SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Keys Marina Redevelopment Project is moving forward after the South Lake Tahoe City Council denied an appeal to reverse approval of the project.
During its Tuesday, August 11 meeting, the council held a public hearing on an appeal of the Planning Commission decision approving the project. The appeal was filed jointly by the Sierra Club Tahoe Area Group and the Tahoe Sierra Clean Air Coalition on the grounds that the project application did not properly or adequately consider full environmental and safety impacts. The appeal asked that the project applicants, Suntex Marinas, be required to conduct a full Environmental Impact Report.
“First, we’re not opposing replacement of the deteriorating bulkhead, improved stormwater treatment, AIS control, public access or modernization of aging facilities,” said Tobi Tyler, Sierra Club Tahoe Area Group. “But environmental benefits do not eliminate the city’s obligation to evaluate the adverse impacts of the entire project.”
“Redevelopment should be responsibly done,” said Doug Flaherty, Tahoe Sierra Clean Air Coalition.
The Project would involve a major overhaul of the Tahoe Keys Marina, including the demolition of three existing marina buildings, other ancillary structures on the site, and existing parking lots and utilities. It would also include new buildings, parking lots, entrances, and utilities (including upgraded water connections to mains in Venice Drive East and Tahoe Keys Boulevard).
Buildings would include an approximately 52,600-square-foot indoor boat storage facility, three units of workforce housing (to replace the three existing employee units that would be demolished as part of the project), and space for restaurants, retail, concessions, and boat sales. The aging bulkhead will be replaced and the boat launch will be relocated.
An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was completed and the project was approved by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
A large portion of the hearing was taken up by a procedural discussion. The applicants turned in documents to the City Clerk past the deadline of 3 p.m. on Monday, August 10. The documents were distributed to the council and to the appellants.
With the advice of the City Attorney, the council allowed the documents to be included in discussion. Mayor Cody Bass called a substantial recess to allow everyone to read the documents.
However, Flaherty, on behalf of himself and Tyler, said the documents were too in-depth for them to be adequately reviewed in that time and asked the council to postpone the decision. Council decided to move forward with the decision anyway.
Councilmember Scott Robbins also expressed major concerns about the impact the paid parking could have on the surrounding neighborhood, stating people would opt to park on Venice Ave for free rather than pay for parking on the marina.
The council added a stipulation to the project requiring the building owners to validate parking. However, Robbins didn’t think that went far enough and wanted to put tighter restrictions on the applicants’ paid parking policy.
During public comment, a representative of the carpenters’ union said that while they were not in support of or opposed to the project, they asked that the applicant use highly skilled workers who are adequately compensated for their work.
Gavin Feiger said that from a Keep Tahoe Blue perspective, Suntex has been a good partner, especially when it comes to aquatic invasive species removal. Keep Tahoe Blue doesn’t usually publicly support projects but said this does seem like a good opportunity to fix up this property.
During the public hearing, Flaherty implied a lawsuit would be coming, saying, “I wouldn’t go through all of this if we weren’t planning on going forward.”
The council denied the appeal 4-1, with Robbins voting no.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Power outages are impacting the South Lake Tahoe region from the Meyers area to Stateline, according to Liberty Utilities’ outage map.
The Tribune is investigating the cause and estimated time until power is restored.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Unified School District today announces its policy for serving meals to students under the Provision 2 / Universal Meals program for the 2026-2027 school year.
Effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 all students will be served one breakfast and/or lunch at no cost at the following sites:
Bijou Community School
Meyers Elementary School
Sierra House Elementary School
Tahoe Valley Elementary School
South Tahoe Middle School
South Tahoe High School
MT Tallac
For additional information please contact: Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Food Services office, Attn: Tammy Miller, Director of Food Services, 1021 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150, (530) 541-2850, ext: 1089, Tmiller@ltusd.org.
We begin our exploration of the celestial energies with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. This beloved annual occurrence, active until Aug. 24, is a beautiful invitation to spend an evening beneath the cosmos. As shooting stars streak across the night sky, connect in your heart with all the other human beings making wishes at the same time.
Astrologically, we arrive at the midpoint of summer with an abundance of fire energy as Mercury, Jupiter, the sun, and south node all transit in Leo. On Aug 15, Mercury conjoins Jupiter in this heart-centered sign, creating opportunity for expansive, truthful, and courageous expression.
Energies may turn wonky on Aug. 17 as Mars in Cancer squares Neptune retrograde in Aries. Mars, the planet of action and forward movement, generally feels uncomfortable in Cancer’s nurturing waters, and Neptune can dissolve certainty and blur the path ahead. Fortunately, Venus in her home sign of Libra sextiles Jupiter that day, bringing grace, open-mindedness, and support for peaceful resolutions.
On Aug. 22 the sun conjoins the south node in Leo before moving into Mercury–ruled Virgo the following day. Mercury follows suit, joining first the south node on Aug. 25 before meeting the sun in Virgo for a cazami on Aug. 27. Together, these alignments encourage the release of old identities and outdated stories, allowing more authentic patterns to emerge. We also experience a full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces the same day.
Jupiter trines Saturn retrograde in Aries on Aug. 31, bringing optimism to the work of structure and discipline. However, that supportive energy shifts quickly as Mars squares Saturn on Sept.1. Allow this transit to reveal habits, fears, and reactions that are ready to be transformed, remembering that impatience rarely produces lasting results.
NATURAL MAGIC
To support healing, create an ancestral water-and-fire offering for the Mars-Saturn square. In a safe outside place, light an orange or red candle; fill a bowl with spring water; add rosemary, rose petals, and cedar fronds. Then sit quietly and ask: What ancestral patterns around action, anger, protection, and survival am I ready to complete?
Feel what arises, and write three patterns onto separate pieces of paper. Burn one piece and place its ashes into the bowl. Place a second, unburned, into the bowl among the plant beings. Place the third beneath the bowl of water. Blow out your candle and leave the ritual outside overnight. In the morning, offer the water, ashes, plants, and paper to your garden or compost as a prayer to the earth and to all those that came before you. Trust in the magic of healing
A new class action lawsuit claims that ski industry giants colluded in an anticompetitive scheme to fix prices at destination resorts.
Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Co., Powdr Corp., Boyne Resorts, the nonprofit National Ski Areas Association and the data firm RRS Associates Inc. are named as defendants in the lawsuit brought by three skiers in the Denver U.S. District Court on Aug. 5.
The complaint alleges that the four ski companies, which own the vast majority of destination resorts across the U.S., worked with the industry trade association and data firm to share confidential revenue and pricing information.
The lawsuit claims this information sharing allowed the companies to artificially inflate prices for destination resort packages — including increasing season pass prices by about 40% and day ticket prices by 55% since 2020 — in violation of federal antitrust laws, including the Sherman Act.
“These (resort companies) were able to use the non-public, competitively sensitive business information of their competitors to set prices for destination ski packages at artificially high levels and avoid meaningfully competing with each other,” the complaint states.
Vail Resorts and the National Ski Areas Association declined to comment on the pending litigation. Alterra, Powdr and Boyne did not return email requests for comment sent Monday.
This is the second lawsuit filed against major ski companies in the past six months, alleging price fixing. Another lawsuit filed against Vail and Alterra in March claims that the two unlawfully inflated pass prices and suppressed competition. That case remains pending.
The new lawsuit argues that the four ski resort companies — especially Vail Resorts and Alterra — have cornered the market on destination ski resorts in the U.S. “This resulted from neither luck nor happenstance, but from a sustained strategy of consolidation” led by Vail Resorts and Alterra, the complaint states.
Vail Resorts owns the Epic Pass and dozens of ski resorts in the U.S., including destinations like Vail Mountain, Park City Mountain Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort and Keystone Resort.
Alterra — Vail Resort’s closest competitor — owns the Ikon Pass and destinations including Deer Valley Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Steamboat Resort, Mammoth Mountain and Winter Park Resort.
Alterra also partners with other companies to offer access on the Ikon Pass. For example, it partners with Powdr to offer access to Copper Mountain and Snowbird Mountain Resort as well as Boyne, which owns Big Sky Resort.
Beginning in about 2020, the four ski companies “faced with the twin threats of increasing climate change and an emerging global pandemic” began to work together “to charge supracompetitive prices” for destination ski packages, according to the complaint.
“Publicly available data demonstrates that the prices of resort defendants’ destination ski packages, including annual multi-mountain season passes and daily lift tickets, have increased substantially, in parallel fashion, and without proper regard for ordinary market forces,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit claims that the National Ski Areas Association worked closely with paying members, including the four major ski companies, to shape business strategy. The complaint states that the trade association hired RRC to conduct annual surveys of ski resorts and compile reports that included “granular, resort-level business data” to destination ski resort companies.
The RRC’s reports included “discrete revenue categories” and other information that is not available to the general public, such as skier visitation numbers for individual mountains, according to the complaint. The lawsuit claims that resorts owned by Alterra, Powdr and Boyne also all use the same “e-commerce platform and dynamic pricing module” known as Aspenware to set a common pricing strategy.
Because ski passes have “inelastic demand” — which means that when the price for a product or service increases or decreases, consumer buying habits remain about the same — the four ski companies were able to leverage the sharing of information to inflate prices that would have been lower had the companies instead been competing, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit claims the resort companies knowingly exchanged this information with competitors, even though sharing that information “would have been against their individual economic self-interests in the absence of coordination.”
“Because (resort companies) no longer compete on the value of the destination ski package, they have systematically reduced the quality of the experience,” the complaint states. “Overcrowded mountains, depleted rental fleets, and reduced ‘on-mountain’ staffing levels are consistent complaints from skiers and snowboarders.”
It started on July 3 in my Carnelian Bay neighborhood. Eighty-five percent of the houses are short-term vacation rentals and second homes, which are normally filled up with families on the Fourth of July holiday.
But this Independence Day was the first of its kind. Because not only was it a major milestone celebrating the birth of America, but the influx of visitors flooding the streets weren’t families — it was a teen/college kids takeover.
Suddenly every house in my neighborhood was full of sorority and frat-house-like renters, drinking out of red solo cups and playing cornhole in the streets. And then the crowds kept growing.
By July 4 at 1 p.m., every beach in North Lake Tahoe was packed with an overwhelming number of young people roughly the same age. Most of the girls were dressed in thong bikinis and many guys were in American flag board shorts, no shirts.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office shut down Tahoe City’s Skylandia and Bristlecone beaches by 4 p.m. due to underage drinking, significant traffic impacts, and widespread littering. More than a dozen California State Parks enforcement officers broke up the crowds in Kings Beach.
“We’ve caught multiple kids peeing on our fences and just tossing trash in the streets,” Kings Beach resident Amber Kramer posted to Facebook.
By the time the fireworks started, my neighborhood was eerily silent, all the houses abruptly abandoned by 11 p.m. By the next morning, everyone had vanished.
“It was like spring break around here … in the 20-plus years of living here, I’ve never seen anything like it,” my neighbor said on that (relatively) quiet morning of July 5.
I heard in the following days that San Francisco Bay Area high school and college students organized this. Parents rented the VRBOs and Airbnbs for their kids. Tik-Tok posts went viral weeks before the takeover.
Although the scene didn’t get out of control like the shooting that took place in Florida, large, random gatherings like this can pose a public safety threat.
Kings Beach business owners commented online that the crowds did not contribute to the downtown economy — no one went into the restaurants despite hordes of people hanging out in front of the Taco Bell at 10 p.m. that evening.
“Yes, it was bad for business, and yes, the streets and sidewalks are covered in trash and vomit. Definitely not fun,” a local Kings Beach business owner posted to Facebook.
Shortly after the busy weekend, a petition went out asking Placer County to publicly address what happened this Fourth of July. A few days later, Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson released a statement saying she was planning a meeting with agency representatives to talk about it.
I feel like this is a weak response.
Right now, neither the rental agencies nor homeowners are taking responsibility for these issues, so Placer County needs to implement penalties big enough to make owners think twice about who they are renting to or what their properties are being used for.
There are a lot of parking, noise, and trash issues that full-time North Tahoe residents deal with all summer from their short-term neighbors, and I have never seen or heard of an instance when rules have been enforced or penalties imposed. Placer County does have a 24/7 short-term rental hotline number neighbors can call to address complaints, but in many cases the vacationers are just given a slap on the wrist or a warning, and a new crop of visitors comes the following weekend. I’ve never heard of an STR getting shut down.
Considering we’re nearing the end of summer, I think Placer County should publish a statement this fall that contains: 1) an analysis of what happened this Fourth of July; 2) a plan emphasizing how parking/trash/noise regulations will start being heavily enforced beginning June 1, 2027; and 3) share a report of how many complaints were recorded and how they were addressed in the summer of 2026.
If this is a problem that affects you, too, sign the petition. Write Cindy Gustafson. And Placer County, please take residents’ complaints seriously and do something about them.
~ Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer and coauthor of Moon Travel Guides’ Best of California State Parks and Northern California Road Trips. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from CSU, Chico, and has been a North Lake Tahoe resident for the past 20 years.
Every summer, Lake Tahoe’s transportation challenges become impossible to ignore. Gridlocked roads, full parking lots, and unsafe parking along busy highways are the visible signs of a problem that dozens of agencies have spent decades trying to solve.
Gavin Feiger, policy director for Keep Tahoe Blue, put it like this:
“Transportation in Tahoe has been one of the largest contributors to clarity decline. It has one of the biggest impacts on the environment and on our day-to-day lives. It’s a huge issue that we haven’t been able to crack as a region yet. We’re tackling aquatic invasive species. We’re doing restoration projects. Development is getting more sustainable and it’s limited. Growth is capped. We’ve done all these things, but we just haven’t worked out transportation yet.”
Part of that, he explained, is the cost. Transportation systems not only include creating bike lanes and trails and shuttles, but also “everything under the street.”
MILE AFTER MILE: Nevada’s state Route 28, which runs from the California state line in Crystal Bay following Lake Tahoe to halfway down its East Shore, sees 2.6 million vehicles annually and over one million recreational visitors.
The Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan, developed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and intended to address water and air quality, scenic and recreation sources, noise levels, and more through a Basin-wide system, puts the total unfunded priorities of the plan at $20 million annually for the next 20 years. Some say that number is on the low end.
“There’s not one big thing that can solve it,” Feiger said. “It’s not like we can go to Sen. [Alex] Padilla and be like, we need the Sen. Padilla Tahoe Transportation Bill, and build a giant bridge, and name it after him. We need $20 million a year for transit operations that will be spread amongst five different agencies. That’s a hard act.”
While a Basin-wide transportation solution remains years away, local agencies are making progress on one piece of the puzzle: parking. This summer, several projects aim to improve access and safety while reducing congestion at some of Tahoe’s busiest destinations.
We touch on the efforts, as well as significant snags, below.
rAguably the most critical player when it comes to all things transportation in Tahoe is the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD). When the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, which unites California, Nevada, and the U.S. government to manage the shared region, was amended in 1980, it established the TTD.
“That does put us in a pretty unique position because our jurisdiction is the Basin,” said Tara Styer, deputy director for TTD. “We’re able to leverage funding across state lines, and then we’re also able to implement those projects that are across jurisdictions … It takes a bit for everyone to be rowing in the same direction, but having that governing document really helps to have something to point back to.”
In July 2020, TTD began its Park Tahoe program, intended to aid what many see as a long-needed holistic and equitable approach to parking management in the Tahoe Basin. The first area of interest for the program: state Route 28, the famous two-lane highway along the Nevada side of the lake.
LOT FULL: A lack of enforcement capacity along state Route 28 has led to people parking in paid lots as well as continuing to park along the shoulder of the two-lane highway, even in no parking zones.
Park Tahoe was launched the same day as the Tahoe East Shore Trailhead, north of Ponderosa Ranch Road in Incline Village, which offers 90 metered parking spots away from — and this is critical — the shoulder of SR 28. This first lot was Phase 1 of the North Parking Project. Phase 2 is actively underway, with the relocation of 38 shoulder-parked vehicles to an official lot.
Parking along the shoulder of SR 28 is a very popular approach for those looking to visit various beaches. Numbers have doubled in the last 15 years. It’s also, as Styer said, a huge safety risk.
“The last shoulder counts we did in 2024, we looked at a midweek day, and we looked at two Saturdays, usually late July, early August,” Styer said. “We had 970 shoulder-parked vehicles on a summer Saturday in August.” With an average of three people per vehicle, plus bikes, this can mean over 3,000 people on a summer day using the state highway like a sidewalk or parking lot.
Shoulder parking is the leading cause of crashes on SR 28. From an environmental perspective, shoulder parking increases erosion along highway embankments and into Lake Tahoe.
The day-use reservation system at Sand Harbor State Park, implemented August 2024, is an attempt to reduce congestion by limiting the number of vehicles trying to enter the park during peak morning hours. From mid-May through September, visitors must make a reservation if they want to enter the park between 8 and 10:30 a.m. After that, remaining spots are available on a first come, first served basis. “Out of the 400 reservable spots, we are still able to let in 20 to 50 vehicles,” wrote Tyler Kerver of the Nevada Division of State Parks in an email, noting that the number varies with weather, holidays, and the day of the week. “The gates to the main parking lot are usually closed by 11 a.m. June through August.”
Progress is piecemeal, and people are still parking their cars along SR 28, shifting locations as signs marking no-parking zones go up. “As we implement these projects throughout the corridor, it’s sort of a whack-a-mole effect,” Styer said. “Anything south of Secret Harbor is still technically not no parking. Although it’s not safe and a lot of people are parking over the fog line [the white stripe along the outside of a paved road].”
A significant parking lot option became available this June: The Chimney Beach Trailhead, which offers about 130 spaces, each for $12 a day. The site improvements include a pedestrian crosswalk across SR 28. In order to open up, a permit granted by the TRPA to the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), required, “The no parking zone on SR-28 shall be extended around Chimney Beach Parking lot prior to the new parking lot being open to the public. The area of no parking shall be consistent with the area identified in the project [environmental assessment]. LTBMU shall coordinate with partners who are responsible for enforcing no parking along the corridor.”
CHIMNEY BEACH: The new parking lot on U.S. Forest Service land offers about 130 spots, each for $12 a day. According to the Tahoe Transportation District, the lot fills up on weekends, but not as much during weekdays (while shoulder parking on state Route 28 stays consistent).
Basically, TRPA was asserting that roughly 130 shoulder parking spots along the highway south of Sand Harbor could be blocked off with no-parking signs, since those cars now have a place to park.
That’s what was supposed to happen.
“The signs went up, there’s [a memorandum of understanding] in place [but] nobody has capacity to do the enforcement,” Feiger said. This has lead to cars not only parking at Chimney Beach, but also, on high-demand days, still parking along the shoulder, despite signage.
However, TRPA Public Information Officer Jeff Cowen says “the new no-parking zone along the Chimney Beach section of the corridor is largely working. NHP has been ticketing. Our [Environmental Improvement Program] manager drove through the corridor [on Wednesday, Aug. 5], and there were a number of cars parked in the corridor, but none in the new no-parking zone.
“There have been issues on very busy days, including the Fourth of July, and times when law enforcement resources are spread out.”
Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) confirmed with Moonshine its staffing is stretched thin. “We’re doing saturation patrols as necessary, focusing on weekends and holidays, trying to get extra staff up there to deal with parking issues,” said Trooper James LaRose, public information officer for NHP.
From January to June 3, 2025, NHP investigated 25 crashes and issued 26 traffic citations and eight parking citations.
The same timeframe for 2026 saw 19 crashes, 34 traffic citations, and 29 parking citations.
“You’d think it would be common sense that people can’t park in the travel lane or block traffic,” LaRose said. “Apparently it’s not and we end up with a lot of people with part of their car still in the travel lane.”
“It’s not like we can go to Sen. Padilla and be like, we need the Sen. Padilla Tahoe Transportation Bill, and build a giant bridge, and name it after him. We need $20 million a year for transit operations that will be spread amongst five different agencies. That’s a hard act.”
~ Gavin Feiger, policy director for Keep Tahoe Blue
He added that officers will drive through using a PA system, letting drivers know they can’t be parked in the travel lane, can’t have their vehicles protrude — “even the mirror over the line” — and asking them to move their vehicles. After the announcement, they’ll come and issue citations.
“If it’s too egregious, we’ll call for a tow truck,” he added.
“We’re very frustrated,” Feiger said of the situation. “And it’s the same permit conditions and the same process for the Spooner lot [which will provide 250 spots and is expected to come online fall 2027]. It’s going to be the same one for the Secret Harbor lot [which is facing a $13-million funding gap for the 120 spots], like all of them. This has to be successful.”
Legislation recently passed in Nevada and a companion bill on the California side could help with this hurdle.
Nevada’s SB 426, passed June 2025, created the Lake Tahoe Basin Scenic Byway Corridor Recreation Safety Zone, spanning Nevada highways and state routes in the Tahoe region, to establish traffic control and parking measures, as well as the development of parking enforcement and citation issuance between the TTD and law enforcement agencies.
The transportation district’s Styer said that while the legislation is in effect, operationalization will take time. She did say the district is in communication with NHP over how the two agencies can coordinate. “We don’t necessarily want to staff someone who’s on the corridor writing tickets. We’d rather leave that in law enforcement’s capable hands … [and possibly do something] similar to the approach that has been taken in Emerald Bay where agencies are funding overtime for CHP.”
TTD’s projects are primarily federally and state-funded, as well as locally, largely from the Tahoe Fund. The money collected through parking meters (aside from a percentage that goes to USFS from parking on federal land) go back into local coffers.
SAND HARBOR is a premier destination for those visiting or living in the Tahoe Basin. To help reduce congestion on state Route 28, the state park instituted a reservation system in 2024, to run from mid-May through September, for entry between 8 and 10:30 a.m. Traffic backs up during those hours, as seen in the bottom photo, and the parking lot is usually closed by 11 a.m.
California’s AB 2679, meanwhile, went before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Aug. 3 and was placed in a suspense file, to be reviewed in detail for its potential fiscal impact. The bill proposes the Tahoe Transportation Safety Act, which would effectively mimic the Nevada bill by, in part, authorizing TTD to address unsafe parking and pedestrian movement in the Basin.
Raising the price of fines for illegal parking is a more recent solution implemented because up until recently, they simply haven’t been a successful deterrent.
“We’ve been out there doing surveys, doing enforcement with highway patrol, and they’ll tow a car and another car will pull right in,” Feiger said. “The highway patrol person will be like, ‘Did you just see that [the other car got a ticket]?’ And they’re like, ‘How much is the ticket?’ ‘Hundred bucks.’ They’re like, ‘Oh, okay. Fine.’”
El Dorado County in June increased penalties for illegal parking along state highways from $50 to $300 per occurrence. On the Nevada side, the max fine for parking in a no-parking zone is $305, while parking over the fog line incurs a $538 fine.
In South Lake, a new vision is unfolding for what the Tahoe Basin could become as parking management expands: Keep Tahoe Blue’s Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe, which kicked off this past June. The concept imagines a future where someone can park their car and use interconnected transit options (buses, shuttles, bike paths, scooters, etc.) to reach any destination around Tahoe.
“It was designed to kind of encapsulate all of our transportation efforts,” Feiger said, pointing to ongoing advocating for funding, providing input on the regional transportation plan, getting legislation passed, and so on. And not only the work Keep Tahoe Blue is doing, but also its partners’ work.
A key example is the Emerald Bay Shuttle, run by TTD and piloted last summer through funding from Keep Tahoe Blue and the Tahoe Fund to reduce congestion and pollution, and provide alternative parking options in one of the most visited spots around the lake. Along with the shuttle implementation, which started its 2026 season in late June for $5 one way (reduced fare options available), TTD is installing about 400 feet of temporary barriers along the shoulder. California Highway Patrol promises strict enforcement of parking regulations. Last summer, enforcement wrote 248 citations, issued 13 moving violations, and had 10 vehicles towed.
There has been a lot of good feedback, Styer said about the shuttle, and the partnerships have produced momentum. Beyond that, groups are addressing operational hiccups. “We do not have a formalized crosswalk in Emerald Bay,” she continued. “I think that could be really beneficial. And the speed limit through there is still pretty high, so, you know, those types of things — working with Caltrans.”
Other programs falling under the Car Free, Care Free Tahoe umbrella: the South Shore Transportation Management Association and its 30 different funders (including many local businesses) that helped launch microtransit shuttle Lake Link in 2022. Or Heavenly Ski Resort, which increased its shuttle service in 2024.
“We see this as a way for us to really share that it’s better,” Feiger said. “We have options now. It wasn’t this way for a lot of years, but it’s getting so much better now. And the biggest thing is people need to just get out there and get on the paths, ride the buses. That’s the best thing you can do to support this, so that’s what we’re trying to make happen.”
While this is a vision that will ideally spread around the lake in terms of transit connection, he added that South Shore is the closest to achieving such a goal in Tahoe.
On the North Shore, Placer County is focused on expanding its paid parking program in Kings Beach. Starting May 1, the West End and Rainbow lots began charging vehicles $10 per day, with a $20 holiday rate, through September. These two lots joined the Christmas Tree and Brook Avenue locations, which saw fee increases to a daily rate of $20, with a holiday rate of $40.
Local businesses initially pushed the program to take off in summer 2024 with the Christmas Tree lot pilot program, increasing parking turnover a major goal.
STATE HIGHWAY OR PARKING LOT: In 2024, an estimated 970 cars a day parked on the SR 28 shoulder on a Saturday in August, a huge safety risk and environmental detriment. Tahoe agencies are trying to fix that and more when it comes to parking around the Basin.
“I think one of the frustrations our business owners had in certain areas was that people would park and go to the beach all day, and then there wouldn’t be room for their patrons to come in and access their businesses,” said Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “So, the paid parking does help modify behavior and hopefully help people make the decision to be somewhat inconvenient to either walk or ride a bike or call a micro mass transit bus.”
During the first full year of the paid parking program’s pilot, 2025, 595 citations were issued, bringing in roughly $42,000 in revenue, and $43,000 in paid lot fees. Yet expenditures far outweighed the intake: staff cost about $175,000, and contracts $65,000.
“We want it to become self-sustaining,” Gustafson said, “and so we need more in the paid parking program to make it self-sustained. But we have issued a lot of citations. I think over 300 citations, and over 200 warnings [since May 1].”
Such a program for Tahoe City is undergoing staff discussion and community outreach.
Not everyone believes adding parking is the right solution. While agencies are implementing new restrictions and adding infrastructure in the name of safety and environmental protection, some residents argue the Basin has already reached its limits. Steve Dolan, who lived in Incline Village for 23 years and founded the Friends of Third Creek nonprofit, which monitors North Shore watersheds, sees the addition of parking lots and continued development — even with strict codes — as adding to an area that’s already at capacity.
“There’s a limit to what this beautiful emerald of the Sierra can accommodate,” he told Moonshine. “There’s just a limit.”
Dolan wants a moratorium placed in the Basin to stall rapid growth — which, according to TRPA, already boasts 15 million visitors annually and a $5-billion economy.
“At any given time, the number of people that can stay in the parks, camping, in houses as guests, in hotels that exist, and in hotels that are being built, and in developments that are being developed already to this day, that’s too many people,” he said. “We need to stop that now and adjust to it.”
There are also those — especially locals — who find themselves having to pay for parking where it used to be free and are frustrated by that. Styer has heard as much, and said she understands the parking changes aren’t welcomed by everyone.
“I know that it’s a transition,” she said. “It’s a transition for me as well. But the parking revenues are returned to the operations and maintenance within the corridor, and I think that that’s really key. We’re looking at a corridor that didn’t have, in my opinion, adequate facilities. Just adding restrooms along the corridor has been really critical. Allowing Waste Management, having those parking ambassadors at Secret and Chimney this summer to help manage the trash. I think that all of those are huge benefits.”
“There’s a limit to what this beautiful emerald of the Sierra can accommodate. There’s just a limit.”
~ Steve Dolan, former Incline Village resident and
founder of Friends of Third Creek nonprofit
Feiger emphasized the environmental benefits, saying that limiting parking is one of the most effective ways to shift driving behavior by encouraging carpooling or transit use or maybe deciding not to take a trip at all.
“One of the cool things about Tahoe is that all of our locals, all of our residents and our visitors — we’re all going to and from the same places,” he said. “So, a system that works for visitors will also work for our residents. If we can get more visitors out of their cars, it makes it easier for our employees to get around who maybe have to use their cars.”
Gustafson points to being prepared within reason for a future that could see increased visitation: “I think with climate change, we have to be prepared that as temperatures get hotter, the evidence is here: More people come to recreate in the High Sierra. Some of that’s Lake Tahoe, some of it is rivers and streams … My job is to make sure we’re looking ahead and trying to prepare for that and find solutions that can help us live together more amicably. We don’t have the infrastructure for the millions of more Californians and Nevadans there are within drive-up range, and I don’t know that we should pave paradise for that.”
STATELINE, Nev. — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying persons of interest connected to a physical altercation that occurred during the early morning hours of July 12, 2026, outside Lake Tahoe AleWorX in Stateline, Nevada.
The main person of interest, shown in the center of the accompanying photograph, is described as a white male with a light-colored beard. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black-and-gray baseball-style cap, gray Raiders T-shirt, green camouflage-style shorts, black socks and black tennis shoes. The Sheriff’s Office is also seeking information on the other two males in the photo.
The individual was with a group of five other males at the time of the incident.
Anyone who recognizes the individual or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact Investigator Steve Warfield, case number 26SO19061, with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 775-782-9927.
Encompass Youth attending a Tahoe Knight Monsters gameProvided / Chaz Ross
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Encompass Youth, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is hosting a spectacular night filled with live music, community, and purpose driven by goals to support children and transitional-age youth in the Tahoe region at Lake Tahoe AleWorX, the Y and the Cocktail Corner on August 19.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen Houser and a group of community members began exploring ways to address the lack of available support for people ages 12-24 – a critical, transitional stage in a person’s life between childhood dependence and adulthood independence where finishing school, finding employment and a place to live can seem daunting, especially without guidance or knowledge of resources.
Since its inception, Encompass Youth strives to maintain that support by providing services, opportunities and stability to transitional-age youth through mentorships, educational and job training programs, and healthy living assistance.
Chaz Ross, local artist and production manager for Encompass Live, was introduced to Amy Jackson, board member of Encompass Youth, 11 years ago and prior to her time at the nonprofit.
“[Jackson] helped me get my first Christmas tree when I was 19,” Ross said. “It might not seem like a big deal, but I was already broke, struggling to just pay for and furnish my first apartment, and to have something like that to make it feel normal was a big deal to me.”
Jackson also went on to help Ross apply for college and be there for him throughout his own transition periods while living in South Lake Tahoe. Through his desire to give back, Ross reached out to Jackson and began volunteering. Ross is now Encompass Youth’s newest board member.
Encompass Youth’s inaugural event, Encompass Live aims to not only shed light on their cause, but raise funds through live performances, local sponsors, and raffles.
Ross will be part of a multi-genre lineup of nine local artists set to perform at Encompass Live. Other artists include Street Urchinz, Doe the Unknown, Bob Lopez, Soulmedic, PBUH, R Styles, Galactik Vibes and Connected, and power duo Wes & Liz.
Liz, also known locally as Drumchik, created a youth empowerment and social-emotional learning program called “Drumming it Forward – One Beat at a Time”, and she has worked with Encompass Youth throughout its seven years in South Lake.
A photobooth will also be available at Encompass Live providing complimentary photobooth-style photos to attendees while local artist Morrison “Mo” Salmon creates a live painting to be auctioned off.
“I’m excited to see the community come together for a good cause. “[The event] has already been more successful than I could have dreamed, and we haven’t even had it yet,” said Ross. “I’m super stoked to meet others who are like-minded individuals willing to give back to their community.”
Encompass Live will take place on Wednesday, August 19 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Lake Tahoe AleWorX, the Y and the Cocktail Corner.
For more information about Encompass Youth or to make a donation, visit encompassyouth.org. For details on the Encompass Live event, visit encompasslive.org.
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.
With the recent heat wave in Tahoe, having a cool, crisp and refreshing dish to lean on is a welcome commodity – and this week’s feature is a perfect example. Not only does it double down on the fruit and greens, but it comes together in such a sweet and creamy harmony that you can’t help but forget about the warm temps outside.
To paint the picture, a combination of arugula and mixed greens are topped with a truckload of citrus wheels, seasonal fruit and burrata along with a house made citrus vinaigrette then finished off with a balsamic glaze and sunflower seeds. And as long as I’m talking about a painted picture, this is the Mona Lisa of fruit salads – it’s a gorgeous piece of art that pops with intense colors and flavors.
Elements Eatery’s Citrus BurrataRob Galloway / Tahoe Daily Tribune
No matter what seasonal fruits and citrus you’re getting, one thing is for certain, there’s going to be a lot of it. Every bite radiates with sweet tanginess but it’s when you get a smidge of the burrata that this dish goes fully nuclear. It erupts with a creaminess that enhances every item on the plate – yes, even the greens – and it has such a great balancing effect to the acidity and tartness that even Philippe Petit would be impressed.
You know when you’re eating out and you’re asked if you would like a salad or fruit for your side dish – this is the best of both worlds combined … on steroids … at the peak of their powers … with bells and whistles. Anyway, you get the hint. At least I hope you do.
Elements Eatery and Bar is located at 3310 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe. For more information and menu items you can reach them online at elementstahoe.com or by phone at 530-650-9004.
An Evening with Pizza Fingers and Oh Lonesome Ana – 6-10 p.m., Steamers Bar and Grill, 2236 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Come join local and Sacramento based independent musicians for an evening of original music in the recently renovated backyard at Steamers.
or call (530) 541-8818.
Annie Davidson – 3-6 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Echo hike – 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Join us on a Scenic hike to to learn about the forest and how it comes back after a wildfire. Sign up here:
https://tahoerimtrail.org/event/caldor-wildfire-forest-recovery-hike-with-spf/
For more information, visit https://sugarpinefoundation.org/.
Fireball Fridays – 12 a.m., Tipsy Putt, 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite 101. Kick off your weekend with Fireball Friday!
Every Friday until 8 PM, enjoy a $7 Fireball shot, an $11 beer & shot combo, or grab the crew and tackle the Fireball Shot Ski for $19.
It’s the perfect excuse to raise a glass before your next round of mini golf.
For more information, visit https://eventvesta.com/events/156431/t/tickets or call (530) 443-4376.
Fleetwood Macramé – 8 p.m., 14 NV-28. Fleetwood Macramé will make their way back to the Crystal Bay Casino’s Crown Room on Fri. Aug. 14th at 8pm. Tickets: $20 ADV / $25 DOS I Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/185414 Fleetwood Macramé has become one of the Bay Area’s most exciting tribute bands. What began as a simple exercise in fun has turned into an awe inspiring live experience complete with show stopping renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. Audience participation is encouraged, and Bay Area crowds are coming in droves to sing along with Fleetwood Macramé. What’s more, they sound so much like Fleetwood Mac, if you closed your eyes, you would think it was the real thing. Only it’s better, because you are in the front row!
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1257581873199234/.
Glitterbomb – 6-10 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Reno’s favorite all-Disco live band. Do not miss!
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/glitterbomb-2/.
Guided En Plein Air Paint Night at the Beach – 5:30-8 p.m., Regan Beach, Calif, Sacramento Avenue. Join us for a fun, chill night painting beach vibes with step-by-step guidance and good company!
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-en-plein-air-paint-night-at-the-beach-tickets-1992654052913.
KINGS BEACH – Music on the Beach – 6-8:30 p.m., Description Fridays – Free Summer Concert Series Get ready to dance! Music on the Beach is back for our 20th annual summer concert series with a full lineup of live performances. From reggae and soul to funk, Latin, bluegrass, and more… this year’s artists are bringing the energy all summer long! Kick off your weekends with free live music set against the stunning backdrop of North Lake Tahoe, where sandy toes and sunset skies set the scene. We’re ready to fill your Friday nights with dancing, good vibes, and beachside fun. We can’t wait to spend the summer with you and your crew. SEE YOU ON THE SAND!
For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/kings-beach-music-on-the-beach-1702401?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Macbeth – 7:30 p.m., Sand Harbor State Park, 2005 Highway 28. Additional dates: 8/14, 8/16, 8/18, 8/20.
For more information, visit https://laketahoeshakespeare.com/event/macbeth-19/ or call (800) 747-4697.
Meet The Artist ~ Steve Barton ~ August 14 – 15 – 12-5 p.m., Marcus Ashley Gallery, 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Ste 23. Join Steve and us as we discover the small collection of treasures that make up life. Additional dates: 8/14, 8/15.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-artist-steve-barton-august-14-15-tickets-1985946649890 or call (530) 544-4278.
Next Stop Comedy at South of North Brewing Company – 8 p.m., South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave. Next Stop! – A Comedy Show Near You! Join us at South of North Brewing Company for a brand new line-up of comedians every time! Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues! Each show features a novel line-up with acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts. Join us at South of North Brewing Company in South Lake Tahoe, CA! – 932 Stateline Ave Suite B, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 For more info, check out our website! – nextstopcomedy.com
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3867190596746191/.
Par-3 Golf Fundraiser – Lake Tahoe Golf Course, 2500 Emerald Bay Rd. Try your swing with the Par-3 Fundraising Contest and support the gorgeous Tahoe California State Parks! From August 14-20, we’re partnering with the Lake Tahoe Golf Course at Washoe Meadows State Park for a fun on-course challenge: make a small $1-$10 donation and see if you can ace the course in just three strokes. Every swing helps raise vital funds to support the Foundation and protect our parks.
For more information, visit https://sierrastateparks.org/events/5wevyfhtrrdvz0yumzmthni3kkjx1d or call (530) 577-0788.
Saturday, August 15
Alex Ramon “Magic” – 7:30 p.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. Harrah’s & Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe prohibits the carrying and/or possession of firearms (Even with a CCW) or other dangerous weapons on the premises. The venue reserves the right to implement security procedures designed to protect the experience for all of our customers. Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Wed, 13 May 2026 at 10:00 AM Additional dates: 8/15, 8/18, 8/19, 8/20.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1042314631606476/ or call (800) 427-7247.
Chili Monroe – 8-10 p.m., Social House.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.
Ditchweed Harvest – 6-10 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Popular local trio centered around songs + folk vibes
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/ditchweed-harvest-2/.
Dutch Fetkenhauer – 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary. Additional dates: 8/15, 8/19.
For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=2.
The George Cotsirilos Quartet – 7-9 p.m., Granlibakken Tahoe, 725 Granlibakken Road. Blending straight-ahead jazz, blues, and classical influences, this dynamic ensemble delivers originals, rich interplay and soulful swing.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-george-cotsirilos-quartet-tickets-1982560338341 or call 530.583.4242.
Guided Rainbow Trail Walk – 10-11 a.m., 2152 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Join us for an enchanting journey through nature’s vibrant palette on the Guided Rainbow Trail Walk. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of South Lake Tahoe, this guided walking tour at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest as our knowledgeable guides lead you along the Rainbow Trail. Discover the diverse ecosystems, and learn about the unique flora and fauna that call it home. The Guided Rainbow Trail Walk provides an opportunity to connect with your national forest and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. Don’t miss the chance to explore one of South Lake Tahoe’s hidden gems and experience the magic of the Rainbow Trail. We look forward to welcoming you on this educational walk! This tour is offered, free to the public, every Wednesday & Saturday at 10am between June 17th and September 27th. Be sure to bring water, waterproof shoes and please leave all pets and food/scented beverages at home or in the car. Additional dates: 8/15, 8/19.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1035573822210868/1035573872210863/?active_tab=about.
The Heart of Robin Hood – 7:30 p.m., Sand Harbor State Park, 2005 Highway 28. Additional dates: 8/15, 8/19.
For more information, visit https://laketahoeshakespeare.com/event/the-heart-of-robin-hood-14/ or call (800) 747-4697.
The Polish Ambassador in South Lake Tahoe (2 nights Outdoors!) – 7-10 p.m., The Hanger, 2401 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. THIS IS A 21+ SHOW. DOORS AT 6PM SHOW AT 7PM PARKING INFORMATION: ON SITE PARKING IS LIMITED AND IS $10 PER VEHICLE. IF YOU’RE GOING TO DRIVE, GET HERE EARLY. LEAVING YOUR CAR OVERNIGHT IN OUR LOT IS OK WITH US. OVERNIGHT CAMPING HOWEVER IS NOT PERMITTED. PLEASE CONSIDER RIDING YOUR BIKES AND OR USING RIDE SHARE. THERE IS PLENTY OF FENCE TO LOCK YOUR BIKES TO. IF OUR LOT IS FULL YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL PARKING AT THESE LOCATIONS, WHICH WE HAVE RENTED FOR THE DAY : 971 & 981 SILVER DOLLAR AVE (BEHIND THE SHELL STATION), 80 PARKING SPACES PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT MINI GOLF NEXT DOOR – YOU WILL BE TOWED
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1398074838791775/.
Tahoe Club Crawl Spring/Summer 2026 – 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-2070?aff=cityspark.
Troy Bond (SEATED Comedy Show) – 8 p.m., 14 NV-28. Troy Bond (SEATED Comedy Show) Sat. Aug. 15th 2026 I Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm I Tickets: $25 ADV / $30 DOS I Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/192174 A comedian and writer based in New York City, known for his sharp crowdwork skills, first-rate joke writing and tongue-in-cheek impressions that helped to build his fast-growing audience of more than 3M across social platforms. His blend of nuanced comedic writing and on-stage charisma landed him on the 2023 Just for Laughs New Faces of Comedy lineup, following the likes of Kevin Hart, Taylor Tomlinson, Kumail Nanjiani and more. Beginning his impressive rise in stand-up at 17, the now-27-year-old is booked nightly in the city on his days off from selling out headlining shows across the United States. Tackling everything from capitalism and the presidential race to superheroes and the wizarding world, Bond is a versatile comic to watch. In addition to his work on camera and on stage, Troy co-hosts the BONDING podcast with fellow comic Torey Cole.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/981901834575527/.
Sunday, August 16
Brantley Gilbert – 7 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50.
For more information, visit https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/events/detail/brantley-gilbert.
Dog Days of Summer Event – 12-5 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. 🐾 Dog Days of Summer at South Lake Brewing Company 🐾
Celebrate the dog days of summer with an afternoon dedicated to our four-legged friends! Join us at South Lake Brewing Company for a family-friendly community event featuring adoptable dogs, local rescue organizations, games, live music, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.
Browse adoptable pups from local shelters, let your dog test their skills on our obstacle course, enjoy free toys and treats, and enter one (or all!) of our fun contests—including Best Costume, Pet & Owner Look-Alike, and our Puppy Parade. Be sure to stop by the photo booth to capture the memories!
We’ll also have live music, a food truck, bike valet, and local dog organizations sharing information about pet adoption, training, and canine safety.
Sunday, August 1612:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 South Lake Brewing Company 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
Bring your pup, bring your family, and help support the amazing organizations working to improve the lives of dogs throughout our community. We can’t wait to see you there! 🐶🍻
For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/brewery-events.
Gospel Brunch – 12:15-2:30 p.m., Noel’s Coffee & Apothecary , 31 US-50 #102. Noel’s Coffee & Apothecary In Stateline, NV (located between AleWorx and CVS Pharmacy) now has a Gospel Brunch every Sunday from 12:15 PM until 2:30 PM featuring live Gospel music, croissant sandwiches and craft coffee. Come feed your spirit, soul and body!
J-Rad Cooley Band – 5-9 p.m., AleWorx at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Excellent trio from Salt Lake City sings you into the evening
For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/jrad-cooley-band/.
Yoga in the Beer Garden – 11 a.m.-12 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Stretch, sip, and soak up a Tahoe summer morning. Enjoy a one-hour all-levels yoga class in the Beer Garden followed by a delicious beermosa. The perfect way to kick off your Sunday.
Bring your own mat or towel and join us for a relaxed morning of movement, fresh air, and community. Please make sure to add-on Beermosa if you’re staying for a pint. Only $5! Yoga participants only.
For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/store#!/Yoga-in-the-Beer-Garden/p/846265781.
Tuesday, August 18
Nine & Wine – 3:30-8 p.m., Lake Tahoe Golf Course, 2500 Emerald Bay Rd. Show up and warm up on the driving range, and meet your new besties. Play 9 holes and enjoy light appetizers in the clubhouse after!
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nine-wine-tickets-1991880903402 or call (530) 577-0788.
SLT – Author Todd Borg presents “Tahoe Fear” – 7 p.m., South Lake Tahoe Library
Aug 18, 5-7 pm
Todd Borg is back with his new Owen McKenna Mystery Thriller, Tahoe Fear. Join the Friends of the Library as we get a preview of McKenna and Spot’s 24th adventure in the series. Note that the book signing begins at 5 pm, author presentation begins at 5:30 pm. Event is free to attend.
For more information, visit https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=7839&EventID=592559&PK=.
Wednesday, August 19
30th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Sand Harbor State Park, 2005 Highway 28. Celebrating 30 years of the Lake Tahoe Summit hosted by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-annual-lake-tahoe-summit-tickets-1990504761324 or call (800) 747-4697.
Alpen Glow Kayak Tour – 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sugar Pine Point State Park. Experience the alpen glow magic, where the summits of mountains appear to glow with a reddish or pinkish hue. Did you know this glow is caused by the way the sun’s light interacts with the atmosphere and the surface of the mountains? And we’re in the best possible place, right on the water surrounded by mountains, to experience that phenomenon! The Sierra State Parks Foundation is partnering with California State Parks to offer a unique after-hours kayak tour along the shore of Sugar Pine Point State Park in Lake Tahoe. The tour will take place between the highest-elevation operational lighthouse in the U.S. and the park’s southern boundary, overlooking Meeks Bay. State Park staff will provide insight into the region’s cultural and natural history under the radiance of alpenglow. Your ticket helps support educational programs in our parks! The cost of the tour is $55, which includes parking, the kayak rental, mandatory life jackets, and safety training. No experience is necessary. Attendees should arrive at 6:30 p.m. at the restrooms on the Day Use parking lot (lakeside, not campground side of the park), and from there, we will walk together to the boat house to pick up rentals. The tour begins at 7:00 p.m. and lasts an hour and a half, plus. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Space is very limited, so book now! Can’t attend this one? We have another kayak tour July 15th and July 22nd . Thank you to our kayak sponsor, West Shore Sports , for making this magic happen!
For more information, visit https://sierrastateparks.org/events/kayak-august-19-2026.
EncompassLive – 4-10 p.m., Lake Tahoe AleWorX @ the Y & Cocktail Corner, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Encompass Live is a community benefit concert happening Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, from 4 PM–10 PM at AleWorX @ the Y and the Cocktail Corner in South Lake Tahoe. The event will feature live music, local sponsors, raffles, vendors, food, drinks, and community support while raising awareness and funds for Encompass Youth, a local nonprofit serving children and transitional-age youth ages 12–24.
For more information, visit http://www.encompasslive.org or call (775) 900-7997.
Vanessa Collier – 7:30-10 p.m., Boathouse Theater, Tallac Historic Site. Singer/songwriter Vanessa Collier’s sixth album Do It My Own Way was released September 13 via Phenix Fire Records. Recorded on analog gear with the musicians largely in one room, Do It My Own Way is sonically inspired by the classic Memphis soul sound of Stax and Hi Records, especially that of the Staples Singers. Second single “Wild As a Rainstorm,” which dives deep into soul territory, powerfully gives advice to women and people who feel left out to ignore the naysayers and “Be a tapestry of dreams.” The track been added to Spotify’s official Retro Soul playlist. The groove and horns would make Willie Mitchell proud, and indeed features legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges. The vocals are powerful, awe-inspiring, and undeniably soulful vocals.
Talking about the album, Collier adds, “It’s a warmer and darker sounding a record, recorded intentionally to reflect a throwback to older school soul, R&B, blues, and to the days of great songs and songwriters, tube amps and analog gear.” Do It My Own Way takes listeners back to the heyday of music with Memphis soul-influenced horn arrangements, layers of vocals for color, with poignant and powerful saxophone solos that deliver a quietly powerful undercurrent to each song and the album as a whole. Minor key Americana/noir “Take Me Back” served as the first single. The album kicks off with the funk workout “Elbow Grease.” On an album full of incredible grooves, “Shoulda Known Better” stands out while “Just One More” sways to a rhumba beat.
The gospel-tinged “Rosetta” pays tribute to one of Collier’s heroes, electric guitar pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Collier sings, “She’s carried the torch so I can see a little bit better… There’d be no Elvis or Chuck Berry. Sometimes the women do it best. She tackled all the inequities. And fought with strength and audacity.”
Kicking off on resonator guitar before the full band joins in, album closer “Warrior” paints the picture of a powerful woman and is both a universal message about the strength and experience of women and a tribute to Collier’s mother. The anthemic, slinky third single and title track artfully commenting on the sexism she’s encountered in life and in the music industry. Collier has encountered calls from members of the industry to dress in sexy clothes and to not rock the boat, but has successfully taken hold of her own career.
“The opening lines are a piercing statement of the overused, antiquated, and tired views within the industry. And the lyrics of the second verse demonstrate how the industry attempts to put and keep women ‘in their place’ by undermining them,” she recounts, continuing, “I find that most artists I admire – namely, Prince, James Brown, and Bonnie Raitt, went against the grain and did things that people hadn’t thought of before and that people hadn’t seen before, changing the industry as they went. This song is an assurance that I will continue to choose to fight quietly or publicly, if needed, to represent myself how I want to be represented in this industry and that I will not allow someone else to define who I am. It’s also a statement of hope that the industry is, can, and will continue to progress.”
Of “Wild as a Rainstorm,” Collier says, “‘Wild As A Rainstorm’ is a love letter to the next generation -– particularly my little sisters – who feel out of place in the current world. I’m hoping that this song and my journey to recognize my own personal power might inspire another to choose to take their own path when repeatedly arriving at forks in the road.”
Collier takes on multiple roles, writing the songs, producing the album, arranging horns and all instrumental and vocal parts, playing acoustic and electric guitars and alto and tenor saxophones, flute, as well as singing the lead and background vocals. Also on the album are legendary Hi Records organ player Rev. Charles Hodges (Al Green, Bettye LaVette, Ann Peebles, Alex Chilton, Robert Cray); and frequent Collier collaborators Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Laura Chavez; bassist Scott Sutherland; and Byron Cage.
The songwriter/bandleader made her Chicago Blues Festival debut this year, in front of tens of thousands. Best known in the blues world – she’s a fifteen-time Blues Music Award nominee and five-time winner, including nominations for the monumental Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, Horn Player of the Year, B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, and Contemporary Blues Album of the Year for “Do It My Own Way”. Do It My Own Way finds her influenced by soul artists like Mavis Staples, Sharon Jones, James Brown, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Aretha Franklin.
Blues Blast Mag said, “Vanessa is an important part of the future of the blues.” Born in Texas, growing up in Maryland, launching her career in Philadelphia, and now residing in South Carolina, Collier grew up listening to an eclectic variety of music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she joined blues legend Joe Louis Walker’s band, going solo at his urging, and has become a notable artist “whose rise to the top is nothing short of meteoric” (Making a Scene).
Tickets: $35 | Members: $31.50
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 7:30 PM
All ages welcome | Concessions available
For more information, visit https://valhallatahoe.com/event/vanessa-collier-august-19-2026/.
Thursday, August 20
Art In Nature! – 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 2152 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Program Update: The Art in Nature program for this Thursday, July 16, has been rescheduled to the following Thursday, July 23, from 10AM-2PM and the July 30 program will take place from 1:30-4PM. We apologize for any inconvenience. Join local Artist and Educator, Kathy Dewey, for a FREE Art In Nature program held Thursdays in July and August at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. All ages and abilities are welcome and art supplies are provided. These programs are brought to you in coordination with our Interpretive Partner, The Great Basin Institute.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1519028729950400/1519028759950397/?active_tab=about.
Galena Falls Wildflower Hike – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, 948 Incline Way. Join Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) for an alpine adventure to Galena Falls in the Mount Rose Wilderness, where we’ll explore the peak of summer wildflower season in full bloom. This high-elevation hike offers sweeping mountain views, vibrant alpine flora, and a chance to experience the Sierra Nevada at its most colorful. TRTA, the primary steward of the Tahoe Rim Trail system, and TINS, a leading organization in ecological education and natural history programming, work together to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences across the Tahoe Basin. Through this Autumn Exploration Series, we invite you to deepen your connection to the landscape while learning from local experts. Naturalist Sarah Hockensmith will guide the group along the trail, sharing insights into native wildflowers and the wildlife that depends on them. Please note that this hike reaches elevations above 9,000 feet. Participants should come prepared for high-altitude hiking conditions and variable mountain weather. Difficulty Intermediate Distance 6 miles round trip Location Mount Rose Trailhead Registe
For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/galena-falls-wildflower-hike or call 775.298.0060.
The Hip Abduction – 7-10 p.m., The Hanger, 2401 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. THIS IS A 21+ SHOW. DOORS AT 6PM SHOW AT 7PM PARKING INFORMATION: ON SITE PARKING IS LIMITED AND IS $10 PER VEHICLE. IF YOU’RE GOING TO DRIVE, GET HERE EARLY. LEAVING YOUR CAR OVERNIGHT IN OUR LOT IS OK WITH US. OVERNIGHT CAMPING HOWEVER IS NOT PERMITTED. PLEASE CONSIDER RIDING YOUR BIKES AND OR USING RIDE SHARE. THERE IS PLENTY OF FENCE TO LOCK YOUR BIKES TO. IF OUR LOT IS FULL YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL PARKING AT THESE LOCATIONS, WHICH WE HAVE RENTED FOR THE DAY : 971 & 981 SILVER DOLLAR AVE (BEHIND THE SHELL STATION), 80 PARKING SPACES PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT MINI GOLF NEXT DOOR – YOU WILL BE TOWED
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1718925942458095/.
Ladies of Emerald Bay: Recollections from our Youth featuring Rosie Smith and Sarah Robertson – 4:45-7:30 p.m., Round Hill Pines Beach Resort. All aboard the luxurious Rum Runner for an elegant night where two incredible, historical lady icons recount the Tahoe – Emerald Bay glory days of their youth. Indulge in fancy hors d’oeuvres, beer, and a fan favorite, Highway 12 wine . The conversations and questions weave an unforgettable tapestry, truly a magical event among those who attend. It makes Emerald Bay come alive to hear the truly captivating stories of these exquisite women. The Rum Runner leaves from the Round Hill Pines Beach Resort in Zephyr Cove, NV. It leaves at 5 pm and returns by 7:30 pm. We highly recommend arriving by 4:30/45 pm to avoid missing the boat! Enjoy a walk on the beach if you get there early. Note, while this talk features two incredible women, any gender is welcome to the event! — About the Ladies: Rosalee (Rosie) Smith has been visiting Tahoe since 1945, when she camped with her family at D.L. Bliss State Park. Rosie spent her teen years’ summers working down at the Emerald Bay Resort. This began her love for the California State Parks at Lake Tahoe. She has had a cabin on Tahoe’s West Shore since 1968 and makes it her summer home now. She volunteered to help in the parks in 2000 and has been involved with Living History Day at Sugar Pine Point State Park. She is a docent at the Vikingsholm Castle and Hellman-Ehrman Mansion and volunteers at the Sierra State Park Visitor Centers. Sarah Robertson spent her childhood summers living in Emerald Bay/Vikingsholm at Lake Tahoe, as her Mother, Dr. Helen H. Smith, was a Seasonal Interpretive Specialist for California State Parks for 47 summers at Emerald Bay and has continued to travel to Tahoe and her beloved Emerald Bay each summer since leaving California in 1979. Sarah and her family enjoy the splendor of the Tahoe/Donner State Parks each year, and she is originally from Palo Alto, CA.
For more information, visit https://sierrastateparks.org/events/ladies-of-emerald-bay-2026.
Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum 2026 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 U.S. 50. Join us at the 4th annual Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum hosted at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lake-tahoe-electric-transportation-forum-2026-tickets-1981239272999.
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.
Tahoe Arts Project Music on the Beach Fundraiser – 7-9 p.m., Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa , 930 Balbijou Rd. Join Tahoe Arts Project (TAP) for an evening of Music on the Beach on Thursday, August 20, from 7:00–9:00 p.m.! Admission begins at 6:00.
Pat Ronan, owner of Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, is generously hosting this benefit for Tahoe Arts Project, featuring live music by Niall McGuinness, Trey Stone, and Rocky Sleight.
Bring your blankets, low-back chairs, food, and beverages, and enjoy a beautiful evening on the beach. Please, no pets.
There will also be a raffle featuring some awesome prizes!
A suggested donation of $20 per person will support Tahoe Arts Project’s mission of bringing professional performing arts into the schools and community of South Lake Tahoe.
Before the music begins, TAP will announce the 2026 Dancing with the Tahoe Stars couples!
This is a family-friendly event, so bring the whole family and join us for a fun evening by the lake.
See you on the beach at Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa!
For more information, call TAP at 530-542-3632.
For more information, visit http://tahoeartsproject.org or call 530 542-3632.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — South Lake Tahoe native William Aragon, 31, has started his competitive bodybuilding journey with an impressive two-for-two record, earning first place in both of his competitions.
On Saturday, August 8, Aragon captured first place in the Novice Men’s Physique Class A at the 2026 Tahoe Show at Bally’s Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada. The competition, sanctioned by the National Physique Committee (NPC) and IFBB Pro League, brought amateur and professional athletes from across the country to compete in multiple divisions.
Just two weeks earlier, Aragon made his competitive debut at the NGA Tahoe International Pro/Am Invitational, a natural bodybuilding competition held at South Tahoe High School. He earned first place in the Open Men’s Physique Short Class.
But for Aragon, the trophies are only part of the story.
His Why Has Names
Aragon says his motivation throughout the journey came from the people closest to him: his wife, parents, grandmother and four siblings, as well as the future generations of his family who have yet to be born.
He wanted to see how far he could push himself while creating an example for the people he loves.
“Life doesn’t stop just because you have a goal,” Aragon said.
That became one of the defining lessons of his preparation. While preparing for the Tahoe Show, Aragon continued working full time, maintaining his responsibilities at home and balancing the demands of everyday life with an increasingly demanding training schedule.
The goal did not make life easier. It required him to become more disciplined within the life he already had.
A Relentless Preparation
The few minutes Aragon spent beneath the stage lights on August 8 were built through months of work that most people never saw.
During the final stages of preparation, he averaged approximately 17,000 steps per day, trained with weights six days a week and completed six to seven StairMaster sessions each week. He also followed a strict nutrition plan, practiced posing and maintained his recovery while continuing to work and manage his other responsibilities.
There were days when the physical demands pushed him to exhaustion.
“The first show proved something to me. The second demanded everything I had left,” Aragon said.
Rather than viewing the second competition as simply another opportunity to win, Aragon saw it as a chance to discover how much further he could push himself.
Built in Tahoe
Lake Tahoe became more than the place where Aragon would eventually compete. It became part of the preparation itself.
Over approximately three months, he accumulated more than 1.5 million steps while walking throughout the community, training at Athletex, completing cardio, preparing meals and practicing his posing.
“Walking the streets of Tahoe getting my steps in, training here, preparing here and then getting to step onstage for the Tahoe Show made this one incredibly special,” Aragon said. “I put everything I had into this preparation. I left no stone unturned here in Lake Tahoe.”
For Aragon, competing in Tahoe meant standing on a stage in the same community where so much of the work had taken place.
“This was home,” he said. “I wasn’t just stepping onto another bodybuilding stage. I was stepping onto a stage representing the place where all of the work had been done.”
A Natural Athlete
Another important part of Aragon’s journey is his commitment to natural bodybuilding.
Aragon has trained consistently for more than a decade, building his physique through progressive weight training, nutrition, consistency and patience. His first competition was a natural bodybuilding competition through the NGA.
At the Tahoe Show, which was a non-tested competition, Aragon competed as a natural athlete.
For him, that distinction is important.
“I wanted to find out how far I could push my own body and genetics through training, nutrition, consistency and patience,” Aragon said.
The physique he brought to the stage was not the result of a few months of preparation alone. It represented more than a decade of training and the accumulation of years of work.
For Aragon, there is pride in knowing that he has pursued the best version of his physique naturally.
His Own Coach
Aragon also completed the preparation without a bodybuilding coach.
Training, nutrition, conditioning, posing and daily accountability were largely his responsibility.
“I was my own coach, the only one to keep me accountable,” Aragon said.
That responsibility forced him to rely on discipline rather than motivation.
“Every rep, every meal, every sacrifice was another vote for the man I said I wanted to become,” he said.
Over time, the process became less about whether he felt like training on a particular day and more about following through on the commitment he had made to himself.
Faith Through the Hardest Moments
As the physical demands increased, Aragon also found his faith growing stronger.
Throughout the preparation, he prayed for strength, guidance and the ability to continue when he felt he had reached his limits.
“My faith grew stronger throughout this preparation,” Aragon said. “I prayed more, trusted God more and leaned on Him when I felt like I had reached my own limits. There were times when I didn’t know how much more I had to give, but my faith helped me keep moving forward and push beyond what I thought I was capable of.”
For Aragon, faith became part of the preparation just as much as training, nutrition and discipline.
When his name was called for first place on August 8, he knew where he wanted the credit to go.
“All glory to God.”
Backed by Tahoe
Although bodybuilding is ultimately an individual sport, Aragon said he never felt alone throughout the journey.
After his first competition, he was surprised by the amount of support he received from the South Lake Tahoe community. Friends, coworkers, former classmates and community members congratulated him at the grocery store, at work, at the beach, at the gym and even while he was completing his daily walks.
That support became even more meaningful heading into the Tahoe Show.
“Going into the Tahoe Show, I felt like I had an entire hometown behind me,” Aragon said. “So I knew I had to give them and myself everything I had.”
For someone who spent months preparing throughout the community, competing in Tahoe gave the accomplishment an additional sense of meaning.
He was competing as William Aragon, but he was proud to represent South Lake Tahoe.
William Aragon Provided
It Was Never Me vs. Them
Following the competition, Aragon reflected on what the experience had taught him.
“I didn’t compete for a trophy. I competed for the person I had to become to earn it.”
He described the competition as less about defeating the athletes standing beside him and more about challenging his own limitations.
“It was never me vs. them. It was always me vs. me.”
The real competition, he said, happened long before the lights came on: during the early mornings, disciplined choices, workouts, cardio sessions, carefully measured meals and moments when nobody was watching.
The Tahoe Show simply provided the stage where the results became visible.
More Than a Trophy
When Aragon walked off the stage after receiving his first-place award, the moment that stayed with him had little to do with the trophy.
His family was waiting for him.
“The cheering. The smiles. The excitement on everyone’s faces. Seeing my wife’s face light up as soon as we locked eyes,” Aragon said. “My heart was so full. Not because of the trophies in my hands. Because the people I love were there to experience the moment with me.”
For Aragon, that is ultimately what the journey was about.
The trophy represents the work, but it also represents the person he became through that work.
Proof of the early mornings. Proof of the training and discipline. Proof of more than a decade of natural bodybuilding. Proof that he could pursue an ambitious goal without putting the rest of his life on hold.
And proof of the family, faith and community that helped him along the way.
Two competitions into his bodybuilding career, Aragon has two first-place finishes. But he says the most meaningful result cannot be placed on a shelf.
It is the example he hopes to leave for his family and future generations. It is the stronger faith he developed along the way. And it is knowing that he gave everything he had to the challenge.
“JOB’S FINISHED.”
Aragon credits his family, faith and the South Lake Tahoe community for helping him reach the finish line.
“To everyone who stopped me, congratulated me, encouraged me, or simply told me they were rooting for me: Thank you,” Aragon said. “To my family, this victory belongs to you too. And to Lake Tahoe, every mile, every rep, every sacrifice happened here. There couldn’t have been a more meaningful place to finish what I started.”
Do you ever feel tighter on one side of your body? More dominant on your right or left side when in motion or even when you are still? The imbalances we experience in our muscles are felt in the pedal stroke on a ride or the grip strength on our handlebars, the push up a hill, the flow down a trail or even just in our simple stride walking to the car.
For many of us we may feel this lack of symmetry in the lower back, mid-back, hips, arms, legs, or shoulders. The imbalances we experience can directly impact and limit our performance on the bike as well in every activity that requires movement, which is everything.
The dominant muscles are disproportionately stronger and more active than its counterpart. This is often due to habitual or repetitive use, or from past injuries where we over and under compensate. It’s nearly impossible to be an active body and get through life without some injury. Although, even with this outcome I would guess most of us wouldn’t trade an active body for a sedentary body.
Regardless of where we get the imbalances, no one is completely symmetrical, but it is definitely something to strive for. The muscular imbalances we all carry certainly play a role in our overall performance on and off the bike.
So what do we do to feel more at ease when in motion?
We have included several functional movement stretches and strength exercises to get you on the right track. They apply to a more general sense of equality. As all of our bodies are moving differently, there are more customized programs available to guide you in the right direction and functional movement assessments to move with ease and symmetry. This is an introductory start.
SIMPLE BODY SCAN: Stand tall and notice the sensations in your body, where the pressure hits the floor, where our arms rest by our body. Just take a moment to notice.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: Now the small and simple adjustments-spend a few minutes trying to distribute your body evenly, equalize the pressure under foot, relax both shoulders evenly, rotate your pelvis in a neutral position.
LUNGE ASSESSMENT: Lunge one side, lunge the other. Open each hip flexor. Notice which is tighter. Hold the lunge longer on the tighter side.
SHOE CHECK: Pick up your everyday shoe- the sole that is most worn is your dominant side. This is always so fascinating as it is pretty remarkable how much more force we use on one vs the other side.
SPINAL BALANCE: On your knees lengthen the opposite arm and leg. Keep your neck in line with the spine. Extend the limbs so they are parallel to the floor, engage the core. Repeat 5 +times on each side. Really focus on the lengthening and extension for this exercise.
Awareness is the start. Followed by strength, flexibility and balance exercises as the next key steps for adjustments. Having a professional customized assessment done can help tremendously to help you move with equality, power and comfort!
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Bike and Recreation Guide.
Just east of the Sierra Nevada, a whiskey distillery is quietly redefining what it means to be Nevada-made. At Frey Ranch Distillery, whiskey doesn’t begin in a barrel. It begins in the soil.
Long before bourbon tourists lined up in Kentucky, the Frey family was putting down roots in Nevada. Colby Frey’s family has been farming here since 1854 – predating Nevada’s statehood – first in Genoa, at the foot of the Sierra, and later in Fallon, drawn by the promise of water flowing from Lake Tahoe through the Truckee and Carson Rivers.
Today, that legacy spans thousands of acres.
“We started off with about 738 acres,” Colby explains. “Now we own about 2,000. We farm about 2,500 with some neighboring farmland, which is about four square miles.”
Colby in the field. Provided / Frey Ranch
Alfalfa still grows in rotation, but so do the grains that define their whiskey: corn, rye, wheat, and barley. For Colby and his wife Ashley, those crops are more than commodities – they’re the foundation of a radically different approach to distilling.
The idea for the distillery wasn’t born from trend-chasing, it was born from necessity.
“There’s not really a future in just commodity crops,” Colby says. “Land and water are so valuable – you’ve got to find something to justify it.”
In 2006, the couple made a leap. Instead of selling their grain, they would transform it.
That decision placed them among a rare category in American whiskey – estate distilleries, where every grain in the bottle is grown by the distiller. While estate wineries are common, estate whiskey remains a rarity.
Frey Ranch Malt WashProvided / Frey Ranch
“Grain is to whiskey what grapes are to wine,” Colby says. “Nobody really talks about the grains like they should.”
At Frey Ranch, they’re the whole story. Unlike many brands that source and blend bulk spirits, Frey Ranch starts from scratch. Every bottle reflects decisions made years earlier in the field and the distillery.
“We are limited to sell today what we grew six years ago,” Ashley explains. “What we distilled five years ago – what we put in barrels – you have to decide five or six years ago how much you’re going to have available”
That timeline shapes everything – from how much grain they plant to where they distribute their bottles. Expansion isn’t just a business decision. It’s an agricultural one.
When Frey Ranch enters a new market, Ashley keeps the message simple: people, process, place.
The people are the founders themselves – still deeply involved, still telling their story. The process is farm-to-glass, every grain grown on-site and the place is unmistakable: Northern Nevada, far from the traditions of Kentucky or Tennessee.
One of Frey Ranch’s barrell rooms.Provided / Frey Ranch
“We’re not Las Vegas,” Ashley says. “We’re pretty gritty … authentic.”
That authenticity resonates. In a crowded whiskey landscape dominated by heritage brands and guarded recipes, Frey Ranch leans into transparency by sharing mash bills, showcasing their farming and inviting visitors to see it firsthand. Even the bottle tells a story.
Ashley led a packaging redesign that transforms the whiskey into something tactile and symbolic: a belt-shaped label inspired by Colby’s grandfather, a bolt-shaped topper echoing farm hardware, and a signature yellow drawn from the color of their corn.
Stamped into the glass is a phrase that captures the philosophy behind it all:
Be good to the land and the land will be good to you.
It’s not marketing copy – it’s a generational mindset. Timing, as it turned out, would test that mindset.
Frey Ranch launched its bourbon in December 2019. Three months later, COVID shut down bars and restaurants across the world. Instead of retreating, the team leaned into what made them different.
“We could be nimble,” Ashley says. “We’ve got a small team. We can steer the ship a lot faster than these big legacy distilleries.”
The result: growth in one of the most uncertain periods the industry has faced.
Today, Frey Ranch is doing something few thought possible: putting Nevada in the same conversation as the world’s whiskey capitals and being named among top whiskeys alongside Kentucky, Tennessee, Scotland, and Ireland.
“To be included in those legacy producing areas – that was the biggest honor for us,” Ashley adds.
Closer to home, the support has been just as meaningful. The distillery is now the number one ultra-premium American whiskey in Nevada, fueled largely by loyal fans in Northern Nevada and the Sierra region. From Truckee to South Lake Tahoe, that loyalty runs deep.
For visitors to the distillery, the magic isn’t just in the glass, it’s in the wind moving through the fields. The hum of equipment. The sight of grain that will one day become whiskey.
“Nothing is off limits,” Ashley says. “You can see the grains, the tractors, the stills, the barrels.”
Tastings are intentionally approachable, with small pours and big stories and the goal isn’t just to drink whiskey, but to understand it.
Running a distillery on a working farm blurs the line between life and work and the Freys don’t try to separate the two.
“We don’t,” Ashley says with a laugh when asked about balance.
Their kids are growing up in it – learning not just what whiskey is, but where it comes from. On a school field trip, their daughter proudly answered a question about corn’s uses with a single word: whiskey.
“She’s not wrong,” Ashley jokes.
Nearly two decades in, there’s no single moment the Freys point to and say, we made it.” Instead, it’s a series of milestones: new markets, new releases, unexpected recognition, and the simple thrill of seeing their bottle on a shelf – anywhere.
“We just feel like we have the best job in the world,” Ashley says. “It all starts with agriculture. That’s the heart of our operation.”
In an industry built on history, Frey Ranch is still writing its own. Not by imitating Kentucky. Not by chasing trends. But by returning to something more fundamental: the land itself.
Just beyond Tahoe’s edge, where desert meets the mountains, they’re proving that great whiskey doesn’t have to come from where it always has. Sometimes, it just needs to be grown.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Magazine.
A new facility called Peak Women’s Care is opening in the former Gateway Urgent Care building on Donner Pass Road in Truckee, which says it offers free-of-charge services for people facing an unplanned pregnancy, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and what it calls an “options consultation.” The facility has the appearance of a women’s health center, but the reality is it’s more a faith-based resource center than a medical clinic.
Peak Women’s Care also operates a center in Portola, an hour north of Truckee, which opened in November 2024. Its Truckee location is slated to open by the end of this summer, pending an occupancy permit from Nevada County.
“Our goal is to service people from Lake Almanor to North Lake Tahoe, so that’s why we’re growing with a location in Truckee,” Mollie Williams, executive director of Peak Women’s Care, told Moonshine Ink. “We’re often servicing people who are traveling from far away, so we want to try to meet them where they’re at.”
As Peak Women’s Care prepares to open its Truckee doors, residents facing an unplanned pregnancy will soon have another place to turn — though what they’ll find there, and whether it constitutes healthcare, remains at the center of a broader national debate.
In publicly available tax documents, Peak’s mission is stated as this: “To provide free religious instruction and information to members of the public who are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or who are partners of pregnant women.” The document further adds that the center “walks with those facing unplanned or unsupported pregnancies by providing medical, material, and spiritual resources, all centered in Christ while upholding the sanctity of all human life.”
Peak seems to fall under a category known as crisis pregnancy centers. A CPC is a nonprofit organization, regularly affiliated with religious education, that presents itself as a women’s healthcare clinic. In 2022, the California Attorney General issued a consumer alert, stating: “While crisis pregnancy centers may claim to offer comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, their mission is to discourage people from accessing abortion care.”
CPCs have been around since the late 1960s and currently, there are an estimated 2,600 in the U.S., with more continuing to open. (That’s roughly three times the number of abortion clinics in this country.) Most CPCs are associated with national pro-life organizations such as Birthright International, the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, Care Net, or Heartbeat International.
Peak Women’s Care is licensed as a community clinic in California. A licensed physician, Dr. Alexandra Hunt, serves as its medical director. The clinic is permitted to perform basic pregnancy tests and ultrasounds but not further medical procedures. It does not offer services like prenatal care, testing for sexually transmitted infections, or birth control options, or abortions. It has staff who are trained to perform ultrasounds, according to Williams, but many of the staff are volunteers without medical licenses. The center also provides free online parenting classes and no-charge maternity and baby supplies, like diapers, clothing, and car seats.
The president of the board of directors of Peak Women’s Care is Betsy Taylor, who’s married to Dr. Peter Taylor, a longtime OB-GYN at Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee. Peter Taylor is not currently working as a doctor at Peak Women’s Care, but Williams did confirm that he has been providing what she called “backup ultrasound interpretations.” Williams said Dr. Taylor will provide those services for the new Truckee location as well. Dr. Taylor could not be reached for comment.
Betsy Taylor declined to be interviewed, but in a letter to Sierra Bible Church’s congregation, she wrote that Peak Women’s Care is a “Christ-centered nonprofit” that’s been “making a powerful impact in our region.” Her letter asked for help with tenant improvements like drywall and electrical and added that “Peak is also looking for people to serve as volunteer patient advocates and nurses.” Her letter added that Care Net training will be provided to volunteers. Care Net is a pro-life ministry that offers training to staff at pregnancy centers such as this one.
The former Gateway Urgent Care building, a 1,300-square-foot A-frame at 11105 Donner Pass Rd., was recently purchased by Tim and Rebekah Ruppert, who attend Sierra Bible Church. The Rupperts are renting the building to Peak Women’s Care. Its location near Tahoe Forest Hospital places the nonprofit in an area where many patients in this community seek healthcare.
“Most people don’t know what crisis pregnancy centers are. They give the appearance that they’re just trying to help pregnant women, and who doesn’t want to help a pregnant woman?” said Andrea Swartzendruber, an associate professor in the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia. Swartzendruber helps run
an online CPC map.
“It can be hard to tell if what you’re looking at is a CPC. They’re deceptive in a lot of ways by calling themselves medical facilities or clinics or giving the impression that they’re unbiased,” Swartzendruber said. “CPCs tend to target young people, people of color, and those with low incomes who don’t have easy access to healthcare. They often give inaccurate health information or use a limited medical ultrasound as a tactic to try to convince people not to get an abortion.”
Dr. Jessica Hamilton, a local physician at the Western Sierra Medical Clinic in Kings Beach and a former medical director at Planned Parenthood, has treated women who’ve recently visited a crisis pregnancy center. “Typically, a patient will come in and say, ‘I went to a clinic around the corner, and I got an ultrasound that told me I was 15 weeks pregnant,’” Hamilton said. “But then I’ll check how far along they are by ultrasound and what they were told previously isn’t accurate. It’s clear people with minimal training are making errors.”
Abortion services often have cut-offs based on how far along a pregnancy is because of institutional policies, medical regulations (medication abortions are often only available to 11 weeks gestation), or a patient’s medical history. Delaying a decision can mean a person has fewer choices. “A misguided visit — especially by someone who lives in a rural area — could drastically affect one’s ability to choose, as options may disappear as they progress in gestational duration,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton is in the process of trying to open a medical clinic in North Lake Tahoe, called Alpine Medicine, that would offer comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion services. Currently, elective abortions aren’t available in the Truckee/North Tahoe area. Tahoe Forest Hospital does not perform them; instead, it’ll refer patients to Planned Parenthood in Reno, Roseville, or Sacramento. “Patients deserve factual information and a full range of options in a timely manner. I would encourage anyone visiting a crisis pregnancy center to understand what it is, ask for licensing, and bring records of your visit, including your ultrasound, to a licensed medical professional,” said Hamilton, who also recommended calling or texting the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline, (833) 246-2632, for anyone needing information.
Funding for Peak Women’s Care comes from hundreds of individual donors and some grant funding. Contributions and grants for the organization in 2025 totaled $355,927, according to tax documents.
Julie Halvorsen is a Tahoe City resident and mother of six children who’s regularly supported Peak Women’s Care through financial donations. “I support women and I’m coming from a place of wanting to do the right thing. A woman making any decision regarding her pregnancy should be given grace, love, support, and understanding without judgment or challenge,” Halvorsen said. “I understand there are women who may not want a pregnancy or are not prepared or supported for one. This mother deserves all the same support. My hopeful confidence is that Peak Women’s Care is going to do everything they can to bring that child into the world.”
Swartzendruber warns that since CPCs aren’t subject to HIPAA laws, they aren’t required to keep patient information secure. However, Williams at Peak Women’s Care said they are committed to patient confidentiality.
“We do not refer or provide abortions, but we are a safe place where people can talk through all of their options,” Williams said. “We never force anything on anyone or give out information people don’t ask for. We want to support holistically, but it’s all permission-based.”
~ Megan Michelson is a freelance journalist who lives in Tahoe City.
While those of us at Moonshine Ink constantly have our heads down putting together edition after edition, once a year we surface to submit select pieces to the National Newspaper Association Foundation (NNAF).
This allows us a regular revisiting of what it means to be the only indie paper of the mountain communities in Truckee and North Tahoe, as well as how we stack up against other newspapers across the country.
For the NNAF’s 2026 Better Newspaper Contest, we submitted what we believed to be our strongest pieces during 2025. Four of them were recognized:
PRIORITY LIFT LANES: Moonshine’s reporting about Palisades Tahoe’s Apex Club, a membership club that started at $12,000 per person at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, won first place in the Best Business Story category of an annual newspaper contest. Photo courtesy Palisades Tahoe
Judge’s comments: Fantastic story showing the anger provoked by a ski lodge providing an “easy-pass” lane. Good examples from social people, man on the street, but also explaining how popular the concept is for businesses.
SPIRITUAL REVIVAL, EVENTUALLY: The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel received seven parcels through donation in December 2022. These were just a few of many that had been languishing, unused, for years and were all connected to one woman. From Holding Pattern to Holy Ground: A Church’s Quiet Revival in Tahoma won second place in the Best Non-Profile Feature Story category. Photo by Wade Snider/Moonshine Ink
Judge’s comments: Well researched and illustrated.
REDISTRICTING: In November 2025, California voters passed Proposition 50 in a special election, allowing the state’s 3rd Congressional District (among others) to be redrawn and its boundaries changed significantly. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rep. Kevin Kiley were on opposite sides of the tug of war. The cover took home third place in the Front-Page Design category. Illustration by Mike English, layout by Sarah Miller/Moonshine Ink
Judge’s comments: Moonshine Ink bills itself as an “Independent Newspaper” (cost “Priceless”) and, as such, doesn’t always play by so-called journalistic rules. Witness their choice of using an editorial cartoon for the entire front page of their October 9 issue. Granted, the cartoon, which features a large map of California with most of District 3 shaded in red, is relevant to the lead article … Running across the dueling duo at about waist level is the article headline and page number, “National Redistricting Fight Hits Home … 10”.
A few other articles to be found inside are listed in smaller font below the main bout … er, headline: “The Local Healthcare Landscape … 14”, Most Iconic Slogan of Tahoe … 23”, and “Tahoe City Going Off … 29 & 44|Ski Films! … 42”.
But what important news is on pages 1-9? Where are the police blotter, obituaries, and letters to the editor to be found? It’s a bold choice, but my guess is Moonshine Ink bets on an attention-grabbing cover and rule-flouting to pique curiosity and attract readers. Apparently, the tactic has worked for almost a quarter century, as the masthead informs us this issue is “Vintage 23, Nip 9.”
Best Performing Arts Story, honorable mention: No Stage to Stand On by Ally Gravina
Judge’s comments: This was not what I expected of a performing arts story; it’s perhaps more important than the art itself because it cannot happen (at least not easily) without space. This story examines the issue thoroughly and does a great job of framing it for the general public. I love the headline, too!
No one wants to be surveilled — at least I’m pretty sure no one wants cameras tracking them 24/7, catching their faces and license plates, so let’s talk surveillance and privacy rights.
As technology continuously advances, offering technological convenience and information at our fingertips, the ways in which our data can be captured and stored expand.
In the wake of the latest U.S. Supreme Court session, attacks on Flock’s automated license plate reading and vehicle surveillance cameras, and cases of cops using Flock to stalk people, it’s worth looking into Chatrie v. United States and what rights we have when it comes to the implicit nature of surveillance in public (and even in private).
First, some background: privacy isn’t a right spelled out in the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court has interpreted the Fourth Amendment as protecting people rather than places in regard to privacy through Katz v. United States. Further, Riley v. California determined that police officers need a warrant to search the contents of someone’s phone. Additionally, prior to being overturned, Roe v. Wade also granted us the fundamental right to privacy through the 14th Amendment’s Due Process clause.
As a refresher, the Fourth Amendment is “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures” unless probable cause gives reason for a warrant. And the 14th Amendment gave citizenship to formerly enslaved people, stating “no state may deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
But back to Chatrie v. United States. Okello Chatrie robbed a bank in 2019 and what got him caught was his phone’s location data, which the police department obtained with a geofencing warrant to Google, along with the data of other cell phone users within the radius of the bank during a certain timeframe.
In Chatrie’s case, the Supreme Court ruled on June 27 of this year that pulling someone’s phone location data is a Fourth Amendment search, requiring a warrant and reason for the search (as opposed to conducting an unreasonable search). As such, the court sent the case back to a lower court to decide whether the use of a geofencing warrant was reasonable or unconstitutional.
The interesting part was that in Chatrie v. United States, the Supreme Court justices discussed how phones “[make] possible a form of surveillance that would have been unknown prior to the digital age.” In her court opinion, Justice Elena Kagan applied rulings from Katz v. United States and Carpenter v. United States, which established that collecting cell phone records requires reasonable cause. Kagan also mentioned the idea of personal privacy when it comes to location tracking.
“Whatever the form of an attempted incursion, the Fourth Amendment protects Americans’ long-held conviction that no government official should have free access to the most closely kept aspects of their lives,” Kagan said in her opinion. “In recent decades, this court has often confronted the challenge of adhering to those principles in the face of new technologies.”
We never could have imagined the expanse of technological power and how it would fall within the scope of the Constitution. AI is being used for everything from homework assignments to dating to facial recognition and surveillance. A concern amongst scholarly discussions on surveillance and criminology is about who is being surveilled.
Not only is privacy at risk, but we are becoming used to being watched. We are used to feeding our photos and personal information into our phones, telling AI personal tidbits, and videoing ourselves and each other. Video surveillance isn’t new, but it’s transforming.
The ruling of Chatrie v. United States could implicate other technology with surveillance capabilities, setting further privacy precedents and limiting the capacity for mass surveillance. This protection of privacy is crucial for checking the use of technology by the government in this rapid period of advancement. However, the ruling has yet to impact companies like Flock. Some opposed to the constant scrutiny of outsourced security cameras on street corners have begun dismantling them. Of note, there are 25 Flock cameras around Truckee and North Lake Tahoe.
As AI and surveillance become increasingly integrated into society, our phones ping cell towers that collect location data, apps track it, and Flock cameras register it with license plates. And location isn’t the only thing capable of being tracked. People share their most sensitive data with technology and cameras –– fingerprints, facial recognition, medical data, and more enhance the tracking of each individual who is online. Even if they’re not online, CCTV and Flock cameras can capture one’s movement. The advancement of technology, therefore, has also advanced the ability to control a population without the presence of humans who formally or informally enforce rules.
The implied right to privacy becomes scarce when technology can constantly police a society. It makes one wonder how protected the right to privacy is, especially where the government is involved.
Surveillance creates a power dynamic between those who are monitored, and those who do the monitoring. It is a part of governance and control whether by the United States or another entity entirely.
Though Chatrie v. United States is one ruling that could protect against the increasing usage of surveillance technology, we will have to see what happens as technology pushes the bounds of the Constitution.
It’s easy to dismiss parking as a nuisance. But our local parking issues tell us something bigger: people want to be here. This pull is both Lake Tahoe’s greatest strength and one of its greatest challenges.
Every additional visitor brings benefits to local businesses and vitality to our communities. But collectively, more people also mean gridlocked roads, crowded beaches and trailheads, pressure on housing and healthcare, wildlife conflicts, and greater strain on the very environment that draws us here in the first place.
As Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson notes in our story on Basin parking, a warming climate is likely to bring even more people to the Sierra in search of relief from the heat. That means today’s transportation debates aren’t temporary inconveniences — they’re previews of tomorrow.
So, the question isn’t whether people will continue coming. They will. The question is whether we’ll make the investments and decisions necessary to welcome them without all of us literally loving Tahoe to death — and whether we’ll each embrace our role as stewards.
Communities aren’t shaped by one parking lot, one ordinance, or one headline. They’re shaped by thousands of decisions about what we build, what we protect, and what we’re willing to say yes — and no — to. Those conversations may not always be easy, but they’re among the most important work we do together.
The question is whether we’ll make the investments and decisions necessary to welcome them without all of us literally loving Tahoe to death — and whether we’ll each embrace our role as stewards.
The good news is that none of these decisions happen in a vacuum. Parking plans, recreation policies, housing, healthcare, and environmental protections all move through public processes. They involve meetings, elected officials, agencies, and — perhaps most importantly — community members who choose to show up. Public meetings matter because they’re one of the places where our future is shaped. But stewardship takes many forms.
As reporter Megan Ramsey reminds us in Politics Briefs, the Constitution itself has never been static. It has evolved through debate, participation, and generations of Americans willing to engage. Our community is no different.
Stewardship begins with those in our care. Sometimes it means questioning long-held assumptions, even something as everyday as what we feed our pets. Over her nearly 20 years in the field, dog trainer Carla Brown has noticed a dramatic increase in health problems and behavior issues in her canine clients. This recognition led her to become a holistic pet health coach and investigate how we can make basic nutrition and health changes for dogs, shepherding a better outcome and future for them.
Stewardship also happens on playing fields, where generations of coaches have invested in young people, building not just winning teams but a culture strong enough to outlast any single season. Reporter/editor Jon Grant explores how Truckee High’s football program has become a dynasty whose legacy isn’t measured only in championships but in the generations of coaches and young people it has shaped. Without the stewards of the program, there would be no “Truckee Pride.”
This issue also celebrates the life of Wayne Poulsen, whose “shining example of a well-lived life, celebrating beauty in the world while respecting people and the land we share on this journey, is a rare gift.” His legacy is a reminder that stewardship doesn’t lay only in titles or accomplishments, but in showing up again and again for the place and people you love.
The future of Truckee/Tahoe won’t be decided by one public meeting or a single football game. It’ll be shaped, as it always has been, by the people who continue to show up, who care deeply, and who leave this place a little better than they found it.
Easy Ways to Build Attendee Wellness into Your Meeting at Tahoe Blue Event Center
Today’s attendees expect more than productive meetings—they’re looking for experiences that leave them feeling energized, inspired, and genuinely refreshed.
Fortunately, South Lake Tahoe makes that easy.
Located just steps from the shoreline and surrounded by mountain scenery, Tahoe Blue Event Center gives planners the opportunity to weave wellness into the agenda without adding complicated logistics. A 20-minute walk, a quick yoga session, or an express spa treatment can provide the reset attendees need before the next keynote or networking event.
Whether you’re planning a multi-day conference or looking to elevate a single afternoon break, here are a few planner-friendly wellness experiences that fit seamlessly into your schedule.
Start the Day Lakeside
There’s something about the crisp mountain air and calm waters of Lake Tahoe that immediately shifts your mindset.
Before the first session begins, invite attendees to gather at a Lake Tahoe beach for a guided breathwork or yoga session, light stretching, or a simple morning walk along the shoreline. Clearly Tahoe’s clear-bottom kayaking tours are well-known for a reason. Whether your group prefers a serene early morning paddle or the LED glow sunset tour, you’ll get to discover hidden coves and quiet moments that make the lake feel like it belongs only to you. Their expert local guides enhance the experience by sharing history, geology, and facts about the plants and animals of Lake Tahoe.
For the most unreal views and unforgettable experience, Lake Tahoe Balloons is an excellent treat for small groups.
Turn a Coffee Break into a Mountain Break
Networking doesn’t always have to happen inside the convention center. Even a short outdoor break helps attendees recharge while taking in one of the country’s most iconic alpine landscapes.
Just up the street from the Tahoe Blue Event Center, Van Sickle Bi-State Park offers miles of scenic hiking trails that begin practically at your doorstep. Planners can encourage attendees to take a short hike during longer breaks or organize small-group walking meetings through the towering pines and granite outcroppings.
Because trails vary in length and difficulty, groups can easily tailor the experience to fit a one-hour break or a longer afternoon of free time.
Schedule Time to Truly Recharge
Sometimes, the most productive thing attendees can do is slow down.
South Lake Tahoe is home to several wellness businesses that make it easy to add restorative experiences before or after meetings.
For something truly unique, Tahoe Forest Baths offers one of only two authentic Japanese cedar enzyme bath experiences in the United States. Guests relax in naturally heated cedar and living enzymes designed to promote relaxation, circulation, and recovery, with the option to finish their visit at an oxygen bar.
Looking for movement instead? OMNI Tahoe offers hot yoga, barre, dance, and therapeutic fitness classes that work well for small groups or individual attendees seeking an active reset. Those looking for quick recovery after travel can also visit Revive Well Tahoe, where IV hydration, wellness shots, and halotherapy help guests feel refreshed before another full day of meetings. Another excellent choice is Elevate Wellness, a premier facility offering many wellness treatments and an onsite apothecary and gift shop.
Fuel Better Conversations
Wellness doesn’t stop with movement.
South Lake Tahoe’s growing collection of health-conscious restaurants makes it easy to keep attendees feeling their best throughout the day. Schedule a networking breakfast at Sprouts Natural Food Café, enjoy fresh island-inspired fare at Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar, or plan a group lunch at Verde Mexican Rotisserie, where fresh ingredients and lighter options help attendees stay energized for afternoon sessions.
Wellness Plans for Every Forecast
One of the advantages of planning a meeting in South Lake Tahoe is having flexibility no matter the weather.
Sunny skies make outdoor wellness breaks effortless, while cooler temperatures provide the perfect excuse to unwind indoors. Schedule yoga at OMNI Tahoe, book book services at the Spa at Edgewood to pamper yourself, or simply utilize Tahoe Blue Event Center’s outdoor event lawn whenever conditions allow. The venue’s versatile indoor and outdoor spaces make wellness programming simple to incorporate throughout your event.
Meetings That Leave a Lasting Impression
The best meetings don’t just deliver valuable content—they leave attendees feeling better than when they arrived.
With walkable access to hiking trails, lakeside gathering spaces, wellness studios, restorative spa experiences, and nourishing dining, Tahoe Blue Event Center makes it remarkably easy to build moments of renewal into any agenda. Whether it’s a sunrise breathwork session, a midday walk through Van Sickle, or a cedar enzyme bath after the final keynote, these simple additions help transform meetings into memorable experiences.
When wellness is built into the schedule, everyone leaves with a little more energy, a little more inspiration, and every reason to come back.
Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.
Everyone should be able to experience awe-inspiring Lake Tahoe, especially working professionals who are constantly in front of their screens. Good thing the South Shore is full of accessible and adaptive experiences that planners can use when setting up accommodations for attendees and their travel companions. The mobility impaired, the visually impaired, and the hearing impaired can all enjoy Tahoe time, as well as those with cognitive, sensory, and mental health considerations.
Make the most of South Lake Tahoe’s 365 days of outdoor adventures and 24-hour entertainment scene. Choose from 143,000 square feet of event space options and over 10,000 hotel rooms nestled beside diverse restaurants, energizing nightlife, and epic views that are designed for every body and mind.
Accessible Activities
When it comes to team building, there’s plenty to do on the South Shore. Here are just a few of the opportunities available to your group. We also have this handy interactive accessibility map, highlighting locations with the best services to accommodate a wide range of accessibility needs.
Skiing
South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding programs with accommodations, including private lessons for bi-ski, 3 track, 4 track, and tethered skiing, as well as lessons catered to visual impairment, hearing impairment, and cognitive concerns. The resort’s gondola and mid-mountain observation deck are also fully accessible. And you have even more options to explore. Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood provide adaptive ski programs in addition to accessible lifts, restrooms, and guestrooms.
Camping
For accessible campsites, look no further than Campground by the Lake. Nevada Beach is another great option with campgrounds, paved paths, shoreline walkways, firm sand, and accessible facilities.
Tube Tahoe sets the standard with pristine snowy terrain and views of both Mt. Tallac and Echo Summit. Plus, they regularly host special needs community events.
Climbing
The climbing initiative at Blue Granite Climbing Gym promotes inclusivity while providing under-resourced youth and underrepresented populations the opportunity to experience rock climbing. They have adaptive tools available for use, and they often host events dedicated to the disabled community.
Scenic Cruises
Welcome aboard the M.S. Dixie II at Zephyr Cove. Its main deck, restrooms, dining spaces, and outdoor areas are accessible. And if you select the sunset dinner cruise option, get ready for unreal vistas of Emerald Bay.
Accessible Destinations
These recreational hubs are able to serve all kinds of visitors and will definitely enhance any agenda.
Beaches
Connelley Beach features ADA parking, Mobi-mats®, and an ADA outdoor restroom. With the Healthline Medical All Terrain Beach Wheelchair at Lakeside Beach, the Wheeleez Sandcruiser Wheelchair at El Dorado, and the Mister Boardwalk® walkway at Nevada Beach, your entire group can marvel at the stunning scenery.
Trails
The Ed Z’Berg Nature Trail at Sugar Pine Point State Park is a 0.7-mile paved loop with educational signage that guides you through a shaded forest. This park includes accessible picnic areas, restrooms, and a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier. Our Lake of the Sky Trail is unpaved but relatively flat, which means it’s suitable for some power chairs. The property also features an audio tour and information in Braille. Approximately 4 miles in length, the fully accessible Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is a paved route through towering pines and serene meadows.
Historic Sites
Originally coined the “Grandest Resort in the World”, Tallac Historic Site offers the chance to roam through the fully wheelchair-accessible Baldwin Museum, Valhalla Community Events Center, and Boathouse Theater.
A local haven filled with boutiques, eateries, and a movie theater, Heavenly Village contains wide, navigable walkways. You’ll find the wheelchair-accessible Heavenly Gondola here, as well as Braille signage at the Observation Deck.
Accessible Events
From adaptive ski days to Journey of Hope cycling, from red-carpet celebrations to community outreach, Access Tahoe is a grassroots organization dedicated to creating access for all. Visit their Instagram page for the most recent list of upcoming events.
Accessible Transportation
Traveling to Lake Tahoe without a car? No problem. Lake Link, the South Shore’s free public mico-transit system, provides on-demand, app-based rides. Our bus system is also free to use and ADA accessible. Our meetings district is compact and has wide, well-paved sidewalks, making the downtown area easy for all to enjoy.
Let’s Meet
The mountains are calling, and so is the continent’s largest alpine lake. You can answer by browsing event, meeting, and sports venues designed for gatherings of every size. Our wide range of lodging options provide luxury amenities, stunning scenery, and flexible spaces that deliver results instead of routine.
Located 6,224 feet above sea level, South Lake Tahoe elevates your experience at every turn. Ready to make a move? We’d love to see your RFP.
Explore Places to Stay
Stay in Lake Tahoe
Find the perfect accommodation that matches your unique preferences and ensures an unforgettable experience at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is an ancient marvel filled with 37 trillion gallons of 99.9% pure, sapphire blue water that we are fortunate to recreate in and around. Please respect its pristine nature and that of the surrounding forests and mountains by packing out all you pack in. If no trash container is handy or is filled, take your trash with you and find another appropriate receptacle.
Come Back Again. And Again.
Things to Do in Tahoe for Every Season
Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.
TAHOE BASIN, Calif. – A strong El Niño could bring above-average snowfall to the Tahoe region this winter, according to OpenSnow’s 2026-27 winter forecast.
Meteorologist Alan Smith said the developing “super El Niño” played a significant role in shaping Open Snow’s winter forecast, which draws on historical strong El Niño winters, oceanic and atmospheric conditions and seasonal climate models.
For California and Nevada, OpenSnow is forecasting above-normal snowfall, with January through March favored as the strongest part of the season. Northern areas of California, including the Tahoe region, are also expected to see above-normal temperatures.
While the forecast calls for a warmer-than-average winter in the Tahoe region, Smith cautioned that the outlook does not necessarily mean temperatures will reach the exceptional levels seen last winter.
“Last winter was exceptionally warm – the warmest on record for a large portion of the West,” Smith wrote. “It’s unlikely it will be that warm again this winter even if this above-average outlook verifies.”
El Niño could bring a wetter winter
OpenSnow is forecasting above-normal precipitation across much of the West Coast, including California and Nevada. Strong El Niño winters can bring warmer atmospheric rivers and higher snow levels to the Sierra, meaning some storms could produce rain at elevations that would typically receive snow.
“While major snow events can occur, warm atmospheric rivers that bring rain and high snow levels to the mountains can also occur,” Smith wrote.
A slower start
OpenSnow’s historical analogs point to a potentially slower start to the season, with December favored to be less active before conditions become more favorable for snow in the new year.
The strongest signal for above-average snowfall comes between January and March.
Across California’s ski regions, the signal for above-average snowfall is strongest in the Central Sierra, including Mammoth and China Peak, according to OpenSnow. Tahoe is also included in the broader area favored for above-average snowfall.
The forecast also notes that the 2015-16 El Niño winter, the most recent super El Niño, did not deliver the exceptionally wet and snowy conditions some forecasts had anticipated in the Tahoe region. Snowfall around Tahoe that year was near average.
Still, Smith said that winter represents only one historical example. When combined with other El Niño analog years and seasonal model data, OpenSnow found a strong enough signal to favor above-average precipitation and snowfall this season.
OpenSnow emphasized that seasonal forecasts are inherently uncertain because many atmospheric conditions cannot be predicted months in advance.
OpenSnow’s forecast covers more than 15 states across the United States and 10 countries around the globe
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On August 11, 2026, at approximately 6:36 p.m., South Lake Tahoe police officers responded to the report of a stabbing at Whole Foods. Officers arrived on scene and located a 42-year-old male victim of South Lake Tahoe, being tended to by witnesses in the outdoor seating area at Whole Foods. The victim had received multiple stabs wounds and was transported to Barton Hospital by ambulance. Officers learned the suspect had fled the area on foot and a description was obtained. Within 5 minutes, South Lake Tahoe offices located and detained the suspect on foot in the Ski Run area. The suspect was identified as a 15-year-old male juvenile of South Lake Tahoe.
Detectives were called out to the scene to continue the investigation. The investigation revealed the suspect and the victim are unknown to each other and the stabbing was unprovoked. The juvenile suspect was booked into the El Dorado County Juvenile Treatment Center for attempted murder and is being held without bail. The case remains an active investigation.
The victim remains in the hospital, in stable condition.
South Lake Tahoe Police Department would like to thank the members of the community on scene who took action to tend to the victim and provided critical information to the officers, which swiftly led to the arrest of the suspect.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The California Tahoe Conservancy has awarded a $2.2 million grant to the City of South Lake Tahoe to reduce wildfire risk for south shore communities and schools. The City will use the funds to facilitate fuel hazard reduction treatments on 213 acres of local public land, including:
137.5 acres of City-owned public land
41 acres of Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) land
35.3 acres of El Dorado County-owned public land.
The City and County land includes properties around the courthouse and law enforcement facilities at Al Tahoe Boulevard and Johnson Boulevard, at Bijou Community Park, and County open space lots. LTUSD properties to be treated include South Tahoe Middle School, Bijou Community School, Tahoe Valley Elementary School, Sierra House Elementary School, and Meyers Elementary School.
“The work this grant will fund is a great example of how partnerships can accomplish more together, faster, to protect communities and visitors,” said South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Division Chief Jay Manning.
The Conservancy awarded this grant using Climate Bond (Proposition 4) funds.
Forestry activities funded by this grant will reduce the quantity and continuity of the forest fuels that increase wildfire risk. By reducing fuels and thinning overcrowded forest on these public lands, these treatments will improve forest health and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire, protecting life and property of the residents and visitors to South Lake Tahoe.
All properties considered for fuel hazard reduction treatments under this grant are high priority for forest health and fuels reduction treatment, and include public lands along evacuation routes, as identified in the Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The LTUSD properties are also identified as temporary refuge areas—meaning spaces where community members or firefighters can seek refuge from flames and heat in a fire event where evacuation is no longer possible.”We’re thankful for the City of South Lake Tahoe’s leadership in advancing this effort, which will make south shore forested lands within the community more resilient and better prepared for wildfire,” said Conservancy Executive Director Jason Vasques.
The Conservancy and the City collaborated with Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) partners in developing this grant. The TFFT is a Basinwide partnership that includes 21 federal, Tribal, state, and local conservation, land management, and fire agencies. This grant advances the TFFT’s goals to improve wildfire resilience within the wildlife-urban interface, the areas where neighborhoods and forests meet.
Tahoe Resource Conservation District helped set the stage for this work by providing Registered Professional Forester services in developing the vegetation management plans for the projects.
Map showing City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, and El Dorado County parcels to be treated. Provided / CTC
Lake Tahoe has a reputation for dramatic peaks and rugged wilderness but tucked between those postcard views are dozens of trails perfect for families. These are the routes where strollers roll, snacks get shared on sun-warmed rocks, and the journey matters just as much as the destination. Many are short, relatively flat, and packed with scenery – ideal for keeping younger hikers engaged without exhaustion.
Pope-Baldwin Bike Path (South Lake Tahoe) If there’s a crown jewel for families, this is it. A paved, flat path winding along the shoreline, it’s more stroll than hike, but that’s the magic. Kids can bike, scoot, or wander while parents soak in uninterrupted lake views. Expect beaches, picnic stops, and plenty of shade. Why it ranks #1: Maximum scenery, minimum effort.
Eagle Rock Trail (West Shore) A short climb delivers one of the best panoramic views in Tahoe. The trail is under a mile, and the payoff – a sweeping overlook of the lake – is instant gratification for kids who need a quick win. Best for: Families who want “big views” without a big hike.
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop (Mount Rose Area) Wildflowers, boardwalks, and wide-open meadows make this one feel like a nature classroom. It’s gentle, stroller-friendly in parts, and often filled with birds and butterflies. Why families love it: Easy terrain + constant visual interest.
Cascade Falls Trail (Southwest Tahoe) A short walk leads to a dramatic overlook of cascading waterfalls and Lake Tahoe beyond. It’s the kind of place where kids stop mid-step and just stare. Highlight: Waterfall views without a long trek.
Spooner Lake Loop (East Shore) Flat, scenic, and encircling a peaceful alpine lake, this trail is tailor-made for families. There’s wildlife, shaded sections, and plenty of spots to pause. Perfect for: A relaxed half-day outing with younger kids.
Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake (Emerald Bay) A bit more adventurous but still doable for active families, this trail features waterfalls, granite steps, and a stunning alpine lake at the end. Why it stands out: A “real hike” experience without being overwhelming.
Fallen Leaf Lake Trail (South Lake Tahoe) Quiet, serene, and less crowded than Tahoe’s main attractions, this lakeside path offers calm waters and forested surroundings. Best for: Families seeking a peaceful escape.
Vikingsholm Trail (Emerald Bay) A short but steep descent leads to a historic Scandinavian-style castle on the lake. The return climb is the challenge but kids tend to forget that once they see the turquoise water below. Bonus: History + scenery in one outing.
Skunk Harbor Trail (East Shore) A hidden gem with a rewarding beach at the end. The trail is short but includes a moderate incline, making it ideal for families with slightly older kids. Why it’s special: Secluded shoreline vibes.
Rubicon Trail (D.L. Bliss to Emerald Bay) Longer than others on this list, but you can hike just a portion. With constant lake views and rocky coves, it’s one of Tahoe’s most iconic family-friendly routes. Tip: Do a shorter out-and-back section with younger hikers.
The Takeaway: Tahoe at Kid-Speed
Lake Tahoe’s best family trails aren’t about conquering peaks, they’re about discovery. A pinecone becomes treasure, a lake becomes a destination, and a half mile can feel like an expedition.
The secret? Choose trails with variety, short distances, and visual rewards, because when kids are engaged, everyone wins.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Bike and Recreation Guide.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — CASA El Dorado County invites the community to come together for its 3rd Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 26, from 12–4 p.m. at The Hangar Lake Tahoe, 2401 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Family Fun Day is all about celebrating our community and creating a fun, welcoming afternoon for local children and families. The event is free and open to everyone, with a variety of free activities for kids of all ages, including arts and crafts, games, and hands-on activities.
The annual event gives community members an opportunity to spend time together, enjoy an afternoon of family fun, and connect while learning more about CASA El Dorado County’s mission to advocate for children in foster care.
CASA El Dorado County extends a special thank you to Soroptimist South Lake Tahoe for sponsoring Family Fun Day and helping make the event accessible to the community, and to The Hangar Lake Tahoe for generously donating the venue and hosting this special day.
Admission and activities are free, and everyone is welcome. Bring the whole family and join CASA El Dorado County in celebrating the South Lake Tahoe community! For questions about Family Fun Day, please contact Natalie at natalie@casaeldorado.org.
(The Center Square) – Being convicted of a drunk or impaired driving offense even one time in California could now result in lengthier driving restrictions, and makes permanent a state law that requires the installation of ignition interlock devices in the cars of DUI drivers.
Assembly Bill 1830, authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Irvine, would require ignition interlock devices to be installed in the cars of someone convicted of a DUI after the first offense.
“The bill before us replaces a limited, repeatedly-extended pilot program with one permanent statewide ignition interlock devices program,” Petrie-Norris said in a Senate Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday morning. “This consolidates years of overlapping and sometimes conflicting statute into a single, coherent framework.”
According to Petrie-Norris, 35 other states also have permanent ignition interlock device requirements for all convicted drivers, including first-time drivers. Her bill would also require a 6-month-long driver’s license suspension after the first DUI offense. For first-time offenders who cause bodily injury after driving drunk, their license would be suspended for one year.
Under current law, first-time offenders can be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their cars for up to six months. Second-time DUI drivers are required to have an ignition interlock device for one year, and those convicted of subsequent DUI convictions can be required to have one for three years, according to the bill analysis.
Depending on the brand of ignition interlock device, it can cost DUI drivers $90 to $116 a month, since such devices are leased, not bought. Installation can cost $50 to $150, and they have to be recalibrated every 60 days, which comes with its own costs. California has a program for those whose income level falls at or below the federal poverty level where up to 90% of the costs of an ignition interlock device are covered by the state.
There are sentences imposed by this law on those convicted of drug-only DUI offenses, too, according to the bill analysis. The number of prior DUI convictions and special circumstances in each case could increase the amount of time a driver’s license is suspended for up to 60 months, according to a legislative analysis of the bill.
One of Petrie-Norris’s 2025 bills, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law, extended the sunset date on a pilot program under the California Department of Motor Vehicles that stipulates that first-time DUI offenders may be required to install ignition interlock devices in their cars. The sunset date on that program is now Jan. 1, 2033.
Those who testified in support of the bill on Tuesday said that many times, multiple DUI offenders could have been prevented from continuing to drink and drive if they had been required to install an ignition interlock device in their cars after their first conviction. Because judges often had discretion over whether to impose that sentence on first-time offenders, some continued to get behind the wheel after drinking – to deadly ends.
“The woman who killed my children has multiple DUIs,” Colin Campbell, a board member at Mothers Against Drunk Driving and father of two teenagers who died in a drunk driving accident, testified in the committee meeting on Tuesday. “There was a warrant out for her arrest for violation of probation on a previous DUI. Nothing was going to stop her from drinking and driving that night except a bill like AB 1830.”
Those who opposed the bill on Tuesday testified that requiring many first-time DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device in their car will affect individuals who are not likely to reoffend.
“Current law allows a judge to impose an IID on a first-time offense based on the circumstance of that specific case,” Ignacio Hernandez, an attorney who represented California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, testified in opposition. “We believe that is a better policy.”
The bill hearing follows a July 2026 announcement from the California Highway Patrol that the agency was awarding $41 million in taxpayer-funded grants to local law enforcement agencies, crime labs, local governments and nonprofits across the state to combat impaired driving.
The money came from Proposition 64, which California voters passed in 2016 and made marijuana legal under state law. Under Prop. 64, the California Highway Patrol is required to spend grant money on impaired driving education, prevention and enforcement.
The bill passed the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the Senate Transportation Committee.
CARSON CITY, Nev. — Barton Health welcomes orthopedic specialist Marco Mendoza, MD to Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Serving the Carson City and Carson Valley communities for more than nine years, Dr. Mendoza is committed to delivering exceptional care that helps patients find lasting relief and return to active, pain-free living.
Dr. Mendoza is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and fellowship-trained spine specialist. He is experienced in treating complex back and neck conditions and developing personalized surgical and non-surgical treatment plans to help patients achieve optimal spine health.
“Barton Health has long been recognized for providing exceptional orthopedic and sports medicine care to our community,” said Dr. Clint Purvance, President and CEO of Barton Health. “The addition of Dr. Mendoza expands our ability to provide specialized spine care and strengthens Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine’s commitment to meeting the needs of patients throughout the region.”
Dr. Mendoza earned his medical degree at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He then completed an orthopedic research fellowship and surgical residency at Northwestern University, followed by a spine surgery fellowship at OrthoCarolina Spine Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his free time, Dr. Mendoza enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding, golfing, and mountain biking.
Dr. Mendoza will see patients for their orthopedic needs at Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at both the Carson City and Carson Valley offices. Patients have access to comprehensive, coordinated orthopedic and sports medicine care close to home through Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. From diagnosis and imaging to surgical and non-surgical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, our specialists work seamlessly across Barton Health and Carson Valley Health to provide the right care at the right time. To make an appointment at Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, call 530.543.5554 or contact your primary care provider for a referral.
Sandcruiser Wheelchair at 
