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The year 2024 was very productive within El Dorado County and particularly in our District V. We accomplished goals from one end of the District to the other, and everywhere in between. This was all possible because of our talented, professional, and dedicated EDC staff - and because of the commitment and contributions by you, our residents. Your support and encouragement have given me the strength and motivation to see these issues through to fruition. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and seeing the positive changes that are being made. I look forward to 2025 and working hard with all of you to continue these positive gains. Happy New Year! Brooke.
The Vacation Home Rental Advisory Committee and I presented recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and a new ordinance became effective in November 2024.
Ordinance Highlights:
*Fire Inspections require Defensible Space compliance, among other changes
*No solid fuel fires allowed county wide. Outdoor burning limited to natural gas or propane
*Hosted Rentals require a Hosted Home Rental (HHR) Permit
*VHR rules do not apply when owner-occupied
*Parking must be contained within the parcel
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The Board of Supervisors approved hiring additional Code Enforcement (CE) Officers and a Supervisor for the Tahoe Basin. The VHR enforcement team is now fully staffed, including on weekends and evenings when most violations occur.
There is now a VHR Hotline for reporting violations: 530-573-7999.
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We have all observed the traffic congestion issues on State Route 89 (SR89), a two-lane mountain roadway which serves as the only access route to many of Lake Tahoe's popular recreational areas. Renowned for its spectacular beauty, Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe's most popular and photographed locations which attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually. The demand for parking is at least three times more than what the area can handle.
Shifting use patterns and managing visitation require new transit options along with strict enforcement of illegal parking.
The proposed pilot project will occur during the summer of 2025. Illegal parking along the roadside will be restricted using barriers and No Parking rules will be strictly enforced. Although this pilot project is a good start, it also requires easily accessible and consistent shuttles as well as potentially waterborne transportation.
El Dorado County is working with Caltrans, CHP, USFS, California State Parks, City of SLT, TRPA, South Shore Transit Management Authority, Tahoe Transportation District, El Dorado Transit, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Fund, LT Visitors Authority, and Placer County to implement the Recreation Corridor Management Plan for SR89.
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The City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County recently entered into an agreement to improve the transit system in the Tahoe Basin. The purpose of the South Shore Transit JPA is to work with regional, state, and federal entities to plan, program, and secure funding for transit within the portion of El Dorado County in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the City of South Lake Tahoe. This would allow for the JPA to develop and implement transit services including micro transit, paratransit, fixed route and other opportunities.
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This was one of my priorities coming into office in 2023. El Dorado County approved a resolution to dissolve the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District and consolidate with the North Tahoe Fire Protection District. This is a unique and extraordinary solution because it involves collaboration between two neighboring counties. It makes sense because Meeks Bay is often isolated in the winter when Emerald Bay is closed.
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Tahoe is gaining ground! The unincorporated portion of El Dorado County within the Basin generates between $5.5 - $7 million in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue annually (not including Measure S funds). We are all too aware of the fact that only a small percentage of these funds had historically been returned to the Basin in the form of services, road maintenance, staffing, etc. After analyzing several years of historical distribution of TOT, the Basin received on average a quarter (25¢) back in services for every dollar of TOT collected. I am pleased to share that in the 2024-25 El Dorado County budget, the Basin will receive over $7 million in services which represents a dollar-for-dollar return!
This summer a team of talented individuals was appointed to form an advisory committee for economic development in District V. We met in September and again in October and are planning on developing an Economic Road Map. The goals are to strengthen economic opportunities for District V's communities and residents, and to prioritize the support and growth of local businesses. The Road Map will help us get there.
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Taco Bell
We celebrated the removal of the Taco Bell building: FINALLY! I fully appreciated the frustration the community had with this being such an eye sore and safety issue for several years.
Due to the Taco Bell building issue, the county established an Abatement Program. This happened with my full support, as well as the efforts of many county employees under the direction of Karen Garner, Director- Planning & Building. The Taco Bell building had stood vacant since the fast-food restaurant closed in 2019. In October of 2024, the county selected a contractor, approved a demolition permit, and received a court order to abate the property and structure. Now other business opportunities will emerge that can enhance and complement the business corridor. Rumor has it that Starbucks is looking at investing in this property.
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Pedestrian Safety
The Department of Transportation improved four crosswalks and installed Rapid Flashing Beacons on Pony Express Trail. One improvement was the direct result of the tragic accident in May of 2023 when five kids were hit while in the crosswalk by a work van.
Locations of improved crosswalks with Rapid Flashing Beacons:
1. 50 Grand/Burger Barn (the crosswalk was relocated east), 2. Forebay Road, 3. Cox Street and 4. Sanders Drive.
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Forebay Park
Forebay Park is currently undergoing renovations. The Board allocated $3 million dollars of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) for the project. The renovations will include two asphalt parking lot areas, restrooms, an accessible playground, exercise equipment, ballfield renovations, a disc golf course and walking trails.
Phase 1 Proposed Renovations
- Two asphalt parking lot areas
- Access roads
- ADA accessible restrooms
- Inclusive playground
- Senior exercise equipment
Upcoming Project Activities
Anticipated Spring 2025: Begin construction bid process.
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Road Repair/Snow Removal Equipment
You may recall in 2022, the voters within the county portion of the Basin approved a 4% TOT tax increase to be used for road repair and snow removal equipment. These funds were to be in addition to the road funds the county traditionally invested in the Basin.
Since the inception of this tax increase on our overnight visitors, we have collected over five (5) million dollars. We have ordered two (2) new rotary snowblowers in addition to resurfacing Pioneer Trail.
A Measure S Oversight Committee was appointed. Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes can be viewed on the Transient Occupancy Tax - Measure S webpage.
Going forward, the Committee agreed that half of the available funds will be invested in repairing and paving residential roads/streets and the balance is to be invested in additional snow removal equipment.
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A well-attended public meeting was held 11/7/24 to discuss staffing levels.
Staffing for seasonal, extra-help for snow removal is challenging. The county took unprecedented measures this year to address those challenges.
Tahoma staff positions are 100% filled.
The remainder of the Basin County is 80% staffed.
We are continuing to hold our recruitment open.
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Little Norway, located near the top of Echo Summit, was an eyesore and a health/safety hazard for over 20 years. It was originally established as a post office in 1961. Over the years it served as a bar and restaurant, Greyhound bus stop, and a popular apres-ski spot. No business has operated there since 1991.
A building permit is in the review process to develop a convenience store and possible gas station.
In March of 2022, ambulance service moved into a county-owned building at 3066 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The building, which was once a jail, has been replaced with ambulance bays, a training room, office, kitchen, gym, and sleeping quarters. Currently, 24 employees rotate working 48-hour shifts.
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Pioneer Trail and Fair Meadow Trail Curb Ramps and Rapid Flashing Beacons
Just last month, the county and its contractor completed the work at this intersection. This crosswalk used to be further north in between two intersections. Once the County Department of Transportation completed the paving on Pioneer Trail, they re-striped the crosswalk at Fair Meadow Trail. Then the contractor installed curb ramps, curb and gutter and two Rapid Flashing Beacons.
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Ban on Single Use Plastic Water Bottles, Bags and Styrofoam.
The proposed ordinance could mirror the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs)
Legislation was passed in California authorizing MEHKOs in 2018. MEHKOs allow cooks to obtain a permit to legally sell most types of food directly to the public from their home kitchen. Interested counties need to opt into the law to authorize this type of facility.
We are hoping to have this on the agenda for the Board to consider in early 2025.
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Crosswalk in Meyers
Caltrans has plans to move the crosswalk that currently intersects the Agriculture Center to align with Apache Avenue in the Spring/Summer of 2025. This project also includes installation of the Rapid Flashing Beacons.
Are you interested in participating in the weekly Board of Supervisors' meetings? Each meeting is broadcast on Zoom. Click on the Calendar. Find the current date and you'll find the Zoom Link in the 'Meeting Location' column. You'll also find the agenda in the 'Agenda' column.
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Are you interested in representing District V on a committee or commission? Click on the graphic → →
Would you like to provide feedback on the information in this newsletter? Or do you have any questions about the information in this newsletter?
Send an email to brooke.laine@edcgov.us or lisa.watson@edcgov.us with any feedback or questions.
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Brooke out and about
Brooke Laine, Supervisor District V
Email: brooke.laine@edcgov.us
Phone: 530-663-3090
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 102
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
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