The Latest Renovations and Venues at Lake Tahoe’s South Shore
From fresh dishes to new accommodations, from extra activities to advanced meeting spaces, South Lake Tahoe is constantly innovating. The only elements we strive to leave unchanged are the natural ones. In fact, you can marvel at the stunning peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the strikingly blue waters of our eponymous lake right from your room, game, meeting, table, trail, or entertainment venue. That’s because everything you need is within walking distance on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Add 365 days of outdoor recreation and 24/7 entertainment to the mix, and you have an equation that can’t miss.
Activities
Go ahead; play like it’s your job. Our fresh mountain air can stir up inspiration like nothing else. And you can easily incorporate this new batch of activities into any event itinerary, or try our ever-popular horseback rides, guided nature walks, hot air balloon excursions, and lakeside yoga sessions.
Get a front row seat to colorful granite stones and pristine waters beneath your kayak while taking in picturesque mountains that frame the shoreline all around you. The Summit Shores tour from Clearly Tahoe is a 1.5 to 2-hour guided paddle that’s designed for all skill levels. Expert local guides provide a smooth journey and share about the geology that formed the Tahoe Basin as well as the local flora and fauna.
Heavenly Mountain Resort aims to keep you connected. In addition to offering skiing and snowboarding lessons, restaurant options, lodging properties, and event space, this local resort now provides a bike haul program. Mountain bikers and Class 1 e-bike riders can upload their bikes to the mid-station for access to our community network of trail systems. So your group can keep calm and roll on.
The latest offering from Lagree South Lake, this low-impact yet high-intensity strength workout is intense on muscles but gentle on bones and joints. With plenty of group options, these trained teachers redefine team-building exercises.
Accommodations
If you like options, upgrades, and renovations, you’ve come to the right place. South Shore hotels, resorts, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and campsites are updating their amenities left and right.
With its cozy fires and bubbling hot tubs, The Iceberg Tahoe is anything but cold. Fully renovated in 2025, this hotel is the ideal combination of a remote, tucked-away feel with close proximity to shops, trails, restaurants, and ski slopes.
Sure, your group could cluster inside a conference room, but wouldn’t you rather be sipping cocktails poolside in a cabana? Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe now features The High Dive Pool + Lounge, a venue that claims to be Lake Tahoe’s second greatest body of water. It looks promising, but we’ll let you be the judge.
With in-room gas fireplaces, private terraces or balconies, and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs, Edgewood Resort just completed a comprehensive redesign of its lodge rooms and suites. Edgewood also added a 5,600-square-foot lakefront ballroom that can host up to 250 guests for receptions and corporate events, a 2,100-square-foot heated deck for outdoor ceremonies and gatherings, and a lakefront private dining space for up to 40 guests.
After a $45 million comprehensive renovation, Gurney’s Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa plans to open its doors in 2027. The 7.6-acre lakefront resort also includes a cafe, pizzeria, restaurant, and dessert shop alongside a health and wellness spa, meeting spaces, and private beach access.
Restaurants & Bars
The following establishments have just joined our lineup of delectable South Shore provisions. Hot tip: JWB Prime Steak and Seafood released an updated menu. Even hotter tip: We developed a group dining guide for planners so you can spend less time organizing and more time tasting.
Japanese A5 Wagyu. Bread with Black Truffle Butter. White Cheddar Lobster Mac & Cheese. Those are just some of the dishes you can order at the latest restaurant within Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe. Might as well pair it with one of their award-winning wines. Cheers.
This is not your grandmother’s afternoon tea. Edgewood Tahoe recently launched a modern tea experience with thoughtfully curated sips and small plates. Hosted inside the resort’s fine dining restaurant, your tea and cakes come with sweeping panoramic views. Who knows, you might just brew up your next big idea.
Building on the momentum of the resort’s rebrand and summer 2025 debut, Caesars Entertainment has launched pool enhancements, meeting and convention spaces, and a bar and lounge area with live music seven nights a week—right at the center of the casino floor.
Find your untapped potential at the newest taproom and cafe. Select from indoor and outdoor spaces with firepits, a stage—even a whimsical garden tucked beneath the pines where winding brick pathways, soft market lighting, and atmospheric landscaping create a charming, almost secret-garden feel. Paddle House specializes in private events, and the food is just as good as the brews. Their blueberry mascarpone cake is a local delicacy.
Try chef-led culinary experiences that pair tastings at handpicked local restaurants with the history, hidden stories, and neighborhoods that make the South Shore unique. From progressive dinners to private sightseeing and food tours, it’s a memorable way to bring a team or client group together over great food and a deeper taste of Tahoe’s local character.
Transcend Your Agenda
All of these exciting transformations happening in South Lake Tahoe combined with our existing offerings means that the only thing missing is you. Browse venues for events, meetings, and conventions of all sizes, or book your group accommodations to secure the choicest spot for your crew. Your guests will feel so invigorated, they might just push back their return flight (which is a great time to mention that we’re only a short drive away from Reno-Tahoe International Airport). Ready to make a move? We’d love to see your RFP.
Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) invites community members to the next round of public meetings on the Marsh South Restoration Project on November 18 and 19, 2026.
At the two meetings, the Conservancy will engage the public about the proposed restoration project in the southern part of méšuk málɨm, formerly known as the Upper Truckee Marsh, in South Lake Tahoe. Proposed project elements include significant river and wetland restoration downstream of U.S. Highway 50, including the site of the former Motel 6. To facilitate the restoration, the Conservancy also proposes to modify the South Tahoe Bikeway and river access.
méšuk málɨm (listen for pronunciation) is the name the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California uses for the area around the confluence of the Upper Truckee River and Trout Creek, and which applies to the 600-acre marsh where the Upper Truckee River meets Lake Tahoe.
Public Meetings
In-Person Public Meeting | 4:00–6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Meet in the LTCC Board Room (L104), located in the Roberta Mason Library building.
Spanish interpretation will be available for both meetings.
Proposed Elements of the Marsh South Restoration Project
River and Floodplain Restoration: The Conservancy proposes to restore historical wetland habitat, which will include removing fill from past development, lowering the floodplain to reconnect it to the river, and removing encroaching conifers.
South Tahoe Bikeway Modifications: To facilitate the floodplain restoration, the Conservancy proposes to realign the South Tahoe Bikeway, an existing shared-use trail. Elevating the shared-use trail to a new bridge and boardwalk will protect the river and wetlands while providing a safer connection for people walking, biking, and rolling.
Recreation Features: The Conservancy proposes to protect streambanks from erosion by formalizing a river access point that meets the Americans with Disability Act standards. Other proposed improvements include picnic tables, wayfinding and interpretive signage, and changes to parking.
History of the Marsh South Recreation Project The Conservancy acquired 31 acres at the southern end of méšuk málɨm in 2024, and removed a former motel and restaurant from the site in 2025. Last year, the Conservancy began public outreach to seek ideas for restoration and recreation improvements.
The Conservancy has also been working closely with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and Lake Tahoe Basin partners on planning the project. The marsh area called méšuk málɨm in Wá∙šiw (the Washoe language) holds particular importance to the waší∙šiw (Washoe people—the people from here).
The Marsh South Recreation Project also helps advance longstanding goals of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program and the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan.
In the upcoming meetings, the Conservancy will present the elements of the proposed project and continue to engage with and hear from community members.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Tahoe Public Utility District completed a busy and productive 2026 construction season, investing $28 million in critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to improve reliability and prepare the community for the future.
The District invested $20 million in water system improvements, including new groundwater supply, water mains, storage tank rehabilitation, and the final phase of its water-meter installation program.
Key water-system projects included:
Two new drinking water wells: The District drilled and installed two new, 500-foot-deep wells. Design and construction of the above-ground well houses and pumping equipment will be the next phase of work, with the goal of connecting the wells to the drinking water system within the next two to three years.
9,000 feet of new water main on Pioneer Trail: This major pipeline project will improve the District’s ability to move water throughout the system where it is needed and support water pressure for firefighting. Next summer, the District plans to install pressure-reducing valves to connect the new main to the system and repave roadways affected by construction.
Recoating one of the District’s largest water storage tanks: This work extends the useful life of the tank by approximately 25 years. Water storage tanks are critical to maintaining adequate water supply and pressure, particularly during periods of peak demand. The District’s largest (2.3 million gallon) tank will be recoated next summer.
Completion of residential water-meter installation: The District installed the remaining 75 residential water meters. A metered system helps the District meet state requirements, supports water conservation, and allows customers to track their water use.
Emergency stand by power for the two largest drinking water wells: This project included the rehabilitation at one well, and back-up power that can be used at both wells to maintain water supply during power outages.
On the wastewater side, the District completed approximately $8 million in critical system improvements.
A major project was the successful lining of 8,000 feet of sewer main in the Tahoe Keys neighborhood. This trenchless method rehabilitated pipes from the inside, reducing the need for extensive excavation. The work is expected to extend the pipes’ service life by about 50 years and help prevent sewer spills into Lake Tahoe. This was the District’s first large-scale sewer-lining project, with more planned in the future.
District crews also work year-round to keep water and wastewater systems operating reliably. This includes responding to water leaks, cleaning the entire gravity sewer system to help prevent overflows, and using camera inspections to assess high-risk sewer lines to prioritize future repairs. The District also used satellite-based technology to identify water-main leaks early, helping reduce water loss and target maintenance where it is needed most.
“This summer’s construction work reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the systems our community depends on every day,” said Megan Colvey, Director of Engineering. “Reliable drinking water and wastewater service cannot be taken for granted. Continued investment is essential as we address aging infrastructure, meet regulatory requirements, protect Lake Tahoe, and ensure our systems are ready to serve the community for decades to come.”
The District’s capital improvement program is a long-term investment in the health, safety, and resilience of the South Lake Tahoe community. While the projects completed this summer represent meaningful progress, substantial work remains. Visit www.stpud.us/capital-improvement-program for more information on the District’s long-term capital plan.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — In a town where the first question of the morning is often “How much did it snow?”, this winter’s forecast is the talk of the lake. With NOAA forecasters tracking a strengthening El Niño that could rank among the strongest on record, Travel North Tahoe Nevada is bringing in an expert to cut through the noise.
Dawn Johnson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno, will present “Talkin’ Tahoe: Winter Weather Predictions” on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Duffield Theater at Incline High School, 499 Village Blvd., Incline Village. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free; reservations are requested at TravelNorthTahoeNevada.com.
For North Lake Tahoe, the stakes are high. Strong El Niño winters can bring an active storm track and big Sierra snowfall, but they can also deliver warm atmospheric rivers with high snow levels and rain at lake level. Recent history shows how much uncertainty there is: the 2015–16 “super El Niño” produced a roughly average winter around Tahoe. For residents, skiers, businesses and visitors, the difference between a snow year and a rain year shapes everything from ski days to roof loads to road travel.
Johnson will discuss what El Niño could mean for the Tahoe Basin, the upcoming winter outlook, where to find trusted weather information, the limits of seasonal forecasting, and the timelines forecasters use to make decisions. She will also explain the National Weather Service’s watch and warning process and share preparation strategies and safety measures for the winter ahead. A question-and-answer session will follow.
“A strong El Niño tilts the odds, but it doesn’t write the whole story for Tahoe. Our goal is to help people understand what the forecast can tell them, what it can’t, and how to be ready when a storm is on the way,” said Johnson.
Johnson has worked for the National Weather Service since 2004 and at the Reno forecast office since 2009. As Warning Coordination Meteorologist, she is the office’s link to emergency managers, tribal partners, the media and the public across roughly 36,000 square miles of western Nevada, northeastern California and the Sierra Nevada, with a focus on turning forecasts into clear, actionable messages.
The National Weather Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides the weather forecasts, watches and warnings that protect lives and property. Its Reno office covers the Lake Tahoe region around the clock.
“Weather is the heartbeat of life in North Lake Tahoe, and this winter has everyone talking,” said Andy Chapman, President and CEO, Travel North Tahoe Nevada. “Talkin’ Tahoe is about connecting our community with the experts, and there’s no better source than the National Weather Service.”
SIERRA NEVADA, Calif./Nev. – A study published at the end of October found that snowstorms can capture and deposit a significant amount of microplastics onto the ground, including in remote locations in the Sierra Nevada.
“We are at a point where microplastics are in our atmosphere, not just the ocean, not just rivers. It comes down with the snowfall, making its way to places humans typically don’t go,” Aleksandra Karapetrova said, the study’s lead researcher and a UC Riverside environmental toxicologist.
While past studies have already established that microplastics occur in Western U.S. snow, this study examined how much is being deposited on the ground during individual storms.
The study surveyed seven sample sites during active storms in the Sierra Nevada between January and July 2024, taking care to ensure the locations were remote.
“One site was accessed by chairlift. I had to ski to the rest of the remote sites. That’s how isolated they are,” Karapetrova said. “But no matter how far out the site, I always found microplastics there.”
Toxicologist Aleksandra Karapetrova sampling snow in the Sierra Nevada, measuring microplastics.Provided / Sonya Maple, CDFW
Scientists were surprised at the amount at the remote locations. During the height of storms, snow deposited between 270 and 3,200 plastic particles per square meter, per day.
The study explained that in a process called snow scavenging, snowflakes can capture airborne plastics and carry them to the ground. It explains how microplastics get deposited far from populous centers or places where plastics are used or produced.
Karapetrova also found that the most common microplastics deposited are those used in clothing and packaging, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester/PET.
Microplastics can enter the air when products shed or wear down into fragments small enough for the wind to carry. With clothing in particular, studies have found that plastic fibers can enter the atmosphere through dryer vents or daily wear.
The findings raise important implications since the Sierra Nevada snowpack supplies 30% of California’s freshwater.
SAN FRANCISCO— In a win for California’s forests, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to finalize protections for the California spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act by April 30. The owl was proposed for protection in 2023 which triggered a one-year deadline that is now more than two years overdue.
“I’m so relieved California spotted owls will finally get the protection they need,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species codirector at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Since we first petitioned for their protection more than a quarter century ago the threats to these beautiful and curious owls have only mounted.”
California spotted owls were proposed for endangered status in central and southern coastal California and threatened status in the Sierra Nevada. The Center and partners first petitioned to protect the owls in 2000.
“Now, more than ever, it is critical that California spotted owls receive increased protection to ensure their continued survival. Human-caused threats like logging and climate change jeopardize the owl’s habitat, and President Trump’s attacks on environmental protections like the roadless rule underscore this urgency,” said Andria So, an attorney at Earthjustice.
Like their northern cousins, California spotted owls only live in mature and old-growth forests where they’re threatened by historic and current logging practices. They’re also harmed by the impacts of climate change including uncharacteristically large and severe fires, prolonged drought and higher temperatures.
California spotted owls are also increasingly threatened by invasive barred owls, which have been decimating northern spotted owl populations for decades. Because barred owls are still relatively few in number in the California spotted owl’s range, the Service’s unfortunate yet necessary effort to cull the invasive owl is particularly important for the California spotted owl’s survival.
The U.S. Forest Service and the timber industry have instituted some protections for the spotted owl’s habitat, but damaging clearcutting and salvage logging persist. These practices, combined with the increased risk of severe fire because of climate change, are resulting in continued loss of spotted owl habitat.
RENO, Nev. – Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe will be the first ski area open on the west coast for the 2026-27 winter season thanks to early season snow and cold temperatures that have allowed for snowmaking operations to get underway. The Lakeview Express lift will start spinning at 9:00 a.m. this Friday, Nov. 6.
“We’re excited to get winter started, and to again offer skiers and snowboarders another six month season. Mt Rose – Ski Tahoe can boast one of the longest ski seasons in Tahoe with operations from early November until almost May,” said Mike Pierce, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe marketing director. “Recent snow paired with our extensive snowmaking efforts, the highest base area elevation in Tahoe at 8,260′, plus more snow in the extended forecast means early season conditions are ready to roll for the first turns of the season.”
Mt. Rose to open on Nov. 6.Provided / Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
For opening day, planned lift operations include the Lakeview Express from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering access to long intermediate level trails on the Main Lodge side of the mountain. Open trails will include Kit Carson Traverse, Kit Carson Bowl, Ponderosa and potentially more runs as snowmaking continues this week. Skiers and riders should anticipate early season conditions and snowmaking operations in progress.
Beginner terrain will be available on opening day, but it will be limited to the Show-Off area near the main lodge. It is anticipated that the Magic Conveyor lift will be open to service this terrain.
All parking will be available at the Main Lodge, and services will include the Lodgepole Cafe, Higher Grounds Coffee Bar, and Timbers. Equipment Rentals & the Tuning Center will be open as well as ski & snowboard lessons. Lifts spin from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lodge operations starting at 8 a.m.
Advanced online lift tickets are available at skirose.com and Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe Season Passes are still available. Additional terrain and resort services are expected to open as snowmaking operations continue at every opportunity that conditions permit.
Please note Wildslide Tahoe snowtubing will not be open. The projected opening date for Wildslide Tahoe will be Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. Please visit Wildslidetahoe.com for updates.
Visit skirose.com for snow, terrain and lift operations reports, and to purchase lift tickets or a 2026-27 season pass.
Follow along as The Tribune updates this page with live election coverage.
Monday morning: Data shows high early voter turnout
As of 11:10 a.m., Douglas County voters have returned 37.7% of mail-in ballots, according to a dashboard from the Nevada Secretary of State. That’s 15,647 ballots out of the 41,527 sent out.
Douglas County currently has the highest percentage of mail-in ballots returned.
Of the returned mail-in ballots, 53.4% are from registered Republicans, 25.1% are from Democrats and 21.4% are labeled as other.
As of Friday, Oct. 30, another 4,570 people have voted in person at polling places.
This year has seen more early votes compared to the 2024 general election, when just 20.4% of registered voters, or 8,586 people, had voted early in Washoe County as of 9 a.m. the day before election day.
By the time results were certified in 2024, data show 74.8% of voters had voted early, by mail or using absentee ballots.
Follow along as The Tribune updates this page with live election coverage.
Monday morning: Seniors make up disproportionate amount of early voters
As of Monday at around 9 a.m., roughly 35% of El Dorado County voters have returned their mail-in ballots, according to Political Data Inc., California’s largest voter data tracking system. That’s 47,919 out of 137,887 ballots mailed.
Data shows 43% of ballots returned came from registered Republicans, 36% came from Democrats and 21% from other parties and non-affiliated voters.
Seniors have the highest turnout so far. About 58% of voters who have returned their ballots were 65 or older, even though seniors make up just 35% of registered voters in the county, the data says.
Both Democrats and Republicans are returning ballots at a higher rate than voters from other parties or unaffiliated voters.
Follow along as The Tribune updates this page with live election coverage.
Monday morning: Data shows high early voter turnout
As of 10:45 a.m. on Monday, Washoe County voters have returned 28.3% of mail-in ballots, according to a dashboard from the Nevada Secretary of State. That’s 92,646 ballots out of the 327,598 sent out.
Of the returned mail-in ballots, 40.8% are from registered Democrats, 31.7% are from Republicans and 27.5% are labeled as other.
As of Friday, Oct. 30, another 54,581 people have voted in person at polling places.
This year has seen more early votes compared to the 2024 general election, when just 26.9% of registered voters, or 90,382 people, had voted early in Washoe County as of 9 a.m. the day before election day.
By the time results were certified in 2024, data shows 67.6% of voters had voted early, by mail or using absentee ballots.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – For the first time in 14 years, the South Tahoe High School (STHS) Vikings girls volleyball team won the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) Class 3A Northern Regional Volleyball Tournament against Tahoe rivals, Truckee. Now, they’re heading to Las Vegas.
The first round of the tournament took place on October 27, with STHS defeating Churchill County High School in a 3-0 victory. Heading into the weekend, the girls played against Fernley 3-1 alongside top-seeded Truckee who beat Dayton 3-1.
STHS volleyball is going to the State Championship in Las Vegas.Provided / Jeff Cowen
“Truckee has always been a team that makes it almost every year,” said Alejandro Dominguez, volleyball head coach at STHS. “They are a very tough team, they have amazing players and great coaching. I have nothing but respect for their staff.”
As they prepared to face off against Truckee on Saturday, October 31, Dominguez said the day started off in high spirits thanks to assistant coach Christy Wilson who made them breakfast that morning.
“From the beginning, you could see that they were in the right mind space,” said Dominguez. “The energy was so static. It was almost like you knew, and they believed that they could do this. The minute they stepped on the court, there was not an ounce of nervousness.”
The last time STHS won regionals was in 2012 under long-time coach Danny McLaughlin. Dominguez began coaching in 2022 and has been leading the team since they were freshmen. He not only praised the girls for their hard work but for how much they care for one another.
“They have worked harder than any team I have ever had the pleasure of coaching, including in Vegas, New York, Connecticut. They’re just such a special team.”
Dominguez also touched on how welcomed he has felt since he took on the role of head coach.
“This community has done an amazing job of making a Cuban-Hispanic male feel right at home,” he said. “They have never treated me like an outsider. They have always given me full range to do what I do best, which is coaching. I am very thankful to be part of this community.”
Now, the girls’ team is gearing up to play in Las Vegas for the state semifinals on Friday, November 6 as the No. 1 seed against The Meadows School, a private school and the #1 Nevada Class 3A rank with an overall record of 27-4. Truckee takes the No. 2 seed and will play against Virgin Valley.
“The interesting thing about our side is that we are all public schools that go against private schools, and the difference is that private schools get to recruit,” Dominguez explained. “We are literally always the underdog going into these things, but that’s what makes it so much more exciting.”
The game starts at 5 p.m. and the winner of each match will play for the title on Saturday at 10 a.m. You can watch the championship’s livestream by visiting www.nfhsnetwork.com.
OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. – Three days. Three distinct musical identities. One stage at 6,200 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains, steps from the ski lifts at Palisades Tahoe. Tahoe Live is gearing up for its biggest and boldest winter weekend yet, revealing the highly anticipated single-day lineups for December 11–13, 2026, with single-day tickets going on sale Thursday, November 5 at 10 am PT.
Now in its fifth year, Tahoe Live is taking its most ambitious approach to programming yet, with each day thoughtfully curated around some of electronic music’s biggest names. Chris Lake takes house music to new heights on Friday, GRiZ makes his highly anticipated solo headlining return to Northern California on Saturday, and Knock2 closes out the weekend on Sunday with a lineup built around the same artist circle and cultural movement that has defined Niteharts.
While last year’s edition leaned heavily into bass, founder Dustin Esson and the Tahoe Live team have deliberately broadened the musical landscape for 2026, bringing house, bass, melodic electronic and genre-crossing sounds together in a lineup that offers something different each day.
Yet one thing hasn’t changed: one stage and no set conflicts. There’s no schedule to strategize, no artists to sacrifice and no decision fatigue. Fans can experience every performance from start to finish, creating the shared, communal atmosphere that has become central to the Tahoe Live experience.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11: CHRIS LAKE LEADS TAHOE LIVE’S BIGGEST MOVE INTO HOUSE MUSIC
Coming off one of the biggest years of his career, Chris Lake headlines Friday following two sold-out Los Angeles State Historic Park shows that moved approximately 40,000 tickets, his largest headline engagement to date. With his debut artist album Chemistry and a second Grammy nomination adding to his momentum, Lake arrives at Tahoe Live as one of house music’s most commanding figures.
His appearance marks a significant evolution for Tahoe Live. Following a 2025 edition that leaned heavily into bass music, the festival is bringing house to the mountain in a major way, dedicating an entire day to the genre rather than simply adding a house headliner to the weekend.
Joining Lake are Northern California favorites Walker & Royce, alongside Noizu, Devault, Jackie Hollander, NALA and Zaddy B, bringing together artists whose sounds span different corners of house and club music.
It’s a purposeful expansion of Tahoe Live’s musical identity, introducing a new dimension to the festival while giving house fans a full day of music built around the genre.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12: GRiZ RETURNS TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Saturday is anchored by GRiZ, making his first solo headlining return to Northern California since two sold-out shows at the Cow Palace in November 2025.
His only Bay Area appearance in between came at Outside Lands 2026 as GRiZTRONICS, his collaborative project with Subtronics, making Tahoe Live a particularly anticipated opportunity for fans to experience GRiZ in his own headlining setting.
Known for his unmistakable fusion of bass, funk, soul and live saxophone, GRiZ brings a musicality and performance style that has earned him one of electronic music’s most devoted followings. His ability to move between hard-hitting bass, melodic moments and live instrumentation has made his performances an experience all their own.
Joining him is TEDDY PAIN, the electronic music project of Grammy-winning artist T-Pain. Far from a celebrity DJ cameo, the project marks T-Pain’s growing involvement in dubstep and bass music, following his Bass Bootcamp headline debut and collaborations with established electronic producers. His appearance alongside GRiZ brings together two artists whose musical identities extend well beyond traditional genre boundaries.
Rounding out Saturday are YDG, Mary Droppinz, HERSHE, Khoda León and DJ Unni, creating a day rooted in bass music while embracing a wider range of sounds and influences.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13: KNOCK2 BRINGS A TASTE OF NITEHARTS TO THE MOUNTAINS
Tahoe Live closes with Knock2, one of electronic music’s most in-demand artists, leading a Sunday lineup that brings a taste of the Niteharts universe to Northern California.
The San Diego artist, who co-founded the Niteharts festival with fellow producer ISOxo, is joined by Madeon and Control Freak, both of whom appeared at Niteharts 2026, alongside Daniel Allan, WINK x Nikko, Klo and BUNS.
With Knock2’s explosive combination of bass house, trap and high-energy club music at its center, Sunday connects artists whose sounds move between melodic electronic music, experimental production and harder-edged club sounds.
Madeon’s genre-crossing productions and dynamic live performances add another dimension, while Daniel Allan, WINK x Nikko and Control Freak bring their own distinctive approaches to the day’s programming.
It’s a lineup that reflects the creative connections and forward-thinking sounds surrounding Knock2 and the next generation of electronic music, bringing a little of that Niteharts spirit to the snow-covered Sierra Nevada.
THREE DAYS, THREE IDENTITIES — ONE WINTER DESTINATION
Following a 2025 edition that expanded to three sold-out days, with fans traveling from 48 states and lodging in The Village at Palisades Tahoe selling out well ahead of the event, Tahoe Live returns with its biggest lineup and broadest musical range yet.
But what continues to set Tahoe Live apart is where it all happens.
At the base of Palisades Tahoe, the festival grounds sit at 6,200 feet, surrounded by Sierra Nevada peaks rising more than 9,000 feet. The stage is located steps from the ski lifts, with lodging, dining and après-ski throughout The Village within walking distance.
Fans can go from the ski trails to the festival, spending their days skiing or snowboarding before heading down the mountain for the music. After dark, lights, lasers and large-scale production transform the alpine setting, with the surrounding mountains becoming part of the experience.
It’s that combination of world-class electronic music, legendary terrain and the energy of a winter mountain getaway that has helped Tahoe Live grow into a destination in its own right.
“This is probably the most intentional three days we’ve ever put together. Friday, you’ve got one of the biggest and most relevant names in house music owning opening night. Saturday is really special for us, we’ve wanted GRiZ at Tahoe Live from day one, and this year it finally came together. Then you’ve got TEDDY PAIN in that direct-support slot bringing that energy right before GRiZ. TEDDY PAIN is about to have a massive year, and putting those two together creates a pairing fans simply haven’t seen before.
Sunday was literally built w/ Knock2’s camp to give the fans who are part of this cultural movement exactly what they want. That whole crew has created something incredibly relevant right now, and we wanted the day to feel authentic to that world.
They’re three completely different days, but every one of them feels current, relevant and distinctly Tahoe Live. And then you put all of that on one stage, in the snow, at the base of one of the most iconic ski resorts in North America. What else do you need?” said Dustin Esson, Founder, Tahoe Live
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Effective Sunday, November 1, Fire Chief Jim Drennan is lifting the ban on the use of charcoal for BBQs in the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Residents may continue to use propane, pellets, liquid petroleum, and charcoal for BBQ cooking.
Important reminder: Open flame burning with wood is never allowed within the City limits, at any time of the year, except in the designated fire rings at Campground by the Lake.
As winter approaches, the threat of wildfire diminishes but remains present. Residents are encouraged to maintain at least 5 feet of defensible space around their homes, to improve their property’s chance of surviving a wildfire.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Barton Health is expanding access to cancer care in the Lake Tahoe region with the launch of Barton Cancer Care, providing patients with expert, coordinated cancer care closer to home.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026. For people living in rural communities, access to cancer care can present additional challenges. The National Cancer Institute notes that these barriers can contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes in rural communities.
Barton Cancer Care is designed to help change that experience for patients in the Lake Tahoe region. The new service line brings together a medical oncologist, chemotherapy treatment, patient and financial navigation, with a dedicated oncology team supporting patients throughout their care journey. Patients receiving chemotherapy can now receive treatment at Barton in an infusion suite created with patient comfort, care, and support in mind. By providing more cancer care locally, Barton can help patients spend more time at home with the people they love.
Barton Cancer Care services will be led by William Schwartzman, MD, a medical oncologist who will work with patients throughout their cancer journey. Dr. Schwartzman will evaluate and diagnose patients, develop individualized treatment plans, and coordinate care with surgeons and other specialists, helping guide patients through each stage of treatment. Dr. Schwartzman brings advanced training in oncology and hematology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
“Cancer treatment often requires frequent appointments, testing, and therapy. Minimizing the burden of travel allows patients to spend more time focusing on healing and less time on the road. That’s the type of cancer care we’re committed to providing here,” said Dr. Schwartzman.
As a Cleveland Clinic Connected member, Barton developed its cancer care program with guidance from Cleveland Clinic experts and its nationally recognized practices. Through that membership, Barton physicians and care teams have access to Cleveland Clinic’s guidance on clinical and operational best practices, quality, safety and patient experience — resources they draw on as they care for patients close to home.
“Our commitment to our community means continually listening to our patients, understanding their changing needs and evolving the care we provide,” said Dr. Clint Purvance, President & CEO of Barton Health. “Barton Cancer Care is a meaningful example of that commitment, bringing more specialized care close to home while drawing on the expertise and nationally recognized practices available through our Cleveland Clinic Connected membership.”
Barton Cancer Care is now accepting patients. For more information or to learn about available cancer care services, visit bartonhealth.orgor call 530.600.1950.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board announced a proposed settlement that would protect drinking water supplies in South Lake Tahoe from a toxic groundwater plume linked to a former dry-cleaning site.
The proposed settlement would require Seven Springs Limited Partnership and Fox Capital Management Corporation, the former and current owners of the property, to provide treatment for municipal drinking water wells and address pollution affecting the Tahoe Valley South Subbasin for a period of 59 years.
The contamination, primarily from tetrachloroethylene (PCE), originated from dry-cleaning activities at the property between 1972 and 1979 that formed a regional groundwater plume. The plume extended from the State Route 89 and U.S. Route 50 junction toward the Tahoe Keys and has contaminated wells used by two local drinking water providers. To ensure residents receive safe drinking water, the providers and the board have worked together to either treat the wells contaminated with PCE or close them.
Under the proposed settlement, the former and current owners of the property will give the drinking water providers $4.1 million for PCE treatment, long-term monitoring and other improvements, ensuring continuous access to safe drinking water for thousands of South Lake Tahoe residents and businesses.
“Protecting water quality and human health is one of the Lahontan Water Board’s top priorities, and this agreement represents a major step forward to address legacy contamination from dry-cleaning activities,” said Ben Letton, Lahontan Water Board executive officer. “The proposed settlement should give South Lake Tahoe residents confidence that their drinking water is safe today — and will remain safe in the decades ahead.”
If approved, the settlement will:
Ensure continued access to safe drinking water by funding groundwater treatment as needed for Lukins Brothers Water Company and Tahoe Keys Water Company.
Providing monetary compensation to the water purveyors for past and ongoing impacts to their drinking water supplies.
Require a 59‑year groundwater monitoring and response program, using a network of monitoring wells to provide early detection of elevated PCE levels before they reach municipal wells.
Continue remediation of the contamination source using technologies such as soil vapor extraction and targeted groundwater treatment.
PCE is commonly used for dry cleaning and textile processing, and scientific evidence shows prolonged exposure to it may cause cancer.
The proposed settlement is subject to approval by the regional board at a future meeting where it can accept or reject the proposed settlement but not modify its terms. The regional board encourages residents to review the proposed settlement and submit public comments by the Nov. 20 deadline.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the quality of California’s water resources in eastern California. For more information about the Lahontan Water Board, visit its website.
CARSON CITY, Nev. – Thanks to local firefighters, an American flag now draws the eye to a once easily passed-over monument on Highway 50 near Spooner Summit. Nevada engraved on its side, the square pillar stands in an eastbound pullout above the now-forested landscape and the Carson Valley beyond.
100 years ago, the view was quite different.
Winds were fueling a fire up and down landscape canyons. The Clear Creek-Kings Canyon Fire had started early the morning of Sept. 28, 1926, at the base of the canyon near Carson City.
One group of firefighters and volunteers moved into position to protect Carson City. Another headed up the hill to keep the blaze from reaching Lake Tahoe near what is now Highway 50.
That afternoon, the fire encircled that upper group of firefighters when a sudden wind shift through the hillside drainages sent it on an abrupt run.
With the fire cutting off the escape route, the firefighters were trapped.
A headline appearing in a Carson City newspaper two days later reads, “Bodies of Fire Victims Close Together.”
Three were killed outright, and two were hospitalized with serious burns and died a few days later.
Erected in 1990, the monument lists George Brown, J.E. Mitchell, Arthur Sunday, and Bryant Whitmore.
“It is important not to forget these men that sacrificed their lives to protect life, property and our natural resources in our area,” Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Matt Fogarty said. “We cannot forget them, or what happened to them.”
Members of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Zephyr Fire Crew place the hardhats at the memorial each year to signify the lives lost. This summer, they added the hand-painted flag to help draw attention to the stone monument, now partially blocked after the installation of road barriers.
A Zephyr Fire Crew paints the American Flag near the monument. Provided / TDFPD
This marks the 15th year the Zephyr Fire Crew has maintained the memorial.
“There is pride in maintaining it and,” Fogarty said, “honoring those fallen firefighters.”
The fire 100 years ago burned around 8,000 acres west of Carson City, but for the most part spared Carson City.
“A century ago, wildland firefighting looked very different,” Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Fire Inspector Michelle Turner said. “There were no modern engines, protective clothing, radios, helicopters, or escape shelters. Firefighters relied on hand tools, determination and one another.”
Whitmore exemplified this when, according to a statement from the Nevada Governor at the time, he turned back after reaching safety to help Sunday, who was still trapped. They were the two hospitalized.
Although equipment has advanced, looking back at the fire’s behavior on Sept. 28, 100 years ago, Fogarty said, “We are faced with the same situations today.”
Families of the fallen firefighters gathered shortly after the 100-year anniversary for a ceremony honoring them in Carson City at the Nevada Fallen Firefighter Memorial on Oct. 2. The following day, they visited grave sites and the highway memorial, arriving to flags, banners and five silver hardhats.
TL;DR: South Lake Tahoe has been named Expedia’s #1 Trending Destination for 2027, following a 195% surge in travel searches. Discover why this year-round mountain destination is capturing travelers’ attention worldwide.
The secret is out! South Lake Tahoe is capturing the attention of travelers worldwide, and Expedia’s latest travel trends report confirms it.
According to Expedia’s Unpack ’27 travel trends report, South Lake Tahoe saw a remarkable 195% year-over-year increase in travel searches, earning the top spot among trending destinations worldwide.
And it’s easy to see why. From sparkling blue waters and sandy beaches to breathtaking alpine scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers something unforgettable in every season. Visitors can hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts, explore scenic hiking and biking trails, cruise across the lake, or simply relax and take in the mountain views. Add exciting entertainment, delicious dining, and a wide variety of places to stay, and you’ve got a destination worth discovering again and again.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, a romantic mountain escape, or a memorable family vacation, South Lake Tahoe delivers an experience unlike anywhere else.
Who doesn’t love that cozy autumn feeling of walking to your mailbox, or a drop box, or an in-person voting center to cast your vote for local, state, and national leadership?
2026 is a midterm year, meaning no voting for the U.S. president and vice president. With that spotlight off, local races receive more, much-deserved attention. Ideal, since that’s where voters have the most power to effect change. But without presidential candidates on the ballot, there tends to be considerably less participation. In 2022’s midterm election, 36% of California’s voting age population cast a ballot compared to 53% in 2024’s general. In Nevada for those same years, 41% bumped up to 58%.
The irony isn’t difficult to spot: Rules and codes over local development, utility rates, transportation options — these and hundreds more decisions happen in your neck of the woods and are made by the people you vote into office. But it doesn’t have the same drama or them-versus-us vibe, so it might not feel as critical to participate.
We hope reviewing the answers provided by candidates in the following pages adds a reason to your pros and cons list about voting on or before Nov. 3. There are very real issues at hand and critical decisions being made, and who you vote for could turn the tide one way or the other.
For our election coverage in our October edition, we took a methodical approach to the jurisdictions and special districts featured: Those we questioned in person as part of the Truckee Candidate Forum on Oct. 8 — Truckee Town Council, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, and Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District — were not included in print. (You can re-watch those forums, which took place Oct. 6 and 8, at ttm.ompnetwork.org.
A North Shore Election Forum took place Oct. 6, where state candidates participated in a Q&A. Find the recording at firsttuesdaybreakfastclub.com.
Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association is hosting an IV-CB Community Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Duffield Theater at Incline High School. It will be broadcast live and available afterward at youtube.com/@iv-cbcommunityforum9730.
We also touch on Measure P, which goes before all voters within the TTUSD boundaries.
You’ll find three district-specific questions asked of the candidates, who were allowed no more than 125 words in response per answer. Please sit with their answers and mull over who you believe would best fill an empty seat on a board, then responsibly fill out your ballot and cast your vote by Nov. 3. A healthy democracy depends on participation.
For uncontested races and other information, view our 2026 Election Tracker at tinyurl.com/5f4w5j4c.
Residents must register to vote by Oct. 19. Same-day voter registration is possible, but must be done at a county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations.
Residents must have registered to vote in person or by mail by Oct. 6. Same-day voter registration is possible and must be done in person at a polling location. Visit tinyurl.com/mrfcsc7p for a list of early voting locations.
Two years ago, the Incline Village General Improvement District was in a precarious spot. Fraud allegations, financial issues, failed recalls, and a general manager spot that couldn’t seem to be kept filled — interim GM Bobby Magee, who resigned after three months, followed by Kent Walrack, who lasted a similar length of time before being terminated by a new board. That same month, January 2025, the still-current GM, Bob Harrison, was put in place.
Earlier this summer, Trustee Mick Homan wrote a piece for Moonshine saying that at long last, things are looking up. “With key hires in HR and finance to supplement the existing team, focus shifted to three priorities,” he wrote. “Improving organizational health, restoring financial discipline, and advancing long-term capital planning.”
The shape of that progress looks different to different people. There are three candidates running for two seats on the IVGID Board of Trustees, with only one incumbent running for reelection: David Noble. That means there’ll be at least one newcomer, either Harry Swenson, who ran in 2024, or Ryan “RB” Brooks. The candidates touch on cost discipline, transportation, and utility management.
Candidates were limited to 125-word responses per question, and they have been edited for style and clarity. Order of replies determined by a randomizer.
1. Public transportation has been identified as a critical option to reduce traffic, lower pollution, expand mobility, and more. December 2025’s cancellation of TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit) Connect’s microtransit services and the Aug. 1, 2026, discontinuance of IVGID’s Senior Transportation Program have created a gap in public transportation needs across Incline Village/Crystal Bay. What do you see as the most critical way(s) IVGID can support or encourage expanded public transportation options?
Brooks: The end of these programs left us without on-demand transit for the residents who depend on it most: seniors, workers, and people without a car. As I see it, IVGID’s most critical role is to restore service quickly and on solid legal footing. IVGID’s counsel has advised that [Nevada Revised Statute] 318 doesn’t allow the district to operate transportation directly. Rather, we should let a local 501(c)(3) run the service and receive state and federal funding directly, including [Nevada Department of Transportation’s] [Federal Transit Administration] Section 5310 and Older Americans Act funds and Washoe County senior service contracts. IVGID’s role would be to convene partners and help prepare grant applications. Any direct financial support would be reviewed by legal counsel first, so we don’t trade one lawsuit risk for another.
Editor’s note: Words in brackets were added by editors and do not count against word count.
Noble: IVGID representatives have been in discussions with county representatives since April to strongly encourage restarting/funding TART, which would assist all residents, including seniors. Those discussions have included the use of at least some of the taxes generated from STRs in unincorporated Washoe County (over 90% of those revenues come from STRs in Incline Village and Crystal Bay), which currently go to the county, Travel North Tahoe Nevada (formerly the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau), and the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Unfortunately, IVGID is prohibited from providing public transportation service, unless it is tied to at least one of IVGID’s recreation venues.
Swenson: I would work with the board and amend the long-standing contract with Washoe County to ensure senior transportation services are fully funded by the county and are consistent with services offered in other towns/districts of the county. For instance, the county provides discounted Lyft rides and taxi services for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. We need to ensure our community is aware of the services available.
IVGID has the responsibility of providing transportation according to the contract with Washoe County; therefore, the elimination of services was wrong. The problem appears to be budgetary and due to the services provided by IVGID going beyond what the county provides in other communities. Services should have been reviewed and refined rather than eliminated.
2. IVGID provides essential utilities while also operating an extensive recreation system. How would you determine which responsibilities should take priority when the district faces competing financial, infrastructure, and community needs?
Swenson: Maintaining and updating our water and sewer infrastructure is critical. Much of it is still original and in state of disrepair. We’ve had too many water main and line breaks. We need to budget and execute on a plan to get it upgraded and properly maintained. At the same time, we need to make the maintenance of our existing facilities, such as the recreation center, a priority. We should budget for these things first and then determine what additional projects can be accomplished. Only projects that can be delivered should be contained in the budget that results in your beach and recreation fees. This would resolve the over-collection of fees from our community while keeping our facilities in good repair.
Brooks: Tier 1 – Public health, safety, and legal obligations. Water, sewer, and effluent systems come first because they protect residents and the lake, and regulations aren’t optional.
Tier 2 – Taking care of what we already have. Before paying for anything new, IVGID should fully fund the repair and replacement of its existing pipes, pumps, facilities, and equipment.
Tier 3 – Core recreation at the heart of our community. Each IVGID facility should be evaluated on cost, usage, and how close it comes to covering its expenses. But keep a holistic approach.
Tier 4 – Wants. New amenities, expansions, and nice-to-haves come last.
Three rules would guide me in how I apply this:
Keep the money where it belongs.
Plan on a five- to 10-year horizon.
Show our work.
Noble: Water and sewer services take priority over all recreation venues because those services are essential to daily life. IVGID recently completed the effluent export pipeline project under Highway 28 — a $62 million-plus project finished a year ahead of schedule and $13 million-plus under budget. Looking forward, I believe reinvestment in IVGID’s water service and ski area should be priority. Wildfire preparedness measures (pipe replacement, backup generators, etc.) need to be accelerated for our water delivery system to be better prepared for future wildfire events. Diamond Peak is the only venue that generates a profit for the community ($1 to $5 million/year), yet no meaningful investments have been made in nearly 20 years — lodge, lift, and snowmaking upgrades are long overdue to address declining skier visits.
3. The past few years have seen ups and downs in the facility fee amounts district property owners pay annually. For example, in the fiscal year ending 2023, residents paid $780. In 2024, that amount dropped to $455. In 2026, due to impacted district finances, the annual fee went up to $1,375. The current IVGID board said the latest increase will help ensure district financial stability and the ability to manage current and future capital facilities. Do you think the board and staff have handled the financial instability well? How would you seek to maintain or improve district financial management moving forward?
Noble: The facility fee was kept flat from 2010 to 2023, while construction, labor, and food prices rose considerably over that period. The fee went up to $1,375 to begin addressing years of deferred maintenance and capital projects that languished due to analysis paralysis. I led the effort in early 2025 to hire IVGID’s new GM, who has rebuilt the finance department. We now have the right personnel in place for IVGID to comply with all applicable fiscal and accounting protocols, resulting in a clean (no exceptions or disclaimers) [Fiscal Year] 2025 audit. IVGID will be removed from the state’s fiscal watch list once the anticipated clean audit for FY 2026 is filed in November, which will enable IVGID to access additional financing tools for future projects.
Swenson: IVGID is collecting money for projects without the ability to complete in the budgeted year for many years; it’s resulted in excessive cash reserves. The excessive cash build-ups have also allowed your money to be used where it wasn’t intended or budgeted. The lower-fee years were during a time when the board linked the fees to the ability to deliver projects and services; they didn’t over-collect but collected for what was achievable. Last year’s capital improvement plan was for $30 million of projects and barely executed on $6 million. Now, with the tripling of fees, they’ve collected another $40 million out of your pockets. The board needs to budget and collect only for projects and services it can deliver, nothing more. Apply proper fiscal management!
Brooks: The current board and staff faced the problem honestly. They built a long-term capital plan, ranked the most critical projects, and stabilized the general fund. The effluent pipeline replacement finished a year early and under budget. That’s real progress.
Going forward, I would:
Instead of raising fees, pursue cost savings and revenue generating opportunities. For example, we have a $400,000 line item for the replacement of golf carts. Let’s solicit sponsors like Titleist or Nike to brand and sponsor the golf carts.
Index the fee to construction costs every year with a published formula.
Autumn Color Reflected in the Twilight
Caples Lake, Calif.
Fall is here, and for photographers, it’s the most exciting time of the year. Grab your gear and head to the mountains. Great images may seem easy, but capturing world-class ones is not as simple as it appears. I have five key elements that I look for in a single image:
1. Color: The sky and landscape should be bursting with color. Brilliant blue skies, glowing sunsets, and vibrant fall foliage make images pop.
2. Water: I prefer a one to three-second exposure to soften the water into a creamy flow of motion. Reflections double the foliage and sky color, creating beautiful, mirrored compositions.
3. Strong Compositions: Find a solid center point, such as an is
olated tree or a splash of color. Your eye should wander around without being led out of the frame. S-curves and diagonals make images more dynamic.
4. Old Things: Ghost towns, dilapidated buildings or barns, and remnants of bygone eras are not only enjoyable to discover, but they are often weathered, rusted, or in disrepair, captivating viewers.
5. Weather: Clouds, snow, and rain can all enhance an image. Cloudy days reduce the contrast of shadows. The first snowfall of the year is a must-see, and a gentle rain to wash away dust is always welcome.
I haven’t yet captured a photo that incorporates all five elements, but I’ll keep trying!
It being a midterms year, Moonshine Ink sought to create a political education column, speaking with academics on the state of politics in the country. In this edition of the Politics Brief, Moonshine spoke with Teaching Assistant Professor Owen Fite, Ph.D., from the University of Nevada, Reno’s political science department. Answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.
You teach a class on political philosophy, so I’m wondering if you can define democracy and tell me about how it has evolved since its creation? Why didn’t the founding fathers go with a direct Athenian democracy?
To give the general synopsis of what Athenian democracy was, it wasn’t monolithic, it wasn’t static. It changed over different years in which it existed. But the most radical take … that I think is worth juxtaposing from today is a democracy in which you had 6,000 citizens who showed up to the Pnyx — the assembly. It’s this hilltop in Athens. And the first 6,000 citizens that showed up there got to be essentially congress members for the day.
Those citizens would be voting yea or nay on the various proposals that were submitted by [a] council of 500. This was still restricted to Athenians, even if there were other city-states and areas that were under Athenian rule. This was still a very exclusive form of citizenship that also did not include women or children or slaves. But these people also were paid.
As a way to make this more accessible even to the poor, you could get paid essentially a day’s wage to show up and do your citizenry duties. And so you had a form of citizenship that allowed for such participation and allowed for real engagement, whether it’s because you were picked by lottery to be one of these more deliberative council members in this smaller body of 500, or you always having this right to show up early to this assembly with 5,999 other folks and vote yea or nay on these various proposals. I don’t think I need to explain to you how different that is from democracy today.
Aristotle gives you a theory as to three noble forms of government — what are pure, virtuous forms of government: benevolent kingship, aristocracy, and polity, or what also might be translated to a constitutional polity of sorts.
The perverted forms, or the forms of government that end up taking shape if the noble ones end up being corrupted, are: tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy. Democracy is seen as mob rule, rule of incompetence, rule of those who are subject to material needs. In other words, people are selfishly going into these assemblies looking for what they can get. If they don’t have their needs met, they’re going to be even more desperate and selfish instead of deliberating and thinking of a collective communal good.
And it isn’t until we get to John Locke and what we would call the introduction of liberal democracy that we get kind of this 180, where we get essentially the English Civil Wars, and we get this re-understanding that government is based on consent, individual’s agreement to enter into a social contract and accept legitimate authority.
[The founding fathers] had a lot of liberal ideas to pull from, they draw from Lockean philosophy, and so they have the basis of a liberal democratic government, but one that is still supposed to be based on rationalism, that is still supposed to exclude women, those who are not educated enough, like children, those who are supposed to only be property owning. In other words, still this idea that those who can’t provide for themselves are going to corrupt a public body, seeking their own selfish good if they don’t have their own material sustenance met.
And what one could clearly argue as real skepticism of the everyday citizen, the fact that the Senate was not able to be elected until we get to the 1900s shows that the founding fathers didn’t want everyday people in charge of affairs. The fact that the electoral college existed meant another layer of insulation in which individual people could not express their concerns. By just keeping it in the House of Representatives, it allowed some sort of representation based off citizens, which is still a very exclusive circle.
Not everyone could be a citizen … that would be specifically capped by a Senate. It’d be capped to really make sure that all these warnings made by political philosophers over the last thousand years [about] a tyranny of the masses, a tyranny of the uneducated, would never really take shape.
ZOON POLITIKON: Politics isn’t simply Congress or voting, says Owen Fite, it’s the network of relationships and decisions that shape how we live together. File image
As politics becomes wrapped up in every facet of life, what would you say to somebody who says that they’re not political? How does this tie into Aristotle’s idea of the zoon politikon?
Zoon politikon translates to political animal.
And this is an assumption made by Aristotle that people are political creatures. In other words, politics is not something we should avoid. Politics is the very essence of being human.
The fact that humans have ideas of what is good and bad, what’s better and worse, what is righteous, what is sincere, what is emotion, these are all very human things. And all of this has to do with politics. In order to understand this you have to have a more capacious definition instead of an institutional definition of politics just being Congress or voting.
But politics at its origins is the practice of compromise, of agreeing. Well, that’s what it’s like to be a person. The only way one could avoid politics would be living out on an island by themselves with no interaction with anyone else.
But even that is still the consequence of politics. For example, [if] some different treaties or different governments agreed not to populate this one island,[then] even if someone avoids all politics, the very absence of politics … requires politics elsewhere. And so that’s a different answer, though, to how someone who tells me they’re not political, how I’d respond to them.
I would do a long Socratic kind of back and forth if I had all the time in the world and I was invested in really getting this through. I would ask, ‘What does it mean to not be political?’ I’d throw it on its head. And if someone said, ‘Oh, it’s just I like my job and I like watching my TV.’ I’d ask, ‘Well, how do you have your job? What are the economic forces at play? What are the facts of insurance, the subsidies, the workplace protections, the fact that you have a home, the zoning, the roads that get you from here to there, the fact that you have TV, that you have internet connection here and there, that everything that leads to you being a part of another’s world, that’s political.’
It is interesting because I feel like some of the people I’ve talked to think it’s pointless. They think that they don’t have influence, or maybe they think that there’s no point in voting in the presidential election because they think that the only potential power that they have is within local elections.
What I would call a meaningful distinction of what you brought up is the difference between having agency and influence versus control and masterdom. Yeah, people in the U.S. right now do not have control over their politics.
They do not have a masterdom over politics unless they are one of those few exceptions of a political party elite or Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos-type billionaires. That doesn’t mean someone doesn’t have influence. If I were to have a conversation with individuals, I would probably take it as local, scaled down as possible to think of what influence have you had on friends, on family, on the community, and I would interrogate them or challenge them to say, how is that apolitical? You convincing a friend to watch a certain show over another, going to this event versus another, joining this club, spending their time doing this and that.
Whether they’re subtle or not, they have interconnections with ideas of what is better, what is worse, what are ways that we want to associate, we want to cohabitate, we want to live together, what institutions we want to make, whether they’re formal or informal.
What I problematize about the definition that you cited is that it’s really restricted by an institutionalist type of thinking that, yes, if you only work with institutions and you expect institutions to completely reflect what you want, it’s going to feel like you have no agency, but that’s only one avenue of politics.
The most radical changes over history, the biggest political change happens outside of formal institutions. It creates new institutions over time. You as an individual are not going to do that. You don’t have that control or masterdom, but that’s where you don’t get these big critical junctures until it actually takes up across a large group, a large mass of people.
We go back to the heart of it, which is politics only exists with others. You as an individual are not going to change everything in politics by yourself. It’s all part of a collective action problem, a collective effort.
Three seats of the five seats on the Truckee Fire Protection District board are up for the midterms, but none of them are seeking reelection, which means come Jan. 1, 2027, there’ll be three new faces overseeing the fire district’s budget, policies, and overall services for the community. This is especially notable considering the district’s current legal battle against Placer County over property tax allotment, such impending capital projects as a new headquarters fire station, and the recent union formation.
Candidates were limited to 125-word responses per question, and they have been edited for style and clarity. Order of replies determined by a randomizer.
1. Truckee Fire says a decades-old property-tax allocation problem in Placer County has cost it roughly $40 million since the 1970s. What is your understanding of the district’s claim, and what role should the board play in pursuing a resolution that supports reliable fire and emergency medical services while considering the impact on other taxing agencies? (Read more on this situation at moonshineink.com: Truckee Fire Sues Placer County Over Decades of Unpaid Property Tax.)
McThorn: Unfortunately, there is a confidentiality clause with the legal case, and I do not have all the factual information. Once on the board, I can better understand the issue. From what I know, this should have been addressed many years ago by prior chiefs and boards.
I am not for taking from other special districts within Truckee. This appears to be the threat from Placer County and am not sure that is legal. If the case is won, it should come from the Placer County general fund and not our special districts. Moving forward, the funds should be allocated appropriately to Truckee Fire. If elected, I will share all factual information that is legally allowed so we can move forward responsibly.
Rintala: The district has not been receiving funding from the fire service taxes paid by residents in a portion of Placer County. The district has spent many years trying to resolve this with Placer County. The fire taxes other district residents pay should not have to make up for the funding removed from our region. As a community member, I am not convinced that our local agencies are overfunded by the taxes collected for the TFPD, as the county suggests. The board should seek out and review available information and pursue the case with the entire community we serve in mind. The district should also be ready and willing to engage with other agencies to understand potential impacts.
Witherspoon: Truckee Fire deserves fair, durable funding without destabilizing schools, healthcare, sanitation, or neighboring districts. I reviewed the Zone 7 tax-area records, and the allocation snafu locked into place after Proposition 13 is there for anyone to see. The sanity check is whether Placer County or Northstar [Community Services District] would provide fire protection with those allocations. Quite simply, they wouldn’t. Correcting this historical imbalance will have a financial impact on the county and/or our local special districts. The board should protect the district’s legal position while making settlement the priority. I would require transparent reporting on legal costs, verify the service-cost analysis, and bring Placer County and affected agencies into structured negotiations.
Brown: The lawsuit is active against Placer County by Truckee Fire. This case should be guided by fairness, fiscal responsibility, and what is legitimately owed to our fire district. We have been pursuing a fair resolution with Placer County for decades; with better communication this could have prevented the lawsuit. While retroactive funding may not be recoverable, we should establish a fair path forward. Our emergency services remain unchanged for these areas while local taxpayers bear the costs. I believe there are sufficient resources to reach an equitable solution without negatively impacting other agencies. The court should make a ruling and Truckee Fire will acceptingly move forward. If settlement is needed, I would support collaboration, transparency, and a fair outcome for all involved.
Golden: I completely agree that we cannot take resources away from our schools or healthcare district. A zero-sum fight between local emergency services and education is not the answer.
At the same time, we have to be honest about the problem. Billions of dollars of development have occurred in the Martis Valley, creating more people, more homes and more fire risk, while Truckee Fire remains understaffed. I believe Placer County needs to be part of the solution. We should work toward a long-term agreement that better recognizes the cost of protecting these communities.
My goal would be simple: make sure the tax revenue generated here is helping provide the services needed here, while working with our neighboring agencies rather than taking resources away from them.
2. Significant capital projects are on the horizon for Truckee Fire, including Station 90, a new headquarters fire station, and a regional training facility for Truckee and its partner agencies. What are three specific ways the board of directors might hold the line on fiscal discipline during the planning and implementation of these and other projects?
Golden: Fiscal discipline doesn’t mean saying no to every major project. It means making sure we’re building what our community actually needs and getting the most value for every taxpayer dollar.
I’m particularly supportive of seeing the regional training facility through because I believe it can make Truckee and our neighboring agencies better prepared while sharing cost and resources. I would work directly with partner agencies to make that happen.
Training matters. Firefighters cannot be expected to perform at their best during a structure fire if they can’t regularly practice those skills. Technology, equipment, and fire behavior continue to change, and we have to keep our firefighters current. I would expect strong budgets, accountability, and regular oversight while investing in training that keeps our community safe.
McThorn: The new station 90 is still in the early phase and changes can be made. From what I know, there is not a definitive funding plan. There should be a collaborative effort moving forward with all stakeholders, Transient Occupancy Tax, and community input. Fiscal responsibility is always a priority with public funds. It is a good plan with an attached fire station from what I have seen.
The need for a regional training facility should be a priority. Our goal should be to keep our firefighters within or close to our district when training. Training is a top priority, and Truckee is one of the most uniquely challenged areas in the country. Our firefighters need to be ready at all times.
Rintala: With three new board members, the prospective capital projects should be reviewed starting with a thorough needs and benefits analysis as we look to modernize and grow with our community. The district is healthy and should explore accessible funding options while prioritizing the most important capabilities we can afford to pursue. These are high-impact projects that can improve capability and service quality if well planned. A fire station is a large investment. Community-supported funding must be considered in the context of overall community needs, aging infrastructure, and resource availability. The board needs to honor and protect the existing partnership with voters that brought us wildfire risk reduction through Measure T funding and plan to build forward in concert with other community providers.
Witherspoon: Representing taxpayer interests starts well before construction. Station 90’s 18,000-square-foot concept carries a preliminary estimate of about $24 million. At that scale, the district must validate and prioritize needs, compare smaller and phased alternatives, identify external funding, and show that construction will not weaken reserves or service levels. Any capital plan must address upgrades to aging stations and prioritize the highest needs. For greenlit projects, I would require updated cost estimates and public board approval at design milestones, bid awards, and significant change orders. For a regional training facility, each partner’s capital contribution, operating share, governance rights, maintenance obligation, and exit terms should be documented before Truckee commits. We should fund what crews need, what population growth demands, and what the tax base can sustain.
Brown: I believe a new fire station can be an important investment in our community’s safety, but we need strong safeguards before committing significant taxpayer dollars. I would support a thorough feasibility study, independent cost estimates, realistic construction timelines, and a clearly defined project scope. The board should establish a firm budget with appropriate contingency reserves, require competitive bidding, and have any significant scope or cost changes return to the board for approval.
We should also evaluate long-term operating and maintenance costs, secure outside funding where possible, and regularly review the project against established milestones. Most importantly, the community deserves transparent reporting throughout the process. Good planning means anticipating challenges before they become expensive problems and ensuring we build what Truckee needs while protecting taxpayers.
3. Earlier this year, Truckee firefighters joined the Sierra Nevada Firefighters Local 3800 union. What changes, if any, have you observed in the district’s internal communication, collaboration, or service delivery since then? As a board member, how would you support a constructive working relationship among executive staff, the board, and union members?
Brown: I respect the employees’ choice to go union and encourage good collaboration. The transition and relationship are new and priorities should be open communication to build trust, accountability, and a strong working relationship. We can work together to build a problem-solving partnership and I’m positive the union relations will continue to develop. Since the unionization, the board has approved a change in service for the better with regard to daily minimum staffing levels. The staffing levels are now increased by two personnel, making a mandatory of 10 personnel. This is an important improvement from the previous minimum staffing of eight. There is always room for revision and conversation to increase these levels in the future based on district needs and fiscal availability.
Golden: I believe the most important thing is that everyone remembers we’re on the same team. Our firefighters, executive staff, and board may have different perspectives, but we all have the same responsibility: providing the best possible fire and emergency medical service to our community.
Since firefighters joined Local 3800, I believe the board should embrace that relationship, not treat it as an obstacle. I would make a point of listening to our firefighters and understand what they’re seeing on the ground, while also respecting the responsibilities of the chief and board.
Good organizations communicate openly, address problems directly, and hold each other accountable. I would work to build that relationship: one that’s based on respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.
McThorn: Since unionizing, the internal communication seems to be strained. With my experience in labor and management communications and negotiations, I will bring stability, open lines of communication, and straightforward discussions. I have learned over my career that such communication will always prevail. It will unify and gain trust among labor and management and build a stronger fire district. The firefighters and prevention officers are front line and have the best insight for positive change. As a board member, I would like to see monthly labor and management meetings with set achievable goals, and a monthly report to the board. To be a truly effective union it takes the labor group to be proactive and communicate factually. We must work together to better serve our community.
Rintala: The union relationship is new and all parties still have to learn how to work with each other under a new system. Attending board meetings over the last year and listening to firefighters, I’ve observed difficulty from all sides while individuals remain mission-driven and strive to deliver outstanding service to our evolving rural community. TFPD’s extraordinary firefighters, staff, and leaders work with many response partners for rapid, scalable, and reliable emergency response. The national advocacy from the union promises to bring guidance to our team that helps keep our firefighters, residents, and visitors ever safer in emergencies. The board should actively guide respectful engagement from the boardroom to the front line putting our community and our Truckee Fire team ahead of turf battles.
Witherspoon: I am not inside the organization and will not claim firsthand knowledge of private workplace dynamics. Public statements surrounding the unionization suggest employees wanted a more consistent voice in district decisions. I have seen no evidence that unionization has diminished service, and I support employees finding a constructive way to be heard. I welcome the perspective a regional union can bring from peer fire districts. As a board member, I would support scheduled labor-management meetings, anonymous employee climate surveys and more transparency with staff, e.g., livestreaming board meetings so employees can follow them remotely. The board should respect collective bargaining and the chief’s chain of command while ensuring employees can raise concerns safely. Constructive labor relations are necessary to sustain excellent public service.
