SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On May 15, Ken Curtzwiler, who also goes by the moniker “Skibum” filed a petition for a harassment lawsuit and temporary restraining order against Mayor Cody Bass, which he received on May 26. Bass says, “I was truly shocked when I received the notice.”
Curtzwiler filed a temporary restraining order against Bass, which the court partially granted, requiring Bass to stay 100 yards away from Curtzwiler’s home, work and vehicle (though not granting the request to stay 25 yards away in any public space).
Bass and Curtzwiler have clashed publicly on social media in the past, but Curtzwiler says that he considered those interactions harassment after he posted police reports regarding incidents that Bass had at Lake Tahoe Aleworx.
Curtzwiler says that Bass replied to those posts saying that he “[belonged] in a cage” and that he “[belonged] to a gang that kills people.” Curtzwiler also alleged that Bass implied that Curtzwiler was involved with former mayor Tamara Wallace’s embezzlement.
Curtzwiler went on to say that Bass defamed him, causing him to lose contracts and business relations. He alleged that in December 2025 during a local memorial concert at McP’s Taphouse Grill that Bass shouted at him and said he intended to fight him. “Bass’ continued threats of ‘kicking my ass’ are alarming and demonstrate an imminent and ongoing credible threat of violence.'”
The exhibits included in the lawsuit include two police reports from incidents at Lake Tahoe Aleworx on June 22, 2025 and August 24, 2023, where Bass was involved in altercations with others. The incident on June 22 was with Bob Hoyopatubbi, security supervisor at Aleworx. These exhibits, along with a South Tahoe Now article on Bass’ arrest for possession of banned substances, were used to claim that Bass’ drug and alcohol use contributed to altercations under the influence.
“I have reviewed the restraining order and it’s full of many mistruths, I have never in anyway threatened Mr. Curtzwiler,” said Bass. He told the Tribune that about two years ago, he began to receive online harassment from Curtzwiler. “As most people have seen on social media it has been Mr. Curtzwiler that has attempted so many times to defame my character.”
Curtzwiler also alleged in the lawsuit that his wife moved to Idaho “and refused to return because of fear of Mr. Bass’ conduct.” Bass noted that Curtzwiler’s wife moved to Idaho prior to these incidents occurring.
While a temporary restraining order was filed, as is typical for harassment suits, Bass said he was confident a permanent restraining order would not be filed. Bass and Curtzwiler will have a hearing in court on June 17. The Tribune will provide updates on the case as it develops.
While researching this article, a social media post began circulating stating Bass was forced to leave Lucky Beaver on Saturday, May 23. The Tribune has not yet been able to verify the veracity of the claims. Bass denies the allegations.
