At Lake Level Fall/Winter 2025-2026 The official newsletter of the City of South Lake Tahoe

Celebrate the Holiday season with the FESTIVAL OF wINTER lIGHTS

Festival of Winter Lights December 12 & 13, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Celebrate the magic of the season at the 5th Annual Festival of Winter Lights! Stroll through a festive outdoor holiday market, enjoy twinkling light displays, and soak in the holiday spirit with family and friends. For more information, visit Festival of Winter Lights. Event Highlights: • Meet Santa in his cozy house • Take a Winter Carriage Ride with Tahoe Sleigh Ride • Snap a photo with the South Lake Tahoe Christmas Fire Engine • Explore the enchanting Gingerbread House Village • Shop local at our holiday market • Enjoy delicious food & drink vendors • Live entertainment each night Admission is free and fun for all ages!

Location: South Lake Tahoe Senior Center Parking Lot (3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd) Parking is available at the Recreation Center. We encourage carpooling or taking Lake Link since parking is limited.

Article submitted by Emily Abernathy, Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator.

SOUTH lAKE tAHOE fIRE rESCUE (SLTFR) Fall Recap

SLTFR Promotions

Chief Drennan is proud to announce several promotions this October. Karl Koeppen has been promoted to Deputy Chief, Tom Kerley to Battalion Chief, Tom Jones to Fire Captain, and Blake Sturdivan to Fire Engineer. We also welcomed our newest team member, Firefighter Paramedic Josh Lanning. Congratulations to all!

Fire Prevention Month: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

October was Fire Prevention Month, and this year’s theme was “Charge into Safety – Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Throughout the month, we shared safety tips on how to properly charge lithium-ion battery–powered devices, including e-scooters, e-bikes, and cordless vacuums, and reminded residents of the risks that come with improper charging. To learn more about Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.

Annual Open House and Pancake Breakfast

The Fire Department was thrilled to host our annual Open House and Pancake Breakfast at Station 2 on Saturday, October 11. This free community event gave residents a chance to meet the firefighters, tour the station, and enjoy a pancake breakfast prepared by our crew. More than 400 people attended this year’s event!

SLTFR Fall Training

One of our main goals during the fall is training. As the tourist population shifts and our call volume decreases, we can focus on tactical exercises such as active shooter training with the Police Department and high-rise structure fire training in large buildings. Our priority is to stay prepared for anything that may occur in our community.

Adopt-a-Hydrant

Please consider adopting a hydrant near your home once the snow begins to fall. Clearing snow from hydrants helps us access them quickly if we need water to suppress a structure fire. We appreciate every resident who takes the time to shovel their adopted hydrants!

SLTFR wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Article submitted by Sallie Ross, Executive Assistant to the Fire Chief/PIO and Chief Jim Drennan.

The City’s Business Outreach Program Builds Stronger Community Connections

The City of South Lake Tahoe is deepening its commitment to local economic vitality through its Business Retention and Expansion Program, an initiative designed to strengthen relationships with local businesses and align city economic development priorities with the needs of the business community. As part of the City’s broader 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, the Business Retention and Expansion Program emphasizes proactive engagement, transparency and collaboration.

City staff is visiting local businesses to hear firsthand how business is going and what challenges they are facing. The City is incorporating business feedback into strategic priorities, including streamlined permitting, workforce development and infrastructure improvements. Assistant City Manager Hilary Roverud noted, “Our goal is to ensure South Lake Tahoe is a place where businesses can thrive, residents can find meaningful work, and the community as a whole benefit from a vibrant local economy.”

Looking ahead, the City plans to expand its outreach through workshops, roundtables and digital engagement tools to gathering more valuable feedback and ensure that the business community has a voice in shaping future economic development programs. For more information visit the City's Economic Development webpage.

Article submitted by Hilary Roverud, Assistant City Manager.

Are you ready for Winter?

There is still time to prepare before the upcoming winter storms. Visit our Winter Preparedness webpage to make sure your home, vehicle, and family are ready for the colder months. From our local utility providers, you can also find helpful tips on winterizing your property, protecting your pipes, and staying safe during freezing temperatures.

Prepare your Home

Seal Drafts and Insulate

• Check windows and doors for gaps and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to reduce heat loss.

Service Heating Systems

• Schedule a furnace or fireplace inspection before the cold sets in.
• Replace air filters to improve airflow and efficiency.
• Test your fireplace or wood stove if you plan to use one.

Protect Your Plumbing

• Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets.
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is in case of a burst pipe.

Prepare for Emergencies

• Stock up on essentials like batteries, flashlights, blankets, candles, and nonperishable food.
• Check smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors and replace batteries.

Winterize your Vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is ready for the wintertime. Check Fluids and Battery

• Check antifreeze levels and top off windshield washer fluid with a winter formula.
• Have your battery tested; cold temperatures reduce battery performance.

Inspect Tires

• Replace worn tires and switch to winter tires if you have them available
• Make sure you have snow traction devices (chains, cables) for your tires
• Check tread depth and tire pressure regularly, as pressure drops in cold weather.

Prepare an Emergency Kit Include items such as:

• A blanket or warm clothing
• A scraper and snow brush
• Jumper cables
• A small shovel
• Road flares or reflective triangles
• Snacks and water

Test Lights and Wipers

• Make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working.
• Replace worn wiper blades for better visibility in snow and ice.

Sign up for Emergency Notifications

Have you signed up for alerts in El Dorado County? Sign up now to stay informed by visiting https://ready.eldoradosheriff.gov/.

Check in with Neighbors

Reach Out Before the First Storm

• Check in with older adults, people with disabilities, or neighbors who live alone.
• Share resources such as local weather alerts or emergency contact numbers.

Offer Practical Help

• Help others prepare by lending tools, sharing tips, or assisting with tasks like turning off water or bringing in outdoor furniture.
• After a storm, offer to shovel or snow blow a walkway/driveway or check that they have heat and supplies.

Stay Connected

• Create a neighborhood group chat or email list to share updates and support during severe weather.
• Encourage everyone to check in regularly, especially during power outages or cold spells.

Parks and Recreation: Programming, Events, AND much MORe

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.

Upcoming Holiday Events

Can't make it to the Festival of Winter Lights? You can still see the amazing Gingerbread House Creations at local businesses and organizations after the event. Visit the Gingerbread Crawl Map and start your holiday adventure beginning Monday, December 15.

Note: Before visiting a location, remember to check their hours of operations.

Join us for a magical morning of holiday fun on Wednesday, December 17, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Activities range from holiday crafts, Christmas stories, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa. Plus, all of our Mini Mountain Movers play equipment will be out for plenty of crawling, climbing, and exploring. Mark your calendars, this is one festive morning your little ones won’t want to miss! For ages 0 - preschool. Hope to see you there!

Join us for a fun, fast-paced pickleball mixer with rotating play and a chance to give back! Please bring a non-perishable food item to support Christmas Cheer. We’ll have light snacks available, and drop-in fees apply as usual. Come play, connect, and help spread some holiday cheer in our community!

Upcoming events starting in the New Year

 The Great Puzzle Hustle Team Registration Now Open! Think your group has what it takes to finish a 500-piece puzzle faster than anyone else? Gather your team of up to four (ages 16+) and join us for a fast-paced, two-hour puzzle race! Puzzles are provided, teams keep their finished puzzle, and the first to complete theirs takes home the grand prize. Plus, don’t miss our Puzzle Swap after the event; bring a puzzle, take a puzzle!  January 29 | 6:00 - 8:30 PM  SLT Rec Center | Aspen Room  Register your team now on CivicRec.

Lake Tahoe Ice Arena Reopens!

Community hockey players are back in action! After a six-week closure in August - September for upgrades and renovations, the U8 Tahoe Grizzlies burst out onto freshly made ice with their massive club logo in the middle of this municipal hockey rink.

The ice had been melted down to the underlying concrete slab for the first time in the rink’s 23 years. The behemoth refrigeration plant that freezes the ice was due for an upgrade since it was at the end of its useful life. The ice was melted, the concrete slab was found in pristine condition, and a temporary chiller was trucked in to freeze new ice while the permanent chiller is plumbed into place.

During the closure, Facilities Maintenance Manager Travis Shindelbower and Facilities Program Manager Ricky Riddle along with their facilities team jumped on the opportunity to make some stellar renovations that hockey players and parents appreciated right away. Staff doubled the amount of light on the rink, replaced heat lamps in the stands, replaced flooring, installed a new scoreboard, patched and painted all the walls, and added a water bottle refill station for the thirsty athletes. Arena Concessionaire Mike Lewis jumped in the mix and took the opportunity to give the lobby and locker rooms quite a facelift while working together with staff. Thank you to all who contributed to enhancing both the hockey-playing and the hockey-watching experience!

Article submitted by Sara Letton, Sustainability Coordinator.

sUMMER/Fall recap from Police Chief Jeff ROBERSON

                On June 6, Jeff Roberson was sworn in as the tenth Chief of Police of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department since its founding in 1967. Since stepping into the role, he has addressed a full range of issues, including VHR application approvals and the permit issuance process, scooter enforcement and code updates, human-bear interactions, and the city’s budgeting process. Chief Roberson emphasized that the department remains committed to fighting crime while also addressing quality-of-life concerns. Throughout the summer, the police department stayed fully engaged to meet the needs of both residents and the seasonal increase in visitors. From June 1 through August 30, Dispatch logged 7,429 police incidents. This total does not include the 942 medical aid calls handled by the CalTahoe JPA ambulance service or the 1,130 calls responded to by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue.

Maritime Training

Most are aware of the boating incident at D.L. Bliss on June 21, which occurred during a sudden and unpredictable storm. The police department and the city remain committed to keeping a police boat on the lake for exactly this type of emergency response. Marine officers are trained and prepared to respond quickly, and they have provided critical first aid during some of the most serious boating accidents. We commend Marine Officers Shannon Laney and Michelle Gigante for their outstanding performance during this weather-related incident. Later in the summer, marine officers also assisted the SWAT team with maritime training, helping simulate response and deployment during critical incidents on the water.

National Night Out 2025

On August 5, we held our annual National Night Out, an event designed to promote positive interaction between the community and law enforcement. The event featured shared participation from:

• CHP
• El Dorado Sheriff’s Office
• El Dorado Probation
• El Dorado Sheriff’s Search and Rescue
• South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

This year's event was well-attended and offered plenty of fun, including food trucks, kettle corn, and shaved ice—a big thank you to Lieutenant Liles for coordinating this successful addition! Attendees especially enjoyed getting up close with our public safety gear, including climbing through, sitting in, and taking photos inside our Rescue Vehicle. Members of our SWAT team were on site to discuss their work, and our bike officers were present with their electric bikes. Kids also had a great time sitting in the saddle of Officer Neumann’s BMW police motorcycle. And for those who missed it, the Police Chief was even demonstrating his (marginal) yo-yo skills!

STHS FOOTBALL SEASON

In September, the South Tahoe High School (STHS) football season kicked off! Our officers were proudly on the scene for every home game, focused on ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere so that STHS fans could focus on cheering on the home team. As you can see, the officers cheered loudly too! We were informed to be sure to cheer or there will be consequences. Our presence at these events is part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and maintaining a secure environment for our students, families, and neighbors.

Lake 2o Car Event

Labor Day saw no significant events as the summer wound down, marking the start of shoulder season during which we catch our breath. The Lake 2o car meet up came to town that weekend, if you missed it. Car enthusiasts enjoyed the sea of modified cars while others lamented the traffic impact caused by these visitors. Because of the collaboration with the event promoter there were very few incidents; aside from the traffic congestion.

Remembering 9/11

September 11 marked the 24th anniversary since the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the fight over control of flight 93 to prevent it from being weaponized against the Capitol. The Chief of Police spoke during the 9-11 Ceremony at the American Legion in honor of those lost that day and those that sacrificed to keep the US free during the subsequent Global War on Terror.

Never Forgotten

October 17 marked the tenth anniversary since the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and the community tragically lost Officer Mark Hounsell and his wife, Jeanne, in a car crash. Officer Hounsell served as a dedicated K-9 handler and was also a huge Cubs fan. They are survived by their four children and are deeply missed by all who knew them.

SLTPD in full force for Halloween Festivities

On Halloween, our officers participated in the annual "Safe Trick or Treat for Kids" at Heavenly Village passing out candy for kids and special treats for dogs. SLTPD truly enjoys being a part of this community event each year and had a spooktacular time!

Citizens RIMS Platform

As part of engaging with the community, we’re bettering our push to social media. Rather than have dad jokes and the latest TikTok challenges, we plan to use that social media to be the source of information regarding developing incidents, impacts, and provide useful information. One of our recent roll outs was our Citizen RIMS platform. This is a city map in which you can see our calls for service; both officer initiated and 911 response. Note: There is, intentionally, little information on the underlying nature of the call, the names of those involved, and the disposition. We believe it’s important to protect the privacy of those involved with police action, whether callers, victims, suspects, or arrestees. Details implicating immediate public safety will be pushed out on social media. Items of public interest with less urgency will be put out in a press release.

SLTPD is recruiting

The Police Department is frequently recruiting for various 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.

Happy Holidays from the City of South lake Tahoe

Holiday Closures

The City of South Lake Tahoe Administrative Offices will be closed in observance of holidays on Wednesday, December 24, Thursday, December 25, and Friday, January 1.   In addition, several offices and customer service counters will have modified hours surrounding the holiday period:   Development Services (1052 Tata Ln.)

• Counter open: Monday, Dec. 22 & Tuesday, Dec. 23
• Counter closed: Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Jan. 2

Staff are available by phone or appointment between December 24 - Jan 2, except on designated City holidays.   Finance (City Hall, 1901 Lisa Maloff Way)

• Counter open: Monday, Dec. 22 & Tuesday, Dec. 23
• Counter closed: Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Jan. 2

Staff are available by phone or appointment on a limited basis between December 24 - Jan 2, except on designated City holidays.   City Attorney’s Office (City Hall, 1901 Lisa Maloff Way)

• Closed: Wednesday, December 24 – Friday, December 26.

  City Clerk’s Office (City Hall, 1901 Lisa Maloff Way)

• Closed: Wednesday, December 24 – Friday, December 26.

  Parks & Recreation - Recreation Center & Pool (1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.)

• Wednesday, Dec. 24: Closes at 1:30 PM
• Thursday, Dec. 25: Closed all day
• Friday, Dec. 26: Closes at 1:30 PM
• Wednesday, Dec. 31: Closes at 1:30 PM
• Thursday, Jan. 1: Closed all day

  Note: All Public Safety, Snow Removal, and Airport Services will continue through the holidays uninterrupted.

Please also follow the City's Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.