A lot of vehicles were parked along Highway 50 at Zephyr Cove around 4 p.m. July 4.
Douglas County officials are calling the new parking efforts at Zephyr Cove “the most successful parking compliance initiative” in county history.
Sheriff’s deputies and Nevada State Police troopers focused on no-parking zones along the highway and had 23 vehicles towed. The Sheriff’s Office issued 18 citations for a variety of traffic and parking violations.
The Fourth of July attracted thousands of visitors to beaches in Stateline and Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe over the holiday.
The parking program saw around 250 cars, down from the 800-900 cars seen in previous years that parked in lots along Warrior Way, including those for the library, park and two schools.
“We are very pleased with the initial results of our new parking program,” said Assistant County Manager Scott Morgan. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are committed to conducting a final assessment over the weekend to identify any areas for further improvement.”
With a parking fee of $100 per car, the estimated revenue ranges between $20,000 and $23,000.
Douglas County residents were exempt from the fee.
“The reduction in vehicle numbers contributed to improved sanitation efforts, further elevating the beach experience for visitors,” officials said.
Despite the crowds, deputies only arrested 10 people at Lake Tahoe, including three minors for consuming alcohol.
“The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office strategically deployed personnel to ensure safety and enforce regulations, protecting everyone enjoying the holiday,” according to the agency. “Several arrests were made for various crimes during the festivities.”
Some of the 10 were arrested on multiple charges, including assault on an officer, resisting arrest, child neglect, driving under the influence, obstructing, possession of paraphernalia, trespassing, possession of a controlled substance and intoxicated person on the roadway.
A trio of men arrested on the Fourth were still in custody on Friday morning, according to Douglas County jail records.
One was faces a felony possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and a warrant for failure to appear.
Two men under the age of 21 were in custody for minor consuming, including the intoxicated pedestrian, who was also booked on an obstructing charge and the East Fork DUI case. All three appear to have been released since.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked Nevada State Police, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Storey County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County, U.S. Forest Service and Aramark Corp. for their help in keeping the peace over the holiday.
