2026 Music at Ski Beach – 4-7 p.m., Description Fridays at Ski Beach in Incline Village – IVGID passes required For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/2026-music-at-ski-beach-1745157?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Angora Burn Bird Walk – 8-11:30 a.m., Join us for a guided bird walk through the Angora Burn, where regeneration and wildlife come together in a uniquely dynamic landscape. We’ll begin at Panther Street and slowly make our way up the hillside, scanning the recovering forest for woodpeckers, wrens, warblers, and other birdlife that thrive in post-fire habitats. This walk offers a chance to observe how birds are using the burn area while enjoying a peaceful, observant hike. Expect a steady uphill climb as we bird along the route, pausing often to listen, look, and learn. Bring binoculars, sturdy shoes, and a sense of curiosity as we explore this evolving ecosystem. Fill out my LGL F For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/3969o1cl3yitfu4ucptoqwj81jzoi0.
Bluesberry Jam – 1-5 p.m., The Grove, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. Join us just outside the Grove Restaurant for a performance by Bluesberry Jam. For more information, visit https://camprichardsonresort.com/event/bluesberry-jam-5/.
Flames of Aphrodite: A Summer Solstice Fire Performance – 7-10 p.m., Paddle House Brews, 3135 Harrison Ave. A symphony of music, enchanting dance performances, and the scintillating spectacle of FIRE! For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flames-of-aphrodite-a-summer-solstice-fire-performance-tickets-1989352429669.
Meet & Greet with Olympian Lila Lapanja at Ski Beach – 4-7 p.m., Diamond Peak Ski Resort, 1210 Ski Way. Lila Lapanja is our local homegrown Olympian who represented Slovenia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. She’s back in the U.S. and will do a Meet & Greet at Ski Beach during the Music at Ski Beach event. Enjoy live music by Big Red Band and meet Olympian and Incline Village resident, Lila Lapanja. She’ll be signing autographs and will share some of her Olympic experience with the crowd during the band’s set break. Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 Location: Ski Beach* (967 Lakeshore Blvd, Incline Village) Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (during Music at Ski Beach) * Note: Ski Beach, where this event takes place, is one of the four restricted-access beaches within Incline Village, which are for the use of IVGID Picture Pass and Recreation Punch Card holders (with beach access), and their guests. Please review the access rules & restrictions for IVGID-managed beaches here. Lila’s Local Legacy Lila grew up on the slopes of Diamond Peak Ski Resort, first learning to ski before she was two when her parents scattered Easter eggs around the bunny slope and challenged little Lila to pick them up while wearing skis. She fell in love with the sport quickly and ultimately found a supportive environment with the Diamond Peak Ski Team as her junior ski racing career took off. Lila began her professional ski racing career on the U.S. Ski Team, winning four U.S. National Championship titles along the way. After years of competing on the World Cup, Europa Cup and NorAm race circuits as an independent racer from the U.S., she switched affiliations to ski for her father’s home country of Slovenia two years ago, with the goal of qualifying for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Recent success on the Europa Cup ski racing circuit this winter led to her inclusion in the Slovenian Alpine Skiing Olympic team – a dream she has fostered from a very young age. “Hopefully, people will remember me as not only one of the best athletes to come out of our town,” Lila said, “But also how this place shaped my values, recognize how amazing of a feat that is in such a small place, and be proud that we live in an area with the resources to raise champions of all kinds.” Learn more about Lila’s journey at: Website: www.lilalapanja.com Instagram: @lilalapanja For more information, visit https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/lila-lapanja-meet-greet/ or call (775) 832-1177.
Mihali feat. Bahena – 12 p.m., 14 NV-28. Mihali feat. Bahena Vermont-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and co-founder of rock outfit Twiddle ~ Mihali will make his way to the Crystal Bay Casino’s Crown Room on Fri. June 12th 2026. Tickets: https://tixr.com/e/178069 For Mihali, music behaves much like a living being. It grows, it matures, and it changes with a sentient consciousness and with whims of its own. And just like music, the Vermont-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and co-founder of rock outfit Twiddle continues to evolve, using his gift as one of the strongest modern-day songwriters, guitarists and performers to bring healing vibes and unforgettable songs to the world For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/932974122623696/.
Ski Run Farmer’s Market & Street Fair – 3-8 p.m., Ski Run Farmer’s Market & Street Fair, 1132 Ski Run Blvd. This beloved Friday market is where the heart of South Lake Tahoe comes alive. Stretching along the charming Ski Run Blvd, the market brings Tahoe’s best farmers, makers, musicians, and food vendors for a lively community event packed with good Tahoe vibes. Fridays, 3:00-8:00 pm June 5 through September 11, 2026.Expect fresh organic produce, handmade goods, live music, street food, and spontaneous street dancing. It’s the perfect stop to kick off your weekend—whether you’re meeting friends for happy hour, looking for something fun with the kids, or exploring Tahoe like a local. For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/ski-run-farmers-market-street-fair/2026-06-12/.
Vincent Neil Emerson – 7-10 p.m., The Hanger, 2401 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. THIS IS A 21+ SHOW. DOORS AT 6PM SHOW AT 7PM PARKING INFORMATION: ON SITE PARKING IS LIMITED AND IS $10 PER VEHICLE. IF YOU’RE GOING TO DRIVE, GET HERE EARLY. LEAVING YOUR CAR OVERNIGHT IN OUR LOT IS OK WITH US. OVERNIGHT CAMPING HOWEVER IS NOT PERMITTED. PLEASE CONSIDER RIDING YOUR BIKES AND OR USING RIDE SHARE. THERE IS PLENTY OF FENCE TO LOCK YOUR BIKES TO. IF OUR LOT IS FULL YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL PARKING AT THESE LOCATIONS, WHICH WE HAVE RENTED FOR THE DAY : 971 & 981 SILVER DOLLAR AVE (BEHIND THE SHELL STATION), 80 PARKING SPACES. PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT MINI GOLF NEXT DOOR – YOU WILL BE TOWED For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1704992323997881/.
Wine Tasting at Black Bear Lodge – 5-7 p.m., Black Bear Lodge, 1202 Ski Run Boulevard. Join us at Black Bear Lodge for our Summer Wine Tasting Series, happening every other Friday from 5–7 PM. Enjoy an evening of curated wines from a featured winery, live music, and the relaxed gardens of Black Bear Lodge. Sip, unwind, and discover something new with each unique tasting experience throughout the summer. For more information, visit http://tahoeblackbear.com/events or call 5305444451.
Saturday, June 13
Adventure Day and Free Fishing Day – Nevada State Park – Sand Harbor, 2005 NV-28. The Nevada Division of State Parks is inviting residents and visitors to explore Nevada’s public lands during Free Adventure Day on Saturday, June 13, 2026. In celebration of Nevada’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and public lands, entrance fees will be waived at all Nevada State Parks for the day. Free Adventure Day coincides with the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Free Fishing Day, allowing visitors to fish without a Nevada fishing license wherever fishing is permitted. This annual tradition provides a unique opportunity for both experienced anglers and first-time participants to enjoy Nevada’s lakes, reservoirs, and waterways. Many parks may offer special programs, guided hikes, educational activities, or family-friendly events throughout the day. Visitors can view upcoming events and activities at parks.nv.gov/events.
Beats & Tahoe Vibes: 8th Annual Heavenly Village Brewfest – 12-4 p.m., Heavenly Village, 1001 Heavenly Village Way. The Heavenly Village is excited to announce the return of the 8th Annual Heavenly Village Brewfest, happening Saturday, June 13th from 1 PM to 4 PM, in the heart of Heavenly Village—Lake Tahoe’s #1 destination for shopping, dining, and now the leading venue for events and entertainment in the entire Tahoe Basin. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1471460804981186/.
Boca Do Rio – 5:30-9:30 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Brazilian band playing Choro/Bossa/Funk who always pack the dance floor! For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/boca-do-rio/.
Cash Only Band – 1-5 p.m., The Grove, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. Join us just outside the Grove Restaurant for a performance by Cash Only Band. For more information, visit https://camprichardsonresort.com/event/cash-only-band-11/.
Double Feature Live Music – 1-9 p.m., Paddle House Brews, 3135 Harrison Ave . Free live music on the Paddle House Main Stage! Come enjoy food & drink while sitting at fire pits in a Family & Dog friendly outdoor space. For more information, visit http://www.paddlehousebrews.com/events or call 530-600-0709.
Homewood Community Social – 2-6 p.m., Homewood Mountain Resort, 5145 Westlake Blvd. Join us as we celebrate the future of Homewood! Come celebrate the future of Homewood with an afternoon of community, conversation, music, food, and fun outside on the patio at North Lodge. Enjoy: 🍴 Food & Drinks 🎶 Live Music with Jessie & Jenni of Dead Winter Carpenters 🚠 An update on the Gondola Project and what’s ahead for the future of Homewood Connect with neighbors, friends, and community members as we celebrate exciting momentum and shared vision for Homewood. For more information, visit https://skihomewood.com/event/homewood-community-social-gondola-celebration/.
Jamie Lissow – 7-10 p.m., Bally’s Lake Tahoe, 55 Highway 50. Shows/Performances. Jamie Lissow (from GUTFELD) ” Better off Dad Tour” hits Lake Tahoe on Saturday June 13, 2026 at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Showroom! Grab a date and see him live on February 14th in Lak e Tahoe! https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/170063270BE278 7C For more information, visit https://casinos.ballys.com/lake-tahoe/events-calendar.aspx?date=6/13/20 26&display=event&eventid=2487707 or call (775) 588-3515.
Sunday, June 14
Deep in Tahoe – 2-8 p.m., Paddle House Brews, 3135 Harrison Ave . Disco, Deep House & Techno Rotating DJ’s, Artists & Vendors For more information, visit http://www.paddlehousebrews.com/events or call 530-600-0-09.
Trey Stone Band – 1-5 p.m., The Grove, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. Join us just outside the Grove Restaurant for a performance by Trey Stone Band. For more information, visit https://camprichardsonresort.com/event/trey-stone-band-7/.
Tuesday, June 16
Davin Kangas – 6-8 p.m., The Grove, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. Join us just outside the Grove Restaurant for a performance by Davin Kangas. For more information, visit https://camprichardsonresort.com/event/davin-kangas-14/.
Tahoe Improv Players | June 16, July 21, August 11 – 7 p.m., Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. Join the Tahoe Improv Players as they take the stage on three separate evenings this summer at The Boathouse Theatre, celebrating 32 years of turning audience suggestions into hilarious, spontaneous scenes. As Lake Tahoe’s longest-running comedy show, they always bring their best to Valhalla. It’s Tahoe’s best value in family entertainment, with discounts for children 12 and under. Your kids won’t stop laughing. It’s simple: Tahoe Improv Players make stuff up, and you laugh. For more information, visit https://valhallatahoe.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=269.
Tahoe Yellow Cress Restoration at Baldwin Beach – 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Baldwin Beach, Baldwin Beach Road. Join us in protecting Tahoe Yellow Cress (Rorippa subumbellata), a delicate yellow-flowering plant that grows only along the shores of Lake Tahoe. This rare native species is listed as endangered in California and plays an important role in the health of Tahoe’s unique beach ecosystem. Tahoe Yellow Cress depends on the lake’s sandy shoreline habitat to survive, but those areas are increasingly threatened by trampling, recreation, invasive plants, and other human impacts. Restoring and protecting this species helps preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline for future generations. At Baldwin Beach, Keep Tahoe Blue is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to support Tahoe Yellow Cress recovery by planting native cress in protected areas, removing invasive terrestrial weeds, and cleaning up litter along the beach. Volunteer with us to make a direct impact on one of Tahoe’s most vulnerable native plants and help restore critical beachfront habitat at Baldwin Beach. Additional dates: 6/16, 6/17, 6/18. For more information, visit https://www.keeptahoeblue.org/events-activities-lessons/tyc-restoration-2026/ .
Wednesday, June 17
Deck Opening Party @ Riva Grill – Riva Grill on the Lake, 901 Ski Run Blvd. 5 PM For more information, visit https://www.garwoods.com/calendar.html.
Miranda Rae Love Band – 1-5 p.m., The Grove, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. Join us just outside the Grove Restaurant for a performance by Miranda Rae Love Band. For more information, visit https://camprichardsonresort.com/event/miranda-rae-love-band-5/.
Tahoe Tommy – 6-8 p.m., The Grove, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. Join us just outside the Grove Restaurant for a performance by Tahoe Tommy. For more information, visit https://camprichardsonresort.com/event/tahoe-tommy-21/.
Upper Truckee Marsh Bird Walk Wednesdays – 8-10 a.m., Each Wednesday in June, TINS volunteers, Lynn and Don Harriman, will guide a 1.5-2 hour bird walk at the Upper Truckee Marsh. Bring your binoculars, sturdy walking shoes, and a camp chair (optional) in case there are opportunities to enjoy bird behaviors. Registration is not required, just meet up on Lily Ave ( Park Here ) and look for the Silver Toyota Tundra with a stuffed animal eagle on the dashboard. We want to thank the El Dorado Community Foundation and our members for supporting these ou For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/bird-walk-upper-truckee-marsh-hhesr.
Thursday, June 18
Childen’s Summer Theater June 18-July 3 – 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., South Tahoe Middle School 2940 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, Please enter through the enterance on Al Tahoe Blvd. Description Tahoe Arts Project and Tahoe Valley Performing Arts presents My Son Pinocchio Jr. Directed by Allyssa Little and Nicole Mora, this is a heartwarming and humorous twist on a classic tale, My Son Pinocchio Jr. tells the story of Geppetto, a kind-hearted toymaker who longs for a child of his own. When his wish is magically granted, he becomes the father of Pinocchio-a wooden boy full of curiosity, energy, and a tendency to get into trouble. There are roles for children entering 1st-9th grade in the fall. Everyone will be cast. Auditions: June 18, 2026 1st-3rd Grade 9:00-10:00 4th-9th Grade 10:00-11:30 Rehearsals:June 22-26 and June 29-July 2 1st-3rd Grade 9:00-11:30 4th-9th Grade 10:00-1:30 Performances: July 3rd (Times to be determined) Everything will take place at South Tahoe Middle School For more information, visit https://business.tahoechamber.org/events/details/childen-s-summer-theater-june-18-july3-26110.
Free Wine Tasting – 5-7 p.m., Paddle House Brews, 3135 Harrison Ave . Come enjoy an evening of wine, community, and conversation in the Paddle House Garden. Free wine tasting provided by Valley of the Moon, Lake Sonoma & Sonoma Highway. Charcuterie boards & discounted bottle pricing available for purchase For more information, visit https://paddlehousebrews.com/events or call 530-600-0709.
JWB Summer Re-Opening – Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd,. Summer, Family Friendly. Discover refreshed interiors, inspired new menu offerings, and the return of your favorite signature dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Starting on 06/18/2026 and ending on 06/30/2026 For more information, visit https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe/things-to-do-in-lake-tahoe/events/jwb-summer-re-opening.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Four individuals, including a South Lake Tahoe accountant, are awaiting sentencing after a federal jury in the District of Colorado convicted the four of conspiracy to defraud the United States with their trust tax evasion scheme that caused approximately $40 million in losses to the government.
“The defendants orchestrated an abusive trust tax scheme designed to help clients evade their tax obligations through a web of sham trusts, false representations, and fraudulent transactions,” said Colin M. McDonald, Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
One of the four, Weldon Wulstein, reportedly has had financial service offices in South Lake Tahoe and Douglas County.
Wulstein was convicted of preparing hundreds of false tax returns for clients under a fraudulent structure, called a tax shelter. He did so along with another convicted, Suzanne Thompson.
As laid out in court documents and evidence presented at trial, Wulstein and Thompson, along with Marcia Predmore andRoderick Prescott, promoted the trust tax shelter to hundreds of high-net-worth business owners across the country.
The tax shelter consisted of four trusts: a business trust, a family trust, a charitable trust, and a private family foundation.
The division alleged that the four taught clients how to use the layered trust tax shelter to evade paying federal income taxes on 98% or more of their business profits, using tactics such as claiming tax deductions for non-deductible personal living expenses and making fraudulent charitable contributions.
The National Fraud Enforcement Division reports that some of the promoters marketed this tax shelter at seminars held across the country.
The division says the tax shelter cost between $25,000 to $50,000 to set up.
All four could receive the maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States through promoting the scheme.
Wulstein and Thompson face a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
“These defendants were repeatedly warned by attorneys, CPAs, financial professionals, and IRS guidance that this trust-based scheme was illegal, yet they chose to ignore those warnings. Their conspiracy was a deliberate attempt to conceal income and undermine the integrity of our nation’s tax system while lining their own pockets through their lies,” said Amanda Prestegard, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Denver Field Office. “We appreciate the jury’s verdict and the message it sends to those who promote or engage in abusive tax schemes. IRS-CI will continue to partner with DOJ-Tax to pursue these criminal tax evaders.”
A federal district court judge will determine their sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Tax fraud schemes undermine the integrity of our tax system and deprive the government of resources,” McDonald said, “shifting the burden to honest Americans who follow the law. Today’s trial convictions underscore the Fraud Division’s commitment to holding accountable those who promote and profit from abusive tax shelters and other fraud schemes.”
IRS Criminal Investigation is also investigating the case.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Cascade Kitchens Food Hall & Bar invites the community to come together for an evening of food, connection, and giving back during its upcoming Plates for a Purpose fundraiser benefiting the Washoe Tribe DáɁaw Community Center.
The fundraiser will take place on Friday, June 12, from 5-10 p.m. at Cascade Kitchens Food Hall & Bar in South Lake Tahoe.
In partnership with the Leadership Lake Tahoe Program through the Tahoe Chamber, the event will help raise funds and awareness for the DáɁaw Community Center Project, an important initiative that will provide a dedicated space for cultural preservation, community gathering, education, and wellness for the Washoe Tribe.
During the event, Cascade Kitchens will donate a portion of all food and beverage sales directly to support the project. Guests can participate simply by enjoying a meal, grabbing a drink with friends, or gathering with family for an evening out.
“Plates for a Purpose” reflects Cascade Kitchens’ ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations and community initiatives through meaningful partnerships and fundraising events that bring people together around great food and a shared purpose.
Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the diverse dining options available throughout the food hall, and contribute to a project that will have a lasting impact on the region.
The latest environmental controversy in Tahoe isn’t a development project, a wildfire, or a fight over lake clarity.
It’s a weed killer.
A proposal to use glyphosate in portions of the Caldor Fire burn scar has triggered mounting concern among residents and environmental advocates, opening a broader conversation about the herbicide’s health risks, ecological impacts, and growing presence throughout the region.
It all started with nonprofit news outlet Mother Jones’ yearlong investigation into the expanding use of herbicides in California forests. Released in May, the article dove deep into the worlds of wildfire management and recovery, industrial pesticide production, and complex federal bureaucracy. Among other projects, the article highlighted Forest Service plans to use herbicide as a vegetation management tool in the burn scar of the 2021 Caldor wildfire.
PULSING INTO WATERSHEDS: The most widely used herbicide in the world, glyphosate, poses a great risk of ecological devastation, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Illustration by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
The final environmental assessment and decision notice for the Caldor Fire Restoration Project — to be spearheaded by the Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) — was released in March of this year. The project will thin tree stands in and around the burn area, remove damaged trees, and reforest burned areas, all within an approximately 11,700-acre project footprint.
Part of that preparation and reforestation is slated to include potential herbicide treatment. In the environmental assessment, LTBMU notes that “herbicides may be used to aid site preparation before tree planting and to manage competing vegetation after planting when manual treatments are ineffective or expected to be insufficient.”
At the top of the list of intended herbicides? Glyphosate.
Public reaction to the Caldor Restoration Project
The Mother Jones investigation analyzed more than 5 million California pesticide-use records, finding that approximately 266,000 pounds of glyphosate were applied in California forests in 2023 — nearly five times the amount used two decades earlier. The article characterized forest applications as the fastest-growing use of glyphosate in the state.
Public opposition to the use of the chemical in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin has quickly mounted, and pressure is on for local agencies.
In response to public outcry around the use of glyphosate in the Caldor Fire Restoration Project, a change.org petition began to circulate. It quickly garnered well over 22,000 signatures by the time this article was written, with public comments and support pouring in from across the country. Conspicuously absent from the body of this petition, however, are any concrete demands to address the titular demand, “Stop glyphosate spraying in the Tahoe Basin.”
This missing piece may be a reflection of the confusing decision-making associated with this project — in this particular instance, it seems few people know exactly how to effect change within our local bureaucracy.
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REFORESTATION: A recently planted Jeffrey pine seedling grows at the Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort in California during a project in the Caldor Fire burn scar in May. Personnel from Silhouette Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Great Basin Institute planted red fir, Jeffrey pine and western white pine. Photo by Andrew Avitt/U.S. Forest Service
REVEGETATION WITH A PURPOSE: While vegetation will naturally reappear in the burn scar, the Forest Service plans to use mechanical and chemical treatments to ensure sufficient conifer growth. Photo by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
PULSING INTO WATERSHEDS: The most widely used herbicide in the world, glyphosate, poses a great risk of ecological devastation, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Illustration by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
Frustrated, concerned, and confused, the public has swarmed to social media and rallied at Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) governance meetings to demand regulatory change. But that’s just not how it works, Jeff Cowen, public information officer at TRPA explained to me. At least, not anymore.
To understand the decision-making process behind environmental projects like this one, one must go back to the start. In 1969, TRPA was formed to help manage the two states, five counties, and three national forests that all wanted decision-making power over Lake Tahoe. Soon after, LTBMU was formed to consolidate national forest management in the region.
“It’s … been a partnership from the start,” Cowen said of the relationship between TRPA and LTBMU. But with 79% of land in the Basin owned and managed by the Forest Service, there are limitations on TRPA’s influence.
Those limitations have shifted over time, perhaps the most notable of which came as a result of the 2007 Angora wildfire. Inefficiencies, silos, and redundant regulatory procedures, Cowen explained, were identified as sticking points in the fire’s cause and magnitude. To address these hindrances, about 20 agencies came together to streamline environmental decision-making in the Basin.
Among the outcomes of this streamlining was an expanded memorandum of understanding between TRPA and LTBMU. For major projects like the Caldor Fire Restoration Project, TRPA is no longer a permitting authority, but instead an advisor to the decision-making process.
Cowen emphasized the efficacy of this decision, sharing that he feels that a “regulatory framework is really ineffective and not needed,” between the two agencies. “Because the Forest Service has very similar goals … they basically get to the point where they’re just adopting [our] goals and implementing them through their own plans.”
Together, the agencies have treated 80,000 acres across the Basin for wildfire prevention in the past two decades. But he also acknowledged there are “big, federal, overarching principles and direction that they also have to follow.”
As of late, these overarching principles seem somewhat murky.
How we got here: A noxious government love affair
In February of this year, the Trump administration made a sweeping move with the issuance of an Executive Order unambiguously named “Promoting the National Defense by Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorous and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides.”
This explicit prioritization of glyphosate production and use by the executive branch is a conveniently-timed declaration of support for the lawsuit-ridden Bayer company — and it’s no mystery as to why, Nathan Donley from the Center for Biological Diversity explained.
Our government has and continues to validate the use of glyphosate and other pesticides — despite the widely documented risks — because of the immense lobbying power of agricultural and agrochemical industries, Donley said. And it is far from isolated to the Trump administration.
“It’s been an absolute full court press from Bayer on all levels of government,” he explained. “Not just the executive and legislative branches. I mean, Clarence Thomas was a former Monsanto employee.”
And he’s not the only agrichemical-employee-turned-political-appointee. As of President Trump’s first year in office, all four of the top positions in the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention — the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Assistant Administrator, Deputy Assistant Administrator for New Chemicals, and Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticides — have been filled by former executives or lobbyists of chemical and agricultural companies. The EPA and most other pesticide regulatory agencies continue to assert that glyphosate does not pose a health risk when used according to its label.
As Donley said, “the tendrils run deep … in the levels of influence that this company, Bayer, has in our government.”
Just how deep they run on initiatives like the Caldor Fire Restoration Project remains somewhat opaque. In the project’s environmental assessment, the herbicide use is identified as a way to expedite reforestation and “achieve silvicultural objectives.” These objectives? Conifer stands.
The assessment names three target species that, if not for herbicide use, could otherwise outcompete reforested conifers: western whitethorn, greenleaf manzanita, and ceanothus, or California lilac.
These native, fire-adapted species are known as pioneer species, meaning they are often the first to appear after wildfire events. Their fast-growing roots help to stabilize fire-impacted soil and prevent excess erosion, while also providing species-specific benefits like returning nutrients to damaged soils and quickly regenerating important habitat for pollinators and other species.
But while targeted elimination of native species may raise eyebrows, the Forest Service has an explanation. They are “not taking a wholesale targeting approach to these shrub species,” but instead targeting them only in the immediate vicinity of conifer seedlings. This will help ensure the area includes enough established trees to prevent full conversion to a montane chaparral environment, which could otherwise ignite easier and burn faster in future fire seasons.
Still, there is time before glyphosate use is slated to begin in the Basin.
“No herbicide application is planned for 2026 or 2027,” the Forest Service’s Region 5 media team stated. “Reforestation is an activity that will occur after initial entry (such as mechanical or hand treatments to remove overhead hazards and perhaps prescribed burning or mastication as site preparation) and occurs later in the project implementation timeline.”
Of the 11,700 acres of Forest Service land included within the project area, herbicide treatment is only proposed on a portion of the 2,400 to 3,600 acres where reforestation efforts will take place.
It’s a common pesticide. What’s the big deal?
Well, ain’t that the $11 billion question.
Health and environmental concerns associated with glyphosate use and exposure have been bubbling up for over a decade.
And despite being the most widely used herbicide globally, glyphosate wasn’t originally poised to become a pesticide at all. The chemical was first developed as a boiler and pipe cleaner agent. It wasn’t until 1974 that Monsanto, an American agrochemical and biotechnology company, discovered its efficacy as a herbicide. Monsanto quickly patented the discovery and sold glyphosate as the active ingredient in its crown-jewel herbicide product — Roundup.
GREENS-KEEPING: Golf courses are among the many landscapes where glyphosate is commonly used for vegetation management. Photo by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
For over 25 years, Roundup products filled shelves at hardware and home garden stores, farming co-ops, and major industrial retailers as the sole glyphosate-based product. Touting its unique success as a versatile weed-killer, products were marketed and sold in a variety of forms, from ready-to-use herbicides for home gardens to commercial-grade concentrates designed for agricultural, industrial, and heavy-duty landscaping use. The substance was applied with everything from handheld bottles to backpack devices to large-scale aerial sprayers.
In 2000, Monsanto’s patent for exclusive use of the chemical expired in the United States. Other manufacturers began to flood the market, introducing their own glyphosate-based herbicides. Public use skyrocketed and, for the better part of two decades, glyphosate products flew off shelves.
Then in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), published a scientific evaluation of the carcinogenicity of several market herbicides, glyphosate among them. As a result, glyphosate was designated as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
Months later, the first lawsuit to allege Monsanto’s Roundup products were causing cancer proceeded to trial in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, a groundskeeper for Benicia Unified School District argued Roundup had caused his non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The case, Johnson v. Monsanto, became the first of approximately 125,000 similar claims filed by 2020, with the California court ultimately ruling in Mr. Johnson’s favor. The jury awarded the plaintiff $289 million in compensatory and punitive damages, an amount that was later reduced by the judge to $78 million and then $21 million.
At the same time, proponents of glyphosate products began to vehemently defend both its safety and usage.
One such advocate named Patrick Moore, a former environmentalist turned TED-talking-climate-change-skeptic, even went so far as to claim Roundup was safe to drink. Moore was featured on air in a CBC News segment on the 2015 WHO findings, where he stated that “you can drink a whole quart of [Roundup], it won’t hurt you.” However, when offered a glass of the chemical by his interviewer, Moore declined to substantiate his claim in real-time, repeatedly saying “No, I’m not stupid.”
In 2017, a multi-district litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California consolidated the surge of federal lawsuits against Monsanto for its Roundup products. The litigation revealed a body of evidence that the leading study cited to defend Roundup’s safety for human exposure — Safety Evaluation and Risk Assessment of the Herbicide Roundup and Its Active Ingredient, Glyphosate, for Humans, published in 2000 by Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology — was in large part shaped and steered by Monsanto employees. The suit exposed email exchanges between Monsanto employees offering congratulations to one another for their “hard work” on the study and hopes that it would become “the reference on Roundup and glyphosate safety.”
Ultimately, the journal retracted the study, citing significant ethical concerns. But the damage was done, and the study still ranks among the top references justifying glyphosate use and claims to its safety.
In 2018, Monsanto was acquired by Bayer, a German pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical company. Bayer continued to sell Roundup but quickly discontinued the use of the Monsanto brand name, which was becoming increasingly tied to unfavorable litigation.
The United States District Court for the Northern District of California found Monsanto liable for another case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Hardeman v. Monsanto Co. in 2019, initially awarding Mr. Hardeman $80 million in damages — a total subsequently reduced to $20 million. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the decision in 2021, finding that the EPA’s approval of a pesticide label does not immunize a manufacturer from being held liable. This case ultimately became the first (and at this point, only) federal decision on the issue.
Despite Bayer phasing out glyphosate as an active ingredient in its residential Roundup products in 2023, it remains present in commercial and agricultural formulas. Lawsuits have continued to arise, with substantial damages and fees awarded to plaintiffs whose exposure to Roundup resulted in non-Hodgkin, follicular, T-cell, or other forms of lymphoma.
As of the time this article is being written, Bayer has paid over $11 billion in settlements for Roundup-related lawsuits and proposed a nation-wide class action settlement that would cap current and future claim payouts at $7.25 billion, to be used for declining payments for up to 21 years. The class action is heavily opposed by plaintiffs and environmental and public health organizations who have described it as a liability “shield.” A decision from the federal Supreme Court on its constitutionality is expected later in June. If approved, it will become one of the largest legal fee awards to date.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE: The 2021 Caldor Fire burned 221,835 acres across El Dorado, Alpine, and Amador counties. Photo by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
Public health and environmental impact
Cancer is far from the only public health risk posed by glyphosate use and exposure.
Studies have found potential ties between glyphosate exposure and various medical conditions such as liver disease and reproductive disorders including PCOS, endometriosis, and disruptions to fertility. What’s more, a growing body of research is finding that glyphosate exposure may be a trigger for various gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
But despite these alarming associations, it remains unclear how much exposure is required to pose a real health risk to humans. In the vast majority of legal cases, affected plaintiffs are groundkeepers, farmers, or dedicated recreational gardeners — folks routinely subjected to highly concentrated forms of glyphosate.
In all likelihood, the exposure any individual may experience as a direct result of a relatively remote use such as the Caldor Fire Restoration Project would not cause substantial human harm. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, the half-life (time needed for a chemical to reduce to half of its initial amount) of glyphosate is particularly variable, landing somewhere between 2 and 197 days in soil, and between “a few days” and 91 days in water.
The chance of human exposure narrows further upon consideration of where the Caldor Fire Reforestation Project’s proposed herbicide treatment areas lie. In an email, the Forest Service’s Region 5 media team noted that “for the Caldor Fire Restoration Project, herbicide use is proposed only on a subset of the area proposed for reforestation, where other reforestation site preparation methods will not work. For example, manual removal equipment is not permitted in project areas with steep slopes, locations far from existing roads, [or] sensitive soils.”
But the questionable human health impacts of this project are not the sole consideration in this instance. An even greater risk is the ecological devastation that glyphosate wreaks on habitats, plants, and wildlife.
Donley at the Center for Biological Diversity noted that so long as glyphosate is present, it poses an environmental risk. This is particularly true after any precipitation, where stormwater runoff “goes into the nearby river, lake, or stream of that watershed and contaminates it with high pulses of pesticide.”
Donley emphasized that most animals do rely on these waters, whether they are woodland animals seeking drinking water, wetland species like migratory birds, or aquatic animals that then have no choice but to suffer through 24/7 exposure to contaminated water. While this can be lethal, he added, there are other effects as well. “It can lead to chronic harms like reduced reproductive capability or developmental defects, so it can affect subsequent generations and ultimately lead to population decline or even collapse for certain species,” he explained.
The Environmental Protection Agency found that glyphosate use was likely causing harm to 1,676 of the approximately 1,700 plants and animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Where the Caldor Fire Restoration Project is concerned, LTBMU will be taking some precautions to prevent this catastrophic runoff. “Herbicide applications will not take place within six hours of predicted rainfall that has a high probability of producing measurable runoff, or as requested by the Forest Service aquatics biologist,” the Forest Service shared via email. Additionally, the project will use backpack sprayers or other low-volume methods, as opposed to aquatic or aerial application, which produces greater concern for pollinator species.
But slip-ups or insufficient margins of time between application and precipitation could be catastrophic for some species that call the Tahoe area home.
In 2021, the federal Environmental Protection Agency found that glyphosate use was likely causing harm to 1,676 of the approximately 1,700 plants and animals protected under the Endangered Species Act. Impacted species include the Sierra Nevada red fox, California spotted owl, and Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, all of which are listed in the federal Endangered Species Act and live in our area.
Hitting close to home
While proposed glyphosate use in the Caldor burn scar has created quite a stir for the public, it appears as though our community remains blissfully unaware that glyphosate made its debut in the Truckee/Tahoe area long ago.
According to its most recent annual data, California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) ranked glyphosate the sixth most used pesticide in the state in 2023. Of herbicides (plant-specific pesticides) used statewide, glyphosate ranked number one both by pounds applied and total acres treated – 10.7 million and 4.8 million, respectively. About 270,000 pounds alone were used to spray California’s forest land, a figure that has been steadily increasing each year.
Agriculture remains a top use, with glyphosate the pesticide of choice for a variety of crops, from cotton to nuts to citrus and even — put down your glass of pinot here — wine grapes. Neighborhood gardens also pose a risk; DPR data excludes residential use, but despite Bayer’s 2023 phaseout of glyphosate from its residential products, the compound remains the active ingredient in competitor products. Nationwide, the EPA estimates residential and non-crop glyphosate use at several million pounds per year.
While glyphosate is most closely associated with agriculture, it is also widely used in non-agricultural settings, including rights-of-way corridors, landscape maintenance, parks, athletic facilities, golf courses, utility infrastructure, and other managed public spaces.
Individual county reporting provides insight into current uses regionally. El Dorado County, which encompasses the Eastern side of Folsom to the California-Nevada state line in South Lake Tahoe, applied over 9,500 pounds of glyphosate in 2023 for forest and timberland applications, and just over 6,000 along rights of way areas like roads, highway corridors, sidewalks, and curb areas. Placer County, on the other hand, reported over 9,000 pounds used for rights of way areas, just over 4,600 pounds for forest and timberland areas, and just under 4,000 pounds for landscape maintenance. Nevada County clocked in with significantly lower rates, atjust over 2,000 pounds used for rights of way areas and a similar amount for landscape maintenance topping the list in 2023.
These numbers encompass more than public agency use. Private landowners are also obligated to report use to DPR, and glyphosate has become industry-standard for a number of vegetative fixtures. For example, on its website, NV Energy notes herbicide use as a mechanism for vegetation management under its power lines.
A recent follow-up article from Mother Jones opened with investigative journalist Nate Halverson standing in the middle of a run at Sierra-at-Tahoe that “clearly had been doused in glyphosate,” pointing to the area being “devoid of spring flowers; the bushes leafless, brittle, and dead by all appearances.” Sure enough, Halverson had found that the “Forest Service posted maps online showing it had sprayed glyphosate around and within Sierra-at-Tahoe in spring 2025.” This spraying was a part of a separate Caldor Fire Restoration Project, managed by El Dorado Resource Conservation District and taking place outside of the Basin, with a much larger footprint approved for herbicide use.
Patrick Lacey, public relations manager at Palisades Tahoe, said the resort does not use any chemicals, herbicides, or pesticides for vegetation management. Instead, he explained, its vegetation management crews use the mechanical removal of smaller trees and bushes to focus on “reducing ladder fuels on the forest floor and skier safety; the combination works synergistically.”
Since 2015, more than 125,000 legal claims have been filed alleging that exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, contributed to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Bayer has paid over $11 billion in settlements thus far. File photo
Marc McMullen, the golf course superintendent at Northstar California Resort, told me he does use glyphosate as well as fungicide to manage vegetation on the Northstar course. While total use during the season is relatively low, McMullen emphasized that the compound used is a harsh enough product that it is not available off the shelf and requires a pesticide applicator license through both the state and county.
University extension publications and turf-management literature routinely identify golf courses as a significant use category for the herbicide for vegetation management, cart-path edging, weed control, and renovation projects.
Moonshine Ink reached out to other land managers of community spaces, but many did not respond to the inquiries.
While debate continues over where and when glyphosate should be used, its presence in the modern landscape is difficult to avoid entirely. That reality raises a practical question for residents: What steps, if any, can individuals and communities take to reduce exposure?
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot
Options range from personal choices to participating in public discussions.
First and foremost, eating food grown using organic practices whenever possible is one of the leading ways to reduce glyphosate exposure and mitigate its harms to human health, researchers say.
A 2020 study published in Environmental Research found that diet is a main source of glyphosate exposure for humans. What’s more, researchers found glyphosate levels in children prior to making the switch to organic foods were approximately five times higher than adult levels. The good news? Transitioning to organic food had a near-immediate impact on the amount of glyphosate in subjects’ systems, reducing levels by over
70 percent.
Water, too, can be a potential source of glyphosate exposure. In the Basin, where most household drinking water comes from surface waters, regional water purveyors regularly test for pesticides. Sarah Vidra, the Executive Director at Tahoe Water Suppliers Association, confirmed that “pesticides are … monitored as part of the Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOC) program.” Currently, she added, “the Association is not aware of any pesticide detections exceeding drinking water standards in Lake Tahoe source water supplies.” Vidra confirmed the SOC testing TWSA uses detects glyphosate.
Truckee tap water is substantially more removed from potential contamination, as the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) sources all water from deep underground aquifers. “The average age of our drinking water predates many modern chemicals,” Alex Spychalsky, TDPUD Communications Program Manager, explained via email. “For example, the rain we saw fall in our region last week won’t reach our aquifer for decades.”
But Donley said there’s more to be done than relying on water purveyors. “Regardless of how clean you think your water is, everyone should have a good water filter in their house,” he advised. “Because I don’t care how clean you think your water is, it’s not.”
MAKING THE ROUNDS: Glyphosate wasn’t originally poised to become a pesticide at all. The chemical was first developed as a boiler and pipe cleaner agent. In 1974 Monsanto discovered its efficacy as a herbicide and quickly patented the discovery and sold glyphosate as the active ingredient in its crown-jewel herbicide product — Roundup. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
While limiting glyphosate exposure in private spaces like kitchens, yards, and gardens can help mitigate risk, navigating more public areas that are outside of one’s control can be more complex. A simple rule of thumb, Donley suggested, is don’t play — and don’t let your loved ones play — where dandelions don’t grow. Weeds and other landscaping imperfections are natural. Allow them to be a sign of safe, glyphosate-free spaces.
Locally, questions about herbicide use may be addressed through existing regulatory and planning processes. As for the standards by which TRPA advises projects, those can be changed, though Cowen noted that “the path to what action [TRPA] can take is a relatively long one.” While it typically responds to emerging issues through scientific review, Cowen suggested the level of public interest surrounding glyphosate may warrant further examination. In the case of herbicide use in the Tahoe Basin, he said, “public concern is probably enough for us to start looking at it.”
Whether glyphosate is ultimately used as part of the LTBMU Caldor Fire Restoration Project remains to be seen. What is already clear is that the proposal has sparked a broader conversation about forest management, wildfire recovery, herbicide use, public health, and environmental stewardship — one that is likely to continue well beyond the boundaries of the burn scar itself.
For decades, Truckee Fire Protection District has provided fire and emergency medical services to some of the region’s most affluent neighborhoods. According to the district, however, it has never received the full share of property tax revenue that should be tied to those responsibilities.
Now, after years of unsuccessful negotiations, Truckee Fire has taken Placer County to court, arguing that a decades-old property tax allocation error has deprived the district of roughly $40 million since the mid-1970s. The lawsuit could reshape how millions of dollars in property taxes are distributed among local agencies, drawing 10 other districts into the dispute.
Property tax collection for select special districts across Truckee/North Tahoe play a significant role in revenue streams. Some, like Truckee Sanitary District and Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, rely on property taxes for more than 60% of their operating revenue.
This is common in California: Revenue from the 1% property tax is the foundation for most jurisdictions, from counties and cities down to schools and special districts.
Which means if there’s a piece of the highly precious property pie tax missing, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Nearly 75% of the Truckee Fire Protection District’s 2025/26 revenue comes from taxes, or $14.1 million of its total $19.8 million budget. That number, alleges the district, should be $4 million more.
The district officially brought a case before the Sacramento Superior Court in February 2025 to right a “historic wrong,” according to court documentation.
Placer County, through outside counsel, has so far called into question the legal validity of the entire case, disputing each of the four causes of action submitted by Truckee Fire that make up its argument. Judge Jennifer K. Rockwell ruled against the county’s claims as recently as May 14.
As of press deadline, the ball is in Placer’s court: it has until July 6 to file a formal response to Truckee Fire’s demand for court action and a legal ruling.
Because of the active litigation, both entities provided brief statements to Moonshine Ink:
“Truckee Fire looks forward to having our day in court and to an expeditious, fair, and complete resolution to this matter,” Chief Kevin McKechnie said.
“The county disputes the claims brought by the district and will defend its position in the litigation,” shared Steven Wilson-Maggard, public information officer.
How did we get here?
The red tape that’s causing so much back and forth stems from California’s Proposition 13, passed back in 1978.
This ruling put a 1% tax rate cap of a property’s assessed value and limited yearly assessment increases to 2%. (Prior to ’78, the state’s average property tax rate was 2.67%.) Further, property reassessments bringing up a property to current market value can only take place when there’s a change in ownership or new construction.
Assembly Bill 8 (AB 8), enacted in 1979, determined how that 1% tax was divided up among local governments. County auditors were required to base this distribution on the average property tax revenue received by local governments in the few years preceding Prop 13.
The crux for Truckee Fire is that a few years prior to Prop 13, the district began providing fire protection and medical services to a piece of land known then as the Woolverton Property and known now as Zone 7, annexed into the district in 1974.
CAUGHT IN RED TAPE: Select neighborhoods in Martis Valley are classified as a No Pay Tax Rate Area (TRA), which means Truckee Fire Protection District provides service with no property tax revenue in return. The group of homes in question amounts to 1,600 structures across 2,189 parcels. Graphic by Lauren Shearer/Moonshine Ink and courtesy Google Maps
Zone 7 currently comprises Martis Camp, Schaffer’s Mill, part of Lahontan off Snowshoe Thompson Circle; a portion of Sierra Meadows off Pine Cone and Ponderosa drives, and Golden Pine Road; as well as a section of Ponderosa Palisades on Silver Fir Drive west of Thelin Drive.
The Woolverton agreement limited taxation to the value of improvements (or development), not the underlying land, and allowed property owner Bertha Joerger Woolverton “to continue to live on her property unburdened by taxes but to support the District’s services as she sold her land for development,” as stated in Truckee Fire’s complaint.
In board meetings, Placer County supervisors have called this deal of taxing Zone 7 at a reduced rate as a mistake made by Truckee Fire, leading to the district receiving only partial property tax from that area during three critical years before Prop 13. That taxation level was locked into place in 1978 — and has stayed that way through today.
During the 2024/25 tax year, across the TRAs in Zone 7, Truckee Fire received between 0.60% and 0.75% in AB 8 property tax allocation. A nearby TRA shows Truckee Fire receiving 11.58% of the distribution.
There have been some negotiations in the intervening years. Truckee Fire formally requested its share of AB 8 funding in 1997, 2011, 2018, and 2023. In 1997, Placer’s Auditor Controller Jayne Goulding sent a letter to Truckee Fire stating the revenues had been corrected, but that change never took place.
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IN 1973, Truckee Fire received a letter from Bertha Woolverton requesting annexation into the district for land known today as Martis Valley. Documents courtesy Truckee Fire Protection District
IN 1973, Truckee Fire received a letter from Bertha Woolverton requesting annexation into the district for land known today as Martis Valley. Documents courtesy Truckee Fire Protection District
In 2019, the county allocated the district funding from an adjacent bucket: Placer County executed a voluntary tax share agreement allowing Truckee Fire to receive a portion of fire control fee collected from Zone 7 property taxes, amounting to about $300,000 annually. Truckee Fire considers this agreement irrelevant to the larger situation, according to court documentation.
In June 2024, the Placer County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation about the fire control fund and whether to continue with a subsequent funding method or not.
Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes pointed out in June 2024 that Truckee Fire could have corrected the issue in part during the county’s 2003 general plan update but did not do so: “This sets a precedent … This takes money out of our general fund to supplement a district that failed to take action when the opportunity was there for them.”
The item was not up for action, and ended with unclear steps for the future. Eight months later, Truckee Fire filed its case.
What specifically is being asked for?
Truckee Fire’s legal reasons for suing Placer fall into two camps: three focus on the failure of property tax allocation (as described previously), while the fourth focuses on the county’s failure to comply with the Placer County General Plan and Martis Valley Community Plan.
This second camp claims the county approved real estate developments such as Martis Valley, Schaffer’s Mill, and part of Lahontan neighborhoods in Zone 7 without funding fire service in conjunction.
In early 2024, Truckee Fire alleges in the complaint, the district stated on an early building permit for a townhome development in Schaffer’s Mill that as the serving fire protection district, it would “withhold approval of a Certificate of Occupancy until it received adequate funding to provide fire services to the development.” The district also requested that the county restrict further development in Martis Valley until the funding issues at hand could be rectified.
On March 26 of that year, Placer amended its county code to allow fire-protection district approval to come from either Truckee Fire, Placer County Fire, or Cal Fire.
Over a year later, the Placer County Planning Commission modified the Schaffer’s Mill Conditional Use Permit language to allow either Truckee Fire or Placer County Fire’s signature for plan approvals.
Placer demurred to the district’s complaint on all causes of action. A demurrer essentially means that even if, in this case, Truckee Fire’s claims are true, they do not warrant a lawsuit. Judge Rockwell overruled two of the three demurrers, while sustaining the third demurrer on the fourth cause of action, but allowed the district time to amend its legal stance.
Truckee Fire did so, submitting an amended complaint — to which Placer demurred once again on the fourth cause of action. The judge overruled this demurrer in mid-May, leading to the current wait for Placer County’s response, due by July 6.
From there, the case will likely enter a discovery phase, during which both sides will exchange information, evidence, and witness interviews.
Among its requests for ruling, Truckee Fire hopes for legal mandates to the county to allocate and pay the district its AB 8 share of Zone 7 property tax revenue; a permanent injunction from denying Truckee Fire its AB 8 share; and a declaration that Placer’s decision to approve development in the Martis Valley area without general plan compliance violates the law.
TRUCKEE FIRE’S Station 96, serving the Martis Valley 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 2000. Courtesy photo
What other districts are involved (and whose side are they on)?
If Truckee Fire is allotted any amount of AB 8, which is a limited pot of money, other entities receiving property tax from Zone 7 will take a hit.
When it first filed its complaint, Truckee Fire did not include other taxing entities involved in Zone 7 who could be impacted. Placer called this out in a demurrer, requiring an amended complaint to include the following as real parties in interest:
Truckee Tahoe Airport District, Placer County Resource Conservation District, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Sierra Community College District, Placer County Office of Education, Placer County Water Agency, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, Tahoe Truckee Sanitation Agency, Tahoe City Public Utility District, and Truckee Sanitary District. All 10 are listed as parties on the side of Placer County.
Of the parties, the airport district, Tahoe City PUD, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Placer County Office of Education, and Truckee Sanitary District have filed joinders at some point, formally aligning themselves with Placer’s arguments. For the latest set of demurrers, the school district and office of education did not file joinders while the remaining three did.
Why other parties of interest didn’t file a joinder can be for many reasons, including being able to benefit from a decision without the cost or exposure; different interests than defendant’s strategies; and taking a wait-and-see approach.
“While the core of this dispute is between the fire district and the county, the legal remedy sought, a reapportionment of ad valorem property taxes, carries an outsized potential impact on a broad coalition of local public agencies that provide essential services to our community,” TTAD General Manager Robb Etnyre wrote in an email. “Because property tax revenue is a ‘zero-sum’ system under California law, any significant shift in these percentages means the funding must be drawn from the existing shares of other local entities.”
In its 2026 budget, TTAD anticipates receiving about $10 million in property tax revenue — about 55% of its revenue for the year.
Etnyre added that the airport district’s participation in the case, as well as the other parties with interest, “is intended to ensure that the pursuit of fire protection funding does not inadvertently destabilize the budgets of our schools, our hospital, or our regional infrastructure.”
Truckee Fire has said in public statements about the case, “Placer County would prefer we ask taxpayers districtwide to approve a new property tax so that the district can have sufficient funds to fund services in Lahontan, Martis Camp and Schaffer’s Mill … Placer County has already collected substantial tax revenue, they just need to allocate it.”
In the current court case, the district is requesting its AB 8 share from the date of the final court order forward. Meanwhile, it is also asking for historical records of what it received from 1975 to 1978, which would play a role in determining the full amount Truckee Fire might have collected since the mid-1970s.
It’s midnight in the middle of nowhere on the Trans-Siberian Railway but sleep is far from mind. Russian train-riders are gathered in the bar car, laughing and dancing around the ragtag string band that’s swigging vodka and making up funny songs on the spot.
The bandmembers are a bunch of Americans, in-country for the 2018 World Cup, and rather than geopolitical hostilities there’s a warmth of human connection forged around global sport and the universal language of music.
TRAIN JAM: Jeremiah Kent (middle) and Martin Cavada (foreground) playing tunes and giving smiles at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Photo by Ryan Salm
“We ended up being the house band on the Trans-Siberian for a week,” guitarist Ryan Salm remembered. “It was before the war [in Ukraine]. We ended up befriending generals and regular people, just singing songs and staying up all night.”
Salm is a founding member of the Home Team String Band, the Tahoe/Truckee-based group that’s traveled to the last four World Cups — bringing an open-armed vibe of music, good times, and cross-cultural connection as they celebrate the unifying power of soccer’s biggest stage.
THE HOME TEAM’S BUS, painted by Ben Williams of Truckee, does not have a nickname yet, but members of the band are pretty sure it will by the time the World Cup is over. Photos courtesy Paul Raymore
This year’s World Cup will be played in North and Central America from June 11 to July 19, with the bulk of the matches taking place in the United States.
“We’ve been welcomed wherever we’ve gone,” said Dan Hurley, the group’s unofficial musical coordinator who, along with Salm, also plays in the Tahoe-based band The Inappropriators. “I’m most looking forward to hosting, and to giving back to the world what they’ve given for us. We are going to show a welcoming spirit.”
To do so, the band bought an old Bluebird school bus and undertook a group-effort, custom build-out, readying their “Schoolie” to be a traveling home, fan-zone (with two TVs and a projector screen), music venue, and cultural welcome center. They’ll make and hand out grilled cheese sandwiches and throw parties, aiming to be a gathering place where people from all over the world can hang out before, during, or after the games and have a good time.
TRANSFORMATION: Members of the Home Team String Band talk it over during a bus-buildout session.
“We’ll play a bunch of songs and hope to get people to join our band along the way,” Salm added.
Folks may join the band forever, for a day, an hour, or even just one song. After all, impromptu additions to the group are what created the Home Team in the first place. The band is now 12-plus humans strong, but it all started back in 2010 with three Tahoe locals who just wanted to go the World Cup in South Africa.
Salm arrived on the continent before the event began and traveled overland from Ethiopia (guitar and harmonica in tow) to South Africa. He knew Paul Raymore and Hurley independently, and they all made plans to meet up before the matches began.
TRANSPORTATION: When the Home Team String Band found themselves in a dry country for the 2022 World Cup, they traded beer for bikes and cycled to the games in Qatar. Photo by Ryan Salm
Prior to linking up with them, Salm was checking out of a bungalow in Malawi just as another guy with a guitar was checking in. He was from L.A., and Salm told him he lived in Tahoe. The guy’s first question was, “Have you been to High Sierra Music Festival?”
Salm smiled. “I go every year,” he said. The connection was instant and the two made sure they’d reconnect in South Africa — and boom, Jeremiah Kent was added to the roster.
Similar serendipity ensued at the USA vs. England game in Rustenberg when an American approached the group and it was discovered they had a mutual friend in Tahoe. He introduced himself as Pete Blanchard and they all hung out that night. “We had an empty spot in our car,” Salm said, “and the next day Pete was part of the crew.”
They met Tahoe-ite Trevor Husted at the USA vs. Algeria knockout match and the group of travel-seeking, soccer-loving musicians started writing funny songs about their World Cup experiences. The bond was tight, and the Home Team String Band was born.
THE HOME TEAM STRING BAND celebrates euphorically at a World Cup match. Photo courtesy Paul Raymore
Everyone has a nickname. Someone who joined eight years ago will always be New Guy (Dane Halter). Added in 2014 were Hulké (Martin Cavada), Hylando (Rylan Cordova), and Maximus (Kurt Beckering). Then there’s Godfather (Paul Raymore), Captain Jebbers (Kent), and Handsome (Hurley), among others.
The nicknames are written on the back of the bandmate’s personal Sweatsedo — a sweet, custom-made velour track suit — in the local language of whatever country they are in. Sometimes the names get lost in translation. In Russia, for example, Trevor Husted’s “T-Bone” read as “T-Steak.”
Eight years later, Husted is still T-Steak.
Blanchard earned his original nickname, Granada (Spanish for grenade), due to his proclivity for explosive late-night antics, but on the Trans-Siberian he turned sweet. On a short stop, he ran out and bought flowers for the Russian bartendress. She received them well and started calling him Pupsik — a term of endearment either romantic or maternal meaning something akin to “cutie.” The boys couldn’t resist that one either, and his nickname forever changed to Pupsik.
There’s an origin story, of course, for the nicknames. In 2010, the original crew was driving on a dirt road in Lesotho, the small, mountainous nation landlocked by South Africa, when a couple of locals boys threw a small rock at the vehicle. “Stop the car!” boomed Salm’s voice. In a flash he was running into the African plains after the half-laughing, half-screaming perpetrators.
The team was beyond impressed by Salm’s speed. Right then and there he became “Cheetah” — and the naming began.
The young-adult sons of Raymore and Halter, Ethan and Nathan respectively, will hop on the bus for their first Home Team action this World Cup. “They’re good kids but they haven’t done much yet,” Hurley said. “They’ll be known collectively as JV until they prove themselves worthy of joining the varsity and earning a nickname.”
Not your typical band
The group’s gigs aren’t pre-booked shows in concert halls, rather impromptu busking-type sessions played in crowded subways, outside stadiums, and on bustling city streets.
“My favorite thing about it is that most of our material is written in the moment,” Hurley said, noting that the chord progressions are made up on the spot and the lyrics freestyled. “You write a song about a new person you’re hanging out with or the score of the game, a funny time at the bar or the street scene in Brazil we’re looking at.”
Many of their stream of consciousness songs, in a nod to true art, only ever exist once. Some, however, are played again and refined over time to become part of the band’s growing catalogue.
“We want people coming into it to feel welcome. It’s about the fun, the merriment, the global soccer-sports-music brotherhood that we’ve all come to know and love so much.”
~ Dan Hurley, unofficial musical director of The Home Team String Band, on the 2026 World Cup
And while they’ll mix in some covers — “California Dreaming,” “Hotel California,” and “Born in the U.S.A” are oft-requested when overseas — there’s never anything like a planned-out set list, which appeals to Hurley’s artistic sensibilities. “It’s total musical freedom,” he said.
In addition to the soccer and the music, adventure is a big part of the Home Team’s overall gameplan. On their World Cup-focused trips, they’ve hiked in national parks in Africa, explored the Amazon in Brazil, and embarked on multi-day, self-guided paddleboard trips around Russia’s Lake Baikal (the largest freshwater lake in the world and Tahoe’s sister lake), and the Arabian Sea, including in the Strait of Hormuz.
When Beckering joined the band for the 2014 Cup in Brazil, he brought along his banjo. The circular part of the instrument was white. One day he drew black markings on it to make it look like a soccer ball, and The Soccer Ball Banjo came to be.
“If there was a symbol of our band, that would be it,” Raymore declared.
The band was hitting their stride, but four years later the unthinkable happened: The U.S. failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. “It was shocking,” Salm said. “We didn’t know what to do.”
After some debate, the performers decided the show must go on — a decision that led to perhaps the band’s greatest moment, those days and nights of song and merriment as the house band on the clickety tracks of the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The 2022 World Cup, held in Qatar in Nov. and Dec. ’21 to avoid the region’s stifling summer heat, featured another changeup: The vodka-swigging, beer-crushing Home Teamers found themselves in a dry country. So, they traded booze for bikes and began cycling to the games, oftentimes two matches a day, and from place to place with their instruments and antics. “A lot of people over there hadn’t seen anything like us,” Salm said.
So, what do these 2026 home games mean for the Home Team String Band?
“We want people coming into it to feel welcome,” said Hurley, who recently wrote a song called “Host the World,” which can be found on YouTube. “It’s about the fun, the merriment, the global soccer-sports-music brotherhood that we’ve all come to know and love so much.”
MAKING NEW FRIENDS is a key part of the Home Team String Band’s World Cup experiences. Ryan Salm at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The Tahoe kickoff party takes place on June 12 at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee to watch Team USA’s opening game against Paraguay. The match starts at 6 p.m., with the pre-party starting at 4 p.m. The bus will be on site for tours and photos, and the boys will play tunes. All ages are welcome and bringing instruments is encouraged. “We’d love to see the biggest street band we can make in downtown Truckee,” Raymore said.
After that game, the Home Team will put the bus in gear and start attending matches in person. First, it’s down to San Francisco where Levi’s Stadium hosts Qatar vs. Switzerland on the 13th and Austria vs. Jordan on the 16th. Then it’s up to Seattle for Team USA’s highly anticipated June 19th match against Australia.
But the true destination is the journey — being on the bus and spreading the vibe like some version of the Merry Pranksters with a Pelé predilection and well-tuned instruments.
“We’ll stop anywhere from a town square to a dive bar or a trailer park,” Salm said. “It doesn’t need to be a million people. We’re not an arena band, it’s about intimate.”
From Seattle, the Home Team dips north of the border to catch New Zealand vs. Egypt on the summer solstice in Vancouver. Then the bus will turn around and meander south to get to L.A. in time for Team USA’s final group match June 25 at Sofi Stadium against Türkiye.
After group play the teams with the best records will advance to the knockout stages, the details of those matches being unknown until the completion of the first round. “We don’t have any idea yet where we’ll go,” Salm said, the band perhaps leaning into its ability to play things by ear. “We’ll try to follow the USA if we can.”
The Beautiful Game
Estimates are that 5.8 billion people, roughly 75% of the world population, will view the 2026 World Cup in some form — making it the most watched sporting event in human history.
Soccer, like music, is truly a global language. While there have been historical instances of violence breaking out between different fanbases, the majority of the sport’s power lies in unification.
“We may be enemies on the pitch, but before and after let’s put the differences behind us and hang out,” Salm said.
Not every minute of the band’s travels, however, has been filled with kumbaya. In Qatar, the boys were on a bus before the USA vs. Iran game. The bus was pretty much all Iranians. Some back-and-forth jarring started up that quickly turned heated, the fans at each other’s throats. “For a minute, you thought there was going to be a brawl,” Salm relayed. “But then we came together, like ‘hey, we’re all just human beings here.’”
The two countries are now at war.
There was a similar time on the Trans-Siberian Railway. “We met this guy who looked like a giant ogre, and we were all kind of intimidated,” Hurley recalled. But that mean-looking Russian played the guitar. And the guys bought him some beers. “By the end of the night he was kissing us on the forehead,” Hurley continued.
The Home Team is about getting past stereotypes, about breaking down barriers of preconceived notions of this country or that culture.
“Our adventures are a good chance to be face-to-face with people you don’t think you’ll get along with,” Hurley said. “Then you watch some soccer together and play some tunes and see what happens next.”
Mark Twain wrote that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” It seems like the Home Team String Band has picked up on what the author was putting down. Over the past 16 years, the group has set out across the globe to take in four World Cups, creating innumerable moments of beautiful connection between humans of different cultures.
They have always been visitors in a foreign land, yet wherever they have gone the Americans have been welcomed. This summer, they play host — ambassadors of our nation, doing what they can for international relations and having a good time doing it — one goal, one song, one new member of the Home Team at a time.
A Moonshine reader recently mailed us a letter, asking if we could figure out why Tahoe Forest Products (TFP), the relatively new sawmill facility in Carson City just off Highway 50, wasn’t producing. “They’re well stocked with Caldor Fire trees but no sawdust,” he wrote. “I’ve heard rumors, but what are the facts?
Indeed, the facility opened on Dec. 18, 2023, to quite a bit of fanfare — local publications, as well as Bloomberg, reported on just how critical Tahoe Forest Products would be in supporting healthy forests, fire recovery efforts, the local economy, and more.
But our reader is right. Two and a half years later, and TFP is sitting silent. I reached out to Kevin Leary, CEO of Hallador Investments, which is the primary investor in the facility, to understand the latest. ~ AH
There were rumors in late 2025 that the facility was closing and/or reporting bankruptcy. A Carson Now article reported that wasn’t the case, and that the facility was in the process of “retooling and upgrading” operations and machinery. Is that still the status, and how far along are those updates? Will the facility operate at full capacity soon?
Kevin Leary, CEO of Hallador: TFP did pause production in mid-2025 and it remains paused. The sawmill facility was originally designed using the lowest-possible cost machinery, meaning old and heavily used, which was a mistake. Too many breakdowns and too slow a production pace meant the initial facility was not financially sustainable. We also paused construction of the planer mill (which will sit to the north of the sawmill building, closer to Highway 50), to avoid making the same mistake twice. We expect to commence upgrades in June, and to be in production a year from now. More modern improvements will enable the facility to operate sustainably.
“Too many breakdowns and too slow a production pace meant the initial facility was not financially sustainable.”
~ Kevin Leary, Hallador Investments CEO
How is the facility funded, and are there concerns for ongoing financial support?
The company is funded by local private investors who care deeply about our region’s forest health, water quality, recreation, and cost of living (including home insurance costs), and who want to support the local economy. TFP will continue to have the support of the owners as long as the prospect of sustainable operations remains.
How is TFP working to address complaints by neighbors, including noise and bright lights?
Several of our neighbors have direct communication access to on-site management at TFP. In the past, we have worked with neighbors to address specific concerns, including repositioning lights and replacing diesel generators with fixed power. We engaged a local landscaping company to install several hundred thousand dollars [worth] of trees and plants along Bucks Way to the south and west.
We should add that occasionally complaints are directed at us that are not of TFP’s making. There are other tenants on the same parcel, and we have received complaints (e.g. dust) that are outside of our lease area or control. In other cases, loud nighttime noises or truck lights might be attributed to TFP but have nothing to do with the mill.
BACKLOG: Logs currently filling the Tahoe Forest Products facility outside Carson City are primarily from local fuels reduction treatments over the past few years, though a few remain from the 2021 Caldor Fire. Illustration by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
Is the facility feeling impacts from national changes to the U.S. Forest Service, which is undergoing massive restructuring?
TFP tries to maintain close relationships with the USFS at both the local and national levels. In our view, the goal of the changes underway is to move decision-making to the local level and empower local leadership, accountability, and action. There are layers of hierarchy and bureaucracy that probably should go away, like there are in any organization that has been around over a century. (If the readers want an analogy, they can listen to Jon Stewart interview Ezra Klein, co-author of Abundance, on the rollout of rural broadband, administered by a different federal agency. [Editor’s note: Listen to Why We Can’t Have Nice Things with Ezra Klein on The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart wherever you listen to podcasts.])
Locally, we have seen some disruptions, and certainly some over-extended and tired USFS friends picking up more responsibilities. But our hope and expectation are that the changes result in a localized, commonsense approach to forest management. To that end, the USFS recently awarded our partner, the Washoe Tribe, a 20-year Master Stewardship Agreement to empower the tribe and partners to take on a larger role in planning and implementing forest health treatments.
Are trees from the 2021 Caldor Fire still on site?
Yes, but very few. The logs received in the past two years are from fuels reduction treatments (i.e., green trees, not burned or salvaged) in the Tahoe Basin and surrounding national forests (Inyo, Humboldt Toiyabe, Eldorado, Tahoe) plus a smaller number from neighborhood and HOA fuels reduction projects.
One of the biggest shocks to my system when I — a type-A queen all about quick turnarounds and addressing issues exactly when they arise — joined MoonshineInk back in May 2019, was adapting to what we at the office call “Moonshine Time.”
As our readers likely know, we are a free, independent monthly print publication with a (again, free) website that includes both print content as well as online exclusives. We put out a roundup of news briefs every Friday, touching on various happenings during the preceding week, from special district decisions to free events to key hirings or departures and so on.
But what we really sink our teeth into is the print edition. The news articles especially are where we dive deep, exploring topics critical to our Truckee/North Tahoe community in ways that haven’t been addressed by any other news organization.
As Mountain Gazette editor and owner Mike Rogge wrote in 2023, “[Moonshine Ink is] holding up a mirror to who we are as a community.”
But as a primarily monthly focused newspaper with a core staff of eight, we have the tricky challenge of considering each edition’s timeline. For example, this edition, June 2026, runs June 11 to July 8. That means we’re planning for July 4 content in early May, when we sit down to discuss the June edition.
ABOUT 80% of the time, we are focused on the print publication. File photo
When news stories capture the nation’s interest, like the Liberty Utilities and NV Energy debacle earlier this year, we end up in an odd limbo state of watching approximately 1 million other outlets cover the situation while we’re working in the background to pull as many pieces together as possible for a publication date a few weeks out. My story, A Shock to the System, came out a few weeks after said 1 million outlets reported on the situation.
There’s also the controversial herbicide glyphosate being used to treat forests and more in our region. Again, this has been reported on by broader outlets — but we offer an in-depth lens on Truckee/Tahoe impacts.
It can be frustrating, yes (especially for this type-A queen), but I actually don’t mean for it to come off that way. It’s more so an opportunity to educate our readers about how our brains at Moonshine operate. About 80% of the time, we are thinking about what will come out the second Thursday of each month (except January; collective relaxation time for staff), and how our articles will both be as up to date as possible and highly informative.
Does that mean we don’t produce breaking news content? Not at all. We turn out articles on timely information quite often. Most recently, there was the approval of the Village at Palisades development, and the tragic Castle Peak avalanche. In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, we were constantly updating our readers with daily online updates on the situation. But we only have so many staffers, and as much as I wish otherwise, there are only 24 hours in the day.
To keep up and even expand our ability to cover more and increase publication of those online-exclusive stories, I urge you to consider becoming a Moonshine Ink Member. Like I wrote in a November 2023 Membership update, we want to cover more stories in-depth, but we need help to get there.
We jump right into the proverbial pot on June 12 with Uranus — the revolutionary, technology oriented outer planet now in Gemini — squaring the lunar nodes in Virgo and Pisces. Notice collective conversations about technology, communication, and change.
On June 13, Venus moves from the cardinal water sign of Cancer into the fixed fire sign of Leo, bringing warmth, confidence, and heart-centered connection. The Gemini new moon on June 14 holds a light, inquisitive energy that is perfect for socializing, for adventure, and for general connection.
A major collective shift happens on June 19 when Chiron, the “wounded healer asteroid,” moves from fiery Aries into grounded Taurus. This transit asks each of us to deepen our relationship to self-worth, earthly resources, and to what holds true beauty and meaning in our lives.
June 21 marks the summer solstice and the sun’s entrance into the nurturing sign of Cancer. On June 29, Mercury goes retrograde in Cancer and will bring our attention to how we emotionally process and communicate our feelings. This same day, we have a Capricorn full moon; this is a great lunation to revisit long term goals.
Mars conjoins Uranus in Gemini on July 3, generating a potentially volatile and impulsive charge to the collective field. Stay grounded and consider a meditation that morning to help you respond rather than react.
NATURAL MAGIC
The somewhat tense square between Uranus and the lunar nodes invites us to examine our relationship with technology and its impact on our nervous system, our creativity, and our future. It’s an ideal time to commit to a two-week digital detox.
Start simply: create a phone-free hour each day and designate one tech-free space in your home. As you commit to your fast and grow your time away from devices, pay note to what arises. In the beginning, you may feel restless or disconnected, or even a craving for your screens. But stay curious, observing what shifts you notice by day five? By day ten?
During your detox, keep a journal of your thoughts and emotions. It is also good to start or further draw into an art project, to stretch and move your body more spontaneously, and to catch sunsets (and even sunrises) simply for the sake of their beauty. Notice how the deepness of your sleep will tend to improve, as will the engagement of your conversations. This type of fast will not only offer real, observable change but also gift valuable perspective on your relationship to technology.
Three sequoia trees, once 3-foot-tall saplings planted by Clark Burnham in the 1930s on the hillside between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, now tower among the trees of Burnham Hill, marking the passing of time for the family who played and fished and lived below them.
FISHING FLY: The elder Clark Burnham fly fishes in the Truckee River, wearing a snazzy waist coat and tie. Photos courtesy Chris Burnham
Five generations of Burnhams, and some Hills, have summered at Burnham Hill, when Olympic Valley was known as Bear Valley and Alpine Meadows as Deer Park, and the railroad ran along the river. Purchased from the railroad and lumber companies by Clark Burnham in 1914 after years of visiting Tahoe for summers of flyfishing, the hill on which the cabins are scattered still feels like old Tahoe.
Burnham had considered land in Olympic Valley even before the Poulsens became the first to purchase property there in the 1940s, but opted for the natural springs and proximity to the river his plot provided. The family built its first log cabin in 1915 where Highway 89 now runs by the river and called the land Burnham Ridge. Back then, the children would sleep on fir bough beds in tents.
Barely 10 years after the original cabin was built, the state highway department condemned it along with the river frontage road, leaving the family with no access to the land and cutting the highway across it in the late ’20s. As a result, access to the property is up a steep driveway off Highway 89 between Olympic Valley and Alpine.
The property came to be known as Burnham Hill when Burnham’s daughter married his junior partner in medicine, Harold Hill, and the two families purchased more plots of land to connect a total of 20 acres where the standing cabins still rest. The Hill houses, considered by Clark’s great-grandson Chris Burnham to have been the fancy cabins with a butler, are currently boarded up with no one to care for them.
Though the original cabin is long gone, the others have remained through wartime drafts, wood stove fires, attempted burglaries, further highway easements, Bud Jones’ reign in Olympic Valley, bear attacks, and the first Tevis Cup, the annual endurance horseback ride founded in 1955. Decks and doors have been rebuilt, but Chris still pulls his bed onto the sleeping porch each night to lie under a blanket of stars.
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THE SLEEPING PORCH from the 1930s that Chris Burnham still sleeps on.
MODERN DAYS: Chris’ sleeping porch these days. Photo by Megan Ramsey/Moonshine Ink
“When my dad was a kid, nobody slept inside,” Chris recalled. “Everybody slept outside. I’m the only one who still sleeps outside.”
Chris grew up just like his ancestors, running through the brush, fishing in the river, and fetching newspapers in the early morning for each cabin in exchange for blueberry squares from a bakery once located where the Olympic Valley 7-Eleven is.
He considers the “Hill” akin to camp in the way it brings people together and holds memories. Each summer, Burnham Hill gathers family, friends, and strangers.
“This is what Tahoe used to look like,” Chris said. “Now it’s fancy houses and weekend homes and that, and this property was designed really for a fishing camp and to keep the history alive of the property.”
Chris’ father, named Clark like his grandfather, is the current patriarch of the Hill and three cabins known as lower, upper, and tent cabins. Everything at Burnham Hill is chock-full of history and hand-built, from the swimming pool fed by spring water to the stonework. The chimney is made from Truckee River rocks, built under the watch of the elder Clark’s wife, Eula, who had broken her neck that summer and lay on a cot outside to oversee construction.
STILL HANGING AROUND: A drawing that represents Burnham Hill still hangs on the wall of the lower cabin. “It was done in the ’70s and it was everything to do with our property – the bears, our little swimming pool,” Chris Burnham said. “That was what the tent cabin up there used to look like. The pipes that filled it. There’s Bud Jones.”
“My dad’s up there,” Chris said. “He’s 84 and he was just painting the rails because of the legacy of it.”
Clark sat on the upper cabin’s deck, wearing painting clothes and the scars of a fluke bear attack. The father and son sat with their dogs and jointly told the story of a summer when Clark was opening the cabins as a bear wandered through the front door following the scent of dog food. Clark didn’t even realize he was bleeding from gashes on his face and arm until he cleaned up after the bear. At the time, the hospital had never treated a bear victim.
BURNHAM RIDGE: The original Burnham cabin, built in 1915 and condemned before Highway 89 was built on its land.
“And the funny story was that I figured I won the thing because I was cleaning up the bear poop in there,” Clark said. “I startled and so he pooped, I didn’t.”
These days, Chris is the primary caretaker of Burnham Hill, opening it from Memorial Day to Labor Day and welcoming family and friends throughout the summer, just like his relatives.
“There have been hundreds of people, family, and friends that have come to this property and it left a meaningful thing for them,” Chris said.
The Burnham’s big event, started by Chris’ great aunt Betty, is Fourth of July, when Betty would throw a junk food party for the kids. It wasn’t a good party if there wasn’t a kid that threw up, Chris shared. That standard still holds today as Betty’s legacy continues on.
May marked a decisive shift in the Tahoe market, with sales volume and buyer activity climbing sharply across the board. The Tahoe Sierra MLS recorded 64 total sales — up 49% from April and ahead of the 57 sales logged in May 2025. Truckee had 33 closings at a $1,251,000 median — up from $1,075,000 a year ago. The California Tahoe Basin saw volume nearly triple compared to March, with 31 sales closing at a $1,250,000 median.
Incline Village and Crystal Bay continued to strengthen their position at the top of the pricing ladder with a $2,442,500 median on 18 sales compared to $1,805,000 on just 10 sales in May 2025. The lakefront segment returned, with two sales at a $16,331,500 median. Inventory expanded across all submarkets, and June is shaping up to be an active month.
On a sunny day in mid-May, around 50 volunteers gathered to clean up and beautify the empty lot in Tahoe City that once housed the dilapidated Henrikson building. Demolished in 2019 to make room for the Tahoe City Lodge — a 118-room boutique hotel that was approved with widespread community support in 2016 — the lot has been sitting empty ever since. For seven years, it was a vacant parcel filled with weeds and dirt surrounded by an ugly chain-link fence at the west entrance to town. Many considered it blight.
When the retail store California 89 moved in across the street this past December, owner Lisa Gotts decided she had to do something about the eyesore. She and her two adult children, who run their three stores together, did something that no one — not Placer County, not the Tahoe City Public Utility District — had been able to do: convince the landowner, Kila Properties, to agree to beautify its property.
Gotts put out a volunteer sign-up sheet and a GoFundMe to collect money for what she is calling the Tahoe City Yard — “a grassroots community effort to transform the vacant lot in Tahoe City into a vibrant outdoor gathering space.” She raised $4,300 — $1,000 of which came from Kila Properties CEO Samir Tuma — for cleanup, grading, basic landscaping, and to purchase picnic tables, shade structures, and lawn games. In 24 hours, half the parcel was transformed from an uninviting space into something that resembles a community park.
Despite the good intention of the cleanup, there have been mixed reactions from community members and business owners. Frustrated by the fact that 10 years have gone by since the project was approved with nothing built, some are angry that volunteers are doing work they say the property owner should have done a long time ago. In essence, Kila got free labor (one estimate put it at $12,000 in labor, excavation, and crane work) to improve its property.
To be fair, the development has faced setbacks. In addition to Covid delays and cost increases, it was sued twice — once by the Davis-based California Clean Energy Committee (CCEC) and again by the project’s neighbor, who owned the Bechdolt building. To help settle the second lawsuit and move the hotel forward, Placer County purchased the Bechdolt building for $4 million in 2021, which is another reason why community members are upset — that was a big chunk of taxpayer money that has, so far, not succeeded in moving the needle toward the hotel being built.
There are many ways to look at this issue — is the property owner derelict in his responsibilities or is it too challenging to build in Tahoe? Did volunteers come out to do something good for their community, or were they giving free labor to a negligent landowner?
Either way, there is no doubt that Tahoe City has a redevelopment problem. The other major project, the Boatworks Mall, is facing foreclosure proceedings after MJD Capital Partners failed to pay its property taxes and the service on its $14 million loan. MJD may have been overly ambitious with its plans to build a 79-room hotel, 7,000-square feet of commercial space, and underground parking in a highly regulated and protected area like Tahoe.
And then there is Homewood. Approved in 2011, the ski resort was sued the following year by the CCEC, as well as by the Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore. This delayed the project for multiple years as the cases wound their way through the courts and subsequent appeals. The development is now finally slated to move forward, 15 years after its original approval.
For the first time in years, Tuma recently agreed to speak with Moonshine about the status of the Tahoe City Lodge. He said it has a new joint venture partner and will begin construction next summer. (When I mention this, people point out that we’ve heard this before.)
“I’ve worked in a number of different jurisdictions around California, and Tahoe is the most challenging,” he said. “Had we not had those lawsuits from the environmentalists and from a gold-seeking next-door neighbor, we would have had a hotel there years and years ago. The expense and the real cost to the community of just this endless litigation — there’s a price that gets paid.”
There is indeed a price that is being paid for the delay in redevelopment that the community sorely wants and needs. The question is — who should foot the bill? The developer or the public?
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is accelerating its path toward a more sustainable future with a comprehensive energy-savings project that includes the largest solar installation in the Tahoe Basin’s history. The initiative advances LTUSD’s goal of cutting energy consumption by 50 percent below its 2018 baseline by 2030.
LTUSD partnered with Veregy, a leading decarbonization and energy services provider, to complete a districtwide Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract. Under this model, Veregy guarantees that energy savings will cover the cost of the improvements, eliminating the need for bond dollars.
The LTUSD Board-approved scope will include upgrades such as high-efficiency LED interior, exterior, and sports lighting, HVAC system upgrades, and 1.4 MW of onsite solar generation. Following South Tahoe Public Utility District’s successful solar project, this initiative further reinforces the region’s viability for renewable energy production. Solar construction for LTUSD is scheduled to begin next spring.
At South Tahoe High School, Veregy will reconfigure the boiler system to significantly reduce water and natural gas use while eliminating the major cost of 24‑hour steam boiler supervision. These upgrades are expected to enhance comfort and reliability across campus facilities while lowering long-term operating costs.
Superintendent Todd Cutler, Ed.D., emphasized the district’s long-term commitment to students and the broader community with this investment in clean energy and modern learning environments: “The Board made a commitment to sustainability and the future health of our community, and this partnership with Veregy is making it happen”, said Dr. Cutler.
“This project reflects the vision and leadership of Lake Tahoe Unified. The district’s commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and long-term stewardship made this project possible. I also want to highlight the dedicated Veregy team members who worked tirelessly to help bring that vision to life. We are honored to serve as a trusted partner today and into the future,” said Brett Gallagher of Veregy.
Construction began in May, starting with lighting upgrades at the South Tahoe Middle School. This project comes at a pivotal time for the region’s energy landscape. NV Energy is redirecting energy lines to data centers starting in May 2027, which is expected to raise energy prices throughout South Lake Tahoe. As a result, onsite solar has become an even more attractive option to help offset the cost of a new energy source provider in 2027 and beyond. Energy savings and sustainability will benefit students and the community for decades to come.
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.
I think oysters get a bad rap. I understand the reasons as to why those of you that don’t like them, but if you’ve only tried them once (or not at all), I encourage you to give them a second chance. Not only do they give you a complex taste of the sea that embodies wherever they are harvested, but they are also packed with health benefits.
Served on the half shell at Elevated (where they also have Oyster Tuesdays) they are complemented with fresh lemon slices and mignonette options. On my visit I was able to sample three different types. A green mignonette that consisted of white vinegar, tarragon, basil, and parsley. A more traditional flavor that was simply shallots with a tad of black pepper and red vinegar. And then a black mignonette with balsamic glazed vinegar, white vinegar, cocoa powder and black pepper.
Each of the options made every bite an adventure and elevated the natural salty and briny flavors of the oyster. The subtle sweet and creaminess of the oyster loves a good tart punch, and you get that with each of the variations.
I know some people just can’t do raw, and that’s ok. But if you’re able to put those old feelings aside and load each bite with a squeeze of lemon, a hearty dollop of mignonette, and a touch of cocktail sauce, you’ll really start to see what all the hubbub is about when it comes to shooting oysters. Plus, it’s just fun.
Elevated Wine Experience is located at 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Ste 400 in South Lake Tahoe. For more information find them online at ew-x.com or reach them via phone at 530-600-2481.
The Wild Tahoe Festival returns for a day of birds, nature and family funProvided/Tahoe Institute for Natural Science
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Wild Tahoe Festival returns to Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Saturday, June 13, bringing Tahoe’s wildlife to the forefront for a day of celebration, education and family-friendly fun.
“The festival features everything in Tahoe that’s wild, whether it’s flowers, birds, or mammals,” said Sarah Hockensmith, Outreach Director at Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS).
In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the Great Basin Institute, TINS gives attendees a chance to connect with local wildlife and conservation organizations including Tallac Artist in Residence, California Conservation Corps., California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Little Hiker Bird, Aspen Hollow Nursery, Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance, South Tahoe Public Utility District, and more.
From hands-on activities, educational exhibits and interactive booths to guided bird and nature walks along the Rainbow Trail, the event is a perfect way to spend a beautiful spring day celebrating the Lake Tahoe Basin’s unique ecosystems.
“We encourage everybody to come out and go birdwatching with us,” Hockensmith said. “There’s going to be a live falconer, and a number of really great organizations offering information about Tahoe’s flora and fauna.”
For those interested in the festival’s bird walks, Hockensmith recommends arriving in the morning. “We started it earlier this year, so I think it will make for a better time to see more birds.”
Master falconer Marie Gaspari will be at this year’s Wild Tahoe Festival, allowing folks an up-close look at live birds of prey.
The Wild Tahoe Festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and aims to not only educate the public on local Tahoe ecology, but also aspires to get people excited and more curious about nature and stewardship.
“Come at any hour of the day for a wild time,” added Hockensmith. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a bird lover, or you’re looking to spend the day outside with your family, the event is sure to leave you with some great memories.
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA, Calif. / Nev. – A recently published study on the 2021 Caldor Fire burn scar is shedding light on how fires can impact snowpacks.
Often referred to as the “frozen reservoir”, the Sierra Nevada snowpack provides 30% or more of California’s water. As wildfires in the west are not only burning increasingly more acreage, but are also going higher in elevation—including into areas where snowpacks occur—it’s raising questions about what that means for one of the state’s biggest water resources.
Marianne Cowherd set out to find answers, studying the Caldor Fire area during the 2022-2023 winter along with others, including UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab Director Andrew Schwartz.
“These fires are massively problematic for us trying to ensure we’re managing our water correctly,” Schwartz said, “and so that’s why it’s important that we study how they affect different snow processes.”
Over the last 100 years, monitoring has allowed water managers to measure the amount of snowfall in a catchment area and roughly know how much water it will add to reservoirs.
This study found that fire could change that.
“The problem is when you burn large sections of the catchment, like the Calder Fire did,” Schwartz explained, “it shifts how much those measurements can actually tell us now.”
That’s because the fire affects key landscape features such as forest cover and vegetation, while leaving a black carbon trail.
Together, these impacts alter snow accumulation and persistence in burned areas compared to pre-fire conditions, the study says.
But the study found that the case isn’t as cut-and-dry as there being more or less snow between burnt and unburnt areas.
“It’s a lot more complex than that,” Schwartz said.
Key features such as aspect (whether the area is north, south, west or east facing), elevation and burn severity all play a role.
In fact, the study found that burn severity, rather than comparisons between burned and unburned, had a greater effect on the snowpack.
High-severity regions generally held less snow and melted more quickly than unburned or low-severity regions.
In contrast, low-severity regions held more snow at high elevations and slightly less at low elevations.
An example where aspect comes into play is the finding that north-facing slopes at mid-to high elevations had snowpack accumulations that benefited from fire, especially in areas of low and moderate severity.
The snowpack decreased at other elevations, aspects and fire severities.
Understanding just how much these factors will change water resource measurements will take time. However, the five years since the Caldor Fire have started to offer indications.
Generally, Schwartz explained that it will change the amount of melt at various times of the year and the geographic distribution, so some reservoirs will receive more water than in the past, while others will receive less.
“[The paper] really shows the complexity of these areas,” he said, “and the advanced thinking that we have to have when trying to manage the water that’s coming out of these areas.”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Tahoe Chamber proudly celebrates the graduation of the 2025–2026 Leadership Lake Tahoe cohort on Thursday, June 11, 2026, recognizing a dedicated group of emerging and established leaders who have spent the past year strengthening their leadership skills, building lasting relationships, and making meaningful contributions to the South Shore community.
For more than two decades, Leadership Lake Tahoe has served as the region’s premier leadership development program, bringing together professionals from diverse industries to deepen their understanding of the community while cultivating the skills, connections, and experiences necessary to lead effectively. Through monthly sessions focused on topics such as local government, education, public safety, business, health care, environmental stewardship, and nonprofit organizations, participants gain valuable insight into the issues shaping the Tahoe region while developing their capacity to lead within their organizations and the community.
A cornerstone of the program is the capstone project, which provides participants the opportunity to apply their leadership skills to initiatives that address community needs. The 2025–2026 cohort focused on two impactful projects that will continue to benefit the South Shore long after graduation.
Graduates from the Leadership Lake Tahoe class of 2026. Provided / Tahoe Chamber
The first project supported the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and its DáɁaw Center, a community gathering space designed to reconnect Washoe youth, families, and elders to their ancestral homeland while preserving cultural traditions and strengthening community connections. Throughout the year, cohort members worked alongside Tribal leaders to increase awareness of the Center, build relationships between the Tribe and local businesses, launch fundraising efforts, and create opportunities for long-term community partnership. Their efforts helped generate financial support, expand community engagement, and foster a deeper understanding of Washoe history, culture, and stewardship throughout the Tahoe Basin.
The cohort’s second project focused on supporting Tahoe Career Launch (TCL), a workforce development initiative that helps high school and college students explore career opportunities through networking, mentorship, job shadowing, externships, and internships. Working to strengthen Tahoe’s future workforce, the cohort promoted opportunities for local businesses and professionals to engage with students, helping connect young talent with meaningful career experiences while encouraging long-term investment in the region’s workforce pipeline.
While the projects created tangible benefits for the community, the experience also transformed the participants themselves. Throughout the program, cohort members balanced demanding careers, family responsibilities, and volunteer commitments while learning firsthand the realities of leadership. Participants reflected that some of their greatest growth came through navigating competing priorities, communicating through challenges, leveraging one another’s strengths, and building trust through honest dialogue. The experience reinforced that leadership is not defined by title or position, but by collaboration, adaptability, accountability, and a willingness to support others.
Among the cohort’s key takeaways were the importance of effective communication, goal setting, setting clear expectations, following through on commitments, and creating opportunities for others to contribute and succeed. Participants also emphasized the value of understanding team strengths early, building authentic relationships, and remaining flexible when plans evolve. These lessons will continue to influence how graduates lead within their organizations and contribute to the broader community.
“Leadership Lake Tahoe is about more than professional development, it is about cultivating leaders who are committed to making a positive difference in our community,” said Jessica Grime, CEO of the Tahoe Chamber. “This year’s cohort demonstrated that commitment through two meaningful projects that strengthened community connections, supported future generations, and created lasting impact. Their dedication, collaboration, and growth throughout the program exemplify the spirit of leadership that helps our community thrive.”
The Tahoe Chamber congratulates the 2025–2026 Leadership Lake Tahoe graduates and thanks them for their commitment to strengthening the South Shore through service, collaboration, and leadership.
Leadership Lake Tahoe class of 2026
Leadership Lake Tahoe is offered every other year, bringing together a new cohort of community leaders to learn, grow, and serve alongside one another. The next Leadership Lake Tahoe class will begin in the fall of 2028.
The Tahoe Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to Leadership Lake Tahoe’s presenting sponsor, Advance, for its continued investment in developing future community leaders. Special thanks are also extended to Tahoe Bagel Co. for generously donating
coffee for each Leadership Lake Tahoe class session throughout the 2025–2026 program year, helping create a welcoming environment for participants as they learned, connected, and grew together.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Three Board Member seats for South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) are up for election on November 3, 2026. To run for the Board, you must be a registered voter within the District service area and file your candidacy papers with El Dorado County between Monday, July 13, 2026, and Friday, August 7, 2026.
South Tahoe Public Utility District is a public agency that supplies drinking water to approximately 14,000 customers and sewage services to approximately 18,000 customers. The District is required to export all its treated wastewater out of the Tahoe Basin to protect Lake Tahoe.
The District is governed by a five-member Board, elected by popular vote of the general public who reside within the District boundaries. The Board establishes procedures, goals, and formulates and adopts policy. The Board also directs the General Manager to implement policies. Directors do not represent any fractional segment of the community but rather are a part of the body which represents and acts for the community as a whole. Board Members receive medical, dental and vision benefits and a $400 per month stipend. Board Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 2:00 p.m. in the District Board Room located at 1275 Meadow Crest Drive, South Lake Tahoe.
The Declaration of Candidacy filing period begins on Monday, July 13, 2026, and ends on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. If an incumbent does not file for their term by the last day of the filing period, the filing period will be extended to Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Declaration of Candidacy papers are available by appointment with El Dorado County at 3883 Ponderosa Road, Shingle Springs, CA or call (530) 621-7480. If you would like more information regarding the District, please visit the website at www.stpud.us or contact Melonie Guttry, Executive Services Manager at (530) 544-6474 x6203, mguttry@stpud.us.
Roth conversions are one of the most talked-about retirement planning strategies today. Some investors swear by them, while others aren’t sure whether they are worth the tax bill.
A Roth conversion is done when an investor moves money from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and pays income tax on the amount converted. People tend to think of Roth conversions as a positive thing, and some folks will even try to convince you that Roth conversions are the big secret to amassing wealth. As it turns out, it’s not that simple.
There are a number of factors that help determine whether or not a Roth conversion is advantageous to a particular investor. In order to fully understand these factors, we need to first remember how a Roth IRA differs from a Traditional IRA.
With a Traditional IRA, you may be able to deduct your contribution from your taxable income. This money then grows tax-deferred until you withdraw it in retirement. A Roth IRA essentially works in reverse—pay your taxes up front, invest the money, and never pay taxes on it again, assuming that you follow IRS guidelines.
The simplest way to determine if there is any advantage to doing a Roth conversion is to ask the question: is my tax rate higher now than it is likely to be in the future, when I might need to use my retirement funds? If your tax rate is higher now than you expect it to be in retirement, you can keep the money in your IRA tax-deferred and then take it out later, when your tax rate is lower. If your tax rate will be higher later, you may want to convert to a Roth IRA and pay what could be a lower tax rate.
If you can’t predict what your tax rate will be in the future, some other factors can guide your decision.
Do you have money outside of your retirement accounts that you can use to pay the taxes on your conversion? If so, that usually makes it more financially advantageous to do a conversion.
Medicare rates (IRMAA) are closely tied to your adjusted gross income (AGI). Roth conversions before retirement can help reduce future taxable withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts, which may help keep your AGI lower in retirement. Just be aware that the government looks 2 years back at your AGI in order to determine your Medicare cost, so any Roth conversions within 2 years of signing up for Medicare could increase your costs temporarily.
Another important point related to retirement income is that Roth conversions can help reduce future Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your Traditional IRA. That may help retirees manage their taxable income later in life.
Finally, I will note that Roth IRAs are excellent estate planning vehicles. Your heirs can generally withdraw money from an Inherited Roth IRA without paying income taxes on it, which is a huge benefit.
As you can see, there is nuance to the appropriateness of a Roth conversion. Even if you do determine that a Roth conversion is a good idea, you have to be careful not to convert so many dollars in a single year that you accidentally rocket yourself into a higher tax bracket and pay more taxes than necessary! Your CPA, Financial Advisor, or a good tax calculator should be able to help you with that.
However you choose to save for retirement, invest smartly and invest well!
Larry Sidney is a Zephyr Cove-based Investment Advisor Representative. Information is found at https://palisadeinvestments.com/ or by calling 775-299-4600 x702. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell securities. Clients may hold positions mentioned in this article. Past Performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.
INCLINE VILLAGE, NV — The Incline Village Crystal Bay Community & Business Association (IVCBA) is proud to announce the 2026 Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration, a three-day community event honoring the veterans, firefighters, first responders, educators, and everyday heroes who make Incline Village and Crystal Bay extraordinary. The celebration will take place July 2–4, 2026, at venues throughout the community.
Themed “Celebrating 250 Years of America Through Our Local Heroes,” the event pays tribute to the nation’s semiseptcentennial by rooting that history in the spirit of the local community. From opening-night concerts to pancake breakfasts, a kids’ bike parade, and a full community fair, every moment is designed to say thank you to the people who make mountain life in North Lake Tahoe thrive.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 2
• 4–7 PM: Incline Tahoe Foundation SummerFest at UNR Lake Tahoe — family games, music, beer tasting, and brats on campus • 7–9 PM: Tahoe Philharmonic — Pops & Patriotic Songs
Friday, July 3
• 8–10 AM: NLTFPD Flag Raising & Pancake Breakfast at the main Firehouse on Tanager • 10 AM: Kids’ Bike Parade (sponsored by Diamond Peak Ski Team) leading into the Local Heroes Parade. Registration required for parade and bike parade participants. • 11 AM–2 PM: Local Heroes Community Fair, BBQ by IVGID, and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Meet & Greet at The Village Green – Susie Scoops Stuff a Bunny, AYSO Soccer skills and drills, and nonprofit and community booths/ • 1 PM: Susie Scoops Annual Ice Cream Eating Contest at the Community Fair
Saturday, July 4
• 8 AM–12 PM: IVCB Veterans Club Pancake Breakfast at Aspen Grove — pancakes, bacon, sausage, blueberries, and optional mimosas and Bloody Marys. Tickets available at the Rec Center or at the door. • 12:30 PM: Free BBQ at Incline Beach, presented by Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino — hot dogs and burgers while supplies last. IVGID pass required for beach access.
None of this happens without the generosity and commitment of the businesses and organizations that make this community what it is. A heartfelt thank you to our 2026 Major Event Sponsors: Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, IVGID, Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline, Realberry, Renown, TNTNV, Waste Management, UNR at Lake Tahoe, and Incline Village Community Hospital.
Thank you to Event Sponsors Barton Health and Whittier Trust, and to our Community & Event Partners: Washoe County, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, IVCB Veterans Club, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Incline Tahoe Foundation, Tahoe Philharmonic, Tahoe-Love, Diamond Peak Ski Team, Susie Scoops, and AYSO Incline Soccer. Your support makes the celebration possible – and your presence in this community makes it worth celebrating.
The Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration is an annual tradition produced by the IVCBA that brings together residents, visitors, businesses, and community organizations across three days of patriotic festivities. The event is free and open to the public (some individual events require registration or IVGID beach access). Full details, registration links, and event updates are available at www.ivcba.org/events/local-heroes.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The STHS Junior Optimist Club raised the $350 Adopt A Day of Nourishment fee to sponsor Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal on June 1, demonstrating its commitment to service and community support. Mentored by the South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club, whose members focus on helping youth and youth organizations, the Junior Optimist Club also participates in local service projects such as the Optimist Christmas Tree Lot, Duck Races, and Fishing Derby.
The June 1 sponsorship marked the Junior Optimist Club’s first time hosting a Monday Meal, and members described it as a meaningful opportunity to volunteer. “This was an amazing opportunity to give back to the community,” said Skye Nichols-Shipley, president of the Junior Optimist Club. Also representing the club at the dinner were Sydney Birkholm, Kaya Ferry, Avery Grisom, Ruby Hackett, Kailani Higgins, Tegan Klem, Skye Nichols, Diego Palacios, Charlotte Potts, and Lupita Rehn, along with Larry Lambdin, South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club liaison, and club moderator Caren LeVine.
Bread & Broth volunteers praised the Junior Optimist participants as hardworking, poised, mature, and a joy to work with. The students supported a busy dinner service for 149 community members, who enjoyed roasted pork tenderloin with apricot sauce, rice pilaf, sautéed broccoli and red peppers, and green salad.
Bottom Row- L to R
Sydney Birkholm, Tegan Klem, Caren LeVine (Advisor), Skye Nichols, Lupita Rehn
Top Row- L to R
Kaya Ferry, Keller Fox, Charlotte Potts, Ruby Hackett, Diego Palacios, Avery Griscom, Kailani Higgins, and Larry Lambdin (Optimist member)Provided / Bread & Broth
Several Junior Optimist Club members shared reflections on their volunteer experience at Bread & Broth’s community meal. Ruby said she was grateful to experience the kindness and love that surrounds the community, while Sydney described the evening as an amazing experience. Diego said he appreciated the opportunity to give back to South Lake Tahoe and to see the many smiles shared during the meal. Charlotte said she enjoyed being able to give back to those in need, and Tegan noted that the evening was eye-opening and meaningful. Kailani added that she was inspired by the kindness and gratitude shown by the guests and hopes the club will make the experience a tradition.
Volunteerism can be an eye-opening experience that brings people together and creates lasting positive impact. The Junior Optimist Club’s commitment to serving others, especially young people in the community, is to be commended. Bread & Broth is honored to have been selected by the Junior Optimist Club as part of its service to the South Lake Tahoe community.
To learn more about Bread & Broth, or to donate or sponsor an Adopt A Day of Nourishment, visit the organization’s website, www.breadandbroth.org, or follow Bread & Broth on Instagram or Facebook.
The Vikingsholm parking lot often fills up within the first few hours of the day in peak tourist seasonsProvided/Josh Pilachowski, DKS Associates
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Riding through the Emerald Bay corridor, especially in the peak summer months, usually means navigating through illegally parked cars and crowds of people walking along the narrow shoulders of the busy two-lane road, determined to catch a glimpse of some of Lake Tahoe’s most famous views.
It’s no secret that the three-and-a-half mile stretch around the bay poses not only environmental impacts and safety risks as visitors walk blindly around mountain curves and cars trample over vegetation and dirt – it also causes extreme traffic congestion as vehicles circle the area, slow and even come to a full stop in the road to wait for a parking spot.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) set out to tackle these long-standing issues by creating the SR-89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan, a document highlighting ways to improve the public access routes on Highway 89, as well as an additional plan focused just on Emerald Bay.
Supervisor Brooke Laine came upon the document several months after being elected El Dorado County District V Supervisor in 2023.
“I started reading the document, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is so good!’,” Laine told the Tribune as she described an a la carte-like menu of measures that could be taken to improve the Emerald Bay area in TRPA’s plan. “You could do all of them, or some of them, but any of them would take pressure off of what we were seeing out in Emerald Bay.”
Laine went straight to TRPA to commend them on their work, but had to ask them the question that was at the forefront of her mind, “How come no one is doing anything?”
Although TRPA, along with the Tahoe Transportation District, serve as the brains and planning behind projects such as these, the Emerald Bay corridor improvements needed some muscle to get things implemented, so Laine started making moves.
As she began rallying the troops to hold a large organizational meeting to discuss the topic, her first stops were to two entities who owned the parking lots in Emerald Bay – The U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTMBU) and California State Parks.
Erick Walker, Supervisor of LTMBU at the time, told Laine that if she held a meeting, he’d be there. California State Parks also agreed to attend.
Laine’s quest didn’t end there. She went to Caltrans, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and all transit and transportation-related entities in the area to request their attendance at the meeting, which finally came together in 2024.
“45 people showed up,” said Laine. “I wanted it to be an in-person meeting because I knew, deep down, that we needed to start establishing relationships and trust if we were going to crack this mess.”
It took about 10 months of discussions and agreements before a pilot project for the Emerald Bay Shuttle was in the works for 2025, despite concerns that the project was too aggressive, or the projected launch, too soon. “My reply was that if you don’t have something to shoot for, we’re just going to put this on the back burner for another year or two,” said Laine.
The shuttle was set to launch on July 15, 2025, just after Caltrans finished their first roadway safety audit through DKS Associates, an employee-owned transportation planning and engineering firm specializing in smart mobility, traffic safety, and operations.
The audit gathered viable data and located areas needing the most improvements, including Inspiration Point/Bay View, Eagle Falls, Vikingsholm, Upper Emerald Bay Road and switchbacks leading to Emerald Bay from South Lake Tahoe.
“For a place like Emerald Bay, safety has to be approached collaboratively. This road safety audit brought together Caltrans, local agencies, public safety partners, land managers, and community stakeholders to identify practical steps that can make SR 89 safer for residents, workers, and the many visitors who come to experience one of Tahoe’s most iconic destinations,” said Josh Pilachowski, Senior Project Manager at DKS Associates.
The audit reported 14 collisions at Inspiration Point with a range of crash types including crashes due to unsafe speed, as well as seven collisions at Vikingsholm with more than half being rear-end crashes.
Traffic congestion and heavy pedestrian activity can be seen at Eagle FallsProvided/Sylinda Villado, DKS Associates
With the information from the audit and a plan in place, it was time to go for it, and thanks to private funding through Tahoe Fund and Keep Tahoe Blue, the Emerald Bay Shuttle went from pen and paper to reality as both organizations ponied up $150,000 each.
“That $300,000 made the transit component possible, and we had some odd mitigation money from Placer County and El Dorado County that we threw in the pot,” Laine said. “California State Parks Foundation gave us a grant for $10,000 to be able to hire CHP to do extra patrol out there.”
Additionally, among their purchases were nearly 400 feet of temporary barricades to hinder visitors from parking illegally.
As a whole, the first season of improvements and pilot launch of the Emerald Bay Shuttle were deemed a success, having taken over 1000 cars off the road as roughly 5000 people took to shuttles and public transportation instead.
CHP cracked down on enforcement by writing close to 300 citations, towing 10 illegally-parked vehicles and issuing 13 moving violations. “We’re going to try and replicate that, and make it even more intense this year,” Laine said as she touched on efforts to bring the citations from $100 to $300.
Heading into the 2026 season, the shuttle project has been approved for two more years worth of grant funding to the tune of $1.3 million. “We estimate the program will cost us $1.2 million,” Laine added. Unlike the first season’s private contributions, this summer and next year’s funding comes from federal, county and state.
This year’s transit component will be about $500,000, and Laine said she plans to buy additional barricades to add to the already purchased ones from last year to be placed on the viaducts going uphill past Vikingsholm, aiming to discourage tourists from parking along the shoulders illegally and taking the dangerous long walk along the busy highway down towards the bay.
Lessons learned from the shuttle’s first launch will be utilized this time around, including better communication and more shuttles running. “We have capacity to carry, based on our shuttles and their frequencies, probably 30,000 people. We really want to fill up our buses,” said Laine. “We don’t want to run empty shuttles, and we don’t want to run half-full shuttles.”
Informal stops will be set up at locations like Camp Richardson to expand ridership for visitors to the area.
Spreading the word that the shuttle offers a better and safer experience is at the top of Laine’s list heading into this next season. “It really is a better experience, not having to worry about parking. Everyone in the bus gets to enjoy the view, the driver isn’t freaked out going around hairpin turns,” she said. “We get them all there intact.”
Looking ahead, Laine is holding onto her long-term vision for Emerald Bay. “If we can make it a car-free corridor, and we can raise a significant amount of revenue for people who want to go there and experience it, we could also provide some infrastructure that currently doesn’t exist up there – a general store, or a restaurant, lockers where people can put things they didn’t realize they didn’t need so they could lock it up and go on a hike,” she said. “I envision Emerald Bay to be a destination for families and locals alike.”
The Emerald Bay Shuttle is set to begin running from mid-June to September 7.
Reduced fare: $2.50 one way / $5 roundtrip for children under 12, adults ages 65+, veterans, riders with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders
Routes: West Shore Route (from Sugar Pine Point); South Shore Route (from Y Transit Center, with a stop at Camp Richardson)
Transit connections: TTD Bus Route 50 at the South Y Transit Center. TART Mainline Bus Route and TART Connect Microtransit service at Sugar Pine Point State Park
Other connections: Bike or ride a shared e-scooter to the South Y Transit Center or Camp Richardson on the South Shore. Bike or walk to the Tahoe City Transit Center or Homewood to catch the TART Mainline.
Parking: On the South Shore, keep your car parked where you are staying or park at a paid lot along Lake Tahoe Boulevard, at Lake Tahoe Community College, or Camp Richardson. On the north or west shore, park at the Tahoe City Transit Center, Homewood, or Sugar Pine State Park Campground.
How to book: Reservations will be available at: http://www.emeraldbayshuttle.com. Walk-up seats may be available depending on excess capacity.
What do sidewalks, driveways, pavement, asphalt, concrete, sand, tennis courts, and even artificial turf all have in common? These surfaces can absorb and retain more heat, which can, in turn, cause pain and physical harm (including burns and blisters) to your pooch’s tender paw/foot pads!
This is due to their “solar reflectance” (SR) compared to natural grass. This includes ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared sunlight that is either absorbed or reflected off the surface.
· A value of 0.0 means all the heat is absorbed;
· While 1.0 means all the heat has been reflected off and not absorbed. When heat is reflected off the surface (as with natural grass), it remains cooler.
It’s easy to forget our dogs after we put on our own protective footwear, but they are counting on us to protect them from the risks of summer heat.
The Facts
Even temperatures we often consider “mild” can pose unwanted risks to an unprotected dog’s paws when pressed against surfaces that retain heat from the sun, surrounding air, and humidity.
Don’t believe it? Take off one of your shoes and see how long you can keep your foot against the pavement. That’s what your dog’s bare paws feel like!
So, keep in mind that:
Even a mild 75º F air temperature can heat asphalt to 125º F!
At just 87º F, asphalt can heat to a whopping 143º F!
Also, humidity can intensify trapped heat.
Experts consider temperatures up to 68º F safe for dogs, but anything over 77º F is considered very risky.
Signs of Damaged Paws
Limping
Excessive licking or chewing of paws
Paw pads appear darker than normal or visibly damaged
Blisters or redness
If you notice any of these signs, immediately take your pet to your regular vet for medical attention. Burned or blistered paws can easily become infected if not treated immediately and properly.
How to Protect Sensitive Paws!
Remember, dogs don’t always let us know when they are uncomfortable or even in pain.
Use the 3 tips below to protect their paws from injury or burns. Your furry best friend is counting on you.
Walk them in the early morning (before or around sunrise) or late evening, after 6 pm
Only walk on grass and shaded paths
Use breathable booties to protect sensitive paws
Consider your dog’s paws the next time you put on that leash, and make sure their sensitive paws are protected first!
NOTE: Overheating and Dog Paws
Regardless of what you’re doing this summer, always watch for signs that your dog is getting too hot and immediately take them inside to cool down. Damaged paws can also hinder a dog’s ability to cool down through evaporation from the dog’s merocrine glands on its paws (similar to human sweat glands).
Warning signs include:
Excessive panting
Extreme salivation
Anxiety
Labored breathing
The dog refuses to keep walking and lies down
Again, dogs don’t always let us know when they are uncomfortable or even in pain. So be your dog’s advocate to keep him safe this summer.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — South Side Auto Body has announced the launch of a new consumer-focused service called “Wreck Check,” a post-repair inspection program designed to help drivers determine whether their vehicle was properly repaired following a collision insurance claim.
According to the shop, the new service was created in response to a growing number of South Lake Tahoe residents who report being directed by insurance companies to repair facilities outside the Tahoe Basin, including shops in Reno and Carson City. In some cases, vehicle owners later return to South Side Auto Body after noticing ongoing mechanical, cosmetic, alignment, or safety-related concerns following repairs completed elsewhere.
The Wreck Check program provides independent inspections of previously repaired vehicles to identify potential issues involving bodywork, paint, frame alignment, structural repairs, safety systems, calibrations, and other collision-related concerns.
Under California law, consumers have the legal right to choose where their vehicle is repaired following an accident. Insurance companies may recommend repair facilities, but they cannot require customers to use a specific shop or refuse to work with a repair facility chosen by the vehicle owner.
“We’ve seen situations where customers come back because something still doesn’t feel right with the vehicle after repairs were completed elsewhere,” said Ryan Feliciano, owner of South Side Auto Body. “Sometimes the issue is cosmetic, but other times there are concerns involving safety systems, panel alignment, or incomplete repairs. We wanted to offer a service that helps people better understand the condition of their vehicle and what options may still be available to them.”
One of the biggest misconceptions, according to Feliciano, is that customers believe they will have to pay out of pocket if a repair was not completed the first time correctly.
“In many cases, that’s simply not true,” Feliciano said. “If a repair facility acknowledges that repairs were not performed properly, they may be responsible for correcting the issue. We’ve worked with customers where the original repair facility agreed to cover the cost of corrective repairs rather than requiring the customer to pay again.”
According to South Side Auto Body, when issues are identified during a Wreck Check inspection, corrective repairs may be addressed through supplemental insurance claims, warranty obligations, or coordination with the original repair facility, depending on the circumstances. The shop says many customers are surprised to learn they may have options available without incurring additional repair costs themselves.
South Side Auto Body recently assisted a customer whose vehicle required substantial corrective repairs after collision work performed elsewhere was determined to be incomplete.
According to the shop, the original repair facility reviewed the concerns and agreed to cover the cost of the corrective work, allowing the customer to have the vehicle repaired properly without paying for the same repairs twice.
California’s Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights also gives consumers the right to obtain an independent repair estimate from a registered collision repair facility. South Side Auto Body says the Wreck Check program is intended to help educate local drivers about these rights while providing an additional layer of confidence following collision repairs.
“Our goal is not to criticize other repair shops,” Feliciano said. “We simply want local drivers to understand their rights and have access to a trusted local inspection option if they have concerns about the quality or safety of a repair. Every driver deserves to know their vehicle was repaired correctly.”
South Side Auto Body says the program is also intended to educate consumers about insurance steering practices and help drivers make informed decisions about where and how their vehicle is repaired after an accident.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. — Today, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency released findings from the 2025 Lake Tahoe Clarity Report, which showed annual average clarity — or how deep a 10″ white disk can be lowered into Lake Tahoe before it becomes invisible from the surface — was statistically unchanged compared to the year prior. This continues a trend since the late 1990s of relatively stable, but not improving, Lake clarity.
After decades of steady water clarity loss in the latter half of the 20th century, organized efforts by Keep Tahoe Blue and other partners in Tahoe’s Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) helped stabilize Lake Tahoe’s world-famous water clarity. EIP projects to restore damaged ecosystems — especially in the Upper Truckee River watershed, Tahoe’s largest tributary — have been effective investments. As have policies to limit urban runoff and improvements to stormwater treatment infrastructure.
However, more understanding and action are needed to restore water clarity to historic levels.
“Clarity matters because the water is our biggest clue about how the Lake is doing. If we lose the clear water of Tahoe, we lose everything we love about it,” said Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO, Keep Tahoe Blue.
“Encouragingly, Lake Tahoe’s multi-year averages for water clarity are stable for another year, despite the continuing trend of declining summer clarity readings.
We know that fine sediment particles cloud Tahoe’s waters. Over the past two-plus decades, investments in programs to limit these particles — from roads, urban areas, and degraded streams and wetlands — have been successful. The UC Davis report reinforces that those ecosystem restoration and stormwater treatment efforts have been good for water clarity. Yet, the data once again shows that stopping fine sediment pollution is not enough to bring back the water clarity lost last century.
Science is key to protecting and restoring Tahoe’s water clarity, just as it has been for seven decades. The scientific questions we must answer have to do with the flow and exchange of nutrients near the shoreline, which is where aquatic invasive species make their impact, as well as the effects of algae and tiny organisms called phytoplankton on Lake clarity. Climate change, and the far-reaching role it plays, also has to come into better focus.
Answering these questions won’t be easy. But the effort, time, and investment are worth it to ensure our Lake continues to stay beautiful and blue for generations to come.”
Goodman Collins added there are ways that residents and visitors can protect Lake Tahoe through simple choices.
Parking their cars once and enjoying a Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe by bus, bike, shuttle, e-scooter, or on foot.
Stopping the spread of invasive species by ensuring kayaks, floaties, and every piece of water gear is Clean, Drained, and Dry before it touches the Lake.
Refusing to buy single-use plastics that often end up as trash in our environment.
Volunteering at restoration events that repair Tahoe’s marshes, meadows, and creeks — the Lake’s natural pollution filters.”
STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters, proud ECHL Affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights, announced their 2025-26 protected list.
Tahoe’s protected list contains 23 players, including nine defensemen, 13 forwards, and one goaltender.
Defensemen (9): Olivier LeBlanc, Brennan Kapcheck, Evan Junker, Nate Kallen, Kaelan Taylor, Aidan De La Gorgendiere, Linden Alger, Tucker Ness, Mike Van Unen
Forwards (13): Connor Marritt, Samuel Huo, Kevin Wall, Jake McGrew, Mike O’Leary, Luke Adam, Jake Durflinger, Alex Weiermair, Casey Bailey, Blake Wells, Adam Pitters, Cal Kiefiuk, Mason McCarty
Goaltenders (1): Alex Tracy
Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:
1. Signed an SPC in 2025-26 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR
2. Signed an SPC in 2025-26, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR
3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR
4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR
5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2025-26 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR
6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released.
Protected lists may exceed 20 players.
The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 20 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 22.
Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2025-26.
Season tickets and ticket packages for the 2026-27 season are now available. For more information on becoming a 1645 Club Season Ticket Member, visit knightmonstershockey.com.
STATELINE, Nev.—The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a theft and fraudulent use of a credit card in Stateline, Nevada.
On Friday, May 15, 2026, the pictured suspect allegedly stole a victim’s wallet from Caesars Republic Casino in Stateline. Following the theft, the suspect used the victim’s credit card at CVS and Tahoe Vapory, both located in Stateline.
If you recognize or can identify the suspect pictured below, please contact DCSO Investigator Ryan Grant at 775-781-1227 or by email at rgrant@douglasnv.us.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Food Bank of El Dorado County, in partnership with local organizations Bread & Broth, the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe, and the Marcella Foundation, are announcing five Free Summer Farmer’s Market scheduled for this summer.
The first Free Farmer’s Market will be held on Thursday, June 11 from 10-11 a.m. at the St. Theresa Catholic Church parking lot, 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe. The remaining four scheduled dates include July 9, August 13, September 10, and October 8, all at the St. Theresa parking lot.
This drive-through event will feature fresh produce and non-perishable food items. Volunteers from the local organizations and the Family Resource Center will pack and distribute the bags and boxes of food.
Last summer, nearly 500 families received fresh vegetables, fruit, and non-perishables from the Free Farmer’s Markets. As Roberta Strachan, volunteer Food Coordinator for Bread & Broth shares, “Thanks to the generous efforts and financial support of the El Dorado Food Bank as well as local non-profits, these Free Farmer’s Markets allow our South Lake Tahoe residents in need to have access to fresh, locally grown, and nutritious foods.”
The latest environmental controversy in Tahoe isn’t a development project, a wildfire, or a fight over lake clarity.
