Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate the efforts our fellow humans (including some powerful Californians) have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens. We begin with a tribute to a man who is given credit for lighting the spark that led to this holiday.
Below, as always, find a carefully curated selection of local news; a short tribute to a local nonprofit, and a tasty recipe.
• Vacancy Tax Initiative Signatures Submitted
Proponents of the City of South Lake Tahoe vacancy tax initiative have submitted petition signatures to the El Dorado County Elections Department for certification.
(04/22/2024) → South Tahoe Now
• Highway 50 Roadwork Continues
CalTrans is continuing work on Highway 50 in the Echo Summit area and holding public meetings for work between Icehouse Road and Strawberry.
(04/19/2024) → South Tahoe Now
• South Lake Tahoe Designated Prohousing
Governor Newsom has designated the City of South Lake Tahoe as a "prohousing community" making it eligible for housing incentives from the state.
(04/19/2024) → South Tahoe Now
• Residents Share Mountain Lion Sightings
Local county residents recount recent sightings of mountain lions near schools in populated areas.
(04/19/2024) → Mountain Democrat
• Electric School Bus Fleet Now in Service
The Lake Tahoe Unified School District has begun operating an initial 5 electric school buses and charging stations, with 15 more expected to be funded through an upcoming grant.
(04/17/2024) → South Tahoe Now
• Online Tool Provides Development Project Status
The Planning and Building Department of El Dorado County announced a new online tool for information and status of local development projects.
(04/15/2024) → Village Life
• Newsom Calls Out Republican Abortion Policies in New Ad Running in Alabama
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new ad blasts GOP efforts to make it harder for people to leave states with abortion bans and seek treatment elsewhere.
(04/21/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Salmon Are Released Into the Klamath River, Tribal Leaders See a 'Symbol of Hope'
California has released 500,000 salmon into the Klamath River. As dams are removed, the fish will be some of the first to return to a free-flowing river.
(04/20/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• A Private Calif. Ranch Holds Important State History — And It Might Be in Danger
Some residents fear development could destroy parts of the historic land.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• After Previously Being Cleared, Three Alameda Police Officers Now Face Manslaughter Charges
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged three East Bay police officers with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates Is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why
The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.
(04/18/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sets Nation’s First Water Standard for Cancer-Causing Contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
(04/17/2024) → CalMatters
• Senate Impeachment Trial Begins for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in California, is the first U.S. Cabinet official impeached in nearly 150 years.
(04/17/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Paris Hilton Speaks Up for California’s ‘Troubled’ Teens
Heiress Paris Hilton is on a mission to shine a light on the "troubled teen industry," a largely unregulated multibillion-dollar industry that is gaining public scrutiny for alleged abuse of vulnerable youths.
(04/17/2024) → California Healthline
• In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a CEO Works With the Community to Bolster Hospital
Chinese Hospital, located in the heart of this city's legendary Chinatown, struggles with many of the same financial and demographic challenges that plague small independent hospitals in underserved areas across the country.
(04/16/2024) → California Healthline
