At Lake Level Spring 2025 The official newsletter of the City of South Lake Tahoe

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.

Don't miss out on the Community Academy

Today is the last day to sign up for the 2025 Community Academy. The Community Academy is a unique opportunity for residents to learn about the inner workings of their local government. The academy aims to foster a deeper understanding of municipal operations and encourage civic engagement among community members.

Applications for the 2025 Community Academy will be accepted until March 26 until close of business. The academy is open to anyone age 16 or older who resides, attends school, or works in the city. To apply, please visit Community Academy.

Are you prepared for a wildfire?

Join South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, and Tahoe Resource Conservation District on Thursday, March 27 from 9-11am to learn about wildfire preparedness. Speakers will be on hand to discuss how to create defensible space around your home, home hardening, fire-adapted communities, and Firewise. Plus, get a free go bag starter kit!

The event will be held at Three Pines Coffee, 3115 Harrison Avenue, starting at 9am.

Hope to see you there!

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) Winter Recap and upcoming events

sltfr hires Three new firefighters

Welcome Josiah Felber, Michael Borley, and Wyatt Braziel to the SLTFR family. On March 10, Josiah, Michael, and Wyatt started the Fire Academy in Carson City. This 12-week training program will prepare these new firefighters with the necessary skills to serve our community. The training program covers a wide range of firefighting skills and knowledge, including fire suppression, medical response, hazardous materials handling, rescue techniques, and equipment operation, through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and physical fitness programs. 

Ice Rescue Training

SLTFR conducted its annual ice rescue training at the lagoon in the Tahoe Keys this past February. This specialized training prepares firefighters to rescue someone in a dangerous ice water situation. They learn how to assess ice conditions, use rescue techniques, and stay safe while helping others.

Don't miss out on the Wildfire Safety Expo!

We are preparing for our upcoming Wildfire Safety Expo, which will be held on Saturday, May 24, in the South Tahoe Middle School parking lot from 10am-2pm. This is a fun, free, and informative event for the public. This year we plan to have a coloring contest for kids with a ride in a fire engine as the prize!

ARE YOU READY FOR WILDFIRE SEASON? It's time to create some defensible space around your home

Spring is here, so it’s time to start raking your pine needles and creating a 5-foot space around your house to create a defensible space! Discover helpful tips for preparing for wildfire season by visiting the CalFire and Tahoe Living with Fire websites.

happening around town: Wildfire Preparedness Pop-Ups

Our Community Outreach fellows have been doing Wildfire preparedness informational pop-ups around town – stay tuned for upcoming events.

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

a BIG THANKS TO AthletEx Lake tAHOE FOR THEIR GENEROUS donation

Athletex Life and Sport Club has generously donated 42 standard gym memberships for one year to South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR). After learning about the space limitations and the challenges posed by exhaust fumes from fire apparatuses at the City’s fire stations, the gym’s owners offered free memberships to the entire department.

Maintaining a high level of fitness is essential for SLTFR first responders, whose roles demand significant strength, endurance, and agility. SLTFR is extremely grateful for this gracious donation.

Interested in building an aCCESSORY dWELLING uNIT (ADU)?

Hear directly from South Lake Tahoe resident Sheri Roberts as she shares her experience building an ADU and the benefits it offers.

Input needed for the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is looking for your input regarding the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map created by the California Department of Forestry and Fire (CAL FIRE). Public comment can be submitted to fireinfo@cityofslt.us.

To learn more, visit the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Zone Map.

dON'T MISS OUT ON THE INAUGURAL Public Works Open House

The City’s first-ever Public Works Open House will be held on Wednesday, May 21, from 1–3pm! Stop by to check out the equipment, meet the Public Works team, and learn about current and upcoming projects shaping our community.

The open house coincides with National Public Works Week (May 18- May 24). This year's theme is "People, Purpose, and Presence," highlighting how public works make communities safer, more vibrant, and a better place to live.

The event will be held at the Public Works Building in the back parking lot located at 1741 D Street.

Hope to see you there!

keeping our roads in shape

Join Joe Meno from the Public Works Streets Maintenance Crew as he explains the crack sealing process and how it can help extend the life of our streets.

the Earth Day Festival is around the corner

Join us in celebrating Earth Day a few days early at the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 19, from 11am-4pm at Lake Tahoe Community College.

Be sure to stop by the City of South Lake Tahoe's booth and connect with our Sustainability Coordinator, Sara Letton, to learn about the City's sustainability goals and upcoming energy-saving projects.

To learn more, visit the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day website.

Current Job openings

Explore job opportunities with the City of South Lake Tahoe and apply today!

Exciting NEW programs and events at the Recreation Center

Craftspace is Back for Another Creative Session!

The popular after-school arts & crafts program returns this spring, offering kids a chance to explore new projects, develop creative skills, and have fun in a hands-on environment.

  • Middle School (6th-8th Grade): Wednesdays, 2:30-4:30 PM (Drop-in option available for $20/class)
  • Elementary (3rd-5th Grade): Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 PM (LTUSD bus drop-off available)
  • Session Dates: March 26 - May 1
  • Cost: $120 per child

The last session of the school year is scheduled for May 7 through June 12. Registration will open on April 1. Don’t miss out on six weeks of creativity and fun! Register now on CivicRec!

Easter Egg Splash & Dash

Join us on April 19 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for a fun-filled Easter adventure in the pool! Kids ages 0-12 can dive in and hunt for eggs to win exciting prizes, including a birthday party package, Rec Center passes, and day-use passes. Every attendee will receive a goody bag, and there will be plenty of Easter-themed crafts to enjoy. The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance for photos and fun!

To ensure everyone has an EGG-cellent time, we’ll have separate sessions for different age groups and a special sensory-sensitive session. Don’t miss this unique Easter celebration at the Rec Center! Tickets are $15 and are limited for each session. Purchase your tickets on CivicRec.

3rd Grade Swim Program Returns!

The City of South Lake Tahoe, in partnership with the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, is excited to bring back the Learn to Swim program for 3rd graders! Over the next 11 weeks, all 3rd graders in the district will receive free swim lessons as part of their school curriculum.

This important program will temporarily modify some pool hours—please check the updated schedule on our aquatics page before visiting.

Read more about the 3rd-grade swim program.

Tahoe Knight Monsters Fundraiser for the new recreation and aquatics center was a Success!

Thank you to the Tahoe Knight Monsters and our incredible community for making our recent fundraiser a win both on and off the ice! With 89 tickets sold, we raised over $700 for the South Tahoe Parks Foundation, helping support programs at the new Recreation & Aquatics Center.

We appreciate everyone who attended, cheered on our Junior NBA players, and supported local recreation. Your generosity makes a lasting impact!

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

A message from Police Chief David Stevenson

Winter isn’t Over – Drive Carefully

Please remember to use caution while driving on our streets and be courteous to other drivers! Late season snow can catch people off guard. It is always important to pay attention to weather and road conditions and be prepared, especially if traveling over the summits. Overnight temperatures frequently get below freezing through Spring, and roadways may be icy in the mornings! Be present when you are driving, don’t allow distractions, and look for other hazards on the road, especially pedestrians and bicycles.

Extra Traffic Enforcement

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for extra traffic enforcement. These efforts focus on enforcement of moving violations that most frequently cause collisions and drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Be responsible and be safe!

Human Trafficking

January was Human Trafficking Prevention month. Members of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department participated in two community outreach events. We are committed to raising public awareness and protecting victims of this terrible crime.

There are multiple resources online from official government agencies for anyone wanting to learn more about human trafficking and how to help prevent it. Anyone looking for information from local sources, has questions, or needs help can reach out to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Live Violence Free, or Tahoe Youth and Family Services.

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.

Respectfully,

Chief David Stevenson #153

Employee Spotlight

New! Each quarter, we’ll spotlight a city employee, sharing details about their job, the work they do for our community, and their personal interests.

Meet Michelle Davis, Assistant City Clerk for the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Upcoming Participation opportunties for the Mid-town Area Plan

Learn more by visiting the Mid-Town Area Plan website.

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Visit the City Council and Commission's meeting agenda page to learn more about upcoming meetings. For more details about City events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit the City's website.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be closed for the following holidays:

  • Memorial Day (Monday, May 26)
  • Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19)

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.