(The Center Square) – At the last minute on Tuesday, the California Assembly did not take up a wildfire bill that aimed to help victims who lost their homes.
Senate Bill 492, authored by Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, and Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Irvine, was intended to improve wildfire mitigation efforts. According to the bill analysis, victims of wildfires likely caused by utility equipment would be able to submit claims to the state, and would have allowed them to reject or accept a settlement offer.
SB 492 would also have put a stay on any litigation for a period so wildfire victims could have the chance to decide whether to accept a settlement.
According to the state’s bill tracker, SB 492 was ordered to a third reading as of Sunday. The last day to take up the bill was Tuesday, before either chamber of the Legislature adjourned.
“SB 492 will not advance today,” Becker said on the Senate floor early Tuesday afternoon, just after the Assembly adjourned for the year. “We’ve spent months, and I want to thank the whole group, particularly the whole caucus, who spent months listening to the wildfire victims, working through difficult issues and bringing together stakeholders, legislators and the governor in an effort to make a meaningful difference now.”
The three-party agreement, Becker said, was a direct result of talking to wildfire survivors who lost homes and loved ones in wildfires.
“Many are still struggling to rebuild, and waiting for the compensation they need to move their lives forward,” Becker said. “They need relief and delay only prolongs suffering. SB 492 would help victims receive compensation faster, strengthen wildfire prevention and preparedness, protect survivors from profiteering, and hold utility executives personally accountable when their utility equipment causes catastrophic wildfires.”
The failure of the measure to pass at this late stage means it is dead for the year, as the Legislature adjourned its 2025-26 session early Tuesday afternoon.
Senate leadership said on Tuesday that the lack of a final vote on the bill on the last day of the session was unfortunate.
“Thousands of survivors made their voices clear,” Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, said on Tuesday. “They needed reform to ensure the next wildfire does not continue to cause the mental and financial stress that recent disasters have placed on Californians. We stand ready to take this on in 2027 to ensure wildfire survivors are protected, that our state has the tools it needs to tackle mitigation, and that the voices of everyday Californians are heard.”
Senate Pro Tem President Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, speaks about affordable housing at a Capitol press conference in Sacramento, June 23, 2026. Behind her is Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Napa, who also spoke at the conference. Photo: Madeline Shannon / The Center Squareimage-1
The Center Square on Tuesday was not able to reach Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Davis, and Assembly Minority Leader Alexandra Macedo, R-Tulare, to ask questions about the lack of a vote.
The Assembly’s failure to vote on the bill follows an Aug. 19 protest in Sacramento, held by Eaton Fire survivors. The Center Square previously reported that the group hoped to draw attention to the need for lawmakers to follow through on their promise to allocate $25 million from the state’s Community Aid for Rebuilding Equity Fund to help them rebuild destroyed and damaged homes in the Pasadena-Altadena area.
The Eaton Fire, according to a report from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, was started in January 2025 by an electrical event caused by transmission towers owned by Southern California Edison.
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Lake Tahoe Community College men’s soccer team’s 2026 season is off and running following its opening week of non-conference play.
The Coyotes, under first-year head coach Carlos Trujeque Leal, battled City College of San Francisco to a 1-1 draw in the regular season opener on Aug. 27 before falling narrowly on the road to No. 10 Evergreen Valley, 2-1, the following evening.
“We are excited that the regular season has kicked off and we’re continuing to work hard to get that first win,” said Trujeque Leal. “We are close to seeing it happen.”
LTCC (0-1-1) has reason to be optimistic with a two-week, four-game homestand starting this Friday, Sept. 4. They’ll open it up against No. 18 Folsom Lake (Fri., Sept. 4), American River (Tues., Sept. 8), No. 17 De Anza (Fri., Sept. 11), and Chabot (Tues., Sept. 15).
City College of San Francisco 1 – Lake Tahoe 1 Box Score
The Coyotes got the Trujeque Leal era started on the front foot in Thursday’s regular season opener against CCSF.
Joseph Gonzalez and Mason Franks played a clever give-and-go above the area, with Franks releasing Gonzalez into the box. Gonzalez took it with his left and curled it into the upper-right corner to hand the Coyotes the lead in the 30th minute.
LTCC held the advantage into the break, but surrendered the lead six minutes into the second half. Brandon Cardenas finished off Issac Heredia Pantoja’s cross for the equalizer in the 51st.
The teams showed that both had some early-season conditioning struggles to work through in the final 40 minutes, as they combined for six cards the rest of the way.
LTCC’s Brandon Carreto saw his second yellow in the 80th minute, and the Coyotes did well to see the draw through while down to ten men. Starting goalkeeper John Gonzalez did his part with seven saves on the day.
The following day, the Coyotes traveled nearly four hours to San José for a stiff test against 10th-ranked Evergreen Valley.
Joseph Gonzalez continued to show promise as the linchpin in the Coyote attack when he provided the assist on Ricardo Grajeda‘s first collegiate goal in the 55th minute.
LTCC put seven of its 11 shots on frame but could not find another in the 2-1 loss.
Benjamín Jónsson made his LTCC debut and tallied five saves between the pipes.
Cal Orey’s augmented book returns with new honey bee research, personal survival stories, a new and timely foreword, climate-focused reporting and Mediterranean diet healthy honey-based recipes.
In her new book, The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised & Updated (Kensington Publishing), Cal Orey cross pollinates incredible facts and stories about humans and honey bees. The fresh edition is a major expansion of the bestselling work, now with new research, updated recipes, and expanded storytelling. Here, she shares a Q&A, where she reveals insights on how honey can sweeten your wellness routine.
Q: What inspired your interest in a honey revival?
A: At Tahoe since 1999, I have penned the Healing Powers series—nine books on superfoods. Since the book on honey has had a long and successful shelf life (recently it got the #1 Top Rated label on Amazon) I thought it would be exciting to go back to the hives and science to see how much has changed in 15 years. The findings about honey and honeybees are mind-blowing.
Q: What gave honey the nickname “apocalypse food” anyhow?
A: Honey is touted for its amazing disease-fighting antioxidant power past and present-day—and this made its demand soar during the pandemic. Some beekeepers dubbed nature’s nectar the apocalypse food because of honey’s long-standing reputation as a durable pantry staple with deep historical and cultural significance. Also, during the years of COVID and post-COVID variants, research has shown honey can help boost the immune system and also quell a cough, soothe a sore throat and even energize you.
Q: Are there new things you discovered in the land of honey this time around?
A: Amazingly, yes, a lot has changed! The augmented edition also includes a more personal narrative layer. I share stories connected to rare blizzard conditions in Tahoe, a NASCAR driver’s-related life-threatening event, wildfire danger and a race against time, and a near-death experience that influenced my renewed focus on resilience, food choices and Mediterranean-style living. The updated book examines honey at a time when many readers are turning to minimally processed food alternatives to stay healthy.
Q: What about the vanishing honey bees?
A: A major focus of the sequel edition is the relationship between honey bees, environmental stress and the human food chain. I look at how extreme weather, wildfires and air quality, shifting seasonal patterns and climate-related pressures affects honeybee survival, pollination and foods that depend on bee-pollinated crops, including fruits, nuts and other agricultural products.
Q: What’s an interesting fact about honey that most people don’t know?
A: This expanded edition allowed me to return to honey through the lens of food, survival, honeybees, climate, recipes and personal experience. This book reflects my continued interest in how one natural ingredient can connect history, health, wildlife and the environment.
CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. She will be signing books at Reno Barnes and Noble bookstore on September 19. Her website is www.calorey.com
A model in an Oscar de la Renta design on the runway.Provided / Katy Jo Caringer
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – It’s safe to say that the 57th annual Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show, held on August 1 in partnership with Oscar de la Renta, was an all-around success as the event marked a record-breaking $1.67 million to support Keep Tahoe Blue’s mission of preserving Lake Tahoe.
First created in 1969, the Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show started with only 100 guests. Bill Blass, the original designer for the Fashion Show, made an iconic appearance on Rubicon Beach.
“They threw down plywood right onto the beach and Bill Blass presented his collection, barefoot, with just a handful of models,” said Kristin Keane, Major Gifts Officer for Keep Tahoe Blue. “People were sitting at picnic tables with boxed lunches. It was very humble beginnings, very lowkey grassroots, and suffice it to say, it’s been growing ever since.”
Throughout its 57 years, the Fashion Show has been presented all around the lake, from the West Shore to this year’s Incline Village, while expanding to become Keep Tahoe Blue’s largest fundraising event of the year.
“We welcomed, this year, around 470 guests,” said Keane, who noted that at the event’s peak prior to COVID-19, the Fashion Show had up to 640 guests present.
In 1999, Blass handed his designer reins to the legendary Oscar de La Renta to carry on Blass’ multigenerational tradition. Following de la Renta’s passing in 2014, Alex Bolen, CEO of the Oscar de la Renta brand, has continued to support the event to this day.
“Donations from private individuals are the vast majority of where we get our funding and financial support, and that allows us to respond to whatever the threat is that pops up at that time,” said Chris Joseph, Communications Director at Keep Tahoe Blue. “We have the ability to be nimble, but also try new things.”
Currently, with the looming threat of invasive species like golden mussels, which made appearances on intercepted boats in both 2025 and this year, Keep Tahoe Blue can utilize these funds to continue prevention efforts.
“It’s kind of like a superpower,” Joseph added, “the donations from private individuals that come from events like these.”
Joseph expressed that among his favorite highlights of the event, the change of pace from their day-to-day, lake-focused volunteer efforts to a full blown fashion show is always a treat to witness.
This year’s Oscar de la Renta Pre-Spring 2027 Collection featured chic, soft florals and vibrant, garden-inspired colors and designs – all with the shimmering, turquoise-blue waters of Lake Tahoe as a backdrop.
Records were shattered as the event accumulated a staggering $1.67 million in funds raised, totaling $30 million raised for Lake Tahoe conservation since the Fashion Show’s inception in 1969.
“Each year, our goal is to have as much positive impact for the lake as possible,” Keane said. “We partner with different corporate partners who can have a big impact, too, and that’s another way for us to generate more funding for the lake.”
Keep Tahoe Blue staff members — Katie Craven, Noa Banayan, and Jesse Patterson — pause for a photo between conversations with guests.Provided / Katy Jo Caringer
In addition to the organization’s partnership with Oscar de la Renta, Keep Tahoe Blue’s sponsorships and collaborations this year included Bentley Motors and Arc Boats, along with brands such as Freya, Cicada Jewelry, True Wander Travel, Bridget Giroux Design, and Team Blair Tahoe.
Raffle and auction prizes featured Oscar de la Renta and Edgewood Tahoe Resort gift certificates, an alligator bag by Leffler Leather Goods, an Eric Zener art print and a season subscription to the San Francisco Ballet paired with a stay at The Huntington Hotel.
A special tribute was also given to Fashion Committee member Barbara Brown, a long-standing Lake Tahoe Local whose 20 years of service was recognized at this year’s show, marking her final year as a committee member.
“This year, seeing tables of guests with grandmother, daughter, granddaughter – the families and individuals that keep coming back to support Keep Tahoe Blue through this event, I think it really speaks to the faith that they have in our organization to do good over the long-term,” Joseph said. “A lot of the problems facing Tahoe are not things that are solvable in a year or two. Sometimes, they take 10 to 15 years and it’s cool that they give us the support to stick with it and see those problems through to the solution.”
To learn more about Keep Tahoe Blue or ways to get involved, visit keeptahoeblue.org.
Keep Tahoe Blue’s CEO Darcie Goodman Collins speaks to the crowd about the lake-saving mission behind the 57-year-old event. Provided / Katy Jo Caringer
Keep Tahoe Blue’s 2026 class of interns — Anna Foehr, Payton Runkle, Aven Keck, and Rose Barber — posing on the runway. Provided / Katy Jo Caringer
The runway and pavilion on the shoreline in Incline Village. Provided / Katy Jo Caringer
Keep Tahoe Blue volunteers Ron Kline and Linda Kenney enjoying the event. Provided / Katy Jo Caringer
When you think of a badger or a wolverine, you probably picture a fierce, powerful predator and you’d be right. These tough mammals are part of the family Mustelidae, the weasels, and can occasionally be found in Tahoe alongside several other members of the weasel family. The longest of them all, with some adults reaching four feet in length, is the River Otter, which has certainly been making headlines lately.
The Tahoe region is home, at least occasionally, to seven species of mustelids, including not only the aforementioned North American River Otter, American Badger, and Wolverine but also their cousins, the Long-tailed Weasel, American Short-tailed Weasel, American Mink, and Pacific Marten. Some of these animals can look quite similar, while others appear very different from one another, but they all share characteristics typical of the family: elongated bodies, relatively short legs, small rounded ears, short skulls, and dense fur. Depending on the species, mustelids can be terrestrial, arboreal, or aquatic, with river otters and mink particularly well adapted to life in and around water.
Will Richardson, Executive Director at the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), is not surprised that so few Tahoe residents know that we have otters here: “We have been closely tracking the dramatic return of river otters to the area over the last 15 or so years, both through staff observations along the Truckee River and around Donner and Lake Tahoe, as well as through photographs and reports shared with us by members of the community.”
River Otters are a natural part of Tahoe’s environment.Provided / Doug Jones
“They are not new invaders to Tahoe, but they were largely absent from the region for many decades, having been trapped out from most of the watershed,” Richardson said. “And for a lot of folks, it can be a little tricky telling them apart from a Mink. Nevertheless, they are a natural part of the region’s wildlife community and are well adapted to living in and around our cold, high-elevation waterways, and seem to be thriving as they repopulate the area.”
In summary, river otters inhabit Tahoe and belong here.
The Otter Incident: Rare but Real
Recently, a swimmer in Lake Tahoe was bitten and injured by a North American River Otter during an open-water swim. The encounter was certainly surprising and understandably generated a lot of attention.
As someone who teaches people about Tahoe’s wildlife, I was surprised by the encounter, but I was also not surprised that an otter, related to other fierce weasels could behave this way. River otters are extremely effective predators, and their bodies are built for hunting in the water, with webbed feet, powerful tails, dense waterproof fur, and strong jaws. Their playful and curious behavior can make them fun to watch, but it is important to always remember that they are wild animals.
We also should not assume we know exactly why this particular otter attacked the swimmer. Without knowing the circumstances from the animal’s perspective, it would be difficult to speculate about its motivation. What we do know is that wild animals can react defensively when they feel threatened, surprised, cornered, or otherwise disturbed, especially with a pup nearby. The best way to avoid a negative wildlife encounter is to give animals plenty of space and allow them a way to move away from us.
Is this attack common? Short answer, no. Did it happen? Yes. Could it happen again? Potentially. It is not unprecedented in the region. In 2023, river otters attacked multiple people in Serene Lakes, near Donner Summit.
I think the bigger lesson is not that people should be afraid of swimming in Lake Tahoe but be aware that we live in a place where people and wildlife share the same landscape. When we hike, swim, paddle, camp, ski, or explore around Lake Tahoe, we are recreating in wildlife habitat. We cannot control what wild animals do and occasionally we may encounter them in unexpected places. That is part of living in a wild landscape alongside other predators that call Tahoe home, including bears, mountain lions, and, increasingly heading our way, wolves.
Does that mean the swimmer should have known this could happen? Absolutely not.
This was an unlucky and unusual encounter, and there is no reason to suggest that she should have expected it, especially in an open-water swimming context, and we feel terrible that it happened. But it does give all of us a good reminder about how to interact with wildlife. Watch them. Photograph them. Learn about them. Enjoy seeing them but most importantly, give them space.
Cute but NOT Cuddly
It is unfortunate that an unusual encounter can overshadow all of the amazing things we know about these animals. River otters are fascinating members of Tahoe’s ecosystem.
They are excellent swimmers and can remain underwater for several minutes at a time. Their dense fur helps insulate them in cold water, and they are active year-round. They can even use snow and ice to their advantage, moving across frozen surfaces by sliding on their bellies and bounding.
Their diet is largely aquatic, with fish and crayfish among their favorite foods. Will Richardson recently shared with me how their intelligence and adaptability has led them to take advantage of novel prey at Point Reyes National Seashore, where they have learned how to drown Brown Pelicans as they swim in the estuaries.
As predators, they play an important role in the streams, rivers, and lakes wherever they live. They are capable of traveling on land by walking, running, or sliding and can move between tributaries and watersheds in search of food and suitable habitat. And if you have ever seen river otters playing, swimming, feeding, grooming, or sunning themselves along the water, you know just how fun they can be to watch.
Wild animals deserve the opportunity to remain wild, and the best wildlife encounter is one where both you and the animal get to walk, swim, or slide away safely.
Enjoy articles like this? Consider supporting TINS, your local research nonprofit dedicated to understanding Tahoe’s wildlife and educating the community about the natural world around us. www.tinsweb.org.
STATELINE, Nev. – South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass will appear in court again on Sept. 15 after a judge postponed his sentencing Tuesday morning at a Douglas County courtroom.
The judge issued the decision at what was supposed to be his sentencing hearing for a guilty verdict he received at a bench trial on Aug. 13 for harassment.
The continuation is the result of Bass’ attorney, Adam Spicer, requesting that the court allow Bass to take the stand to respond to witness comments made at the bench trial. Spicer said Bass did not make threats to the victim in the case, which the prosecutor’s closing arguments relied on.
The prosecutor argued that Bass had already exercised his right and did not testify. He also argued that the victims in the case are seeking a prompt resolution.
The judge stated that the delay would be felt by all parties, and that if there is justice to be heard, continuing the matter to the 15th would make any judgment conclusive and not subject to a later motion to reopen.
Bass’s attorney said at the hearing Tuesday morning that he would have his request filed by the end of the week.
The court proceedings are a result of Bass’ September 25 arrest last year after an altercation with a bouncer at AleWorx in Stateline, Nev.
Bass was originally arrested and charged with assault, trespassing, and harassment. The assault charge was later dropped.
Bass was found not guilty of the trespassing charge at the Aug. 13 trial.
Body camera footage and security camera footage released last year capture the AleWorx incident and Bass’ arrest.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Lake Tahoe is home to extraordinary talent, generous hearts, and a community that shows up when it matters most. On September 26, all three will come together for an unforgettable evening at Tahoe’s Got Talent, a community talent show benefiting Tahoe Youth & Family Services (TYFS).
Hosted at the iconic Harrah’s South Shore Showroom, this inaugural fundraiser will feature local performers, friendly competition, and plenty of entertainment, all while supporting a cause that impacts young people and families throughout our community.
More than a talent show, Tahoe’s Got Talent is a celebration of what makes our community special: neighbors supporting neighbors and investing in the next generation.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the show beginning at 6:00 p.m.
A Showcase of Local Talent
The evening will feature an exciting lineup of performers with deep Tahoe roots, each taking the stage to entertain, inspire, and compete for audience support:
Ashleigh Goodwin
Monica Gustafson
Maven Hayes
Mickey Holiday
Trella & Jesse Kalin
Phoenix Lopez
Taylor Rennee
Ryleynne Waller
From powerful vocal performances to unique acts that showcase the creativity and spirit of our mountain community, Tahoe’s Got Talent promises an evening filled with energy, heart, and unforgettable moments.
Although the performers will capture the audience’s attention, the evening’s real significance goes well beyond the stage.
Supporting Tahoe’s Youth
For more than 50 years, TYFS has been a lifeline for local youth and families, providing critical support when it is needed most. Through behavioral health services, mentoring, youth leadership development,
housing programs, and supportive services, TYFS empowers young people and families to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve lasting independence.
From helping youth experiencing homelessness find safe and stable housing to providing behavioral health support and opportunities for leadership and growth, TYFS is committed to building a stronger, healthier Tahoe community for generations to come.
Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship secured, and every dollar raised through Tahoe’s Got Talent directly supports these life-changing programs, ensuring local youth continue to have access to safe housing, trusted adults, behavioral health services, and opportunities to thrive.
“When we support our youth, we strengthen the future of our entire community,” said TYFS Executive Director Cheyanne Lane. “Tahoe’s Got Talent is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent that exists in our community while helping ensure every young person has the support, resources, and opportunities they deserve.”
Come Cheer, Vote, and Make a Difference
Audience members won’t just watch the competition. They’ll help decide it.
Every $1 donated equals one vote toward the People’s Choice Award, giving attendees the opportunity to support their favorite performer while directly investing in Tahoe’s youth.
Get Your Tickets Today
Whether you’re coming to cheer on a friend, enjoy a memorable night out with family and friends, support a local performer, or simply give back to a worthy cause, Tahoe’s Got Talent offers a unique opportunity to have fun while making a lasting impact.
Tickets are available now: $30 for adults 25+, $25 for youth ages 13–24, and children 12 and under are free. Go to www.tahoeyouth.org to purchase votes, tickets, and sponsorships.
Thank You to Our Community Sponsors
Events like Tahoe’s Got Talent are made possible thanks to the support of local businesses and individuals who believe in the power and potential of Tahoe’s youth. There are still sponsorship opportunities available. Join us in making a difference for Tahoe’s young people while showing your commitment to building a stronger, healthier community.
TYFS would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who have already stepped forward to support this event and invest in our community’s future.
Alpine Smith • Barton Health • Base Camp Pizza • Bert’s Café • Caesars Republic & Harrah’s • Chart House • Edgewood Tahoe • Encompass Youth • Genasci Family Dental Care • Irma D. Andersen Charitable Endowment • KRLT • Luna Lending Inc. • Meeks Lumber • Millennium Medical Spa • Sessions Salon • Side Street Boutique • Signs of Tahoe • Tahoe AleWorX • Tahoe Hacienda • The Lodge
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Tahoe Chamber is launching a new four-part Level UP: AI for Small Business Webinar Series, designed to help local business owners move beyond the buzz around artificial intelligence and learn practical ways to make AI work for their businesses.
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Beginning September 9, the series will guide participants through a progression from understanding whether their business is ready for AI to developing a strategy, selecting and connecting the right tools, and ultimately incorporating AI into regular business operations.
“AI is evolving quickly, and for many small business owners, knowing where to begin can be the biggest challenge,” said Jessica Grime, President & CEO of Tahoe Chamber. “We designed this series to make AI approachable and practical. Business owners don’t need to become AI experts; they need to understand where it can create value, which tools make sense for their business, and how to use them effectively.”
Each webinar builds upon the previous session while also providing standalone value, allowing participants to attend the entire series or select the topics most relevant to their business.
Provided
Webinar 1 | AI Readiness: Preparing Your Business for What’s Next
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Webinar (registration now open)
Every successful AI strategy starts with understanding where your business stands today. This interactive kickoff webinar will help business owners assess their current operations, identify recurring processes and tasks that may benefit from AI, and recognize opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity. Participants will also explore common misconceptions and important considerations around AI adoption, leaving with a clearer understanding of where to begin.
Webinar 2 | Build to Sell: Driving Holistic Growth & Enterprise Value Through AI
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Webinar Presented by Shamus McNutt, Founder, Volare AI
A valuable business should be able to operate and grow without everything depending on its owner. This strategic webinar will explore how AI can help reduce founder reliance, improve operational efficiency, capture institutional knowledge, and strengthen the systems that drive long-term enterprise value.
Whether the goal is growth, scalability, greater freedom from day-to-day operations, or an eventual sale, participants will learn how to approach AI as a business-building strategy rather than simply another technology tool.
Webinar 3 | Plugging AI In: Choosing the Right Tools and Connecting Them to Your Business
Wednesday, January 27, 2027 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Webinar Presented by Austin Rodriguez-Woodard, Founder, RW Business Services, LLC
With hundreds of AI platforms available, choosing the right technology can quickly become overwhelming. This practical webinar will help owners move from “AI sounds useful” to actually putting it to work.
Participants will learn how to evaluate AI tools based on the problem they need to solve, data privacy and security, accuracy, cost, and integration capabilities. Practical examples across marketing, sales, finance, recruiting, and operations will demonstrate how businesses can connect AI with systems they already use and start small without adding unnecessary complexity.
Webinar 4 | From Set Up to Systematized: Running AI Week to Week
Wednesday, February 24, 2027 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Webinar Presented by Amanda St. Laurent, Founder, Sonder North Co.
Implementing AI is only the beginning. The final webinar will focus on turning one-time AI wins into repeatable business habits.
Participants will learn how to establish an operating rhythm for recurring AI-assisted tasks, incorporate those tasks into existing routines, and create trust checkpoints to ensure AI-generated work remains accurate and reliable. A practical example will demonstrate the process in action, with participants leaving with a framework they can apply to a recurring task within their own business.
From AI Curiosity to Everyday Business Use
Together, the four webinars create a practical progression:
Prepare → Build → Connect → Systematize
The series is designed to help small businesses approach AI intentionally starting with their business needs rather than chasing the latest technology. By the conclusion of the series, participants will have a clearer understanding of where AI can add value, how to select and implement appropriate tools, and how to incorporate AI into sustainable business practices.
Registration is required. Webinars are free for Tahoe Chamber members and $10 for community members. Registration for the September 9th webinar is now available through TahoeChamber.org/events.
(The Center Square) – Bills tackling surveillance pricing, elderly parole eligibility, social media addiction and other issues passed in the California Senate on Monday, the last day of the 2026 legislative session.
One of those bills, Assembly Bill 2564, authored by Assemblymember Christopher Ward, D-San Diego, aims to keep retailers from using surveillance pricing to increase prices of their merchandise based on customers’ personally identifiable information, including age, gender, marital status, geolocation and online search history. That information is used to increase the price of products because of a customer’s perceived willingness to pay, lawmakers said on the Senate floor, according to a legislative analysis of the bill.
Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, who presented the bill in the Senate Monday, said the public believes that government lets businesses price gouge them, and without the Legislature passing the bill, the public would be right.
“This is all happening without you even knowing it, leaving you with no ability to negotiate or control what rates you see at checkout,” Wiener said. “At a time when prices for basic necessities are rising across the board, it’s more critical than ever to ensure that people aren’t being unfairly charged high prices because of their actual or perceived characteristics.”
Opponents of the bill said on the Senate floor on Monday the bill would affect discounts offered to customers who have club cards at places where they buy groceries or other necessities, which is the only way they can afford the things they and their families need.
“When I’m in my own district, people feel like they’re living in a rigged economy,” Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Napa, said on the Senate floor. “The price of everything is out of control. All they know is that their strategies, their club card, their discounts, that’s how they’re making it work.”
That bill ultimately passed 22 to 14. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Also on Monday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 907, which mandates sentences for those convicted of a hit-and-run accident that kills or hurts someone. The bill would apply to those who have previous DUI or gross vehicular manslaughter convictions in the past 10 years. The author of the bill, Sen. Bob Archuleta, D-Pico Rivera, introduced the bill after losing his granddaughter, Samantha Robles Haun, after a drunk driver hit her car and killed her just before Christmas 2024.
“[SB] 907 strengthens California’s DUI enforcement laws for repeat offenders,” Archuleta said on the Senate floor. “Senate Bill 907 includes two provisions that will protect California families from drunk drivers, improve road safety, hold repeat serial offenders accountable, and prevent future tragedy from occurring.”
Archuleta’s bill got bipartisan support on Monday, with senators on both sides of the aisle saying during debate that the legislation would save lives and that it was an important reform for the state.
“Thank you for the presentation on the floor, just to remind us of the severity of these offenses, and the responsibility we have to respond appropriately,” Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, told Archuleta. “I think this bill definitely moves in that direction.”
Other bills that came up for a vote on the Senate floor on Monday included Assembly Bill 2727, which increases the eligible age for elderly parole to 65 if an inmate has served 25 years of their sentence for specific sex crimes. That bill, authored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, D-Elk Grove, was introduced earlier this year as the California Board of Parole Hearings grappled with the release of two men in their 50s or 60s who were convicted of sex crimes against minors. They were both sentenced to life in prison, but after serving enough years, they both qualified for elderly parole, according to previous reporting by The Center Square.
“This bill is about protecting our children, families and communities from violent sex offenders who will still pose a significant risk when they are released,” said Sen. Susan Rubio, D-West Covina, when presenting the bill for a vote on the Senate floor. “This bill simply encourages something that’s really important, that individuals undergo sexual dangers screenings and we make sure we ask the right questions before we release them and put victims in harm’s way.”
Nguyen’s bill ultimately passed 37 to 0 on Monday before it went back to the Assembly floor for a final vote.
TAHOE CITY, Calif. – Four of the Lake Tahoe region’s most iconic restaurants offer their guests a way to give back to the local environment, and it’s added up in a major way. By leaving contributions of any size to their checks, guests at Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Riva Grill, Bar of America, and Sparks Water Bar have raised nearly $400,000 for the Tahoe Fund.
“When you visit one of these quintessential Tahoe restaurants, you’re not only enjoying an incredible meal or a signature Wet Woody, you can also give back to this special place and inspire others to do the same,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “We are so thankful for this longstanding partnership and their unwavering support of our work.”
This partnership is part of the Tahoe Fund’s $1 for Tahoe program. Created to offer a simple way for those who love Tahoe to help make it even better, $1 for Tahoe raises money to restore and improve the environment and enhance recreational opportunities through guest donations. Proceeds from the program support the efforts of the Tahoe Fund in its mission to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.
“We’re proud to have supported the work of the Tahoe Fund for over a decade,” said Tom Turner, CEO of Tahoe Restaurant Collection. “Thanks to our guests, every small act of generosity over the last ten years has made a big impact for Lake Tahoe.”
The funds raised from guest contributions goes directly to projects that help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, improve lake clarity, and make it easier to get around, enjoy, and take care of Lake Tahoe. Some of the projects that benefit include: innovative pilots to prepare communities for wildfire, restoration efforts in the Upper Truckee River watershed, and the next section of the East Shore Trail. To learn more about the various programs funded by Tahoe Fund, visit: www.tahoefund.org
Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Riva Grill, Bar of America, and Sparks Water Bar raised nearly $400,000 for Tahoe Fund. Provided / Tahoe Fund
Lake Tahoe is one of the most studied lakes in the world, and understanding what’s happening beneath its famously clear surface is critical to protecting its future.
On this episode of Tahoe TAP, hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway sit down with Dr. Stephanie Hampton, Director of the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center and a professor of environmental science and policy, for a conversation about the science behind Lake Tahoe and the challenges facing freshwater ecosystems.
A freshwater ecologist by training, Hampton has spent more than two decades studying lakes and the forces that shape their health and resilience. Her research has taken her from Lake Tahoe to Lake Baikal in Siberia, one of the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lakes, giving her a global perspective on the factors that keep aquatic ecosystems healthy — and the growing pressures they face from climate change and human activity.
Hampton’s work places her at the intersection of science, environmental policy and public understanding. In addition to leading the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, she currently serves as President of the Ecological Society of America and has held leadership positions with the National Science Foundation and Washington State University.
For a region where the health of the lake is closely tied to its environment, economy and quality of life, Hampton’s work offers an important look at what researchers are learning about Tahoe — and what those discoveries could mean for the lake in the decades ahead.
In this episode, Tahoe TAP explores the science behind Tahoe’s clarity, how changing environmental conditions are affecting freshwater ecosystems, what researchers are watching most closely, and how scientific research can help guide the decisions needed to protect the lake.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation with one of the country’s leading freshwater ecologists and get a deeper look at the science helping us understand — and protect — Lake Tahoe.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The City of South Lake Tahoe advises the public that road construction is scheduled to begin Wednesday, September 2. Motorists should reduce speeds in work zones, watch for workers and equipment, anticipate delays, follow posted traffic controls, and use alternate routes where possible. We strongly urge motorists to avoid Pioneer Trail between US 50 (Lake Tahoe Blvd) and Ski Run Blvd during construction.
Pioneer Trail Pavement Treatment
Where: Pioneer Trail, between US 50 and Larch Avenue What: Roadway surface treatment to extend the life of the pavement.
When: September 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16 Work Hours: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
Traffic Impacts/Detours: One-way traffic control for southbound will be in place. Northbound traffic will not be allowed during construction hours. Motorists should use alternate routes.
Provided / City of SLT
Pioneer Trail Pedestrian Improvement Project
Where: Pioneer Trail, between Larch Avenue and Ski Run Boulevard What: Road Reconstruction and Paving When: September 8 through October 2 Work Hours: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm (one lane will remain closed 24 hours a day)
Traffic Impacts/Detours: A 24-hour single-lane closure will be in effect for the entire duration of the construction period. Southbound traffic will be allowed through the work zone. Northbound traffic will be detoured at Ski Run Boulevard. Expect significant delays and use alternate routes. Thru traffic should consider using US 50 instead of Pioneer Trail
Pioneer Trail Road ConstructionProvided / City of SLT
Al Tahoe Boulevard Pavement Treatment
Where: Al Tahoe Boulevard, between Pioneer Trail and US 50 What: Roadway surface treatment to extend the life of the pavement. When: September 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16 Work Hours: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
Traffic Impacts/Detours: Single-lane closures with two-way traffic and significant traffic delays are expected. Motorists should use alternate routes when possible. South Tahoe Middle School pick-up/drop-off traffic should use US 50 and avoid Al Tahoe Boulevard.
Construction schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., — As summer winds down, black bears throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin are entering hyperphagia, a period of increased feeding activity as bears work to build the fat reserves they need for winter.
During hyperphagia, bears can consume as many as 25,000 calories a day and spend much of their time searching for food. This period typically continues through the fall until colder temperatures and diminishing natural food sources prompt bears to begin denning for the winter. In the wild, bears rely on naturally available foods such as berries, insects, seeds, grasses and other seasonal food sources.
Garbage, pet food, birdseed, coolers and other human attractants, however, can provide an easier and more concentrated source of calories. The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team reminds residents and visitors that while bears need to eat significantly more during this time of year, human food should never be part of their diet.
When bears repeatedly find food sources around homes, campgrounds, vehicles or neighborhoods, they quickly learn to associate people and developed areas with an easy meal. Food-conditioned bears may cause property damage, break into vehicles and homes, and create potentially dangerous situations for both bears and people.
Residents and visitors can help keep bears wild by taking the following precautions:
Secure garbage in a bear-resistant container and make sure it is properly latched.
Never leave trash outside or next to a full dumpster or garbage container.
Remove food, coolers, trash and other scented items from vehicles, and keep vehicle doors and windows closed and locked.
Never intentionally feed a bear.
Remove or properly secure attractants, including pet food, bird feeders, birdseed and livestock or chicken feed.
Pick ripe fruit from trees and promptly clean up fallen fruit.
Clean barbecue grills after use and store them securely.
When camping or recreating, use provided bear boxes and food-storage lockers, and make sure they are completely closed and latched.
Keep doors and windows secured when away from home or when rooms are unoccupied.
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team also urges motorists to remain especially alert for bears on area roadways as vehicle collisions involving bears have increased across the region this summer.
Drivers should slow down and watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn, dusk and at night when bears can be more difficult to see. If a bear crosses the road, motorists should be prepared for another bear to follow. When a sow is traveling with cubs, she may cross first, with one or more cubs following behind.
Motorists who see a bear near or crossing a roadway should reduce their speed, scan both sides of the road and give the animal plenty of time and space to cross safely.
Bears can be especially persistent in their search for food during hyperphagia. Anyone who encounters a bear near a food source should never approach the animal or attempt to take the food away. Give the bear plenty of space and an opportunity to leave the area.
Hyperphagia is a normal and important part of a bear’s annual cycle. By securing garbage and other attractants, never feeding bears and staying alert on area roadways, residents and visitors can help reduce human-bear conflicts and keep Tahoe’s bears wild. For helpful information about living responsibly with bears, visit tahoebears.org and bearwise.org.
To report human-bear conflicts:
If the issue is an immediate threat, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.
In California, contact the CDFW at 916-358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.
Non-emergency wildlife interactions in California State Parks can be reported to their public dispatch at 916-358-1300.
The Washoe County Planning Commission will be meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. The meeting can be viewed in person at 1001 E. 9th Street, Reno, Nevada 89512 or remotely at https://washoe-nv.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
Public Hearings
C. Amendment of Conditions WAC26-0011 (Waldorf Astoria) – [For possible action]
For hearing, discussion, and possible action to approve an amendment of conditions for Abandonment Case Number WAB21-0002 and Variance Case Number WPVAR21-0001 (Boulder Bay) to allow for a 5-year extension of time to June 1, 2031. This application is submitted by Lake Tahoe Partners, LLC. The subject property is located at 0 State Route 28, 5 State Route 28, 0 Wassou Road, 101 Lake View Avenue, and 47 Reservoir Road (APN’s: 123-071-04; 123-054-01; 123-052-02; 123-052-04; 123-053-06; 123-053-02; 123-053-04; 123-052-03; 123-071-37) and the parcel sizes are 0.644 ac; 0.996 ac; 0.28 ac; 3.23 ac; 1.24 ac; 1.42 ac; 0.184 ac; 0.28 ac; and 2.49 ac.
The proposal is being reviewed under Development Code Article 804, Variances, and Article 806, Vacations and Abandonments of Easements or Streets and is situated within Commission District 1. The site is currently governed by the Tahoe Tourist and Tahoe Residential Master Plan and has a land use designation of Tahoe-Crystal Bay Tourist and Tahoe-Crystal Bay regulatory zones, falling within the boundaries of the Tahoe Area Plan.
The South Tahoe Public Utility District is meeting Thursday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. at 1275 Meadow Crest Drive, South Lake Tahoe.
6. Items for board action
VertexOne VXsmart Customer Platform Contract Renewal Authorize the Acting General Manager to execute a three-year Contract with VertexOne with a total value of $106,304.09.
Consideration of Revision to Board Policy Regarding Designation of an Acting General Manager Adopt revised Board Policy Manual Section 4.1.5 – General Manager Absence, Vacancy, and Succession.
Resolution No. 3344-26 in Appreciation of General Manager, Paul Hughes Adopt Resolution No. 3344-26 in Appreciation of General Manager, Paul Hughes, for 18 Years of Service.
The Douglas County Commission will be meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. at 1616 Eighth St. Minden, NV. The meeting can be viewed at https://youtu.be/lEtF3lNdW7k.
Douglas County Liquor Board
7.1 For possible action. Discussion to approve the addition of Vice President and General Manager Arik Allan Knowles to the existing On-Site Unrestricted Retail, Packaged Retail, and Caterer’s Liquor License with Entertainment Endorsement and a Non-Restricted Gaming License for Premier Entertainment Tahoe, LLC, dba Bally’s Lake Tahoe. Arik Allan Knowles has signed a Waiver of Notice of Hearing. Premier Entertainment Tahoe, LLC, dba Bally’s Lake Tahoe, is located at 55 US Hwy 50, Stateline, Nevada 89449. (Captain Koontz)
7.2 For possible action. Discussion to approve the addition of Vice President and General Manager Arik Allan Knowles to the existing Adult Characterized Business License for Premier Entertainment Tahoe, LLC, dba Bally’s Lake Tahoe. Arik Allan Knowles has signed a Waiver of Notice of Hearing. Premier Entertainment Tahoe, LLC, dba Bally’s Lake Tahoe, is located at 55 US Hwy 50, Stateline, Nevada 89449. (Captain Koontz)
Community Development
12.2 For possible action. Discussion to review the Roots & Wings Preschool Program at Kahle Community Center and provide direction regarding possible changes to the program and fee structure for the 2027-28 school year. (Brook Adie, Community Services Director)
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — A new research report released by the California Partners Project—in partnership with the California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Aura, the Family Online Safety Institute, and the Stanford Social Media Lab—finds that California teens are not retreating from in-person friendship—they are actively seeking it.
The report, “Belonging in a Digital Age: Teens, Tech, & Third Places” draws on a statewide survey of over 1,000 teens ages 13–18 and focus groups with parents and caregivers.
“This research makes clear that teens themselves are asking for more places to gather, belong, and grow up in the real world. The path forward in a digital age runs through real-world investment — in parks, libraries, youth centers, and the community spaces where young people can connect and thrive.” Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California First Partner and Co-founder of the California Partners Project.
The findings point to a generation of digital natives that values face-to-face friendship and is asking for more third places — spaces beyond home and school — to gather, even as loneliness, AI companionship, and barriers to real-world time together reshape daily life for teens.
Key findings include:
More than half of California teens (54.3%) report experiencing some degree of loneliness in the past month.
Among teens who have used AI chatbots for friendship or social advice, 47.8% say they would use AI chatbots less if more places existed where they could connect in person.
Teens who report feeling unsafe (57.3%) or unwelcome (48.2%) in real-world spaces use AI chatbots at notably higher rates than the overall baseline of 36.7% — suggesting that for some teens, technology is filling a belonging gap, not just a logistical one.
When asked what makes a place feel like it’s for them, teens rank free or low-cost first (59.8%), followed by friends being there (56.1%) and feeling safe (54.7%).
This research reframes the policy question for teens in a digital age. Regulating the platforms shaping young people’s lives is vitally important, but the findings make the case for providing clubs, programs and spaces for youth, and building, funding, and sustaining them accordingly.
Boys & Girls Clubs and school-based extracurricular activities are exactly the kind of third places this research points toward — spaces where teens find connection, belonging, safety, and independence.
“For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have provided safe, supportive places where young people can grow and connect. This research, conducted with the California Partners Project, affirms what we see every day: teens want in-person connection with their peers, and they need free or affordable spaces where they feel safe and welcome. Across more than 1,000 sites in California, we will continue using these insights to adapt our work for today’s teens by providing mentorship, life skills programming, and positive environments where young people can find belonging.” — Sarah Bedy, Director, California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe aims to be a hub for teens.Provided / BGCLT
At Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, these findings are already shaping local investments in teen programming and opportunities for connection.
The expanded teen programs are part of Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe’s ongoing commitment to ensuring local youth have access to safe, welcoming spaces beyond school hours. This school year, the Angel of Tahoe Clubhouse will serve as a dedicated hub where teens can build friendships, connect with caring mentors, explore new interests, and develop skills that prepare them for future success.
This fall, the Angel of Tahoe Clubhouse will offer specialty opportunities in STEM, art, health and wellness, soccer, and cooking. Teen-focused offerings include Leaders in Training (L.I.T.), E-Sports Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Torch Club, LEGO Stop Motion Club, Pottery Club, Young & Hungry: Cooking & Food Skills Academy, BMX Club, and Girls and Boys Soccer Club. Together, these programs provide meaningful opportunities for teens to connect, belong, and thrive in an in-person environment.
“We are so excited to provide more opportunities for teens to connect, learn and really invest in their personal interests,” said Ali Eller, Program Director. “We’ll be changing programs throughout the year to keep things fresh and interesting and teens can come for one program or for everything.”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The City invites residents and visitors to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and people that make South Lake Tahoe unique at the 5th Annual Multicultural Celebration on Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bijou Community Park.
This free, family-friendly event will bring neighbors together for an uplifting day of live cultural performances, diverse food and beverage options, local marketplace vendors, hands-on activities, face painting, and opportunities to learn, connect, and share. The celebration reflects the many backgrounds, perspectives, and traditions that strengthen the South Lake Tahoe community.
Guests can enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment on the main lawn, including vibrant Brazilian samba from Samba Da Capital; a demonstration by Tahoe Mountain Aikido showcasing the discipline and flowing movements of traditional Japanese martial arts; island-inspired music from the SpiceIslander Steel Drum Band; and colorful traditional dance, music, and costumes from Diablos Mixtecos Oaxaca, celebrating the cultural heritage of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Families and attendees of all ages are encouraged to visit the free activity booths, where community partners will offer interactive, family-friendly experiences throughout the event. Activities will include opportunities to create, play, learn, and connect with local organizations serving South Lake Tahoe residents.
Community partners participating in the celebration include the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Commission; Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe; California Civil Rights Department; Child Advocates of El Dorado County (CASA); City of South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation Department; U.S. Forest Service; Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe; South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center; South Tahoe Parks Foundation; South Tahoe Public Utility District; Tahoe CERT Team; and Tahoe Youth and Family Services.
The event’s food and beverage area will offer flavors inspired by cultures from around the world. Attendees can enjoy selections from Cold Water Brewery, Fusion 2 Go, Honeybee Ice Cream Truck, Kabob to Go, Pop, Crunch, & Munch, and Sombreros. Marketplace vendors will also offer handmade goods, art, crafts, jewelry, local products, and other unique items.
City of South Lake Tahoe Multicultural Celebration. Provided / City of SLT
The City encourages attendees to bike, walk, carpool, or use public transportation when possible. The Lake Tahoe Bike Coalition will provide a free bike valet at the event entrance near the park’s main gates. Free Lake Link microtransit service and Tahoe Transportation District bus service are also available, with nearby stops on Routes 50 and 55.
Vehicle traffic will be closed within Bijou Community Park during the event. General parking will be available at the Lake Tahoe Community College parking lots, located at 1 College Drive. Guests should plan to walk across the street to Bijou Community Park; crossing guards will be present to assist pedestrians. Limited ADA parking will be available at Bijou Dog Park for vehicles displaying appropriate disability parking placards or plates.
Everyone is welcome to join the City of South Lake Tahoe in celebrating culture, connection, and community.
The Stateline casinos continued their winning streak, bringing in $39.6 million during July, and increase of 5.13 percent over the same month in 2025.
The month opens the fiscal year so that’s also the take for the year.
Stateline generates most of Douglas County’s gambling revenue.
East Fork and Carson City casinos brought in a combined total of $12.54 million, a 1.14-percent increase for the year.
Douglas County merchants had a good fiscal year as well, bringing in a total of $1.24 billion in taxable sales, up 6.44 percent over the prior year.
The report for June, the last month of the fiscal year, reported taxable sales of $118.3 million.
General merchandise stores, which include both county Walmarts and the Target, brought in $25.24 million during June, up 11.35 percent.
Food services and drinking places, which is mostly generated at Stateline, brought in $13.3 million during June, up 7.65 percent.
Accommodations were up 52.74 percent for the month of June, bringing the year increase up to 7.67 percent.
Both merchant wholesalers of durable goods and building materials and garden supplies were down in June. Wholesalers took a 4.91 percent hit in the month. Building materials were down 7.99 percent to $7.7 million.
Besides accommodations, there were two other double digit increases among the top 10 sales categories.
Sporting goods, hobby and musical instruments brought in $6 million, up 37.56 percent while motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 59.38 percent to $5.7 million. The large increases sometimes indicate there was a correction from previous months.
Pedestrians and cyclists can utilize new pedestrian hybrid beacons installed at four locations throughout South Lake TahoeVictoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Four new crosswalks with pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) and a new stoplight at Johnson Boulevard have been installed along U.S. Highway 50 as part of the South Lake Tahoe Safety Project which began construction in 2024.
Contracted by St. Francis Electric of San Leandro, the $36 million project took three seasons to complete. The scope of the project also included new green bike lanes along both directions of Highway 50 between Pioneer Trail and the Y, and an upgraded signal vehicle detection system at the Y.
“Caltrans is grateful for partnering with the City of South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on the South Lake Tahoe US 50 Safety Project,” said John O’Connell, Public Information Officer for Caltrans District Three. “This project will enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists in the community with the addition of new crosswalks, green bike lanes, and improved lighting along the corridor. This project also provides aesthetic enhancements for the US 50 South Lake Tahoe corridor.”
The new PHBs are located at South Tahoe Middle School and South Lake Tahoe’s fire station 2, Grocery Outlet between Truckee Drive and River Drive, Taco Bell between Carson Avenue/Rubicon Trail and Blue Lake Avenue, and Whole Foods between Herbert Avenue and Ski Run Boulevard.
The diagram illustrates the light pattern sequence when a pedestrian/cyclist presses the button
to activate the PHBProvided / Caltrans
The beacons feature a light changing pattern signaling to motorists that a pedestrian is ready to cross. The PHB will flash a yellow light after being activated, followed by a solid yellow light that warns vehicles to prepare to stop. Two red lights signal that a pedestrian is crossing and will flash red for motorists to yield to pedestrians before proceeding.
“Having these intermediate points between the normal traffic intersection signals is very helpful, from an opportunity and mobility point-of-view,” said Mohammad (Dr Q) Qureshi, the city of South Lake Tahoe’s Director of Public Works and City Traffic Engineer.
Because the new beacons are uncommon to our area, vehicles are encouraged to be aware of their use and adhere to their signals.
“If you see the red lights flashing, just stop,” added Dr. Q. “If you see it flashing yellow, get ready to stop.”
When you see PHB lights flashing yellow or red, prepare to stop Victoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
I am deeply concerned about the current response to a bear at Kingsbury Manor Trailer Park and, in particular, the decision by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to place a bear trap at the property.
I have photographs documenting the trap and the conditions surrounding it, and I believe the public deserves to see them.
What concerns me most is the apparent location of the trap in relation to readily available food odors. The trap is situated near Forest Service land where there has been substantial commercial logging associated with fuels-reduction work. It is also reportedly within approximately 50 feet of a large meat smoker. There are boxes of firewood nearby labeled “mahi-mahi,” suggesting that fish is being smoked in the immediate area.
If a bear is being trapped because it is attracted to food odors, shouldn’t we first eliminate those attractants?
According to what I have been told, this bear entered a mobile home through a screen door and then followed its nose through another door where unsecured garbage was accessible. A screen door is designed to keep out mosquitoes—not a hungry, determined bear.
This sounds like a classic human-wildlife conflict that could potentially have been prevented with basic bear-resistant practices.
Why isn’t the first response to provide the residents with a bear-resistant garbage container and an electrified bear mat or other proven deterrent? Why trap the bear before all reasonable nonlethal measures have been attempted?
I am particularly troubled by the possibility that this bear could be removed from its Tahoe habitat and relocated to unfamiliar, dry high-desert country. A Tahoe bear has evolved to live in a forested mountain environment with access to water and natural cover. Relocation is not necessarily a simple solution, and it can place an animal in an environment it does not know how to navigate.
There is also a larger concern. Nevada has a bear hunt that utilizes hounds. If a bear that is trapped and relocated eventually finds itself in an area where it can be pursued by hounds, the consequences could be devastating. I believe the public has a right to understand what happens to bears after they are trapped, where they are taken, and what protections they have from subsequent harm.
I also question whether the trap’s placement is appropriate given the surrounding circumstances. If there are significant food odors immediately nearby, are we truly addressing the cause of the conflict—or are we simply setting a trap in an area where a bear has already demonstrated that it is attracted to food?
I understand that property owners have legitimate concerns. Bears can damage fences, enter buildings and create expensive problems. I understand that the owner of Kingsbury Manor is frustrated by the cost of repairing fences and wants the bear gone.
But frustration and property damage should not automatically result in a death sentence for a wild animal.
There are many Tahoe residents who believe that coexistence is possible and preferable. We need wildlife management that emphasizes prevention: secure garbage, removal of food attractants, bear-resistant containers, electric mats, education and reasonable barriers.
Most importantly, we need our state wildlife agency to ask a simple question before setting a trap:
Have we done everything reasonably possible to prevent this conflict without removing the bear?
Tahoe’s bears are part of the ecosystem that makes this place special. They should not be punished simply because humans have created easy access to food.
I am asking NDOW, local property owners and our community to choose coexistence whenever reasonably possible. And I am asking the Tahoe Daily Tribune to bring public attention to how this particular bear is being handled.
A bear breaking through a fence or following the smell of unsecured food should not become a death sentence.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe is proud to announce that Base Camp Pizza has raised $13,000 in donations in support of the Club and Tahoe youth.
The fundraising efforts throughout the year culminated in a spring fundraising party, May the 4th Be With You, at the village restaurant location in May. The evening featured a pizza, pasta, and salad buffet, drink specials, live music, as well as raffle prizes donated from local businesses. The total donation was largely in part from a $1 donation by Base Camp for every garlic chip appetizer sold throughout the year, in addition to the end-of-year fundraiser held May 4, 2026.
“We always look forward to our annual fundraiser-it’s such a special and rewarding day for all of us,” said Erica Roche, Base Camp Pizza Co. Manager. “It provides this beautiful opportunity to step outside of our normal routine, bring the community together, and have a great time while raising money for our local children.”
“Partnering with a local non-profit dedicated to children and families is incredibly rewarding,” said Danny Scott, Director of Operations and Managing Partner at Base Camp Pizza Co. “For nearly a decade, our team has championed these organizations, and our staff at Base Camp is central to that success. Every summer, they personally vote to select our annual non-profit partner. This involvement gives them a deep sense of pride, connecting their daily work to a meaningful cause—whether they are serving guests or enthusiastically promoting our garlic chips to support the fundraiser. We truly believe community collaboration makes South Lake Tahoe an exceptional place to live. It has been an honor to partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe this past year, and we know their programs will continue to create fulfilling, unique opportunities for local youth.”
The $13,000 donation will benefit the Club’s food program, which provided over 43,000 snacks last school year. Partnering with Base Camp Pizza Co. it just made sense that their donation would benefit food for kids at all BGCLT sites for the 2026 – 27 school year.
“We look to employ individuals who have a generous heart and a desire to give back. This event was a collaborative group effort between Base Camp Pizza employees, the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, and many local companies and individuals who supported with amazing raffle prizes,” Scott added. “I am particularly proud of Erica Roche, Chelsea Schlegel, Alex Gonzalez, and Kerry Walker for orchestrating this event, with the support of the kitchen management team, Olimpia Geronimo, Rufino Atilano, Dave Rigali, and Cody Pratt. A big thank you also goes to our generous team members who made this donation possible.”
Base Camp Pizza raised $13K in donations in support of Tahoe youth. Provided / BGCLT
“We’re so thankful for our year-long fundraising partnership with Base Camp Pizza Co.,” said Aimi Xistra, Director of Development at the Club. “Their team is top notch and they were so engaged with the fundraising effort and especially at our May the 4th Be With You fundraising party. We want to send a HUGE thank you to all their managers, staff and chefs that made this event possible and successful. For the kids!”
By the end of the 2023 season, the once-proud North Tahoe football team had been down in wins and participation for the better part of two decades. The sophomore-led varsity finished 0-9, this after the class endured a winless record as freshmen on JV the year prior. Without a single taste of victory, frustrations boiled.
“Everyone talked about quitting,” said head coach Ryan Brolliar, referencing a closed-door team meeting held the summer before the next season. “There were tears shed, profanities back and forth. I said, ‘We’re not leaving this room until all you guys are in or all you guys are out.’”
From that day forward the Lakers were, quite literally, all in. Soon after, players and coaches embarked together on a journey to a no-frills camp in the middle of nowhere in Northern California where a Navy SEAL awaited to whip them into a cohesive unit.
“It was five days of no cell phones, no parents, no friends, just football,” Brolliar recounted. “We had a sandlot field and the Navy Seal kicked our butt. We were playing in the dark some nights. We worked through things. It was so much fun.”
North Tahoe came together. And in the fifth game of the ’24 season, the team broke through with a win, finally tasting the sweet satisfaction of victory with a 26-14 triumph over West Wendover.
“It was like we won the championship,” Brolliar said of the moment that had been months in the making,
The momentum led to two more victories that season and catapulted the Lakers to a historic 2025 campaign. For only the second time in 20-plus years, and two years removed from going 0-9, the Lakers finished the season with a winning record. The team battled to a 5-3 regular season, trouncing Yerington 34-0 in the final game to earn a spot in the NIAA 2A football championships.
“I’ll never forget the announcer over the PA after the game — ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the Lakers are going to the playoffs,’” Brolliar relayed. “It was awesome.”
HEAD COACH: Ryan Brolliar (second coach from left) spreads the stoke at a recent North Tahoe practice.
2026 Season Preview
This fall marks Brolliar’s fifth year as head coach, and under his watch the rising Lakers tide has lifted the program’s boats. But with 18 seniors graduated-and-gone from last year’s breakthrough team, North Tahoe will once again be young. Fifteen juniors will be called upon for the bulk of the productivity, the squad’s lone senior coming in the form of starting safety, kicker, and punter Chemo Anselmo-Arrieta.
Hawkin Anderson’s high football IQ, footspeed, and quick release have him slated to start at quarterback. He’ll look to find tight end Charlie Blair and tight end/receiver Axl Fant, both of whom, like many on the small, special-ops-like 25-man roster, will play “ironman football,” contributing on offense as well as defense.
Running back/linebacker Ian Dohner will carry a heavy load, and Gael Servin will anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Matthew Rosenfeld will lead the defense from his middle linebacker spot while adding strength to the offensive side of the ball at the fullback position.
The Laker offense looks to establish the run game with physicality at the line of scrimmage, and the defense is designed to allow players to play on instinct. “It’s a lot of see ball, get ball,” Brolliar explained.
The team put together a solid fall camp and fared well at home in their Aug. 15 jamboree (organized scrimmage), scoring three times against Chico-area Hamilton High School, while also playing stout defense, including tallying an interception.
But the path into the regular season won’t be easy.
North Tahoe opens with three straight games on the road. It all starts this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Quincy against the Trojans of the Mid Valley League. The tough nonconference schedule continues the next week against Highlands of the historically strong Sierra Delta League. After a bye, the Lakers open 2A Northern League play at Coral Academy (Reno) on Sept. 12.
North Tahoe’s first home game will take place Sept. 18 under the lights against the Incline Highlanders.
“Incline is our rival,” Brolliar said. “It’s the only game that we get portable lights for every year. Friday night lights. We also make sure it’s our homecoming game.”
The next two weeks are also at home, against Pershing County (Lovelock) Sept. 26 and West Wendover Oct. 3. The regular season’s finale is Friday Oct. 29 at Yerington, but the Lakers’ goal is for that to not be the final time they put on shoulder pads to compete against a foe in a different colored jersey.
“We’re young, but we’re going to mess some stuff up,” Brolliar said. “There’s not a junior class that’s better [than ours]. We are a playoff caliber team.”
READYING FOR THE SEASON: The 2026 Lakers, seen here warming up before practice, are led by 15 juniors on their 25-man roster.
Blue Blood
Brolliar has been around North Tahoe football so much in his life, it’s practically in his DNA. His father, Dave Brolliar, taught P.E and was the team’s head coach for much of the 1980s, guiding the Lakers, among other achievements, to the Nevada 2A state title in 1986.
Ryan was nine years old that year, and he served as the team’s waterboy. “I remember the emotion,” he said of the celebration after the championship victory. “People just hugging, crying. I was a young kid. I was like, ‘wow.’”
The feeling of awe surrounding the game of football stuck with him, and the young Brolliar grew up bleeding North Tahoe blue. When he got to high school, he became a great player himself, a Laker known for making plays all over the field. His senior year in 1995, he earned first team all-league honors as a quarterback and first team all-state accolades as a defensive back.
The team was going strong. But after decades of success and stability, the school’s enrollment and the football team’s numbers both dwindled, so much so that the Lakers had to cancel the 2014 season. A revolving door of three coaches in three years further damaged the once-proud team. There was serious talk of completely cutting the program.
That’s when longtime head coach Scott Everist reached out to the old quarterback. “He called me and basically told me it was time to move back home,” Brolliar said.
After over 20 years of teaching, coaching, and playing music professionally in San Diego, the coach’s son returned to his roots to revive the Lakers football team.
Brolliar came back to Tahoe without even having set up a day job to pay the bills. But his bold actions were met with fortune; within three weeks, the North Tahoe physical education teaching position opened up. Brolliar was qualified. He applied and got the job. “Now I’m in my dad’s old office,” he mused, “teaching P.E. and coaching football.”
That might just be about as full circle as it gets.
“When I moved back, people didn’t even know we had a football team,” said the coach, again remembering the talk of cutting the program. “The kids are excited. We’re back, and we’re not going anywhere.”
The Lake Tahoe camping season may be winding down for the summer, but there are still a few places to enjoy sleeping under the stars this fall.
Milky Way over Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe | Photo: Rachid Dahnoun
Lake Tahoe is a popular camping destination all summer long; however, for the hardy outdoors people among us, year-round camping opportunities exist around Lake Tahoe. Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy the changing leaves, fewer crowds, and quieter beaches and trails, and the cooler temperatures are perfect for long hikes and mountain bike rides.
Fall colors around Lake Tahoe. Photo by Carol Chaplin.
Here are some of your options for camping this fall in Lake Tahoe:
Campground by the Lake, season runs from April through the end of October (weather permitting).
D.L. Bliss, Donner Memorial, Emerald Bay, and Sugar Pine Point are OPEN during the winter for hiking and snowshoeing, but these parks are CLOSED to camping beginning mid-September (varies by park).
Bring extra layers (temperatures drop at night), and don’t forget your sleeping pad! While you are here, make sure you check out all the beautiful fall colors.
South Lake Tahoe Camping | Photo: @keeptahoe.local
We begin our exploration of the celestial energies with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. This beloved annual occurrence, active until Aug. 24, is a beautiful invitation to spend an evening beneath the cosmos. As shooting stars streak across the night sky, connect in your heart with all the other human beings making wishes at the same time.
Astrologically, we arrive at the midpoint of summer with an abundance of fire energy as Mercury, Jupiter, the sun, and south node all transit in Leo. On Aug 15, Mercury conjoins Jupiter in this heart-centered sign, creating opportunity for expansive, truthful, and courageous expression.
Energies may turn wonky on Aug. 17 as Mars in Cancer squares Neptune retrograde in Aries. Mars, the planet of action and forward movement, generally feels uncomfortable in Cancer’s nurturing waters, and Neptune can dissolve certainty and blur the path ahead. Fortunately, Venus in her home sign of Libra sextiles Jupiter that day, bringing grace, open-mindedness, and support for peaceful resolutions.
On Aug. 22 the sun conjoins the south node in Leo before moving into Mercury–ruled Virgo the following day. Mercury follows suit, joining first the south node on Aug. 25 before meeting the sun in Virgo for a cazami on Aug. 27. Together, these alignments encourage the release of old identities and outdated stories, allowing more authentic patterns to emerge. We also experience a full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces the same day.
Jupiter trines Saturn retrograde in Aries on Aug. 31, bringing optimism to the work of structure and discipline. However, that supportive energy shifts quickly as Mars squares Saturn on Sept.1. Allow this transit to reveal habits, fears, and reactions that are ready to be transformed, remembering that impatience rarely produces lasting results.
NATURAL MAGIC
To support healing, create an ancestral water-and-fire offering for the Mars-Saturn square. In a safe outside place, light an orange or red candle; fill a bowl with spring water; add rosemary, rose petals, and cedar fronds. Then sit quietly and ask: What ancestral patterns around action, anger, protection, and survival am I ready to complete?
Feel what arises, and write three patterns onto separate pieces of paper. Burn one piece and place its ashes into the bowl. Place a second, unburned, into the bowl among the plant beings. Place the third beneath the bowl of water. Blow out your candle and leave the ritual outside overnight. In the morning, offer the water, ashes, plants, and paper to your garden or compost as a prayer to the earth and to all those that came before you. Trust in the magic of healing
It started on July 3 in my Carnelian Bay neighborhood. Eighty-five percent of the houses are short-term vacation rentals and second homes, which are normally filled up with families on the Fourth of July holiday.
But this Independence Day was the first of its kind. Because not only was it a major milestone celebrating the birth of America, but the influx of visitors flooding the streets weren’t families — it was a teen/college kids takeover.
Suddenly every house in my neighborhood was full of sorority and frat-house-like renters, drinking out of red solo cups and playing cornhole in the streets. And then the crowds kept growing.
By July 4 at 1 p.m., every beach in North Lake Tahoe was packed with an overwhelming number of young people roughly the same age. Most of the girls were dressed in thong bikinis and many guys were in American flag board shorts, no shirts.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office shut down Tahoe City’s Skylandia and Bristlecone beaches by 4 p.m. due to underage drinking, significant traffic impacts, and widespread littering. More than a dozen California State Parks enforcement officers broke up the crowds in Kings Beach.
“We’ve caught multiple kids peeing on our fences and just tossing trash in the streets,” Kings Beach resident Amber Kramer posted to Facebook.
By the time the fireworks started, my neighborhood was eerily silent, all the houses abruptly abandoned by 11 p.m. By the next morning, everyone had vanished.
“It was like spring break around here … in the 20-plus years of living here, I’ve never seen anything like it,” my neighbor said on that (relatively) quiet morning of July 5.
I heard in the following days that San Francisco Bay Area high school and college students organized this. Parents rented the VRBOs and Airbnbs for their kids. Tik-Tok posts went viral weeks before the takeover.
Although the scene didn’t get out of control like the shooting that took place in Florida, large, random gatherings like this can pose a public safety threat.
Kings Beach business owners commented online that the crowds did not contribute to the downtown economy — no one went into the restaurants despite hordes of people hanging out in front of the Taco Bell at 10 p.m. that evening.
“Yes, it was bad for business, and yes, the streets and sidewalks are covered in trash and vomit. Definitely not fun,” a local Kings Beach business owner posted to Facebook.
Shortly after the busy weekend, a petition went out asking Placer County to publicly address what happened this Fourth of July. A few days later, Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson released a statement saying she was planning a meeting with agency representatives to talk about it.
I feel like this is a weak response.
Right now, neither the rental agencies nor homeowners are taking responsibility for these issues, so Placer County needs to implement penalties big enough to make owners think twice about who they are renting to or what their properties are being used for.
There are a lot of parking, noise, and trash issues that full-time North Tahoe residents deal with all summer from their short-term neighbors, and I have never seen or heard of an instance when rules have been enforced or penalties imposed. Placer County does have a 24/7 short-term rental hotline number neighbors can call to address complaints, but in many cases the vacationers are just given a slap on the wrist or a warning, and a new crop of visitors comes the following weekend. I’ve never heard of an STR getting shut down.
Considering we’re nearing the end of summer, I think Placer County should publish a statement this fall that contains: 1) an analysis of what happened this Fourth of July; 2) a plan emphasizing how parking/trash/noise regulations will start being heavily enforced beginning June 1, 2027; and 3) share a report of how many complaints were recorded and how they were addressed in the summer of 2026.
If this is a problem that affects you, too, sign the petition. Write Cindy Gustafson. And Placer County, please take residents’ complaints seriously and do something about them.
~ Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer and coauthor of Moon Travel Guides’ Best of California State Parks and Northern California Road Trips. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from CSU, Chico, and has been a North Lake Tahoe resident for the past 20 years.
Every summer, Lake Tahoe’s transportation challenges become impossible to ignore. Gridlocked roads, full parking lots, and unsafe parking along busy highways are the visible signs of a problem that dozens of agencies have spent decades trying to solve.
Gavin Feiger, policy director for Keep Tahoe Blue, put it like this:
“Transportation in Tahoe has been one of the largest contributors to clarity decline. It has one of the biggest impacts on the environment and on our day-to-day lives. It’s a huge issue that we haven’t been able to crack as a region yet. We’re tackling aquatic invasive species. We’re doing restoration projects. Development is getting more sustainable and it’s limited. Growth is capped. We’ve done all these things, but we just haven’t worked out transportation yet.”
Part of that, he explained, is the cost. Transportation systems not only include creating bike lanes and trails and shuttles, but also “everything under the street.”
MILE AFTER MILE: Nevada’s state Route 28, which runs from the California state line in Crystal Bay following Lake Tahoe to halfway down its East Shore, sees 2.6 million vehicles annually and over one million recreational visitors.
The Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan, developed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and intended to address water and air quality, scenic and recreation sources, noise levels, and more through a Basin-wide system, puts the total unfunded priorities of the plan at $20 million annually for the next 20 years. Some say that number is on the low end.
“There’s not one big thing that can solve it,” Feiger said. “It’s not like we can go to Sen. [Alex] Padilla and be like, we need the Sen. Padilla Tahoe Transportation Bill, and build a giant bridge, and name it after him. We need $20 million a year for transit operations that will be spread amongst five different agencies. That’s a hard act.”
While a Basin-wide transportation solution remains years away, local agencies are making progress on one piece of the puzzle: parking. This summer, several projects aim to improve access and safety while reducing congestion at some of Tahoe’s busiest destinations.
We touch on the efforts, as well as significant snags, below.
rAguably the most critical player when it comes to all things transportation in Tahoe is the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD). When the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, which unites California, Nevada, and the U.S. government to manage the shared region, was amended in 1980, it established the TTD.
“That does put us in a pretty unique position because our jurisdiction is the Basin,” said Tara Styer, deputy director for TTD. “We’re able to leverage funding across state lines, and then we’re also able to implement those projects that are across jurisdictions … It takes a bit for everyone to be rowing in the same direction, but having that governing document really helps to have something to point back to.”
In July 2020, TTD began its Park Tahoe program, intended to aid what many see as a long-needed holistic and equitable approach to parking management in the Tahoe Basin. The first area of interest for the program: state Route 28, the famous two-lane highway along the Nevada side of the lake.
LOT FULL: A lack of enforcement capacity along state Route 28 has led to people parking in paid lots as well as continuing to park along the shoulder of the two-lane highway, even in no parking zones.
Park Tahoe was launched the same day as the Tahoe East Shore Trailhead, north of Ponderosa Ranch Road in Incline Village, which offers 90 metered parking spots away from — and this is critical — the shoulder of SR 28. This first lot was Phase 1 of the North Parking Project. Phase 2 is actively underway, with the relocation of 38 shoulder-parked vehicles to an official lot.
Parking along the shoulder of SR 28 is a very popular approach for those looking to visit various beaches. Numbers have doubled in the last 15 years. It’s also, as Styer said, a huge safety risk.
“The last shoulder counts we did in 2024, we looked at a midweek day, and we looked at two Saturdays, usually late July, early August,” Styer said. “We had 970 shoulder-parked vehicles on a summer Saturday in August.” With an average of three people per vehicle, plus bikes, this can mean over 3,000 people on a summer day using the state highway like a sidewalk or parking lot.
Shoulder parking is the leading cause of crashes on SR 28. From an environmental perspective, shoulder parking increases erosion along highway embankments and into Lake Tahoe.
The day-use reservation system at Sand Harbor State Park, implemented August 2024, is an attempt to reduce congestion by limiting the number of vehicles trying to enter the park during peak morning hours. From mid-May through September, visitors must make a reservation if they want to enter the park between 8 and 10:30 a.m. After that, remaining spots are available on a first come, first served basis. “Out of the 400 reservable spots, we are still able to let in 20 to 50 vehicles,” wrote Tyler Kerver of the Nevada Division of State Parks in an email, noting that the number varies with weather, holidays, and the day of the week. “The gates to the main parking lot are usually closed by 11 a.m. June through August.”
Progress is piecemeal, and people are still parking their cars along SR 28, shifting locations as signs marking no-parking zones go up. “As we implement these projects throughout the corridor, it’s sort of a whack-a-mole effect,” Styer said. “Anything south of Secret Harbor is still technically not no parking. Although it’s not safe and a lot of people are parking over the fog line [the white stripe along the outside of a paved road].”
A significant parking lot option became available this June: The Chimney Beach Trailhead, which offers about 130 spaces, each for $12 a day. The site improvements include a pedestrian crosswalk across SR 28. In order to open up, a permit granted by the TRPA to the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), required, “The no parking zone on SR-28 shall be extended around Chimney Beach Parking lot prior to the new parking lot being open to the public. The area of no parking shall be consistent with the area identified in the project [environmental assessment]. LTBMU shall coordinate with partners who are responsible for enforcing no parking along the corridor.”
CHIMNEY BEACH: The new parking lot on U.S. Forest Service land offers about 130 spots, each for $12 a day. According to the Tahoe Transportation District, the lot fills up on weekends, but not as much during weekdays (while shoulder parking on state Route 28 stays consistent).
Basically, TRPA was asserting that roughly 130 shoulder parking spots along the highway south of Sand Harbor could be blocked off with no-parking signs, since those cars now have a place to park.
That’s what was supposed to happen.
“The signs went up, there’s [a memorandum of understanding] in place [but] nobody has capacity to do the enforcement,” Feiger said. This has lead to cars not only parking at Chimney Beach, but also, on high-demand days, still parking along the shoulder, despite signage.
However, TRPA Public Information Officer Jeff Cowen says “the new no-parking zone along the Chimney Beach section of the corridor is largely working. NHP has been ticketing. Our [Environmental Improvement Program] manager drove through the corridor [on Wednesday, Aug. 5], and there were a number of cars parked in the corridor, but none in the new no-parking zone.
“There have been issues on very busy days, including the Fourth of July, and times when law enforcement resources are spread out.”
Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) confirmed with Moonshine its staffing is stretched thin. “We’re doing saturation patrols as necessary, focusing on weekends and holidays, trying to get extra staff up there to deal with parking issues,” said Trooper James LaRose, public information officer for NHP.
From January to June 3, 2025, NHP investigated 25 crashes and issued 26 traffic citations and eight parking citations.
The same timeframe for 2026 saw 19 crashes, 34 traffic citations, and 29 parking citations.
“You’d think it would be common sense that people can’t park in the travel lane or block traffic,” LaRose said. “Apparently it’s not and we end up with a lot of people with part of their car still in the travel lane.”
“It’s not like we can go to Sen. Padilla and be like, we need the Sen. Padilla Tahoe Transportation Bill, and build a giant bridge, and name it after him. We need $20 million a year for transit operations that will be spread amongst five different agencies. That’s a hard act.”
~ Gavin Feiger, policy director for Keep Tahoe Blue
He added that officers will drive through using a PA system, letting drivers know they can’t be parked in the travel lane, can’t have their vehicles protrude — “even the mirror over the line” — and asking them to move their vehicles. After the announcement, they’ll come and issue citations.
“If it’s too egregious, we’ll call for a tow truck,” he added.
“We’re very frustrated,” Feiger said of the situation. “And it’s the same permit conditions and the same process for the Spooner lot [which will provide 250 spots and is expected to come online fall 2027]. It’s going to be the same one for the Secret Harbor lot [which is facing a $13-million funding gap for the 120 spots], like all of them. This has to be successful.”
Legislation recently passed in Nevada and a companion bill on the California side could help with this hurdle.
Nevada’s SB 426, passed June 2025, created the Lake Tahoe Basin Scenic Byway Corridor Recreation Safety Zone, spanning Nevada highways and state routes in the Tahoe region, to establish traffic control and parking measures, as well as the development of parking enforcement and citation issuance between the TTD and law enforcement agencies.
The transportation district’s Styer said that while the legislation is in effect, operationalization will take time. She did say the district is in communication with NHP over how the two agencies can coordinate. “We don’t necessarily want to staff someone who’s on the corridor writing tickets. We’d rather leave that in law enforcement’s capable hands … [and possibly do something] similar to the approach that has been taken in Emerald Bay where agencies are funding overtime for CHP.”
TTD’s projects are primarily federally and state-funded, as well as locally, largely from the Tahoe Fund. The money collected through parking meters (aside from a percentage that goes to USFS from parking on federal land) go back into local coffers.
SAND HARBOR is a premier destination for those visiting or living in the Tahoe Basin. To help reduce congestion on state Route 28, the state park instituted a reservation system in 2024, to run from mid-May through September, for entry between 8 and 10:30 a.m. Traffic backs up during those hours, as seen in the bottom photo, and the parking lot is usually closed by 11 a.m.
California’s AB 2679, meanwhile, went before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Aug. 3 and was placed in a suspense file, to be reviewed in detail for its potential fiscal impact. The bill proposes the Tahoe Transportation Safety Act, which would effectively mimic the Nevada bill by, in part, authorizing TTD to address unsafe parking and pedestrian movement in the Basin.
Raising the price of fines for illegal parking is a more recent solution implemented because up until recently, they simply haven’t been a successful deterrent.
“We’ve been out there doing surveys, doing enforcement with highway patrol, and they’ll tow a car and another car will pull right in,” Feiger said. “The highway patrol person will be like, ‘Did you just see that [the other car got a ticket]?’ And they’re like, ‘How much is the ticket?’ ‘Hundred bucks.’ They’re like, ‘Oh, okay. Fine.’”
El Dorado County in June increased penalties for illegal parking along state highways from $50 to $300 per occurrence. On the Nevada side, the max fine for parking in a no-parking zone is $305, while parking over the fog line incurs a $538 fine.
In South Lake, a new vision is unfolding for what the Tahoe Basin could become as parking management expands: Keep Tahoe Blue’s Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe, which kicked off this past June. The concept imagines a future where someone can park their car and use interconnected transit options (buses, shuttles, bike paths, scooters, etc.) to reach any destination around Tahoe.
“It was designed to kind of encapsulate all of our transportation efforts,” Feiger said, pointing to ongoing advocating for funding, providing input on the regional transportation plan, getting legislation passed, and so on. And not only the work Keep Tahoe Blue is doing, but also its partners’ work.
A key example is the Emerald Bay Shuttle, run by TTD and piloted last summer through funding from Keep Tahoe Blue and the Tahoe Fund to reduce congestion and pollution, and provide alternative parking options in one of the most visited spots around the lake. Along with the shuttle implementation, which started its 2026 season in late June for $5 one way (reduced fare options available), TTD is installing about 400 feet of temporary barriers along the shoulder. California Highway Patrol promises strict enforcement of parking regulations. Last summer, enforcement wrote 248 citations, issued 13 moving violations, and had 10 vehicles towed.
There has been a lot of good feedback, Styer said about the shuttle, and the partnerships have produced momentum. Beyond that, groups are addressing operational hiccups. “We do not have a formalized crosswalk in Emerald Bay,” she continued. “I think that could be really beneficial. And the speed limit through there is still pretty high, so, you know, those types of things — working with Caltrans.”
Other programs falling under the Car Free, Care Free Tahoe umbrella: the South Shore Transportation Management Association and its 30 different funders (including many local businesses) that helped launch microtransit shuttle Lake Link in 2022. Or Heavenly Ski Resort, which increased its shuttle service in 2024.
“We see this as a way for us to really share that it’s better,” Feiger said. “We have options now. It wasn’t this way for a lot of years, but it’s getting so much better now. And the biggest thing is people need to just get out there and get on the paths, ride the buses. That’s the best thing you can do to support this, so that’s what we’re trying to make happen.”
While this is a vision that will ideally spread around the lake in terms of transit connection, he added that South Shore is the closest to achieving such a goal in Tahoe.
On the North Shore, Placer County is focused on expanding its paid parking program in Kings Beach. Starting May 1, the West End and Rainbow lots began charging vehicles $10 per day, with a $20 holiday rate, through September. These two lots joined the Christmas Tree and Brook Avenue locations, which saw fee increases to a daily rate of $20, with a holiday rate of $40.
Local businesses initially pushed the program to take off in summer 2024 with the Christmas Tree lot pilot program, increasing parking turnover a major goal.
STATE HIGHWAY OR PARKING LOT: In 2024, an estimated 970 cars a day parked on the SR 28 shoulder on a Saturday in August, a huge safety risk and environmental detriment. Tahoe agencies are trying to fix that and more when it comes to parking around the Basin.
“I think one of the frustrations our business owners had in certain areas was that people would park and go to the beach all day, and then there wouldn’t be room for their patrons to come in and access their businesses,” said Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “So, the paid parking does help modify behavior and hopefully help people make the decision to be somewhat inconvenient to either walk or ride a bike or call a micro mass transit bus.”
During the first full year of the paid parking program’s pilot, 2025, 595 citations were issued, bringing in roughly $42,000 in revenue, and $43,000 in paid lot fees. Yet expenditures far outweighed the intake: staff cost about $175,000, and contracts $65,000.
“We want it to become self-sustaining,” Gustafson said, “and so we need more in the paid parking program to make it self-sustained. But we have issued a lot of citations. I think over 300 citations, and over 200 warnings [since May 1].”
Such a program for Tahoe City is undergoing staff discussion and community outreach.
Not everyone believes adding parking is the right solution. While agencies are implementing new restrictions and adding infrastructure in the name of safety and environmental protection, some residents argue the Basin has already reached its limits. Steve Dolan, who lived in Incline Village for 23 years and founded the Friends of Third Creek nonprofit, which monitors North Shore watersheds, sees the addition of parking lots and continued development — even with strict codes — as adding to an area that’s already at capacity.
“There’s a limit to what this beautiful emerald of the Sierra can accommodate,” he told Moonshine. “There’s just a limit.”
Dolan wants a moratorium placed in the Basin to stall rapid growth — which, according to TRPA, already boasts 15 million visitors annually and a $5-billion economy.
“At any given time, the number of people that can stay in the parks, camping, in houses as guests, in hotels that exist, and in hotels that are being built, and in developments that are being developed already to this day, that’s too many people,” he said. “We need to stop that now and adjust to it.”
There are also those — especially locals — who find themselves having to pay for parking where it used to be free and are frustrated by that. Styer has heard as much, and said she understands the parking changes aren’t welcomed by everyone.
“I know that it’s a transition,” she said. “It’s a transition for me as well. But the parking revenues are returned to the operations and maintenance within the corridor, and I think that that’s really key. We’re looking at a corridor that didn’t have, in my opinion, adequate facilities. Just adding restrooms along the corridor has been really critical. Allowing Waste Management, having those parking ambassadors at Secret and Chimney this summer to help manage the trash. I think that all of those are huge benefits.”
“There’s a limit to what this beautiful emerald of the Sierra can accommodate. There’s just a limit.”
~ Steve Dolan, former Incline Village resident and
founder of Friends of Third Creek nonprofit
Feiger emphasized the environmental benefits, saying that limiting parking is one of the most effective ways to shift driving behavior by encouraging carpooling or transit use or maybe deciding not to take a trip at all.
“One of the cool things about Tahoe is that all of our locals, all of our residents and our visitors — we’re all going to and from the same places,” he said. “So, a system that works for visitors will also work for our residents. If we can get more visitors out of their cars, it makes it easier for our employees to get around who maybe have to use their cars.”
Gustafson points to being prepared within reason for a future that could see increased visitation: “I think with climate change, we have to be prepared that as temperatures get hotter, the evidence is here: More people come to recreate in the High Sierra. Some of that’s Lake Tahoe, some of it is rivers and streams … My job is to make sure we’re looking ahead and trying to prepare for that and find solutions that can help us live together more amicably. We don’t have the infrastructure for the millions of more Californians and Nevadans there are within drive-up range, and I don’t know that we should pave paradise for that.”
