At six years of age old and around 50 pounds, Rue is ready to fetch her way into your heart! This playful, people-loving girl has a big personality and a simple wish list: a good game of fetch, tasty treats, plenty of affection, and a family to call her own.
Rue enjoys spending time with her favorite people and would love a home where she can be part of the everyday fun. She’s an engaging companion who will thrive with a family that offers her plenty of mental and physical activity, along with the structure and guidance she needs to shine.
Rue is this week’s Pet of the Week. Provided / HSTT
Just ask her volunteer friends! Laura D. describes Rue as an easy walking companion who pays attention to her person along the way. Rue loves her liver treats, back scratches, and face kisses. She also enjoys taking her time to explore the world through her nose. As Laura shared, “We spent much of the time just smelling.”
Volunteer Tara S. also found Rue to be a delight. Even when the weather brought rain and thunder, Rue remained calm and easy to walk. Afterward, she happily enjoyed being brushed and spent some quiet time with Tara. She also showed off her skills while practicing sit, down, and shake. It sounds like Rue appreciates both an outdoor adventure and a little pampering!
Rue is looking for a family ready to build a strong bond with her and help her have positive experiences with other dogs. If you have a canine companion at home, thoughtful introductions will be important to ensure everyone is a good match.
Could Rue be the missing piece in your life? If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate companion who enjoys adventures, treats, and quality time with her people, come meet this lovely girl!
Your new best friend might be waiting for you! Rue is spayed, vaccinated, and up to date on her vaccines. To learn more about Rue, please call/email one of HSTT’s Adoption Specialists, 530-587-5948 or adoptions@hstt.org. To view more adoptable pets, visit www.hstt.org.
The oldest fear plaguing mankind is the fear of the unknown.
Harnessing this age-old terror is a tactic commonly used in the horror genre. Writers maintain mystery around the villainous monster for as long as possible.
It’s a powerful technique because the reader’s mind fills in the blanks with a monster far more horrifying (and personal) than anything the writer can offer.
I learned this writing strategy and many others at a workshop this last Saturday by Leo Walsh, called Writing Dread: The Timing of Terror.
Stirred with fascination, and perhaps too many cups of coffee, I talked both ears off my boyfriend about all I had learned.
“It’s called poetic irony when the writer allows the audience to know something the character doesn’t,” I said excitedly. “Like when the house is haunted, but the characters don’t know.”
“Oh, like in Scary Movie 2!” he said.
It was now Sunday, and we were on our way to an opening-weekend game of the Knight Monsters, fittingly on theme.
With terror and dread on my mind, I realized that for a hockey fan, nothing’s more dreadful than overtime.
The unknown outcome is a dark void alight with the flame of a fan’s hopeful wish, which sudden death can instantly douse.
Fans can do nothing to control the outcome. Victims to the nail-biting anticipation, they lock onto every puck pass during OT, even those of us with short attention spans.
We felt that familiar anticipatory dread at the Sunday afternoon game against the New Mexico Goatheads.
The first period was a nil draw, with both teams scoring nothing but penalties. One of those came just minutes from the start for a fight. Gloves hit the ice, and our defenseman Tucker Ness brawled with one of New Mexico’s forwards.
The referee served five-minute penalties. Worth it. We won the fight.
Around the 12th minute of period two, a Goathead sank a puck in the Knight Monster’s net. We didn’t respond with our own goal until the eighth minute of the third period. We were still in it, but with New Mexico outdoing us with shots on goal, I didn’t dare get my hopes up. To my relief, we held onto the tie.
The game entered overtime. Every time the puck neared the home net, Knight Monster fans forgot to breathe. Cheers erupted when the puck neared the Goathead net.
Shots fired from both sides.
Then, at three minutes into OT, it happened.
I didn’t trust my eyes initially. Suddenly, the flashing lights and an airhorn confirmed it.
Ness had put the puck where his punch was and sank one into the net. The Knight Monsters had won the three-game series two to one.
The Knightmare was over for Tahoe. For the Goatheads, who are making their debut this season, the Knightmare had only just begun.
The Vessev VS-9 is a commercial-grade, 10-passenger electric hydrofoil catamaran.Provided / Vessev
TAHOE CITY, Calif. – FlyTahoe is teaming up with New Zealand-based manufacturer Vessev for the upcoming launch of new electric hydrofoil ferries aiming to debut on Lake Tahoe in early 2028.
Ryan Meinzer, Founder and CEO of FlyTahoe, has been recreating in Lake Tahoe for 15 years. Like many locals who enjoy shredding on Tahoe’s surrounding slopes, Meinzer dreamt of more efficient ways to get from North to South Shore.
“I initially had this vision when I was driving the hour, hour and a half, around the lake for countless days every year to snowboard, wondering, ‘Why the heck isn’t there a ferry?'” said Meinzer.
Meinzer knew that due in part to the fact that passenger and cargo ferries are among the worst polluters of any mass transportation entities, strict regulations that aim to maintain Lake Tahoe’s water clarity simply wouldn’t allow it. Financially, ferries also pose as expensive enterprises and without the proper foundation and infrastructure, they become extremely difficult to fund.
After discovering the already existing electric hydrofoil surfboards, Meinzer wondered whether someone was innovative enough to attach that concept to a vessel.
“Sure enough, there’s about four manufacturers in the world that are that crazy, and we’ve partnered with two of them,” Meinzer said as he referred to manufacturers Candela and Vessev.
The Candela P12 launched in Stockholm in November 2024 as the world’s first hydrofoil ferry line. It can seat up to 30 passengers along with their personal gear like skis, snowboards and bicycles. Route goals for Lake Tahoe are designed to connect North and South Lake Tahoe on a fixed corridor in approximately 30 minutes going 25 knots.
FlyTahoe, in addition to their goals to operate Candela’s 30 passenger e-ferry, has just announced a partnership with New Zealand-based manufacturer Vessev to operate their VS-9 models on Lake Tahoe as well.
The Vessev VS-9 is an award-winning, premium commercial electric hydrofoil catamaran seating up to 10 passengers. Featuring panoramic windows, the full standing-height cabin also showcases ergonomic seats with comfortable armrests. The model was first launched in mid-2024 and went into commercial service in 2025.
The Vessev VS-9 received the 2025 Red Dot Award for product design.Provided / Vessev
“There’s a lot of new tech on board, but we have the benefit now of operating these vessels for a couple of years in commercial service, which has given us an awful lot of really valuable insights and a lot of valuable data,” said Fearghal O’Connor, Chief Commercial Officer at Vessev.
FlyTahoe’s vision is to have both hydrofoil vessels run alongside each other in a complimentary way, meeting different transportation needs depending on the experience people are seeking.
Both vessels align with Lake Tahoe’s environmental standards and have been included as a highlight in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Connections 2050 Regional Transportation Plan.
Notably, the watercrafts’ zero-emission propulsions prevent chemical pollution, and their hydrofoil technology produces an elevated ‘flying’ effect by using underwater wings attached to the mast or hull that generates an upwards lift as speed increases, reducing wake and drag, which in turn, reduces shoreline erosion and sediment resuspension.
The vessels are charged using DC fast charging, capable of charging to 80% of a battery in less than 20 minutes. Currently, there are only two DC fast chargers located at marinas on the lake – Homewood High & Dry Marina and the Tahoe City Marina.
“There’s a saying, ‘ABC: Always Be Charging’. We want to incorporate DC fast charging capabilities into all of our partners around the lake,” Meinzer said.
While FlyTahoe is in talks to partner with multiple lakefront properties, they have not announced who those partners are just yet. It’s no secret that operating these vessels will likely result in attracting even more visitors to our highly sought-after basin, and FlyTahoe is aiming to ensure locals also benefit.
“We can not only get the hiring clients to have this amazing, luxurious experience to get around the lake, to go to their endpoints and spend however much money they spend, but also make this affordable for the locals to be able to rely on this service to get across the lake faster than they would by car,” Meinzer explained.
Resort, restaurant and retail workers, casino employees, park rangers and guides, all the vital roles that make up Lake Tahoe’s workforce may be able to skip the parking fees and hop on one of FlyTahoe’s ferries.
“Ideally, we will find a way for partnerships that allow commuter and worker solutions to be viable for the workers.”
FlyTahoe and Vessev are currently working to adhere to U.S. legislative and certification requirements such as the Jones Act, a Merchant Marine Act that requires all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on ships that are built, owned, registered and mostly crewed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
“As we think about developing these vessels and deploying these vessels for FlyTahoe, these vessels will be built in the U.S.,” O’Connor said.
Projections for launch are set for early 2028. For more information about FlyTahoe or to follow along for updates, visit https://www.flytahoe.com/.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Whether through the hawk that greeted her at Freel Peak, or the sunrise on Granite Chief, the Tahoe mountains continue to hold Alison Hardy’s family close.
“They’re in every beautiful moment that is up on those mountains,” she said, “and that’s why I keep coming back.”
Hardy lost her father at the age of 12, her mother at 17 and her brother at 19. “It’s been 25 years since I lost them,” Hardy said, “but it still hurts every day.”
Hardy was born and raised in Carnelian Bay. Her father was a ski patrol member at Palisades Tahoe (then Squaw Valley), and her mother was a local school bus driver. From Christmas mornings to running around the woods as a kid, Tahoe, the mountains and memories of her family are inseparable.
“Tahoe really holds my heart. It’s where I’ve been healing my whole life,” she said. “Grief is a huge driving factor in why I do a lot of what I do in the mountains and why I won’t leave.”
An avid backpacker, hiker and experienced distance runner, Hardy has a long list of activities and accomplishments born in the mountains. She was also a competitive and sponsored snowboarder throughout her twenties, and is now a backcountry ski enthusiast and CrossFit and yoga instructor who has served the Tahoe, Truckee and Carson basins.
On October 4, she became the first female to complete the Tahoe Five Peaks challenge, a test of both physical endurance and the human spirit.
“This is a great challenge to show what you’re made of,” Hardy said, “and to also get to experience Tahoe and its best.”
In the challenge, participants summit five peaks in the Tahoe basin—Mt Rose, Granite Chief, Mt Tallac, Freel Peak, and Genoa Peak—racing against the clock to complete the endeavor in 24 hours.
Hardy after summiting Mt Tallac in the Tahoe 5 Peaks Challenge.Provided
Athletes not only have to overcome one summit after the other (some in the dark), they must also resist the desire to sleep and rest, which deepens with each pounding mile.
It has been called the hardest day hike in America, at 50.94 miles and 14,036 feet of elevation gain.
Hardy attempted it for the first time on September 12, but faced high winds, delays from a traffic accident and other setbacks, falling just short of the 24-hour cutoff.
Exhausted and despairing after the near finish, she recalls saying, “I’m never doing this again.”
“And then within 10 hours, I was like, ‘okay, when are we going to do it again?'”
She contemplated waiting another year before her next attempt, “but that gives another woman 365 days to go and do this,” she had thought.
“There’s a little bit of ego and competitiveness,” she said laughing, “in wanting to be able to be the first at something.”
So, just a few weeks later, Hardy embarked on her second attempt. She carried forward vital lessons from her first attempt, like using poles on certain summits, drinking more water between peaks, and found ways to be quicker.
Although encountering less wind and traffic obstacles, Hardy felt the physical impacts more significantly this second time around. “I was two mountains ahead in soreness on my body,” she recalled.
She doesn’t typically take painkillers, but describes them as her savior on this second attempt: “I could say I was sponsored by ibuprofen.”
Hiking up the hills and running the downhills, Hardy pushed through her angry hips and calves. “Endurance athletes are really, really good at pushing past that mounting need to stop and just keep going,” she said. “I get uncomfortable, and I push harder.”
She digs into her resilience, built from her past to push her forward. “On Freel, the first time, I thought to myself, ‘this isn’t as painful as not having a family,'” she said, adding, “Life is a mountain. You keep going up, and then you go down, and you go up. And then, some days you climb, some days you’re skiing down, some days you’re crawling down.”
Nearly crawling on Genoa Peak, Hardy finished her second attempt in 23 hours and 26 minutes with a hike time of 19 hours and 22 minutes.
One of Hardy’s pacers, Candice Harris, who originally intended to pace the first two peaks with Hardy, continued to the third peak, Tallac. Still feeling well enough, she continued onto Freel and finally Genoa Peak, becoming the second woman to complete the challenge.
The accomplishment brought the two closer. “We kind of knew each other before,” Hardy said, “but now we have this connection.”
Alison Hardy and Candice Harris together became the first women to complete the Tahoe 5 Peaks Challenge.Provided
For Hardy, the T5 challenge was an opportunity to prove her strength to herself and others, reminding her of what she has endured and overcome.
“Grief is not linear, but being in nature serves as a constant reminder to keep moving forward,” she said. “While nothing can bring my family back, I am dedicated to living fully in remembrance of them.”
Through tears, she gave a shout-out to her family, Susan, David, and Carson, and thanked them for being her spirit through it all. “I know my family’s with me when I do these things.”
To learn more or to sign up for the Tahoe 5 Peaks Challenge, visit tahoe5peaks.com.
Marsha Susan Radow, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at her home in Reno, Nevada, on October 15, 2026.
Born on May 29, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to Mae and David Hoffman, Marsha grew up in New York where she met and married Jules Radow. Seeking the outdoors, they moved west to Incline Village, Nevada, enjoying 20 wonderful years raising their three sons, Seth, Scott, and Marc, in Lake Tahoe.
Marsha loved skiing, boating, and tennis, and her greatest passion was bringing people together. Renowned by family and friends as an exceptional cook—especially Paella—dinners were the center of family life. Later, Marsha and Jules lived in Aventura, Florida, and sailed the Mediterranean, before returning to Reno to be near their grandkids.
Marsha was preceded in death by her husband, Jules. She is survived by her three sons, Seth, Scott, and Marc; six grandchildren, Adam, Gabriel, Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and Samantha; and her brother, Jeffrey Hoffman.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 29, at 3:30 PM at Chapel of the Sunset (Mountain View Sunset), 437 Stoker Ave, Reno, NV 89503.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Former mayor Tamara Wallace pleaded guilty to one count of felony wire fraud Thursday morning at her change of plea hearing in Sacramento. Wallace faces up to 20 years in prison for embezzling nearly $390,000 from a church in South Lake Tahoe.
She remains out of custody. Her sentencing hearing will be on Jan. 14, 2027 at 9:30 a.m.
At her Oct. 13 arraignment, Wallace initially entered a standard not guilty plea to preserve her rights and allow her lawyers to review evidence collected by the prosecution. As of Thursday morning, she is irrevocably considered guilty by the court.
In court, Wallace sat next to her husband Duane before being called to the podium by Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley. The judge’s first question was whether she intended to plead guilty.
Wallace replied: “That is absolutely correct.”
As a part of the guilty plea, the U.S. Attorney Nicholas Fogg said the prosecution will recommend sentencing Wallace to the lowest amount of prison time in the applicable, and Wallace will pay restitution of roughly $388,000. She will also pay a fine of either $250,000 or twice her monetary gain or loss.
Judge Nunley will determine her sentence based on federal statutes and sentencing guidelines. The maximum amount of prison time for her charge is 20 years, and the court has not yet determined the minimum. Federal crimes do not allow the possibility of parole.
Wallace and her lawyer will be able to review a pre-sentencing report before the hearing in January.
At the sentencing hearing, victims of the crime are able to give testimony about the damage the defendant caused due to the crime. It is unclear who, if anyone, will speak at Wallace’s sentencing.
In response to further questions from the judge, Wallace confirmed her history of mental illness — which she previously detailed in a letter published in The Tribune confessing to the embezzlement. She said she takes prescription medication for it but the prescription doesn’t impact her ability to understand the hearing or plea.
Wallace said she is currently working in the pet grooming industry at a local pet store. She confirmed her name, date of birth and highest level of education as an Associate of Arts degree.
Wallace fidgeted with her hands while waiting for the court to be called in session and, during the initial hearing of the session, she closed her eyes while the judge described that defendant’s distribution of child sexual abuse material.
When asked for comment after the trial, she directed all questions to be sent to her lawyer.
According to her indictment, Wallace wrote herself checks while she was Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church’s bookkeeper which totaled $360,000 and completed unauthorized electronic transfers which totaled $31,000 from April 2019 until September 2025.
In the church’s records, she disguised the checks as reimbursements for charges that she had never paid out of her personal accounts, the indictment says. The U.S. attorney used the example of on Sept. 5, 2025 Wallace wrote herself a check for $7,500 with the only note on the memo being “Reimb.”
The church gave Wallace leeway with the expenses, the indictment says, but she was never authorized to use funds for personal expenses. The indictment says Wallace was a signatory on the church’s accounts and that she was the only person with access to the church’s digital financial records for most of her time as its bookkeeper.
Wallace used the funds for travel and to pay rent on her home, the indictment says.
The church nearly had to close down because of the financial losses resulting from Wallace’s fraud, according to the indictment. It says the church incurred late fees and interest on overdue bills and was forced to take out several loans to stay afloat.
As outlined by the U.S. attorney at her change of plea hearing, the essential elements of Wallace’s case are:
She knowingly and intentionally participated in a scheme to defraud someone of money;
Her scheme included a statement or omission that a capacity to influence people into parting with their money;
She acted with the specific intent to deceive;
She used interstate wire communications in order to carry out the scheme.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./ Nev. — A storm could bring rain to Lake Tahoe and several inches of snow to the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada this weekend, with precipitation potentially lingering into Sunday morning.
The storm is expected to bring mainly rain to lower elevations, a mix of rain and snow at mid-mountain elevations and accumulating snow at higher elevations. The system could clear by Sunday, giving way to drier weather and warmer temperatures heading into November.
Snow levels are expected to fluctuate around 7,000 feet for much of the storm, rising toward 8,000 feet during lighter precipitation and potentially dropping closer to the base of the mountains by Sunday morning as the system moves out, weather forecaster Bryan Allegretto wrote on OpenSnow.
That could mean several inches of snow at higher elevations, with the potential for 6 to 12 inches above roughly 7,500 feet by Sunday. The lower end of that range is expected near 7,500 feet, with snowfall totals decreasing at lower elevations.
“Using my formulas that I’ve developed over the last 20 years of forecasting for the northern Sierra, I’m coming up with around 1 inch of total precipitation possible near the crest, with good spillover to the east side of the Sierra and Lake Tahoe.” Wrote Allegretto on Open Snow.
The National Weather Service in Reno forecasts 1 to 4 inches of snow above 8,000 feet in the Carson Range and areas north of U.S. Highway 50. Farther south, 3 to 6 inches are possible above 8,000 feet, with a 30% to 70% chance of snowfall exceeding 6 inches above 9,000 to 10,000 feet. Isolated locations near the crest could receive up to 9 inches.
Between 6,500 and 8,000 feet, the NWS expects a trace to 2 inches of snow, with higher totals in that range potentially resulting from brief, localized snow bursts.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there were light, brief snow bursts below 6,500 feet due to air saturation in the Tahoe Basin and portions of U.S. Highway 395 in Mono County,” a National Weather Service forecaster said in Thursday morning’s forecast discussion.
Travelers crossing the Sierra this weekend should monitor conditions, particularly at mountain passes, where snowfall could affect driving. The NWS recommends checking road conditions through Caltrans and the Nevada Department of Transportation for travel on Mount Rose Highway.
A drier start to November
The storm is expected to clear by sometime Sunday, bringing a return to sunshine and warmer temperatures as the region heads into next week.
Highs could reach the 40s at higher elevations and the 50s near lake level, according to Allegretto. The following week is expected to remain mostly dry, although a slight chance of precipitation remains in the forecast.
However, the pattern could turn wetter later in November, with the potential for additional storms opening up beyond Nov. 10, Allegretto wrote on OpenSnow.
In the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, guests at Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Silvers Omakase are served champagne in a dark room, then escorted into a dimly lit 10-seat sushi bar. One night this spring, a candidate for California’s 3rd congressional district, Rep. Ami Bera, was among those patrons.
There are only two seatings per night and guests dine on a set-price 15-course menu that’s $285 per person, plus a $25 deposit per person just to make the reservation.
Bera charged the $1,861 evening to his campaign on May 26.
Bera currently represents California’s 6th district in Sacramento but is running for the remapped 3rd district seat that includes Tahoe. His disclosure form listed the sushi bill as “Event catering” with “Fundraising” as the purpose. Based on the fixed price and bill, Bera was likely one of five or six people in his party that night.
Bera and his campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment, including a detailed list of questions on specific expenditures.
On another disclosure form filed on the same date, Bera’s campaign reported spending $5,177 at Hotel Californian, a high-end 5-star resort just a 5-minute walk from the sushi restaurant. In May, rooms go for no less than $664 per night, closer to $900 on weekends. The data doesn’t show the dates of travel.
From January 2025 through Oct. 14, when the most recent Federal Election Commission filings are available, Bera’s campaign also spent more than $20,900 at golf resorts, $12,600 at Michelin recommended restaurants and $12,400 at a D.C.-based luxury sporting suites broker — all in the name of fundraising. He also spent considerable amounts in Kentucky and Oregon, hundreds of miles from both his home district and the political center of gravity, Washington, D.C.
Bera’s campaign spent $56,593 total at restaurants labeled for event catering, and 19 times during this election cycle, he spent four figures at restaurants.
During this same period, Bera raised $1,492,834, so his high-end fundraising spending accounts for a relatively small percentage. The Cook Political Report rates his newly redrawn district as favoring Democrats by 6% and he is expected to win handily.
In the misty world of campaign finance, there are few rigorous checks on spending, leaving congressional candidates leeway to cash in on luxury experiences and let their donors foot the bill. Still, compared to similar candidates and his opponent, the reach of Bera’s spending is striking.
“It probably surprises a lot of people how little money actually gets put back into the campaigns and how much is spent on overhead and more fundraising,” said Brendan Glavin, director of insights at campaign transparency nonprofit Open Secrets.
Glavin chuckled when told about the sushi dinner, and said the expensive hotel charge paired with it “really does stand out.”
Glavin said campaigns typically defend luxury expenditures as “spending that money to raise money” and adopt a “spare no expense” mindset to court high-dollar donors. When it came to the $5,100 hotel disbursement, however: “There’s not a lot of defense for spending exorbitant amounts of money on the lodging,” he said.
FEC regulations say campaign money must be spent on a “political, legislative or governmental purpose,” for which fundraising qualifies. If the candidate wouldn’t have spent that money had they not been running for office, it’s considered a legitimate purpose. Big-ticket charges do not imply wrongdoing but instead can offer a valuable window into how and where politicians choose to spend their resources.
Bera’s campaign received a total of $43,500 from donors with Santa Barbara addresses, but there is no way of knowing whether those donors are connected to his campaign spending there.
The FEC does not often audit the validity of individual expenditures, Glavin said, and is more focused on whether campaigns reported the full venue name and address where they spent money. The only way to know exactly why that money was spent is talking to someone who was there.
This allows candidates more latitude for spending than “if there were more of a microscope on how the money was being spent,” Glavin said.
Spending thousands, while hundreds of miles away
From April 2025 to May 2026, Bera’s campaign spent more than $15,500 in Kentucky, primarily Louisville, more than 2,000 miles from the district he’s running in. The charges were at distilleries, a hotel, restaurants, a chartered transportation company and a golf club.
Bera’s campaign received roughly $14,300 from the political action committees of two alcoholic beverage giants based in Louisville, including $4,733 across four “in-kind” donations, meaning non-cash goods or services, that were mostly for event space rental from January 2025 to April 2026.
Bera is a founding member of the bipartisan White Oak Caucus, a legislative group dedicated to preserving white oak trees used to make barrels for the wine and spirit industries. It’s especially important for bourbon.
White oaks grow throughout most of the eastern United States, and the three other members of Congress who co-founded the caucus in 2022 are from Kentucky and Tennessee.
Glavin said industry-specific fundraising is common among politicians who are champions of or involved in certain sectors. Especially in lucrative industries like alcohol, if there’s money to be made, Glavin said “the idea you go there and build a fundraiser, I think, makes sense.”
The PAC for Louisville-based Brown-Forman Corporation, the maker of Woodford Reserve bourbon (and, perhaps more notably, Jack Daniel’s whiskey), reported $6,000 in cash contributions and $2,408 of in-kind goods or services in May 2025, for a total of $8,408.
Sazerac Company, a spirits company with its principal office in Louisville, had its PAC donate the equivalent of $5,910, including $2,325 in-kind, for event space rental and supplies in January and April 2025, and April 2026. Sazerac owns several bourbon brands — along with popular brands like BuzzBallz, Fireball and Kendall Jenner’s 818 tequila.
On the southern Oregon coast, Bera’s campaign reported four expenses totaling $16,281 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. There was a $6,000 charge for fundraising event lodging in October 2025, a $4,500 charge for “Caucus retreat” was reported on Oct. 1, a $3,474 charge for fundraising event lodging and catering in August 2025 and a $2,307 charge for travel in August 2026.
The communications director at Bandon Dunes said he was unable to comment, citing that tens of thousands of people come through the resort every year and the resort has no way of knowing why someone is there.
Bera’s campaign received only one donation from Oregon, just $1,000, in June 2026 from the Pacific Seafood Processors Association PAC.
And in San Diego County, Bera spent $1,006 this August on event catering at The Lodge At Torrey Pines, a 5-star hotel next to a golf course.
We examined similar Democratic members of leadership in non-competitive races and found their spending this election cycle somewhat similar in comparison.
But Bera spent the most fundraising money away from his district and Washington, D.C., and he spent that money further from his district or D.C. than the other candidates.
Bera’s campaign spent $20,616 labeled specifically for fundraising or events in Kentucky, Oregon and Santa Barbara — that does not include the $5,177 hotel charge in Santa Barbara and hotel charges in Kentucky, since those were labeled for travel. He spent a total of $122,430 on fundraising and event expenses across all states.
Rep. Linda Sánchez spent a total of $204,706 on fundraising. She has represented southern Los Angeles and parts of Orange County in Congress since 2013 and, similar to Bera, switched districts to flip a remapped seat this election.
Sánchez’s campaign spent $14,530 for out-of-district, non-D.C. fundraising; the two venues are both 3-hour drives from Washington, D.C. on the Virginia coast. She also spent significant sums at the Staples Center stadium in Los Angeles that, while not in her district, is plausibly related to in-district fundraising.
Rep. Ted Lieu, representing west Los Angeles, spent just over $5,511 for out-of-district, non-D.C. fundraising out of $83,334 fundraising and event dollars total. Lieu’s campaign spent $74,267 on “Food & beverage expenses,” but it is not marked as for events or fundraisers. Lieu’s far away spending was primarily on theater tickets in San Francisco, New York and Santa Fe.
And Rep. Jared Huffman, representing Marin County to the Oregon border, didn’t spend any fundraising money outside his district and D.C. of the $89,013 he spent on fundraising and events.
Bera’s opponent in the general election, Republican Robb Tucker, raised $304,654 for the 2026 election cycle up to Oct. 14, significantly less than Bera in the same time. Of that money, $205,000 came from a loan he gave his campaign.
While Tucker’s campaign spent $36,137 on fundraising consulting (Bera spent $119,000 on consulting), his filings show no expenses related to fundraising events.
Bera’s district is safe. Why does he keep fundraising?
Bera is running as a congressional incumbent (though not a district incumbent) in a district remapped for Democrat success. Democrats are favored by 6 percentage points in California’s 3rd district, according to a nonpartisan analysis.
Even in a safe district, though, there are still plenty of reasons to “keep the money flowing in,” Glavin said.
“If you want to move up into a leadership role, then you need to establish your bona fides as a fundraiser, and you need to share the wealth of your fundraising with your colleagues,” Glavin said.
That’s what Bera’s done.
On Feb. 28, 2025, Bera’s campaign announced he was appointed Frontline Co-Chair for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the 2026 cycle, a group focused on flipping competitive seats and protecting vulnerable Democrats.
Four days prior, his campaign donated $25,000 to the DCCC — his first of seven significant contributions to the DCCC between then and August 2026, totaling $330,000.
In the 2026 election cycle, his campaign donated $4,000 to the Democratic Doctors PAC, $3,500 to the federal Harry S. Truman Club, $2,500 to the Equality PAC and $1,300 to Sacramento County Democratic Central Committee. He gave between $400 to $800 to local and state Democrat groups and $100 to the Carmichael Elks Lodge.
He also gave $1,000 each to the campaigns of Rep. Adam Gray in Merced County and State Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains in Bakersfield, who lost in the June primary in the race for California’s remapped 22nd district.
But Glavin pointed out another potential reason that could motivate his fundraising.
In the 2010 and 2012 election cycles, Bera loaned his campaign $400,000. This cycle, he paid himself back $132,800. Glavin called the repayment “quite a windfall for him.”
This wasn’t always standard practice. In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Senator Ted Cruz, allowing candidates to use money raised after an election to repay large loans the candidates had given their campaigns. Previously, only $250,000 could be repaid to candidates, unless it was repaid within 20 days of the election.
Bera’s campaign had repaid him a total of $222,200 in chunks since the 2012 cycle. After the ruling, he repaid $115,000 in the 2024 cycle and now $132,800. The total repayment now equals $470,000.
It is unclear why this number is greater than the original loan amounts.
Ultimately, most candidates like to keep a healthy amount of money in the bank, regardless of how competitive their race is.
“A lot of times you see that with safe incumbents you have a big war chest, then that’s something that you know is going to scare off potential [opposition],” Glavin said.
In October 2025, Bera’s campaign posted a press release announcing it had $2 million in cash-on-hand entering the fourth quarter of 2025. The announcement said his financials were a “strong display of strength that underscores his readiness to win and help Democrats reclaim the House majority in 2026.”
Bera stopped by Tahoe, too
In the Tahoe-Truckee region, Bera spent $11,022 total on event catering, event space, travel meals and meeting food and beverage from January to October this year.
On Oct. 1, his campaign reported spending $2,500 for event catering at Riva Grill, $1,744 for event space rental at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort in Zephyr Cove and $988 at Discover Lake Tahoe Tours, listed under travel.
Bera’s campaign also reported spending $2,556 to rent event space at Fifty Fifty Brewing in Truckee on Aug. 24 and $1,904 at The Landing for fundraising event catering on May 5.
Also, Bera’s campaign paid for travel meals at MacDuff’s Pub and Riva Grill for $201 and $306, respectively. And he purchased “Meeting food and beverage” twice at Margaritaville for $349 and $263, and once at Bar of America in Truckee for $211.
After winning the June primary, Bera said he would travel across Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Nevada counties to meet voters and hear their concerns. Since that statement, his campaign has reported $6,776 in fundraising expenses within his district, including the three expenditures in the Tahoe area on Oct. 1.
None of the fundraising events mentioned in this article were publicized. His social media accounts don’t show him in any of the out of district locations discussed.
Private fundraisers can be difficult to track, Glavin said, because knowledge of the events may be limited to “a very select group of people.”
This leaves a gap. The filings show where Bera’s campaign reported spending money, but offer little detail about who attended the events, what took place or how the expenditures served their stated purpose.
STATELINE, NV – The Tahoe Knight Monsters, proud ECHL Affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights, defeated the Kansas City Mavericks in their first matchup of the season by a score of 3-1.
Tahoe found the back of the net early into the game as rookie forward Shane Smith scored his first professional goal just under five minutes into the contest, and Tahoe took a 1-0 lead. Later in the frame at the 8:55 mark, Keanan Stewart found the back of the net for his first goal of the season, and the Knight Monsters took a 2-0 lead into the second period.
Both teams were kept off the scoresheet in the middle frame as Tahoe’s Jordan Papirny and Kansas City’s Connor Murphy stopped a combined 20 shots, and the score remained 2-0 Tahoe entering the third.
In the third, the lamp lighting didn’t come until under two minutes left in the period when Kansas City’s Andrei Loshko scored with an extra attacker on the ice, and the Mavericks cut the lead to 2-1. However, with under 30 seconds left in regulation, Shane Smith scored his second goal of the game on an empty-net insurance marker to help put Tahoe up by two and eventually give the Knight Monsters a 3-1 win.
Jordan Papirny had a great night in net, stopping 28 of 29 Kansas City shots.
The Knight Monsters return to Tahoe Blue Event Center on Friday, October 30, as they take on the Kansas City Mavericks and celebrate Nevada Day. Puck drop is set for 7 pm PT. 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.
The Tahoe Basin is teeming with a variety of Halloween events all weekend long. Photo from Heavenly Village Halloween Celebration.Provided / Jeff Scott
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – It’s Halloween weekend and the Lake Tahoe Basin is doing what it does best – hosting a variety of wickedly fun events and activities. From family-friendly outings that will leave your little ones with a belly full of candy to late-night dance parties as you sip on dangerously delicious potion, here’s a list of Halloween events happening all weekend long. Pick your poison.
Thursday, October 29
Creatures of the Dark Halloween Ball at Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House
For its eighth year in a row, Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House is hosting their Halloween party, and this year’s theme is “Creatures of the Dark”.
“Come as your favorite dark creature,” said Kandy Xander, DJ and mistress of ceremonies at Alibi Ale Works. “It’s going to be a festive and fun dance party.”
The event will kick off Halloween weekend with aerial performances by Moonlight Movement as guests enjoy music sets by DJ Kandy, tasty cocktail concoctions, and a costume contest with chances to win prizes including Alibi Ale Works gift cards.
Another special highlight of the evening will be a ‘Thriller’ flash mob as folks enjoy a spontaneous assembly to keep the energy going.
Creatures of the Dark Halloween Ball starts at 9 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, October 29. Pre-event tickets are $20 and $25 on the day of.
Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House is located at 931 Tahoe Blvd in Incline Village, Nev.
Trunk or Treat at Kahle Community Center and Kahle Park – Stateline
Head to Kahle Community Center and Kahle Park for a free, family-friendly evening spent trunk-or-treating with community members and local businesses.
Let your little one show off their costume as they soak in all the fun that Halloween has to offer where they can enjoy a Fun Zone by Minden Bouncers which includes bounce houses, seasonal crafts, games and more.
Food will be available for purchase on site through local food vendors. Attendees can also enter a raffle to win some awesome halloween goodies.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 29.
Admission is free. The Fun Zone is a $5 entry fee.
Kahle Community Center and Kahle Park is located at 236 Kingsbury Grade in Stateline, Nev.
Friday, October 30
Spooky Harbor at Sand Harbor State Park – Incline Village
From September 25 through November 1, Sand Harbor State Park hosts Spooky Harbor every Friday night where visitors enjoy a cozy movie night on the Sand Harbor stage. On Friday, October 30, guests can participate in an extra spooky movie night: “Trick ‘r Treat” (rated R).
“It’s a really fun way to enjoy Sand Harbor that you wouldn’t expect,” said Tyler Kerver, Education and Information Officer at Nevada Division of State Parks. “The Shakespeare stage is set up with a large inflatable screen and we use a large projector and speakers to show the movies.”
The movie will begin approximately 30 minutes after sunset. Kerver notes that if you get there early enough, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view on the beach.
“With blankets, low back chairs, snacks, and warm drinks, it’s an experience that has become a tradition for a lot of visitors.”
Things to note: Pets are not allowed and minors must be accompanied by an adult. “Trick ‘r Treat” is a rated R film, therefore viewer discretion is advised. Lighting is limited after sunset so bring a flashlight, weather-appropriate clothing, blankets and a brave face for the scary movie.
The event is free and begins at 7 p.m. and will last for the duration of the film. Standard Sand Harbor State Park entrance fees apply.
The Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) is hosting a Halloween Eve event to provide a festive night of trick-or-treating in the beautiful downtown streets of Tahoe City.
“We’re excited to team up with our local businesses to make this a fun and safe evening for Tahoe City families,” said TCPUD Recreation Superintendent Kurt Williams. “Holding Downtown Trick-or-Treat the night before Halloween is a fun opportunity that gives kids an extra chance to show off their costumes and hone their trick-or-treating skills in a welcoming, all-ages environment.”
The route is designed as a walkable loop through downtown starting at TCPUD’s booth at Heritage Plaza. From there, kids will be welcomed by local merchants and businesses as they open their doors to hand out treats and candy.
The event is free and open to all ages, starting at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 30.
Heritage Plaza is located at 221 Fairway Dr in Tahoe City, Calif.
The TCPUD Downtown Trick-or-Treat takes place on Friday, October 30.Provided / Tahoe City Public Utility District
Watson Cabin Haunted House – Tahoe City
As you make your way from Downtown Tahoe City Trick-or-Treat, join the Watson Cabin as they host their fifth annual Haunted House.
“When I first started working at the Historical Society, the first thing I thought was, ‘How is this building from 1908, in the middle of town, not a haunted house?'” said Susan Winter, Director of North Lake Tahoe Historical Society (NLTHS).
Owned by TCPUD and leased by the NLTHS, the Watson Cabin has bore witness to generations of visitors, changes and additions to the town of Tahoe City. Some even claim that the spirit of the cabin’s original owner and builder, Robert Montgomery Watson appears on the back porch or his footsteps can be heard creaking around upstairs.
Inside will be teeming with fun Halloween decorations and its famously stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
“I’m most excited about the fact that we’ve done it for five years, and it’s just been such a fun joy to bring to the community,” added Winter. “People really love it.”
The Watson Cabin Haunted House will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and free to the public. Whether you’re a ghost, ghoul, goblin or ghost hunter, all are welcome.
Ski Run Spooktacular at the Ski Run Marina – South Lake Tahoe
As part of an all-new fall program, the Ski Run Marina is hosting its very first Ski Run Spooktacular in a series of events taking place throughout the end of the year and invites the community to the gorgeous waterfront marina and plaza for an afternoon of Halloween fun.
“In the off-season, we want to be able to invite people in and have merchants who are engaged with the community on a regular basis,” said Amy Alyeshmerni, Special Projects Coordinator at Ski Run Marina.
Riva Grill is hosting trick-or-treats for kids and a special Halloween cocktail for the parents – “The Spooky Woody”. Artemis will have 10% off food purchases for anyone in costume on Halloween. Cabin Fever is offering 20% off all purchases during the event, and Tahoe Cruises is giving $20 off discounted cruise tickets for the day of the event. Early 90’s Coffee is offering buy-one-get-one 25% off, along with Bearry Sweet Crepes who is buy-one-get-one 25% off for the day of the event.
Partnering with the Marcella Foundation to support their Literacy Program, the event will be filled with exciting Halloween activities including chances to meet Tahoe’s versions of the Sanderson Sisters and Spiderman.
Children can participate in a Haunted Harbor Hunt where they will make their way through marina businesses while trick-or-treating to fill up their candy baskets and pillowcases.
Join in on a Little Pumpkin Workshop which includes arts and crafts and pumpkin decorating.
Once Upon a Boo storytime hosted by the Marcella Foundation will take place at 3 p.m. in the marina’s courtyard.
The Ski Run Spooktacular is free and open to the community, taking place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. It’s a perfect family-friendly South Shore event and provides amazing views of Lake Tahoe.
Ski Run Marina is located at 900 Ski Run Blvd in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
47th annual Freaker’s Ball at Bally’s Lake Tahoe – Stateline
It’s always a party at Bally’s Lake Tahoe and thanks to their 47th annual Freaker’s Ball, they’re taking things up a notch on Halloween night.
“We’ve reimagined the whole celebration this year, so guests can expect wild costumes, jaw-dropping live entertainment, burlesque and DJs all night long in the Bally’s Showroom,” said Arik Knowles, Vice President and General Manager at Bally’s Lake Tahoe “Scarlet Checkers, a ‘clowntortionist,’ combines contortion, sword swallowing and sideshow stunts with interactive comedy, so the crowd might just become part of the show. Reagan Riot will bring the burlesque, and our DJs will keep the party going into the early morning. Honestly, there’s no better way to spend Halloween night.”
Bally’s has created a lineup of sideshow-inspired signature cocktails for the night, including “The Ringmaster’s Curse” with Fireball, hard cider and a cinnamon sugar rim, the “After Dark” with Tito’s vodka, Pepsi, grenadine and lime, “Freaker’s Shots like The Guillotine”, made with tequila, lime and black salt, and a strawberry “Freaker’s Fizz” mocktail for those non-alcoholic lovers.
Del Soul will be serving everything from pancakes to burgers and fajitas with plans to stay open until midnight.
Their infamous costume contest is getting an upgrade this year with a stunning prize pool of $15,000. Three judges will be evaluating costumes from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., looking for originality, creativity and overall theme and execution. 10 winners will be crowned, and if you’re the first place winner, plan to take home a whopping $7,500 cash prize.
“What we love most about Freaker’s Ball is the community behind it. Some guests have been coming for decades, and every year they find ways to top themselves with their costumes,” said Knowles. “Being part of a tradition that’s lasted 47 years is something special, and we’re excited to welcome both longtime regulars and first-timers for another unforgettable night.”
Bally’s Lake Tahoe is located at 55 US 50 in Stateline, Nev.
Halloween Party at Himmel Haus featuring Ten Foot Tiger – South Lake Tahoe
It’s a “dance the night away” celebration at Himmel Haus this Halloween night as they host an epic party filled with spooky delights.
Sacramento-based band, Ten Foot Tiger, will be jamming their original blend of indie/funk/rock tunes in one room while DJ Ocho Libre and Dave Armstrong spin sets in another.
Take your shot at a costume contest with $250 going to the winning costume.
“We’re excited for Ten Foot Tiger and for DJ Ocho Libre,” said David Armstrong, owner of Himmel Haus. “He’s a good friend and plays great music.”
This thrilling Halloween party, which kicks off at 9 p.m. makes for a great date night or evening spent dancing and enjoying the holiday.
Pre-sale tickets start at $15 and bump up to $20 on the day of the event.
Himmel Haus is located at 3819 Saddle Road in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Hosts Annual Carnival Supporting Incline Education Fund
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino announces the return of its annual Halloween Carnival. The family-friendly event will bring together resort guests and the local community for an evening of Halloween festivities. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit Incline Education Fund’s STE(A)M program, which supports science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education for local students through hands-on learning opportunities.
The Halloween Carnival will take place on Saturday, October 31 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the resort’s Regency Ballroom. Guests of all ages can enjoy an assortment of Halloween activities and entertainment including carnival games, a bouncy house, a photo booth, and classic treats like popcorn and cotton candy. DJ Joolz will provide spooky beats, with a dance floor available for guests to join in the Halloween celebration.
“Our Halloween Carnival has become one of our favorite traditions at the resort, and there’s nothing quite like seeing the ballroom fill with costumed families from Incline Village and beyond,” said Hilde Di Domenico, director of marketing at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “We look forward to welcoming our neighbors back for a night that’s as meaningful as it is fun”.
Entry is a $10 donation to Incline Education Fund and includes five tickets for games and activities, with additional tickets available for $1 each. Validation will be provided for the resort’s self-parking lot.
Proceeds will support Incline Education Fund’s STE(A)M program, which has funded a makerspace program at Incline Elementary School, a robotics program at Incline Middle School, and an engineering and entrepreneurship program at Incline High School through community support and recently awarded grants. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.inclineeducationfund.org/programs/. For questions about the event, email TahoeAdventures@hyatt.com.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located at 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV, 8945
Safe Trick-or-Treat Halloween Celebration at Heavenly Village
The Shops at Heavenly Village is hosting their annual Safe Trick-or-Treat Halloween Celebration, transforming the charming village into a Halloween spectacle jam-packed with bounce houses, live entertainment, a Witches Walk, costume contest and of course – candy.
“This is one of those special events that reminds us how fortunate we are to have such an incredible community,” said Dreu Murin, Event Producer and Spokesperson for Heavenly Village. “Seeing families fill the Village, our businesses enthusiastically handing out candy, and kids showing off their amazing costumes is what Halloween at Heavenly Village is all about.”
Entertainment will include live musical performances, DJs and more as businesses and local organizations hand out candy and keep the spirit of Halloween alive.
Dress in the season’s best as you participate in a costume contest with a chance to win a $1000 cash prize for your creativity and passion.
Because of the event’s demand and capacity, the City of South Lake Tahoe will provide free parking during the event.
“We are incredibly thankful to our tenants, businesses, community partners and the City of South Lake Tahoe who make this tradition possible year after year,” said Murin.
The Heavenly Village Halloween Celebration starts from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 and is free to the public.
The Shops at Heavenly Village is located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
The Shops at Heavenly Village hosts an annual Halloween Celebration.Provided / Jeff Scott
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.
With South Lake Tahoe’s upcoming Restaurant Week (November 6 – 15), getting out to discover new restaurants and new offerings from existing restaurants, it’s the perfect time to for a place like Lake Tahoe Pizza Company. While I’m sure you know they are cranking out handmade pizzas day in and day out, if you haven’t tried the spaghetti dinner, you’re missing out on an incredible deal.
To get the ball rolling, you get a trip to their salad bar to load up on your favorite items. I have no idea why there aren’t more salad bars, but they should go on the endangered species list because we need to save what we have left – especially this one. Their homemade buttermilk ranch is one of the best you’ll eat and everything you want in a salad is there for the building.
Once you’ve gotten the healthy obligations out of the way, the next part of this dinner is an order of their super famous “chips.” I’ve written a whole column on this menu item, which has been a staple since the late 70s. They’re cheesy, garlicky, and maybe most importantly, addicting. If you feel like you can’t go to a pizza place and not order a pizza, this part of the dinner scratches that itch.
The last item in the Spaghetti Dinner is – you guessed it – spaghetti. House crafted marinara smothered over three huge and juicy pork and beef meatballs all draped around cooked noodles – if you weren’t full when you started the dinner, you certainly will by the end of it. A couple twirls of the fork and bites from the meatballs, and you can instantly taste the love that’s going into this dish.
The best part about a dinner that gives you three tasty components – you get it all for under $20. I know I like to feature all kinds of menu items in this column, but I feel like if I also come across a screaming deal, I should mention that, too. Consider this one mentioned.
Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. is located at 1168 Emerald Bay Rd. in South Lake Tahoe. For menu items and more information visit them online at laketahoepizzaco.com or via phone at 530-544-1919.
The Funk Hunters w/ Rambo Party (Creeper’s Ball- N1) – 9 p.m., 14 NV-28. The Creeper’s Ball – Night 1 – Oct. 30th 2026 Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/203289 Get ready for two nights of Halloween madness at the Crystal Bay Casino’s Creeper’s Ball, October 30th & 31st! We’re taking over Halloween weekend with live music, killer costumes, casino action, spooky surprises, cold drinks, and late-night partying on both nights. Dress to impress (or to terrify) and come celebrate Halloween “Tahoe-style” at the Crystal Bay Casino. Two nights. Two parties. One seriously creepy weekend. The Funk Hunters Canadian DJ duo The Funk Hunters – Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith – have spent nearly two decades electrifying dancefloors worldwide with their multisensory approach to live music. Performing on four decks and two mixers, their funk-infused sets blend house, bass, midtempo, and drum & bass with custom-synced live visuals – crafting a spontaneous experience designed to move bodies and inspire minds. With more than 50 million streams, The Funk Hunters’ catalog spans hit collaborations, original mixes, and official remixes for Opiuo, CloZee, Gramatik and global stars including U2 and Imagine Dragons. Their production work has reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Chart, while their critically acclaimed album projects have showcased heavyweight collaborators like Dr. Fresch, Flowdan, Big Gigantic, and Chali 2na & Cut Chemist of Jurassic 5 fame – cementing their role as tastemakers and community builders.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1039270469092974/.
Greg Case – 4-6 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=1.
Halloween Costume Party – 6-9 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Kick off your Halloween celebrations with a costume party at the Brewery on Friday, October 30th, from 6-9 PM!
Admission is free, and we’ll have live music from DJ SMPLMND starting at 6 PM.
The costume contest and Halloween games will start at 7 PM, plus we’ll be giving away free candy to our costumed attendees!
For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/brewery-events.
Knights Monsters vs. KC Mavericks – 7 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. The Knight Monsters begin season three on the road with a pair of contests against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Puck drop on Saturday is at 4:05 pm PT, with puck drop on Sunday at 1:05 pm PT. The home portion of the regular season gets underway with Opening Knight on Friday, October 23, as the Knight Monsters welcome the expansion New Mexico Goatheads to Tahoe Blue Event Center for the first time. Puck drop for the first of three games against New Mexico is at 7:00 pm PT. All home games are scheduled to start at 7:00 pm PT, with the exceptions of Sunday home games, which will start at 3:00 pm PT, and the game on Thursday, November 19, which starts at 10:30 am PT. In addition to New Mexico, the Knight Monsters will take on two new opponents this season when they face the Norfolk Admirals and South Carolina Stingrays, both in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference. The Knight Monsters face the Stingrays on the road on January 15-17, and will face the Admirals on the road on February 26-28, and at home on March 26-28. The Knight Monsters get an early chance to face the Kansas City Mavericks, who eliminated Tahoe from the Kelly Cup Playoffs last season with a three-game home series beginning on October 28. 58 of the Knight Monsters’ 72 regular-season games will be against Mountain Division opponents. Last season, Tahoe went 28-24-2-3 in games against divisional opponents. Below is a breakdown of matchups against teams in the Mountain Division.
For more information, visit https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events/detail/tahoe-knight-monsters-2026-27-schedule-4.
Lake Tahoe Sand Harbor State Park Celebrates Spooky Harbor – 7-9 p.m., Sand Harbor, 2005 Nevada State Route 28. Nevada State Parks is celebrating the fifth annual Spooky Harbor at Sand Harbor State Park with seven nights of Halloween movies, family activities and seasonal celebrations along the shores of Lake Tahoe.
From September 25 through November 1, visitors can enjoy movies under the stars on the Sand Harbor Stage. Movies begin approximately 30 minutes after sunset. The event is free, with standard park entrance fees applying.
This year’s lineup includes:
Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. – Monster House and Kids Fall Festival (rated PG)
Sunday, November 1, 6 p.m. – Coco and Día de los Muertos celebration (Rated PG)
The Kids Fall Festival on October 23 begins at 4 p.m., with trick-or-treating starting at 6 p.m. The Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1 begins at 3 p.m., followed by Coco at 6 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, low-back chairs, flashlights and warm clothing. There will be no concessions, and lighting is limited after dark.
Movie ratings range from family-friendly favorites to films intended for mature audiences. Parents and guardians are responsible for determining whether a film is appropriate for their children.
Events are weather-dependent and may be canceled without notice. For more information and updates, visitors should check the parks.nv.gov/events before heading to the park.
Need to Know
Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The program is weather dependent and may be canceled without notice. Check the Nevada State Parks website for updates before you head out.
Movie begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset.
Lighting is limited after dark.
There will be no concessions available.
Viewer discretion is advised. The Nightmare Before Christmas is rated PG. Parents and guardians are responsible for determining whether the film is appropriate for their children.
Meet at the Sand Harbor Stage.
What to Bring
Water
Warm, weather-appropriate clothing
Blankets
Low-back chairs
Flashlight
Snacks
What to Expect
Outdoor screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas
Movie under the stars with Lake Tahoe as the backdrop
Seating on the Sand Harbor Stage area
A relaxed, family-friendly evening
Movie begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset and runs for approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes
Limited lighting after dark, so bring a flashlight
Fees & Registration
Event is free.
Standard Sand Harbor State Park entrance fees apply.
Drop-in welcome. No registration required.
Contact
This program is hosted by Sand Harbor State Park. For questions, contact:Marissa Cookshsp@parks.nv.gov(775) 831-0494
For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/lake-tahoe-sand-harbor-state-park-celebrates-spooky-harbor/2026-10-30/.
Murder Mystery Dinner – Murder Under the Big Top – 6 p.m., The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe, 3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd Ste 5. October 30th – Murder Mystery Dinner UNDER THE BIG TOP OCTOBER 30th 2026 @ 6:00pm $90 PER PERSON INCLUDES 4-COURSE DINNER & WINE PAIRING RESERVATIONS REQUIRED IDLEHOURSPECIALEVENTS@GMAIL.COM OR 5306003304
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/785457587995941/ or call (530) 600-3304.
The Revolutionists – 7:30 p.m., Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. The Revolutionists By Lauren Gunderson Directed by Meg Peart October 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 & 31 at 7:30 PM November 1 at 2:00 PM Boathouse Theatre at Valhalla Tahoe Tickets: $25 Four women. One revolution. And a story worth losing your head over. Set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, The Revolutionists is a bold, fast-paced comedy about four remarkable women trying to change the world while trying not to lose their heads. Playwright Olympe de Gouges is desperately searching for something meaningful to write when her world is interrupted by three extraordinary women: assassin Charlotte Corday, Haitian revolutionary Marianne Angelle, and former Queen of France Marie Antoinette. Together, they wrestle with art, activism, friendship, legacy, and what it means to stand up for something when everything is on the line. Funny, fierce, irreverent, and unexpectedly moving, Lauren Gunderson’s The Revolutionists takes a wildly theatrical look at the French Revolution through the stories of women too often left out of the history books. The Cast Stephanie Grigsby as Olympe de Gouges Joanie San Agustin as Charlotte Corday Ginger Nicolay Davis as Marie Antoinette Courtney Cobble as Marianne Angelle Directed by Meg Peart An Immersive Night at the Boathouse For this production, the experience begins before the first line is spoken. The Boathouse Theatre will be transformed to bring audiences into the world of revolutionary France, creating an intimate and immersive evening on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Come early, grab a drink, step into the revolution, and prepare for a night of theatre that is equal parts hilarious, poignant, rebellious, and wonderfully theatrical. Halloween at The Revolutionists – October 31 Our Halloween performance gets a revolutionary twist! Costumes are encouraged-but completely optional-for our October 31 performance. Come dressed for the French Revolution, channel your favorite historical or literary figure, or simply arrive ready for a night at the theatre. The revolution is coming to the Boathouse. Try not to lose your head. Additional dates: 10/30, 10/31, 11/1.
For more information, visit https://valhallatahoe.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=272.
Stephanie Fagliano – 7-10 p.m., Social House.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=1.
Will Murillo – 7:30-10:30 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary. Additional dates: 10/30, 11/1.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Saturday, October 31
Balkan Bump & Smoked Out Soul w/ Funksalot (Creeper’s Ball – N2) – 9 p.m., 14 NV-28. The Creeper’s Ball – Night 2 Get ready for two nights of Halloween madness at the Crystal Bay Casino’s Creeper’s Ball, October 30th & 31st! We’re taking over Halloween weekend with live music, killer costumes, casino action, spooky surprises, cold drinks, and late-night partying on both nights. Dress to impress (or to terrify) and come celebrate Halloween “Tahoe-style” at the Crystal Bay Casino. Two nights. Two parties. One seriously creepy weekend. Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/203291 Balkan Bump Balkan Bump is the global electronic music project orchestrated by trumpet player, producer and ethnomusicologist Will Magid. Balkan Bump’s music fuses heavy electronic production with global music influences including traditional Balkan brass melodies, Middle Eastern sounds and American hip hop. Smoked Out Soul “Old school taste new school bass” Smoked Out Soul is rooted in funk and looking into the future. Blending the classics with modern production, SOS features a high energy DJ dance set laced with live horns, synth, guitar, drums and percussion. It’s Memphis meets California, dusty records and computer love. What started out as a party at a premier night club in San Francisco’s Mission district where DJs would collaborate with special guest live musicians, has now become a touring act, record label and production team that meets regularly to create fresh music. Funksalot With 2 turntables, 10 fingers and 11 toes Funksalot lives and breathes grooves found only on the mothership. Funksalot immerses his audience in a world where the bass is rich and the beats are relentless. His passion for music is evident in every set, where he is no stranger to the power of the heavy low end.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3213949878793871/.
Chris Seal – 5-9 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA – 7:30 p.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Fri, 10 Jul 2026 at 10:00 AM Caesars Rewards Presale : Wed, 8 Jul 2026 at 10:00 AM Ticketmaster Presale : Wed, 8 Jul 2026 at 10:00 AM Social Presale : Wed, 8 Jul 2026 at 10:00 AM Citi® Cardmember Presale : Wed, 8 Jul 2026 at 08:00 AM
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/889155773653563/ or call (800) 427-7247.
Ditchweed Harvest – 12-3 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Fred Buttrick – 4-6 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=1.
Hyatt Halloween Carnival – 3-9 p.m., Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, 111 Country Club Drive. Description Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Hyatt Halloween Carnival The circus is coming to the Regency Ballroom… with a Halloween twist. Join us on Saturday, October 31, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM for the annual Hyatt Halloween Carnival, a spooktacular celebration filled with family-friendly fun, costumes, games, treats, and Halloween magic. Wander through a festive carnival atmosphere featuring carnival games, a photo booth, bounce house, sweet treats, beverages, and surprises lurking around every corner. Whether you’re a little ghost, a wicked witch, or simply young at heart, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Beyond the thrills and chills, the event supports a meaningful cause. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations benefit the Incline Education Fund’s STE(A)M programming, helping create educational opportunities for local students. Come celebrate with family, friends, neighbors, and fellow Halloween enthusiasts while making a positive impact in our community. Event Details Saturday, October 31 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Regency Ballroom $10 donation includes 5 carnival tickets Additional tickets available for $1 each Self-parking provided Put on your favorite costume, gather your little monsters, and step right up for an evening of Halloween fun, community spirit, and unforgettable memories.
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/hyatt-halloween-carnival-1954506?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Knights Monsters vs. KC Mavericks – 3 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. The Knight Monsters begin season three on the road with a pair of contests against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Puck drop on Saturday is at 4:05 pm PT, with puck drop on Sunday at 1:05 pm PT. The home portion of the regular season gets underway with Opening Knight on Friday, October 23, as the Knight Monsters welcome the expansion New Mexico Goatheads to Tahoe Blue Event Center for the first time. Puck drop for the first of three games against New Mexico is at 7:00 pm PT. All home games are scheduled to start at 7:00 pm PT, with the exceptions of Sunday home games, which will start at 3:00 pm PT, and the game on Thursday, November 19, which starts at 10:30 am PT. In addition to New Mexico, the Knight Monsters will take on two new opponents this season when they face the Norfolk Admirals and South Carolina Stingrays, both in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference. The Knight Monsters face the Stingrays on the road on January 15-17, and will face the Admirals on the road on February 26-28, and at home on March 26-28. The Knight Monsters get an early chance to face the Kansas City Mavericks, who eliminated Tahoe from the Kelly Cup Playoffs last season with a three-game home series beginning on October 28. 58 of the Knight Monsters’ 72 regular-season games will be against Mountain Division opponents. Last season, Tahoe went 28-24-2-3 in games against divisional opponents. Below is a breakdown of matchups against teams in the Mountain Division.
For more information, visit https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events/detail/tahoe-knight-monsters-2026-27-schedule-33.
Magic, Mischief & Mayhem: 10th Annual Halloween Party – 11 p.m.-3 a.m., The Loft, 1021 Heavenly Village Way. The Loft Theatre-Lounge-Dining is pleased to announce Magic, Mischief, and Mayhem- The Loft’s 10th Annual Halloween Bash and Costume Contest on Saturday, October 31, 2026 in the Heavenly Village, featuring DJ BRONKS. This Halloween, The Loft transforms into the Village’s premier Ultra Lounge where spooky décor and nonstop dance music will set the stage for an epic night. The party starts at 10:00 PM, with DJ BRONKS spinning from 10:30 PM until 2:00 AM. Come dressed to impress, as we’re giving away over $1,000 in prizes for the top three costumes, including dinner, drinks, show tickets, SUNGOD merch, and more! SUNGOD will be handing out samples in the lounge so be sure to stop by their booth and say hello. General admission is $30. Looking for an elevated experience? Reserve a VIP table with bottle service at our cozy fire-pit tables. To book, email frank@thelofttahoe.com. Please note, all guests must be 21+. Before the party, enjoy a mesmerizing performance in The Loft Theatre- John Shryock at 7:00pm and 9:00pm For dinner reservations, and magic show details, visit thelofttahoe.com or call (530) 523-8024.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1618081449904982/ or call (530) 523-8024.
Mark Sheets – 4:30-7 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
October 31st – Masquerade Mystery Dinner – 3 p.m., The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe, 3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd Ste 5. OCTOBER 30th 2026 2 Seatings – 3:00 and 7:00 $90 PER PERSON INCLUDES 4-COURSE DINNER & WINE PAIRING RESERVATIONS REQUIRED IDLEHOURSPECIALEVENTS@GMAIL.COM OR 5306003304
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1094766439916483/ or call (530) 600-3304.
Porterhaus – 7:30-10 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary. Additional dates: 10/31, 11/3.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Sand Harbor 5K and 10K – 9 a.m., Run the scenic 5K or 10K trail run on the Tahoe East Shore Trail, starting and finishing at Sand Harbor State Park, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Learn more here, https://bigblueadventure.com/sand-harbor-5k-10k
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2160892811423872/.
Sean Hodge – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza. Additional dates: 10/31, 11/2.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Ten Foot Tiger Halloween Party – 9 p.m., Himmel Haus, 3819 Saddle Rd. It’s that time of year again!!! Come get down and celebrate Halloween with us at Himmel Haus! We’ll have special guests, live painting, DJ’s Ocho Libre and Dave Armstrong, plus an even bigger prize for this year’s costume contest winner! $250 cash money baby!!! Dress to kill Tahoe! $15pre/$20dos – Tix available above – See you there!
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1110522051444988/ or call (530) 314-7665.
Will Murillo – 7-10 p.m., Social House.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Sunday, November 1
Annie Davidson – 7-9 p.m., Social House.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Jaime Saso – 7:30-10:30 p.m., Noel’s Coffee a.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Jon Sills – 5-8 p.m., Base Camp Pizza. Additional dates: 11/1, 11/5.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Mark Sheets – 6-9 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave. Additional dates: 11/1, 11/5.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
Miki Rae Garrison – 12-3 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
Parks For All Holiday Auction – The highly anticipated Parks For All Holiday Auction returns! Find the perfect gift or excuse for your next adventure. Check back often – we’ll add new items throughout the auction! Proceeds will support funding educational programs for children (and adults) of all ages in our Tahoe CA State Parks. We keep these educational programs free of cost to build a more equitable park system. Your support creates lifelong park and nature lovers – thank you for supporting our mission! Bidding ends November 30th at 6:00 pm PT.
For more information, visit https://sierrastateparks.org/events/parks-for-all-holiday-auction-2025-j6wjj.
Shawn Campanini – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=7.
TFS – Fill a bag event – 10 a.m.-3 p.m., tahoe family solutions thrift, 797 Southwood Blvd. Description Every Sunday – Clothing with 75% OFF tags is FREE for Students at Tahoe Family Solutions Thrift Store
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/tfs-fill-a-bag-event-1926918?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (925) 639-1805.
Monday, November 2
⚽️ Men’s Soccer vs. College of the Siskiyous – 1:30 p.m., The Coyotes Men’s Soccer Team faces College of the Siskiyous at
Weed, California
on Monday, November 2 at 1:30 pm.
To follow the latest Coyote news, visit the
LTCC Athletics website .
For more information, visit https://www.ltcc.edu/calendar/#event-details/c69adf46-1bb8-4fc8-b451-3b983ca555cd.
The Cut – Holiday Serving Platter Workshop – Tahoe Gifting Company, The Cut – 868 Tahoe Blvd, Ste. 8. Description Shape and form an organic Ceramic platter – Spoon & Sprig Studio
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/the-cut-holiday-serving-platter-workshop-1927876?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (775) 237-2318.
Jaime Saso – 4-6 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
Jon Sills – 12-2 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Kris Munn – 7:30-11 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Will Murillo – 12-2 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Tuesday, November 3
Candle Making Workshop – 6-8 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Join us at South Lake Brewing Company for a cozy evening of candle making with Sierra Soapbox Candle Co.!
Learn the fundamentals of candle making, blend your own custom scent, and create a candle to take home—all while enjoying a delicious SLBC brew! 🍻
Tuesday, November 3 | 6 PMSLBC Brewery at the Y | 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd.$47 per person — includes all materials and your first pint of beer!
No experience necessary. Just bring your creativity and get ready for a fun evening!
Space is limited! Sign up on our website.
For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/brewery-events.
Sean Hodge – 12-2 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Tommy Ciccone – 12-2 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
UNR Student Brass Quintet & Woodwind Quintet Community Concert – 6-7 p.m., 291 Country Club Dr. Description Brought to you by the Lin Nelson Chamber Music programJoin us for an evening of live chamber music featuring the UNR Student Brass Quintet & Woodwind Quintet in a special community concert presented through the Lin Nelson Chamber Music Program. Enjoy an engaging performance by talented student musicians in the welcoming setting of Prim Library on November 3 at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/unr-student-brass-quintet-woodwind-quintet-community-concert-1941219?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Wednesday, November 4
Jamie Rollins – 12-2 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Marketing Services Committee Meeting – 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Marketing Services Committee Ac-Hoc Meeting usually takes place monthly from 10 am to 12 pm on the first Wednesday of the month at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV 89449.
Visit
for more information.
For more information, visit https://ltva.org/events/.
Leonid & Friends – 7:30 p.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Fri, 20 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM Artist Presale : Wed, 18 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM Caesars Rewards Presale : Wed, 18 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM Ticketmaster Presale : Wed, 18 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM Social Presale : Wed, 18 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM Citi® Cardmember Presale : Wed, 18 Feb 2026 at 08:00 AM
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2314118025732116/ or call (800) 427-7247.
Thursday, November 5
Chart House – Caymus Wine Dinner – 7-10 p.m., Chart House, 392 Kingsbury Grade. Five-course dinner paired with Caymus Vineyards selections.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chart-house-caymus-wine-dinner-stateline-tickets-1982688871788.
Chris Seal – 12-2 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Recreation Programming Community Open House – 4-6 p.m., 955 Fairway Blvd. Description At The Chateau Join us for the IVGID Recreation Programming Community Open House! Mix and mingle with Recreation staff, and management as we share information about current recreation offerings and discuss future recreational programming being planned for our community. Think adult sports programs, youth programs, community events, wellness programs, group fitness programs, and more. Thursday, November 5 4 – 6 p.m. The Chateau Come learn more, ask questions, share your ideas, and connect with the people helping shape the future of recreation in Incline Village. Back to Events
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/recreation-programming-community-open-house-1965992?sourceTypeId=Hub.
SAILING CLUB, YACHT ROCK PARTY W/ PIER PRESSURE – 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords , 18 US-50. Sailing Club launches at Tessie’s with Tahoe’s smoothest & grooviest party starters, Pier Pressure. Captains Orders – grab a cocktail and head to the dance floor. Sailing Club offers a night of high-energy yachty fun that keeps the room rocking from start to finish. Rascal Flatts ticket holders receive a BOGO cocktail with their concert ticket.
Jamie Saso 8 pm
Pier Pressure 10 pm
Grab a drink and settle in for a night of yacht rock party anthems.
Experience the yachty energy firsthand—book your table today.
Lounge open 11 AM Daily. For large party reservations or tables before 10 PM, call us at 775.586.5014 or email: VIP@tessiestahoe.com
For more information, visit http://tessiestahoe.com/events or call 6194547421.
Tommy Ciccone – 4-6 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Multiple Tahoe high schools closed the golf season by adding hardware to their winning collections after the state championships on Oct. 13-14.
2A girls golf state medalists Sidney Smith (Sierra Lutheran, 1st place), Meirra Cavanaugh (Oasis Academy, 2nd place, Kasia Hoffheins (Virginia City, 3rd place), Sofia Spero (North Tahoe, 4th place), Bailey Beebe (Oasis Academy, 5th place), Emma Stewart (Whittell, 6th place).Provided
Facing cold, wintry conditions, Truckee High School took second place, behind Boulder City, in the 3A division at Ruby View Golf Course in Elko, Nev.
Truckee junior Allison Mortimeyer led the effort, winning the individual championship (72-76). Truckee seniors Maddie Harper (104-106), Maya Fernandes (114-98), and Grace Robinette (114-116) wrapped up their final season at the tournament. Freshman Skye Winter (107-107) and Sophomore Avery McGargill (108-113) plan to return next season with Mortimeyer, hoping to win the team championship.
The Truckee team delivered strong performances all season, winning every regular-season tournament. Mortimeyer also earned individual medals at each league tournament.
“This season, the girls put in a lot of time and effort,” coach Marc Smith said. “I think when looking back, they won’t remember what they shot, but they will appreciate the friendships and memories they have made with their teammates, as well as developing a solid foundation and love for the game of golf.”
It was the first time in two decades that George Whittell High School qualified for state championships. Whittell competed in the 2A division at Jackpot Golf Course in Jackpot, Nev., a challenging course 5,500 yards longer than most courses played during the regular season.
Tournament play didn’t start until 1 p.m. the first day due to overnight snow, which also kept players from their practice rounds the day prior. Most played the tournament without prior course experience.
In their return to state play, Whittell placed third in the team play, behind Sierra Lutheran (first) and Oasis Academy (second). Whittell junior Emma Stewart (103-101) placed sixth and was their highest-ranked individual.
North Tahoe High School’s Sofia Spero (98-100) placed fourth in the 2A individual competition. The freshman’s accomplishment marks the ninth consecutive year NTHS has had an individual state medalist. She recorded an impressive first season, finishing in the top four or better every regular tournament this season.
Freshman Sofia Spero with her Fourth Place medal.Provided
“It was a mental battle out there for Sofia. I know she didn’t feel she played her best, but she stuck with it and didn’t give up on her rounds. She showed a lot of mental toughness and golf maturity out there; I am super proud of her,” coach Kirsten Harris said.
Local coaches attribute the golf success in past years to local golf opportunities in Tahoe, including the Truckee Tahoe Junior Golf Tour (TTJGT), which coaches Smith and Harris, along with Doug Flynn, help organize.
“The tournament experience gained through this tour is really starting to pay off as we see TTJGT Alums excelling at the High School level,” Harris said, pointing to Spero and Mortimeyer, who have competed on the tour for many seasons.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. – The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center is studying how to restore whitebark pine, one of the Tahoe region’s most vulnerable trees.
These trees grow in high, remote regions of Lake Tahoe and face a number of mounting pressures, from drought and bark beetles to an invasive disease that kills cone-producing branches. Called white pine blister rust, the disease is particularly concerning because without cones, there are no seeds, and without seeds, there are no future generations of trees, spelling impacts beyond the species itself.
“A healthy lake starts with a healthy watershed—including the forests surrounding it,” TERC said in its update on the study.
TERC’s forestry team, including Camille Jensen, Aaron Vanderpool, Shannon Lynch, and Patricia Maloney, is conducting two projects that may help land managers protect the species’ surviving populations and restore forests after wildfire.
The projects ask two vital questions:
Which trees offer the best hope for future generations?
What is the most effective way to help those generations grow?
The team is working to answer these questions by learning from trees that are currently thriving. Although certain populations on Tahoe’s north and east side are struggling, populations south appear to be healthy.
TERC is deciphering why some regions are struggling while others thrive and hopes to turn those differences into guidance for restoration.
The study involves measuring soil moisture, tree activity and water-use efficiency, what TERC calls tree “vitals.” The data provide insight into tree health.
Researchers are also looking into whether the timing of when trees open their pores may play a role in withstanding blister rust infection.
“If trees slow their activity and go dormant before spores arrive, they may be less vulnerable,” TERC’s update explained.
TERC’s team is also conducting a project in the Caldor Fire scar to test whether whitebark pine can be restored through planting seeds directly in the ground. Researchers planted seeds in the fall of 2024 from nearby whitebark pine families. They then placed small cages to protect the seeds.
If the study shows promising results, it could offer a quicker and more affordable approach to restoration because planting nursery-grown seedlings in remote mountain terrain takes considerable labor, equipment, and time, TERC says.
“Early results are encouraging: seeds have germinated, seedlings are surviving, and most cages have held up through the snow,” TERC said.
The team now plans to plant nursery-grown seedlings to compare survival.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – From waste management to single-use plastics, regional leaders gathered at the historic Thunderbird Lodge on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore on Wednesday for the fourth annual Lake Tahoe Litter Summit to discuss ongoing litter challenges and identify solutions to protect the basin.
Hosted by Clean Up The Lake, the summit brought together representatives from federal, state and local government agencies, nonprofits and businesses involved in litter prevention, mitigation and management throughout the Tahoe region. Representatives from the Town of Truckee, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Clean Tahoe, Keep Tahoe Blue and other organizations attended.
“The goal of this event is to really bring the region together to discuss not only the issues that continue to perpetuate with litter around the Tahoe Basin, but also propose solutions and strategies to tackle ongoing issues that have not been addressed,” said Collin West, founder of Clean Up The Lake.
This year’s summit featured two panels: one focused on waste management and another on single-use plastics, litter-related policies and legislative development in the Tahoe Basin. Moderated discussions and interactive breakout sessions also gave attendees opportunities to exchange ideas, identify high-priority projects and strengthen regional partnerships.
“Lake Tahoe has always been beautiful, and so is planet Earth and the world we live in,” West said. “Unfortunately, a lot of places deteriorate around this beautiful world, and we’ve been very fortunate that Lake Tahoe has not been deteriorating as fast as others. But I have seen it with my own eyes, both above and below the surface, how quickly things can change for the worse.”
“I think it takes events like these, it takes people like these that are attending it in order to protect that natural beauty that we all love,” West said. “I think doing whatever we can, no matter how big or how small, we’ll end up making a difference in the end.”
West also highlighted that the summit seeks to foster a culture of continuous learning, recognizing that litter mitigation is an ongoing process for both environmental organizations and individuals.
“Even being me, a leader of an environmental organization at Tahoe, I could know a whole heck of a lot more,” he said.
Clean Up The Lake thanked Athletic Brewing’s Two For The Trails grant program for helping fund the fourth annual summit, as well as Thunderbird Lodge for providing the venue and other partners who contributed in-kind support.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – With Election Day less than a week away, South Lake Tahoe voters are being asked to select three candidates to represent them on the City Council. With 13 candidates vying for the seats, the Tahoe Daily Tribune has put together a comprehensive guide to help voters get to know each candidate, understand their priorities and make informed decisions at the ballot box.
HEATHER HORGAN
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Education and Qualifications: I have been honored to serve as your City Councilmember since my appointment to the vacant seat. Over the past year, I have worked to understand the complex issues facing South Lake Tahoe, build relationships with city staff, and hear from residents, businesses, and community stakeholders. My husband and I are proud to be raising our family in South Lake Tahoe and are deeply invested in preserving the place our children call home. For more than 25 years I have served as a Registered Nurse, caring for people during life’s most challenging moments. Learn more about Heather Horgan
AIMI XISTRA
Occupation: Director Of Development
Education and Qualifications: I spent over a decade at Heavenly, first on their marketing team as public relations. In this role I hosted journalists and VIPs from all over the world and introduced them to our beautiful Tahoe. Due to those successes, I was then promoted to Executive Director at the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation where I tripled the amount of Tahoe youth who had affordable access to skiing and snowboarding through development programs and the STMS Blue Angels program to operate alongside the competitive programs, and fundraisers like the Grapes and Gates, the Kindercup and the Groover’s Challenge. In 2022 I joined the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe as Development Director because I’m passionate about fundraising for our community youth. I currently serve on these community commissions and boards: Arts, Culture and Tourism Commission, the Embarc Advisory Board, the Multicultural Celebration Committee and the Reno Brewery District Board of Directors. Learn more about Aimi Xistra
DOUGLAS WILLIAMS
Occupation: Business Owner
Education and Qualifications: I’m Douglas Williams. I will preserve our mountain way of life and build a safer, more affordable future for local families. I am bringing community service and experience: four years on the Planning Commission, eight years volunteering locally, and service on the board of the Christmas Cheer Food Pantry. Learn more about Douglas Williams
NICK PILIAE
Occupation:
Education and Qualifications: Piliae, who works as a trainer at Escobar Martial Arts, said that he had experience building strong relationships across diverse groups, as well as strong leadership skills. He touted his experience in team sports and in the ski industry. Like many residents of Tahoe, Piliae said, “I moved here for the love of the ski and snowboard industry, but I fell in love with the town. Now, with martial arts, I get to do all my favorite things in my favorite city.” Learn more about Nick Piliae
KELLY O’HAIRE
Occupation: Retired Government Attorney
Education and Qualifications: For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my career to public service. I have served as a police officer, detective, county prosecutor, and attorney advising city governments – helping communities solve difficult problems with professionalism, integrity and accountability. The City of South Lake Tahoe has been my home for 23 years. My husband and I have built our lives here, we deeply care about our community and its future. Learn more about Kelly O’haire
DYNA BOEN
Occupation: Market Research Executive
Education and Qualifications: My career has been built around helping people, teams, and organizations grow. For more than 25 years, I have led through change as a parent, executive, and entrepreneur, with a focus on fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability. My executive experience and graduate studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business have strengthened my commitment to disciplined value-driven service. Learn more about Dyna Boen
SCOTT ROBBINS
Occupation: Incumbent
Education and Qualifications: Local government putting locals first. We need workforce housing for our nurses, teachers, and service workers. We need to modernize our fire department. Our our roads and transit need continued investment. In the last four years I’ve worked to double funding for lease-to-locals, supported the Sugar Pines affordable housing development, and passed a new policy prioritizing affordable housing for residents over non-residents. We’ve also begun work on a new Fire Station 3, doubled city investments in roadworks to more than $6M/year, completed the new recreation center, and expanded youth swim lessons. I was the only council vote against returning AirBnB’s to our neighborhoods. Learn more about Scott Robbins
DINA RAMAHA-PINO
Occupation: Social Worker / Entrepreneur
Education and Qualifications: With over 23 years of experience as a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and founder of Conscious Mind Therapy Institute, I will bring expertise and skills in communication, active listening, conflict resolution, and empathy to our city hall. As the co-owner of Three Pines Coffee Company (awarded Best of Tahoe 2025), alongside my husband, I understand the heartbeat of our local economy, the realities of supporting a local workforce, and what it takes to keep small businesses thriving. Learn more about Dina Ramaha-Pino
ERIKA GONZALEZ
Occupation: Public Interest Attorney
Education and Qualifications: I’m running for council because I want to be part of an effective council this city can be proud of. My background is as an attorney whose practice focuses on human rights, and I’ve spent my career working with survivors of human trafficking. I’m an active community member serving on the Planning Commission and chairing the Policy Advisory Commission, so I know how city systems work and how to move things forward. Learn more about Erika Gonzalez
JOHN FRIEDRICH
Occupation: Business Development Executive
Education and Qualifications: When I served on City Council from 2020-2024, I listened to the community and acted in response with fellow councilmembers, including funding our new Recreation & Aquatics Center, Sugar Pine Village and Lake Link. We greatly increased the road repair budget, adopted one of the nation’s most ambitious clean energy goals, and banned plastic water bottles. I helped launch the Multicultural Festival. Learn more about John Friedrich
GRANT MCCRACKEN
Occupation: Founder/CEO of Venture Backed Cybersecurity Startup
Education and Qualifications: In all that local government does, it must ask and answer “how does this improve our city for the people who call it home?” To that end, my priorities include housing for a year-round community, reliable roads and transportation, a broader local economy, and a trusted and transparent city government that explains its choices and measures results. Learn more about Grant Mccracken
VERONICA MORALES
Occupation: Local Small Business Owner
Education and Qualifications: My name is Veronica Morales, and I am proud to say that I was born and raised right here in South Lake Tahoe. I went to school here, raised my family here, and all five of my children and now my grandchildren were born here. This community is not just where I live, it is home. I love our city and the people who make it special. I am running for City Council because I want to bring a fresh perspective, a genuine passion for our community, and a strong voice for the locals who are the heart of South Lake Tahoe. I may not have every degree or all the answers, but I bring something I believe matters deeply: a lifetime of love for this community and a willingness to listen, learn, and serve. Learn more about Veronica Morales
GANTT MILLER
Occupation: Architectural Window Representative
Education and Qualifications: As a father of four, former civics and history teacher, business leader, and longtime South Lake Tahoe resident, I am running for City Council to keep Tahoe a place where families can thrive, local businesses can succeed, and neighbors look out for one another. Learn more about Gantt Miller
Boosting Hope is working to make college more accessible for students across the Lake Tahoe Basin. Founded by Huma and Naseer Rana, the nonprofit provides scholarships and mentorship to help students overcome barriers to higher education.
For students who are the first in their families to attend college, the path to higher education can come with challenges beyond academics. A Lake Tahoe nonprofit is working to make that journey a little easier.
Huma and Naseer Rana launched Boosting Hope in 2020, initially serving Incline Village before expanding across the Lake Tahoe Basin. The organization works with counselors at eight area high schools to identify students who have the potential to attend college but may face financial pressures, family responsibilities or limited guidance at home.
For Huma Rana, the commitment to education began in her childhood in Pakistan. Her mother started a small school in their village that eventually grew into a middle school, giving more children access to education.
Naseer Rana, Huma Rana and Denise Menzies. Maria Palma / KUNR Public Radio
Years later, Huma and her husband brought that same commitment to their community in Tahoe.
“It’s all about community, basically. We want to educate our youngsters because it’s affecting the community,” Huma Rana said.
Naseer Rana, who retired from the World Bank, said some students’ circumstances can make their academic potential difficult to recognize.
“We identify kids who have the potential, but it’s not reflected in their grades or how they’re performing because they may have problems at home, and they have responsibilities,” he said.
Boosting Hope offers scholarships and mentorship to help students pursue higher education, including those who plan to attend a two-year college before transferring to a university.
Denise Menzies, the organization’s program director, said part of the work involves helping students recognize their own abilities and potential.
“We’re trying to identify and raise the bar for all young people, based on what we know they can do that they might not realize they can do yet,” Menzies said.
Mia Salas, a junior at the University of Nevada, Reno, understands how overwhelming the college application process can feel.
Neither of her parents attended college, and Salas said she struggled to figure out where to begin, from choosing schools to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and writing application essays.
“When I was applying to colleges, it was definitely a roller coaster of emotions,” Salas said. “Didn’t know where to go or how to start that, or FAFSA, or what should my essay look like?”
Through Boosting Hope, Salas received financial assistance and mentorship from Menzies. That support has helped her plan her studies and explore a potential career in law.
Fourth Quarter Mindset
For the Ranas, supporting students also means recognizing the responsibilities many young people already carry. Huma said some students take on adult roles early, including translating for their parents. She wants them to be able to support their families while also having opportunities to build futures of their own.
Her husband sees that support as an investment in the wider community.
“If there are pathways to prosperity open to all parts of the community, that leads to more harmonious and socially coherent communities,” Naseer said.
He recently published Fourth Quarter Mindset, a book about finding purpose and making the most of life’s next chapter. Proceeds from the book support Boosting Hope.
The couple hopes the organization will continue giving students the financial resources, guidance and confidence to pursue their ambitions.
“If the child is doing well, the whole family is going to do well too,” Huma said.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, an award-winning year-round resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is recognized in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. The annual awards honor travelers’ favorite hotels, resorts, and destinations around the world.
“We are incredible honored to be recognized by Conde Nast Traveler readers in this year’s Reader’ Choice Awards,” said Pascal Dupuis, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our exceptional team and the memorable experiences they create for our guests. We are grateful to the travelers who voted for us and continue to make our resort part of their Lake Tahoe getaways.”
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is recognized in the category of “Top Resorts in the Mountain West,” making it the only Lake Tahoe hotel featured in this year’s Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Each year, the awards celebrate excellence in the travel industry based on ratings submitted by the publication’s readers. Participants evaluate hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines, and more using criteria relevant to each category. Final scores reflect the average of those ratings, with candidates required to meet minimum response and overall thresholds to qualify. The list of the top resorts in the Mountain West can be found by visiting https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/top-mountain-west-resorts.
Situated in Incline Village, on the shore of North America’s largest alpine lake, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe provides a mountain getaway that pairs outdoor exploration with distinctive dining and relaxation. Guests can discover the region through the resort’s Adventure program, featuring guided hikes, seasonal excursions, and experiences that showcase Tahoe’s natural beauty.
After exploring North Lake Tahoe, guests can enjoy the resort’s Osteria Sierra, which features a modern take on Italian cuisine, offering house-made pasta and family-style
dishes. The experience continues outdoors, where guests can gather around the resort’s firepits and enjoy S’mores while taking in the surrounding mountain scenery.
Guests can also relax and recharge at Stillwater Spa, which provides a tranquil retreat with rejuvenating treatments and distinctive wellness experiences, including the Lake Tahoe area’s only whole-body cryotherapy chamber, a sensory deprivation float tank and bioacoustics therapy.
For more information or to book a getaway to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.
Five years after the Caldor Fire burned more than 220,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada, researchers are studying what helped protect the Christmas Valley and Meyers communities, and what could reduce wildfire impacts in the future.
When the Caldor Fire threatened the Lake Tahoe Basin in 2021, no structures were lost in Christmas Valley.
UC Davis research ecologist Hugh Safford said that outcome reflected several factors working together, including years of fuel treatments, fire-resistant homes, residents prepared for wildfire and firefighters ready to respond.
“The key is you have to get the surface fuels off the site,” Safford said.
Thinning trees can leave behind branches and other debris that may fuel intense fires if they aren’t managed, Safford said. He also supports prescribed burns and allowing some naturally started wildfires to burn when conditions are safe and appropriate.
“We really need to let a lot more of the wildfires burn under the right conditions,” Safford said, adding that wildfires could be the primary way to treat fuels across 70% to 80% of California’s forestland.
But recovery after a fire remains a challenge. In severely burned areas his team has surveyed, Safford said researchers have generally found minimal natural tree regeneration.
His team is collecting field data to identify where trees are returning on their own and where replanting may be needed.
Safford said reducing wildfire impacts requires preparation before a fire, an effective response when one occurs, and evidence-based restoration afterward.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Warren Miller Entertainment, part of Outside Inc., announced the national film tour for its 77th annual installment, Warren Miller’s Days Off, hitting theaters this fall. Tickets go on sale today, September 9, 2026, at warrenmiller.com alongside the film’s official trailer. Outside+ members receive 20% off tickets to national tour screenings between September 9-22 in participating markets. The tour will launch the week of October 26 and runs throughout North America until late December of 2026.
Warren Miller’s new on-camera host and narrator, Katie Burrell, professional leisure athlete, filmmaker, and ski industry personality, joins the Warren Miller team for the 77th film. Burrell will lead audiences on a globe-spanning adventure to discover what the world’s best ski and snowboard athletes do on their day off.
Days Off is a celebration of skiing for skiing’s sake, taking audiences from the remote heli-skiing terrain of Alaska and high-alpine mountaineering of Chamonix, France, to legendary powder of Hokkaido, Japan, and the pristine slopes of Deer Valley, Utah. The journey continues through the heart of Canada’s best ski destinations—Revelstoke, Whistler, Pemberton, and Banff—capturing the raw spirit of the sport through backcountry snowmobiling, skijoring, and endless alpine pursuit.
“Warren Miller has always been about more than a ski movie—it’s about telling the stories that make us laugh, cheer, and put us on the edge of our seats,” said Chris Leavell, VP Content Strategy and Production, Warren Miller Entertainment. “Bringing Katie on as our on-screen guide and storyteller is a great evolution for this storied film series in its 77th year. And when she pitched us the “Days Off” idea, we all immediately loved it. The perspective, heart, and humor she brings to these athlete stories are the epitome of what we love about Warren Miller. It’s a fresh perspective on the Warren Miller tradition, but one that brings us back to what Warren himself did so well: go out, live the adventure, and tell the story.”
The film features eight segments shot across three continents, following Burrell as she joins athletes and industry professionals on their days off—the unscripted runs, backcountry lodges, and local traditions that live just beneath the surface of the ski industry.
“Usually, when you see these athletes on camera, you’re seeing them do what they do best. Days Off asks a different question: what do they do when they get to choose?” said Katie Burrell, professional leisure athlete, filmmaker and host of Warren Miller’s Days Off. “Getting to follow them into those moments, and experience them myself, was such a fun way to see the ski world from a different perspective. The audience will come along for the ride and hopefully be reminded that there’s no right way to spend a day in the mountains.”
Featured athletes include Sam Kuch, Craig Murray, Jess Kimura, Marie-France Roy, Christina Lustenberger, Guillaume “Gee” Pierrel, Craig McMorris, Sebastian Judge, Mark Sollors, Truth Smith, Court “Blackbird” Larabee, Mason Mashon, Kaylin Richardson, Ted Ligety, Chuck & Claudia Mumford, Pep Fujas, Sam Mitchell, Marty Schaffer, Kate VanHee, and Himari Takamori, Hinano Sakamoto, Shizuku Hanada, among others. Warren Miller’s Days Off is presented with support from Mammut, Deer Valley, Brooks, REI Co-op, The North Face, Swany, Gunnison Crested Butte, Montana Office of Tourism, Silverton Mountain, Halfdays, DryBrew, Nokian Tyres, and more in production with Outside Studios.
The tour will stop at Olympic Village Event Center in Palisades Tahoe on Nov. 4-5 at 7 p.m. and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
TL;DR: South Lake Tahoe has been named Expedia’s #1 Trending Destination for 2027, following a 195% surge in travel searches. Discover why this year-round mountain destination is capturing travelers’ attention worldwide.
The secret is out! South Lake Tahoe is capturing the attention of travelers worldwide, and Expedia’s latest travel trends report confirms it.
According to Expedia’s Unpack ’27 travel trends report, South Lake Tahoe saw a remarkable 195% year-over-year increase in travel searches, earning the top spot among trending destinations worldwide.
And it’s easy to see why. From sparkling blue waters and sandy beaches to breathtaking alpine scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers something unforgettable in every season. Visitors can hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts, explore scenic hiking and biking trails, cruise across the lake, or simply relax and take in the mountain views. Add exciting entertainment, delicious dining, and a wide variety of places to stay, and you’ve got a destination worth discovering again and again.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, a romantic mountain escape, or a memorable family vacation, South Lake Tahoe delivers an experience unlike anywhere else.
Who doesn’t love that cozy autumn feeling of walking to your mailbox, or a drop box, or an in-person voting center to cast your vote for local, state, and national leadership?
2026 is a midterm year, meaning no voting for the U.S. president and vice president. With that spotlight off, local races receive more, much-deserved attention. Ideal, since that’s where voters have the most power to effect change. But without presidential candidates on the ballot, there tends to be considerably less participation. In 2022’s midterm election, 36% of California’s voting age population cast a ballot compared to 53% in 2024’s general. In Nevada for those same years, 41% bumped up to 58%.
The irony isn’t difficult to spot: Rules and codes over local development, utility rates, transportation options — these and hundreds more decisions happen in your neck of the woods and are made by the people you vote into office. But it doesn’t have the same drama or them-versus-us vibe, so it might not feel as critical to participate.
We hope reviewing the answers provided by candidates in the following pages adds a reason to your pros and cons list about voting on or before Nov. 3. There are very real issues at hand and critical decisions being made, and who you vote for could turn the tide one way or the other.
For our election coverage in our October edition, we took a methodical approach to the jurisdictions and special districts featured: Those we questioned in person as part of the Truckee Candidate Forum on Oct. 8 — Truckee Town Council, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, and Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District — were not included in print. (You can re-watch those forums, which took place Oct. 6 and 8, at ttm.ompnetwork.org.
A North Shore Election Forum took place Oct. 6, where state candidates participated in a Q&A. Find the recording at firsttuesdaybreakfastclub.com.
Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association is hosting an IV-CB Community Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Duffield Theater at Incline High School. It will be broadcast live and available afterward at youtube.com/@iv-cbcommunityforum9730.
We also touch on Measure P, which goes before all voters within the TTUSD boundaries.
You’ll find three district-specific questions asked of the candidates, who were allowed no more than 125 words in response per answer. Please sit with their answers and mull over who you believe would best fill an empty seat on a board, then responsibly fill out your ballot and cast your vote by Nov. 3. A healthy democracy depends on participation.
For uncontested races and other information, view our 2026 Election Tracker at tinyurl.com/5f4w5j4c.
Residents must register to vote by Oct. 19. Same-day voter registration is possible, but must be done at a county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations.
Residents must have registered to vote in person or by mail by Oct. 6. Same-day voter registration is possible and must be done in person at a polling location. Visit tinyurl.com/mrfcsc7p for a list of early voting locations.
Two years ago, the Incline Village General Improvement District was in a precarious spot. Fraud allegations, financial issues, failed recalls, and a general manager spot that couldn’t seem to be kept filled — interim GM Bobby Magee, who resigned after three months, followed by Kent Walrack, who lasted a similar length of time before being terminated by a new board. That same month, January 2025, the still-current GM, Bob Harrison, was put in place.
Earlier this summer, Trustee Mick Homan wrote a piece for Moonshine saying that at long last, things are looking up. “With key hires in HR and finance to supplement the existing team, focus shifted to three priorities,” he wrote. “Improving organizational health, restoring financial discipline, and advancing long-term capital planning.”
The shape of that progress looks different to different people. There are three candidates running for two seats on the IVGID Board of Trustees, with only one incumbent running for reelection: David Noble. That means there’ll be at least one newcomer, either Harry Swenson, who ran in 2024, or Ryan “RB” Brooks. The candidates touch on cost discipline, transportation, and utility management.
Candidates were limited to 125-word responses per question, and they have been edited for style and clarity. Order of replies determined by a randomizer.
1. Public transportation has been identified as a critical option to reduce traffic, lower pollution, expand mobility, and more. December 2025’s cancellation of TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit) Connect’s microtransit services and the Aug. 1, 2026, discontinuance of IVGID’s Senior Transportation Program have created a gap in public transportation needs across Incline Village/Crystal Bay. What do you see as the most critical way(s) IVGID can support or encourage expanded public transportation options?
Brooks: The end of these programs left us without on-demand transit for the residents who depend on it most: seniors, workers, and people without a car. As I see it, IVGID’s most critical role is to restore service quickly and on solid legal footing. IVGID’s counsel has advised that [Nevada Revised Statute] 318 doesn’t allow the district to operate transportation directly. Rather, we should let a local 501(c)(3) run the service and receive state and federal funding directly, including [Nevada Department of Transportation’s] [Federal Transit Administration] Section 5310 and Older Americans Act funds and Washoe County senior service contracts. IVGID’s role would be to convene partners and help prepare grant applications. Any direct financial support would be reviewed by legal counsel first, so we don’t trade one lawsuit risk for another.
Editor’s note: Words in brackets were added by editors and do not count against word count.
Noble: IVGID representatives have been in discussions with county representatives since April to strongly encourage restarting/funding TART, which would assist all residents, including seniors. Those discussions have included the use of at least some of the taxes generated from STRs in unincorporated Washoe County (over 90% of those revenues come from STRs in Incline Village and Crystal Bay), which currently go to the county, Travel North Tahoe Nevada (formerly the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau), and the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Unfortunately, IVGID is prohibited from providing public transportation service, unless it is tied to at least one of IVGID’s recreation venues.
Swenson: I would work with the board and amend the long-standing contract with Washoe County to ensure senior transportation services are fully funded by the county and are consistent with services offered in other towns/districts of the county. For instance, the county provides discounted Lyft rides and taxi services for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. We need to ensure our community is aware of the services available.
IVGID has the responsibility of providing transportation according to the contract with Washoe County; therefore, the elimination of services was wrong. The problem appears to be budgetary and due to the services provided by IVGID going beyond what the county provides in other communities. Services should have been reviewed and refined rather than eliminated.
2. IVGID provides essential utilities while also operating an extensive recreation system. How would you determine which responsibilities should take priority when the district faces competing financial, infrastructure, and community needs?
Swenson: Maintaining and updating our water and sewer infrastructure is critical. Much of it is still original and in state of disrepair. We’ve had too many water main and line breaks. We need to budget and execute on a plan to get it upgraded and properly maintained. At the same time, we need to make the maintenance of our existing facilities, such as the recreation center, a priority. We should budget for these things first and then determine what additional projects can be accomplished. Only projects that can be delivered should be contained in the budget that results in your beach and recreation fees. This would resolve the over-collection of fees from our community while keeping our facilities in good repair.
Brooks: Tier 1 – Public health, safety, and legal obligations. Water, sewer, and effluent systems come first because they protect residents and the lake, and regulations aren’t optional.
Tier 2 – Taking care of what we already have. Before paying for anything new, IVGID should fully fund the repair and replacement of its existing pipes, pumps, facilities, and equipment.
Tier 3 – Core recreation at the heart of our community. Each IVGID facility should be evaluated on cost, usage, and how close it comes to covering its expenses. But keep a holistic approach.
Tier 4 – Wants. New amenities, expansions, and nice-to-haves come last.
Three rules would guide me in how I apply this:
Keep the money where it belongs.
Plan on a five- to 10-year horizon.
Show our work.
Noble: Water and sewer services take priority over all recreation venues because those services are essential to daily life. IVGID recently completed the effluent export pipeline project under Highway 28 — a $62 million-plus project finished a year ahead of schedule and $13 million-plus under budget. Looking forward, I believe reinvestment in IVGID’s water service and ski area should be priority. Wildfire preparedness measures (pipe replacement, backup generators, etc.) need to be accelerated for our water delivery system to be better prepared for future wildfire events. Diamond Peak is the only venue that generates a profit for the community ($1 to $5 million/year), yet no meaningful investments have been made in nearly 20 years — lodge, lift, and snowmaking upgrades are long overdue to address declining skier visits.
3. The past few years have seen ups and downs in the facility fee amounts district property owners pay annually. For example, in the fiscal year ending 2023, residents paid $780. In 2024, that amount dropped to $455. In 2026, due to impacted district finances, the annual fee went up to $1,375. The current IVGID board said the latest increase will help ensure district financial stability and the ability to manage current and future capital facilities. Do you think the board and staff have handled the financial instability well? How would you seek to maintain or improve district financial management moving forward?
Noble: The facility fee was kept flat from 2010 to 2023, while construction, labor, and food prices rose considerably over that period. The fee went up to $1,375 to begin addressing years of deferred maintenance and capital projects that languished due to analysis paralysis. I led the effort in early 2025 to hire IVGID’s new GM, who has rebuilt the finance department. We now have the right personnel in place for IVGID to comply with all applicable fiscal and accounting protocols, resulting in a clean (no exceptions or disclaimers) [Fiscal Year] 2025 audit. IVGID will be removed from the state’s fiscal watch list once the anticipated clean audit for FY 2026 is filed in November, which will enable IVGID to access additional financing tools for future projects.
Swenson: IVGID is collecting money for projects without the ability to complete in the budgeted year for many years; it’s resulted in excessive cash reserves. The excessive cash build-ups have also allowed your money to be used where it wasn’t intended or budgeted. The lower-fee years were during a time when the board linked the fees to the ability to deliver projects and services; they didn’t over-collect but collected for what was achievable. Last year’s capital improvement plan was for $30 million of projects and barely executed on $6 million. Now, with the tripling of fees, they’ve collected another $40 million out of your pockets. The board needs to budget and collect only for projects and services it can deliver, nothing more. Apply proper fiscal management!
Brooks: The current board and staff faced the problem honestly. They built a long-term capital plan, ranked the most critical projects, and stabilized the general fund. The effluent pipeline replacement finished a year early and under budget. That’s real progress.
Going forward, I would:
Instead of raising fees, pursue cost savings and revenue generating opportunities. For example, we have a $400,000 line item for the replacement of golf carts. Let’s solicit sponsors like Titleist or Nike to brand and sponsor the golf carts.
Index the fee to construction costs every year with a published formula.
Autumn Color Reflected in the Twilight
Caples Lake, Calif.
Fall is here, and for photographers, it’s the most exciting time of the year. Grab your gear and head to the mountains. Great images may seem easy, but capturing world-class ones is not as simple as it appears. I have five key elements that I look for in a single image:
1. Color: The sky and landscape should be bursting with color. Brilliant blue skies, glowing sunsets, and vibrant fall foliage make images pop.
2. Water: I prefer a one to three-second exposure to soften the water into a creamy flow of motion. Reflections double the foliage and sky color, creating beautiful, mirrored compositions.
3. Strong Compositions: Find a solid center point, such as an is
olated tree or a splash of color. Your eye should wander around without being led out of the frame. S-curves and diagonals make images more dynamic.
4. Old Things: Ghost towns, dilapidated buildings or barns, and remnants of bygone eras are not only enjoyable to discover, but they are often weathered, rusted, or in disrepair, captivating viewers.
5. Weather: Clouds, snow, and rain can all enhance an image. Cloudy days reduce the contrast of shadows. The first snowfall of the year is a must-see, and a gentle rain to wash away dust is always welcome.
I haven’t yet captured a photo that incorporates all five elements, but I’ll keep trying!
It being a midterms year, Moonshine Ink sought to create a political education column, speaking with academics on the state of politics in the country. In this edition of the Politics Brief, Moonshine spoke with Teaching Assistant Professor Owen Fite, Ph.D., from the University of Nevada, Reno’s political science department. Answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.
You teach a class on political philosophy, so I’m wondering if you can define democracy and tell me about how it has evolved since its creation? Why didn’t the founding fathers go with a direct Athenian democracy?
To give the general synopsis of what Athenian democracy was, it wasn’t monolithic, it wasn’t static. It changed over different years in which it existed. But the most radical take … that I think is worth juxtaposing from today is a democracy in which you had 6,000 citizens who showed up to the Pnyx — the assembly. It’s this hilltop in Athens. And the first 6,000 citizens that showed up there got to be essentially congress members for the day.
Those citizens would be voting yea or nay on the various proposals that were submitted by [a] council of 500. This was still restricted to Athenians, even if there were other city-states and areas that were under Athenian rule. This was still a very exclusive form of citizenship that also did not include women or children or slaves. But these people also were paid.
As a way to make this more accessible even to the poor, you could get paid essentially a day’s wage to show up and do your citizenry duties. And so you had a form of citizenship that allowed for such participation and allowed for real engagement, whether it’s because you were picked by lottery to be one of these more deliberative council members in this smaller body of 500, or you always having this right to show up early to this assembly with 5,999 other folks and vote yea or nay on these various proposals. I don’t think I need to explain to you how different that is from democracy today.
Aristotle gives you a theory as to three noble forms of government — what are pure, virtuous forms of government: benevolent kingship, aristocracy, and polity, or what also might be translated to a constitutional polity of sorts.
The perverted forms, or the forms of government that end up taking shape if the noble ones end up being corrupted, are: tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy. Democracy is seen as mob rule, rule of incompetence, rule of those who are subject to material needs. In other words, people are selfishly going into these assemblies looking for what they can get. If they don’t have their needs met, they’re going to be even more desperate and selfish instead of deliberating and thinking of a collective communal good.
And it isn’t until we get to John Locke and what we would call the introduction of liberal democracy that we get kind of this 180, where we get essentially the English Civil Wars, and we get this re-understanding that government is based on consent, individual’s agreement to enter into a social contract and accept legitimate authority.
[The founding fathers] had a lot of liberal ideas to pull from, they draw from Lockean philosophy, and so they have the basis of a liberal democratic government, but one that is still supposed to be based on rationalism, that is still supposed to exclude women, those who are not educated enough, like children, those who are supposed to only be property owning. In other words, still this idea that those who can’t provide for themselves are going to corrupt a public body, seeking their own selfish good if they don’t have their own material sustenance met.
And what one could clearly argue as real skepticism of the everyday citizen, the fact that the Senate was not able to be elected until we get to the 1900s shows that the founding fathers didn’t want everyday people in charge of affairs. The fact that the electoral college existed meant another layer of insulation in which individual people could not express their concerns. By just keeping it in the House of Representatives, it allowed some sort of representation based off citizens, which is still a very exclusive circle.
Not everyone could be a citizen … that would be specifically capped by a Senate. It’d be capped to really make sure that all these warnings made by political philosophers over the last thousand years [about] a tyranny of the masses, a tyranny of the uneducated, would never really take shape.
ZOON POLITIKON: Politics isn’t simply Congress or voting, says Owen Fite, it’s the network of relationships and decisions that shape how we live together. File image
As politics becomes wrapped up in every facet of life, what would you say to somebody who says that they’re not political? How does this tie into Aristotle’s idea of the zoon politikon?
Zoon politikon translates to political animal.
And this is an assumption made by Aristotle that people are political creatures. In other words, politics is not something we should avoid. Politics is the very essence of being human.
The fact that humans have ideas of what is good and bad, what’s better and worse, what is righteous, what is sincere, what is emotion, these are all very human things. And all of this has to do with politics. In order to understand this you have to have a more capacious definition instead of an institutional definition of politics just being Congress or voting.
But politics at its origins is the practice of compromise, of agreeing. Well, that’s what it’s like to be a person. The only way one could avoid politics would be living out on an island by themselves with no interaction with anyone else.
But even that is still the consequence of politics. For example, [if] some different treaties or different governments agreed not to populate this one island,[then] even if someone avoids all politics, the very absence of politics … requires politics elsewhere. And so that’s a different answer, though, to how someone who tells me they’re not political, how I’d respond to them.
I would do a long Socratic kind of back and forth if I had all the time in the world and I was invested in really getting this through. I would ask, ‘What does it mean to not be political?’ I’d throw it on its head. And if someone said, ‘Oh, it’s just I like my job and I like watching my TV.’ I’d ask, ‘Well, how do you have your job? What are the economic forces at play? What are the facts of insurance, the subsidies, the workplace protections, the fact that you have a home, the zoning, the roads that get you from here to there, the fact that you have TV, that you have internet connection here and there, that everything that leads to you being a part of another’s world, that’s political.’
It is interesting because I feel like some of the people I’ve talked to think it’s pointless. They think that they don’t have influence, or maybe they think that there’s no point in voting in the presidential election because they think that the only potential power that they have is within local elections.
What I would call a meaningful distinction of what you brought up is the difference between having agency and influence versus control and masterdom. Yeah, people in the U.S. right now do not have control over their politics.
They do not have a masterdom over politics unless they are one of those few exceptions of a political party elite or Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos-type billionaires. That doesn’t mean someone doesn’t have influence. If I were to have a conversation with individuals, I would probably take it as local, scaled down as possible to think of what influence have you had on friends, on family, on the community, and I would interrogate them or challenge them to say, how is that apolitical? You convincing a friend to watch a certain show over another, going to this event versus another, joining this club, spending their time doing this and that.
Whether they’re subtle or not, they have interconnections with ideas of what is better, what is worse, what are ways that we want to associate, we want to cohabitate, we want to live together, what institutions we want to make, whether they’re formal or informal.
What I problematize about the definition that you cited is that it’s really restricted by an institutionalist type of thinking that, yes, if you only work with institutions and you expect institutions to completely reflect what you want, it’s going to feel like you have no agency, but that’s only one avenue of politics.
The most radical changes over history, the biggest political change happens outside of formal institutions. It creates new institutions over time. You as an individual are not going to do that. You don’t have that control or masterdom, but that’s where you don’t get these big critical junctures until it actually takes up across a large group, a large mass of people.
We go back to the heart of it, which is politics only exists with others. You as an individual are not going to change everything in politics by yourself. It’s all part of a collective action problem, a collective effort.
Three seats of the five seats on the Truckee Fire Protection District board are up for the midterms, but none of them are seeking reelection, which means come Jan. 1, 2027, there’ll be three new faces overseeing the fire district’s budget, policies, and overall services for the community. This is especially notable considering the district’s current legal battle against Placer County over property tax allotment, such impending capital projects as a new headquarters fire station, and the recent union formation.
Candidates were limited to 125-word responses per question, and they have been edited for style and clarity. Order of replies determined by a randomizer.
1. Truckee Fire says a decades-old property-tax allocation problem in Placer County has cost it roughly $40 million since the 1970s. What is your understanding of the district’s claim, and what role should the board play in pursuing a resolution that supports reliable fire and emergency medical services while considering the impact on other taxing agencies? (Read more on this situation at moonshineink.com: Truckee Fire Sues Placer County Over Decades of Unpaid Property Tax.)
McThorn: Unfortunately, there is a confidentiality clause with the legal case, and I do not have all the factual information. Once on the board, I can better understand the issue. From what I know, this should have been addressed many years ago by prior chiefs and boards.
I am not for taking from other special districts within Truckee. This appears to be the threat from Placer County and am not sure that is legal. If the case is won, it should come from the Placer County general fund and not our special districts. Moving forward, the funds should be allocated appropriately to Truckee Fire. If elected, I will share all factual information that is legally allowed so we can move forward responsibly.
Rintala: The district has not been receiving funding from the fire service taxes paid by residents in a portion of Placer County. The district has spent many years trying to resolve this with Placer County. The fire taxes other district residents pay should not have to make up for the funding removed from our region. As a community member, I am not convinced that our local agencies are overfunded by the taxes collected for the TFPD, as the county suggests. The board should seek out and review available information and pursue the case with the entire community we serve in mind. The district should also be ready and willing to engage with other agencies to understand potential impacts.
Witherspoon: Truckee Fire deserves fair, durable funding without destabilizing schools, healthcare, sanitation, or neighboring districts. I reviewed the Zone 7 tax-area records, and the allocation snafu locked into place after Proposition 13 is there for anyone to see. The sanity check is whether Placer County or Northstar [Community Services District] would provide fire protection with those allocations. Quite simply, they wouldn’t. Correcting this historical imbalance will have a financial impact on the county and/or our local special districts. The board should protect the district’s legal position while making settlement the priority. I would require transparent reporting on legal costs, verify the service-cost analysis, and bring Placer County and affected agencies into structured negotiations.
Brown: The lawsuit is active against Placer County by Truckee Fire. This case should be guided by fairness, fiscal responsibility, and what is legitimately owed to our fire district. We have been pursuing a fair resolution with Placer County for decades; with better communication this could have prevented the lawsuit. While retroactive funding may not be recoverable, we should establish a fair path forward. Our emergency services remain unchanged for these areas while local taxpayers bear the costs. I believe there are sufficient resources to reach an equitable solution without negatively impacting other agencies. The court should make a ruling and Truckee Fire will acceptingly move forward. If settlement is needed, I would support collaboration, transparency, and a fair outcome for all involved.
Golden: I completely agree that we cannot take resources away from our schools or healthcare district. A zero-sum fight between local emergency services and education is not the answer.
At the same time, we have to be honest about the problem. Billions of dollars of development have occurred in the Martis Valley, creating more people, more homes and more fire risk, while Truckee Fire remains understaffed. I believe Placer County needs to be part of the solution. We should work toward a long-term agreement that better recognizes the cost of protecting these communities.
My goal would be simple: make sure the tax revenue generated here is helping provide the services needed here, while working with our neighboring agencies rather than taking resources away from them.
2. Significant capital projects are on the horizon for Truckee Fire, including Station 90, a new headquarters fire station, and a regional training facility for Truckee and its partner agencies. What are three specific ways the board of directors might hold the line on fiscal discipline during the planning and implementation of these and other projects?
Golden: Fiscal discipline doesn’t mean saying no to every major project. It means making sure we’re building what our community actually needs and getting the most value for every taxpayer dollar.
I’m particularly supportive of seeing the regional training facility through because I believe it can make Truckee and our neighboring agencies better prepared while sharing cost and resources. I would work directly with partner agencies to make that happen.
Training matters. Firefighters cannot be expected to perform at their best during a structure fire if they can’t regularly practice those skills. Technology, equipment, and fire behavior continue to change, and we have to keep our firefighters current. I would expect strong budgets, accountability, and regular oversight while investing in training that keeps our community safe.
McThorn: The new station 90 is still in the early phase and changes can be made. From what I know, there is not a definitive funding plan. There should be a collaborative effort moving forward with all stakeholders, Transient Occupancy Tax, and community input. Fiscal responsibility is always a priority with public funds. It is a good plan with an attached fire station from what I have seen.
The need for a regional training facility should be a priority. Our goal should be to keep our firefighters within or close to our district when training. Training is a top priority, and Truckee is one of the most uniquely challenged areas in the country. Our firefighters need to be ready at all times.
Rintala: With three new board members, the prospective capital projects should be reviewed starting with a thorough needs and benefits analysis as we look to modernize and grow with our community. The district is healthy and should explore accessible funding options while prioritizing the most important capabilities we can afford to pursue. These are high-impact projects that can improve capability and service quality if well planned. A fire station is a large investment. Community-supported funding must be considered in the context of overall community needs, aging infrastructure, and resource availability. The board needs to honor and protect the existing partnership with voters that brought us wildfire risk reduction through Measure T funding and plan to build forward in concert with other community providers.
Witherspoon: Representing taxpayer interests starts well before construction. Station 90’s 18,000-square-foot concept carries a preliminary estimate of about $24 million. At that scale, the district must validate and prioritize needs, compare smaller and phased alternatives, identify external funding, and show that construction will not weaken reserves or service levels. Any capital plan must address upgrades to aging stations and prioritize the highest needs. For greenlit projects, I would require updated cost estimates and public board approval at design milestones, bid awards, and significant change orders. For a regional training facility, each partner’s capital contribution, operating share, governance rights, maintenance obligation, and exit terms should be documented before Truckee commits. We should fund what crews need, what population growth demands, and what the tax base can sustain.
Brown: I believe a new fire station can be an important investment in our community’s safety, but we need strong safeguards before committing significant taxpayer dollars. I would support a thorough feasibility study, independent cost estimates, realistic construction timelines, and a clearly defined project scope. The board should establish a firm budget with appropriate contingency reserves, require competitive bidding, and have any significant scope or cost changes return to the board for approval.
We should also evaluate long-term operating and maintenance costs, secure outside funding where possible, and regularly review the project against established milestones. Most importantly, the community deserves transparent reporting throughout the process. Good planning means anticipating challenges before they become expensive problems and ensuring we build what Truckee needs while protecting taxpayers.
3. Earlier this year, Truckee firefighters joined the Sierra Nevada Firefighters Local 3800 union. What changes, if any, have you observed in the district’s internal communication, collaboration, or service delivery since then? As a board member, how would you support a constructive working relationship among executive staff, the board, and union members?
Brown: I respect the employees’ choice to go union and encourage good collaboration. The transition and relationship are new and priorities should be open communication to build trust, accountability, and a strong working relationship. We can work together to build a problem-solving partnership and I’m positive the union relations will continue to develop. Since the unionization, the board has approved a change in service for the better with regard to daily minimum staffing levels. The staffing levels are now increased by two personnel, making a mandatory of 10 personnel. This is an important improvement from the previous minimum staffing of eight. There is always room for revision and conversation to increase these levels in the future based on district needs and fiscal availability.
Golden: I believe the most important thing is that everyone remembers we’re on the same team. Our firefighters, executive staff, and board may have different perspectives, but we all have the same responsibility: providing the best possible fire and emergency medical service to our community.
Since firefighters joined Local 3800, I believe the board should embrace that relationship, not treat it as an obstacle. I would make a point of listening to our firefighters and understand what they’re seeing on the ground, while also respecting the responsibilities of the chief and board.
Good organizations communicate openly, address problems directly, and hold each other accountable. I would work to build that relationship: one that’s based on respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.
McThorn: Since unionizing, the internal communication seems to be strained. With my experience in labor and management communications and negotiations, I will bring stability, open lines of communication, and straightforward discussions. I have learned over my career that such communication will always prevail. It will unify and gain trust among labor and management and build a stronger fire district. The firefighters and prevention officers are front line and have the best insight for positive change. As a board member, I would like to see monthly labor and management meetings with set achievable goals, and a monthly report to the board. To be a truly effective union it takes the labor group to be proactive and communicate factually. We must work together to better serve our community.
Rintala: The union relationship is new and all parties still have to learn how to work with each other under a new system. Attending board meetings over the last year and listening to firefighters, I’ve observed difficulty from all sides while individuals remain mission-driven and strive to deliver outstanding service to our evolving rural community. TFPD’s extraordinary firefighters, staff, and leaders work with many response partners for rapid, scalable, and reliable emergency response. The national advocacy from the union promises to bring guidance to our team that helps keep our firefighters, residents, and visitors ever safer in emergencies. The board should actively guide respectful engagement from the boardroom to the front line putting our community and our Truckee Fire team ahead of turf battles.
Witherspoon: I am not inside the organization and will not claim firsthand knowledge of private workplace dynamics. Public statements surrounding the unionization suggest employees wanted a more consistent voice in district decisions. I have seen no evidence that unionization has diminished service, and I support employees finding a constructive way to be heard. I welcome the perspective a regional union can bring from peer fire districts. As a board member, I would support scheduled labor-management meetings, anonymous employee climate surveys and more transparency with staff, e.g., livestreaming board meetings so employees can follow them remotely. The board should respect collective bargaining and the chief’s chain of command while ensuring employees can raise concerns safely. Constructive labor relations are necessary to sustain excellent public service.
Inventory levels are down from 2025 in nearly all Tahoe submarkets. In September 2025, there were 327 homes listed for sale in the Tahoe Sierra MLS compared to 272 in 2026. The homes that sell are moving faster than last year, with average days on market dropping across every market except for the NV Tahoe Basin, where days on market jumped from 70 to 146 along with a 37% rise in median sold price year over year. This suggests a smaller pool of higher priced sales rather than a cooler market. Month-to-month, most submarkets saw sales volume increase into September where prices decreased slightly, consistent with the overall trend of sellers adjusting pricing to move inventory as we move into the shoulder season.
