$8 Million Forest Health Grant to Fund Collaborative Improvement Projects
TRUCKEE
Seven different entities and Truckee Fire Protection District (TFPD) joined forces to secure $7 million in state funding from Cal Fire’s Forest Health Program, supported by California Climate Investments. Additionally, another $1 million-plus was secured in partner-matching funds which will improve forest health and resilience across 2,627 acres through multiple regional projects and jurisdictions in Nevada and Placer counties.
The Nevada and Placer County Collaborative Landscape Resiliency Project grant award was a nearly two-year process that began in October of 2023. It required significant coordination and collaboration between multiple landowners, led by a $500,000 financial commitment from the Martis Camp Community Association.
Grant partners and the scope of their projects include:
North Tahoe Fire Alpine Meadows Forest Health (95 acres fuels reduction, prescribed fire)
Tahoe Donner Association (354 acres fuels reduction, reforestation)
National Forest Foundation Alder 89 WUI (920 acres fuel reduction of surface and ladder trees)
These projects represent a multi-jurisdictional, landscape-scale effort designed to improve forest health and wildfire resilience at a pace and scale capable of producing meaningful results.
Residents and property owners can expect to see expanded fire prevention projects over the coming year on public and private lands, as well as along key evacuation routes.
Additionally, Truckee Fire launched a new Dead Tree Fund to help residents tackle a major wildfire risk on their property. With winter approaching, now is an ideal time to take advantage of this program.
This new program offers financial assistance for the removal of dead trees, up to 50% of the total removal cost, with a maximum rebate of $2,000. To qualify trees must be located on properties that are owner-occupied, single family primary residences. Applicants must also have a full access defensible space inspection from the past 12 months that specifically identifies all eligible dead tree(s). View the Dead Tree Fund Program Guidelines here. For property owners that aren’t sure where to start, visit truckeefire.org/dspace and schedule a free in-person defensible space evaluation.
COLLABORATIVE FOREST HEALTH: Representatives from the Tahoe Donner Association, Martis Camp, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Feather River Forestry, North Tahoe Fire, Truckee Fire, USFS, and Sierra Pacific Industries gather for their forest grant group. Photo courtesy Truckee Fire Protection District
League of Women Voters Releases Informative Video Series on Special Election
NEVADA COUNTY
The League of Women Voters of Nevada County has produced a series of five short, nonpartisan videos to help voters better understand the upcoming California Special Election and Proposition 50. The videos provide clear, factual explanations about what’s on the ballot, how Proposition 50 could impact the state and the nation, and how citizens can participate in the election. Each video is designed to empower voters with knowledge so they can make informed choices based on facts, — not opinions.
The league encourages all eligible voters to take the time to review the materials, discuss the issues with others, and most importantly, vote on Nov. 4.
As always, the League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidates or political parties; its mission is to ensure that every voter has the information they need to participate confidently in our democracy. To watch the videos and learn more, visit Upcoming Elections on the website.
For more information, contact president@lwvnevadacounty.org.
~ League of Women Voters of Nevada County press release
All Hands on Deck to Protect Tahoe from Golden Mussels
LAKE TAHOE
Quick actions by boaters and paddlers this year helped prevent the dangerous golden mussel and other aquatic invasive species from entering the Lake Tahoe watershed, according to agencies leading the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), which manage the watercraft inspection program, reported that inspectors performed more than 4,700 decontaminations in 2025, a 60% increase compared to the previous year.
GOLDEN MUSSEL spotted on an intercepted vessel by watercraft inspector Seth McCracken . Photo courtesy Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Inspectors attribute the dramatic jump in decontaminations to actions taken earlier this year to confront the threat of golden mussels, a new and highly invasive mollusk discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta of California one year ago.
This season, trained watercraft inspectors intercepted 72 watercraft traveling to Tahoe with aquatic invasive species, 14 of which had invasive mussels onboard.
2025 by the numbers:
4,700 motorized vessels decontaminated
72 vessels intercepted with AIS on board
14 interceptions of invasive mussels
60% of boats arrived Clean, Drained, and Dry
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Notice of Public Hearing: 2025 Fire Code Revisions
OLYMPIC VALLEY
The Olympic Valley Public Service District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on Oct. 28, at 8:30 a.m. (or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard) in the Community Room at 305 Olympic Valley Rd. in Olympic Valley, to consider adoption of Ordinance 2025-03, amending and adopting the 2025 California Fire Code.
The district encourages residents to take the time to review the proposed local fire code amendments, Ordinance 2025-03 and Resolution 2025-20, here.
The complete public hearing notice is available here.
For concerns or questions, email fire prevention officer, Brandon Olk at bolk@olympicvalleyfire.org.
~ Olympic Valley Public Service District press release
2026 Truckee Core Values Event Fund Application Cycle Opens
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce announced the opening of the 2026 application cycle for the Truckee Core Values Fund. This community event fund, established in collaboration with the Town of Truckee and administered by the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, is designed to support local nonprofits in the region or events that partner with nonprofit organizations by providing essential marketing resources for locally focused events. Events must align with at least one of the five Truckee Core Values: Healthy Lifestyle, Family-Friendly, Natural Beauty, Community-Minded, and Arts, Culture, and History.
Events must take place within the town limits of Truckee to be eligible for the Truckee Core Values Fund. However, the organizing organization can be located outside of Truckee.
After a two-year long wait, the new Safeway opened in the former Save Mart building in Tahoe City on Oct. 16 to much fanfare. The event included a jazz band, Truckee High School cheerleaders, a ribbon cutting ceremony that included an address from senior vice president of operations for Albertsons (parent company of Safeway) Kevin Lovell, other Safeway corporate leaders, and free samples inside the new store. The place was bustling with locals excited to check out the new grocery store.
SAFEWAY UNVEILED: Tahoe City gets a new grocery store. Photo by Melissa Siig/Moonshine Ink
The store, which was completely remodeled, includes a bakery, butcher, and Starbucks. This is only the second new store Safeway has opened in Northern California this year; the first one is in Roseville.
Save Mart moved out of the space in October 2023 after its lease was not renewed. The Tahoe City community has been anxiously awaiting the new store since that time. The old Safeway building at the east end of town, which is owned by the company, has been on the market for two years. There is currently no buyer.
~ MS
Alterra Mountain Company Kids Ski Free Week Dec. 6 to 12
OLYMPIC VALLEY
From Dec. 6 through 12, kids will get up to seven free lift tickets at 15 of Alterra Mountain Company’s North American mountain destinations to use during Kids Ski Free Week.
Palisades Tahoe is one of the participating destinations.
Kids 12 and under may receive a free lift ticket each day to use at any participating destination. Each participating destination may offer a variety of other promotions and specials for families.
To redeem an offer, check out the destination’s official website or visit Guest Services at participating Alterra destinations. (No other purchase is necessary; rentals and lessons are not included.) Many destinations will also offer additional discounts to complete an incredible time on the mountain.
The $10.6 million Fanny Bridge project continued with placement of the bridge deck concrete on Oct. 6. The new Fanny Bridge is scheduled to reopen to all traffic Saturday, Nov. 15. During the project, traffic will detour onto Lake Boulevard bypass to access State Route 89 (SR 89) and SR 28. West Lake Boulevard remains open for business and transit center access with only Fanny Bridge being closed. The pedestrian and bicycle path across the Truckee River Dam will remain open throughout the project. The project is led by the Federal Highway Administration and the contractor is Thompson Builders of Novato.
For real-time traffic information, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap.
TTAD Serves as Voting Center for Upcoming Election
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Tahoe Airport District is supporting local democracy by serving as an 11-day voting center for Nevada County Elections, open Oct. 25 through Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Voters can cast ballots, register, or receive election assistance in the Airport’s community rooms.
TTAD is also home to a Placer County official ballot drop box, available for ballot drop-off beginning Oct. 7 with regular weekday pick-ups through Nov. 4. On Election Day, multiple pick-ups will occur, and the box will be securely locked at 8 p.m.
TTAD partnered with Nevada and Placer counties to make voting convenient, accessible, and secure for the community.
~ Truckee Tahoe Airport District press release
First West Nile Virus Death of Season
PLACER COUNTY
Public Health officials confirmed the first death of a Placer County resident from West Nile virus this season, a Roseville man.
There have been 54 confirmed human cases and five West Nile virus-related deaths reported in California this year. There have been five confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Placer County this season and high numbers of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes and dead bird samples.
The risk of serious illness to most people from West Nile virus is low. However, some individuals (less than 1%) can develop a serious illness known as neuroinvasive West Nile, which is fatal for about 10% of patients. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.
West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters, and pet bowls. If there is a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, contact the district at (916) 380-5444.
Contact the district for any additional help controlling mosquitoes.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the state of California’s website on West Nile. Residents are encouraged to report all dead birds on that website.
~ Placer County Health and Human Services press release
Tahoe Forest Health System Announces Free, Confidential Mental Health Resource
TRUCKEE/TAHOE
Tahoe Forest Health System is excited to announce the launch of a new partnership with CredibleMind, an innovative online platform offering free, confidential, and 24/7 access to more than 10,000 science-backed mental health and wellbeing resources.
Through CredibleMind, community members will have one easy-to-use digital hub to explore expert-rated videos, podcasts, apps, books, online programs, and articles. The platform also features self-assessments, interactive tools, and personalized recommendations to support mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.
To celebrate the launch, Tahoe Forest Health System invites community members to take the What’s Your Mental Health Profile? assessment, which provides insights into more than 20 areas of mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Anyone who creates an account and completes the assessment by Oct. 31 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card. Privacy is fully protected; personal information, including names, emails, and assessment responses, will not be shared with Tahoe Forest Health System.
Mental health goes beyond anxiety, depression, or stress — it includes factors like sleep, nutrition, relationships, happiness, time management, and resilience. CredibleMind covers more than 100 topics.
Placer County Treasurer-Tax Collector Tristan Butcher announced the property tax bills for the 2025/2026 fiscal year have been mailed. Butcher stated there are 181,900 tax bills for Proposition 13 taxes and voter approved special assessments.
The first installment of the 2025/2026 Property Tax Bill is due Nov. 1 and becomes delinquent after Dec. 10, 2025, at which time a 10% penalty will be added. The second installment is due Feb. 1, 2026, and becomes delinquent after April 10, 2026, at which time a 10% penalty plus an additional $10 cost will be added. Taxes remaining unpaid after June 30, 2026, accrue additional penalties at 1.5% per month (18% annually), plus a $15 fee is due at time of redemption. When mailing close to a delinquent date, it is encouraged that taxpayers request a hand-cancelled timely postmark at a U.S. Postal Office counter.
Download a property tax bill copy by visiting placer.ca.gov/pay-my-taxes or by calling (530) 889-4120, toll free at (888) 888-5218.
There are several different property tax payment options to the public:
Free Livestream Conference on Rural Entrepreneurship
NEVADA CITY
Sierra Commons is hosting an action-focused event that will bring entrepreneurs, community leaders, policymakers, nonprofit partners, and special guest California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, together to address rural challenges and create cross-sector solutions to strengthen local economies.
“Resilience Through Rural Entrepreneurship: A Gathering for Change-Makers and Cross-Pollinators” will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13. The event will be livestreamed on Zoom, and the public is invited to join free of charge.
Ma will deliver the afternoon keynote and moderate a panel discussion with leaders representing sectors such as local food systems, forest resilience, and workforce housing.
The first-of-its-kind event for Sierra Commons will include guest presentations, success story spotlights, networking, and facilitated group discussions. The event builds upon a year of growth for the nonprofit that is expanding in-person and online business education to grow a broader audience with workshops throughout California.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding residents and contractors that the annual grading and digging season for permitted projects will end on Wednesday, Oct. 15. All construction sites must be winterized to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity. Grading season in the Tahoe Basin runs from May 1 to Oct. 15 every year.
The long-standing requirement helps prevent sediment from washing into stormwater systems and the lake and prevents soil compaction and disturbance during the wettest months. Site winterization requirements are available on trpa.gov/applications-forms/winterization-guidelines.
The agency is able to review applications for a grading season exception at trpa.gov/inspections-and-securities if a public health, safety, or water quality emergency exists. Applications for an exception can be submitted beginning Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Some digging activities are considered exempt and do not require TRPA approval, even outside of the grading season. To remain exempt, these activities must adhere to water quality standards and only continue during dry conditions. When a site is wet or covered with snow, work must stop and the site must be stabilized following the winterization guidelines at the link above. A list of exempt projects is under “How Do I Know If I Need a Permit?” at trpa.gov/frequently-asked-questions.
The grading and digging season for permitted projects at Lake Tahoe will reopen May 1, 2026.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Community Noise Meeting Recap
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Tahoe Airport District hosted its latest Community Noise Meeting on Sept. 26 at Riverview Sports Park. The meeting was attended by 27 community members along with airport staff.
Truckee residents continued to express that they report fewer noise comments. Several attendees noted they have submitted online noise comment webforms during late spring and early summer but had not received any responses. Director of Aviation Jeff Menasco acknowledged the issue, explaining that there was a staffing gap at the time, with no dedicated noise employee in place.
A key difference from past meetings was the high level of interest in understanding flight paths, particularly for both jet and piston aircraft.
~ Truckee Tahoe Airport District press release
Business Briefs
TAHOE DORMS open on campus at Lake Tahoe Community College. Photo courtesy Lake Tahoe Community College
Lake Tahoe Community College New On-Campus Student Housing
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) marked a historic milestone with the dedication of its first-ever on-campus student housing facility on Oct. 2. The 100-bed residential community, a decade in the making, represents a transformational step for LTCC students and the broader South Lake Tahoe community. It is also the first California Community College student housing project fully funded through the California Legislature’s 2022 to 2023 investment in affordable student housing to be completed and opened for students, making LTCC the first in the state to cross the finish line.
The new facility provides affordable, modern living spaces designed to support academic success and student well-being. Featuring semi-suite units with both double- and single-occupancy options, the student residence also includes shared lounges, study nooks, a community kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding Tahoe Basin.
Built with $39.4 million in state funding secured through California’s 2022-23 Budget Act, the housing project addresses a critical regional need. South Lake Tahoe faces one of the state’s most severe affordable housing shortages, with vacancy rates often below 2% and local rents rising more than 35% since 2020. By offering affordable monthly rents, LTCC’s student housing is intentionally accessible for full-time California students, including priority for low-income students.
TAHOE DONNER opens its new downhill ski lodge (rendering pictured above) at the start of the season on Dec. 19. Photo courtesy Tahoe Donner
New Downhill Ski Lodge
TRUCKEE
This year, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort kicks off the 2025/26 season on Dec. 19 (conditions permitting) with the opening of its brand-new lodge featuring a host of thoughtfully considered amenities in a sleek modern building. Guests can enjoy enhancements like level access to the lifts, an expansive and well-appointed sun deck perfect for après ski, a spacious indoor bar and dining area with panoramic views of the mountain, pick-up box kiosks to print pre-purchased tickets quickly and conveniently, and a dedicated kids’ ski school and lesson hub with its own dining hall, bathrooms, cubbies, lunch service, and much more.
Meanwhile, the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center opens Friday, Nov. 28 celebrating its 40th anniversary season. Over four decades, TDXC has grown from rustic roots into an award-winning, world-class Nordic facility renowned for snowmaking, grooming technology, and its rich heritage. To mark the milestone, TDXC will offer 40th Anniversary Lesson Package Specials:
On the first Monday of every month December through April, $40 Adult Learn to Ski packages for ages 13+ include a trail pass, top-quality rental equipment, and a 90-minute lesson or tour with an instructor and other beginner skiers.
On the last Monday of every month December through March, $40 Adult Learn to Skate packages for ages 13+ also include a trail pass, rental equipment, and a 90-minute lesson.
Special anniversary products go on sale in November. Visit tahoedonner.com/xc to learn more.
Snowplay also opens Dec. 19 (conditions permitting), offering family-friendly fun on the snow, while those looking to keep their golf swing sharp this winter can take advantage of Tahoe Donner Golf Course’s indoor simulator.
~ Tahoe Donner press release
MARTIS VALLEY MASSAGE expands, offering fresh services such as this infrared sauna. Photo courtesy Martis Valley Massage
Martis Valley Massage Grand Re-Opening
TRUCKEE
After a year of design, planning, and construction, Martis Valley Massage poured its heart and soul into creating a beautiful new spa experience. Martis Valley Massage will be closed Oct. 20 through Nov. 1 as it completes the final touches before its grand re-opening party.
Join the celebration of the next chapter of Martis Valley Massage & SPA. The grand re-opening party kicks off Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m. The first 25 guests will receive special door prizes, plus there will be complimentary beer, wine, and snacks throughout the evening. Enjoy an open-house experience with guided tours of the brand-new facilities, meet representatives from Hydrafacial and Eminence Organic Skincare, and stock up on free product samples and giveaways. Treatments and facility access re-opens on Nov. 2.
From expanded treatment rooms to the beautiful new amenities, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to elevate the wellness experience.
~ Martis Valley Massage press release
Sun Bear Realty Acquires Vacation Station and Incline House Cleaning
INCLINE VILLAGE
Sun Bear Realty & Property Management in Incline Village has recently acquired the well-established Vacation Station short-term and long-term property rental business and its subsidiary, Incline House Cleaning.
The culmination of the acquisition will provide Sun Bear Realty and Property Management with a greatly expanded inventory, providing the largest selection of short-term and long-term home and condominium rentals on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.
For over 30 years, Sun Bear Realty & Property Management owner Blane Johnson and his team have provided year-round property management, vacation rentals, long-term leases, and real estate advice and services through their office located at 811 Tahoe Blvd. in Incline Village.
For more information, visit sunbearrealty.com or call (775) 831-9000.
~ Sun Bear Realty & Property Management press release
In Tahoe/Truckee, every purchase tells a story about the kind of community we want to live in.
Choosing local doesn’t just mean skipping the online cart — it means investing in our neighbors, our environment, and the character of our mountain towns.
That story carries forward. Local businesses reinvest in community projects, sponsor youth programs, and are often the first to step up in times of need. They also help preserve what makes Tahoe/Truckee exceptional, from creative shops and local food to products that reflect our region’s spirit. Shopping closer to home reduces emissions and traffic, a goal our community talks about often.
But beyond economics and impact, buying local is about connection. It’s about knowing the people behind the counter, trusting their expertise, and supporting those who support us.
Here’s how five of our staffers keep their dollars circulating close to home.
Ever since I cancelled my Amazon Prime account earlier this year, I have been ordering books from Word After Word in Truckee. You order on their website, and if they have it in stock you can pick it up right away, or if they don’t, they will order the book for you. The friendly staff lets you know when the book is ready and it’s at the counter waiting for you. Easy. Plus, I like having an excuse to pop into the store and browse other books.~ MS
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LOCAL FLOW: Staff member Sarah Miller often makes it rain on Mountain Hardware, Bike Truckee, Trout Creek Outfitters, and Tahoe Lab since she loves to build things, needs exercise, loves to fly fish, snowboard, and gets thirsty once in a while. Photo by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
BOOKWORM’S DELIGHT: Who needs Amazon Prime when you can order books online from our favorite local bookstore, Word After Word in downtown Truckee? Photo by Wade Snider/Moonshine Ink
SERIOUSLY GOOD: People are amazed when Mayumi Peacock’s daughter eats green beans, broccoli, shishito peppers, pears, pomegranates, and countless other fruits and veggies with joy. The reason is, Mountain Bounty is that good. Photo by Mayumi Peacock/Moonshine Ink
YEARS OF FUN: Tahoe Dave’s has been helping the area shop locally for skis and snowboards since 1977. Photo by Wade Snider/Moonshine Ink
PUP CUPS 'N STUFFS: Staff dog Huxley receives a pup cup at Dark Horse. It’s pretty much the only thing he enjoys these days, considering the climate of the social and political landscape he had no choice but to be born into. Photo by Wade Snider/Moonshine Ink
My local dollars typically flow toward Mountain Hardware, Trout Creek Outfitters, Bike Truckee, Tahoe Lab, and Dark Horse. When I can’t find something I need, I’ll often try to make it from components I can find locally. I like to tinker, anyway. My bike basket is an example. I built it to carry all my fishing gear and many of its components came from ACE, the bike itself came from Bike Truckee, and many adventures are fueled by a spiced chai from Dark Horse.~ SM
I spend my money on coffee. Local coffee. Local delicious coffee. I am not a Folgers fan. I like it fresh. My dog and I spend our time working on our laptops in coffee shops such as Dark Horse, Drink Coffee Do Stuff, and Coffee Bar. I come for the atmosphere; he comes for the pup cups. I always have a few bags of beans on standby for when I leave town. Nothing like a taste of Truckee pre-surf session. ~ WS
Buying local is about connection. It’s about knowing the people behind the counter, trusting their expertise, and supporting those who support us.
Ski boots, and really all things skiing. Gotta feel it out, gotta breathe it in. Can’t do that stuff with a click.~ JG
It’s true: You are what you eat. Food is your fuel and how you eat is a huge factor in how you impact the world. For 25-plus years I have been shopping at locally owned and operated New Moon Natural Foods and subscribing to Mountain Bounty’s CSA. Food this good becomes an easy habit to keep. ~ MP
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