Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus returns to Fire + Ice in Heavenly Village
Zephyr Cove Ski Club being resurrected for youth ages 8-17
US50 over Echo Summit closed due to fatal collision
Obituary: James Douglas Pullen
August 22, 1951 – November 18, 2024
James Douglas Pullen, 73, of Lufkin, Texas died Monday, November 18, 2024 at his residence. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.
Mr. Pullen was born August 22, 1951 in Huntington, West Virginia to the late Sara Frances (Booth) and Jimmie Arthur Pullen. He worked in law enforcement for 32 years in California.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Linda (Sisler) Pullen of Lufkin, Texas; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery and Heather Pullen of Dayton, Nevada and Jamie and Amber Pullen of Sonora, California; grandchildren and spouses, Zachary and Brittany Pullen, Natalie and Collin Hult, Hailey and Bradley Maffei, Paul Pullen, Emily Pullen, Katana Pullen, Conor and Elizabeth Pullen, and Charlee Pullen; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Chuck Pullen of Fresno, California; sister, Lynn Pullen of Pennsylvania; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, Texas, directors.
Obituary: Neal Niederman
August 13, 1945 – November 15, 2024
Neal Alan Niederman, aged 79, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, in Reno, Nevada, in the arms of his loving wife, Stephanie. Born on August 13, 1945, Neal’s life was marked by his dedication to his profession, community, and a profound appreciation for history and nature.
Neal graduated from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California, and furthered his education at UCLA and the Los Angeles College of Optometry. He dedicated many years to his career as an optometrist, serving the communities of Simi Valley and South Lake Tahoe, California, where he was admired for his meticulous care and gentle demeanor.
A devoted member of Temple Bat Yam in South Lake Tahoe for 24 years, Neal was passionate about hobbies that connected him with nature and history. He found peace in rockhounding, gold panning, and fishing, often seeking solace in the majestic beauty of Yosemite. His interests in coin collecting and selling casino memorabilia on eBay reflected his fascination with history and storytelling. Neal’s friends will fondly remember his love for cats and his deep affection for his wife, Stephanie.
Neal is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Niederman; Marc Brandon (Allison, Asher, Sierra Rose), Jeremy Niederman (Jed, Daniel), Felissa Miller, Clete Miller, Charlie Miller; William, Tyler, Winston, and Wallace Browne, Lisa Browne (Gabriel Almond, Julien Almond, Eislyn Snyder, Ruby Lucas, Liam Lucas), Stewart Holland, Christian Holland, Rev. Wendy Holland (Donovan, Isabelle), Dr. Patricia Gilbert, April Holland (Brian, Roman), Anne Dimopoulos, and Kelly Lynn Lentine (Tom, Henry, Faye, Joseph, Elisabeth Rose, Ishna, Roobens). He was preceded in death by Andre Browne, Cynthia Sue Holland, Harry Dimopoulos, and Arnold Niederman.
A graveside burial will take place at Happy Homestead Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Temple Bat Yam at tbytahoe.org. Neal Niederman’s legacy of kindness, intellectual curiosity, and respect for the past will be cherished by all who knew him.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort to open Thursday, Dec. 5 for skiing & riding
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Diamond Peak Ski Resort is pleased to announce that it will be opening a week earlier than originally planned this winter. Diamond Peak’s new Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
“Thanks to the hard work of our snowmaking team and some cold pre-season temperatures provided by Mother Nature, we’ve had a productive run of snowmaking so far this year,” said Diamond Peak Marketing & Communications Manager Paul Raymore. “With a solid base on the terrain we’ll have open for Opening Day, we’re stoked to open early and give all of our pass holders and community members another week of fun on the slopes.”
Chairlifts and runs planned for Opening Day include the Crystal Express, Lodgepole and School House chairlifts and Crystal Ridge, Sunnyside, Lodgepole and School Yard ski runs. Additional lifts and terrain may be open by Thursday, conditions permitting. Full details can be found on the Mountain Report page of the Diamond Peak website.
Black Friday Deal: The more you ski, the more you save with a 3-Day Flex Pass multiday lift ticket. This direct-to-lift mini pass offers three days of skiing or snowboarding any day this winter and is valid all season. A 3-Day Flex Pass is the best deal for people planning to ski multiple days, but not quite enough to justify a full season pass. 3-Day Flex Passes are on sale through Monday, Dec. 2, with discounted rates as low as $120 per day for adults, $100 per day for youth and seniors, and $50 per day for children.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe announces afternoon tea at Osteria Sierra
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is hosting a new Afternoon Tea service, launching at Osteria Sierra this month.
“Afternoon tea offers a serene moment to relax, featuring a premier selection of teas paired with exquisite culinary creations from our talented team,” said William Stout, Food and Beverage Director at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. “We are looking forward to providing our guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience and elevated service at our resort.”
The Afternoon Tea will feature home-baked scones, pastries and sandwiches. The pastry menu is curated by Executive Pastry Chef Sahid Khan and includes a lemon meringue tartlet, pistachio financier, raspberry macarons and honey almond cake. The sandwich selections include a black truffle & egg salad, roasted prime angus beef, and a smoked salmon and cucumber option.
The Afternoon Tea will be available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by visiting the link below: https://www.exploretock.com/osteria-sierra
Osteria Sierra is located in the main resort building next to Tahoe Provisions. The restaurant, previously named Sierra Café, has been transformed through a renovation to feature new décor and seating. For dinner, the restaurant serves elevated dining with Italian and Alpine themes, complete with house-made pasta, and Italian specialties such
as a burrata e pomodori with a pistachio pesto and a fresh creste de gallo with guanciale and black garlic.
For more information or to book a stay at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit Hyattregencylaketahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234
Bread & Broth receives generous grant from the American Century Championship
Recently, the American Century Championship Committee, along with the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority, awarded Bread & Broth with a generous grant to support two of B&B’s food outreach programs. Bread & Broth was one of 26 local non-profit organizations that received grants funded from proceeds from the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship Tournament held in South Lake Tahoe each summer.
One of Bread & Broth’s programs supported by this grant is the B&B 4 Kids/Tots School Weekend Food Bag Program serving 185 food insecure children at all Lake Tahoe Unified School District sites and 90 young children attending local childcare centers serving low-income families. This program ensures that children receive healthy foods to take home over the weekend during the school year and during summer break. With Bread & Broth’s “Push for Protein” Initiative, B&B 4 Kids strives to ensure that the foods in the weekend food bags are nutritious, high in protein, low in sugar/sodium content and, at the same time, kid-friendly and appealing to children.
The American Century Championship Grant will also be used to support Bread & Broth’s “Green Goal” project. At B&B’s weekly Monday Meal dinners, guests enjoy a hot, nutritious, full-course dinner and also receive donated bread and desserts, canned foods, and meat (donated by local grocery stores and businesses) along with items provided by the El Dorado Food Bank and Northern Nevada Food Bank. In addition, Bread & Broth purchases fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and dairy products (eggs, milk and butter) through their “Green Goal” project, and the grant donations will be used to purchase these nutritious food items. Dinner guests are very appreciative of this fresh produce and the dairy products, and they often share that this weekly distribution is their only access to fresh milk, eggs, butter, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
Bread & Broth thanks American Century Championship and the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority for their many years of supporting the organization as well as other non-profits in the Lake Tahoe South Shore community.
IVGID trustees set GM’s salary at $250,000
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – After a contentious board meeting Wednesday, the Incline Village General Improvement District’s trustees approved a $250,000 yearly contract for its new General Manager Kent Walrack.
Walrack’s contract is effective Dec. 1.
“My intention is to bring an item forward at the first available meeting in January to terminate the contract if the board moves forward,” Trustee Dave Noble said during deliberations. “…if the board moves forward to approve a severance of any kind to me that’s fiscally imprudent and borderline malfeasance.”
The vote was 3-2, a decision made by outgoing trustees Chair Sara Schmitz and Vice Chair Matthew Dent, a month before two newly elected board members take office. Trustee Ray Tulloch was the third vote for Walrack. Tulloch’s term goes for two more years.
“I am not in favor of this vote,” Trustee Michaela Tonking said. “I believe it is a disservice to the board, the incoming board, district staff, the community, and Mr. Walrack.”
Noble and Tonking voted against the contract, which included a 12-month severance package, 120-day notice before departure, and no cost-of-living expenses. Salary increases will be performance-based at the discretion of the board.
Incoming Trustees Mick Homan and Michelle Jezycki do not support Walrack.
When the new board is seated in January, Walrack will not have the support of four of the five trustees.
“The community also came out to speak today and told us they were dissatisfied with the choices of the majority of this board and were dissatisfied with the choice of the GM candidate,” Tonking said of the hour-plus public comment period.
All the trustees attended the meeting remotely as did Walrack.
“We are a GID (general improvement district), and the bulk of what we run are businesses,” Schmitz said. “I have full confidence that someone with Mr. Walrack’s intellect and business experience will have the capacity to pick up … I think that one of the things that we really, as a board, talked about is the value of bringing someone in who understands how to run businesses and to help us to run them better.”
This will help IVGID serve the community financially and with the services being offered, Schmitz said.
“I think that having someone with a different perspective, it’s fresh ideas,” Schmitz said. “I don’t think that we should just turn our back on that type of perspective.”
Walrack said he respects everyone’s opinion.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of trying to turn this whole community around, to all work together under one common cause,” Walrack said. “I think we all share we want good accounting, we want good books, we want successful businesses, we want great amenities, we want our families to enjoy coming here … I know this is going to be a big challenge.”
Walrack plans to reach out regarding community concerns.
“We will move forward in getting all the right talent on our team so we can handle all of these issues and solve all these problems,” Walrack said.
Walrack’s package includes health, dental, and vision insurance and recreational benefits in addition to retirement benefits, and life and disability insurance.
Walrack will receive an annual accrual of 120 hours of vacation plus paid holidays and sick leave.
To be eligible for severance in the event of termination without cause, Walrack couldn’t sue IVGID.
The contract said the general manager needs to devote his working time, skill, experience, knowledge, ability, labor, energy, attention, and best effort exclusively to IVGID’s business and affairs.
Outside employment within the district or potentially in conflict with IVGID is not allowed.
“The general manager does not have set work hours, he is expected to be available at all times,” according to the contract. “It is recognized that the general manager must devote a great deal of time to the business of IVGID outside of IVGID’s customary office hours, and to that end general manager’s schedule of work each day and week shall vary in accordance with the work required to be performed in accordance with any specific direction provided by the Board of Trustees.”
Walrack brings nearly four decades of executive leadership experience in the food manufacturing industry, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Lyons Magnus from 2018 to 2021, where he led significant acquisitions including Tru Aseptics and Phillip’s Syrups.
Prior to this role, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2005 to 2018, managing a budget of more than $600 million and overseeing operations across four manufacturing plants with 1,200 employees. Under his leadership, the company achieved consistent double-digit revenue growth, earned recognition as a Sysco “Gold Level” supplier, and successfully negotiated major licensing agreements with brands like Ocean Spray and Tetley Tea.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Walrack has made significant contributions to the food service industry through his board memberships and chairmanships. He served as Chairman of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation in 2022 and Chairman of the International Food Manufacturers Association in 2013.
Currently, he is the principal owner of Crystal Bay Ventures, LLC, a consulting company he founded in 2022 to assist companies in the food service industry. His first client, Hyer, successfully gained endorsement from the Council of State Restaurant Associations for its labor-on-demand services.
Walrack holds a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Boise State University.
Better Than Ezra to play in Tahoe for first time
STATELINE, Nev. – Many Gen Xers and Millenials have fond memories of the Alt-Rock group Better Than Ezra which formed in 1988.
The rock icons can be found on Billboard‘s “100 Greatest Alternative Songs of All Time” and “100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time.” Better Than Ezra were prominent fixtures on radio and MTV in the Nineties and early 2000’s, thanks in large part to the massive success of their beloved 1993 independent album Deluxe, which included the smash hit “Good” —a MULTI-PLATINUM-selling #1 hit on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks Chart.
After their 2014 album All Together Now, they took some time off. A decade later, the band released their 10th studio album Super Magick, and is bringing their headline tour, Legends of the Fall: Tokyo Drift tour to Stateline.
Lead singer/guitarist Kevin Griffin sat down to talk with Tahoe Daily Tribune about the band’s 35-year history and their stop in Tahoe.
“We’ve always loved performing live and I think most musicians will say they got the bug when they were a kid, just wanting to be on stage,” Griffin said. “You know, 35 years on, it’s just even more so. There’s just so much appreciation for what we get to do, which is be in a band, play music, jump around on stage, and entertain people and be part of people’s memories and lives, it kind of energizes you.”
The band did take time off to start families but Griffin said fans won’t have to wait another ten years before the next album comes out.
“Honestly, it was lame that we waited so long,” said Griffin.
This tour kicked off in Baton Rouge, which is where the band got its start goes basically non-stop through Dec. 7.
“The band is a well-traveled band and I’m a well-traveled person but the band has never played Tahoe and I’ve never been to Tahoe, so we’re so fired up to being playing there,” said Griffin.
The South Lake Tahoe show is sandwiched between their Menlo Park show the day before and their Henderson show the day after so the band won’t get much time to spend in Tahoe. Still, Griffin said he’ll make the most of his one day here.
“I’m famous for waking up early, I go on hikes, I make the most out of my time in a town,” said Griffin. At that point in the discussion, Griffin flipped the interview to ask the Tribune for its breakfast and lunch spot recommendations.
Griffin also said he’s a big skier so you might get to see him on the slopes before the show.
Better Than Ezra will be playing at Harrah’s on Friday, Dec. 6. To learn more, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/shows.
LISTEN: Tahoe TAP Podcast with Andy Chapman
Welcome back to the Tahoe TAP! Your hosts, Mike Peron and Rob Galloway, are here with another episode packed full of Things, Adventure, and People — all centered around our beloved Lake Tahoe.
We kick things off with a quick roundup of the latest Tahoe region news, keeping it local as always. Then, we dive into an engaging conversation with this week’s guest, Andy Chapman, President/CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV).
Andy has called Tahoe home for nearly 30 years and brings over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry. As a key player in regional stewardship and visitor management, he serves on multiple boards, including the Tahoe Transportation District, Lake Tahoe Stewardship Council, Reno Sparks Visitor and Convention Bureau and Washoe Tahoe Housing Partnership.
Beyond his professional contributions, Andy is a true Tahoe enthusiast — whether he’s skiing, hiking, disc golfing, or exploring the lake itself. Listen in as we explore Andy’s journey, the work of TNTNV, and his passion for keeping Tahoe a world-class destination while protecting its natural beauty.
The Sip Scene: South Lake Brewing Company’s Cranberry Gin & Tonic Seltzer
The Sip Scene showcases unique libations from around the basin. Whether it’s a type of beer, wine, cocktail — you name it — we’ll uncover those tasty beverages for you to try at one of the countless local breweries, bars and restaurants.
It’s Thanksgiving time and if you are like me, you’ll probably overindulge to the point where the very thought of fitting something else in your belly doesn’t come without an alarm from your brain and belt loops to let you know that if you want to fit anything else you’re going to need to get creative because there just isn’t a whole lot of room. But this new creation from SLBC just might be the perfect fit to cap off a solid holiday celebration.
Don’t let the name of this drink fool you – it doesn’t contain actual gin, so if you are not a gin person, there’s still hope for you. Instead, the “gin” component is crafted via their brewed extra-strength seltzer that’s been conditioned with gin botanicals (think juniper berries, coriander seeds, and dried citrus peels) and then blended with tonic syrup before the addition of cranberry juice.
What you get is a seltzer-mixed drink that balances bold flavors of spice, acidity, and sweetness with a punchy dose of booze character. And when they a punchy dose of booze, they mean it. It clocks in at 12% ABV, so this isn’t any Jake Paul or Mike Tyson punch we’re talking about – it’s the real deal.
But for all that punch, you never really feel it which makes for a super enjoyable and extremely light drinking experience. The cranberry is just light enough where you’re not smacked with tartness but rather highlights the complexity of the seltzer and botanicals. However if you’re a cranberry head, they will add additional to satisfy those cravings.
With this drink launching what could be a series of seltzer cocktails, SLBC could have a great compliment to their beer lineup for those who are looking for something a little on the lighter side – especially after Thanksgiving.
South Lake Brewing Company has two locations in South Lake Tahoe: The food-serving Libation Lodge at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #26 in the Village Center and the Brewery at 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. For beer, food and brewery information visit them online at southlakebeer.com or reach the Brewery at 530-578-0087.
EAT This Week: Yuki Ramen’s Okonomiyaki
To try and decide each week where and what to eat around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.
If by the time you read this you are already sick of turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole and whatever else Thanksgiving fare made to your belly, then this week’s feature offers up a great alternative. Never mind the fact that you can’t pronounce the name, once you dive in for a bite, you really won’t care.
This appetizer offering starts out with a battered green onion and cabbage pancake that gets a nice griddle to crisp up the outer edges and leaving you with a super tender interior (but keeping its texture all the way through). It’s topped with a striping combination of Japanese-style barbecue sauce and mayo, and finished with furikake, togarashi spice and bonito (smoked fish) flakes. If you want to amp it up even further (which I’d absolutely suggest), add an additional topping of pork belly or shiitake mushrooms. Or both – feel free to go big.
As you might expect, this dish doesn’t lack in the flavor (or texture) department. It’s complex and layered, but none of the components ever feel out of place. Each one decides when the right time is to jump in and start dancing, which leaves you with a taste that slowly evolves with each bite. The smokiness from the bonito adds a ton of depth and helps to balance the slight sweetness from the sauce, but both together are the superpower that elevates the earthly notes of the pancake.
Given our recent storms and opening of resorts, this is a perfect starter for Yuki’s ramen options. Who doesn’t want a big bowl of steaming ramen to go along with a snowy day? Just make sure you don’t skip this dish beforehand.
Yuki Ramen Tahoe is located at 3447 Lake Tahoe Blvd Unit #1 in South Lake Tahoe. For menu items and general information, you can reach them by phone at 530-600-0664 or hit them up via their website at yukiramentahoe.com.
Action in Tahoe: Christmas Tree Lighting, Art at LTCC and more
Sierra-At-Tahoe Opening Day 2024
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – Sierra-At-Tahoe ski resort will open at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 29. The resort welcomes visitors to “Dust off your boots, wax your skis or board and sharpen your edges” and join them for the 2024-25 season.
The resort is part of the IKON pass, and offers day passes for adults starting at $150. Day passes for kids between ages 5 and 12 start at $62, while kids 4 and under can ski for free. Find more information about Sierra-at-Tahoe here: https://www.sierraattahoe.com/.
Christmas Tree Lighting
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – 6:30-8 p.m., Heavenly Mountain Resort, 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe. The Shops at Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe warmly invite you to come to celebrate the lighting of our 65′ tall cut Christmas tree. For more information, visit www.skiheavenly.com or call 775-586-7000.
LTCC Gallery Exhibits: “Still” and “Troubadours”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) will close December 6. Both exhibits are free and open to the public.
The first exhibition, “Still”, is a display of “paintings and sculptures by LTCC Art Department’s Two-Dimensional Art Technician, Gallery Assistant, and and Alumni Elizabeth Vargas,” says the LTCC website. The exhibit is in “the Foyer Gallery, at the entrance to the Fine Arts Building in the galley of the Duke Theatre.”
The second exhibit, “Troubadours”, is from artists Gina Tuzzi and Eliseo Casiano, who are faculty with the Cal Poly Humbolt art department, and “featured students and alumni from Humboldt’s Art Program.” It is in the Haldan gallery on the LTCC campus. The gallery is open Monday – Thursday from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Find more information at the Lake Tahoe Community College events page: https://www.ltcc.edu/calendar/.
Blue Granite climbing gym: Climb-a-thon competition
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – Blue Granite Climbing Gym will host its annual Climb-a-thon climbing event on Dec. 8. It will take place at Blue Granite gym, 1259 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 and will cost each team of 4 $80 to sign-up.
“Every year we host the Climbathon Fundraiser to raise funds for the Blue Granite Community Climbing Initiative,” says the Blue Granite site. “The goal of this fund is to bring climbing to the underserved youth and their families of our region and make climbing more affordable for them.” The goal is to raise $10k through competitor’s sponsors.
Climbers will compete in teams of four and “get 1 hour to climb as many routes as they can!” Prizes will be given out for “Most Money Raised, Most Climbs and Gnarliest Flapper”.
Find more information at the Blue Granite website: https://bluegraniteclimbing.com/events-gatherings/.
The Black Crowes at the Tahoe Blue Event Center
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – The Black Crowes will play at the Tahoe Blue Event Center December 3 at 7:30 pm.
“15 years after their last album of original music, the Robinson Brothers present Happiness Bastards– their 10th studio album,” says Tahoe Blue.
The show will be general admission with “limited, unassigned seating”. Audience members must be age 21+. Tickets start at $20. Find more information at https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/black-crowes-at-the-tahoe-blue-event-center/.
Tainted Love: The Best of the 80’s Live at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – Tainted Love, an 80’s cover band, will play at the South Shore Room at Harrah’s on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. The show promises “the very best of the ’80s” from “San Francisco’s original 80’s tribute band.”
It is a general admission event with “limited, unassigned seating”. Audience members must be age 21+. Tickets start at $27. Find more information at https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/tainted-love-at-harrahs-lake-tahoe/.
Touchdown: Knight Monsters dominate Idaho en route to 7-3 win
It didn’t take long for the Tahoe Knight Monsters to feel the effects of having Sloan Stanick and Jesper Vikman back.
Stanick scored two of Tahoe’s first three goals and Vikman made 24-of-27 saves, as the Knight Monsters started their two-week road trip on the right foot against Idaho with a crushing 7-3 win.
The game started off even, with both teams trading chances in the first 15 minutes of action. Then Brennan Kapcheck fired a stretch pass that spring Stanick on a breakaway, and he did the rest to make it 1-0.
Halfway through the second, Idaho would notch the equalizer on a backdoor one-timer from CJ Walker, but the Knight Monsters would waste no time in responding. Just 18 seconds later, Chris Dodero scored his first ECHL goal and first of the season to make it 2-1.
It was Stanick who struck again just three minutes after that, as he ripped a wrister in with the Knight Monsters shorthanded to double the lead.
With under a minute to go in the frame, AJ White gave the Steelheads life with a goal heading into the third. But the momentum stalled right then and there.
Because in the third, the floodgates opened for Tahoe.
They scored three unanswered goals to open the final 20 minutes, with Adam Pitters, Dodero, and Luke Adam each hitting the back of the net. For Pitters, it was his first goal in his ECHL career as well.
Dodero would strike one more time with a minute to go in the game for the second hat trick in Knight Monsters history, and his first in the ECHL. It was a fantastic capper to one of the most dominant games Tahoe has played all season.
Tahoe will enjoy a day off for Thanksgiving and then return right back to the ice for game 2 of the series in Idaho. Puck drop is scheduled for Friday at 6:10 p.m.
El Dorado County correctional officer accused of sexual misconduct
An El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office correctional officer was arrested Friday, Nov. 22, in connection to sexual assault allegations involving an inmate.
Michael Griffiths, 24, became the target of an investigation conducted by EDSO after deputies were made aware of allegations that he had engaged in sexual activity with an inmate at the El Dorado County Jail. Griffiths was booked into the jail on a charge of consensual sex with an adult detained in a detention facility; according to inmate records, he was later released on bail. He has been placed on administrative leave, according to an EDSO press release.
The investigation into Griffith’s conduct is ongoing, according to EDSO officials, and no further information is available at this time.
Douglas County seeks phone surcharge increase
A proposed increase to the maximum 911 surcharge on phone lines would make more of a dent in the $10 million required to improve emergency communications infrastructure in Douglas County if the fund wasn’t handcuffed with a $500,000 maximum, commissioners were told on Thursday.
Commissioners introduced a 25-cent increase in the surcharge that would increase to the state limit of $1. The $183,000 increase is still subject to a vote before it will be implemented.
One of the challenges for the system, which includes Douglas County Dispatch is that it cannot have more than $500,000 at the end of its fiscal year under state law.
“Definitely the amount we’re allowed to keep in reserve in this account is having an impact on how and when we spend this money,” County Manager Jenifer Davidson said. “What it means is that when we look at long-term and capital expenses related to 911 and dispatching infrastructure, we have a $10 million expense on the horizon for which we have not set aside sufficient funding.”
Trisected by the Carson Range and the Pine Nut Mountains, Douglas has long had issues with radio communications.
But there are dead spots along the northwestern edge of Carson Valley, too.
“We have a significant investment in very old radio infrastructure that we need to make,” Davidson said. “This is one potential funding source for that, but one of the reasons we have not set aside sufficient funding for this is equipment is because of the statutory limitation here. The reality of the situation means that a large portion of the expenses associated with this operation are borne by the general fund. Another reason why our general fund is trapped at this time.”
Funding for emergency radio communications related to 911 comes from a 1990 tax override approved by voters and the surcharge.
Douglas provides emergency services communications for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, East Fork and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, Alpine County and the Washoe Tribe.
Most of the 23,525 emergency calls generated in 2023 were for the Sheriff’s Office.
The program is budgeted for $565,000 revenue for fiscal year 2024-25 and has spent $225,069 as of Thursday, Douglas County Emergency Manager Kara Easton said.
The county has $1.45 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to work on the system. Much of the rest of the $10 million will have to come from grants.
The radio system is just one of several major capital projects the county is taking on, including building a new justice center and the construction of Muller Lane Parkway.
‘Not just a ski shuttle’: First electric ferry in U.S. hopes to cut commutes for Tahoe locals, increase business across shores
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Local company FlyTahoe is pairing with Swedish tech company Candela to bring the first electric ferry to the shores of Lake Tahoe. CEO and founder of FlyTahoe Ryan Meinzer anticipates the unique vessel to start business at the end of 2025, but has high hopes for the impacts the Candela P-12 will bring to the Basin.
Meinzer, a self-proclaimed snowboard fanatic and entrepreneur, said, “Tahoe is my favorite place on the planet.” And for the past 15 years, he says he’s seen issues in transit and traffic throughout the Tahoe Basin that impact not only commutes, but the clarity of the lake. “I’ve been thinking about solving this problem for a long time.”
Now, he feels the cutting-edge technology that Candela creates makes that solution a reality. “The hydrofoil technology lowers operational expenses and makes this a profitable enterprise. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to combine purpose and profit like this,” said Meinzer.
The Candela P-12 is a zero-emission vessel with hydrofoils, wing-like structures that actually lift the hull out of the water to decrease drag. That cuts energy consumption by 80% and makes the hull less susceptible to the effects of the winds and waves, according to Candela’s press release. The same kind of vessel was just launched at the end of October in Stockholm.
While hydrofoils aren’t a completely new technology, powering such a vessel through electricity is—it only takes 45 minutes to fully charge the battery, making it more efficient with less of an environmental impact. Additionally, the battery is noiseless, causing less noise pollution, and with less waves caused by the hull dragging in the water, there’s reduced shoreline erosion.
The P-12’s cruising speed of 25 knots, approximately 30 mph, is the fastest of any electric vessel and would bring the commute time from the North Shore to the South Shore to 30 minutes—crucial for reducing traffic in the area, as reportedly 20,000 trips are made between the shores daily. The vessel can carry 30 passengers and 1 crew member—critically, to Meinzer, the vessel is also accessible for wheelchair users and would have room for bikes, snowboards, or skis onboard.
But that doesn’t mean it’s just a ski shuttle, though Candela projects that it would make commute to the 14 different ski resorts in the area much quicker. “It’s a core tenet of my business model to improve the lives of locals and tourists alike,” said Meinzer.
Over the past six months, Meinzer has been travelling around the Basin to find partners where FlyTahoe’s vessel would dock. Though the stops aren’t finalized, Meinzer hopes it will open up opportunities for local businesses, not just the resorts. He also plans to have a fleet that would improve cross-shore businesses, though the first stops will be between the North and South Shores.
There’s still much work to be done though. Besides setting a route, FlyTahoe must also get the necessary permits to operate on the lake and set up the infrastructure for electric chargers. And due to a section of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 called the Jones Act, all transport between U.S. ports must be done on U.S.-built ships, meaning Candela must find a manufacturer in the United States to bring the P-12 to America.
“I want to recognize and remain humble that there are a lot of challenges ahead for local regulations and things to pay attention to,” said Meinzer. While there are many logistical challenges such as parking for the ferries, lining up with locally preferred vendors for infrastructure, considering regulations especially in an eco-conscious area like Tahoe, he says he enjoys coming up with solutions for it.
And Meinzer has high hopes for starting services by the end of next year, if not the beginning of 2026. “Electric is the future of boating… and I feel so blessed to be able to lead with such a purpose and that a lot of people are stoked to get behind me on this.”
City of South Lake Tahoe launches new Parks and Recreation Facebook, Instagram accounts
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The City of South Lake Tahoe launched new Parks and Recreation Facebook and Instagram accounts. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement, provide timely updates, and share valuable information about the city’s parks, recreational activities, and events.
The new social media accounts will serve as a central hub for residents and visitors to stay informed about the latest happenings in South Lake Tahoe’s parks and recreation scene. Followers can expect to find updates on park maintenance, upcoming events, recreational programs, and much more.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new platform to our community,” said John Stark, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Our goal is to create a more connected and informed community by providing easy access to information and opportunities to engage in fun activities, fostering a sense of belonging among our residents and visitors.”
The City of South Lake Tahoe invites everyone to follow the new Parks and Recreation social media accounts and join the conversation.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLTParksAndRec
Follow us on Instagram: @SLTParksandRec
Zephyr Cove Ski Club’s return after pandemic hiatus
STATELINE, Nev. – The Zephyr Cove Ski Club was nearing its 60 plus year milestone in 2021 when the pandemic forced the organization to pause its program. Now, after four seasons, the historic ski club is rebuilding and gearing up for its first season back.
Over the decades, the nonprofit organization has made skiing and snowboarding more affordable and accessible to Tahoe’s youth. It started over 60 years ago with the establishment of Whittell High School and has seen generations of skiers go through the program.
Sally O’Brien, who’s been involved with the club in many aspects since 1998, has witnessed the club’s positive impact on her daughter, Holly O’Brien, and the numerous doors the club opened for her. After the club, Holly joined competitive and high school teams, eventually attending the University of Nevada, Reno on a full ride scholarship to ski. Her training took her around the world traveling. She’s now an active participate in boosters raising money for the university’s new ski team.
“… and it all started with Zephyr cove ski club,” Sally says.
It was generosity that kept the club going all those years, running off grant funding, parent volunteers and participation, as well as deeply discounted or donated lift tickets and lessons.
As it undergoes the process of getting re-established, the club is looking for more volunteers, chaperones, equipment drivers, ski buddies, lodge parents and board members to again build the foundation of volunteers that kept it going for so long.
The 2025 club season starts January 11, and will meet every Saturday for six weeks through March 1 at Heavenly.
The fee for ages 7-12 is $200 and $275 for those 13-17. The six weeks includes three days of lessons and three free ride days.
Registration is taking place December 4-5, from 6-8 p.m. at the Kahle County Community Center.
For questions or to volunteer, contact Todd Poth, (702) 480-4082 or topoth@gmail.com.
South Lake Tahoe Police Department encourages everyone to buckle up and travel safely during the Thanksgiving holiday
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – As millions of families throughout the state hit the road to visit friends and family this Thanksgiving holiday, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department reminds drivers and passengers to Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Whether you’re taking a long drive across the country or a shorter trip around town to celebrate, wearing your seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022, 326 people were killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 43% were not wearing seat belts.
“During Thanksgiving travel, let’s make safety a priority by buckling up every time we’re in the car,” Sergeant Justin Brock said. “Wearing your seat belt is a simple way to protect yourself and those you care about. Let’s all continue to set an example and make this holiday a safe one for everyone.”
During the Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 27-30 South Lake Tahoe PD will conduct operations specifically focused on drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seat belt, including children who are not secured in child safety seats.
California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 years are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine if their child is big enough to use a seat belt without a booster seat safely.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Sloan Stanick assigned to Tahoe from Henderson
STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters, proud ECHL Affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights announced that forward Sloan Stanick has been assigned back to Tahoe from Henderson.
Stanick, 22, played two games with Henderson in his AHL stint, taking one shot and recording no points. He was reunited with former Tahoe teammates Bear Hughes and Simon Pinard on the same line for both games, and he made his AHL debut on November 22 against Abbotsford.
With the Knight Monsters, Stanick was one of the best forwards on the team through 11 games. He tallied three goals and nine assists, and recorded at least two shots on goal in all but two contests.
His first professional goal was scored on October 31 against Idaho, and his best game was a four-point showing (1g, 3a) in Utah on November 10. He was blazing with the Knight Monsters when he got the call up, having tallied eight points in his last five games.
Stanick also played a key role in the Knight Monsters power play, tallying one power play goal and five assists on the man advantage as well.
The Knight Monsters are on the road this week in Boise to face the Steelheads, but return back home on December 12. Ticket packages for the 2024-25 Tahoe Knight Monsters season are now available. For more information, visit https://knightmonstershockey.com/.
Thanksgiving toast and letter from a visitor to Lake Tahoe in 1876
Congratulations to the winners of The Black Crowes tickets!
Name the 2024/25 South Lake Tahoe snowplows and snowblowers
Kirkwood to kick off 2024/25 season six days early
Recipe of the Week: Creamy Green Bean Casserole
South Lake Tahoe Police Department reminds all to “buckle up” and travel safely during the Thanksgiving Holiday
Kirkwood to open six days ahead of schedule
KIRKWOOD, Calif. – With 29 inches of new snow and an incredible effort by its Mountain Operations and Snowmaking teams, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is thrilled to welcome guests back to the slopes for another unforgettable winter season, starting on Saturday, November 30 – six days earlier than scheduled. With the 2024/25 season officially starting early, now is the perfect time to lock in access to Kirkwood, Heavenly, Northstar, and other world-class resorts before [https://epic%20passes/]Epic Passes go off sale on December 2.
On Opening Day, guests can look forward to skiing and riding on Chairs 5, 6, 7, and 9 from 9am to 4pm. These four chairs will offer access to 365 acres of terrain and one terrain park. The resort’s Snowmaking and Mountain Operation teams will continue making snow when temperatures are low enough and monitoring conditions to expand terrain and lift offerings for the weeks ahead.
Kirkwood’s Opening Day promises to be a fantastic kickoff to the season, with terrain for all skill levels ready to enjoy. The early-season footprint includes top-to-bottom runs, a mix of beginner-to-advanced terrain, and our Time Square Pocket Terrain Park to jumpstart the winter fun. Gear rentals will be available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kirkwood Mountain Sports and Village Rental. Private lessons will launch on Opening Day on a first-come, first-served basis. Fuel your day with coffee from the General Store or try out our exciting new menu offerings at Monte Wolfe’s and Snowshoe Thompsons.
“Our team is thrilled to kick off the 2024/25 winter season earlier than planned here at Kirkwood,” said Ricky Newberry, VP & GM of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “Opening Day is always an exciting time, but starting the season ahead of schedule truly showcases the incredible dedication of our team. We’re ready to welcome guests back to enjoy the incredible mountain experience and welcoming atmosphere that make Kirkwood such a special place.”
New this season, Kirkwood will debut a reservations-based parking program that offers guests a variety of choices for parking this season, with a combination of both free and paid parking options as well as carpool incentives. This program will kick off in Mid-December on weekends (Saturday – Sunday) and peak periods in all lots – more details can be found on the “Getting Here & Parking” webpage. As always, carpooling is highly recommended any time guests visit the resort.
Guests that are joining any of our resorts have six days left to lock in their Epic Pass, as all Pass products go off sale on December 2. There is an Epic Pass for everyone, including the Epic 1-day Pass and the Tahoe Local and Value Passes. Passes provide significant savings compared to lift tickets, so lock in a pass now and decide where and when to ski and ride later! Whether planning to hit the slopes one day or every day, by purchasing a pass now, guests will get the best value, plus flexibility and benefits not offered with traditional lift tickets. That includes 20% off on-mountain dining, group ski and ride lessons, lodging, rentals and more with Epic Mountain Rewards. Pass Holders will have discounted lodging options across Vail Resorts’ portfolio of hotels, condos and premier vacation residences.
Returning this season with new features is the My Epic app with Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets. The My Epic App allows guests to use their phone as their ticket to the slopes. Mobile Lift Tickets is a hands-free option for skiers and riders to use at all three Vail Resorts’ owned Tahoe resorts for the 2024/25 season. By using the app, guests can buy their pass or lift ticket online, activate it in the app, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands free in the lift line using Bluetooth® technology designed for low energy usage to minimize the impact on a phone’s battery life. New this season, the My Epic app will include the Find My Friends feature, allowing skiers and riders to share their location with friends and family on the mountain. Additionally, the My Epic app will feature My Epic Assistant An in-app guide powered by AI and resort experts for mountain information. The My Epic app also offers a range of guest-favorite features, including interactive trail maps, and mountain and resort alerts, including operational information like grooming updates, terrain status, snow reports and conditions.
Guests can use the My Epic app for daily updates and real-time information, along with other important news throughout the season on the new – once in the app, look for the bell in the top right corner to see a feed of real-time guest alerts. Guests can also learn about the latest on our teams’ social channels: Instagram, Facebook, Resort Twitter/X, Mountain Operations Twitter/X
