News Briefs

Public Comment Period Open for Draft Sand Harbor State Park Master Plan

INCLINE VILLAGE

The Nevada Division of State Parks invites the public to review and provide feedback on the development of the Draft Sand Harbor State Park Master Plan. The comment period is open through April 14.

A master plan serves as a guiding document that outlines a vision for the future development and management of a park and lays the foundation for park improvements and enhancements. The Draft Sand Harbor Master Plan presents a preferred approach for a new layout at Sand Harbor, based on ideas gathered from the public during last year’s survey process.

The public is encouraged to review and comment on elements of the draft master plan through an interactive presentation available here.

For those unable to comment via the presentation, comments may be submitted via email to [email protected]. Comments may also be sent in writing to:

Attention: Sand Harbor Master Plan
Nevada Division of State Parks
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
901 S Stewart St., Suite 5005
Carson City, NV 89701

Comments must be received or postmarked by April 14.

Public participation is a crucial component of this planning process, ensuring that Sand Harbor continues to provide high-quality experiences for visitors. Nevada State Parks looks forward to receiving feedback from the community.

~ Nevada Division of State Parks press release

Truckee Awarded $839,250 in Caltrans Funding for Guardrail Replacement

TRUCKEE

The Town of Truckee has been awarded $839,250 in funding through the California Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to remove and replace damaged roadway guardrails. This grant, announced on Feb. 21, is part of a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing safety on roads, bikeways, and trails. The funding will be used to address aging infrastructure and damage caused by collisions at identified locations.

The successful application, one of 288 awarded statewide, was led by Engineering Technician Blake Kloczl with critical input from Street Maintenance Supervisor Kyler Coxson, who recognized the need for guardrail upgrades. This marks the second time the Town of Truckee has received an HSIP grant for guardrail replacement, following a previous award in 2018.

Construction of this project is anticipated to begin in 2026, further improving safety for all users of the town’s roadways. The town appreciates the efforts of all involved and looks forward to the positive impact this project will have on local infrastructure.

~ Town of Truckee press release

Court Finds Permanent Resident Exception in Measure T Unconstitutional

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

In a lawsuit brought against the City of South Lake Tahoe by South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group, the El Dorado County Superior Court found Measure T’s permanent resident exception unconstitutional in violation of the Dormant Commerce Clause and struck the measure.

Measure T was a citizen’s initiative to prohibit short-term vacation home rentals (VHRs) in residentially-zoned areas after 2021, passed by voters of South Lake Tahoe in 2018 with a 58-vote margin. Under Measure T, VHRs were still allowed in the Tourist Core and non-residentially-zoned areas, and included an exception for VHRs of permanent residents’ dwellings. These permanent residents claimed homeowners property tax exemptions. The City of South Lake Tahoe argued that Measure T advances the purpose of preventing nuisances, but the court did not find this to be a legitimate public purpose.

The ruling that the exception for permanent residents is unenforceable makes the remainder of Measure T non-functional according to its intended purpose of restricting VHRs.

~ El Dorado Superior Court ruling

Truckee Town Council Approves Workforce Housing Pilot Project

TRUCKEE

The Town of Truckee has approved a partnership with Paradigm8/Sagemodern to develop Edmunds Lofts, a 12-unit workforce housing project on Edmunds Drive. This pilot project aims to provide deed-restricted housing for local workers by leveraging a public-private partnership model. 

Deed-restriction is a process that ensures the housing units are sold or rented at affordable rates to local workers. The town will facilitate the transfer of town-owned land to the development team, in addition to making staff resources and permitting available as a project contribution. The developer will design, finance, and construct the energy-efficient, all-electric units.

The project was designed with sustainability in mind and includes studios and one-bedroom apartments with provisions for rooftop solar panels. The initiative aligns with Truckee’s commitment to addressing housing affordability while supporting environmental goals.

This approval marks a major step in expanding local housing options and ensuring that Truckee’s workforce can live in the community they serve. The town, in partnership with Paradigm8/Sagemodern, is excited to bring this innovative project to life and will continue seeking similar solutions to meet our housing needs. 

~ Town of Truckee press release

Residents Blast Kiley at Heated Empty Chair Town Hall

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

South Lake Tahoe residents voiced strong concerns and disapproval about Congressman Kevin Kiley’s representation at a well-attended District 3 town hall meeting. 

Kiley had been invited repeatedly by community members to a town hall meeting that occurred at Lake Tahoe Community College without him. He never acknowledged the invitation and did not attend the event. 

Three rallies were held near locations where Kiley was expected to appear throughout the day: Heavenly California Base Area, the South Tahoe High School, and the Beach Retreat. The protesters held signs demanding that Kiley listen to constituents. Kiley took a tour of the high school and held other private meetings. 

Reports emerged that South Lake Tahoe High School students were prevented from staging a walkout and, according to multiple sources, “Kevin Kiley was locked out from going to the theatre and music rooms.” In a notable moment, a student reportedly marched around Kiley while carrying a pride flag. Students attended the town hall and spoke about the events that transpired at the high school. 

Susan Norman, retired USFS employee with ties to current employees, shared that USFS workers were not allowed to reach out to Kiley to voice concerns, but had to wait for Kiley to reach out to them. After the town hall, an attorney present shared that it’s illegal to prevent USFS workers from reaching representatives.

Attendees wrote strongly worded letters voicing their concerns to be mailed to his office. 

~ CA District 3 Community press release

Excellence in Education Celebrates Its Giving Season

TRUCKEE

The Excellence in Education Foundation was founded on a simple but meaningful mission: to support students, teachers, and schools across the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). Every year, through the community’s generosity, the foundation raises funds to support innovation in classrooms, inspire students in their academic journeys, and recognize outstanding educators and staff members. Now, it’s time to give back. 

The foundation is excited to pour those donations back into TTUSD, funding teacher grants, opening scholarship opportunities, and celebrating the educators who make a difference every day. This March, the impact of local generosity can be felt through three key initiatives:

• Grants: Applications are now open for TTUSD teachers, with over $250,000 in funding available to bring innovative projects to life. These grants directly support educational resources, hands-on learning opportunities, and creative tools that enrich student experiences.
• Scholarships: Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the McGinity Scholarship and Rising Educators Scholarship, which provide TTUSD graduating seniors with financial support to advance their studies in healthcare and education.
• Recognizing Excellence:The foundation seeks nominations to honor outstanding educators and staff members. Nominations for the Linda Brown Fellow and Star Awards are now open, offering the community an opportunity to recognize the dedication of TTUSD’s best.

The Excellence in Education Board of Directors will soon award teacher grants and select scholarship and award recipients. To learn more about the foundation’s programs, apply for grants or scholarships, or donate, visit exined.org.

~ Excellence in Education press release

North Tahoe Chamber Awards Nearly $625,000 in TOT-TBID Dollars For Events

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

At the recommendation of the volunteer Business and Chamber Advisory Committee, the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) Board of Directors recently awarded $362,500 in funds generated by the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) to 29 events scheduled to take place in North Lake Tahoe in 2025. This is in addition to $262,000 in TBID dollars previously awarded to 11 events funded prior to the start of the winter season, for a total of nearly $625,000 in support of 40 events this year.

For this latest round of funding, a simplified event evaluation scoring system was implemented to incorporate Return on Investment (ROI) metrics supporting community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic impact. Each event’s traffic management and sustainability plans were also evaluated, with organizers responsible for identifying and outlining how they will mitigate the impacts of tourism on the community and environment.

Some of 2025 events that receive TBID funding include:

• 2025 Mothership Classic – March 23
• US Freestyle National Championship – March 24 to 31
• Stewarding Knowledges – May 17
• Made in Tahoe Spring and Fall – May 24 to 25; Oct. 11 to 12

Learn more about the 2025 events funded here, and the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program here.

~ North Tahoe Chamber press release

Remembrance Day Honors Veterans’ Sacrifices

RENO

An annual ceremony to remember Vietnam War veterans will be held March 29 at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno. The featured speaker is Col. Jackson T. Doan, the commanding officer of the U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center and a 1975 Vietnam War refugee.

Although the event begins at 2 p.m., military and outreach organizations will be set up at the student center an hour earlier to hand out information or answer questions. The public is invited to this free nonpolitical event. Guests will also see the laying of the wreaths, hear guest speakers, and reflect on the lives lost during the playing of Taps.

Organizers extend an invitation for veterans from Nevada and eastern California to attend, reflect and mingle with other men and women who served in the military and specifically Southeast Asia.

This year’s theme of the Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day is “Honor & Sacrifice” and is presented by Vietnam veterans, Gold Star families, and other veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Other guest speakers include Congressman Mark Amodei, an Army veteran who represents District 2; Brig. Gen. D. Rodger “Dan” Waters, the adjutant general for Nevada; retired Nevada Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Peyerl; Dr. Spring Melody Myers, the community engagement partnership coordinator for the Veterans Affairs in Reno; and Douglas County resident Jeff Evans, a Gold Star family member.

Additionally, the remembrance day recognizes thousands of Nevada veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

~ Nevada News Group press release

Empowering Youth Through 4-Day Wilderness Adventures and Scholarships

LAKE TAHOE

The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRTA) is thrilled to announce registration for its 2025 Youth Backcountry Camps (YBCC) is now open, offering youth aged 12 to 17 an immersive 4-day backcountry experience in the Tahoe Basin. These camps are designed to challenge participants, foster new friendships, and deepen their connection to the natural world.

Program highlights include hands-on learning, personal growth experiences, and disconnecting from technology. Campers will engage in backcountry living skills, Leave No Trace principles, local ecology and geology, outdoor leadership, and team building activities. YBCC emphasizes working collaboratively, developing leadership abilities, making group decisions, and cultivating self-reliance in a wilderness setting. YBCC doesn’t allow any technology on YBCC trips, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in nature.

TRTA is committed to making these transformative experiences available to all interested youth. The program operates on a sliding scale fee structure, allowing families to pay what they are able. Additionally, full scholarships are available to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder participation.

Interested participants can register by visiting: tahoerimtrail.org/youth-backcountry-camps.

~ Tahoe Rim Trail Association press release

Washoe County Property Tax Exemption Renewals Mailed

WASHOE COUNTY

Washoe County Assessor Chris S. Sarman is mailing the annual Property Tax Exemption Renewal Notices to qualified veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and blind persons. The Assessor’s Office reminds exemption holders that in order to apply the exemption toward real property taxes, the renewal must be filed with the Assessor’s office by June 15. Exemption holders may also apply the exemption toward the Government Service Tax of their vehicle registration with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles or toward their personal property taxes such as a mobile home or aircraft. The renewal form may be filed by mail, online, in-person, or by email.

Online Exemption Renewals website: washoecounty.gov/assessor/exemptions

Assessor’s Office Email: [email protected]

Assessor’s Office Phone Number: (775) 328-2277

Property tax exemptions are available to bona fide Nevada residents who meet the requirements set in Nevada Revised Statutes for a surviving spouse, blind person, veteran, disabled veteran, or surviving spouse of a disabled veteran. Exemptions can be applied toward real property tax, personal property tax, or toward the Government Service Tax of a vehicle registration at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. 

The deadline to apply in order to have an exemption applied to real property tax for the 2025/26 fiscal year is June 15, 2025. Applications for property tax exemption can be found on the Assessor’s website at washoecounty.gov/assessor/forms. 

~ Washoe County news release

Public Charter School Advocates Raise Concerns About Education Legislation

NEVADA

Nevada’s public charter schools, serving nearly 72,000 students statewide, are dedicated to providing high-quality, innovative education that meets the diverse needs of students. However, recent legislative developments, particularly Senate Bill 318 (SB318), have raised concerns among educators and families about potential negative impacts on student success.

SB318 was introduced on March 11 and brought before the Senate Committee on Education on March 19.

SB318 seeks to prohibit public charter school boards from partnering with Educational Management Organizations (EMOs), which offer essential support in academic programming, operational management, and financial oversight. These partnerships allow educators to focus more directly on teaching and student achievement, making them a critical resource for high-performing schools. Restricting these collaborations does nothing to improve student outcomes and instead places additional burdens on schools that are already demonstrating success.

Despite challenges such as receiving less state funding, lacking facility support, and operating without dedicated transportation systems, Nevada’s public charter schools continue to meet or exceed state academic benchmarks. The ability to collaborate with EMOs has been a key factor in ensuring efficient school operations and maximizing resources for classroom instruction.

Nearly half of charter school students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The flexibility to partner with EMOs has been instrumental in addressing the unique needs of these students, ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality education.

To learn more about the Nevada Charter School Association, visit nevadacharters.info.

~ Charter School Association of Nevada press release

Business Briefs

JMA Ventures Transforms Truckee’s Hospitality Landscape with Martis Valley Lodge 

TRUCKEE

JMA Ventures, a leading real estate investment firm, has announced the transformation of the former Hampton Inn & Suites Truckee into the Martis Valley Lodge. This new upscale hotel, managed by Schulte Hospitality Group will be part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection brand. The property will refine hospitality in the region, offering a unique blend of mountain charm, modern amenities, and personalized service.     

Strategically located between Downtown Truckee, Northstar California Resort, and adjacent to the Truckee Tahoe Airport, the 109-room lodge is undergoing a complete renovation, expected to be unveiled in summer 2025. The redesigned property will feature a variety of social spaces, including an updated all-day restaurant showcasing local flavors, an après-ski lounge, and a cozy library.     

The lodge’s prime location provides easy access to Lake Tahoe’s renowned outdoor recreation, including world-class skiing, hiking, and water activities. It will also serve as a social hub for the growing Martis Valley community, offering a welcoming space for locals to gather and connect.   

To ensure an authentic and engaging experience, Martis Valley Lodge is partnering with local artisans and purveyors, such as Drink Coffee Do Stuff and Truckee Brewing Company. These collaborations will bring the unique character of Truckee to life, offering guests a taste of the local culture.    

For more information, visit martisvalleylodge.com. 

~ JMA Ventures press release

Palisades and Olympic Valley Freestyle to Host Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships 

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Palisades Tahoe, in partnership with Olympic Valley Freestyle, is proud to announce that it will host the Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships from March 27 to 30 on the legendary Red Dog course. This premier event will bring together the nation’s top moguls and dual moguls skiers as they compete for national titles in one of the most challenging disciplines in winter sports.

Palisades Tahoe and Olympic Valley Freestyle last hosted the U.S. National Freestyle Championships in 2005, and the return of this marquee event reaffirms the resort’s status as a hub for top-tier freestyle skiing in the United States.

The Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships will feature moguls and dual moguls competitions, with Olympic hopefuls and U.S. Ski Team members expected to participate. 

In addition to the action, fans can enjoy a vendor village featuring outdoor brands, ski gear, and official event merchandise. Guests can also experience live entertainment, including music performances and athlete meet-and-greets, making this an unforgettable weekend for ski enthusiasts and families alike.

For more information, please visit the website.

~ Palisades Tahoe press release

Café Lupine Opens at The Rock

TRUCKEE

A new café has opened in Truckee. Café Lupine is a European-inspired micro roastery and café, blending upscale elegance with homey comfort. It takes pride in crafting high-quality, freshly roasted coffee, ensuring every cup is rich, aromatic, and full of character.

Beyond exceptional coffee, Café Lupine serves a thoughtfully curated breakfast and lunch menu. Offerings include grab-and-go breakfast burritos, artisan sandwiches, and freshly baked goods — perfect for fueling the day.

Whether stopping by for a morning espresso, a midday bite, or a cozy space to unwind, Café Lupine delivers a warm and inviting experience. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s here to serve the best in coffee and café fare. 

Café Lupine is located in The Rock complex next to Sierra Sotheby’s and 50/50 brewing at 11177 Brockway Rd.

~ Café Lupine press release