News Briefs

Rep. Kevin Kiley Calls for Meaningful Local Input of Public Land Sales

WASHINGTON, D.C.

In response to the public land sales language in the Senate budget reconciliation bill, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has issued the following joint statement along with several other leaders in California’s Third District.

“It is crucial that any decisions made regarding the acquisition or disposition of public lands be made only after significant local input. Our district is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, and is a source of clean water, jobs, tax revenue, and recreation. Local buy-in is the key to preserving these spaces and guaranteeing that our policies benefit the people we represent. I will not support legislation that excludes local leaders from having a meaningful seat at the table for these important decisions,” said Rep. Kiley.

“In partnership with local governments, Congress recently reauthorized the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA), which conserves land and sends the unambiguous message that Tahoe is not for sale. Decades before that, Congress ratified the bistate compact that governs land use planning at Lake Tahoe. Altogether, the Senate proposed language would reverse 50 years of standing land policy at Tahoe. Thank you, Rep. Kiley, for fighting for our public lands,” said Julie Regan, Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).

“Local and regional governments cannot be relegated to an advisory role in decisions related to the sale of our federal lands. The goal of affordable housing is one we all share, but the Senate language will not make measurable progress toward that goal, and instead would put local governments on defense, responding to nominations made by outside groups that may or may not align with local planning. I support Rep. Kiley in his effort to make sure local input is part of the discussion of public land sales,” said Cindy Gustafson, Placer County Board of Supervisors.

“Tahoe is not for sale! We strongly urge the Senate to remove this language in the reconciliation bill and instead work with local governments and local Indian tribes on sensible land policy that can achieve our shared goals to advance housing while protecting our natural resources,” said Brooke Laine, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors.

~ Rep. Kevin Kiley press release

​​Lake Tahoe Clarity Report — Trend Stable, Not Improving

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe’s long-term clarity record is not trending worse, nor is it improving, according to the 2024 annual clarity report from the University of California, Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC).

The report, released June 16, documents steep declines in clarity through the 1990s before leveling off in recent years. In 2024, annual average clarity for Lake Tahoe was 62.3 feet. That is down from last year’s average of 68.2 feet, but it is not statistically worse, the report notes. The number is a measure of the depth at which a white disk remains visible underwater.

Winter clarity has been stable or improving in recent years, though was relatively poor (68.9 feet) in 2024 following an exceptional 91.9-foot average the winter prior. The past 10 summers have marked some of the worst averages on record, with 2024 summer averages measuring just 53.4 feet below the surface.

Detailed investigations conducted about 20 years ago pointed to sediment as the primary particles driving Tahoe’s clarity. A variety of management actions to reduce sediment runoff into the lake followed. Today, Lake Tahoe faces new challenges. It is warmer, more affected by wildfire and smoke than it was in recent decades, and its ecology is being impacted by aquatic invasive species.

The report said future research should use new data, tools and technologies to reexamine the nature of clarity-reducing particles. This will help reveal the extent to which biology — such as algae — and physical processes influence water clarity at Lake Tahoe.  

Clarity is measured as the depth to which a 10-inch white disk, called a Secchi disk, remains visible when lowered into the water. In 2024, UC Davis scientists took 27 readings at Lake Tahoe’s long-term index station and 12 readings from the mid-lake index station. View the historical clarity readings from 1968 to 2024.

UC Davis has been measuring clarity and other health indicators at Lake Tahoe since 1968. Clarity is just one measure of the health of the watershed, but TERC’s measurements of clarity loss in the 1950s and 1960s became central to efforts to protect the watershed from pollution and unplanned development.

~ UC Davis TERC press release

New Signs Help Remind Everyone to Keep Tahoe Beaches Clean

PLACER COUNTY

Officials from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and Placer County want to remind tourists and residents throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin to follow the county’s beach ordinances this summer.

From Tahoe City to Kings Beach, the following rules apply to locals and tourists alike: 

• No dogs allowed on the beach or in the water
• No glass containers
• No littering
• No smoking, fires, or BBQs
• Alcohol is prohibited at most county beaches
• And a reminder to stay safe; many beaches do not have a lifeguard on duty

This includes enforcement at the following county beaches: Commons Beach, Lake Forest Beach or Bristlecone Beach, Speedboat Beach, Secline Beach, Moon Dunes Beach, as well as the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area, which is maintained by the North Tahoe Public Utilities District.

The county is working collaboratively with local utility districts, state parks, and the federal forest service to ensure beachgoers enjoy safe access and clean beaches throughout the North Lake Tahoe region. Rules may vary at Skylandia Park and Beach near Tahoe City and visitors are encouraged to follow the posted signage during their stay.  

In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls, dial the Placer County Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch at (530) 886-5375.

Learn more about Placer County beaches at placer.ca.gov/6179/parks-a-z-listing.

~ Placer County press release

Tax Relief Available for Property Owners Affected by Disasters

NEVADA COUNTY

Tax relief is available to property owners living in Nevada County who have experienced severe weather-related property damage such as wildfires and snowstorms in recent years, according to Nevada County Assessor Rolf Kleinhans.

The California Revenue and Taxation Code allows qualifying property owners impacted by misfortune or calamity to receive a temporary reduction in assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes. Millions of dollars in tax relief have been granted in recent years for storm-related property damage, said Kleinhans.

To qualify, property damage must exceed $10,000 in market value and applicants must file claims with the assessor’s office within one year of the calamity. If the damage meets the $10,000 threshold, the assessor will temporarily reduce the property value while the damaged property is restored.

Those whose properties have been affected because of a recent calamity may download the Application for Misfortune or Calamity form at nevadacountyca.gov/348/treasurer-tax-collector.

~ Nevada County press release

Humane Society’s Field Trip Program Aims to Boost Dog Adoptions

TRUCKEE

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s Shelter Dog Field Trips program is an innovative initiative that allows trained volunteers to take dogs out of the shelter for short adventures designed to improve the animals’ well-being and adoption prospects. 

The program enables volunteers to take dogs on hikes, coffee runs, trips to rivers or lakes, or for relaxing time at volunteers’ homes. These outings provide mental stimulation and socialization for the dogs while offering valuable exposure to potential adopters. 

The program helps reduce shelter stress by giving dogs a break from their kennels and routine walking paths. It also allows HSTT staff to gather more behavioral information about dogs available for adoption. 

Program Requirements: 

Interested volunteers must attend an orientation and dog training session through HSTT. Once trained, participants must complete a minimum of three shelter visits to learn routines and demonstrate understanding of safety protocols and dog handling. 

Volunteers must be 18 or older, though families can participate if a trained adult has been cleared by the organization. Participants are encouraged to photograph their outings and share experiences with HSTT to help promote the dogs. 

Community members can learn more and complete a volunteer application at hstt.org/how-to-help/volunteer/. 

~ Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe press release

Business Briefs

Mountain Lotus Celebrates Grand Opening of New Outdoor Yoga Deck, Renovated Creekside Dining Area

TRUCKEE

Mountain Lotus Yoga is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new outdoor yoga deck and beautifully renovated creekside dining area. 

To commemorate this exciting new chapter, Mountain Lotus Yoga owner Scott Fitzsmorris, General Manager Pia Nunez-Helvey, and other staff celebrated with an official ribbon cutting and red envelope ceremony attended by officials from the Town of Truckee and Truckee Chamber of Commerce staff and board members.

This Saturday, June 21, the community is invited to Mountain Lotus Yoga for “Solstice on the Patio,” a free celebration downtown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 10124 E. St. in Truckee.

Mountain Lotus Yoga’s new outdoor deck offers a serene space for yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness. The newly enhanced creekside patio area complements this peaceful setting with delicious fresh, vegan-friendly cuisine with an Asian slant, sourced from Tahoe Food Hub. Mountain Lotus Cafe is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Solstice on the Patio event will be a celebration of connection, wellness, and community. Guests can look forward to:

• Free outdoor yoga and sound healing sessions
• Delicious bites featuring fresh, local, seasonal fare
• Handcrafted elixirs, beer, and wine
• Live acoustic music
• Face painting and family-friendly fun

Those attending should bring a yoga mat.

~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release