El Dorado Sheriff officer dies in solo-vehicle accident

STRAWBERRY, Calif. – In the early morning hours of August 28, 2026, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Officer Correctional Officer Ryan Marietti was involved in a solo-vehicle accident on Highway 50 near Strawberry, CA.

“This tragic accident took the life of a member of our Sheriff’s Office family and a valued member of our community,” a EDSO Facebook stated.

Marietti began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in December of 2024, serving at both the Placerville and South Lake Tahoe Jails. Among his many attributes, Marietti demonstrated a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a genuine desire to grow within the Sheriff’s Office. He had set his sights on advancing through the ranks and building a career in service to our community.

Prior to his employment with the Sheriff’s Office, Marietti was a member of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 457, where he excelled and proudly represented the Post as a member of its competition team. He was also an alumnus of Ponderosa High School, graduating in 2023.

“Ryan will be greatly missed—not only by his family and friends, but by his EDSO family and the community he proudly chose to serve,” the post stated.

“Ryan Marietti, J2258, always speak his name,” Olathe post concluded.

Forest Service proposes more parking, permanent bathroom and other improvements at Zephyr Cove Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., – The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with Zephyr Cove Resort, announces proposed improvements designed to strengthen essential infrastructure, enhance sanitation, improve shoreline safety, and improve accessibility. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to responsible stewardship, sustainability, and the meaningful feedback received from neighbors, community members, and stakeholders.

“We heard the community’s voice, asking us to limit development of the Zephyr Shoals area and prevent overnight use,” said Public Services Staff Officer, Daniel Cressy. “We also heard the suggestion that any substantial development should be concentrated in the southern portion of the resort area, closer to existing developed facilities. The proposed improvements were directly informed by this input.”

2026 Proposed Improvements:

  • Parking Access and Safety – Construct a 40-car day-use parking area and install best management practices along the existing roadway from the Warrior Way intersection south to the adjacent day use parking area to support access to shoreline recreation. Continue lakeshore bluff rustic fencing to protect vegetation and direct public to designated beach access routes.
  • Sanitation and Guest Comfort – Construct a permanent restroom facility at Warrior Way Beach to improve comfort, sanitation, and safety in one of the resort’s busier recreation zones.
  • Wastewater Systems – Upgrade Wastewater Systems to support improved sanitation facilities.
  • Pedestrian Bridge – Replace the pedestrian bridge north of the pier.
  • Sunset Bar and Grill – Replace the Sunset Bar and Grill building (starting 2027)
  • Accessible Recreation – Formalize and pave the multi‑use trail along the lakeshore bluff to improve safe and accessible pedestrian connections across the resort, while protecting the bluff from erosion and improving maintenance access.

Multiyear Vision Proposed for 2027–2033:

Looking ahead, the Forest Service and Zephyr Cove Resort continue to explore ideas for improvement beyond 2026. Currently, we are developing an aspirational roadmap which outlines potential improvements designed to enhance guest experience, protect natural resources, and expand accessibility across the resort. These concepts remain subject to Forest Service review, environmental considerations, and continued community input.

Proposals include:

  • Existing Facilities – Upgrades to existing facilities including new cabin roofs, new restaurant equipment, renovation of the housekeeping/maintenance facility, replacement of lodge windows and roof, and upgrades to water and sewer systems.
  • Zephyr Shoals Caretaker Cabin – Renovate the Zephyr Shoals caretaker cabin to improve security.
  • Parking Areas – Repave parking areas to improve safety, sustainability and visitor experience.
  • Hiking Trails – Define hiking trails in the Zephyr Shoals area to improve visitor experience and reduce user-created trails.
  • Pedestrian Bridge – Extend the lakeshore bluff footpath to connect Zephyr Cove to Zephyr Shoals with a new pedestrian bridge.
  • Restrooms/Utility Infrastructure – Construct a permanent restroom and install utilities at Zephyr Shoals.
  • Picnic Tables – Install new picnic tables in beach and campground areas to support family recreation
  • Emergency Service Pier Expansion – Continue collaboration with emergency response agencies to support expansion of the pier to meet current emergency response needs.

Community Engagement and Transparency:

The development of both the 2026 improvements and the multi‑year plan was shaped by public meetings, neighbor feedback, and stakeholder input. This dialogue helped refine priorities, identify community concerns, and ensure that future improvements reflect shared values around safety, environmental protection, and equitable access.

To support ongoing transparency, Zephyr Cove Resort will soon launch a public-facing project landing page on its website. This webpage will include project updates along with an opportunity to share comments through a “provide feedback” feature.

Tahoe Douglas Fire responds to structure fire

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire.
Provided / Tahoe Douglas Fire

STATELINE, Nev. – At approximately 5:10 p.m. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District crews were dispatched to a fully involved structure fire on Panorama Drive in Stateline.

Firefighters quickly went to work and, with the assistance of our local partners, were able to knock down the fire and prevent further spread.

“We are grateful for the support and quick response from our partner agencies: South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, East Fork Fire Protection District, Lake Valley Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE,” a Tahoe Douglas Fire press release stated.

There was one reported injury, and the individual was transported to the hospital for further medical care.

Crews remained on scene to complete overhaul and ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

“Thank you to our local partners for working alongside our crews, and to the community for giving firefighters room to work,” the release stated.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire.
Provided / Tahoe Douglas Fire

Forest Service hiring permanent Forest Supervisor for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service is hiring a permanent Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Current or former federal employees are encouraged to apply. The job announcement opens today, August 27, 2026, and closes Wednesday, Sep. 2. Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.

How to Apply
Applicants can view the job announcement and submit applications at USAJOBS.gov using the following announcement number. Applicants are encouraged to review the job announcement carefully for deadlines and required materials.

For more information regarding the position, contact Acting Forest Supervisor Aaron Gagnon at aaron.gagnon@usda.gov.

To learn more about Forest Service careers, benefits and upcoming hiring events, visit Forest Service Careers.

Out-of-state fugitive arrested on Michigan Felony Warrant

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On August 26, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the SLTPD arrested Kyle Jurek near the intersection of Sierra Boulevard and Rose Avenue on a 2024 felony warrant issued by the State of Michigan. The warrant alleges multiple counts of Child Sexually Abusive Activity.

Following the arrest, the SLTPD, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) served a search warrant at Jurek’s residence in connection with allegations involving online child enticement and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Kyle Jurek
Provided / SLTPD

The arrest and investigation are part of a joint operation involving the SLTPD, FBI, and HSI. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the search by deploying its Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Investigators are seeking information from potential victims and witnesses. Anyone who recognizes Jurek and has information related to this case is encouraged to contact the SLTPD at 530-542-6100.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.