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Opinion: Confronting climate change at Lake Tahoe

For 20 years, every August we’ve paused to reflect on our collective commitment to Lake Tahoe’s restoration at the Lake Tahoe Summit. This year, with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein hosting the event, the issue of climate change will be front and center. Climate change poses incredible challenges for Tahoe, affecting not only the health of its famously cold, clear waters, but the health of its expansive forests and what is to become of our $5 billion outdoor recreation-based economy.

South Lake Tahoe joins others to reduce electrical use during eclipse

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will pass over the Pacific Northwest affecting the California solar resources supplying power to the grid. During the eclipse from 9:02 a.m. to 11:54 a.m., the moon will obscure much of the solar rays directly affecting the output of both large scale photovoltaic (PV) electric power plants and rooftop solar. A loss of 4,194 megawatts(MW) of California large scale solar electricity is expected.

Western Nevada College observatory to offer eclipse viewing

Event Date: 
August 21, 2017 (All day)

Don’t have the time or means to travel to the "path of totality" to view a total solar eclipse later this summer? The Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College has you covered when the moon covers the sun on August 21.

Although the campus will be hundreds of miles south of the "path of totality" and will experience a partial eclipse, the public can get a better view of the solar eclipse on that Monday morning at the observatory on the Carson City campus.

Report: Lake Tahoe is getting warmer, trees are dying and algae is increasing

Climate change has brought major changes to Lake Tahoe including warmer water, an increase in dying trees and a reducing summertime lake clarity.

These and other findings were released today in the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report for 2016. The year was marked by the hottest temperatures on record followed by a winter of unprecedented levels of rain and snow in the Sierra Nevada.

TERC Director Geoffrey Schladow presented the report at a free public talk July 27 in Incline Village.

Western Nevada College debuts auto restoration class

Imagine taking a class where one learns to restore a classic 1953 Cadillac convertible, 1965 Ford Mustang and 1952 Willys Jeep. Impossible in our area? Not any more.

Western Nevada College’s Automotive Mechanics program provides unique instruction in automotive restoration, and for the first time they will be offering it as a class: Special Topics in Automotive Mechanics (AUTO 198).

Vail Resorts pledges "zero footprint" by 2030

Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz announced today that his company has committed to zero net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030 and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat.

"Everything we do at Vail Resorts is driven by the spectacular natural environments where our employees, guests and communities live, work and play," Katz said in a press release. "The environment – and our stakeholders’ passion for it – is our business, and we have a special obligation to protect it."

LimeBike CEO thanks South Lake Tahoe for unique opportunity

I founded LimeBike because I wanted my son and the future generation to live on a healthy planet. LimeBike aims to provide a sustainable solution to that first and last mile problem: how do we get people from a central location (such as their homes) to their destination (such as their office or the grocery store) in an affordable and accessible way while eliminating our carbon footprints? How do we get the future generations to change their behavior so we can save this planet?

Letter: EDC Probation does critical work in criminal justice system

By proclamation of the County Board of Supervisors, El Dorado County celebrated Probation Services Week this week, July 17 – July 21, 2017. As the Chief Probation Officer in El Dorado County, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the critical work probation does in our criminal justice system and say thank you to all the men and women of my department who work tirelessly to protect our communities, reduce recidivism, restore victims, promote healthy families, and live the vision of our department: Safe Communities Through Changed Lives.

Opinion: Shoreline Plan Coming Together – More Work To Do

School is out and summer is in full swing at Lake Tahoe. Visitors and residents are heading to beaches and launching boats, kayaks, and standup paddleboards to get out and enjoy the jewel of the Sierra. Millions of people visit Tahoe each year and the shoreline is where they go to experience its famously cold, clear, blue water.

Don't miss the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Valhalla Boathouse

If you haven't been out to enjoy music and performances at the Valhalla Boathouse Theater yet, this month is the time to do so with a full lineup for all ages.

After watching the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on opening weekend, we highly recommend this fun musical though not appropriate for those under 13). It is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy and even though far from Broadway, the local Lake Tahoe cast made it very entertaining.

Sass Talk: Cannabis, VHRs and the 4th of July

July kicks off the busiest time of the year for our city. Schools out, the temps are soaring in the valleys to the west and east of us, the roads are free of snow, and visitors from all over the world are getting away to see beautiful places and enjoy the great outdoors. For many of our businesses this is is the best time of the year. For many locals who like to play on the mountain trails and along the beach and eventually need to get to work, this is the hardest time of the year.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Tahoe Tastings

Shane and Diondra Colquhoun, Tahoe Tastings’ owners, brought their wine cruise adventure hosting skills to their Bread & Broth Adopt A Day dinner on Monday June 19. This dynamic couple normally is providing afternoon and sunset cruises and wine tasting on the “Golden Rose” but at their Monday Meal dinner, they and their energetic sponsor crew members served up a tasty dinner and provided TLC to the evening’s dinner guests.

Maia's Journey To Make A Difference

Event Date: 
July 2, 2017 - 9:00am

Right now there are 1.25 million people, in America alone, balancing their own chance at life with Type 1 Diabetes every day—I am one of them. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops doing its job and producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts food into energy. Without insulin humans cannot survive. Type 2 Diabetes is a different condition where a person’s body still produces insulin, but the body is not making use of the insulin, also known as insulin resistance.

Location

Elevate Wellness
2034 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, Ca, 96150 In the same shopping center as Big 5 Sporting goods.
United States
38° 54' 50.8104" N, 120° 0' 11.2176" W

Senator Ted Gaines recognizes 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

The following is from the office of Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado):

Senator Gaines this week recognized the 10th anniversary of the devastating Angora Fire and pledged his continued efforts to increase fire safety in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Zalanta in South Lake Tahoe celebrates grand opening

The Zalanta Resort at the Village celebrated the completion of their first phase Tuesday with a grand opening and ribbon cutting for local dignitaries.

On what was formerly known as "the hole," Zalanta is the first whole ownership luxury condominium residences in the Lake Tahoe Basin since Lakeland Village was completed 30 years ago.

The 30 residences are all one-story and available in 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units. The cheapest unit, priced at $950,000, and the most expensive at $2.125M have both sold as well as several other residences. The second phase will add another 60 residences.

Opinion: How we move forward after the Paris Climate Accord withdrawal

On June 1, 2017 as I watched President Trump announce that his administration would be pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord I couldn’t help but reflect on President Reagan’s farewell address to the nation in which he imparted, for the final time as president, his vision that the United States is the world’s shinning “light on a hill.”

"Don't take our lanes away" common theme at crowded NDOT meeting

A preliminary step in what will be a multi-year Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) process took place at Zephyr Cove Elementary School Wednesday evening. About double the expected maximum of 120 people crowded the school's multi-purpose room to view and listen to the agency's plans for the stretch of Highway 50 from Stateline to Spooner Summit in Lake Tahoe which is officially called the US50 Lake Tahoe Corridor Safety Improvement.

Crowd turns out for South Lake Tahoe Memorial Day Ceremony

"I'm so proud of our community and this great turnout," said South Lake Tahoe City Councilman Tom Davis during Monday's annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery.

A larger crowd than normal watched the ceremony which featured boys and girl scouts, music and speakers that included Gold Star Mom Patty Smith. Her son, Sgt. Timothy Michael Smith, was one of three South Lake Tahoe men to die in action since the September 11 attacks in 2001. Smith, 25, who died April 7, 2008, after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.

New STHS principal introduced as Chad Houck prepares for new job

Friday will be the last day on the job at South Tahoe High School (STHS) for Principal Chad Houck. He, his wife and five children are headed to Ridgecrest where he'll be the Dean of Instruction for Cerro Coso Community College starting June 5.

LTCC hires Russi Egan as new VP of Administrative Services

During a special meeting of the Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees on Thursday, Russi Egan was hired as the college's new Vice President of Administrative Services.

Egan is currently the Vice President of Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer at Palo Verde College in Blythe, Calif. She will begin her new job at LTCC on July 1.

The position has been vacant since Jeff DeFranco became the school's new Superintendent/President in January, 2017.

Wildfire Awareness Month: Remembering Angora

This June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Angora Fire, the most destructive wildland fire in memory at Tahoe.

An illegal and abandoned campfire started the Angora Fire on June 24, 2007. The fire quickly spread toward Meyers, stoked by strong winds and forests overgrown with hazardous fuels. In a few days, the fire burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes.

Let’s have an honest talk about suicide

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and you may have heard the phrase “each mind matters.”

Why does each mind matter? Mental health is something we all have. Just as our bodies need attention, our minds also need nourishment and care. Suicide rates are increasing and there is a relationship between mental illness and suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 90 percent of people who die by suicide have experienced mental health issues.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Teamwork, roads and VHRs

This past city council meeting all 5 council members agreed to have staff present us a ballot measure that would increase the city sales tax by 1/2%. This came after a survey was completed and results were presented by the outside independent company contracted by the city. The results indicated that almost 68% of the survey respondents supported the increase as long as the funds would be dedicated by law to roads.

South Lake Tahoe area rivers and creeks over banks, some flooding in Tahoe Keys

Above average temperatures combined with an above average, and still deep, snowpack in the Sierra has led to the flooding of the Upper Truckee River, Trout Creek and Cold Creek in South Lake Tahoe. The extra water in the river has also led to slight flooding on Colorado Avenue in the Tahoe Keys.

South Lake Tahoe locals commemorate National Day of Prayer

The first national call to prayer came in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. Since then, a call to prayer has continued from President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863 to an annual national day of prayer signed by a joint resolution by Congress in 1952 that was signed by President Truman.

Now, the National Day of Prayer is held on the first Thursday in May.

Squaw Valley attempting to keep one lift open all summer long

For the first time ever, Squaw Valley will operate past July 4 and is now planning for an "endless season." They will attempt to keep one lift open on Saturdays to take advantage of the over 714 inches of snow that fell this winter.

Health column: The Balancing Act

Does it just seem like we need more than 24 hours in a day? I often think if I had eight more hours in a day that I could get so much more done. I realize this is an illusion and, in reality, the items on my list are never-ending. But for some reason the cultural message is that we are superhumans. We can do it all, get everything done, and look good while doing it.

Public comment encouraged on US 50 Revitalization Project

For the next 75 days the public is encouraged to comment on environmental documents concerning the US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the Loop Road.

Jointly, the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), Federal Highway Administration, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency released the Environment Impact Statement (NEPA), Environmental Impact Report (CEQA), and Environmental Impact Statement (TRPA). All of these detailed reports are available on line here: tahoetransportation.org/us50.

South Lake Tahoe 5th-Graders take part in Winter Adventure Program

Wildlife survival, avalanche safety, snowmaking, and environmental restoration are all part of the curriculum at a unique outdoor classroom at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Nearly 300 fifth-grade students from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (TLUSD) took part in the EpicPromise Winter Adventure Program over five days in January and March. The program includes a ride up the ski resort’s Aerial Tram, snowshoeing, and getting hands-on learning experiences at a trio of educational stations.

Douglas County seeks feedback on social media messaging during storms

Did you use social media to keep informed during the floods of January and February this winter? If so, the Douglas County Communications and Public Information department wants to hear from you.

They are researching social media messages disseminated by local governments in Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Alpine Counties and are seeking public feedback through a quick survey of residents.

Kudos: Organizer thanks community for 14th annual Drug Store Project

“Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free.

Kudos: Tahoe Warm Room thanks anonymous donor, season now extended

On behalf of the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH), I would like to thank an anonymous donor who has donated $4,500 to extend the operating season of the South Lake Tahoe Warm Room through April 30, 2017. This donation supports our mission of meeting the needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness by providing warm beds and an overnight refuge from the elements to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the winter months.

Healing solutions to life's challenges at Tahoe summit

Event Date: 
May 27, 2017 - 1:00pm

The 3rd annual Spiritual Summit in South Lake Tahoe will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Tahoe Beach Retreat.

County Veteran Office in South Lake Tahoe move to temporary new office

The South Lake Tahoe office of the Department of Veteran Affairs is on the move!

For the week of April 4 to April 11 they will be in a temporary office at 924 Emerald Bay Road. Their phone number will be (530) 573-7955 ext. 5892.

"We apologize for this sudden change in our working space, but it had to be done," said William E. Schultz, Interim Director of the department. "We want to thank the City of South Lake Tahoe and the members of the Senior Center for allowing us to use the Senior Center to help our South Lake Tahoe Basin veterans."

Location

County of El Dorado - Department of Veteran Affairs
924 Emerald Bay Road Satellite Office
United States
38° 54' 55.5048" N, 120° 0' 24.192" W

Lake Tahoe customers of Liberty Utilities seeing higher than expected bills

The winter of 2017 has been full of surprises with record amounts of rain and snow, but one surprise came in the mail by wait of an electric bill.

Many Liberty Utilities customers have noticed their January and February bills were higher than expected. Due to extreme weather, the utility company had to bill based on estimated billing as actual meter reads were impossible. For some customers, actual reads may not have occurred until March if a customer’s scheduled meter read was during the February winter storms.

Guest Columnist: Working together to improve Tahoe’s transportation system

As a national treasure offering world-class recreation opportunities, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Northern California and Nevada. And sometimes, being popular has its challenges.

Tahoe’s limited roadways become congested during times of peak visitation, when thousands of people who live in nearby metropolitan areas get in their cars to drive up to our small mountain communities. Suddenly, a road system designed for 55,000 residents must handle four to five times that many cars on an average busy day.

Just in time to wash grime off South Lake Tahoe cars, Sierra Suds opens

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - Its been years in the making, and finally, on Monday, March 20, Sierra Suds Car Wash will be open to the public.

In the 1950's, the 23-unit Cedar Lodge was located at 2685 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The motel was eventually demolished and South Lake Tahoe dentist Dr. Jim Getzelman bought the property in hopes of developing it into a car wash.

"We’re trying the best to make this a very clean alternative to washing a car at home,” Getzelman said in March, 2008 of his plans to open the car wash in the fall of that year.

Californians saved enough water to serve 6.24M homes for a year

Water conservation efforts in California have saved 2.51 million acre-feet of water since June of 2105. This is enough water to provide 6.24 million homes with water for a year, or almost one-third of the state's population.

Since state-mandated water restrictions have been in place, the cumulative statewide savings has been 22.5 percent, when compared with the previous 18-month period.

Since June 2015, the 817.9 billion gallons saved is enough water to supply more than 12.5 million people with water for a year has been saved at the state level.

Meyers OMG Fun Run

Event Date: 
June 4, 2017 - 10:00am

Everyone is invited to join in the fun at the second Old Meyers Grade Fun Run to start off the summer. The day will be filled with community, competitions, music, and a run up the old grade! The OMG Fun Run is hosted by the Meyers Community Foundation.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available so they can continue to host these exciting community events in Meyers all year round.

Event details:

June 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
There are three divisions for prizes:
Kids
Costumes
Competitive

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass on roads, traffic and trails

The following is Mayor Austin Sass's monthly letter to the community:

Potholes a high priority for City of South Lake Tahoe; Work to begin as weather permits

Potholes are a reality anywhere water is able to get under pavement, and after a long, hard winter as South Lake Tahoe is experiencing, our local roads are not immune. All across the country potholes wreak havoc with drivers each winter, causing damage to cars and tires as well as fraying a few nerves.

They seem to be everywhere, and drivers on many roads can be seen using defensive driving skills warranting an "ace" on a Sega GT or Daytona USA video game.

Guest Columnist: Time to ramp up invasive species control projects at Lake Tahoe

Over the last two decades, the Lake Tahoe Region has become a national leader in fighting the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) that threaten to harm its world-renowned environment and the $5 billion recreation-based economy it supports.

The Lake Tahoe Region is working with other partners throughout the American West to better safeguard waterbodies and improve national invasive species policies. We are also working with the boating industry to help manufacturers design watercraft that are less likely to carry AIS and are easier to inspect and decontaminate.

Tahoe Truckee Unified School District receives largest rebate ever awarded by Liberty Utilities

Almost $20,000 was recently awarded to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) for improvements made in 2016 to increase energy efficiency at two school facilities.

Even though the check Liberty Utilities gave to TTUSD was for $19,638.42, the district can expect more than $15,700 in annual energy bill savings.

The rebate represented the largest incentive payment provided to any commercial customer by Liberty Utilities since it began operations in the Lake Tahoe and surrounding region.

The district made the following two changes:

Kudos: Barton Health donates gift cards to help the homeless

On behalf of the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, I would like to thank Barton Health employees and physicians for their incredible generosity.

TRPA approves Tahoe Basin Area Plan, Lodge Project

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday unanimously approved Placer County’s Tahoe Basin Area Plan and the Tahoe City Lodge Project.

“This is the fourth area plan approved at Lake Tahoe and an important milestone for implementing the 2012 Regional Plan,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, executive director of TRPA. “With this plan, we can take significant steps to improve the environment and strengthen communities on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.”

Guest Columnist: Let’s keep Tahoe’s progress going

Twenty-five years ago, I finished my graduate work in Oregon and moved to Northern Nevada for a planning position at TRPA. Having spent a large part of my youth hiking and camping at Tahoe and in the Sierra, the move felt like coming home.

South Lake Tahoe Women's March to celebrate diversity and highlight equality

Event Date: 
January 21, 2017 - 10:00am

As an estimated 200,000 people will join the Women's March on Washington Saturday, January 21, and hundreds of thousands of others march in their own towns across the country. Not to be left out, South Lake Tahoe will be having their own march to highlight issues important to the community, an event that organizers hope will attract a few hundred supporters.

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.

Lake of the Sky Outfitters Movie Night: The 11th Hour

Event Date: 
January 27, 2017 - 7:00pm

Join is for the screening of Leonardo DiCaprio's film "llth Hour" which chronicles the warming of our planets and the affects it is and will be causing. In light of the attitude of our incoming president on climate change this film and others lie it
are even more important now.

Admission is free (donations accepted)but please RSVP to 541-1027 so we have an idea of how many people we can expect.

There will be light refreshments and a free raffle.

Location

1195 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe,Ca. 96150
United States
38° 56' 22.4196" N, 119° 58' 24.1608" W

Kudos: Tahoe Warm Room thanks Champion Floors to Go

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) would like to thank Champion Floors to Go for their donation of carpet and floor runners to the South Lake Tahoe Warm Room. This donation helps keep our guests cozy and comfortable in our facility this winter. With recent extreme weather patterns in Tahoe, we are proud to offer overnight refuge from the elements to men and women who are experiencing homelessness.

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