INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Pet Network Lake Tahoe announced that it has been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), earning recognition as one of the top veterinary hospitals in the country. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the hospital met AAHA’s stringent standards in practice protocols, medical equipment, facility management, and client service—securing a place among the top 15% of veterinary practices in the nation. Additionally, this makes Pet Network only one of eleven animal shelters in the country to obtain this accreditation out of nearly 4000 shelters nationwide.
“We are beyond honored to achieve AAHA accreditation as an organization that provides veterinary care to all animals in our community,” said Dr. Marlène Tremblay, Hospital Medical Director of Pet Network Lake Tahoe. “This means we are providing the best possible care to all animals—whether they’re family pets or shelter animals looking for loving homes. To be one of only 11 shelters in the country–and the only shelter in Nevada– with this accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
Unlike human hospitals, not all animal hospitals are required to be accredited. AAHA-accredited hospitals voluntarily meet standards that go above and beyond state regulations. These standards, continuously updated by veterinary leaders, ensure best practices in patient care, pain management, staff training, and advanced diagnostic services.
“Our aim has been for Pet Network to become the ‘shining star on the hill’ in all forms of animal welfare,” said Simi Balter, Executive Director of Pet Network Lake Tahoe, ” and this accreditation is a validation that we are not only on the right course, but doing exemplary work on a National level. We are highly fortunate to have two incredibly skilled Veterinarians in Dr. Robl and Dr. Tremblay, who continuously elevate our work and mission for the benefit of the animals we serve.”
Shelter medicine accreditation is particularly rare and recognizes organizations that not only care for animals in need but do so using cutting-edge veterinary practices to ensure each animal receives the most compassionate and high-quality care. Pet Network Lake Tahoe’s commitment to the wellbeing of every animal it touches is at the heart of this achievement.
You can learn more about AAHA accreditation ataaha.org, and we invite you to visit our AAHA-accredited hospital and shelter to experience firsthand the exceptional care we provide to all animals.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – This week there will be a lake-wide business walks to gauge the region’s business and community needs. These walks will include volunteers walking into businesses to ask ten questions and will take place between Oct. 15-17 in person throughout the entire Tahoe Basin. All results from the surveys will be made publicly available. These organizations hope to better understand the needs of business owners and employees.
Local government organizations are also hoping to hear specifics about what they can do to help improve our regional economy. An online survey will also be open to business owners through October 31, 2024, for input if they are unable to complete the in-person survey.
Tuesday, October 15 – Tahoe City, Tahoma, Homewood
Wednesday, October 16 – Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Incline Village/Crystal Bay as well as
South Lake Tahoe
Wednesday 16 – Thursday, October 17 – South Shore.
These business walks are being organized by: The Tahoe Prosperity Center, Tahoe Chamber with sponsorship from the Lake Tahoe Community College, South Tahoe Chamber, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County Economic Development, North Tahoe Community Alliance, North Tahoe Business Association, Tahoe City Downtown Association, North Tahoe Chamber, Placer County Economic Development, Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association, Travel North Tahoe Nevada, Washoe County and Douglas County Economic Vitality and the Destination Stewardship Council.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Over 35 years ago, Father John Grace, St. Theresa’s Pastor, envisioned serving food to the local community when many were struggling, faced with job layoffs and a lack of food on the table. His efforts, along with the help of members of the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church and other community-minded members of the South Lake Tahoe Community, brought to fruition the Bread & Broth (B&B) organization.
On October 19, 1989, Bread & Broth served its first meal. In its initial years, B&B’s meals were simple; spaghetti, pizza, and French bread sandwiches, and on average, 25 folks came to the twice weekly meal services.
Fast forward to October 2024 and B&B’s outreach food service has grown considerably. Our Monday Meals, serving an average of 110 diners, are full-course, restaurant quality dinners where the dinner guests also receive bags of dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and other food staples for meals later in the week. Second Serving, established in 2009, feeds 35-40 community members a salad, soup, and simple entrée every Friday. To help the community’s food-insecure children between the ages of 18 months to 18 years of age, B&B 4 Kids, instituted in 2015, now provides nutritious, kid-friendly weekend food to an average of 275 children weekly during the school and 217 children weekly during the school summer break.
To commemorate the 35 years of service to the community and to honor the volunteers who are actively involved in the program, Bread & Broth’s Advisory Board held a 35th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, October 10th at St. Theresa Church’s Grace Hall. It was a lovely event with entertainment generously provided by the Steve Walker Band, tasty food and drinks, and free raffle prizes to thank the B&B volunteers for their selfless service and generosity to our neighbors who are in need of food and kindness.
Bread & Broth would like to thank the following businesses for their generosity in supporting Bread & Broth efforts to celebrate 35 years of service and honor our volunteers. The following business/restaurants donated $50 raffle dining/food gift cards: Artemis Lake Tahoe, Bert’s Café, Elements Eatery Bar, Ernie’s Coffee Shop, Overland Meat & Seafood Company, Primo’s Italian Bistro, Riva Grill, Scusa Italian Restorante, Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar & Grill, and The Getaway Café. In addition, a very special donation of a $200 gift certificate to any of their restaurants was made by Harrah’s/Harveys’ Casino. Additional thanks goes to the Cork & More for providing items for “A Romantic Evening” raffle basket and to Phil and Diane Weidinger for their donation of a “BBQ Dining – In & Out” raffle basket.
Bread & Broth is so grateful to the South Lake Tahoe Community for their support over the last 35 years. From monetary and food donations to donations of personal time, the outpouring of generosity is what has enabled Bread & Broth, a charitable, all-volunteer, community food outreach organization to be so successful in easing hunger for thousands of members of our community. For more information on donating or volunteering, go to www.breadandbroth.org.
TAHOMA, Calif. – For the past few weeks in September, California State Park maintenance staff from across the state gathered for a training class on historic roof repair and plaster restoration at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The goal of the class was two parts: restoring a historic landmark and teaching the next generation of skilled restoration professionals.
The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion also known as Pine Lodge, built in 1903, was the grand but informal summer home for San Francisco businessman I.W. Hellman and his family. Pine Lodge was considered one of the finest in the high Sierra in design and amenities — equipped with the best modern utility systems including electric lights and complete indoor plumbing.
The Pine Lodge porch ceiling has a unique pebble dash plaster treatment that has suffered during its 120 years of exposure to harsh Sierra winters. The century-plus of freeze and thaw cycles has caused the roof to leak and the plaster to detach. The class covered plaster applications that follow historic techniques and lime plaster.
Restoration projects take a long time to complete, and this project was made possible thanks to the generosity of Sierra State Parks Foundation donors and funding from Prop 68. The Foundation donated $60,000 for these major repairs to be completed at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park. This project included installing a new roof with fire-resistant shingles, repointing the mason work, and replacing the entire lakeside porch.
Not only is the project a great example of a private-public partnership to preserve and enhance one of Tahoe’s historic treasures, but it also served as a training class on historic roof repair and plaster restoration. The California State Parks Historical Structure Maintenance Skills Class travels throughout the state training the next generation of skilled restoration professionals while completing needed projects statewide.
Donations to the Sierra State Parks Foundation make projects like this possible and keep our local Lake Tahoe-Donner region parks open for all to enjoy.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
The Sierra State Parks Foundation believes the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area California State Parks are unique treasures worthy of our support. We fund projects and programming that connect people with our rich natural resources and cultural heritage. Because of our work and advocacy, our valuable State Parks will continue to be places of inspiration and education for generations to come. For more information, visit SierraStateParks.org.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is reminding residents and contractors that the annual grading and digging season for permitted projects will end on Tuesday, October 15. All construction sites must be winterized through the wettest part of the year to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity. Grading season in the Tahoe Basin runs from May 1 to October 15 every year.
The long-standing requirement helps prevent sediment from washing into stormwater systems and the lake and prevents soil compaction and disturbance during the wettest months. Site winterization requirements are available on the TRPA website.
The agency will approve grading season exceptions for projects on a case-by-case basis if a public health, safety, or water quality emergency exists.
Some activities are considered exempt and do not require TRPA approval, even outside of the grading season. These projects must still be stabilized during wet conditions and stopped when covered with snow. A list of exempt projects is under Frequently Asked Questions at www.trpa.gov.
The grading and digging season for permitted projects at Lake Tahoe will open again May 1, 2025.