Comment Period Open for Sawmill Project; Harmful Algal Blooms Not Detected; Yuba River Deaths, Water Safety; Youth Program for Mental Health; More
News Briefs
Public Weighs in on Sawmill Project off North 89
TRUCKEE
Nevada County has extended the public comment period for Alpenglow Sawmill, a proposed forest management and material processing facility with six dwelling units including employee housing on a 124-acre property that sits just west of Prosser Creek Reservoir, across Highway 89. Any comments on the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration should be submitted by Monday, July 29, at 5 p.m. to Kyle Smith, senior planner with the county: kyle.smith@nevadacountyca.gov.
Upon closure of the public comment period, the Nevada County Planning Commission will hold a hearing to take action on the project. There is no set date for the hearing yet, though Thursday, Aug. 8, is tentatively scheduled. Notification of the official date and time will be sent out approximately 2 weeks in advance.
A group of concerned locals has formed in response to the proposed development: Friends of Prosser Truckee. Opposition focuses on increased traffic on Klondike Flat Road and Highway 89 (an anticipated 61 daily trips by logging trucks), noise pollution, decline in property value, and more. Read more about Friends of Prosser Creek at friendsofprossertruckee.org.
~ AH
Results Released from Lake Tahoe Water Sampling
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection collected water samples on July 8 and 10 at El Dorado Beach in California and Nevada Beach in Nevada. The samples will support a California Interagency Harmful Algal Bloom Illness workgroup’s ongoing investigation of the death of a dog. According to CBS news, Jennifer Morgan said her dog swam in the water at El Dorado and Nevada beaches for a few minutes earlier this month, then died hours later. Signs were posted at El Dorado beach that stated that algae “may be present in this water.”
Lab results did not detect toxins associated with harmful algal blooms. At Nevada Beach, results for a sample taken from a shallow pond not connected to the lake contained a very low level of a cyanotoxin called saxitoxin. The pond is partially fenced off.
The Lahontan Water Board recommends no advisory at El Dorado Beach for HABs and NDEP recommends no advisory at Nevada Beach for the lake itself. NDEP has issued a HAB watch advisory specific to the backwater pond at Nevada Beach.
To stay updated on harmful algal blooms in California, visit the HABs portal at mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs. To stay updated on harmful algal blooms in Nevada, visit the HAB dashboard and the weekly HAB update. To learn how to identify HABs and what to do if you see a HAB, visit NDEP’s HAB resource page. For more information about the health effects of HABs, visit the Office of State Epidemiology Harmful Algal Bloom page.
~ TC, California Water Boards press release
Nevada Legislative Committee to Meet at Lake Tahoe
STATELINE
The next regular meeting of the Nevada State Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System will be held at the TRPA office and board rooms Friday, July 19, at 1 p.m.
The body is composed of six legislators, three from each house, to review agency budgets, programs, and activities and to communicate with members of the California Legislature to achieve the goals set forth in the Bi-State Tahoe Regional Planning Compact.
For this meeting, TRPA and other Tahoe agencies will provide informational presentations on invasive species programs, progress toward restoring Lake Tahoe’s clarity, the effectiveness of conservation programs and restoration projects, emerging concerns around microplastics, and more.
Find the meeting agenda here.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Yuba River Deaths Stress Importance of Safe Practices
NEVADA COUNTY
After tragic incidents over the 4th of July holiday, Nevada County officials are urging residents and visitors to practice safe swim habits while enjoying local waterways.
First responders and local law enforcement responded to three separate drowning incidents of males in their 20s: two on the South Yuba River on the 4th of July and another at Scotts Flat Lake the following day. None of the victims were wearing life jackets.
In response to these tragedies, Nevada County emphasizes the safety guidelines for all water activities, which include wearing life jackets, using a buddy system, entering water feet first, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and more.
Check travel alerts and local conditions before heading out at gonevadacounty.com/travel-alerts-nevada-county.
~ Nevada County press release
New Youth Outpatient Program
TRUCKEE
Crow’s Nest Ranch announced the launch of its youth outpatient program. This initiative aims to redefine holistic care for youth facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders, catering specifically to Truckee and North Lake Tahoe families seeking comprehensive, patient-centered solutions.
The program addresses a critical gap in youth healthcare in North Lake Tahoe. By combining advanced therapeutic approaches with holistic healing methods, the program sets a new standard for youth mental health and substance use disorder treatment in the region. Crow’s Nest Ranch prioritizes clinical excellence and values the importance of personalized, empowering care.
For more information about Crow’s Nest Ranch and its new youth outpatient program, visit crowsnestranch.org/adolescent-teen-outpatient-outpatient-treatment-truckee-lake-tahoe or contact Jordan Brandt, executive director, at crowsnestranchtruckee@gmail.com.
~ Crow’s Nest Ranch press release
Placer County Earns Fire Risk Reduction Designation
AUBURN
Placer County has received the 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community designation by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. This recognition acknowledges Placer County’s commitment to wildfire planning best practices. The county has complied with state fire regulations and exceeded minimum fire planning standards in a number of categories.
The designation as a Fire Risk Reduction Community is a critical factor included in the California Insurance Commissioner’s Safer from Wildfires initiative. It allows Placer County, fire safe councils, homeowner associations, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible applicants to receive priority consideration for specific wildfire prevention grants administered by Cal Fire. These grants can further support community-wide fire risk reduction projects.
Residents can contact their insurance providers directly to inquire about potential discounts resulting from this designation. To learn more, visit the Placer County Office of Emergency Services Fire Safe Alliance website at placer.ca.gov/5721/fire-safe-alliance.
~ Placer County press release
New Fundraiser Collects School Supplies
NORTH TAHOE/TRUCKEE
The Rotary Club of Truckee, in partnership with the Truckee Sunrise Rotary and Sierra Community House, is sponsoring Truckee’s first annual Stuff the Bus event on Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24, at Truckee Elementary School.
The campaign aims to provide Tahoe Truckee Unified School District students in need with school supplies and hygiene products. Rotary club volunteers have placed collection bins around Truckee, Kings Beach, and Tahoe City to collect donated supplies and items from the community. Community members can also scan the QR code on flyers hung around town or go visit truckeerotary.org/page/stuff-the-bus to make a donation and view a list of needed supplies and bin locations.
Every donation contributes to a backpack filled with supplies and supports the goal of ensuring no child in the TTUSD system has to start the school year unprepared.
The community is welcome on Aug. 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. to help us Stuff the Bus with the collected supplies. Students, parents, and district teachers may pick up supplies from the bus on Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
~ Stuff the Bus press release
American Rescue Plan Grants Support Trails and Families
NEVADA COUNTY
When residents were facing economic losses due to business and school shutdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, Nevada County was able to offer help.
The county allocated $5.8 million or 30% of its $20 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act that included $2 million in Community Resiliency Grants and $450,000 in Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Grants.
Recipient Sierra Community House used its $100,000 grant to help provide food, support groups, and legal assistance to struggling families.
The Truckee Trails Foundation, another recipient, was awarded $109,370 for installation of vault toilets at Johnson Canyon and the Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail trailhead at Hobart Mills Road. The foundation also received $25,400 for a visitor safety and environmental hazard prevention program that increases trail host ambassador outreach and safety monitoring, plus installation of two portable restrooms at critical high-volume locations in Donner Summit and east Nevada County year-round.
~ Nevada County press release
National Forest Restrooms Feature Art from Local Artists
TAHOE CITY
Visitors to four recreation sites managed by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be greeted with a surprise when they step into the restroom facilities. Instead of blank walls inside the vault toilets, people will find beautiful murals painted by local artists through a project led by the LTBMU and the Tahoe Fund.
Five local artists were selected based on the creativity of their submissions and tasked with painting murals that establish a sense of place.
- Stateline Lookout, Crystal Bay: Art by North Lake Tahoe resident Ian Scott was created to depict a room with a view.
- Logan Shoals Vista Point, East Shore: Art by South Lake Tahoe resident and classically trained artist Talia Koval.
- Big Meadow Trailhead, South Lake Tahoe: Art by Cyan Samone and Alyssa Cumpton.
- Sawmill Pond, Meyers: Art by Charlotte Castillo, a fine artist and art teacher at Tahoe Valley Elementary School.
Visit tahoefund.org to learn more.
~ Tahoe Fund press release
Nonprofit Marks 5 Years of Community Impact
NORTH TAHOE/TRUCKEE
Sierra Community House, a nonprofit focused on connecting and empowering the community through family strengthening, crisis intervention, hunger relief, and legal services, commemorates its 5-year anniversary. Since 2019, nearly 41% of households in the area have received services from the nonprofit, including school violence prevention programs, legal assistance, food distributions, health workshops, services to victims of domestic violence, and more.
Through the merger of the Family Resource Center of Truckee, North Tahoe Family Resource Center, Tahoe SAFE Alliance, and Project MANA, Sierra Community House realized a community vision of a human services hub under one roof for North Tahoe/Truckee. Its parenting groups, family room class, wellness workshops, and violence prevention education promote resilience, strong families, and personal development. Over the past 5 years, its hunger relief program distributed 1.6 million meals, and its advocates delivered vital legal aid services and more than $2 million in rental assistance. The organization offers a rape crisis center and emergency shelter for those fleeing violence and victim advocacy services.
To support the organization’s mission, consider attending the Blue Harvest Farm to Table Dinner on Aug. 25 and the 34th Annual Tahoe Chocolate and Wine Festival on Oct. 19. Learn more about these and other events at sierracommunityhouse.org/calendar.
~ Sierra Community House press release
Another Year of Growth in Assessment Values
NEVADA COUNTY
The Nevada County Assessor’s Office has certified the 2024 Nevada County Assessment Roll, which reflects the value of all taxable property in Nevada County and provides a comprehensive view of the strength of the local real estate market. A 4.71% increase in assessed property values in Nevada County, or a net taxable value of $26,912,195,124 was reported. The 4.71% increase, or $1.2 billion in additional revenue, represents the 13th consecutive year of growth.
The Town of Truckee saw a 6.41% upward adjustment totaling $9.98 billion in assessed values.
Notices of assessed value were mailed earlier this week and may also be viewed at nevadacountyca.gov/assessor.
~ Nevada County press release
Annual Chamber Awards, Top of the Town
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce announced Top of the Town, the 71st Annual Truckee Chamber Awards Celebration to take place on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The event brings together local businesses and the community to celebrate excellence and showcase the best of Truckee and surrounding region. This year’s celebration includes appetizers, drinks, and a silent auction at the Alder Creek Adventure Center in Tahoe Donner.
The awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses, innovators, nonprofits, and exceptional employees. Award categories are business of the year, new business of the year, employee of the year, nonprofit of the year, and the community impact award.
Submit nominations for chamber members in good standing before Sunday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m. To ensure the business is a member, search the business directory at truckee.com or contact Jessica Penman, president and CEO, at Jessica@truckee.com.
Tickets for this year’s celebration are $60 for members and their employees/guests and $80 for non-members. To purchase tickets, sponsor the event, or nominate a business, visit truckee.com/annual-truckee-chamber-of-commerce-awards.
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
Bike Event Sees Record Participation
LAKE TAHOE
The 19th annual Tahoe Bike Month achieved record-breaking participation this year, according to the organizers. Through the month of June, 474 Tahoe residents and visitors embraced biking as a sustainable transportation option, collectively logging 9,890 trips covering 78,798 miles and climbing 5,512,602 vertical feet. Of the 474 total participants, 39 biked every day throughout June.
The event, organized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, helps reduce reliance on private automobiles in the region, which protects the environment and encourages healthier, safer communities. TRPA and the Bicycle Coalition saw record participation in more than 20 bike-friendly events and activities, including bike kitchen pop-ups, bike path clean ups, and the Pride Bike Ride.
For more information on sustainable transportation options in Tahoe, visit linkingtahoe.com and explore the interactive bike map at map.tahoebike.org. Tahoe Bike Month will return in June 2025.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Backyard Garden Tours
TRUCKEE
Slow Food Lake Tahoe is once again hosting a tour of high Sierra food gardens in Truckee. The tour will visit gardens of different shapes and sizes from a 4-season grow dome to a single-family backyard vegetable garden. It ends at the Slow Food Gardens at the Truckee River Regional Park. Participants will leave with ideas for their own garden space and resources to get started.
The event will be held on Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and additional donations are appreciated to help support scholarship ticket options and future educational garden tours for kids’ camps and schools.
Purchase tickets at slowfoodlaketahoe.org/events-1/edible-garden-tour-3. For those requesting a scholarship ticket, email info@slowfoodlaketahoe.org.
~ Slow Food Lake Tahoe press release
Nominations Open for Next Poet Laureate
NEVADA COUNTY
Nevada County Arts Council in partnership with the Nevada County Libraries invites the public to submit nominations and self-nominations for the position of Nevada County Poet Laureate. The new poet laureate will be announced at the 9th Annual Sierra Poetry Festival on April 5.
As an ambassador for poetry, the poet laureate will lend agency and voice for poets of all ages, and nurture valuation for poetry as a means of creative expression. The next poet laureate is asked to envision and implement a meaningful community project that extends the length of their term, reaching communities who may not have previously experienced poetry.
Nominations are due with Nevada County Arts Council via its online submission form by 5 p.m. Oct. 1. Learn more and nominate at nevadacountyarts.org/2024-poet-laureate-nomination.
~ Nevada County Arts press release
Beer Sales Support Tahoe Nonprofit
RENO/LAKE TAHOE
The League to Save Lake Tahoe and The Brewer’s Cabinet have teamed up to launch the Tahoe Brew Can-Paign with a special edition design and pledge that a portion of every Tahoe Blonde Ale can sale goes to the League to Save Lake Tahoe and its mission to keep Tahoe swimmable, hikeable, and enjoyable for all.
The design for Tahoe Brew Can-Paign features one of Tahoe’s most iconic views wrapped with a simple message: leave the lake better than you found it. The can reminds everyone to put their empties in the recycling bin.
The special edition cans are available or coming soon to supermarkets in Washoe County, Carson City, Truckee, Susanville, the Lost Sierra, and the Lake Tahoe Basin. They are also currently available and being enjoyed at all Brewer’s Cabinet locations.
~ Keep Tahoe Blue press release
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
Kate Nelson Promoted to Director of Public Works
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Incline Village General Improvement District announced that Kate Nelson has been promoted to the role of director of public works.
Nelson has worked for the district’s public works department for 3 years. Initially hired as the senior engineer on IVGID’s engineering team, Nelson was promoted to the role of engineering manager in May 2021, and served as the interim public works director since August 2023. Before joining the team at IVGID, Nelson spent 25 years in the water/wastewater engineering sector, working for various agencies and municipalities during that time.
In her role, Nelson will oversee the district’s water and sewer utilities, as well as the district’s solid waste, engineering, fleet maintenance, building maintenance, waste not, and public works administration divisions.
~ Incline Village General Improvement District press release
Hospital Welcomes New Physician
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
Tahoe Forest Health System announced that Gurpreet Singh, MD, has joined its gastroenterology team at the Tahoe Forest MultiSpecialty Clinics in Truckee.
As a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, Dr. Singh provides comprehensive care for patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal conditions. He is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures, colonoscopy exams, and advanced GI procedures.
Dr. Singh’s office is located on the second floor of the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center at 10121 Pine Ave. New patients are accepted. For appointments, call (530) 582-6205.
~ Tahoe Forest Health System press release
Business Briefs
Golf Tournament to Support Nonprofit
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Everline Resort & Spa announced The Everline Chipping in for Charity Tournament, scheduled for Aug.16, which will support the Palisades Tahoe Community Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Tahoe area through educational, health, and community development initiatives.
The Everline Chipping in for Charity Tournament offers participants of all skill levels a scramble format of eighteen competing foursomes.
Registration is open, with limited spots available. To learn more or get involved, visit everlineresort.zambezimarketing.io/resort-activities/golf-course/chipping-in-for-charity.
~ Everline Resort & Spa press release
