Public Safety · South Lake Tahoe, CA
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board announced a proposed settlement requiring Seven Springs Limited Partnership and Fox Capital Management Corporation to fund treatment of municipal drinking water wells contaminated by tetrachloroethylene (PCE) from former dry-cleaning operations in South Lake Tahoe. The $4.1 million agreement addresses a groundwater plume originating between 1972 and 1979 that extended from the State Route 89 and U.S. Route 50 junction toward the Tahoe Keys, contaminating wells used by two local drinking water providers. Treatment and long-term monitoring would continue for 59 years to ensure safe drinking water for thousands of South Lake Tahoe residents and businesses. The proposed settlement is subject to approval at a future regional board meeting, with public comments due by Nov. 20.
Public Safety · South Lake Tahoe, CA
Fire Chief Jim Drennan lifted the charcoal BBQ ban in the City of South Lake Tahoe effective Sunday, November 1, 2026. Residents may now use propane, pellets, liquid petroleum, and charcoal for outdoor cooking. Open flame wood burning remains prohibited citywide except in designated fire rings at Campground by the Lake. Officials encourage residents to maintain at least 5 feet of defensible space around homes as wildfire risk diminishes but persists into winter.
Public Safety · South Lake Tahoe, CA
A Halloween weekend storm brought significant snowfall to the Truckee and Lake Tahoe basins, with UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab at Soda Springs reporting 4.3 inches over 48 hours and Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe reporting seven inches. Westbound Interstate 80 closed Friday morning for about two hours due to downed power lines near Castle Peak, and a jackknifed semitruck closed eastbound I-80 on Saturday afternoon near Farad. Forecasters indicated rain and snow may return on Election Day, with the remainder of the week expected to be sunny and clear.
Community News · South Lake Tahoe, CA
Barton Health has launched Barton Cancer Care, a new service line providing medical oncology, chemotherapy infusion treatment, and patient navigation for residents of the Lake Tahoe region. The program is led by Dr. William Schwartzman, a medical oncologist trained at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who will evaluate patients, develop individualized treatment plans, and coordinate care with surgeons and other specialists. Barton developed the program through its Cleveland Clinic Connected membership, drawing on nationally recognized clinical practices. The service is now accepting patients; residents can call 530-600-1950 or visit bartonhealth.org for information.
Public Safety
The Halloween weekend storm brought 4.3 inches of snow to Soda Springs per UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab, while Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe reported seven inches. Westbound I-80 closed for about two hours Friday morning near Castle Peak due to downed power lines, and a jackknifed semitruck closed eastbound I-80 Saturday afternoon near Farad. Rain and snow may return on Election Day, with the rest of the week forecast sunny and clear.
