Sign up for the City Newsletter
The City of South Lake Tahoe is pleased to publish its monthly newsletter - "At Lake Level". You can sign up for the newsletter, and other City News, by going to sign up for notifications on the city's website. The monthly newsletter is prepared by the City Manager's Office in an effort to keep our community well-informed about City issues and initiatives.
Fourth of July Celebration
Lake Tahoe’s Red, White, and Blue Aerial Showcase – July 3 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Lake Tahoe Airport
Kick off the holiday with the Aerial Showcase at the Lake Tahoe Airport. This free, family- friendly event features a static display of military and personal aircraft, fun activities for kids, live demonstrations, and food vendors. It’s a great way to celebrate aviation and community pride before the big day.
10th Annual 4th of July Parade – July 4 | 9:00 AM | Hwy 50 (Ski Run Blvd to Al Tahoe Blvd)
Celebrate “10 Years of Tahoe Spirit” at this year’s 4th of July Parade, our 10th annual event! Watch as local organizations, classic cars, festive floats, and spirited community groups make their way down Highway 50. Be sure to wear your red, white, and blue and cheer on your friends and neighbors as we come together for one of South Lake Tahoe’s most beloved traditions.
Article submitted by Emily Abernathy, Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator.
Wildfire Safety Starts at Home: Tips for Defensible Space
Defensible space can be thought of as a series of concentric circles emanating from your home, with each circle constituting a zone. As you get closer to your home, the requirements for protecting your home from wildfire threats become more numerous and stringent. The most important zone is Zone Zero, also known as the Ember Resistant Zone. This zone extends from 0 to 5 feet from your home and should be almost entirely clear of live and dead vegetation.
As pine needles and pinecones accumulate this summer, rake frequently and clear this zone of all dead vegetative debris. If you have significant vegetative debris accumulation on your roof, take time to carefully clear it. If you have space, move firewood piles at least 30 feet away from your house; otherwise, completely cover them with a fire retardant tarp. Keep in mind that Zone Zero includes the area under and around any attached decks, and this area should also be cleared of any vegetative debris.
Free Curbside Chipping
After you have finished clearing vegetative debris such as branches, shrubs, and other woody material from around your home, it is important to remove this material promptly to maintain a safer, fire-resistant property. The city can assist with removing debris with our free curbside chipping services provided by the fire department. Schedule a pickup so the branches and other woody vegetation you removed can be chipped and hauled away safely. Using this service helps you keep your property clear and reduces the amount of flammable material that could pose a threat during wildfire season.
What's a defensible space inspection?
Each spring and summer, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) aims to provide defensible space inspections for one-third of residential buildings throughout the city. This push takes place as inspectors conduct curbside inspections and mail residents their findings. These inspections are nonpunitive in nature and are meant to encourage residents to schedule 360-degree inspections, learn where they can improve in protecting their home, and do the defensible space work needed to protect themselves and their neighborhoods. Call (530) 542-6037 to schedule a free defensible space inspection.
Want to learn more?
Discover helpful tips for preparing for wildfire season by visiting the CalFire and Tahoe Living with Fire websites.
Article submitted by Indigo Albani-Bombard, Wildfire Resilience Fellow (SLTFR).
dID YOU KNOW?
The Parks and Recreation Department has its own social media accounts. Don't miss out on the latest programs, events, and classes! Stay connected by following them on Facebook and Instagram!
Simply click on the links below to get connected:
Instagram: @SLTParksandRec
Facebook: South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation
SOUTH lAKE tAHOE fIRE rESCUE (SLTFR) Spring Recap and upcoming events
Wildfire Safety Expo
Summer is here, and our department’s focus has been on preparing for wildfire safety. Our annual Wildfire Safety Expo was held on May 24, and we had a great turnout from local agencies as well as our community.
At the event, we were able to help with wildfire safety education, evacuation planning, defensible space information, and explaining how the curbside chipping program works. It was also a fun place for kids to say hello to the firefighters and learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly.
Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal, Kim George, Retires
Our beloved Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal Kim George said goodbye to SLTFR on her retirement date, June 6. She was driven home in the Fire Truck, as a time-honored tradition in the fire service. We are so grateful for the 24 years she served our agency and our community, and we wish her all the best days in her retirement!
Wildfire Safety Outreach Events with SLTFR Climate Action Fellows
Our Climate Action Committee Fellows had a great opportunity to connect with local community members through pop-up informational booths at coffee shops and the library. These outreach events provided residents with resources on creating defensible space, preparing for wildfire season, and understanding evacuation procedures. In addition to engaging with adults, the Fellows also visited local schools to teach children about the importance of defensible space and wildfire safety. By involving kids in these conversations, they helped empower the next generation with knowledge and encouraged families to take action together to protect their homes and neighborhoods.
Emergency Rescue Training
Under an agreement with the California Tahoe Conservancy, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, along with Lake Valley Fire, Tahoe Douglas Fire, CAL FIRE, and South Lake Tahoe Police, will conduct search and rescue and other training exercises at the former Motel 6 property. Training will take place over the next few months before the buildings are demolished. No live fire or structural demolition will occur during these exercises. SLTFR is grateful for this valuable opportunity to train in a large, realistic setting that will help enhance emergency response capabilities and improve public safety.
Article submitted by Sallie Ross, Executive Assistant to the Fire Chief/PIO
Leave your mark on South Lake Tahoe's New Recreation and Aquatics Center
Be a part of our community’s future by purchasing a personalized tile for the new Recreation & Aquatics Center! Your custom tile will be permanently displayed at the facility, celebrating your family, business, or a loved one.
Tiles start at just $150. Proceeds benefit the South Tahoe Parks Foundation, helping to furnish the center and provide recreation scholarships for local families.
Don’t miss this chance to make a lasting impact! Buy your tile today.
Article submitted by Emily Abernathy, Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator
City of South Lake Tahoe Celebrates the Graduates of the City Community Academy
The City of South Lake Tahoe recently celebrated the graduation of its 2025 Community Academy participants. This year’s academy was a great success, bringing together community members to foster stronger relationships between the city government and the community.
The Community Academy, which ran from April 16 to May 28, offered participants a behind the scenes look into the operations, decision-making processes, and services provided by the city. Over the course of six weeks, 24 community members who reside, work or attend school in South Lake Tahoe engaged in a series of informative and interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics including city government structure, finance, public safety, infrastructure, parks and recreation and project development.
At the graduation ceremony, held on May 28, participants were recognized for their dedication and commitment to the program. Each graduate received a certificate of graduation and a commemorative coin as a token of appreciation for their participation. The city is proud of the graduates and grateful for their enthusiasm and engagement. The city looks forward to continuing this tradition and welcoming new participants in future academies.
Congratulations to all the graduates of the 2025 City of South Lake Tahoe Community Academy!
Article submitted by Hilary Roverud, Assistant City Manager.
Celebrating Fellows’ Service to the City
The California Climate Action Corps program has provided myriad benefits to the City as well as to our local residents and visitors, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude! Thank you, Lily Summerville, Katie Sloan, Cricket Baldwin, and Indigo Albani-Bombard.
The City partnered with South Tahoe Refuse to host Lily and Katie, who provided key outreach and education for the community on organic waste diversion as we transitioned to our new 3-cart waste management system. They also worked in partnership with LTUSD to bring food waste separation back into our local schools. Diverting food waste and green waste from landfills is a high-impact climate action as it avoids the production of methane, a climate super-pollutant.
South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Fellows Cricket and Indigo brought three new neighborhoods into the Fire Adapted Communities application process. They provided important community outreach campaigns on defensible space and home hardening to help us minimize the potential impacts of wildfire. SLTFR looks forward to hosting Fellows again next year!
Interested? Apply directly with the California Climate Action Corps.
Article submitted by Sara Letton, Sustainability Coordinator.
Ride Safe. Ride Smart.
E-Bike Safety Tips and Use Laws
Before you go for a ride, make sure you know the rules of the road.
Did you know?
E-bikes required to obey traffic signals, stop at stop signs, and yield the right-of-way. This means riders need to be aware of and follow all applicable traffic laws, just like any other vehicle on the road.
E-Bike Rules:
- Class 1 & 2: Helmet required if under 18; passengers allowed only if the bike has a proper seat
- Class 3: Helmet required for all ages; must be 16+ to ride; no passengers allowed
Where Can You Ride?
- Class I & II bike trails
We know it's a lot to remember, but in case you forget the South Lake Tahoe Police Department has a dedicated webpage on E-Bike Use Laws.
E-Scooter Safety Tips and Use Laws
Scoot Responsibly This Summer!
Keep yourself and others safe by following these important guidelines:
Safety Tips
- Riding e-scooters on sidewalks is illegal in California.
- Only one person per scooter. No passengers allowed.
- Always park e-scooters in designated drop-off areas.
- Don’t block sidewalks, curb ramps, doorways, or driveways.
- Helmets are strongly encouraged for everyone. If you’re under 18, wearing a properly fitted helmet is required by law.
Rules of the Road
- Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Stop at stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Obey traffic signals.
- Look out for others by yielding to people walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street.
To learn more about E-Scooter Safety, visit the City's dedicated website on E-Scooter Safety tips and Use Laws.
🔗
BURN RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT
🚫 NO WOOD FIRES
🚫 NO CHARCOAL BBQs
🚫 NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS
✅ ALLOWED: Propane, LP, natural gas, and pellet BBQs.
We live in a High Fire Severity Zone. Please help us keep our beautiful community safe from wildfire.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCIES AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
The City is now accepting applications for the Cannabis Revenues Grant Program. Grant amounts range between $1000-$50,000. The application period is open for one month from Sunday, June 15 to Tuesday, July 15 at 11:59pm.
Applications will be reviewed by the grant committee, comprised of the Mayor, a member of City Council Finance Committee, the City Manager, and the City’s Finance Director. Recommendations for awards will be brought to the full City Council at the August 12 meeting.
For more information and to apply, visit the Cannabis Revenues Grant Program website.
Questions? Contact grantprograms@cityofslt.us
Parks and Recreation: Programming, Events, AND much MORE
Story Time with a Mermaid is Back at the Rec Center this Summer!
Make a splash this summer at our bilingual Story Time with a Mermaid series! Held in the pool on the third Thursday of the month (July 17 and August 21), kids will enjoy magical stories in English and Spanish, told by our friendly mermaid.
- Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
- Cost: $4 youth drop-in fee
- Sign up for Story with a Mermaid now!
The new Bijou Skate Park is now open!
This brand new addition to the skatepark includes updated features with ledges, rails, and ramps designed for skaters of all abilities. This project is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance recreational spaces and provide a modern, inclusive environment for the community to enjoy.
The new design was developed in collaboration with local skaters and skatepark experts to ensure it reflects the unique needs and style of South Lake Tahoe's skating community. Stay tuned for an official ribbon cutting ceremony in August!
July is Parks Make Life Better Month, We’re Celebrating with Free Movies in the Park
Gather your family, friends, and neighbors, and don't forget to bring your blankets and chairs. Bring a snack of your own or purchase something yummy from our food vendors, Tahoe Tessie's Beach Bites.
Lineup:
- July 11: Inside Out 2
- July 18: The Garfield Movie
- July 25: Clueless
- Time: 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Movies start at sundown
- Location: Bijou Community Park (1201 Al Tahoe Blvd.)
Admission is free! Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for an unforgettable summer of movies and community spirit. See you there!
Plus, join us for a 90's party in the park on Friday, July 25! Make sure to wear your favorite 90's outfit for a chance to win the "Best Dressed Award", just like in high school!
New Art Exhibit at the Airport
"In the Blue and Beyond" – Art Exhibition by Blair Latos
- Location: Lake Tahoe Airport Lobby Gallery (1901 Lisa Maloff Way)
- Dates: May 22 – September 15, 2025
The City of South Lake Tahoe invites you to view In the Blue and Beyond, a solo exhibit by local artist Blair Latos. Featuring artwork inspired by the skies and waters of Lake Tahoe, this collection captures movement, depth, and reflection. The exhibit invites viewers to reflect, dream, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world from a fresh, artistic perspective.
Stay Connected with Parks & Recreation!
Don’t miss a beat—sign up for the SLT at Play monthly e-newsletter from the Parks & Recreation Department! Each edition is packed with the latest program announcements, registration deadlines, event info, and more. From youth sports and swim lessons to senior programs and community events, there’s something for everyone. Visit SLT at Play June edition to stay connected.
Don't have a CivicRec account? It's easy, go to create a Civic Rec account to opt in and stay in the loop
Parks Make Life Better Month Photo Contest!
July is all about celebrating the parks that make life better and we want to see your favorite park moments in South Lake Tahoe!
Each week in July, we’ll feature one winning photo taken at a City of South Lake Tahoe park on our page. Whether it’s a scenic view, a picnic with friends, your pup at the dog park, or a favorite playground spot. Show us what makes our parks special to YOU!
Here’s how to enter:
- Visit any City of South Lake Tahoe park during July.
- Snap a photo that shows how Parks Make Life Better.
- Post it to Instagram or Facebook and tag @SLTParksandRec
- Use hashtags #ParksMakeLifeBetter and #SLTatPlay
Each Saturday, we’ll select and feature one winning photo. Winners will receive a City of SLT swag bag and be featured on our social media! Let’s celebrate our parks one photo at a time!
Article submitted by Emily Abernathy, Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator.
Did you know?
The City has an online portal for all 2025 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), providing comprehensive overviews with project descriptions, timelines, budgets, and updates on the City’s infrastructure development initiatives. To learn more visit CIP Story Map.
A message from Police Chief Jeff ROBERSON
Chief Stevenson announced his retirement, and we held a retirement party at the end of May. Over 160 people attended; we didn’t know he was that popular. With Chief Stevenson retiring at the end of the day on June 6, he returned to the office for a couple of hours to swear in Lieutenant Jeff Roberson as the next Chief of Police. This left additional roles to be filled in the police department. Sgt. Russell Liles was promoted to lieutenant and will be taking over operations (patrol). Detective Matt Morrison was promoted to sergeant and will be supervising a patrol shift. Chief Stevenson then rode off casually into the sunset. Thank you, Chief Stevenson, for 30 years of guidance, supervision, and mentoring.
On June 19th, two police recruits will be graduating from the Sacramento Police Academy and returning to South Lake Tahoe where they will begin months of field training. Additionally, three other recruits will be starting the police academy at the end of June.
The Police Department underwent an internal remodel, completed in 2020; however, the exterior of the building was also in need of some attention. Construction of the new radio tower impacted the front approach to the Police Department, so refreshing that area to make it as welcoming as possible became a priority.
In 2024, The Police Department partnered with the Parks Department to design the layout. Given liberal license with the design and ultimately a shared vision, Parks started work on the project last fall. As you can see from the photos, the area looks great with a favorite feature being the brook. We look forward to completion of the project.
Aside from partnering with Parks to landscape the front area of the police department, the police department also partnered with Public Works and the Division of Sustainability to address structural upgrades and operational inefficiencies in the Bellamy Parking Garage. The traffic pattern was changed to eliminate some of the conflicts that have arisen in the past from a full parking garage trying to empty during peak season. The paid parking process was updated to include cashless payment kiosks, pay by text, and pay by app. Parking guidance on remaining capacity in the garage was added with a sign on Heavenly Village Way. For good measure, fourteen electric vehicle charging stations were added to the parking garage. Upcoming projects that the police department include a solar array to offset electricity used by the station and a new roof.
Scooter season is in full swing. As of this writing an amended city ordinance for scooters is in the works. As a reminder, Scooters riders must be 16 and have a driver’s license; if the rider is under 18 they must wear a helmet. Scooters can only have one rider. Scooters cannot ride on the sidewalks. Scooters must walk across the crosswalks. Lime and Byrd will be hosting educational sessions during the summer; some of these sessions will be at Live at Lakeview. Lime and Byrd have also added an educational component to their ride registration process on the app, be prepared to take a test.
The Police Department looks forward to seeing everyone this summer at Live at Lakeview and the Fourth of July Parade.
Come Work for Us!
The Police Department is frequently recruiting for various positions including Police Officer, Public Safety Dispatcher, Community Service Officer, and other positions. If you are looking for a rewarding career in an amazing place, visit the City’s career page! If you have any questions about Police Department jobs, please don’t hesitate to contact Lt. Scott Crivelli at scrivelli@cityofslt.us or call him at (530) 542-6130.
UPCOMING City COuncil and Commission MEETINGS
Visit the City Council and Commission's meeting agenda page to learn more about upcoming meetings. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit the City's website to learn more too.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
The City of South Lake Tahoe will be closed for the following holidays:
- 4th of July (Friday, July 4)
- Labor Day (Monday, September 1)
This will include the following municipal offices and services:
- The City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, Human Resources, Airport Administrative Services, and the Finance Front Counter, all located at City Hall, 1901 Lisa Maloff Way.
- Development Services, 1052 Tata Ln.
- Public Works Administrative Offices, 1740 D St.
- Front counter/records of the Police Department
The following offices will operate with no schedule changes:
- South Lake Fire Rescue, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, and dispatch will continue regular operations. Contact 911 for emergencies
- The airport runway will be open with services provided by the FBO (fixed-base operator)
Note: The Recreation and Swim Complex may have limited hours of operation during holiday periods. Please go to the Parks and Recreation website for their holiday schedule.
Please also follow the City's Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.