El Dorado County Responds to State Lawsuit; Ban on Single-Use Water Bottle Sales; Remembrance Day Honors Veterans; More
News Briefs
El Dorado County Board Chair Responds to State Lawsuit
PLACERVILLE
The following statement is attributable to El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Chair Wendy Thomas regarding a lawsuit filed by the California Department of Public Health to override the county’s ordinance banning syringe exchange programs:
The health and safety of El Dorado County residents is the sacred duty of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and our law enforcement partners, and I am disgusted and appalled that the State of California intends to use its bully pulpit to override our local control and authority to enact an ordinance which protects children and adults in our communities.
In a state teeming with homelessness, crime, drug addiction, and overdose deaths, how dare they sue us in defense of ‘public health’? The first principle of medicine is “Do No Harm,” and we have local data that proves that a syringe exchange program has indeed caused much harm in El Dorado County. We will protect our community and I will always support measures which prioritize and safeguard the wellbeing of the citizens of El Dorado County.
I also will be working with my colleagues at our next board meeting on El Dorado County’s response to this abhorrent lawsuit.”
~ El Dorado County press release
Single-Use Water Bottle Ordinance Approved
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting the commercial sale and distribution of single-use plastic water bottles and paper cartons. The goal is to develop a culture of reuse and decrease the overall use of single-use packaging in Truckee.
The ban applies to non-carbonated, unflavored water in single-use plastic bottles and paper cartons with less than 1 gallon in volume. The ordinance will go into effect on April 22. Exemptions to the ordinance include:
- Emergencies
- Patient care at health care facilities
- Organizations providing social services that need to protect the health and safety of community members
This ordinance is the latest effort by the Town of Truckee to address the local environmental impacts of single-use packaging. According to the League to Save Lake Tahoe, single-use plastic bottles are among the top five types of litter found in the neighboring Tahoe Basin and are a large contributor to waste and litter in Truckee. Over half of littered single-use plastic bottles collected during Truckee Day, the annual town-wide litter cleanup, were water bottles. These plastics do not decompose but break apart into harmful microplastics that enter local waterways and are potentially consumed by wildlife or the public. As an alternative to water in single-use plastic bottles, high-quality tap water from a pristine mountain groundwater aquifer beneath Martis Valley is readily available to residents, businesses, and visitors in Truckee.
To help transition to reusable bottles and provide greater public access to tap water, the town has implemented a water bottle-filling station grant program that will reimburse recipients up to 50% of the cost of publicly available water bottle-filling stations. New and existing filling stations will be listed on a regional map. The town also plans to make mobile water bottle filling stations available for special events in Truckee.
To learn more, visit keeptruckeegreen.org/bottles.
~ Town of Truckee press release
Ordinance Amendments Passed Related to Washoe County ADUs, Other Property Codes
RENO
The Washoe County Board of Commissioners held a second hearing of code amendments to update county code and include changes tied to four broad topics: accessory dwelling units, detached accessory structures, manufactured housing, and battery-charged fencing.
The commissioners identified issues with housing supply and housing affordability as key priorities this year. The county’s strategic plan calls for streamlining planning and permitting processes, softening standards that create unnecessary housing barriers, and exploring incentives to spur the creation of affordable housing and a broader range of housing types in unincorporated Washoe County. The changes are the first in a series of four priority code amendment packages aimed at achieving these goals.
The amendments related to manufactured housing and battery-charged fencing are to align county code with state law that was updated in the 2023 legislative session.
During Washoe County’s Envision Washoe 2040 master plan update, housing affordability and attainability were identified as among the most pressing issues to residents. The increase in median home value in Washoe County has far outpaced the median home income. The 2022 Consensus Forecast anticipates that unincorporated Washoe County will absorb a 16,824-person population increase over the next two decades.
One source of diverse and attainable housing can be accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which provide a unique housing option that enables various living arrangements for county residents, including multi-generational living, caretaker’s residences, low-cost rentals, and more.
Several changes include: (1) reduce or remove discretionary review in certain residential regulatory zones, and therefore, reduce the cost and time of building ADUs, (2) modify the provisions regulating both detached ADUs and attached ADUs for consistency in maximum sizes across the Development Code, and (3) create a “minor” ADU classification for detached ADUs under 500 square feet and provide incentives for these minor ADUs. Changes proposed under this set of amendments are only applicable to unincorporated Washoe County outside of the Tahoe basin.
~ Washoe County press release
Remembrance Day to Honor Veterans
RENO
The 2024 Vietnam Veterans Remembrance event will take place on Saturday, March 23, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Truckee Meadows Community College Student Services Building, located at 7000 Dandini Blvd. in Reno.
Vietnam Veterans of America Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 sponsors the annual remembrance event. This year’s theme is ‘Reflections,’ and a presentation will be conducted by the veterans of Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gold Star families.
Guest speakers include Nevada Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony and Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, the adjutant general of Nevada. Anthony worked as an adjunct faculty member at the Community College of Southern Nevada and as a captain of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He was also chair of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents and a member of the Nevada Commission on Aging and the National League of Cities Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Berry is the senior uniformed Nevada National Guard officer, and he’s responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating policies, programs, and plans affecting more than 4,700 Nevada Army and Air National Guard personnel. He is also responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Nevada National Guard.
Military and veteran support organizations will be available for questions and resources.
The 2024 Vietnam Veterans Remembrance is free to the public and is a non-political, non-fundraising event.
For questions, contact vvareno989@gmail.com or call (650) 888-1564.
~ Nevada News Group press release
Winter Sports Museum EIR Approved
KINGS BEACH
Following a comprehensive public hearing where no attendees voiced opposition, the Placer County Board of Supervisors has officially endorsed the resolution certifying the Sierra Nevada Olympic Winter Sports Museum (SNOW) Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act.
The EIR, prepared in collaboration with the SNOW Museum Foundation, signifies a pivotal moment after over 15 years of dedicated public study and planning. The SNOW Museum Foundation, a voluntary nonprofit organization established in 2007 whose mission is to preserve and share the winter sports and Olympic history of the region, has been instrumental in this initiative.
The planning process was an inclusive effort involving extensive community outreach, surveys, input gathering, evaluation of alternative sites, preliminary museum design, and a thorough examination of environmental impacts associated with the museum’s proposed location in Olympic Valley Park.
With the adoption of the EIR, the SNOW Foundation now shifts its focus to collaborating with the county and U.S. Forest Service to address any remaining concerns regarding land use, securing necessary building and operating permits, and embarking on a capital fundraising campaign for museum construction.
Last summer, the foundation unveiled a temporary museum at the Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City. This museum, open daily, showcases Olympic memorabilia, narratives of regional athletes, and the rich history of skiing and snow sports in the Sierra Nevada. Both locals and visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibits, with donations gratefully accepted.
The SNOW Museum Foundation welcomes volunteers on its board of directors and advisory board, especially individuals with expertise in marketing, hospitality, and bookkeeping.
For information, contact snowsportsmuseum@gmail.com or make a donation at thesnowmuseum.org/donate.
~ Snow Sports Museum press release
County Adds One-Story, One-Bedroom ADU Unit to Pre-Reviewed Plans Suite
AUBURN
Placer County has added a new pre-reviewed plan for a one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that meets California’s current building standards and will help property owners bypass lengthy review processes prior to construction.
In May 2023, the county’s Community Development Resource Agency released a suite of pre-reviewed plan options for one-, two- and three-bedroom ADUs. The two- and three-bedroom options are one-story units available with and without a garage. The one-bedroom plan is for a two-story unit with living space above a garage.
The new one-bedroom plan released this month has been developed to meet customer demand for a one story, one-bedroom unit that does not have a garage.
The one-bedroom unit plan is 661 square feet, and has one bathroom and an open floor plan for living, dining and kitchen space.
Plans allow for the owner or builder to select heating, roofing and siding. Each plan includes snow load engineering, foundation plans and the capability for solar panels and battery-power backup batteries.
“Providing pre-reviewed ADU plans is an efficient, affordable opportunity for Placer County to support our community’s high demand for housing,” said Principal Planner Nikki Streegan.
An ADU can be used for many purposes, such as independent space for a family member or college student, or to provide the property owner with rental income. ADUs increase property value and can help meet the county’s need to offer more affordable and workforce housing in the community.
Plans can be purchased for $1,200, a vast reduction from standard fees for unreviewed ADU plans that can add up to $9,000 or more. Property owners can preview renderings, floor plans, elevations and additional information at placer.ca.gov/accessoryhomes prior to purchase.
~ Placer County press release
Tahoe Conservancy Acquires 31 Acres
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
The California Tahoe Conservancy joins with its funding partners — the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Tahoe Fund, and League to Save Lake Tahoe — to announce the conservancy is acquiring 31 acres of environmentally sensitive land along the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe.
The land acquisition, by the numbers:
- 25 acres of mountain meadow and wetlands
- 4 acres of former floodplain
- One-third of the Lake Tahoe Basin drains into the Upper Truckee River
- Almost 100% of the lower section of the Upper Truckee River is in public ownership after this purchase
- Six funding sources, including nonprofit donations and permit mitigation fees
- Connects hundreds of acres of public marsh and meadow lands
The land protected by this acquisition is part of the homeland of the waší∙šiw (Washoe people), the aboriginal stewards of the land in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin. As a sovereign nation, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, continues to advocate for the protection and preservation of waší∙šiw ɁítdeɁ (the Washoe people’s homelands).
“The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is supportive of the incredible work being done by the conservancy,” said Washoe Tribe chairman Serrell Smokey.
The purchase shows tangible progress of removing development out of sensitive lands, which is a central goal of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) and Lake Tahoe Regional Plan.
Acquisition funds included critical lead acquisition and project support of $100,000 each from the Tahoe Fund and the League to Save Lake Tahoe, $6 million from the WCB, $4.4 million from the conservancy, $3.5 million from the TRPA, and $1.5 million from the CDFW. Tahoe RCD provided additional project support.
TRPA provided nearly $3.5 million in water quality and land coverage mitigation fees for the acquisition. These development mitigation fees collected through the TRPA permit process represent thousands of private property owners who are aiding the initiative to restore sensitive land and limit development under the regional plan.
The conservancy anticipates closing escrow and completing the acquisition in the coming weeks.
~ California Tahoe Conservancy press release
Snow Plow Drivers Receive Act of Kindness Award
TRUCKEE
The Rotary Club of Truckee awarded its second annual Town Acts of Kindness Award to the Town of Truckee Public Works staff and snow plow drivers on March 11. The award is given to encourage and support efforts to appreciate the locals who positively affect residents’ daily lives. Last year’s Act of Kindness Award, which was the first to be given, recognized the hard work of the Truckee Post Office staff.
The idea of the awards was conceived of by Greg McDougall and was inspired by the National Random Acts of Kindness Day, celebrated on Feb. 17. “I saw it and said, ‘Why not in our town?’” McDougall wrote in an email. “I got approval from my Truckee Rotary club to do it. We got pastries, a sign, and honored the post office workers who went nuts!”
The Rotary Club of Truckee has plans to present the award annually. After finding prospective honorees, they vote to decide who will ultimately receive the award.
McDougall hopes that the Act of Kindness Award inspires locals and visitors to be kind and thoughtful to others.
~ TC
Four Grants Awarded for Mental Health
TRUCKEE
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) has partnered once again with the Katz Amsterdam Foundation (KAF). At the end of 2023, the collaboration helped distribute $250,000 in grant funding to four local mental health nonprofits. The Katz Amsterdam Foundation strives to be a catalyst for eliminating inequities, increasing access to opportunity, and improving outcomes for all. Amongst its priorities, KAF works with mountain resort communities to reduce behavioral health risk factors and advance just and equitable approaches to accessing mental and behavioral healthcare.
KAF awarded four grants in Tahoe/Truckee to target two priority areas: decreasing substance misuse and increasing healthy activities, and increasing mental health equity for communities of color. The grants will help local nonprofits de-stigmatize mental healthcare, streamline siloed systems, and provide equitable access to quality care for all residents, regardless of age, race, location, socio-economic status, or identity.
KAF’s funding will be leveraged to provide support for Tahoe Truckee Unified School District students to have continued access to critical wellness programs. Fifty-five percent of students who receive therapeutic services are Latino and BIPOC students.
Gateway Mountain Center received funding to provide clinically supervised one-on-one nature-based therapeutic mentoring.
With contributions that now total more than $200 million, Rob Katz, former CEO of Vail Resorts, and Elana Amsterdam, a best-selling author and leading wellness and lifestyle blogger, formally launched the Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust in 2017 and the Katz Amsterdam Foundation in 2018. TTCF has been grateful to work alongside the foundation since its inception to collaboratively develop mental and behavioral health support for the Tahoe/Truckee region.
KAF provided a planning grant to identify and address the resources and gaps in the behavioral health safety net for the region. TTCF’s family strengthening program, the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT), engaged their more than 45 partners to inform a strategic plan for regional behavioral health needs. The Behavioral Health Landscape and Roadmap helps KAF and TTCF align resources to directly address regional gaps and opportunities.
~ TTCF press release
Youth Commission Seeks New Members
AUBURN
The Placer County Youth Commission is accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2024/25 term. PCYC is a group of motivated youth from Placer County who identify and advocate for issues important to and affecting Placer County youth. They are an advisory board to the Placer County Board of Supervisors, consisting of at least two youth representatives from each of the five supervisory districts. PCYC strives to appoint youth that represent diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets.
PCYC advises decision makers on youth-related issues, serves as a community forum to discuss youth concerns and ideas, raises the profile of Placer County youth, initiates and maintains positive change in the community, encourages youth engagement, and prepares youth to be active citizens. The PCYC experience has helped numerous youth attain opportunities, awards, and scholarships.
Youth members facilitate bi-monthly meetings, set priorities, conduct research, and create action plans. PCYC may sponsor special activities and host open forums or events, such as the annual 5K on April 27. The commission also presents an annual report at the board of supervisors meeting in June.
Applicants must be Placer County residents between the ages of 14 and 18 or between ninth and 12th grade. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30. Commissioner appointment is a competitive process consisting of both a written application and an interview.
To apply and learn more, visit placeryouth.com.
~ Placer County press release
Local Youth Receives Winter Sports Experiences
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
The Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe partnered with Northstar California/Vail Resorts Epic Promise to give 80 local kids the opportunity to hit the slopes and experience the joy of skiing and snowboarding.
For years, this partnership has opened doors for children who may not have access to winter sports experiences otherwise. Participants received rental equipment, a lift ticket, and professional instruction. It has become a sought-after program at the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe.
“It’s not just about learning a new sport, this program helps to build confidence, foster friendships, and create lifelong memories. We are grateful to Northstar California and Vail Epic Promise for their generosity and commitment to local children,” said Mindy Carbajal, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe.
~ Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe press release
Events Receive TBID Funds
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
At the recommendation of the volunteer business and chamber advisory committee, the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) Board of Directors has awarded $267,500 in funding generated by the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) to 12 events scheduled to take place in North Lake Tahoe in 2024.
Scoring and funding prioritization was based on how the events contribute to and benefit economic health, community vitality, and environmental stewardship. Each event’s traffic management and sustainability plans were also evaluated, with organizers responsible for identifying and outlining how they will mitigate the impacts of tourism on the community and environment.
The 2024 events that received funding include:
- Tahoe City 4th of July Celebration
- Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic
- Lake Tahoe Dance Festival
- A Day of Healing Arts
- Boarding for Breast Cancer’s Annual Skate-the-Lake
- Made in Tahoe Spring and Fall Festivals
- Big Blue Adventure
- Tahoe Music Alive
- Lake Tahoe Summit Classic
- Tahoe Joy Festival
- Tahoe City Lakeside Movie Series
- Tahoe Paddle Racing Series
Learn more about the events funded here, and about the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program here.
~ NTCA press release
TDPUD Staff Appreciated Following Blizzard
TRUCKEE
Earlier this month, Truckee was hit with a multi-day, severe winter storm that brought high winds and heavy snowfall to the area, causing outages for some TDPUD customers. At its peak, TDPUD had about 10% of total customers out of power, and the majority of customers were restored within 6 hours.
Most of the issues were in Donner Lake and Prosser, where falling trees and high winds caused downed lines, equipment damage, and a major broken power pole. Obstacles to response included roads blocked by snow and fallen trees, winds that were too strong for bucket truck use, and downed lines in backyards and remote areas where bucket truck access was not possible. Linemen had to snowshoe into some locations, carrying all the equipment they needed to climb poles and make repairs. Vehicles equipped with snow tracks struggled in the intense snowfall.
TDPUD would like to thank its customers for their patience, understanding, and support during this storm, and its staff for their incredible work in difficult conditions to safely serve the community.
~ TDPUD press release
Grants Offered to Protect Working Forests
SACRAMENTO
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) announced up to $10 million in funding for Forest Legacy Grants to conserve and protect environmentally important privately-owned forestland. This funding supports California’s goals of conserving working forests to help protect natural landscapes threatened with conversion to other uses, promote sustainable and resilient forest practices, and encourage long term stewardship in line with the goals of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.
Under this competitive grant program, Cal Fire purchases or accepts donations of conservation easements or fee titles of productive forest lands from willing sellers to encourage long-term conservation throughout the state.
A pre-application must be submitted, which will be ranked and scored. Successful pre-applicants will be invited to complete a full application that will be considered for funding. The pre-application period is open from March 18 to April 16. Invitations to complete a full application will be made by May 7, with the full application period open until June 7. A field visit by Cal Fire staff to the potential project properties is required.
Additional application information including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can be found on the Forest Legacy Program website. All grant work must be completed by June 30.
Funding to conserve working forests is provided through the Budget Act 2023. Administered by Cal Fire’s Forest Legacy Program, this critical funding works to ensure that forests are safeguarded for future generations while also aiding the state in meeting critical climate and carbon goals. Protection of California’s forests through these grants ensures they continue to provide such benefits as wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, watershed protection, and open space, and supporting sustainable wood product economies.
~ Cal Fire press release
Chamber Event to Focus on Financial Success
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce’s April Lunch & Learn will take place on Wednesday, April 10, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Truckee Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers.
Local Edward Jones financial advisor Adam Kwiecinski will discuss how employers can establish systems that empower employees to achieve lasting financial well-being. Discover how providing education and resources can help team members make informed financial decisions.
Kwiecinski has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones for 7 years. His approach focuses on understanding each client’s unique values and financial needs to tailor personalized solutions. From tracking short-term objectives to providing comprehensive advice, Kwiecinski ensures transparent communication and collaboration with clients, accountants, and attorneys.
Lunch & Learn is a monthly event hosted by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce on the second Wednesday of the month. Bring a brown bag lunch; the chamber will provide beverages and desserts. Free for chamber members; for future members, the cost is $20.
Register at truckee.com.
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
Business Briefs
Streamline HiFi Unveils New Stereo Consoles
TRUCKEE
Streamline HiFi announced the launch of its stereo consoles that blend mid-20th-century design with modern sound technology. The consoles offer audiophiles and music enthusiasts an opportunity to experience music in its richest form, housed within artfully-crafted furniture.
Streamline HiFi’s latest offerings — the Mojo, Rambler, and Crossroad consoles — present superior craftsmanship, sound quality, and innovative design. Each model is a nod to the golden age of HiFi, updated with the latest audio technology.
The Mojo is the mightiest of the three models with two 12-inch speakers. It houses a sophisticated turntable, thoughtfully-designed record storage, and streaming capabilities. The accompanying whiskey decanter and glasses create a visually appealing and functional centerpiece. The modern control panel complements the custom-designed Streamline HiFi hybrid tube amplifier with a Class A tube section.
The Rambler is inspired by the cars and architecture of the space-race era. It houses a hybrid tube amplifier, sophisticated turntable, and streaming capabilities. It also includes a whiskey decanter.
The Crossroad’s compact design is made for smaller spaces and includes a quality turntable, record storage, streaming capabilities, and hybrid tube amplifier.
All Streamline HiFi consoles are equipped with a finely tuned and ported speaker system and a proprietary tube amplifier paired with a modern turntable. The inclusion of streaming capabilities via Sonos Port or WiiM allows users to enjoy their music collection and streaming services.
Steve Morris, founder, has custom building experience, a college education in music recording, and is a lifelong audiophile. Morris’s journey from a career in construction to the creator of Streamline HiFi was fueled by his love for music and craftsmanship.
Streamline HiFi’s stereo consoles can be purchased online at streamlinehifi.com. For more information, contact Steve Morris at (530) 414-4288 or streamlinehifi@gmail.com.
~ Streamline HiFi press release
Soy Sauce Nation Returns to Woodward Tahoe
SODA SPRINGS
Soy Sauce Nation Stir-Fry is coming to Woodward Tahoe and Boreal Mountain Resort March 27 to 29. This AAPI-focused snowboard event welcomes everyone, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Participants are invited to ride a custom park built by Woodward, and enjoy food, prizes, and art. This event is a space to celebrate the diversity of nationalities and backgrounds in the snowboarding community.
The first two days riding in the park are dedicated to up-and-coming athletes, professionals, and those in the industry. The third day is a community day, and the park will be open for all. After a full day of riding, a raffle and karaoke event will take place in the main lodge at Boreal.
Japanese professional skateboarder Yuto Horigome, who debuted as the Olympic gold medalist in the men’s street event at the 2020 Summer Olympics, will be in attendance on March 29.
A photo show will feature photographers whose work will be for sale, with all proceeds going toward the Won for All Scholarship Fund, formerly the Soy Sauce Nation Scholarship.
Soy Sauce Nation Stir-Fry is a celebration of diversity, community, and inclusivity. The gathering serves a larger mission to provide a platform for underrepresented individuals and groups within the snowboarding population. Through a blend of media representation, event curation, and strategic partnerships with brands that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Stir-Fry’s goal is to foster a sense of belonging. The event ensures that everyone, regardless of background, can go snowboarding without boundaries.
~ Soy Sauce Nation press release