Alibi General Manager Injured in Avalanche; $100k Raised for Eastern Placer’s Future; Blyth Arena Model Unveiling; More

News Briefs

Alibi General Manager Injured in Avalanche

TRUCKEE

Rylan Cordova, Alibi Ale Works general manager, was caught in an avalanche on April 2 while skiing with two of his buddies. The avalanche swept him into a tree where he broke several vertebrae in his neck and back, while also bruising his spinal cord. He was hoisted up into a helicopter from their location, transferred to another helicopter, and flown to the trauma hospital in Reno. The following day he underwent spinal surgery, where they officially made Cordova bionic, placing rods down his spine. He is currently in the ICU working hard to get the final okay to go home. His recovery will take time, but his family knows he is up to the challenge. After all, he is Rylando the Great!

Cordova’s family would love nothing more than to help ease the burden of upcoming medical bills so he can continue to focus on his recovery. Any help the community could provide would be greatly appreciated. Support his recovery here.

~ Rylan Cordova’s GoFundMe

$100k Raised for Eastern Placer’s Future

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Thanks to the generosity of Eastern Placer Future’s early supporters, it officially hit its first major fundraising milestone: $50,000 raised from community members! That achievement unlocked a $50,000 matching grant from the North Tahoe Community Alliance to invest in the exploration of local governance. 

Eastern Placer Future is a 501(c) 4 organization formed by a group of engaged citizens exploring the potential to create an incorporated town with local decision-making in the North Tahoe area of Eastern Placer County.

The fundraising milestone is more than a milestone — it’s a statement. It shows that the community believes in the vision of a more accountable, responsive, and locally governed North Lake Tahoe.

Here’s what’s next: Eastern Placer Future is keeping the momentum going and setting its sights on raising the next $50,000 in the next 30 days! This funding is critical to complete community polling, collect petition signatures from about 2,800 registered voters, and prepare an application to the Placer County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO). Eastern Placer Future has 3 months to complete this phase of work, which is essential to determine whether forming a new town is in the community’s best interest — and what that town could look like.

Learn more about the effort here.

~ Eastern Placer Future newsletter

El Dorado County Maintenance, Dispatch Workers Without Contract for 9 Months, Next Round of Negotiations May 1

PLACERVILLE

About 170 El Dorado County employees who work in the Sheriffs Office, 911 Dispatch, code enforcement, animal control, facilities, groundkeepers, and transportation departments have been without a contract for more than 9 months. The union representing these workers, Operating Engineers Local 3, has filed charges with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), challenging the county’s constant postponement of bargaining and other alleged Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs).

“The county has a history of delaying meetings 4 to 6 weeks apart, coming up with ‘supposals,’ that are meaningless and refusing to pay retroactive increases,” said Local 3 Public Employee Director Tim Neep. “The county continually cites a ‘$20-million deficit,’ however, higher-paid county employees, such as the sheriff’s correctional lieutenant and attorneys, are receiving increases as high as 28.73%.”

Local 3 Business Agent Shannon Starr explained, “If the wage and compensation package these workers deserve was granted, the total cost for the current budget would equate to a 0.10% expense for the current total budget. El Dorado County currently has $171.8 million in its contingencies and reserves. So, why can’t they give a little?”

EL DORADO WORKERS STRUGGLING: Numerous El Dorado County units are struggling to find experienced workers or retain ones they have trained as well because of the low wages being offered. Negotiations between Operating Engineers Local 3 and the county will next occur May 1. Courtesy photo

The county released a report in 2020, referencing three other counties, which showed that El Dorado County keeps 7% of its total budget set aside in contingencies and another 2% in reserves/designations, while Sacramento County kept 1% aside for contingencies and had no reserves/designation. Placer County maintained less than 1% for such items.

Since Jan. 1, 2024, more than 35 people have left the Trades and Craft Units, and that doesn’t include the ones who left the department to make more money elsewhere for the county. Consequently, there weren’t enough snow-plow operators to make it through the winter season, and workers from Placerville were brought in to cover the shifts. During the last storms, the county had no snowplows operating during the overnight hours.

The next round of negotiations for the Trades and Crafts Unit is scheduled for May 1. 

Operating Engineers Local 3 represents the interests of people who build, serve and protect. Most of Local 3’s 40,000-plus members work as heavy-equipment operators and construction workers, but the union also represents public employees, such as maintenance workers and police officers. Local 3’s public employees make up about 25% of the total membership.

Local 3’s jurisdiction covers Northern California, Northern Nevada, Hawaii and Utah, and its membership makes up the largest construction trades local in the United States. For more information, visit oe3.org.

~ Operating Engineers Local 3 press release

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

TRUCKEE

The Town of Truckee officially proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and take action to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Since 1980, Communities 4 Kids, the Tahoe/Truckee child abuse prevention council, has been dedicated to creating a safe, caring environment for children in the region. The organization works with local partners to provide vital programs and services to strengthen families and prevent child abuse.

Throughout April, the Tahoe Truckee Child Abuse Prevention Council will lead several activities to engage the community in prevention efforts.

Communities 4 Kids is the primary planning and coordination group for child abuse prevention activities in the Truckee/North Tahoe community. The council and community partners meet twice a month to ensure that accessible, effective resources and programs exist for children and families in the community. 

For more information and to get involved, contact [email protected] or download their toolkit here in English or Spanish

~ Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation

Town Talk: Demystifying the Town of Truckee Budget Process

TRUCKEE

The Truckee Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Truckee invite the public to join the next Town Talk, taking place on Monday, April 28, for an inside look at one of the most critical aspects of local government: the budget.

This month’s Town Talk will focus on how the Town of Truckee builds its annual budget — what the process looks like, how community needs are prioritized, and where the funding comes from. Staff from the Town of Truckee will share insights and take questions in an informal, conversational setting.

The Town Talk will be held at the Lift Workspace: Cowork, Conference, and Wellness Center, on 10266 Truckee Airport Rd., Ste. C.

Town Talks are part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to strengthen civic understanding and community connection. These events are designed to be accessible and informative, providing locals with the chance to engage directly with decision-makers and local experts.

To learn more and register, visit truckee.com or contact Jessica Penman, president and CEO of the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, at [email protected].

~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release

County Comptroller Demonstrates New Washoe County Checkbook Website

RENO

Washoe County Comptroller Cathy Hill recently unveiled the new Washoe County Checkbook website with a hands-on demonstration of the interactive financial tool. The website allows users to view the county’s revenue and expenditures and deep-dive its ledgers across all departments. Washoe County joins the State of Nevada Controller and Carson City in offering this checkbook tool to residents.

In addition to details of county spending, the tool shows what has been budgeted versus what has been actually spent on everything from capital improvements to courts to Juvenile Services. Data can be toggled to show a current snapshot or trends over time, can be sorted by amounts or program names.

~ Washoe County press release

Blyth Arena Model Unveiling at Boatworks Mall

TAHOE CITY

Attend a day of celebration, history, and community as the SNOW Sports Museum (Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter Sports Museum) unveils the Blyth Arena Model, a tribute to the 1960 Winter Olympics. This event will build excitement for the upcoming 2026 Cortina Winter Olympics.

  • Date: Saturday, April 12th, 2025
  • Location: SNOW Sports Museum at Boatworks Mall
  • Admission: Free and open to the public
  • Time: 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Main Unveiling Event: 4 to 6 p.m.

~ SNOW Sports Museum enews

Business Briefs

IVCBA Announces Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week

INCLINE VILLAGE

The Incline Village Crystal Bay Community and Business Association (IVCBA) is thrilled to announce the return of Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week, back for its second year after a successful debut. Taking place from Monday, April 21, to Sunday, April 27, this week-long culinary celebration highlights the diverse and thriving food and beverage scene across North Lake Tahoe.

Building on the excitement of its inaugural year, the second annual IVCB Restaurant Week invites locals, visitors, and food lovers alike to explore the rich flavors and vibrant hospitality that define Incline Village and Crystal Bay. From signature dishes to creative new offerings, this event is a delicious opportunity to experience the best of local culinary talent.

Throughout the week, participating restaurants, cafes, and food vendors will offer special menus, exclusive dishes, dine and delight offers, and curated food and beverage pairings designed to showcase their unique styles and specialties. Whether guests crave fine dining, comfort food, baked treats, or globally inspired cuisine, there’s something for every palate.

This year’s event also puts a spotlight on the region’s standout beverages. Guests can enjoy craft brews, artisanal cocktails, locally roasted coffee, fine wines, and more. Many venues will feature beverage specials and pairings, celebrating the creativity of local mixologists, brewers, and baristas.

For a full list of participating restaurants and their special offerings, visit ivcba.org. Stay tuned for updates as new menus and experiences are added.

~ Incline Village Crystal Bay Community and Business Association press release

As Summer Hits, Nv Energy Offers Tips, Resources For Customers To Stay Cool

RENO

Just as NV Energy readies its generation fleet for the summer season, NV Energy is encouraging customers to prepare for summer conditions now — ahead of the high heat. NV Energy has simple tips and resources to help customers stay cool and save energy during the summer months. 

When customers use more energy, especially during the summer when air conditioners run for longer times, there is a corresponding increase in the monthly bill that customers pay. NV Energy does not raise rates during summer, and the company anticipates that customer bills will be lower by the end of 2025 than when compared to the end of 2024.

PowerShift by NV Energy offers a suite of products and services to help customers save energy and money and the company encourages customers to take advantage of these services now. PowerShift offers year-round bundled appointments for customers where they can get an in-home energy assessment, and a smart thermostat installed free of charge. The company also provides low- or no-cost air condition tune-ups and free pool pump calibrations for customers across the state.

As customers adjust to the increased temperatures, the following tips can help customers stay cool:

  • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget computers.
  • Set the thermostat to 78 to 80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer when away. Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
  • If your A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and free of obstructions to maintain air flow.
  • Keep your freezer as full as possible, since it takes more energy to cool the empty space than it does the items inside. You can place ice packs or plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces.
  • Use the energy saver or “no heated dry” option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to air dry.
  • Caulk windows, and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the outside air out and the inside air in. Add window screens or window films to reduce the sun entering your home.
  • Fix leaky faucets and install low-flow shower heads.

Learn more about the programs and services offered by PowerShift at nvenergy.com/powershift.

NV Energy also offers a variety of flexible payment programs and assistance options for customers. Customers can contact NV Energy directly to learn more about which program may be most beneficial for them. 

*NV Energy officials are available for interviews on how customers can save AND how NV Energy is preparing for the hot summer months.

~ NV Energy press release