Rep. Kevin Kiley Calls for Meaningful Local Input of Public Land Sales
WASHINGTON, D.C.
In response to the public land sales language in the Senate budget reconciliation bill, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has issued the following joint statement along with several other leaders in California’s Third District.
“It is crucial that any decisions made regarding the acquisition or disposition of public lands be made only after significant local input. Our district is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, and is a source of clean water, jobs, tax revenue, and recreation. Local buy-in is the key to preserving these spaces and guaranteeing that our policies benefit the people we represent. I will not support legislation that excludes local leaders from having a meaningful seat at the table for these important decisions,” said Rep. Kiley.
“In partnership with local governments, Congress recently reauthorized the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA), which conserves land and sends the unambiguous message that Tahoe is not for sale. Decades before that, Congress ratified the bistate compact that governs land use planning at Lake Tahoe. Altogether, the Senate proposed language would reverse 50 years of standing land policy at Tahoe. Thank you, Rep. Kiley, for fighting for our public lands,” said Julie Regan, Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).
“Local and regional governments cannot be relegated to an advisory role in decisions related to the sale of our federal lands. The goal of affordable housing is one we all share, but the Senate language will not make measurable progress toward that goal, and instead would put local governments on defense, responding to nominations made by outside groups that may or may not align with local planning. I support Rep. Kiley in his effort to make sure local input is part of the discussion of public land sales,” said Cindy Gustafson, Placer County Board of Supervisors.
“Tahoe is not for sale! We strongly urge the Senate to remove this language in the reconciliation bill and instead work with local governments and local Indian tribes on sensible land policy that can achieve our shared goals to advance housing while protecting our natural resources,” said Brooke Laine, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors.
~ Rep. Kevin Kiley press release
Lake Tahoe Clarity Report — Trend Stable, Not Improving
LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe’s long-term clarity record is not trending worse, nor is it improving, according to the 2024 annual clarity report from the University of California, Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC).
The report, released June 16, documents steep declines in clarity through the 1990s before leveling off in recent years. In 2024, annual average clarity for Lake Tahoe was 62.3 feet. That is down from last year’s average of 68.2 feet, but it is not statistically worse, the report notes. The number is a measure of the depth at which a white disk remains visible underwater.
Winter clarity has been stable or improving in recent years, though was relatively poor (68.9 feet) in 2024 following an exceptional 91.9-foot average the winter prior. The past 10 summers have marked some of the worst averages on record, with 2024 summer averages measuring just 53.4 feet below the surface.
Detailed investigations conducted about 20 years ago pointed to sediment as the primary particles driving Tahoe’s clarity. A variety of management actions to reduce sediment runoff into the lake followed. Today, Lake Tahoe faces new challenges. It is warmer, more affected by wildfire and smoke than it was in recent decades, and its ecology is being impacted by aquatic invasive species.
NOT GETTING BETTER: The 2024 annual clarity report from the University of California, Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center shows Lake Tahoe’s long-term clarity is not trending worse, but it’s not improving either. “We should embrace the improvements we have seen since the 1990s,” said Stephanie Hampton, director of TERC and a UC Davis professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. “It’s not, at this point, noticeably worse. But it’s not getting better, and we need to find out why.” Pictured is Brandon Berry diving beneath Lake Tahoe. Photo by Brant Allen
The report said future research should use new data, tools and technologies to reexamine the nature of clarity-reducing particles. This will help reveal the extent to which biology — such as algae — and physical processes influence water clarity at Lake Tahoe.
Clarity is measured as the depth to which a 10-inch white disk, called a Secchi disk, remains visible when lowered into the water. In 2024, UC Davis scientists took 27 readings at Lake Tahoe’s long-term index station and 12 readings from the mid-lake index station. View the historical clarity readings from 1968 to 2024.
UC Davis has been measuring clarity and other health indicators at Lake Tahoe since 1968. Clarity is just one measure of the health of the watershed, but TERC’s measurements of clarity loss in the 1950s and 1960s became central to efforts to protect the watershed from pollution and unplanned development.
~ UC Davis TERC press release
New Signs Help Remind Everyone to Keep Tahoe Beaches Clean
PLACER COUNTY
Officials from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and Placer County want to remind tourists and residents throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin to follow the county’s beach ordinances this summer.
From Tahoe City to Kings Beach, the following rules apply to locals and tourists alike:
No dogs allowed on the beach or in the water
No glass containers
No littering
No smoking, fires, or BBQs
Alcohol is prohibited at most county beaches
And a reminder to stay safe; many beaches do not have a lifeguard on duty
The county is working collaboratively with local utility districts, state parks, and the federal forest service to ensure beachgoers enjoy safe access and clean beaches throughout the North Lake Tahoe region. Rules may vary at Skylandia Park and Beach near Tahoe City and visitors are encouraged to follow the posted signage during their stay.
In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls, dial the Placer County Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch at (530) 886-5375.
Tax Relief Available for Property Owners Affected by Disasters
NEVADA COUNTY
Tax relief is available to property owners living in Nevada County who have experienced severe weather-related property damage such as wildfires and snowstorms in recent years, according to Nevada County Assessor Rolf Kleinhans.
The California Revenue and Taxation Code allows qualifying property owners impacted by misfortune or calamity to receive a temporary reduction in assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes. Millions of dollars in tax relief have been granted in recent years for storm-related property damage, said Kleinhans.
To qualify, property damage must exceed $10,000 in market value and applicants must file claims with the assessor’s office within one year of the calamity. If the damage meets the $10,000 threshold, the assessor will temporarily reduce the property value while the damaged property is restored.
Humane Society’s Field Trip Program Aims to Boost Dog Adoptions
TRUCKEE
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s Shelter Dog Field Trips program is an innovative initiative that allows trained volunteers to take dogs out of the shelter for short adventures designed to improve the animals’ well-being and adoption prospects.
FIELD TRIP OF A LIFETIME: The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s new Field Trip Program allows volunteers to take dogs out of the shelter for short adventures. Courtesy photo
The program enables volunteers to take dogs on hikes, coffee runs, trips to rivers or lakes, or for relaxing time at volunteers’ homes. These outings provide mental stimulation and socialization for the dogs while offering valuable exposure to potential adopters.
The program helps reduce shelter stress by giving dogs a break from their kennels and routine walking paths. It also allows HSTT staff to gather more behavioral information about dogs available for adoption.
Program Requirements:
Interested volunteers must attend an orientation and dog training session through HSTT. Once trained, participants must complete a minimum of three shelter visits to learn routines and demonstrate understanding of safety protocols and dog handling.
Volunteers must be 18 or older, though families can participate if a trained adult has been cleared by the organization. Participants are encouraged to photograph their outings and share experiences with HSTT to help promote the dogs.
Mountain Lotus Celebrates Grand Opening of New Outdoor Yoga Deck, Renovated Creekside Dining Area
TRUCKEE
Mountain Lotus Yoga is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new outdoor yoga deck and beautifully renovated creekside dining area.
To commemorate this exciting new chapter, Mountain Lotus Yoga owner Scott Fitzsmorris, General Manager Pia Nunez-Helvey, and other staff celebrated with an official ribbon cutting and red envelope ceremony attended by officials from the Town of Truckee and Truckee Chamber of Commerce staff and board members.
RED RIBBON: Mountain Lotus Yoga staff celebrated its new outdoor yoga deck and renovated creekside dining area with an official ribbon cutting and red envelope ceremony attended by officials from the Town of Truckee and Truckee Chamber of Commerce staff and board members. Courtesy photo
This Saturday, June 21, the community is invited to Mountain Lotus Yoga for “Solstice on the Patio,” a free celebration downtown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 10124 E. St. in Truckee.
Mountain Lotus Yoga’s new outdoor deck offers a serene space for yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness. The newly enhanced creekside patio area complements this peaceful setting with delicious fresh, vegan-friendly cuisine with an Asian slant, sourced from Tahoe Food Hub. Mountain Lotus Cafe is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Solstice on the Patio event will be a celebration of connection, wellness, and community. Guests can look forward to:
Free outdoor yoga and sound healing sessions
Delicious bites featuring fresh, local, seasonal fare
Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) celebrated the completion of the North Shore Trail Reconstruction Project. Community members, partners, and local officials gathered to recognize the shared investment in a safer, more accessible trail system that connects neighborhoods, businesses, and the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.
Originally constructed in 1973, the North Shore Trail is one of the oldest and most beloved segments of the region’s multi-use trail network and has served as a vital recreation and transportation corridor for more than five decades.
In recent years, the trail’s age and heavy use, with approximately 64,000 annual users, underscored the need for significant improvements. The North Shore Trail Reconstruction Project represented a $3.2 million investment to fully rebuild 2.2 miles of trail.
Enhancements included 42,000 square feet of new pavement, 125 new safety features such as signage, delineator poles, and painted crossings, and realignment of key segments to improve slope and accessibility.
For more information about TCPUD’s trail network and improvement projects, visit tcpud.org/trails.
~ Tahoe City Public Utility District press release
2025-29 Housing Action Plan Approved for 1,300 Achievable Housing Units
PLACER COUNTY
The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action on June 10 to approve the 2025-29 Housing Action Plan on a 4-0 vote (Board Chair Bonnie Gore was absent).
The plan calls for accelerated housing production in Placer County’s unincorporated area over the next 4 years with a mix of permanent affordable housing, local worker deed-restricted housing, and moderate-income housing.
The Housing Action Plan is designed to align with the 2021-29 Housing Element and state housing mandates. It also works in partnership with the county’s planning division and the long-range work plan, which allows staff to prioritize state-mandated and high-priority projects. Staff initially introduced a draft of the action plan to the board in March and the plan builds on the county’s first housing work program in 2017.
On June 10, staff outlined their plan to accelerate housing production, preserve affordability, and ensure a mix of housing types across income levels and communities.
The action plan is centered on four goals:
Increase the supply of achievable housing, which the county considers to be all deed restricted housing, including lower and moderate incomes, local worker designations, and naturally affordable housing types.
Preserve housing stability.
Strengthen partnerships, collaboration, and community engagement.
Build county capacity to secure sustainable funding.
Each goal includes unique strategies and tactics to help the county facilitate the development of 1,300 achievable units by mid 2029.
Evacuation and Emergency Preparedness Town Hall, Open House
KINGS BEACH
Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson is inviting the community to a town hall and open house event June 17 to hear from local agencies regarding evacuations and emergency preparedness in North Lake Tahoe.
The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the North Tahoe Event Center (8318 N. Lake Blvd.) in Kings Beach and will be live-streamed on Zoom for those not able to attend in person.
Gustafson will be joined by representatives from Cal Fire/Placer County Fire Department, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and Placer County’s Office of Emergency Services. Local officials will share important updates regarding the Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan, new emergency protocols across the Lake Tahoe Basin, agency roles in emergencies, and the public’s role in preparedness and planning.
Following introductions from the panelists, a joint presentation will be provided by Cal Fire/Placer County Fire Department, the sheriff’s office, and the office of emergency Services. A Q&A session will be held after the presentations, including questions from the audience on Zoom. Once completed, attendees will be able to engage directly with county and partner booths inside the event center and speak with the presenters directly.
Learn more about the event and visit the calendar here.
~ Placer County press release
Explore Tahoe on Two Wheels: New Bike Destination Website Launches
LAKE TAHOE
A Tahoe bicycle destination website launched during Tahoe Bike Month. It is a redesign of the popular Bike Tahoe website made possible with grants from the City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, and the Tahoe Community Foundation.
The website is an outcome from many inquiries over the years from bicyclists throughout the country and internationally, wanting to know where to go and what to do in Tahoe.
The new design assists local and visiting bicyclists, or would-be cyclists, of all skill levels looking to enjoy Tahoe via mountain biking, road and gravel cycling, or riding leisurely on a bike path.
BIKE TAHOE website compiles bike trails of Tahoe. Photo courtesy Bike Tahoe
Bicyclists can now plan their visit or their day with more ease using the addition of two regional destination hubs: South Tahoe Destination Hub and the North Tahoe Destination Hub. Each hub hosts a comprehensive directory of resources a bicyclist is commonly interested in: bike shops and rentals, shuttle service, restaurants, brew pubs, beaches, campgrounds, and lively entertainment for when the day’s ride winds down.
Helping bicyclists plan their visits and activities is the new Bike Tahoe Event Calendar. Knowing there are events throughout the summer months can help bicyclists plan their trips with friends, look forward to meeting new ones, build new riding skills, or raise valuable dollars for important causes while enjoying their rides. Increasing event awareness also helps support the sustainability of event organizers, and they can post their events by going to the website’s event calendar submission page.
Multi-Agency Effort to Reduce Brake Fires Along Interstate 80
PLACER COUNTY
In a proactive step to reduce the risk of brake-related fires along Interstate 80, Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson has brought together key public safety and transportation partners to address this growing concern and protect foothill and mountain communities along the heavily traveled corridor.
A series of collaborative meetings have been held over the past 9 months with the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, the California Trucking Association, Cal Fire/Placer County Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Placer Sierra Firesafe Council. The effort aims to improve brake safety awareness and reduce the frequency of dangerous brake fires, which threaten communities nestled along I-80.
Several small mountain communities dot the landscape along I-80 between Colfax and Truckee including Emigrant Gap, Blue Canyon, Cisco Grove, Soda Spings, Dutch Flat, and Alta. A wildfire that threatened Dutch Flat in October 2024 brought the concern over brake-related fires to the forefront and spurred Gustafson’s office to initiate the muti-agency partnership.
According to reports from the California Highway Patrol out of Gold Run, there were 60 truck/vehicle fires in 2024 that were primarily located on westbound I-80 on the descending grade from Emigrant Gap to Colfax.
In parallel with the brake safety efforts, Gustafson has strongly advocated for additional fuel reduction along I-80, a major concern as California enters the height of wildfire season. Not only do brake-fires threaten local communities and the Sierra but they also cause significant economic loss when the corridor is shut down and truck deliveries are delayed.
~ Placer County press release
New Memoir Launch: RISK Explores Life of a Whitewater Champion
LAKE TAHOE
Former world whitewater champion and South Lake Tahoe resident Susan Norman releases her powerful memoir, RISK: A Life Saved by the River. This fast-paced, deeply personal narrative flows between the adrenaline of elite river racing and the unforeseen currents of becoming a first-time mom after menopause and raising an at-risk child.
Both heart-pounding and heart-opening, RISK explores the emotional terrain of parenting and healing past trauma through nature and adventure.
RISK explores multiple themes ranging from Norman’s unique experiences as a female pioneer in whitewater river exploration and competition, as well as the power of outdoor adventure to build resilience and manage the impacts of emotional childhood trauma, aging, and the challenges of unexpected motherhood.
~ Susan Norman press release
Celebrate Free Adventure Day June 14
NEVADA
The Nevada Division of State Parks invites all residents and visitors to celebrate Free Adventure Day on Saturday, June 14. In honor of Nevada’s great outdoors, entrance fees will be waived at all state parks across the Silver State.
Free Adventure Day coincides with the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Free Fishing Day, when anyone can fish in Nevada’s waters without a fishing license. This unique collaboration gives park visitors a perfect opportunity to cast a line and enjoy Nevada’s fisheries while exploring the beauty of state parks.
In addition to free entrance, some parks are hosting special events and activities to celebrate, including Pioneer Heritage Day and Kids’ Fishing Derby.
Visitors are encouraged to check the state parks events calendar for a full list of events happening across the state.
As always, guests should recreate responsibly by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, dressing in layers, and following Leave No Trace principles. While entrance fees are waived on June 14, camping, reservation, and all other fees still apply.
Small Business Webinar on Tariffs and How Local Businesses Can Mitigate Their Impact
PLACER COUNTY
Placer County’s Economic Development Division is hosting a tariff webinar Tuesday, June 24, starting at 5 p.m. to help small businesses navigate the changing tariff landscape and find local solutions.
Attendees will hear from three experts covering tariffs on traded goods and services, offering strategies to help mitigate some of these impacts, and help finding local options for businesses.
A question-and-answer session for attendees will follow the hour-long panel discussion.
The webinar panel features Isabelle Icso, executive director of international policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Barbara Weg, supply chain consultant for California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC); and Kevin Mather, international program manager at Northern California World Trade Center.
Registration is available on Zoom, but space is limited. A portion of the session will be recorded and available for re-watch. Attendees or those interested may submit questions to brcinfo@placer.ca.gov prior to the start of the webinar.
On July 5, the Sierra Nevada Alliance, its team of youth Lake Tahoe Ambassadors, and the League to Save Lake Tahoe are hosting a special beach cleanup. This is a part of the league’s 12th annual “keep Tahoe red, white, and blue” yearly event with cleanups all around the lake. The event calls for members of the community to come join this important effort.
The cleanup will take place on July 5 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Skylandia Beach in Tahoe City. All cleanup supplies will be provided. Music, refreshments, and a raffle will also be provided!
Interested attendees can RSVP here to be emailed more details.
~ Sierra Nevada Alliance press release
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
Excellence in Education Announces New Executive Director
TRUCKEE
The Excellence in Education Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anna Yarbrough as its new executive director.
ANNA YARBROUGH appointed executive director of Excellence in Education Foundation. Photo courtesy Excellence in Education Foundation
With over 2 decades of experience in education — as a teacher, administrator, consultant, and PTO President — Yarbrough brings a deep commitment to student success and a strong connection to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). A parent of four children attending three different TTUSD schools, Yarbrough has also spent the last 5 years serving in leadership roles with the Glenshire Elementary PTO. Her personal and professional experiences give her a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing local schools.
As executive director, Yarbrough will lead efforts to strengthen community partnerships, expand donor support, and champion investments that make a lasting impact in local classrooms.
The organization also extends its heartfelt thanks to Amy Macosko for her dedicated service as interim executive director. Yarbrough will continue her involvement by rejoining the Excellence in Education Board of Directors.
To learn more about Excellence in Education, visit exined.org.
~ Excellence in Education Foundation press release
Washoe County Manager Eric Brown Announces Retirement
RENO
Washoe County Manager Eric Brown announced his plans to retire at the end of June to pursue other opportunities. During his county manager’s announcements, he outlined achievements that he feels place the county in a strong position for the future.
His achievements include:
Guiding the region through the Covid-19 pandemic, innovating the county workforce to minimize layoffs and maintain expected levels of service to residents.
Achieving the highest-ever employee satisfaction rating at Washoe County.
Assuming the lead on regional homelessness and completing construction of the Nevada Cares Campus. The final phase of construction is a 50-unit permanent supportive housing facility that will open this summer.
Expanding broadband internet to Gerlach residents.
Allocating $91 million in ARPA funds through the Community Reinvestment Program.
Implementing the regionalized Computer Aided Dispatch Platform for Consolidated EMS/Dispatch/Fire Operations
Washoe County hiring its first-ever Environmental Sustainability Manager who worked quickly to develop a Climate Action Plan.
During the board meeting on June 17, the board will consider an agenda item outlining the forthcoming steps in the county manager recruitment process.
~ Washoe County news alert
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