Some of the biggest checks in California politics never touch a campaign account. Most of them were written because Gov. Gavin Newsom asked for the money, totaling more than $340 million.
Elected officials are increasingly taking advantage of state laws that allow them to solicit unlimited sums of money from large corporations, unions, tribes or other special interest groups — even when those donors are seeking government contracts or involved in a government proceeding — so long as the money goes to a third party such as the politician’s favorite nonprofit.
Newsom didn’t invent California’s behested-payment system. He has simply used it more aggressively than any other elected official in state history.
Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has reported more than $340 million in behested payments. Records show he also directed more than $5 million as lieutenant governor. The next-largest total belongs to former Gov. Jerry Brown, who reported about one-tenth as much money.
A California Fair Political Practices Commission database displays behested payment records associated with Gavin Newsom.Provided / California Fair Political Practices Commission Form 803 Database
The arrangement is legal but only lightly regulated. Supporters say the money often goes toward good causes such as disaster relief. Opponents say it gives powerful donors another way to spend big at the request of politicians who can make decisions that affect their bottom line.
Among the beneficiaries: California Partners Project, a nonprofit founded by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The nonprofit received 42 payments at the behest of the governor totaling $4.28 million – including $1.8 million from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
The tribe operates a major casino and has had significant gaming interests before state and federal officials. Newsom requested several large payments from the tribe to California Partners Project while the tribe was involved in battles over casino expansion and rival gaming projects. One of the tribe’s donations came at Newsom’s behest two weeks after the governor signed a new gaming compact between California and the tribe.
Some of this has been reported before. What has not been fully examined is the scale of Newsom’s behested-payment operation — and, donor by donor, what those contributors later sought or received from state government.
“No one is going to be upset that Meta is making a $1 million contribution to wildfire relief,” said Richard Briffault, a Columbia University law professor and campaign finance expert. “It’s hard to protest that, but if (A) it was the result of a solicitation from a governor, and (B) the governor does something for them? Then it’s an issue.”
‘That’s how the sausage is made’
California’s Political Reform Act was approved by voters in 1974 after the Watergate scandal. It includes strong language warning citizens about wealthy individuals and organizations using large sums of money to curry favor with politicians. It states public officials should conduct the public’s business “free from bias” and acknowledges previously “inadequate enforcement by state and local authorities.”
At the time, lawmakers hadn’t considered fundraising efforts by elected officials. Rules surrounding behested payments weren’t added to the California Political Reform Act until decades later.
Today, advocacy groups seeking greater transparency say it is nearly impossible to find a California politician willing to author a bill that would regulate themselves.
“It’s kind of the Wild West for behested payments,” said Sean McMorris, who manages the transparency and ethics program for California Common Cause. “These are powerful people directing the flow of money from special interests who need favors… It’s not going directly to the politician, but it is being directed by the politician.”
California Common Cause is a nonpartisan organization that has been seeking greater regulations around behested payments for years. McMorris believes lawmakers have written themselves a blank check.
“Even though you’re asking someone to contribute money to a good cause, you are still asking them to give money,” McMorris said. “That’s how the sausage is made… Even if it’s not an explicit quid pro quo, it doesn’t have to be. Both sides know how the game is played. Both sides know what the possible consequences are of giving or not giving.”
Who are the donors?
Newsom has previously warned Californians about “billionaires seeking to buy elections,”but behested payments don’t fall within the same rules as campaign donations.
A review by The Center Square has found that the largest donors of behested payments are rarely passive philanthropists with no government interests. Instead, they are often sophisticated organizations that employ lobbyists, monitor legislation, participate in regulatory proceedings, are engaged in lawsuits, or receive government contracts.
Facebook (aka Meta) has donated nearly $32 million at the behest of California’s elected officials, making it the largest donor in California’s Fair Political Practices (FPPC) database of behested payments.
The tech company has had extensive business with California officials before and after its donations, including but not limited to legal and regulatory fights against the California Attorney General’s Office. Facebook donated more than $26 million for COVID-19 relief in 2020. That same year, Facebook was under investigation for its privacy practices under the California Consumer Privacy Act, a landmark privacy law affecting companies that collect and monetize consumer data.
Records from the California Secretary of State’s Office show Facebook spent $1,566,147.78 on its lobbying efforts related to dozens of bills during California’s 2019-2020 legislative session. In some cases, the tech company focused its lobbying on “COVID-19 issues” and lobbied the governor’s office directly on “housing policy.”
Newsom later asked Facebook to contribute $650,000 to Enterprise Community Partners in 2021 to help Project Homekey with “housing for people experiencing homelessness,” as Facebook continued its lobbying efforts on housing. That same year, a federal judge dismissed a multistate lawsuit joined by California alleging monopoly conduct tied to Facebook’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
Facebook has not responded to a request from The Center Square for comment.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom meets with restaurant owners at Cuernavaca’s Grill.Provided / Office of the California Governor / Courtesy of the Office of the Governor / Cropped from Original
FPPC records show Blue Shield of California and its affiliated entities have donated more than $21 million at the request of California’s elected officials, making it the second-largest donor. Blue Shield’s largest donation of $20 million was in 2020 to Enterprise Community Partners – at the request of Newsom – to support Project Homekey.
The Newsom administration later selected Blue Shield to serve as California’s third-party administrator for the statewide COVID-19 vaccine network in 2021. Blue Shield stated the company would perform the work “at cost,” would not profit from the state, and would bill only actual expenses supporting the vaccine network. The no-bid contract allowed Blue Shield to recover up to $15 million in non-staff expenses.
FPPC records show Blue Shield was also the recipient of $5,000 from the Asian and Pacific Island Legislative Caucus Foundation in 2015 at the request of California Attorney General Rob Bonta. At the time, Bonta was a member of the California State Assembly.
Mark Seelig, a spokesman for Blue Shield, declined an interview request from The Center Square and refused to answer questions related to Blue Shield’s government business at the time of its behested payments.
Instead of agreeing to an interview, Seelig emailed a statement touting Blue Shield’s transparency: “We regularly support candidates for public office from both major political parties who share our mission of improving healthcare access and affordability. Our contributions are fully and properly disclosed according to applicable laws.”
“The politicians know very well who to go to,” McMorris said. “They’re not calling up an average person. They’re going to someone with a lot of money and someone who they know needs something from them… This whole behested payment thing doesn’t really work unless you can solicit people and entities who need things from you at the government level.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks during a news conference, Feb. 18, 2025.Provided / State of California Department of Justice / Used with Permission.
Sierra Health Foundation, a Sacramento-based private philanthropy, and its separately-incorporated affiliate, the Center for Health Program Management, have operated on both sides of California’s behested payment system. Together, it has been the fifth-largest donor, giving nearly $14.9 million. It’s also one of the system’s largest recipients. FPPC records show state officials funneled $45.1 million into the organization through behested payments.
Newsom was responsible for nearly all of the donations moving in both directions. The nonprofit has been selected to administer government programs and receive state grants. A spokesperson has not responded to a request from The Center Square for comment.
Foundations commonly pool money and distribute it to community organizations. Although the practice is common, it raises more questions as the money becomes more difficult to track.
Newsom directed $381,820 from the nonprofit California Forward in 2022 and 2023 to pay former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for a newly-created infrastructure advisor position… that was never, technically, a state position.California Forward was listed as the only donor, at Newsom’s behest. The nonprofit was not required to disclose source donors who funded Villaraigosa’s salary.
Sarah Walsh, a spokeswoman for California Forward, stated she could not comment because “the decision-makers who were part of the project that resulted in behested payments are no longer at CA FWD.”
Briffault agrees it can be extremely difficult to follow the money and track down donors who might be trying to curry favor with politicians. He believes even the appearance of a conflict has previously been enough to dissuade politicians from soliciting money as aggressively as Newsom.
“A place like California? Almost any company or entity of this size is going to have business with the state,” Briffault said. “There’s no guarantee (of influence), but you could certainly think that’s what’s going on.”
Enforcement
FPPC rules specifically anticipate donors might have contracts or proceedings before a government agency. Rather than restricting behested payments in those cases, the law relies on disclosure to inform the public.
Newsom was recently fined $31,500 for his failure to timely file 36 behested-payment reports worth more than $5.5 million. The majority of those funds were raised for the California Fire Foundation.
Donors included BlackRock, PayPal, and Uber Eats.
Newsom also failed to timely report 18 other behested payment reports between 2019 and 2024, according to the FPPC. He was fined $10,500.
State law requires disclosure within 30 days. Newsom’s filings ranged from 64 to 229 days late.
The FPPC made no judgment about whether the donations themselves were appropriate, stating only that timely, transparent reporting “increases public awareness regarding potential attempts to influence.”
Last month, Newsom revealed he was under criminal investigation by the United States Department of Justice. He characterized the case as a personal attack and political intimidation tactic targeting the mother of his children.
“Anyone who has challenged Donald Trump has ended up on his hit list,” Newsom said. “Today, I proudly join that list… To get me, he’s coming after my wife, Jen.”
Newsom isn’t the first California politician to solicit payments for his wife’s nonprofit.
Google gave $500,000 in 2014 to a nonprofit employing Rob Bonta’s wife, Mia Bonta, at his behest. FPPC records show the donation to “Bring Me A Book” was meant to “support (an) early literacy initiative in the Bay Area for preschoolers through (the) use of technology.”
Records show Bonta also solicited several smaller donations for Literacy Lab, another nonprofit employing his wife. Two of the four donations were from Pacific Gas and Electric.
Bonta created his own nonprofit in 2017, the Bonta California Progress Foundation. FPPC records show he has funneled $122,500 into that nonprofit, which has also given money to Literacy Lab.
Rob Bonta went on to become California’s attorney general. Mia Bonta went on to become a member of the California State Assembly.
Disclosure forms now ask officials to identify immediate family members who work for a nonprofit recipient of behested payments.
Both Newsom and Bonta have not responded to interview requests from The Center Square. Instead, Newsom’s chief deputy communications director emailed a statement broadly characterizing behested payments as “a lawful, bipartisan tool to support charitable and public-service efforts that benefit Californians (and that might otherwise be borne by taxpayers).”
The statement stopped short of addressing conflicts of interest or any specific payments made at Newsom’s request.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Lake Tahoe California Highway Patrol officers were involved in a short pursuit on Thursday, July 30 with an electric motorcycle.
The electric motorcycle was being ridden in a reckless manner, including wheelies, crossing in front of traffic on a busy highway, and speeding.
The 15-year-old male rider then failed to stop and attempted to evade officers when they went to stop him using lights and sirens. After the short pursuit, the rider finally stopped. CHP released the rider to a parent.
The electric motorcycle was impounded under a code that requires it to be impounded for a minimum of 48 hours.
The rider could be facing charges that include, but are not limited to, evading police, reckless driving, being unlicensed, no insurance, no registration and no motorcycle helmet. CHP reports he was wearing a bike helmet.
The rider has also been in contact with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department for similar activities.
CHP says complaints about electric bicycle/motorcycle riders have increased in recent months.
Due to the popularity of e-bikes and local conflicts, the agency has increased enforcement and education efforts.
On July 22, the agency shared an infographic about the different classes of e-bikes and the rules and laws that apply to each.
Infographic on classes of e-bike.Provided / CHP
CHP says if a vehicle marketed as an e-bike can exceed legal limits (such as a 40 mph throttle-only mode) without pedaling, the CHP classifies it as an unregistered moped or motorcycle. Local CHP divisions frequently issue public warnings and impound these illegal high-speed bikes.
Corey Murphey swimming the double tenth of Tahoe and her mother, Jill Murphy, guiding her on a kayak. Provided / Corey Murphey
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Last week, Corey Murphey completed a 20-hour, 54-minute swim from Incline Village to Camp Richardson and back, breaking the previous record, set in 2013, by about an hour. On July 21, the Colorado-based swimmer launched from Incline Village at 8 p.m., swimming through the star-filled Tahoe night and into the next day.
“The moon was so bright that I actually thought my crew was shining a flashlight at me,” Murphey said.
The night seemed to pass quickly, and by the time the sun began to rise, she had already reached Camp Richardson. Under competition rules, Murphey could not spend more than 10 minutes out of the water. She took a nine-minute break to eat a few snacks before beginning the return swim to Incline Village.
“The last three hours I got some Tahoe winds, but the rest of the time was gorgeous and flat,” she said.
According to Murphey, the record-breaking swim was as much her crew’s accomplishment as it was her own. Her mother, Jill Murphey, accompanied her on a kayak for much of the swim while a support boat traveled alongside.
From right; Sarah Thomas, Corey Murphey and Jill Murphey. Provided / Corey Murphey
“My mom does all these swims with me, so it’s really special that I get to share it with the person I love the most in the world,” Murphey said.
Her mother kayak peddled alongside her for about 11 hours before being relieved by Sarah Thomas, another member of the support crew.
“She watches me like a hawk, and I appreciate it,” Murphey said. “It’s pretty rare that people have a parent willing to do that for them.”
Still, swimming for nearly 21 hours is no easy task, no matter how strong the support team.
“There are times I feel terrible, but then I just think, who gets to swim in the middle of Tahoe and look up and see the Milky Way in the middle of the night? It’s a very rare experience,” Murphey said.
Murphey is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science at the University of Colorado Boulder and lives in Colorado. She previously spent about 10 years living in the Bay Area, where she frequently visited Lake Tahoe. After completing the record-breaking swim, she quickly returned home.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., — The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is proposing new recreation fees and changes to existing recreation fees at various national forest recreation sites at Lake Tahoe. Also, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in conjunction with the Eldorado National Forest, is proposing a fee increase for specialized recreation permits for overnight use in the Desolation Wilderness Area.
Not all recreation sites on the forest require a fee. Including the sites in this proposal, over 37% of sites on the forest would still not require a recreation fee. The forest will continue to honor all nationally recognized fee-free days.
The proposed fees by site are listed in the tables below.
Site Name
Site Type
Current Fee
Proposed Fee Year 1
Proposed Fee Year 5
Luther Pass Overflow Campground
Campground
Single Site Fee: $0
Single Site Fee: $20
Watson Lake Campground
Campground
Single Site Fee: $0
Single Site Fee: $20
Kiva Beach
Day Use Area
Day Fee: $0 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $10 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $15 rate per vehicle
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Interpretive Visitor Center
Day Fee: $0 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $10 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $15 rate per vehicle
64 Acres Riverside
Picnic Site
Day Fee: $0 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $10 rate per vehicle
Eagle Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead
Picnic Site and Trailhead
Day Fee: $5 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $10 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $15 rate per vehicle
Kiva Picnic Area (Tallac Historic Site)
Picnic Site
Day Fee: $0 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $10 rate per vehicle
Big Meadow Trailhead
Trailhead
Day Fee: $0 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $10 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $15 rate per vehicle
Echo Trailhead
Trailhead
Day Fee: $0 rate per vehicle
Day Fee: $10 rate per vehicle
Christmas Tree Permit Program
Christmas Tree Permit
Permit Fee: $10 rate per group
Permit Fee: $20 rate per group
Desolation Wilderness Overnight Permit
Pass/Permit
Permit Fee: $5 rate per person Annual Pass: $20
Permit Fee: $10 rate per person Eliminate Annual Pass
Permit Fee: $15 rate per person
Desolation Wilderness overnight permits are reservable on www.recreation.gov for an additional $6.00 fee per permit and Christmas Tree Permits for an additional $2.50 fee per permit.
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites.
Revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forest improve infrastructure and public services at recreation sites during the season of operation. Recreation fees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more sustainable recreation program for future generations.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes. The comment period is set to end by close of business on Sep. 29, 2026. To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Attention: Recreation Program Manager, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 or by email at SM.FS.R5.LTBMU.FeeProposal@usda.gov. Comments can also be provided online at https://arcg.is/iXXmz.
Oral comments must be provided in person at the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/laketahoebasin.
Once public involvement is complete, these recreation fee changes will be reviewed by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable recreation fees. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – The Nevada Highway Patrol is investigating two injury crashes that occurred over the weekend on U.S. 50 near the Spooner Lake recreation area.
At approximately 1:22 p.m. on Saturday, the Nevada Highway Patrol responded to a report of a two-vehicle injury crash on U.S. 50 at State Route 28.
The two-vehicle crash involved an SUV and a pickup truck. One person with serious injuries was transported by air ambulance to a local area hospital. Seven additional people were transported by ground ambulance to local area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Both U.S.-50 eastbound and westbound at State Route 28 were reduced to one travel lane.
On Sunday, traffic was also reduced to one lane in both directions after a head-on crash around 7:27 p.m. on U.S. 50 between Glenbrook Rd. and State Route 28, west of the Spooner Lake recreation area.
This two-vehicle crash involved an SUV and a sedan. Two persons with serious injuries were transported by air ambulances to a local area hospital. One person was transported by ground ambulance to a local area hospital with unknown injuries.
Driver impairment is suspected as a factor in this crash.
Planning your health care may not always feel urgent, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are respected and understood at the time of an emergency.
Care planning is not just for those facing a serious illness; it’s something every adult should consider.
What is an Advance Directive?
Advance directives are written instructions that let medical staff and your loved ones know the kind of medical care you want if you are seriously ill or dying and become unable to make decisions about your health.
This may include guidance on:
Life Sustaining Treatments
Organ Donation
End-Of-Care Wishes
Advance directives, like a living will, alleviate difficult family dynamics at end-of-life. By proactively setting up an Advance Directive, you outline wishes that will be honored upon your passing.
Why It Matters
Unexpected medical situations can happen at any time; families are often asked to make difficult decisions quickly, sometimes without knowing what their loved one would have wanted.
An advance directive provides clarity and helps remove that uncertainty, allowing your loved ones to focus on supporting you rather than making difficult decisions on your behalf.
Starting the Conversation
Talk with your loved ones about what matters most to you — your values and your preferences for care. These conversations don’t have to feel overwhelming; they can start small and grow over time.
Taking the Next Step
Creating an advanced directive is an important first step, and understanding the medical decisions involved can be challenging. Consider discussing your wishes with your primary care provider, who can explain your options and ensure your preferences are clearly documented. In some cases, an advanced directive can be completed alongside a Physician Orders for Life-Sustain Treatment (POLST) form; this provides more specific guidance on specific medical treatment such as feeding tubes and resuscitation. The POLST form must be signed by a physician or advanced practice provider.
Visit the PREPARE™ for Your Care website to learn about medical decision making, how to discuss your wishes with your loved ones and medical providers, and fill out an online advance directive form.
Bradley Gray, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician, serving as a hospitalist offering care for patients within Barton Memorial Hospital. Learn more about Advance Directives, or find templates, at BartonHealth.org.
When the morning TV and Internet news flashes tales of nationwide climate strain, Tahoe feels oddly calm this summer with its crisp and clean mountain air. Still, old habits die hard: I plug in cool portable fans, stock the pantry with bottled water and no-cook goods, and check the pet supplies. Watching for 90-degree spikes, I sigh, confident I am ready for whatever weather arrives.Think clean food, such as whole fruits, nuts, and whole grains that withstand unpowered conditions, and require zero refrigeration. Here are my six go-to heroes:
Little Green Apples: Protected by a tough, natural peel, green apples handle unpowered storage in mountain cabins, provide crisp hydration and lower sugar content than tropical fruits and dried fruits.
Prickly Pears: Whole pears withstand warm temperatures without spoiling or getting mushy, and provide dietary fiber and moisture.
Lovely Lemons: Like apples, lemons share a thick protective skin. Whole lemons remain stable without refrigeration and can be squeezed into water to enhance hydration, electrolyte absorption, and flavor.
Squirrel almonds and walnuts: Completely free of moisture and high sugar, raw lightly salted nuts supply stable, healthy fats, and essential magnesium to maintain muscle function without electricity (if the power goes dark).
Sweet Oranges: Protected by thick skin like lemons, whole oranges provide immune boosting vitamin C and natural fluids without requiring a working fridge during a possible power shutoff.
Crunchy Whole-grain Crackers: These favorites have a long shelf-life, delivering feel-good carbo energy when cooking is not an option. Top with albacore tuna or peanut butter.
The bottom line: Extreme heat can wreak havoc on our day-to-day lifestyle. Chill by staying informed: Monitor local radio and television including AccuWeather), for 4-1-1 info and updates.
Cool Down, Healthy Up for Extreme Heat Events: Reduce or reschedule some activities. Infants, older adults, and pets should stay in the coolest spots. Shun direct exposure to the sun. Use budget-friendly portable electric fans. Check on Others: For more heat health tips, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Cal Orey, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. The new, revised 2nd ed. of The Healing Powers of Honey (August 2026) is almost here! Orey will be at a Reno Barnes & Noble book event/signing on September 19. Her website is http://www.calorey.com
The adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” may be true, but for seniors, enjoying that apple at a hotel or on a cruise may be even more healthy than having it at home.
Travel can be an important component of healthy aging. Travel provides many benefits across multiple areas of life. According to The Senior List, around 70 percent of seniors (adults age 50 and up) travel regularly. Seniors are a target demographic for the travel industry, accounting for roughly one-third of all travelers. Seniors spend almost one month each year traveling.
Here are a few of the many health-related rewards seniors can reap from travel.
Morale boost: Booking a trip, making it to a destination and checking out new sights creates a strong sense of purpose that can elevate self-confidence.
Meet new people: Travel offers lots of opportunities to meet fellow travelers and engage with locals at various destinations.
Get physical activity: Exploring sights and landmarks engages the body. According to Clarendale Clayton Senior Residences, studies show that older adults who regularly vacation experience lower rates of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.
Reduces stress: Getting away from the daily grind and household routines or responsibilities can lower feelings of stress.
Improves cognitive health: According to research by the Global Coalition on Aging, regular cultural travel can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by up to 47 percent.
Foster cultural understanding: Travel takes people outside of their typical circles and can expose individuals to new cultures. Learning about these cultures and interacting with local populations can foster a greater sense of cultural understanding.
Travel can be a key component of healthy living for seniors that boosts their physical and mental well-being.
Pet experts have warned dog owners of eight popular BBQ foods that could be dangerous for their four-legged friends during grilling season.
Tom Sadler, pet expert at Furvelo.com, has identified several common barbecue staples that pose serious health risks to dogs and should be kept well away from pets during outdoor events.
“With many families across America planning barbecues for grilling season, it’s crucial that pet owners know which foods could send their dog to the emergency vet. These eight barbecue favorites can cause serious harm to dogs even in small amounts,” Sadler said.
Hot dogs
Many Americans don’t realize hot dogs can be surprisingly risky for their furry friends. Packed with salt, preservatives and fatty processed meat, they can upset a dog’s stomach and, in some cases, even trigger pancreatitis. Hot dogs are usually served with toppings like onions, relish or mustard, which add further risks. Due to their shape, they are also a choking hazard if dogs swallow large pieces too quickly.
Corn on the cob
Plain corn kernels are fine for dogs in moderation, but corn on the cob can be very dangerous. Dogs can swallow chunks of cob whole and can’t digest them, leading to intestinal blockages that may require emergency surgery. Corn on the cob is one of the most common barbecue foods that sends dogs to the vet in the summer, so keep them out of reach.
Ribs
Both the meat and bones of ribs pose a danger to dogs. The meat is very rich and fatty, which often irritates dogs’ stomachs and increases the risk of pancreatitis, especially in smaller pooches. The bones can splinter when chewed, which can cause choking, mouth injuries, internal injuries and blockages. It’s best to keep the leftover bones away from dogs and instead give them store-bought bones or chews designed for dogs.
BBQ sauce
Sauces may seem harmless, but many BBQ sauces from the store contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including onion powder, garlic powder, high amounts of sugar and salt, and sometimes artificial sweeteners. Even in small amounts, it can cause digestive upset and ingredients like xylitol can be highly toxic. Sticky sauce left on plates, ribs or dropped food can easily tempt curious dogs this summer.
Ketchup
Most people don’t realize that ketchup contains harmful ingredients for dogs. While plain tomatoes can be safe in moderation, ketchup typically contains high levels of salt, sugar and sometimes xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Sadler advises pet owners to keep condiment bottles out of reach and clean up any spills immediately to prevent dogs from licking them.
Onions
Raw, cooked, powdered or even small amounts of onion can damage a dog’s red blood cells. This applies to the entire onion family too, including garlic, shallots and green onions. Dogs that eat onions may show symptoms like lethargy, weakness, and reduced appetite. Onions frequently appear on burgers and in salads, making BBQs especially risky for pets allowed to scavenge.
Chicken bones
Many BBQ hosts serve chicken legs, wings or thighs, which presents another danger for their furry friends. The expert advises never to give dogs cooked chicken bones of any kind. Unlike some larger raw bones from beef or lamb that can be safe for supervised chewing, cooked chicken bones splinter easily and can cause internal punctures or blockages. Make sure to dispose of bones safely and securely where dogs are unable to reach them.
Alcohol
Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Whether it’s spilled beer, unattended cocktails or leftover cups at a barbecue, alcohol can quickly cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulties and dangerous drops in blood sugar or body temperature. Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans, so even a few laps from a drink can lead to serious poisoning that requires urgent veterinary attention.
Sadler recommends creating a pet-safe zone away from the cooking and eating areas, preparing pet-friendly alternatives and informing guests about pet safety. He commented: “Set up a comfortable space for your dog with shade, water, and their own dog-friendly treats if you don’t want to leave them out of the festivities, but still keep them safe, especially in hot weather.
“Cooked meat without seasoning, some plain vegetables like carrots or cucumbers, or specially made dog treats are good options that let your pet join in the fun and treat them with human food, without risk.
“If your dog does consume something suspicious, contact your vet immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Time can be critical in treating food toxicity cases. Make sure all your guests know not to feed your dog scraps, no matter how pleadingly they look up with those eyes! It takes just one well-meaning guest to cause a severe problem.”
The advice comes as many pet owners may not realize that common BBQ foods can have such serious risks. By taking these precautions, dog owners can enjoy grilling season while keeping their pets safe from hidden dangers.
When I arrived at Rancho San Rafael Park, I was greeted by sleepy reporters from across the Truckee-Tahoe and Reno region. Red, tired eyes were scattered throughout the park, cameras in hand, cups of coffee doing their best to keep everyone awake at 5 a.m. We were all there for the Great Reno Balloon Race media preview, and despite the early hour, there was one thing we all had in common: we were absolutely beaming at the chance to fly in a hot air balloon.
As the morning rolled on, the sun slowly crested the horizon, and so did the balloons. Around 14 of them stood across the park, giant sheets of colorful fabric gradually coming to life.
The balloon I would be flying in, Pixel Perfect, was owned and piloted by Greg Nelson. It is a Cameron Z-77 balloon that Nelson designed himself about six years ago. At 77,000 cubic feet, it’s difficult to imagine its size. Nelson offered my favorite comparison: you could fit roughly 77,000 basketballs inside it. The colorful design resembles a giant pixel rainbow floating through the sky.
But before we ever left the ground, what stood out most wasn’t the balloon itself (although it was absolutely stunning), it was the people surrounding it. Nelson’s crew worked together with effortless camaraderie, laughing as they unpacked equipment, checked lines and prepared for flight. Everyone knew exactly what needed to be done.
“Ballooning is a friends-and-family sport,” Nelson told me. “You end up finding your ballooning family, and all of us here are very close.”
Looking around, it was easy to see what he meant. His partner was part of the crew, alongside a student pilot and several experienced balloonists who had come to lend a hand. They joked with each other constantly, making the hours of setup feel more like a family gathering.
Pixel Perfect balloon crew from right; James MacDougall, Greg Nelson, Glenn Reed, Hunter Reed, Chris Coldoff, Matthew Mortensen.Petra Molina / Sierra Sun
Then it was finally time to climb into the basket.
As Nelson released the balloon and we slowly drifted higher, the world below quietly transformed. The neighboring pasture, dotted with horses and sheep, stretched out beneath us. The trees looked softer from above. It’s amazing how changing your perspective by just a few hundred feet can make an entire city feel brand new.
Watching dozens of balloons rise together reminded me why the Great Reno Balloon Race has become such a beloved tradition in the area. The event, now celebrating its 45th year, is the world’s largest free hot air balloon festival. This year’s race will take place Sept. 10–13, marking the first time the festival expands to four days of programming.
Organizers shared several additions during the media preview, including a new Thursday evening schedule featuring the Super Glow Show, Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension. Nearly 100 balloons are expected to participate, along with new special-shape balloons, expanded student programming, discounted Thursday parking and limited-edition merchandise. Admission remains free, with optional premium experiences like Cloud 9 and balloon rides available for purchase.
But as exciting as those announcements were, they weren’t what I’ll remember most.
When we landed and I stepped out of the basket, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to see the world from such a breathtaking perspective. Grateful for the people who dedicate countless hours to making these balloons fly. And grateful that, every once in a while, my job lets me experience moments that remind me just how beautiful this world can be.
Pixel Perfect Petra Molina / Sierra Sun
Great Reno Balloon Race media preview day. Petra Molina / Sierra Sun
STATELINE, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Transportation has announced updates to a repaving project between Stateline and Spooner Summit that may impact traffic.
UPDATED HOURS:
This Sunday, Aug. 2, from approximately 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., there will be one-lane flagger-control through the tunnel late Sunday nights and possibly again Monday night as electricians pull wire at the Cave Rock tunnel.
24-hour work zones with single-lane closures begin Sundays at 8 p.m. and conclude at noon on Fridays.
Crews will resume paving late August. In the meantime, crews will continue to finalize curb and gutter, drainage, barrier and guardrail.
PAVING UPDATES:
Crews have continued the paving from Spooner Summit past Glenbrook. They will return later this season to complete the top one inch.
Paving operation from Glenbrook to Cave Rock will begin late August. While paving the Cave Rock tunnel, there will be traffic control, and travelers may encounter longer delays; more details are forthcoming.
NDOT REMINDERS:
Drivers can anticipate moderate travel delays through the work zone.
Work zones are there to improve the roads, and are not a place for impatient or aggressive driving. Take it Slow Tahoe: speed is reduced to 35 mph through all zones.
Double penalty in work zones: the Nevada Revised Statute 484.3667 doubles the penalty for speeding, up to $1,000, in any marked road construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present. More info:https://www.dot.nv.gov/safety/work-zone-driving-safety
While access to businesses and residences will be continuously maintained in most areas, certain side streets and driveways will temporarily be impacted as a moving operation for cold milling and paving takes place in the immediate area. Once the milling and paving equipment is safely out of the way, flaggers will release traffic at side streets and driveways.
The east end of downtown Tahoe City has a problem. Two of the town’s biggest properties — the Lighthouse Center and Boatworks Mall — are in trouble. The former’s anchor tenant and property owner, Safeway, moved to the other end of Tahoe City last fall. The Lighthouse space has been empty ever since, partly due to Safeway’s refusal to sell to another supermarket. MJD Capital Partners, which owns Boatworks, defaulted on its loan in January. The property is now in foreclosure and goes to auction next month.
“I think the majority of commercial square footage in our town is tied up in those two properties, so I think it’s concerning to the entire community and to the whole region, really, when you lose key commercial properties to service our needs, especially in such great lakefront locations,” said Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson, who represents North Tahoe.
Safeway
Safeway vacated the Lighthouse Center last October. The grocery store was the center’s only street-front business; all other businesses, like A Santé Lakeside Fitness and Tahoe National Brewing Co., are in the back of the building. (CVS and the Tahoe City Post Office are in a separately owned building.)
When Safeway left, hopes were high that another grocery store would purchase the building. Tahoe City had been left with only one grocery store since October 2023, when Save Mart lost its lease to make way for Safeway’s relocation. The remodel ultimately took two years.
Word of residents’ growing frustration with the gaping vacant space at Lighthouse and lack of the current Safeway’s ability to keep up with demand during peak visitor months reached Sup. Gustafson. On June 9, she wrote a letter to Safeway’s corporate headquarters in Pleasanton, California:
“The continued vacancy of this highly visible property has become a significant community concern. Residents frequently describe the site as an eyesore and a missed opportunity at one of Tahoe City’s most important commercial locations. In addition, I continue to hear frustration from community members regarding reports that Safeway has limited or discouraged opportunities for other grocery operators or potential buyers to utilize the property.”
SAFEWAY’S former location has been sitting empty since last October. The company is blocking other grocery stores from buying the building. Photos by Melissa Siig/Moonshine Ink
A local real estate agent confirmed that the former Safeway building is for sale with a non-compete clause.
“Apparently it keeps falling out of contract,” the realtor wrote to Moonshine Ink. “They have turned down offers of $10 million and started to list it at $12 million, but they wanted a deed restriction and clause in the purchase contract that it could not be leased to or used as a grocery store.”
Gustafson has heard the same thing directly from supermarkets that have tried to purchase the building.
“I’ve been told that by people who have tried to acquire the property,” she said. “Other grocery stores that are in the region have tried to acquire this site.”
Numerous phone calls and emails by Moonshine Ink to multiple Safeway corporate officers and media relations were not returned.
On June 22, Gustafson’s office received this response from Todd Paradis, Safeway real estate manager based in Hawaii:
“Thank you for your recent letter sharing concerns raised by some residents of Tahoe City regarding Safeway’s new store and our intentions for the site of our previous store. We are in the process of reviewing the concerns raised and will discuss them internally. We will be in touch.”
Six weeks later, her office still has not received a follow-up response.
On July 22, Gustafson sent a letter of support for California Assembly Bill 1857, also known as the Grocery Store Access Act, to the state senate. The act, which was introduced in February, would ban corporate grocery chains from using restrictive property covenants to block new supermarkets from opening in spaces they have vacated.
“For the residents of Tahoe City, this legislation represents more than good public policy,” Gustafson wrote in the letter. “It represents an opportunity to remove unnecessary barriers that have prevented our community from attracting new grocery investment and restoring a vital commercial property to productive use. Communities should not be forced to choose between an underperforming grocery store and no grocery store at all.”
Gustafson said she now understands how Safeway won the lease for its current location.
“I think it’s very clear Safeway could outbid because they knew they were going to capture the market by not selling to another grocery store,” she said.
THE BOATWORKS MALL is in foreclosure and will go to auction in August, making the future of its tenants uncertain.
Boatworks
With MJD’s default on its $14-million loan in January, its failure to pay property tax, and the Boatworks now set to go to auction in Roseville on Aug. 12, there are concerns that the mall could face the same fate as the neighboring Safeway building — becoming a large, vacuous, empty space.
“I think that if we are looking down the barrel of having [another] ‘Henrikson Building East,’ that is a detriment to our community,” said Jeff Hill, Jake’s on the Lake general partner, referencing a dilapidated, empty building that used to sit on the opposite end of town. “We all have this vision of what we want our community in town to be. And I think that this is just another tipping scale of adversity that is, all eloquence aside, just sad.”
Jake’s has had a contentious relationship with MJD since it bought Boatworks, where the restaurant is housed. That is one reason this summer is Jake’s final season in Tahoe. After 48 years, it’s closing its doors in October unless the new owners present a deal too good to refuse.
“Due to the dynamic with the landlord and other outside factors, a path hasn’t really been presented to be able to move forward,” Hill said. “Should a path illuminate, we would walk it, but I just don’t see what that would be.”
MJD has not been communicative with tenants about its financial situation and foreclosure. The owner of Mountain Lotus Yoga found out about the auction when Moonshine Ink reached out to him, and Tahoe Fit owner Katie Peterson said every time she asked the company about the auction, they denied it.
“I did approach them about the auction a couple of times. And they’re still, to this day, denying that that’s even happening. So that part is slightly puzzling,” she said. “They say it’s a real estate financial issue they are working with.”
Tenants also complained about MJD’s neglect of the building. The electricity was turned off twice due to unpaid bills, and so was the water. The company cut back on garbage collection and maintenance staff. The mall’s main bathrooms got so bad at times that some tenants refused to use them.
“I feel that they definitely tried to run it on a shoestring budget,” said Allison Yonto, owner of the Tahoe Wine Collective. “And you saw that happen about, I want to say two or three years ago, when we lost our full-time maintenance guy.”
Hill agrees.
“I would say that whatever financial duress has fallen upon MJD has been reflected on the Boatworks itself,” he said. “The time and care and consideration have not been cultivated to the degree that we wish within our community.”
Fears of Boatworks becoming vacant are not unfounded. The building is currently only half occupied. Many businesses — Geared for Games, Tahoe Core Pilates, Tahoe T-Shirtery — had already left in anticipation of the structure being torn down to make way for MJD’s massive redevelopment proposal; Acorn Home Furnishings & Design is leaving at the end of August. The tenants are also all on a month-to-month lease (except for Jake’s), which only adds to the uncertainty. The mall’s other restaurant and anchor tenant, Hacienda del Lago, closed in 2021.
ONE OF Boatworks’ staple businesses, Hacienda del Lago, shuttered its doors in 2021. The space remains empty.
According to Yonto, only eight businesses in the Boatworks are open on a daily basis. She thinks MJD did not do enough to attract customers to the mall.
“There was definitely a disconnect of thinking that just because it’s a building on the North Shore on the water, that it would just always be busy. Foot traffic is a big problem getting people to come through here,” she said. “I don’t think they [MJD] did us any favors by not doing marketing regularly, by allowing spaces to go vacant, especially a lakefront restaurant space. They were just unfamiliar with how it works up here.”
Though MJD founder and CEO Marie Murphy did not admit to the impending auction, she issued a statement to Moonshine:
“We deeply love Tahoe, and are integral, long-standing members of the business community here. Our site has always reflected this love and stewardship for Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. We are working through addressing current financial headwinds.
Despite the challenges we have faced, our focus remains on finding solutions that allow us to move forward and create a destination serving residents, businesses, and visitors — one that will bring much needed vitality, employment, and tax revenue to Tahoe City, while preserving the character of this amazing place.”
Yonto has a word of warning for the Boatworks’ next owner.
“Whomever takes this building over, I feel like they need to realize that if they don’t help the tenants that are here, the tenants aren’t going to get any better [financially],” she said. “We’re not going to magically start making more money until this building has some reason for people to come here, and the vacant spaces are definitely not that [reason].”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Liberty Utilities has announced the implementation of a base service charge of $31.50 to residential customers’ bills starting in September.
Liberty says this is not an additional charge or an increase to rates. Rather, the charge is a fixed service charge that replaces a portion of customers’ volumetric charges that are based on electricity use.
This change is in response to new California State legislation, Assembly Bill 205, which mandates the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to change the structure of electric bills for investor-owned utility customers.
Due to the reduced volumetric totals, the base service charge structure aims to make the transition to clean all-electric vehicles and homes more affordable for customers.
The charge also creates a more equitable allocation of the physical infrastructure costs, according to Liberty’s webpage explaining the change.
Liberty explains that when fixed costs like system maintenance, wildfire mitigation, reliability upgrades, and regulated programs are all charged to customers through volumetric rates, high-usage households end up paying a disproportionate share of the physical infrastructure costs, while low-usage homes may not contribute proportionally to the upkeep of the system they rely on for grid connectivity.
Liberty expects the switch to result in little to no impact on average customer bills.
Looking for a loyal companion with a playful side? Meet Domino, a 1-year-old pup weighing just under 50 pounds who is ready to find the loving home he deserves.
Domino is a sweet, gentle boy who truly comes to life around other friendly dogs. Whether he’s playing in the yard, exploring on a walk, or simply enjoying the company of a canine buddy, his happy personality shines through.
Like many young dogs, Domino will blossom with a little time and patience as he settles into a new routine. He would thrive in a home with another friendly dog to help build his confidence and share in daily adventures. Once he feels comfortable, Domino is sure to reward his family with plenty of tail wags, affection, cuddles, and loyal companionship.
At just a year old, Domino has the perfect mix of youthful energy and a gentle nature, making him an excellent candidate for a family ready to help him continue growing into the amazing dog he’s meant to be.
If you’re looking for a four-legged friend who will brighten your days and enjoy life’s adventures by your side, Domino may be the perfect addition to your family. Come meet him and see how quickly he’ll steal your heart.
If you are interested in meeting Domino or learning more about him, please get in touch with one of HSTT’s Adoption Specialists, 530-587-5948 or adoptions@hstt.org. He is neutered, vaccinated, and up to date on his vaccines. To view more adoptable pets or to learn more about the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, visit, www.hstt.org.
CALIF./NEV. – While the national average for a gallon of gasoline held steady this week at $4.09, Californians and Nevadans continue to face rising prices. According to the AAA Weekly Fuel Report, the California state average rose seven cents from last week to $5.64, and the Nevada state average rose 12 cents from last week to $4.81.
Nationwide, gas prices are nearly a dollar higher than they were this time last year, driven largely by crude oil prices hovering around $80 per barrel amid lingering instability along the Strait of Hormuz.
“August brings some relief at the pump as road trips wind down and fall routines get underway for many families,” said Aldo Vazquez, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. “However, elevated crude oil prices could prevent that seasonal shift from starting just yet.”
Fuel Prices Around California:
San Francisco: $5.83
Oakland: $5.65
San Jose: $5.63
Sacramento: $5.59
Fresno: $5.56
Stockton: $5.47
Modesto: $5.47
Fuel Prices Around Nevada:
Las Vegas: $4.80
Reno: $5.17
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased last week from 8.94 million to 9.04 million. Total domestic gasoline supply remained flat at 211.3 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.9 million barrels per day.
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $5.20 to settle at $84.46 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 7.2 million barrels from the previous week. At 404.5 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year.
EV Charging
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 42 cents. In California, the average per kilowatt hour of electricity is 47 cents.
State Stats
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($5.64), Hawaii ($5.46), Washington ($5.11), Nevada ($4.81), Alaska ($4.73), Oregon ($4.64), Arizona ($4.42), Illinois ($4.34), Idaho ($4.30), and Montana ($4.28).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Indiana ($3.56), Texas ($3.64), Mississippi ($3.66), Louisiana ($3.68), Tennessee ($3.70), South Carolina ($3.71), Kentucky ($3.72), Oklahoma ($3.75), Alabama ($3.76), and North Carolina ($3.76).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (52 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (49 cents), California (47 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), Louisiana (46 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), Illinois (45 cents), Arkansas (45 cents), and North Dakota (44 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (30 cents), Missouri (32 cents), Iowa (33 cents), Utah (34 cents), Maryland (34 cents), South Dakota (35 cents), Nebraska (35 cents), Vermont (36 cents), New Mexico (37 cents), and Minnesota (38 cents).
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Keep Tahoe Blue and Arcade Belts have collaborated to create a limited-edition belt that not only secures garments but also protects Lake Tahoe.
10% of the proceeds from Arcade Belt’s Keep Tahoe Blue Belt go toward Keep Tahoe Blue and its mission to preserve Lake Tahoe.
With the lake as its muse, the belt design draws inspiration from Tahoe’s iconic blue waters, mountain landscapes and the active lifestyle it provides.
“More importantly, it represents a shared commitment to protecting the lake so future generations can enjoy it just as we do today,” Arcade Belts co-founder and CEO Tristan Queen said.
The belt features the Tahoe-based company’s signature performance stretch webbing for all-day comfort, a patented micro-adjustable A2 buckle system, and webbing made from 85% post-consumer recycled REPREVE® polyester.
“My favorite feature has to be the custom artwork inspired by Lake Tahoe,” Queen said. “It’s subtle enough to wear every day, but it tells the story of a place that means so much to our team and our community.”
The belt features custom artwork inspired by Lake Tahoe that is subtle enough for everyday wear.Provided / Arcade Belts
Keep Tahoe Blue has been working with Arcade Belts for over a decade now. “They were one of the first to join our Tahoe Blue Business program when it relaunched in 2024,” said Hailey Hawkins, Strategic Partnerships Manager for Keep Tahoe Blue.
The Tahoe Blue Business program brings Tahoe-minded businesses on board for partnerships and collaborations that benefit Lake Tahoe, whether it’s spreading the word, on-the-ground support, like cleanups and restoration work, environmentally conscious switches or financial support.
“If I could have businesses walk away remembering only one thing about our Blue Business program, it would be that small, meaningful choices add up to big protections for Tahoe,” Hawkins said. “Community partnerships, especially with businesses, are such an impactful part of protecting the Lake.”
In addition to giving 10% of belt proceeds to the cause, Arcade Belts has been the official business partner for Keep Tahoe Blue’s annual Labor Day Cleanup.
“They are passionate about ‘protecting where they play,'” Hawkins said, “Giving back is just in their DNA.”
The limited-edition belt is lightweight, machine washable, metal-free for easy travel, and built to handle everything from hiking and camping to everyday wear. Queen says it’s for people who want functional gear that also supports a great cause.
“It’s designed for anyone who loves Tahoe,” Queen added, “whether you hike, ski, bike, paddle, travel, or simply appreciate spending time outdoors.”
The belt is available at arcadbelts.com, the Keep Tahoe Blue online store, and select local retailers while supplies last.
“Lake Tahoe isn’t just where we’re headquartered,” Queen said, “it really is the fabric that ties all of our smaller local communities and tourist communities together.”
Vacation rental scams can be avoided with proper precautionsALL |
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It’s no secret that Lake Tahoe is one of the most sought-after destinations in the country – possibly even the world – drawing in around 15 million visitors every year. While you may be working hard to secure a place to stay during your visit, scammers could be working harder at attempting to take your money.
Many fraud-related property incidents occur because scammers steal listings and photos from real estate websites, Airbnb, and other vacation rental resources and pose as the property owner or manager, posting them on websites like Craigslist, and more recently, Facebook Marketplace.
Their prices may even be below market value with the hopes of luring people in. Once they hook an interested renter, they ask for money via Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo.
South Lake Tahoe is especially prone to these scam attempts, which may increase as local property management companies such as LocalVR South Lake Tahoe Property Management navigate through changes in South Lake Tahoe’s vacation rental market.
“With Measure T struck down in 2025 and the new ordinance passed this March 2026, additional short-term rental supply is being introduced to the market,” said Jasmine Slivka, COO of LocalVR.
The new Vacation Home Rental ordinance became effective on April 23, 2026, allowing for the return of short-term rentals with the requirement of permits and operational regulations.
“This is overall a good thing, but it does mean this can boost traveler demand and create more possible ‘scam-like’ scenarios from bad actors,” said Slivka.
Slivka noted that although they have not received any reports of scammers using their properties, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen.
“If LocalVR were to be made aware of a dupe/fraudulent listing, the take-down actions depend on the legitimacy of the platform and their own terms and conditions, if they have any. This can be a very hard job for property managers, big and large, to monitor and enforce,” she added.
According to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), it seems as though folks are catching on to these sly tricks up a scammer’s sleeve.
“We have not had any VHR (vacation home rental) scams reported to us in 2026,” said Lt. Scott Crivelli with the SLTPD.
No reports could signify precautions are actively being taken by prospective visitors. However, folks are encouraged to stay vigilant.
“Go through Airbnb, VRBO, or a reputable local property management company that you can confirm is real,” Crivelli warned.
Once you’ve sent a payment to a scammer, it becomes nearly impossible for law enforcement to assist in getting your money back.
“The scams can be pretty intricate,” said Crivelli. “A lot of times, it’s based overseas, and it’s a fishing line with nothing on the end of it.”
Legitimate property managers will usually have their own branded website, according to Slivka.
Below are tips from LocalVR to protect your peace of mind and keep your wallet safe:
Search for company reviews online – Google Business pages, Yelp, TrustPilot
Ensure the property you are booking also has real guest reviews from previous travelers. Be very cautious of brand new listings with zero reviews. If you are booking on Airbnb/VRBO, you can see if the Host has other “real” properties/listings which can help build trust.
Review the property manager’s rental agreement before providing payment details or confirming payment.
Ensure all emails and communications come directly from the Property Management Company brand/domain, and if in doubt, call them directly to verify.
“I would never pay for a rental with Cash App, Venmo, Gift Cards, etc. and only with a credit card and a rental agreement, either through a platform like Airbnb/VRBO, or directly with the property management company. Credit card companies can really help mediate and protect travelers when an agreement is not satisfied,” Slivka said.
MINDEN, Nev. — For the millions of American families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, navigating a cognitive diagnosis is a deeply emotional, life-altering experience. As cognitive changes progress, families frequently reach a crossroads where balancing around-the-clock physical safety with a high quality of life becomes too complex to manage at home alone.
Too often, traditional memory care models have defaulted to rigid, institutional environments that prioritize clinical management over the human experience. A community in the heart of Carson Valley is establishing a completely different framework. Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley, located at 973 Ironwood Drive in Minden, is gaining regional recognition for its innovative, person-centered approach to cognitive care. Rather than viewing a dementia diagnosis as a closing chapter, the specialized “Journey Memory Care” program is explicitly designed to meet residents where they are, focusing on what they can achieve today rather than what has been lost.
The Five Pillars of the Journey Program
The cornerstone of the memory care neighborhood at Valage is its proprietary “Journey” framework. Grounded in the community’s overarching M.A.P.S. philosophy – which stands for Meaningful, Active, Personalized, and Safe – the program is structured around five foundational pillars designed to foster an atmosphere of comfort and belonging:
Living with Dignity: Cognitive impairment should never compromise personal independence. The community prioritizes resident choices, structured carefully to avoid overwhelming individuals. For instance, caregivers utilize simple two-option choices during daily interactions, like selecting between two clothing items or meal options to empower residents with agency and confidence.
Engage the Senses: Immersive, sensory-rich experiences are used daily to reduce anxiety and bypass traditional communication barriers. Professionals lead structured programming that engages touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste and utilize soothing music, aromatherapy, and tactile objects to promote relaxation and tap into positive memories.
Culinary Experiences: The community features gourmet culinary experiences with easily modifiable menus customized to resident needs. To spark connection, the chef leads cooking demonstrations and offers mealtime support in a relaxed setting.
Personalized & Holistic Care: Valage builds individualized wellness plans centered on each resident’s unique personal history, strengths, and remaining capabilities. This whole-person approach ensures that daily care and cognitive programming are tailored directly to their specific physical and emotional needs.
Team Approach: Certified caregivers communicate continuously with physicians, specialized local healthcare providers, and family members to ensure the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of the whole person are fully aligned.
An Environment Engineered for Comfort and Safety
The memory care neighborhood at Valage is thoughtfully designed as a safe, neighborhood-style environment that promotes familiarity, security, and comfort. The layout incorporates familiar décor, communal areas, and accessible outdoor spaces to encourage a deep sense of belonging among residents.
To provide complete peace of mind, the community implements familiar daily routines alongside advanced safety features, including specialized protections against wandering and the innovative “SafelyYou” fall-detection system. This advanced technology automatically detects over 99% of on-the-ground events, instantly alerting the 24/7 on-site professional team.
By allowing clinicians to accurately review individual incidents, the community can immediately implement precise prevention strategies rather than resorting to precautionary emergency room visits. On average, senior communities utilizing SafelyYou see a 40% reduction in overall falls and up to an 80% drop in fall-related ER visits.
Discover a Partnership You Can Trust
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is a noble but significant responsibility that can quickly lead to severe caregiver burnout. Transitioning a family member into the Journey Memory Care program at Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley allows families to step away from the overwhelming demands of round-the-clock caregiving and return to their most vital role: being a loving daughter, son, or spouse.
Local families are warmly invited to contact the community to ask questions, explore available residential floor plans, and experience this compassionate, secure neighborhood environment firsthand.
To learn more about current memory care availability or to schedule your personal, private tour, please contact the dedicated community line directly at 775-526-4377.
Christopher Jude Crow made his transition from this life on May 31, 2026. An astronomy enthusiast, he’d have liked that it was the night of a blue moon.
A true North Tahoe local, Chris was born at the Deer Park Lodge Ski Resort (now the site of the River Ranch restaurant) when a spring blizzard closed the “Truckee Shortcut” (Hwy. 267) and a subsequent avalanche closed Highway 89 as his mom was on her way to the hospital.
Chris attended Incline schools from kindergarten through graduation. He was a member of the baseball team, ran track and cross-country, and skied with the Far West Ski Team. He was always drawn to science and was one of a handful of students enrolled in the first computer science classes offered (with the inestimable science teacher, Johnny A!) After a couple of semesters of college, he decided to go into the trades. He got his start with Cangemi and Sons Plumbing in Incline Village and spent the 80’s building homes all over the North Shore. During that time, he served his community as a volunteer with the North Lake Tahoe Fire Department and as a little league baseball coach. He was a life-long member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church…as a boy he served as altar boy; as a skeptical yet spiritual man, he appreciated the wisdom and friendship of Father Bill and Father Jorge.
Chris was passionate about outdoor life in the mountains. He covered hundreds of miles of trails, hiking, skiing or 4-wheeling in the Ford pick-up he loved, and he always enjoyed being on the water. His favorite companions for his adventures were his many rescue dogs. Chris usually went to the shelter looking for the dog least likely to be adopted, so several wonderful dogs enjoyed great final years. In the last few years, Chris was seldom seen without his (favorite?!) dog, Raj. He found Raj, a young dog, lost and scared, on Hwy. 20, and the two developed a bond that was heartwarming to see. No doubt they’re now hiking in the forests and mountains of Heaven together.
Although Chris preferred dogs to people and solitude to crowds, he enjoyed events like concerts and ball games. He had the good fortune of travelling the country with his lifelong friend Paul, seeing iconic ballparks and athletes (pics of Chris & Paul range from Tahoe beaches when they were 2 years old to last year’s Giants-A’s game!) He was also a dedicated Deadhead, and he spent many of his vacations following Jerry and the boys. Locally, he attended Shakespeare at Sand Harbor productions almost every year from the early days of the shows (remember the days of just spreading a blanket at the beach?!), and he and Raj seldom missed Dog Days with the Reno Aces. Frequent trips with family to Giants games, Disneyland and along the California Coast were always memorable.
When at home, Chris had a wide range of hobbies. He particularly enjoyed model building. Along with his brother-in-law, he built and flew remote-controlled airplanes, and he constructed dozens of intricate models. He was fascinated with the US space exploration missions, and his collection of rockets and spacecraft was detailed and extensive. He made a personal study of astronomy. He was always aware of the phase of the moon and what was visible in the night sky. He often called his mom or his sister just to say, “hey, look at the moon!”
A plumber by trade, Chris was skilled in all facets of construction. In keeping with his independent nature, he spent the happiest years of his life creating an amazing off-the-grid homestead in the deep forest outside of Nevada City with his ex-wife and true friend, Christine. Their first year out there, lacking a proper vehicle for unplowed forest roads, they were snowed in for several days. He remarked that “I was ok until the hot chocolate ran out!” He loved his life in the forest and the wonderful friends he made while living and working in the Nevada City/Grass Valley area.
When his mom became ill in late 2020, Chris turned his life upside down to return to Tahoe and care for her. He moved back into his childhood home, where he chose to remain after her passing.
Chris was a complicated man, and his path in this life was seldom smooth. Those who knew him well will remember his devotion to Raj and love for all animals, his many talents, his boundless generosity, his wacky sense of humor, his kind heart and his courage.
Chris is survived by his cat Sheba and his sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Wayne Cromwell of Kings Beach, CA. A celebration will be held in September. For more information, please text or call 530-412-4229.
If you’d like to honor Chris’s memory, please consider a donation to the Gene Upshaw Cancer Center in Truckee, CA (heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff there…Chris loved you guys!) or to your favorite animal-based charity. Better yet, go to your local shelter and rescue a new friend.
Chris made the world a better place, and he is greatly missed.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – 32-year-old Amazon software engineer Yadessa Emiru Aga died in a drowning incident that occurred Monday evening at Sand Harbor.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the north Sand Harbor boat ramp following a report of a possible water rescue. Upon arriving, deputies observed an unresponsive adult male being brought to shore by bystanders.
Despite life-saving measures, Aga was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to a GoFundMe, Aga died while returning from a church conference and spending time with friends at Lake Tahoe.
Aga reportedly worked at Amazon as a software engineer and lived in Austin, Texas.
The fundraiser describes Aga as a beloved brother, son, friend, and man of deep faith, known for his kindness, warmth, and joyful spirit, adding, “To know Yadessa was to know genuine kindness, warmth, and joy.”
Donations from the fundraiser will help cover the remaining costs of bringing him home and paying for funeral arrangements in both the United States and Ethiopia.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev/Calif. – A heat wave is forecasted for the Greater Lake Tahoe area and surrounding valleys starting Friday.
Temperatures are expected to approach the 90s in Truckee, Kings Beach and other Tahoe regions.
Triple digits are expected in the valleys surrounding Lake Tahoe, including Sacramento, Carson City and Reno.
These elevated temperatures are forecasted through next weekend.
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a formal heat advisory for regions east and south of Reno, including Fallon.
🍦It's gonna be a hot one this week! Afternoon highs reach the triple digits for lower valleys, including Carson City and Minden, with highs near 90s for Sierra communities, including Truckee. Take breaks in the shade and stay hydrated this week! #nvwx#cawxpic.twitter.com/Kvc2SsMVwR
The Tahoe region notoriously receives a large influx of visitors as temperatures rise.
A 2023 study found that for every additional 10-degree surge in temperature, traffic flows increase by approximately 1,200 vehicles over two entry points into the Lake Tahoe Basin. Those numbers increase to over 1,400 when temperatures are over 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service reminds individuals to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned space, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.
“Hard to put into words how freeing it is,” Jimi Brenner said while taking a break from an afternoon at the downhill mountain bike trails. Brenner lives and works on an orchard around Auburn, he likes biking, he is into metal fabrication, and when he was 29, his car slid off the road into a big oak tree. He became paralyzed from chest down.
JIMI BRENNER on his adaptive bike. Trails for these bikes should be at least 58 inches wide, according to High Fives. Photo courtesy Jimi Brenner
Brenner found the hospital-provided wheelchairs not to his liking, so a year after his injury, he built his own. “I’ve always been the outdoorsy person,” he said. “I can’t get stuck inside much.”
Three years after his accident, Brenner rode a bike again. The bike was adaptive to his injury, lent to him at the High Fives Community Bike Day, a fundraiser open to everyone.
High Fives was launched in 2009 after its founder, Roy Tuscany, overshot a ski jump and became paralyzed from the waist down. Tuscany received help from his community and started High Fives to “prevent life-changing injuries and provide resources and hope if they happen.” Since then, High Fives has served over 1,000 athletes in a multitude of sports and funded more than 1,900 grants.
After receiving a grant from High Fives and the Kelly Brush Foundation, whose mission is “to inspire and empower people with spinal cord injuries to lead active and engaged lifestyles,” Brenner was able to buy one of the bikes, which start at $15,000. But he didn’t know where to ride it. “Auburn has a lot of real tight single track,” he said. “It’s hard to ride independently.”
In 2021, High Fives collaborated with Sky Tavern Bike Park, located off Mt. Rose Highway, to build a trail suitable for adaptive riders. “We wanted to include several [adaptive specific] design features,” said Becca Lefanowicz, director of brand and creative for High Fives. For instance, “that it would be wide enough for adaptive bikes that have a wider and longer frame.”
I DID IT! Estocado is triumphant after a downhill mountain bike run.
A High Fives adaptive trail must be at least 58 inches wide, a standard that unaffiliated organizations like Lee Canyon resort in Las Vegas have begun to copy. Because adaptive mountain bikes have a lower clearance than standard ones, the trail is also maintained to avoid what Lefanowicz calls “pinch points” — areas that would be too rocky for the low clearance of an adaptive bike. Brenner described the Sky Tavern trail as “super fun, super flowy.” It’s also one of two locations for the High Fives Community Bike Day in June, July, and August this year.
Since the Sky Tavern installation, High Fives has put in another adaptive-friendly trail at Sierra Vista in Reno.
“Most trails are not too far off,” Brenner said, “there’s maybe just a little something on them [that makes them not suitable for an adaptive bike].” But on Brenner’s new-model Bowhead Reach with a tilting mechanism, he said that “98, 99% of the trails — I can ride on them.”
ALL SMILES: High Fives collaborated with Sky Tavern Bike Park, located off Mt. Rose Highway, to build a trail suitable for adaptive riders, which Estocado happily bombs down. Photos courtesy High Fives
Brenner said it’s big news in his community when a new trail like this is put in. “It’s more open space you can get out and explore.” This, he said, is the point. And Lefanowicz added that the word she most commonly hears from people who use the adaptive trails is “independence.”
There was a moment at the second-ever Gambler’s Run in 2024 when The Main Squeeze was covering Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” and it all kind of came together for Crystal Bay Casino’s production/marketing manager Sam Shear.
“It was right at dusk,” he said. “The golden hour light. The energy of the band, the energy of the crowd. It was epic. All the work we’d done, a lot of things had to line up to make that moment happen.”
MUSICAL CONNECTION: A festivalgoer and a musician are in sync during a daytime set.
Things did line up and that moment did happen. More moments happened last year and more moments will happen in 2026, the festival gaining momentum like some incendiary fiddle solo played against a devil down in Georgia. This year, the String Cheese Incident leads its biggest lineup yet, headlining three days of deep-pooled musicality with their Thursday night set.
Formed in Colorado a good 30 years ago, the band has shredded strings and lit up audiences around the world with its bluegrass meets funky-country-rocky-jazzy-reggae-infused sound that offers a pinch of psychedelia and throws in a warm breeze
for good measure.
IT’S ALL GRATITUDE AND GOOD TIMES in the front row at dusk at Gambler’s Run.
The band’s name stems from a cheese-heavy food fight the members had in a bar back in the ’90s. They’ll be coming off a two-night run at Red Rocks Amphitheater before rolling the dice in Crystal Bay as part of their five-month Just Keep Spinning tour.
Red Rocks has a 9,500-person capacity, a typical venue size for the band. Gambler’s Run, on the other hand, is capped at 1,000. A faraway lawn seat won’t exist at the festival, and access to the front rows won’t cost $500-plus — so fans will see and hear and feel the cheese-grating up close.
“String Cheese is about the biggest act we can get,” Shear said. “We’ve had them in the Crown Room, but this is a new time for a new setting.”
That setting is outdoors. That setting is intimate. That setting is Tahoe air and golden hour light and the mysteries of the night. And visuals.
“A lot of focus is also on the art, the eye candy of the festival,” said Shear, who was coy with details to not give away too much and spoil first-impression surprise and intrigue. “It’s an all-encompassing experience. We’ll transform the festival grounds as much as possible.”
Those adorned grounds will be played from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with the gates opening at 3 p.m. for food and craft vendors, and high-energy afterparties in the Crown Room raging until midnight or so.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters headlines Friday’s lineup with its own sweet Colorado-born style that has continued to evolve and delight music lovers since its 1993 platinum rock album Sister Sweetly, featuring the decade’s iconic and seemingly immortal (for good reason) “Bittersweet.” The soulful sounds and rhythmic beat of The California Honeydrops will get Saturday night’s airs swirling and the dancefloor moving.
But Gambler’s Run isn’t just three consecutive big-name concerts; it’s a music festival that features eight hours of music per day and over 10 bands that run the gamut. Also performing are the Humboldt funk machine Diggin Dirt, the electronic-instrumental synthesis of the groovy Octave Cat (featuring Jessie Miller of Lotus), and the Nashville-based Grateful Dead-influenced punk rockers Sicard Hollow, among others.
Sicard Hollow’s guitarist Alex King shared his thoughts: “We love music festivals, casinos, and lakes. Gambler’s Run is a perfect place … because it crosses off all three of those boxes. Let’s party.”
Three-Pronged Event
In addition to the intrepid tunes and dynamic art, Gambler’s Run also features a core contingent of activities and activism at its nonprofit village.
The nonprofit tine is a who’s who of local ecological stalwarts: Keep Tahoe Blue, Sierra Nevada Alliance, Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), UC Davis, Restoring My Lake; and, from Colorado, Conscious Alliance. Each entity helms an interactive booth and leads an engaging activity that ties back to its message. Festival-goers are provided a punch card; punches are earned by doing the activities; completing all the activities gains entry into drawings for signed posters and other rad prizes.
A main component of the activism for the festival itself focuses on sustainability. “When we started Gambler’s Run four years ago now, we were like, ‘We are in Lake Tahoe, we should be as conscious of our environment as possible.’”
THE OUTDOOR GROUNDS at Gambler’s Run hosts bands from 4 to 10 pm. before the event moves into the Crown Room for the afterparties.
A main cog in that activism/sustainability wheel was to phase out plastic cups by phasing in aluminum ones. The CBC began doing so at the first Gambler’s Run in 2023 and it’s now become standard practice at every show it hosts. No single-use plastic cups, not one; stats showing the switch having already saved close to 100,000 plastic cups and thousands of plastic water bottles from ending up in landfills.
That’s the type of action that helps the world keep spinning and the music keep playing. And summer music festivals right here in the Tahoe Basin, without having to undertake some distant drive in some super-hot direction, are a good thing too.
“If you’re a local,” Shear concluded, “you know the Crystal Bay Casino; what we do is live music. This is our masterpiece — three days of music, art, activism. Come on over and hang out.”
Wade Snider, master photographer, believes that every photo taken should be planned for months. In accordance with his tight hierarchy of strict guidelines, he camped out for ages, waiting for this exact photograph. On day 90, lightning struck. The beagles lined up. The bear was there. All he had to do was hit the shutter. The world softened for a bit. The birds, awestruck, quieted their ritualistic song. When the day returned to focus and time resumed ticking, all that was left was a photograph. Seen here.
With summer in full swing, the Cancer new moon on July 14 offers a welcome invitation to slow down, to rest, and to reconnect.
On July 18, Uranus in Gemini trines Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, an amicable transit that highlights both the tension and harmony between abstract ideas and collective technological transformations underway. Two days later, Jupiter in Leo forms a trine to Neptune retrograde in Aries, while also opposing Pluto — encouraging examination of values and relationships to the world’s changes.
The sun enters Leo on July 22, followed by Mercury coming out of its retrograde transit on July 24. Expect a certain momentum to return to a plan of yours that’s been stalled.
A major collective shift occurs on July 26 as the north node enters Aquarius and the south node enters Leo. This new nodal cycle will be playing out for 18 months and encourages us to participate more consciously in worldly happenings.
Leo-season energies amplify on July 29 when Jupiter conjoins the sun during a full moon in Aquarius. With Pluto in conjunction to the full moon, this lunation brings expansive emotional and subconscious transformation. Pay attention to what needs to be released as well as what’s coming up that needs to be celebrated.
Venus enters Libra on August 6. This will bring balance, a focus on beauty, and an inclination to socialize. August 7 and 8 may feel more reactive, with the Gemini moon transiting first Uranus and then Mars. To give yourself time to take in the full picture, endeavor to pause before responding to things.
On August 12, we have a powerful solar eclipse. The Leo new moon also joins the south node, with Jupiter and Mercury also in Leo. This day will illuminate old stories of identities and patterns that may surface for review.
NATURAL MAGIC
There are many transits happening in this time that relate to collective change and how that is personally significant, highlighted by the nodal shift into the signs of Aquarius and Leo exactly on July 26; consider setting aside twenty minutes a day between July 19 and August 2 to honor both the transition and your own evolutionary growth. Begin with ten minutes of heart-centered meditation. Place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly, breathing slowly as you imagine your awareness dropping from your head to your heart.
Then spend ten minutes reflecting and journaling. Consider these prompts: When I shift perception from my head to my heart, what changes within me?What is my unique gift to the world? How can I use my creativity in service to something larger than myself?
Bees. These remarkable bugs are more than just fuzzy visitors to flowers or “scary” insects that sting. They are vital pollinators who play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our mountain ecosystems and the planet as a whole.
When most people think of bees, they picture the classic honey bee: living in its bustling hive, making honey, and serving the queen. However, honey bees are not native to North America and their highly social lifestyle represents only a small fraction of the world’s bee species.
In fact, the vast majority of bees around the world and in the Sierra Nevada are solitary, up to 85% living quiet, independent lives that often go unnoticed by humans. In these species there are no queens, no workers, and no hives.
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A SWEAT BEE (Halictidae) nuzzles into flax in South Lake Tahoe. Photo by Nina Miller/Moonshine Ink
Van Dyke’s Bumble Bee (Bombus vandykei) atop a sage in Truckee. Photo by Will Richardson
A MASON BEE (Osmia montana) visits a Senecio in Page Meadows above Tahoe City. Photo by Will Richardson
Rather, every female bee is essentially a one-bee construction crew, food gatherer, and parent all rolled into one. After snowmelt, they find or build suitable nests, collect nectar and pollen, and create a carefully stocked nursery for future offspring. After supplying the nest chamber with food, the female lays a single egg, seals the chamber, and begins the process of preparing the next chamber for another egg. Once her work is complete, her life cycle comes to an end and the next generation develops during the winter months to emerge in the spring.
Meanwhile, male bees have a simpler life. Their lifespan lasts only a few weeks and equates to: emerge, compete to find a mate, reproduce, and that’s about it.
Native Tahoe/Truckee bees come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some wear the familiar yellow-and-black striped patterns while others look like tiny flying jewels, shimmering in the sunlight with their metallic greens, blues, or bronze. When identifying whether an insect is a bee, a helpful clue is to look for yellow, dusty pollen clinging to its body. Female bees often carry pollen on specialized hairs attached to their legs called corbiculae (or “pollen pants”), and other species will tote it on the underside of their abdomens.
Tahoe/Truckee Bee Diversity
One of the most interesting solitary bees around Tahoe/Truckee are leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.). These tiny architects carefully cut out near-perfect circles from leaves or other plant material and carry them back to their nests. They then use the leaf pieces to form the structure of their nursery chamber cells, and, like wallpaper, the leaf material lines and protects the chamber to promote growth of beneficial microbes.
Gardeners sometimes notice the neat circular holes left behind by the leafcutters and wonder, “What happened?” Fortunately, it’s most often good news. The holes rarely harm the plant as a whole, and the “damage” is little more than a tiny rental fee, paid in exchange for excellent pollination services.
Mason bees (Osmia spp.) include another type of solitary bee found in our area. These small critters have dark bodies and an often iridescent sheen, and can easily be mistaken for a fly. However, they are all bee: widely considered some of nature’s most efficient pollinators. A single female has been known to pollinate up to 2,000 blossoms in one day.
Her pollinating power comes from how she carries pollen. Instead of packing it tightly on her legs, the mason bee female carries it loosely on the underside of her body, allowing her to transfer more pollen between flowers. Around Tahoe/Truckee you can find mason bees living in natural cavities such as hollow stems and holes in wood, but they will also readily occupy homemade bee boxes with paper or cardboard nesting tubes placed near flowering plants (a fun project for your yard).
For other bees, that patch of exposed dirt in your yard or a downed log out back can be prime real estate too, so leave them be!
Of course, no discussion of Sierra buzzers would be complete without mentioning bumble bees (Bombus spp.). The fuzzy giants of the bee world, bumble bees are larger, louder, and easier to spot than many of their smaller relatives.
Unlike most of the area’s native bees, bumble bees are social insects, forming small colonies led by a single queen and supported by a female workforce. Their colonies, however, function very differently from honey bee hives. As fall approaches, the workers die off, leaving only the newly mated queens alive, seeking shelter underground where they overwinter beneath the snowpack. When spring arrives, each queen emerges to build an entirely new colony from scratch.
Truckee/Tahoe is home to several bumblebee species, including the endangered Western Bumble Bee (Bombus occidentalis). Not long ago, at Sagehen Creek Research Station, Dr. Nina Sokolov of UC Berkeley found 23 Western Bumble Bees in just 45 minutes, a remarkable find given this species is endangered and difficult to find across the state of California. Perhaps Truckee is a hotspot for this species? More research and time will tell, but for now this is encouraging for Bombus occidentalis.
Supporting the Bees That Support Us
Bees play a critical role in maintaining our region’s biodiversity. Their services support the plants that provide food and shelter for countless other species, while encouraging outcrossing among the plants themselves, increasing genetic diversity and creating stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities of organisms.
Sadly, not all news is good, and our bees face many challenges. Habitat loss, disease, pesticide exposure, and climate change all threaten native bee populations. Habitat loss from human development destroys both nesting sites and the flowering plants bees depend on. Pesticides may directly harm the pollinators or indirectly kill the plants they rely on. Climate change creates timing mismatches between flowers and the bees’ emergence.
Fortunately, communities throughout our nation are recognizing the importance of protecting pollinators, and Truckee has an exciting opportunity to join that effort. The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is leading the charge to designate the Town of Truckee as an official “Bee City.” TINS and other partners through Bee City USA intend to protect native pollinators through education, habitat restoration, and conservation. While the designation is an important milestone, its true value lies in the community actions that follow.
POLLINATORS: One of Truckee/Tahoe’s most common and widespread bumble bee species, Yellow-faced Bumble Bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) visiting a yarrow and showing a packed pollen basket. Photo by Will Richardson
Residents can help in surprisingly simple ways; planting native flowers and leaving patches of bare soil, dead wood, and dried stems all work to create nesting opportunities. Even participating in community science projects using iNaturalist, a free app that helps identify plants and animals while collecting data for science and conservation, can help researchers better understand local bee populations. In this way, every yard, garden, school, neighborhood, and human can become part of the solution.
So, the next time you hear a faint buzz while hiking a trail, walking through a meadow, or tending your garden, take a closer look and try to appreciate the bee for who it is and what it does.
These remarkable insects may be small, but their impact is enormous. Quietly and tirelessly, our native bees sustain the wildflowers, forests, and vibrant landscapes that make the Sierra Nevada the wonderful and biologically diverse place that it is.
