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The summer of 2025 was very exciting as we rolled out the Emerald Bay Shuttle Pilot Project. The pilot exceeded our expectations but there are still a lot of improvements that need to be made to the program to make it truly effective and sustainable. Please read more about the Pilot and our plans for next summer below. We accomplished many other goals throughout District V. Some of these accomplishments are 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 2026 and working hard with all of you to continue these positive gains. Happy New Year! Brooke.
A group of agencies formed to address many issues around Emerald Bay. A multi-pronged approach was agreed on, launching a seasonal pilot from July to September 2025. The pilot included conducting a road safety audit to guide long-term infrastructure improvements, blocking illegal parking by installing barricades to eliminate 50 problem parking spots, increasing traffic enforcement and launching a low-cost shuttle service that offered a convenient alternative for locals and visitors wanting to experience the beauty of Emerald Bay.
In total, 4,930 people rode the shuttle over its 10-week run.
Given the pilot’s success, the project team is committed to offering the Emerald Bay Shuttle next summer, with improvements guided by rider feedback and data. Consistent service, stronger marketing, better parking management (reservation system and more barricades), and higher fines for illegal parking will help grow ridership in 2026 and help relieve some of Tahoe’s traffic challenges.
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Total Ridership Summary:
Sugar Pine – Emerald Bay: 1,185 riders
Camp Rich – Emerald Bay: 2,619 riders
The Y – Emerald Bay: 1,126 riders
Total Fares Collected: $21,497
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CHP Enforcement During Pilot
Parking Citations: 379
Fine Amount: $100
Towed Vehicles: 10
Approximately $38,000 citation revenue
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The county took unprecedented measures in the 24/25 season to address staffing challenges. The 25/26 season is shaping up to be fully staffed.
The first winter storm of the season arrived just in time for a white Christmas. County crews did a great job clearing the roadways. Thank you........
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Road Repair/Snow Removal Equipment
Since the inception of the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase on our overnight visitors, we have generated almost six (6) million dollars. We received a new rotary snowblower in July 2025 and a second one is estimated to arrive early in 2026. Additionally, two (2) replacement graders with plows and gates are ordered and estimated to arrive in March 2026.
Going forward, the Committee agreed that half of the available funds will be invested in repairing and repaving residential roads/streets and the balance is to be invested in additional snow removal equipment.
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The Board of Supervisors recently approved a 7-ton weight limit on Lake Tahoe Blvd from North Upper Truckee Road to Sawmill Road. The goal is to limit the size of big rigs on those roadways. Historically, some big rig drivers use that route to avoid traffic and/or chain controls and then get stuck resulting in traffic nightmares for area residents. |
 We hosted a free public workshop in the Spring to educate residents on safe and effective ways to coexist with coyotes because sightings of coyotes continue to increase in our neighborhoods.
Area wildlife expert, Toogee Sielsch, shared practical tips for reducing human-coyote conflicts, how to protect pets and how to discourage unwanted coyote activity.
The Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Enforcement division continues to be busy resolving complaints for both VHRs and Hosted Home Rentals (HHR).
January - August 2025
Total Violations: 326 (85% for unpermitted)
Fines Charged: $421,000
Active VHR Permits: 762
Active HHR Permits: 17
VHR Hotline rolled out in late 2024. Call to report violations: 530-573-7999.
We held a Public Forum in Pollock Pines last month to highlight the vital role that our county’s committees, commissions and councils play in strengthening local governance and community well-being.
The forum, the first of its kind in District V, was a great success and sparked a lot of positive conversation. The economy in Pollock Pines was a recurring theme. We will have additional public forums in Pollock Pines to work on this issue in 2026.
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As of January 1, 2025, the Meeks Bay Fire District was annexed into the North Tahoe Fire Protection District. This consolidation means fire and emergency services formerly provided by Meeks Bay Fire are now delivered by North Tahoe Fire, streamlining command, resources, and apparatus deployment across the west shore and north shore of Lake Tahoe.
Prior to the merger, El Dorado County awarded Meeks Bay Fire with special funding correlated to impacts from tourism and supported with Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funding. Over $200k made it possible to purchase this Type 6 Wildland Fire Engine: a key apparatus for rapid response in rugged, fire-prone terrain typical of the region. This new engine enhances wildland firefighting capability and community safety in our area.
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Caltrans funded the construction of the Pioneer Trail/U.S. HWY 50 roundabout in Meyers. Features include improved mobility, walkability, and sustainability of the intersection. The roundabout is expected to improve safety and traffic performance, particularly for people walking and biking, and to fill a missing link in Meyers’ transportation network. |
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Giada Lancellotti was tragically killed this summer while riding her e-bike near Sawmill Pond. The Lancellotti family was given permission by the Board of Supervisors to install a commemorative mural and place a plaque in memory of Giada at the Tahoe Paradise Park Bridge.
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- Emerald Bay Pilot Project 2026
- Meyers Roundabout(s) - Public Art Project
- Forebay Park Project
- Caldor Fire Dedication on Pony Express Trail
- Tahoe El Dorado (TED) Area Plan
- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Station
- Meeks Bay Bike Path
- Tahoma Crosswalk
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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