LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Winter isn’t over yet. With more than 2.5 feet of fresh snow blanketing the Tahoe region in the past week, Northstar California and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are extending their seasons by one full week, now set to close on Sunday, April 20. Heavenly Mountain Resort will close as originally scheduled on April 20, giving skiers and riders plenty of time to soak up prime spring conditions at all three resorts.
“This latest storm delivered exactly what we needed to keep the fun going,” said Tara Schoedinger, Vice President & General Manager of Northstar California Resort. “Thanks to incredible conditions and the hard work of our teams, we’re excited to give our guests one more week to enjoy everything Northstar has to offer.”
At Kirkwood, skiers and riders will also have more time to take advantage of fresh snow and legendary terrain.
“When the mountains deliver, we want to make sure our employees and guests can take full advantage,” said Ricky Newberry, Vice President & General Manager of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “With great conditions, our amazing team and community, and our classic spring events, there’s no better time to be here to experience the spring magic.”
As the season winds down, all three resorts will transition into spring operations, bringing fan-favorite events and après experiences to the mountains.
At Northstar, guests can enjoy live music in the Village every Friday through Sunday, along with signature experiences like the lively Pepsi Patio Pop-Up on weekends, weather permitting. The annual Spring It On festival returns April 5-6, featuring a pond skim and rail jam to celebrate the season in style.
Kirkwood will cap off its extended season with a stacked event lineup, including the IFSA Junior National Championships (April 11-13) and its highly anticipated Pond Skim on April 19. Over at Heavenly, the spring scene will be in full swing with a mix of DJ sets at Tamarack Lodge and Stein’s, along with its own Pond Skim on April 12 and a weekend of closing celebrations leading up to April 20.
With another month of skiing and riding ahead, there’s still time to lock in next season’s adventures with 2025-26 Epic Pass, including Epic Day Pass. Even if guests only plan to visit for a couple days, the Epic Day Pass can provide up to 65% savings and better value than lift tickets. For example, guests can visit any one of the Tahoe resorts for 7 days (including peak periods) from as low as $76 per day for adults and $39 for children. Epic Day Pass also allows guests to build their own Pass, choosing from 1-7 days, which resorts they want to visit, and whether to include peak dates. Epic Passes for the 2025/26 ski and ride season are on sale for their lowest price of the year, but the offer ends April 13.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.- To provide improved efficiency and customer service throughout the permitting and development review process, the Development Services Department will be going live with entirely new permitting software on Monday, April 14. To prepare for this transition, the Development Services Department front counter will be closed Monday, April 7 through Wednesday, April 9.
The new software called “Community Development” will boast the following key features:
1. Quick access to building, planning and public works permit information, plan reviews, and project status,
2. Online portal for paperless processing,
3. Improved transparency and access to property information,
4. Enhanced plan review with integrated Bluebeam Construction Software,
5. Real time inspection reports through integrated mobile technology,
6. Simplified permit processes, enabling efficiencies and seamless experiences,
7. Real-time access, anywhere, anytime.
An informational and training workshop for contractors, design professionals and all members of the public will be held on Friday, April 11 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 1901 Lisa Maloff Way, South Lake Tahoe (Lake Tahoe Airport).
RENO, Nev. – Sculptor June Towill Brown was recently knighted by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem for her decades of service and volunteerism throughout the West. Knighted by the Grand Master, Brown is now referred to as Dame June Towill Brown and Lady June.
Recently, Sir Simon DeBono, the Order’s Bailiff, and next in-line for Grand Master, asked Brown to sculpt a bronze to celebrate the Order’s pro-life campaign in Europe period. The sculpture entitled “Essence of Life” will be displayed in the Malta Priory.
June Towill Brown Investiture CeremonyProvided
“With over 40 years of my philanthropic work, I never dreamed that I would be knighted and have this honor not only to belong to the Malta Priory, but to have one of my sculptures created for this Order and that it will be permanently displayed on the Isle of Malta for many years to come.”
The Order is 1,000 years old and sanctioned by the Pope for being hospitallers and military support to help feed and protect those who need it most. Currently, they are feeding thousands of people today in Ukraine and Israel by air dropping bags of rice and trucking where they can.
“I was so honored to support this important initiative,” said Brown who is now working on the sculpture from her home in Reno, Nevada. “Essence of Life was the name that seemed ideal for the cause. I wanted to show how the beauty of life withstands the struggles of life and holds steadfast,” said Brown.
Brown is documenting the whole process from the beginning of the sculpture’s wire armature, through the bronze casting process and all the way to the presentation at the Malta Priory where the sculpture will be displayed.
One of Brown’s most accomplished works is the International Gateway to Lake Tahoe. She donated her time to create life-sized animals for Nevada’s largest roundabout in Incline Village, Nevada and largest outdoor art project in the Silver State. Her artistic time equated to a $250,000 in-kind donation.
Be it a bronze sculpture, commissioned statue or monument, prestigious trophy, or jewelry collection, research and respect for each of Brown’s subjects are reflected in her meticulous efforts to reproduce the dignity and beauty of her ever-evolving works of art.
“Artist Pablo Picasso once quoted: ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’ Picasso’s metaphor for life was envisioned over 50 years ago and continues to inspire me to this day,” noted Brown.
As an accomplished and award-winning artist, Brown’s passion for continuing to create new works of art is fueled by her life experiences and desire to share her visions through the sculpting medium.
“As an artist and educator, I am constantly learning and exploring life. By studying the structures of humans and wildlife, I can enrich the lives of others through my sculptures and the stories they tell,” said Brown.
It Started with a Glass of Wine
From her most recent roots in Northern Nevada, Brown’s work has been promoted worldwide through the Public Broadcasting System of Reno, Nevada among countless other media outlets. Within the PBS “ARTeffects” show, Brown told her life-long story of her love of sculpting and how it started with a ‘glass of wine.’
As she explained, she wanted to make a vintage-style Santa for herself. This spirit of innovation led Brown to take sculpting classes and design her first sculptures of clay dolls.
Thirty years later, Brown’s impressive portfolio includes bronze sculptures of animals, Shakespearean characters, Native American subjects, exclusive commissioned sculptures, awards, medallions, and a fine line of gold and silver jewelry.
“The Work of the Hand … Sculpts a Place in the Heart is my mantra. I love the adventure of meeting new friends around the globe, while at the same time, I am experiencing the incredible spirit of life in all things—and it’s a journey I love,” said Brown.
Sculptor June Towill Brown With Mike Love at International Gateway to Lake Tahoe.Provided
June Towill Brown’s Awards and Achievements
Humble about her artistic accomplishments, Brown has acquired honors only presented to those who have excelled in their field. Titles on this impressive list include: “Award of Excellence,” “Best in Show,” and “Best and Brightest,” to name a few. Most impressive was her selection as the Commissioned Artist for the Gateway to Lake Tahoe, the largest outdoor art project in the state of Nevada – in which she donated her time and talent to the roundabout which welcomes millions of tourists and residents annually to Lake Tahoe.
“Exclusive Volunteer Artist” Public Art Project / International Gateway to Lake Tahoe
“Commissioned: ‘Best in Show’ Trophy” Canadian Gypsy Vanner Society
“Feature Story” Tahoe Quarterly Magazine “International Gateway to Lake Tahoe”
“Art at the Classic” Draft Horse Classic for “Gypsy Fire”
“Feature Profile” Tahoe Quarterly Magazine
“Finalist, Women Artists of the West” WAOWing the Golden State Art Show
“Best and Brightest” Juried Award for “Gypsy Fire,” Scottsdale Artists’ Best and Brightest
“Award of Excellence” for “Horse Power,” Horse HeART 2010, “Let’em Ride Foundation
“In the Spotlight” Nevada Magazine, Feature Profile with photograph
2010 Finalist “WAOWing The Golden State” – Olaf Weighorst Museum –
“Best and Brightest for “Bloodline,” Scottsdale Artists’ Best and Brightest Juried Show
“Loveland Sculpture Invitational,” Loveland, CO
“Bohler Show,” Southern CA. Presented mixed media sculpted art figures
Professional Accomplishments
Educator at UCLA, Los Angeles for 20 years on Interior Design
Educator at Beverly Hills Adult School for 5 years on Antiques and Collectibles
Lecturer in USA and Japan on International Design and Color
Lecturer on Design and Color to Los Angeles and Beverly Hills charity groups
International President of International Society of Interior Design (ISID)
Board member of American Society of Interior Design (ASID)
Commission sculptures for both public and residential installations
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) were all named one of the top ten most effective Democratic Senators in the 118th Congress, according to a non-partisan study by the Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.
Senator Padilla was the second most effective Senate Democrat. He was the chair of the subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water of the Budget, Environment and Public Works Committee, as well as serving as the chair of the Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee. During the 118th Congress, he sponsored 92 bills, 9 of which passed the Senate, and two of which became law.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked Senator Cortez Masto as the seventh most effective Senate Democrat, noting in particular her work to pass the reauthorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act into law last year.
“I am honored to have been recognized as one of the most effective senators. Whether it’s lowering costs, promoting public safety, creating good-paying jobs, protecting Nevada’s pristine landscapes, or ensuring all Nevadans can get ahead, my priority is always serving the people in the Silver State. I look forward to continuing to fight for all Nevadans during the 119th Congress,” – said Senator Cortez Masto.
Senator Rosen was the ninth most effective Senate Democrat and the third-most effective first-term senator, making her one of only four first-term senators who “exceeded expectations” as above-average effective lawmakers.
Since arriving in Congress, Senator Rosen has worked across party lines to deliver for Nevada. She has been consistently named and reaffirmed as one of the most bipartisan members of the Senate. She has also been recognized as one of the most independent senators for being willing to break with her own party to deliver for Nevada.
“Nevadans know that I’m an independent voice for them in the U.S. Senate who works across party lines to get things done,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m honored to have been recognized once again as one of the most effective senators for my work to deliver for the people of Nevada. I’ll continue to be a strong, effective advocate for our state and will work tirelessly to help hardworking families thrive.”
The Legislative Effectiveness Scores are based on the combination of fifteen metrics capturing the bills that each member of Congress sponsors, how far they move through the lawmaking process, and how substantial their policy proposals are.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University legislative effectiveness scorecard can be found here.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) board met on March 26 to discuss the procurement of residential water meter registers, Water Management Plan updates, a new Budget and Recreation meeting time and selection of an auditor for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Trustees unanimously voted to approve an update to the district’s Water Management Plan, which includes the purchase of 8.81 acre feet of water rights for $140,961 by Incline Hotel LLC, which owns the Hyatt Regency at Lake Tahoe. Trustees suggested raising the rate of water rights fees, as the current rate has not been adjusted since 2008.
“I would support this item but with a directive to staff to look at raising the water rights fee and come back to the board at a later date,” said Trustee Dave Noble.
They additionally approved the procurement of 1,860 residential water meter registers and 1,970 transponders through vendor Hydro Specialties Co. in the amount of $387,712.60. In a quick discussion, trustees unanimously approved the date of a hearing for the Budget and Recreation Roll, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5pm.
District General Manager Robert Harrison additionally gave a brief update around the search for an auditor for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, and said that IVGID has reached out to several potential auditors but has not yet found an agency that has capacity to assist.
“We have two firms that did express an interest,” said Harrison. “They don’t have capacity right now but they have smaller CPAs that they work with.”
“We are hopeful that maybe we will have an engagement letter,” he said.
IVGID’s next meeting is on April 9, 2025 at 5pm, at 893 Southwood Boulevard. Trustees are expected to discuss a draft budget for the upcoming year.
KINGS BEACH, Calif. – Lake Tahoe will be able to experience the live movie concert of Right in the Eye. The performance is coming to the Fox Cultural Hall in Kings Beach on April 10-11.
Right in the Eye is a mutltimedia show composed of 12 films by Georges Méliès, a pioneer of the Cinema and a wizard of special effects.
Featuring a trio of virtuoso musicians, their performance, in and of itself, is a spectacle – as they create music from an extraordinary range of instruments: piano, a soundboard, percussion and guitar; aquaphone (marine harp), theremin, melodica, glockenspiel; and objects of everyday life such as stemware, circular saws, whistles, flying plates and takeaway food lids.
Since its creation in 2014, Right in the Eye has had over 700 performances in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, Romania, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, at two Avignon festivals and at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. In addition, this 11th tour features workshops with students of all ages, as well as masterclasses, residencies and special performances for Colleges and Universities across the United States.
Conceptual writer and composer Jean-François Alcolea is a complete musician — piano, chamber music, composition, jazz, rock and vocal music, as well as music for theater, dance and short films. Since 2000, Alcolea has created and presented his own shows with the collaboration of qualified artists and technicians. Pianist, com- poser, improviser and scenographer, Alcolea’s shows reflect his plural worlds, combining music, sound creation, lighting, still and animated images, street arts, dance, texts, and visual creations.
Alcolea also uses his experience as a music teacher to create a varied range of mediation offerings. With his team, he developed interactive online workshops, which were created in February 2021 for shows aimed at Canadian audiences and which, since then, have been tested in France as part of hybrid interactive workshops in person and online. He is currently working on a digital education platform project dedicated to images and music.
The performance can be view on Wednesday, April 10 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. or Thursday, April 11 at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m.
To try and decide each week where and what to eat in and 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.
If you’ve never been exposed to a bao bun, then let me be the first to tell you what you’re missing. Think of something the size of a street taco but imagine the taco shell being so pillow-y soft that it’s like you’re eating through a cloud. And while I’m at it, let me also introduce to you this week’s featured dish from Alibi Ale Works.
Alibi Ale Works’ Pork Belly Bao Buns.Rob Galloway / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Just as the dumpling-like wrapper is important to holding everything together, the filling is equally important to maximize flavor. Thankfully, these bao buns exceed on all levels because everywhere you look, there’s flavor bursting at the seams. The filling party is jumping with perfectly crusted pork belly topped with pickled red onion and Fresno peppers, gochujang aioli, sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and served with a side of scallion vinaigrette.
The pork belly could teach classes on tenderness. It’s extremely juicy and contrasting with the pockets of crispiness on the outside, gives you a one-two punch of textures along with the pickled onions and peppers. The aioli adds a touch of heat, but if you bring in the vinaigrette, there’s a brightness that cuts through for a supreme balance. That vinaigrette also adds a slightly herby and almost citrusy punch that complements each bite like it was going to its first prom.
The serving comes as a power trio so if you’re there on a date or out with a friend, be ready to Ro-sham-bo or arm wrestle for who gets the third one. Believe me, you won’t want to split it down the middle.
Alibi Ale Works has two Public House locations around the lake: Incline Village (931 Tahoe Blvd.) and Truckee (10069 Bridge St.). In addition to those beer and food establishments, the Brewery and Barrel House is also located in Incline Village at 204 E. Enterprise St. For information and availability on all, visit them online at alibialeworks.com.
The Go Local Business Expo will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 Hwy 50, Stateline on Thursday, April 3rd. “The Expo is your gateway to discovering the incredible businesses, nonprofits, and talent that make South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas so vibrant. With over 100 vendors, dynamic exhibits, delicious food and beverage samplings, branded swag, and opportunities to meet community leaders, this event truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to support local businesses, explore innovative services, or simply enjoy an evening of fun, the Go Local Business Expo is the place to be. Ticket purchase required: $20 (kids under 9 are free). For more information, visit tahoechamber.org or call 775-588-1728.”
Diabetes Prevention Series
The Diabetes Prevention Series will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, 2170B South Ave., South Lake Tahoe. “In this supportive, 4-week series, learn about prediabetes and how to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes from a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist. Develop the skills to help with diabetes prevention including healthy activity levels, nutrition habits, and stress management. Pre-registration required. $40 For more information, visit www.bartonhealth.org/tahoe/home.aspx or call 530-541-3420.”
Neighbors Night for Tahoe Locals!
Neighbors Night for Tahoe Locals will be held at 7 p.m. at the Tipsy Putt Tahoe, 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. “Calling all South Lake Tahoe Locals! We want YOU to have a TEE-rific time at our monthly Neighbor’s Night! We appreciate your business and being a part of this amazing community! As a thank you, we hold a dedicated night to our neighbors on the first Thursday of every month with a tap takeover from one of your favorite local breweries. Plus, enjoy FREE trivia, FREE light bites and FREE mini golf. Free For more information, visit tipsyputt.com/tipsy-putt-tahoe or call 530-443-4376.”
Friday, April 4th
Young Toddler and Me Group
Young Toddler and Me Group will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, 2170B South Ave, South Lake Tahoe. “Parents and caregivers of young toddlers aged 12-24 months are invited to join together to share the joys and challenges of parenting in a supportive, caring environment. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers, offer encouragement, and gain valuable insights from Barton Health professionals on child development and parenting strategies. For more information, visit www.bartonhealth.org/tahoe/home.aspx or call 530-541-3420.”
Spring’s Awakening from The Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Spring’s Awakening will be presented by the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 200 Island Ave, Reno. “The Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus welcomes the season of renewal with a program that blends reverence, brilliance, and warmth. Featuring two choral masterpieces that capture both devotion and joy, we shine a spotlight on the power of the human voice through our esteemed TOCCATA Chorus. For more information, visit toccatatahoe.org or call 775-524-2175.”
Saturday, April 5th
A Celebration of Shakti: Connect With Your Creative Powers
A Celebration of Shakti will be held from noon to 6:30 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Yoga, 290 Kingsbury Grade, Stateline. “A day of celebration, engagement and developing awareness of the feminine qualities. Learn movements that address the female aspects we all have. Deepen your understanding of your Siva qualities through breathwork and mindfulness. Sample all natural skin care products. Eat, drink and nourish your self. Learn about the natural changes that occur as we age and how female hormones adjust over time. Yoga Asana Breathwork & Mindfulness Skin & Body Care Nutritional Wellness Natural Transitions The cosmic female force is known as Shakti. Pre-registration required. $130 For more information, visit www.laketahoeyoga.com or call 775-580-7224.”
Live Music at Casey’s: Mudd Bonz
Mudd Bonz will play from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Casey’s, 212 Elks Point Rd #101, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448. “Mudd Bonz live on the second Saturday of every month at Casey’s in the Round Hill Center next to Safeway. Dog friendly patio with water bowls and a treat for your four-legged friends.” Free to attend. More information at https://www.caseystahoe.net/.
Monday, April 7th
Monday Meals
“Monday Meals” will be served at 4 p.m., St. Theresa Grace Hall, 1041 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe. “Hot, full-course nutritional meals are served at St. Theresa Grace Hall from 4-5:30 p.m. every Monday throughout the year. In addition to serving hot meals, the dinner guests are provided with food ‘giveaway’ bags containing canned goods, fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products (eggs, butter and milk) and breads/pastries. Seconds are offered and dinner to-go containers are provided. For more information, visit breadandbroth.org or call 916-837-4201.”
Junior Freeride Championship at Kirkwood
Junior Freeride Championship will be held all day April 6-13 at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, Kirkwood, CA 95646. “We love hosting competitions at legendary Kirkwood and are beyond excited to be hosting the Junior Championship event. The venues we’ll use for U15/U19 Ski and Snowboard are within the Permanently Closed terrain of Kirkwood’s Cirque. While these get controlled throughout winter (as there is public access downhill), the mountain may require all competitors to have full avalanche gear, depending on conditions: Transceiver, Shovel and Probe. Depending on short-term conditions, this is sometimes pared back to Transceiver only, but you should be preparedly equipped in your planning.” Prices vary. More information at https://www.kirkwood.com/.
Tuesday, April 8th
The Avett Brothers at the Tahoe Blue Event Center
The Avett Brothers will play from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 Hwy 50, Stateline, 89449. “The Avett Brothers are coming Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 with special guest, Charles Wesley Godwin. The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band known for their energetic live performances and heartfelt songwriting. Their music blends elements of bluegrass, country, and rock, creating a unique and captivating sound.” Pricing varies. More information at https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events.
Wednesday, April 9th
Tahoe Knight Monsters vs. Wichita Thunder
Tahoe Knight Monsters will play the Wichita Thunder at 7 p.m., Tahoe Knight Monsters, 75 Hwy 50, Stateline. “Don’t miss the Tahoe Knight Monsters’ homestand against the Wichita Thunder!” Ticket purchase required. For more information, visit knightmonstershockey.com.
Wednesday, April 16
Date Night at The Grove
The Grove will hold “Date Night” on Wednesday, April 16 at 1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. “Cocktail Hour is from 5 to 6 p.m., dinner is 6 to 7 p.m., and [there will be] Live music throughout the evening from STHS’s Jazz Combo. This is a 5 course Menu with wine pairings! Part of the proceeds will go directly back to STHS!” Pricing varies. Find more information at https://camprichardsonresort.com/thegrove/.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Design Workshop Foundation, a non-profit committed to fostering innovative solutions to promote equity, resilience, and inclusivity within communities across the nation, announced today they are accepting applications for their third-annual Community Capacity Building Initiative. Community and non-profit organizations based in the Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California region are eligible to apply before the Friday, May 16 deadline.
This comprehensive technical assistance program aims to launch community action and address challenges within the built environment. Selected organizations will work in partnership with Design Workshop Foundation utilizing planners and designers from Design Workshop whose teams will provide specialized design, planning, and placemaking expertise through a workshop-style process.
“We are committed to building healthy, sustainable communities for now and future generations,” said Sarah Konradi, executive director of the Design Workshop Foundation. “Through the Community Capacity Building Initiative, we are able to access the firm’s talent of 150 landscape architects and urban planners across all seven studios in the U.S. This will provide hands-on resources to help communities serve the people who live and work in the Tahoe community.”
The Community Capacity Building Initiative addresses the under-funding of projects in communities and provides no-cost support for the community organizations who are selected. Employing an approach anchored in environmental, economic, and social equity, this process is designed to elevate the knowledge embedded within communities to implement positive change. Outcomes for selected communities will vary such as:
Development of planning or strategic document to inform next steps and support future fundraising and implementation efforts.
Design of events and programming to meet community needs.
Assistance with an engagement campaign that collects public opinions and builds stakeholder consensus.
Finalists may be asked to participate in a 30-minute virtual interview in May 2025. These will be scheduled based on applicant availability. Project work will begin immediately and conclude by September 2025.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The snow is already melting in the Lake Tahoe region and the end of winter gives way to a busy spring for wildlife in the area. Bears that have been in winter dens are emerging, and they are hungry!
In the fall, black bears went through hyperphagia (pronounced hi·per·fay·jee·uh), which is an increase in feeding activity (consuming about 25,000 calories a day) driven by their need to bulk up before winter. Over the course of the season, bear bodies utilize those fat stores during hibernation when food is scarce. Come spring, their body mass will have naturally decreased and, as a result, bears will be on the lookout for easy food sources to help rebuild those fat reserves. Bears will instinctively move to elevations where they can find fresh grasses and other plants. This search can bring them into neighborhoods.
As bears make their way through the area, please be vigilant about cleaning up and securing bear attractants. The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) emphasizes that properly disposing of and securing garbage is one of the most important things you can do to help keep Tahoe bears wild. Always remove food and trash from vehicles, keep windows closed and ensure doors are locked. Bears can open unlocked car doors and even enter through sunroofs to reach the smallest attractants like a stick of gum. Also lock doors and windows on buildings to prevent bear break-ins. The national BearWise program offers Six At-Home BearWise Basics you can take to live responsibly in bear country.
Individual Actions Can Impact an Entire Ecosystem
Bears play an important role in Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem. Allowing bears access to human food and garbage is detrimental to natural processes in the region. Bears help spread berry seeds through their scat, transport pollen, clean up animals that died during the winter, eat insects, and provide other essential functions of nature.
When bears find human food and garbage, bird seed, pet food, coolers or other sources of unnatural food, the Tahoe Basin loses the benefits bears offer through natural processes. Unnatural food sources can impact their overall health by damaging and rotting their teeth and their ability to stay wild. In fact, bears will unknowingly eat indigestible items from human trash like foil, paper products, plastics and metal that can damage their internal systems and even lead to death. If these items do make it through their digestive system, they leave it behind in their scat rather than the native seeds and healthy fertilizer needed to grow the next generation of plant life.
Call the Experts
Spring is also the time of year that residents or visitors may see a bear they believe looks unhealthy, sick or orphaned. Bear health concerns should be reported to TIBT’s wildlife professionals at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) or the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). These agencies have the training, expertise, and veterinary resources to assess the bear’s condition and transport it for care, if necessary. Healthy bears mean a healthy Lake Tahoe ecosystem, but it takes everyone’s cooperation to contribute to the success of both.
The bottom line is that Lake Tahoe is bear country. It’s up to everyone, including those living in, visiting, or recreating in the Tahoe Basin to practice good stewardship habits by always securing food, trash, and other scented items. Good habits will help ensure Tahoe bears remain healthy and wild.
To report human-bear conflicts:
In California, contact the CDFW at 916-358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system atapps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.
Non-emergency wildlife interactions in California State Parks can be reported to their public dispatch at 916-358-1300.
In Nevada, contact the NDOW at 775-688-BEAR (2327).
If the issue is an immediate threat, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bread & Broth has over 240 active volunteers who support all of the food outreach programs that Bread & Broth offers to the food-vulnerable folks living in the Lake Tahoe South Shore community. Most B&B volunteers serve three-four hours per month and their service involves helping pack and deliver bags filled with kid-friendly food to LTUSD schools and childcare centers, collecting and purchasing food for B&B’s meals and kids’ programs, or participating in all of the tasks needed to provide two hot, meals a week.
Finding the experience to be fulfilling and rewarding, Monday Meal B&B volunteers often encourage their employers to participate as both an Adopt A Day of Nourishment financial donor and providing volunteers to help at their sponsorship meal.
Left to right: Kim Huntley, Alana Cirami, Nicole Parker, Monica Stewart, Sophie Stewart.Provided
Thanks to the encouragement of B&B Mondal Meal volunteer Reneisha Manuel, a Senior Program Manager at SierraCon, Inc., the company sponsored their first Monday Meal Adopt A Day of Nourishment on March 24th. Founded in 2016 by owner Joe Stewart, SierraCon, Inc. is a general contracting construction company that specializes in commercial, residential, hospitality, and ski resort projects.
With their emphasis on providing the best professional service to their customers, the SierraCon team came ready to roll up their sleeves and jump in to assist the B&B volunteers in providing a hot, nutritious meal, bags of nutritious food to take home, and a warm and welcoming environment shared with fellow diners.
“Such an incredible opportunity to be a part of such an amazing experience,” shared Sophie Stewart, SierraCon assistant project manager. “Thank you for welcoming us to be a part of your team today! Truly an unforgettable experience.” In addition to Sophie, the SierraCon team also included Alana Cirami, Kim Huntley, Nicole Parker, and Monica Stewart.
“What an honor to be a part of this community service and we are thankful for this volunteer opportunity” shared Moncia Stewart. B&B is so grateful and encouraged by the involvement and support of local businesses and organizations for our mission of easing hunger. SierraCon, Inc. exemplifies the positive impact that local businesses have on strengthening their community and we are thankful to have their support.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — On Tuesday, March 25, South Side Auto Body opened its doors to high school students from the auto shop program, giving them a first-hand look at the inner workings of a professional collision repair business.
The visit was organized through a collaboration between auto shop teacher Rob Canny and South Side Auto Body owner Ryan Feliciano. Canny reached out to Feliciano in February to ask if he would speak to his students about the business. Rather than giving a classroom presentation, Feliciano suggested the students come to the shop to see it all in action.
On Tuesday, March 25, high school students from the auto shop program visited South Side Auto Body.Javier Silva / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Students were guided through the shop floor, where Feliciano explained the repair process from start to finish. They toured the tear-down and repair bays, frame rack, paint mixing room, spray booths and the recently completed alignment center. Feliciano also discussed the tools used and the types of jobs available in the industry.
“The first class was a little rough,” Feliciano said. “But by the time the third group came through, you could really tell which students were into it. That last group was full of gearheads.”
According to Feliciano, several students showed strong interest, with six asking about potential job opportunities. Two female students stood out for asking thoughtful questions throughout the tour — one even expressed interest in becoming a professional painter.
“I told them, come see me in the summer,” Feliciano said. “Show up on time, be ready to learn, and I’ll give you a shot.”
Feliciano, who got his start in auto body work through a high school program, emphasized the value of hands-on experience and showing initiative. He also encouraged students to ask questions and not be afraid of making mistakes.
“There’s no such thing as a dumb question,” he said. “But messing something up because you were afraid to ask — that’s when it becomes a problem.”
Feliciano said he’s open to organizing similar visits in the future. For next time, he’s considering creating visual aids, showing an estimate example and bringing in some of his custom cars to make the experience more engaging.
“If one kid walks away from this with a clearer idea of what they want to do, it’s worth it,” he said.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Chabad of Northern Nevada is expanding its reach and deepening its impact, providing essential services and fostering community connections across the region. Sarah Cannon, Director of Education and Programming for Chabad of Northern Nevada and Founder and Organizational Director of Aleph Academy, sat down to discuss the growth of Jewish programming and outreach efforts in the area.
Founded in 1997, Chabad of Northern Nevada operates a central hub in Reno, with affiliated locations in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), and Carson City. While each center functions independently, Reno serves as the regional anchor. Cannon emphasized the organization’s broad outreach, which spans across all of Northern Nevada to support the Jewish community.
“What’s lesser known is our Chabad of Incline Village has been around as a permanent facility for seven years,” Cannon said. “That’s really ramped up—we have holiday events, lifecycle events, and so much more.”
Chabad’s services extend far beyond religious programs. Its offerings include a nationally accredited five-star preschool, Aleph Academy, an after-school Hebrew school, and the region’s only Jewish day camp. Additionally, Chabad runs Northern Nevada’s only commercial kosher kitchen, which provides catering for casinos, hospitals, and individuals in need.
Children gathered at Ckids Club. Chabad hosts programming for all ages, from birth to adults. Provided / Sarah Cannon
The organization also focuses on social outreach, ensuring that Jewish individuals in remote locations remain connected. “We have a program in partnership with a national organization that provides outreach to Jews who are not near a Jewish community, such as servicemen or people who are incarcerated,” Cannon said. Two lay leaders—a retired surgeon and a lawyer—regularly visit prisons in Northern Nevada and parts of California to engage with Jewish inmates.
Despite Northern Nevada’s small Jewish population, estimated between 5,000 and 10,000 people, Cannon highlighted the community’s resilience. “We are a minority of a minority, but I don’t know if people realize that,” she said. Jewish weddings, for example, have drawn notable community interest and support.
Amid national concerns over antisemitism, Cannon noted that Northern Nevada has largely remained a safe and supportive environment. “We’re fortunate. The people here are very nice, and law enforcement and political leaders don’t let things slide,” she said. She credited strong communication with local officials, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and advocacy organizations like the Anti-Defamation League for maintaining security and awareness.
As the Jewish community in Northern Nevada continues to grow, Cannon stressed the need for increased awareness and outreach. For those looking to get involved or learn more, Cannon encourages visiting https://www.chabadnorthernnevada.com/
“Everyone’s always welcome,” she said. “That’s the beauty of Northern Nevada—there’s always a lot going on, and the sense of community here is really strong.”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – In a special city council meeting, the council heard public comment on Measure T, which previously banned vacation home rentals (VHRs) in residential neighborhoods before it was deemed unconstitutional in a recent ruling. Ultimately, the council voted 4 to 1 to not appeal the ruling and unanimously voted on a 45-day moratorium on issuing VHR permits in areas where Measure T prohibited them.
Like Measure T’s passing, public opinion was particularly split on whether or not the city should appeal the unconstitutional ruling from Judge Slossberg in Placerville.
Some spoke to the legitimacy of the court’s ruling, while others deemed Slossberg uninformed on the topic due to his outside status and unfamiliarity with Tahoe. Many called upon the city council to protect what the people voted on, though several also called for them to sever the unconstitutional section if possible.
A few people spoke to how the measure helped people to get housing that would have otherwise been unavailable. Notably, Amelia Richmond spoke to her position as a qualified VHR (QVHR) permit holder, saying that she would have voted for Measure T in order to protect housing, and that Slossberg should not have presupposed how other QVHR holders would have voted.
“This is a business decision… what do you stand to gain and what do you stand to lose?” said Mark Salmon, one of the members of the South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group, which brought forward the lawsuit. “The court has provided a clear guidance—let’s take it.”
Others supported Salmon’s statement, especially because the city would be opening itself up to further lawsuits. Lauren Gresh, general manager of RnR Vacation Rentals, spoke to the damage that Measure T had done to the business and to cleaning staff that they hired. A petition to reinstate the previous VHR ordinances and deny the appeal had garnered over 600 signatures, reflected in the statements of business owners who stated that their businesses and Tahoe’s economy as a whole suffered because of Measure T.
Previous ordinances that took effect shortly before Measure T were considered some of the strictest in the country.
After a closed session in which the city council conferred with their legal counsel, all except councilmember Scott Robbins voted against appealing the court’s decision.
During public comment, many were in favor of both the decision and the moratorium. Lisa Underwood, vice president of the Tahoe Keys Resort, spoke to how they were one of the backers of the lawsuit in order to “protect people… who suffered damages” from Measure T. She, along with others, urged the city to prioritize those who previously had permits.
City attorney Heather Stroud clarified that the previous permits expired at the end of 2021 and that Measure T did not allow their renewals. The measure did not have the ability to revoke those permits.
Though some felt that the 45-day moratorium was not long enough, it is an urgency ordinance, meaning the initial period cannot be longer than 45 days, but it can be extended as long as there is public notice, a hearing, and a 4/5 vote.
Councilmember Keith Roberts addressed those unhappy with the decision that city council made. “I view this as a chance to make things right—let us fix it. I, for one, feel a huge responsibility to make this right… please don’t look at it as we’ve turned our backs on you.”
Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass echoed a public comment from Dan May that the citizens’ initiative represented a failure from city council. He addressed that the way VHRs are currently handled in the tourist core is different than how they would be handled in residential areas.
“We’ve got to make sure that we don’t open up those residential zones for proliferation of investments that push out residents,” said Bass. He was open to exploring new solutions to help ensure housing, safety, and protections for residents, and said he saw this as “a completely clean slate.”
Councilmember Scott Robbins disagreed with Roberts and Bass. “This is the city council turning its back on the people and the citizens of this community, in no uncertain terms… the voters voted for Measure T to take away the authority of the city, explicitly, to put vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods.” He saw this moment as abandoning the residents for “moneyed interests” and not representing the people.
Robbins didn’t see the 45-day period as long enough to craft a potential ordinance, and was unhappy with the idea that things would revert to how they were before Measure T was enacted.
City council voted unanimously to pass the moratorium, though given conversation on the topic, it is likely to be extended to give staff and council time to create a new ordinance.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – A seven-year-old girl was killed by a falling boulder at Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Incline Village on Saturday, the resort said.
The boulder struck the girl, who the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner identified as Adelyn Grimes of Reno, Nevada, and her death was ruled an accident.
Around 3:38 p.m. on Saturday, medical services were alerted to a “non-skiing accident involving a child” at the resort. “The Diamond Peak Ski Patrol responded immediately and provided first aid while emergency services were en route,” the statement said.
The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office staff responded to the call, but despite their efforts, the girl did not survive her injuries. “The entire Diamond Peak Ski Resort family has been deeply affected,” the statement said. “We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the child involved.”
The Incline Village General Improvement District and Diamond Peak are offering counseling and support services to staff members affected by Saturday’s incident, the statement said.
The Tahoe Daily Tribune has reached out to officials and the Diamond Peak Ski Resort for additional information around the tragedy.
FERNLEY, Nev. – The Incline High School boys and girls swim team secured their first meet win of the season on Friday, March 28 against Fernley High School.
“Their training and experience in competition is paying off,” coach Ken Reese says.
The win came from a combination of the teams’ scores and finishes. Although this was the Highlanders’ first meet this season against Fernley and fourth meet overall, certain swimmers are already meeting the minimum qualifying time required to swim in regionals at the end of the season.
Senior Kelly Kratz placed first in the 100 yard freestyle competition and in doing so made her first regional cut, followed by teammate junior Ashley Siminov in third.
The girls swept more than one top spot in the 200 yard freestyle event with senior Ava Hane, freshman Olivia Kranz and Siminov finishing first, second, and third respectively.
Hane finished first in the 500 yard freestyle, making the regional cut for this event, while teammates sophomore Jayden Mendoza and junior Willimena Dukes swam best times in this event within just a few seconds of the cut.
The boys team swam to the top spots in the 100 yard freestyle with senior Alan Murillo first, Maxim Shan second and senior Chris Flores-Salazar third.
The Incline High School swim team won their meet against Fernley High School on Friday, March 28. Provided / Ken Reese
The Incline High School swim team won their meet against Fernley High School on Friday, March 28. Provided / Ken Reese
The Incline High School swim team won their meet against Fernley High School on Friday, March 28. Provided / Ken Reese
The Incline High School swim team won their meet against Fernley High School on Friday, March 28. Provided / Ken Reese
The Incline High School swim team won their meet against Fernley High School on Friday, March 28. Provided / Ken Reese
Murillo finished first against Fernley in the 100 yard backstroke, making the regional cut.
Both the boys and girls teams swam an impressive showing in the 100 yard breaststroke. Kratz, Katie Ferrall, Kranz, senior Beckie Sussman finished 1st-4th, respectively, including a personal best time in that event for Sussman. Senior William Arrison swam a best time, beating his openings by over three seconds.
Coach Reese says Shan, Hannah Graffam, and Flores-Salazar all swam personal bests in their events and pushed their boundaries by trying more challenging races.
The team is aiming to have every team member qualify for at least one swim event at regionals, which takes place May 9-10. The top swimmers from regionals will compete in the state finals competition May 17.
Welcome back to the Tahoe TAP, everyone! Your hosts, Mike Peron and Rob Galloway, deliver another fresh episode of Things, Adventure and People all Tahoe related delivered straight to your ears.
Thanks for spending your time with us! As always, we’re keeping it local with a quick round up of top news from around the Tahoe region and then the majority of our show will be spent getting to know Hayley Williamson, Chairperson of the Governing Board at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
In addition to her position on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board, Hayley Williamson has more than a decade of public utility law experience. She is the Chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN), where she started in 2013, was first appointed Chair in 2020 by Governor Sisolak then reappointed Chair in 2023 by Governor Lombardo. As a Commissioner, she has been responsible for developing rules to implement many important pieces of legislation, including Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, renewable natural gas requirements, and Natural Disaster Protection Plans. Hayley was also elected by her national peers to serve on the Board of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in 2022.
CARSON CITY, NEV.– The Nevada Division of State Parks announces upcoming trail closures in the Spooner Lake State Park backcountry due to critical repairs on the Marlette Dam. These closures took effect on March 31, 2025, and will remain in place through 2026.
As part of this essential infrastructure project, Marlette Lake will be drained and closed to all visitors for the duration of the repairs. Trails leading to and surrounding the area will be closed to the public, including:
North Canyon Road
Marlette Lake Trail
Marlette Creek Trail
Hobart Road from Laxalt Junction to Marlette Lake
Marlette Dam Trail
Marlette Flume Trail South from the Rock Slide (see map)
Marlette Lake Road
Snow Valley Peak Road
North Canyon Campground
Hobbie Leonard Cabin
Additionally, existing closures remain in effect for the following trails due to gas line repairs:
Franktown Creek Road
Snapdragon Trail
Hanna’s Cabin Trail
Pipeline Road
Red House Flume Road
Lakeview Road
Updated trail map.
While construction is underway, the Tahoe Rim Trail and Capital to Tahoe Trail will remain open, as well as Hobart Reservoir and Ash Canyon Road.
Visitors are reminded that using closed trails and entering construction zones is strictly prohibited. Access for emergency personnel will remain open throughout the project.
For questions or further information, visitors may contact Spooner Lake State Park at 775-749-5980, Jonathan Lesperance from Lumos Inc. at [email protected], or Jason Crosby from Nevada Division of Public Works at (775) 720-0473.
ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. – A 24-year-old male from California is dead following what Kirkwood Mountain Resort is calling a serious incident that took place on Saturday, March 29.
“On behalf of the full team here at Kirkwood, we extend our deepest sympathy and support to the guest’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time,” Ricky Newberry said, Kirkwood vice president and general manager.
According to the resort, the incident occurred on an intermediate trail near Chair 4. Ski patrollers responded to what the resort is describing as a medical incident. It is unclear what the nature of this medical incident was exactly.
The 24-year-old was transported to the Barton Medical Clinic at Kirkwood’s base area where the male was pronounced deceased after further emergency care and evaluation.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe opened interest forms for their summer program on March 31. The Club will be open for summer from June 30 to August 15. They will be closed on the 4th and 5th of July for the national holiday. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be provided for FREE. The cost for their general summer membership and punch cards are detailed here: bgclt.org/summer-membership.
Families can register for a summer membership through the parent portal at bgclt.org, available from March 31 to April 25. If you’re new to the Club, you must create an account to apply. All families must register for the summer, even if they were members during the school year. Priority enrollment will be given to low-income families, children in foster care, and those experiencing homelessness. After April 25, late registrants will be automatically placed on the waitlist. Successful applicants will be notified on Friday, May 2.
Applications for camps, specialty programs, and field trips will be available starting Friday, May 2. Fees for these programs are separate from the general summer membership. A summer membership is not required to attend most of our camps, but field trips will be exclusive to summer members. The camp schedules are available here: bgclt.org/summer-membership.
The Membership Services Team will visit all Club sites to assist families with completing camp, specialty program, and field trip applications, as well as paying the fees up until the last day of school. Please ensure that you have created an account on the parent portal prior to your visit, as applications will not be available online. The dates are as follows (subject to change):
Date
Site
Time
Tuesdays
Bijou
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Wednesdays
Meyers
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Thursdays
Tahoe Valley
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Fridays (First Day May 2nd)
Angel of Tahoe
3:30pm – 6:00pm
If families are unable to attend on the designated dates or have any additional questions, please contact the Membership Services Team by emailing [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
On March 17, Curt Clark, owner of Syd’s Bagelry, passed away. Clark was 69 years old.
Tahoe City’s Syd’s Bagelry has remained closed following Clark’s death, and a GoFundMe has been created to support staff members of the establishment. According to Tahoe City Downtown Association Executive Director Katherine Hill, the staff hope the café will reopen since they are now out of work.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board approved a critical update to the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program to protect the lake from a new aquatic invasive species recently discovered just a few hours away from the Tahoe Basin. Invasive golden mussels were discovered for the first time in North America last October in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta of California. TRPA and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), which manage the boat inspection program, strengthened inspection procedures to reduce the risk to Lake Tahoe.
GOLDEN MUSSELS’ threat to Lake Tahoe brings new measures from the Watercraft Inspection Program. Photo courtesy Xavier Mascareñas/California Department of Water Resources
On March 26, the agencies enacted mandatory decontaminations for all visiting motorized watercraft entering Lake Tahoe. The TRPA Governing Board approved an updated fee structure to support the additional services.
As new threats to Lake Tahoe emerge, the emphasis on following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols remains for all boaters, paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers.
The main change for motorized boaters traveling from other areas will be a watercraft decontamination following the mandatory inspection. As always, boats that were launched last in Lake Tahoe and have a Tahoe security seal can launch again without reinspection.
The Watercraft Inspection Program is a public-private partnership with one third of its funding from inspection fees and two thirds from public sources. The TRPA Governing Board approved a minimum decontamination fee of $30 for all visiting motorized watercraft needing an inspection to address the cost of increased decontaminations.
By adhering to Clean, Drain, Dry protocols, boaters can limit additional increases to their decontamination fee.
Tahoe Conservancy Awards $590,000 in Planning Grants for Lake Tahoe Beaches
LAKE TAHOE
The California Tahoe Conservancy Board has approved two planning grants, totaling $590,000, for projects to improve recreation and public access at beaches in South Lake Tahoe and Kings Beach.
The board approved a $500,000 planning grant to the City of South Lake Tahoe for improvements at Regan Beach.
The board also approved a $90,000 grant to the North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) to complete environmental analysis for improvements at Secline Beach. The NTPUD is exploring recreation, lake access, and accessibility enhancements at Secline Beach, which includes a small conservancy property, in the heart of the community of Kings Beach in Placer County.
The board also discussed the Tahoe for All grant program. Through Tahoe for All, the conservancy intends to continue to support programs and projects that provide positive and inclusive outdoor experiences for communities that face barriers to enjoying Tahoe recreational opportunities.
~ California Tahoe Conservancy press release
Town’s History Brought to Life with Virtual Tour
TRUCKEE
Second and third-graders at Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS) have brought the history of downtown Truckee’s buildings to life through a unique student-led virtual tour project. As part of their Fire and Ice History Learning Expedition, students researched the historical significance of Truckee’s buildings, met with local historians, and recorded their own educational videos. These videos are now accessible to the public through brochures containing QR codes, allowing residents and visitors to explore the town’s history at their own pace.
THIRD GRADE STUDENTS create a student-led virtual tour of Truckee. Photo courtesy Sierra Expeditionary Learning
The Fire and Ice Expedition examines Truckee’s past through the lens of fire prevention, ice harvesting, and lumber, exploring how these elements shaped the town. As part of the project, students visited the Museum of Truckee History, the Truckee Old Jail Museum, and the Truckee Railroad Museum to gain firsthand knowledge of the area’s historic landmarks. They also engaged with experts from the Truckee-Donner Historical Society, including Greg Zerbel and Dave DePuy.
SELS follows an expeditionary learning model, where students engage in in-depth projects that contribute to the local community.
Copies of the brochure will be available at the Truckee Railroad Museum, the Museum of Truckee History, the California Visitor Center, and local businesses. Additionally, the Truckee-Donner Historical Society is working on integrating the student-created videos into a GPS-enabled digital walking tour, expanding the project’s reach even further.
~ Sierra Expeditionary Learning press release
Medication Take-Back Event April 26 and Year Round
PLACER COUNTY
As Placer County prepares to host another free medication take-back event on April 26, local agencies continue to encourage residents to take advantage of permanent drop boxes and mail-in options that offer a safe, free way to dispose of medication year-round.
There are 30 free, permanent drop box sites across Placer County, many located at local pharmacies. Use this searchable database to find a location near you.
There are free mail-in options for both medication and sharps/lancets. For either, complete the online form or call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK to request a pre-paid, pre-addressed mail-back package. Instructions are provided with all mail-back services.
Keeping unused or expired medications around the house poses risks of accidental poisoning or addiction, and flushing or throwing away medication can harm the environment.
As community partners across Placer promote these year-round, free services, they will continue to hold biannual take-back events. The next event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring medications in their original containers; cross-out or remove personal information. Click here to search for the location nearest you.
Local law enforcement, in collaboration with youth organizations, utilities, public health entities and local schools, will partner at various locations across the county — from Roseville to North Tahoe — to accept prescription and over-the-counter drugs, veterinary medications, and vaping devices (batteries removed).
~ Placer County press release
Business Briefs
Carson Tahoe Health System Agrees to Pay Over $8.8 Million to Settle Allegations Over Pandemic-Related Loans
SACRAMENTO
Carson Tahoe Health System, which owns Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics and Carson Tahoe Continuing Care Hospital, has agreed to pay $8,876,475.45 to settle allegations that they were not eligible for the four Paycheck Protection Program loans that they obtained, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, to provide relief to small businesses experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for a loan, businesses were required to meet certain eligibility requirements accounting for any affiliated entities. The United States contends that Carson Tahoe Health System and its affiliated entities were ineligible to receive PPP loans because they exceeded the size limitations in the Small Business Administration’s affiliation rules.
In May 2020, Carson Tahoe Health System, Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics, and Carson Tahoe Continuing Care Hospital each received a PPP loan, totaling $5,077,011 in loan disbursements. After receiving their loan forgiveness applications, the Small Business Administration forgave these loans. In February 2021, Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics applied for a second PPP loan of $2 million. After Carson Tahoe Physicians Clinic requested loan forgiveness in September 2021, the SBA forgave this PPP loan. The four loans resulted in the United States paying $7,267,009 including forgiven loan principal and interest, and lenders fees.
The settlement stems from allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties, known as relators, to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. In connection with the settlement, the relator will receive a percentage of the recovery.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Amin for the Eastern District of California.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
~ U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California press release
The Silver Belt Competition Returns to Sugar Bowl
NORDEN
One of skiing’s most celebrated competitions is back. The famed Silver Belt returns to Sugar Bowl Resort from April 2 through 5, reigniting its legacy with a freeride competition that brings world-class athletes and future legends head to head. New this season, elite snowboarders will join the freeski professionals in this historic test of skill and courage.
The Silver Belt originated in 1940 as an off-piste giant slalom, drawing Olympians and World Cup skiers from around the world. The event quickly became a proving ground for the best, where skill and bravery were tested on Sugar Bowl’s untamed slopes. In 2025, the Silver Belt honors its legendary roots while embracing modern freeride progression, offering competitors the chance to push their limits and throw their biggest tricks in an athlete-judged format.
The Silver Belt encompasses Sugar Bowl’s spirit of adventure, grit, and the joy of skiing.
~ Sugar Bowl media alert
PT Revolution Expands
TRUCKEE
PT Revolution, the premier destination for mountain athlete rehab and performance, is officially open in Truckee! With a proven track record of keeping mountain athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals performing at their best, PT Revolution is bringing its unique performance physical therapy model to the heart of Truckee.
What to Expect at PT Revolution Truckee:
Rapid access: Don’t wait weeks to get into physical therapy, be seen within the week
In-network with most insurances: Anthem/Blue Cross, Blue Shield, UHC/UMR, Hometown Health, Medicare, VA, and more
Expert sports physical therapy: Helping athletes recover from injuries or surgery
High-performance recovery lounge: Featuring NormaTec compression boots, GameReady cold and compression therapy, heat and vibration wraps, and more to help speed up recovery.
A cutting-edge approach: Combining manual therapy, strength training, and return-to-sport testing
The Broken Arrow Skyrace and Arc’teryx Announce Inclusivity Initiative
OLYMPIC VALLEY
The Broken Arrow Skyrace is proud to announce the 2025 Broken Arrow Skyrace Inclusivity Initiative, presented in partnership with Arc’teryx Equipment.
The Broken Arrow Skyrace Advisory Council launched the initiative after extensive consultations with 20 BIPOC, LTBGQIA+, and non-binary run clubs from across the state of California.
With Arc’teryx’s generous support, nearly 100 athletes will receive complimentary entries, early registration access, products, and/or travel stipends, as well as the opportunity to participate alongside some of the world’s top trail runners at one of North America’s largest and most competitive trail and ultrarunning events.
Founded in 2016, the Broken Arrow Skyrace is a 4-day (June 19 through 22), 9-distance event held annually at Palisades Tahoe. The Broken Arrow Skyrace represents a unique style of mountain running, characterized by off-trail scrambling on steep terrain with massive amounts of vertical gain and loss at altitude.
For the past 2 years, the Broken Arrow Skyrace has also been the only North American stop on the World Mountain Running Association World Cup circuit. Since its launch, the Broken Arrow Skyrace has become one of the largest and most competitive trail and ultrarunning events in North America.
There are nine race events to appeal to every ability level, including the Ascent, a 3.3-mile race, an 11k, 18k, 23k, 46k, and a kids race. For more information, visit brokenarrowskyrace.com.
The 36th annual American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament returns to the shores of Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, July 9 – 13, 2025 (www.americancenturychampionship.com).
Justin Timberlake teeing of on the 17th at Edgewood for ACC Golf Tournament
With a purse of $750,000 and network television exposure, it’s the most prestigious and most affluent celebrity tournament in golf. A tournament for current and former professional athletes and entertainers.
Tickets go on sale online, April 1, 2025, at www.americancenturychampionship.com. Please note: ACC tickets are ONLY sold through Eventbrite. Tickets from other vendors are not valid.
Daily ticket prices are:
$40 each day, Wednesday and Thursday.
$50 each day, Friday through Sunday. Tickets will sell out. Please plan accordingly.
$150 for the week long Grounds Badge, valid Wednesday through Sunday. (Limited).
For active duty and retired veterans, a limited supply of complimentary tickets for one person plus a guest for either Wednesday, July 9, or Thursday, July 10, 2025. Visit www.americancenturychampionship.com for link on April 1, 2025.
Please bring your ticket confirmation with QR code either printed or on your phone, for admission at the MAIN SPECTATOR ENTRANCE of Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
Tony Romo signing autographs at the American Century Golf Tournament
There are a limited amount of tickets each day. Please purchase tickets in advance.
Please note: there is a NO RE-ENTRY POLICY with a daily ticket. ALL tickets are non-refundable.
Free Bike Valet is provided by Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.
No parking allowed on Lake Parkway. Paid parking is available at Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, and Harveys Resort.
All tickets must be purchased online in advance. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Spectator information.
One child 10 years old and younger receives free admission with a paid adult.
The golf tournament is the South Shore’s largest special event, which lasts five days and features celebrity, golf, and spectacular scenery at Edgewood Tahoe. Fans are guaranteed to see superstars and entertainment personalities while soaking up the sun and first-class sportsmanship.
Past attendees include Hall of Famers Marcus Allen, Greg Maddux, Mike Modano, Jerry Rice, Ozzie Smith, John Smoltz, Steve Young, Trevor Hoffman, Ivan Rodriguez; active NFL luminaries feature Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, Adam Thielen, Tyler Eifert, Case Keenum, Josh Allen, Andy Dalton, Kyle Fuller, Kyle Rudolph, and Eric Weddle; NBA players Vince Carter, Kyle Lowry and Andre Iguodala; NHL stars Joe Pavelski and Tyler Seguin.
Past actors, Ray Romano, Alfonso Ribeiro, Kevin Nealon, Brian Baumgartner, Rob Riggle and Jack Wagner.
The American Century Championship utilizes the Modified Stableford format where points are awarded as follows: 10 for a double eagle, 8 for a hole in one, 3 for a birdie, 1 for par, 0 for bogey, and minus 2 for double bogey.
The tournament offers a purse of $750,000, with $150,000 to the winner. The 54-hole competition will test the golf skills of over 80 stars from sports and entertainment and has donated more than $5 million to charity. It will be televised live by NBC and NBCSN from Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, its home since the 1990 inaugural.
Charles Barkley
Barkley is one of the most ingratiating celebrities every year. He talks with the gallery, offers philosophical insights and frank opinions, takes pictures with kids, signs autographs and talks to the media all while bemoaning errant shots.
Sir Charles has managed to turn shaky golf into a comedic art form and does it with a heart of gold. Behind the scenes, Barkley has become an ambassador for Lake Tahoe, helping aid victims of the 2007 Angora Fire with $190,000 in donations and treating 100 firefighters and their families to dinner.
Here’s the lowdown:
$40 for the practice round on Wednesday and for the Celebrity-Amateur on Thursday.
$50 for each tournament round, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
$150 for the week long Grounds Badge, valid Wednesday through Sunday. (Limited)
One Child 10 and under is free with a paid adult. Max 1 kid per paid adult.
Public Comment Period Open for Draft Sand Harbor State Park Master Plan
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Nevada Division of State Parks invites the public to review and provide feedback on the development of the Draft Sand Harbor State Park Master Plan. The comment period is open through April 14.
SAND HARBOR MASTER PLAN: Nevada Division of State Parks’ preferred approach for Sand Harbor future development and management. Photo courtesy Nevada Division of State Parks
A master plan serves as a guiding document that outlines a vision for the future development and management of a park and lays the foundation for park improvements and enhancements. The Draft Sand Harbor Master Plan presents a preferred approach for a new layout at Sand Harbor, based on ideas gathered from the public during last year’s survey process.
The public is encouraged to review and comment on elements of the draft master plan through an interactive presentation available here.
For those unable to comment via the presentation, comments may be submitted via email to [email protected]. Comments may also be sent in writing to:
Attention: Sand Harbor Master Plan Nevada Division of State Parks Department of Conservation & Natural Resources 901 S Stewart St., Suite 5005 Carson City, NV 89701
Comments must be received or postmarked by April 14.
Public participation is a crucial component of this planning process, ensuring that Sand Harbor continues to provide high-quality experiences for visitors. Nevada State Parks looks forward to receiving feedback from the community.
~ Nevada Division of State Parks press release
Truckee Awarded $839,250 in Caltrans Funding for Guardrail Replacement
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee has been awarded $839,250 in funding through the California Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to remove and replace damaged roadway guardrails. This grant, announced on Feb. 21, is part of a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing safety on roads, bikeways, and trails. The funding will be used to address aging infrastructure and damage caused by collisions at identified locations.
The successful application, one of 288 awarded statewide, was led by Engineering Technician Blake Kloczl with critical input from Street Maintenance Supervisor Kyler Coxson, who recognized the need for guardrail upgrades. This marks the second time the Town of Truckee has received an HSIP grant for guardrail replacement, following a previous award in 2018.
GUARDRAIL REPLACEMENT SITES proposed for 2026 by Town of Truckee engineers. Photo courtesy Town of Truckee
Construction of this project is anticipated to begin in 2026, further improving safety for all users of the town’s roadways. The town appreciates the efforts of all involved and looks forward to the positive impact this project will have on local infrastructure.
~ Town of Truckee press release
Court Finds Permanent Resident Exception in Measure T Unconstitutional
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
In a lawsuit brought against the City of South Lake Tahoe by South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group, the El Dorado County Superior Court found Measure T’s permanent resident exception unconstitutional in violation of the Dormant Commerce Clause and struck the measure.
Measure T was a citizen’s initiative to prohibit short-term vacation home rentals (VHRs) in residentially-zoned areas after 2021, passed by voters of South Lake Tahoe in 2018 with a 58-vote margin. Under Measure T, VHRs were still allowed in the Tourist Core and non-residentially-zoned areas, and included an exception for VHRs of permanent residents’ dwellings. These permanent residents claimed homeowners property tax exemptions. The City of South Lake Tahoe argued that Measure T advances the purpose of preventing nuisances, but the court did not find this to be a legitimate public purpose.
The ruling that the exception for permanent residents is unenforceable makes the remainder of Measure T non-functional according to its intended purpose of restricting VHRs.
~ El Dorado Superior Court ruling
Truckee Town Council Approves Workforce Housing Pilot Project
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee has approved a partnership with Paradigm8/Sagemodern to develop Edmunds Lofts, a 12-unit workforce housing project on Edmunds Drive. This pilot project aims to provide deed-restricted housing for local workers by leveraging a public-private partnership model.
Deed-restriction is a process that ensures the housing units are sold or rented at affordable rates to local workers. The town will facilitate the transfer of town-owned land to the development team, in addition to making staff resources and permitting available as a project contribution. The developer will design, finance, and construct the energy-efficient, all-electric units.
The project was designed with sustainability in mind and includes studios and one-bedroom apartments with provisions for rooftop solar panels. The initiative aligns with Truckee’s commitment to addressing housing affordability while supporting environmental goals.
This approval marks a major step in expanding local housing options and ensuring that Truckee’s workforce can live in the community they serve. The town, in partnership with Paradigm8/Sagemodern, is excited to bring this innovative project to life and will continue seeking similar solutions to meet our housing needs.
~ Town of Truckee press release
Residents Blast Kiley at Heated Empty Chair Town Hall
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
South Lake Tahoe residents voiced strong concerns and disapproval about Congressman Kevin Kiley’s representation at a well-attended District 3 town hall meeting.
Kiley had been invited repeatedly by community members to a town hall meeting that occurred at Lake Tahoe Community College without him. He never acknowledged the invitation and did not attend the event.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE RESIDENTS held a town hall on March 20, inviting California District 3 Congressman Kevin Kiley to address political frustrations. Kiley did not attend. Photo by Sara LeFluer
Three rallies were held near locations where Kiley was expected to appear throughout the day: Heavenly California Base Area, the South Tahoe High School, and the Beach Retreat. The protesters held signs demanding that Kiley listen to constituents. Kiley took a tour of the high school and held other private meetings.
Reports emerged that South Lake Tahoe High School students were prevented from staging a walkout and, according to multiple sources, “Kevin Kiley was locked out from going to the theatre and music rooms.” In a notable moment, a student reportedly marched around Kiley while carrying a pride flag. Students attended the town hall and spoke about the events that transpired at the high school.
Susan Norman, retired USFS employee with ties to current employees, shared that USFS workers were not allowed to reach out to Kiley to voice concerns, but had to wait for Kiley to reach out to them. After the town hall, an attorney present shared that it’s illegal to prevent USFS workers from reaching representatives.
Attendees wrote strongly worded letters voicing their concerns to be mailed to his office.
~ CA District 3 Community press release
Excellence in Education Celebrates Its Giving Season
TRUCKEE
The Excellence in Education Foundation was founded on a simple but meaningful mission: to support students, teachers, and schools across the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). Every year, through the community’s generosity, the foundation raises funds to support innovation in classrooms, inspire students in their academic journeys, and recognize outstanding educators and staff members. Now, it’s time to give back.
The foundation is excited to pour those donations back into TTUSD, funding teacher grants, opening scholarship opportunities, and celebrating the educators who make a difference every day. This March, the impact of local generosity can be felt through three key initiatives:
Grants: Applications are now open for TTUSD teachers, with over $250,000 in funding available to bring innovative projects to life. These grants directly support educational resources, hands-on learning opportunities, and creative tools that enrich student experiences.
Scholarships: Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the McGinity Scholarship and Rising Educators Scholarship, which provide TTUSD graduating seniors with financial support to advance their studies in healthcare and education.
Recognizing Excellence:The foundation seeks nominations to honor outstanding educators and staff members. Nominations for the Linda Brown Fellow and Star Awards are now open, offering the community an opportunity to recognize the dedication of TTUSD’s best.
The Excellence in Education Board of Directors will soon award teacher grants and select scholarship and award recipients. To learn more about the foundation’s programs, apply for grants or scholarships, or donate, visit exined.org.
~ Excellence in Education press release
North Tahoe Chamber Awards Nearly $625,000 in TOT-TBID Dollars For Events
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
At the recommendation of the volunteer Business and Chamber Advisory Committee, the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) Board of Directors recently awarded $362,500 in funds generated by the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) to 29 events scheduled to take place in North Lake Tahoe in 2025. This is in addition to $262,000 in TBID dollars previously awarded to 11 events funded prior to the start of the winter season, for a total of nearly $625,000 in support of 40 events this year.
For this latest round of funding, a simplified event evaluation scoring system was implemented to incorporate Return on Investment (ROI) metrics supporting community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic impact. Each event’s traffic management and sustainability plans were also evaluated, with organizers responsible for identifying and outlining how they will mitigate the impacts of tourism on the community and environment.
Some of 2025 events that receive TBID funding include:
2025 Mothership Classic – March 23
US Freestyle National Championship – March 24 to 31
Stewarding Knowledges – May 17
Made in Tahoe Spring and Fall – May 24 to 25; Oct. 11 to 12
Learn more about the 2025 events funded here, and the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program here.
~ North Tahoe Chamber press release
Remembrance Day Honors Veterans’ Sacrifices
RENO
An annual ceremony to remember Vietnam War veterans will be held March 29 at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno. The featured speaker is Col. Jackson T. Doan, the commanding officer of the U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center and a 1975 Vietnam War refugee.
Although the event begins at 2 p.m., military and outreach organizations will be set up at the student center an hour earlier to hand out information or answer questions. The public is invited to this free nonpolitical event. Guests will also see the laying of the wreaths, hear guest speakers, and reflect on the lives lost during the playing of Taps.
Organizers extend an invitation for veterans from Nevada and eastern California to attend, reflect and mingle with other men and women who served in the military and specifically Southeast Asia.
This year’s theme of the Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day is “Honor & Sacrifice” and is presented by Vietnam veterans, Gold Star families, and other veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Other guest speakers include Congressman Mark Amodei, an Army veteran who represents District 2; Brig. Gen. D. Rodger “Dan” Waters, the adjutant general for Nevada; retired Nevada Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Peyerl; Dr. Spring Melody Myers, the community engagement partnership coordinator for the Veterans Affairs in Reno; and Douglas County resident Jeff Evans, a Gold Star family member.
Additionally, the remembrance day recognizes thousands of Nevada veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
~ Nevada News Group press release
Empowering Youth Through 4-Day Wilderness Adventures and Scholarships
LAKE TAHOE
The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRTA) is thrilled to announce registration for its 2025 Youth Backcountry Camps (YBCC) is now open, offering youth aged 12 to 17 an immersive 4-day backcountry experience in the Tahoe Basin. These camps are designed to challenge participants, foster new friendships, and deepen their connection to the natural world.
Program highlights include hands-on learning, personal growth experiences, and disconnecting from technology. Campers will engage in backcountry living skills, Leave No Trace principles, local ecology and geology, outdoor leadership, and team building activities. YBCC emphasizes working collaboratively, developing leadership abilities, making group decisions, and cultivating self-reliance in a wilderness setting. YBCC doesn’t allow any technology on YBCC trips, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in nature.
TRTA is committed to making these transformative experiences available to all interested youth. The program operates on a sliding scale fee structure, allowing families to pay what they are able. Additionally, full scholarships are available to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder participation.
Washoe County Property Tax Exemption Renewals Mailed
WASHOE COUNTY
Washoe County Assessor Chris S. Sarman is mailing the annual Property Tax Exemption Renewal Notices to qualified veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and blind persons. The Assessor’s Office reminds exemption holders that in order to apply the exemption toward real property taxes, the renewal must be filed with the Assessor’s office by June 15. Exemption holders may also apply the exemption toward the Government Service Tax of their vehicle registration with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles or toward their personal property taxes such as a mobile home or aircraft. The renewal form may be filed by mail, online, in-person, or by email.
Property tax exemptions are available to bona fide Nevada residents who meet the requirements set in Nevada Revised Statutes for a surviving spouse, blind person, veteran, disabled veteran, or surviving spouse of a disabled veteran. Exemptions can be applied toward real property tax, personal property tax, or toward the Government Service Tax of a vehicle registration at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
The deadline to apply in order to have an exemption applied to real property tax for the 2025/26 fiscal year is June 15, 2025. Applications for property tax exemption can be found on the Assessor’s website at washoecounty.gov/assessor/forms.
~ Washoe County news release
Public Charter School Advocates Raise Concerns About Education Legislation
NEVADA
Nevada’s public charter schools, serving nearly 72,000 students statewide, are dedicated to providing high-quality, innovative education that meets the diverse needs of students. However, recent legislative developments, particularly Senate Bill 318 (SB318), have raised concerns among educators and families about potential negative impacts on student success.
SB318 was introduced on March 11 and brought before the Senate Committee on Education on March 19.
SB318 seeks to prohibit public charter school boards from partnering with Educational Management Organizations (EMOs), which offer essential support in academic programming, operational management, and financial oversight. These partnerships allow educators to focus more directly on teaching and student achievement, making them a critical resource for high-performing schools. Restricting these collaborations does nothing to improve student outcomes and instead places additional burdens on schools that are already demonstrating success.
Despite challenges such as receiving less state funding, lacking facility support, and operating without dedicated transportation systems, Nevada’s public charter schools continue to meet or exceed state academic benchmarks. The ability to collaborate with EMOs has been a key factor in ensuring efficient school operations and maximizing resources for classroom instruction.
Nearly half of charter school students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The flexibility to partner with EMOs has been instrumental in addressing the unique needs of these students, ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality education.
To learn more about the Nevada Charter School Association, visit nevadacharters.info.
~ Charter School Association of Nevada press release
Business Briefs
JMA Ventures Transforms Truckee’s Hospitality Landscape with Martis Valley Lodge
TRUCKEE
JMA Ventures, a leading real estate investment firm, has announced the transformation of the formerHampton Inn & Suites Truckee into the Martis Valley Lodge. This new upscale hotel, managed by Schulte Hospitality Group will be part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection brand. The property will refine hospitality in the region, offering a unique blend of mountain charm, modern amenities, and personalized service.
Strategically located between Downtown Truckee, Northstar California Resort, and adjacent to the Truckee Tahoe Airport, the 109-room lodge is undergoing a complete renovation, expected to be unveiled in summer 2025. The redesigned property will feature a variety of social spaces, including an updated all-day restaurant showcasing local flavors, an après-ski lounge, and a cozy library.
The lodge’s prime location provides easy access to Lake Tahoe’s renowned outdoor recreation, including world-class skiing, hiking, and water activities. It will also serve as a social hub for the growing Martis Valley community, offering a welcoming space for locals to gather and connect.
To ensure an authentic and engaging experience, Martis Valley Lodge is partnering with local artisans and purveyors, such as Drink Coffee Do Stuff and Truckee Brewing Company. These collaborations will bring the unique character of Truckee to life, offering guests a taste of the local culture. For more information, visitmartisvalleylodge.com.
~ JMA Ventures press release
Palisades and Olympic Valley Freestyle to Host Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships
OLYMPIC VALLEY
ELITE SKIER JUMPS through a mogul course at Palisades Tahoe, host of this year’s Freestyle Championships. Photo courtesy Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe, in partnership with Olympic Valley Freestyle, is proud to announce that it will host the Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships from March 27 to 30 on the legendary Red Dog course. This premier event will bring together the nation’s top moguls and dual moguls skiers as they compete for national titles in one of the most challenging disciplines in winter sports.
Palisades Tahoe and Olympic Valley Freestyle last hosted the U.S. National Freestyle Championships in 2005, and the return of this marquee event reaffirms the resort’s status as a hub for top-tier freestyle skiing in the United States.
The Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships will feature moguls and dual moguls competitions, with Olympic hopefuls and U.S. Ski Team members expected to participate.
In addition to the action, fans can enjoy a vendor village featuring outdoor brands, ski gear, and official event merchandise. Guests can also experience live entertainment, including music performances and athlete meet-and-greets, making this an unforgettable weekend for ski enthusiasts and families alike.
A new café has opened in Truckee. Café Lupine is a European-inspired micro roastery and café, blending upscale elegance with homey comfort. It takes pride in crafting high-quality, freshly roasted coffee, ensuring every cup is rich, aromatic, and full of character.
Beyond exceptional coffee, Café Lupine serves a thoughtfully curated breakfast and lunch menu. Offerings include grab-and-go breakfast burritos, artisan sandwiches, and freshly baked goods — perfect for fueling the day.
Whether stopping by for a morning espresso, a midday bite, or a cozy space to unwind, Café Lupine delivers a warm and inviting experience. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s here to serve the best in coffee and café fare.
Café Lupine is located in The Rock complex next to Sierra Sotheby’s and 50/50 brewing at 11177 Brockway Rd.
Resolutions Adopted Opposing Federal Funding and Staffing Cuts
TRUCKEE
In a decisive move to protect the community’s safety, economy, and natural resources, the Truckee Town Council unanimously adopted two critical resolutions during its March 11 meeting. These resolutions strongly oppose recent federal funding and staffing cuts affecting public lands and essential services.
The council chamber had a large audience, including representatives from several regional agencies, communities, and nonprofit organizations. Residents delivered testimonies addressing a wide range of issues, including wildfire mitigation, fire insurance challenges, potential job losses affecting future data collection and research, restricted access to campgrounds impacting tourism, delays in basic permitting processes, and the stalling of trail projects not reliant on federal funding but hindered by federal agreement freezes.
The first resolution, Resolution 2025-15, opposes the detrimental impacts to forest health and wildfire mitigation resulting from federal funding and staffing reductions. The second, Resolution 2025-16, addresses the adverse social and economic consequences anticipated from these federal actions. Both resolutions highlight the community’s proactive investments in wildfire prevention and the essential partnerships with federal agencies to protect public lands and adjacent communities. Over $32 million has been invested locally in fuels reduction and mitigation efforts over the last 5 years. While local funding will continue, Resolution 2025-15 stresses the importance of ongoing federal investment to maximize wildfire prevention efforts, as fire knows no jurisdictional boundaries.
Resolution 2025-16 builds upon concerns over reduced forest service staffing identified in Resolution 2025-15, highlighting the consequences of campground closures, which will lead to unsupervised camping, increased fire risks, litter, and closure of public restrooms.
The council emphasized that funding for forests and public lands is not a partisan issue but a matter of life and safety. With below-average snowfall this year, the region faces heightened wildfire risks.
The resolutions will be shared with regional partners and federal representatives to advocate for the restoration of essential funding and staffing levels. The town and representatives from surrounding agencies and special districts will coordinate efforts to deliver the adopted resolutions and continue discussions with federal representatives about the safety risks and impacts of these funding cuts.
~ Town of Truckee press release
Keira Scott Wins National Championship Title at Cross-Country Skiing Junior Nationals
UTAH
Competing against the top junior Nordic skiers in the country, Keira Scott (18), representing the Far West Nordic Ski Education Association, claimed her first national championship title in the U-20 Women’s Skate Sprint race at the 2025 Junior National Championships at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center.
From March 8 to 15, over 450 junior athletes from 10 regions across the United States traveled to Soldier Hollow to compete for National titles. Among them, 33 athletes from the Far West region raced in four championship events.
On Wednesday, Scott delivered a standout performance to earn her first national title in a highly competitive sprint race. A freshman at Bowdoin College in Maine and a longtime skier with Auburn Ski Club (ASC) Training Center in Truckee, Scott made her fourth Junior Nationals appearance. Her top finish last year was 15th in the U18 Classic 10km Mass Start, but this year, she proved her dominance by skiing with confidence and tactical precision.
In a 1.3-kilometer race featuring two decisive climbs, she executed a patient strategy, making her move at just the right moment to outski her competition in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final heats.
Scott wasn’t the only Far West athlete to stand on the podium during the sprint competition. Luka Karnickis with Tahoe Endurance earned two national podium finishes, securing second place in Monday’s Classic 5 kilometer race and third in Wednesday’s Skate Sprint.
Niki Johnson with Tahoe Endurance rounded out the Far West podium finishes on Wednesday, taking third in the U-18 Women’s Skate Sprint. Johnson, who recently represented the U.S. at the U-18 Scando Cup in Gjøvik, Norway, fought through a competitive field to secure her spot on the podium.
~ Far WestCaroline Dezendorf news press release
Residents Invited to Share Feedback on Revamping 20-Year-old Cell Tower Ordinance
NEVADA COUNTY
As the Nevada County Board of Supervisors prepares to update the county’s 20-year-old cell tower ordinance, supervisors and staff are seeking public feedback first.
A public meeting is scheduled Monday, March 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the board chambers, 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City. The meeting will begin with a presentation by staff and will be followed by about an hour of in-person public comment.
The session will be livestreamed for viewing on youtube.com/@countyofnevadaca/live. An update is under consideration to keep up with changes in technology in the past 2 decades and address neighborhood concerns. While some community members are eager to have improved cell phone service for themselves and emergency responders who may need it in the event of a wildfire, others have expressed concerns about environmental impacts, aesthetic considerations and potential health risks from electromagnetic radiation.
The March 31 meeting is the first of several opportunities the public will have to give comments before an updated ordinance is approved.
~ Nevada County press release
New Webpage To Help Residents Understand State Fire Hazard Mapping Changes
PLACER COUNTY
Placer County, in partnership with the Placer County Fire Department, has launched the Engage Placer: Fire Hazard Severity Zones webpage, a centralized hub to help residents understand newly updated wildfire hazard maps, compliance requirements and insurance information.
The page, available at engageplacer.org/fhsz, equips property owners in unincorporated Placer County with FHSZ mandate information, an interactive map viewer and FAQs to navigate state-mandated fire resilience standards.
This initiative follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s February 2025 executive order expediting updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone mapping for local responsibility areas — regions overseen by local fire districts like the Placer County Fire Department.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within Local Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
The maps, now available for public review, classify unincorporated areas into moderate, high or very high fire hazard zones. Local jurisdictions are required to adopt either the new standards as released or more stringent ones of their choosing within 120 days of the new maps’ release.
Placer County’s maps integrate factors like vegetation, slope and ember cast production potential, and fire history to prioritize safety in high-threat regions.
Draft maps will be presented to the Placer County Board of Supervisors for review and adoption in May. Finalization is targeted for June 10.
Residents are encouraged to review the maps and submit feedback via the webpage before the board’s decision.
~ Placer County press release
Partnership Between Boys & Girls Club, Northstar Benefits Local Youth
KINGS BEACH
Northstar California, with support from Vail Resorts EpicPromise, has worked with the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe (BGCNLT) for more than 20 years to provide local youth and teens with year-round enrichment opportunities that have become highly anticipated programs for youth and families.
Currently, the generous support of Northstar California Vail Resorts EpicPromise, helps BGCNLT provide 80 club members with the opportunity to participate in Powder Hounds, a skiing and snowboarding program for youth and teens of all abilities.
Northstar California and Vail Resorts EpicPromise also provide crucial summer transportation for summer camp field trips.
BGCNLT’s summer camps serve over 900 local youth and teens at three locations in the region. Additionally, a generous cash grant and in-kind fundraising items from Vail Resorts Epic Promise helps support overall BGCNLT programs, further strengthening opportunities for local youth.
BGCNLT currently operates four sites across the region — a clubhouse in Kings Beach that serves preschoolers through 12th grade; school based sites at Truckee Elementary School and Alder Creek Middle School; and the Duffield Youth Program within Incline Elementary School. Across all sites, BGCNLT currently serves over 1,500 local youth with before and after-school programs, summer camps, and sports leagues. Fees for services are kept low to ensure that all children in the North Tahoe/Truckee region have access to high quality programs in crucial out-of-school times.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe, please contact the Club at (530) 582-3760 or visit our website.
~ Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe press release
Veteran Groups Seek Volunteers
NORTHERN NEVADA
The Nevada Veterans Coalition, the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), and the Northern Nevada All Veteran Honor Guard are seeking new members.
The coalition assists with military funerals at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in addition to presenting the colors at other events such as Memorial Day in late May, the Vietnam Veterans Remembrance ceremony in March, and the Camos to Classroom scholarship dinner in mid-November. Coalition members aren’t required to be veterans.
Patriot Guard Riders complement the honor guards and their tributes to a fallen comrade or remembrance. Founded in 2005, the PGR not only honors military veterans but also first responders. The PGR encourages anyone who has a love and respect for veterans and first responders to join.
The Northern Nevada All Veteran Honor Guard is sponsored by Carson City’s American Legion High Desert Post 56. The nonprofit honor guard presides at services at no cost to the family. The qualifications for belonging to the guard include members who have served in the military and are available on weekdays.
The honor guard provides funeral, memorial and commemorative services throughout the communities of northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and other areas as requested. Family members may ask the funeral home to contact the honor guard directly for their participation.
To learn more and volunteer with the Patriot Guard Riders, visit patriotguard.org, call (775) 575-6842, or email [email protected]. To learn more and join the honor/color guard, contact Guard Commander Jim Jackson at (775) 443-8507.
~ Nevada News Group news brief
Public Utility District Utilities Team Honored with Regional Awards
TAHOE CITY
Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Small Collection System of the Year for the Sierra Section. This esteemed recognition highlights TCPUD’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a top-tier wastewater collection system that safeguards public health and protects the environment.
TAHOE CITY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT (TCPUD) has been awarded the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Small Collection System of the Year for the Sierra Section. TCPUD Operations Technician Bryan Dewit was also recognized as CWEA’s Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year for the Sierra Section. Courtesy photo
In addition to this organizational achievement, TCPUD Operations Technician Bryan Dewit was recognized as CWEA’s Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year for the Sierra Section. Dewit’s expertise and dedication ensures that our wastewater systems function efficiently and reliably.
TCPUD operates and maintains 150 miles of sewer pipe, more than 2,300 sewer manholes, and 21 lift stations to ensure the safe and efficient transport of wastewater to the treatment facility in Truckee.
By implementing industry-leading preventive maintenance, infrastructure renewal, and emergency response practices, TCPUD ensures the continuous protection of Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters and the well-being of our community. This around-the-clock service underscores TCPUD’s commitment to building a healthy mountain community.
~ TCPUD press release
$1 Million Pledge Fuels Momentum for the New Truckee Regional Library
TRUCKEE
The vision for a new Truckee Regional Library has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of a $1 million pledge from a private donor with deep family ties to the community. This generous contribution marks a milestone in the campaign to build a modern library that is designed to serve our community’s emergency resource and literacy needs, uplifting the entire Truckee region.
TRUCKEE REGIONAL LIBRARY RENDERING: The new library will be more than just a place to check out books. Photo courtesy Friends of the Truckee Library
The current Truckee Library was built nearly 50 years ago when the town’s population was just 2,000 residents. With capacity for only 54 people, it now serves a community of over 20,000 residents, including 15,000 library card holders. A new library is essential to meet the growing needs of Truckee and provide the resources and space our residents deserve.
The new Truckee Regional Library is envisioned as more than just a place to check out books; it will be a vital resource for all who call this region home. The library will serve as an emergency resource center, a hub for youth literacy, and a center for community connection.
With this remarkable contribution, the campaign for the new Truckee Regional Library gains even greater momentum. Community members are encouraged to join in supporting this transformative project and ensuring that Truckee’s future generations have access to a library that meets our community’s needs.
For more information on how to contribute or get involved, visit truckeefol.org.
~ Friends of the Truckee Library press release
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
AdventureSmith Explorations Team Members Named Among 2025 Top Travel Specialists
TRUCKEE
Truckee-based AdventureSmith Explorations is celebrating the recognition of two of its travel specialists in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual selection of Top Travel Specialists. This marks the 12th consecutive year the publication’s editors have recognized company founder Todd Smith, a pioneer in the small-ship adventure cruise industry, and the first for his team member, Andrew Browning.
Smith and Browning, through their work at AdventureSmith Explorations, best known for offering transformative travel experiences in the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and Alaska, have developed a reputation as trusted partners in designing once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Both focus on sustainability, authenticity, and exceptional service.
Condé Nast Traveler’s annual list spotlights the world’s leading experts and travel companies. Specialists are chosen based on their specialized knowledge, firsthand travel experience, local connections, customer service, and value.
Browning, the longest running employee of AdventureSmith Explorations outside of the company founders, has reached 25 countries — plus Antarctica twice, the Arctic three times, and Alaska four — while on the job.
His experience and knowledge is unparalleled and a true asset to not only the company’s clients but AdventureSmith’s global partner operators who rely on his deep insight. He’s sailed aboard more than 40 small ships and stayed at countless wilderness lodges and hotels across the globe.
The El Dorado County Community Action Council is seeking to fill two member vacancies with individuals who can represent the interests and concerns of people and families with low incomes living in El Dorado County, with a special focus on housing, nutrition, and low-income program needs. The deadline to submit a member application is April 22.
The council acts in an advisory capacity to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency about community and human service needs for low-income residents. The council provides for the collaboration of local government, private organizations, and citizens serving the most vulnerable populations. Council member positions are voluntary and unpaid. Meetings take place in Placerville and are held monthly for 9 months out of the year.
For more information about the council and to receive a member application, please contact Rebecca Johnson at (530) 621-6255 or send an email to [email protected].
~ El Dorado County press release
Business Briefs
A Tahoe SkiMo Race for All Abilities – From Elite to Beer League
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival — a SkiMo competition — returns to Diamond Peak Ski Resort on March 22 and 23 for a weekend of human-powered adventure and friendly competition.
Named in honor of Luggi Foeger, the founder and original general manager of Diamond Peak ski resort, the Uphill/Downhill Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates human-powered sports, mountain culture, local craft beer, and springtime in the Lake Tahoe region.
Competitors race up the mountain using whatever human-powered method they prefer: skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc., then ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or run back down to the finish line.
Costumes are highly encouraged in all divisions, with prizes available to competitors who show up decked out in their best outfit.
In addition to the races, there will be on-snow backcountry/alpine-touring/SkiMo demo gear available to try for free at the resort on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports.
On March 23, the fun continues with a Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Hike presented by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome to meet at the Base Lodge deck for a 1-mile snowshoe hike and presentation about the local ecosystem.
Mt. Rose to Open Tubing Center Ahead of 2025/26 Winter Season
RENO
Expanding its recreational offerings, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe announced it will introduce Wildslide Tahoe Tubing Center at the start of the 2025/26 winter season. Anticipated to open Thanksgiving 2025, the largest tubing operation on the West Coast will feature up to 20 snow tubing lanes served by a conveyor lift.
Construction of the new tubing area will also include a new lodge and ample deck seating that will be accessible by both tubing guests and those visiting the resort to ski or snowboard. A new parking lot will provide convenient access to the tubing lanes, which will be located 3/4 of a mile west of the Mt. Rose Main Lodge entrance.
Featuring dedicated snowmaking, construction of the 750-foot long tubing lanes started last year, with the remainder of the project to be completed this summer.
The resort anticipates operating snow tubing during the winter season for guests of all ages. Current plans are for tubing to be offered Fridays through Sundays plus holidays, with group and corporate event booking opportunities midweek.
Sugar Bowl Releases 2025/26 Season Passes at Lowest Prices of the Year
NORDEN
Sugar Bowl Resort has officially launched its lineup of 2025/26 season passes, offering skiers and riders the lowest prices of the season for a limited time. Known for its rugged landscape and authentic ski culture, Sugar Bowl is inviting guests to lock in their pass now before prices go up.
New this season is the Legend Pass, offering an exclusive, premium experience with unrestricted skiing, a private four-person locker in the brand new Village Lodge Locker Club, and VIP parking, giving passholders seamless, stress-free access to the mountain.
Limited season pass sales and daily lift ticket caps preserve the mountain experience.
2025/26 Season Pass Lineup:
Spring Pass ($399): Ski the rest of the 2024/25 season with no blackout dates! Purchase now at sugarbowl.com/spring.
Legend Pass ($4,200)
Unrestricted Pass (Starting at $799)
Slightly Restricted Pass (Starting at $629)
Midweek Pass (starting at $469)
Local Student Pass ($199): Unrestricted access for designated Placer and Nevada counties school district students.
Royal Gorge Cross Country Pass (Starting at $159): Full-season access to North America’s largest XC ski resort.
In response to Opinion Versus News in the February print edition
Need to Include All Voices
Thank you so much for this exceptional article. You articulated so well the importance to allow a diversity of voices to be heard in our community. That is the function of a truly independent news source. We are so proud of our support of Moonshine Ink over the years and will commit more resources in 2025 to support your mission.
~ Jan Atwell Holan, Truckee, via email
In response to West Shore Businesses Feel the Effects of Homewood’s Closure in the February print edition
Support West Shore Sports
West Shore Sports has long been our go-to for rentals, demos, buys, maintenance, and more. Please support this vital small business. Let’s pray for Homewood to open sooner than later.
~ Rich Wright, Point Reyes Station, via Instagram
In response to North Lake Tahoe Does Not Need to Be Saved by the League to Save Lake Tahoe in the February print edition
Hidden Agenda with the League?
It sounds like the author has an axe to grind with the League to Save Lake Tahoe and Keep Tahoe Blue. He also has a lakefront resort for sale for a mere $30 million.
~ Tom Baird, Truckee, via Facebook
Saving Tahoe from Overdevelopment
Tahoe does not to be saved precisely because since the 1970s it has been saved from runaway construction, growth, and degradation. Saving Tahoe from those that only see exploitation is still an ongoing struggle, [and] the reason we love Tahoe. When the eight or 10 ongoing or proposed developments get built, the developers will demand taxpayers upgrade roads, water, sewer, and mitigation to protect their profits.
~ Rick Cooper, Reno, via Facebook
In response to Dude, Where’s My Plow (Driver)? in the February print
edition
Do Your Own Plowing
When there is no worker housing in town, you lose those critical workers that keep the town operating. I was one of those snow removal workers for 16 years. Those wealthy second-home owners can plow their own streets and driveways now.
~ Alec Jones via Facebook
In response to Liberty and Higher Electricity Rates for All in the February print edition
Let’s See the Plan
Provide us the plan to prove to us we will see improvements to our infrastructure. Losing power is part of Tahoe, I get it. Generators are the only practical work-around. I’d sleep better at night seeing lines buried.
~ Jason, Alpine Meadows, Instagram
About Palisades Tahoe’s parking reservations program
Palisades Tahoe Parking Program Doesn’t Work
Last year, every time I tried to make a free reservation, within one minute or less after bookings opened up (12 p.m. or 7 p.m.), all free reservations were taken. I emailed and explained repeatedly that people are using bots and messing up the system. My emails were ignored. Considering you can make up to 10 reservations, it kind of makes sense that people are going to figure out a way to work the system.
I informed a friend who works in the tech industry of this, and sure enough, when she went to book a reservation at noon and 7 p.m., within 2 minutes there were no free reservations. She sent an email and their response was that there are paid reservations available.
They claimed that they substantially reduced the number of vehicles last year, but I would question that. I’m curious how they determine that because every time I was at Palisades, the parking lots were full and cars were parked along the road. I truly believe they are just making more money, making it tough on the locals, and just trying to make the parking situation look good in order to advance their efforts to expand.
The delayed release of a much-anticipated Town of Truckee organizational assessment resulted in two major local organizations at odds during the first months of 2025.
The assessment, which spanned most of 2024, was performed by third-party consultant Baker Tilly, and was intended to review the organizational structure, staffing, systems, operations, and service delivery across town departments. Originally expected to be published in its final form in January, only a handful of town staff have viewed a preliminary draft to date. A final report of recommendations has no release date as of the Ink’s press deadline.
For many, and as reported by Moonshine Ink this past December in Town Planning in the Hot Seat, the assessment specifically serves as an opportunity to address pain points across the Truckee planning, building, and engineering divisions.
Town Manager Jen Callaway says staff is following a standard process for releasing such a document: “It is atypical for us to, with a preliminary draft, share that with anybody outside of the town … I know that people are wanting to see the draft. It will be out as soon as we are able to have a draft that is completely accurate and ready.”
The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT) has all but cried foul, asserting a lack of transparency. The organization was one of five community stakeholders involved in selecting Baker Tilly to run the assessment. CATT represents more than 500 members, with a goal of addressing the impacts of local agencies on the building trade; many of its members have worked with and are invested in the town’s development divisions.
“We started this [Baker Tilly process] off as a group of stakeholders that were going to be involved, everyone assumed, all the way through,” CATT Executive Director Edward Vento said. “That was the air; everybody was going to be involved in this. We helped pick Baker Tilly; we did the interviews … [The town] knew we were waiting [for the report], they received it, they didn’t tell us it was in when we were expecting the report in January, then they hire a [new] consultant [to interview community members about the development divisions].
“The trust with the town is so eroded in the community that it’s a problem. This is why they had to do the assessment; this wasn’t voluntary; it was demanded by stakeholders … We wanted to make sure nothing materially changed from the draft to the final, and the only way to know that was to have somebody look at it or have a copy.”
At the end of the day, what I hope people understand is if something is in this report, it doesn’t mean that action is going to be taken within 24 hours of receiving the report. We’re looking at this report like a 10-year roadmap.”
~ David Polivy, Town of Truckee council member
Over the past couple of months, the town and CATT have exchanged numerous emails and phone calls about the report, including CATT jointly submitting a public records request, a town council member vehemently defending staff, and even threat of legal action from CATT, though the association is not actively proceeding with a lawsuit.
“I think it was a miscommunication from the beginning,” said the association’s board president, Heather Schourup. “Yes, [the town] got the report in January, but it’s a draft, it’s not final. Had they just said, ‘We expect our first draft back in January and the final should be available for public review in April,’ nobody would’ve been upset about anything. Which sounds silly because it’s not the biggest miscommunication, but it certainly got some feathers ruffled.”
Callaway shared the town’s views on the behind-the-scenes commotion. “This frustration [with the town’s development services has] been brewing for years and years and years and years and years,” she said. “It’s not really new, per se. And for the first time, we’re really trying to address it. Then this is the narrative that we’re in. We’re not spending time in this narrative. We’re facing forward, we’re focused on hearing what the recommendations are and finding solutions.”
FORWARD-FACING: Town Manager Jen Callaway assured that there is nothing nefarious about the delayed final draft, which only a small number of town staffers have seen and are conferring with consultant Baker Tilly on. “We are just as eager to have that so we can be preparing for those needs or at least some of those needs in the budget,” she said. “But we also have to honor what the process is, and we want a quality report that comes out of this with quality recommendations.” Photo by Alex Hoeft/Moonshine Ink
Getting the facts straight
Baker Tilly began its $250,000 contract in May 2024, and the outreach portion quickly ballooned.
“Our scope envisioned up to 31 confidential interviews, small group meetings, and focus groups with town council members and staff, and up to 10 community and regional stakeholder input sessions,” shared Project Manager Pete Gonda in an email. In reality, the following occurred:
20 one-on-one discussions with council and staff members following project kickoff
Two internal stakeholder focus group meetings with 11 attendees total
Four focus group meetings with external stakeholders (30 attendees in total)
Three interviews with former town officials and a nonprofit group representative
Several discussions with department staff members during summer site visits (30 staff members engaged)
Additional external stakeholder meetings with six participants
Follow-up discussions with staff members (five participants)
“In total, we engaged with at least 105 individuals inside and outside of the organization,” Gonda wrote. “We continue to be contacted by community stakeholders … Following [the week of Feb. 24’s] meeting, we will not engage in additional discussions, given that we are in the final stages of the project.”
The scope of work also identified how the report would proceed in its end stages: Consultants would prepare a draft report and submit it for town review. “Then with feedback in hand, we will finalize the report(s) to include recommendations supported by analysis and clearly defensible justification, as well as a cost/benefit analysis for any funding required for implementing a particular recommendation,” per the Baker Tilly application. “This task will conclude with a virtual presentation to the Town Council summarizing our observations and recommendations for improvement.”
Had [the town] just said, ‘We expect our first draft back in January and the final should be available for public review in April,’ nobody would’ve been upset about anything. Which sounds silly because it’s not the biggest miscommunication, but it certainly got some feathers ruffled.”
~ Heather Schourup, CATT board president
Baker Tilly sent its draft report to the town on Dec. 23, 2024. Callaway replied with preliminary comments the week of Jan. 6, 2025, with the town’s core project team sending full comments on Feb. 5. Thirteen town staffers have seen the draft report — generally the head and an additional representative from each department.
As of Feb. 24, Gonda said his staff is updating the report to ensure factual accuracy. “We are behind schedule and had hoped to complete the project by now,” he added. “That said, we anticipate finishing the project on budget, if not on schedule per our initial timeline. We do hope to wrap up by our contract end date of April 30.”
Of what she’s reviewed so far, Callaway said she’s satisfied with Baker Tilly’s work. “It’s an interesting structure here in Truckee and I know that they’ve spent some time grasping all the different special districts and the jurisdictions and how we all work together.”
To CATT’s assumption that it would be included in reviewing the draft report, Callaway said, “I don’t know why they assumed that. And if they did assume that they didn’t ask us that question for clarity.”
Schourup spoke with Baker Tilly in late February to understand where things were with the report. Gonda shared a summary: “What we communicated to CATT is that we see land development processes as the town’s biggest consensus challenge based on our observations and the internal/external stakeholder feedback received.”
Quelling some of CATT’s anxieties, Schourup said of the call, “[Baker Tilly] said there’s nothing that’s happening right now outside of their standard policy that happens on all of their reviews,” she recalled. “A draft is sent back for factual corrections, whether it’s as simple as someone’s name being incorrect or anything that’s factually incorrect … The Baker Tilly guys, they said, ‘This is what we do. We’re not in the business of just taking our findings out because somebody doesn’t like it, or it makes them look bad. That’s not what we do. And if we did that, we wouldn’t be in business.’”
How it went down
CATT’s rub with the town’s decisions over the Baker Tilly report, Vento says, is an ongoing lack of communication and transparency. These two points are not news; they were also brought up during Baker Tilly’s community engagement sessions last summer, according to attendees and town staff.
“The timing, how everything happened [with the report] was ‘suspect’ [to CATT’s Local Government Affairs Committee],” Vento said. “All of a sudden, [the town goes] from being very transparent to not. That creates a tension. Why do we think we deserve to see it? Why don’t we? We were initially invited to participate … We’re the largest contractors association in Nevada County [and] the only one in the area. You’d think they would at least let us take a peek; hey, here’s the findings. They said no, but don’t worry, it’s not going to get scrubbed.”
Beyond not making CATT aware of the preliminary draft, some CATT members took issue with the town’s hiring of local resident and airport board member David Diamond as a consultant to improve the town’s building, engineering, and planning processes.
At the time, the move appeared to be a tool for softening the Baker Tilly report’s release, with buzz around town debating whether or not it will make the town look good. “Why would they hire David Diamond … if there’s nothing [concerning] in the report?” Vento and others wondered.
CATT FIGHT: The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe is highly invested in the Baker Tilly report’s findings, as many members have expressed hope for improved processes and culture in the planning, building, and engineering divisions. CATT Board President Heather Schourup, front right, smoothed out some of the combativeness between the two organizations. Courtesy photo
Callaway said the intention behind the hiring was more proactive in nature.
Though the Baker Tilly preliminary report was still at least a month out and staff had no preview of the findings, Callaway said she assumed there would be recommendations for “technology solutions and enterprise software systems to help with efficiency.” With the town’s budget planning happening in January, she wanted “to be able to incorporate capital projects for budget if we’re going to get new software,” she explained.
Diamond, who has experience in technological management systems, sent in a proposal on Dec. 15, 8 days before the Baker Tilly preliminary report came in, and signed a contract Dec. 31. He began his scope of work, which in part is to draft high-level recommendations to the town for improving development services, on Jan. 2, 2025, and will work through June to the tune of $8,200 per month (and no more than $49,200 in total).
Diamond’s role, Callaway said, is “much more detail oriented” than Baker Tilly’s. “We’ve done this high-level one and now we’re narrowing in. At the end of the day, we’re really trying to respond to what we think we’ve heard from CATT as an organization is wanting to see improvements. There’s nothing that’s not transparent.”
Callaway and Diamond confirmed he has not reviewed the Baker Tilly draft report.
Town staff and CATT never communicated directly about the Diamond contract, and when Vento invited him to a Local Government Affairs Committee meeting, it was to make connections with key people in the building sphere.
“I knew he was working on something … [but] nobody ever told me, ‘Okay, the deal’s been closed, this is the scope of it, this is what’s going on,’” Vento said. “[The committee] knew he was coming, he was on the agenda, but I didn’t do a good job of explaining why he was there because I didn’t really understand his role … They were confused: ‘Wait a minute, we just paid Baker Tilly all this money, and now David shows up [setting up more interviews]. What’s going on?’”
Between the Diamond contract, being denied a chance to see the preliminary report after asking, and an air of skepticism over the Baker Tilly report, LGAC elevated the stakes.
On Jan. 29, CATT and the Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors submitted a public records request to the town by way of Craig Weaver of MOBO Law. Specifically, they asked for (1) a copy of the preliminary report, and (2) “All interdepartmental communications, including, but not limited to, emails, faxes, text messages, and phone call records, including, but not limited to, Town of Truckee and Baker Tilly communications regarding the assessment, for a time frame beginning sixty (60) days before the engagement of Baker Tilly and continuing through the date of production.” This request was one of five the town received regarding access to the draft report.
Schourup said CATT’s board didn’t have to give approval for the records request, and that’s something she wants to rectify. “It would be nice because it’s got the CATT name on it, and what if someone wants to call and talk to me about it?” she said. “I, as the president, whoever it is at the time, just needs to know what’s going on.”
As Callaway put it, the second part “was a very extensive request.” Others, upon learning about the request, echoed the sentiment.
On Feb. 3, Truckee Councilmember David Polivy messaged members of CATT from his town email sharing his disappointment in their records request. He wrote in part:
So you are aware, the town council hasn’t even seen the Baker Tilly report yet so the fact that you think CATT is special and should have access to something commissioned by council to improve the work of the town but is not yet public is bizarre. How about giving us a chance to see, digest, and then work on the recommendations of the report?
If you are unhappy with council’s actions after the report gets published, then let’s talk and see what else can be done.
… Are you aware how many hours of staff time go into fulfilling a public records request? Do you think there are magic fairies that are going to pull everything you requested together? Nope, there aren’t! There are hardworking town staff people who will now spend countless hours fulfilling your request instead of doing the very work they are hired to do …
…Is CATT just a conspiracy-theory-based organization living in fear that something is going to harm them so they need to file a public records request?
… In my opinion, you are choosing to waste time, chase whatever delusional story you have told yourselves and pushed back the release of the report even further. If you want change or perhaps want something else, why aren’t you even giving us the chance to make those changes?
… P.S. Of course you are free to file whatever requests you want. This email is my opinion and mine alone and I don’t directly govern any work that town staff does in any way shape or form other than from a high-level policy perspective. If you would like to ever have a conversation, just ask!
Polivy said he continues to stand by the point of that email, and that he never received a reply (Vento confirmed CATT chose not to respond), nor did any CATT member reach out to him to ask questions about the draft report’s status. “The past method for coming to consensus, for understanding concerns, and for making change was very different,” he furthered, “and seems to have really shifted under CATT’s new leadership to a much more confrontational style.”
It was the Polivy email that prompted Schourup to begin taking a closer look at the situation.
On Feb. 10, the town replied to the public records request declining to provide the draft report under legal exemptions that protect an agency’s decision-making process but approving the sharing of communications between the town and Baker Tilly.
In mid-February, CATT’s LGAC voted to take legal action against the town to be able to access the report. That’s when Schourup officially stepped in.
“I felt things [were] moving a little fast and getting a little out of hand,” she said. “With CATT’s name on it, I wanted to make sure that I spoke with everybody involved so that I had a firm understanding of what was going on before CATT continued to push.
This frustration [with the town’s development services has] been brewing for years and years and years and years and years. It’s not really new, per se. And for the first time, we’re really trying to address it. Then this is the narrative that we’re in. We’re not spending time in this narrative. We’re facing forward.”
~ Jen Callaway, Town of Truckee town manager
“CATT and the town should have a cooperative relationship with each other, and that’s why I stepped in,” she continued. “I felt it was crossing over to combative. And I don’t think that being at odds with each other benefits any of the members of CATT.”
Schourup and Callaway met Feb. 21 to discuss both sides’ perspectives, and between that meeting and Schourup’s conversation with Baker Tilly, there was a lot more clarity to the situation. Schourup did request to review the draft report in Callaway’s office — “no notes, no pictures taken of it, not taking a copy with me, but just so that I can see it now, and then when the final comes out, I can attest that it hasn’t been scrubbed.” Callaway checked with Baker Tilly, who shared the aforementioned summary, not the report.
After those conversations, litigation was no longer on the table.
“We think that if we did take it to court, like our [LGAC] wants, the judge would side with us,” Vento said. “And that’s what Craig [Weaver] thinks as well. However, this is the part where it becomes really important: We’re doing this not to punish the town, not to punish anybody, not to appear like somebody’s heroes … We’re doing it because we’re forced to force transparency because nobody communicated. I don’t even think town council knew when David was hired.”
Polivy told Moonshine he learned about the Diamond contract within the past month to 2 to 3 months. As town manager, Callaway is allowed to sign agreements up to $50,000 without direct approval from town council.
Vento added that it would likely take a year to a year and a half for any judge to make a ruling, and CATT doesn’t want to impede the town making improvements because of that timeline.
The week of March 3, CATT officially pulled back its request of the draft report, though is still receiving communications between Baker Tilly and the town, as per the records request.
“I’m in a wait-and-see pattern with it,” Schourup said. “At face value, what the two Baker Tilly principals told me versus what [Callaway] told me versus common sense and looking at things, I think it all lines up. If the report comes out and there are things not in there that we really think should be in there, then we revisit the issue of the draft document to be able to do a comparison.”
As for the relationship between CATT and the Town of Truckee, Vento said things are otherwise business as usual. “We want to keep working and we want to work on the process and the mechanics, and we feel that if the process and the mechanics are solid, the personalities won’t matter,” he said.
Polivy asked for patience from community members regarding the report: “Let us get this report, let us digest the report, and let’s make sure in this next budget cycle and work plan cycle, we start to implement some of the recommendations from the report. That’s the process that we operate under … Hold us accountable as your elected officials through that process. At the minimum, give us the opportunity to even get to that process.
“At the end of the day, what I hope people understand is if something is in this report, it doesn’t mean that action is going to be taken within 24 hours of receiving the report,” he added. “We’re looking at this report like a 10-year roadmap.”
A group of citizens who have been exploring the potential to create the long sought-after dream of incorporating North Lake Tahoe held its first public meeting last month. Speaking to a full conference room in Tahoe City, the Eastern Placer Future Interim Executive Committee, made up of nine North Tahoe residents, laid out what they had been working on for more than 2 years. The committee has already conducted an initial feasibility study, which concluded that not only is incorporation viable, but that the new town would generate a budget surplus.
Around 130 people gathered in a conference room at Granlibakken on Feb. 28 to hear a presentation from Eastern Placer Future about the case for local decision-making, what the group had accomplished so far, and what a new town would and would not provide.
Can we do better for all of us with local governance? That’s the question we’re asking.”
~ Andrew Ryan, Eastern Placer Future committee member
“Our communities are facing some challenges,” said Andrew Ryan, a member of the interim executive committee. “We all know about the housing challenges. We know about catastrophic wildfire. What makes us more resilient? Is that possibly local governance? Can we do better for all of us with local governance? That’s the question we’re asking.”
Currently, North Tahoe is governed by the Placer County Board of Supervisors, which is composed of five supervisors, only one of whom lives in Tahoe — Cindy Gustafson, who represents District 5. The county seat is in Auburn, 50 miles away. As committee member Steve Teshara said, “With a county, they have to make decisions that address all the districts. So, most of those decisions are made on county-level priorities. That doesn’t always reflect our needs. And sometimes those decisions feel like one-size-fits-all.”
Eastern Placer County has a population of 13,700, which is about 17% of District 5 and 3% of Placer County. Teshara noted that as the western slope of the county grows, District 5’s percentage becomes smaller and smaller. That means that Tahoe’s representation at the county level is being diluted.
That is one of several reasons for incorporation, the legal term for the formation of a new town. Other reasons listed include local governance and more responsive and efficient services. Additionally, committee members explained that now is the time because North Tahoe not only has a supervisor who is receptive to the idea of incorporating North Lake Tahoe, but she is also the chair of Placer County’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), the regulatory body that manages the boundaries of cities and special districts in California.
ON THE MAP: A proposed map of the incorporation boundary for a new town of North Lake Tahoe includes all of Eastern Placer County except US Forest Service Land and Donner Summit. The final map will be determined by the Placer County Local Agency Formation Commission. Total proposed area is + 51 square miles (compared to Truckee’s 33.7 square miles). Map represents an initial boundary for study purposes, and not a final determination of future town boundaries. Courtesy image
Self-rule for North Tahoe has long been a goal of many residents, and this isn’t the first attempt at incorporation. There were efforts to make North Lake Tahoe a town in 1966, 1970, and 1988, but none of these made it as far as the current campaign.
“Once we submit our LAFCO application and assuming it is formally reviewed, our effort will have come the furthest of any of the previous efforts,” wrote Teshara in an email to Moonshine Ink.
Supervisor Gustafson was at the meeting and addressed the audience, explaining why she is supportive of exploring incorporation.
“The reason I took this job [supervisor] was not because of anything other than to help us get to a point where we could have a thorough discussion on this issue,” said Gustafson, who was reelected in the fall to her second term. “We need to know the facts, and the only way to get to all the facts is to go through this process where you do the comprehensive fiscal analysis, you see where all the tax dollars go, and you make the decision for yourselves … When people ask where do I stand, I stand with getting the information to the voters so you can decide.”
Eastern Placer Future completed the initial fiscal feasibility review, which found that the new town would have a budget surplus of 27%, or around $10 million. According to committee member Kevin Drake, North Lake Tahoe has a 70% to 80% higher revenue per capita than two other incorporated areas in our region, Truckee and South Lake Tahoe, due to North Tahoe’s high transit occupancy tax (TOT).
“That isn’t to say that that’s exactly where the numbers are going to fall, but there’s a margin of safety there that gives us confidence that this is actually fiscally feasible and it should also give us confidence that we can operate in an efficient way and we have the fiscal resources to do so,” Drake said at Granlibakken.
Other milestones completed by the group include creating a draft incorporation boundary. The proposed town would comprise almost the entirety of Eastern Placer County, stretching from Truckee in the north to the El Dorado County line in the south and to the Nevada state line to the east. It would exclude Donner Summit and US Forest Service lands but include Placer County areas of Truckee like Martis Camp and Northstar.
“I want to stress to everybody that we recognized how different the West Shore is from Olympic Valley, from Kings Beach, from Northstar to Tahoe City,” Drake said. “And part of this effort is to embrace those differences. Part of what makes us strong as a region is we’re not just a singular town. We have nodes, and each of the nodes have a different personality and different history, which is to be celebrated. It’s part of what makes North Lake Tahoe unique.”
The new town would provide general government services similar to what the Town of Truckee provides — a town council, town manager, finance administration, road maintenance, snow removal, zoning and land use decisions, and economic development. Committee member Danielle Hughes said that law enforcement would most likely be contracted back to the county. All special districts would remain the same.
The makeup of a town council is up for discussion. It could consist of at-large members, or members that represent specific districts within North Tahoe. Town councils usually have up to five members, but it could be seven.
Committee members acknowledged that the incorporation process still has a long way to go.
“It’s a long and bumpy road,” Teshara said.
First, the committee needs to raise $150,000 to $200,000 to fund the LAFCO application, legal services, and the outreach petition. LAFCO requires a petition signed by 25% of registered voters to make the application valid. Committee member Wally Auerbach said this means that in reality, they need to collect signatures from 35% to 40% of registered voters because 10% to 15% of signatures fail during the certification process. There are 8,500 registered voters in the proposed incorporation boundary.
Another step toward incorporation is negotiating revenue neutrality with the county. In other words, the county cannot be harmed by the separation. Think of it as a divorce, and the new town will need to pay alimony to the county to make it whole. There will also need to be negotiations over assets, such as real estate facilities and snow removal equipment.
“Revenue neutrality negotiations involving a new town and Placer County, as required by state law, will likely lead to the development of a payment plan,” Teshara wrote in an email to Moonshine. “The plan will schedule town payments to the county over time for the acquisition of equipment, buildings, and other facilities the town wants for its operations.”
Once those negotiations are complete, the county CEO gives his report to the board of supervisors, which has to approve it. Following the completion of LAFCO’s comprehensive fiscal analysis and environmental report, the agency can call for an election. One option is for voters to vote on incorporation and the town council at the same time, or alternatively, the latter at a separate election. Committee members say they are aiming for a November 2026 election.
Most importantly, emphasized committee member Alex Min, is that the campaign needs a lot of people to give donations to show community support. Eastern Placer Future has a link to its GoFundMe page on its website, easternplacerfuture.org. As of March 5, they had raised $42,000. The North Tahoe Community Alliance is offering a $50,000 matching grant.
“This is a team effort from all of us who live here and love this area,” Min said. “Our little group is the ones who have started it. But we need everybody to come in and help us carry this across the finish line.”
Although they are using North Tahoe or North Lake Tahoe as a placeholder name, the final name of the new town will be left up to residents. The committee announced that there will be multiple public meetings over the next year.
Editor’s note: On March 7, the Tahoe Food Hub received notice that funding was released for current contracts. However, 4 days later, the nonprofit learned that the federal Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement, which funds The Farms Together program, was terminated along with several other programs that promote local food, nutrition, and food security.
For nearly a year, federal funding has kept families fed and small farms in business in the Tahoe area. At the end of February, without prior notice or clear justification, this funding was frozen. The Farms Together program, funded by the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA), is a vital California-based initiative that connects small and mid-scale farmers with families in need of fresh, nutritious food. For the past 7 months, Tahoe Food Hub has relied on this program to purchase thousands of pounds of produce from small family farms and distribute it to families in need through Sierra Community House. This sudden funding freeze has damaging consequences for the farmers we support and the families who depend on this food. The freeze creates widespread uncertainty, economic hardship for farmers, and disrupts critical food assistance for households across the state, including right here in the Tahoe/Truckee area.
Participating in the Farms Together program alongside our partners at Sierra Community House has been a privilege for us at the Tahoe Food Hub. With support from the LFPA, we’ve provided fresh, seasonal produce to local families facing food insecurity and directly supported dozens of small family farms, primarily in Placer and Nevada counties. Because these small farms don’t have access to larger distributors and institutional markets, Farms Together is a significant source of income and consistency.
California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet more than 1 in 5 Californians — approximately 9 million people — still struggle with food insecurity. Programs like Farms Together strengthen California’s local food system by bridging the gap between small producers and larger institutional buyers, creating a more equitable and resilient food system. Since December 2023, Farms Together has:
Supported 533 California-based farms
Purchased $20.7 million in California-grown fruits and vegetables
Partnered with 35 food hubs (like Tahoe Food Hub)
Delivered 8.7 million pounds of produce to families in need through 55 food pantries and distribution partners.
Without this funding, small farms that depend on this program to keep their businesses afloat will struggle to recover from the sudden loss of sales. At the same time, local food pantries like Sierra Community House will face supply shortages, making it harder to provide fresh, seasonal produce to families who need it most. This isn’t just a policy decision — it’s a direct hit to the well-being of our neighbors and the future of small farms in our region. We believe that access to fresh, local food is a human right and that investing in small farms builds a healthier, more resilient community. We urge community members to contact our federal representatives — Rep. Kevin Kiley and Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff — and demand the release of Farms Together funding. With enough voices, we can bring this critical program back online.
As the federal government continues to freeze essential funding, advocacy organizations like the Tahoe Food Hub and Sierra Community House need your help. You can help us continue our mission by making a donation, volunteering, or advocating for a release of funding. Your support will allow us to continue to feed local families and support local farmers during this uncertain time. Together, we can stand up for our small farms, our families, and the future of local food in Tahoe.
~ Maddie Rohner is the general manager at Tahoe Food Hub, which is dedicated to building a resilient, local food system. She holds a degree in environmental justice, sustainability, and food systems from UC Berkeley. When not supporting small farms, she can be found skiing, trail running, and exploring the beautiful Tahoe landscapes she feels fortunate to call home.
Eugene Settimo Gini, Gene to his family and friends, was born in 1931 at his aunt’s house on East River Street in Truckee. He passed away Feb. 21 on the same street surrounded by his loving family. Gene had a remarkable life filled with honor, integrity, courage, compassion, and strength to his final day. Gene was the seventh child from a blended family of Ginis and Giovanonis, born to Giuseppi and Emilia Gini. Gene grew up on East River Street and spent his younger years playing with his friends, often in the Truckee River. He obtained his driver’s license at the age of 12, which allowed him to begin working at the Coca-Cola bottling plant, McIver’s Dairy, and later Sierra Pacific Power. He was 16 years old when he graduated from Meadow Lake Union High School, now Truckee High School, where he excelled in academics. He immediately enrolled in the University of Nevada, Reno, where he was on the dean’s list. As he juggled his work and his academics, he was called to serve his country, and he chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
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TRUCKEE LOCAL: Eugene “Gene” Settimo Gini was born and raised in Truckee on East River Street, the same street he passed away on in February at the age of 93.
NAVY MAN: Eugene “Gene” Settimo Gini served in the U.S. Navy for many years, working on electrical systems aboard aircraft carriers and landing ships. He sailed the Pacific Ocean to places like Point Barrow on the Arctic coast, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Japan. Courtesy photos
To his last days, Gene spoke of his love for the navy and for our country. He was very proud of his service; he was grateful for the educational opportunities and numerous lifelong friendships he formed. Guided by his work at Sierra Power, he focused his naval career on the electrical systems aboard aircraft carriers and landing ships. While proudly serving on the USS Boxer and LSM 419, he sailed the Pacific Ocean with destinations that included Point Barrow on the Arctic coast, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Japan. Gene was quickly promoted to first class and was involved in planning and implementation of upgraded electrical systems to meet the demands brought about by the Korean War. The navy encouraged him to stay another 4 years, and he was offered a substantial stipend to reenlist, but the pull of his family and his hometown of Truckee was much too strong. After his honorable discharge, Gene returned to Truckee and, after a brief stint as a brakeman with the Southern Pacific Railroad, he returned to Sierra Pacific to become a lineman.
Gene loved his work with the power company, and on any outing in the Reno-Tahoe area he would point out power lines that he helped to construct, bringing power to newly developed areas in the Tahoe region. He would also point out power poles that he had climbed to restore power, even in blizzards, during his many years as a lineman. He always spoke with respect and admiration for the people he worked with during his 41 years and remained close friends with many coworkers throughout his life. He often expressed gratitude for the many opportunities to learn and work with incredible people. Gene was extremely proud that after many years serving the community as a lineman and troubleman, he was promoted multiple times and worked his last several years as the district manager for Sierra Power at Lake Tahoe. In the final weeks of his life, he was able to meet with some of his colleagues to share stories and talk about their days together with the common goal of “keeping the lights on,” a phrase they often heard from Gene during their careers.
Upon his return to Truckee after the navy, Gene met Shirley, who he always described as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They soon married and began their life together with two children, Celia and Gene Jr. They were always in love as they traveled the world, shared many family celebrations and thousands of adventures during their 71 years together. Both were committed to their family and Gene practiced the art of being an exceptional father, brother, uncle, and son, quietly meeting the needs of his entire family. After retiring, Gene and Shirley spent the next 35 years traveling and cruising the world with several trips to Italy to reconnect with family in Massa Macinaia and Torre de Lago.
Gene spoke only Italian in his childhood home and for his entire life he was gifted with language skills, fluent in several languages. These skills helped to enhance Gene and Shirley’s travels, permitting them to meet new people and to experience many treasures of the world. On their first trip to Massa Macinaia, Gene was able to connect with his Aunt Amalia to hear stories of his grandfather Salvatori and father Giuseppi before he immigrated to the U.S. in 1906. He was welcomed by the family of his mother Emilia in Torre De Lago. Gene and Shirley found great comfort in the company of Gene’s Italian family, sharing many family meals, stories, laughter, and special outings to the little-known places of Tuscany and the Mediterranean coast. On holidays and birthdays, Gene was busy with calls to his Italian family. He was proud of the life his parents built and he was grateful for the opportunities offered by this country. He was exceptionally proud of his family name, which he believed was a symbol for courage, strength, and perseverance. Gene was truly a son of Italy.
Gene would help anyone and never sought recognition. For many years after he retired, he worked diligently with the Rotary Club, obtaining, preparing, and delivering firewood to the elderly in the region. He was honored by the club as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contribution to the community. Gene was also honored to serve on the Truckee Volunteer Fire Department and on one occasion he waded into the icy rapids of the Truckee River to rescue two people who had driven into the river off Highway 89. He joined the Masonic Lodge in the early ’60s at the urging of his longtime friend and mentor Jim McIver. Gene is remembered as a strong supporter of those in need and always showed respect and understanding to every person, no matter the situation. Gene loved gardening, animals, and country western music.
Gene is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, two children and their spouses, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many cousins and friends in the U.S. and Italy. The family is grateful for the remarkable care provided to Gene by the professionals at Tahoe Forest Hospital and the Tahoe Forest Health System home-based programs. A celebration of Gene’s life will be announced later this spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the SPCA.
