The digital transformation is significantly impacting industries worldwide, with the gaming sector experiencing notable changes. In Lake Tahoe, businesses are adapting to the rise of virtual casino platforms, which are reshaping their strategies and consumer interactions. Understanding these shifts is essential for maintaining economic growth and fostering innovation in the region.
In recent years, the shift towards digital gambling has significantly impacted local businesses in Lake Tahoe. With increasing interest in online gaming, many establishments are finding themselves at a crossroads of tradition and technology. The allure of casinos bitcoin experiences is compelling consumers to explore new avenues, influencing the way businesses engage with their patrons. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for local entrepreneurs aiming to stay ahead of the curve.
The Rise of Virtual Casino Platforms
The transition to virtual casino platforms is transforming the business landscape in the region. Traditional establishments, once centered around physical gaming spaces, are now integrating digital gambling options into their offerings. This adaptation not only broadens their customer base but also aligns them with modern technological advancements that enhance user engagement. As businesses pivot towards these platforms, they are leveraging technology to meet shifting consumer expectations.
Technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping how consumers interact with gaming services. The convenience of accessing casino games online has made it an attractive alternative for many users. This trend is driving traditional casinos to incorporate virtual elements into their operations, ensuring they remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. By embracing these changes, businesses can tap into a wider audience while maintaining their unique charm and appeal.
The integration of digital platforms is not merely about keeping up with trends; it’s about redefining consumer experiences. Local businesses are harnessing the power of technology to offer immersive and engaging gaming experiences that resonate with both new and existing customers. This shift towards virtual platforms underscores a commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market.
The Influence of Modern Trends
The emergence of digital currencies as a significant factor in consumer decision-making highlights the transformative impact on the gaming industry. As more consumers become comfortable with cryptocurrencies, online casinos are adapting by incorporating these options into their payment systems. This shift not only enhances security but also offers greater anonymity and flexibility for users.
Digital currencies like bitcoin are revolutionizing the gaming landscape by offering unique advantages over traditional payment methods. Their decentralized nature ensures fast and secure transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and enhancing user trust. For businesses, integrating such options can differentiate them from competitors and attract tech-savvy customers who value privacy and efficiency.
The increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies is indicative of broader shifts in consumer behavior towards digital solutions. As online gaming platforms embrace these technologies, they pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative gaming experience that caters to diverse preferences and needs.
Local Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Local entrepreneurs are keenly aware of the opportunities presented by virtual gaming trends. By leveraging these advancements, they are crafting innovative business models that capitalize on digital platforms’ reach and accessibility. This entrepreneurial spirit is evident in how businesses are adapting their services to meet changing consumer demands.
Examples abound of entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated virtual gaming elements into their operations, thus expanding their market presence. These pioneers are not just reacting to change; they are actively shaping it by exploring new ways to engage with customers through technology-driven solutions.
The adaptability displayed by these entrepreneurs reflects a broader commitment to innovation within the local business community. By embracing virtual gaming trends, they demonstrate resilience and foresight in navigating an ever-evolving market landscape.
Shifts in Consumer Behavior
The adoption of digital currencies is significantly influencing consumer behavior within the gaming sector. The convenience and security offered by these currencies make them an appealing choice for online gamblers seeking efficient transaction methods. As more consumers gravitate towards virtual gaming experiences, businesses must adapt to these shifting preferences.
Digital currencies provide users with enhanced control over their finances while offering a layer of anonymity often missing from traditional payment systems. This appeals to consumers who prioritize privacy and security in their online interactions. For local businesses, recognizing these preferences can inform strategies aimed at attracting a diverse clientele.
The changing landscape of consumer behavior underscores the importance of aligning business practices with contemporary trends. By understanding what drives customer choices, businesses can position themselves strategically within this dynamic market environment.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Tahoe Transportation District will be hosting an open house to discuss multiple planned State Route 28 improvement projects on Wednesday, April 30.
The planned improvements include:
Tahoe Transportation District North Parking Project (Rocky Point Parking)
Tahoe Transportation District SR 28 Central Corridor Improvements
Nevada Department of Transportation Spooner Transit Hub, Parking Project & Watercraft Inspection Station
And more
The community will be able to view project displays and maps at information stations around the room. Staff will be available to answer questions.
These strategic improvements along SR 28 are designed to:
Improve safety
Relocate unsafe on-highway parking
Reduce traffic congestion
Protect Lake Tahoe
Expand multimodal transportation choices
Enhance the visitor experience
The open house will be held at Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Ave. from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
TRUCKEE, Calif. – A Truckee resident is focusing on the positives after an avalanche earlier this month left him facing a startling reality, unable to feel or move his legs in the moments directly following an incident in Tahoe’s backcountry.
“This could be life changing in like a really really big way,” Rylan Cordova had thought, contemplating modifications to his house, whether he could still do his job, how to live and whether he’d be forced to find new hobbies. “Like what trajectory is this going to take me?”
It was a question he continued to ponder while growing gradually colder, laying in the snow on the west shore of Lake Tahoe where the incident occurred on April 2.
“I got a little antsy,” Cordova said. “I just told myself I’m going to try and move my legs right now.”
And move his legs he did, after about five minutes of grappling with this jarring reality. It was a foreshadowing of the favorable turn of events that would come.
“I just think for me,” Cordova shared, “what’s really big, is how positive of an experience it’s been relative to how scary and negative the situation was.”
This is evidenced by Cordova returning home from the ICU just a week and a day after the accident, to the amazement of friends, family and even hospital staff.
The 45-year-old sustained fractures in his upper and middle spine, as well as a hematoma on his spinal cord. He describes the fractured vertebrae in his middle spine as crushed coke cans, which required surgery. A series of screws and rods fused multiple vertebrae to act as a brace and allow his spine to heal.
The injuries have left him with numbness, strength and dexterity loss in his hands and arms.
Although the specific details are hard to confirm, the bark in his cracked and dented blue Scott helmet lead Cordova to believe the avalanche swept him into a tree.
Cordova’s helmet that he had been wearing during the avalanche on April 2. Provided / Trevor Hall
“I would be dead without that helmet,” Cordova said, who did not experience memory loss or a concussion after the incident.
‘Somebody else was looking after me’
Cordova had been skiing in the Tahoe backcountry with two friends when the avalanche occurred.
Cordova believes the situation would have been very different if it wasn’t for the quick thinking and action of his friends, Adam Ruscitto and Trevor Hall.
“I think I lucked out in a lot of ways,” he said, “in terms of having two people there and especially those two people.”
His friend, Trevor Hall, a firefighter and paramedic, immediately called for a helicopter at the first sign of a back injury.
“I wasn’t even dug out yet fully,” Cordova said, remembering the urgent call for the helicopter. “There was no thinking about it.”
The three were still in avalanche danger and the next task was moving to where it was safe, not an easy task when Cordova was showing signs of a back injury.
Hall and Ruscitto placed Cordova on one of their splitboards, keeping his neck as straight as possible to prevent further injury. The two used the board to move Cordova and themselves out of avalanche danger.
“I look back on that and it feels as close as when they were moving me around in the hospital, putting me on boards and going from CT scan to CT scan,” Cordova described. “It felt very similar, which is a good thing.”
Cordova was on the splitboard in the snow for around two and half hours as multiple agencies gathered resources and developed a plan to evacuate him.
“All I was focusing on when I was laying there was breathing,” he remembers. “All those years of yoga, paying off.”
Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue responded on skis with support from El Dorado Search and Rescue. California Highway Patrol deployed their helicopter rescue team from Auburn, Calif., along with personnel from local fire agencies. The multi-agency team successfully hoisted Cordova from his location.
Before the hoist, Cordova remembers seeing a bald eagle fly over.
“I just felt like somebody else was looking after me.”
A helicopter hoisted Cordova out from his location in the Tahoe backcountry on April 2. Provided / Trevor Hall
The helicopter flew him to a fire department in Tahoe City where an ambulance warmed him up. From there, a helicopter flew him to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev., where he underwent treatment.
Road to recovery
Cordova will wear a cervical collar for up to three months to keep his neck straight and allow his upper vertebrae and hematoma to heal.
He is currently at his Truckee home adjusting to the constraints of his injuries, which prohibit him from bending, twisting, and lifting more than 10 pounds.
Occupational and physical therapy are his next steps to regaining the losses in his hands and arms. Another surgery could be in the future depending on what follow up appointments reveal.
Full recovery could take around six months.
“It’s my goal to go skiing again, definitely,” he said. “And to be at the level of skiing that I was at.”
‘I have all the support’
Although Cordova’s road to recovery might be long, he finds comfort in the support he’s received from the Tahoe-Truckee community and beyond.
“It’s what brings me to tears,” he expressed, explaining his phone has been active non-stop since the accident.
“I literally spend an hour or two a day on my phone responding to people texting me, saying that they want to help and that they’re thinking about me and sending me love and positive vibes.”
His drawing pads and books, meant to pass the time at the hospital, went untouched due to all the visitors he received.
“It’s nice to tell the doctors now that I have all the support and they don’t have to worry about me going to my house and not having somebody to help me.”
A part of that community is his team at Alibi Truckee, where he’s known as the grandmaster of good times (general manager). He says he has a strong team at Alibi who have stepped up during his unexpected absence.
A GoFundMe page was started and available to help with medical expenses. The page has not only reached the Tahoe region, but also his hometown in Littleton, Colo.
“The outpouring of support has been very overwhelming in a very positive way,” Cordova expressed. “I don’t know how to say thank you enough to people.”
Recognizing that he’s going to prison, a California man faces up to 20 years incarceration after he admitted to felony attempted sexual assault.
Anthony Joel Arbis, 23, waived a psycho-sexual evaluation, which would have to find he was not at a high risk to reoffend for him to be eligible for probation. That decision means that Arbis won’t be eligible for probation when he is sentenced on June 16.
Arbis admitted on Monday that he molested a woman May 21, 2023, at the Hard Rock Casino while she was passed out.
The victim didn’t know what he’d done until a separate investigation that resulted in his conviction for taking pictures and videos up women’s’ skirts revealed the photos on his phone.
Arbis remains in Douglas County Jail as he completes his Nevada case. He is here from California prison, where he must return to complete his sentence.
Once he completes both sentences, he will be required to register as both a sex offender and an ex-felon.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Effective May 1, 2025, Seasonal Open Burning (wood, slash, or needle piles) will be closed for Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV.
Recreational fires (wood or charcoal fire within a non-combustible container with a 1/8″ mesh screen) are still allowed with a permit.
Barbeque grilling is still allowed, with the following guidelines:
All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.
Follow these simple safety tips when using solid-fuel, charcoal, or propane grills.
Only use propane, charcoal, and solid-fuel grills outdoors.
Place grills away from homes, deck railings, and under eaves or overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
Clean grills regularly by removing grease and fat buildup from the grill and trays below.
Never leave a grill unattended while in use.
Open the lid on gas grills before lighting.
Charcoal Grills:
Prohibited on combustible surfaces.
Use charcoal chimney starters with newspaper or electric charcoal starters (with outdoor-rated extension cords).
If using starter fluid, only use products labeled for charcoal grills. Never add fluid to an open flame.
Store starter fluid away from children and heat sources.
Allow coals to cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
Free ash cans are available for residents with wood-burning appliances. To apply, visit the NLTFPD Administration Office at 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village.
Propane Grills:
Inspect the gas tank hose for leaks annually using a soap and water solution (bubbles indicate a leak).
If a leak is detected with no flame present, turn off the gas tank and grill. Have the unit serviced before use.
If the leak does not stop, or if you smell gas while cooking, evacuate the area and call 911. Do not move the grill.
If the flame goes out, turn off the gas and wait at least 15 minutes before lighting again.
Important Reminder: No open flames of any kind are permitted during Red Flag Warnings.
Please stay alert and follow local advisories.
For more information or to apply for a recreational fire permit or ash can, visit www.nltfpd.org or contact the Fire District Administration Office at (775) 831-0351
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project includes multi-benefit stormwater treatment based on natural systems (native plants and infiltration into soil) and drainage solutions for localized flooding. This process will spread, treat, infiltrate, and retain urban runoff from roadways, commercial areas, and other high-priority, directly connected urban areas to protect the clarity of Lake Tahoe. It also includes benefits requested by the community and stakeholders, including public space, new naturalized play structures, and improved active transportation paths.
After a planned winter shutdown, construction activities are now back underway and expected to continue through the 2025 construction season.
Construction of Phase I of the Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement resumed on Monday, April 21, 2025. Construction activities will include installation of storm water collection, conveyance, and treatment infrastructure within the Tahoe Valley Area Plan. Streets impacted by storm drain installation will include James Avenue and Eloise Avenue between 3rd Street and Tahoe Keys Boulevard, and Council Rock Drive between Washington Avenue and Tahoe Keys Boulevard. Streets impacted by paving will include D Street between Julie Lane and Bonanza Avenue, F Street between Margaret Avenue and Bonanza Avenue, Bonanza Avenue between B Street and F Street. It is anticipated that Phase 1 construction will be complete in September.
Construction of Phase 2 of the Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project began on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Construction activities will include tree removal in the greenbelt, installation of storm water collection, conveyance and treatment infrastructure, associated water utility infrastructure adjustments, and construction of multi-use paths and recreation areas in the greenbelt area behind The Crossings. Work will also take place in the vicinity of 4th Street, Barton Avenue, and Helen Avenue.
A change in viewing platform will mean the end to the ability for members of the public to contribute public comment during Douglas County School Board meetings.
During Thursday’s meeting, President Yvonne Wagstaff read a statement addressing the change. The key point was that the change in platform will also change the board’s ability to take public comment online during the meetings.
Zoom will no longer be the viewing platform used during meetings starting in July.
Individuals who choose to view online will watch on YouTube.
She said the district will continue to provide comment opportunities as prescribed in their bylaws. In person comments will have a three-minute speaking time before the meeting for nonagenda items and during agenda items.
Individuals who choose to view board meetings online, may submit comment via email, however it will not be read during the meeting, instead it will be added to the minutes for the board to review before the next board meeting.
The elimination of Zoom wasn’t the only big software change discussed by school board trustees last week.
For around $14,000 less than the cost of Edgenuity, Douglas County School District’s online learners will have access to more classes, notes, and tutorials with the new platform Edmentum, which was approved for adoption by the Board during the April 17 school board meeting.
Shannon Brown, Principal Gavin Ward and Christy Grossnickel presented to the board information about the online learning platform.
Brown said there was a team of about 13 people on the adoption committee consisting of parents, students, teachers, including education teachers, Ward, and himself.
They reached out to each of the platforms and asked for a presentation and a proposal offer.
Pearson Blended and Edmentum came forward with the presentation which the committee viewed on April 2 and April 9, according to Brown.
Brown said the committee had a rubric to score what they thought about each presentation and the result was overwhelmingly unanimously in favor of Edmentum.
Brown said the major difference between Edmentum and Edgenuity is the navigation of the website is more user-friendly and students receive more thorough notes and tutorials than what Edgenuity had.
“So, we are getting more classes, getting more help for our students, and paying less,” said Trustee Erinn Miller.
Article written by: Alex Silgalis | Local Freshies® Original article published on localfreshies.com
In October 2024, Nevada was awarded a $10 million grant to improve the safety and functionality of Marlette Lake Dam. At the time, the implications for mountain bikers on the east shore of Lake Tahoe weren’t immediately clear. However, with the release of the trail closure list by the Nevada Division of Public Works, it became evident that shuttle access to the Flume Trail and a few of the other major east shore MTB trails would be affected. Here’s an overview of the situation.
The Work Is Needed
Taking in the view of Marlette Lake on the way to the Flume Trail; Photo by Local Freshies®Children’s theater to present ‘Annie Jr.’
Marlette Lake has been in existence since 1873, when a small earthen dam was constructed to provide water for the Comstock Lode. An engineering marvel of its time, this water system is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In response to the growing needs of Carson City, the dam was raised to its current height of 45 feet in 1959.
Today, the dam serves multiple purposes, including acting as a brood lake for trout. It also supplies water to both Carson City and Virginia City. According to Jason Crosby, project manager for the Nevada Division of Public Works, the dam has not undergone significant maintenance since 1956. As a result, it’s in urgent need of repair and upgrades which will be done in the summer of 2025. The water is set to be lowered by 20 feet, and both the dam and outlet pipes will be replaced.
Spooner Lake Trails Closed Effective March 31 2025
Turnovers cost Vikings in 36-14 loss at Lowry
To accommodate the necessary dam repairs, the Nevada Division of State Parks has announced extensive trail closures in Spooner Lake State Park and the surrounding backcountry. For a complete list of closures, please refer to Carson City Now’s article.
Mountain Bikers Lose Crucial Connectors
Mountain biking on the Flume Trail; Photo by Local Freshies®Red Bull Content Pool | www.redbullcontentpool.com
The closure of the Flume Trail segment from the dam to Rock Slide may not seem like a major disruption. However, a closer look reveals its broader impact on Lake Tahoe mountain biking. Many riders typically take a shuttle from Incline Village to Spooner Lake State Park and then ride downhill. With both Marlette Lake Trail and Marlette Road now closed, bikers have no way to reach the trailhead.
What about the Tahoe Rim Trail?
Another potential connector to these trails is the Tahoe Rim Trail. Many sections of the trail are open to mountain bikers. However, the portion that would provide easy access from Spooner State Park to eastern trails, such as Capital to Tahoe, is closed to bikes. While the Capital to Tahoe singletrack will remain open, riders will no longer be able to start from Spooner. Instead, they’ll need to start from Highway 431, increasing the ride distance from 25 miles to 31 miles. Additionally, the segment from Highway 431 of the Tahoe Rim Trail can only be accessed by mountain bikers on even days.
Rose to Toads In Jeopardy?
Then there’s the legendary Roads to Toads ride, a challenging 62-mile route featuring over 8,000 feet of climbing and 10,000 feet of descent. It showcases some of the best trails in the region, connecting the two sides of the lake. However, a crucial segment used for this event is slated to be closed. While there is still plenty of time before fall, there is a possibility that the 2025 Roads to Toads ride may be canceled or altered due to these closures.
Since the closure announcement was made in late March, the situation remains fluid and subject to change. Additionally, as snow continues to melt in the higher elevations, developments may occur rapidly. Be sure to stay updated by checking in with us at Local Freshies® as this story evolves.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.– The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team has welcomed Annabelle Monti as its new Program Manager who will play a key role in elevating regional efforts to prepare the Lake Tahoe Basin for wildfire. Monti brings extensive experience in fuels and vegetation management, strategic planning, and community engagement, which makes her exceptionally well-suited for the role, according to the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team.
“We are thrilled to have Annabelle join our team,” said Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief, Scott Lindgren. “Her experience and leadership will help drive the collaborative efforts of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team forward, ensuring that Lake Tahoe remains proactive in mitigating wildfire risks and improving forest health.”
Annabelle MontiProvided
Bringing on a dedicated program manager was a top priority for the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team to help the team evolve in a changing social and ecological climate while expanding its impact. Monti’s background makes her exceptionally well-suited for the role. She spent 15 years with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in various roles focused on fuels reduction, vegetation management, strategic planning, and community engagement. Monti also brings private sector experience in vegetation management that adds to her knowledge of forest management, silviculture, forest health, and post-fire restoration.
“The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team is a model for collaborating around forest health and getting work done,” said Monti. “And, I am excited to work with new partners to make a positive lasting impact in terms of protecting the Tahoe Basin.”
The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team is a collaborative partnership dedicated to reducing wildfire risks, increasing community preparedness, and improving forest health in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Monti’s leadership will strengthen this partnership and build upon the progress made in recent years.
For more information about the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team and its ongoing initiatives, visit Tahoe Living With Fire.
STATELINE, Nev. – Playoff hockey is just something else.
In their first home playoff game in franchise history, the Tahoe Knight Monsters defeated the Wichita Thunder 5-4 in overtime to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. Logan Nelson scored the game-winner, Simon Pinard tallied two more goals, and Jesper Vikman made 32 saves to lead Tahoe to victory.
The fun started in the first, where Isaac Johnson opened the scoring on a rebound goal just over seven minutes in. But Wichita responded with two of their own in the span of a minute, as Ryan Finnegan and Michal Stinil combined to give the Thunder a 2-1 lead to close the period.
Pinard scored his first goal on the power play at 13:04 in the second to tie things up at two, and Wichita would respond again with a power play goal of their own four minutes later to retain their one-goal lead.
Entering the third, the Thunder tacked on just 90 seconds in with a transition goal off the rush, but after that, it was all Knight Monsters.
They outshot Wichita 22-7 in the final frame, with Pinard scoring his second of the game to make it 4-3 five minutes later, and Patrick Newell notching a game-tying power-play goal with under four minutes to go.
Tahoe continued their domination in overtime, outshooting the Thunder 11-1, and Logan Nelson sent the crowd into a frenzy with a backhand shot that slipped through the five-hole of Thunder goalie Trevor Gorsuch for the first playoff overtime goal in franchise history.
The Knight Monsters finished the contest with an absurd 65 shots on goal, by far their highest mark of the entire season, including playoffs. Despite allowing four goals, Jesper Vikman stayed strong in the crease, making multiple highlight reel saves and keeping Tahoe in the game late in the third period.
On Friday night, Tahoe will be on the hunt for a first-round series sweep at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. Puck drop for game 4 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the first round are on sale at https://knightmonstershockey.com/playoffs, presented by Thermal Technology.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) third graders are diving into success—literally. Thanks to a dynamic partnership with the City of South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation team, third-grade students from LTUSD elementary schools recently participated in an engaging and empowering swimming program that focused on water confidence and safety.
Over the past several weeks, the third graders took to the pool at the Recreation Swim Complex. With guidance from experienced instructors and attentive lifeguards, students learned essential aquatic skills including floating, kicking, diving, and the basics of swim strokes—all while enjoying a fun, supportive environment.
For many students, this marked their first time in a pool, making the experience both meaningful and unforgettable. The program’s return has been met with enthusiasm and gratitude throughout the District.
“This program is a game-changer for our kids,” said an LTUSD spokesperson. “It not only equips them with critical water safety skills but also boosts their confidence and love for learning through a unique physical activity.”
The 12-week swim program was made available to all elementary schools within the District, exemplifying a successful collaboration between the CSLT and the LTUSD Career Technical Education (CTE) Team. Although one school participated in ski week due to a scheduling conflict, the overall program saw tremendous student engagement and growth.
Special thanks go to Kelley Edwards, Kylee Finnegan, and Derek Beller for their leadership and unwavering support throughout the program. Their dedication to student safety and development helped make this initiative a resounding success.
LTUSD is grateful to the City and the team at the Recreation Swim Complex for championing youth wellness and water safety. This collaborative effort continues to demonstrate the power of community partnerships in enriching students’ lives both in and out of the classroom.
RENO, Nev. – At Reno-Tahoe International Airport, five million annual travelers pass a towering 20-foot bronze skier. Titled Giant Slalom and sculpted by Douglas Van Howd in 1996, the statue honors the University of Nevada’s ski teams, which produced four Olympians, five national titles, and 39 All-America honors. Ironically, the statue was installed in 2012—two years after the university cut its NCAA ski program for the second time.
That irony was not lost on former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, who became university president in 2020. When the university absorbed Sierra Nevada University in 2022, Sandoval seized the moment to revive collegiate skiing. He announced that Nevada would preserve SNU’s ski team, the Goliaths, and compete on the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) circuit. It marked the sport’s return to the university’s NCAA lineup.
“With today’s announcement, we honor the outstanding legacy of our past Wolf Pack ski teams and commit to the promise of an exciting future,” Sandoval said.
Following a coaching departure, Nevada hired Cameron Smith to lead the team forward. Backed by local talent, community support, and renewed university commitment, Nevada skiing looks poised for lasting success.
At the 2023 Ski Ball fundraiser, attended by 500 supporters and Olympians, Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe laid out an ambitious goal: winning a national championship—something no Nevada team has ever done, though skiing came closest decades ago.
Nevada’s ski program was founded in 1936 by students Wayne Poulsen and Martin Arrouge. Poulsen, a Far West jumping champion, competed across all skiing disciplines and coached the team after graduating. In 1939, the team beat perennial powerhouse University of Washington to win the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate title—then considered a national victory despite the absence of a formal governing body.
Nevada had a women’s team early on. Here’s the squad around 1956.Provided / UNR
The university supported the Nevada Winter Carnival, held on Mount Rose, which became a key stop on the Pacific collegiate circuit. Poulsen went on to install a lift at Mount Rose and later develop Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe), shaping the region’s ski culture.
Reno native Dodie Post, who raced for Nevada from 1942–47, became the first Nevadan Olympian and later captained the 1948 U.S. team. The university hosted the inaugural NCAA Skiing Championships in 1954, where Nevada’s Pat Myers claimed the downhill title.
Over the years, Nevada produced influential figures like Dick Dorworth, who broke the speed skiing world record in 1963, and Glenn Jobe, who competed in the 1980 Olympics and developed Nordic ski trails across Tahoe.
Despite its legacy, Nevada’s ski program never matched the resources or consistency of elite programs. Future Olympians like Jimmie Heuga and Spider Sabich opted for more prominent programs at Colorado or Denver. Financial constraints, internal friction, and lack of institutional priority kept skiing on the margins.
College skiing changed dramatically in the latter half of the 20th century. Title IX brought gender equity mandates and new financial pressures. Ski jumping was dropped in 1980; downhill was replaced by giant slalom in 1976. With U.S. Ski Team opportunities and professional circuits beckoning, NCAA racing lost prestige. Programs folded—Denver, despite 14 titles, cut skiing in 1983; Nevada followed suit in 1987.
Still, Nevada’s ski community wouldn’t let the program die. Boosters formed a nonprofit, helped fund a club team, and staged high-profile fundraisers. In 1993, a $50,000 donation from the Killebrew family launched a campaign that reinstated the NCAA program by 1995. College skiing was resurging—races gained FIS sanctioning, attracting top international athletes.
Nevada’s roster included standout performers like four-time Nordic champion Katerina Hanusova and 2002 GS champ Tommi Viirret. From 2001–2009, the team consistently placed in the top half at nationals. Yet in 2010, amid the Great Recession, the program was again cut.
When President Sandoval gave the go-ahead in 2022, former athletes and boosters were ready. Among them were Zach Fretz, who skied for Nevada when the team was disbanded, and Nick Cohee, a top junior from Tahoe who had hoped to race for the Wolf Pack before going to Utah instead.
Together, they helped raise $100,000 at the 2022 Ski Ball, reconnected with donors, and rebuilt ties with Tahoe’s ski community. Losing high-level racing had affected youth development in the region—rebuilding that pipeline became a shared mission.
Now, with full university backing, the program is on firm footing. Rempe, who joined as AD during the SNU merger, has championed skiing from the start. “It’s almost egregious not to have skiing,” she says. “It’s part of the culture here. It’s part of the economy.”
Nevada’s proximity to world-class ski areas, paired with NCAA skiing’s rising influence—17 NCAA grads competed on the World Cup last season—positions the team for success. Local Olympian Bill Hudson says UNR’s presence has already boosted youth enthusiasm at Palisades Tahoe.
Coach Smith is building a 16-skier roster and plans to recruit two men and two women this year. For Nevada to contend for a national title, it must also field a Nordic team. A full Alpine and Nordic program costs $1.4 million annually, with $800,000 in outside support still needed.
Thanks to the Killebrew family’s $400,000 endowment—still the team’s largest—the foundation is in place. Smith is optimistic: the Western Undergraduate Exchange program allows for affordable out-of-state recruitment from skiing hotspots. “It’s a huge opportunity,” he says. “You could grow a team—an American team—very fast.”
Rempe notes that 80% of current U.S. Olympians came through college programs. “There’s nothing that duplicates the life lessons you learn from sports, especially college sports,” she says. “The fact that skiing fits so well in this community—it’s a no-brainer.”
At the airport, the bronze skier still carves its eternal turn, a tribute to Nevada’s skiing legacy. With fresh energy and determined leadership, the Wolf Pack is once again chasing greatness—and this time, the finish line is within sight.
Ifyou are interested in learning more about the team or how to support, sign up for the mailing list at https://www.nevadaskiing.com/
This article is reprinted from Skiing History magazine which is published by the International Skiing History Association. ISHA is a nonprofit which relies on membership and donations to support its research and publication of Skiing History. The author, Edith Thys Morgan, is a freelance writer and two time Olympian who grew up racing in the Lake Tahoe area.
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Senate has passed a bill that proposes to ban certain disposable plastic water bottles in Nevada Lake Tahoe communities with a vote on Friday, April 18.
Senate bill 324 received approval from 16 senators, while four senators voted against it including, Senator Lisa Krasner, whose district covers the Nevada portion of Lake Tahoe. Other dissenters include Senators Lori Rogich, Jeff Stone and Robin Titus. Carrie Ann Buck absented.
The bill proposes to prohibit the sale of disposable plastic water bottles under four liters in Nevada communities abutting the Lake Tahoe Watershed. The bill’s text details a structure of fines for violations.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – During Tuesday’s South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, lengthy discussions bumped most of the agenda to the next meeting. Still, they came to a decision on the consent agenda items, a first set of amendments for the vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance, and the rec center scoreboards. The council also recognized April 2025 as Neurodiversity and Autism Celebration Month.
Neurodiversity and Autism Celebration Month
Thanks to the efforts of Access Tahoe and the South Lake Tahoe Special Needs community, Mayor Tamara Wallace issued a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Neurodiversity and Autism Celebration Month, to “celebrate the unique strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals, support families and caregivers, and support meaningful action towards inclusivity.”
This recognition comes on the heels of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s study on the “autism epidemic”, where he claimed that “autism destroys families.”
Angie Reagan of Access Tahoe thanked the city and quoted Meg Raby, a neurodivergent advocate, saying, “We are not waiting to be saved, we are waiting to be understood. And we’re not going anywhere.” Reagan advocated for the one in four people with a neurodivergence or invisible disability, asking for the city to become sensory and mobility needs-friendly through a nonprofit called KultureCity. She also requested a disability pride flag crosswalk similar to the LGBTQ+ pride flag crosswalk, saying, “We deserve more than just accommodations, we deserve inclusion… let’s not just proclaim inclusion, let’s live it.”
Reagan invited people to the next Access Tahoe meeting this Thursday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at McP’s Taphouse and Grill.
Consent agenda
On the consent agenda, a few items came into question regarding parking, training at the Motel 6 site, and a cost-recovery study.
Lakeside residential area neighbors came to request changes to their Residential Parking Permit, as what was proposed by their board makes it difficult to park for themselves, their visitors, and any workers in the neighborhood. The current streets are too narrow to issue permits on both sides, hence why some residents would have more trouble with parking. The item passed, though potential amendments are possible in the future.
The city, while it doesn’t own the Motel 6 Property, was asked to make a decision on a license agreement with the California Tahoe Conservancy, which does own the site. The agreement would allow the fire department to use the property for training before it is ultimately demolished. Councilmember Scott Robbins requested that the fire department put up signage and alerts because the site is on Highway 50, making it extremely visible during trainings.
Lastly, the city will be making an agreement with Government Consulting Partners, Inc. for a citywide study on user fees. The study and plan preparation will not exceed costs of $70,835 and will help city council make decisions on adjusting fees for programs. One such adjustment happened earlier in the consent calendar, where the city ratified its agreement to waive the fee for the rec center to enable a third-grade swim program.
Kiwanis scoreboards
City council unanimously approved the donation agreement with Kiwanis of Lake Tahoe to the new rec center. The two $25,000 donations will go to two scoreboards, inscribing the logo and name of Kiwanis of Lake Tahoe to one, and “In Memory of Bob Baunhauser” to the other.
The initial $20,000 will come from the South Tahoe Parks Foundation depositing into the account for the rec center facilities and operations, while the additional $30,000 will be donated in 2025 and 2026. The scoreboards will have those inscriptions for the entirety of their lifetimes.
According to Kiwanis president Eric Guevin, “Bob Baunhauser was a Kiwanian that dedicated his life to this community and the service of kids within this community as well. He went on to hope that other clubs would follow in their footsteps to donate to the rec center, which he felt was a cornerstone of the community.
VHR permit amendments
Since the unconstitutional ruling for Measure T, city staff was tasked with providing recommendations to the council on how to construct the new ordinance regarding VHR permits. City manager Joe Irvin stated at the beginning of staff’s presentation, “Enforcement will be the number one priority. It is imperative for us to be strict with enforcement with VHRs to maintain a high quality of life for residents.” Irvin also made it clear that funding was necessary to make enforcement happen, and expected the cost burden to be on the VHR permittees.
City attorney Heather Stroud presented the possible options for consideration, which included restrictions on where VHRs could be, a cap for the VHRs, and a buffer, among other items. Public comment touched on issues of major concern: noise, garbage, and parking enforcement, density and clustering issues, cost recovery through permits, possible vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impacts, and expediency for re-issuing permits to previous holders.
A few public comments also requested public workshops on the ordinance, especially as Measure T technically passed by majority vote—they hoped it would bring the concerns of those who voted yes into consideration.
City council deliberated long into the night on the topic, agreeing on occupancy restrictions, a need for enforcement, and potentially having a lower cap. However, councilmember Robbins and Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass both disagreed with Mayor Wallace and councilmember Keith Roberts on whether there should be required buffer space, so as to prevent locals from being surrounded by VHRs.
Robbins argued it would be better to be cautious in implementing the ordinance and that rolling back large buffers would be easier than trying to roll out buffers after granting permits—an issue that El Dorado County faced in addressing clusters of VHRs. Bass hoped that the buffers would establish the cap, especially as roughly 600 of the previous VHRs from 2018 were no longer operating as VHRs.
Both Wallace and Roberts were opposed to buffers of any kind, where Roberts argued that buffers could be revised by not renewing certain permits if they were to add permits. He also pointed out that the issue of having to pick and choose which permits were renewed would be aggravated by rolling out large buffers now.
“It’s our job to find the middle ground,” said Bass. He hoped that they would be able to work with AirBnB and VRBO to establish guidelines on their platforms, such as indicating to potential tourists that the residential zone is intended for families, not parties.
Robbins also brought up the citation system, which took a long time for appeals in the past, and a waiting period for the VHR permits after the unit sells, to prevent loss of housing stock. Though he stated his interest in no natural person owning more than one house for AirBnB purposes, Wallace responded that she felt it was fine even if the VHR process became a moneymaking operation for an entity. “Profit is not a dirty word,” she responded.
The motion made, then amended by Tamara Wallace was as follows:
Make no prohibitions or limits to VHRs in certain residential areas
Establish a cap lower than 900 VHRs outside the tourist core
Do not establish any buffers
Prohibit VHRs in all multi-family dwellings outside of the commercial area and tourist core
Require a 24/7 response through a local property manager or ownership
Ensure the VHR permit fee achieves complete cost recovery
Provide permitting preference for prior VHR and QVHR permit holders in good standing
Change the VHR permitting authority to the police department
Phased permitting of no more than 150 VHR permits issued per month
The Planning Commission decision on VHR permit denial and revocation appeals is final
Change occupancy limits to two per bedroom plus two
Require cameras for parking and trash bin enforcement
Require decibel readers for sound enforcement
Require in-person check-in, with a signature on a set of rules or code of conduct
Require a valid, up-to-date defensible space approval prior to issuance of permit
With two no votes from Bass and Robbins, the motion passed. However, the next city council meeting has the first reading of the ordinance on the agenda, meaning amendments could still be made then.
Council unanimously approved the final item heard from the agenda, a first reading of an ordinance designating Very High Fire Severity Zones, referring the second reading and adoption to next city council meeting.
The next city council meeting takes place on May 6.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A South Tahoe High School art club and entrepreneurship club are joining forces for a student art show on Saturday afternoon, April 26, at the Marcus Ashley Gallery in South Lake Tahoe.
The event, taking place from 12-5 p.m., features art from the school’s Sphere Art Club, as well as business and planning capabilities from the Entrepreneurship Club.
“It’s a complementary collaboration,” Entrepreneurship Club treasurer, Bryce Tieslau says, “because I don’t necessarily know if an entrepreneur would have the skill set to create most of these paintings, where we might have better abilities in being able to sell them to people.”
The event has been entirely student derived, led and planned in the last month. Student art will be available to purchase. The Entrepreneurship Club has seen the value not only in the artwork, but also in the background behind each piece.
“It’s the stories that connect us,” Tieslau says. In planning the event, the Entrepreneurship Club discussed the stories and backgrounds of each piece with the artists, something they will be ready to educate gallery guests on while assisting with the show.
“I think that’s really important for artists,” leader of the Sphere Art Club, Matt Kauffmann, says, “because there’s so much more than just surface level aesthetics with most pieces of work, and I’ve found that high school students have some of the greatest stories to tell.”
Kauffmann has seen the experience of sharing art at shows boost high school students’ self-esteem. “All too often, I feel like social media and culture in general is constantly telling young people this narrative of always weighing beauty and ugly—and what is your worth?—based on likes and clicks.”
When students sell pieces at shows, it reveals worth in what they’re doing, even if it is intimidating and scary. “It’s a deeply personal process,” Kauffmann says. “I feel like it encourages students to be bold and to be brave and believe in the thing that they’re doing.”
The Sphere Art Club is also responsible for painting electric boxes and murals around town and is currently raising funds for a mural in South Lake Tahoe.
Those at Marcus Ashley Gallery welcome everyone to enjoy the show at their location at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd #23, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
“We’re excited to see what the kids are capable of doing,” Nolan Brown with Marcus Ashley Gallery says, “and the staff is excited to be involved in it.”
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.
If you’re any kind of pizza lover, at some point you’ve probably dabbled a bit in different flavors and tried pizzas that are similar to this week’s feature. But I will tell you that this version coming out of the kitchen at Grand Central is one of the top-tasting options I’ve ever had and it’s the subtle variations that make it stand out.
Grand Central Pizza & Pasta’s BBQ Chicken Pizza.Rob Galloway / Tahoe Daily Tribune
All the dough for the pizza is made fresh daily and hand-tossed before the toppings are applied. The toppings here start with tender chicken breast that is first marinated in oil and spices. It is married up with barbecue sauce, bacon, smoked cheddar cheese, fresh tomato, and sliced green onion.
One of the main differences with this version comes in the choice of onion. Most of the time you’re seeing red onion which can lead to a little bit of a sweeter pie, but the green onion here gives off a much fresher vibe while still maintaining a bit of a crunchy texture and I’m a big fan of the swap.
The chicken is juicy and loaded with flavor and when married up with bacon, well, do I really need to tell you about the impact bacon has on any dish? It actually amplifies the smokiness of the cheddar, which is also one of the changes that helps to set this pizza apart from its counterparts.
If this is a flavor that you tend to gravitate towards when you order pizza, you owe it to yourself to try out this option. It stays true enough to the main vision while giving you just enough change (for the better, in my opinion) to feel like it’s something different.
Grand Central Pizza & Pasts is located at 2229 Lake Tahoe Blvd. E in South Lake Tahoe. For menu items and additional information, you can reach them online at grandcentralpizza.delivery or via phone at 530-544-1308.
8:00 – 9:30 pm, South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV 89449. “Experience the signature blend of banjo-forward country, hip-hop grooves, and uplifting storytelling of Niko Moon live in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.”
Friday, April 25th
Pre Cinco Fiesta
5-10 p.m., Emerald Bay Bar & Grill, 888 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe. Join us for a fun fiesta with 21 Seeds margarita sampling, a festive photo backdrop, and great vibes all around. Whether you’re here for the drinks, the atmosphere, or just a good time with friends, it’s the perfect way to start the Cinco de Mayo celebrations early! For more information, visit emeraldbaybar.com or call 530-541-7017.
Taholistic Signature Weekend
5-4:30 p.m., Edgewood Tahoe Clubhouse, 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline. Taholistic Signature Weekend returns April 25th through April 27th! Join us for a transformative wellness experience nestled on the breathtaking shores of Lake Tahoe. This immersive experience, designed for all levels, promises to nourish your mind, body, and spirit through a curated blend of movement, health exploration, and inspiration.Tickets will be on sale starting March 11th, 2025. Pre-registration required. For more information, visit edgewoodtahoe.com or call 888-881-8659.
Pick Your Poison: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
5:30-9:30 p.m., Valhalla Tahoe, 1 Valhalla Road, South Lake Tahoe. Step into the intrigue of 1934 at Valhalla Tahoe’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, featuring Pick Your Poison—a thrilling whodunit written by Lauren Bariberi. As you enjoy a delectable meal catered by Tahoe Basin Events, secrets will unfold, and tensions will rise in a world of glamour, deception, and deadly consequences. Ticket purchase required. $120 For more information, visit valhallatahoe.com or call 530-541-4975.
Lakeside Laughs
9:30 p.m., Harveys Cabaret, 18 U.S. HWY 50, Stateline. Every Friday through Sunday get ready to relax, laugh, and enjoy a new side of Lake Tahoe’s entertainment scene at Lakeside Laughs. Expect a diverse mix of talented comedians with an ever-changing roster for a fresh, unforgettable experience. For more information, visit www.caesars.com/harveys-tahoe or call 775-588-6611.
Plant With Sugar Pine Foundation
10:00 – 12:00 pm, High Meadow Trailhead, 1 High Meadow Rd, South Lake Tahoe, California 96150. “Tamarack Fire Planting & Arbor Day! We provide training in proper planting techniques at all of our plantings for greatest survival!” Find more information at https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/plant-with-sugar-pine-foundation-and-celebrate-earth-week/2025-04-25/.
Tahoe Knight Monsters Hockey Playoff Games Tahoe Blue Event Center
7:30 – 10:00 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 Hwy 50, Stateline, 89449. “The Tahoe Knight Monsters are diving into the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs, presented by Thermal Technology! Secure your tickets now for all home playoff games — don’t miss this historic inaugural season run!” More information, including ticket pricing, at https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/.
Saturday, April 26th
Wilderness First Aid w/ NOLS Wilderness Medicine
7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 128 Market Street, Stateline. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is hosting a two-day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine. This course provides individuals with a foundation in important first-aid concepts critical to responding effectively to emergencies in a remote backcountry environment. Ticket purchase & pre-registration required. Non-Member $350; Member $315 For more information, visit tahoerimtrail.org or call 775-298-4485.
Bubbly Brunch at Cocktail Corner
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Cocktail Corner, 2042 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. Join us Saturday & Sundays for Bubbly Brunch! Two entrees and a bottle of bubbly for ONLY $40! Enjoy one of Chef Sean’s unique and delicious brunch creations such as Chilaquiles, Chicken & Waffles, and Strawberry Belgian Waffles. $40 For more information, visit tahoecocktailcorner.com or call 530-600-2751.
Swap Clothes w/ Mrs. Reno Taylor Winstead
3-5 p.m., Wildflower on 7th, 1273 W 7th St, Reno, NV 89503, USA, Reno. Swap till you drop! Refresh your wardrobe and trade clothes with Mrs. Reno and other like-minded fashionistas. All shapes and sizes are welcome! Please bring a bag and a MINIMUM of 5 clean items. Gently used shoes, clothing, and accessories. No rips, tears, stains or need of repair. Enjoy light snacks and beverages while you shop! Ticket purchase required. $20.
Tahoe Club Crawl
7:45-11 p.m., Golden Nugget Casino, 50 U.S. 50, Stateline. Tahoe Club Crawl is the perfect way to celebrate your bachelor party, bachelorette party, birthday party, corporate buyout and more. We hit all the best bars and nightclubs South Lake Tahoe has to offer. Ticket purchase required. $50.
Magic Fusion Starring Chipper Lowell
9 p.m., The Loft Theatre, 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe. Join us to experience the comedy and magic of Chipper Lowell, a visual variety master and comedian who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Disney Channel, General Hospital, and more! Chipper is a master of illusion and always splashes in just the right amount of comedy to his shows. Get ready for amazing magic fusion!Magic Fusion is a perfect blend of magic and comedy, featuring world-class, award-winning magicians from around the world. Ticket purchase required. For more information, visit thelofttahoe.com or call 530-523-8024.
Sunday, April 27th
Tutti Frutti: The Life and Music of Little Richard
7:30-10 p.m., Valhalla Tahoe, 1 Valhalla Road, South Lake Tahoe. Tutti Frutti The Musical is a full-length stage production telling the story of The Architect of Rock and Roll, Richard Wayne Penniman, better known to The World as Little Richard. From his early days (1948) he was discovered by the Godmother of Rock and Roll Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Starting out and spanning nearly 7 years of what would become a monumental career until his abrupt stop (1957). Ticket purchase required. $35 For more information, visit valhallatahoe.com or call 530-541-4975.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Firefighters are battling a small wildfire which has grown to an acre and a half off Pioneer Trail near South Lake Tahoe, the US Forest Service reported. Helicopter support has been ordered for the Jicarilla Fire, which was originally reported at 3:30 p.m. with a size of 1/4 acre.
With roughly one acre of growth in an hour and a half, the fire is classified as having a moderate rate of spread. The blaze is currently on both sides of Trout Creek, and agencies are installing a hose line around the perimeter of the fire to fight it, said Lisa Herron, Public Affairs Officer for the US Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Jicarilla Fire as of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. Provided / AlertWildifre
Herron added that there is uncertainty over whether the fire will grow. With a moderate spread, heavier winds could push the fire to expand further. Several agencies including Cal Fire Amador – El Dorado Unit, Lake Valley Fire Protection District and South Lake Tahoe are responding to the Jicarilla Fire.
The cause is still under investigation. We will update as the story develops.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Subcommittee of the Committee on Local Government Finance met with members of the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) on April 4 to collect additional details as the broader committee considers whether to put the district on fiscal watch.
The call for the meeting came after IVGID requested its fifth extension in its efforts to produce defensible figures for the 2024-25 audit. “Pursuant to NRS 354.624, it is the department’s policy to grant extensions only where unforeseen and uncontrollable conditions exist,” wrote Nevada Department of Taxation budget analyst Kellie Grahmann in an email response to IVGID’s fourth extension request in March.
Subcommittee member Gina Rackley began the meeting by clarifying that the meeting was intended as a fact-finding session.
“The subcommittee does not have the authority to put them on fiscal watch,” said Rackley. That’s the full board of the committee on local government finance so we are here in a more helpful, supportive role.” The full committee is scheduled to meet at the end of the month, in which decisions over whether to put the district on fiscal watch may be made, using information from the April 4 meeting.
‘A high risk of fraud’
Such a number of extensions are unusual for a public agency, and members of the public stepped in at the meeting to offer their opinion.
“The lack of system integration means inefficient manual processes must continue, creating a high risk of fraud,” said Judith Miller during public comment.
“The local government has allowed its accounting system and recording of transactions to deteriorate to such an extent that it is not possible to measure accurately the results of operations, or to ascertain the financial position of the local government without a reconstruction,” Miller added.
“You have already seen how IVGID is unable to keep track of its food and beverage operations. Our internal services fund has repeatedly had expenses exceed its revenues.”
IVGID members, including treasurer Mick Homan and District General Manager Robert Harrison attended to speak to their audit progress.
“It’s going to take time,” said Homan. “Staff and board are determined to do the fixes and to complete the audit. It’s absolutely in our best interest to get that done.”
“I think allowing us to just throw up our hands, allow another deadline to get in the way and force us to issue another disclaimer is in nobody’s best interest,” he added. “It’s not in the district’s best interest, it’s not in its residents’ best interest it’s not in the county’s or the state’s.”
‘Promising’ audit firm conversations
Regarding efforts to find an auditor, he said they were in touch with multiple possible firms and had had “some promising conversations.”
“We’ll just have to see how that plays out,” he said. “We will continue to power through this to get the audit done to put our financial house back in order and to do what’s right for the long-term viability and sustainability of the district.”
Others in attendance expressed skepticism over whether IVGID would be able to produce the numbers within due time of the fifth extension, or to get its finances in order. “The district has no ability to raise revenue to cover its expenses unless it comes up with phony revenue,” said Frank Wright during public comment.
The district has been in the hot seat over multiple disclaimers of opinion, questions over financial allocation, and high turnover. IVGID will next meet on April 30 in an audit committee meeting. It is still unclear whether they will have the necessary figures in due time.
Tahoe Donner, The Nature Conservancy, and Willis Launch Wildfire Resilience Insurance
TRUCKEE
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Willis, a business of WTW, announced a first-of-its-kind insurance policy that takes into account efforts to mitigate fire risk. Structured by Willis, the $2.5 million wildfire resilience insurance coverage has been developed for Tahoe Donner Association (Tahoe Donner), a private homeowners association in Truckee.
In collaboration with the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment (CLEE) at the University of California, Berkeley, the wildfire resilience insurance policy was developed and placed to demonstrate lower premium pricing and improved availability where ecological forest practices have taken place. Such techniques include tree thinning to improve the health and growth of the remaining trees and planned fires to clear out flammable vegetation, both proven to reduce wildfire risk and make forests healthier. Tahoe Donner was selected as a partner for this policy due to its cutting-edge Forest Health Management Program, which began in 1992 and evolved from trying to create a healthy forest to mitigating climate and wildfire impacts.
Insurance policies written in areas benefiting from forest treatment have previously not accounted for risk reduction from forest fire mitigation. This new policy, covering 1,345 acres of Tahoe Donner’s forested and recreation land, has a 39% lower premium and 89% lower deductible than would have been the case without nature-based forest management.
With insurers increasingly declining to write and renew insurance in California and other states as wildfire risks and claims costs continue to rise, this groundbreaking nature-based solution provides a new and urgently-needed approach to managing wildfire risk.
~ Tahoe Donner Association press release
TRPA Releases Connections 2050
LAKE TAHOE
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) released Connections 2050, the draft update to the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The plan outlines a vision for a comprehensive transportation system that will preserve Tahoe’s environment, reduce congestion, and improve safety over the next 25 years.
With renowned outdoor recreation opportunities, abundant public lands, and growing populations in neighboring regions, Lake Tahoe’s transportation system will continue to see metropolitan-level travel demands on peak days, according to plan documents. Connections 2050 provides a blueprint for creating a more efficient and interconnected transportation system that will enhance access to public transit, trails, transportation technology, and connections to town centers.
Connections 2050 includes improvements that will address significant barriers faced by Tahoe’s diverse travelers and improve safety and access for all roadway users, according to TRPA. Regional partners recognize the critical need to address funding shortfalls to complete projects in the plan and are meeting new funding milestones for transit and operations and maintenance to make the 2050 vision a reality.
DOLLAR HILL TRAIL BIKERS crossing a new bike bridge that provides a safe, accessible connection between North Shore communities. Photo courtesy Luxuri Media
In addition to collaboration with local governments and transportation partners, TRPA engaged with more than 10,000 people over the last 4 years to develop the plan update.
Connections 2050: Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy can be viewed at trpa.gov/rtp2050 and public comments will be accepted through May 23.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Placer County Moves Forward With 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan
PLACER COUNTY
The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action to approve the Countywide 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, outlining the funding status of 76 projects slated to be constructed by 2030.
The CIP includes projects in the departments of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources; Facilities Management; and Public Works and Information Technology.
Capital projects include items such as expanded broadband in rural areas, road improvements, bridge replacements, fuel reduction programs to address wildfire risk, construction of new buildings or renovations to existing facilities, upgrades to parks and trails, and more.
Projects in the 5-year plan are funded through various sources including federal and state programs and grants, impact fees charged to developers, and the county’s general fund. Some projects have fully identified funding, and some will require additional funding to be identified before they can move forward.
Approval of the plan is not an approval of individual projects, or a synopsis of project progress.
There are 28 projects fully funded and ready to begin construction by the 2025/26 fiscal year, including the countywide fuel reduction program, the American River debris removal project, lead remediation at the former Lincoln gun range, and a variety of park improvements, road repairs, and building remodels.
The plan can be viewed in full, including project-by-project analysis and funding sources, here.
~ Placer County press release
Trailhead Improvements Coming to Lower Sawtooth Recreation Area
TRUCKEE
Placer County is moving forward with trailhead improvements this spring at the Lower Sawtooth parking lot at the popular entrance to the U.S. Forest Service Road 06 in the Truckee area.
The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved the county’s director of public works to initiate a construction contract with Baldoni Construction Service for up to $283,400 to pave the existing dirt parking areas at the Lower Sawtooth Trailhead, add drainage and erosion control structures, install parking barriers and an informational kiosk, and add roadside signs to mitigate traffic concerns. The project is a collaborative effort between the county and the U.S. Forest Service – Tahoe National Forest.
The project uses $250,000 of transient occupancy tax funding through the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program in partnership with the North Tahoe Community Alliance. Additional matching funds of $60,000 from air and water quality mitigation funds were granted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
The Lower Sawtooth Trailhead Improvements Project is the first project to move forward following the creation of the North Tahoe Recreation Access Plan.
The plan provides public agencies with a valuable tool for planning, maintaining, and developing existing and future year-round public recreational access areas for a wide range of groups in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions.
Construction is slated to begin May 7 and be wrapped up before the end of the month.
Throughout the project, the county is requesting visitors to be courteous and respectful while parking on public roads and within nearby neighborhoods to access the trails impacted by construction.
Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Continues This Summer in Homewood
HOMEWOOD
Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) is continuing its long-term investment in drinking water reliability and fire suppression improvements with construction of phase three of the Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Project. Construction is scheduled to begin in late April and will continue through fall 2025.
MADDEN CREEK WATER SYSTEM: Map showing phase three improvements. Map courtesy Tahoe City Public Utility District
Phase three of the project will focus on rebuilding the aging water system within the Highway 89 corridor in Homewood, including the installation of 5,750 feet of new water main and 10 new fire hydrants.
Residents and travelers can also expect temporary traffic controls at times as crews move through small work zones. Most construction impacts are expected to last only 2 to 3 days at each specific location, and access to properties will be maintained.
Work will occur within the Highway 89 right of way from Fern Street to South Street and portions of Sacramento Avenue and Sans Souci Terrace south of Fawn Street. Traffic impacts may include:
Between late April and Memorial Day: Single lane closures on Highway 89 from Sunday nights through Friday afternoons.
From Memorial Day through October: Primarily shoulder work on Highway 89. Limited lane closures possible.
Bike trail detours and localized road closures on San Souci Terrace and Sacramento Avenue.
TCPUD acquired the aging Madden Creek water system from a private water company in 2018. Once complete, the modernized system will be capable of delivering reliable drinking water and critical fire flow for this West Shore community.
~ Tahoe City Public Utility District press release
Supervisor Gustafson to Host Virtual Transportation Town Hall April 21
TAHOE CITY
Placer County District 5 Sup. Cindy Gustafson is inviting the community to a virtual town hall meeting April 21 to hear updates regarding large transportation initiatives coming soon to North Lake Tahoe.
The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will be live-streamed on Zoom.
Join via audio by dialing: +1 (877) 853 5247 US Toll Free or (888) 788 0099 US Toll Free
Webinar ID: 995 0564 2938
Gustafson will be joined by representatives from Caltrans and Placer County’s Department of Public Works Engineering Division as both agencies plan to share important updates on local projects, including road construction, infrastructure improvements, and stormwater management.
A representative from the Fanny Bridge Revitalization Project construction team will be in attendance as well to answer questions about the upcoming summer project.
Full Implementation of Sand Harbor’s Day-Use Reservations Begins
INCLINE VILLAGE
Following the success of last year’s pilot program, Nevada State Parks has begun fully implementing day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park. The reservation system is designed to improve the visitor experience, reduce congestion, and protect the park’s stunning natural environment.
Reservations are required daily during peak season, from April 15 to Oct. 15, for entry by vehicle from park opening at 8 through 10:30 a.m. Visitors arriving during this time must secure a reservation in advance.
After 10:30 a.m., any unclaimed reservation spots will be released to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to book early during this high-demand season.
Additional Reservation Information:
Reservations must be made at reservenevada.com. They are non-transferable and may not be resold. The reservation holder must be present in the vehicle with a valid ID matching the name on the reservation.
A $5.00 processing fee applies to all reservations, except same-day bookings.
A $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state vehicles will be added at checkout.
Reservations for the Ramada/Group Use Area include 25 designated parking spaces. Guests using this area do not need a separate day-use reservation but must still pay the vehicle entrance fee.
For more information or to book a reservation, visit parks.nv.gov.
~ Nevada Division of State Parks press release
Sign Up For Defensible Space Inspection & Chipping Services
INCLINE VILLAGE
With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to spring into action and prepare for wildfire season. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) will soon begin offering defensible space inspections and curbside chipping services for residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
Online registration starts on May 5 and services will begin the week of May 12.
Defensible Space Evaluations: After submitting your request, the team will reach out within 2 weeks to schedule your evaluation.
Chipping Services: Requests are completed on a rolling basis as staffing allows. Please be aware that crews may be delayed if responding to wildfire incidents.
To help NLTFPD continue offering these services at no cost, it asks that residents fill out the online request form thoroughly and accurately.
Creating defensible space is one of the most important actions to protect one’s home from wildfire. As part of this effort, NLTFPD can issue free tree removal permits for fire hazard trees.
For Waste Management curbside yard debris collection information, including dates and guidelines, click here.
Don’t forget to sign up for emergency alert notifications to stay informed during the wildfire season. Washoe County utilizes the Rave Alert system Smart911. Let’s work together to keep the community safe and fire ready.
~ North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District press release
New Museum Facility Will Help Preserve a Long and Storied History
AUBURN
The many tales of a storied and remarkable trans-Sierra trail will soon come alive with the opening of the Western States Trail Museum. Supported by the City of Auburn with a lease arrangement in the historic former city hall, the museum is hopeful to open its doors in 2025.
The rugged Western States Trail is one of only a few remaining trans-Sierra trail routes that is largely untouched by human progress. The route remains substantially as it has been for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years. It offers a unique opportunity to the public as the only fully accessible, preserved trail linking the east and west sides of the Sierra Nevada.
WESTERN STATES TRAIL MUSEUM: Included in the museum’s collection, a photo of Robert Montgomery Watson signing the Emigrant Trail in 1931. Photo courtesy the Western States Trail Museum
The origin of the trail can be traced to the prehistoric era when Native Americans crossed the Sierra Nevada on trade routes to barter between the Nisenan, Washoe, and Paiute people, as well as to gather and hunt for food. In late 1844 a small group of horseback riders split from the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend overland wagon party near Truckee, California, and were among the first of American settlers to follow portions of what we know today as the Western States Trail.
This incredible history of the Western States Trail, along with its relevant artifacts and memorabilia, stands ready to be shared with the public. The mission of the Western States Trail Museum is to educate the public about the trail’s heritage through creative interpretive exhibits, artifacts, oral histories, docent-led field trips, speaker and film series, podcasts, and community engagements with modern day endurance events.
The annual National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is set for April 30, and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is inviting the community to come and meet the available pets for adoption. This year, HSTT is reminding everyone that the local shelter is a great place to find animals of every type, size, age and personality — all waiting for loving and permanent homes. HSTT’s staff and volunteers are eager to share the stories of these incredible pets that have found their way to the shelter.
CHEWY loves adventure, people, and the great outdoors, and is up for adoption. Photo courtesy Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe
Can’t adopt? No problem. There are plenty of other ways to help homeless animals in need:
Volunteer at the shelter or at community events.
Foster a pet temporarily until they find their forever home.
Support Thrifty Tails Boutique, where 100% of the net proceeds benefit shelter animals.
HSTT emphasizes that every contribution makes a significant difference in helping homeless pets find their way to loving families.
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was created to bring awareness to the urgency and importance of pet adoption in shelters across the United States. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters and each year, hundreds of thousands never make it out. Learn more about the animals up for adoption or volunteer opportunities through HSTT, visit hstt.org.
~ Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe press release
Truckee Job Fair April 30
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce, through its Truckee Jobs Collective program, is hosting a Truckee Job Fair on Wednesday, April 30, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Steve Randall Truckee Community Rec Center in the north parking lot. The Truckee Chamber is excited to offer businesses and job seekers this opportunity to connect.
Stop by the Truckee Job Fair to meet local employers offering full-time, part-time, flexible, and/or seasonal job opportunities for all.
Participating employers include: Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee Donner-Recreation and Park District, Mountain Hardware and Sports, Martis Camp Club, Rubicon Pizza & Fireside Pizza, California State Parks, Tahoe Donner, Truckee Unified School District, and more. If you are a business and would like to participate, please email Melissa Williams at [email protected].
If job seekers would like to freshen up their resume, they can reach out to Alliance for Workforce Development (AFWD) by contacting Nancy Settle at [email protected] or (530) 550-3015, before the job fair.
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce runs truckeejobscollective.com as the “go-to” place for job seekers and Truckee/Tahoe employers. Truckee Jobs Collective is proud to be offering creative solutions for employers and job seekers, including this outdoor job fair, weekly emails, and a 24/7 online jobs board. Visit truckeejobscollective.com to explore job opportunities, list open positions, and for more job fair information.
For questions or additional information, please contact Melissa Williams at [email protected] or (530) 414-7056.
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
Youth Commission Puts Call Out for New Student Members
PLACER COUNTY
The Placer County Youth Commission is now accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2025/26 term.
PCYC is a group of motivated young people from across the community who identify and advocate for issues important to Placer County youth. They are an advisory board to the Placer County Board of Supervisors, consisting of at least two youth representatives from each of the five supervisor districts. PCYC strives to appoint youth that represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets.
PCYC advises decision makers on youth-related issues, serves as a community forum to discuss youth concerns and ideas, raises the profile of Placer County youth, encourages youth engagement, and prepares youth to be active citizens. The PCYC experience has helped many students attain opportunities, awards, and scholarships.
Youth commissioners facilitate bi-monthly meetings, set priorities, conduct research, and create action plans. PCYC may sponsor special activities and host open forums or events, such as their annual 5k event. The commission also presents an annual report at the board of supervisors meeting in June.
Applicants must be Placer County residents between the ages of 14 (or ninth grade) and 18 (or twelfth grade) years. Applications are due by April 30. Commissioner appointment is a competitive process consisting of both a written application and an interview.
April Cole Recognized as “California Senate District 4 Truckee Woman of the Year”
TRUCKEE
Friends of the Truckee Library is excited to announce that its executive director, April Cole, has been recognized as “California Senate District 4 Truckee Woman of the Year” by the Office of Senator Marie Alvardo-Gil. The award was presented during the Nevada County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 8.
APRIL COLE was recognized as Truckee Woman of the Year. Photo courtesy Friends of the Truckee Library
Cole’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing the development of a new, state-of-the-art library in Truckee. Under her guidance, the Friends of the Truckee Library secured a new site at the Truckee Regional Park, raised over $2 million for the project, and garnered the endorsement of more than 40 organizations. The new library promises to be a vital resource for the community, and Cole’s work has ensured that it will meet the needs of all residents.
In addition to her role at the library, Cole has been a tireless advocate for youth services, serving as chair of the Rotary Club of Truckee’s Youth Services committee from 2010 to 2020 and again from 2024 to 2025. She was also elected as the Alder Creek Middle School Site Council Parent Representative, a position she holds through 2025.
This prestigious recognition underscores Cole’s exceptional leadership and the positive impact she has had on the people of Truckee and Nevada County.
To learn more about April Cole’s work with the Friends of the Truckee Library, please visit truckeelibraryfriends.org.
~ Friends of the Truckee Library press release
Business Briefs
Palisades Tahoe is Open for Spring Skiing 7 Days a Week Through Memorial Day
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Palisades Tahoe will be open 7 days a week through Memorial Day (weather and conditions permitting). The last day to ski Alpine is April 27, but the fun is still ramping up with signature events like Spring Tracks featuring KT Tunstall and Snow Golf on April 19, the Golden Egg Hunt on April 20, Earth Day on April 26, and the original pond-skim: The Cushing Crossing on May 4.
The Spring Skiing Capital would like to welcome all to come and enjoy the springtime energy with a range of spring deals:
First Responder Ticket for $75: To honor first responders, Palisades Tahoe wants to say thank you with a $75 lift ticket, valid 7 days a week through the end of the season.
Spring Ticket Trio: Ski any 3 days for just $152 per day. One person can use all the tickets themself or share them with others!
$75 Ticket Special for Other Resort Employees and Passholders: Just because other resorts have closed doesn’t mean the ski season needs to end for everyone else! Valid 7 days a week, other resort employees and passholders may purchase a $75 lift ticket at ticket windows so they can keep enjoying the spring skiing action. An ID and either a 24/25 season pass or a recent pay stub with an employee season pass is all that’s needed to unlock discounted spring turns.
Cheapest Price for the 2025/26 Ikon Pass until April 17: The 2025/26 Ikon Pass unlocks immediate access at select mountains, including Palisades Tahoe!
SMILING HERO: Kye Moffat doing what he did — spreading stoke and good times on the mountain.
The Tahoe area knows all too well the story of the skier hero taken too soon — Shane McConkey, C.R. Johnson, Amy Holland, Rob Gaffney. This spring it may be time to start truly remembering another: Kye Moffat.
The longtime area local died skiing at Palisades Tahoe on April 23, 2022, at the age of 25, but his legacy — of joy, and passion for the outdoors and the climate — continues to live on through Kye’s Climate Action Fund (KCAF), the foundation he inspired.
“Kye had a gift to get people outside their comfort zone and live their full potential,” says KCAF Director of Operations Octave Lepinard. “He was a positive force in people’s lives and a vocal activist for climate awareness and especially climate action.”
Started in late 2023, KCAF’s mission is to support young-adult climate advocates through grant-funding and professional mentorship while also building a joyful, activity-driven community.
SMILING HERO: Kye Moffat doing what he did — spreading stoke and good times on the mountain.
The grants began being doled out last year. Recipients range from PhD candidates studying gaseous soil emissions to founders of Gen Z startups fighting Texan petrochemical interests — and the foundation looks to disperse another round in 2025. The foundation’s leadership, all young professionals themselves, encourages Gen Zers and young Millennials working in climate advocacy or climate science, or those who may know of such persons, to reach out at kyesclimateactionfund.com.
The foundation’s annual area event, Kye’s Memorial Weekend (unofficially known as ‘Huck Fest’), will take place April 25 and 26 in Truckee and at Palisades Tahoe.
Festivities kick off Friday evening with a friends-and-family-oriented remembrance and celebration at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee, with an open information booth and foundation members on-hand for anyone who may want to learn more about Kye or involvement with KCAF.
Saturday brings the crux of the event in the form of a good ol’ fashioned parking lot barbecue and a day of shenanigans and fun on the mountain at Palisades Tahoe. Starting around 9:00 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon, you’ll find the party between SnoVentures and the Red Dog lift; look for the community of circularly parked cars, tables full of food and drink, conversations on climate and skiing, merriment, and good vibes.
A YOUNG KYE (left) proudly displays his purple star with Mighty Mite teammate Zachary Little.
The food and fun are free, and everyone is invited to this unique celebration of all things ‘Kye-ness.’
“You won’t be able to miss us, and it’s just a great time,” Lepinard says. “Stop on by!”
Around 10:30 or 11 a.m. (after breakfast burritos and before a lunch of “something good and grilled”) join the group atop the Shirley Lake lift for what many consider the highlight of the weekend: the Human Slalom — a feat of teamwork and zaniness where skiers line up along the run as human race gates, the top skier skiing down between them to become the bottom ‘gate’ as the new top skier descends, the snake self-building on down the mountain.
The Human Slalom has grown every year to span nearly the entire vertical length of the Shirley Lake zone.
“We usually group up just looker’s left of the Shirley lift, and all are encouraged to join,” says Lepinard. “The more the merrier. And again, you won’t be able to miss us.”
In his life, no one was able to miss Kye Moffat. People who knew him speak in reverent tones about him, and you can hear the smile in their voices as they do. They speak of Kye’s big heart and they speak of Kye’s energy, of his love for the Golden State Warriors and a good drink special. And when it comes to climate advocacy, they speak of his constant pursuit to move beyond talk and into action.
After graduating from Middlebury College with a degree in geology, Kye came to work for the Berkely-based startup Deep Isolation, where he pioneered paths for feasible, safe, and long-term waste disposal of nuclear energy — the final frontier for heightened utility of the zero-emission clean energy source that Kye saw as a vital climate-leap in the right direction.
“Kye believed in doing things how he felt they should be done rather than how they had been ‘typically done,’” says KCAF President Michael O’Herron. “Kye Moffat was a ruthless questioner of the status quo.”
Known to wear Kobe Bryant jerseys and shorts to events where all others were clad in button-downs and blazers, on the mountain Kye would “go bigger than anyone else,” O’Herron continued, and at concerts would be the guy “dancing around like a crazy person.”
COMMUNITY: A Huck Fest gathering atop Palisades Tahoe.
Kye revered his older brothers, Keith and Corey, and he loved his parents, Wendy and David, who inform that “Kye started in Mighty Mites at age 4 and never knew a life that did not include skiing in Olympic Valley.”
He went on to become a podium-regular for the [now Team Palisades Tahoe] and raced Far West through his senior year in high school. In college, he patrolled for 3 years on the Middlebury Ski Patrol and also played soccer for Middlebury College.
Kye lived a life of kindness with a smile upon his face. He held an immense love for the Tahoe region and cared deeply about all of us doing whatever we could to help combat climate change.
Thought-provoking author Issac Asimov once said that “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” With the current presidential administration’s effort to ban words such as activism, clean energy, and climate science from certain governmental communications, perhaps one could find worth in honoring Kye by using these words in everyday conversations — or better yet, for everyday actions.
Learn more and make your own informed decision by visiting his foundation’s website at kyesclimateactionfund.com and showing up in person the weekend of April 25 and 26.
Rylan Cordova, Alibi Ale Works general manager, was caught in an avalanche on April 2 while skiing with two of his buddies. The avalanche swept him into a tree where he broke several vertebrae in his neck and back, while also bruising his spinal cord. He was hoisted up into a helicopter from their location, transferred to another helicopter, and flown to the trauma hospital in Reno. The following day he underwent spinal surgery, where they officially made Cordova bionic, placing rods down his spine. He is currently in the ICU working hard to get the final okay to go home. His recovery will take time, but his family knows he is up to the challenge. After all, he is Rylando the Great!
Cordova’s family would love nothing more than to help ease the burden of upcoming medical bills so he can continue to focus on his recovery. Any help the community could provide would be greatly appreciated. Support his recovery here.
~ Rylan Cordova’s GoFundMe
$100k Raised for Eastern Placer’s Future
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
Thanks to the generosity of Eastern Placer Future’s early supporters, it officially hit its first major fundraising milestone: $50,000 raised from community members! That achievement unlocked a $50,000 matching grant from the North Tahoe Community Alliance to invest in the exploration of local governance.
Eastern Placer Future is a 501(c) 4 organization formed by a group of engaged citizens exploring the potential to create an incorporated town with local decision-making in the North Tahoe area of Eastern Placer County.
The fundraising milestone is more than a milestone — it’s a statement. It shows that the community believes in the vision of a more accountable, responsive, and locally governed North Lake Tahoe.
Here’s what’s next: Eastern Placer Future is keeping the momentum going and setting its sights on raising the next $50,000 in the next 30 days! This funding is critical to complete community polling, collect petition signatures from about 2,800 registered voters, and prepare an application to the Placer County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO). Eastern Placer Future has 3 months to complete this phase of work, which is essential to determine whether forming a new town is in the community’s best interest — and what that town could look like.
El Dorado County Maintenance, Dispatch Workers Without Contract for 9 Months, Next Round of Negotiations May 1
PLACERVILLE
About 170 El Dorado County employees who work in the Sheriffs Office, 911 Dispatch, code enforcement, animal control, facilities, groundkeepers, and transportation departments have been without a contract for more than 9 months. The union representing these workers, Operating Engineers Local 3, has filed charges with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), challenging the county’s constant postponement of bargaining and other alleged Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs).
“The county has a history of delaying meetings 4 to 6 weeks apart, coming up with ‘supposals,’ that are meaningless and refusing to pay retroactive increases,” said Local 3 Public Employee Director Tim Neep. “The county continually cites a ‘$20-million deficit,’ however, higher-paid county employees, such as the sheriff’s correctional lieutenant and attorneys, are receiving increases as high as 28.73%.”
Local 3 Business Agent Shannon Starr explained, “If the wage and compensation package these workers deserve was granted, the total cost for the current budget would equate to a 0.10% expense for the current total budget. El Dorado County currently has $171.8 million in its contingencies and reserves. So, why can’t they give a little?”
EL DORADO WORKERS STRUGGLING: Numerous El Dorado County units are struggling to find experienced workers or retain ones they have trained as well because of the low wages being offered. Negotiations between Operating Engineers Local 3 and the county will next occur May 1. Courtesy photo
The county released a report in 2020, referencing three other counties, which showed that El Dorado County keeps 7% of its total budget set aside in contingencies and another 2% in reserves/designations, while Sacramento County kept 1% aside for contingencies and had no reserves/designation. Placer County maintained less than 1% for such items.
Since Jan. 1, 2024, more than 35 people have left the Trades and Craft Units, and that doesn’t include the ones who left the department to make more money elsewhere for the county. Consequently, there weren’t enough snow-plow operators to make it through the winter season, and workers from Placerville were brought in to cover the shifts. During the last storms, the county had no snowplows operating during the overnight hours.
The next round of negotiations for the Trades and Crafts Unit is scheduled for May 1.
Operating Engineers Local 3 represents the interests of people who build, serve and protect. Most of Local 3’s 40,000-plus members work as heavy-equipment operators and construction workers, but the union also represents public employees, such as maintenance workers and police officers. Local 3’s public employees make up about 25% of the total membership.
Local 3’s jurisdiction covers Northern California, Northern Nevada, Hawaii and Utah, and its membership makes up the largest construction trades local in the United States. For more information, visit oe3.org.
~ Operating Engineers Local 3 press release
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee officially proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and take action to protect children from abuse and neglect.
Since 1980, Communities 4 Kids, the Tahoe/Truckee child abuse prevention council, has been dedicated to creating a safe, caring environment for children in the region. The organization works with local partners to provide vital programs and services to strengthen families and prevent child abuse.
Throughout April, the Tahoe Truckee Child Abuse Prevention Council will lead several activities to engage the community in prevention efforts.
Communities 4 Kids is the primary planning and coordination group for child abuse prevention activities in the Truckee/North Tahoe community. The council and community partners meet twice a month to ensure that accessible, effective resources and programs exist for children and families in the community.
Town Talk: Demystifying the Town of Truckee Budget Process
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Truckee invite the public to join the next Town Talk, taking place on Monday, April 28, for an inside look at one of the most critical aspects of local government: the budget.
This month’s Town Talk will focus on how the Town of Truckee builds its annual budget — what the process looks like, how community needs are prioritized, and where the funding comes from. Staff from the Town of Truckee will share insights and take questions in an informal, conversational setting.
The Town Talk will be held at the Lift Workspace: Cowork, Conference, and Wellness Center, on 10266 Truckee Airport Rd., Ste. C.
Town Talks are part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to strengthen civic understanding and community connection. These events are designed to be accessible and informative, providing locals with the chance to engage directly with decision-makers and local experts.
To learn more and register, visit truckee.com or contact Jessica Penman, president and CEO of the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, at [email protected].
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
County Comptroller Demonstrates New Washoe County Checkbook Website
RENO
Washoe County Comptroller Cathy Hill recently unveiled the new Washoe County Checkbook website with a hands-on demonstration of the interactive financial tool. The website allows users to view the county’s revenue and expenditures and deep-dive its ledgers across all departments. Washoe County joins the State of Nevada Controller and Carson City in offering this checkbook tool to residents.
In addition to details of county spending, the tool shows what has been budgeted versus what has been actually spent on everything from capital improvements to courts to Juvenile Services. Data can be toggled to show a current snapshot or trends over time, can be sorted by amounts or program names.
~ Washoe County press release
Blyth Arena Model Unveiling at Boatworks Mall
TAHOE CITY
Attend a day of celebration, history, and community as the SNOW Sports Museum (Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter Sports Museum) unveils the Blyth Arena Model, a tribute to the 1960 Winter Olympics. This event will build excitement for the upcoming 2026 Cortina Winter Olympics.
Date: Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Location: SNOW Sports Museum at Boatworks Mall
Admission: Free and open to the public
Time: 12 to 7 p.m.
Main Unveiling Event: 4 to 6 p.m.
~ SNOW Sports Museum enews
Business Briefs
IVCBA Announces Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Incline Village Crystal Bay Community and Business Association (IVCBA) is thrilled to announce the return of Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week, back for its second year after a successful debut. Taking place from Monday, April 21, to Sunday, April 27, this week-long culinary celebration highlights the diverse and thriving food and beverage scene across North Lake Tahoe.
Building on the excitement of its inaugural year, the second annual IVCB Restaurant Week invites locals, visitors, and food lovers alike to explore the rich flavors and vibrant hospitality that define Incline Village and Crystal Bay. From signature dishes to creative new offerings, this event is a delicious opportunity to experience the best of local culinary talent.
Throughout the week, participating restaurants, cafes, and food vendors will offer special menus, exclusive dishes, dine and delight offers, and curated food and beverage pairings designed to showcase their unique styles and specialties. Whether guests crave fine dining, comfort food, baked treats, or globally inspired cuisine, there’s something for every palate.
This year’s event also puts a spotlight on the region’s standout beverages. Guests can enjoy craft brews, artisanal cocktails, locally roasted coffee, fine wines, and more. Many venues will feature beverage specials and pairings, celebrating the creativity of local mixologists, brewers, and baristas.
For a full list of participating restaurants and their special offerings, visit ivcba.org. Stay tuned for updates as new menus and experiences are added.
~ Incline Village Crystal Bay Community and Business Association press release
As Summer Hits, Nv Energy Offers Tips, Resources For Customers To Stay Cool
RENO
Just as NV Energy readies its generation fleet for the summer season, NV Energy is encouraging customers to prepare for summer conditions now — ahead of the high heat. NV Energy has simple tips and resources to help customers stay cool and save energy during the summer months.
When customers use more energy, especially during the summer when air conditioners run for longer times, there is a corresponding increase in the monthly bill that customers pay. NV Energy does not raise rates during summer, and the company anticipates that customer bills will be lower by the end of 2025 than when compared to the end of 2024.
PowerShift by NV Energy offers a suite of products and services to help customers save energy and money and the company encourages customers to take advantage of these services now. PowerShift offers year-round bundled appointments for customers where they can get an in-home energy assessment, and a smart thermostat installed free of charge. The company also provides low- or no-cost air condition tune-ups and free pool pump calibrations for customers across the state.
As customers adjust to the increased temperatures, the following tips can help customers stay cool:
Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget computers.
Set the thermostat to 78 to 80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer when away. Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
If your A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and free of obstructions to maintain air flow.
Keep your freezer as full as possible, since it takes more energy to cool the empty space than it does the items inside. You can place ice packs or plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces.
Use the energy saver or “no heated dry” option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to air dry.
Caulk windows, and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the outside air out and the inside air in. Add window screens or window films to reduce the sun entering your home.
Fix leaky faucets and install low-flow shower heads.
Learn more about the programs and services offered by PowerShift at nvenergy.com/powershift.
NV Energy also offers a variety of flexible payment programs and assistance options for customers. Customers can contact NV Energy directly to learn more about which program may be most beneficial for them.
*NV Energy officials are available for interviews on how customers can save AND how NV Energy is preparing for the hot summer months.
Commissioned piece of my mom’s dog, 18×14 inches, colored pencil
I have been drawing and painting since I was short and young. It is now, though, that the process is so much fun. My favorite kind of art is drawing and painting directly from life. This thing where the moment of expression meets my implement of choice; not knowing exactly how it will turn out is what keeps me interested.
I started out doodling in the margins at school, as I was fascinated by the illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface. My work is diverse thematically. I’ve painted landscapes, seascapes, portraits, and any sketches of life happening in front of me. A 29-year stint with commercial and technical animation got me to make my own film, Bean Planet, and I have been distributing it nationally for 3 years.
I’ve been showing my work regularly since 1986, starting in the town of Mendocino, where I won a life drawing competition juried by Kenneth Baker, the art critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. My BFA in painting is from the California College of Arts and Crafts, 1973.
Currently, I am participating in the new fun gallery called 9848.Gallery located on the corner of Donner Pass Road and Roundhouse Way.
It’s not that Truckee has too many homeless. Around 87 households in Truckee/North Tahoe use homeless services every year, according to a study released in January, roughly equally divided between the two areas. This is a number that Cathie Foley, the program director for North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services, calls “manageable.”
However, a new regional homeless action plan expects that number to increase by 13% annually, attributed in part to the high cost of housing in our region. This estimate also reflects a state-wide trend.
The real problem is that this comes at a time when the region’s homeless services are decreasing, not increasing. Last August, Truckee’s Emergency Day Center, which had been operated by North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services for 8 years, lost its location at the Church of the Mountains after its lease was not renewed (the building is being remodeled). Then, Hope Ridge House, a proposed supportive housing project in Truckee that would have housed five homeless or those on the verge of homelessness, plus an on-site manager, was canceled by Nevada County after strong opposition from neighbors arose.
There is an emergency warming center, now run by Nevada County, that operates 6 months of the year in Truckee’s Joseph Government Center, but only when temperatures are 15 degrees or less, 1 foot of snow or more is predicted overnight, or during other severe weather conditions. But Foley said that the warming center is open too infrequently to provide a dependable option for the homeless.
“When you have people who are in crisis and you tell them, ‘I’m not sure if it’s going to open tonight, looks like it might be 22, we’ll let you know,’ you’re not giving somebody the ability to say, ‘This is where I can be tonight,’” she said.
That leaves the region with very little help for its homeless population. Currently, NTTHS is serving meals to homeless out of the back of the courthouse 4 days a week, two hours a day. And the Town of Truckee, via the police, can provide hotel vouchers to homeless as a stop-gap safety measure, especially in winter.
“That’s it … There’s really nothing,” Foley said. “There is no place that people are welcomed. They are just surviving.”
With the loss of so many programs for the homeless in our area, what are Truckee and Eastern Placer County doing now, or intend to do, for their homeless populations? A new committee made up of members from both areas worked 18 months to come up with a report and a plan, but the failure of the supportive housing project in Truckee has left government officials and homeless experts determined to come up with solutions while also wondering — is the community ready to do its part?
A Plan for the Homeless
Various entities in Tahoe/Truckee, such as Nevada and Placer counties, Sierra Community House, and NTTHS, have been providing homelessness services for more than 20 years. However, as the number of unhoused individuals grew in the region over the past 5 years, there was a realization that a more coordinated effort was needed, and thus the Tahoe Truckee Homeless Advisory Committee was formed in 2023. The group consists of officials from the Town of Truckee, both counties, Tahoe Forest Hospital, and organizations that serve the homeless.
For 18 months, the committee worked on developing the Tahoe Truckee Regional Homeless Action Plan, with the goal of ending homelessness in the region over the next 5 years.
That’s what healthy, strong communities do — they make local support networks for people who are less fortunate than themselves.”
~ Hardy Bullock, Nevada County Supervisor
Out of the 87 households that use homeless services in the region, plus another 30 households that needed housing for domestic violence reasons, 39 were marked as experiencing chronic homelessness. Another way homeless are identified is through a Department of Housing and Urban Development Point in Time Count, which represents a count of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night. That number in Tahoe/Truckee more than doubled in 2023 to 92 before coming back down to 52 last year. (In 2018, it was at 36.)
Truckee Mayor Jan Zabriskie is the co-chair of the Tahoe Truckee Homeless Advisory Committee. He noted that North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services has found that 50% of homeless households have lived here for more than 5 years.
“Many of these people grew up here or have lived here a long time,” he said. “They have either been priced out or are living on the edge and encountered a hospital bill or car repair bill or evictions to make room for short-term rentals or renovation, and they couldn’t find affordable housing.”
Some of the plan’s key goals include the provision of 22 year-round shelter beds; filling the need of 44 permanent supportive housing beds (Pacific Crest Commons will provide 10 units of permanent supportive housing on the site of the former CHP building in Truckee); and raising $1 million over the next 5 years for homeless services.
BROWN BEAR STUDIOS in Kings Beach is a permanent supportive housing project that opened in December after a remodel of the former 7 Pines Motel. It now houses 13 previously homeless people and an on-site manager. Photo by Wade Snider/Moonshine Ink
Supportive Housing Success: Brown Bear Studios
Permanent supportive housing is subsidized housing coupled with case management services for those experiencing chronic homelessness, who often suffer from a disabling condition. In addition to humane reasons, there is also financial incentive to house the unhoused — a homeless services consulting firm found that the community cost of continued homelessness in our region is $3 million annually for emergency and critical services.
Zabriskie points out evidence from South Lake Tahoe that shows complaints to the police about the homeless drastically declined after supportive housing opened there, and Barton Memorial Hospital experienced a reduction in emergency room visits by the homeless.
The North Shore already has a supportive housing facility — Brown Bear Studios in Kings Beach, which opened in December on the site of the former 7 Pines Motel. It has 14 units, including one for an on-site manager. The housing is not free; the tenants, who all experienced long-term homelessness on the North Shore, pay 30% of their income, whether that be from social security, disability payments, or a job.
According to Jazmin Breaux, health and human services program manager for both Nevada and Placer counties and a member of the advisory committee, there have been no issues with the tenants and no evictions. Brown Bear Studios is 100% occupied.
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SUPPORTIVE LIVING: Nevada County has 11 supportive housing units on the west side of the county, including the Orchard House and Quarry House in Grass Valley. Both are single family homes with six beds each and come with supportive services for the tenants to help them function in society and get behavioral or addiction treatment if necessary. Photos courtesy Nevada County
SUPPORTIVE LIVING: Nevada County has 11 supportive housing units on the west side of the county, including the Orchard House and Quarry House in Grass Valley. Both are single family homes with six beds each and come with supportive services for the tenants to help them function in society and get behavioral or addiction treatment if necessary. Photos courtesy Nevada County
“They have the right for this to be their forever home if that’s what they want,” she said. “It’s not time limited, it’s not contingent on anything except for following the rules and the guidelines and the lease like any other tenant would be expected to.”
Placer County purchased and renovated the building at a cost of $1.45 million using a combination of grants, including California’s Homekey grant, which helps public entities convert hotels, apartment buildings, and homes into housing for homeless or those at risk of homelessness.
Supportive Housing Failure: Hope Ridge House
Nevada County spent a year searching for a building to turn into supportive housing in Truckee. In October, county officials found a home in the Armstrong Tract that could house five people as well as an on-site house manager. When a Homekey+ grant was announced at the end of November, the county rushed to secure the property first, a condition of the grant, which is given out on a first come, first served basis until the funds are expended. That same month, AMI Housing, a nonprofit housing provider in Auburn that is contracted with the county, signed a 6-month lease with the option to buy, calling the home Hope Ridge House. The county was awarded a $1.2 million grant.
The Homekey+ grant differs from the Homekey grant in that the former targets veterans and individuals with behavioral health challenges such as a serious mental illness or addiction who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
“Everyone at the table on some level understood that we needed five rooms at the very least for permanent supportive housing,” said Foley, who is on the Tahoe Truckee Homeless Advisory Committee Planning Team. “When funding becomes available, you have to take advantage. We determined a warming center was not a functional model. Let’s do something that is a permanent solution, not Band-Aids that keep getting ripped off.”
Supportive housing is an allowable use in neighborhoods — it does not require any new zoning permits or disclosures, just like a foster home or safe house.
“It’s a preferred use like an Airbnb or growing pot in your home,” said Foley. “The idea is to move people into a safe place to live and give them support. It didn’t need to be disclosed.”
A preferred use refers to an admissible usage in a specific zoning area.
However, when neighbor JD Hoss, owner of KTKE radio station, found out about Hope Ridge and learned that its residents, who had not yet been selected, could have mental health and drug and alcohol issues, and that no drug testing would be required, he became concerned. He circulated a flyer around his neighborhood that read: “Homeless Shelter Opening Feb. 1. Nevada County is moving this project forward without any planned outreach or communication.”
(Editor’s Note: Hope Ridge was going to be permanent housing, not a shelter, which provides temporary housing.)
“I have never stated I am opposed to helping our homeless population and those in our community in need of support … I was once homeless myself,” wrote Hoss in an email to Moonshine. “I am, however, vehemently opposed to the way our county handled this proposed project, lied to our community, and continues to mislead people.”
Neighbor Alison Bermant also took issue with Hope Ridge House.
“I learned my county government officials were not being truthful about who would live in Hope Ridge House and why they did not do public outreach,” she said. “The Homekey+ program is specifically for people with behavioral health problems, so either substance abuse or mental illness, with no barriers to residency, meaning no requirement of sobriety and no requirement of medication compliance for mental illness.”
Part of Bermant’s concerns about Hope Ridge stemmed from her observations of the goings-on at Coldstream Commons, an affordable housing development that includes nine units for Section 811 housing, which is for very low-income persons with disabilities. It opened in 2021.
“I see the cop cars off of my back deck going to Coldstream Commons all the time,” she said. “All those Section 8 housing and the people who live there, unfortunately many of them don’t have jobs. Many of them don’t work. They just drink and do drugs all day long.”
But Foley notes that there are significant differences between affordable housing projects like Coldstream Commons and Truckee Artist Lofts versus permanent supportive housing.
“In permanent supportive housing … individuals are empowered to follow the rules and create a home that supports everyone living there. There is case management to help individuals with life skills and moving forward with their goals,” she wrote in an email to Moonshine Ink. “Truckee Artist Lofts and Coldstream house hundreds of people, the majority of whom were not homeless prior to moving in, just very low income. One property manager is responsible for these units, and they are not providing supportive services.”
Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock was a major proponent of Hope Ridge House. He said that in hindsight the county should have reached out to the neighborhood earlier, but the county had to hurry to secure the lease first to even be able to apply for the grant.
“Going back in time, I would have probably told them that we’re thinking about leasing a property,” he said. “I guess you could come to the community and say, ‘We’re thinking about getting a grant for residential supportive housing in these neighborhoods, and what do you think about it?”
But Bullock takes issue with neighbors’ complaints that there would be no mandatory drug and alcohol testing for Hope Ridge tenants.
“My response is — it’s a residential home,” he said. “My neighbors live differently than I do, but I can’t demand we drug- and alcohol-test all of them. We do have a really well-developed substance use disorder program, and the courts mandate certain people be drug- and alcohol-tested. If those people were participants in this supportive housing, then they would’ve been drug- and alcohol-tested. But we didn’t even know who was going in there.”
Bullock points out that some of the people who were being considered for the home included a mentally disabled woman who lived with her mother, and they were about to lose their housing.
HOPE RIDGE HOUSE on Sierra Street in Truckee would have housed five homeless people and an on-site manager. However, neighbors voiced concerns about the lack of public outreach from Nevada County and that tenants could have mental health and substance abuse issues.
“She needs help paying her bills and showing her where to go to work and how to take care of herself,” he said. “That’s part of supportive housing.”
Another was an older man who lost his wife 10 years ago and could not get back on his feet financially. He did not have any substance abuse issues.
Nobody with a history of violent offenses or charges of arson or sexual predation is considered for supportive housing like Hope Ridge House.
“The county has no reason to mislead anybody,” Bullock said. “We’re in it for the right reasons. All it does is damage our relationship. We don’t win by having a lack of transparency. I want everybody to understand what’s going on. I want everybody to like it and hope for the best. And we can have tough discussions and disagree, but at the end of the day, we’re there to provide a service and get along and support our community.”
Nevada County maintains 11 permanent supportive houses with a total of 79 tenants on the west side of the county. Bullock said he has only received one complaint about a tenant, and it was that the person was smoking cigarettes outside.
In response to neighborhood concerns, the county held a 3-hour public meeting on Feb. 6 at Truckee Town Hall. Out of the approximately 150 people in attendance, Zabriskie estimated 10 were opposed to the project, with a major concern being that the county does not have sufficient mental health and substance abuse services in Truckee to support the tenants.
“People refused to believe that there were adequate services and [believed] that the homeless presented a risk to the neighborhood,” he said. “It was basic stranger danger, fear of the unknown, and stereotyping of homeless. I think most of the immediate perceptions of homeless are of the ones who are the most disruptive, but I don’t think that was the case [for Hope Ridge] for the simple reason that Nevada County wanted the program to succeed.”
I am, however, vehemently opposed to the way our county handled this proposed project, lied to our community, and continues to mislead people.”
~ JD Hoss, neighbor of proposed Hope Ridge House
Bermant spoke to concerns expressed at the meeting.
“I don’t think you should put people with severe mental illness who are not required to take psychotropic meds in a home with other people similarly situated. That is extremely dangerous,” she said. “I don’t think someone has a constitutional right to live in a particular location. There are tons of more affordable homeless services in Reno or Sacramento, that’s where the unhoused should go. It’s dangerous to be unhoused here because of the weather.”
However, Bullock points out that Nevada County has an entire behavioral and mental health unit in Truckee, and that they coordinate with Tahoe Forest Hospital. The county’s crisis stabilization unit, while based in Grass Valley, provides 24-hour mobile crisis services and is staffed by behavioral health professionals who can move people from Truckee to the east side of the county for treatment if necessary.
Bullock and others are firm believers that all people, including homeless and those with behavioral or substance abuse issues, deserve to live where other people live — in neighborhoods.
“People don’t live in industrial complexes like the Pioneer Center. They don’t live in commercial areas like downtown Truckee. That’s not where people live,” Bullock said. “They live in residential neighborhoods because they’re people, and they may be different than us. And some of that can be misfortune or some of it can be financial or character disadvantages that they have. But at the end of the day, there are people who need to be supported. And that’s what healthy, strong communities do — they make local support networks for people who are less fortunate than themselves.”
Next Steps
Due to neighborhood opposition, on Feb. 11 the board of supervisors canceled plans for the Hope Ridge House. The county abandoned the grant and will not renew the lease or purchase the home when the 6 months are up. Nevertheless, Bullock said he is determined to find another Hope Ridge home.
“I’m just going to keep going. I’m just going to keep trying to find out where the community would allow that to take place and how we can get there and how we can fund it,” he said. “I’m not going to give up. I know there’s a lot of people in our community who work really hard to help people in this area, and they’re not giving up either.
NTTHS and the Town of Truckee hosted a community workshop on April 3 for the public to learn more about the homeless action plan. Town Council will vote on endorsing the plan and accepting its recommendations on April 22.
“This problem is not going away,” Bullock said. “We’re still going to have this problem in front of us as a community, and it will only be helped or solved by counties, towns, cities, and local communities working together. That’s the only way. You can’t solve it unless everybody’s on board.”
A religious resurgence is taking shape, slowly but surely, on Tahoe’s West Shore.
Sparked a century ago, a vision to bring an arm of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel to Tahoma has come full circle. While progress portends to be incremental, a collection of properties, long a source of blight and frustration for locals, have a direction — for now.
Seven adjacent Tahoma properties, largely unused, vacant, and/or in states of disrepair, are in the early stages of a religious revival known as 180 Tahoe. While the exact use of the land isn’t yet known (a retreat center teased out in December 2024 is now on the backburner), the church that owns the sites intends for miraculous plans, especially considering the property’s roots.
“We’re in this diligence period, and there is so much to uncover and to prepare and to look over,” said Pastor Harlyn Matson of 180 Church in Rocklin, which is overseeing the Tahoma spot’s growth. “We’ve had to hire some consultants. We’re trying to best understand the property and the past of the property and stuff we need to know that we had no idea about when we said yes to this … We have nothing to announce at this point because we’re just talking.”
180 Church is part of the Foursquare Gospel, a Pentecostal Christian denomination. The Foursquare Gospel, official owner of the seven Tahoma properties, declined to comment.
Moonshine last reported on 18 related parcels of land, mostly clustered on the West Shore, in early 2022, including these seven. All were connected to a single buyer, Kirsten Cirne, also known as Kirsten Vliet, and sat idle for years — more than a decade in some cases (read Holding Pattern in Tahoma). Vliet has a history of religious-based philanthropy and is known for her “passion for serving the Lord and global ministry,” according to the religious ministry Luis Palau Organization website.
Aside from these seven parcels, no change in status has occurred with the other properties, spread out among Douglas, El Dorado, and Placer counties, according to county staff.
A modern-day miracle
Before delving further into current plans for 180 Tahoe, it’s worth knowing the history of a similar effort 100 years ago.
The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel was founded in 1923 by Aimee Semple McPherson. The famed evangelist owned a Tahoma property in the ’20s and attempted, though ultimately failed, amid much controversy, to bring a church online on the West Shore in a similar fashion to today’s project.
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ICONIC CABIN: In the 1920s, famous evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson owned a cabin in Tahoma and lobbied efforts to build a church in the area. The attempt failed amid controversy over real estate dealings. Nearly a century later, however, the cabin is once again in McPherson’s church’s hands. Courtesy photo
SISTER AIMEE: First published in September 1928, Aimee Semple McPherson, illustrated here on the cover of a prospectus, was part of an effort to bring the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel to Lake Tahoe’s shores. The project was unsuccessful, and yielded lawsuits and unfavorable publicity. Public domain illustration
Based on recent reporting by the SF Gate, “At the zenith of her fame, McPherson, then 37, announced a new branch of her temple on the banks of Lake Tahoe. The summer of 1928 would bring her ‘headquarters’ to Tahoe Pines, the Associated Press reported. The alpine setting would host a brand new temple, a religious summer camp, and lodgings for parishioners. Sister Aimee advertised the Tahoe expansion heavily, mentioning it in sermons and circulating a pamphlet depicting her in a sailor suit on the lake. ‘Vacation With Sister?’ it asked, going on to extol the virtues of scenic surroundings.”
In August 1928, a civil lawsuit was filed by a member of McPherson’s own Angelus Temple (another church founded by the evangelist and today also part of Foursquare), alleging the preacher created fraudulent real estate deals at the Tahoe location. McPherson denied the claims. A United Press article stated the following:
“The real estate project involved establishment of a ‘Lighthouse,’ or branch church, at Lake Tahoe, and tracts were sold on the promise that Mrs. McPherson proposed to erect a church at the pleasure spot, it was alleged. Ralph B. Jordan, H. L. Henry, C. M. Kenyon and the Echo Park Evangelistic Association were made defendants with the evangelist. The suit was brought by Malissa W. Puryear, who charged conspiracy to defraud her of $5,000. She asked damages of $1,960 in addition …
… Mrs. McPherson was alleged to have received commissions of 10 per cent on land sales which she was instrumental in obtaining.”
This suit and others regarding the Tahoe “Lighthouse” were settled out of court.
The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel was founded in 1923 by Aimee Semple McPherson. The famed evangelist owned a Tahoma property in the ’20s and attempted, though ultimately failed, amid much controversy, to bring a church online on the West Shore in a similar fashion to today’s project.
According to 180 Church records, McPherson’s Tahoma property, a “sacred ground,” was sold during the Great Depression, but “By God’s divine providence, this same property with Aimee’s original cabin and her beautiful stained windows came into the hands of Foursquare once again.
“God is giving dreams and visions to restore Aimee’s original vision for the property: salvation, healing, deliverance, renewal, refreshing, and rest provided through a variety of modalities.”
Piecing the story together
In mid-2022, Pastor Matson cold-called Kirsten Cirne.
“Somebody gave me their name,” Matson recalled. He’d been asking around, seeing if people knew anything about a cabin in Tahoe once owned by Aimee McPherson. “[Cirne] said, ‘Well, we own it.’”
The timing was perfect. Cirne’s husband, Lewis, Matson said, had just sold his business and “was trying to get a handle on the property that they owned around Lake Tahoe.” The Cirnes, who knew they had Foursquare founder McPherson’s cabin on their property, didn’t necessarily want to tear down such a historical structure for commercial purposes, Matson continued, but they didn’t have a connection with the church. “And then I called them and said I was Foursquare,” Matson said. “And they said, ‘Oh my goodness.’”
IF YOU PRAY, THEY WILL COME: In 2022, leadership of 180 Church in Rocklin roamed the Tahoma sites and prayed for an opportunity to bring them back to their religious roots. A cross in the sky (pictured) was interpreted as a signal to them that that momentum was just around the corner. Courtesy photos
180 Church staff and council, at the invitation of the Cirnes, held a retreat on the Tahoma property in August of 2022. According to 180 Church’s website and newsletters, “During that time we visited and prayed over Aimee Semple McPherson’s historical cabin … We took hands in a circle and prayed that God’s will be done on this property. Immediately we looked up and a sign from the Lord appeared: this cross in the sky [pictured on previous page]! Shortly afterward, the [then] current owners of the cabin pursued donating this property to Foursquare.”
Ownership of the pie-shaped grouping of Tahoma properties was transferred to Foursquare on Dec. 23, 2022. Five of the parcels had been owned by Pioneer Mountain, the other two by Lake Tahoe Ventures. Both LLCs are connected to Kirsten Cirne.
“As is common with many religious organizations,” noted staff with the Placer County Assessor’s Office, “they applied for and were granted the welfare exemption at the time the property was transferred. It was evident that the properties were being prepared and utilized for their intended exempt purposes.”
“Welfare Exemption from local property taxes is available for property of organizations formed and operated exclusively for qualifying purposes (charitable, hospital, religious, or scientific),” states the California State Board of Equalization.
I feel like we’re like a centipede with tennis shoes on at a full run. We’re not going very fast at all. But we do want due diligence, we do want to do this right, and we hope that the community will be patient with us.”
~ Pastor Harlyn Matson, 180 Church in Rocklin
180 Church noted in its religious exemption paperwork with Placer County that construction on the properties began June 1, 2023. For the site on which the Norfolk Woods Inn & Restaurant sits, as an example, 180 Church Youth Pastor Matthew Raible described the work as “remodeling necessary to use standing structures for storage and maintenance.” Similar explanations, including “landscaping the lot,” were given for the other parcels and confirmed by Placer County inspectors during 2024 (staff didn’t have a specific date).
March 2024 was posited as an important milestone. In a video sent out to 180 Church’s email list on Feb. 9, 2024, Pastor Julia Davenport, who’s part of church leadership at The Gathering Place in Folsom, said, “We are beginning to gather on March 11 with our neighbors and our friends. We’re going to begin to pray over our area as we seek the Lord to plant a church right there in Tahoma.”
These gatherings are held every Monday night on the property, though Matson doesn’t go so far as to call it church. “There’s massive size constraints for sure,” he said. “It’s a small group. We have a dinner together and we talk about how the week went and they do a Bible study.”
A handful of larger gatherings have occurred as well. On June 15, 2024, for example, 180 Church hosted a workday to “clean up [the] Tahoe property.” About 2 months later the 180 Family Camp at Tahoe was held, from Aug. 8 to 10. “Direct lake access, water baptisms in the lake, multigenerational fun” were all promised, plus a request to “bring your own tent(s).” A Google Streetview screenshot from August 2024 on p. 12 shows tents located on the site during the family camp.
Per county records, Davenport is one of four people currently residing on the properties. She oversees construction efforts alongside her husband, senior pastor Daniel Davenport. The facilities and security team is made up of Justice and Lydia Davenport.
WHAT COULD BE: A retreat center known as The Gathering Place was initially planned for the seven Tahoma parcels. Placer County records reveal the intended plans for each site, including a prayer garden, parking lot, and chapel. Such plans, as of press deadline, have stalled. Illustration by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
On Dec. 18, 2024, an email went out to 180 Church members announcing the Tahoma spot would become The Gathering Place, a Lake Tahoe Retreat Center. “With your generosity, we can breathe new life into this property and restore it to its original intent and purpose — a sacred place where people encounter God,” the newsletter stated. “God has blessed us with a matching gift year-end opportunity that will directly fund the renovations needed to transform ‘The Gathering Place’ into a restored refuge for pastors, leaders, and all who seek the Lord.”
“We’ve had to back off of that a little bit,” Matson said. “We’re trying to see what is the best use for us for that property … It was in wretched condition [when we first received it]. It still is, but you can only do so much … Between TRPA and Placer County and the fact that we’re not professional developers, we’re leaning into it, but we’re moving along a little bit at a time.”
To date, many of the buildings remained boarded up and vacant and there are no active permits for any of the properties. The assessor’s office is planning for its next annual field inspection to confirm the buildings’ welfare to be complete by mid-May.
“I feel like we’re like a centipede with tennis shoes on at a full run,” Matson said. “We’re not going very fast at all. But we do want due diligence, we do want to do this right, and we hope that the community will be patient with us.”
HOLY CAMPGROUND: Participants of a family camp hosted by 180 Church in August 2024 were asked to bring their own tents. Google screenshot
The Remaining 11
Kirsten Vliet continues to be connected to the following LLCs and properties around Tahoe:
Douglas County: below property owned by Mountain Metro Church
• 1900 Echo Dr., Stateline, Nevada
“There was a permit pulled for a demo on Sept. 18, 2023,” Douglas County staff wrote in an email. “However, this permit has expired due to no inspections done within the 180 days of the permit being issued.”
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SPIRITUAL REVIVAL, EVENTUALLY: The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel received seven parcels through donation in December 2022. These were just a few of many that had been languishing, unused, for years and were all connected to one woman. Now under the ownership of a church, questions still linger about the ultimate use of the properties. Photo by Wade Snider/Moonshine Ink
SPIRITUAL REVIVAL, EVENTUALLY: The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel received seven parcels through donation in December 2022. These were just a few of many that had been languishing, unused, for years and were all connected to one woman. Now under the ownership of a church, questions still linger about the ultimate use of the properties. Photo by Wade Snider/Moonshine Ink
El Dorado County: all below properties owned by Lake Tahoe Ventures
• 7010 State Highway 89, Tahoma
• 7018 State Highway 89, Tahoma
• 7032 State Highway 89, Tahoma
• 7035 Wilson Ave., Tahoma
• 015-331-019-000, Tahoma
“There is not a record of any exemptions existing on these properties and we don’t have a record of any applications in a pending status,” shared El Dorado County Director of Communications Carla Hass.
Placer County:
• 6895 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoma (Pioneer Mountain)
• 545 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City (Pioneer Mountain)
• 565 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City (Lake Tahoe Ventures)
• 855 W. Lake Blvd., comprising two parcels: 083-171-003-000 and 083-170-001-000, Tahoe City (Mountain Metro Church); note: applied for a religious exemption and was denied due to the mixed use of the property
Those who live at and visit Lake Tahoe should be concerned with what’s contained in the independent peer review conducted by the Tahoe Science Advisory Council (TSAC).Equally troubling is the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s lack of transparency in addressing these findings within the 2023 Environmental Threshold Report and public presentations.
The TSAC review identified major scientific and methodological flaws in TRPA’s environmental assessments, including data inconsistencies, outdated references, and vague status determinations, all of which undermine the credibility of TRPA’s evaluation process.
Despite knowing these concerns, TRPA’s staff presentations to the governing board and public failed to acknowledge the peer review findings, limiting public awareness and engagement. While TRPA staff has attempted to respond since I raised these issues, the agency’s lack of transparency restricts informed discussions about protecting Tahoe’s environmental health. The issues demand additional scientific resources and funding.
TSAC’s peer review summary states: “The disconnect between some standards and management activities reinforces the need (identified by previous threshold evaluation reviews) to revisit the threshold standard system … and data sources … for air quality, noise, recreation, vegetation preservation, and water quality … to ensure TRPA’s monitoring programs can best inform implementation actions and monitor the impacts of those investments.”
The public must demand action from TRPA to:
Publicly acknowledge the TSAC Peer Review and delineate management activities from measurable indicators in their presentations
Incorporate key scientific recommendations to improve data accuracy
Correct data inconsistencies
Fund additional scientific resources for reliable environmental monitoring.
As an example, with the sustainable recreation and transportation indicators, the TSAC Peer Review exposes major gaps in TRPA’s monitoring of recreation in the Basin. The TRPA Regional Plan actually states that recreation opportunities must keep pace with public demand, but finds no measurable thresholds or formal tracking of capacity over time.
Some key concerns include:
No defined targets for monitoring recreation capacity
No tracking of visitor capacity changes, despite 28 facility improvements (2020 to 2023)
No consideration of population increases in Truckee, Reno, and Carson City
Insufficient survey data post Covid
The review recommends a carrying capacity study (CCS) to ensure recreation is managed sustainably without harming Tahoe’s environment.
The TSAC Peer Review of water quality indicators reveal serious inconsistencies in data collection, methodology, and reporting:
Different methods are used to measure phytoplankton productivity in nearshore and deep-water zones, making comparisons impossible.
Conflicting tributary monitoring data. Some reports reference seven monitored streams, others list only five in California.
Phosphorus assessments contradict reality. Outdated studies claim compliance, while newer data shows ongoing excedances.
The review calls for standardized methodologies, transparency, and updated data sources to ensure science-driven water quality management. TRPA has struggled with transparency, often prioritizing housing and tourism, which are important but should not outweigh its core mission of protecting Lake Tahoe under the bistate compact.
The TSAC Peer Review and public demand highlight the need for a CCS, a science-based, Basin-wide assessment to determine how much human activity Tahoe can sustain without degrading its environment or infrastructure. Unlike project-specific studies, a CCS would provide a proactive strategy for sustainable growth.
Why a carrying capacity study matters:
Establishes population and visitor parameters to uphold protection of Tahoe’s environment
Supports wildfire evacuation planning, a critical safety issue
Tahoe’s future depends on responsible planning. Isn’t it time TRPA commit to a science-driven CCS? To take action, go to TRPA’s threshold evaluation feedback form and insist on a Basin-wide carrying capacity study. It takes less than 5 minutes. Tahoe’s future depends on it.
~ Niobe Burden Austere, a Lake Tahoe advocate since 1998, is a professional photographer with 35-plus years of experience, now focusing on conservation photography. With a global perspective from a decade abroad, she closely follows TRPA policies and was recently elected to the Sierra Club Tahoe Area Group’s executive committee.
By scenery alone, Lake Tahoe is difficult for words to describe. It isn’t just the deep blue color or its expansiveness, or the mountains or the forests. It’s the grandeur of all of them combined that inspires people to work together to protect it. Similarly, the scores of wetland restoration projects, bike paths, transportation improvements, and forest fuel reduction projects are rolling up into one big picture of remarkable progress for the Tahoe Basin.
Despite the progress, much work remains. In light of existential threats to the lake’s future, it makes sense to question if our collective investment of time and resources have been worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. Whatever lens you choose to look at the lake through, its waters are still incredibly clear. Were it not for the actions of committed individuals and organizations over the last 5 decades, plans for a city the size of San Francisco along its shores could have become a reality, and the lake’s clarity and grandeur would have been lost.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Bi-State Compact between California and Nevada that formed the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). Over that time, significant progress has been made not only stopping rampant development but also unifying environmental standards and creating one of the most successful landscape conservation programs in the nation, the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program.
A 4-year, peer-reviewed scientific report on Lake Tahoe’s environmental health shows that the investment of time and resources is working. TRPA released the draft Threshold Evaluation Report in February, which shows that the vast majority of adopted goals for the region are in attainment, stable, or improving. Major milestones have been achieved, including the restoration and rehabilitation of more than 1,100 acres of damaged wetlands, which surpassed a landmark goal set more than 40 years ago to protect the lake’s clarity.
There is much more work to be done in the Tahoe Basin, but the report shows regional collaboration is delivering progress on all fronts. The report also makes clear the impact of the environmental improvement program. Partners have implemented more than 860 projects around the lake to reduce stormwater pollution from roads and urbanized areas, restore wetlands, improve forest health, and upgrade transportation and recreation infrastructure. As a result of water quality investments, scientists are reporting that lake clarity is stabilizing and, at times, are recording depths that haven’t been seen in decades.
The report does not shy away from new and ongoing challenges. Although the decline of lake clarity has stabilized since the 2000s, clarity in summer months continues to decline, while clarity in winter months steadily improves. With the impacts of development and stormwater being actively managed, TRPA is engaged with the Tahoe Science Advisory Council to better understand the role of other factors in lake clarity such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and the biology of the lake.
The threat of wildfire and concerns around evacuation preparedness are also front and center for TRPA and the governing board. And we must prioritize aquatic invasive species prevention, affordable housing policies, and outdoor recreation and transportation improvements.
The sum of the 55-year commitment to Lake Tahoe is greater than individual policies, restoration projects, and partnerships. Each of us has something to contribute to the bigger picture of a healthy, functioning watershed with safe, sustainable communities.
TRPA is collecting input on the threshold evaluation report to present a final report and recommended actions to the governing board in June. I encourage you to review the online report at thresholds.laketahoeinfo.org and share your thoughts.
~ Hayley Williamson is chair of the TRPA Governing Board, which she joined in 2021. In her day job, she is chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, where she previously served as legal counsel. In her free time, Hayley enjoys jogging Lake Tahoe’s trails and playing outside with her human and canine children. She lives in Stateline, Nevada.
