SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service is hiring a permanent Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Current or former federal employees are encouraged to apply. The job announcement opens today, August 27, 2026, and closes Wednesday, Sep. 2. Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.
How to Apply Applicants can view the job announcement and submit applications at USAJOBS.gov using the following announcement number. Applicants are encouraged to review the job announcement carefully for deadlines and required materials.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On August 26, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the SLTPD arrested Kyle Jurek near the intersection of Sierra Boulevard and Rose Avenue on a 2024 felony warrant issued by the State of Michigan. The warrant alleges multiple counts of Child Sexually Abusive Activity.
Following the arrest, the SLTPD, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) served a search warrant at Jurek’s residence in connection with allegations involving online child enticement and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Kyle JurekProvided / SLTPD
The arrest and investigation are part of a joint operation involving the SLTPD, FBI, and HSI. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the search by deploying its Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Investigators are seeking information from potential victims and witnesses. Anyone who recognizes Jurek and has information related to this case is encouraged to contact the SLTPD at 530-542-6100.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation announced the launch of the National Forests and Grasslands Passport, a free digital experience designed to inspire visitors to discover more of America’s national forests and grasslands while earning commemorative digital badges along the way.
Available through the OuterSpatial mobile app, the National Forests and Grasslands Passport transforms every visit into a rewarding experience, allowing visitors to check in and earn exclusive digital badges for each national forest and national grassland they explore.
“As an avid fan of the National Park Service Passport Program, I am excited to announce the introduction of the digital U.S. Forest Service Passport Program. More than 164 million people visit our 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands each year bringing back with them stories, family memories and oftentimes plans to return or explore a new Forest Service destination,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “Now, millions of people are able to track their visits on their mobile devices through the National Forests and Grasslands Passport, and we are so excited to welcome the next generation of adventurers through this engaging, digital experience.”
Each national forest and grassland has its own specially designed badge, inspired by the iconic Forest Service entrance signs that have welcomed visitors for generations. The artwork reflects the landscapes, wildlife, plants, and other features that define each forest and grassland, creating a collection as distinctive as the places themselves.
“We’re proud to partner with the Forest Service on a program that inspires more people to experience our national forests and grasslands,” said Dieter Fenkart-Froeschl, President and CEO of the National Forest Foundation. “People care for the places they love, and every new connection helps build a stronger community of people committed to the future of these extraordinary public lands.”
Additionally, users will be able to view their total visit number ranked in a leaderboard with other challengers. Visitors are encouraged to log in all their past visits to unlock digital badges to build their own personal collection; however, only check-ins within the geographic coordinates of the national forest or grassland will earn a certified green checkmark.
TRPA’s meeting room exceeded capacity during their August 26 meeting Victoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
STATELINE, Nev. – During an Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) committee meeting of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) governing board on August 26, more than a hundred community members rallied – both in person and online – to speak in opposition to the spraying of glyphosate as part of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit’s (LTBMU) Caldor Fire Restoration Project.
The meeting was chaired by Brooke Laine. It was attended by TRPA governing board members and EIP committee members, including Joseph Cannata who was recently appointed to the board by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
During LTBMU’s presentation to TRPA and according to their EA, there are roughly 4,900 acres where natural forest regeneration is unlikely, and the project proposes strategic reforestation on 2,400 – 3,600 of those acres in 2028. The use of herbicides is considered a potential tactic to achieve this by reducing shrub layers that have out-shaded seedlings.
“We have to put this tool in the toolbox,” said Ashley Sibr, Environmental Coordinator for LTBMU during her presentation. “There’s a lot of feelings about this topic. We know that we’re not going to change how you personally feel about herbicides and their use in the Caldor Fire Restoration Project, but we’re here to help inform you.”
The presentation also touches on “best practices” and states that near waterways, newer techniques would be used, including dipping shears in herbicides and then cutting the stems, “for more targeted treatments over spot spraying.”
Another slide labeled “Resource Protection Measures” states that glyphosate will not be applied between June 1 and September 30 to protect pollinator species, there will be no application before or after rain, buffers will be placed around watercourses and 100 feet of buffer will be placed around milkweed. In addition, application of glyphosate will be through backpack spraying only, with no aerial spraying or aquatic herbicides, and public noticing and signing will be present.
Tensions were high during public comment, and while many public commenters echoed a lot of the same sentiments, their voices varied between anger, passion, and concern.
More than 50 people spoke in-person during public comment in opposition to glyphosate. Victoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Tara Thornton, cofounder of Protect Tahoe, a campaign which aims to eradicate the use of glyphosate, spoke during public comment of being an expert on the issue of pesticides, policy, legislation and community organizing.
“Our mission to project Tahoe is to make a bi-state, bioregional model of healthy forest regeneration and wildfire mitigation without the use of conventional herbicides,” said Thornton. “Tahoe is the heart and the hub of it. TRPA, you do have the regulatory authority. You’re the only entity in the United States, even beyond the California Coastal Commission that has full authority over every entity, including the U.S. Forest Service.”
Other commenters, including those from members of the Washoe Tribe, voiced concerns related to wildlife and to the herbicide being detected in ambient air and rainwater samples. In addition, topics related to cancer, lawsuits against the chemical company Monsanto, and the health of LTBMU employees who will be wearing backpack sprayers were all prevalent.
Scott Robbins, South Lake Tahoe city councilmember, spoke independently and in a personal capacity during public comment about federal policy over the last two years shifting from environmental indifference to belligerence.
“This is the public’s opportunity to influence a change with the one organization that would potentially make a difference,” Robbins told the Tribune after public comment. “The TRPA does not have a good track record of incorporating public feedback into their decisions. I hope that changes here with this issue. I hope they decide to speak for the trees as the public here has spoken for the trees. No one else will.”
Following the presentation and public comment, Mayor of South Lake Tahoe and TRPA governing board member, Cody Bass, spoke from online about implementing a unique approach to how Tahoe’s forests are managed and urged the committee to take this topic to the full governing board.
“That was some of the most moving public comment I’ve ever experienced in my eight years of service,” Bass said. “I’m here for the will of the people, by the people, and I think we have to pay attention to what the people are really demanding in this situation.”
Following four hours of public commentary and more than five hours of meeting, there were no actions taken or motions made by the TRPA regarding the Caldor Fire Restoration Project. The committee said they plan to learn more about the project and discuss possible alternatives to conventional herbicides prior to 2028’s proposed implementation.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village REALTORS® announced it has received a $7500 Placemaking Grant to support the Veterans War Memorial in Incline Village, helping transform underutilized public land into a vibrant community space designed to bring people together.
The local grant award is made possible through funding support provided by the National Association of REALTORS® as part of its Community Development Advocacy program, which empowers REALTOR® associations to strengthen their communities through effective advocacy, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives.
Through this initiative, Incline Village REALTORS® provided two matching benches for veteran families to rest and view the memorial, working collaboratively with local stakeholders, the IVGID the Incline Village Veterans Club and the Military Officers Association to deliver a project that reflects local needs, community input and shared stewardship.
“As a veteran myself, it is so rewarding to participate in this project on our country’s 250th anniversary and honor veterans and work with veterans on this, who have served in our community. Families and our community deserve a place to sit and relax while viewing the memorial to remember the men and women who sacrificed everything to keep us free today,” said Laura Vitencz, IVR CEO.
Placemaking focuses on creating people-centered public spaces that strengthen neighborhoods by fostering connection, collaboration and civic pride. By providing this grant, Incline Village REALTORS® is helping turn a local vision into a place where residents can gather, engage and build a stronger sense of community.
Projects like the Veterans War Memorial reflect REALTORS® commitment to building better communities beyond the transaction—using local expertise, partnerships and advocacy to enhance quality of life and support vibrant, resilient neighborhoods.
For more information about Veterans War Memorial contact Laura Vitencz at (775)722-0005. To learn more about the National Association of REALTORS® Placemaking Grant program, visit: https://realtorparty.realtor/community-outreach/placemaking.
Nate Jackson will be at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on Friday, August 28Provided / Nate Jackson
STATELINE, Nev. – Nate Jackson, previous cast member of “Wild ‘N Out”, host of the Netflix special, “Nate Jackson: Super Funny”, and founder of Super Funny Comedy Club in Tacoma, Washington, is returning to Lake Tahoe on Friday, August 28, bringing his famous crowd work, hilarious jokes and high energy.
“Tahoe is lit. It’s a party. We’re having fun,” Jackson told the Tribune. “Whether it’s a vacation or a night out.”
Having first dived into comedy in college while attending Eastern Washington University, Jackson recalled being dared to do a set on stage.
“It was an all-student lineup,” said Jackson. “Everyone was just taking a chance at doing stand-up. It was everybody’s first time, and it was packed.”
It’s safe to say that Jackson found his calling and is now among the fastest-rising digital and touring stand-up comedians, with over 4.5 million followers across social media and 700 million views globally.
Jackson highlights his love for Lake Tahoe and its food, having eaten at Wolf by Vanderpump during his previous visit. He also found himself in awe after his first view of the “Jewel of the Sierra”.
“I walked over there and I thought [the lake] was an ocean,” Jackson joked. “It was one of those places where you’re like ‘I get it, I see why people live here. This is dope.'”
Having already sold out his last show in Tahoe on March 8, 2025, tickets to his performance on Friday at Harrah’s are sure to be in high demand.
“Nate is a great fit for the South Shore Room. He brings a ton of energy, and the way he interacts with his audiences makes every show unique. That live element is a big part of what makes him such a fun act to have in the room,” said Tyler Fulton, Entertainment Manager at Caesars Republic and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.
Now is your chance to catch Jackson live in action as he makes one of 300-plus stops on his Big Dog Tour. His set is 80 minutes long and will take you on a journey of storytelling, jokes and crowd interaction.
The show starts at 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in their iconic South Shore room. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.natejacksoncomedy.com/.
“A big focus for our team is continuing to bring nationally recognized talent to South Lake Tahoe that both our local community and visitors to the area are excited to see. Nate is a great example of that, and we’re excited to welcome him back,” added Fulton.
To try and decide each week where and what to eat around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.
It’s not very often I come across a dish where the flavors are so unique that I draw a blank as to whether I’ve ever had something that’s come close. This week’s feature provided me with one of those moments and while I could identify the base combination, it’s what was added to it that had me wondering – and ultimately wanting more.
Mastro’s Steakhouse’s Spicy Mambo SaladRob Galloway / Tahoe Daily Tribune
I should give you the CliffsNotes version of the story that our waiter gave us. Essentially, this dish started out with a customer challenging the chef to make them a spicy salad. After repeat visits and almost every type of chile or spicy ingredient used to give this customer what they were looking for (to no avail) the chef decided to lean into a different kind of spice. They took their base Caesar dressing and combined it with their atomic horseradish, wasabi powder and blue cheese and thought it would surely blow out the customer’s palette. But it was that combination that turned out to be the winner and what’s on the menu today.
So, if you can picture a classic Caesar with those ingredients, plus some garlic Parmesan croutons, you effectively have this dish. But I can assure you, you haven’t had the full effect of this salad until you’ve tried it.
It’s funky, it’s fiery, and most importantly, it’s delicious. The saltiness of the fresh Parmesan adds another layer of flavor that complements the spiciness beautifully and there’s something about it that even when you feel like that cold heat is exploding your tastebuds, you just want more.
To answer my first question of whether I’ve had something like this before, the answer is no. It is truly unique – even with the familiar friends at the table. A uniqueness that I can still taste today and one that I am completely ready to go back for.
Mastro’s Steakhouse is located inside the Golden Nugget Casino at 50 Hwy 50 in Stateline. For more information find them online at mastrosrestaurants.com or reach them by phone at 775-589-7680.
Country Fridays: Line Dance Night – 9-11 p.m., Description Join us every Friday for line dancing and cold beer on the Incline Public House dance floor. Dust off your best boots and come ready to party!
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/country-fridays-line-dance-night-1677368?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Daily Live Music – 12-8 p.m., Gunbarrel Tavern. Daily live music at multiple locations in the Village, including the corner stage at Azul Latin Kitchen, Basecamp Pizza, and Gunbarrel Tavern. Additional dates: 8/28, 8/29, 8/30, 9/1, 9/2, 9/3.
For more information, visit https://theshopsatheavenly.com/event/live-music-gunbarrel-tavern/2026-08-28/.
Margaritaville Day of Service – Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Summer, Family Friendly
Celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day by giving back to the place we call paradise.
Starting on 08/28/2026 and ending on 08/28/2026
For more information, visit https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe/things-to-do-in-lake-tahoe/events/margaritaville-day-of-service.
Meet The Artist ~ Gabe Leonard ~ August 28 – 29 – 12-5 p.m., Marcus Ashley Gallery, 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Ste 23. Lights! Camera! Noir! Gabe Leonard is coming with a stunning body of work. Get behind the lens and learn how cinema influences his work. Additional dates: 8/28, 8/29.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-artist-gabe-leonard-august-28-29-tickets-1985938671025 or call (530) 544-4278.
Nate Jackson: BIG DOG – 8 p.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Fri, 8 May 2026 at 10:00 AM Artist Presale : Wed, 6 May 2026 at 10:00 AM Caesars Rewards Presale : Thu, 7 May 2026 at 10:00 AM Ticketmaster Presale : Thu, 7 May 2026 at 10:00 AM Social Presale : Thu, 7 May 2026 at 10:00 AM Citi® Cardmember Presale : Thu, 7 May 2026 at 08:00 AM
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2824321487917504/ or call (800) 427-7247.
Pierre LaRage – 5-9 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
Plates for a Purpose – Tahoe Rim Trail Association – 5-9 p.m., 1030 Tata Lane. Description We’re teaming up with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for their “Raise the Rom: Final Ascent Celebration”. Join us to raise funds to support trail maintenance, accessibility projects, youth programs and ongoing stewardship throughout the Tahoe Basin. Cascade Kitchens will be donating 10% of sales for the evening to support TRTA and its initiative. Comes raise a glass a take a bite for a good cause! Friday, August 28th from 5-9pm at Cascade Kitchens Food Hall & Bar.
For more information, visit https://business.tahoechamber.org/events/details/plates-for-a-purpose-tahoe-rim-trail-association-26173.
Porterhaus – 6:30-10 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=10.
Sidewalk Sound Waves – DJ Montague – 5 a.m.-9 p.m., AleWorX Stateline.
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/sidewalk-sound-waves-dj-montague/2026-08-28/.
Stephanie Fagliano – 8-10 p.m., Social House.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=10.
Winter Light (Classic Rock/Jamband) – 6-10 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Slowly becoming a South Lake favorite- groove all night w/ the sounds of Winter Light
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/winter-light-classic-rock-jamband/.
Saturday, August 29
40 Oz To Freedom (Tribute to Sublime) – 8 p.m., 14 NV-28. 40 Oz To Freedom (Tribute to Sublime) Sat. Aug. 29th 2026 I Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm I Tickets: $22 ADV / $25 DOS I Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/193281 40oz to Freedom’ is an accomplished and highly energetic Sublime tribute band and winner of the 2010 San Diego Music Award for Best Tribute Artist. 40oz has toured the entire US, Canada, and Mexico for more than 18 years, amassing a loyal and enthusiastic following. They are authentically the closest thing to Sublime, since Sublime. 40oz was founded in SoCal in 2007 and is currently based in Denver, CO.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1537163667859674/.
Flynn Creek Circus – 7 p.m., Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr. The Flynn Creek Circus is coming to Kirkwood from August 29 to September 1! Don’t miss world-class acrobats, aerialists, and entertainers across 6 shows all weekend. Grab your tickets now: https://www.flynncreekcircus.com/2025-tickets
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1178827754266968/.
9th Annual Tahoe Brewfest – 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Ski Run Blvd. Description High Altitude, Cold Brews, Good Vibes. All in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. Every August, we transform Ski Run Boulevard into a vibrant corridor of culture, bringing together the best craft breweries from the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond. With the stunning backdrop of the Sierras, we combine unlimited beer tastings, music, local artisans, and food trucks into one unforgettable day.
For more information, visit https://business.tahoechamber.org/events/details/9th-annual-tahoe-brewfest-26085.
Alex Ramon “Magic” – 7:30 p.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. Harrah’s & Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe prohibits the carrying and/or possession of firearms (Even with a CCW) or other dangerous weapons on the premises. The venue reserves the right to implement security procedures designed to protect the experience for all of our customers. Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Wed, 13 May 2026 at 10:00 AM Additional dates: 8/29, 9/1, 9/2, 9/3.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3353220481523071/ or call (800) 427-7247.
Ash Relics – 12-4 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Live looping, saxophone, + more fun sounds!
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/ash-relics-7/.
Chili Monroe – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza. Additional dates: 8/29, 8/29.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
Chris Seal – 5-9 p.m., B.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=10.
Darin Talbot, “Tahoe’s Jimmy Buffett” plays a special show – 5-8:07 p.m., Bowl Incline, 920 Southwood Blvd. Darin Talbot, “Tahoe’s Jimmy Buffett” plays a special show at Bowl Incline with a toast to Jimmy Buffett on Saturday, Aug 29th! Reservations Recommended! Darin will be giving away two VIP special guest tickets for his big National Jimmy Buffett Day “Buffett Bash” at Margaritaville, Lake Tahoe on September 4th. Check out Bowl Incline: https://www.bowlincline.com/ To Book Darin Talbot at your next event, email: BookingTahoe@gmail.com
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1687595735852191/.
DJ Montague – 9-11:30 p.m., AleWorX Stateline. Additional dates: 8/29, 8/30, 9/3.
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/dj-montague-5/2026-08-29/.
Guided Rainbow Trail Walk – 10-11 a.m., 2152 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Join us for an enchanting journey through nature’s vibrant palette on the Guided Rainbow Trail Walk. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of South Lake Tahoe, this guided walking tour at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest as our knowledgeable guides lead you along the Rainbow Trail. Discover the diverse ecosystems, and learn about the unique flora and fauna that call it home. The Guided Rainbow Trail Walk provides an opportunity to connect with your national forest and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. Don’t miss the chance to explore one of South Lake Tahoe’s hidden gems and experience the magic of the Rainbow Trail. We look forward to welcoming you on this educational walk! This tour is offered, free to the public, every Wednesday & Saturday at 10am between June 17th and September 27th. Be sure to bring water, waterproof shoes and please leave all pets and food/scented beverages at home or in the car. Additional dates: 8/29, 9/2.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1035573822210868/1035573862210864/?active_tab=about.
Jacob Thompson – 3-6:30 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
Jerry’s Middle Finger – 7-10 p.m., The Hanger, 2401 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. THIS IS A 21+ SHOW. DOORS AT 6PM SHOW AT 7PM PARKING INFORMATION: ON SITE PARKING IS LIMITED AND IS $10 PER VEHICLE. IF YOU’RE GOING TO DRIVE, GET HERE EARLY. LEAVING YOUR CAR OVERNIGHT IN OUR LOT IS OK WITH US. OVERNIGHT CAMPING HOWEVER IS NOT PERMITTED. PLEASE CONSIDER RIDING YOUR BIKES AND OR USING RIDE SHARE. THERE IS PLENTY OF FENCE TO LOCK YOUR BIKES TO. IF OUR LOT IS FULL YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL PARKING AT THESE LOCATIONS, WHICH WE HAVE RENTED FOR THE DAY : 971 & 981 SILVER DOLLAR AVE (BEHIND THE SHELL STATION), 80 PARKING SPACES – MAPS LINK. PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT MINI GOLF NEXT DOOR – YOU WILL BE TOWED
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2003336883937600/.
John Eldridge – 5-9 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage. Additional dates: 8/29, 9/2.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
Key Lime Pie’s Annual Tahoe Beach Party – 1-5 p.m., The Grove at Camp Richardson, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd.. Saturday, Aug. 29th, Key Lime Pie brings their Classic Rock with a Latin Vibe to the Grove at Camp Richardson from 1pm to 5pm. Grab a Rum Runner, put your toes in the sand and join the beach party! Free.
Logan Eastep – 7-10 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Neon Nights – 8-10 p.m., Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House, 931 Tahoe Blvd. Description New for summer 2026, DJ Papi Chulo will be set up in our magical mythical beer forest every Saturday from 8-10pm for NEON NIGHTS!Expect groovy vibes from our local DJ, glow in the dark beer pong, and potentially hi-lighter fairies partying with you.Dress up and dance it out Saturdays at Alibi! This just might be the highlight of your summer.
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/neon-nights-1771826?sourceTypeId=Hub.
New Wave Crave – 6-10 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. High energy 80s hits all night long. Do not miss!
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/new-wave-crave-6/.
Porterhaus – 7:30-10 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary. Additional dates: 8/29, 9/1.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
Sidewalk Sound Waves – DJ Delo – 5-9 p.m., AleWorX Stateline.
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/sidewalk-sound-waves-dj-demo/2026-08-29/.
Tahoe Club Crawl Spring/Summer 2026 – 8-11 p.m., Aleworx Stateline US-50. Tahoe Club Crawl is an organized VIP nightlife tour of the Tahoe South. With the purchase of your ticket, you will receive a welcome shot at 3 out of 4 stops, appetizers, free indoor games at Tipsy Putt and VIP entrance into Peek Nightclub, Lake Tahoe’s hottest Club! You will meet amazing people and have the night of your lives. We meet every Saturday at 8:00 PM Aleworx Stateline, unless told otherwise. Be Sure To Check Out our Ice Cream Shop, Aloha Ice Cream Tahoe “Winner of Best Ice Cream in Tahoe 7 Years In A Row” (Opened Seasonally)
Venues Subject to Change At Anytime, No Refunds
For more information, visit https://tahoeclubcrawl.ticketsauce.com/e/tahoe-club-crawl-spring-summer-2072?aff=cityspark.
Tahoe Pride Trail Day – 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Save the Date, more info TBD.
No trail building experience or tools are necessary; instructions will be given by Crew Leaders, and tools and personal protective equipment will be provided!
Please remember to bring the following:
– Long Sleeve Shirt
– Long Pants
– Helmet (bike ok)
– Long Finger Gloves
– Eye protection
– Sturdy Shoes (over the ankle boots recommended if doing rockwork)
– Food/Snacks for the day
-Sunscreen
– Plenty of liquids
– Backpack
– Rain gear if thunderstorms are forecasted
If you have any questions, please email TAMBA’s Trails Director, Kristine Koran, Kristine@tamba.org
Thank you very much, and we look forward to seeing you on the trail day!
For more information, visit https://tamba.org/event/tahoe-pride-trail-day-2/.
TINS Fundraiser at Patagonia + Movie Screening – 9-10:30 a.m., Patagonia. TINS & Patagonia Fundraiser Join us on Saturday, August 29, at Patagonia Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe for a special evening benefiting the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS). TINS is excited to partner with Patagonia for a community movie screening, with 100% of proceeds supporting TINS’ education, research, and conservation programs. Patagonia will provide complimentary food and beverages, and TINS will share a brief presentation following the film about our work and the impact your support makes in the Tahoe region. This event is free, even the pancakes but all donations and raffle ticket purchases will go to TINS! Event Details Date: Saturday, August 29 Location: Patagonia Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe Nature Walk: 9am Free Pancake Breakfast: 10am Screening: 10:30 am Raffle: 11am Cost: FREE About the Film: 20 Minutes of Joy Oly’s Dean is a short film set along British Columbia’s remote Dean River. It follows Oly as he explores his family’s fishing lodge in the heart of steelhead country. Surrounded by anglers, wildlife, and wild rivers, Oly discovers the rhythms of lodge life and develops a deep connection to the natural world. When he lands a wild steelhead on a fly he tied himself, it becomes a meaningful moment that reflects his curiosity, independence, and love for the outdoors, while giving his parents the chance to experience that journey through his eye
For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/tins-fundraise-at-patagonia-movie-screening.
Will Murillo – 8-10 p.m., Social House.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Sunday, August 30
AAUW Art & Garden Party Fundraiser – 2-4:30 p.m., Description This is AAUW Tahoe Nevada Branch’s biennial fundraising event. All proceeds support our scholarship and grant programs. Guests will enjoy wandering amongst the beautiful sculptures and artwork in the Joyous Journey Art Park while also viewing artwork from local artists. Appetizers and beverages will be available and are included in the price of admission.
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/aauw-art-garden-party-fundraiser-1633229?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Alex Benjamin + Kristen Stephens (Pop/Country/Requests) – 11 a.m.-3 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Chill brunch tunes by Kristen (the Imposters) and Alex (Madeline Hawthorne Band)
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/alex-benjamin-kristen-stephens-pop-country-requests/.
Annie Davidson – 7-9 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=9.
Connor Herdt and Alan Gamboa – 5-9 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Members of Big Sticky and Boot Juice play in a stripped-down format
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/connor-herdt-and-alan-gamboa/.
Jaime Saso – 7:30-10:30 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Jon Sills – 5-9 p.m., Base Camp Pizza. Additional dates: 8/30, 9/3.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim – 8 a.m., Sugar Pine Point State Park. Welcome to the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim. Lake Tahoe is one of the world’s most famous sporting playgrounds. The region has an almost endless variety of spectacular mountain biking trails, adventurous hikes and, of course, waterborne activities on the “Big Blue” – Lake Tahoe – one of the largest, deepest and purest alpine lakes on earth. There is a 1/2 mile, 1.2 mile, and 2.4 mile course set up just off the beach of the scenic Ehrman Mansion where spectators can see the action first hand from the expansive pier. https://tahoeswimming.com/events/lake-tahoe-open-water-swim
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2487845135001395/.
Mark Sheets – 6:30-10 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave. Additional dates: 8/30, 9/3.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=3.
Miki Rae Garrison – 12-3 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Nether Hour – Free Lawn Concert – 4:30-6:30 p.m., Grand Hall Lawn, 1 Valhalla Drive. Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 4:30–6:30 PM | Grand Lawn at Valhalla Tahoe
Close out the summer with Nether Hour, returning to Valhalla after becoming a favorite of our 2025 Boathouse Theatre series, this time bringing their electrifying sound outdoors to the Grand Lawn.
With a genre-bending blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and funk, Nether Hour delivers a live show that’s immersive, high-energy, and impossible to stand still through. Expect d
eep grooves, soaring guitar work, and the kind of chemistry that made them a standout last season.
This free, family-friendly concert is open to all ages. Food vendors, beer and wine will be available onsite, so come hungry and ready to enjoy.
Bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and your crew, and settle in for one last golden Tahoe evening of the season.
Music begins at 4:30 PM. Come early to grab your spot on the lawn!
Parking is limited. Please plan to carpool, bike, walk, or paddle when possible.
For more information, visit https://valhallatahoe.com/event/nether-hour-free-lawn-concert/.
Shawn Campanini – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Sidewalk Sound Waves – DJ Demo – 5-9 p.m., AleWorX Stateline.
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/sidewalk-sound-waves-dj-demo-2/2026-08-30/.
Will Murillo – 5-9 p.m., @Heavenly.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Yoga in the Beer Garden – 11 a.m.-12 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Stretch, sip, and soak up a Tahoe summer morning. Enjoy a one-hour all-levels yoga class in the Beer Garden followed by a delicious beermosa. The perfect way to kick off your Sunday.
Bring your own mat or towel and join us for a relaxed morning of movement, fresh air, and community. Please make sure to add-on Beermosa if you’re staying for a pint. Only $5! Yoga participants only.
For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/store#!/Yoga-in-the-Beer-Garden/p/846265781.
Monday, August 31
Bowl Incline – Disco Bowling and DJ Beats – 4-9 p.m., Description Bowl Incline from 4pm – 9pm More Info
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/bowl-incline-disco-bowling-and-dj-beats-1857677?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (775) 831-1900.
Jaime Saso – 6-9 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Jon Sills – 12-3 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Kris Munn – 8-11 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Sean Hodge – 5-9 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Skeleton Crewe ft. Rob Barraco, Barry Sless, Stephen Inglis, Pete Sears , Jay Lane – 8 p.m., Crystal Bay Casino, 14 Highway 28.
For more information, visit https://devildogshows.com/event/skeleton-crewe-ft-rob-barraco-barry-sless-stephen-inglis-pete-sears-jay-lane/ or call (775) 833-6333.
Will Murillo – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=3.
Women & Waves 5.0 2026 – 8 a.m.-12 p.m., North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental, 7220 North Lake Boulevard. At North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental we are proud to host Women & Waves 5.0, an empowering boat clinic led by female instructors from Boating Babes LLC. This event is designed for women to build confidence through hands-on lessons in navigation, boat handling, and docking techniques in a supportive environment.
Join Boating Babes and North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental for Women & Waves 5.0 boater safety clinic. Gain knowledge and confidence to operate a power vessel on Lake Tahoe.
No previous boating experience required.
For more information, visit https://northlaketahoeboatrental.com/events/ or call 530-562-7827.
Tuesday, September 1
Jeff Connor – 7-10 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=12.
Lovers Leap watering – 8:30-11:30 a.m., The Divided Sky, El Dorado Fwy. Join our crew for a medium length walk on uneven terrain to water sugar pine seedlings we planted this spring. Wear closed toe shoes and long pants. We can give you a watering backpack if you can carry 20+ pounds. You can also bring your own watering container or use our gallon milk jugs.
For more information, visit https://sugarpinefoundation.org/.
Porterhaus – 8-11 p.m., Noel’s Coffee a.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=3.
Roger Collins – 6-9 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=3.
Sean Hodge – 12-3 p.m., @Heavenly.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=11.
Ted Kennedy – 7-10 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=3.
Tommy Ciccone – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Wednesday, September 2
Bella Rayne Band (Red Room) – 8 p.m., 14 NV-28. We are VERY excited to host Bella Rayne Band on Wed. Sept. 2nd in the Red Room! Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm I Tickets: $20 ADV / $25 DOS I Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/193282 At just 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound is quickly turning heads across the country. Born in the mountains of North Carolina and raised along the rugged coast of Mendocino, California, she blends rock and Americana with the improvisational spirit of the jam-band tradition—creating a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly new, bridging generations of listeners. Her journey began during the pandemic, when she pulled an old Stratocaster from her garage, fixed it up, and taught herself to play by ear—unlocking a voice and style entirely her own. She has since formed Bella Rayne Band, a high-energy, guitar-driven ensemble that has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising acts on the live circuit. Led by a young lineup of seasoned musicians, the band has surged from small rooms to coast-to-coast stages and festival lineups in a remarkably short time, with crowds growing at every stop.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2385292308548088/.
Dutch Fetkenhauer – 8-11 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=9.
Greg Case – 7-10 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=12.
Gunhild Carling – 7:30-10 p.m., Boathouse Theater, Tallac Historic Site. Gunhild Carling is Sweden’s Queen of Swing, Jazz, and Vaudeville — a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and entertainer who has captivated audiences on every continent.
Born into the legendary Carling Family musical dynasty, she picked up her first instrument before she could walk and has never stopped playing since. Today she commands the trombone, trumpet, recorder, ukulele, piano, harmonica, bagpipes, and more — sometimes several in a single performance.
With over 70 million views on YouTube and a global following that spans from jazz purists to curious newcomers, Gunhild has become one of the most recognized jazz artists of her generation. Her electrifying performances with Postmodern Jukebox introduced her to millions, while her residencies at Birdland in New York City cemented her reputation among the jazz elite.
She has toured with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Scotty Barnhart, performed at the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals, and brought her unique brand of swing and vaudeville to stages from Carnegie Hall to the streets of New Orleans. Whether she’s leading her own big band, performing an intimate club set, or dazzling a festival crowd of thousands, Gunhild Carling delivers an experience that is utterly unforgettable.
“Gunhild Carling is one of the most important musicians and ambassadors for the arts in the world today. She is recognized globally for her outstanding musicianship as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, entertainer.”
Scotty Barnhart
Director, Count Basie Orchestra
“Without fear of exaggeration, I can honestly say that Gunhild Carling is an exceptional musician and entertainer with a truly unique talent. I have worked all over the world with stars like Liza Minnelli and Tony Bennett (among others) and can honestly say that Gunhild is unlike anyone I’ve seen in my over forty years in show business. Gunhild Carling captivates an audience in a way I’ve never seen and her talent is worthy of much wider recognition in the United States.”
Billy Stritch Piano player, singer New York
Tickets: $35 | Members: $31.50
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 7:30 PM
All ages welcome | Concessions available
For more information, visit https://valhallatahoe.com/event/gunhild-carling-september-2-2026/.
Jaime Saso – 5-9 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Jamie Rollins – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Marketing Services Committee Meeting – 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Marketing Services Committee Ac-Hoc Meeting usually takes place monthly from 10 am to 12 pm on the first Wednesday of the month at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV 89449.
Visit
for more information.
For more information, visit https://ltva.org/events/.
Thursday, September 3
Armstrong trail watering Unit 14 – 8:30-11:30 a.m., Oneidas Street, Oneidas St. Join our crew for a medium length walk on uneven terrain to water native pine seedlings we planted this spring. Wear closed toe shoes and long pants. We can give you a watering backpack if you can carry 20+ pounds. You can also bring your own watering container or use our gallon milk jugs.
For more information, visit https://sugarpinefoundation.org/.
Chris Seal – 12-3 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Greg Case – 5-9 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Incline Village Farmers Market at Diamond Peak – 3-6 p.m., Diamond Peak Ski Resort, 1210 Ski Way. The Incline Village Farmers Market, run by Lake Tahoe Markets, has a new home – at Diamond Peak! Dates: Thursdays, May 21 – September 3, 2026 Time: 3:00 – 6:00pm Location: Diamond Peak Ski Resort (1210 Ski Way, Incline Village) – upper parking lot Parking: Parking is available in the upper and lower parking lots. Please only park in designated parking spots. Do not park along the road near the ski team building or in the neighborhoods. Vendor Applications Lake Tahoe Markets is welcoming growers, makers, and food artisans. Vendor applications at LakeTahoeMarkets.com. Peak Yoga After Farmers Market – CANCELED Peak Yoga is canceled for due to low enrollment. Breathe deeply beneath towering pines and mountain skies in this grounding outdoor yoga experience following the farmers market, June through August.
For more information, visit https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/farmers-market/ or call (775) 832-1177.
SAILING CLUB, YACHT ROCK PARTY W/ PIER PRESSURE – 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords , 18 US-50. Sailing Club launches at Tessie’s with Tahoe’s smoothest & grooviest party starters, Pier Pressure. Captains Orders – grab a cocktail and head to the dance floor. Sailing Club offers a night of high-energy yachty fun that keeps the room rocking from start to finish. Rascal Flatts ticket holders receive a BOGO cocktail with their concert ticket.
Jamie Saso 8 pm
Pier Pressure 10 pm
Grab a drink and settle in for a night of yacht rock party anthems.
Experience the yachty energy firsthand—book your table today.
Lounge open 11 AM Daily. For large party reservations or tables before 10 PM, call us at 775.586.5014 or email: VIP@tessiestahoe.com
For more information, visit http://tessiestahoe.com/events or call 6194547421.
Speaker event with Steve Dolan, Friends of Third Creek – 5 p.m., Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Avenue. Join the Tahoe Area Group for an evening with Steve Dolan, founder and director of Friends of Third Creek, a non-profit monitoring North Shore watersheds: friendsofthirdcreek.com. Steve’s talk will discuss Third Creek and Incline Creek, referred to as “The most genetically diverse and important streams feeding Lake Tahoe” by UNR Geneticist Dr. Galland. Steve’s discussion provides an overview of the Third Creek watershed and weaves together Indigenous and environmental history, geology, ecology, rehabilitation efforts and Third Creek’s role as a significant spawning ground for Lake Tahoe’s fish species. This is a free, hybrid event and open to the public – join in person at the Incline Village Library or via Zoom. Follow the link here to register: bit.ly/458zqeZ
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2004234436964138/ or call 775-832-4130.
Tahoe Improv Players – 7-9 p.m., Boathouse Theater, Tallac Historic Site. Join the Tahoe Improv Players as they take the stage on three separate evenings this summer at The Boathouse Theatre, celebrating 33 years of turning audience suggestions into hilarious, spontaneous scenes. As Lake Tahoe’s longest-running comedy show, they always bring their best to Valhalla. It’s Tahoe’s best value in family entertainment, with discounts for children 12 and under. Your kids won’t stop laughing. It’s simple: Tahoe Improv Players make stuff up, and you laugh.
All ages welcome | Concessions available
For more information, visit https://valhallatahoe.com/event/tahoe-improv-players-june-16-july-21-august-11-september-3-2026/2026-09-03/.
Tommy Ciccone – 6-9 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Trivia Night at Tipsy Putt – Tahoe – 7-10 p.m., Tipsy Putt, 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite 101. Trivia Night at Tipsy Putt! Free to play, prizes for winners Join us every week for Trivia Night at Tipsy Putt, hosted by the pros at DJ Trivia! It’s free to play, with fresh questions and fun challenges each week. Bring a team of 2–6 or come solo—meet new people and join a team, no pressure. Prizes go to the winners, and cold beer is always flowing. Test your knowledge and kick back with us! FREE RSVP to add it to your calendar so you don’t miss out!
For more information, visit https://eventvesta.com/events/152741/t/tickets or call (530) 443-4376.
Will Murillo – 5-8:30 p.m., Gym Love.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=12.
The Yawpers (Red Room) – 8 a.m., 14 NV-28. The Yawpers take over the Red Room on Thurs. Sept. 3rd! Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm I Tickets: $10 ADV / $15 DOS Tickets: https://tixr.com/e/193285 For over 15 years, The Yawpers have operated at the intersection of cultural tradition and forward-looking innovation, delivering high-voltage rock-and-roll solutions to a global audience. By embracing both legacy toolkits (amplifiers, guitars, the unquantifiable metric of sweat equity) and next-generation technologies, The Yawpers have positioned themselves as a dynamic platform for sonic impact and audience engagement.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3585748764911392/.
So there we were… at the top of the 1,500’+ climb in South Lake Tahoe. My friend was cursing me out and frustrated at the situation. His heart pumped at a furious pace while his legs tried locking up on him. Mental defeat had taken over. The mountain had won. It wasn’t until he dropped into the downhill that the negativity disappeared and shouts of joy rang out. As he picked up speed, the only thing I saw was a cloud of dust like from a cartoon. Arriving at the bottom, I looked over to him. Plastered on his face was a huge grin. “Well?”, I said. He laughed back. “OK, that was worth it.”
As we reflected on our mountain biking adventure, we realized that I could’ve made things smoother for him. Here’s 9 tips we learned from our journey to make getting into mountain biking easier for your first time. And if you want to learn how to get started, what are the essentials to bring on a ride, and even places to visit, check out our guide: The Down & Dirty On Mountain Biking.
We Were Beginners Too
For many, the idea of two wheels isn’t scary… for me it was a totally different story. I’ve always stood sideways be it skateboarding or snowboarding. But Jaime, the other half of Local Freshies®, wanted to try it and so with fear and horror… I got into Mountain Biking In Lake Tahoe. And I will admit it was worth it. I can’t stress this enough for beginner mountain bikers – start at your local bike shop. They carry the gear and bikes that work best in your region. Will ensure that you get on the right frame size and get it dialed in for you. They can help answer questions, and most of all, they’ll know the best bike trails you should start out on.
Focus On Essentials
Mountain biking is an expensive hobby. When you start mountain biking, instead of focusing on finding your first mountain bike, borrow or better yet rent one. You’ll get an idea of what you like or don’t like about a bike. The good news is that once you get into the activity, you can slowly upgrade the parts like a car or a truck. You don’t need a pair of specific mountain bike shoes but pick a pair of shoes that are “zero-balanced.” Something like a Vans skate shoe will work perfectly versus a Nike Air Max with its big heel cushion which will put you too far forward. Remember, you’re going to be outside. That means dust, dirt, and debris so be sure you’re ok dirtying up the shoes you pick. Here are the 10 Essential Mountain Bike Accessories that all mountain bikers should own.
Rent Or Borrow A Lighter Bike
When it comes to beginners, the first and most important thing when you rent or borrow a bike is to pay attention to weight. Out of the spectrum of all the types of mountain bikes that exist, that means looking for a cross-country variety. You can still get a full suspension mountain bike but focus on the lightest variation that they have. No matter how much you worry about the downhill, each ounce of weight on the bike will make the climb that much harder. Unless you’re a gym rat or in super-shape, a beefier bike will make that uphill painful. This means skip the downhill steed with big travel. Instead, go for a cross-country bike or at the most an enduro bicycle. The one exception to the rule is that if you do lift-accessed biking, pick the beefiest downhill bike possible.
Helmet and Gloves
This isn’t city biking. The mountain doesn’t care if you’re a tough guy or gal. Trails are surrounded by debris like sticks, granite stones, and stumps. Out of anything you buy, don’t chince on safety equipment. Pick up a helmet like the Giro Merit helmet. It has a visor to block out the sun and something called MIPS protection. This stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It’s the gold standard in helmets and something you should ALWAYS look for when buying one. A pair of gloves is also not an optional item. Look for mesh on the back of them to keep cool and full leather palms for business to make sure you don’t skin your digits. DO NOT buy cut-off gloves. We’ve heard horror stories of people losing finger nails.
Keep the Tire Pressure Low
You would think that a higher tire pressure would be a good thing especially for climbing. On off-road terrain that’s sandy or rocky, it’s the polar opposite. At the same time, you don’t want to go too low either where you may hit your rim on an obstacle. A good place to begin is try running it around 31 psi in the rear wheel and 28 in the front. To learn the 5 W’s of tire pressure (who, what, where, when and why) — Never Fold Under Pressure For Mountain Bike Tires Finding The Right PSI
Stay Fueled Up
Let’s face it—cycling uphill takes work. Your legs are burning, lungs pumping, and every ounce of energy counts. That’s why grabbing something like a classic PB&J or a hearty bowl of oatmeal about 30 minutes before your ride can make a world of difference.
Here’s the quick rule: if your ride’s under two hours, your body’s probably got enough glucose stored up to keep you cruising. But if you’re planning an all-day adventure? Bring snacks. Lots of ’em.
To keep the bonk at bay, it’s smart to eat a carb-rich snack both before and during your ride. Think energy bars, bananas, or even some dried fruit. And don’t sleep on hydration—pack plenty of water. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself halfway up that climb.
For people who grew up in the Great Plains or out East, you can use physical exertion to push through the small climbs. But in the mountains, that’s just not possible. The ascent is continuous. Unrelenting. To help with this, make sure you:
Slow Down Your Breath
Get in the right gear
Mentally prepare
Take it Slow
Explain the Climb in Grade and Distance
A lot of singletrack trails are documented on websites like Trail Forks or MTB Project. Use those tools to get an idea on how long the climb is, the average grade, and maximum grade of the slope. Having this type of information when you’re doing the climb will help make it easier.
Get Ready To Be Humbled
No matter how good you are at sports or athleticism, climbing a mountain on a bike will humble you. My friend said it best. “I’ve never had to say no to ANY challenge in my life, but out here, the mountain will ALWAYS win.” The only way you will make the climb is by taking it at your own pace. DON’T try to keep up with the people around you. You just won’t be able to and that’s fine.
The Descent is Worth It
All that hard work is worth the downhill reward. From perfectly groomed banked turns to epic views, there’s nothing like gripping the handlebars and letting gravity do all the work. Be the cheerleader and make sure to reiterate that everyone’s doing awesome because they are! Climbing on a bike is 90% mental and 10% physical. Once you get to the top, be sure to take a break so you mentally remove any negativity from the climb.
These are just a few of the lessons we’ve learned from our adventures. Do you have any additional tips on how to make getting into mountain biking easier and more fun for first time cyclists?
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Bike and Recreation Guide
The outdoor industry has long been defined by a certain image — one that is often male and narrowly drawn. But across rivers, cliffs and mountain ranges, women are reshaping that narrative. Not just by showing up, but by leading, mentoring and carving out spaces where others can follow.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMIT
After falling headfirst for climbing in the early 1990s, Heidi Wirtz spent 15 years living out of a 1982 Toyota pickup, chasing routes across the country and around the world — climbing with anyone willing to join.
“I was a total dirtbag,” Wirtz said.
She once traded a photograph for a pair of climbing shoes, an exchange that unexpectedly set her career in motion. Not long after, she began earning sponsorships from brands like The North Face and La Sportiva, traveling on expeditions and “accidentally,” as she puts it, becoming a professional climber.
“I sold out for a pair of climbing shoes,” she said, laughing.
But even in the spotlight, she noticed a pattern. When climbing with male partners, recognition often went elsewhere — even when she climbed just as hard, or harder.
“You’d come back from a trip and people would go straight to the guy — ‘Dude, great job,'” she said. “You’d feel like you were in the shadows.”
At the same time, she found that many male mentors weren’t always straightforward. She encountered situations where guidance came with unspoken expectations — something she still sees in the climbing community today.
So, she started gravitating towards female partners. Climbing with women felt different. Achievements were shared, acknowledged and celebrated in a way that felt more visible — and more equal. Some of her most meaningful experiences have come from those partnerships.
One of them unfolded in the Bugaboos, a rugged alpine climbing area in British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains. Wirtz and climbing partner Lizzy Scully set their sights on a line that had turned back multiple teams — a route still awaiting a first ascent. After studying it through binoculars, they made a plan and committed, unsure if it would go.
They packed light, expecting to move fast. But as often happens in the mountains, things didn’t go according to plan. By nightfall, they were still on the wall.
With only a bivy sack, they squeezed onto a narrow ledge and spent the night exposed to the cold.
“It was a lot of suffering,” Wirtz said. “But we were laughing and singing and having fun.”
By morning, they pushed on and completed the route, earning the first free climbing ascent. The moment belonged entirely to them.
“Find some women to climb with,” she said. “It makes a big difference.”
Heidi Wirtz climbing in Kalymnos, Greece, where she leads her annual Earth Play retreat. Provided / Brooke Warren
Today, Wirtz is based in Lake Tahoe, rock guiding at Lover’s Leap and running Earth Play Retreats, her own climbing and yoga business. Throughout her career, she co-founded Girls Education International with Scully, helping expand access to education for girls around the world. She now works with the Women’s Lead Club to create spaces where women can learn, grow, and build independence in the sport.
FINDING YOUR CURRENT
Allie Ace first discovered whitewater rafting halfway across the world, guiding international adventure trips. Surrounded by seasoned guides, she realized she had been living near one of the country’s most iconic rafting regions all along — the American River, just outside Lake Tahoe.
Motivated, she signed up for rafting guide school in Truckee.
“It was freezing,” she recalled. “There was snow on the ground, the river was shallow and rocky, and I was completely out of my element.”
The reality was a stark contrast to the warm rivers of Costa Rica. Still, something clicked. She spent the summer building skills and finding her footing. By the time she became a raft guide, however, one thing felt certain: she would never become a whitewater kayaker.
Life has a way of rewriting those narratives.
With encouragement from her river community, curiosity overcame fear, and she soon found herself navigating Class III rapids on a kayak.
In the spring of 2020, she visited the South Fork of Silver Creek to watch a group of kayakers its Class V rapid.
“Out of all the people running the river that day, there was one woman,” Ace said. “I looked at her and thought, I have to know her.”
Ace had become acutely aware of how male-dominated the outdoor industry could be, often having to prove herself to coworkers and guests who didn’t expect their guide to be a woman. Finding other women in whitewater sports wasn’t always easy.
The paddler who caught her eye that day, Melissa DeMarie, soon became a mentor. Their chance encounter led to hands-on guidance, learning new techniques, borrowing equipment, and building confidence on the water. Before long, Ace was working alongside her — teaching yoga at DeMarie’s kayak retreats and eventually becoming certified to teach beginner kayaking herself.
“I fell in love with introducing women to the sport,” she said.
In an industry where she didn’t always feel represented, the work became personal.
“It’s really hard to do something when you don’t see somebody who looks like you doing it,” she said.
Through California Watersport Collective, a nonprofit founded by DeMarie, Ace became part of a network of women who showed up for each other — sharing skills, building confidence, and creating space where there hadn’t always been one. It wasn’t just about improving on the water. It was about belonging.
That network of women showed her she could handle more than she thought possible — though they didn’t give her much warning.
On a trip to Banks, Idaho, where rivers shift from calm stretches to raging rapids, they told her just hours before that she would be running a Class V rapid — something she had never attempted. With no time for fear and surrounded by women who believed in her, Ace trusted both them — and herself — enough to launch into the river and follow their lead.
“It was an incredible experience,” Ace said. “I had done something I never imagined I could do.”
The same person who once said she would never kayak had run a Class V rapid. Not because she suddenly became fearless, but because she was supported by people who helped her see what she could do before she fully believed it herself.
“They could have kept going and run tougher rapids, but they didn’t,” she said. “They just wanted to celebrate with me.”
For Ace, what matters most isn’t just the rivers she’s run, it’s the people who made those moments possible — and the community she now helps create for other women finding their way into the sport.
For the past 15 years, Allie Ace has built a life shaped by rivers, mountains, and the people who move through them. Based in Lake Tahoe, she works as an outdoor guide, instructor, and educator, leading rafting trips in Truckee and teaching whitewater kayaking.
From first runs on unfamiliar rivers to long nights on alpine walls, both Ace and Wirtz describe careers shaped as much by the people around them as by the landscapes themselves.
Allie Ace runs Troublemaker rapid on the South Fork American River. Provided / Hot Shot Imagining.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Magazine.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, in partnership with the 5 Gyres Institute and Keep Tahoe Blue, invites you to a special panel discussion about the Tahoe Rim Trail Expedition, 5 Gyres’ first ever land-based, high elevation scientific expedition. The free event will take place at Keep Tahoe Blue’s Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday, August 27.
All are welcome to join for an eye-opening evening with a panel of experts to explore how high-elevation science, outdoor recreation, and watershed protection collide on the 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.
The panelists and audience will discuss how a dedicated team of researchers, outdoor advocates, and citizen science volunteers covered the entire 174-mile loop to capture samples of microplastics in air, soil, and backcountry waters. Discover what this groundbreaking research reveals about how plastic pollution makes its way from high-ridge trails into Lake Tahoe, and how it affects our favorite places to hike.
SOUTH LAKE TAHHOE, Calif. – A private airplane crashed near the north end of the South Lake Tahoe Airport runway Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. South Lake Tahoe Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the airport, City of South Lake Tahoe Public Information Officer Sheree Juarez told the Daily Tahoe Tribune.
The pilot reportedly self-extracted from the aircraft and there were no reported injuries.
The aircraft was a single-engine Cessna and the incident occurred during landing, Juarez said.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident. Provided / City of South Lake Tahoe
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Tahoe Forest Health System announced that Incline Village Community Hospital’s Emergency Department has achieved Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
The bronze-level accreditation recognizes emergency departments that have established practices and resources designed to support the care of older adults. Incline Village Community Hospital’s achievement reflects the collaboration and dedication of its interdisciplinary team and its efforts to continually strengthen emergency care for the community.
“Older adults can face distinct challenges in an emergency setting, and our team is committed to making sure their care reflects those needs,” said Anna Roth, President and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System. “We are proud of the Incline Village Community Hospital team for earning this accreditation and for the expertise and compassion they bring to caring for our older patients and their families.”
As part of its work to strengthen geriatric emergency care, the IVCH Emergency Department has implemented practices focused on safety, comfort, mobility and independence, including reducing unnecessary urinary catheter and NPO use, providing oral care and food and fluids when appropriate, and emphasizing non-pharmacologic approaches such as reorientation, family presence, hydration, nutrition and verbal de-escalation before restraints are considered.
The team also incorporates medication reconciliation to reduce medication-related complications and support safer transitions of care, while dedicated patient resources, including a refrigerator stocked with drinks, snacks and meal trays, as well as increased availability of walkers and quad canes, help improve the patient experience during the ED visit and at discharge.
“Geriatric emergency care is about more than treating the immediate medical issue, it’s about understanding what an older adult needs to feel safe, comfortable and supported,” said Natasha Lukasiewich, Director of Operations at IVCH. “These practices help us provide a more thoughtful experience for our patients and support them not only during their ED visit, but as they transition back home.”
The GEDA Board of Governors will provide feedback to Incline Village Community Hospital to support continued development of its geriatric emergency care program and inform areas of focus for reaccreditation in three years.
(The Center Square) – California intends to file a new lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order placing restrictions on mail-in voting.
President Donald Trump’s executive order, issued in March, directs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to curate lists with the names of all citizens at least 18 years old in each state who are eligible to vote. The order requires the U.S. Postal Service to check the lists before sending out mail-in ballots.
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said it would, for now, allow the Trump administration to maintain the order.
“This internal directive does not regulate the States’ voter registration processes,” justices wrote. “Nor does it impinge on the States’ authority ‘to create and enforce a legal code’ for elections.'”
In a press release, California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned this will disenfranchise voters across the country.
“California will be suing AGAIN to block these Orwellian rules from being implemented,” the Democratic governor posted on X.
Meanwhile, Newsom said California is advancing an “Election Protection” legislative package.
Assembly Bill 282 and Senate Bill 259 will establish new felonies and misdemeanors for seizing election materials or interfering with mail-in ballot delivery.
Additionally, the state’s latest budget allocates $39.75 million toward election upgrades, faster ballot counting, voter outreach and anti-disinformation efforts.
The Trump administration was not fazed by Newsom’s comments.
“The Supreme Court ruling was a major win for the security of American elections,” White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis told The Center Square Tuesday in an email. “Radical Democrats continue to oppose commonsense measures that protect the security of mail-in ballots and ensure only Americans are electing American leaders.”
Bis added that the Trump administration will “continue to lawfully enact the agenda President Trump was elected on – which includes the safety and security of our elections.”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – As one of two candidates running for city clerk, Michelle Davis has three years of experience as the assistant city clerk. Davis spoke to the Tribune about her qualifications, what she’s passionate about and what she believes is most important in the position.
“My interest in local government started in college,” said Davis, who attended California State University, Chico and studied sociology and criminal justice. There, says Davis, she became a civic engagement officer, worked as vice president of facilities and services and commissioner of legislative affairs. “I followed Brown Act procedures and learned what it means to hold a public meeting and post agendas.”
She also shared that South Lake Tahoe has been important to her family for decades. “When the stars kind of aligned for me to get a dream job in local government, in a place that my family loves, I was so excited.”
Serving as assistant city clerk has taught her how to handle public records requests, claims, subpoenas and appeals. Davis says she values transparency, along with ensuring fair and honest operations. “I see the value of transparency through public records requests, and that’s important, especially when it comes to city officials and staff.”
As Susan Blankenship, longtime city clerk, did not reapply for the position, Davis said she felt it was a good time for her to step up to the plate. “I have a lot of institutional knowledge through working with Sue, and she has taught me a lot.” Davis cited examples of working on budgets for the city council and clerk’s office.
“I’ve spent three years here, I have a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation which focuses on city profession and I’ve built relationships with other city clerks,” said Davis. “I think my time has really prepared me for this role. The only requirement for city clerk is to be 18 and live in the city limits. I believe I far exceed those requirements.”
As an assistant clerk, she has attended every city council meeting, and has also served as the clerk for planning commission meetings.
Community plays a big role in Davis’s desire to become city clerk. She’s publicly spoken about her uncle’s death and how the community came together to support her family, which she says showed her the power that community support can provide.
Provided / Michelle Davis
Davis volunteers as a secretary for the Lake Tahoe Historical Society and is a board member of Encompass Youth, a navigational support nonprofit focused on youth. “The role of city clerk is to be a liaison for the public and volunteering builds public trust. As soon as I moved here, I went to a volunteer fair to seek out opportunities, because community involvement is one of my core values.”
While Davis emphasized that city clerk’s role is not to create policy, she believes that a key role is helping to connect the public with the city. “Being both a liaison and a point of comfort is the most important thing to me. Reaching out to councilmembers can be intimidating… and I want people to be able to connect through the clerk, so I can help them reach out to the right person.”
Accessibility is also a major part of Davis’s work. She has openly talked about being born with mild cerebral palsy.
“I have moments where I need accessibility or tools that help me, and I would like to emphasize accessibility through the city clerk position,” said Davis. “I don’t want people to feel like they can’t comment or attend meetings because they don’t have the accommodations. All community members have the right to equal access and meaningful participation in local government.”
Davis is currently working on a project to enhance accessibility to old records—she has been digitizing city records that are only in paper form so that the public can better access them.
“South Lake Tahoe has an amazing staff and a great community. This is my favorite city in the world and it would be an honor to serve as city clerk. This is my dream job and I’m just so excited to be running and meeting members of the community.”
You can learn more about Davis and her platform on her LinkedIn.
Davis is running against Brandi Bannister, who has not yet responded to the Tribune’s requests for interviews.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – When Canadian author Mark Daniels arrived in Lake Tahoe in 2022, he had already decided it would be the place where he would spend his final days.
“I lived my life believing I had a time stamp on me, that I would expire 65 days short of my 53rd birthday,” Daniels said. “I figured, if I’m going to die, I want to be in heaven on Earth before I go. So I chose one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Lake Tahoe.”
Daniels’ belief in his early death began after he lost his father to Pick’s disease, a rare progressive brain disorder that can have a hereditary component. But Daniels chose not to undergo genetic testing.
“If I would have gotten tested and was told yes, how would I have conducted my life for the next 20 years?” he said. “Would I have lived more of a rebel? Would I have lived more cautiously? So I went by the premise of, let’s rely on modern medicine. Twenty years is a long time.”
For two decades, however, Daniels lived with the belief that he would meet the same fate as his father and die just shy of his 53rd birthday.
As that predicted date approached, Daniels increasingly withdrew from the world around him. Paradise existed just outside his windows, but inside, he was preparing for an ending he had feared for decades.
“A lot of my time in Tahoe was spent with the blinds closed,” Daniels said. “I’d only go out for groceries and to take a walk to the cannabis dispensary.”
Then the date came and went; and nothing happened. The hourglass Daniels had spent so much of his life watching had been wrong.
“Tahoe ultimately became something completely different from the place I thought I had chosen to die,” Daniels said. “It became the place where I began understanding how badly I wanted to live.”
In his memoir, The Hourglass Was Lying: A Memoir of Borrowed Time, Daniels reflects on how living under the belief that his life had an expiration date shaped nearly every part of his existence; from his relationships and career to the way he understood time itself.
Twenty years may sound like a long time, Daniels said. But living those years with the belief that they were numbered changed his perspective on what it means to truly live.
“If there is anything people can get out of this, don’t live your life under a thumb,” Daniels said. “Live beautifully.”
A Lake Tahoe man with a history of thievery was sentenced to 2-5 years in prison after admitting a charge of residential burglary.
Johnathan Adam Towne, 37, avoided a second felony when prosecutor Ric Casper dismissed a charge of grand larceny of a motor vehicle. The vehicle involved was the same one Towne was convicted of stealing in El Dorado County.
Defense attorney Matthew Ence sought to a suspended sentence while his client participated in drug treatment, saying he had a long-term plan.
“Mr. Towne has shown he is ready and willing to steal at every opportunity,” Casper said in arguing for a six-year prison sentence.
According to Casper, Towne entered a hotel room and took a backpack. He used the keys inside to locate the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot and moved it, disconnecting the battery cable so the GPS wouldn’t work.
“I know I have hurt people and any excuse I give won’t mean anything,” he said. “I just want to pay for my crimes in a way that’s sufficient to the court and the people I hurt.”
District Judge Tod Young questioned why he should send Towne to rehab when he told the writer of a pre-sentence report that he found the backpack in the hotel lobby. In another statement, the judge said Towne claimed he found the backpack in the hallway, though security footage didn’t support that claim.
“You’re a thief and you need to go to prison,” Young said in pronouncing sentence. Towne was give credit for 103 days served since his May 8 arrest.
Convicted of a April 17, 2021, burglary of Hell’s Kitchen at the former Harvey’s, now known as Caesars Republic, Towne received two suspended 19-48-month sentences.
• A man received a suspended 19-48-month prison sentence after he admitted swapping bar codes in order to obtain a $269.99 LEGO Icons PAC-MAN Arcade Retro Game Building Set from the Target for $39.99.
Aaron Vince Agosta, 46, will be transferred to Washoe County where he faces a far more serious charge than possession of a counterfeit price label, attorney Alexis Duecker said.
“I’m very ashamed,” Agosta said. “I’ve let so many people down. I want to get right and be a better man.”
• A Lake Tahoe man admitted to possession of a credit card without the owner’s permission on Tuesday.
Caleb Leon Stroud admitted he found a woman’s cards in a wallet and used it at Bally’s, including the ATM. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 29.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — Grab your pup and join Keep Tahoe Blue and their partners at Wilderdog for a fun few hours of stewardship on one of Tahoe’s most dog-friendly trails.
We’ll clean up litter and pet waste along the Lam Watah Nature Trail and Nevada Beach. Every piece of trash picked up and doggie bag properly disposed helps protect Tahoe’s trails, beaches, and waters for people and pets alike. Well-behaved dogs are warmly welcome. Participants will have a shot at taking home pet-centric raffle prizes.
The cleanup will be held Wednesday, August 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach | 193 Kahle Dr, Stateline, NV 89449.
Keep Tahoe Blue and Wilderdog partnershipProvided / Keep Tahoe Blue
Participants are encouraged to travel Car-Free and Care-Free to the event on a Tahoe Transportation District bus, Lake Link shuttle, in a carpool, or by bike. Parking is available at the Lam Watah Nature Trail trailhead (map) and the Kingsbury Transit Center (map).
Local dog gear creator Wilderdog is a Tahoe Blue Business, one in an ever-growing group of partners who play a key role in protecting Lake Tahoe and making a lasting impact through meaningful collaboration with the Keep Tahoe Blue. Learn more about the program, our Blue Business partners, and their impact at keeptahoeblue.org/bluebusiness. Shop special edition Keep Tahoe Blue x Wilderdog merchandise at keeptahoeblue.org/shop.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — On July 29, the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe (BGCNLT) announced an expansion of its services in Incline Village, made possible by a generous gift from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation and a grant from the State of Nevada.
The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation is donating two buildings in Incline Village, renovation funds, and operational support to launch a new “Duffield Center for Great Futures,” which will house an Early Learning Center, Teen Center, and administrative offices.
BGCNLT Executive TeamProvided / BGCNLT
BGCNLT also received funding from the State of Nevada to help launch the opening of the Early Learning Center. Funding was a result of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is intended to address the lack of early learning opportunities and preschools in Nevada. The Early Learning Center will serve infants as young as six weeks old through age five with year-round, all-day programming, closing a long-standing gap that has made reliable, affordable infant and early childhood care difficult for local working parents to find close to home.
The Teen Center will serve youth in grades six through twelve with out-of-school time and specialty programming throughout the school year and summer months. While still in the design phase, initial programmatic ideas for the Teen Center include a fabrication lab, a state-of-the-art e-gaming space, a digital journalism studio, and a café.
BGCNLT is currently in the design and development phase for both buildings, with the intention to begin renovations and construction in spring 2027. The goal is to begin serving youth in early 2028.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation and the State of Nevada for their support, and we’re ready to carry out the important work of expanding our services to all age groups in Incline Village,” said Mindy Carbajal, Chief Executive Officer of BGCNLT.
“The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation has proudly partnered with BGCNLT for many years. We believe supporting youth programs has had an expansive impact in North Lake Tahoe, and we are happy to be a part of their next phase of growth,” said Chris Watts, co-president of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
With this generous support, community partners, and Club families, BGCNLT will be able to expand its capacity in Incline Village, deepen its academic support, enrichment, and mentorship programming, and extend its reach to families who depend on the Club.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe, please visit www.bgcnlt.org.
For more information about the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, please visit www.duffieldfoundation.org.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – Tahoe Community Foundation is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of connecting generosity with community needs and helping create lasting impact throughout the Tahoe region. Since its founding in 1996, the Community Foundation has granted more than $165 million to support nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and charitable causes that strengthen the communities of Tahoe and beyond.
Built on perseverance and collaboration, Tahoe Community Foundation was founded by local community members who shared a vision: a thriving Tahoe where philanthropy could serve as a powerful force for good. Over the last 30 years, that vision has grown into a trusted philanthropic partner for individuals, families, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders.
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tahoe Community Foundation is investing directly in organizations that help make the Tahoe region stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. Through a special anniversary grant initiative, the Community Foundation has awarded four $30,000 grants to standout nonprofit organizations whose work exemplifies impact, innovation, and community leadership.
The 2026 30th Anniversary Grant recipients are:
League to Save Lake Tahoe for its leadership in Environmental Stewardship
SOS Outreach for its work in Education and Mentorship
Tahoe Family Solutions for advancing community Well-Being
Thunderbird Nevada Foundation for enriching the region through Arts and Culture
Together, these grants represent a $120,000 investment in four of Tahoe Community Foundation’s core program areas and honor organizations whose efforts improve quality of life throughout the region.
“As we celebrate 30 years of philanthropy, we are honored to recognize these organizations and the important work they do to strengthen our region,” said Claudia Andersen, CEO of Tahoe Community Foundation. “Their efforts reflect the values and community impact that have been at the heart of Tahoe Community Foundation since our beginning.”
The anniversary grants awarded are both a celebration of the Community Foundation’s past and an investment in the future. They recognize the extraordinary nonprofit partners who help turn charitable giving into meaningful, measurable impact for the communities of Tahoe.
As Tahoe Community Foundation enters its fourth decade, it remains committed to fostering philanthropy, strengthening nonprofit organizations, and helping donors create the lasting impact they envision for the communities they love.
For more information about our grant programs and community impact, visit https://www.TahoeCF.org.
By the end of the 2023 season, the once-proud North Tahoe football team had been down in wins and participation for the better part of two decades. The sophomore-led varsity finished 0-9, this after the class endured a winless record as freshmen on JV the year prior. Without a single taste of victory, frustrations boiled.
“Everyone talked about quitting,” said head coach Ryan Brolliar, referencing a closed-door team meeting held the summer before the next season. “There were tears shed, profanities back and forth. I said, ‘We’re not leaving this room until all you guys are in or all you guys are out.’”
From that day forward the Lakers were, quite literally, all in. Soon after, players and coaches embarked together on a journey to a no-frills camp in the middle of nowhere in Northern California where a Navy SEAL awaited to whip them into a cohesive unit.
“It was five days of no cell phones, no parents, no friends, just football,” Brolliar recounted. “We had a sandlot field and the Navy Seal kicked our butt. We were playing in the dark some nights. We worked through things. It was so much fun.”
North Tahoe came together. And in the fifth game of the ’24 season, the team broke through with a win, finally tasting the sweet satisfaction of victory with a 26-14 triumph over West Wendover.
“It was like we won the championship,” Brolliar said of the moment that had been months in the making,
The momentum led to two more victories that season and catapulted the Lakers to a historic 2025 campaign. For only the second time in 20-plus years, and two years removed from going 0-9, the Lakers finished the season with a winning record. The team battled to a 5-3 regular season, trouncing Yerington 34-0 in the final game to earn a spot in the NIAA 2A football championships.
“I’ll never forget the announcer over the PA after the game — ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the Lakers are going to the playoffs,’” Brolliar relayed. “It was awesome.”
HEAD COACH: Ryan Brolliar (second coach from left) spreads the stoke at a recent North Tahoe practice.
2026 Season Preview
This fall marks Brolliar’s fifth year as head coach, and under his watch the rising Lakers tide has lifted the program’s boats. But with 18 seniors graduated-and-gone from last year’s breakthrough team, North Tahoe will once again be young. Fifteen juniors will be called upon for the bulk of the productivity, the squad’s lone senior coming in the form of starting safety, kicker, and punter Chemo Anselmo-Arrieta.
Hawkin Anderson’s high football IQ, footspeed, and quick release have him slated to start at quarterback. He’ll look to find tight end Charlie Blair and tight end/receiver Axl Fant, both of whom, like many on the small, special-ops-like 25-man roster, will play “ironman football,” contributing on offense as well as defense.
Running back/linebacker Ian Dohner will carry a heavy load, and Gael Servin will anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Matthew Rosenfeld will lead the defense from his middle linebacker spot while adding strength to the offensive side of the ball at the fullback position.
The Laker offense looks to establish the run game with physicality at the line of scrimmage, and the defense is designed to allow players to play on instinct. “It’s a lot of see ball, get ball,” Brolliar explained.
The team put together a solid fall camp and fared well at home in their Aug. 15 jamboree (organized scrimmage), scoring three times against Chico-area Hamilton High School, while also playing stout defense, including tallying an interception.
But the path into the regular season won’t be easy.
North Tahoe opens with three straight games on the road. It all starts this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Quincy against the Trojans of the Mid Valley League. The tough nonconference schedule continues the next week against Highlands of the historically strong Sierra Delta League. After a bye, the Lakers open 2A Northern League play at Coral Academy (Reno) on Sept. 12.
North Tahoe’s first home game will take place Sept. 18 under the lights against the Incline Highlanders.
“Incline is our rival,” Brolliar said. “It’s the only game that we get portable lights for every year. Friday night lights. We also make sure it’s our homecoming game.”
The next two weeks are also at home, against Pershing County (Lovelock) Sept. 26 and West Wendover Oct. 3. The regular season’s finale is Friday Oct. 29 at Yerington, but the Lakers’ goal is for that to not be the final time they put on shoulder pads to compete against a foe in a different colored jersey.
“We’re young, but we’re going to mess some stuff up,” Brolliar said. “There’s not a junior class that’s better [than ours]. We are a playoff caliber team.”
READYING FOR THE SEASON: The 2026 Lakers, seen here warming up before practice, are led by 15 juniors on their 25-man roster.
Blue Blood
Brolliar has been around North Tahoe football so much in his life, it’s practically in his DNA. His father, Dave Brolliar, taught P.E and was the team’s head coach for much of the 1980s, guiding the Lakers, among other achievements, to the Nevada 2A state title in 1986.
Ryan was nine years old that year, and he served as the team’s waterboy. “I remember the emotion,” he said of the celebration after the championship victory. “People just hugging, crying. I was a young kid. I was like, ‘wow.’”
The feeling of awe surrounding the game of football stuck with him, and the young Brolliar grew up bleeding North Tahoe blue. When he got to high school, he became a great player himself, a Laker known for making plays all over the field. His senior year in 1995, he earned first team all-league honors as a quarterback and first team all-state accolades as a defensive back.
The team was going strong. But after decades of success and stability, the school’s enrollment and the football team’s numbers both dwindled, so much so that the Lakers had to cancel the 2014 season. A revolving door of three coaches in three years further damaged the once-proud team. There was serious talk of completely cutting the program.
That’s when longtime head coach Scott Everist reached out to the old quarterback. “He called me and basically told me it was time to move back home,” Brolliar said.
After over 20 years of teaching, coaching, and playing music professionally in San Diego, the coach’s son returned to his roots to revive the Lakers football team.
Brolliar came back to Tahoe without even having set up a day job to pay the bills. But his bold actions were met with fortune; within three weeks, the North Tahoe physical education teaching position opened up. Brolliar was qualified. He applied and got the job. “Now I’m in my dad’s old office,” he mused, “teaching P.E. and coaching football.”
That might just be about as full circle as it gets.
“When I moved back, people didn’t even know we had a football team,” said the coach, again remembering the talk of cutting the program. “The kids are excited. We’re back, and we’re not going anywhere.”
The Lake Tahoe camping season may be winding down for the summer, but there are still a few places to enjoy sleeping under the stars this fall.
Milky Way over Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe | Photo: Rachid Dahnoun
Lake Tahoe is a popular camping destination all summer long; however, for the hardy outdoors people among us, year-round camping opportunities exist around Lake Tahoe. Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy the changing leaves, fewer crowds, and quieter beaches and trails, and the cooler temperatures are perfect for long hikes and mountain bike rides.
Fall colors around Lake Tahoe. Photo by Carol Chaplin.
Here are some of your options for camping this fall in Lake Tahoe:
Campground by the Lake, season runs from April through the end of October (weather permitting).
D.L. Bliss, Donner Memorial, Emerald Bay, and Sugar Pine Point are OPEN during the winter for hiking and snowshoeing, but these parks are CLOSED to camping beginning mid-September (varies by park).
Bring extra layers (temperatures drop at night), and don’t forget your sleeping pad! While you are here, make sure you check out all the beautiful fall colors.
South Lake Tahoe Camping | Photo: @keeptahoe.local
We begin our exploration of the celestial energies with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. This beloved annual occurrence, active until Aug. 24, is a beautiful invitation to spend an evening beneath the cosmos. As shooting stars streak across the night sky, connect in your heart with all the other human beings making wishes at the same time.
Astrologically, we arrive at the midpoint of summer with an abundance of fire energy as Mercury, Jupiter, the sun, and south node all transit in Leo. On Aug 15, Mercury conjoins Jupiter in this heart-centered sign, creating opportunity for expansive, truthful, and courageous expression.
Energies may turn wonky on Aug. 17 as Mars in Cancer squares Neptune retrograde in Aries. Mars, the planet of action and forward movement, generally feels uncomfortable in Cancer’s nurturing waters, and Neptune can dissolve certainty and blur the path ahead. Fortunately, Venus in her home sign of Libra sextiles Jupiter that day, bringing grace, open-mindedness, and support for peaceful resolutions.
On Aug. 22 the sun conjoins the south node in Leo before moving into Mercury–ruled Virgo the following day. Mercury follows suit, joining first the south node on Aug. 25 before meeting the sun in Virgo for a cazami on Aug. 27. Together, these alignments encourage the release of old identities and outdated stories, allowing more authentic patterns to emerge. We also experience a full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces the same day.
Jupiter trines Saturn retrograde in Aries on Aug. 31, bringing optimism to the work of structure and discipline. However, that supportive energy shifts quickly as Mars squares Saturn on Sept.1. Allow this transit to reveal habits, fears, and reactions that are ready to be transformed, remembering that impatience rarely produces lasting results.
NATURAL MAGIC
To support healing, create an ancestral water-and-fire offering for the Mars-Saturn square. In a safe outside place, light an orange or red candle; fill a bowl with spring water; add rosemary, rose petals, and cedar fronds. Then sit quietly and ask: What ancestral patterns around action, anger, protection, and survival am I ready to complete?
Feel what arises, and write three patterns onto separate pieces of paper. Burn one piece and place its ashes into the bowl. Place a second, unburned, into the bowl among the plant beings. Place the third beneath the bowl of water. Blow out your candle and leave the ritual outside overnight. In the morning, offer the water, ashes, plants, and paper to your garden or compost as a prayer to the earth and to all those that came before you. Trust in the magic of healing
It started on July 3 in my Carnelian Bay neighborhood. Eighty-five percent of the houses are short-term vacation rentals and second homes, which are normally filled up with families on the Fourth of July holiday.
But this Independence Day was the first of its kind. Because not only was it a major milestone celebrating the birth of America, but the influx of visitors flooding the streets weren’t families — it was a teen/college kids takeover.
Suddenly every house in my neighborhood was full of sorority and frat-house-like renters, drinking out of red solo cups and playing cornhole in the streets. And then the crowds kept growing.
By July 4 at 1 p.m., every beach in North Lake Tahoe was packed with an overwhelming number of young people roughly the same age. Most of the girls were dressed in thong bikinis and many guys were in American flag board shorts, no shirts.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office shut down Tahoe City’s Skylandia and Bristlecone beaches by 4 p.m. due to underage drinking, significant traffic impacts, and widespread littering. More than a dozen California State Parks enforcement officers broke up the crowds in Kings Beach.
“We’ve caught multiple kids peeing on our fences and just tossing trash in the streets,” Kings Beach resident Amber Kramer posted to Facebook.
By the time the fireworks started, my neighborhood was eerily silent, all the houses abruptly abandoned by 11 p.m. By the next morning, everyone had vanished.
“It was like spring break around here … in the 20-plus years of living here, I’ve never seen anything like it,” my neighbor said on that (relatively) quiet morning of July 5.
I heard in the following days that San Francisco Bay Area high school and college students organized this. Parents rented the VRBOs and Airbnbs for their kids. Tik-Tok posts went viral weeks before the takeover.
Although the scene didn’t get out of control like the shooting that took place in Florida, large, random gatherings like this can pose a public safety threat.
Kings Beach business owners commented online that the crowds did not contribute to the downtown economy — no one went into the restaurants despite hordes of people hanging out in front of the Taco Bell at 10 p.m. that evening.
“Yes, it was bad for business, and yes, the streets and sidewalks are covered in trash and vomit. Definitely not fun,” a local Kings Beach business owner posted to Facebook.
Shortly after the busy weekend, a petition went out asking Placer County to publicly address what happened this Fourth of July. A few days later, Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson released a statement saying she was planning a meeting with agency representatives to talk about it.
I feel like this is a weak response.
Right now, neither the rental agencies nor homeowners are taking responsibility for these issues, so Placer County needs to implement penalties big enough to make owners think twice about who they are renting to or what their properties are being used for.
There are a lot of parking, noise, and trash issues that full-time North Tahoe residents deal with all summer from their short-term neighbors, and I have never seen or heard of an instance when rules have been enforced or penalties imposed. Placer County does have a 24/7 short-term rental hotline number neighbors can call to address complaints, but in many cases the vacationers are just given a slap on the wrist or a warning, and a new crop of visitors comes the following weekend. I’ve never heard of an STR getting shut down.
Considering we’re nearing the end of summer, I think Placer County should publish a statement this fall that contains: 1) an analysis of what happened this Fourth of July; 2) a plan emphasizing how parking/trash/noise regulations will start being heavily enforced beginning June 1, 2027; and 3) share a report of how many complaints were recorded and how they were addressed in the summer of 2026.
If this is a problem that affects you, too, sign the petition. Write Cindy Gustafson. And Placer County, please take residents’ complaints seriously and do something about them.
~ Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer and coauthor of Moon Travel Guides’ Best of California State Parks and Northern California Road Trips. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from CSU, Chico, and has been a North Lake Tahoe resident for the past 20 years.
Every summer, Lake Tahoe’s transportation challenges become impossible to ignore. Gridlocked roads, full parking lots, and unsafe parking along busy highways are the visible signs of a problem that dozens of agencies have spent decades trying to solve.
Gavin Feiger, policy director for Keep Tahoe Blue, put it like this:
“Transportation in Tahoe has been one of the largest contributors to clarity decline. It has one of the biggest impacts on the environment and on our day-to-day lives. It’s a huge issue that we haven’t been able to crack as a region yet. We’re tackling aquatic invasive species. We’re doing restoration projects. Development is getting more sustainable and it’s limited. Growth is capped. We’ve done all these things, but we just haven’t worked out transportation yet.”
Part of that, he explained, is the cost. Transportation systems not only include creating bike lanes and trails and shuttles, but also “everything under the street.”
MILE AFTER MILE: Nevada’s state Route 28, which runs from the California state line in Crystal Bay following Lake Tahoe to halfway down its East Shore, sees 2.6 million vehicles annually and over one million recreational visitors.
The Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan, developed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and intended to address water and air quality, scenic and recreation sources, noise levels, and more through a Basin-wide system, puts the total unfunded priorities of the plan at $20 million annually for the next 20 years. Some say that number is on the low end.
“There’s not one big thing that can solve it,” Feiger said. “It’s not like we can go to Sen. [Alex] Padilla and be like, we need the Sen. Padilla Tahoe Transportation Bill, and build a giant bridge, and name it after him. We need $20 million a year for transit operations that will be spread amongst five different agencies. That’s a hard act.”
While a Basin-wide transportation solution remains years away, local agencies are making progress on one piece of the puzzle: parking. This summer, several projects aim to improve access and safety while reducing congestion at some of Tahoe’s busiest destinations.
We touch on the efforts, as well as significant snags, below.
rAguably the most critical player when it comes to all things transportation in Tahoe is the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD). When the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, which unites California, Nevada, and the U.S. government to manage the shared region, was amended in 1980, it established the TTD.
“That does put us in a pretty unique position because our jurisdiction is the Basin,” said Tara Styer, deputy director for TTD. “We’re able to leverage funding across state lines, and then we’re also able to implement those projects that are across jurisdictions … It takes a bit for everyone to be rowing in the same direction, but having that governing document really helps to have something to point back to.”
In July 2020, TTD began its Park Tahoe program, intended to aid what many see as a long-needed holistic and equitable approach to parking management in the Tahoe Basin. The first area of interest for the program: state Route 28, the famous two-lane highway along the Nevada side of the lake.
LOT FULL: A lack of enforcement capacity along state Route 28 has led to people parking in paid lots as well as continuing to park along the shoulder of the two-lane highway, even in no parking zones.
Park Tahoe was launched the same day as the Tahoe East Shore Trailhead, north of Ponderosa Ranch Road in Incline Village, which offers 90 metered parking spots away from — and this is critical — the shoulder of SR 28. This first lot was Phase 1 of the North Parking Project. Phase 2 is actively underway, with the relocation of 38 shoulder-parked vehicles to an official lot.
Parking along the shoulder of SR 28 is a very popular approach for those looking to visit various beaches. Numbers have doubled in the last 15 years. It’s also, as Styer said, a huge safety risk.
“The last shoulder counts we did in 2024, we looked at a midweek day, and we looked at two Saturdays, usually late July, early August,” Styer said. “We had 970 shoulder-parked vehicles on a summer Saturday in August.” With an average of three people per vehicle, plus bikes, this can mean over 3,000 people on a summer day using the state highway like a sidewalk or parking lot.
Shoulder parking is the leading cause of crashes on SR 28. From an environmental perspective, shoulder parking increases erosion along highway embankments and into Lake Tahoe.
The day-use reservation system at Sand Harbor State Park, implemented August 2024, is an attempt to reduce congestion by limiting the number of vehicles trying to enter the park during peak morning hours. From mid-May through September, visitors must make a reservation if they want to enter the park between 8 and 10:30 a.m. After that, remaining spots are available on a first come, first served basis. “Out of the 400 reservable spots, we are still able to let in 20 to 50 vehicles,” wrote Tyler Kerver of the Nevada Division of State Parks in an email, noting that the number varies with weather, holidays, and the day of the week. “The gates to the main parking lot are usually closed by 11 a.m. June through August.”
Progress is piecemeal, and people are still parking their cars along SR 28, shifting locations as signs marking no-parking zones go up. “As we implement these projects throughout the corridor, it’s sort of a whack-a-mole effect,” Styer said. “Anything south of Secret Harbor is still technically not no parking. Although it’s not safe and a lot of people are parking over the fog line [the white stripe along the outside of a paved road].”
A significant parking lot option became available this June: The Chimney Beach Trailhead, which offers about 130 spaces, each for $12 a day. The site improvements include a pedestrian crosswalk across SR 28. In order to open up, a permit granted by the TRPA to the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), required, “The no parking zone on SR-28 shall be extended around Chimney Beach Parking lot prior to the new parking lot being open to the public. The area of no parking shall be consistent with the area identified in the project [environmental assessment]. LTBMU shall coordinate with partners who are responsible for enforcing no parking along the corridor.”
CHIMNEY BEACH: The new parking lot on U.S. Forest Service land offers about 130 spots, each for $12 a day. According to the Tahoe Transportation District, the lot fills up on weekends, but not as much during weekdays (while shoulder parking on state Route 28 stays consistent).
Basically, TRPA was asserting that roughly 130 shoulder parking spots along the highway south of Sand Harbor could be blocked off with no-parking signs, since those cars now have a place to park.
That’s what was supposed to happen.
“The signs went up, there’s [a memorandum of understanding] in place [but] nobody has capacity to do the enforcement,” Feiger said. This has lead to cars not only parking at Chimney Beach, but also, on high-demand days, still parking along the shoulder, despite signage.
However, TRPA Public Information Officer Jeff Cowen says “the new no-parking zone along the Chimney Beach section of the corridor is largely working. NHP has been ticketing. Our [Environmental Improvement Program] manager drove through the corridor [on Wednesday, Aug. 5], and there were a number of cars parked in the corridor, but none in the new no-parking zone.
“There have been issues on very busy days, including the Fourth of July, and times when law enforcement resources are spread out.”
Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) confirmed with Moonshine its staffing is stretched thin. “We’re doing saturation patrols as necessary, focusing on weekends and holidays, trying to get extra staff up there to deal with parking issues,” said Trooper James LaRose, public information officer for NHP.
From January to June 3, 2025, NHP investigated 25 crashes and issued 26 traffic citations and eight parking citations.
The same timeframe for 2026 saw 19 crashes, 34 traffic citations, and 29 parking citations.
“You’d think it would be common sense that people can’t park in the travel lane or block traffic,” LaRose said. “Apparently it’s not and we end up with a lot of people with part of their car still in the travel lane.”
“It’s not like we can go to Sen. Padilla and be like, we need the Sen. Padilla Tahoe Transportation Bill, and build a giant bridge, and name it after him. We need $20 million a year for transit operations that will be spread amongst five different agencies. That’s a hard act.”
~ Gavin Feiger, policy director for Keep Tahoe Blue
He added that officers will drive through using a PA system, letting drivers know they can’t be parked in the travel lane, can’t have their vehicles protrude — “even the mirror over the line” — and asking them to move their vehicles. After the announcement, they’ll come and issue citations.
“If it’s too egregious, we’ll call for a tow truck,” he added.
“We’re very frustrated,” Feiger said of the situation. “And it’s the same permit conditions and the same process for the Spooner lot [which will provide 250 spots and is expected to come online fall 2027]. It’s going to be the same one for the Secret Harbor lot [which is facing a $13-million funding gap for the 120 spots], like all of them. This has to be successful.”
Legislation recently passed in Nevada and a companion bill on the California side could help with this hurdle.
Nevada’s SB 426, passed June 2025, created the Lake Tahoe Basin Scenic Byway Corridor Recreation Safety Zone, spanning Nevada highways and state routes in the Tahoe region, to establish traffic control and parking measures, as well as the development of parking enforcement and citation issuance between the TTD and law enforcement agencies.
The transportation district’s Styer said that while the legislation is in effect, operationalization will take time. She did say the district is in communication with NHP over how the two agencies can coordinate. “We don’t necessarily want to staff someone who’s on the corridor writing tickets. We’d rather leave that in law enforcement’s capable hands … [and possibly do something] similar to the approach that has been taken in Emerald Bay where agencies are funding overtime for CHP.”
TTD’s projects are primarily federally and state-funded, as well as locally, largely from the Tahoe Fund. The money collected through parking meters (aside from a percentage that goes to USFS from parking on federal land) go back into local coffers.
SAND HARBOR is a premier destination for those visiting or living in the Tahoe Basin. To help reduce congestion on state Route 28, the state park instituted a reservation system in 2024, to run from mid-May through September, for entry between 8 and 10:30 a.m. Traffic backs up during those hours, as seen in the bottom photo, and the parking lot is usually closed by 11 a.m.
California’s AB 2679, meanwhile, went before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Aug. 3 and was placed in a suspense file, to be reviewed in detail for its potential fiscal impact. The bill proposes the Tahoe Transportation Safety Act, which would effectively mimic the Nevada bill by, in part, authorizing TTD to address unsafe parking and pedestrian movement in the Basin.
Raising the price of fines for illegal parking is a more recent solution implemented because up until recently, they simply haven’t been a successful deterrent.
“We’ve been out there doing surveys, doing enforcement with highway patrol, and they’ll tow a car and another car will pull right in,” Feiger said. “The highway patrol person will be like, ‘Did you just see that [the other car got a ticket]?’ And they’re like, ‘How much is the ticket?’ ‘Hundred bucks.’ They’re like, ‘Oh, okay. Fine.’”
El Dorado County in June increased penalties for illegal parking along state highways from $50 to $300 per occurrence. On the Nevada side, the max fine for parking in a no-parking zone is $305, while parking over the fog line incurs a $538 fine.
In South Lake, a new vision is unfolding for what the Tahoe Basin could become as parking management expands: Keep Tahoe Blue’s Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe, which kicked off this past June. The concept imagines a future where someone can park their car and use interconnected transit options (buses, shuttles, bike paths, scooters, etc.) to reach any destination around Tahoe.
“It was designed to kind of encapsulate all of our transportation efforts,” Feiger said, pointing to ongoing advocating for funding, providing input on the regional transportation plan, getting legislation passed, and so on. And not only the work Keep Tahoe Blue is doing, but also its partners’ work.
A key example is the Emerald Bay Shuttle, run by TTD and piloted last summer through funding from Keep Tahoe Blue and the Tahoe Fund to reduce congestion and pollution, and provide alternative parking options in one of the most visited spots around the lake. Along with the shuttle implementation, which started its 2026 season in late June for $5 one way (reduced fare options available), TTD is installing about 400 feet of temporary barriers along the shoulder. California Highway Patrol promises strict enforcement of parking regulations. Last summer, enforcement wrote 248 citations, issued 13 moving violations, and had 10 vehicles towed.
There has been a lot of good feedback, Styer said about the shuttle, and the partnerships have produced momentum. Beyond that, groups are addressing operational hiccups. “We do not have a formalized crosswalk in Emerald Bay,” she continued. “I think that could be really beneficial. And the speed limit through there is still pretty high, so, you know, those types of things — working with Caltrans.”
Other programs falling under the Car Free, Care Free Tahoe umbrella: the South Shore Transportation Management Association and its 30 different funders (including many local businesses) that helped launch microtransit shuttle Lake Link in 2022. Or Heavenly Ski Resort, which increased its shuttle service in 2024.
“We see this as a way for us to really share that it’s better,” Feiger said. “We have options now. It wasn’t this way for a lot of years, but it’s getting so much better now. And the biggest thing is people need to just get out there and get on the paths, ride the buses. That’s the best thing you can do to support this, so that’s what we’re trying to make happen.”
While this is a vision that will ideally spread around the lake in terms of transit connection, he added that South Shore is the closest to achieving such a goal in Tahoe.
On the North Shore, Placer County is focused on expanding its paid parking program in Kings Beach. Starting May 1, the West End and Rainbow lots began charging vehicles $10 per day, with a $20 holiday rate, through September. These two lots joined the Christmas Tree and Brook Avenue locations, which saw fee increases to a daily rate of $20, with a holiday rate of $40.
Local businesses initially pushed the program to take off in summer 2024 with the Christmas Tree lot pilot program, increasing parking turnover a major goal.
STATE HIGHWAY OR PARKING LOT: In 2024, an estimated 970 cars a day parked on the SR 28 shoulder on a Saturday in August, a huge safety risk and environmental detriment. Tahoe agencies are trying to fix that and more when it comes to parking around the Basin.
“I think one of the frustrations our business owners had in certain areas was that people would park and go to the beach all day, and then there wouldn’t be room for their patrons to come in and access their businesses,” said Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “So, the paid parking does help modify behavior and hopefully help people make the decision to be somewhat inconvenient to either walk or ride a bike or call a micro mass transit bus.”
During the first full year of the paid parking program’s pilot, 2025, 595 citations were issued, bringing in roughly $42,000 in revenue, and $43,000 in paid lot fees. Yet expenditures far outweighed the intake: staff cost about $175,000, and contracts $65,000.
“We want it to become self-sustaining,” Gustafson said, “and so we need more in the paid parking program to make it self-sustained. But we have issued a lot of citations. I think over 300 citations, and over 200 warnings [since May 1].”
Such a program for Tahoe City is undergoing staff discussion and community outreach.
Not everyone believes adding parking is the right solution. While agencies are implementing new restrictions and adding infrastructure in the name of safety and environmental protection, some residents argue the Basin has already reached its limits. Steve Dolan, who lived in Incline Village for 23 years and founded the Friends of Third Creek nonprofit, which monitors North Shore watersheds, sees the addition of parking lots and continued development — even with strict codes — as adding to an area that’s already at capacity.
“There’s a limit to what this beautiful emerald of the Sierra can accommodate,” he told Moonshine. “There’s just a limit.”
Dolan wants a moratorium placed in the Basin to stall rapid growth — which, according to TRPA, already boasts 15 million visitors annually and a $5-billion economy.
“At any given time, the number of people that can stay in the parks, camping, in houses as guests, in hotels that exist, and in hotels that are being built, and in developments that are being developed already to this day, that’s too many people,” he said. “We need to stop that now and adjust to it.”
There are also those — especially locals — who find themselves having to pay for parking where it used to be free and are frustrated by that. Styer has heard as much, and said she understands the parking changes aren’t welcomed by everyone.
“I know that it’s a transition,” she said. “It’s a transition for me as well. But the parking revenues are returned to the operations and maintenance within the corridor, and I think that that’s really key. We’re looking at a corridor that didn’t have, in my opinion, adequate facilities. Just adding restrooms along the corridor has been really critical. Allowing Waste Management, having those parking ambassadors at Secret and Chimney this summer to help manage the trash. I think that all of those are huge benefits.”
“There’s a limit to what this beautiful emerald of the Sierra can accommodate. There’s just a limit.”
~ Steve Dolan, former Incline Village resident and
founder of Friends of Third Creek nonprofit
Feiger emphasized the environmental benefits, saying that limiting parking is one of the most effective ways to shift driving behavior by encouraging carpooling or transit use or maybe deciding not to take a trip at all.
“One of the cool things about Tahoe is that all of our locals, all of our residents and our visitors — we’re all going to and from the same places,” he said. “So, a system that works for visitors will also work for our residents. If we can get more visitors out of their cars, it makes it easier for our employees to get around who maybe have to use their cars.”
Gustafson points to being prepared within reason for a future that could see increased visitation: “I think with climate change, we have to be prepared that as temperatures get hotter, the evidence is here: More people come to recreate in the High Sierra. Some of that’s Lake Tahoe, some of it is rivers and streams … My job is to make sure we’re looking ahead and trying to prepare for that and find solutions that can help us live together more amicably. We don’t have the infrastructure for the millions of more Californians and Nevadans there are within drive-up range, and I don’t know that we should pave paradise for that.”
A new facility called Peak Women’s Care is opening in the former Gateway Urgent Care building on Donner Pass Road in Truckee, which says it offers free-of-charge services for people facing an unplanned pregnancy, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and what it calls an “options consultation.” The facility has the appearance of a women’s health center, but the reality is it’s more a faith-based resource center than a medical clinic.
Peak Women’s Care also operates a center in Portola, an hour north of Truckee, which opened in November 2024. Its Truckee location is slated to open by the end of this summer, pending an occupancy permit from Nevada County.
“Our goal is to service people from Lake Almanor to North Lake Tahoe, so that’s why we’re growing with a location in Truckee,” Mollie Williams, executive director of Peak Women’s Care, told Moonshine Ink. “We’re often servicing people who are traveling from far away, so we want to try to meet them where they’re at.”
As Peak Women’s Care prepares to open its Truckee doors, residents facing an unplanned pregnancy will soon have another place to turn — though what they’ll find there, and whether it constitutes healthcare, remains at the center of a broader national debate.
In publicly available tax documents, Peak’s mission is stated as this: “To provide free religious instruction and information to members of the public who are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or who are partners of pregnant women.” The document further adds that the center “walks with those facing unplanned or unsupported pregnancies by providing medical, material, and spiritual resources, all centered in Christ while upholding the sanctity of all human life.”
Peak seems to fall under a category known as crisis pregnancy centers. A CPC is a nonprofit organization, regularly affiliated with religious education, that presents itself as a women’s healthcare clinic. In 2022, the California Attorney General issued a consumer alert, stating: “While crisis pregnancy centers may claim to offer comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, their mission is to discourage people from accessing abortion care.”
CPCs have been around since the late 1960s and currently, there are an estimated 2,600 in the U.S., with more continuing to open. (That’s roughly three times the number of abortion clinics in this country.) Most CPCs are associated with national pro-life organizations such as Birthright International, the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, Care Net, or Heartbeat International.
Peak Women’s Care is licensed as a community clinic in California. A licensed physician, Dr. Alexandra Hunt, serves as its medical director. The clinic is permitted to perform basic pregnancy tests and ultrasounds but not further medical procedures. It does not offer services like prenatal care, testing for sexually transmitted infections, or birth control options, or abortions. It has staff who are trained to perform ultrasounds, according to Williams, but many of the staff are volunteers without medical licenses. The center also provides free online parenting classes and no-charge maternity and baby supplies, like diapers, clothing, and car seats.
The president of the board of directors of Peak Women’s Care is Betsy Taylor, who’s married to Dr. Peter Taylor, a longtime OB-GYN at Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee. Peter Taylor is not currently working as a doctor at Peak Women’s Care, but Williams did confirm that he has been providing what she called “backup ultrasound interpretations.” Williams said Dr. Taylor will provide those services for the new Truckee location as well. Dr. Taylor could not be reached for comment.
Betsy Taylor declined to be interviewed, but in a letter to Sierra Bible Church’s congregation, she wrote that Peak Women’s Care is a “Christ-centered nonprofit” that’s been “making a powerful impact in our region.” Her letter asked for help with tenant improvements like drywall and electrical and added that “Peak is also looking for people to serve as volunteer patient advocates and nurses.” Her letter added that Care Net training will be provided to volunteers. Care Net is a pro-life ministry that offers training to staff at pregnancy centers such as this one.
The former Gateway Urgent Care building, a 1,300-square-foot A-frame at 11105 Donner Pass Rd., was recently purchased by Tim and Rebekah Ruppert, who attend Sierra Bible Church. The Rupperts are renting the building to Peak Women’s Care. Its location near Tahoe Forest Hospital places the nonprofit in an area where many patients in this community seek healthcare.
“Most people don’t know what crisis pregnancy centers are. They give the appearance that they’re just trying to help pregnant women, and who doesn’t want to help a pregnant woman?” said Andrea Swartzendruber, an associate professor in the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia. Swartzendruber helps run
an online CPC map.
“It can be hard to tell if what you’re looking at is a CPC. They’re deceptive in a lot of ways by calling themselves medical facilities or clinics or giving the impression that they’re unbiased,” Swartzendruber said. “CPCs tend to target young people, people of color, and those with low incomes who don’t have easy access to healthcare. They often give inaccurate health information or use a limited medical ultrasound as a tactic to try to convince people not to get an abortion.”
Dr. Jessica Hamilton, a local physician at the Western Sierra Medical Clinic in Kings Beach and a former medical director at Planned Parenthood, has treated women who’ve recently visited a crisis pregnancy center. “Typically, a patient will come in and say, ‘I went to a clinic around the corner, and I got an ultrasound that told me I was 15 weeks pregnant,’” Hamilton said. “But then I’ll check how far along they are by ultrasound and what they were told previously isn’t accurate. It’s clear people with minimal training are making errors.”
Abortion services often have cut-offs based on how far along a pregnancy is because of institutional policies, medical regulations (medication abortions are often only available to 11 weeks gestation), or a patient’s medical history. Delaying a decision can mean a person has fewer choices. “A misguided visit — especially by someone who lives in a rural area — could drastically affect one’s ability to choose, as options may disappear as they progress in gestational duration,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton is in the process of trying to open a medical clinic in North Lake Tahoe, called Alpine Medicine, that would offer comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion services. Currently, elective abortions aren’t available in the Truckee/North Tahoe area. Tahoe Forest Hospital does not perform them; instead, it’ll refer patients to Planned Parenthood in Reno, Roseville, or Sacramento. “Patients deserve factual information and a full range of options in a timely manner. I would encourage anyone visiting a crisis pregnancy center to understand what it is, ask for licensing, and bring records of your visit, including your ultrasound, to a licensed medical professional,” said Hamilton, who also recommended calling or texting the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline, (833) 246-2632, for anyone needing information.
Funding for Peak Women’s Care comes from hundreds of individual donors and some grant funding. Contributions and grants for the organization in 2025 totaled $355,927, according to tax documents.
Julie Halvorsen is a Tahoe City resident and mother of six children who’s regularly supported Peak Women’s Care through financial donations. “I support women and I’m coming from a place of wanting to do the right thing. A woman making any decision regarding her pregnancy should be given grace, love, support, and understanding without judgment or challenge,” Halvorsen said. “I understand there are women who may not want a pregnancy or are not prepared or supported for one. This mother deserves all the same support. My hopeful confidence is that Peak Women’s Care is going to do everything they can to bring that child into the world.”
Swartzendruber warns that since CPCs aren’t subject to HIPAA laws, they aren’t required to keep patient information secure. However, Williams at Peak Women’s Care said they are committed to patient confidentiality.
“We do not refer or provide abortions, but we are a safe place where people can talk through all of their options,” Williams said. “We never force anything on anyone or give out information people don’t ask for. We want to support holistically, but it’s all permission-based.”
~ Megan Michelson is a freelance journalist who lives in Tahoe City.
