Area Fire Districts, Agencies Send Support to L.A.
NORTH TAHOE/TRUCKEE
The nation watches in horror as multiple wildfires rage through the Los Angeles area, causing evacuations, displacement, and five fatalities to date. The two largest fires, Palisades (more than 20,000 acres burning in the Santa Monica mountains and along the coast) and Eaton (nearly 14,000 acres in the Altadena/Pasadena area), both sprang up Tuesday, Jan. 7.
North Tahoe and Truckee agencies have all responded to the emergencies by sending crews and equipment.
HELP IS ON THE WAY: Fire agencies across the Truckee/North Tahoe region are responding to the devastating wildfires in Southern California, which has killed 5 people to date. Photo courtesy North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
NV Energy Proposes a Wildfire Self-Insurance Policy
NEVADA
NV Energy submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) for the establishment of a wildfire self-insurance policy. This policy aims to address the financial impacts of a catastrophic wildfire in order to better protect customers and the company from the financial impacts of such an event.
A wildfire self-insurance policy is a financial strategy that utilities use to fund the substantial expenses of catastrophic wildfires on communities and individuals. NV Energy’s proposed fund will be built through additions to customer rates and a co-payment from shareholders and invested to grow over time. This approach ensures that 100% of the funds are available to support the communities served.
If approved, the policy will be funded on a jurisdictional basis. Sierra customers in Northern Nevada, who face a higher risk of wildfires, will cover a larger portion of the costs compared to Nevada Power customers in Southern Nevada. The average residential customer at Sierra Pacific Power would see their bill increase by about $2.40 per month, while an average residential customer at Nevada Power would see an increase of about $0.50 per month. The policy is proposed to be collected over 10 years to avoid sudden rate increases, providing stability and predictability for customers.
The full filing can be found on the PUCN website here. The policy will be reviewed and is subject to approval by the commission.
~ NV Energy press release
North Tahoe Community Alliance Issues Call for Board Members
TAHOE CITY
The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) is seeking candidates for its board of directors. The organization is focused on leveraging the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program to foster economic health, community vitality, and environmental sustainability that benefits local residents, businesses, and visitors.
There are nine seats open for election as identified:
Northstar California Resort (organization-designated seat)
Palisades Tahoe (organization-designated seat)
Squaw Valley Business Association (organization-designated seat)
Tahoe City Downtown Association (organization-designated seat)
North Shore lodging/property management
At-large, food & beverage
At-large seat
Qualified members have until 5 p.m. on Feb. 3 to submit an application to serve on NTCA’s Board of Directors. Eligible candidates must be an owner or manager of an assessed active, current business (or the designated representative of that business) within the NLT-TBID district as defined in the corporation by-laws.
The election will occur in March 2025 and new board members will be seated in April 2025. Information and applications to apply for one of the available seats will be available online at northtahoecommunityalliance.com.
Interested candidates must complete the application and direct any questions to Anna Atwood: [email protected] or 530-581-8722. Please send applications to Atwood or deliver in person to the NTCA at 100 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145.
~ North Tahoe Community Alliance press release
Free Electrification Coaching Offered to Residents
TRUCKEE
The Go Electric Truckee Tahoe program launched its free, personalized electrification coaching service, offering technical assistance to home and building owners in the Truckee/Tahoe region. This service is specifically for those interested in replacing natural gas appliances with heat pumps for space heating and cooling and water heating. The personalized coaching service helps walk interested residents and businesses through the electrification process by connecting them with qualified contractors, researching relevant rebates and funding opportunities, and helping them complete an online home assessment.
Go Electric Truckee Tahoe is the new name for the Climate Transformation Alliance (CTA) program formerly known as Truckee Tahoe Building Decarbonization Pilot Program. The program is hosted by the CTA and Sierra Business Council (SBC), the nonprofit facilitator of the CTA. Go Electric Truckee Tahoe emerged from CTA and SBC’s shared goal of achieving a carbon-free community for Truckee and Lake Tahoe.
Electrification resources for contractors and homeowners alike can be found on the program’s website. More information is available at goelectrictruckeetahoe.org.
~ Sierra Business Council press release
New Elected Officials Sworn In
TRUCKEE/NORTH TAHOE
The following individuals will be sworn in this month to serve as elected officials through 2028, based on the results of the 2024 General Election.
Alpine Springs County Water District: Robert Tetrault; Albert Clement
Incline Village General Improvement District: Michaela Tonking, incumbent; Mick Homan; Michelle Jezycki
North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District*: Susan Herron, incumbent; Phillip Klein; Kenneth Leijon
Placer County District 5 Supervisor: Cindy Gustafson, incumbent
Tahoe City Public Utility District: Dan Wilkins, incumbent; Judy Friedman, incumbent; Elleyne “Ellie” Beals
Tahoe Forest Hospital District: Alyce Wong, incumbent; Robert Darzynkiewicz
Truckee Donner Public Utility District: Jeff Bender, incumbent; Steve Randall; Courtney Murrell
Truckee Town Council*: Courtney Henderson, incumbent; Lindsay Romack, incumbent
Washoe County Commissioner District 1: Alexis Hill, incumbent
* not contested
~ AH
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
New Hospital CEO Identified, Announcement To Come
TRUCKEE/NORTH TAHOE
After Tahoe Forest Health System’s former CEO Harry Weis departed May 2024 under claims of a retaliatory atmosphere, the district began the process of hiring a recruiting firm to hire and transition in a new head.
Last month, the board of directors interviewed the top three candidates out of that process. As of Jan. 9, the field has narrowed further.
“The board identified a highly qualified candidate who they believe is well equipped to lead the health system into the future,” read a statement shared with Moonshine Ink by the board of directors. “At this time, the board is in the final stages of contract negotiations and is unable to disclose the candidate’s name due to confidentiality requirements. We are committed to keeping the public informed and will share more information, including the candidate’s name and start date, as soon as we are able.”
~ AH
Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Retires
RENO
The board of fire commissioners for the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) named Deputy Fire Chief Dale Way as the interim fire chief until a permanent chief is named later this year. The move comes as Fire Chief Charles Moore retires on Jan. 24.
Chief Moore will retire after 45 years in the fire service. Chief Moore began his career as a volunteer firefighter and started his professional career in 1981 in Vail, Colorado. He has held many positions in the fire service, including firefighter, driver/operator, lieutenant, captain, and fire marshal.
Chief Moore developed an agency focused on high-performing Advanced Life Support (ALS) and started several programs designed to help reduce the risk of wildfire.
Some programs and initiatives under Chief Moore’s leadership include expanding the fire district’s paramedic and ambulance program, creating a new wildland fuels division, and completing Station 33 on Foothill Drive. A groundbreaking was recently held to expand Station 37 in Hidden Valley, and other stations are being designed for Washoe Valley and Interstate 80 near the Mustang Exit. Under Chief Moore’s tenure, new fire apparatus, including a ladder truck, multiple ambulances, and state-of-the-art fire and brush engines were put into service. Chief Moore also instituted bi-yearly green waste collection days, enabling residents to dispose of their dry and dead vegetation in an effort to encourage citizens to create defensible space.
~ Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District press release
Friends of the Truckee Library Promotes April Cole
TRUCKEE
Friends of the Truckee Library (FOTL) announced the promotion of Campaign Director April Cole to be its first-ever executive director. Cole and FOTL are leading the drive to build a new Truckee Regional Library, in partnership with the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County.
FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: April Cole was promoted to executive director as the Friends of the Truckee Library moves to expand. Photo courtesy Friends of the Truckee Library
Cole is a long-time community leader in Truckee, including past service as president of the Rotary Club of Truckee. In Cole’s years as campaign director, FOTL and its partners have chalked up an impressive string of successes, including securing a library site at the Truckee Regional Park, raising over $2 million, initiating design of the new facility, engaging thousands of community members, and garnering endorsements from over 40 organizations.
To ramp up for a capital campaign for the new library, FOTL has also added substantial expertise, hiring Sara Schrichte as campaign manager and welcoming Kate Korsh to the FOTL board of directors.
The current Truckee Library was built in 1975, when its service area included only 2,000 people. Today, the library serves more than 20,000 people and has too little space to offer the range of services now standard in modern libraries nationwide. The new library will be located in the regional park, will increase capacity from 54 people to 693 people, and will feature dedicated spaces for children, teens, makers, technology, and community events.
~ Friends of the Truckee Library press release
Jason Burke Joins Tahoe Transportation District as Senior Transportation Planner
LAKE TAHOE
The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) welcomes Jason Burke, AICP, as its new senior transportation planner. Burke brings experience in urban planning, stormwater management, and climate resilience to the role, further strengthening TTD’s commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative transportation solutions for the Lake Tahoe region.
JASON BURKE: Tahoe’s new senior transportation planner. Photo courtesy Tahoe Transportation District
Burke joins TTD after serving as complete streets program manager for the City of South Lake Tahoe, where he led efforts to protect Lake Tahoe’s water clarity by reducing sediment and nutrient pollutants in urban runoff and improving community mobility options. His work included designing and maintaining urban runoff treatment systems, advancing Complete Streets initiatives, and supporting multimodal transportation projects that benefit the community and visitors alike.
Burke holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo and a bachelor’s degree in geography from Southern Oregon University. He is also an active community member, serving on the board of directors for the Tahoe Resource Conservation District.
For more information about the Tahoe Transportation District and its ongoing projects, visit tahoetransportation.org.
~ Tahoe Transportation District press release
Business Briefs
Meet Your Backcountry Partner at the Avalanche Education Series
TRUCKEE
Truckee locals Daniel Feldman and Richard Bothwell launched their website and app, SlabLab, in November 2024. SlabLab is a backcountry skiing app that provides users a member network for meeting backcountry partners in one’s area, as well as free research on the backcountry.
Feldman and Bothwell started SlabLab with qualitative research on the human factor of backcountry skiing. After interviewing and talking with several backcountry skiers, they discovered that many people have trouble finding backcountry partners, and created their partner network. In addition to the online platform, they have hosted several in-person events to bring together backcountry riders.
Feldman and Bothwell are hosting a meetup event in collaboration with Tahoe Mountain Sports’s Avalanche Education Series at Alibi Ale Works on Jan. 15. The speed-dating-type event will facilitate meet and greets between attendees who want to get into the backcountry. Bothwell and Feldman will also speak about their research on the human aspect of backcountry skiing and how to determine who could be a good fit for one’s quiver of backcountry partners.
Learn more about SlabLab and their research at slablab.co/research. For more information on the Avalanche Education Series click here.
~ MR
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Hosts Free Introductory Snowboard Experience for Kids
RENO
On Jan. 11, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe will host a free introductory snowboard experience for kids ages 7 to 12. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., kids interested in learning the basics of snowboarding can drop in and will have access to the resort’s Specialty Snowboard Park and Learn to Snowboard set-up.
“This event is the perfect opportunity for kids interested in snowboarding to learn the basics and have some fun in the snow,” said Mike Pierce, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe marketing director. “While it’s not an official snowboard ‘lesson,’ there will be multiple stations set up that are designed to provide an intro to the basic skills of snowboarding. The best part is, there’s no cost, and no equipment is needed. Kids just need to show up to participate.”
The event will take place near the Main Lodge on the west side of the Show-off Trail by the Magic Surface Lift.
Carnelian Bay Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges, South Lake Tahoe Man Indicted on Wire Fraud in Cryptocurrency Trading Scam
SACRAMENTO
Randy Anger, 57, of Carnelian Bay, pleaded guilty to distribution and receipt of child pornography, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in May 2021, Anger distributed and received child sexual abuse material while communicating with Brent Hooton. Hooton was separately charged and convicted. In Nov. 2021, Anger also received several images of child sexual abuse material.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance by Homeland Security Investigations and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
Anger is scheduled to be sentenced on Mar. 31, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. On both the distribution and receipt counts, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison per count. The actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court.
A federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment against Daniel Chartraw, 51, formerly of South Lake Tahoe, charging him with wire fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Chartraw was responsible for defrauding multiple victims in a cryptocurrency investment scheme. Chartraw claimed that his companies were capable of generating exceptional returns on cryptocurrency investments. However, instead of investing money from his victims as he promised, Chartraw used the money to fund his personal lifestyle.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
If convicted, Chartraw faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
~ U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California
Changes Coming to Community Health Labs, Previously Known as Affordable Labs
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
Tahoe Forest Health System’s Community Health Labs (previously called Affordable Labs) is changing on Jan. 2, 2025. This service aims to improve health outcomes, reduce wait times, and provide cost-effective options for individuals seeking lab tests.
Beginning Jan. 2, appointments will be required and are available Monday through Friday mornings, 8 to 9:30 a.m., in both Truckee and Incline Village. Appointments can be made online at tfhd.com/community-labs or by calling (530) 582-6510 after Dec. 26, 2024.
The Community Health Lab program provides cash pay lab testing, available with or without a medical provider’s order. Payment by cash, check, or credit card is required at the time of draw. Special discounted rates are offered to all patients who pay cash at the time of service. This is a low-cost laboratory screening service and cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement. Patients cannot receive Community Health Labs and insurance-billed labs on the same visit. For patients with a provider’s order, lab results will be sent to the ordering provider. For patients without a provider’s order, your results will be reviewed by a medical professional and sent directly to you.
For more information about lab services, locations, cost or to schedule an appointment, visit tfhd.com/community-labs.
~ TFHS press release
Year in Review: Protecting the Forests of the Middle Truckee Watershed
TRUCKEE
The Middle Truckee River Watershed Forest Partnership (MTRWFP) is celebrating results of the first full year of active projects, all of which are focused on reducing the occurrence of severe wildfire within the forests of the Truckee River Watershed.
With an overall goal of restoring forest health across 60,000 acres of the Tahoe National Forest, the accomplishments of the projects in 2024 are part of the MTRWFP’s 10-year vegetation management plan. Year-end accomplishments include:
Reduced hazardous surface and ladder fuels across 2,865 acres to lower the likelihood of high severity wildfire.
Improved forest health and resiliency across 2,537 acres, which reduced the likelihood of tree mortality from insects, diseases, drought, climate change and wildfire.
Prepared an additional 6,842 acres for fuels reduction and forest resiliency treatments in the coming years.
Completed pre-implementation environmental planning and compliance on 11,914 acres.
Forest preservation projects also help protect recreational assets and infrastructure in and around the Town of Truckee, benefiting its tourism-driven economy. Additionally, healthy forests preserve the water quality and quantity in the Truckee River which supplies approximately 85% of the Reno area’s drinking water.
In total, funding totaling $4,705,940 was spent on the planning and implementation of these highly beneficial projects. Funds came from federal, state and local government sources, as well as from private and nonprofit organizations To read more about the projects and objectives of the MTRWFP, please visit truckeeforests.org.
~ MTRWFP press release
North Tahoe Chamber Accepting Applications for Event Funding
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
The North Tahoe Chamber is accepting applications for grant sponsorship funding of events that are scheduled to take place in North Lake Tahoe in 2025. Funding for the grants is generated by the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID), and is used to support events that promote community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic health in the region.
Submission criteria and the application process are outlined on the NTCA website. Jan. 10, 2025 is the deadline to submit. New events and events that have not previously been funded are encouraged to apply. The volunteer business and chamber advisory committee will review the applications and make recommendations to the NTCA board of directors.
Preferred investments include events that:
Feature human-powered sports, arts, culture, or health/wellness-focused
Create community vitality
Utilize the local workforce and resources/vendors
Have a positive economic impact
Support local nonprofits
Increase brand awareness of North Lake Tahoe
Support longer lengths of stay, shoulder season visitation, and that draw people into the mountains in summer and toward the lake in winter
Scoring and funding prioritization are based on how the events contribute to and benefit North Lake Tahoe. Each event’s traffic management and sustainability plans are also evaluated, with organizers responsible for outlining how they will mitigate the impacts of tourism on the community and environment.
Earlier this month, the NTCA Board of Directors awarded $262,000 in sponsorship funding, generated by the NLT-TBID, to 11 events scheduled for 2025.
Learn more about the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program and upcoming opportunities here.
~ North Tahoe Community Alliance press release
Tahoe Conservancy Awards $601,700 to the North Tahoe Fire Protection District
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
The California Tahoe Conservancy awarded a $601,700 grant to the North Tahoe Fire Protection District for 3 years of work on programs to help reduce wildfire risk for North and West Shore communities and their surrounding forests.
This grant will help North Tahoe Fire expand its workforce to support Firewise and Fire Adapted Communities by hiring a full-time assistant for these programs. The Fire Adapted Communities program helps residents take individual action to collectively reduce their neighborhood’s risk from wildfire.
In addition, the grant will fund the use of electric vehicles for Fire Adapted Communities personnel and defensible space inspectors, cutting climate emissions while supporting the expanded program to more easily operate throughout the fire district.
The North Tahoe Fire Protection District includes the communities of Kings Beach, Carnelian Bay, Dollar Hill, Tahoe City, Homewood, Tahoma, Meeks Bay, and Alpine Meadows. Additional funding for this program expansion comes from the Bureau of Land Management.
This funding will also support North Tahoe Fire’s planning for projects to improve forest health and reduce excess vegetation that can act as fuel for wildfires. Guided by the goals of the newly updated Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, North Tahoe Fire will prepare environmental review, surveys, and permitting for prioritized fuel hazard reduction projects on private and public lands in the wildland-urban interface—the zone where neighborhoods meet the forest. These projects will also advance the goals of the Lake Tahoe Basin Forest Action Plan, which includes expanding forest thinning projects in the wildland-urban interface.
~ California Tahoe Conservancy press release
Tahoe Connection to UnitedHealthcare Murder
TAHOE
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on Dec. 4 has a Tahoe connection. The backpack that suspect Luigi Mangione was wearing at the time of the murder was made by San Francisco-based Peak Design, which has a satellite office in the Tahoe area. Peak Design’s CFO also lives in Tahoe.
When he spotted Mangione wearing one of his company’s backpacks in video surveillance footage, Peak Design CEO Pete Dering called the New York Police Department’s tip line the day after the shooting to provide information. After receiving intense backlash on social media from those angry with the U.S healthcare industry, like “No one wants to buy from a company that snitches!,” Dering issued a statement on Dec. 13 about his company’s customer privacy policies. He wrote on the company’s website and social media that Peak Design “had not provided customer information to the police and would only do so under the order of a subpoena.”
Dering has received hundreds of death threats and the San Francisco office now has armed guards.
~ MS
Bringing the Outdoors to Nevada Schools
CARSON CITY
The Nevada Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group (AWG), a coalition of stakeholders committed to integrating outdoor learning into Pre K through 12 education, released its report to the Nevada Legislature. The report includes actionable recommendations to expand outdoor education opportunities throughout Nevada and marks a significant step towards improving systems of support for outdoor education and recreation.
The AWG has spent the past year studying strategies to incorporate outdoor education into Nevada’s schools. The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR) coordinated this effort.
The report outlines strategic priorities to foster outdoor learning in Nevada schools, including:
Capacity Building: Strengthening staff support systems.
Content Integration: Embedding outdoor learning across diverse subjects and grade levels.
Outdoor Learning Infrastructure: Expanding access to outdoor classrooms, nature play spaces, and school gardens through living schoolyards.
Policy: Establishing frameworks to sustain and grow outdoor education efforts statewide.
A critical milestone in this initiative is the AWG’s submission of a bill draft request to establish an Outdoor Education Network. This proposed program would:
Create an Outdoor School Designation program to recognize schools excelling in outdoor education.
Provide technical assistance to schools developing outdoor learning opportunities.
Pursue resources, including federal funding, to enhance outdoor education efforts.
The AWG’s report signals Nevada’s growing commitment to connecting students with nature and equipping educators with the tools and resources needed to make outdoor learning a central component of education.
~ Nevada Department of Conservation and Resources press release
NTCA Reinvests Nearly $7.5 Million Through 2024/25 Annual Grant Cycle
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
As part of the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program’s Annual Grant Cycle, the North Tahoe Community Alliance Board of Directors recently approved and recommended a total of nearly $7.5 million in tourism-generated funding for projects and programs designed to enhance community vitality and improve quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. This funding unlocks $8.8 million in matching grants, for a cumulative investment of over $16 million in the North Lake Tahoe community.
The NTCA board of directors approved the expenditure of up to $565,606 in TBID funds. Through the TBID, both day visitors and overnight visitors contribute to North Lake Tahoe’s vitality through purchases at activity providers, restaurants, and retailers. TBID funds must be spent on programs and activities that directly benefit the businesses paying the assessment.
The four projects to receive TBID funding support initiatives that contribute to community vitality, economic health and environmental stewardship:
Keeping Tahoe Blue Beach Pilot at Kings Beach
Dollar Creek Trail Grooming
Revitalize the Watson Cabin Phase II
Tahoe City Gateway Beautification
In January 2025, the Placer County Board of Supervisors will vote on the allocation of funding for the following:
North Tahoe Trail Access Improvement project
TCPUD West Shore Trail Reconstruction
Martis Valley Trail
North Tahoe Shared Use Trail Segment 1
Tahoe City Downtown Access improvements
A community art and gathering space for Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista
New radar speed signs as part of the North Tahoe Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
Skiing for Schools Program Celebrates 35 Years of Supporting Education
TRUCKEE
Skiers and snowboarders can now pre-purchase reduced-rate lift tickets through the Excellence in Education Foundation’s annual Skiing for Schools program, which is celebrating 35 years this season. The fundraiser offers access to North Lake Tahoe ski and XC resorts while supporting schools and programs within Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). Tickets are on sale now.
Ticket holders benefit from flexibility, with many resorts offering validity throughout the season. Proceeds from the program directly benefit TTUSD through the Excellence in Education Foundation’s grant programs, which enhance educational quality and resources for students and teachers.
Participating Resorts and Offers:
Northstar California: $179 lift tickets with no restrictions.
Palisades Tahoe: $169 lift tickets with no restrictions.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center: $30 trail passes, valid Sunday through Friday, non-holiday.
Northstar Cross-Country, Telemark, and Snowshoe Center: $35 lift tickets with no restrictions.
Boreal Mountain Resort / Woodward Tahoe: $79 lift tickets and $39 Woodward Tahoe 2-Hour Bunker sessions, valid all season (reservations required).
A limited supply of lift tickets is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Downhill lift tickets must be purchased in person at Tahoe Dave’s Ski Shops in Truckee, Kings Beach, and Tahoe City. Trail passes for Tahoe XC and Tahoe Donner Cross Country are available at Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City and Pacos in Truckee.
~ Excellence in Education Foundation press release
Project PCT Releases 30-minute Film and Fundraises for Sierra Nevada Alliance
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Sierra Nevada Alliance (SNA) and Pacific Crest Trail hiker/filmmaker Riordan Cicciu announced the completion of a 30-minute short film that has helped raise over $4,000 for conservation in the Sierra Nevada to date. In 2024 Cicciu established a goal to complete the trail while also creating Alchemy Lab to fundraise through unique methods involving outdoor recreation.
Alchemy Lab helps charity organizations raise funding and spread awareness for their causes by sharing inspirational stories. Cicciu created “Project PCT” to highlight the importance of preserving the Sierra Nevada, a mission that SNA has been dedicated to for over 30 years, while hiking the PCT itself. During his trek, both Alchemy Lab and SNA shared blog and social media posts that eventually led to the creation of the film. Along with their media, the two organizations shared a GoFundMe link for supporters to help fund the SNA’s conservation programs.
The video and fundraiser can currently be accessed online. For more information, visit sierranevadaalliance.org.
~ Sierra Nevada Alliance press release
Free Aging, Caregiver Educational Series Coming To Placerville
PLACERVILLE
The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Area Agency on Aging Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) presents a free, four-part educational series on senior caregiving in January 2025. The educational series will provide supportive information for people who currently care for or plan to care for a family member or friend aged 60 and older.
Classes will be held on Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2025, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. The series topics are as follows:
Jan. 8: Building Foundations of Caregiving – The role of the caregiver and the changes they may experience. The importance of building a support team and managing caregiver stress.
Jan. 15: Scams and How to Prevent Being Scammed – How caregivers can protect themselves and family members from scammers and scams, such as check fraud, gift card scams, love and romance scams, and others.
Jan. 22: What is a Mandated Reporter: Elder Abuse and Self Neglect – Elder abuse, including the signs of neglect and self-neglect, and the role of Adult Protective Services (APS). APS receives reports of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of elderly and dependent adults residing in their own homes.
Jan. 29: Legal Rights and Responsibilities – Legal rights and responsibilities as a health care and/or financial agent, as well as other duties associated with caring for their loved ones’ health and well-being. Discussion regarding Physician’s Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) will be included.
HAYLEY WILLIAMSON elected as TRPA board chair. Photo courtesy TRPA
TRPA Board Selects Hayley Williamson as Chair
STATELINE
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) governing board elected Hayley Williamson, the Nevada at-large board member, as its new board chair for a 2-year term. Williamson replaces Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson who served as chair of the bi-state governing body and who will remain on the board as one of six local government appointees. Williamson also serves as chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
The governing board also elected Governor of California Appointee Vince Hoenigman as vice chair. Hoenigman is the co-owner of a real estate company that has contributed to revitalizing downtown areas in Southern California and Nevada, and volunteers extensively with nonprofit organizations. The Bi-State Compact established a 15-member governing board, with seven members from California, seven from Nevada, and one non-voting appointee made by the President of the United States. Six of the seats are reserved for locally elected governing bodies.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency news release
Business Briefs
Lil Wayne Cancellation and Pickpockets at Tahoe Live
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Last minute changes occurred at Tahoe Live when Lil Wayne, one of the festival’s headliners, canceled the day of the concert. Tahoe Live continues to address the change in the lineup.
Lil Wayne was initially scheduled to perform on Saturday, Dec. 14, but canceled his appearance due to weather conditions. Tahoe Live rescheduled him for Dec. 15, but he opted out of performing. Tahoe Live said it informed attendees when staff learned of the cancellation. The rapper was seen at the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York, New York, during his scheduled play-time.
“We put months of effort and preparation into this event and we were as disappointed as anyone else. It’s the unfortunate reality of what we do as event promoters, we don’t control the weather and the artists’ decisions,” stated Tahoe Live in a statement.
Tahoe Live said it intends to address all attendees with ticket inquiries. Attendees can learn more by emailing [email protected].
There were also multiple reports of people being pickpocketed at Tahoe Live on Dec. 14. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received six reports of items being stolen off of people that include phones, wallets, and credit cards. NextDoor was full of reports of stolen phones from zipped pockets. Melissa Hodous of Truckee wrote that her daughter and three friends had their phones stolen, two from zipped pockets, and Zeem Saffouri of Truckee said that his nephew’s wallet was taken from a zipped pocket. There are currently no suspects.
Jose Andres Aguilar, also known as Cesar, Casa Baeza’s bartender, passed away on Nov. 30. He was 37 years old. Cesar was pronounced dead at Tahoe Forest Hospital.
The Truckee Police Department arrived on scene at the hospital. After extensive investigation, Truckee PD determined the circumstances to be non-criminal, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office coroner took over the case to conduct the autopsy. The cause of death is currently unknown.
NEW SUPPORTIVE HOUSING in Kings Beach. Photo courtesy Placer County
Brown Bear Studios Expand Housing Resources for Homeless
KINGS BEACH
A vision years in the making has become a reality with the opening of Brown Bear Studios, a 14-unit permanent supportive housing facility in Kings Beach. Originally the site of the 7 Pines Motel, the property has undergone significant transformation and marks a critical step forward in Placer County’s efforts to address homelessness in the North Tahoe region.
Residents moved into the facility over the last 2 weeks, quickly reaching capacity. The $1.45-million building purchase and subsequent multi-year renovations were made possible by a combination of grant programs, including the state’s Homekey initiative, which converts properties like hotels, motels, and vacant apartment buildings into long-term housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Tahoe property represents Placer’s first Homekey award and the largest addition to the county’s permanent supportive housing portfolio in recent history.
The Brown Bear facility is owned and managed by AMI Housing, a local nonprofit group that has deep experience working on permanent supportive housing projects for homeless clientele in the region. Homeless people with the most vulnerability receive priority screening and placement, and pay a fixed percentage of their income towards rent. Placements are filled using the waitlist from the homeless resource helpline, a telephone hotline accessed via calling 211 that helps assess homeless callers’ levels of need and connects them with housing, and other resources. There will be a property manager and case management to support residents on-site.
~ Placer County press release
Washoe County Approves Special Funding for Tahoe
WASHOE COUNTY
On Dec. 10, the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners approved District 1 Special Fund allocations to various nonprofits and government organizations: Chair Alexis Hill allocated a total of $63,235 to be dispersed among six local nonprofit organizations. Funds appropriated through the Commission District Special Funds must provide substantial benefit to the inhabitants of the county.
The board approved the following, as well as other initiatives:
$25,000 to Truckee North Tahoe/Transportation Management Association to support the North Lake Tahoe Express Airport Shuttle
$20,000 to Tahoe Fund for the educational Take Care of Tahoe winter and summer billboards
$10,000 to Tahoe Fund to support the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council
$5,000 to Washoe County Community Services Department to support Clean Tahoe professional fees
As the winter season sets in, the Truckee Fire Protection District (TFPD) is calling on residents to undertake proactive measures to ensure everyone stays safe. It’s important to understand aspects of mountain living that pose dangers.
Truckee Fire identified the following key safety measures:
Fire and Heating Safety:
Maintain Chimneys and Flues: Ensure chimneys and flues are clean and functional before use to prevent chimney fires.
Dispose of Ashes Properly: Store ashes in a metal container and keep them away from decks or flammable materials. Never dispose of ashes in trash cans, bear bins, or dumpsters — even if they seem cold. Each year, Truckee Fire responds to deck fire incidents caused by improper ash disposal.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Keep Propane Tanks and Gas Meters Clear of Snow: Prevent snow weight from damaging supply lines and ensure emergency access in case of leaks.
Holiday and Winter Activities:
Water Christmas Trees Regularly: A dry tree is highly flammable.
Sledding and Outdoor Play Safety: Monitor children playing outside and ensure sledding is done in safe areas. Do not allow children to build and play in snow caves in the berm at the edge of your property that’s adjacent to the street.
Snow-Related Hazards:
Beware of Roof Snow Shedding: Heavy snow and ice can slide off roofs without warning.
Avoid Dangerous Ice Activities: Local lakes are not suitable for ice skating, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling, particularly as temperatures fluctuate in the spring.
For more information on Truckee Fire, please visit truckeefire.org.
~ Truckee Fire Protection District press release
Implementation of Envision Washoe 2040 Master Plan
WASHOE COUNTY
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners settled on priorities for the implementation of the Envision Washoe 2040 Master Plan. The goal is to meet the needs of a growing community. The Envision Washoe 2040 Master Plan sets the policy-level vision that guides future growth and development in the unincorporated County. It was adopted in November 2023, and at that time, the board identified the first six initiatives to begin implementation of the plan.
On Dec. 10, the board voted to prioritize the following seven initiatives:
County-wide affordable housing initiatives
Resources to implement new master plan
Tahoe Area Plan
Public noticing
Equine businesses
Warm Springs ground water rights dedications
Dashboard indicators for measuring plan achievements
The work on implementing the master plan has included policy creation, organization, and planning. According to Bethany Drysdale, county media and communications manager, the implementation of the plans may involve changes to the county code or other regulations.
On Dec. 16, the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) is hosting a meeting to kickoff the 2025 Tahoe Area Plan (TAP) update. They will present on the upcoming update process, what to expect, and opportunities for input and engagement.
Campaign Seeks to Raise $50,000 For Local Forestry Program
TAHOE CITY
The key to restoring Tahoe’s forests and preventing catastrophic wildfire is a robust and talented workforce. That’s why the Tahoe Fund is raising $50,000 to provide scholarships for more than 50 students in Lake Tahoe Community College’s (LTCC) Forestry Education & Job Placement program.
LTCC’s Forestry Education & Job Placement Program teaches students how to assist with forest management, planning, and implementation work. For 3 years running, the Tahoe Fund has provided scholarships for students in the program, and recently awarded a grant to support the program administrator to ensure student success.
Over the next 5 years, forestry management occupations are projected to have more than 200 annual job openings in the greater Sacramento region alone. Approximately 76% of these jobs will be for middle- and high-skilled occupations. California community colleges like LTCC are a big part of the plan to prepare this crucial workforce of the future.
LTCC Forestry program graduates will be prepared for careers with Tahoe-based employers, including Cal Fire, the USDA Forest Service, the California Tahoe Conservancy, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, private forestry contractors, and other agencies that are part of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team.
New Tahoe Public Transportation Options Unveiled this Winter
LAKE TAHOE
The return of winter in Tahoe can make driving conditions challenging.
Leave the car behind and reduce traffic congestion, vehicle idling, fuel consumption, and air pollution. Using eco-friendly transportation options also reduces wear and tear on roads and limits the impact on wildlife habitats.
Lake Tahoe has many transit options on the North and South shores, and all transit is free to the user.
On the South Shore, Tahoe Transportation District now has Route 50 bus service arriving every 30 minutes. Route 22 travels up Kingsbury Grade to Stagecoach at Heavenly and The Ridge Resorts and on to the Carson Valley.
On the North Shore, Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) operates hourly service along SR-28 between Tahoma and Incline Village, and along SR-89 and SR-267, between North Lake Tahoe and Truckee with connections to Olympic Valley and Northstar Village.
Mountaineer provides free rides within Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. TART Connect now serves the North and West Shore communities as well as Olympic Valley, Northstar, and Truckee.
At Northstar, skiers can use Truckee’s Park and Ride lot near the airport, or catch the TART 267 route between Crystal Bay and Truckee. TART Connect has expanded zones and now offers free door-to-door service.
Take a TART bus to Palisades Tahoe and Alpine from Truckee, Tahoe City, Crystal Bay, and Incline. Where the TART line stops, the on-demand shuttles begin. Palisades Express shuttle and the base-to-base gondola take you around Olympic Valley and to Alpine Lodge.
Diamond Peak also has free ski shuttles from Incline Village that connect to TART.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Annual Tahoe Bald Eagle Count Set for January 2025
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is hosting its annual Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers are grouped into small teams and stationed at one of 26 vantage points throughout the Tahoe Basin, mostly around the lakeshore, to get an accurate snapshot of eagle numbers at the lake.
This annual event is part of a nationwide census of the country’s bald eagle populations. TINS took over local coordination of the monitoring effort in 2012 for the entire Tahoe Basin and is now calling for volunteers.
The spotters take careful notes on the age, time, and direction of travel of every eagle spotted. When the data are compiled, TINS is able to plot the movements of each individual bird and get an accurate count for the day. Tahoe hit a record count in 2021 with 42 individual eagles.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome to participate, and TINS will try to accommodate volunteers’ preferred location. To help prepare, TINS also is hosting a talk the evening before, on Jan. 9. This free event will cover the history of bald eagles and their conservation in the United States, how the count works, and how to identify and age bald eagles.
~ Tahoe Institute for Natural Science press release
Staff Provides North Lake Tahoe Parking Management Update, Board Approves New Enforcement Technology
EASTERN PLACER COUNTY
Thanks to new hand-held technology devices, Placer County staff reported strong summer parking enforcement numbers in North Lake Tahoe at an early December board of supervisors meeting. Following an update about the program, staff requested a purchase of new technology to further enhance enforcement.
Implemented at ski resorts last winter and in the Kings Beach area this past summer, the county’s Parking Management Program in North Lake Tahoe continues to expand with the goal to reduce traffic congestion in the region.
Additionally, at that meeting the board also approved a contract to utilize the Citation Processing Center for parking citation processing and payments. This action allowed enforcement officers to switch from time-intensive, written paper parking tickets to automated electronic parking citations. It also shifted parking enforcement from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office to Placer County’s Public Works enforcement team to reduce the use of law enforcement resources in eastern Placer.
Staff anticipates returning to the board in March 2025 with results of this past summer’s initial phase of the Kings Beach Parking Management Implementation Plan, including the outcome of the paid parking demonstration and recommendations for future actions.
Community Celebrates Student Entrepreneurs at FuturePreneurs
TRUCKEE
The inaugural FuturePreneurs Pitch Showcase, hosted by Sierra Business Council and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, was a resounding success, filling the Truckee Town Council Chambers with a crowd. The event, held on Dec. 6, was the culmination of an intensive week-long education program designed to teach young entrepreneurs the tools to develop their business ideas and present a “pitch” to potential investors and the community.
Six teams presented their company ideas which showcased everything from creative solutions to pressing local issues to forward-thinking ideas for future markets.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS present business ideas at the Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy Truckee Chamber of Commerce
Winners of the showcase were selected by an expert panel of judges and the audience, with prizes being awarded for first and second places, and people’s choice.
The first-place winner was EmpowHER, a female-focused gym created by Jessica Wurzelbacher, Hattie Kaplan, and Melanie Marquez Cruz, aiming to provide an empowering and inclusive space where you can build a strong body, strong mind, and a strong future.
The second-place winner was Grad Grind, an innovative app concept designed by Anthony Garcia-Ramirez, Estefanía Gaitan Meza, Valentina Vasquez, and Iratze Aguilar Solorio to help high school students navigate the college application process in a budget- and time-friendly way.
The People’s Choice winner was Second Serving, a logistics concept developed by Jazmine Sanchez-Valdez, Lily Fay, Olive Masterson, and Litzy Payan. Their idea focuses on collecting unused food from vacation rental homes and delivering it to food banks and soup kitchens.
The success of this FuturePreneurs Pitch Week highlights the impact of collaboration on our community.
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
Business Briefs
First Flying Electric Ferry in the U.S. is Coming to Lake Tahoe
LAKE TAHOE
With Lake Tahoe attracting over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts year-round, road congestion has become an ever-increasing problem. Local company FlyTahoe and tech company Candela are set to solve this by introducing a revolutionary zero-emission vessel that will make its U.S. debut: the world’s first flying electric ferry, the Candela P-12, which recently launchedon Stockholm’s waterways.
Anticipated to launch in the next year or so, FlyTahoe will feature a 30-minute cross-lake service, cutting the travel time in half compared to the daily 20,000 car trips along the same route.
The P-12 is the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, hailed as a “game changer” for waterborne transport by combining long range with high speed and a revolution in energy eSiciency. This 30-seat vessel, designed to accommodate both skis and bikes, uses hydrofoil technology — computer-guided underwater wings — to fly above the water’s surface at high speeds, unaffected by waves and winds.
The P-12’s cruising speed of 25 knots (~30 mph) is crucial for commuters looking to cut travel times. The FlyTahoe ferry will connect the northern and southern parts of the lake in under 30 minutes, while driving around the lake often takes over 2 hours in the winter. FlyTahoe will create a vital link to the 14 world-class ski resorts encircling the lake, making it an ideal option for tourists and locals alike.
FLYING ELECTRIC FERRY: Lake Tahoe skiers will reach the slopes faster aboard the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, the Candela P-12. Photo courtesy FlyTahoe
A detailed analysis by the Tahoe Transportation Districtalready recognized ferries as the best solution to reduce traffic congestion along Lake Tahoe’s north-south route, citing lower costs per user and faster travel times than cars and buses. However, that analysis, conducted before the advent of the P-12 technology, did not account for the electric ferry’s ability to reduce energy usage by 80% compared to traditional ferries — a factor that Meinzer says significantly bolsters the unit economics and overall business case.
The launch is anticipated to happen by late 2025 or early 2026. “This timeline reflects our commitment to thorough diligence in manufacturing and ensuring compliance with key regulators, including but not limited to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG),Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the CA Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW),” wrote FlyTahoe founder and CEO Ryan Meinzer in an email to Moonshine.
~ FlyTahoe press release
Winner Announced For Auto Doctor’s 12th Annual Car Giveaway
TRUCKEE
The Auto Doctor announced the recipient of its 12th Annual Holiday Car Giveaway: Ashleigh Regan. This year’s program, now led by new owners Allen and Megan Amunson, continues the shop’s commitment to giving back to its community.
Regan, a Truckee local and patient at the Tahoe Forest Hospital Cancer Center, was nominated by her colleagues at HeyChef!, a local private chef company. Despite health challenges, Regan is celebrated for positivity, dedication, and work ethic.
The annual giveaway is a cherished community event where The Auto Doctor donates a fully refurbished and reliable vehicle to a local individual or family in need. The selection process highlights those who face significant hardships while demonstrating resilience and making a positive impact on others.
Under the Amunsons’ leadership, The Auto Doctor is committed to upholding the values, which ensure this annual tradition has a lasting impact on Truckee.
~The Auto Doctor press release
Announcing the Opening of Cabin Fever
TRUCKEE
After over 20 years of serving the Lake Tahoe-Truckee community, Cabin Fever Home is thrilled to announce the opening of a brand-new showroom in downtown Truckee, just east of Moody’s at 9940 Donner Pass Rd. (former location of the Carmel Gallery and Alpenglow Gallery).
The gallery offers an extensive selection of home furnishings and decor, from ready-to-ship pieces to bespoke custom orders, all designed to help craft the perfect mountain retreat.
Cabin Fever Home also now showcases stunning artwork by local landscape photographers Olof & Elizabeth Carmel. Come visit Cabin Fever this holiday season and discover the ideal pieces to transform a space.
Cabin Fever is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and can be reached at (530) 536-3131. For more information, visit Cabin Fever Tahoe.
~ Carmel Gallery press release
Beach-Cleaning Robot Cleans Over 1 Million Square Feet of Tahoe Shoreline
LAKE TAHOE
In 2021, BEBOT, the first solar and battery-powered beach-cleaning robot on the West Coast was introduced.
Now, in 2024, BEBOT cleaned over 1 million square feet of shoreline across 20 beaches, revolutionizing how humans care for beaches and paving the way for a sustainable future in tourism. With approximately 15 million visitor days annually to Lake Tahoe, traditional volunteer cleanups can no longer keep pace with the increased influx of visitors during the peak busy season. BEBOT elevates beach cleanups, sifting out debris as small as 1 cm from below the sand’s surface.
Among the 30,000-plus pieces of litter removed in 2024, plastic pollution dominated, making up nearly 50% of the total. Other frequently found items included cigarette butts, nicotine pouches, bottle tops, broken glass, sales tags, and zip ties — everyday items that contribute to the growing problem.
Expanded BEBOT operations to Tahoe’s North Shore beaches were funded by the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program, made possible by the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA). This funding allowed ECO-CLEAN Solutions to deploy BEBOT across 20 beaches around the Basin in 2024. These included public beaches such as Kings Beach, Meeks Bay, and Zephyr Cove.
~ ECO-CLEAN Solutions press release
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