INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The We the People team of constitutional scholars from Incline High School ranked 10th in the country during last week’s national finals in Washington, D.C., while the team from Reno High School placed first in Division C during the same competition. The two teams from Nevada successfully competed against hundreds of students from across the country during the annual three-day event.
“More than 25 percent of Incline High School’s senior class is involved with We the People this year, and I am extremely proud of how my students have risen to the occasion all year and competed at an elite level,” said Milt Hyams, a social studies teacher at Incline High School who coaches the We the People team. “What makes this group of students special is their teamwork, sincerity, and passion to improve our nation while ensuring that we live up to our core principles of liberty, equality, and justice articulated in our founding documents. Our community and coaches have supported the students every step of the way and the students have responded, growing into thoughtful and engaged members of our Constitutional Democracy.”
Incline High School We the People team
Coach: Milt HyamsProvided / WCSD
“Civic education is alive and well in Washoe County,” said Brien Karlin, who teaches AP Human Geography, History through Film, Freshman Seminar, and coaches the Reno High School We the People team. “This program is a community effort, and I am humbled by the outpouring of support by unit coaches, practice judges, and donors. I am indebted to my students for practicing grace while I work through my first year at the helm of this program. Their curiosity and drive are incredible. I’m thankful to be part of their life’s journey.”
Three schools from the Washoe County School District (WCSD) swept the Nevada state competitions earlier this year: Incline High School placed first, Reno High School placed second, and Reed High School placed third.
The national competition is sponsored by the Center for Civic Education and requires students to make formal presentations in front of panels of scholars, attorneys, educators, public officials, and court judges to showcase their extensive knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and American government. The competition is intense, as students must be prepared to defend their presentations and explore the history, implications, and outcomes of complicated principles.
Questions posed to students during the 2026 national competition included:
What Are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System?
How Did the Framers Create the Constitution?
How Has the Constitution Been Changed to Further the Ideals Contained in the Declaration of Independence?
What Rights Does the Bill of Rights Protect?
High school teams begin preparing for these competitions early in the school year, devoting countless hours to researching American government principles and preparing their presentations for local, state, and national matches. Eighteen students represented Incline High School and 27 students competed for Reno High School this year.
WCSD celebrates a long tradition of achievement and excellence in local, state, and national We the People competitions. Last year, Reno High School placed fifth overall in the nation and has qualified for the national competition 13 times. Incline High School has attended the national competition 17 times and placed first in the nation in the Division C competition in 2024. In 2023, We the People teams from Reno High School and Reed High School placed first in their respective divisions during the national competition in Virginia.
A Yellow-faced Bumblebee on Common Dandelions which are not native, but are flowers that get an early startProvided/Tahoe Institute for Natural Science
TAHOE BASIN, Calif./Nev. – As the last bit of snow melts on the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe and warmer weather becomes a daily occurrence, so begins the foraging, nest-building and migration of wildlife in the Tahoe Basin.
As the region has seen below average snowpack, the season’s conditions don’t just impact skiers and riders trying to shred on the slopes. An early spring can have direct effects on Tahoe’s wildlife.
For insight, Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) weighed in on the topic with their years of research, outreach and education in the Tahoe Region. As a member-supported nonprofit organization, TINS aims to promote greater stewardship, appreciation, and understanding of the natural resources of the Tahoe region.
Sarah Hockensmith, Outreach Director at TINS, said, “From a human perspective, we’re thinking about our reservoirs, and we’re thinking about recreation, and ‘Are we going to have a good ski day?’, or ‘Is drinking water going to be available?,’ but what I’m thinking about is, ‘Is the snowpack going to be sufficient for wildlife, and also be sustainable going into the drier seasons to be enough to prevent mega fires and forest fires?'”
Hockensmith notes there are five different species of animals around Tahoe that are directly affected by this lack of snowpack as it relates to their camouflage. The species include snowshoe hare, white-tailed jackrabbit, white-tailed ptarmigan, and long and short-tailed weasels.
Hormonal changes in these animals trigger them to turn white in winter or brown in winter, but these hormonal changes cannot adjust to the amount of snow on the ground. Instead the timing is hardwired through evolution and triggered by photoperiod, or the duration of daily exposure organisms have to light. If there’s no snow, the camouflage proves to be useless, which can lead to detection from predator or prey, depending on the species.
A transitioning Snowshoe HareProvided/Tahoe Institute for Natural Science
In addition, Tahoe’s subnivean zone is immediately influenced by snowpack.
“Snowpack is not just for our reservoirs and for our water. Snowpack, for a lot of wildlife, is an insulation,” said Hockensmith. “There’s a whole world underneath our feet, under the snowpack, that is insulated from cold winter conditions. If there isn’t snowpack, there’s a lot more exposure to very cold, harsh temperatures.”
The subnivean zone is the area between the ground and snowpack, serving as a blanket of sorts to certain types of wildlife where they can hide under it to stay warm and hidden from predators. It also provides a place for food storage. With proper amounts of snowpack, the subnivean zone stays around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, despite temperatures dipping lower outside.
If the subnivean zone becomes non-existent due to rapidly melting snowpack, small animals like voles or other small rodents are more vulnerable to things like freezing temperatures and predation.
“One season of this sort of snowpack isn’t going to make this drastic difference, but if we have multiple years like this in a row, it’s going to change things,” Hockensmith said.
Phenology is the study of recurring, climate-driven biological events, things like when plants leaf-out or flower, or when animals emerge, migrate, or breed. Although there are many different variables that impact phenology, TINS is taking into account the sun being a main factor. How many hours of sunlight there is has a ripple effect on nature as the seasons progress, and it is far more consistent year to year than snowpack, but that can create a mismatch.
For example, “Right now, flowers are blooming early, right? The animals who are going to pollinate those flowers, such as bees, if it’s sunny and it’s nice, are those bees going to be emerging at the same time that flower is blooming?” said Hockensmith. “That’s what is really going to measure the biological effects of how precipitation, snowpack, or temperature is changing. Those phenological connections, are those going to be synched up, and if not, what are the impacts? We don’t know. It’s going to take time.”
Green-leafed Manzanita, an early season flower, covered in snowProvided/Tahoe Institute for Natural Science
There are many ways for the public to learn more about what the wildlife is up to at any given time. Curious folks can use a website called iNaturalist, a community-based science database. Take a photo of something you see outside on one of your daily walks or out in your yard – it can be of anything, an animal, bug, flower, lichen, etc. Identify when and where you took the photo, upload it and a global community of experts or naturalists will help identify the species in your photo as you actively contribute to the database. The Truckee/Tahoe Region is teeming with species already added to the database.
For bird lovers, there’s also Tahoe Birding, a Facebook page created and hosted by TINS. If you encounter a bird that you’re not sure of the species, take a photo of the bird and upload it to their community forum for a quick identification from others in the group.
“If you’re curious about nature, and you want to be exposed more with someone who really knows what they’re talking about, go on our website. Almost every outing is free and open to the public. You don’t have to be a member,” added Hockensmith. “You could just come on a bird walk or wildflower walk, come to listen to our talks, they’re all free. We want people to have a better understanding of nature so they can take care of it.”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Tuesday, the city council received a presentation on the Lions Club, reviewed the subdivision for the Zalanta II Resort plan and heard public comment on the Tahoe Bluefins swim team.
The council also heard from Liberty Utilities and discussed the bear process and protocol, which can be found in their own articles.
Mayor Cody Bass also asked for the public to respect the process of city council meetings, which in recent times has been disrupted by yelling or applause for public comments, saying he would remove offending people from the room if necessary.
Proclamations
Bass presented proclamations recognizing April 2026 as both Sexual Assault Awareness Month, presented to Vista Rise Collective, and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, presented to the El Dorado County Child Abuse Prevention Council.
Executive director of Vista Rise Collective Chelcee Thomas thanked Bass for the proclamation, saying, “We know this work takes all of us, and that is the collective piece of our name. We’re incredibly grateful to the community.”
A representative from the Child Abuse Prevention Council said, “Justice for all children is not automatic. It’s fought for, it’s demanded, it’s won by the community that refuses to look away.” She also noted that El Dorado County received statistics on child abuse with 97 open physical abuse cases and 115 sexual assault cases. “Every child who is abused deserves to be heard. Every survivor deserves justice. Every family in crisis deserves real support—not silence, not shame and not a system that retraumatizes the most vulnerable among us.”
Lions Club
Terry Rubald and Kevin Dredge of Lions Clubs in the area presented to the council on re-establishing a South Lake Tahoe based Lions Club. The Carson City Host Lions Club would sponsor the club. The former club served until 2014, and had constructed a park dedicated to the Lake Tahoe Unified School District in 1969.
Rubald discussed the potential for environmental change and disaster relief, such as the support of nearby Lions Clubs during the Caldor Fire. Dredge noted that an organizational meeting would take place on May 9 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Rubicon Room at Kahle Community Center.
Councilmember Scott Robbins requested that the Lions Club look into parklet creation, given their history of park creation in South Lake Tahoe, which Rubald and Dredge agreed to.
Public comment
Members of the Yes on B committee, which supports Measure B, asked the council to support the measure. It funds the South Tahoe Library and extends the current measure, Measure L.
Melissa Soderston addressed Bass’ opening comment, saying, “I refuse to alter my tone for the comfort of those unaffected by reality.” She supported Mayor Pro Tem Keith Roberts’ idea for achieving legal status, though also noted there should be support for the unemployed members who participate in homemaking.
Soderston went on to address councilmember David Jinkens’ comments on immigrants last time, saying that his comments on “illegal immigrants” and proliferating crime were white nationalist talking points.
Alan Miller, a professional civil and environmental engineer who previously worked for the Lahontan Water Quality Board, spoke about the Tahoe Keys Marina site. Miller said that the notification of the environmental document was illegal, as the public comment period was only a few days—much shorter than the regular 30 days of comment.
Miller requested that the environmental document should be resubmitted for consideration by the public, as well as suggesting there should be a more stringent environmental impact report for the project.
Both Scott Loberg and Angie Reagan inquired about the funding for PT Revolution and the cut cannabis tax, suggesting that the money would be better spent for other community needs.
Several commenters spoke on the Tahoe Bluefins, the local swim team, and the impact of the new rec center. At the old center, they had a swim practice time that took place at 5:00 p.m., which was changed to 6:30 p.m. at the new center. They also no longer have the same 50% discount for utilizing the pool and no complimentary lifeguard.
During city commission reports, a commissioner noted that the South Lake Tahoe Parks Foundation is offering scholarships which could help the Bluefins.
City commission reports
Two subcommittees of the Parks and Recreation commission spoke on the shared mobility devices ordinance—the bike, mobility and connectivity subcommittee and the recreation and equitable access subcommittee.
After meeting with the police department, the subcommittees learned of the amendments to the ordinance and drafted a letter regarding access to paths in the community. “Shared mobility devices presence in constrained and heavily used corridors raises safety concerns that warrant additional management strategies,” read the letter. The subcommittees suggested a reconsideration of the cap on the devices, cost recovery through a user-based fee, reconsidering photo enforcement and continued monitoring and adaptive management once the ordinance is implemented.
Councilmembers David Jinkens and Heather Horgan thanked them for bringing the item up and expressed their concerns around safety as well. The ordinance did not receive its first hearing at this meeting after other items ran long.
Zalanta II
Council discussed phase 2 of the Zalanta project. Eli Ramos / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Mayor Pro Tem Keith Roberts recused himself from the item due to his business in the area.
A public hearing was held regarding the tentative subdivision for Zalanta II’s resort at the Heavenly Village site. The Zalanta Phase 2 project was approved by the 2016 planning commission, and its site would be directly behind the current Zalanta site, bounded by Cedar and Friday Avenue.
The subdivision would produce 60 hotel-condominium units and one accessory space unit.
Loberg expressed that he believed there should be a standard for project approval. “If it takes more than one or two years, additional fees should be incurred. The city’s losing tax revenue and TOT at that time… and just sits on the sideline getting no benefit.”
The project was unanimously deemed consistent with the environmental reviews and was consistent with the conditions of approval.
Agenda planning calendar and councilmember reports
The item on the 2026 master fee schedule was pushed to the May 5 meeting.
City clerk Sue Blankenship noted that there was a special meeting on May 26 for ethics and protocols, which will take place at an 11:00 a.m. timeslot.
Interim city manager Hilary Roverud thanked councilmembers for their presence at the new rec center, which Jinkens also commended city staff and community on.
Horgan said that she would be interested to add a visible timer for public comment, which has been a complaint of commenters before. Reagan had previously requested for Horgan to present a proclamation for mental health in May, and Bass responded that it would be to his discretion on who could present the proclamations. In the past, councilmembers have presented proclamations that are related to projects they work on.
Horgan also expressed gratitude for being on city council.
Robbins said that he would like to add an update on green energy acquisition through a community choice aggregator (CCA) and re-engaging in an investigation of becoming a municipally owned utility provider.
Bass went to Washington D.C. in mid-March as part of Team Tahoe, a Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) group. He went to advocate for the Santini-Burton Modernization Act. Bass also was able to attend the National League of Cities at the same time and met directly with the FCC regarding news broadcasts, Josh Shapiro on the Santini-Bruton Modernization Act and with the state department regarding a path to green card.
The next city council meeting will take place on May 5.
Access to casinos used to depend on where you were. Now it shows up wherever you are, and that small change is starting to reach places far removed from the usual casino map.
A few years ago, casino play meant a trip somewhere. You booked time, made a weekend of it, and that was the whole point. Now it shows up on a phone while you’re sitting at home or waiting in line at the pharmacy. That change has been gradual, but it’s reached a point where location barely comes into it anymore. What used to sit in a few well-known places has spread out, and it’s starting to feel like just another form of online activity.
Access No Longer Tied to Location
Travel used to be part of the deal. Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or a regional casino within driving distance; that was the entry point. Now the entry point sits in your pocket, and the reach is far wider than those original hubs ever managed.
More than half of American adults now live in a state where some form of legal sports betting is available, and the numbers behind that access are hard to ignore. The market has already generated almost $60 billion in revenue, with total wagers pushing past $650 billion in just a few years. Those figures do not come from a handful of destination cities; they come from people logging in from wherever they happen to be.
The location is no longer the story; the access is.
New Models Filling the Gaps
Even with that growth, large parts of the country still sit outside fully regulated casino markets. States like California and Texas remain closed to traditional online casinos, and that gap has created space for something slightly different to move in.
Americans placed about $148 billion in bets in 2024 alone, which gives a sense of how large the demand has become. That demand does not disappear when regulations limit access; it finds other routes. Sweepstakes-style platforms and prediction-based models have stepped into that space, offering casino-like experiences without following the same structure as licensed operators.
That has drawn attention from regulators, and the pressure is building. Lawsuits, tighter advertising rules, and proposed restrictions have started to appear in response. The growth has been fast enough that the rules are still catching up, and that tension sits behind much of what is happening now.
What It Actually Looks Like
The experience itself does not look complicated at first glance. You sign up, you get a small allocation to start with, and you begin to play. Spend a bit of time with it, and a pattern starts to show up.
Instead of a single welcome bonus, the bonus structure usually stretches out. A small amount at the start, then daily rewards that build with regular use, along with ongoing returns tied to activity. It feels less like a one-off offer and more like something designed to keep ticking in the background.
That is where promo codes come into play, unlocking the initial offer and setting everything in motion. A Covers.com promo code like like this one at Stake opens access to a sign-up bonus worth up to $55 in Stake Cash alongside 550,000 Gold Coins, with additional rewards tied to daily logins and ongoing play.
Local Access Is Changing Everywhere
That pattern is not limited to digital spaces. Local activity has started to follow a similar path, where access adjusts to meet demand rather than waiting for people to come to it.
A recent Nevada example comes from Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, where pass holders from other resorts were offered lift tickets at $60 for adults and $30 for younger skiers after a late burst of snowfall kept conditions going longer than expected. Ski resorts across the Tahoe Basin draw more than 2.7 million visits in a season, generating roughly $427 million in direct spending around skiing alone, with the wider impact climbing past $560 million once local businesses are included . Making access easier is not just a nice extra; it is a way to keep that flow of people and spending active, even when plans change late in the season.
The same idea shows up in how organised activities are handled. Registration opens, places fill quickly, and people join from wherever they happen to be without much friction in the process.
That is clear in local events like the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s guided thru-hike, where sign-ups open online and spaces are limited, so people commit early to secure a place. There is no central gathering point to begin with; the decision happens first, and everything else follows.
That approach feels familiar because it mirrors what is happening in digital platforms. Participation starts with access, and access is immediate.
A Broader Change in How People Engage
Put all of this together and a pattern starts to form. Access has widened, location has faded into the background, and participation has become something that fits into everyday life rather than sitting apart from it.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Seth Wilmoth is the center of Project: Gold Rush | 13×13 where he will run 13 marathon distances in 13 days to raise money for the California State Parks Foundation. Wilmoth is passing through Lake Tahoe on April 26, where you can join his run to help raise awareness and dollars for public lands. “People are interested and moved by watching other people’s journeys in movement and the parks and public lands of California mean a lot to me,” said Wilmoth.
Provided / Johnny Pineda
“I love running and love the community around it,” said Wilmoth, who said he began doing cross country and track in high school, after years of swimming. He participated in track and field at Westmont College, which is where he says his passion for the outdoors only grew.
“I had a love for the natural world and while I was in the ecology and evolution track, I was out surveying and birdwatching,” said Wilmoth. “California has so many beautiful natural landscapes and is an incredible place to learn. That’s where my love for it all blossomed.”
Wilmoth decided to partner with the California State Parks because of their work and the impact it could have. He also feels now is a critical time for them. “We need to protect and preserve public lands, and the California State Parks Foundation does incredible work on a broad scale. Through my research, they were a clear choice.”
Running for a cause is something Wilmoth feels gets a lot of attention. Nowadays, people often create Strava campaigns to raise awareness and funds, and Wilmoth says he enjoys seeing movement campaigns. “I love seeing people take on challenges, overcome things—it’s a cool way to get people to pay attention. It’s remarkable to see what you’re capable of with extreme distance running when you approach it the right way.”
It was only natural for him to combine all of his loves to create this campaign. As someone who worked as an educator for SEEAG (where he now writes grants), he says, “I like to encourage people to get outside because you can learn and support it by connecting with it.”
“There are so many hidden gems of California that don’t get the appreciation they deserve. Some of these places, I’m coming back to, others are brand new to me, and that’s really exciting,” said Wilmoth. “This project is connecting me with people all throughout California, and even with people who have visited these places, see what we’re doing, and can connect that way.”
Tahoe does hold a special place in Wilmoth’s heart though—he grew up in El Dorado County and had plenty of memories all throughout the Tahoe Basin. “I mean, concerts at Stateline, 4th of July, being at the lake, Echo Summit,” he reminisced fondly, “Trips into the Sierras were really pivotal moments in garnering an appreciation for nature.”
Wilmoth also feels that the recognizability of Lake Tahoe and its public lands will draw attention to his charity efforts—which are possible in no small part by Skechers’ partnership. “Skechers was all over it from the beginning and really understood the passion for the project,” he said. “It takes a village and it takes a team to pull this kind of thing off.”
Provided / Johnny Pineda
Tahoe will be one of Wilmoth’s public runs, where runners can sign up to join him for “a mile or 26.2” as his Instagram posts read. “To get to run with other people is just awesome and it’s going to be a fantastic day at Tahoe.”
When asked about what he was personally excited to see again in Tahoe, Wilmoth cracked a smile. “I need to make a stop at Camp Richardson and get more ice cream than I probably need,” he laughed. “And I’ve swam at Emerald Bay before, so I’m looking forward to seeing it again. I just love the natural beauty of the Sierras.”
You can donate to public lands, sign up to run with Wilmoth and partner or sponsor him at hoo.be/sethwilmoth. You can also follow Wilmoth at @sethwilmoth on social media to watch his journey through Project Gold Rush, and follow @skechers_running for more on Skechers.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. / Calif. – Fire has already struck in the high-elevation west after a winter that has fire experts holding their breath as seasons change.
At the end of March, the Dry Fork Fire hit the Uintah mountains in Utah at a similar elevation (7,000 feet) to the Tahoe Basin, where, “…typically this time of year,” Basil Newmerzhycky said in Great Basin Seasonal Outlook report, “fire would be unimaginable.”
That’s because these areas would typically be under several feet of snow, Newmerzhycky explains, but this year they’ve been bare already for quite some time.
“A bit of a canary in the coal mine,” Newmerzhycky added, “of what is possibly to come in the coming months.”
Here in the Tahoe Basin, North Lake Tahoe Fire District Division Chief Isaac Powning says we, too, can expect fire early this year.
“It is on all the fire agencies’ minds,” Powning said, “that fire season might be here sooner.”
Even after the recent storm, Lake Tahoe and Truckee Basin snowpacks have 22-27% of their typical snow water equivalent for this time of year.
“Anything below 70% is pretty eye-opening that there could be a more severe fire season in the higher elevations,” Newmerzhycky said.
A dry spell and record heat in March caused a record or near-record snowpack meltout, occurring one to two months earlier than normal.
Alert Wildfire Camera at Homewood last year on April 20, 2025. Provided / Nevada Seismological Lab
Despite a low snowpack, the area still received above-normal precipitation, marking what is called a “wet snow drought.” These occur when a significant amount of precipitation falls as rain rather than snow.
This has important implications for the vegetation that fuels fires due to grasses still receiving the moisture they need to grow into a heavy crop. Combined with the early melt-out, it spells ample time for that heavy crop of grasses to dry out and cure.
“Right now,” Powning explains, “they are a month or two in advance of what’s normal.”
Drier conditions also leave trees more vulnerable to beetles.
Although the recent April snowstorm brought some much needed moisture, Powning says, “As for changing my mind on the overall conditions, it didn’t do that.”
The silver lining to this type of winter is that it has allowed for more understory burning. However, it is a double-edged sword because it also means fire crews have been unable to conduct pile burning, which calls for more snow coverage.
With the expected early onslaught of wildfires, Powning says residents should undergo defensible space earlier than they are used to and review evacuation plans.
Fire restrictions are also likely to take effect much earlier this year, something to be aware of as a holiday weekend approaches at the end of May.
“There’s that big weekend of Memorial Day weekend, where maybe everybody’s used to not worrying about fire restrictions or fire dangers,” Powning says.
“Well, this might be a year where that’s a different story.”
Kenneth Edgar Whitcomb, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in South Lake Tahoe on February 9 after a two-year fight with bladder cancer. He was 89 years old.
He was the son of Clarence Elmer and Irene Isabelle Whitcomb, and the younger brother of Charles, aka Chuck. Ken is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary Lou, daughters Julie McMillan (Bobby), Erin-Kate Whitcomb (Michele Rutherford), and four grandsons (Sean McMillan, Kenneth McMillan, Parker Whitcomb, and Hayden Whitcomb). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck, and eldest daughter, Pati.
Ken was born in San Francisco, grew up in Noe Valley, and later moved to Menlo Park, attending Menlo Atherton High School where he played varsity football and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He graduated from SJSU in 1960 with a BA in Recreation. After a few early work roles, Ken spent 38 years as the legendary, beloved social studies teacher at Crocker Middle School in Hillsborough, CA. In 2001, he and Mary Lou moved to South Lake Tahoe, where their families had enjoyed the fresh air and outdoors for decades.
Ken was dubbed by friends as “St. Kenneth of the Flea Market” due to his avid collecting and swapping of military memorabilia. He was committed to getting up in the wee hours to get to markets, gun shows, and garage sales as early as possible, oftentimes before the sun came up.
Ken acted in theatrical productions in several performance venues in South Lake Tahoe, including multiple productions at the Lake Tahoe Community College and the Boathouse at Valhalla. He had a unique style that could elicit laughter from even the most resistant audience!
A celebration of life will be held at Valhalla Grand Hall in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, May 3, at 2:00.
Your’e invited to celebrate Dustin’s Life on May 2nd 2026 at Heavenly California based lodge. Noon – 3pm , 3860 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe CA 96150.
Jeopardy Night 5-8 p.m. | South Lake Brewing Company, South Lake TahoeJoin us for a fun night out playing Jeopardy at South Lake Brewing Company located at 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA on April 24th from 5pm-8pm. While donations are always welcome, we will be hosting this as a free-to-play activity for patrons during the hours listed. Bring your friends and family, have some beer, and have a great time learning while learning new facts! southlakebeer.com/brewery-events
Writers in the Woods 6 p.m. | Sierra Nevada University, Incline VillageJoin Two-term California Poet Laureate, Lee Herrick for a reading and thoughtful discussion on his extensive body of work. eventbrite.com/e/writers-in-the-woods-tickets-1980570741403
KT Tunstall (SEATED) w/ support from TOMI 8 p.m. | Crystal Bay. The one and only Grammy-nominated, Brit Award-winning Scottish artist KT Tunstall will make her grand debut at the Crystal Bay Casino on Fri. Apr. 24th! This is a Special SEATED SHOW – Show: 8pm – $35 ADV / $40 DOS $45 VIP (First 50 seats). Tickets: https://tixr.com/e/169191 Leaving an indelible mark on the music world with her 2004 multi-platinum debut Eye to the Telescope, immediately establishing herself as a formidable force. Nearly two decades on, Tunstall’s career has spanned an eclectic array of genres – from introspective folk to blistering rock and experimental electro-pop – while she has remained one of the most iconic live performers of her generation. TOMI will open the night. Sometimes we have to leave everything behind in order to evolve. Songwriter/Producer Pam Autuori, who performs as TOMI (she/her), found herself on that journey a few years ago. On her upcoming album “Break It Til You Fix It” – produced by Autuori – she experiments with her dynamic vocal range and pushes the boundaries on self reflection and impulsivity. Learning towards her Americana roots, the lyrics are thoughtful and blend effortlessly with the production, making the listening experience a visual sonic landscape. TOMI’s style is characterized by ferocious guitar and resounding vocals —an unfettered, urgent, and emotionally supercharged sound that was forged from a ruthless determination to sing, play, and do things her own way, even in the face of life’s obstacles. Her new album “Break it Til You Fix it” comes out March 10, 2026. Check out her latest single Let Me Down about chasing someone you can’t catch. facebook.com/events/1556988875727507/
Earth Day 2026: Tahoe Getaway Weekend, Incline Village UNR at Lake Tahoe About this event Join us for a Getaway Weekend at the Lake Tahoe Campus during Earth Day 2026! Celebrate Earth Day at the Lake Tahoe campus with activities focused on sustainability, community, and environmental awareness. Enjoy hands-on experiences, educational booths, and outdoor festivities highlighting our connection to the natural world. Tickets for the weekend are $40 and include transportation to and from Main Campus, a stay in the dorms with basic linens included, food at the Social House, and outdoor activities! Event website Additional information Attendance type: In person Cost: 40 Event type: Arts & Culture, Social Events Buy Tickets Save to My EventsShareAdd to calendar Location Lake Tahoe Campus 999 Tahoe Boulevard Incline Village, NV business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/earth-day-2026-tahoe-getaway-weekend-1643142?sourceTypeId=Hub
The Hot Spot South Lake Tahoe LTWC Fundraiser. The Hot Spot, South Lake Tahoe. On April 24th-26th, support Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care at The Hot Spot Ceramic Studio. For every craft purchased at The Hot Spot $5 will be donated to LTWC towards our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife. Whether you are going for a date night, out with friends, or looking for a fun family friendly experience, the Hot Spot has crafts of all shapes and sizes. Some crafts include candle making, pottery painting, slime, and mini fairy gardens. Support a local small business and LTWC in a fun and meaningful way. Make a reservation or drop by anytime Friday through Sunday. Make a reservation and check out all craft options at The Hot Spot’s website. Every craft makes a difference. Join us, have some fun, and help give Tahoe’s wildlife a second chance! ltwc.org/event/the-hot-spot-south-lake-tahoe-ltwc-fundraiser/
Tahoe Club Crawl Spring/Summer 2026 8-11 p.m. | 31 US, Stateline. Tahoe Club Crawl is an organized VIP nightlife tour of the Tahoe South. With the purchase of your ticket, you will receive a welcome shot at 3 out of 4 stops, appetizers, free indoor games at Tipsy Putt and VIP entrance into Peek Nightclub, Lake Tahoe’s hottest Club! You will meet amazing people and have the night of your lives. We meet every Saturday at 8:00 PM Aleworx Stateline, unless told otherwise. Be Sure To Check Out our Ice Cream Shop, Aloha Ice Cream Tahoe “Winner of Best Ice Cream in Tahoe 7 Years In A Row” (Opened Seasonally) tahoeclubcrawl.ticketsauce.com/e/tahoe-club-crawl-spring-summer-2054?aff=cityspark
Pick Your Poison – Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Valhalla Grand Hall, South Lake Tahoe. Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Pick Your Poison April 25 & 26, 2025 | 5:30 PM Valhalla Tahoe Grand Hall Step into the intrigue of 1934 at Valhalla Tahoe’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, featuring Pick Your Poison-a thrilling whodunit written by Lauren Bariberi. As you enjoy a delectable meal catered by Tahoe Basin Events, secrets will unfold, and tensions will rise in a world of glamour, deception, and deadly consequences. The Story: When a high-profile gathering takes a sinister turn, it’s up to the guests-that’s you!-to unravel the mystery. With scandal brewing and motives lurking behind every toast, the power lies in your hands. At intermission, the audience will cast their vote to decide who the murderer is, altering the course of the evening and determining the fate of the characters. Your Ticket Includes: Appetizers & Dinner by Tahoe Basin Events One Complimentary Beverage upon arrival – Beer, Wine or Cocktail Full-Length Performance by local talent Interactive Audience Participation to decide the murderer! Additional beer, wine, and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase. Dressing up in 1930s attire is highly encouraged! A Night of Mystery for a Cause! This special event is a fundraiser for Valhalla Tahoe to support the purchase of a new screen for the Boathouse Theatre, complementing our newly acquired projector. This cutting-edge technology will allow us to expand our programming, bringing film festivals, movie screenings, and more cultural opportunities to our community. Your attendance helps bring these exciting events to life! Tickets: $120 per person – General Seating $100 per person – Members and Season Pass Holders Tables of 8 Available – Please Contact Valhalla at 530 541 4975 or at info@valhallatahoe.com for Table Reservations. Limited seating available – 64 Tickets Per Night valhallatahoe.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=231
Parenting Tech-Savvy Kids: Promoting Positive Use While Preventing Abuse with Dr. Sameer Hinduja 9-10 a.m. | Incline Village Presented by The Doyle Family Speaker Series at Lake Tahoe School – Join us for a free presentation with Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D. where you will learn to understand the latest online environments and the scope of modern risks like cyberbullying; Master rule-setting, monitoring, and communication for your children; and outsmart the algorithm! Click here to register. business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/parenting-tech-savvy-kids-promoting-positive-use-while-preventing-abuse-with-dr-sameer-hinduja-1677894?sourceTypeId=Hub
LIVE MUSIC – Sage Leaf Tahoe 5-8 p.m. | Incline Village. Every Wednesday 5pm – 8pm Best selling drinks are, the bees knees, the sage leaf and the Bloody Mary. They have been the top sellers since we opened our incline village location in June 2020 Best selling food items are the sage and cheddar biscuits, any of our house made organic pastas, the Tahoe blue French toast and our bone in Niman ranch pork chop, duck fat fries with house made truffle aioli, and of course our Angus burger our huge favorites. Sage Leaf Reno opened on 3/7/2026 and we have two patios, a completely remodeled bar, and a spacious dining room good for large groups and intimate celebrations. We have happy hour daily from 3-5pm at Reno, and happy hour daily 5-6pm daily in Incline Village. Both restaurants are open 7 days a week for brunch and for dinner We do half off all bottles of wine on Sunday dinner. We offer vegan and vegetarian options as well as all the meat lovers favorites. We have something for everyone at Sage Leaf Reno and Tahoe. Live Music every Wednesday 5pm-8pm in Tahoe location We are open for Mother’s day and Father’s Day brunch as well as dinner and we strongly encourage reservation at both locations Incline Village location opened 6/4/2020 We also offer backcountry delivery service (think catering while you’re snow shoeing or snowmobiling) during winter snow dependent. We are family owned and operated. Husband and wife team who have lived in Incline Village since 2012. Raising our two small children here in our tight knit community. www. Sageleafreno.com and www.Sageleaftahoe.com business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/live-music-sage-leaf-tahoe-1704183?sourceTypeId=Hub, 775-413-5005
Surfer Girl Skydiving Tour w/ Doublecamp and Dylan Cotrone 8 p.m. | Crystal BaySurfer Girl Skydiving Tour w/ Doublecamp and Dylan Cotrone Surfer Girl is fronted by Carter Reeves, the former frontman of the acclaimed hip hop and pop group Aer, and continues to captivate audiences with a distinct blend of indie pop, reggae, surf rock, and hip hop. In just a couple of years, Surfer Girl has built a social following of over 55K and a music catalog that has surpassed 150 million streams. Hailing from Wayland, Massachusetts, Carter’s laid back coastal influence is ever present, pairing sun soaked melodies with infectious rhythms that feel tailor made for summer. Surfer Girl Skydiving Tour w/ Doublecamp and Dylan Cotrone Wed. April 29, 2026 Doors: 7PM l Show:8PM Tickets $20 ADV l $25 DOS Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/172834
Rendering of Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe WSOP Poker Room.Provided / Caesars
STATELINE, Nev. – For the last 20 years, Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, formerly known as Harveys, has held a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit in the fall, a two week event filled with skill, strategy, and luck, hosting professional and amateur poker players alike. Now, for the first time ever, they are having a spring WSOP Circuit which will mark the start of a twice-a-year WSOP Circuit series at the resort and casino.
WSOP is the world’s largest poker tournament series. Its roots trace back to the 1970’s when original organizer and owner of Horseshoe Las Vegas Casino, Benny Binion, set out to host the best poker players competing against each other. Starting out with only a field of seven players, the WSOP now holds thousands of players a year in their circuit events, making tournaments accessible to the masses since 2005.
The circuits take place at casinos around the United States and the world, leading up to WSOP’s main event, their ESPN-televised National Championship in Las Vegas. One of their stops – Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe.
“Most of the players are seasoned, but anyone can come and play,” said Appollo Poth, Full Service Games Manager at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe.
The buy-ins can range from $100 to $1,700, depending on the day and event. Tournaments have the potential to span from hours to days.
Folks from Texas, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and all around the country come to Lake Tahoe to participate. In the fall, Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe had 4,426 unique players across 12 days. Main event winners in Lake Tahoe have seen wins of up to $135,000 with a $1,700 buy-in.
“From your completely experienced poker player to the person who has only ever played for dimes and nickels at home, anyone can play and anyone can win,” Poth said.
In order to participate, players must first obtain a Caesars Rewards card. Once registered, the easiest way to sign-up is by downloading the WSOP Live app. The circuit started April 16 and will continue until Monday, April 27. The final main event will be on Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. and has a $ 1,700 buy-in.
TRUCKEE–TAHOE, Calif. — As the latest storm system moves out of the Tahoe-Truckee region, a brief stretch of sunnier weather is expected — but it won’t last long.
Forecasters say additional snow showers are likely to return over the weekend, continuing an — April pattern that has brought significant late-season snowfall to the Sierra.
At Palisades Tahoe, officials reported up to 11 inches of new snow from the most recent storm, with totals ranging from 1 to 11 inches between the base and upper mountain. That brings April snowfall to approximately 81 inches so far, and the season total to 359 inches and counting.
“Without March, this was a decent season for snowfall overall,” said OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto. “March was very warm and dry, and shrunk the base to smaller than it normally would be with 359-plus inches of snow.”
According to Allegretto, skies are expected to clear heading into Thursday and Friday, with mostly sunny conditions across the region. However, some cloud buildup and isolated showers could develop Friday afternoon.
High temperatures are forecast to reach the 50s in lower elevations and 40s in higher elevations.
Weekend brings chance of snow showers
A weak weather system is expected to move through California over the weekend, bringing the potential for scattered afternoon showers.
While the system is not expected to deliver widespread, steady precipitation, forecasters say it could generate consistent afternoon showers.
“This could mean a sneaky snowfall for areas above 6,500 to 7,000 feet, which would impact travel over Sierra passes Saturday night into Sunday morning when temperatures are coldest,” according to the National Weather Service forecast discussion.
Snow levels are expected to start near 7,000 feet before dropping closer to lake level by late Saturday into Sunday. Highs will cool into the 40s for lower elevations and 30s in higher elevations.
Light accumulations are possible on the upper mountain both days, potentially adding up to a few inches by Sunday night.
Unsettled pattern likely to continue
Looking ahead, Allegretto reported that long-range models indicate a persistent trough over the region through at least the end of April, and possibly into early May.
“Without a heat wave, and with clouds and snow showers at times, that should keep the melting slower than it could be.” wrote Allegretto on OpenSnow. “We will have to see if that will allow operations to continue beyond the 1st weekend in May.”
To try and decide each week where and what to eat around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.
For me, burritos are a lot like pizza – even frozen ones you buy from the store can still be pretty good. But when you get one that’s fresh, and made with great ingredients, they transform into something amazing. Such is the case with this week’s feature.
Elements Eatery’s Habanero BurritoRob Galloway / Tahoe Daily Tribune
But for you folks out there that are a little timid when it comes to spicy, just seeing the word habanero might have your eyeballs sweating through your eyelids and hair catching fire. But don’t let the word here fool you. In this case, Elements extracts all the fruity and citrusy notes from the habanero without going overboard in the heat department.
But before we get to where the habanero hits, let’s give you the lay of the land, starting with the al pastor (pork). It gets marinated overnight before being roasted on a spit for about four hours until the ying and yang of crispy exterior and juicy interior meet in the middle.
It’s combined with their scratch-made rice and beans, cheddar cheese, guacamole, and habanero salsa before getting rolled up in a large flour tortilla. You also have the option to add either their house made red or green enchilada sauces (or go Christmas-style and do both). It’s finished off with their Casablanca sauce which is a mixture of avocado, cilantro and lime.
There is no wasted space when it comes to the filling. Everything shines, with the pastor beaming the brightest. It’s beautifully seasoned and counterbalances the rice and beans to perfection while the guac and salsa provide yet another counterbalance of cool and spicy.
The beauty of the two sauces is the flavor spikes with the slightly smoky red sauce doing work against the bright and acidic green sauce. The creamy avocado sauce is like a cherry on the sundae, adding the perfect note to end each bite.
Elements Eatery and Bar is located at 3310 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe. For more information and menu items you can reach them online at elementstahoe.com or by phone at 530-650-9004.
HOMEWOOD, Calif. – Homewood Mountain Resort is auctioning off chairs from the legendary Madden Triple Lift to make way for the new gondola set to be installed this year.
One of the oldest chairlifts in California, the iconic lift was originally built in 1966 and updated in 1982. It has scooped generations of skiers up Homewood Mountain and is known for its views of Tahoe.
The resort is offering the opportunity to own a piece of local Tahoe ski history, auctioning off 100 chairs from the lift.
The online auction started on April 15 and ends on April 26 at 5:00 p.m. PST. A portion of the purchases will go towards the Sierra Community House.
Homewood will soon break ground on the lift’s replacement, an 8-passenger gondola to debut this year.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – City council decided on Tuesday to continue collaborations with the bear process and protocols after a presentation and lengthy discussion of the potential actions to take.
Two collaborative meetings between stakeholders took place in January and March of this year, identifying priorities and concerns of the groups, including human life, bear life, property damage and attractant management.
According to police chief Jeff Roberson’s report, the largest point of agreement was in attractant management—primarily trash. “Participants agreed that long-term success depends on reducing bear access to human food sources. There was broad support for stronger education, better compliance and more focused prevention coupled by enforcement.” This resulted in suggestions for better education and higher fines for violations.
One of the major points of contention, however, was how to handle habituated bears. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) may decide to euthanize bears, which the BEAR League took issue with. This difference was also the BEAR League’s provided reason for denying bear call data to the CDFW and denying a non-supervised protocol review to the police department.
Another difference between the BEAR League and CDFW was the idea of a bear sanctuary versus a Bear Wise community. Currently, California does not have any “Bear Wise communities” and the concept for what constitutes the title seemed vague to council. The “bear sanctuary city” title was staunchly advocated for by the BEAR League, but was reportedly “not offering a clear understanding how this would differ from other approaches.” No consensus was built on this idea.
The BEAR League also suggested a sterilization program that the CDFW and city of South Lake Tahoe staff objected to, on the basis that they did not review the letter proposal before it was submitted.
Leona Allen advocated for the involvement of the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team in the conversations. Toogee Sielsch also expressed that he was not asked to be involved with the situation, and said, “Those who are not willing to provide data should not be part of the collaborative process.”
Other public comments expressed a need to teach both visitors and residents to better manage attractants. Some supported the BEAR League’s desire for nonlethal solutions for habituated bears, while other criticized the current handling of these issues.
Ultimately, the council decided on several items for a motion:
Increasing fines for violations related to trash management
Investigating the likelihood of establishing the city as a Bear Wise community
Working internally and with community partners rather than establishing a bear liaison position
Formally corresponding to the CDFW and BEAR League requesting actions in the staff report
Continuing collaboration for bear process and protocol
RENO, Nev. — At 10:33 a.m., the Nevada Seismological Laboratory (NSL) recorded another large earthquake near Lahontan Reservoir, this time with a magnitude of 4.8. The quake was located about 13 miles southwest of Fallon, 20 miles north of Yerington at a depth of 4.6 miles. Hundreds of earthquakes have shaken communities in northwestern Nevada since April 13, when a magnitude 5.68 quake struck the same fault line near Lahontan Reservoir. Eighty-three of these have had magnitudes greater than 2.5.
“This earthquake sequence is on a fault we didn’t know about before it started, crossing the Dead Camel Mountains,” Christie Rowe, director of the NSL, said. “We’ve had reports of minor damage in Fallon and at Fort Churchill to some of the historic buildings.”
Past earthquakes in the area are marked with circles (red circles represent earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 7, orange with a magnitude greater than 6 and cheddar with a magnitude greater than 5.5). Known faults are marked with lines (red faults had a recorded earthquake, yellow had a prehistoric earthquake and green had an earthquake at an unknown time).Provided / UNR
Nevada has thousands of faults across the state, but only the ones that have broken the surface in recent earthquakes are known to researchers.
“When a fault lies quiet for thousands of years, erosion can erase it from the landscape,” Rowe explained. “It lies hidden until the next earthquake.”
The NSL has recorded 371 earthquakes along the fault in the past 10 days and has deployed aftershock kits to more accurately measure seismic activity in the region, which were able to capture today’s quake with higher fidelity, providing more information to the seismologists. The lab will continue to closely monitor seismic activity in the region, and live earthquake monitoring is featured on the NSL website.
Rowe has been advocating for ShakeAlert, an earthquake early warning system, to be brought to Nevada. The system detects an earthquake using seismic stations and sends alerts to people who live within the likely shaking distance of the quake.
“Nevada is the third most seismically active state, but we don’t get alerts for earthquakes,” Rowe said.
The extra time an alert provides can allow someone to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during an earthquake to protect themselves from potential damage during shaking. The federal budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year includes a directive for the U.S. Geological Survey to develop a plan for adding Nevada to the ShakeAlert program, thanks to strong support from Congressman Amodei and the rest of Nevada’s delegation.
“If we had ShakeAlert in Nevada, with an ideal installation, Reno would have had 10 to 15 seconds warning before feeling shaking from the 5.7 magnitude earthquake last week,” Rowe said. “When we get larger magnitude earthquakes, similar to the high 6 and 7 magnitudes of the early twentieth century, these warnings will save lives and property. ShakeAlert can also deliver warnings directly to emergency broadcast systems at remote facilities, beyond cell coverage.”
The series of earthquakes over the past week have served as a good reminder that Nevada is earthquake country and the importance of being prepared. The Great ShakeOut is an annual earthquake drill held in October to practice earthquake preparedness.
People who felt the earthquake can report their experience to the U.S. Geological Survey. This report provides important information to seismologists and can help fill in gaps between instruments.
Early mornings. Racing from one matchup to the next. The thrill of keeping a swirl of moving pieces right on track, with enough breathing room to soak it all in. You know the drill when it comes to planning a youth sports tournament. You’ve just never seen it like this. The South Shore of Lake turns the whole logistics dance into a dream setting, where the stunning view alone feels like absolute victory.
Imagine pine-fresh air greeting families as they arrive, the deep blue of the lake dazzling in sunlight, and the majestic Sierra peaks towering overhead. No wonder game days feel brighter here. Between matchups, the magic is in the pause: laughter on a stroll, world-class recreation at North America’s largest alpine lake, and core memories in the making for players and families.
What if those early morning warmups led straight into lakeside afternoons? Here, tournaments double as getaways with awe (and then some). Step away from the “what’s next” scramble. Wander, and your next adventure beckons beyond the bend. High spirits feel like an instant classic with stunning vistas, some available right from the roadside, but hiking and biking trails abound. Welcome to your game plan for keeping the trip shimmering right by turquoise pools in a family-friendly playground: smooth, simple, and blissful, from gleeful arrival to the final blow of the whistle.
Game Central: Play It All at These Vibing Venues
Dribbling, spiking, skating. From indoor showdowns to outdoor matchups under sweeping skies and sweet pine, South Lake Tahoe’s sports facilities keep the action rolling, with a splash of Tahoe magic just past the sideline. It’s easy to plan a small or full-scale, multi-sport weekend. These venues? Collegiate-sized hoops, high-school cross courts, and fully convertible arenas built for every spike, slam, and swoosh. Go for tournament logistics that feel effortless, leaving you free to celebrate every epic match-point marvel.
Tahoe Blue Event Center
4,400 seats. The MVP of indoor sports, Tahoe Blue flexes its convertible arena space to host basketball, volleyball, cheer, hockey, wrestling… anything you dream of. Think professional locker rooms, spectator seating, and fan‑friendly spots to rally that make tournament logistics feel effortless — all with postcard-worthy Sierra views you’ll carry with you. Stay here, and you’re right in the heart of downtown, close to all the action.
Tahoe Blue Event Center
Outdoor & Community Facilities
Athletes ready to move. Families here for the fun. Nearby, the new 64,000-square-foot STARS (South Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center) brings full-sized courts and gym space for basketball, volleyball, and team practice. Outdoor fields pick up the pace with warmups or extra scrimmages, so multi-sport weekends flow smoothly.
Between games, spots like Bijou Community Park welcome you with open turf for picnic breaks, impromptu soccer kicks, or a little pre- or post-game play under the pines. There’s even a full-on BMX track for the adventurous. Sunlit tennis, pickleball, and high-school gym courts round out flexible spaces that fit right into tournament schedules, helping every player stay active and energized.
STARS (South Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center)
Where to Stay: Cozy Game-Day Rooms, Minutes Away
Hop off the bus (or out of your car) and feel that recharge-your-spirit relief: everything is within reach. South Lake Tahoe’s walkable hotel cluster keeps teams and families just steps away from heart-racing match-day buzz. Full-service resorts with pools, spa perks, and lakeside dining. Charming, smaller properties for a short-and-sweet tournament retreat, with quick access to courts and fields. Thankfully, there’s a comfy spot for every squad to kick back and relax.
Planning for larger teams? Total breeze. Groups can split across nearby hotels, where coordinating practice times, breakfast runs, or post-game debriefs feels second nature when it’s blocks away. Families love that everyone can land, unpack, and instantly feel part of the weekend hustle and bustle — whether it’s cheering on with signs from the stands, joining in scenic group activities, or winding down lakeside after a glorious day.
For right-in-the–action access, check out Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (plenty of rooms and amenities in this 18-story tower), Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe (family-friendly with spacious rooms, mountainside), or Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (spread across multiple blocks together for a full weekend tournament), all easy walking distance from the Tahoe Blue Event Center.
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Hit the Alpine Road (or Sky) to South Lake Tahoe
Getting to and around South Lake Tahoe is a quick swing in, whether you fly or road trip your way to the Jewel of the Sierra. Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, then grab a shuttle or arrange a private ride straight to the South Shore and arrive ready to own the game. Part of a team driving in from California? You’ll be happy to know paradise has scenic highways that lead directly into town, with room for every ride near the main venues.
Once you get here, find everything just where you need it: courts, fields, hotels, and restaurants all clustered together. Teams and families can move from game to getaway in a flash. Short walks, quick rides, or spontaneous adventures between venues. It’s relaxing to navigate South Lake Tahoe.
What Happens Between Games? Sweet Downtime
Take a post-game nap with a view of this mountain haven. Swap stories over a waterfront breakfast. Share laughs while wandering your hotel. When a stay feels this awesome, your tournament becomes one of those rare, escapade-made weekends. Already counting down to game-day?
Well, South Lake Tahoe is a place to play, and a place to experience. Between games, teams and families can revel in a two-for-one breathtaking natural playground (hello, exhilarating family vacation). On the crystal-clear water (diamonds? No, that’s the sun lighting up Lake Tahoe), beaches call for downtime, paddleboarding adds a splash of friendly competition, and kayaking lets everyone glide across Lake Tahoe’s famous crystal-clear blue waters.
In the idyllic mountains, hiking and biking trails invite spirited adventure, with lake and mountain views that will have everyone snapping their new favorite photos. Catch your breath and savor true awe. These scenic views? Absolutely rejuvenating. Feel the scenery as it refreshes and revives you. For moments when the team wants to take it easy together, explore casual dining spots, family-friendly cafes, and laid-back joys — where everyone can delight in cherished bonding (without over-scheduling).
These in-between moments are just as magnetic as the rush of competition. Sunset paddles. A lush trail hike, full of woodsy wonder. That invigorating meal after a big day on the field. South Lake Tahoe gives the gift of precious time. On the court, off the court, memories this elevated feel extraordinary. Just awestruck.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Tuesday, Liberty Utilities’ local president Eric Schwarzrock presented to city council, following a request for Liberty Utilities to address the closure of the walk-in center. Schwarzrock also addressed rates, the SMART meters, and the search for a new energy supplier.
Schwarzrock became president last year and expressed his excitement for getting to work locally, as he has been in the Reno-Tahoe area for the last 30 years. He described Liberty Utilities as a “small utility.” In the Tahoe Electric Region, they serve roughly 50,000 customers in wildfire-prone areas, and Schwarzrock went on to describe the kind of wildfire mitigation they do. Liberty Utilities has requested revenue increases directly related to wildfire insurance cost increases, and filed a novel rate increase related to recovering costs related to the 2020 Mountain View Fire.
Liberty Utilities announced that they were closing the walk-in center in December of last year, and Mayor Cody Bass asked the council to write a letter addressing the issues that arose for constituents—difficulty in reaching out to customer service and an inability to pay with cash through online or phone means.
Schwarzrock said they were going to be adding payment options to CVS and 7-Eleven locations in town, where customers could do cash or card payments for no fee. Currently, you can also pay at Plaza Tapatia. He also suggested having options for personalized customer care if the phone line wasn’t as effective. Schwarzrock acknowledged that those options should have been in place prior to the center’s closure.
The walk-in center will become a design center for developers and contractors, responding to requests by developers who felt in-person meetings would cut down on back and forth emails.
Since Liberty Utilities will be seeking new energy suppliers after NV Energy completes the Greenlink project, Schwarzrock said that Liberty has been preparing for this change since 2019. He assured that the transition would not cause an interruption of service and that existing powerlines and their solar facilities in Nevada would continue to serve the region. Schwarzrock also said it’s possible that Greenlink may take longer than the May 2027 deadline that was initially stated.
The CPUC granted an 11% increase for Liberty’s general rate case, which Schwarzrock said was largely due to wildfire mitigation. Schwarzrock said Liberty is proud of their vegetation management, which is better than other utilities, even of larger size.
Lastly, Schwarzrock touched on the SMART meters, which have been installed through other utilities in California. “We’re one of the last to do it,” he said. The cost for installing them was covered by a $13 million grant from the Department of Energy, which means no costs were passed to customers. He also specified that there is an opt-out option for the meters. Councilmember Heather Horgan asked about the fee for opting out and Schwarzrock clarified that there is a fee (approximately $53 a month), which is halved for CARE customers.
“It is my goal to be transparent with our community and our customers about these items and any other items around the basin,” said Schwarzrock.
Horgan also asked about entering California and CAISO (California Independent System Operator), but Schwarzrock said, “Simply put, physically, the lines are just connected to Nevada.” He said they considered lines from El Dorado to South Lake Tahoe, but installing those would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and cause an impact to the land.
Councilmember David Jinkens praised the wildfire mitigation and undergrounding lines and said that he was interested in collaborating with Liberty. He asked about the safety of the SMART meters, and Schwarzrock responded, “We would not have proceeded with a project if we didn’t think it was safe.” He invited people to express their concerns about the meters to Liberty, and added that the meters would also lead to an improved outage map.
Jinkens also asked about extending the franchise agreement guaranteeing a sufficient and affordable supply of electricity, which Schwarzrock said they were looking forward to updating.
Mayor Pro Tem Keith Roberts said that he has seen costs rise and inquired about the actual cost savings, which he hasn’t seen. Schwarzrock responded that Liberty has the second lowest rates of investor owned utility areas and would have the third lowest after their general rate case.
“Yes, it costs more, yes, you see that each month in the bill, but it’s going to very important things,” said Schwarzrock. He referenced pole replacements and undergrounding projects, as well as fuel sampling and wildfire cameras at their weather stations to guide what they do. Schwarzrock said, “We are often referred to as the entity with the best management program in the nation.”
Councilmember Scott Robbins expressed concerns about energy reliability, which costs businesses extra. Schwarzrock said they considered mitigation projects through risk modeling, with traditional hardening, cover conducting or undergrounding. Robbins asked staff to follow up and request what undergrounding projects were planned in the city limits.
Schwarzrock also said that the granite in the Tahoe Basin was a reason why they didn’t always choose undergrounding projects, as the costs can be 10 to 12 times the cost. However, Robbins said that most of south shore didn’t have granite, and again insisted to see undergrounding projects.
During public comment, people requested further information, suggested looking at Lodi’s natural gas plant and complained about not being informed about SMART meters before they were installed. Others expressed that they were unhappy with the fire suppression efforts in the forest versus managing them in town, as well as potential fire hazards for old homes or privacy concerns through the new meters.
Nick Exline, who serves as a board director for the South Tahoe Public Utilities District (STPUD), expressed issues with Liberty’s rates. “A utility company, barring an act of god, should never increase their rates 30 to 40% without rampant mismanagement… We want to reevaluate the tariff at Liberty Utilities. We don’t think it’s fair for the community, for the ratepayers and it’s definitely not fair to STPUD.” Exline expressed that he wanted the community to own their assets.
Molly Armanino of the Tahoe Climate Change Network believed it was a time to explore public utility options, such as partnering with Pioneer, exploring community choice aggregates or diverting budget to other public utility options. “Liberty Utilities hides as a small utility so [they] can hide behind a regulatory wall.”
Other public comments expressed a desire to divest from Liberty or prioritize clean and renewable energy in the letter to the CPUC.
The council motion to receive the presentation and to work further on a letter to the CPUC passed unanimously.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bread & Broth launched the Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) program in 2011 to not only help fund its weekly Monday Meal but to also encourage individuals, families, churches, organizations, and businesses to participate in their sponsorship meal. It’s one thing to donate the $350 funding to support the meal’s food, utilities, and equipment costs but it is extremely impactful to participate and experience the event itself.
Hosting its second Monday Meal of 2026, Heavenly Mountain Resort sent members of its Security Team and other staff members to represent the resort and assist the Bread & Broth (B&B) volunteers. Their support included helping with setup, serving, takedown, and cleanup. Participating team members at Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal included Jon Cerruti, Jayme Forman, Dalton Page, Kayla Shoemaker Page, Steve Pegel, and Steve Strickland.
Steve Strickland, Jon Cerruti, Dalton Page, Kayla Shoemaker Page, Jaynme Forman (missing from picture – Steve Pegel) Provided / Bread and Broth
Bread & Broth has provided hot meals at St. Theresa Church Grace Hall for over 37 years, welcoming everyone from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Monday to enjoy a free meal.. With increased donations, the meals have grown into full-course, restaurant-quality meals. Over the past seven years, the organization has expanded its spending on the food giveaway table items to include dairy products (milk, eggs, butter) and fresh fruits and vegetables. The purchased food products supplement food donated by local grocery stores and businesses, consisting of breads, pastries, meats, canned goods, salads, sandwiches, dairy items, and other food products. In addition to the hot, meal dinner guest generally take home two to three bags of nutritious food for meals later in the week.
The Heavenly AAD team members began by packing the fresh fruit and vegetables for the food giveaway tables. At 4 p.m., they moved to the serving line, offering guests a tasty chicken broccoli casserole and ambrosia salad over greens before guests proceeded to the dessert and food giveaway tables.
“The Heavenly team was pleased to serve our community,” shared Kayla. “Seeing the smiles on the folks’ faces was our favorite part, and we are so grateful to be able to help support our local community.” Kayla and her team members were incredibility helpful and were outstanding representatives for Vail Resorts organization.
Bread & Broth is deeply appreciative of the Vail organization, not only for sending their enthusiastic team members to volunteer alongside the B&B volunteers but for their annual Vail EpicPromise grant. Their grant funds twelve Monday Meal AAD sponsorships annually, helps purchase the diary and fresh fruit and vegetable giveaway food items, and helps purchase kid-friendly food items for Bread & Broth B&B 4 Kids’ School and Tot programs.
To learn more about Bread & Broth or how to donate or sponsor an Adopt A Day of Nourishment, please visit www.breadandbroth.org or follow Bread & Broth on Instagram or Facebook.
The Incline Village Farmers Market will take place at Diamond Peak Ski Resort upper parking lotProvided/Lake Tahoe Markets
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village Farmers Market is moving from the Incline Village Library parking lot to Diamond Peak Ski Resort’s upper parking lot starting on their opening day, Thursday, May 21.
The change in venue for the Incline Village Farmers Market comes after owner/operators of Lake Tahoe Markets, Steve and Jill Rozier, decided they had outgrown their previous space – a space they were sharing with, not only the Incline Village Library, but the Incline Village Crystal Bay Justice Court.
Lake Tahoe Markets is a locally owned and family-operated, year-round online farmers market, offering seasonal produce, farm fresh and pasture raised eggs, organic pantry goods, and more. Weekly deliveries take place Mondays and Tuesdays.
“We live in the basin,” said Jill. “We’re very familiar with the area and we very much appreciate locals and we like to support that.”
From May to September, Lake Tahoe Markets holds the Incline Village Farmers Market as a number of local vendors receive opportunities to sell their products in person.
After nine years, the hunt for a new, more spacious parking lot to hold the Incline Village Farmers Market was underway. Yet finding an open parking lot in Incline Village is no easy task, especially one that could hold the plans they had in store for the community. For help, the Roziers reached out to the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), which owns and manages Diamond Peak Ski Resort.
IVGID was adamant on keeping the Incline Village Farmers Market, so they stepped up to support.
“IVGID understood the value of the farmers market for the community,” said Steve, and with this new venue, they can now add even more to their weekly in-person markets.
“Because we have more space, we can have more vendors, we can have activities, music and food – things that we were limited by with the size of the library parking lot,” said Jill.
The Incline Village Farmers Market will now have more space to add additional vendors and activitiesProvided/Lake Tahoe Markets
It’s the start of an exciting new chapter for the Incline Village Farmers Market, Lake Tahoe Markets and the folks they serve.
“A lot of the farmers we use yearly are the ones that come to the basin for these farmers markets. If it’s not our farmers market, they go to other farmers markets, so there’s a lot of farmers people already know and love. It’s a great way to support,” said Steve.
“We’re excited about just seeing what the future holds,” Jill added.
On Thursday, May 21, the Incline Village Farmers Market will be in Diamond Peak’s upper parking lot from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is scheduled to continue on Thursdays throughout the summer months until September 3.
Earth Day is celebrated each April and draws attention to a range of issues affecting the environment. Earth Day aims to raise awareness in the hope of inspiring change.
Earth Day is observed on April 22. According to National Geographic, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired to begin a national celebration uniting the environmental movement after witnessing environmental activism in the 1960s. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day. Twenty million people participated in events across the United States and strengthened support for environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Earth Day was expanded to a global initiative in 1990 under guidance from Hayes. Nearly 200 million participants in more than 140 countries now join together in the name of protecting the planet. Awareness continues to be raised each year regarding renewable energy and climate change.
One of the hallmarks of Earth Day celebrations is the planting of trees. Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees are cut down each year across the globe. By planting a tree every Earth Day, people can make a difference. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and bolster ecosystems for wildlife. Shade trees can reduce reliance on fans and air conditioning systems.
The main message of Earth Day 2024 is the need to commit to ending reliance on plastics, says EarthDay.org. The goal is a 60 percent reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Plastics are bad for the environment a growing body of research indicates they have an adverse effect on the major systems of the body, including immune, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal systems.
Everyone can do their part to promote the ideals behind Earth Day. For 54 years, millions of people have been advocating for change to benefit the planet and human and animal health, and that fight is ongoing.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village REALTORS® received a $7,500 Housing Opportunity Grant to unite real estate leaders, stakeholders and community leaders at a Lake Tahoe Housing Forum in Incline Village to advance housing resources across the Tahoe basin and share solutions to affordability challenges across the region.
The grant award is made possible by the National Association of REALTORS® as part of its Community Development Advocacy program, which empowers REALTOR® associations to strengthen their communities through effective advocacy, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives.
This initiative creates communication and collaboration between REALTOR® boards and stakeholders in the Tahoe Basin as a critical first step to provide resources and tackle affordable housing for consumers. Collaboration began with the Nevada Association of Realtors, the Resort Alliance and three local REALTOR® associations from around Lake Tahoe: Incline Village REALTORS®, Sierra Nevada REALTORS®, and South Tahoe Association of REALTORS®. The groups came together at the Tahoe Housing Forum to share a common desire to serve the community and share success and challenges for workforce housing, short-term rentals, answers to regulations, and form community partnerships to actively engage and create positive impacts for consumers around the lake.
Community leaders attending the Lake Tahoe Housing Forum include speakers like Jeff Cowen and Karen Fink from Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Kevin Fromherz from the Nevada Division of State Lands, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Jack Greacen for AEG Consulting, and a Fair housing speaker and Anti-trust presenter from First Centennial all providing detailed data on unique Lake Tahoe housing issues and fair housing solutions for the common good of our community.
“The Lake Tahoe Housing Forum is the first step in leader collaboration to meet housing needs for our current and future residents of the Tahoe Basin,” said Laura Vitencz, CEO, Incline Village REALTORS®.
Access to homeownership is a cornerstone of economic stability and the strength of communities. Efforts like this focus on removing barriers, improving housing systems and supporting policies that help individuals and families find and sustain a place to call home. By awarding this grant, NAR and Incline Village REALTORS are investing in solutions that strengthen housing pathways and support a healthier, more inclusive housing market.
Initiatives like the Lake Tahoe Housing Forum reflect REALTORS®’ role beyond the transaction—bringing market expertise, policy insight and advocacy leadership to community development efforts that improve access to homeownership and strengthen communities.
Planning a trip to Lake Tahoe with kids? This guide is designed to help you find the best family-friendly hotels in South Lake Tahoe, so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying your vacation. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-age kids, or teens, choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference. Family-oriented hotels often offer conveniences like larger rooms, kid-friendly amenities, pools, easy beach or outdoor access, and activities that keep everyone entertained. From laid-back lakeside properties to resorts near attractions, this page highlights options that make traveling as a family smoother, more comfortable, and a lot more fun.
Top Family-Friendly Resorts (The All-Rounders)
These are the places that really check every box for families, comfortable rooms, thoughtful amenities, and easy access to things to do. If you want a stay where both kids and adults are happy (without constantly leaving the property), these are your best bets.
Marriott Grand Residence Club Lake Tahoe
Marriott Grand Residence Club Lake Tahoe
Located right in Heavenly Village, Marriott Grand Residence Club Lake Tahoe is a go-to for families thanks to its condo-style suites with kitchens, separate living spaces, and walkable access to shops, dining, and the gondola. The pool and on-site amenities make it easy to relax after a full day out. Great for families who want convenience, space, and a central location
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
A full-suite resort where every room includes a separate living area, with larger options like two-bedroom family suites that can sleep groups comfortably—ideal for families who want space plus a fun, central location near Heavenly Village. Great for families who want resort energy, big suites and walkability.
Best for Space: Hotels with Kitchenettes & Suites
When you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, or even picky eaters, having a kitchen or kitchenette can make all the difference. These South Lake Tahoe properties offer extra space plus essentials like microwaves, fridges, and full kitchens—giving families flexibility for meals, snacks, and downtime.
Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village
Forest Suites Resort at the Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe
Known for its large multi-bedroom suites that can accommodate bigger families, this property combines space with a prime walkable location and amenities like pools, hot tubs, and game areas that keep kids entertained. Great for families who want room to spread out and walk everywhere.
Desolation Hotel
Desolation Hotel South Lake Tahoe
A boutique, eco-conscious hotel with a cozy cabin feel, Desolation Hotel offers spacious accommodations, full kitchens, and outdoor areas that give families room to spread out. Its location near the lake and trails makes it ideal for active families who want both comfort and adventure. Great for families who want a quieter, nature-forward stay with modern amenities.
Best for the Budget
Traveling with family doesn’t have to mean overspending, especially in Tahoe. These properties strike a sweet spot by offering suite-style space, family-friendly amenities, and solid value, making them great picks for budget-conscious trips without sacrificing comfort.
Stardust Lodge
Stardust Lodge Lake Tahoe
A longtime family favorite, this lodge offers suite-style rooms with kitchenettes (microwave, fridge, cookware) along with perks like free breakfast, multiple pools, and hot tubs. Its central location near Heavenly Village means you can walk to activities, saving both time and money. Great for families who want maximum value and tons of included amenities.
The Americana Village
Americana Village Lake Tahoe
Known for its cozy, apartment-style suites, this property includes kitchenettes, free breakfast, and family-friendly extras like a playground, pool, and game areas. It’s a quieter, budget-friendly option that still keeps you close to major attractions. Great for families who want affordable comfort, space and kid-friendly extras.
Tip: Budget-friendly hotels in Tahoe often provide the most value through included perks, like breakfast, parking, or kitchenettes, which can save a surprising amount over the course of a family trip.
Best for the Active Family
For families who don’t just want a place to sleep, but a place where kids can play, explore, and stay entertained, these activity-driven resorts are a great fit. From game rooms and kids’ clubs to pools and organized activities, these properties help turn your hotel stay into part of the vacation.
Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South
Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South
This resort is built for active families, with a children’s activity program, game room, and activity center offering crafts, movies, and games to keep kids engaged. It also features both indoor and outdoor pools, plus nearby year-round adventures like hiking, skiing, and lake activities, making it easy to stay busy in any season. Great for families who want on-site activities and easy access to outdoor adventure.
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club Lake Tahoe
Located directly on the lake, this resort combines the feel of a vacation rental with resort-style amenities, making it a strong pick for families who want space and easy access to outdoor fun. Guests can enjoy a private sandy beach, year-round heated pool, hot tubs, and on-site activities like volleyball, all just minutes from Heavenly and downtown. Most accommodations are condo-style suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens, giving families the flexibility to cook meals while still enjoying a full resort experience.
It depends on your activities, summer (June–September) is best for beaches, hiking, and water fun, while winter (December–March) is ideal for skiing and snow play. For fewer crowds and good weather, many families love the shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall).
Entering the stadium, I look down on the field and the outfield grass is as green as the color has ever been. The theme from The Natural, Robert Redford’s classic baseball flick of pasts becoming present, reverberates as the players are introduced with a tip of their cap, the boys of summer taking the field for another season in the sun.
With the red, white, and blue bunting lining the outfield fences the scene drips Americana like a hot dog-scented Norman Rockwell. You feel the ghosts of baseball greats — Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente are the two names my mind selects — somehow taking it all in and smiling. The coaches and the umps shake hands at home plate like they’ve been doing for more than 150 years and the
game begins.
In the top of the first inning, the Rainiers’ first batter of the season reaches on an error by second baseman
Tommy Troy; in a game as superstitious as baseball it’s not a good omen for the home team, but Aces left-handed flamethrower Kohl Drake bears down and strikes out the second batter. He’s the game’s “K batter,” and his swing-and-miss, per the PA announcer’s echoing voice, means that all draft beers are half price until inning’s end. Though most folks have just sat down, many quickly stand back up and scurry for the nearest concession stand.
BALL OR STRIKE? A Reno Aces batter making the split-second decision to swing or not to swing. Photo by Jon Grant
Drake proceeds to strike out hotshot shortstop Colt Emerson, and then blows one by former San Francisco Giant Connor Joe to strike out the side. In the bottom of the first, Troy makes up for his error by wrapping a sharp single to right and moves to second on LuJames Groover’s walk.
Then strides to the plate a man made for baseball lore — cleanup hitter Luken Baker, all 6’4” 285lbs of him, first baseman, Texas-born, biceps as big as the Babe’s. But Baker quickly shows he’s not all brawn. On a low-and-slow inside curve, though slightly fooled, he keeps his hands back and deftly drops bat-head onto ball, wristing the red-seamed sphere down the left field line for a standup double that scores Troy.
The Aces 1-0 lead holds until the top of the third. With a runner on first, the left-handed hitting Emerson drives an outside fastball over the left-centerfield fence to give the Rainiers a 2-1 lead, the ball nearly hitting the bullseye on the Tahoe Truckee Lumber Company billboard en route to its resting place on the train tracks beyond the stadium.
The jumbotron reacts with a romping closeup of Steve Carell as Michael Scott from the T.V. show The Office. “Nooooooooo!” he shouts in his adult-toddler schtick. “No! No! No! No! No!”
Laughter cleanses the stadium’s palate, and Drake retires the side. The vibes are good — and the Aces rip three hits in their half of the inning, culminated by A.J. Vukovich’s two-out RBI single scorched to center to square the game at two.
Fast forward to the sixth
Cloud-cover has encroached and the Aces find themselves down 4-2. Vukovich starts off the inning by smashing a double deep into the right-centerfield gap, the stadium coming a-roar with chants of “Vuuuuuuu.” A hit batsman, two walks, and an infield single create a rally that scores two runs to retie the game. With the bases still full of Aces, LuJames Groover — the slick-fielding third baseman who already has two hits on the day — connects on a fastball and delivers a shot over the shortstop’s head.
The base hit drives in two, and the crowd is lit like a birthday cake as the Aces take a 6-4 lead. The sun breaks through the clouds, and it seems like the ghosts of Mantle and Clemente have lined up an easy pathway to victory for the home team.
But no.
Baseball will break your heart. Writer and one-time Major League Baseball commissioner Bartlett Giamatti even said, “It’s designed to break your heart.” And so, out of design or whimsey or simple athletic prowess, those darn Rainiers from tepid Tacoma score three dang runs in the top of the seventh to take a 7-6 lead, the clouds returning to dim the sun as sweatshirts are donned and heads shake slowly from side to side.
The home team fails to plate any
runs in their half of the seventh or
the eighth, so we head to the bottom of the ninth with the Aces still
trailing 7-6.
But there’s hope! LuJames leads off the inning with a liner just above a leaping Connor Joe and his outstretched first baseman’s mitt, and Groover is aboard the bag with his fourth hit of the day.
Luken Baker lumbers to the batter’s box and the crowd roars. The big man already has two big hits — and everyone’s hoping he’ll send us home happy with a walk-off homer. But Luken gets down in the count and then watches a hissing fastball streak by on the outside, the ump raising his arm to the sky to indicate that it caught the corner for strike three.
But it’s okay, it’s all good. Vukovich is up next, and the crowd incants its “Vuuuuuuuu” to spur him on. Still, the Rainiers’ closer makes him look foolish and gets two quick strikes. Us fans are on our feet, all manner of rally caps being worn backward and sideways and inside-out in hopes of appeasing the ghosts of Mantle and Clemente into gifting us a groundball with eyes or a little bloop that finds safe haven in that green outfield grass.
But Vukovich chases a curveball in the dirt for strike three, and the Aces are down to their last out.
If we were in Mudville watching the Nine, it would be time for Casey at the Bat. Alas, we’re not in a great American poem from 1888 but rather a real-life game in 2026, so it’s Kristian at the Bat; Kristian Robinson, from Nassau, the Bahaman with number 59 on his back now number one in our hearts. “Let’s go, Kristian! … Come on, Kristian!” He stands tall in the box, bat held strong as he works the count to three balls and a strike.
LuJames leads off first base. Kristian gets a pitch to hit. He swings! He connects! A hard-hit line drive rocketed to right. It’ll get LuJames to third and heck he might even score …
But the game will break your heart. It’s designed to break your heart. The Rainiers’ right fielder charges in on swift feet and extends a long arm, the leather of his glove snagging the sinking liner in its web to record Reno’s 27th and final out.
The stadium exhales a sigh that is a groan, and the game is over.
Us fans pick up our things and head for the exits. But before we leave, we turn, back around to the diamond, to the green of all that outfield grass. It was a beautiful day at the ballpark, and we know it. And Mantle and Clemente nod down from above, and another season of baseball has come back to us, as it has for so long, once more.
On essay days in Craig Rowe’s classroom at Truckee High School, the rules are simple: nothing written at home.
Students open their school-issued Chromebooks, log into Google Docs, and begin typing. Rowe can see who made changes, what they changed, and when. If the document has a timestamp of 11:42 p.m. on a Thursday night, he knows rules were broken.
“Here’s something you don’t hear from a teacher,” Rowe tells his students. “I do not want you to do this for homework.”
Just a few years ago, take-home essays were standard practice in English classes. Now, Rowe — who describes himself as an “old-school English teacher” — has moved much of his writing into the classroom, not because he suddenly believes homework is ineffective, but because of artificial intelligence.
Programs like ChatGPT and Google Gemini can now generate a competent five-paragraph essay in seconds. They can brainstorm topics, build outlines, write introductions, and edit rough drafts. And while school networks may block these tools, most students carry a smartphone or have a personal laptop that can access them without restriction.
In the Tahoe/Truckee schools, as in schools across the country, the question is no longer whether students will use artificial intelligence. The question is how schools can preserve learning in a world where the work students are asked to do can now be done by a machine.
Administration: Guardrails
At the helm of Tahoe Truckee Unified School District’s Technological Services is Ed Hilton. The department’s motto is Where Students Master Technology for Their Future.
“We’ve got to prepare our students for college, career, and life, and technology is one of those things in every career,”Hilton said. “So, ultimately we’re supporting our kids and using those tools that they’ll be expected to use when they move on from Tahoe Truckee.”
One of those specific tools is AI. “After ChatGPT came on the scene in 2023 we decided to test out some tools, especially in Google workspace. We use some productivity tools,” he said. “And I guess what we’re still concerned about is employees using tools that we haven’t vetted. Especially right as things came out, we did a lot of employee training, like to not upload student info so AI is not training on student info.”
Hilton estimates that in their Google and other curriculum tools, “about 1/3 use some sort of AI in the background.”
DISTRACTIONS DISTRACTIONS: Though cell phones are no longer allowed on a student’s person during classtime at many local schools, the constant distraction of the screen — even by school-issued laptops — is noted by both educators and students. Illustrations by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
He was quick to make a distinction on AI: “If you’re talking about up-font AI-use like ChatGPT, it’s just the staff. Students can’t go to ChatGPT or Google Gemini. Only staff have access.”
Each student at TTUSD is given a Chromebook, which is a streamlined laptop running Google Chrome OS, for school use from kindergarten through the senior year of high school. Kids in younger grades leave the laptops at school, older students take them home for homework, the transition happening in middle school. While on their Chromebooks, or while utilizing a school’s Wi-Fi network, up-front AI tools and a variety of websites are blocked.
Yet many students, especially in high school, have their own laptops as well. When not on school Wi-Fi, these computers (not to mention the smart-phone in most middle school and high schoolers’ pockets) have no restrictions on any AI tool or website.
Hilton acknowledged this, and that students utilizing “front end AI” has been problematic.
“As far as academic honesty, teachers are having those conversations,” he said, noting that the district has just finished a draft of its AI policy, which has been in the works since October with input from three public meetings between administrators, staff, and parents, that Hilton believes will be ratified before the end of the school year. “But we are not going to put our head in the sand. AI is definitely part of the students’ future.”
Hilton repeatedly noted that any use of AI in the district has to be “secure” and “safe.” He pushed on the need for transparency and visibility of how students are using it, and averred that there must be guardrails in place that would, essentially, allow students to use some AI tools for schoolwork, but not all of them.
“Any tool should have some sort of scaffolding to students,” he said. “In that, you don’t get the race car right away, we teach you to drive first.”
TTUSD administrators and educators are watching how the test drive goes in another Placer County school. (Though TTUSD spans three counties, the district is under Placer jurisdiction.) Rocklin Unified has, in Hilton’s term, “deployed” more front-end school-wide AI tools, namely Google Gemini, into their curriculum — okayed and even encouraged for classroom and schoolwide use.
“Our students will use AI in their jobs. But it’s come so quickly — the use, the integration and all the different things,” Hilton said. “We want to make sure we are doing it correctly. The question isn’t are we using it or not, but is it beneficial or not? If we come up with educators who say it’s not beneficial, we won’t use it. But putting our head in sand and saying AI doesn’t exist is not valuable either.”
Teachers: Protect the Learning Process
While Rowe assiduously protects students’ writing process from AI, he is also working on ways to implement the newly evolving tech tools.
THING OF THE PAST: Like the disappearance of chalkboards in the 1990s and 2000s, education is seeing pens, paper, and take-home essays become bygone tools as it enters its AI frontier. File image
“What’s the role of AI in classrooms?” he asked rhetorically. “I think there is one. But the balance of where and when to use them is a work in progress with educators, myself included.”
Rowe’s approach depends on his classes, from AP Language and AP Literature courses to his communications class. In the latter, for instance, student presentations are a large part of the curriculum. He not only okays AI-use for aspects of these, but encourages it. “AI tools are really great for research,” he said, noting an example of a student looking into the difference between engineering programs at various colleges, and how just a few years ago the research could “take days” but “now it’s one query.”
He finds a boon in using AI-generated graphics as well. “I feel like for project-based stuff and visuals, AI has some really cool tools. If someone is giving a mini Shark Tank style presentation in my communications class, I encourage them to use AI for their visuals. In the past, students may not have had much for visual aids, and now it’s almost professional level visuals and art.”
While striving to keep ideation and writing a human-powered endeavor, Rowe does see educational benefit from AI’s use on “the back end” of essay-writing. He talks of a student who had a near-final draft of her paper but wasn’t sure if her tone was coming through as intended. The student, Rowe said, “plugged it into AI, into Gemini, and asked if the tone she had intended to use was the tone that came through.” The feedback the student received, per Rowe, was useful.
But as for writing, Rowe is wary of AI taking over too much of the critical thinking and drafting that has always been vital to the creation of an essay.
“I’ve definitely had my days when I’m grading, and I’ll read something that is just so obvious AI, and it’s depressing quite frankly,” Rowe said. “My initial reaction is that, ‘yeah we have to lock ’em down and just handwrite everything.’ And then I calm down and ask myself, “What is our mission?’” He answers his own question with: “It’s not for students to get a good grade in my class but to prepare our young people to be contributors in society.”
Rowe returned to the need for balance, and the importance for discussion. “Everyone is navigating their way through it,” he said. “This is classic where the technology is way out in front of the policies and the teaching methods.”
“The kids,” he concluded, “are adapting to AI really quickly. Much quicker than the educators and the school policies.”
Laurie Cussen, who teaches history and social studies courses at Truckee High, believes in not shortcutting the learning process. “AI is a tool for productivity once you’re out of education [and into the workforce],” she said. “That makes sense, but the learning has to happen before.”
She makes an apt comparison: “My first grader is a perfect example. He is learning arithmetic, addition, and subtraction. We’ve had calculators forever that could do that for him. But it is so much better for his neuropathways for him to do it himself — to learn how to do it himself.”
“We are in neuropathway building,” she said of herself and her fellow teachers. “We need to protect the productive struggle.”
Cussen gave another analogy: As a wrestler becomes a better wrestler through the struggle of wrestling, learners become better learners through the struggle of learning. Though she acknowledges using AI in some of her own lesson planning, she “shies away” from using AI in her classroom “because it is such a convenient shortcut.”
Illustration by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
However, she does see a benefit for students to use AI as “a clarifier of concepts,” going as far as instructing her students to use AI at home to make practice quizzes, referring to it as “as a study companion.”
As for class time, Cussen echoed Mr. Rowe’s sentiments. “[AI] can do any assignment we do in class,” she said, lamenting that the school “is seeing a lot of stuff turned in that is purely done by AI.”
“If you want to ensure that the work is purely student generated, all the work has to be done in the classroom. If you let it go home, you know it’s not all student work.”
“I see class time as preserving the productive struggle, not giving students the cognitive offramp,” Cussen continued. “Protect the space of learning in class, then when you go home, use AI.”
The soft skills of communication, collaboration, problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking must remain at the core of curriculum, she said. AI proficiency, on the other hand, she observed, can be coached in shorter time spans, through short-courses or future employees, down the road. “Learning the soft skills in school is vital,” she emphasized.
Students: The Reality
Kate and Maria are juniors in AP courses at Truckee High. They have been in TTUSD schools since their elementary school days, and they say this year has been their most academically rigorous thus far. They both want to go to college, with some big names in education on their lists of desired schools. Both are taking an AP-heavy courseload. To protect their privacy, their names have been changed.
Both agreed that a difference regarding AI in this school year is “the teachers are more on edge about it in general.” The students spoke about the restrictions regarding AI-use on tests and certain assignments when on school Wi-Fi and Chromebooks.
“But for online homework, there are no restrictions like that,” Kate said. Both she and Maria have their own personal laptops. They said teachers sometimes do encourage or even instruct homework assignments to be completed with AI. Other times, students simply opt to use it.
“I do think sometimes it’s beneficial to use Chat GPT or Gemini because it can help answer questions you don’t know,” Maria said. “Let’s say there was a formula in math that I can’t remember, it can help me. It’s nice to have a website like Chat GPT you can trust to explain it to you step by step.”
The students echoed the idea of the AI study companion.
“Chat GPT for me is really useful for studying for tests because some teachers don’t give study guides,” Kate said, saying that she copies and pastes content from her Google Classroom page into one of the programs to have the AI generate, for instance, “flash cards for unit three of [class].”
When asked, in their view, if they had ever overstepped the ethical bounds of AI-use on an assignment, Maria answered, “Honestly, not really.” Both described how passing AP tests to receive the valuable college credits means that the student actually has to learn the material. (One cannot use AI tools on the test, for instance.) The two juniors also spoke to a genuine desire to learn for learning’s sake.
Maria stated that she did not use AI before she started taking AP classes. “I think learning has definitely changed a lot,” she said.
Still, similar to what their teachers and administrators have noticed, Kate and Maria also see some students finding workarounds and overly relying on AI, using it, in some cases, to complete the entirety, or the near-entirety, of an assignment.
“I definitely think kids are getting stupider from using it too much,” Kate said.
But both do not blame their peers for the overuse. “It’s just so accessible to just search up the answer if you don’t have time,” Kate said.
As for writing, the juniors find AI to be a key tool. “Honestly, writing is more like a first draft, not editing,” Kate said. ‘If I feel like I need editing, I’ll run it through Chat GPT.”
She usually writes out “one to two drafts” on her own before (and if) she seeks AI editing.
When a human-written draft is “run through” an AI program for editing, per the detection software turnitin.app, it is more difficult to catch than if the draft was initially generated by AI. Further hindrances to detection arise when an AI-generated first draft is edited by a human, when there is mixed AI-human authorship; or when content is too short to provide sufficient linguistic data, i.e., a paragraph-length piece rather than an essay-length.
Kate and Maria also noted using AI as a writing tutor on their essays for the “little things you can use ChatGPT for, like topic points or information … how do I format it …what facts do I put in … to see if I need a smoother transition on this” … “When I have no idea what to write about” and to “put it in and see how it’s going to grade me.”
When the students were asked if they work harder or less hard when they use an AI program like ChatGPT on their schoolwork, the students said: “Definitely less effort because it gives you the exact answer.”
How to not be tempted to use AI or other digital technology? Get rid of the screen.
“In my history class where there’s lectures, you can ask questions while you go over the information and take notes,” Maria said. “You don’t have any technology out, and you’re totally focused on the teacher and what they’re saying. I think that’s more impactful, the lecture and taking notes with pen and paper. Way more beneficial for sure. A lot of times when I take notes on my computer, I get sidetracked and open different tabs. When it’s pen and paper, I don’t have that excuse.”
EDUCATION FINDS ITSELF entering an AI landscape where the unknowns outweigh the knowns and where protecting the productive struggle of learning has become paramount. File image
Nevada: The Transplant and the Chatbot
In North Lake Tahoe, Incline Village schools fall under the Washoe County School District. I spoke with an early-grade elementary school teacher who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. She moved to the district from a state where, she said, schools were moving away from classroom technology. In Nevada, she found the opposite. “All curriculum is online,” she said of her classes. Even when she reads a book aloud, the students no longer gather around a physical copy with pages that she fans while teaching; the book is displayed on a screen.
She acknowledged that not all studies show classroom technology to improve learning outcomes, but in her new district, its use is expanding rather than shrinking. She broached how her school has “just implemented an app for kids to do their reading homework on instead of them reading books and completing a reading log.”
The app is called Paloma. Per its LinkedIn page, the company “is a venture-backed edtech startup that harnesses AI to unleash parents’ untapped teaching potential.” In short, Paloma’s AI generates personalized books aligned to what it knows about a student’s learning needs and personal/familial interests, and texts the student’s family a daily tutoring lesson plan.
“A few parents have actually complained since they do not want their child on technology,” the teacher said.
When I was unable to reach administrators at Incline High School, I turned to the district’s website, where I found something no other Tahoe/Truckee area school site had: an AI assistant. The chatbot introduces itself in writing: “Hi, I’m Ask your WCSD AI Assistant. How can I help you today?”
I asked it a simple question: Do Incline High students use AI?
The response began: “The Washoe County School District acknowledges that AI is rapidly reshaping education and can be a powerful tool for expanding learning.” The answer went on for several paragraphs, outlining both benefits and drawbacks, and included a statement that the district had established a framework “that ensures AI is used responsibly, ethically, and effectively.”
In my conversations with educators for this article, that was the first time I had heard the word “ensure” used in reference to students’ ethical AI use.
I asked the chatbot another question: How come AI is so good for first graders?
It responded that AI can “enhance learning,” “foster creativity,” and “personalize learning to meet individual needs, even at an early age.”
Then I asked a question more specific to writing: Is editing writing?
The AI responded that “editing is an integral part of the writing process,” and that “writing encompasses the entire process from ideation to the final product.” So, I asked a follow-up: Can AI help students with ideating and editing an essay?
“Yes,” the chatbot responded, stating that students are encouraged to use AI for brainstorming, for planning ideas and organizing thoughts, and in editing drafts.
Reading the responses, I wrote an if/then statement in my notebook. If ideation and editing are integral aspects of writing an essay and students are encouraged to use AI for them, then does that not innately represent cognitive offloading of integral aspects of writing an essay?
Yes, I believe it does.
When I returned a few days later and asked the chatbot the same questions again, its answers were similar, but not identical. The AI, it seemed, had learned — and altered its answers in subtle but noticeable ways.
WHAT WAS BROKEN? While old-school teaching methods were not perfect, a lot of students learned just fine for a long time before AI-infused curriculums and cognitive offloading. Illustration by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
Waldorf: Trees Before Tech
Public schools are by no means the only option for students and parents in Tahoe/Truckee. Truckee alone offers a number of private and charter schools. I reached out to many and heard back from some, learning that each is eitherallowing or encouraging AI in its curriculum to varying degrees.
One curriculum, however, stood out as unique — Tahoe Truckee Waldorf’s, which teaches students on three campuses from preschool through eighth grade.
“We are a tech-free school and community,” said Alexandra Ball, the school’s admissions manager. “You will not find tech in our classrooms. We ask our families to be cognizant of screentime at home as well.”
Waldorf schools have been around for over 100 years, and they are built on principles of a comprehensive and holistic education aimed to grow students’ intellectual, creative, artistic, and practical skills. Standardized testing is typically limited, and teachers are given a relatively wider range of curriculum autonomy. Nature, play, music, and imagination are widely emphasized as integral tools for learning. A motto of Tahoe Truckee Waldorf is “Trees before Tech.”
“We are tech free not because we are anti-technology but because we believe in developing children’s cognitive abilities and critical thinking abilities before they are introduced to it,” Ball continued, noting the value of human interactions and dealing with real-life situations as educational keys in Tahoe Truckee Waldorf’s curriculum. “We believe it gives children a better start in life.”
Ball grew up in Washington State and went to The Seattle Waldorf School through eighth grade. She has lived in the Tahoe/Truckee area for “about a decade” and all three of her children are in the Tahoe Truckee Waldorf schools.
“It has been proven that technology is not great for attention spans and things like that,” she said. “Plus, it is not really showing that it helps children in reading, comprehension, or aptitude. Countries typically rated high in education, like Sweden, are moving away from technology and back to paper and handwriting. We are not doing anything revolutionary, we are just doubling down on what’s [been] proven to work.
“I believe strongly in giving my kids and all children the best way to develop themselves. As a parent, before I send my children out to the world, I hope their whole brain is being used.”
Adoption: Playing Catch-Up
By the time I got to high school, auto shop had been removed from the curriculum. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But as an adult who has spent thousands of hours driving, I truly wish my school had found a way to keep that class, and that I would have been taught about the inter-workings of such a crucial thing that my world would entail.
Perhaps it’s the same with today’s students and AI, the auto shop of yesteryear — a tool students will use constantly in their adult lives, whether schools fully embrace it or not.
By many criteria, AI is the most powerful tool the world has ever seen. In reaction, teachers talk about “protecting the productive struggle.” Administrators talk about guardrails. Students talk about accessibility and pressure and time. What they all agree on is that it’s not going away.
When human beings adopt a technology, we adapt to it. We built roads for our cars. We rearranged our living rooms for our televisions. We reorganized our attention spans for our smartphones. And now it’s AI.
Schools are trying to figure out how to adapt to this powerful newcomer — how to use artificial intelligence without letting it replace the very skills schools exist to teach. The technology is moving quickly. The policies, and the classrooms, are trying to catch up.
On a clear and calm Thursday morning, a group of six meets on a pontoon boat at the Tahoe City Marina for a dive. Though everyone there is a return volunteer, Clean Up the Lake Operations Manager Klemen Robnik reviews the plans, everyone’s tasks, and boat and high-altitude-dive safety. After the safety debrief, volunteer Roman Versch, who serves as the group’s boat captain, navigates the boat to the last marked GPS location in Hurricane Bay where the previous divers left off.
Most of the lake’s litter and debris is never seen by people who recreate here, but it is quietly collected by Clean Up the Lake, a volunteer-based (1,300 strong) nonprofit organization. CUTL is on its second circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline — this time at a greater depth.
The lake is still and glassy as volunteer Cole Wagner and Operations Assistant Nick Krozek suit up and plop into the water, followed by Rose Demoret, who serves as the kayaker and primary data collector, trailing after the divers’ bubbles.
“So, each time we go out on a dive, I’m actually running a Strava route, so I’m following as close as I can in the path that the divers take, so that they have that data to analyze and see exactly where they have been,” Demoret said. “The other component to that is sometimes they come across items that can’t be picked up.” In that case, divers mark the heavy or bulky items to return to.
In the sweet spot of about 45 feet below the surface, the divers float slowly through the cold water, scanning the lakebed. At such a depth, nitrox — a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen — allows them to stay under water for longer. Cradled in the silt is a trove of trash the divers gather and aquatic invasive species they document.
NITROX and diver propulsion vehicles allow scuba divers to more efficiently search for debris between 35 and 55 feet deep, a more taxing depth than the 25 feet of the first circumnavigation cleanup. Photos courtesy Clean Up the Lake
This particular day the divers cover 0.37 miles, collecting over 150 pounds of litter including a soggy orange shag rug that looks like it fell off an Austin Powers set. Bulky items like the rug are sent to the surface via an inflated, bright orange heavy lift bag, which Robnik then retrieves and inspects to see what’s attached.
“We usually pull out roughly 500 to 1,000 pounds a month,” Robnik said.
He recalled a full, five-step staircase the crew found in Carnelian Bay, several boat ladders, tarps, chains, and lost anchors.
“It never goes away unless it’s salvaged,” Versch said.
ACCIDENTAL LITTER: Divers pull up all sorts of debris within the 35- to 55-foot range, much of which they believe to have accidentally fallen off boats.
Going the Extra Mile
“Initially I was like, there’s not much at all to do here. Lake Tahoe is so clean and so beautiful,” said CUTL Founder and CEO Colin West. “Under the surface … the problem’s just been perpetuating out of sight and out of mind.”
There are piles upon piles of trash in the lake, according to him. Clean Up the Lake’s 72 Mile Cleanup2 began with a deep-clean pilot-project in 2025 at depths up to 25 feet. The first cleanup successfully collected 25,281 pounds of trash. This year’s haul is anticipated to surpass that amount.
The current project kicked off on the West Shore border of Placer County in December. Because Lake Tahoe is calm and free from recreation traffic in winter, cleanup days are booked through the chilly months, leading to divers in wetsuits coming up shivering.
Clean Up the Lake is now traveling clockwise around the lake, following the contours of the shore and scoping out the 35- to 55-foot-deep swath of lakebed. The dives will continue through summer. As of the Ink’s publication, this second cleanup has completed 23 dive days and three sorting days, removing more than 3,557 pounds of debris.
“Based on those numbers over our mileage,” Programs Manager Jenny Uvira said, “it projected for us to actually collect more trash in 35 to 55 depth range than we did in the original circumnavigation.”
Uvira guessed that the tipping point might happen near the project’s 62-mile mark. West emphasized it’s a projection; the reality has yet to be seen.
DIVE TEAM: Divers Cole Wagner and Nick Krozek and kayaker Rose Demoret make their way to a GPS pin to continue the 72 Mile Deep Clean2. Photo by Megan Ramsey/Moonshine Ink
“The only way we know is once we swim across and clean it up ourselves,” West said.
So, what’s down there? Alpine lakes are barren in regards to plant life, but there is an abundance of litter.
“You can’t see it until it comes up,” Versch explained. “The divers see it underwater. You don’t realize how much trash is really in the lake. And so much more than I ever imagined.”
Clean Up the Lake’s mission is to conserve lakes across the Eastern Sierra.
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting other areas around the world and I’ve seen what can become of our environment and our underwater environments if we disregard them, if we don’t take action now while we can, to protect them and protect the beautiful, wild, and natural look that it’s been for so long,” West said.
West came up with the idea to start a nonprofit when he traveled to Belize and saw trash-ridden beaches on stretches of unmaintained shoreline.
“And I think Tahoe is one of those few areas that still shows signs of how it’s always been. But unfortunately, you know, the litter, the New Zealand mud snail, the Asian clams, the Eurasian modern milfoil, curly leaf pond weed, goldfish, bass, the invasive [species], the garbage, the algae growth from runoff, and nutrient loading — all these problems are really starting to have a detrimental effect on Lake Tahoe.”
HEAVY LIFT: Klemen Robnik pulls a disintegrating tire from the water after divers sent it up with an inflated lift bag. Photo by Megan Ramsey/Moonshine Ink
The Aftermath of Trash
“I think a lot of people just think we pull trash out of the lake and then throw it out and take it to the dump,” Uvira said, “but it’s so much more than that. We sort our trash into 83 different categories.”
The main categories are plastics, metal, glass, and wood, which contain subcategories such as plastic utensils, plastic fishing gear, and others — within plastics, there are 27 different subcategories. Uvira said sorting the trash helps identify problems in different parts of the lake. Near buoy fields, for instance, divers find items like boat covers and metal bird-deterrents. At the current depth they are focused on, heavier items and lots of beer cans and beverage bottles have settled.
Even though they find so much litter, volunteers and employees of Clean Up the Lake think the lake is becoming cleaner.
“In the past, there was a lot more littering. We do find lots more trash that’s a little bit older. And if we revisit an area after a while, chances are that there’s going to be less trash,” Robnik said about his personal observations in the field. “The environmental consciousness of people has gotten better, and we are noticing a lot more of modern litter is accidental littering.”
But that doesn’t mean the accumulated litter is without its detriments.
“If the litter’s not removed, the thousand-plus tires we’ve removed break down and turn into microplastics, make their way into drinking water,” West said. “I’ve seen tons of wildlife entanglement in our lakes of huge, beautiful trout being caught in fishing lines.”
Uvira commented that though the overall weight of plastic that they collect tends to be lower than that of other materials, the number of fragments and microplastics is high. The more plastic degrades, the smaller the particles become, and the harder they are to remove from the drinking water Tahoe provides.
Elizabeth Everest, the consulting environmental scientist and GIS expert for CUTL, noted that when debris like rubber begins to break down, it introduces toxins into the water.
cole WAGNER, a certified diver and one of the 1,300 volunteers with Clean Up the Lake, drops into the water with a splash before descending with his dive buddy. Photo by Megan Ramsey/Moonshine Ink
“Once items have been removed from the lake, there’s less of an impact moving forward,” she explained. “But obviously, as things break down, those small pieces that can’t be physically removed are going to remain in the lake for a really long time.”
The effect of toxins in the water, changes in the ecosystem caused by aquatic invasive species, and rising temperatures accumulate and worsen without actions from organizations like Clean Up the Lake.
“These cleanups are fixing the mistakes of our past. We’ve got decades and decades of litter that’s stacked up underneath lakes here,” West said. “Fresh water is one of our most crucial resources and is only going to become more important as we have 73-degree stretches [all] month long in March [at] 7,000 feet. Climate change is happening. It’s here. It’s been in Tahoe all month long. So, we need to protect these freshwater resources that we have.”
Clean Up the Lake remains optimistic, dive by dive, pound of trash after pound of trash removed.
“I feel like we are making strides, and we’re going in the right direction,” West said. “And hopefully we can continue to spread this work.”
The team emphasized that the sooner debris is removed, the less it will degrade and impact water quality. You don’t need a scuba tank to pitch in.
“If you see a piece of trash, pick it up,” Demoret said. “It’s really pretty easy to keep a little plastic bag or an extra bag with you to collect a little bit of trash any time that you go out. If everybody does a small impact picking up a couple trash items on the shoreline, then one, they’re not going to end up in the water, and then two, it won’t be on the shoreline for people to see. You don’t have to make a huge effort.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Join Clean Up the Lake on Earth Day, April 22, for a cleanup at the Tahoe City Marina. Find more opportunities for volunteering at cleanupthelake.org/volunteer
In early March, Washoe Tribe members led a ceremony to support Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue volunteers who had been responders at the devastating Feb. 17 Castle Peak avalanche. While details are private, two statements were shared with Moonshine Ink.
Darrel Cruz, Washoe Tribe member, said, “I want to acknowledge the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and thank them for their dedication to the community and for their recent response to the Castle Peak avalanche tragedy.
“We all go back to our roots for the basic spirituality of healing and in times like this, this is what neighbors do for each other.”
~ Darrel Cruz
“Team members who responded to the emergency felt a degree of trauma and grief having to confront what they had to go through that left them with a need to heal. TNSAR reached out to people of the Washoe Tribe to ask for a ceremony to help them heal and replenish their soul through a Washoe sweat ceremony. The Washoe replied and held a special ceremony for the TNSAR team members.
“We all go back to our roots for the basic spirituality of healing and in times like this, this is what neighbors do for each other.”
Troy Corliss, TNSAR volunteer, answered, “Tahoe Nordic SAR thanks the Waší:šiw members for welcoming our request and hosting the sweat lodge ceremony for us. Meeting you and participating in the ceremony helped us to move through a difficult time. We are grateful to you for sharing your customs and guiding us through this ceremony of prayer and healing. May we continue the friendship that you have offered to us.”
