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“Be careful what you ask for!
With a series of storms set to hit us beginning this weekend, please be careful out there when near or inside the burn areas. As our staff rightfully points out in our latest press release (see below), the weather can turn burn scars into muddy and sometimes dangerous spots. Trees can fall and rocks will slide. And as welcome as it is to hear that the Caldor Fire is now 100% contained, we need to be mindful that it is not out – there are still smoking and smoldering stumps on the ground and trees burning inside their trunks – be careful!
As I drive along Highway 50 each week, it’s amazing to see all the work being done to remove dead trees and hazardous debris. A huge “Thank You!” goes to all the agencies and work crews including Cal OES, USFS, and PG&E.
Please - stay dry, stay safe!”
Residents in Caldor Fire burn scar, travelers should beware of possible flooding and debris
The National Weather Service is forecasting a series of storms impacting the County this weekend, with the highest level of precipitation expected Sunday night into Monday morning. These conditions have the potential to trigger debris flow events throughout the Caldor Fire burn scar with particular impact in Strawberry, Phillips Tract and parts of Grizzly Flats.
“The upcoming weather event could result in flooding, causing currently unstable trees and other vegetation to
fall onto roadways, create landslides, and impact our watersheds” said Brendan Ferry, El Dorado County
Deputy Director of the Tahoe Planning and Storm water Division. “Ash from the Caldor Fire and soil movement will undoubtedly occur and we are asking that all residents and travelers in these areas and along US
Highway 50 be on high alert for these hazards and take appropriate precautions to mitigate the storm’s impact.”
Persons in homes or vehicles near steep slopes, canyons, gorges and the mouths of mountain streams are the
locations at greatest risk of potential hazards to their property.
An oncoming debris flow may include the sound of rushing water, changes in water from clear to muddy, or the sound of large rocks crashing into each other and typically occur within 15 minutes of a heavy rainfall.
To be alerted to critical emergency information, ensure you are signed up for the County’s Code Red system by
visiting http://ready.edso.org
To report a road hazard, contact the County Department of Transportation at 530-642-4909 or
road.maintenance@edcgov.us
Weather Information: https://www.weather.gov/
Informational Video – Flood After Fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsZ-_l1j0-4
El Dorado County residents in the Tahoe Basin affected by the Caldor Fire burn scar, may receive free sandbags to protect their property from disastrous storms and debris flows caused by the fire. This is a self-serve station (bring your own tools) provided by El Dorado County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, El Dorado County DOT, and TRPA.
This service is available when disastrous storms are predicted by the National Weather Service that may warrant the need for sandbagging on personal property. The sandbag station is open from Wednesday 10/20/21 through Tuesday 10/26/21 and the hours will be from 7 AM to 7 PM.
How to fill a sandbag:
 Sandbags can also be purchased at local hardware stores during non-emergency times.
The sandbag station is located at:
1834 Santa Fe Ave., Meyers, South Lake Tahoe
(SLT Search & Rescue Building)
 After sparking on August 14 and burning for 67 days, the Caldor Fire is now finally 100% contained. It burned approximately 222,000 acres and required thousands of firefighters from all over the country to contain the blaze. Their tireless efforts coupled with the success of fuel treatment areas helped protect South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas. A huge thank you to all the brave firefighters and first responders!
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In Memory of Austin Ramsey |
 El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Ramsey was 25 years old, a former Army Ranger, and combat veteran who served in Afghanistan. He was also a loving son, wonderful brother, and devoted friend to so many. He had recently started his career with our office and was fulfilling a lifelong goal of working in law enforcement, following in his father's footsteps. Sadly, Austin's life of service was cut short. All our hearts are with his family and friends.
Austin’s family has received an outpouring of community support with many requests to help. In response, the Ramsey family has set up a GoFundMe page. Donations are being accepted to help the family cover funeral expenses. All proceeds that exceed the funeral costs will be donated in Austin's name to "22 Until Valhalla", a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of veteran suicide.
For those that are interested in donating, this is the only approved link from the Ramsey family. https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-austin-ramsey…
General Rate Case
On May 28, 2021, Liberty filed its General Rate Case (GRC) application for the years 2022-2024. The application seeks California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approval for funding for fixed costs, operational expenses, and critical system investments through an average rate adjustment of 30.9% for 2022. All utilities regulated by the CPUC apply for such funding through this GRC process. Even if the CPUC approves this proposal in its entirety, Liberty will continue to offer the second-lowest rates in California.
Why?
Wildfire Mitigation
Safety is a priority for Liberty and the CPUC. Wildfire mitigation costs comprise the majority of Liberty’s requested increase.
Infrastructure Improvements
Liberty intends to harden its infrastructure in order to improve service reliability, mitigate wildfirerisk, and reduce the need for public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) by:
- Installing covered conductors (insulated wire)
- Replacing conventional fuses with limiting fuses
- Testing and replace aging poles
- Enhancing grid topology
Tree Safety and Vegetation Management
In compliance with state laws, Liberty identifies and trims or removes trees and vegetation that have grown too close to power lines. This wildfire mitigation occurs year-round along 650 miles of overhead lines in Liberty’s service territory.
Helping Our Communities
To help those in need, Liberty proposes to increase the discount from 20% to 25% for low-income customers who qualify for the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program.
Residential Primary Rate (“Permanent”) vs. Residential Non-Primary Rate(“Seasonal”)
The residential primary rate applies to customers whose home in Liberty’s service territory is considered their primary residence. These customers receive a baseline allowance of energy for a lower cost. The residential non-primary rate applies to customers with any other type of residence
 Electric Financial Help
Wildfire Mitigation and PSPS
Electric Vehicle Programs
 After the Basin's first significant snowfall on Friday, ski resorts are prepping for the upcoming season! Weather permitting, resorts have announced the following tentative opening dates:
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