Jeremy Perez

A San Francisco man is accused of stealing items from vehicles parked at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe after smashing windows to gain access.

Jeremy Perez, 22, was detained by casino security on June 4 at 1:30am.

Perez faces four counts of burglary, four counts of destruction of property, and one count of possession of burglary tools.

Victims of a car burglary last weekend in the Stateline casino core are asked to call 775.586.7256.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

By Jessica Meyers, Los Angeles Times
 
Gov. Jerry Brown met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in a rare diplomatic coup that catapults California into quasi-national status as a negotiator with China following the decision last week by President Trump to pull the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord.

Their encounter underlined the extent to which Trump, as he pursues an “America first” foreign policy, is being sidelined on the world stage. Xi spent nearly an hour talking to Brown, one of the administration’s loudest, most powerful critics on the environment.

They discussed global warming and green technology in the Great Hall of the People, a granite-columned building on Tiananmen Square reserved for high-level dignitaries, political gatherings and ceremonial occasions.

Read the whole story

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District will begin issuing dead tree firewood cutting permits on June 15.

Woodcutters may cut dead trees anywhere on the Carson Ranger District, including the Washington Fire burned area. Some areas on the district may later be removed or chainsaw restrictions may be put into place as the season progresses.

Firewood permits are valid through Dec. 31. They may be purchased for $15 per cord with a two cord minimum and a 10 cord maximum.

No tree cutting is permitted in administrative sites or along state and county roads, and Forest Service designated trail. Dead fuelwood cutting will only be allowed for conifer species such as pine and fir. Hardwoods such as aspen or cottonwood are not allowed under this permit.

Permittees are required to have fire extinguisher and a shovel when using a chainsaw for cutting firewood.

For more info, call 775.882.2766.

By Aparna Nayayanan, Investor’s Business Daily
 
Vail Resorts Inc. skid off record highs Thursday on a disappointing earnings report for its fiscal third quarter ending April.

The Colorado-based ski operator reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of $4.84 a share, up 14 percent vs. a year earlier, as revenue jumped 23 percent to $795 million. But analysts had expected EPS of $4.86 on revenue of $808 million, according to Zacks Investment Research.

Vail Resorts is the parent company of Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar ski resorts.

Read the whole story

By Kathryn Reed

From New York to Lake Tahoe, the suicide bombing that killed 22 people in Manchester, England, last month at an Ariana Grande concert got the attention of law enforcement

“In the wake of many large gathering terrorist events, starting with Nice, France, but including Germany, London and elsewhere, we have made adjustments to our operations plans – even last year – for SnowGlobe and New Year’s Eve. We are sensitive to the possibility and plan accordingly within our means,” South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News.

Locally, even the smaller venues like Lakeview Commons and Heavenly Village are a concern.

In Douglas County with concert venues mostly on private property security is the responsibility of the permit holder.

“We do supply officers on a limited basis, but that is typically very minimal and at the request of the promoter,” Undersheriff Paul Howell told Lake Tahoe News.

The first outdoor concert of the season at Harveys is coming up on June 25.

“On large events, like celebrity golf, where we are primarily responsible for security, we do use a variety of measures to enhance security. Increased bag checks, reduced allowance of bags/containers, multiple screening locations, and electronic and plainclothes surveillance,” Howell said. “Since 9-11 we have increased our interaction with our state and federal partners and we routinely meet and asses threat analysis with the Nevada Threat Analysis Center on large events like celebrity golf and New Year’s Eve.”

Specific tactical procedures aren’t released to the public so potential perpetrators don’t have a head start.

Waxing philosophical, Uhler went on to say, “Should we all withdraw for fear of attacks when crowds gather? Are we still vulnerable given limited means to effectively thwart all possible means of attack? Should government move toward more draconian methods of control at the expense of freedoms? I don’t have the answers to these questions. Clearly, there will be fears perpetuated by the attacks which could be viewed by terrorists as a measure of success.”

The reception area at Edgewood Lodge is contemporary with a Tahoe flavor. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

By Kathryn Reed

STATELINE – Like most backyards, Edgewood Lodge has been designed to be where people will want to hang out.

It’s where the infinity-like pool and hot tub are. Monday the pool furniture was being assembled. On the deck between the pool and lodge are multiple fire pits and an array of seating options. Just beyond the pool is a grassy area that looks like an oversized back lawn. Next comes the beach and the icy waters of Lake Tahoe. These are all terraced, creating a better visual.

While the pool, hot tub and fitness center will only be available to hotel guests, much of the property will be open to the public. That means this backyard can be a playground of sorts for everyone.

Chef Dave Lofgren preps his staff prior to the June 14 opening. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

And if people are inside, the outside is so close.

With what appears to be a wall of windows across the “back porch,” the outdoors is still right there. Mount Tallac is a constant presence.

The Bistro restaurant will spill out onto the outdoor patio with the ability to seat 80. It will serve three meals a day. The kitchen is designed so diners will be able to see their meal being prepared. A chef’s table is off to the side for special events.

With total seating being about 200, this is the largest of the three restaurants at Edgewood. (The other two are in the clubhouse.) Part of the seating includes a large, ornate wooden table that will be for communal dining.

The bar flows right into the restaurant – and outside.

A small café is near the front of the lodge where to-go items may be purchased.

From the second floor looking into the “living room.” Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

Owners and designers of Edgewood Lodge set out to redefine the tourist experience. Even with contractors and landscapers making last-minute finishing touches before the resort opens June 14, it’s obvious there is nothing else like this in the Lake Tahoe Basin. (Not all of the hotel rooms will be available next week.)

Inside it is intimate, spacious, inviting and warm. The living room, as it’s called, is grand. Styled like a western lodge along the lines of a national park, the grandeur is evident from the moment one sets foot inside. It is destined to be a congregating place to enjoy the view, sit by the fire and decompress. The 42-foot vaulted walnut ceilings add to the majesty.

Finishing touches are being made to the front landscaping. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

Granite on the walls and elsewhere, along with the stone floor, muted greys and blues, and various uses of wood give the 169,000-square-foot hotel a mountain feel, while still being elegant. The goal was to be relaxed and refined at the same time.

In the living room is a large stone sculpture; each 2-foot by 2-foot section weighing 60 pounds. An artist from the Bay Area carved the piece on site. Another relief out of limestone is at the reception desk. It looks like a topo map of the southern end of Lake Tahoe with the lines going deeper with the depth of the water.

In the same area is a divider, with the wood coming from the property. The moss on it is authentic.

A long table like this one on the second floor will be in the Bistro restaurant for a shared dining experience. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

“A number of local contractors did an amazing job on this project,” Patrick Rhamey, executive vice president of Edgewood Companies, told Lake Tahoe News.

While SMC out of Reno was the general contractor on the $100-plus million lodge, Rhamey singled out subs like Jim Eliot who put in the rough timbers made of fir and the exterior wood siding; Bernard Creegan who did the finished carpentry and helped with furniture installation; and Kemper Masonry which mined the rock from Markleeville.

The goal is to attain LEED silver green building designation.

Little artwork adorns the walls in the hotel rooms. The focus instead is on the views out the window. Each king room has the bed oriented to look out the window. A mix of king, double queen and suites fill the top two floors. There is one presidential suite. A standard room, of which there are 127, is about 500-square-feet. Every room has a balcony from which to see the lake, the mountains, the golf course or Round Hill. Sixty-five percent of the hotel rooms have a view of Lake Tahoe.

While there are more than 170 gas fireplaces throughout the structure – one in every hotel room and then some – air conditioning is also important. Edgewood is using lake water to cool the entire building. 

The pool and hot tub are exclusively for hotel guests. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

Minden-based Edgewood Companies is operating the 154-hotel instead of having an outside entity run it. It means the need to hire about 200 people to operate the entire facility. Several employees have been promoted from within the company.

Like many businesses in the region, Edgewood has had some difficulty finding workers. Housekeeping in particular has been problematic. Most workers, though, have been hired locally.

Benefits to working for Edgewood include having a meal provided and not having to clock out for breaks.

The only third party entity will be supplying equipment like bikes, skis and kayaks. These will all be available through the on-site adventure center. For those who bring their toys, storage in this area will be available.

Two retail outlets are on the first floor. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

On the bottom level of the three-story building are two clothing stores – one more resort wear, the other athletic apparel.

A full service spa with eight treatment rooms is on the second floor. The hair and nail salon is on one side, the massage-facial area on the other. A steam room is in each of the locker rooms. Then there is a shared quiet-relaxation space. A coed outdoor hot tub looks out to the front of the property and beyond to the slopes of Heavenly.

Free valet parking will be available to anyone visiting the lodge. Another 100-space self-parking area is between the clubhouse and north wing of the lodge. Gone is the old parking lot that fronted the lake.

Once parked there will be little need for guests to drive again. Edgewood will have a shuttle to take people various places.

A 3,000-square-foot banquet area can be divided into three sections for events. Doors off the hallway can open to the front of the building to expand the actual usable space. If the need arises, Edgewood can build another 5,000-square-feet on the main level for meetings and the like.

The goal is to be a five-star complex. Rhamey said it’s more important to have five-star reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor than to worry about what Forbes or AAA say. Guest service is a huge piece in the ratings war.

“Edgewood Lodge is not going to be a stuffy place,” Rhamey said. “We want to provide exceptional service, be engaging, but not be stuffy or snooty.”

Publisher’s note: This editorial is from the May 22, 2017, San Jose Mercury News.

There’s more bad news to come from CalPERS, the nation’s largest pension plan.

In December, the board of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System approved phase-in of a rate increase for the state and local government agencies that provide most of its funding.

But it won’t be enough to shore up the ailing system. That’s why next month the board will begin a review process that’s likely to lead to approval as early as December of another increase.

Read the whole story

By Kathryn Reed

Starting with their next paycheck the city manager and city attorney of South Lake Tahoe will each be receiving a 5 percent raise.

The City Council on June 6 gave the two performance evaluations in closed session.

Mayor Pro Tem Wendy David told Lake Tahoe News both employees received “exemplary” reviews.

City Manager Nancy Kerry has a five-year rolling contract and City Attorney Tom Watson has a three-year rolling contract.

Kerry brought forward a plan that actually reduces her base pay. She was making $187,000, the raise brought it to $196,000 a year, but now it is $166,000 as straight salary.

The $30,000 is difference is going to be put into a 457 account, which is similar to a 401(k) in the private sector. This makes it a non-pensionable benefit; in other words, the city does not have to pay PERS on that money. This equates to an ongoing savings to the city of about $10,000/year.

The city will be contributing $20,000 to the 457, which will be spread out in each paycheck. This is guaranteed for three years. It’s like an employer match with a 401(k), but is still less than paying PERS – which is for the life of the employee – not just while they work for the city.

CalPERS has been an ongoing financial drain on public agencies throughout California. Creative financing will help keep municipalities out of bankruptcy, allow employees a way to have supplement retirement savings, and help lessen the burden on taxpayers.

When Kerry started as city manager she didn’t take the car allowance that had been the norm for previous city managers. That cash was instead used for employee rewards, incentives and the like. That cash, at a smaller line item, is now part of the budget. The car benefit of $600/month is now part of her compensation package.

She also can accrue up to 360 hours of vacation.

“I am very pleased and thankful for the thorough evaluation by the City Council and management team. I appreciate the opportunity serve the City Council, staff and community over the years and the last five years as city manager,” Kerry told Lake Tahoe News. “As I said to the council, I am privileged to serve alongside an excellent team of executives, the city attorney and employees at the city, and look forward to our continued joint success in the coming years.”

Watson will now be making more than $160,000 a year. Because of when he was hired and the fact he makes more than $140,000/year, the raise does not affect how much the city pays to PERS. He will be receiving a $500/month car allowance, as well has have a maximum vacation accrual of 360 hours.

“I am delighted to have the trust and confidence of council, staff and the community. I am humbled by the support the council has provided to Nancy and myself. We look forward to implementing council directives to the best of our abilities,” Watson told Lake Tahoe News.  

This has been a long and drawn out process which started about three months ago. It is up to the mayor to initiate the evaluations, with all council members having equal say into what the outcome is. It became such a brouhaha with the mayor that an outside consultant at the cost of about $1,500 had to be brought in to make things copacetic.

By Kathryn Reed

Safety is the No. 1 reason South Lake Tahoe officials are looking to have a temporary air traffic control tower at Lake Tahoe Airport during the annual celebrity golf tournament.

This is the busiest week of the year for the airport. According to the FAA, in 2014 there were 362 aircraft at the airport for the golf tournament. That’s an average of 52 planes a day. More than 60 percent were larger jet aircraft. 

The cost, though, for controllers is more than the city wants to incur. That is why City Manager Nancy Kerry on June 8 will be asking the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority board to help defer the costs.

“In the past the costs for providing a temporary air traffic control tower was borne primarily by the FAA because it did not trigger a $10,000 threshold to establish a reimbursable agreement. This year the FAA has relocated its temporary air traffic control tower facility from Reno to Boise, Idaho, and costs to bring the facility here was quoted at $16,000 for the five-day period,” Airport Manager Mark Gibbs explained. “This is above the $10,000 trigger requiring the city to pay for the costs associated with the tower per FAA policy.”

Per the FAA’s suggestion the city looked into having a private air traffic control firm do the job for the July 11-16 event. Tower Tech Inc., which provided air traffic control services here during the 2007 Angora Fire, would cost $13,500. That fee covers equipment, personnel and insurance.

These people have the same certifications as controllers who work for the FAA. Three people would work from 8am-5pm each day.

The tower would be on a trailer behind a truck, and would be on the airport ramp near the terminal.

“When you have no air traffic controller managing the airport terminal airspace, aircraft radio traffic becomes congested. Without a ‘moderator’, pilots will try to talk over one another making for a confusing situation for all,” Gibbs told Lake Tahoe News. “Radio messages could be missed and pilots rely on one another to report where they are at all times. If the radio traffic becomes too congested to report properly, a dangerous situation results as pilots try to keep situational awareness of all other air traffic in the vicinity and fly the airplane.”

A bonus to having the controllers is they can “ensure aircraft use the noise abatement flight path into/out from the airport.” This means there should be fewer planes circling over neighborhoods.

According to Gibbs, it was complaints about safety by Caesars Entertainment and Edgewood Tahoe in 2013 that led the city to contract with the FAA. However, not every year has there been a temporary tower.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, whose parent company is Caesars, is the host hotel. Edgewood leases the golf course to NBC/American Century – owners of the American Century Championship tournament. Edgewood told Lake Tahoe News it would not contribute to the tower.

To date for this year, Mountain West Aviation, Tahoe Beach Retreat, Lakeside Inn and Caesars Entertainment have agreed to help underwrite the temporary tower.

Phil Weidinger, who handles publicity for the tournament, never got back to Lake Tahoe News in regards to whether NBC and/or American Century would step up to cover the costs since they are the ones making the bulk of the money on the tournament.

Most of the people in those planes are players.

An array of illegal fireworks was confiscated last weekend by Truckee police officers.

Officers had stopped a vehicle in town after it had struck the center divide on Interstate 80.

The driver and passenger face charges of being under the influence of methamphetamine and in possession of a large amount of illegal fireworks.

Fireworks are prohibited within the town limits. It’s not just discharging fireworks that is illegal, but possession is as well.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report