Jul 28 2019 .
July 26, 2019 - 10:00am
Event Date: 
July 27, 2019 - 10:00am
Event Date: 
July 28, 2019 - 10:00am

The Tahoe Art League 13th annual Studio Tour will be held July 26, 27, 28 and August 2, 3, 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit 33 artists located among 17 studios from Round Hill in Nevada to Christmas Valley in California. Brochures and maps are available at many venues around town and online at talart.org. The art league has been a vital part of the Tahoe art scene since its formation in 1964 and has offices and a newly renovated gallery at 3062 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe.

Location

Tahoe Art League Art Center
3062 Lake Tahoe Blvd
United States

Free outdoor program at South Lake Tahoe Library: Kenn Adams' Adventure Theater!

Event Date: 
July 12, 2019 - 2:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe Library is hosting another outdoor show on Friday, July 12 when "Kenn Adams' Adventure Theater!" comes to town.

Kenn Adams, Adventure Theater! is a fast-paced, interactive, outrageously funny, theatrical experience for heroes of all ages. Kenn will be performing this show “Adventure in Space” where the King is mad, the planet is doomed, and, the world needs a hero…like you!

The show starts at 2:00 p.m. on the lawn outside the library which is located at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

This is sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Local artist once again chosen to create Burning Man art

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In 53 days Kelly Smith Cassidy will be representing the South Lake Tahoe community at the communal city in the Black Rock Desert, Burning Man. Tabbed as a culture of possibility and a network of dreamers and doers, organizers select artists from around the world who best personifies their mission.

Letters: I live in Rocky Point. This is why I support the Loop Road Project.

You know how frustrating it is for residents who live on North Upper Truckee, Sawmill, and countless other ‘shortcut’ streets during holidays when everyone is trying to leave town on their roads, usually driving too fast, backing up traffic, and not showing much respect for the people who live there?

That’s my life every day.

Parade, food trucks and fireworks highlight South Lake Tahoe 4th of July

Event Date: 
July 4, 2019 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is more to do in South Lake Tahoe on the 4th of July than watch one of the top fireworks shows in the west.

To start off the holiday, the City of South Lake Tahoe is organizing the annual 4th of July parade down Highway 50 from Ski Run Boulevard to Bijou Community Park on Al Tahoe Boulevard starting at 10:00 a.m.

South Lake Tahoe native to sing anthem at S.F. Giants game on Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Those attending League to Save Lake Tahoe night at the San Francisco Giants game Saturday will have a special treat, even before the first pitch is thrown.

20-year-old Aurora Gooch from South Lake Tahoe will open the game by singing the national anthem.

Many in town already know of the talented Aurora through her starring roles on the South Tahoe High Theatre stage, by hearing her sing at the school's football and basketball games, and years of Miss Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio recitals.

Column: As Housing Shortages Increase, Local Employers Take Action

While many local groups have joined forces to develop housing for residents, the reality is that it takes time to build new housing. And time is what many of our local employers don't have right now as we head into summer. Faced with an immediate need to house their employees, employers have created their own solutions.

Blood Drive being held at South Lake Tahoe Fire Station

Event Date: 
July 15, 2019 - 9:00am

Vitalent Blood Services will be in town on Monday, July 15 for the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

One blood donation can save up to three lives!

Make an appointment HERE or stop by the station at 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

Kudos: STAR thanks community for successful blood drive

The South Tahoe Association of REALTORS® partnered with Vitalant, previously
United Blood Services, to host a Blood Drive on Monday, June 17. This event was open to the public. Realtors® and members of the community made appointments and dropped in to donate. There was a total of 22 donors, translating into 66 lives that can be saved.

“This is something that really only takes minutes of your time and is free to give. I’m happy to donate each year and glad to know that it will impact someone’s life in a positive way,” said Kili Ongoy, Chair of the Community Involvement Committee.

Conservancy to help improve Kings Beach neighborhoods

At its meeting yesterday, and following a tour of the properties, the Conservancy Board directed staff to begin pre-sale activities for the two parcels: 8602 North Lake Boulevard and 8644 Speckled Avenue. Potential opportunities for the parcels could include new affordable housing or mixed-use development, as well as improvements for people walking and riding bicycles, water quality improvement projects, and placement of conservation easements over sensitive open space.

South Lake Tahoe group collecting items for migrant children in Tijuana

Event Date: 
June 19, 2019 - 5:00pm

A group of locals from South Lake Tahoe are leaving town next weekend with backpacks filled with stuffed animals, toys, books, art supplies and more that will go to migrant children living with their families in shelters in Tijuana.

John Friedrich, his wife Kim and daughter Rosie will be going to Mexico joined by another local, Joanna Lilly, with the collected items. They've had help from the Bijou Community School PTA and South Tahoe Middle School (STMS) Spanish Teacher Krissi Russell.

South Lake Tahoe native returns home and is new owner of Boat Docks Inc

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Spending his workday outdoors and on the water in Lake Tahoe wasn't hard for Tanner Hart to imagine, and since buying Boat Docks Inc from life-long local Doug Gayner in January its something he gets to enjoy every day.

Gainer started the company over 40 years ago, specializing in boat docks in the Tahoe Keys. Now Hart has hit the waterways with the new Boat Docks Barge, something he designed, engineered and built with the help and support of Dan Benson.

And they're off! Pony Express annual re-ride leaves Missouri, in South Lake Tahoe June 19

Imagine you live in the year 1860 with vast wilderness and wide-open plains between Missouri and California. You're one of the chosen riders on top of a horse with a mochila strapped on your saddle, navigating along the trail where unknown dangers lay ahead.

You're not on a leisure trip, you're one of a team of boys and young men traveling 1,966 miles in ten days on horseback, delivering mail to and from the West.

Community turns out to call for end of hate and bigotry in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "Never again," chanted the dozens of people that showed up to Trout Creek Thursday to show support of the Jewish community after anti-Semitic graffiti was found underneath the bridge on Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Community gathering to denounce anti-Semitism in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 6, 2019 - 4:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "Not Here, Not in our Town, Not in South Lake Tahoe or Anywhere," will be the message of Thursday's multi-faith community gathering to denounce anti-Semitic graffiti found recently in South Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Youth & Family Services holding "Run, Jog, Walk for Youth in Crisis"

Event Date: 
June 8, 2019 - 8:00am

Join your friends and neighbors at the Tahoe Youth and Family Services "Run, Jog, Walk for Youth In Crisis" on Saturday, June 8 prior to the start of the annual Carson Valley Days parade.

Run the parade 5k route at 8:00 a.m.

Online registration will close at 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 7 (https://tahoeyouth.org/events) but registrations will still be accepted at the start line Saturday morning.

South Lake Tahoe Farmers' Market starts June 4

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The weather is changing, the mornings are warming and the fruits and vegetables are ripening. The El Dorado County Certified Farmers Market at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe returns on Tuesday, June 4.

The market will be every Tuesday in the American Legion parking lot from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October 8, 2019.

Each week attendees can meet the farmers, learn about the produce they bring to the market, and how to prepare it. Each week's bounty reflects on what is ready and ripe. There are also arts, crafts, coffee and more.

Police pursuit of South Lake Tahoe man caught on film in Sacramento

1:00 PM UPDATE: More information has been released in the arrest of Christopher Wadstein in Sacramento. Police found almost a pound of methamphetamine in the fire after his truck burst into flames.

Wadstein is a long time South Lake Tahoe resident with arrests dating back to his teenage years. Lt. Shannon Laney said their first file on him was in 2001. His previous convictions range from drugs and vandalism to kidnapping and weapons
charges. He is also believed to be a skinhead white supremacist prison gang member according to SLTPD.

Column: Sports Connection and its Story

In 2007, just as the Angora fire was breaking, Amy Jackson hurriedly attempted to pack her belongings, not knowing what the outcome would be. As she did so, she remembered that she had promised a young 8th-grade boy that if he met her with his birth certificate verifying his age, that she would help cover his fee for AYSO soccer that year. She thought of what to do? I better go, she decided. As she approached their neighborhood in Bijou, she encountered not only the one boy she had promised to meet, but many other boys as well. She was in shock.

Digital summer resources for students (and their grown-ups)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Reading can be enjoyed by all South Lake Tahoe students this summer, even without stepping into the library. Summer is a great time to keep Reading and learning and be prepared for fall.

Library cards can be used online for ebooks and downloadable audiobooks whether you're in town, at grandma's house or on vacation somewhere across the globe.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund, the South Lake Tahoe Library was able to purchase over 130 new Spanish and English ebooks and downloadable audiobooks to support students.

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