Alpine County Sheriff's Office

04/30/2026

Early this morning, deputies responded to a reported mountain lion incident in the Markleeville area. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that a mountain lion had killed a domestic dog. The animal fled the area prior to law enforcement's arrival.

This incident is consistent with recent activity in the region, where mountain lions have entered residential areas and killed pets.

Residents are reminded to refer to the previously issued mountain lion safety tips. We want to reiterate the importance of not leaving dogs unsupervised or off leash, particularly during early morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate with wildlife officials as needed. Residents should report any sightings or concerning behavior immediately.

04/08/2026

The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a large mountain lion inside of a residence in the Woodfords area. The mountain lion entered the residence through an exterior pet door. Unfortunately, a dog was located in the residence deceased.

The mountain lion was able to escape from the inside of the residence and retreated back into the woods.

Fish and Wildlife personnel are responding, along with a biologist and trapper.

As of right now, the mountain lion is still outstanding.

While mountain lions are native to our region and sightings are not uncommon in rural and mountainous communities, residents are advised to exercise heightened awareness and take appropriate precautions.

Mountain lions are generally elusive and avoid human contact. However, drought conditions, seasonal movements of prey, or habitat encroachment can increase the likelihood of sightings near homes and roadways.

Safety Tips for Residents

To Protect Yourself and Your Family:

• Do not hike or walk alone, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours when mountain lions are most active.
• Keep children within sight and close to you while outdoors.
• If you encounter a mountain lion:
o Stay calm. Do not run.
o Make yourself larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket.
o Maintain eye contact and speak firmly and loudly.
o Slowly back away while facing the animal.
o If attacked, fight back aggressively using any available object.
To Protect Pets:
• Keep pets indoors at night.
• Do not allow pets to roam freely.
• Walk dogs on a leash and avoid areas with heavy brush.
• Install motion lighting around your home.

To Protect Livestock:

• Secure livestock in enclosed shelters or barns at night.
• Use predator-resistant fencing where feasible.
• Remove carcasses promptly to avoid attracting predators.
• Consider the use of guardian animals where appropriate.

Residents are reminded not to attempt to approach, track, or harass wildlife. Doing so increases the risk of injury and may violate state wildlife regulations.

If you observe a mountain lion behaving aggressively, showing no fear of humans, or remaining in a residential area for an extended period, please contact the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office immediately. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as necessary.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation in keeping Alpine County safe and encourage residents to remain vigilant while enjoying our beautiful mountain environment.

02/24/2026

The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of a large mountain lion sighted in the Woodfords area. While mountain lions are native to our region and sightings are not uncommon in rural and mountainous communities, residents are advised to exercise heightened awareness and take appropriate precautions.

Mountain lions are generally elusive and avoid human contact. However, drought conditions, seasonal movements of prey, or habitat encroachment can increase the likelihood of sightings near homes and roadways.

Safety Tips for Residents

To Protect Yourself and Your Family:
• Do not hike or walk alone, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours when mountain lions are most active.
• Keep children within sight and close to you while outdoors.
• If you encounter a mountain lion:
o Stay calm. Do not run.
o Make yourself larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket.
o Maintain eye contact and speak firmly and loudly.
o Slowly back away while facing the animal.
o If attacked, fight back aggressively using any available object.

To Protect Pets:
• Keep pets indoors at night.
• Do not allow pets to roam freely.
• Walk dogs on a leash and avoid areas with heavy brush.
• Install motion lighting around your home.

To Protect Livestock:
• Secure livestock in enclosed shelters or barns at night.
• Use predator-resistant fencing where feasible.
• Remove carcasses promptly to avoid attracting predators.
• Consider the use of guardian animals where appropriate.

Residents are reminded not to attempt to approach, track, or harass wildlife. Doing so increases the risk of injury and may violate state wildlife regulations.

If you observe a mountain lion behaving aggressively, showing no fear of humans, or remaining in a residential area for an extended period, please contact the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office immediately. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as necessary.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation in keeping Alpine County safe and encourage residents to remain vigilant while enjoying our beautiful mountain environment.

02/17/2026

Alpine County Announces Temporary Closure of County Offices Due to Severe Weather

Markleeville, CA — Due to increasing storm severity, hazardous road conditions, and significant travel impacts throughout the region, Alpine County has announced the immediate closure of all County offices located in Markleeville and Woodfords until further notice.

The safety of County employees and the public remains our top priority. Current weather conditions have created unsafe travel corridors, limited visibility, and increased risk across major access routes into and within the County.

Essential Services Remain Operational

While administrative offices are closed, essential County services will continue to operate. Public safety operations, emergency response services, and other critical functions will remain in place to ensure the wellbeing of residents and visitors.

Residents with department-specific needs are encouraged to contact the appropriate department directly using the contact information below:

County Service Contacts for Closed Offices:
Health and Human Services
Angela Slais – Director
[email protected]

Assessor / Recorder’s Office
Jacob Rasberry – Assessment Technician
[email protected]
Jeanette Millar – Auditor Appraiser
& Recording Technician
[email protected]
Donald O’Connor – Assessor / Recorder
[email protected]

Department of Finance
Klaus Leitenbauer - Director
[email protected]
Allison Bauman - Assistant Auditor-Controller
[email protected]
Susan Lapin – Tax Collector (Markleeville)
[email protected]

Clerk’s Office
[email protected]

Library, Museum & Archives
Rita Lovell
[email protected]

Behavioral Health Services
530-694-1816
Crisis Hotline:
1-800-318-8212

Community Development
Sam Booth – Director
[email protected]
Ethan Gray – Deputy Director
[email protected]

If you are unsure which department to contact, please visit the County website at www.alpinecountyca.gov for a full directory of services.

Travel Advisory
Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve. Please monitor Caltrans road updates and local weather advisories for the latest information.

The County will continue to assess conditions and provide updates as necessary. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we prioritize public safety during this storm event.

02/17/2026

02/17/2026

Please check the road closure map prior to traveling. Traveling is highly discouraged right now due to extreme inclement weather.

Travel is currently not recommended on mountain highways due to heavy snowfall. are in place on mountain highways in District 10. Get more info. here: https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls. And use for current road closure and traffic information.

01/15/2026

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from our ACSO family to yours! Be safe everyone!

12/17/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office Honors Support Services Coordinator Upon Retirement.

The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office proudly announces the retirement of our Support Services Coordinator, Nani Ellis. This marks the close of an extraordinary public service career spanning more than 30 years with Alpine County and the past 4½ years with the Sheriff’s Office.

Throughout her tenure, she served as one of the steady anchors of county operations, quietly ensuring that essential administrative, logistical, and support functions continued to run smoothly day after day. Since joining the Sheriff’s Office, her dedication and institutional knowledge became invaluable to both sworn and professional staff, helping keep the office moving forward behind the scenes.

Known for her happy-go-lucky attitude and positive spirit, she brought warmth, humor, and reliability into the workplace. Whether solving a problem before it became one, keeping systems organized, or simply offering a friendly word, her presence made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of those she worked with.

“She was the kind of employee every agency hopes for, dependable, hardworking, and genuinely kind,” said Sheriff Minder. “Her dedication to public service and her ability to keep everything running smoothly did not go unnoticed. She leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and positivity.”

As she enters retirement, the Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest gratitude for her decades of service to the residents of Alpine County. Her contributions have left a lasting imprint on the organization, and she will be greatly missed by colleagues and friends alike.

The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office wishes her a happy and well-earned retirement filled with new adventures, relaxation, and continued joy.

Congratulations, Nani!

(Nani pictured below with ACSO Staff and her retirement gift given by the Deputy Sheriff's Association.)

12/02/2025

🚨 LOST DOG – PLEASE SHARE 🚨

A black and white Husky named Thor has been reported missing in the Kirkwood Meadows area.

Thor is friendly but may be scared. If you see him or have any information about his whereabouts:

👉 Please contact the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

Help us bring Thor home safely—your shares and awareness make a difference! 🐾💙

UPDATE: Thor has been found and reunited with his family.