News Briefs

Applications Open for 2025/26 Community Wildfire Prevention Grants

TRUCKEE

Truckee Fire is accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Prevention Grant Program. This funding opportunity, made possible through Measure T, supports local efforts to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and enhance community preparedness.

Residents, neighborhood groups, HOAs, nonprofits, and other organizations within the Truckee Fire Protection District are encouraged to apply for funding to implement projects that strengthen wildfire resilience. Eligible projects must fall into one of the following categories: forest fuels reduction, community wildfire preparedness, or wildfire prevention education.

Grant applications are due by May 2 at 5 p.m. Truckee Fire will host virtual grant workshops on March 6, 13, 20, and April 3 to provide guidance for the application process and project planning. Complete information on the program, including grant guidelines and workshop registration, can be found at truckeefire.org/grants.

~ Truckee Fire Protection District press release

Tahoe Environmental Report Shows Progress, Challenges

LAKE TAHOE

More than 90% of measurable standards of Lake Tahoe’s environmental health are stable or improving, according to a draft report the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) presented to the agency’s Governing Board. The peer-reviewed 2023 Draft Threshold Evaluation identifies several areas that need more attention, better monitoring, or more research. The 4-year report compiles scientific data on 140 indicators of environmental quality in the Tahoe Basin and measures the progress of science-based policies and restoration programs under the bi-state Tahoe Regional Plan.

In addition to TRPA’s growth management system and limits on development, findings in the report show significant progress is coming from the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), which is considered one of the most successful conservation programs in the nation.

Several overarching issues emerged during the 2020/23 reporting period:

• Wildfires in and outside the Basin are impacting single-day and short-term air quality standards.
• The lake’s winter clarity measurements continue to improve while clarity in summer declines.
• The New Zealand mudsnail discovery in 2023 and newly adopted targets for aquatic invasive plants require continued work.
• Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and VMT per capita have decreased, while shifting recreation patterns strained popular roadway corridors.

TRPA will be collecting public and partner input on the draft evaluation over the next few months. The agency will present a final report to the TRPA Governing Board in June that will include recommended actions. The threshold evaluation summary, detailed findings, and feedback survey are available at thresholds.laketahoeinfo.org/ThresholdEvaluation/Index/2023.

~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency news release

New Scholarships Empower Community Engagement

LAKE TAHOE

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is accepting applications for a new scholarship program that empowers Lake Tahoe community members to engage in the planning process as part of the Tahoe Living initiative to update affordable and workforce housing policies.

Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin is a multi-year project to modernize land use policies and the regional growth management system to make housing more accessible while maintaining and improving environmental protections. A core focus of the program is to establish long-term, two-way engagement between communities and agencies, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups, according to TRPA.

Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin scholarships will award up to $25,000 to help individual community members participate in training courses that provide background knowledge on subjects like planning, environmental regulations, growth management, public safety, and zoning. Most awards will be up to $1,600, with one $3,000 scholarship to assist an individual in attending a conference. The scholarships are a companion to TRPA’s Community Academy webinar series and allow for education, discussion, and hands-on learning experiences.

The Community Academy webinar series is open to the public and recordings can be viewed at tahoeliving.org.

Anyone who is a full-time resident of the Tahoe Basin, a seasonal resident, or works in the Basin is welcome to apply. Scholarship recipients should represent a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and communities. Applications and more information on eligibility are available at tahoeliving.org/engagement-approach.

~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency news release

Tahoe Fund Opens Application for New Teen Giving Program

TAHOE CITY

Tahoe is soon to have a new generation of philanthropic leaders thanks to the formation of the Teens for Tahoe Giving Circle. High school students with a passion for Lake Tahoe are encouraged to apply for this new program, which is part of the Tahoe Fund’s Teens for Tahoe initiative and begins this spring. 

Modeled after the highly successful program offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, this 10-week course is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12 who want to deepen their connection to Lake Tahoe through philanthropy. Participants will learn about nonprofit organizations, effective giving strategies, and financial analysis. 

The program, which will take place remotely via Zoom during the Spring 2025 semester, will provide 25 students with the knowledge and tools to make meaningful charitable decisions. When the course concludes, participants will have $10,000 to distribute to a project of their choice from the Tahoe Fund’s portfolio of environmental improvement projects.

Applications are open now and due March 7. Applicants will be notified of their status by March 10. Meetings will occur virtually for one hour each week for 10 weeks and participants will earn 10 to 15 hours of community service. 

Learn more and apply here.

~ Tahoe Fund press release

Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up

TCDA Welcomes New Staff, Board Members

TAHOE CITY

The Tahoe City Downtown Association has announced its new staff and board members. Katherine Hill has been named the executive director and Pam Pokorny is the new event manager. Both started their positions in March. 

As executive director, Hill will spearhead the organization’s business advocacy efforts; work with officials to promote the interests of local businesses; support beautification efforts; and focus on goals outlined in the organization’s strategic plan. 

Pokorny will oversee the organization’s events including the Food & Wine Classic, Oktoberfest, Concerts at Commons and 4th of July celebrations, which will include returning to a fireworks display in 2025. 

TCDA also recently held its elections and welcomed new board members Lisa Boudreau of the Tahoe City Farmer’s Market, John Lincoln of Tahoe Dave’s and Wendy Poore of West Lake Properties. Incumbent board members who were reelected are Robb Olson, Lindsay Fuerst and John Crus. 

The TCDA represents members in Tahoe City, the West Shore, Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley. 

The TCDA Board of Directors meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m. at the TCPUD Board Room and all are welcome. If you are interested in becoming involved with TCDA projects, contact [email protected]. If you are interested in volunteering for a TCDA event, contact [email protected]. Learn more at visittahoecity.org.

~ Tahoe City Downtown Association press release

Business Briefs

Palisades Tahoe Brings Back Town Race League Series

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Palisades Tahoe is excited to announce the return of the Town Race League Series, an iconic community event that has been on hiatus for several years. In celebration of the resort’s 75th anniversary, Palisades Tahoe is reviving this beloved race series, offering locals a fun and competitive way to spend their winter evenings.

The Palisades Tahoe Town Race League Series will kick off on March 5, welcoming skiers and snowboarders of all abilities to compete in a friendly alpine racing competition. The series will continue every Wednesday night from March 5 through April 9, with a new theme each week and a prize for the best-dressed racer.

The Town Race League Series is more than just a competition — it’s a chance for local skiers and riders to gather, challenge themselves, and enjoy the camaraderie of the Palisades Tahoe community. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just looking for a fun way to spend an evening on the slopes, this event is the perfect way to cap off the winter season.

For more information and to register, visit the website.

~ Palisades Tahoe press release

Peak Digital Studio Acquires Restaurant Den

TRUCKEE

Peak Digital Studio, a one-stop-shop for digital services including design, web development, and social media, proudly announces the acquisition of Restaurant Den, an industry-leading provider of website design and online ordering solutions for restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and more. This strategic acquisition enhances Peak Digital Studio’s ability to serve the food and hospitality industry with beautiful and impactful websites that bring in more customers with online ordering systems and expand revenue potential.

The acquisition will allow Restaurant Den’s existing clients to benefit from Peak Digital Studio’s expanded suite of services, including web development, strategy, social media, and innovative design solutions. Clients can expect a seamless transition with continued support and enhancements to their digital presence.

For more information on Peak Digital Studio and its services, visit peakdigitalstudio.com.

~ Peak Digital Studios press release