News Briefs

Nevada Issues Temporary Order Allowing the Sale of Non-Cage-Free Eggs

NEVADA

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Quarantine Officer Director J.J. Goicoechea, DVM, has temporarily suspended Nevada’s cage-free egg law. Beginning Feb. 20, eggs for retail sale can be sourced from any egg producer meeting food-safety guidelines, regardless of whether the eggs originated from hens in a cage-free housing system. This order was issued to address the strain on egg supplies and high egg prices in Nevada.

In 2021, Nevada passed cage-free egg regulations requiring all eggs sold in Nevada to be sourced from cage-free hens. “Cage-free” is defined as eggs from hens in an enclosure in which they are unrestricted and free to roam, with a total space of at least 1 square foot per hen in the enclosure. As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to impact the poultry industry, particularly cage-free egg producers, the supply of cage-free eggs has been significantly reduced.

During the current 83rd Legislative Session, Assembly Bill 171 was passed and signed allowing for the temporary suspension of cage-free regulations for up to 120 days in emergencies. Director Goicoechea issued the order, beginning the 120-day period, on Feb. 20. This order also allows for the sale of “Grade B” quality standard eggs. These eggs must meet all of the food safety requirements of “Grade A” eggs, but may have different colors, shapes, and sizes.

~ Nevada Department of Agriculture press release

Exploring Incorporation of North Lake Tahoe

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

For the past 2 years, a group of volunteers have been looking into the idea of incorporating Eastern Placer County. They are holding their first public meeting on Feb. 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Granlibakken Tahoe Conference Center in Tahoe City. 

Members of the volunteer Eastern Placer Future Interim Executive Committee will provide a summary briefing on work to further explore creating a community-based municipal government (such as a town) to serve the greater North Lake Tahoe area of Eastern Placer County. There will be multiple question and answer opportunities. 

The agenda will cover topics such as: the case for local decision-making; summary of work to date, including preparation of an initial fiscal feasibility review; overview and purpose of Eastern Placer Future, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit preparing an application for submittal to the Placer County Local Agency Formation Commission; the fundraising campaign; and next steps.

Sign up for updates at easternplacerfuture.org. The group also has a fundraising page: gofund.me/24c6ee5d. 

~ Easter Placer Future press release

Recreation and Aquatics Center Project Will Not Move Forward

TAHOE CITY

After completing a multi-year study on the feasibility of building a Recreation and Aquatics Center in North Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) and the North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) have decided not to pursue the jointly led project due to funding constraints. 

The TCPUD and NTPUD Board of Directors determined that, based on voter polling results and projected costs of the project, it is not feasible to move forward with a special tax measure to fund the facility at this time.

The conceptual project, considered at the Firestone Property in Dollar Hill, would have initially cost approximately $77 million to construct and the budget would need to consider additional annual operating costs. The proposed facility envisioned a 6-lane lap pool, a leisure pool, a multi-sport gymnasium, a fitness equipment area, large group exercise rooms, and an indoor walking track. Due to constraints on existing property tax revenues, the districts would not be able fund the project without a new revenue source.

A property tax assessment of approximately $600 per parcel per year would have been necessary to build and operate the proposed facility. Polling of likely voters found that support fell short of the required approval level, primarily due to costs.

Several projects are already complete or are underway, including new tennis and pickleball courts in the North Tahoe Regional Park and improvements to parks, athletic fields, and other existing facilities in Tahoe City and the West Shore.

For more information, visit northtahoerec.org.

~ North Tahoe Public Utility District and Tahoe City Public Utility District press release

Youth Winter Preparedness Week

NEVADA COUNTY

Office of Emergency Services Youth Intern Tony Kinderman encourages Nevada County youth to educate themselves on emergency preparedness. Kinderman launched Youth Winter Preparedness Week on Nevada County’s social media, including how-to videos on using chains and packing a “stay bag” in case of winter storms. 

According to Kinderman, young people can make a difference in emergency situations by signing up for Code Red Emergency Alerts, knowing their wildfire evacuation zone, what’s in their family’s emergency kit and where it is, and learning how to drive in the snow.

Kinderman and the Office of Emergency Services added a section to the Ready Nevada County website for youths. For more information on youth emergency preparedness, visit readynevadacounty.org/youthpreparedness. 

~ Nevada County opinion editorial

Tahoe-Based Nonprofit Docu-Series on What Lies Beneath Nation’s Lakes

LAKE TAHOE

A new documentary series digs deep into the hard work and dedication that happens behind the scenes of a Tahoe-based nonprofit called Clean Up the Lake’s grassroots team, showcasing their commitment to preserving our freshwater lakes. Through compelling character development, beautiful cinematography, and thoughtful storytelling, What Lies Beneath invites viewers to join the team on their eco-missions across the country. 

Produced by Clean Up the Lake’s media division, M.A.D. Media (Make A Difference Media), What Lies Beneath takes viewers beneath the surface of lakes across the Tahoe Basin, the Sierra Nevada, and even as far as Minnesota. Viewers will witness the challenges the team faces and the solutions they’re implementing to combat invasive species, restore aquatic ecosystems, and safeguard historical underwater treasures. 

What Lies Beneath premieres at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee on March 6 at 7 p.m. and South Lake Brewing Company on March 8 at 7:30 p.m. The docu-series premieres online on March 9 on the M.A.D. Media YouTube.

~ Clean Up the Lake press release

KidZone Museum Project Approved by Planning Commission

TRUCKEE

The Town of Truckee Planning Commission approved the KidZone Museum Development Permit, officially opening the way for the museum to advance its plans to expand and relocate to the Truckee River Regional Park.

The KidZone Museum Full Steam Ahead Capital Campaign has thus far raised more than $6 million from investments by individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the project. A phased approach is planned for construction, which will allow the museum to break ground sooner, avoid escalating costs, and replace the museum’s rapidly deteriorating tent structure.

Phase 1 includes the design and construction of a new 6,500-square-foot children’s museum:

• The Play Floor imaginary play exhibits and custom climbing structure.
• The Saplings area for infants and toddlers.
• The Sunrise Spot for sensory development.
• The STEAM Center for hands-on creativity and problem solving.
• Flex Space for parties, workshops and after-school programs for teens and tweens.
• PLUS — The Great Outdoors, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor area 

The Full Steam Ahead Capital Campaign will continue to focus on reaching a $9 million goal for construction of Phase 1.

Phase 2 will include an additional 4,000 square feet for dedicated traveling and permanent hands-on exhibits, a dedicated space for teens and tweens, and the Cafe Teaching Kitchen.

~ KidZone Museum press release

Overdose Prevention Education and Resources in Tahoe

TRUCKEE

Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition alerts of reports from local providers of an increase in suspected overdoses in the Truckee/Tahoe area related to cocaine laced with fentanyl. 

The best way to prevent overdose deaths is to remember prevention best practices and harm reduction tools, including having naloxone easily accessible if people are using drugs. The recent reports were of cocaine laced with fentanyl.

Counterfeit pills or other street drugs may include lethal doses of fentanyl. Naloxone is easy to use and carry, and can be administered without medical training on anyone at risk, as there are no negative effects on someone without opioids in their system.

To request free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, or other harm reduction supplies, check out:

• Tahoe Forest Health System: text or call (530) 606-0914 or visit the Emergency Department at 10121 Pine Ave. in Truckee or 880 Alder Ave. in Incline Village 
• Nevada County Behavioral/Public Health: Visit 10075 Levon Ave. in Truckee and access free health supplies, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips, at the vending machine available on first-floor entryway from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
• The Speedy Foundation: text or call (208) 471-8904 
• Gateway Mountain Center: text or call (530) 426-2110 or visit 10038 Meadow Way, Unit C, in Truckee from 12 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Learn about other local free harm reduction services at knowoverdosenc.com/local-resources.

Placer County also announced the upcoming launch of the state’s first official fentanyl probation educational program.

~ Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition alert, Placer County District Attorney media advisory

Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up

Nevada County Arts Council Announces 2025 Poet Laureate

NEVADA CITY

Nevada County Arts Council proudly announces the appointment of Truckee-based writer and educator Karen Terrey as the 2025 Nevada County Poet Laureate. The transition will be marked by two celebratory “Passing of the Laurels” events, honoring both outgoing Poet Laureate Kirsten Casey and welcoming Terrey into her new role. These gatherings, filled with poetry and camaraderie, underscore the ongoing vibrancy of Nevada County’s literary community.

Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, Terrey was selected by a committee of literary and arts professionals, along with Nevada County Library staff. Her deep-rooted commitment to the region’s literary scene, her published works, and her vision for community engagement made her the ideal candidate.

Terrey, who earned her MFA from Goddard College in 2007, founded Tangled Roots Writing, a hub for literary mentorship and workshops. She teaches poetry and creative writing at Sierra College’s Tahoe-Truckee Campus.

Her poetry collection, Bite and Blood (Finishing Line Press, 2015), reflects her distinctive voice, one that she hopes to amplify in this new role. 

Nevada County’s literary community will come together to celebrate this transition of poetic leadership at two special events. Alibi Ale Works in Truckee hosts Karen Terry and Kirsten Casey on March 4 at 5:30 p.m. for a conversation, poetry reading, and open mic. The Stone House in Nevada City hosts the Western Nevada County Passing of the Laurels Ceremony on March 29 at 6:30 p.m.

~ Nevada County Arts Council press release

Business Briefs

Alibi Ale Works Brewery & Barrel House to Close

INCLINE VILLAGE

Alibi Ale Works has made the difficult but necessary decision to close its Brewery & Barrel House location in Incline Village and sell that property. This choice was not made lightly, but it is an essential step toward ensuring the long-term health of the business.

The good news? Alibi is here to stay! Alibi’s public houses in Incline Village and Truckee will remain open and thriving, continuing to serve beers, food, and experiences. Alibi’s core beers and many seasonals/one-offs will still flow from its taps, and patrons will continue to find Alibi beer in grocery stores, bars, and restaurants across the region. Moving forward, Alibi will partner with another trusted brewery to produce beers, ensuring it maintains the quality and consistency expected. 

Like many small breweries, Alibi faced rising costs and a slowing craft beer market. Continuing to operate in the Incline brewery building became financially untenable. To adapt, Alibi is leaning into its incredible public houses, the vibrant community that gathers around them, and producing beer more efficiently through partnerships. This transition will allow Alibi to reduce overhead, stabilize their business, and continue delivering the Alibi experience Tahoe knows and loves.

~ Alibi Ale Works letter to Incline Village Crystal Bay Community & Business Association

Paramount+’s The Lodge Returns to Palisades Tahoe

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Palisades Tahoe is once again bringing Hollywood to the mountains with the return of Paramount+’s ‘The Lodge’ from Feb. 28 through March 2. Located in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, this event merges the thrill of winter sports with the magic of entertainment, offering an immersive and interactive experience for guests of all ages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to dive into an extended lineup of fan-favorite Paramount+ titles, from the Montana frontier of 1923 to the jellyfish fields of SpongeBob SquarePants. Fans of “Dora” and “Paw Patrol” can step into engaging environments and activities designed for the whole family to enjoy.

For those seeking adventure, “Survivor” fans can channel their inner Jeff Probst in an interactive Tribal Council experience, while “Yellowjackets” enthusiasts will be drawn into a chilling campsite featuring eerie nods to the hit series.

Inside The Lodge, guests can explore a cozy, cabin-inspired retreat, enjoy delicious culinary offerings, and immerse themselves in unique interactive elements inspired by their favorite shows and films. Visitors can capture and share special moments set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, making this the perfect après-ski destination for entertainment lovers.

Admission to The Lodge is completely free, with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, registration is required to reserve an exclusive one-hour immersive adventure, and space is limited—early sign-ups are encouraged.

~ Palisades Tahoe press release