Drugs, alcohol issues on beaches; TK launch closing early July 4

Boaters leaving the Tahoe Keys Marina on July 4 have until 9 to get back if they are trailering their boat tonight. Photo/Kathryn Reed

By Kathryn Reed

Beaches in the Lake Tahoe Basin have been busy all day with people having fun and misbehaving.

Nevada Beach’s prime fireworks viewing spots were full by 11:45 this morning, with Douglas County sheriff’s deputies not allowing people in because the lot was full.

Venice Drive in South Lake Tahoe was full of vehicles. The beach was not crowded at Cove East, but the boat traffic was constant in and out of the Tahoe Keys Marina.

New this year is the marina is closing the launch at 9pm July 4 instead of extending it to midnight like years past. An employee said he was not given a reason for the change.

This could mean some fireworks revelers will be spending the night on their boat unexpectedly. The launch opens at 8am Saturday.

The ever-increasing sandbar by Cove East could present a problem for boaters because it is not marked. Another potential obstacle is the barge that is anchored near the channel not far from shore.

U.S. Forest Service and El Dorado County sheriff’s officers broke up three large parties on Ski Beach. There have been arrests for probation violation, possession of cocaine, and outstanding warrants. Several citations have been handed out for underage drinking and marijuana possession.

Cheva Heck, spokeswoman for the USFS, told Lake Tahoe News the best news is there have been no illegal fires.

At USFS beaches on the East Shore, as of 5pm Friday there had been 30 citations, 50 warnings for alcohol possession where it is banned, and 15 citations for minors in possession of alcohol.

Douglas County sheriff’s deputies arrested two people on charges of drug possession.

The fireworks on the South Shore that are set off near Edgewood Tahoe are set to start at 9:45pm. The wind, so far, is not a factor.