Dylan Sullivan has started her job as El Dorado County Superior Court judge four months sooner than expected.

Presiding Judge Suzanne Kingsbury swore Sullivan in on Sept. 19.

Gov. Jerry Brown appointed her to the position this week. This is the only judicial interim appointment Brown has made.

Dylan Sullivan

Sullivan was elected in June to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Daniel Proud. The governor’s appointment allows her to immediately assume the position she was elected to begin in January 2015.

Sullivan has been assigned to Department 7, the criminal pre-trial department in Placerville. She will conduct felony and misdemeanor arraignments, hear preliminary matters, traffic matters, and drug court.

Kingsbury, in a release, said Dylan would be handling these matters because of her training and experience, to assist the court in effectively implementing criminal justice realignment in El Dorado County.

The 48-year-old Sullivan has served as a commissioner at the El Dorado County Superior Court since 2011. She served in several positions at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Board of Parole Hearings from 2005 to 2011, including deputy commissioner and associate chief deputy commissioner. Sullivan was an attorney at the Law Offices of Dylan Sullivan from 2000 to 2008 and a contract attorney at the Law Offices of Patricia Lynne Nelson from 1998 to 2000.

She earned a juris doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a bachelor of science degree from UC Davis.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

To the community,

I have been volunteering for the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s pipekeepers monitoring program for almost two years. Through this opportunity I have witnessed firsthand what I consider the single most influential source of the decline in Lake Tahoe’s clarity.

I am by no means an expert on lake clarity, but after personally watching a torrent of dirty water directly flowing into the lake every time there is a substantial amount of rain or from the melting of snow each spring, I have seen the amount of trash, dirt, oil, cigarette butts, fine sediment, etc., spewing into the lake through these drainage pipes.

By sampling and monitoring these pipes we can identify problem areas, decide what needs to be done to improve the filtering of the flow through the upward of 100 pipes and generate the funding needed to implement these stormwater treatment systems.

While gathering samples during the last major waterfall we experienced, I was amazed at how fast the flow of water ranged from a minimal outpouring to a torrential amount of dirty water. Some of you may have also observed this spectacle or noticed that because the water in the lake is at such a low level this year the outflow is filtrating to our beaches. I know the beach where my pipe is located has substantially changed this summer. The water is dark and murky and is depositing a shameful sludge along the shore.

The opportunity to personally experience the effect of washing a car in the street, putting fertilizer on lawns or disposing of unwanted material into our drainage systems has been impactful for me. As a Tahoe local for over 40 years, I have always thought of myself as a responsible community member who respects our lake. But after witnessing this pollution firsthand, I have realized that I can’t just sit idly and watch our beautiful home slowly being destroyed.

I encourage you all to step up and help be part of the solution for protecting our lake. The first step in cleaning the outflow of these pipes is to control what goes directly into the neighborhood storm drains. You can make a difference by not dumping pollutants into our streets.

Being a pipekeeper is another means to help clean up our water and it is a gratifying experience. I strongly urge anyone that wants to help keep Tahoe blue to consider adopting a pipe or teaming up with a group to adopt a pipe. You will be given hands on training. I suggest contacting the League to Save Lake Tahoe to ask how you can help, www.keeptahoeblue.org.

Until something is done to address the influence of this major pollution I feel we are fighting a losing battle in the war on water clarity. Please let your elected officials, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and TRPA know that the amount of dirty water entering our beautiful lake is unacceptable.

Linda Goodman, South Lake Tahoe

Lake Valley firefighters are on the front lines of the King Fire. Photo/Lake Valley Fire

Updated 10:15pm:

Assessment teams say structures have been lost in the King Fire, but how many has not been determined.

“As soon as it is safe, we will have damage assessment teams enter the area to complete a full assessment and determine the type and number of structures affected,” officials said in a statement.

The fire burning mostly in the Eldorado National Forest, with some in the Tahoe National Forest in Placer County, is at 76,376 acres as of 10pm Sept. 19. It remains at 10 percent containment. The King Fire has set a record for number of air drops with more than 500,000 gallons of retardant used.

A Pollock Pines man who is now in custody allegedly started it Sept. 13. How it was started has not been disclosed. Wayne Allen Huntsman pleaded not guilty Friday. Bail was set at $10 million.

El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office said Huntsman broke into a Pollock Pines house to call 911 Sept. 13 to report the blaze.

The fire spread moderately Friday with most of the activity in the north end between French Meadows and Hell Hole Reservoir. 

Officials said, “The north end of the fire had an east wind of 18-20 mph with gust of 38, pushing the fire to the west. Single and group tree torching was observed. There was a spot fire approximately 2 miles ahead of the main fire front requiring resources to withdraw from the area. The east winds and the up canyon winds were in opposition, which helped moderate fire behavior through the mid and lower portions of the fire. Tonight the down canyon winds and east wind are expected to compliment each other. This could bring more active than normal fire activity tonight.”

Four people have been injured, but details are not available.

As of Sept. 19, nearly 3,000 people were still on mandatory evacuation. There have been reports of people having their homes burglarized while they are displaced. An evacuation center has been established at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Camino. The latter is taking small pets, the former hasn’t had anyone show up.

Highway 50 is open. Westbound traffic is one lane from Riverton to Pollock Pines. For up-to-date road information, click on the state icon at the top of the home page of Lake Tahoe News.

Smoke continues to be an issue in parts of the Lake Tahoe Basin, and in Carson City and Reno. According to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, air quality monitors in Carson City and Gardnerville are reporting levels of particulate matter in the unhealthy range due to smoke from the King fire in California.

The Lake Tahoe Basin is not in danger and there are no evacuations in Tahoe. The U.S. Forest Service has issued an advisory for people to not hike or backpack in Desolation and Granite Chief wilderness areas. The McKinney Rubicon Trail has been closed. A closure notice has been issued for part of the Eldorado National Forest until the fire is out.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

By Melinda Myers

You can see and feel the change of seasons. Fall color is starting to appear, pansies, mums and asters are in the garden center and your thoughts are turning to preparing your landscape for winter.

Those in warm climates are switching to winter annuals, while those in colder regions are fortifying their landscapes for the cold winter ahead. No matter where you live, invest some time in preparing your landscape for the change in seasons. Dedicating some time now will pay off with healthier more beautiful plants next spring.

Continue to mow the lawn high as long as it continues to grow. There’s no need to cut it short unless that is the look you prefer.

Fertilize the grass with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer. Fall fertilization provides the greatest benefit to your lawn and gives you the best value for the time and money invested.

Those in cooler regions growing bluegrass, fescue and perennial ryegrass should make a final application between Halloween and Thanksgiving before the ground freezes.

Those in warmer climates growing centipede, Bermuda and zoysia should also fertilize around Labor Day. However, be sure to make the last fall application at least one month prior to the average first killing frost.

Shred leaves as they fall. Leave some on the lawn to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. As long as you can see the grass blades through the shredded leaves your lawn will be fine.

Use the rest of the shredded leaves in your compost pile, as mulch on top of the soil or as a soil amendment. Just dig a two to three inch layer into the top 12 inches of annual or new planting beds. These leaves will break down and add organic matter. By spring the leaves will decompose and the garden bed will be ready to cultivate and plant.

Plant a few bulbs now for a colorful early spring display. Incorporate compost, aged manure or other organic matter into the planting area. Add a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer at the time of planting. In general, plant bulbs two to three times their vertical diameter deep. Follow specific planting and spacing directions on the package or tag.

Select animal-resistant bulbs to avoid squirrels digging up the bulbs and deer and rabbits eating the blooms. Daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths and squills are a few to consider. Little Tommies (Crocus tommasinianus) tend to be more squirrel resistant than other crocus varieties.

Those gardening in mild climates need low chill bulbs that will thrive and flower after a mild winter. Or purchase precooled bulbs for winter planting and spring flowering.

Allow disease- and insect-free perennials to stand for winter. This will increase their winter hardiness and your enjoyment. The dried leaves, stems and seedheads provide beauty for you to enjoy, seeds for the birds and overwintering homes for many butterflies and beneficial insects.

Plant trees, shrubs and perennials. The soil is warm and the air is cool – perfect conditions for planting and establishing trees, shrubs and perennials. And for those lucky enough to garden in warm climates, add a few winter annuals.

Continue to water the landscape as needed throughout the fall. Be sure to water evergreens and new plantings thoroughly before the ground freezes.

No matter where you live or the size of your garden, get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of fall. And be sure to invest a bit of energy now to insure your landscape is ready for the season ahead.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books.

By Kris Terrian

With fall and winter sport seasons upon us, concussion awareness is a timely topic. But concussions are not only a sports-related injury. A concussion can occur from a fall on the head, whiplash in a car accident, or other significant

Kris Terrian

impacts to the head or body.

A concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury, is a disturbance in brain function that occurs after an impact to the head or body causes the brain to move or violently shake.

If you or someone you know experiences a direct or indirect impact to the head or neck, consider some signs and symptoms of a concussion:

• Headache or pressure against the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion or “foggy” feeling
• Amnesia surrounding the incident
• Dizziness, “seeing stars”
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea, vomiting
• Slurred speech, delayed response to questions
• Fatigue.

Someone who experiences significant head or body impact should be safely removed from the cause of the injury, such as participation in a sport. Some symptoms of concussions may be delayed hours or days after an injury. New research from Boston Children’s Hospital suggests emotional and mental concussion symptoms last longer in children.

One of the most dangerous injuries from a concussion is second impact syndrome or SIS. SIS can happen when a second concussion or head injury occurs before the first concussion injury has recovered. Recovery can take weeks and an additional concussion during the recovery period can be fatal.

Anyone who experiences a traumatic head trauma or severe signs of a concussion should seek medical attention. Concussion patients, especially injured athletes and adventure enthusiasts, should be cleared by a physician before heading back out to play.

If the signs and symptoms discussed above increase or do not go away, see a medical provider right away. Other concerning signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:

• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Extreme drowsiness, concussion patient won’t wake up
• One pupil larger than the other
• Convulsions or seizures
• Difficulty recognizing people or places
• Loss of consciousness
• Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

To avoid a concussion, exercise caution, prevention and knowledge. In activities with substantial contact or potential for falls, wear a helmet. In organized sports, limit contact with the head or objects that could strike the head. Coaches should teach proper mechanics for falling or colliding, such as safe approaches to tackling in football.

Be aware of your surroundings and play with caution. Note the concussion symptoms listed above and take appropriate action if a significant head or body impact occurs.

Kris Terrian is an athletic trainer with Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. 

Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 7th annual Blue Ribbon Awards.

The awards focus on businesses and individuals that have made significant contributions to the South Shore economy and community through their unique programs, exceptional customer service, entrepreneurship and otherwise.

The following categories are open for nominations:

Geotourism award: Providing an authentic Tahoe experience

Tourism award: Innovative program, promotion or product for visitors

Experience award: Business providing compelling and captivating experiences

Entrepreneur award: An innovative individual who assumed the risk of starting a new business

Customer service (business) award: An individual who consistently provides quality service

Customer service (public agency) award: Quality service in the not so usual places (DMV, city, county, TRPA, etc.)

Small green business (less than 100 employees) award: Business that is minimizing its impact on the environment

Large green business (more than 100 employees) award: Business that is minimizing its impact on the environment.

Nominate a business or individual by going online and click the Blue Ribbon Awards banner on the homepage. Individuals may nominate in only one category, multiple categories or all categories. The nomination period closes Oct. 10 at noon.

Winners will be announced at the 7th annual Blue Ribbon Awards on Nov. 13 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.

To the community,

First, let me say that I respect my opponent in this race and consider him a friend. I also respect the other candidates for the other offices who were endorsed by the Nevada-based chamber. I and other candidates declined to participate. Here are my reasons.

Duane Wallace

I was stunned by their demand for my Social Security number and birth date. I was told that only B Gorman, the Nevada-based chamber CEO, would investigate our finances and give a personal thumbs up or down to a committee of four or five people who would decide for the entire general membership who the they would endorse. FPPC (Form 700) is available to the public and doesn’t expose us to possible identity theft. B Gorman is not bonded or qualified to examine people’s personal finances. I was aware of public statements that the political PAC they had devised was looking for candidates to select and support. Were decisions already made prior to having candidates go through the process?

I wasn’t comfortable with the written questions asking about my loyalty to their documents and programs. As a citizen of the city, I was genuinely concerned that the council gave the Nevada-based chamber $290,000 this year for a business counseling program. It seems like a huge conflict of interest. That’s probably why some council candidates also refused to participate.

I was also concerned by what appeared to be a blurring of roles between the chamber and the PAC that by federal election law is required to be independent. The process simply did not measure up to basic standards of transparency, except that their scheme was as clear as could be. Of course, I would like to be elected, I‘ve proven that I can do a good job for the public. But, my vote is not for sale.

Duane Wallace, South Tahoe Public Utility District candidate

By Sam Stanton and Bill Lindelof, Sacramento Bee

PLACERVILLE — Arson suspect Wayne Allen Huntsman made his first court appearance today over allegations that he set the devastating King Fire near Pollock Pines and had a not guilty please entered on his behalf.

Wayne Allen Huntsman

The 37-year-old suspect did not speak during the brief hearing, which was continued until Oct. 28. He spent part of the session looking
at the floor

Huntsman is accused of setting the blaze last Saturday that has grown to nearly 120 square miles and has destroyed at least some structures in the area.

Officials say the fire is costing $5 million a day to fight.

Huntsman is being held on $10 million bail, and his arrest generated a wave of emotion among area residents.

Read the whole story

By Michael Doyle, McClatchy Washington Bureau 

WASHINGTON — Secret California water bill negotiations have a “55 percent to 60 percent chance” of success during the fast-fading 113th Congress, Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer said Thursday.

In her first extended public comments on the closely held water talks, Boxer voiced cautious optimism even as she criticized House Republicans for trying to exclude Northern California Democrats.

“I’m very hopeful,” Boxer told reporters. “I would say the discussions are going well.”

Some negotiators convened as recently as Sunday in an effort to narrow remaining differences, Boxer revealed. Like everyone else involved in the ongoing negotiations, she carefully avoided discussing any specifics and declined to identify what the major sticking points might be.

But with so little time remaining, Boxer could find herself holding the key card in what she described as “pretty good, often intense” negotiations.

The negotiators are trying to resolve significant differences between House and Senate bills that respond to California’s drought. The GOP-controlled House passed a far-reaching bill in February. It would roll back a landmark 1992 law that directed more water to protect the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, remove wild-and-scenic protections from a half mile of the Merced River and authorize new water storage projects, among other provisions.

Read the whole story

• South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce is hosting an informational forum on Lake Tahoe Community College’s Measure F on Sept. 24 at 5:30pm in the college board room.
• Sierra Nevada College and North Lake Tahoe Bonanza are hosting two sessions featuring the candidates for the Incline Village General Improvement District board of trustees. The events are Sept. 23 and Oct. 22 from 7-9pm in Room 139/141 on the college campus.
• This document provides info on Ironman traffic congestion expectations this weekend.
• Team Tahoe is a nonprofit corporation with the mission of developing and promoting programs and best practices that encourage healthy and sustainable communities, environments and economies in the Tahoe area and elsewhere. Team Tahoe’soperating principle is: People + Planet + Profit. For more info, email TeamTahoe@aol.com.
• Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is now on Facebook. The page is hosted through a partnership with the National Forest Foundation.