RENO, Nev. — Sky Tavern, the nation’s oldest nonprofit ski and snowboard training facility, has secured a lease amendment with the City of Reno extending its existing lease to a total term of 99 years, through October 31, 2118, and appointed Thomas J. Powell as Chairman of its Board of Directors. The extension provides long-term the stability needed to build toward the community organization’s goals as it prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2038.
Sky Tavern’s skiing history dates to 1938, with the Reno Junior Ski Program establishing its tradition of youth instruction in 1948. Since then, more than 100,000 children have learned to ski and snowboard on its slopes. Among those who have emerged from this tradition are World Cup champions and Olympians such as Tamara McKinney, Lane Spina, and three-time Olympic medalist David Wise. The community mountain is supported by generations of volunteer instructors, parents, donors, and community members.
“From pioneers like Wayne Poulsen and Marce Herz to leaders like Bill Henderson and Yale Spina, this mountain exists because generations of people believed every child deserved an opportunity to experience the outdoors,” said Powell, who first learned to ski at Sky Tavern in the early 1970s. ” We have 12 years before our centennial to build on that legacy and prepare Our Community Mountain for generations to come. This next chapter would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of Mayor Hillary Schieve and the City of Reno.”
“Sky Tavern represents what makes Reno special: a community that comes together to create opportunities for its children and families. This extension of Sky Tavern’s lease to 99 years marks a historic milestone in preserving land for outdoor recreation, ensuring that Our Community Mountain remains accessible to all across Northern Nevada for generations to come. It is an investment in our community’s future and a commitment to providing a place where people of all ages can learn, explore, and connect with the outdoors,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve.
The lease extension will allow Sky Tavern to plan significant expansion and ambitious fundraising to support its offerings of traditional winter recreation, mountain biking, and year-round educational programs. The organization is heavily focused on accessibility for families of all financial circumstances, with a long-term goal of providing children under 12 access to mountain recreation at no cost through community sponsorships.
Powell brings decades of experience in entrepreneurship, finance, and nonprofit governance. A fully certified alpine ski instructor, Sky Tavern resort trainer, and Ambassador for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, he has remained closely connected to skiing and youth development throughout his life. As Chairman of The Brehon Group, through his work with The Founders Office, Powell helps founders find their path through growth and exit, much like he teaches his students resilience and determination on the slopes.
STATELINE, Nev. ―Gates and facilities at Van Sickle Bi-State Park wil close for the season on Monday, November 2, 2026, announced the California Tahoe Conservancy and Nevada Division of State Parks.
Park grounds remain open all winter to the public on the California side of the park, and on much of the Nevada side. A portion of the Nevada side of the park remains temporarily closed to the public as construction continues on several park improvement projects.
The Conservancy and Nevada State Parks co-manage the 725-acre park. Except for the limited public access at the Nevada day use area, the public may continue to enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing throughout the park. For visitor safety, sledding is not allowed on roads or trails within the park.
All park roads and parking lots will close for the winter to vehicular access. Restrooms will also close and drinking fountains will be shut off. No trash collection occurs during winter, and visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash.
Winter visitors may access the park via the main park entrance at the intersection of Heavenly Village Way and Montreal Road in South Lake Tahoe.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The City of South Lake Tahoe invites residents and visitors to enjoy Restaurant Week, taking place November 6-15. The multi-day event will spotlight South Lake Tahoe’s wide range of restaurants, encouraging guests to visit a favorite dining spot, try something new, and support local businesses.
Savor the Sierra by exploring the variety of flavors and cuisines available throughout South Lake Tahoe. Restaurants will feature discounted prices, prix fixe menus, and other special promotions at more than 30 local dining establishments, including restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and breweries.
“Restaurant Week is an opportunity to celebrate the local businesses that serve our community every day,” said Hilary Roverud, City Manager. “Choosing local businesses supports restaurant owners and employees that are essential to South Lake Tahoe’s community. We encourage residents and visitors to dine local, discover a new cuisine, and help strengthen our community with every purchase.”
To receive a Restaurant Week special, guests should let their server or a member of the restaurant staff know they are participating in Restaurant Week when they arrive or place their order. Offers vary by location, so please check with each participating restaurant for their special offering.
An interactive Restaurant Week map created by the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority will help guests find participating businesses and plan their Restaurant Week experience.
To try and decide each week where and what to eat around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.
It’s not every day that you get to feature an item that was introduced to Tahoe in the 70s, but that’s indeed the case we have this week. The Snoopy Salad was first featured at the Seafood Cove in Harrah’s and it’s a menu item that is still represented today at the casino’s Friday’s Station restaurant.
To give you the lay of the land of this dish, a bed of butter lettuce is laced with shrimp, crab, sliced egg, tomato, avocado, scallions, and tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. Think of this as kind of an elevated take on a Crab Louie salad and that might help with what kind of flavors we’re dealing with.
It’s hard to outshine the fresh, sweet and tender pieces of shrimp and crab – they elevate each and every bite. The butter lettuce is soft and silky and lets each of the components to use it as a canvas and heightens the feeling of freshness when flanked by the tomato and scallions. The avocado’s creaminess is cut perfectly by the citrus vinaigrette, and the sliced egg feel like the guy who shows up to a party that’s winding down with a fresh keg of beer – it just keeps the fun going.
This is the kind of salad that you don’t eat – you shovel. Although, that could just be me. Each bite was so addicting that I couldn’t stop eating it … until it was gone. I guess that’s why it’s been around for 50 years.
Friday’s Station Steak and Seafood Grill is located on the top floor of Harrah’s Lake Tahoe at 15 Highway 50 in Stateline. For more information, visit them online at caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/restaurants or by phone at 775-586-4988.
⚽️ Men’s Soccer vs. Shasta College – 4 p.m., Lake Tahoe Community College. The Coyotes Men’s Soccer Team faces Shasta College at Lake Tahoe Community College Athletics Field on Friday, October 23 at 4:00 pm.
To follow the latest Coyote news, visit the
LTCC Athletics website .
For more information, visit https://www.ltcc.edu/calendar/#event-details/21a64519-91d5-4f06-a4a2-1d7a982b32b9.
2026 Business Walks – Incline Village. Description Tahoe Property Center October 19-23, the Tahoe Prosperity Center and partners from across the region will visit businesses around the Lake for the 2026 Tahoe Business Walks. Every two years, Business Walks give us an opportunity to hear directly from business owners and managers about what they’re experiencing: What’s working? What challenges are getting in the way? What does your business need to thrive? In 2024, nearly 500 businesses participated, helping identify issues including housing affordability, infrastructure, workforce needs, and the importance of tourism to our regional economy. This October, we’re going back out to understand what has changed-and what Tahoe businesses need now. Teams of volunteers will visit businesses throughout the Lake during the week, while an online survey will make it possible for businesses across the Tahoe Basin to participate. The insights we gather help TPC and our regional partners better understand business conditions, identify shared priorities, and inform programs, partnerships, and economic development efforts across the Basin. When We’ll Be in Your Community Monday, October 19 – North Shore Tuesday, October 20 – Tahoe City Wednesday, October 21 – Southern and Eastern Shore Thursday, October 22 – Southern and Eastern Shore Friday, October 23 – Incline Village Get involved: Talk with us when a Business Walk team visits your business, complete the online survey, or volunteer to join a Business Walk team and hear directly from Tahoe’s business community. VOLUNTEER >
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/2026-business-walks-1945329?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (775) 298-0267.
Afternoon Tea at Osteria Sierra – 1:30-3 p.m., Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, 111 Country Club Drive. Enjoy a refined afternoon tea experience every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm, featuring premium teas, house-made scones, pastries, and gourmet sandwiches. Additional dates: 10/23, 10/24, 10/25.
For more information, visit https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1055665&restref=1055665&experienceId=763094 or call 7758866675.
Arty the Party at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – 9 p.m., Harrah’s Center Stage, 15 Hwy 50. 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday Nights. You can Party with Arty the Party at Harrah’s. It’s the best disco, dance, R&B, and soul party in Lake Tahoe!
“Arty the Party,” as he’s affectionately called, has been playing in Lake Tahoe for several years and now calls Casino Center Stage at Harrah’s his home.
Arthur’s incredible music career began as a lead singer for San Francisco’s 13-piece Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra. He then went on to star in the city’s famous stage musical production “Beach Blanket Babylon.” It didn’t take long before the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, and the 49ers invited Arthur to come and sing the national anthem to open their games.
Arthur has developed a large following of loyal fans from here to L.A. People come to hang out and watch, then can’t help themselves when they end up dancing in their seats. Arthur’s versatility ranges from renditions of Van Morrison to party and dance hits from Shaggy.
For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/arty-the-party-at-harrahs-lake-tahoe/2026-10-23/.
Cool Car Fridays Cruise Night at the Heavenly Village – 5-8 p.m., Heavenly Village, 1001 Heavenly Village Way. Cool Car Cruizen Fridays, All Cool Vehicles Welcome. Free to All.
Fridays, May through October. 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Gas money drawing, prizes, and more! Rain cancels. Open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Brought to you by Good Sam Safe Ride.More information here
For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/cool-car-truck-and-motorcycle-cruise-every-friday-at-the-heavenly-village/2026-10-23/.
Decorative Gourd Making Class – 12-4 p.m., Gatekeeper’s Museum, 130 W Lake Blvd. Learn to make decorative gourds! Taught by Karey Dodge, our local basket weaving instructor.
For more information, visit http://www.gatekeepersmuseum.org or call 5305831762.
Easy Star Allstars ” Dub Side of the Moon” – 8 p.m., Crystal Bay Casino, 14 Highway 28.
For more information, visit https://devildogshows.com/event/easy-star-allstars-dub-side-of-the-moon/ or call (775) 833-6333.
Hauntober in Tahoe City – 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Tahoe City Downtown, 425 N Lake Blvd. Celebrate the season during Hauntober in Tahoe City with a month of festive fall events, family fun, and Halloween-themed activities throughout the community.
From spooky adventures to family favorites, Hauntober offers something for everyone, including:
🎃 Harvest Festival & Big Truck Day, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tahoe Community Center 🚒
🧟 Zombie Crawl, Oct. 23. Take the FREE Event Shuttle for the Zombie Crawl.
💀 Skeleton Scavenger Hunt. Open Oct. 9-31. Stay tuned for details.
🍬 Trick-or-Treating | Oct. 30, downtown Tahoe City
* Vote for your favorite Tahoe City Scarecrow on Parade! Explore the creative displays around town, then sign up so we can count your ballot and cast your vote in the Scarecrows on Parade contest. Two categories of winners will be selected: local school classes and businesses. Voting is open through Oct. 21 at https://app.proxi.co/c/tahoe-city-scarecrows-on-parade-contest-6178.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, festive fall traditions, or Halloween excitement, Hauntober is the perfect way to experience Tahoe City in autumn.
For more information, visit https://visittahoecity.org/hauntober26/ or call 5305833348.
Knights Monsters vs. New Mexico Goatheads – 7 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. The Knight Monsters begin season three on the road with a pair of contests against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Puck drop on Saturday is at 4:05 pm PT, with puck drop on Sunday at 1:05 pm PT. The home portion of the regular season gets underway with Opening Knight on Friday, October 23, as the Knight Monsters welcome the expansion New Mexico Goatheads to Tahoe Blue Event Center for the first time. Puck drop for the first of three games against New Mexico is at 7:00 pm PT. All home games are scheduled to start at 7:00 pm PT, with the exceptions of Sunday home games, which will start at 3:00 pm PT, and the game on Thursday, November 19, which starts at 10:30 am PT. In addition to New Mexico, the Knight Monsters will take on two new opponents this season when they face the Norfolk Admirals and South Carolina Stingrays, both in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference. The Knight Monsters face the Stingrays on the road on January 15-17, and will face the Admirals on the road on February 26-28, and at home on March 26-28. The Knight Monsters get an early chance to face the Kansas City Mavericks, who eliminated Tahoe from the Kelly Cup Playoffs last season with a three-game home series beginning on October 28. 58 of the Knight Monsters’ 72 regular-season games will be against Mountain Division opponents. Last season, Tahoe went 28-24-2-3 in games against divisional opponents. Below is a breakdown of matchups against teams in the Mountain Division.
For more information, visit https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events/detail/tahoe-knight-monsters-2026-27-schedule.
Lake Tahoe Sand Harbor State Park Celebrates Spooky Harbor – 7-8:30 p.m., Sand Harbor, 2005 Nevada State Route 28. Nevada State Parks is celebrating the fifth annual Spooky Harbor at Sand Harbor State Park with seven nights of Halloween movies, family activities and seasonal celebrations along the shores of Lake Tahoe.
From September 25 through November 1, visitors can enjoy movies under the stars on the Sand Harbor Stage. Movies begin approximately 30 minutes after sunset. The event is free, with standard park entrance fees applying.
This year’s lineup includes:
Friday, September 25, 8 p.m. – The Nightmare Before Christmas (rated PG)
Friday, October 2, 8 p.m. – Get Out (rated R)
Friday, October 9, 7:30 p.m. – Hocus Pocus (rated PG)
Friday, October 16, 7:30 p.m. – I Know What You Did Last Summer (rated R)
Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. – Monster House and Kids Fall Festival (rated PG)
Sunday, November 1, 6 p.m. – Coco and Día de los Muertos celebration (Rated PG)
The Kids Fall Festival on October 23 begins at 4 p.m., with trick-or-treating starting at 6 p.m. The Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1 begins at 3 p.m., followed by Coco at 6 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, low-back chairs, flashlights and warm clothing. There will be no concessions, and lighting is limited after dark.
Movie ratings range from family-friendly favorites to films intended for mature audiences. Parents and guardians are responsible for determining whether a film is appropriate for their children.
Events are weather-dependent and may be canceled without notice. For more information and updates, visitors should check the parks.nv.gov/events before heading to the park.
Need to Know
Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The program is weather dependent and may be canceled without notice. Check the Nevada State Parks website for updates before you head out.
Movie begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset.
Lighting is limited after dark.
There will be no concessions available.
Viewer discretion is advised. The Nightmare Before Christmas is rated PG. Parents and guardians are responsible for determining whether the film is appropriate for their children.
Meet at the Sand Harbor Stage.
What to Bring
Water
Warm, weather-appropriate clothing
Blankets
Low-back chairs
Flashlight
Snacks
What to Expect
Outdoor screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas
Movie under the stars with Lake Tahoe as the backdrop
Seating on the Sand Harbor Stage area
A relaxed, family-friendly evening
Movie begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset and runs for approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes
Limited lighting after dark, so bring a flashlight
Fees & Registration
Event is free.
Standard Sand Harbor State Park entrance fees apply.
Drop-in welcome. No registration required.
Contact
This program is hosted by Sand Harbor State Park. For questions, contact:Marissa Cookshsp@parks.nv.gov(775) 831-0494
For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/lake-tahoe-sand-harbor-state-park-celebrates-spooky-harbor/2026-10-23/.
Peek Nightclub inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – 10 p.m.-4 a.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. Peek Night Club is back with an incredible lineup of DJs. Join us for unforgettable nights of music and dancing. Get ready to party like never before at Peek Night Club! Get your tickets today!
Peek Nightclub inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Saturday nights, doors open at 10:00 pm. Featuring over 6,700 square feet of optimal nightlife and live entertainment space, Peek Nightclub’s footprint includes 40 intimate VIP sections, including some of today’s most highly touted nightclub amenities. With the capability to provide full-scale music performances, Peek Nightclub hosts some of the world’s biggest names in entertainment, including big-name Las Vegas, Miami, NY, and L.A. DJs.
DRESS CODEUpscale fashionable attire is required. PEEK Nightclub does not permit the following: bandanas, durags, skull caps, beanies, sandals, ripped or baggy clothing, athletic wear, steel-toe shoes or work boots. Management reserves all rights of entry based on dress code etiquette.
For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/peek-nightclub-inside-harrahs-lake-tahoe/2026-10-23/ or call (800) 427-7247.
The Revolutionists – 7:30 p.m., Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. The Revolutionists By Lauren Gunderson Directed by Meg Peart October 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 & 31 at 7:30 PM November 1 at 2:00 PM Boathouse Theatre at Valhalla Tahoe Tickets: $25 Four women. One revolution. And a story worth losing your head over. Set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, The Revolutionists is a bold, fast-paced comedy about four remarkable women trying to change the world while trying not to lose their heads. Playwright Olympe de Gouges is desperately searching for something meaningful to write when her world is interrupted by three extraordinary women: assassin Charlotte Corday, Haitian revolutionary Marianne Angelle, and former Queen of France Marie Antoinette. Together, they wrestle with art, activism, friendship, legacy, and what it means to stand up for something when everything is on the line. Funny, fierce, irreverent, and unexpectedly moving, Lauren Gunderson’s The Revolutionists takes a wildly theatrical look at the French Revolution through the stories of women too often left out of the history books. The Cast Stephanie Grigsby as Olympe de Gouges Joanie San Agustin as Charlotte Corday Ginger Nicolay Davis as Marie Antoinette Courtney Cobble as Marianne Angelle Directed by Meg Peart An Immersive Night at the Boathouse For this production, the experience begins before the first line is spoken. The Boathouse Theatre will be transformed to bring audiences into the world of revolutionary France, creating an intimate and immersive evening on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Come early, grab a drink, step into the revolution, and prepare for a night of theatre that is equal parts hilarious, poignant, rebellious, and wonderfully theatrical. Halloween at The Revolutionists – October 31 Our Halloween performance gets a revolutionary twist! Costumes are encouraged-but completely optional-for our October 31 performance. Come dressed for the French Revolution, channel your favorite historical or literary figure, or simply arrive ready for a night at the theatre. The revolution is coming to the Boathouse. Try not to lose your head. Additional dates: 10/23, 10/24, 10/25, 10/29.
For more information, visit https://valhallatahoe.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=272.
Tahoe City Skeleton Scavenger Hunt – 9 a.m., Downtown Tahoe City, 425 N Lake Blvd. Skeletons have taken over downtown Tahoe City!
Join the Hauntober fun Oct. 9-31 and explore downtown to find all the hidden skeletons for a chance to win prizes. It’s a fun, free Halloween adventure for all ages!
Opens 11 a.m. on Oct. 9
Register at https://qrco.de/skeletons
Figure out the initial clue, head to that location. Check in, take a photo with the Skeleton hiding there — and unlock the next clue. Continue to the next location until you’ve found all 12!
Make sure to click all the top tabs to see the extra points options.
Find all 12 skeletons to be entered to win a prize!
Snap Photos: Shop, Eat, Drink and upload your receipt for more extra points
Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt gets entered once.
A verification code will be sent to complete your sign-up. The easiest way is to provide your phone number to receive the verification code via text. If you choose email only and don’t receive the code, please check your spam folder. It is not spam!
Part of Tahoe City Downtown Association’s Hauntober celebrations sponsored by North Tahoe Chamber. Additional dates: 10/23, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/29.
For more information, visit https://visittahoecity.org/hauntober26/ or call 5305833348.
Tahoe City Zombie Crawl – 5-10 p.m., Downtown Tahoe City, 425 N Lake Blvd. The zombies are taking over Tahoe City! Join the Tahoe City Zombie Crawl on Friday, Oct. 23, for a night of Halloween fun, food and drink specials, live entertainment and spooky surprises at participating businesses throughout Tahoe City. TCDA will host a Zombification Station and Photo Booth.
Participating businesses, shuttle schedule and the full Zombie Crawl schedule will be announced soon.
Businesses interested in being part of the Zombie Crawl may contact pam@visittahoecity.com.
Dress in your best zombie or Halloween costume and crawl your way through town while enjoying special activities and promotions along the route.
The event is free to participate in, and a free event shuttle will run from Olympic Valley and the West Shore to make it easy to join the fun.
The event shuttle is funded by TBID-TOT and presented by Palisades Tahoe, TNT-TMA and TCDA.
For more information, visit https://visittahoecity.org/event/zombie26/ or call 5305833348.
Saturday, October 24
AleWorX Autumn Carnival – 12-7 p.m., Lake Tahoe AleWorX Taproom, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Saturday, October 24, 2026, Lake Tahoe AleWorX Autumn Carnival at the Y. Join us as we celebrate the change of the season with a family-friendly event designed to get the community together for a fun-filled afternoon! Live music, carnival games, pumpkin carving, face painting, costume contest and donut and pizza eating contests AND more!
For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/aleworx-autumn-carnival/.
The Cut – Three Spooky Stacking Rings – Tahoe Gifting Company, The Cut – 868 Tahoe Blvd, Ste. 8. Description Learn the fundamentals of metalworking – Snowflower Studios
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/the-cut-three-spooky-stacking-rings-1927874?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (775) 237-2318.
Ditchweed Harvest – 12-3 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Free Screening: Mountain in My Mind – 6:30 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Join us for a high-energy night celebrating snowsports, mental health, and the community that brings us together on Saturday, October 24th, at 6:30 PM.
Mountain in My Mind returns with their 4th documentary film dedicated to talking about mental health in mountain towns. The film is professionally crafted to lower stigma and raise both awareness and money for suicide prevention.
Arrive early to enter our massive giveaway, featuring gear and prizes from this year’s sponsors, including Flylow, Giro, Toyota, RMU, LMNT, and more. Each premiere kicks off with a keynote from award-winning director and producer, John Padilla, who will share the story and inspiration behind the film, followed by the giveaway and a full screening of Mountain In My Mind 4.
No tickets needed, just show up! Shows are limited to venue capacity.
Bring your crew! Friends, family, and kids are all welcome. Whether you’re a professional skier, a weekend rider, or simply curious about the film and its message, we’d love to see you there.
For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/brewery-events.
Knights Monsters vs. New Mexico Goatheads – 7 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. The Knight Monsters begin season three on the road with a pair of contests against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Puck drop on Saturday is at 4:05 pm PT, with puck drop on Sunday at 1:05 pm PT. The home portion of the regular season gets underway with Opening Knight on Friday, October 23, as the Knight Monsters welcome the expansion New Mexico Goatheads to Tahoe Blue Event Center for the first time. Puck drop for the first of three games against New Mexico is at 7:00 pm PT. All home games are scheduled to start at 7:00 pm PT, with the exceptions of Sunday home games, which will start at 3:00 pm PT, and the game on Thursday, November 19, which starts at 10:30 am PT. In addition to New Mexico, the Knight Monsters will take on two new opponents this season when they face the Norfolk Admirals and South Carolina Stingrays, both in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference. The Knight Monsters face the Stingrays on the road on January 15-17, and will face the Admirals on the road on February 26-28, and at home on March 26-28. The Knight Monsters get an early chance to face the Kansas City Mavericks, who eliminated Tahoe from the Kelly Cup Playoffs last season with a three-game home series beginning on October 28. 58 of the Knight Monsters’ 72 regular-season games will be against Mountain Division opponents. Last season, Tahoe went 28-24-2-3 in games against divisional opponents. Below is a breakdown of matchups against teams in the Mountain Division.
For more information, visit https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events/detail/tahoe-knight-monsters-2026-27-schedule-1.
Logan Eastep – 5:30-9:30 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Mark Sheets – 4:30-7 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Miki Rae Garrison – 4-6 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage. Additional dates: 10/24, 10/25.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Porterhaus – 7:30-10 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary. Additional dates: 10/24, 10/27.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Pumpkin Patch Splash at South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center – 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., South Lake Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center, 1100 Rufus Allen Blvd. Make a splash this fall at the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Patch Splash at the new South Lake Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center!
Kids can head into the Recreation Pool to choose their very own pumpkin from our floating pumpkin patch. After picking their pumpkin, they can take it to the Pumpkin Decoration Station to create a one-of-a-kind Halloween masterpiece.
New This Year!
Older kids who pass the swim test can enjoy the Spooky Splash Zone in the Multi-Purpose Pool—an extra splash of Halloween-themed aquatic fun.
Your event ticket also includes access to our indoor climbing wall.
Plus, Electric Squirrel Party Rentals will bring an inflatable obstacle course to the gym for guests to enjoy.
Cost and Registration
Pumpkin participant tickets are $15 each and must be registered in advance. Each pumpkin ticket includes choosing a pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch, decorating it at the Pumpkin Decoration Station, and access to event activities.
Parents and/or guardians do not need to purchase a ticket to attend.
Session Times
Sensory-Friendly Session: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
General Session: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
General Session: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Come pick a pumpkin, make a splash, and celebrate the season at the new Recreation & Aquatics Center!
For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/pumpkin-patch-splash-at-south-lake-tahoe-recreation-center/.
Sean Hodge – 12-3 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage. Additional dates: 10/24, 10/27.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=4.
Steely Dead – 8 p.m., Crystal Bay Casino, 14 Highway 28.
For more information, visit https://devildogshows.com/event/steely-dead-3/ or call (775) 833-6333.
Tahoe Chocolate and Wine Festival – 6-10 p.m., Description Ripple Effect: Create Waves of Change – Sierra Community House Sierra Community House’s signature fundraiser returns! Save the date for the 36th Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival, an unforgettable afternoon supporting safety, stability, and hope for families across our region. Date and details coming soon. Event Details Here!
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/tahoe-chocolate-and-wine-festival-1766770?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (530) 546-0952.
Tahoe Club Crawl Fall/Winter – 8-11 p.m., Aleworx Stateline 31 US-50. Tahoe Club Crawl is an organized VIP nightlife tour of the Tahoe South. With the purchase of your ticket, you will receive a welcome shot at 3 out of 4 stops, appetizers, free indoor games at Tipsy Putt and VIP entrance into Peek Nightclub, Lake Tahoe’s hottest Club! You will meet amazing people and have the night of your lives. We meet every Saturday at 8:00 PM Aleworx Stateline, unless told otherwise. Be Sure To Check Out our Ice Cream Shop, Aloha Ice Cream Tahoe “Winner of Best Ice Cream in Tahoe 7 Years In A Row” (Opened Seasonally)
Venues Subject to Change At Anytime, No Refunds
For more information, visit https://tahoeclubcrawl.ticketsauce.com/e/tahoe-club-crawl-spring-summer-2085?aff=cityspark.
Tahoe Knight Monsters “All Abilities Night” Fundraiser – 3 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. The Reno Ice Sled Hockey Team will be joining the Tahoe Knight Monsters for “All Abilities Night” with a pre-game and intermission exhibition on October 24th! They will also be raising funds for their home tournament and upcoming travel season. – 25% of all proceeds brought in through this link will go directly back to the Reno Ice Sled Hockey Team and Achieve Tahoe! – Your Knight Monsters ticket gives you access to both the 3:00PM exhibition game and 7:00PM Knight Monsters game! To support the team, join us at the game by purchasing tickets at this link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Renoice655
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1629505225448584/.
Will Murillo – 7-10 p.m., Social House.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Sunday, October 25
Chris Seal – 2:30 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=1.
Football Sundays at Tipsy Putt – 11 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Tipsy Putt Tahoe, 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite #101. Enjoy $19 Pitchers of our house light beer every Sunday in the NFL season
NFL SUNDAYS + $19 PITCHERS 🏈🍺
Catch the NFL games at Tipsy Putt and enjoy $19 pitchers of Mulligan Light, our house light beer, every Sunday. Football, cold beer, and all the games. See you Sunday!
For more information, visit https://eventvesta.com/events/161301/t/tickets or call (530) 443-4376.
Hut…Hut…Brunch – 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Alibi Ale Incline Public House, 931 Tahoe Blvd. Description Every Sunday at Alibi Ale Works Incline Village HUT…HUT…BRUNCH! Sundays 10am-3pm starting September 13th (until February 14th) NFL at Alibi. Football season is back and so is brunch at Alibi Incline. Brunch it up from 10am-3pm every Sunday. Playing up to 3 different games on once. First fan, first serve. Get here early to get your team’s game on your preferred screen.
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/hut-hut-brunch-1919067?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Jaime Saso – 7:30-10:30 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Jon Sills – 5-8 p.m., Base Camp Pizza. Additional dates: 10/25, 10/29.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Knights Monsters vs. New Mexico Goatheads – 3 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. The Knight Monsters begin season three on the road with a pair of contests against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Puck drop on Saturday is at 4:05 pm PT, with puck drop on Sunday at 1:05 pm PT. The home portion of the regular season gets underway with Opening Knight on Friday, October 23, as the Knight Monsters welcome the expansion New Mexico Goatheads to Tahoe Blue Event Center for the first time. Puck drop for the first of three games against New Mexico is at 7:00 pm PT. All home games are scheduled to start at 7:00 pm PT, with the exceptions of Sunday home games, which will start at 3:00 pm PT, and the game on Thursday, November 19, which starts at 10:30 am PT. In addition to New Mexico, the Knight Monsters will take on two new opponents this season when they face the Norfolk Admirals and South Carolina Stingrays, both in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference. The Knight Monsters face the Stingrays on the road on January 15-17, and will face the Admirals on the road on February 26-28, and at home on March 26-28. The Knight Monsters get an early chance to face the Kansas City Mavericks, who eliminated Tahoe from the Kelly Cup Playoffs last season with a three-game home series beginning on October 28. 58 of the Knight Monsters’ 72 regular-season games will be against Mountain Division opponents. Last season, Tahoe went 28-24-2-3 in games against divisional opponents. Below is a breakdown of matchups against teams in the Mountain Division.
For more information, visit https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events/detail/tahoe-knight-monsters-2026-27-schedule-2.
Mark Sheets – 6-9 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave. Additional dates: 10/25, 10/29.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Pumpkin Carving – 5 p.m., The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe, 3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd Ste 5. $50 per person Includes a pumpkin, a beverage and use of a carving kit
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2567302217014069/ or call (530) 600-3304.
Sauna and Soul – October Session – 6:30 p.m., Regency Ballroom at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, 111 Country Club Dr. Join us for an evening designed for deep restoration and intentional living. Located in Stillwater Spa inside Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Three evenings. Three energies. Join one or the full journey (registration required for each event) Oct 25th, Nov 16th, Dec 8th 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM What to Expect: Sauna & Soul is a curated three-part experience, with each gathering inspired by the prevailing astrological themes of the season. Together, these evenings offer a modern ritual to pause, reflect, and realign – through heat, stillness, and soulful connection. Guided journaling, sound healing, and access to sauna and steam create a layered journey of nourishment for body and mind. Each date carries its own energetic focus, inviting you to meet the moment exactly where you are. Attend a single evening that resonates, or immerse yourself in all three for a deeper, cyclical journey of release, renewal, and recalibration. Meet your Guides: Jessica and Ashley are lifelong seekers of connection, blending their love for nature with deep expertise in wellness practices. ✨Jessica Hillman is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, Reiki Master, and certified sound healer rooted in Lake Tahoe. Her nurturing style weaves together movement, energy healing, and sound, inspired by her passion for Mother Earth, astrology, and the transformative power of deep healing. ✨Ashley Ray is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher, certified breathwork instructor, and Yacht master Offshore. She guides mindful movement and conscious breathwork with the wisdom of the natural world, inviting others to rediscover balance and their inner essence. Together, their intuitive teachings and joyful spirits create a space where guests can return home to themselves – while embracing the beauty of the natural world around them. ✅ Housekeeping notes: Guests are asked to park in the main resort lot and enter through the resort lobby. From there, take the main elevators down to the Lower Lobby (LL) level to access Stillwater Spa. Self-parking will be validated for all participants. We’re delighted to welcome resort guests, Incline Village neighbors, and visitors alike to share in this experience. Please note that cancellations made within 8 hours of the event are non-refundable and will be charged in full. Price: $45 Per Person/Per Session RSVP: Use Link or Call Stillwater Spa (775) 886.6745 What to Bring: a journal & pen, water bottle, and wear comfortable attire Space is limited – advanced reservations required!
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1850851692939051/.
Shawn Campanini – 12-3 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
TFS – Fill a bag event – 10 a.m.-3 p.m., tahoe family solutions thrift, 797 Southwood Blvd. Description Every Sunday – Clothing with 75% OFF tags is FREE for Students at Tahoe Family Solutions Thrift Store
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/tfs-fill-a-bag-event-1926917?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (925) 639-1805.
Monday, October 26
CAB Meeting – Incline Village/Crystal Bay – 5:30-7 p.m., Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Avenue. Description Library and Zoom Join Washoe County and the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) members for a meeting on Monday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the Incline Village Library, located at 845 Alder Ave., Incline Village, Nevada or via Zoom. Hear from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on the Tahoe Living Environmental Impact Statement, receive public safety updates, and get the latest on upcoming community engagement opportunities. Click the link below to view the full agenda and participation details. Agenda
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/cab-meeting-incline-village-crystal-bay-1657429?sourceTypeId=Hub or call 775-832-4130.
Kris Munn – 7:30-11 p.m., Noel’s Coffee a.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Sean Hodge – 5-8 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Spooky Halloween Trivia – 6-8:07 p.m., The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe, 3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd Ste 5. Spooky Trivia just got spookier. This Halloween, trivia night at The Idle Hour is going full costume mode. Grab your team, dress to impress (or dress to terrify), and battle it out lakeside for bragging rights — plus a costume contest with a prize for the best look in the room. ️ Monday, October 26 ⏰ 6:00 – 8:00 PM The Idle Hour, South Lake Tahoe Wine in hand, costume on, brain (barely) engaged. See you there. #TheIdleHourTahoe #SouthLakeTahoe #HalloweenTrivia
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1075221448459346/ or call (530) 600-3304.
Will Murillo – 12-2 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Tuesday, October 27
⚽️ Men’s Soccer vs. Feather River College – 4 p.m., The Coyotes Men’s Soccer Team faces
Feather River
College at
Quincy, California
on Tuesday, October 27 at 4:00 pm.
To follow the latest Coyote news, visit the
LTCC Athletics website .
For more information, visit https://www.ltcc.edu/calendar/#event-details/31b411e5-189d-42b9-b22f-620d9986665b.
Roger Collins – 4-6 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Tommy Ciccone – 12-2 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Wednesday, October 28
Flight Night! 50% off all Flights all Day! – 12-8:07 p.m., The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe, 3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd Ste 5. Freeze, fight, or… Flight Night. For one day only, every wine flight at The Idle Hour is 50% off. No tricks, just treats — and a lot of bubbles. Come face your fears (or just your indecision on what to order) lakeside. 50% OFF ALL FLIGHTS ️ Wednesday, October 28 ⏰ 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Idle Hour, South Lake Tahoe Choose wisely. Or just choose all of them. #TheIdleHourTahoe #FlightNight #SouthLakeTahoe
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1701271211645256/ or call (530) 600-3304.
Jaime Saso – 5-8 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Jamie Rollins – 12-2 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Knights Monsters vs. KC Mavericks – 7 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. The Knight Monsters begin season three on the road with a pair of contests against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Puck drop on Saturday is at 4:05 pm PT, with puck drop on Sunday at 1:05 pm PT. The home portion of the regular season gets underway with Opening Knight on Friday, October 23, as the Knight Monsters welcome the expansion New Mexico Goatheads to Tahoe Blue Event Center for the first time. Puck drop for the first of three games against New Mexico is at 7:00 pm PT. All home games are scheduled to start at 7:00 pm PT, with the exceptions of Sunday home games, which will start at 3:00 pm PT, and the game on Thursday, November 19, which starts at 10:30 am PT. In addition to New Mexico, the Knight Monsters will take on two new opponents this season when they face the Norfolk Admirals and South Carolina Stingrays, both in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference. The Knight Monsters face the Stingrays on the road on January 15-17, and will face the Admirals on the road on February 26-28, and at home on March 26-28. The Knight Monsters get an early chance to face the Kansas City Mavericks, who eliminated Tahoe from the Kelly Cup Playoffs last season with a three-game home series beginning on October 28. 58 of the Knight Monsters’ 72 regular-season games will be against Mountain Division opponents. Last season, Tahoe went 28-24-2-3 in games against divisional opponents. Below is a breakdown of matchups against teams in the Mountain Division.
For more information, visit https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events/detail/tahoe-knight-monsters-2026-27-schedule-3.
Level Up Workshop: Why You’re Trying to Be Healthy But Still Feel Off – 12-1 p.m., One College Dr. Description Why You’re Trying to Be Healthy-But Still Feel Off You’re exercising, trying to eat well, working on your sleep, managing stress, and making healthier choices-but something still doesn’t feel quite right. Sound familiar? Join the Tahoe Chamber for an engaging and interactive Level Up Workshop with Ryan J. Kime, MD, MBA, CHN, former emergency physician, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, health educator, and founder of Ryan Kime Health Advisory. Ryan will introduce his Six Daily Health Rhythms: Nutrition, Digestion, Energy, Sleep, Stress & Nervous System, and Movement & Recovery and explore how these areas work together to influence your everyday well-being. During this practical session, you’ll learn how to: ✨ Cut through confusing and conflicting health information ✨ Understand why healthy habits don’t always work in isolation ✨ Recognize which daily rhythm may need your attention first ✨ Make realistic improvements without changing everything at once ✨ Build healthier routines that fit your everyday life Wednesday, October 28, 2026 ⏰ 12:00-1:00 p.m. Lake Tahoe Community College – Lisa Maloff University Center Come ready to learn, participate, and leave with a clearer understanding of your health, plus practical ideas you can begin using right away!
For more information, visit https://business.tahoechamber.org/events/Details/level-up-workshop-why-you-re-trying-to-be-healthy-but-still-feel-off-1938457?sourceTypeId=Website.
LIVE MUSIC – Sage Leaf Tahoe – 5-8 p.m., Sage Leaf, 893 Tahoe Blvd. Description Every Wednesday 5pm – 8pm Best selling drinks are, the bees knees, the sage leaf and the Bloody Mary. They have been the top sellers since we opened our incline village location in June 2020 Best selling food items are the sage and cheddar biscuits, any of our house made organic pastas, the Tahoe blue French toast and our bone in Niman ranch pork chop, duck fat fries with house made truffle aioli, and of course our Angus burger our huge favorites. Sage Leaf Reno opened on 3/7/2026 and we have two patios, a completely remodeled bar, and a spacious dining room good for large groups and intimate celebrations. We have happy hour daily from 3-5pm at Reno, and happy hour daily 5-6pm daily in Incline Village. Both restaurants are open 7 days a week for brunch and for dinner We do half off all bottles of wine on Sunday dinner. We offer vegan and vegetarian options as well as all the meat lovers favorites. We have something for everyone at Sage Leaf Reno and Tahoe. Live Music every Wednesday 5pm-8pm in Tahoe location We are open for Mother’s day and Father’s Day brunch as well as dinner and we strongly encourage reservation at both locations Incline Village location opened 6/4/2020 We also offer backcountry delivery service (think catering while you’re snow shoeing or snowmobiling) during winter snow dependent. We are family owned and operated. Husband and wife team who have lived in Incline Village since 2012. Raising our two small children here in our tight knit community. www. Sageleafreno.com and www.Sageleaftahoe.com
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/live-music-sage-leaf-tahoe-1704209?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (775) 413-5005.
Ted Kennedy – 6-9 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Thursday, October 29
Chris Seal – 12-2 p.m., Heavenly Corner Stage.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Halloween Happenings – Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Fall, Family Friendly
No tricks-just treats! Enjoy Halloween Happy Hour, S’mores at Sunset, Kids Candy Trail, and more.
Starting on 10/29/2026 and ending on 10/31/2026
For more information, visit https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe/things-to-do-in-lake-tahoe/events/halloween-happenings.
Roger Collins – 12-2 p.m., Base Camp Pizza.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
SAILING CLUB, YACHT ROCK PARTY W/ PIER PRESSURE – 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords , 18 US-50. Sailing Club launches at Tessie’s with Tahoe’s smoothest & grooviest party starters, Pier Pressure. Captains Orders – grab a cocktail and head to the dance floor. Sailing Club offers a night of high-energy yachty fun that keeps the room rocking from start to finish. Rascal Flatts ticket holders receive a BOGO cocktail with their concert ticket.
Jamie Saso 8 pm
Pier Pressure 10 pm
Grab a drink and settle in for a night of yacht rock party anthems.
Experience the yachty energy firsthand—book your table today.
Lounge open 11 AM Daily. For large party reservations or tables before 10 PM, call us at 775.586.5014 or email: VIP@tessiestahoe.com
For more information, visit http://tessiestahoe.com/events or call 6194547421.
Ted Kennedy – 7:30-11 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=6.
Trail of Treats & Terror – 3:30-5:30 p.m., The Village Green. Description Village Green A Community Halloween Celebration Travel through the haunted forest, snap a family photo, and enjoy some spooky fun! This annual event is typically held on the Thursday before Halloween to provide a safe Halloween experience for the Incline Village/Crystal Bay community. Save the date! More details and registration coming this fall… Date/Time: Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 3:30-5:30 PM Location: Village Green & Fitness Trails (960 Lakeshore Blvd., Incline Village) Join us for food, drinks, fun, and plenty of Halloween spirit! Don’t forget to wear your BEST costume Donations & Volunteer Opportunities Get Involved in Trail of Treats & Terror! Since 2001, this spooktacular Incline Village tradition has brought our community together for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween celebration. But it only happens with YOUR support! Let’s keep this Halloween tradition alive for the entire community! Volunteer: We need helping hands to plan, set up scenes, recruit teams, support safety, and more. Whether it’s food trucks, music, or lending a hand at the event – there’s a role for you! Donate: Incline Tahoe Foundation (ITF) is collecting donations to cover candy, safety lights, and permitting fees. Every dollar helps keep the magic (and the spooky!) alive. Donate 2025 Trail of Treats Sponsors Thank you to all our 2025 community partners and sponsors! AAUW Tahoe/N. Nevada Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe Dayle Hoevel Photography Diamond Peak Diamond Peak Ski Education Fund Gray Squirrel Tree Service, LLC Incline Education Fund Incline Village Chiropractic LLC. Incline Village Library Inside Incline IVGID Public Works & Waste Not Lake Tahoe School Pet Network Ridgeline Rotary Club of Tahoe- Incline Tahoe’s Connections for Families UNR at Lake Tahoe Washoe County Sheriff’s Office – Incline Substation Nevada Nordic Incline Elementary School IVGID Parks & Recreation North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District SOS Outreach Cornerstone Community Church Incline High School Interact Club Frushon Accounting Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Peyton Real Estate Collection The Incline Lodge Tahoe Tutoring The Village Church/ Village Christian Academy & Preschool
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/trail-of-treats-terror-1907236?sourceTypeId=Hub or call (775) 832-1300.
STATELINE, Nev. — Ever watched curling during the Winter Olympics and wondered what it would be like to try it yourself? Lake Tahoe Epic Curling Club is inviting kids, teens and adults to get on the ice this November with two upcoming beginner-friendly curling programs.
Whether you’re looking for a new family activity, an opportunity to meet people or simply something different to do as the weather turns colder, curling offers a unique combination of teamwork, strategy and fun.
Both programs take place at Lake Tahoe Epic Curling Club’s dedicated curling facility in Stateline, Nevada, and no previous curling experience is required.
Lil’ Rockers: Introducing Kids to Curling
Designed for students in grades 2–6, the Lil’ Rockers Curling Lessons program introduces young participants to the sport through hands-on instruction, skill-building activities and games.
Kids will learn the basics of curling, develop coordination and teamwork skills, and gain confidence on the ice in a welcoming, supportive environment.
The five-session program takes place on Tuesdays, November 3, 10 and 17, and December 1 and 8, from 5–6 p.m.
The cost is $50 per child for the entire program.
“Curling is a great sport for kids because it combines physical activity with problem-solving and teamwork,” said Edie Hazard, a Lake Tahoe Epic Curling representative who competed for Great Britain at the 1998 Winter Olympics and won the 2002 Women’s World Curling Championship. “It’s exciting to watch kids discover a new sport, learn new skills and realize that curling is something they can enjoy.”
Adult & Teen Curling Lessons: Give Curling a Try
For teens and adults curious about curling, the club is offering a two-part beginner lesson series on Mondays, November 9 and 16, from 6–8 p.m.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of curling, including how to deliver a stone, sweep, score points and understand the strategy behind the game.
Experienced club curlers will guide participants through the lessons, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to play.
The cost is $70 per person for both sessions.
“One of the best things about curling is that you don’t need any experience to get started,” Hazard said. “People come in thinking it looks complicated, but once they get on the ice, they quickly discover how much fun it is. It’s social, it’s challenging and there’s always something new to learn.”
A Year-Round Olympic Sport in Lake Tahoe
Curling has been part of the South Lake Tahoe community since 2013. In 2019, Lake Tahoe Epic Curling Club opened its dedicated two-sheet curling facility in Stateline, allowing the nonprofit organization to offer curling throughout the year.
The club provides opportunities for beginners and experienced players through lessons, recreational leagues, youth programs, tournaments and private group events.
While curling is often associated with the Winter Olympics, the sport can be enjoyed year-round and welcomes participants of different ages and abilities.
Upcoming Curling Lessons
Lil’ Rockers Curling Lessons
Who: Students in grades 2–6
Dates: Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17 and December 1, 8, 2026
Time: 5–6 p.m.
Cost: $50 per child for all five sessions
Experience: No previous experience required
Adult & Teen Curling Lessons
Dates: Mondays, November 9 and 16, 2026
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Cost: $70 per person for both sessions
Experience: No previous experience required
Location: Lake Tahoe Epic Curling Club, 128 Market Street #1A, Stateline, NV 89449
Participants should dress in comfortable layers, wear clean athletic shoes and consider bringing light gloves.
Sauces can come in a wide array of styles and textures. From flavorful and fiery hot sauces to smoky and sweet barbecue, here’s a look at some local businesses that are dipping into the scene.
Lake Tahoe Sauce Co. (laketahoesauce.com)
The first thing people noticed about owner Ryan Miller’s sauces was the label – clean, alpine, and unmistakably Tahoe. But what kept them coming back was something deeper and simmered slowly in a kitchen years before the bottles ever reached store shelves.
Lake Tahoe Sauce CoRob Galloway / Tahoe Magazine
Miller hadn’t started out planning a sauce business. He had spent years in restaurants, learning the rhythm of flavor and fire, before deciding to strike out on his own.
“I’ve always really enjoyed condiments and peppers,” he said, recalling those early days of experimentation. “So, I just decided to branch off and make my own recipes.”
In 2012, his kitchen became a lab. Jars lined the counters. Peppers, ginger, garlic, and onion filled the air with a sharp, promising aroma. After months of trial and error, he landed on something that felt right – not just hot, but balanced. That idea became the backbone of his brand: flavor first.
“I really just wanted to focus more on flavor and not necessarily heat,” he explained.
The first batches were small – just a few cases at a time. He leaned on connections, bottling through a friend’s facility and personally walking into local stores to pitch his product. One by one, shelves began to carry his sauces. Small markets led to larger chains, and soon his bottles were scattered across the Tahoe region.
What made them different wasn’t just the heat level – it was the ingredients. Ryan kept things simple and clean.
“We just try to be as all natural as possible. Yellow onion, ginger, garlic, vinegar and pepper mash,” he said. “No shortcuts, no preservatives – just careful craftsmanship.”
As the business expands, so does the vision. New flavors, pepper shakers, hot honey, even a production facility in Gardnerville are all part of a steady climb in the coming year.
Tahoe House Bakery (tahoe-house.com)
In the early days, before the shelves and steady foot traffic, the sauces lived in tents. They were poured into small sample cups at farmers markets and craft shows and handed to curious strangers. Co-owner Barbara Vogt Melrose’s parents would spend days on the road, setting up booths at harvest festivals and home-and-garden shows, watching people taste, pause, and smile. That’s how it began – not in a factory, but in conversation.
Tahoe House Bakery Thai Peanut SauceRob Galloway / Tahoe Magazine
At the center of it all was the kitchen. Recipes weren’t rushed; they were built, adjusted, argued over. Her father, a trained chef from Switzerland, brought both discipline and curiosity to the process. One day, almost casually, he suggested something unexpected.
“He’s like, ‘oh, I’ve made teriyaki sauce before. Let’s try this,'” Barbara recalled.
They tweaked it, tasting and refining until it became something entirely their own. That teriyaki sauce would go on to become their bestseller – a quiet legacy from a kitchen experiment decades earlier.
But crafting the sauce was only half the story. Making it last – making it shelf-stable without losing its integrity – was another challenge entirely. That’s where a small Northern California co-packer came in, helping them perfect the balance so the bottles could sit at room temperature, ready for markets, stores, and customers’ pantries.
“We knew for us it was really important to be able to sit at room temperature,” she explained.
Over time, the lineup grew: Thai peanut, Southwestern dressing, honey mustard – some recipes kept close, others shared more widely. But no matter how the business evolved, the roots stayed the same: family, experimentation, and a careful respect for what worked.
Inside the shop, behind the counter, a small list hangs on the wall – notes on ingredients, dietary details, reminders of how much thought goes into every bottle.
Because here, even after nearly fifty years, nothing is made without intention.
Truckee Hot Sauce (truckeehotsauce.com)
Long before the bottles lined shelves across the region, there had been a single idea: make something worth sharing. But it didn’t come easy. Trey Shock and his team didn’t stumble onto their signature flavors – they chased them.
“We actually have a black book with all of our recipes,” he said.
Truckee Hot SauceRob Galloway / Tahoe Magazine
Inside were nearly 200 attempts – failures, near-misses, and a few sparks of brilliance. Friends, neighbors, even strangers were invited over for tasting nights, sampling sauces without names, judging them purely on flavor.
“That was really how we narrowed it down to those three sauces,” he explained.
Those three (On the Go Rojo, Everyday Verde, and Happy Habanero) became their foundation: sauces built not just for heat, but for everyday use – something you could reach for again and again.
What began as a hyper-local operation spread outward, filling shelves in small independent shops and eventually branching into larger markets. Still, the heart of it remained rooted in the mountains.
“Currently we’re all around Tahoe, Truckee, Reno, even Auburn,” Trey said, before hinting at what comes next: further expansion across California and Nevada.
Even now, the kitchen remains a place of experimentation – seasonal blends waiting for their moment, bold ideas scribbled in that same black book. Some sauces might only exist for a summer, others for a winter, each one a reflection of time and place.
There’s a rhythm to it all: test, taste, refine, repeat.
And as another batch simmers, the process feels less like business and more like tradition – one built not on shortcuts, but on patience, community, and the belief that the right flavor is always worth the wait.
Fox & Hound (foxandhoundtahoe.com)
After years of customers asking – and some even swiping bottles from restaurant tables – the Fox & Hound recently launched their new line of three house-made barbecue sauces.
The sauces (mild, hot and vinegar-based) have long been staples at the restaurant, putting smiles on the faces of their barbecue-loving patrons. But turning them into products for resale has been a long process, owner Matt Grime said.
Fox & Hound BBQ SauceRob Galloway / Tahoe Magazine
“We started out with the mild, then we went to the hot, and then we did the vinegar, but it’s been years that we’ve had them all on the menu,” he said.
“People kept asking for them and people kept stealing the barbecue sauces because we didn’t have anything to sell,” Grime added.
Until now.
Each sauce has distinct flavor profiles – all developed in-house.
The mild sauce is described as smoky, sweet and “an easy barbecue sauce,” and remains a customer favorite.
The hot version features chipotle and habanero peppers for a noticeable, but not overwhelming, kick.
The vinegar-based sauce is inspired by Carolina barbecue but includes a tomato base to balance its tanginess.
Their “High Altitude Heat” barbecue sauce recently earned second place (silver) at the National Barbecue and Grilling Association Awards of Excellence in Nashville. The competition, now in its 35th year, featured over 600 entries from around the U.S.
Bottles are now stored at the restaurant and ready for distribution and while the undertaking has been demanding, Grime said the finished product reflects Fox & Hound’s identity.
“These are our recipes. Some people have the private label and just stick their branding on it. We made them, and we’re proud of that.”
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Magazine.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – What better way to celebrate fall than spending a day doing everything that makes the season special? This year’s Lake Tahoe AleWorX Autumn Carnival is in full swing on Saturday, October 24, bringing with it a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe to host some epic fall fun at the Y. From classic carnival games to a people’s choice costume contest, it’s an event you don’t want to miss.
“This year, we decided to bring back the Autumn Carnival separately from our Oktoberfest,” said Luca Genasci, AleWorX founder and CEO.
As the first big fall event ever hosted at AleWorX’s Y location in 2017, it has evolved throughout the years to merge with Oktoberfest. However, this year, Genasci set out to ensure the Autumn Carnival had its own moment to shine once more.
Torch Club, a Boys & Girls Club small-group leadership and service club for teens, will be running a variety of carnival games for folks to enjoy, including classics like the ring toss and bobbing for apples.
“We’re really excited for that partnership because the Boys & Girls Club is deeply rooted in the kiddo world in the community,” said Genasci.
If you think your stomach has what it takes, enter in the carnival’s donut or pizza-eating contests and earn bragging rights for the rest of the year. Just be sure to let your stomach settle before jumping into the event’s newest addition, a bounce house.
“We haven’t done bounce houses before,” Genasci added. “We did one at our Rastafest, and it was super fun.”
There will also be an entire station dedicated to the season’s number one icon – pumpkins. Pumpkin painting will be provided, and if people want to bring their own supplies to carve pumpkins, they are welcomed to do so. Attendees can also match their pumpkins by getting their faces painted.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a top-notch event without live music. Bob Lopez, in addition to MCing, will be performing from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by Glitter Bomb, an upbeat 70’s disco tribute band who will take the stage from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“It’s been magical to see the very seamless flow between our patio here at the corner, our backyard bar and grill area, and the new path and playground area,” Genasci said. “We absolutely love it.”
Dress in the season’s best and take your shot at winning a people’s choice costume contest. Show off your scary, creative or funny outfits and let your neighbors decide who will be crowned the winner.
The Autumn Carnival at AleWorX is a family friendly event.Provided
The AleWorX Autumn Carnival will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free to the community and welcoming to all ages.
“We’re always looking to find ways to get the community together, especially through the fall when it’s slowing down and we get our town back,” added Genasci. “The town has been so supportive of me growing up in South Lake and in my AleWorX endeavors. We want to be the vehicle that can give back to the community.”
Lake Tahoe AleWorX, The Y is located at 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Officials say ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the Elections Office no later than seven days after Election Day to be counted, they encourage voters to mail their ballot early, so it does not arrive too late.
El Dorado County
Vote Center
Lake Tahoe Community College will operate from October 24 through November 2 from 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Election Day, November 3, hours will extend from 7am to 8pm.
Lake Tahoe Community College, University Room — 1 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe Library — 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
Daily: 24-hour drive-up drop box
Grocery Outlet — 2358 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
Daily: Open 7am to 9pm
Holiday Market South Lake Tahoe — 2977 U.S. Hwy 50, South Lake Tahoe
Daily: Open 7am to 9pm
Nevada County
Truckee Tahoe Airport will operate from October 24 through November 2 from 9am to 5pm. On Election Day, November 3, hours will extend from 7am to 8pm. Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District will operate from October 31 through November 2 from 9am to 5pm. On Election Day, November 3, hours will extend from 7am to 8pm.
Fairway Community Center will operate from October 24 through November 2 from 8am to 4pm. On Election Day, November 3, hours will extend from 7am to 8pm.
Vote Center
Fairway Community Center — 330 Fairway Drive, Tahoe City
Tahoe City Old Fire House — 300 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City
Daily: Available during business hours
Election Day: Open until 8pm
Olympic Valley Public Service District Office — 305 Olympic Valley Rd., Olympic Valley
Daily: Available during business hours
Election Day: Open until 8pm
Nevada Primary Election — November 3, 2026
Washoe County
Incline Village Library will operate from October 17 through October 30 from 10am to 6pm. On Election Day, November 3, the Incline Village Library and Incline Middle School will operate from 7am to 7pm. If you received a mail ballot and choose to vote in person instead, bring it to surrender; if you don’t have it, you’ll sign an affirmation that you are not voting twice in the same election.
Vote Center
Incline Village Library — 845 Alder Ave., Incline Village
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Friday, Oct. 30: 10am – 6pm
Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 3: 7am – 7pm
Incline Middle School — 931 Southwood Blvd., Incline Village
Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 3: 7am – 7pm
Douglas County
Douglas County voters may cast ballots in person on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Vote Center
Kahle Community Center — 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd., Stateline, NV 89449
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7am – 7pm
Ballot Drop Boxes
Kahle Community Center — 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd., Stateline, NV 89449
Multiple calls for Douglas County School Board Trustee Erinn Miller to resign were made during Thursday’s school board meeting on Thursday.
Despite the calls, the school board took no action regarding Miller’s leave of absence while she faces felonies accusing her of embezzling $125,000 from two parents’ organizations associated with the Lake Tahoe Schools.
“I just don’t think this is enough,” said Trustee Markus Zinke. “A leave of absence is a perception that someone might come back, and in the meantime, we’re missing a position on this board that is making very difficult decisions.”
School board trustee-elect and Gardnerville resident Marty Swisher urged Miller to resign for the district’s benefit.
“It’s disheartening that for some reason, she can’t see past her need to the greater need,” said Swisher. “So, Erinn Miller, you need to resign.”
Miller was arrested in September after a complaint was filed by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office accusing Miller, 46, of stealing more than $100,000 from the Zephyr Cove Elementary School Parents Club and more than $25,000 from the Whittell High School Booster Club.
Miller is scheduled to return to Tahoe Township Justice Court on Tuesday with appointed attorney Patrick Ferguson.
Meanwhile, Trustee Heather Jackson was appointed as the new legislative representative and she agreed to take on the role of liaison to the Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce, both of which were positions held by Miller.
Trustees Susan Jansen and David Brady are heading off the board at the end of the year and will be replaced by Joy Curtis and Swisher. They and Heather Jackson were elected in the primary after no one filed against them.
It’s possible that some decisions might find the board deadlocked without a seventh member.
Zephyr Cove Elementary conducted a Saturday Trunk or Treat fundraiser at the school.
“We are incredibly proud and grateful that our community continues to support our Mighty Cubs, even during such a difficult time,” said organizers. “Our students should not have to miss out on opportunities because of one person’s decisions. This fundraiser is for the kids, and every dollar raised will help support their fifth-grade overnight camp experience in June.”
The fundraiser is raising money for the fifth-grade camp field trip in June.
“The event is about more than fundraising,” organizers said. “It is an opportunity for families, local businesses, and community members to come together and show students that they are supported and valued. While concerns surrounding the Parents Club have understandably affected confidence in fundraising, organizers hope the community will recognize that this effort is centered on the students and their future experiences.”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bestselling author and journalist from South Lake Tahoe, Cal Orey has won the Best Health & Wellness category at the 2026 Hollywood Book Awards for The Healing Powers of Honey. The recognition is confirmed by the awards program’s official 2026 Winners & Finalists listing, which identifies Orey’s book as the category winner.
The award follows the Aug. 25, 2026, publication of The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated, released by Citadel, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp. The 352-page revised edition expands upon Orey’s earlier work with updated research, additional recipes and discussions about honeybee conservation, nutrition and environmental sustainability.
The recognition marks a new milestone in Orey’s publishing career and brings renewed attention to her established Healing Powers series, which examines the history, nutritional characteristics and traditional uses of familiar foods.
Hollywood Book Awards Recognizes the Healing Powers of Honey
The 2026 Hollywood Book Awards recognized The Healing Powers of Honey as the winner in the Best Health & Wellness category. The official winners listing features the book alongside other recognized publications, confirming its selection in the category. The recognition also reflects the continued public interest in nonfiction books examining familiar ingredients through scientific and historical perspectives.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and El Dorado County announced the opening public scoping period for a joint environmental study of a proposed 6.5-mile extension to the West Shore Tahoe Trail from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss State Park. The proposed project would extend one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic shared-use paths and bring the Tahoe Basin one step closer to a complete trail around the lake, according to the agencies.
The West Shore Tahoe Trail project is part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a network of more than 80 partners collaborating to solve Lake Tahoe’s most significant environmental challenges. More than 900 restoration and community revitalization projects have been completed since the program began in 1997.
Federal, state, and local government partners are planning the trail extension, which requires a joint environmental document. The initial public comment period, called scoping, allows community members, agencies, and other stakeholders to help identify potential impacts and specific areas of study, such as wildlife, water quality, forest health, and more.
About the Project
The proposed shared-use path is generally 10 feet wide and separated from the roadway. Designs include water quality improvements, accessibility, bridges, and boardwalks to protect sensitive stream zones, safety railings and retaining walls where needed, vista points, a transit stop with restrooms, and more.
The existing West Shore Tahoe Trail, part of Tahoe City Public Utility District’s 23-mile trail network, currently spans approximately 12 miles from Tahoe City and ends at Meeks Bay, leaving a critical gap in the shared-use path network for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users traveling south. The proposed project would extend the trail approximately 6.5 miles to D.L. Bliss State Park, advancing the regional vision for a continuous shared-use path around Lake Tahoe, commonly referred to as the Tahoe Trail. Completing the connection between Meeks Bay and D.L. Bliss State Park would improve connectivity between destinations, improve safety, and help reduce traffic congestion by providing alternative ways to travel the State Route 89 Corridor.
In 2025, the West Shore Tahoe Trail was dedicated to the memory of the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a longtime West Shore homeowner and Lake Tahoe advocate.
Submit comments in writing by Nov. 20 through the online comment form [trpa.gov/westshoretrail-commentform] or mail to TRPA at PO Box 5310, Stateline, NV 89449. Email comments to rcremeen@trpa.gov.
TRUCKEE, Calif. — Who says you need two feet to hang ten? On Lake Tahoe, High Fives Foundation is proving that the perfect wave belongs to everyone. Over the past three summers, the nonprofit’s Adaptive Wake Surf Tahoe Program has turned one of the world’s most iconic lakes into a playground of possibility for individuals with life-changing injuries.
Since launching in 2024, the program has delivered 116 surf trips, 453 hours on the water, and 303 athlete experiences. And the momentum isn’t slowing down. The 2026 season alone brought 38 surf trips, 160 hours on the water, and 96 adaptive athlete experiences, including 38 first-time experiences. But behind every statistic is a story of someone doing something they once thought impossible.
“Wake surfing is something I never even thought I’d be able to do. The first time successfully riding a wave behind the boat felt like pure freedom!” said High Fives athlete Justin Vezerian. “It reminded me that there really is a way to make anything happen.”
From athletes catching their first wave to experienced riders dropping the rope, mastering new boards, and learning tricks, the program is redefining what’s possible after a life-changing injury. With specialized adaptive equipment from Soulcraft and Macski, customizable waves aboard the MasterCraft XSTAR 25, and support from program sponsor SWIFT, athletes with spinal cord injuries, limb loss, traumatic brain injuries, and other mobility-limiting disabilities are finding new ways to experience the water.
For High Fives ambassador and staff member, Brierley McCubbins, the impact reaches far beyond the lake.
“With each wave caught and each surf session, I feel more and more confident both on the water, in my wheelchair, and with who I am today as an adaptive athlete. Your next great adventure can still lie ahead of you.”
As the program wraps up its third season, High Fives Foundation is already looking toward 2027, with plans to continue creating opportunities for athletes to discover new passions, build confidence, and experience the freedom of adaptive sports. Because on Lake Tahoe, the biggest waves aren’t always measured in feet. Sometimes, they’re measured in lives changed.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. —Barton Health has once again earned “Superior Performance” recognition on Cal Hospital Compare’s Opioid Care Honor Roll. As one of only 22 hospitals in California to receive this distinction, Barton continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing substance use disorders (SUDs) and supporting the health and safety of the Lake Tahoe community.
The recognition acknowledges Barton’s success across four critical areas of care: promoting the safe and effective use of opioids; identifying and managing patients with substance use disorders; implementing harm reduction strategies; and applying best practices across all aspects of SUD care.
Substance use disorder affects have consistently been identified as a top health concern in Barton’s triennial Community Health Needs Assessment. In 2024, 42% of residents surveyed had been personally impacted by substance use. Behind that number are people seeking help for themselves or worrying about someone they love.
Barton remains committed to addressing this need through a coordinated approach to SUD care, supporting patients from prevention and early intervention through treatment and recovery. These efforts include:
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT): Integrated into primary and behavioral care to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, with treatment options that include long-acting medications. Opioid settlement funding through the county and city has helped support the MAT program.
Substance Use Navigators: Two dedicated navigators guide patients through care, connect them to resources, and ensure consistent follow-up.
Opioid Stewardship Committee: A multi-disciplinary team advancing safe prescribing practices and offering non-opioid pain management alternatives.
Harm reduction and education: Community outreach, education on safe prescribing and overdose prevention, and expanded access to naloxone to prevent opioid overdose deaths.
Barton Health was also one of only two sites selected to participate in the initial county pilot of CA Bridge Connect, a free, confidential statewide call and text-based service connecting Californians with same-day opioid treatment support and ongoing care. Following the program’s statewide launch, Jacob Marquette, DO, medical director of Barton Community Health Center and a board-certified addiction medicine specialist, will continue working with CA Bridge Connect to support its rollout across California.
“Substance use disorder care is most effective when patients can access help quickly and remain connected to a team they trust,” said Dr. Marquette. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our providers, coordinators, and behavioral health specialists, who are working together to support patients from their first call or visit through ongoing recovery.”
For more information about substance use disorder treatment and recovery services at Barton Health, please visit bartonhealth.org.
Stocks rose in July and early August only to give back those gains later in the quarter. Two consistent headwinds paused the bull market: high oil prices — along with the resulting inflation — and a surprisingly fast rise in interest rates. Crude oil rose throughout the quarter and, not surprisingly, energy was a leading sector. I believe Wall Street continues to underestimate the premium needed for Mideast oil and stability.
Treasury yields climbed to their highest levels in decades, thanks to high government deficits, stubbornly high inflation, and competition from large AI companies that are raising debt to fund the AI buildout. Most analysts point to inflation as the largest factor, but I believe it is government debt. The U.S. annual deficit is about 6 percent of GDP, a level typically seen only during wars and recessions, and national debt exceeds $40 trillion.
These two headwinds paused the equity advance, but I’m impressed that a period of broad-based selling hasn’t occurred. On days when tech stocks are strong, most other sectors are weak; when tech retreats, many of the other sectors advance. So far, the recent weakness feels like a normal September selloff. September is often a seasonally weak period.
Corporate profits are the fuel for this bull market and it feels like investors lose sight of that whenever it isn’t earnings season. In the second quarter, S&P 500 earnings rose the most since 2021. In October’s numbers, we’ll see if that momentum carried into the third quarter. I expect so.
But what if stocks are topping instead of pausing? History shows that market manias end when the window to raise new capital closes. The money required for the current AI buildout is extremely high. In fact, The Wall Street Journal calls it the biggest economic bet in U.S. history. To justify the level of spending, some analysts believe that American businesses and consumers will need to spend as much of their income on AI as they do on food. Yikes.
Currently, capital continues to pour into AI stocks. If those funding sources (hedge funds and those in private credit/equity) dry up, watch out. When that happens, the largest AI companies will be forced to address their “burn rate.” We aren’t there yet but we’ll learn more about investors’ enthusiasm soon. Anthropic is expected to go public in the fourth quarter and OpenAI will have its IPO in 2027. We’ll keep watch.
David Vomund is an Incline Village-based fee-only money manager. Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555. Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.
On Saturday, Serrell Smokey became the first chairman of the Washoe Tribe to win a third term in the last 20 years.
Smokey, a 2001 graduate of Douglas High School and Carson Valley native, was first elected in 2018, defeating Chairman Robert Mortimer for the seat.
According to the Wasiw News, Smokey received 182 votes in the election held on Saturday, nearly three times Lydell Wyatt’s 66 votes and R. Neil Mortimer’s 51 votes.
Of the roughly 1,200 Washoe eligible to vote, 436 cast a ballot for chairman.
Saturday’s election also saw results for the half dozen community councils.
All the candidates for Dresslerville, Carson and Reno-Sparks were elected to their seats.
In Stewart, Marilyn Bitisillie, Blain Osorio, Darienne Tenorio, Wanda Batchelor and Jacquelini Steele won a seat. Woodfords’ Cassandra Fred, Kristy Vann, Nicole Bennett Geoffrey Ellis and Sari Payne were elected for council in the Alpine County community. Raymond Gabriel and Elvia Smokey won seats for the off-reservation council.
According to the Wasiw News, the Elections Board worked 23 hours to complete the count. Election results are preliminary and will be confirmed at a later date.
STATELINE, Nev. – With nearly 400 attendees, strong participation from local businesses and public safety agencies, and approximately $10,000 in fundraising revenue, the inaugural South Shore Chili Cook Off established a promising foundation for a new annual community tradition. Hosted by the Tahoe Chamber on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe, the event celebrated local restaurants, first responders, and community giving while raising funds to support 11 charitable causes selected by participating teams.
Set against the backdrop of a beautiful, sunny fall day, the event featured local restaurants partnering with first responder and public safety agencies to compete for the title of South Shore’s Best Chili. Guests enjoyed unlimited chili tastings, cast their People’s Choice votes, and participated in activities designed to bring the community together while supporting meaningful causes.
More than a culinary competition, the event provided an opportunity for first responders to engage with residents and visitors outside of emergency situations, building relationships through shared experiences, friendly competition, and a common commitment to giving back.
A Close Competition with a Meaningful Purpose
The People’s Choice competition brought plenty of excitement as attendees sampled chili recipes and voted for their favorites. The race for first place came down to just seven votes.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District and Lake Tahoe AleWorX earned the inaugural People’s Choice title with 78 votes, narrowly edging out Tahoe Douglas Fire Rescue and Fox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & BBQ, which finished second with 71 votes.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District and Lake Tahoe AleWorX earned the inaugural People’s Choice title Provided / Tahoe Chamber
While the winning team earned bragging rights as South Shore’s Best Chili, the competition’s greater purpose was supporting the charitable organizations and causes selected by participating teams.
The first-place team chose to support the family of fallen Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible, who will receive the largest share of charitable proceeds. The remaining 10 beneficiaries will also receive contributions, ensuring that each participating charitable cause benefits from the event’s success.
This approach encouraged teams to rally support not only for their chili recipes but also for the organizations and individuals they represented, reinforcing the message that every ticket purchased and vote cast helped make a difference.
Bringing First Responders and the Community Together
One of the afternoon’s most memorable aspects was the opportunity for attendees to connect with the first responders who serve and protect the Tahoe Basin.
Families enjoyed a special demonstration by Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy DeRosa and K-9 Chase, offering a firsthand look at the training, teamwork, and skills involved in law enforcement K-9 operations.
Douglas County Sheriff Deputy DeRosa serves chili. Provided / Tahoe Chamber
REACH Air Medical Services added another exciting experience by providing helicopter tours, allowing guests to explore an emergency medical aircraft and learn more about the critical role air medical services play in the region.
Fire engines and emergency response vehicles from participating agencies were also on display, giving children and adults an up-close look at the equipment and resources used during emergencies.
Throughout the afternoon, local band Bread & Butter provided live entertainment, while artisan vendors contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Together, these activities created an engaging community experience that extended beyond the chili competition, encouraging conversations and connections between first responders, local businesses, families, and visitors.
Community Generosity Extends to Toys for Tots
The event’s spirit of giving extended beyond its charitable fundraising efforts through a Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive.
Attendees were encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to help brighten the holiday season for children in need. The community responded with tremendous generosity, contributing a large collection of toys that will help support local families during the upcoming holidays.
The enthusiastic response demonstrated the community’s willingness to come together for multiple causes and added another meaningful element to the inaugural event.
Supporting Fall Tourism and Local Businesses
In addition to its charitable mission, the South Shore Chili Cook Off was developed as a fall shoulder-season event designed to encourage visitation, showcase local businesses, and create additional opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy Lake Tahoe.
Based on ticket registration data and adjusted group ticket purchases, approximately 37% of ticket sales represented out-of-market attendees, while 63% represented South Shore locals. The combination of visitor participation and strong local support highlights the potential for community-driven events to contribute to the region’s tourism economy while maintaining a meaningful connection to local residents.
Firefighters at the Chili Cook OffProvided / Tahoe Chamber
By featuring local restaurants, hospitality partners, and public safety agencies, the event showcased the partnerships that help strengthen the South Shore’s economy and community identity.
“The South Shore Chili Cook Off was about so much more than great chili,” said Jessica Grime, President & CEO of the Tahoe Chamber. “It was an opportunity to bring our restaurants, first responders, residents, and visitors together in a fun, relaxed environment while supporting causes that are important to our community. Seeing the friendly competition, families interacting with first responders, and the generosity shown throughout the afternoon was incredibly rewarding. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this first-year event possible and excited about its potential to become an annual South Shore tradition.”
A Community Effort Made Possible Through Partnership
The Tahoe Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe and its entire team for hosting and supporting the inaugural event. The venue provided the space and resources necessary to accommodate the chili competition, emergency vehicle displays, helicopter tours, entertainment, and community activities.
The event was also made possible through generous sponsorship support from the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, and South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District, whose investment helped bring this new fall community event to life.
The Chamber also recognizes the participating restaurants, first responder agencies, charitable beneficiaries, volunteers, vendors, and community members who contributed their time, resources, and enthusiasm to the event’s success.
Building on the enthusiasm and partnerships established during its inaugural year, the Tahoe Chamber looks forward to growing the South Shore Chili Cook Off into an annual fall tradition that celebrates community connections, supports local businesses, and gives back to meaningful charitable causes.
Summer has said its goodbyes; fall is in full swing and winter is just around the corner. Storms are beginning to roll into the Sierra, teasing winter lovers with a taste of what’s to come in the months ahead.
A mild storm is expected to bring rain and a chance of high-elevation snow to the Tahoe region Wednesday and Thursday, with drier weather returning for the weekend, according to Bryan Allegrato, an OpenSnow forecaster.
Open Snow forecast models show a few tenths of an inch to as much as 1 inch of precipitation possible by Thursday night, Allegrato said.
Snow levels are expected to remain high, generally above 8,000 to 9,000 feet for most of the storm, limiting snowfall to the highest elevations. However, snow levels could drop toward the end of the system, potentially bringing a light coating of snow above 8,000 feet. Temperatures near the base are expected to reach the 50s before dropping to around or below 50 degrees by Thursday.
Although most Tahoe and Eastern Sierra communities aren’t expected to see snow from this storm, the National Weather Service recommends drivers prepare their vehicles for winter travel by checking tire tread, windshield wipers and battery condition, keeping chains on hand and inspecting their emergency kit.
High pressure is forecast to return over the weekend, bringing drier conditions and a slight warming trend that could extend into early next week.
Looking Ahead
Looking farther ahead, Open Snow’s forecast models and the National Weather Service suggest a potential shift toward a more active weather pattern around the end of October and into early November. According to Allegrato, a prolonged trough along the West Coast could bring several storms to the region, with long-range forecasts indicating the potential for above-average precipitation.
Although a strong El Niño season can favor above-average snowfall, it does not guarantee it. Allegro noted that three of the past seven strong El Niño seasons saw below-average snowfall.
A Lake Tahoe man, who didn’t contest that he battered a woman, is scheduled to report to serve 30 days in jail on Tuesday, according to court documents.
Brandon Richard Johnson-Jack, 37, received a suspended 12-30-month sentence after he was found guilty of battery causing substantial bodily harm.
He was ordered to pay $9,853.32 in restitution to the survivor in the case, who is also suing him.
According to court documents, Johnson-Jack agreed the state could prove he reached through a car window, grabbed the survivor by the hair and tried to pull her out of the vehicle, causing her severe injuries including a concussion.
Johnson-Jack entered the plea on the eve of a May 26 trial.
Under Nevada law, no contest pleas are treated as a guilty plea in a criminal case.
This article was produced as a project for the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s 2026 National Fellowship Dennis A. Hunt Fund for Health Journalism. It’s part of a series on LGBTQ+ health in rural areas.
LGBTQ+ people don’t just need friendly, informed providers—they may also need specialty care that is often a rarity in rural areas.
“When I started hormone replacement therapy, I originally wanted to go to an endocrinologist,” said Anthony Wolf, a nonbinary South Lake Tahoe resident who chose to go by their legal name for this story. “But I wasn’t aware Barton Hospital didn’t even have one. I assumed they would have everything as the biggest hospital in town.”
Instead, Wolf now drives a nearly four-hour, 188-mile round trip to get bloodwork done and hormones prescribed at Planned Parenthood in Roseville.
The Tribune conducted a survey of 15 LGBTQ+ people across the Tahoe Basin and interviewed dozens of patients and healthcare experts. Over 60% of respondents answering the Tribune’s survey said they leave the Tahoe-Truckee area to get healthcare, going as far as Reno, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Houston to receive care. 70% of those respondents said it was to find specialty healthcare they believe they wouldn’t receive in the Lake Tahoe area, such as gender-affirming treatments, voice training or sexual health testing.
Traveling for care
Data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey showed that rural residents in the West traveled an average of 22.7 miles per trip—the highest mileage compared to other regions in the United States. For rural, mountainous areas like Tahoe and Truckee, both distance and terrain can make it hard to access care.
Increased travel burdens negatively impact health, and in particular, access to specialists accounts for 55% of a difference in preventable hospitalizations and 40% of a difference for mortality when comparing rural and urban patients.
Dr. Karen Thiele, a family physician in Reno, Nevada, said she has patients from Lake Tahoe drive an hour or more to get care from her, as well as from the surrounding rural areas. “I personally do not travel to rural areas, so they end up traveling to me.”
Barton’s chief medical officer Dr. Kandra Yee wrote to the Tribune that referrals to other locations are “a common practice to ensure patients receive specialty care in health systems more experienced and equipped to meet those needs.” But patients sometimes find themselves having to travel hours away to get to specialists, even for what’s considered more routine specialist care like GI, dermatology or podiatry.
Although some South Lake Tahoe residents have considered transferring their care to Tahoe Forest Health System, also called TFHS, they might not find the specialists they need there either. While Barton serves the rural area, it doesn’t have the same designation as TFHS—a critical access hospital. That designation, provided by the federal government, helps rural health providers offer core services, but focuses on emergency and inpatient care, not necessarily specialists.
The privilege to travel
Traveling to care in the Tahoe-Truckee area often requires being able to drive your own car, given the winding, mountainous roads and the still growing public transit options in the area. And in the past year, services like the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League’s transport to cancer-related care facilities in the area has ceased.
TFHS offers some specialists that aren’t available at Barton, like endocrinology—a motivating factor for transgender residents around the Tahoe Basin to switch their care to the system, even if it means an hour-long drive.
But for others, the travel just isn’t worth it. Zephyr Kao, a Tahoe resident, recounted their experience when they moved to Tahoe and began seeking care. “What drove my care was my changing insurance, so I was looking for care in-network. But I wasn’t trying to go out to Reno. Ideally, you want a provider that knows your history and records, specific answers that fit your life, body and physical attributes, and to refer you with all your records.”
I don’t want to drive down to Reno for routine testing. I just don’t,” said Mack, who lives in Truckee. “If that was the case for me, I likely just wouldn’t get care. I want my doctors up here to know how to take care of me.”
Kao, Mack and others expressed distrust of their doctors. But they were part of the minority 26% that stayed in Tahoe and Truckee to get their care. The other 74% of respondents said they were willing to travel much farther. The median total commute time for LGBTQ+ responsive care was 4 hours or more.
Dr. Thiele said that online options can provide education to rural hospitals, such as through Project ECHO, which offers continuing education from specialists and a network of experts and peers to undeserved communities. In the same vein, Thiele said that many opt for telehealth to find options that work for them, even if they’re not local.
Wolf recognizes that telehealth might not be the right fit for others because it didn’t work for them. They also recognize that it’s a privilege to travel.
“I’m lucky that I can commute that far, I’m lucky I can drive. Not everyone can do that,” said Wolf. “You weigh options and the cost of driving, the price of gas, versus the cost of local healthcare. Honestly, I have paid what would be a life-ruining amount of money for others so I could get care.” Half of respondents who got healthcare outside the area said cost was a factor and that Tahoe-Truckee’s local healthcare was more expensive.
The costs are not cheap. But Wolf’s bloodwork at Barton cost $400, and the cost of a drive and visit to Planned Parenthood for hormones is four times cheaper for them.
Sexual health
The high rates of infection and death among gay men and transgender people during the HIV/AIDS crisis has left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. One of those came in the form of the name: gay activists were the ones who proposed changing it from GRID (gay-related immune deficiency) to AIDS to reduce stigma around its association with gay people.
During that time, the government failed to provide funding or support for research and treatment of AIDS, and hospitals and healthcare workers often turned away those suffering from the disease—one of the few groups who did care for AIDS patients were lesbian nurses. The overt discrimination and homophobia from institutions resulted in a political turning point, with LGBTQ+ led activist groups like ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) being formed in response.
“Health is really important to the queer community, and especially gay men,” said Sam Grossberg. “The way our community was treated during the AIDS crisis is generational knowledge that impacts gay men today.”
Grossberg said he was surprised and concerned that when he wanted to get sexual health testing in TFHS, his friends warned him that TFHS did not offer them rectal swab testing. “It was astonishing to me because there’s an expectation it should be offered and covered by insurance if you’re on PrEP,” a medication that prevents people from contracting and spreading HIV.
TFHS clarified to the Tribune that they do offer rectal swabs, but did not specify further whether this was part of regular testing.
Grossberg said when it comes to health issues specific to his experience as a gay man, he still reaches out to his doctor in San Francisco rather than local doctors, especially due to the long wait times to get a primary care provider in Truckee. “I don’t expect Truckee to be as good as San Francisco, but I feel like we can do better,” he said.
An Hoang, another gay man in Truckee, agreed there was a lack of cultural knowledge, which he experienced during his own experience trying to get PrEP. He said that because in-person care was important to him, he was willing to drive elsewhere to get care.
Hoang and others said they preferred to go to Reno or another clinic to get sexual health testing, motivated by better prices and knowledge of how to handle insurance.
Insurance issues
While getting treated with PrEP, both California and Nevada have access programs that will help cover PrEP, which often comes with regular sexual health testing. However, if care facilities don’t know how to bill your insurance, there can be huge bills that come in the mail.
“I think it absolutely is a barrier to access,” said David Mack, a gay man in Truckee and founder of Truckee Pride. “Seeing a huge $900 bill when you’re not expecting to pay anything scares people away from getting treatment.”
Hoang said that gay friends of his in the area had to learn the healthcare system and how to navigate the medical codes for PrEP prescriptions to get insurance coverage. “That’s the kind of knowledge that is not there in these systems, because they’re not prepared for LGBTQ+ people to ask for regular STD testing for PrEP.”
Jasen Brooks, director of identity and cultural engagement and lecturer at the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), also touched on how billing impacts care. “Billing is so complex: it takes time and experience for a provider to become facile on it. Sometimes the notes for insurance in your chart and not a judgment on you as an individual, but your provider trying to ensue you get care. There’s a real art in it.”
However, Brooks said, it’s not easy to get that kind of education—it’s informal and something you learn through guidance, mentorship and experience, not a course.
40% of respondents to the Tribune and Sun’s survey on LGBTQ+ health said they wanted providers who understood how to bill insurance properly.
Navigating insurance and healthcare systems can be more complex for LGBTQ+ people. According to the Williams Institute, 1.8 million LGBTQ+ adults rely on Medicaid as their primary insurance, and LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as non-LGBTQ+ adults to have Medicaid as their primary insurance.
Morgan Williams, a psychiatric emergency services therapist working in the Tahoe area, said that having Medicaid as a primary insurance can pose problems for rural residents. While it may open up the ability to see certain mental healthcare specialists, it can make it challenging to get referred to specialists on the other side of the state border. A patient on Medi-Cal can’t be seen in Nevada for specialists, even if a relevant specialist is 15 minutes away on the other side of the state border.
Williams also pointed out an institutional barrier for transgender Medicaid patients in getting the correct name on their insurance. It requires an amended birth certificate, which takes much more time and effort than a simple legal name change.
For those on other insurance, rural healthcare isn’t much easier. Some workplaces in Tahoe even offer an additional stipend for healthcare, because there are fewer providers that take typical workplace insurance, primarily if their main offices are located outside of Tahoe.
Williams had top surgery before moving to Tahoe, and many trans people seeking gender-affirming surgeries spend years researching their doctors and their techniques. “The expertise from my doctor in Los Angeles, who was knowledgeable about my surgery, the care, and how to bill insurance, was really helpful for me in even deciding to get the surgery,” they said.
Both Williams themselves and their patients spoke about concern with not having specialists in the area and traveling away to get care, especially for complex medical procedures.
Recruiting specialists and accessing care
Having specialists who can create positive experiences is the ideal scenario—and not impossible in Tahoe. Laurie Kemper, who has lived in Tahoe for over forty years, said she has been lucky in the treatment for her health issues, praising the early referral to a specialist in Carson Tahoe and cultural sensitivity from her Barton OB/Gyn, who expressed support in finding a surrogate for her after she came out.
However, she recognizes that her insurance was better than most and made it possible for her to access certain specialists. But better insurance doesn’t guarantee an endocrinologist visit when there are none nearby.
“When you live in a rural town, your resources are already stressed,” said Kao. “You need more incentives for doctors to live and work here.”
“Gone are the days of the town doctor who can afford to stay around,” said Brooks. From the healthcare education side, he also recognized that the costs of healthcare education can also limit the ability for doctors to specialize.
And while recruitment and higher education are important, rural doctors have their strengths too. Williams says that rural providers often become specialists and experts in the issues their community deal with. They believe it would improve the quality of care if rural providers were given resources to understand more, like injection training equipment or regularly updated training for gender-affirming care.
Dr. Thiele, who trains residents, said she was gifted a mug that encapsulates her mantra on caring for patients: “You don’t need to refer that out.” While it was common practice before to refer patients seeking hormone therapy to endocrinologists, Thiele says that these days, average primary care physicians are familiar with the medications used, since they have a wide variety of applications—not just hormone therapy.
“Primary care really needs to take care of all their patients and all their concerns, and that includes gender-affirming care,” said Thiele. She added that while much of the effort to make these changes would be self-propelled, that there was resources like Project ECHO and Fenway Health for providers to become better educated in this care, even when there aren’t available specialists locally.
For now though, patients still experience the burden of travel.
“The length of the drive is extremely inconvenient,” said Wolf of their 188-mile trip. “Some solutions to this are more complicated than others, but there’s gotta be something they can do.”
In a time that’s more hostile to LGBTQ+ people, mental health outcomes for the community suffer. How do politics and policies play into mental health care in rural communities, which are historically underserved? Read more in part three of this reporting project on LGBTQ+ health in Tahoe, scheduled to publish in next week’s edition of the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
TL;DR: South Lake Tahoe has been named Expedia’s #1 Trending Destination for 2027, following a 195% surge in travel searches. Discover why this year-round mountain destination is capturing travelers’ attention worldwide.
The secret is out! South Lake Tahoe is capturing the attention of travelers worldwide, and Expedia’s latest travel trends report confirms it.
According to Expedia’s Unpack ’27 travel trends report, South Lake Tahoe saw a remarkable 195% year-over-year increase in travel searches, earning the top spot among trending destinations worldwide.
And it’s easy to see why. From sparkling blue waters and sandy beaches to breathtaking alpine scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers something unforgettable in every season. Visitors can hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts, explore scenic hiking and biking trails, cruise across the lake, or simply relax and take in the mountain views. Add exciting entertainment, delicious dining, and a wide variety of places to stay, and you’ve got a destination worth discovering again and again.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, a romantic mountain escape, or a memorable family vacation, South Lake Tahoe delivers an experience unlike anywhere else.
Who doesn’t love that cozy autumn feeling of walking to your mailbox, or a drop box, or an in-person voting center to cast your vote for local, state, and national leadership?
2026 is a midterm year, meaning no voting for the U.S. president and vice president. With that spotlight off, local races receive more, much-deserved attention. Ideal, since that’s where voters have the most power to effect change. But without presidential candidates on the ballot, there tends to be considerably less participation. In 2022’s midterm election, 36% of California’s voting age population cast a ballot compared to 53% in 2024’s general. In Nevada for those same years, 41% bumped up to 58%.
The irony isn’t difficult to spot: Rules and codes over local development, utility rates, transportation options — these and hundreds more decisions happen in your neck of the woods and are made by the people you vote into office. But it doesn’t have the same drama or them-versus-us vibe, so it might not feel as critical to participate.
We hope reviewing the answers provided by candidates in the following pages adds a reason to your pros and cons list about voting on or before Nov. 3. There are very real issues at hand and critical decisions being made, and who you vote for could turn the tide one way or the other.
For our election coverage in our October edition, we took a methodical approach to the jurisdictions and special districts featured: Those we questioned in person as part of the Truckee Candidate Forum on Oct. 8 — Truckee Town Council, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, and Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District — were not included in print. (You can re-watch those forums, which took place Oct. 6 and 8, at ttm.ompnetwork.org.
A North Shore Election Forum took place Oct. 6, where state candidates participated in a Q&A. Find the recording at firsttuesdaybreakfastclub.com.
Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association is hosting an IV-CB Community Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Duffield Theater at Incline High School. It will be broadcast live and available afterward at youtube.com/@iv-cbcommunityforum9730.
We also touch on Measure P, which goes before all voters within the TTUSD boundaries.
You’ll find three district-specific questions asked of the candidates, who were allowed no more than 125 words in response per answer. Please sit with their answers and mull over who you believe would best fill an empty seat on a board, then responsibly fill out your ballot and cast your vote by Nov. 3. A healthy democracy depends on participation.
For uncontested races and other information, view our 2026 Election Tracker at tinyurl.com/5f4w5j4c.
Residents must register to vote by Oct. 19. Same-day voter registration is possible, but must be done at a county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations.
Residents must have registered to vote in person or by mail by Oct. 6. Same-day voter registration is possible and must be done in person at a polling location. Visit tinyurl.com/mrfcsc7p for a list of early voting locations.
Two years ago, the Incline Village General Improvement District was in a precarious spot. Fraud allegations, financial issues, failed recalls, and a general manager spot that couldn’t seem to be kept filled — interim GM Bobby Magee, who resigned after three months, followed by Kent Walrack, who lasted a similar length of time before being terminated by a new board. That same month, January 2025, the still-current GM, Bob Harrison, was put in place.
Earlier this summer, Trustee Mick Homan wrote a piece for Moonshine saying that at long last, things are looking up. “With key hires in HR and finance to supplement the existing team, focus shifted to three priorities,” he wrote. “Improving organizational health, restoring financial discipline, and advancing long-term capital planning.”
The shape of that progress looks different to different people. There are three candidates running for two seats on the IVGID Board of Trustees, with only one incumbent running for reelection: David Noble. That means there’ll be at least one newcomer, either Harry Swenson, who ran in 2024, or Ryan “RB” Brooks. The candidates touch on cost discipline, transportation, and utility management.
Candidates were limited to 125-word responses per question, and they have been edited for style and clarity. Order of replies determined by a randomizer.
1. Public transportation has been identified as a critical option to reduce traffic, lower pollution, expand mobility, and more. December 2025’s cancellation of TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit) Connect’s microtransit services and the Aug. 1, 2026, discontinuance of IVGID’s Senior Transportation Program have created a gap in public transportation needs across Incline Village/Crystal Bay. What do you see as the most critical way(s) IVGID can support or encourage expanded public transportation options?
Brooks: The end of these programs left us without on-demand transit for the residents who depend on it most: seniors, workers, and people without a car. As I see it, IVGID’s most critical role is to restore service quickly and on solid legal footing. IVGID’s counsel has advised that [Nevada Revised Statute] 318 doesn’t allow the district to operate transportation directly. Rather, we should let a local 501(c)(3) run the service and receive state and federal funding directly, including [Nevada Department of Transportation’s] [Federal Transit Administration] Section 5310 and Older Americans Act funds and Washoe County senior service contracts. IVGID’s role would be to convene partners and help prepare grant applications. Any direct financial support would be reviewed by legal counsel first, so we don’t trade one lawsuit risk for another.
Editor’s note: Words in brackets were added by editors and do not count against word count.
Noble: IVGID representatives have been in discussions with county representatives since April to strongly encourage restarting/funding TART, which would assist all residents, including seniors. Those discussions have included the use of at least some of the taxes generated from STRs in unincorporated Washoe County (over 90% of those revenues come from STRs in Incline Village and Crystal Bay), which currently go to the county, Travel North Tahoe Nevada (formerly the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau), and the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Unfortunately, IVGID is prohibited from providing public transportation service, unless it is tied to at least one of IVGID’s recreation venues.
Swenson: I would work with the board and amend the long-standing contract with Washoe County to ensure senior transportation services are fully funded by the county and are consistent with services offered in other towns/districts of the county. For instance, the county provides discounted Lyft rides and taxi services for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. We need to ensure our community is aware of the services available.
IVGID has the responsibility of providing transportation according to the contract with Washoe County; therefore, the elimination of services was wrong. The problem appears to be budgetary and due to the services provided by IVGID going beyond what the county provides in other communities. Services should have been reviewed and refined rather than eliminated.
2. IVGID provides essential utilities while also operating an extensive recreation system. How would you determine which responsibilities should take priority when the district faces competing financial, infrastructure, and community needs?
Swenson: Maintaining and updating our water and sewer infrastructure is critical. Much of it is still original and in state of disrepair. We’ve had too many water main and line breaks. We need to budget and execute on a plan to get it upgraded and properly maintained. At the same time, we need to make the maintenance of our existing facilities, such as the recreation center, a priority. We should budget for these things first and then determine what additional projects can be accomplished. Only projects that can be delivered should be contained in the budget that results in your beach and recreation fees. This would resolve the over-collection of fees from our community while keeping our facilities in good repair.
Brooks: Tier 1 – Public health, safety, and legal obligations. Water, sewer, and effluent systems come first because they protect residents and the lake, and regulations aren’t optional.
Tier 2 – Taking care of what we already have. Before paying for anything new, IVGID should fully fund the repair and replacement of its existing pipes, pumps, facilities, and equipment.
Tier 3 – Core recreation at the heart of our community. Each IVGID facility should be evaluated on cost, usage, and how close it comes to covering its expenses. But keep a holistic approach.
Tier 4 – Wants. New amenities, expansions, and nice-to-haves come last.
Three rules would guide me in how I apply this:
Keep the money where it belongs.
Plan on a five- to 10-year horizon.
Show our work.
Noble: Water and sewer services take priority over all recreation venues because those services are essential to daily life. IVGID recently completed the effluent export pipeline project under Highway 28 — a $62 million-plus project finished a year ahead of schedule and $13 million-plus under budget. Looking forward, I believe reinvestment in IVGID’s water service and ski area should be priority. Wildfire preparedness measures (pipe replacement, backup generators, etc.) need to be accelerated for our water delivery system to be better prepared for future wildfire events. Diamond Peak is the only venue that generates a profit for the community ($1 to $5 million/year), yet no meaningful investments have been made in nearly 20 years — lodge, lift, and snowmaking upgrades are long overdue to address declining skier visits.
3. The past few years have seen ups and downs in the facility fee amounts district property owners pay annually. For example, in the fiscal year ending 2023, residents paid $780. In 2024, that amount dropped to $455. In 2026, due to impacted district finances, the annual fee went up to $1,375. The current IVGID board said the latest increase will help ensure district financial stability and the ability to manage current and future capital facilities. Do you think the board and staff have handled the financial instability well? How would you seek to maintain or improve district financial management moving forward?
Noble: The facility fee was kept flat from 2010 to 2023, while construction, labor, and food prices rose considerably over that period. The fee went up to $1,375 to begin addressing years of deferred maintenance and capital projects that languished due to analysis paralysis. I led the effort in early 2025 to hire IVGID’s new GM, who has rebuilt the finance department. We now have the right personnel in place for IVGID to comply with all applicable fiscal and accounting protocols, resulting in a clean (no exceptions or disclaimers) [Fiscal Year] 2025 audit. IVGID will be removed from the state’s fiscal watch list once the anticipated clean audit for FY 2026 is filed in November, which will enable IVGID to access additional financing tools for future projects.
Swenson: IVGID is collecting money for projects without the ability to complete in the budgeted year for many years; it’s resulted in excessive cash reserves. The excessive cash build-ups have also allowed your money to be used where it wasn’t intended or budgeted. The lower-fee years were during a time when the board linked the fees to the ability to deliver projects and services; they didn’t over-collect but collected for what was achievable. Last year’s capital improvement plan was for $30 million of projects and barely executed on $6 million. Now, with the tripling of fees, they’ve collected another $40 million out of your pockets. The board needs to budget and collect only for projects and services it can deliver, nothing more. Apply proper fiscal management!
Brooks: The current board and staff faced the problem honestly. They built a long-term capital plan, ranked the most critical projects, and stabilized the general fund. The effluent pipeline replacement finished a year early and under budget. That’s real progress.
Going forward, I would:
Instead of raising fees, pursue cost savings and revenue generating opportunities. For example, we have a $400,000 line item for the replacement of golf carts. Let’s solicit sponsors like Titleist or Nike to brand and sponsor the golf carts.
Index the fee to construction costs every year with a published formula.
Autumn Color Reflected in the Twilight
Caples Lake, Calif.
Fall is here, and for photographers, it’s the most exciting time of the year. Grab your gear and head to the mountains. Great images may seem easy, but capturing world-class ones is not as simple as it appears. I have five key elements that I look for in a single image:
1. Color: The sky and landscape should be bursting with color. Brilliant blue skies, glowing sunsets, and vibrant fall foliage make images pop.
2. Water: I prefer a one to three-second exposure to soften the water into a creamy flow of motion. Reflections double the foliage and sky color, creating beautiful, mirrored compositions.
3. Strong Compositions: Find a solid center point, such as an is
olated tree or a splash of color. Your eye should wander around without being led out of the frame. S-curves and diagonals make images more dynamic.
4. Old Things: Ghost towns, dilapidated buildings or barns, and remnants of bygone eras are not only enjoyable to discover, but they are often weathered, rusted, or in disrepair, captivating viewers.
5. Weather: Clouds, snow, and rain can all enhance an image. Cloudy days reduce the contrast of shadows. The first snowfall of the year is a must-see, and a gentle rain to wash away dust is always welcome.
I haven’t yet captured a photo that incorporates all five elements, but I’ll keep trying!
It being a midterms year, Moonshine Ink sought to create a political education column, speaking with academics on the state of politics in the country. In this edition of the Politics Brief, Moonshine spoke with Teaching Assistant Professor Owen Fite, Ph.D., from the University of Nevada, Reno’s political science department. Answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.
You teach a class on political philosophy, so I’m wondering if you can define democracy and tell me about how it has evolved since its creation? Why didn’t the founding fathers go with a direct Athenian democracy?
To give the general synopsis of what Athenian democracy was, it wasn’t monolithic, it wasn’t static. It changed over different years in which it existed. But the most radical take … that I think is worth juxtaposing from today is a democracy in which you had 6,000 citizens who showed up to the Pnyx — the assembly. It’s this hilltop in Athens. And the first 6,000 citizens that showed up there got to be essentially congress members for the day.
Those citizens would be voting yea or nay on the various proposals that were submitted by [a] council of 500. This was still restricted to Athenians, even if there were other city-states and areas that were under Athenian rule. This was still a very exclusive form of citizenship that also did not include women or children or slaves. But these people also were paid.
As a way to make this more accessible even to the poor, you could get paid essentially a day’s wage to show up and do your citizenry duties. And so you had a form of citizenship that allowed for such participation and allowed for real engagement, whether it’s because you were picked by lottery to be one of these more deliberative council members in this smaller body of 500, or you always having this right to show up early to this assembly with 5,999 other folks and vote yea or nay on these various proposals. I don’t think I need to explain to you how different that is from democracy today.
Aristotle gives you a theory as to three noble forms of government — what are pure, virtuous forms of government: benevolent kingship, aristocracy, and polity, or what also might be translated to a constitutional polity of sorts.
The perverted forms, or the forms of government that end up taking shape if the noble ones end up being corrupted, are: tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy. Democracy is seen as mob rule, rule of incompetence, rule of those who are subject to material needs. In other words, people are selfishly going into these assemblies looking for what they can get. If they don’t have their needs met, they’re going to be even more desperate and selfish instead of deliberating and thinking of a collective communal good.
And it isn’t until we get to John Locke and what we would call the introduction of liberal democracy that we get kind of this 180, where we get essentially the English Civil Wars, and we get this re-understanding that government is based on consent, individual’s agreement to enter into a social contract and accept legitimate authority.
[The founding fathers] had a lot of liberal ideas to pull from, they draw from Lockean philosophy, and so they have the basis of a liberal democratic government, but one that is still supposed to be based on rationalism, that is still supposed to exclude women, those who are not educated enough, like children, those who are supposed to only be property owning. In other words, still this idea that those who can’t provide for themselves are going to corrupt a public body, seeking their own selfish good if they don’t have their own material sustenance met.
And what one could clearly argue as real skepticism of the everyday citizen, the fact that the Senate was not able to be elected until we get to the 1900s shows that the founding fathers didn’t want everyday people in charge of affairs. The fact that the electoral college existed meant another layer of insulation in which individual people could not express their concerns. By just keeping it in the House of Representatives, it allowed some sort of representation based off citizens, which is still a very exclusive circle.
Not everyone could be a citizen … that would be specifically capped by a Senate. It’d be capped to really make sure that all these warnings made by political philosophers over the last thousand years [about] a tyranny of the masses, a tyranny of the uneducated, would never really take shape.
ZOON POLITIKON: Politics isn’t simply Congress or voting, says Owen Fite, it’s the network of relationships and decisions that shape how we live together. File image
As politics becomes wrapped up in every facet of life, what would you say to somebody who says that they’re not political? How does this tie into Aristotle’s idea of the zoon politikon?
Zoon politikon translates to political animal.
And this is an assumption made by Aristotle that people are political creatures. In other words, politics is not something we should avoid. Politics is the very essence of being human.
The fact that humans have ideas of what is good and bad, what’s better and worse, what is righteous, what is sincere, what is emotion, these are all very human things. And all of this has to do with politics. In order to understand this you have to have a more capacious definition instead of an institutional definition of politics just being Congress or voting.
But politics at its origins is the practice of compromise, of agreeing. Well, that’s what it’s like to be a person. The only way one could avoid politics would be living out on an island by themselves with no interaction with anyone else.
But even that is still the consequence of politics. For example, [if] some different treaties or different governments agreed not to populate this one island,[then] even if someone avoids all politics, the very absence of politics … requires politics elsewhere. And so that’s a different answer, though, to how someone who tells me they’re not political, how I’d respond to them.
I would do a long Socratic kind of back and forth if I had all the time in the world and I was invested in really getting this through. I would ask, ‘What does it mean to not be political?’ I’d throw it on its head. And if someone said, ‘Oh, it’s just I like my job and I like watching my TV.’ I’d ask, ‘Well, how do you have your job? What are the economic forces at play? What are the facts of insurance, the subsidies, the workplace protections, the fact that you have a home, the zoning, the roads that get you from here to there, the fact that you have TV, that you have internet connection here and there, that everything that leads to you being a part of another’s world, that’s political.’
It is interesting because I feel like some of the people I’ve talked to think it’s pointless. They think that they don’t have influence, or maybe they think that there’s no point in voting in the presidential election because they think that the only potential power that they have is within local elections.
What I would call a meaningful distinction of what you brought up is the difference between having agency and influence versus control and masterdom. Yeah, people in the U.S. right now do not have control over their politics.
They do not have a masterdom over politics unless they are one of those few exceptions of a political party elite or Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos-type billionaires. That doesn’t mean someone doesn’t have influence. If I were to have a conversation with individuals, I would probably take it as local, scaled down as possible to think of what influence have you had on friends, on family, on the community, and I would interrogate them or challenge them to say, how is that apolitical? You convincing a friend to watch a certain show over another, going to this event versus another, joining this club, spending their time doing this and that.
Whether they’re subtle or not, they have interconnections with ideas of what is better, what is worse, what are ways that we want to associate, we want to cohabitate, we want to live together, what institutions we want to make, whether they’re formal or informal.
What I problematize about the definition that you cited is that it’s really restricted by an institutionalist type of thinking that, yes, if you only work with institutions and you expect institutions to completely reflect what you want, it’s going to feel like you have no agency, but that’s only one avenue of politics.
The most radical changes over history, the biggest political change happens outside of formal institutions. It creates new institutions over time. You as an individual are not going to do that. You don’t have that control or masterdom, but that’s where you don’t get these big critical junctures until it actually takes up across a large group, a large mass of people.
We go back to the heart of it, which is politics only exists with others. You as an individual are not going to change everything in politics by yourself. It’s all part of a collective action problem, a collective effort.
Three seats of the five seats on the Truckee Fire Protection District board are up for the midterms, but none of them are seeking reelection, which means come Jan. 1, 2027, there’ll be three new faces overseeing the fire district’s budget, policies, and overall services for the community. This is especially notable considering the district’s current legal battle against Placer County over property tax allotment, such impending capital projects as a new headquarters fire station, and the recent union formation.
Candidates were limited to 125-word responses per question, and they have been edited for style and clarity. Order of replies determined by a randomizer.
1. Truckee Fire says a decades-old property-tax allocation problem in Placer County has cost it roughly $40 million since the 1970s. What is your understanding of the district’s claim, and what role should the board play in pursuing a resolution that supports reliable fire and emergency medical services while considering the impact on other taxing agencies? (Read more on this situation at moonshineink.com: Truckee Fire Sues Placer County Over Decades of Unpaid Property Tax.)
McThorn: Unfortunately, there is a confidentiality clause with the legal case, and I do not have all the factual information. Once on the board, I can better understand the issue. From what I know, this should have been addressed many years ago by prior chiefs and boards.
I am not for taking from other special districts within Truckee. This appears to be the threat from Placer County and am not sure that is legal. If the case is won, it should come from the Placer County general fund and not our special districts. Moving forward, the funds should be allocated appropriately to Truckee Fire. If elected, I will share all factual information that is legally allowed so we can move forward responsibly.
Rintala: The district has not been receiving funding from the fire service taxes paid by residents in a portion of Placer County. The district has spent many years trying to resolve this with Placer County. The fire taxes other district residents pay should not have to make up for the funding removed from our region. As a community member, I am not convinced that our local agencies are overfunded by the taxes collected for the TFPD, as the county suggests. The board should seek out and review available information and pursue the case with the entire community we serve in mind. The district should also be ready and willing to engage with other agencies to understand potential impacts.
Witherspoon: Truckee Fire deserves fair, durable funding without destabilizing schools, healthcare, sanitation, or neighboring districts. I reviewed the Zone 7 tax-area records, and the allocation snafu locked into place after Proposition 13 is there for anyone to see. The sanity check is whether Placer County or Northstar [Community Services District] would provide fire protection with those allocations. Quite simply, they wouldn’t. Correcting this historical imbalance will have a financial impact on the county and/or our local special districts. The board should protect the district’s legal position while making settlement the priority. I would require transparent reporting on legal costs, verify the service-cost analysis, and bring Placer County and affected agencies into structured negotiations.
Brown: The lawsuit is active against Placer County by Truckee Fire. This case should be guided by fairness, fiscal responsibility, and what is legitimately owed to our fire district. We have been pursuing a fair resolution with Placer County for decades; with better communication this could have prevented the lawsuit. While retroactive funding may not be recoverable, we should establish a fair path forward. Our emergency services remain unchanged for these areas while local taxpayers bear the costs. I believe there are sufficient resources to reach an equitable solution without negatively impacting other agencies. The court should make a ruling and Truckee Fire will acceptingly move forward. If settlement is needed, I would support collaboration, transparency, and a fair outcome for all involved.
Golden: I completely agree that we cannot take resources away from our schools or healthcare district. A zero-sum fight between local emergency services and education is not the answer.
At the same time, we have to be honest about the problem. Billions of dollars of development have occurred in the Martis Valley, creating more people, more homes and more fire risk, while Truckee Fire remains understaffed. I believe Placer County needs to be part of the solution. We should work toward a long-term agreement that better recognizes the cost of protecting these communities.
My goal would be simple: make sure the tax revenue generated here is helping provide the services needed here, while working with our neighboring agencies rather than taking resources away from them.
2. Significant capital projects are on the horizon for Truckee Fire, including Station 90, a new headquarters fire station, and a regional training facility for Truckee and its partner agencies. What are three specific ways the board of directors might hold the line on fiscal discipline during the planning and implementation of these and other projects?
Golden: Fiscal discipline doesn’t mean saying no to every major project. It means making sure we’re building what our community actually needs and getting the most value for every taxpayer dollar.
I’m particularly supportive of seeing the regional training facility through because I believe it can make Truckee and our neighboring agencies better prepared while sharing cost and resources. I would work directly with partner agencies to make that happen.
Training matters. Firefighters cannot be expected to perform at their best during a structure fire if they can’t regularly practice those skills. Technology, equipment, and fire behavior continue to change, and we have to keep our firefighters current. I would expect strong budgets, accountability, and regular oversight while investing in training that keeps our community safe.
McThorn: The new station 90 is still in the early phase and changes can be made. From what I know, there is not a definitive funding plan. There should be a collaborative effort moving forward with all stakeholders, Transient Occupancy Tax, and community input. Fiscal responsibility is always a priority with public funds. It is a good plan with an attached fire station from what I have seen.
The need for a regional training facility should be a priority. Our goal should be to keep our firefighters within or close to our district when training. Training is a top priority, and Truckee is one of the most uniquely challenged areas in the country. Our firefighters need to be ready at all times.
Rintala: With three new board members, the prospective capital projects should be reviewed starting with a thorough needs and benefits analysis as we look to modernize and grow with our community. The district is healthy and should explore accessible funding options while prioritizing the most important capabilities we can afford to pursue. These are high-impact projects that can improve capability and service quality if well planned. A fire station is a large investment. Community-supported funding must be considered in the context of overall community needs, aging infrastructure, and resource availability. The board needs to honor and protect the existing partnership with voters that brought us wildfire risk reduction through Measure T funding and plan to build forward in concert with other community providers.
Witherspoon: Representing taxpayer interests starts well before construction. Station 90’s 18,000-square-foot concept carries a preliminary estimate of about $24 million. At that scale, the district must validate and prioritize needs, compare smaller and phased alternatives, identify external funding, and show that construction will not weaken reserves or service levels. Any capital plan must address upgrades to aging stations and prioritize the highest needs. For greenlit projects, I would require updated cost estimates and public board approval at design milestones, bid awards, and significant change orders. For a regional training facility, each partner’s capital contribution, operating share, governance rights, maintenance obligation, and exit terms should be documented before Truckee commits. We should fund what crews need, what population growth demands, and what the tax base can sustain.
Brown: I believe a new fire station can be an important investment in our community’s safety, but we need strong safeguards before committing significant taxpayer dollars. I would support a thorough feasibility study, independent cost estimates, realistic construction timelines, and a clearly defined project scope. The board should establish a firm budget with appropriate contingency reserves, require competitive bidding, and have any significant scope or cost changes return to the board for approval.
We should also evaluate long-term operating and maintenance costs, secure outside funding where possible, and regularly review the project against established milestones. Most importantly, the community deserves transparent reporting throughout the process. Good planning means anticipating challenges before they become expensive problems and ensuring we build what Truckee needs while protecting taxpayers.
3. Earlier this year, Truckee firefighters joined the Sierra Nevada Firefighters Local 3800 union. What changes, if any, have you observed in the district’s internal communication, collaboration, or service delivery since then? As a board member, how would you support a constructive working relationship among executive staff, the board, and union members?
Brown: I respect the employees’ choice to go union and encourage good collaboration. The transition and relationship are new and priorities should be open communication to build trust, accountability, and a strong working relationship. We can work together to build a problem-solving partnership and I’m positive the union relations will continue to develop. Since the unionization, the board has approved a change in service for the better with regard to daily minimum staffing levels. The staffing levels are now increased by two personnel, making a mandatory of 10 personnel. This is an important improvement from the previous minimum staffing of eight. There is always room for revision and conversation to increase these levels in the future based on district needs and fiscal availability.
Golden: I believe the most important thing is that everyone remembers we’re on the same team. Our firefighters, executive staff, and board may have different perspectives, but we all have the same responsibility: providing the best possible fire and emergency medical service to our community.
Since firefighters joined Local 3800, I believe the board should embrace that relationship, not treat it as an obstacle. I would make a point of listening to our firefighters and understand what they’re seeing on the ground, while also respecting the responsibilities of the chief and board.
Good organizations communicate openly, address problems directly, and hold each other accountable. I would work to build that relationship: one that’s based on respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.
McThorn: Since unionizing, the internal communication seems to be strained. With my experience in labor and management communications and negotiations, I will bring stability, open lines of communication, and straightforward discussions. I have learned over my career that such communication will always prevail. It will unify and gain trust among labor and management and build a stronger fire district. The firefighters and prevention officers are front line and have the best insight for positive change. As a board member, I would like to see monthly labor and management meetings with set achievable goals, and a monthly report to the board. To be a truly effective union it takes the labor group to be proactive and communicate factually. We must work together to better serve our community.
Rintala: The union relationship is new and all parties still have to learn how to work with each other under a new system. Attending board meetings over the last year and listening to firefighters, I’ve observed difficulty from all sides while individuals remain mission-driven and strive to deliver outstanding service to our evolving rural community. TFPD’s extraordinary firefighters, staff, and leaders work with many response partners for rapid, scalable, and reliable emergency response. The national advocacy from the union promises to bring guidance to our team that helps keep our firefighters, residents, and visitors ever safer in emergencies. The board should actively guide respectful engagement from the boardroom to the front line putting our community and our Truckee Fire team ahead of turf battles.
Witherspoon: I am not inside the organization and will not claim firsthand knowledge of private workplace dynamics. Public statements surrounding the unionization suggest employees wanted a more consistent voice in district decisions. I have seen no evidence that unionization has diminished service, and I support employees finding a constructive way to be heard. I welcome the perspective a regional union can bring from peer fire districts. As a board member, I would support scheduled labor-management meetings, anonymous employee climate surveys and more transparency with staff, e.g., livestreaming board meetings so employees can follow them remotely. The board should respect collective bargaining and the chief’s chain of command while ensuring employees can raise concerns safely. Constructive labor relations are necessary to sustain excellent public service.
Inventory levels are down from 2025 in nearly all Tahoe submarkets. In September 2025, there were 327 homes listed for sale in the Tahoe Sierra MLS compared to 272 in 2026. The homes that sell are moving faster than last year, with average days on market dropping across every market except for the NV Tahoe Basin, where days on market jumped from 70 to 146 along with a 37% rise in median sold price year over year. This suggests a smaller pool of higher priced sales rather than a cooler market. Month-to-month, most submarkets saw sales volume increase into September where prices decreased slightly, consistent with the overall trend of sellers adjusting pricing to move inventory as we move into the shoulder season.
Enter a stand of aspens and all of the senses awaken. Leaves flutter in the slightest breeze, brilliant shades of green fill the canopy in summer, and glowing yellows and oranges emerge in autumn. The forest understory carries the earthy scent of saturated, nutrient-rich soils, while temperatures drop within these pockets of moisture and life. Surrounded by Tahoe’s conifer forests, an aspen stand can feel like an entirely different world, and in the fall, these forests become especially striking, showcasing a vibrant display of seasonal transformation.
Aspens carry a lot of significance for Tahoe, both metaphorically and ecologically. As one of very few deciduous trees native to the region, their dramatic color shift each fall is a reminder of summer’s closure, capturing memories made in the warm months. The transition through autumn prepares us for the cold temperatures and snowfall ahead. Ecologically, aspen habitats are refuges of utmost importance scattered throughout our dominant evergreen forests, creating biodiversity hotspots that support an abundance and diversity of plants, animals, and other organisms.
Meet the Aspen
Quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) are the most widespread native tree in North America. Their name comes from the way their leaves shimmer and quake in the wind. An aspen’s round, heart-shaped leaf attaches to its flattened leaf stem, called a petiole. This structure helps sunlight penetrate deeper and more evenly into the tree canopy, prevents heat stress, makes it harder for fungal spores to settle, helps shake off insect pests, and even reduces the risk of damage to the tree on windy days.
BACK SCRATCHER: Black bear claw marks scar the trunk of a quaking aspen along the Legacy Trail in Truckee. Photo by Sarah Hockensmith
Some aspen stands consist of genetically identical trees, or clones, connected by a shared root system. Although we don’t have the enormous clones found in Utah or Colorado, pockets of these trees in the Tahoe Basin can also be a combination of individual trees that make up one large organism, spreading through the landscape through new shoots, or suckers. Each new shoot grows from the parent root system and shares identical DNA, creating a genetic clone. Aspens can spread sexually by seed, but most aspen in the western United States reproduce primarily through these connected root systems and clonal suckering. In fall, aspens with the same DNA typically change color synchronously, exposing genetic relationships within a stand to sharp-eyed observers.
From afar, aspens may look as if they have white bark, but a closer look reveals that the outer layer has a greenish tint. That is because the bark contains chlorophyll, green pigments that allow the tree to perform bark photosynthesis, even when leaves are absent in the cold months (so long as temperatures allow water to remain liquid). Unlike most local trees that grow thick, woody outer bark, aspen bark is soft and sensitive, and even a small scratch can create scarring. When visiting aspen stands, look for evidence of bear scratches on the trees and try to ignore the human-caused scars. Aspen trunks tell stories of history and wildlife, holding clues about the animals that live among them, from Tahoe’s largest mammals to smaller creatures like birds, insects, and caterpillars.
Aspen’s Unique Ecological Roles
I spent a summer studying nesting songbirds in quaking aspen stands, and that experience gave me a deeper appreciation for just how much life this habitat can support. Although the Tahoe region is home to a variety of plants and wildlife, large aspen groves are important for the variety of microhabitats they create. Unlike dense evergreen forests, aspens have a canopy that allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor. Their leaves decompose relatively quickly and produce less acidic litter than evergreen needles, helping create nutrient-rich soils that hold moisture better and support a lush understory of grasses, forbs, and wildflowers. Together, these conditions create a mosaic of food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for an impressive range of species.
Aspen communities can be alive with activity. Look closely and you may find mountain beaver burrows beneath the forest floor, incisor marks from American beavers along the trunks, or a sapsucker drilling neat rows of rectangular holes into the bark. During the spring and summer, the leafy canopy provides cover for nesting songbirds such as warbling vireos, dusky flycatchers, and thrushes. The abundance of flowering plants that thrive on the forest floor among the aspens attracts insects, which are an important food source for birds and other wildlife throughout the summer season. Even the bark itself has sugars that provide carbohydrates and quick energy for feasting mammals such as deer, porcupines, and hares.
QUACKING ASPENS reach their full fall glory at Page Meadows, a popular viewing place, where entire stands transform into shades of yellow and orange. Photos by Jennifer Coon
Aspen are highly susceptible to heart-rot, a fungal disease that decays the inner heartwood at the center of a tree, and woodpeckers move right in. Many species excavate a new home each year as the heart-rot climbs higher, and over time large aspens become natural apartment complexes for wildlife that depend on cavities. Old woodpecker holes in aspen are reused by our smallest owl and duck species, swallows, bats, flying squirrels, and many other cavity-nesting birds. In this way, an aspen stand continues to provide habitat throughout the life and death of its individual trees, making these forests some of the most dynamic wildlife places in the Tahoe region.
From Green to Gold: Why Some Trees Change Color
So, what makes aspens turn from green to gold? Chlorophyll is the green pigment that allows most plants to photosynthesize, and when a leaf is packed full of chlorophyll, it appears green. While conifer trees retain their needles through winter, deciduous trees, like aspens, shed their leaves. As days become shorter and temperatures drop, aspens begin preparing to drop their leaves. The tree forms a barrier, called an abscission layer, between the leaf and the rest of the tree, gradually cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. As chlorophyll degrades and new chlorophyll is no longer produced, the green color disappears, revealing other pigments and their colors that have been present in the leaf all along.
The yellows and oranges of autumn come primarily from pigments called carotenoids. These are present in aspen leaves throughout the life of each leaf, but are masked by the sheer volume of chlorophyll during spring and summer. Once the green fades, these hidden colors emerge, creating the gold and yellow hues that make aspen stands so striking.
Bright reds are less common in Tahoe’s aspens. When they do appear, they come from a different pigment called anthocyanin. These red pigments can form when sugars become trapped in the leaf as the tree seals it off from the rest of the plant. Under the right conditions, those sugars trigger chemical processes that produce red and sometimes purple pigments. In many places, the strongest reds develop when sunny days are paired with cool temperatures and at least a little bit of moisture to keep the tree trying to cling to the growing season. Those conditions may be less consistent in Tahoe’s high-elevation climate, which could help explain why our aspens are more often golden than red.
Eventually, the leaves fall to the ground, allowing the aspen to enter a dormant state and conserve energy through the coldest months.
Where to Find Fall Color
For those hoping to experience the brilliant fall colors of aspen, there are plenty of places around the Tahoe Basin and surrounding Sierra to explore. The best place to look for them? Tributaries and water’s edge. On the South Shore, Taylor Creek is a great place to see aspen changing color, with easy, flat trails and beautiful views along the creek. For a more adventurous challenge, some of the largest aspens at Tahoe can be found along the Upper Truckee River in between Christmas Valley and Meiss Country. On the West Shore, Blackwood Canyon and Page Meadows offer excellent opportunities to wander through aspen groves and catch the seasonal transition. On the North Shore, head to Spooner Lake, North Canyon, or Marlette Lake, where some of our largest aspen stands provide a spectacular contrast against the surrounding evergreens and mountain landscape. North of Truckee, most of the Little Truckee watershed has stringers of aspen lining the watercourses, although most of the trees aren’t very large. South of the Basin, Hope Valley, Monitor Pass, and the Eastern Sierra extending further south offer countless additional opportunities to see aspen turning shades of yellow, gold, and orange. Wherever you go, fall is a wonderful time to slow down, explore a familiar trail from a new perspective, and enjoy one of the Tahoe region’s most beautiful seasonal changes.
~ A naturalist and adventure seeker, Sarah Hockensmith finds inspiration in wild places. Whether hiking a rugged trail or wandering through a meadow, she slows down to observe the flora and fauna around her. She enjoys researching and sharing the stories of nature’s often overlooked treasures.
