PEAKS

California raises age for tobacco purchases

The minimum purchase age for tobacco products in California was raised from 18 to 21 as of June 9. California is now the second state in the nation, behind Hawaii, to approve such a law change. For the first time, it includes sale of e-cigarettes.

This is truly a benefit for young people in California and hopefully the rest of the U.S. will follow. Smoking is both harmful and addictive — and many young people pick up the habit as teenagers. If this new law can prevent some people from life-long additions, all the better.

LTCC adds four-year degree

Lake Tahoe Community College, in partnership with Sierra Nevada College, will begin offering a four-year degree in global business management this fall. More four-year degrees may be in the pipeline as soon as next year. This is a huge win for Tahoe’s South Shore, especially as more four-year degrees are added. This will hopefully keep more talent local and stopper up the floodgates of students seeking education and jobs elsewhere.

Tribune adds new reporter

Please welcome Autumn Whitney to Tahoe Daily Tribune’s news team! To send her news tips, email awhitney@tahoedailytribune.com or give her a call at 530-541-3880, ext. 19237.

VALLEYS

Search called off for man missing in Lake Tahoe

According to the Sierra Sun, officials recently ended the search for 20-year-old University of Nevada, Reno football player Marc Ma. He is presumed dead after falling off his paddleboard into Lake Tahoe amid windy and white-cap conditions 1.7 miles off the West Shore on June 10. The group encountered strong winds that caused 3-to 5-foot swells.

This tragic accident is a strong reminder for those recreating on Lake Tahoe this summer to always wear a life jacket. Lake conditions can quickly change and water temperatures, even during warmer months, remain chilled.

Increased plague risk on South Shore

Fallen Leaf Campground will close temporarily next week as rodent burrows are dusted with pesticide. This comes on the heels of positive plague results for fleas gathered from yellow-pine chipmunks in the area in May and then again in June. While plague is naturally found in the Sierra Nevada, it’s still disconcerting. Avoid plague exposure by reducing contact with rodents, keeping dogs leashed and pets at home when possible. El Dorado County Health Department advises to never touch sick, injured or dead rodents.

Pollen causing seasonal allergies

South Lake Tahoe is covered in greenish-yellow pollen from area pines — consider leaving windows closed until it dissipates. The pollen can cause an increase in allergies and respiratory issues, including asthma.

Readers, tell us your “peaks” and “valleys” by writing a letter to the editor — crow@tahoedailytribune.com.