vacation rentals
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/22/2016 - 7:43pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 222 calls between October 11 and October 17, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
10/11
Warrant in the 2800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in Public in the 1000 block of Lakeview Ave
Drunk in Public in the 2600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
10/12
Drunk in Public in the 2800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Warrant in the 2100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
10/13
Warrant in the 3700 block of Blackwood
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/11/2016 - 10:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 406 calls in the two weeks between September 27 and October 10, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
9/27
Unlicensed drive in the 3600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Violation of Domestic Violence Court Order in the 1100 block of Acoma Circle
Warrant in the 1000 block of Lakeview Ave
9/28
Drunk in Public in the 3800 block of Pioneer Trail
9/29
Trespassing in 900 block of Rubicon Trail
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/01/2016 - 7:23pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 763 calls (including traffic and DMV calls) between September 6 and September 26, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
9/6
Warrant in the 1900 block of B Street
Driving on a Suspended/Revoked license at Marjorie & O'Malley
9/7
Possession of Stolen Property in the 1000 block of Emerald Bay Rd
DUI at Palmira & Carson Avenues
9/8
Drunk in Public in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/11/2016 - 11:38pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 239 calls between August 30 and September 5, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
8/30
Drunk in Public in the 1000 block of Moss Rd
8/31
Trespassing in the 1000 block of Craig Ave
9/1
Drunk in Public in the 1000 block of Lakeview Ave
Robbery in the 1400 block of Glenwood Way
Assault with a deadly weapon in the 1700 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
DUI in the 2100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/03/2016 - 9:46pm
The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 491 calls between August 16 and August 29, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
8/16
No arrests
8/17
Unlicensed Driver in the 2600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in Public in the 1000 block of Lakeview Ave
Unlicensed Driver in the 2300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Felony "Other" in the 800 block of Emerald Bay Rd
Driving on a suspended/revoked license at Wildwood and Aspen Aves
8/18
Opinion: Planning for affordable housing on the South Shore – Let’s Go!
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/01/2016 - 3:19pm
It’s time for the residents of South Lake Tahoe to employ one of their greatest characteristics with regard to affordable housing – creativity. Creativity is a prerequisite to thriving and sustaining in this town, it always has been. How many times has someone off the hill asked how you can make a living being here? We do it by willing it with creative, even experimental ideas, and now we need to do that together to put a halt to a terrible trend with housing.
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/28/2016 - 11:40am
The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 281 calls between August 9 and August , 2016.
8/9
Drunk in Public at Al Tahoe Blvd & Murrieta
Drunk in Public at Sonora and Alder Avenues
Drug Offense in the 700 block of Taylor Way
Spousal Abuse int he 2600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
8/10
Warrant in the 4000 block of Cedar Ave
Child Molest in the 1000 block of Tata Lane
Unlicensed Driver at Tata Lane and Lake Tahoe Blvd
8/11
Warrant in the 1000 block of Emerald Bay Rd
Housing in South Lake Tahoe: Is it affordable?
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/16/2016 - 11:48pm
Many conversations around South Lake Tahoe center around affordable housing, but the community isn't alone in this topic.
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/14/2016 - 10:08pm
The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 526 calls between July 26 and August 8, 2016.
7/26
Drunk in Public in the 900 block of Poplar St
Resisting in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in Public in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
7/27
Warrant in the 3600 block of Spruce Ave
Drunk in Public in the 3000 block of Harrison Ave
Defrauding in the 1000 block of Emerald Bay Rd
Drunk in Public in the 1100 block of Rufus Allen Blvd
Drunk in Public in the 2600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
First VHR in South Lake Tahoe denied a permit under new regulations
Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/12/2016 - 4:07pm
A home being built on Overlook Court near Heavenly Mountain Resort is the first one to be denied a Vacation Home Rental permit under the Planning Commission's interpretation of the new VHR guidelines created by the City of South Lake Tahoe.
During their monthly meeting at the airport on Thursday, the commission voted 2-2 to uphold the denial of the permit made by the zoning administrator, John Hitchcock. The fifth member of the commission, Shannon Eckmeyer, was not at the meeting due to another engagement.
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/28/2016 - 2:53pm
The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 275 calls between July 19 and July 25, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
7/19
Battery in the 3700 block of Beach Rd
Vandalism in the 1100 block of Herbert
Battery in the 3800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in Public in the 1000 block of Glenwood
7/20
DUI in the 2400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
DUI in the 2800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Spousal Abuse in the 3900 block of Pioneer Trail
Resisting in the 900 block of Modesto
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/25/2016 - 6:40pm
The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 226 calls between July 12 and July 18, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
7/12
No arrests
7/13
Hit and Run in the 3800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Assault with a deadly weapon in the 1000 block of Julie Lane
7/14
Spousal Abuse in the 1400 block of Ski Run Blvd
DUI in the 3300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Warrant in the 4000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Unlicensed driver at Tamarack and Sonora Ave
Long agenda for South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/15/2016 - 4:30pm
The July 19 meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council should be a long one, with multiple items on the agenda ranging from vacation rentals to massage parlors.
Some of the items the Council will be addressing:
Old Business: Vote on Vacation Home Rental changes to the code which grandfather in multi-family units with a permit by September 1, a request by SnowGlobe to extend their contract by 3-10 years and budgetary items.
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/14/2016 - 1:27pm
The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 236 calls between July 5 and July 11, 2016.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
7/5
Spousal Abuse in the 4100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Domestic Battery in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Spousal Abuse in the 4100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Violation of Court Order in the 1000 block of 3rd st
Kidnapping in the 900 block of Modesto Ave
7/6
Trespassing in the 1000 block of Heavenly Village Way
Drug Offense in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
City of SLT wins lawsuit filed by Vacation Home Rental group
Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/29/2016 - 4:53pm
A lawsuit against the City of South Lake Tahoe over the fees charged to those who rent out their homes as vacation rentals was won by the City in court this week. The June 23 verdict was received by all parties on June 28.
Judge Steven Bailey of the El Dorado County Superior Court issued an 11-page decision supporting the City's rights to charge fees to recover their costs in administering the VHR ordinance, including staff time for accounting, planning, building department, administration, code enforcement and other costs.
Group formed to battle new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance change
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/28/2016 - 6:07pm
You'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.
This is Bear Country: Practice proper food storage and trash disposal
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/24/2016 - 4:06pm
Several local agencies have teamed together to inform the public on the importance of proper food storage and trash disposal at their Lake Tahoe homes and vacation rentals.
Opinion: Vacation rental controversy
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 05/22/2016 - 8:34pm
Although vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe have received a bad reputation in regards to loud parties echoing down our streets, and trash not being disposed of properly, they do help the local economy by bringing in tourist dollars. Even with all of the problems, the assets outweigh the liabilities for both tourists and town residents. For example, tourists will be given a sense of being at home, rather than hearing gamblers stroll the halls late at night.
Vacation Rental Ordinance updated to exclude multi-family properties
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/17/2016 - 9:50pm
Just 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.
City proposes changes to the Vacation Home Rental ordinance
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/06/2016 - 10:03pm
As a follow-up to their February 16 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday looked at proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental Ordinance that are meant to streamline City Code, remove duplicate language and make it easier to read.
Hilary Roverud, the SLT Deputy Director of Development Services, made the presentation that covered self-limiting occupancy, parking standards and apartments being used as vacation rentals.
District Attorney: Enjoy Tahoe, but don't be conned
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/24/2016 - 12:06pmIn January, 2016, South Tahoe Now carried stories concerning the rise of vacation rental scams in Lake Tahoe. The first story described the epidemic of scams through Craigslist that targeted those looking for vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe.
DA's office in South Lake Tahoe to film story on vacation home fraud
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/29/2016 - 4:30pm
While vacation rental scams are nothing new in South Lake Tahoe, law enforcement has seen an increase in their numbers.
Vacation home rental scams on the rise in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/12/2016 - 12:37am
Imagine getting a group of 19 of your closest friends together to rent a large and high end vacation home in South Lake Tahoe for a ski week over the holidays, just steps from Heavenly Mountain Resort. You've found the right place, and for $8,000 for the week, it's yours. The inside elevator will take you and all of your buddies up into three floors of bedrooms, a pool table, hot tub, chef's dream of a kitchen and several living rooms and fire places. You leave San Diego for the ten hour ride to Tahoe.
Opinion: Trial and Error City Government
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/06/2015 - 4:25pm
The recent reversal of sign ordinance fees reflects on the poor leadership of South Lake Tahoe’s government. After an eruption of dissent from the business community, the City had to reverse its onerous sign permit fees and acquiesce to the demands of the business community.
Measure to restrict Airbnb rentals in San Francisco losing by wide margin
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/03/2015 - 10:45pm
San Francisco voters are poised to hand a decisive victory to Airbnb and city residents who want to turn their homes into vacation rentals. Proposition F, a measure to curb short-term rentals drastically, was losing by a margin of 61 percent to 39 percent, according to the early count of mail-in ballots.
Prop. F, the most contentious and most expensive issue on the Tuesday ballot, centers on whether vacation rentals divert scarce housing to lucrative illegal year-round hotels, as its backers claimed, or help middle-class people make ends meet, as Airbnb and other opponents said.
Agenda highlights for Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/02/2015 - 12:39pm
Tuesday's agenda for the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting appears to be a fairly short one.
Council members will start off with a recognition of the recent graduates of the South Tahoe Action Team (STAT) program.
Airbnb spends $8 million lobbying against San Francisco ballot initiative
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/01/2015 - 7:35pmAffordable housing advocates say it would open up more housing and help reduce the city's skyrocketing housing prices.
Airbnb has spent more than $8 million and hired a top political operative to defeat a San Francisco initiative on the ballot Tuesday that could threaten the growth of one of the most valuable global technology companies.
Proposition F, which would limit short-term rentals, was brought by affordable housing advocates fed up with the city's housing stock being used as rentals for tourists while residents face skyrocketing rents and evictions.
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/07/2015 - 12:03am
The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to from July 27 to August 2, 2015. They responded to 284 calls during the 7 day period.
Calls Resulting in Arrests:
7/27
Spousal Abuse in the 4100 block of Pine Ave
Violation of Court Order in the 900 block of Modesto Ave
Spousal Abuse in the 3600 block of Pioneer Trail
Warrant in the 900 block of Park Ave
7/28
Drunk in Public in the 2200 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Battery in the 1000 block of Echo Rd
New South Lake Tahoe VHR ordinance goes into effect October 1
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/04/2015 - 10:05pm
A new vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance will take effect in South Lake Tahoe on October 1, 2015.
The new ordinance will require all homeowners who want to rent out their homes to get it inspected by the Zoning Administrator prior to being issued a license. Since the real estate community told City Council that not having a permit prior to escrow may cause homeowners to lose sales, the current homeowner may now get it inspected prior to the sale in order to take as much uncertainty away from sales as possible. This inspection will be valid for one year.
Vacation rentals on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/18/2015 - 10:25pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council will be discussing changes to the Vacation Home Rental Ordinance on Tuesday that, if passed, will bring about changes to the permit review process, add criteria to be considered when a new permit is issued, and the addition of an annual renewal review.
There have been several packed council and community meetings on the topic of the proposed updated to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance, and Tuesday's meeting should be no different.
City seeks proposals for socio-economic study about vacation rentals
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/18/2015 - 8:38pm
The City of South Lake Tahoe is seeking to contract with a consultant to prepare a Socio-Economic Impact Study of Vacation Home Rentals (VHR) using an academic and holistic approach.
The comprehensive, unbiased report shall assess how VHR’s impact the City, community, housing market and day-to-day quality of life for residents.
Tens of thousands headed to South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/02/2015 - 5:20pm
With the three-day weekend starting for many on Friday, visitors started arriving in South Lake Tahoe early Thursday. If the amount of congestion on local roads and the crowds in the grocery stores are any indication, this is going to be a very busy holiday!
An estimated 50,000 to 55,000 people will be using South Lake Tahoe hotels, motels, campgrounds, timeshares and vacation home rentals. Another 50,000-70,000 will be enjoying the fireworks from the South Shore. This includes full time residents, part time residents and drive in day visitors.
Vocal crowd at SLT City Council's Vacation Home Rental meeting
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/16/2015 - 11:33pm
Once again, an audience full of mainly Realtors and property managers filled the South Lake Tahoe City Council Chambers as the topic of Vacation Home Rentals (VHR) was on the agenda for discussion.
Renting a vacation home is being increasingly popular in South Lake Tahoe just as in other communities. Many tourists prefer to rent a VHR instead of a traditional motel or hotel room. There are many reasons from enjoying time with family to reunions and wedding parties.
Regulation of vacation homes a hot topic in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/15/2015 - 8:06pm
The impact of vacation rentals, a popular option for tourist lodging, is a big, and controversial topic in South Lake Tahoe.
Council passes new South Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Ordinance
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/21/2015 - 10:00pm
In response to noise, trash and occupancy complaints, the City of South Lake Tahoe has adopted a new Vacation Home Rental Ordinance. The vote was 4-0 in favor since Councilman Tom Davis had to recuse himself since he is part owner of Tahoe Keys Resort.
New rules for South Lake Tahoe vacation home rentals
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/07/2015 - 10:21pm
There was standing room only at Tuesday's City Council meeting as changes to the current Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance were on the agenda.
Most of the audience was from the real estate and home rental management companies, both of whom felt there would be a lot of loss should a stricter policy be enforced.
Crowd expected as South Lake Tahoe City Council looks at vacation home rental ordinance
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/05/2015 - 6:55pm
There are many sides to the South Lake Tahoe Vacation Home Rental (VHR) situation. On one side are the locals whose peaceful lives have been disturbed because they are the neighbors of vacation home rentals that are reportedly out of control with excess noise and trash that come from inconsiderate renters. On another side are the people wanting to enjoy South Lake Tahoe from the comfort of a private home. Yet another side are the second home owners who want to earn money from their vacation home.
Passions run high at City's vacation home rental meeting
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/24/2015 - 10:29pm
An overflowing audience of South Lake Tahoe residents, home owners, vacation home owners, real estate agents, property managers, vacation rental companies, locals and city officials were on hand Tuesday night at the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) community workshop held in City Council chambers at the airport.
City Manager Nancy Kerry ran the meeting, giving everyone a chance to speak their opinion after a short presentation.
Letter: Important opportunity for concerned community members
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/18/2015 - 8:22pm
Letter to the Editor: Are you frustrated with the loss of community in your neighborhood due to weekend parties, disrespectful vacationers and trash at vacation rentals in your neighborhood? On March 24th the City of South Lake Tahoe will host a public meeting on proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental Code.
This is an important opportunity for concerned community members to voice their opinions, challenges and frustrations due to the vacation rentals near your home.
Vacation home rentals in South Lake Tahoe subject of meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 11:00pm
Event Date:
March 24, 2015 - 5:30pm
A public workshop on the City of South Lake Tahoe's vacation home rental policy (VHR) will be held on March 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Excessive noise, trash and parking issues are some of the main complaints voiced by neighbors of vacation homes so the City wants to address all concerns. Those concerned neighbors as well as vacation homeowners, rental companies and hotels are invited to attend the meeting.
Meeting on the El Dorado County Vacation Rental Program
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/27/2015 - 11:23pm
Event Date:
March 4, 2015 - 11:00am
Learn about El Dorado County's Good Neighbor Program, their guide to handing vacation home rentals in the unincorported area of South Lake Tahoe, during a community meeting on March 4.
The County's Treasurer/Tax Collector’s Office has invited everyone who lives in the county, lives near a vacation rental, owns a vacation rental or manages them to their meeing being held at the South Lake Tahoe Library at 11 a.m.
Noise issues fuel review of SLT vacation home rental ordinance
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/18/2015 - 1:30am
Vacation home rentals are an everyday part of life in South Lake Tahoe, though during weekends and holiday periods their impact is much more noticeable. With the large number of visitors "living" in the area neighborhoods next to full time residents their impact has created tension over noise, trash and parking issues.
In the City limits there are currently 1,574 houses that have a permit to be operated as a vacation home. In comparison there are about 15-20% that number in vacation cities Santa Cruz and Napa.
Tickets selling quickly for 21st Annual St. Theresa's Crab Dinner
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/27/2015 - 9:02pm
Event Date:
February 13, 2015 - 6:00pm
St. Theresa Catholic Church is hosting the 21st Annual Crab Dinner on Friday, February 13, 2015. The event will take place at Grace Hall, on the corner of Highway 50 and Lyons Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, right next to the church.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, the crab dinner starting at 7 p.m., followed by the dessert auction at 7:45 p.m. If that weren't already enough, there is a raffle and live auction beginning at 8:30 p.m.
South Lake Tahoe not immune from fake vacation rental scams
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/11/2015 - 11:49pm
Imagine packing up the car and heading up to South Lake Tahoe to enjoy a week at the large vacation home you just rented, only to find out that the house isn't yours to use when you arrive.
That scenario happened over the recent holiday when not one, not two, but four different groups thought they rented a home on Bonita Road near Heavenly Mountain Resort. All of the groups found a home for rent on Craigslist, a popular website used for buying, selling and renting.
County meeting with vacation home owners to create "Good Neighbor Program"
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/21/2014 - 11:53pm
It's 11 p.m. on a Saturday night in the middle of summer and you've just turned out the lights to go to bed. But, you're finding this an impossible task because of the blaring music coming from the vacation rental next door.
It's midnight on Friday night in January. You're catching the end of a good movie in front of the fire but are finding it hard to hear the TV in your own home. The loud talking and screaming from the young adults in the hottub next door is louder that it should be.
South Lake Tahoe's Accommodation Station Changes Name
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/26/2013 - 9:17pm
Local property management company, Accommodation Station, has changed names to the Lake Tahoe Lodging Company. Vail Resorts purchased the company from locals Mike and Greta Hambsch in October of 2010.
Success at 4th Annual Sample the Sierra
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 4:01pm
Despite smoky skies, South Lake Tahoe was still a hot spot this Labor Day Weekend. The 4th Annual Sample the Sierra festival brought in masses of people to taste the unique flavors of the Sierra Nevada. The kickoff Winemakers Dinner at Bumgarner Winery spoiled attendees with a five course meal prepared in the wood fired oven with each course appropriately paired with one of Bumgarner’s fine wines. Saturday’s Sip & Shop at Après Wine Company drew more than 20 people to taste C.G. Di Arie wines and gourmet cheeses.
Six Reasons Housing Inventory is declining
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 03/25/2013 - 3:56pm
According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal there are 6 reasons why there is a declining inventory of homes for sale in the United States. These 6 reasons also apply to Lake Tahoe, on both the California side and Nevada sides of the Lake.
Their 6 reasons why housing inventory is declining
1. Many homeowners are underwater (owe more than their home is worth) so they are unlikely to sell until home values rise more than they have already. More than 10 million home owners are in this position in the US.
Meeting to discuss noise at vacation rentals
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 10/24/2012 - 6:00amEl Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector C. L. Raffety will host an informational meeting for owners of vacation home rentals on Oct. 25 at the South Lake Tahoe library. The meeting will begin at 1...
Looking beyond gambling, South Lake Tahoe weighs its future
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 09/17/2012 - 2:07amOn the eastern edge of South Lake Tahoe, across the street from the high-rise casinos in Nevada, sits the foundation of what was meant to be a $400 million convention center, hotel and retail complex.
That was before developers ran out of money nearly five years ago. Today, the 11- acre site along Highway 50 is a concrete wasteland locals call "the hole in the ground."
"They just abandoned it," said Ulysses Juarez, 23, one of a group of young skateboarders who climbed the chain-link fence earlier this month to practice their moves.
