News Briefs

Rep. Kiley Secures Crucial Funding for Utility Districts to Fight Wildfires

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) secured millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for Lake Tahoe utility districts, helping them complete necessary infrastructure projects that will benefit all its residents and improve its wildfire response capabilities.

North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) received $1.25 million in community project funding, which will be used for the Kings Beach Watermain Replacement Project. The project will provide an overhaul of its wildfire resistance program by adding new fire hydrants and upgrading and replacing waterlines. That project will break ground in early June and will be completed before Oct. 15, which is the end of Lake Tahoe’s construction season. 

South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) received a $1.3 million Hazard Mitigation Grant for its Al Tahoe and Bayview Well Backup Project. STPUD will install backup power to its two largest producing wells, which will help keep the water flowing for firefighters and residents during power outages. That project will also be completed before the construction season ends. 

“Ensuring the Lake Tahoe region is fully equipped to fight wildfires while providing the necessary water infrastructure to its residents and visitors, is a key priority of mine,” Rep. Kiley said. “That’s why I worked with FEMA to make sure Lake Tahoe’s utility districts received the money they needed to complete these necessary projects. I will always do everything in my power to provide the essential resources local communities need to prevent and fight wildfires.”

~ Rep. Kevin Kiley press release

Boating Season Kicks Off with Stronger Protections

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe watercraft inspection stations, boat launches, and marinas are opening for the 2025 boating season and aquatic invasive species management agencies are encouraging boaters and paddlers to stay up to date with strengthened procedures to protect the lake from the spread of aquatic invasive species. Changes this year include mandatory decontaminations and additional processing time for motorized boats traveling from other areas, as well as more roving non-motorized inspectors at popular recreation areas.

As of May 3, all three regional watercraft inspection stations, at Meyers, Spooner Summit, and Alpine Meadows, are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Boaters are encouraged to take advantage of the optional appointment system, at tahoeboatinspections.com/appt. Walk-ins and appointments are accepted until 4:30 p.m.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), which manage the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, have enacted the mandatory decontaminations in response to the discovery of invasive golden mussels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Boaters should also be aware of varying restrictions throughout California waterways.

In addition to standard Tahoe AIS sticker fees, boaters can expect a minimum decontamination fee of $30 for all visiting motorized watercraft. Arriving “Clean, Drained, and Dry” can limit time at the inspection station and help avoid increased decontamination fees.

For access to boating information, the appointment system, fees, or Clean, Drain, Dry protocols, visit tahoeboatinspections.com. For inspections and program information, contact [email protected] or (888) 824-6267.

~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release

Senate Fix Our Forests Act Gets Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C.

U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) applauded the progress of their Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act, as it received a legislative hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The bipartisan legislation would help combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive.

The senate bill reflects months of bipartisan negotiations to find consensus on how to best improve forest management practices, accelerate processes to protect communities, advance watershed restoration, and strengthen partnerships between federal agencies, states, tribes, and private stakeholders. The senate bill would also bolster coordination efforts through a new Wildfire Intelligence Center, which would streamline the federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combating wildfires.

Read more about the Senate Fix Our Forests Act here. Find provisions impactful for California here.

The American West has long been prone to wildfires. Wildfires today are more catastrophic — growing larger, spreading faster, and burning more land than ever before. Nationwide, total acres burned rose from 2.7 million in 2023 to nearly 9 million in 2024, a 231% increase.

The status quo is simply unsustainable, and responding to the scale and magnitude of the crisis on the ground is essential to keeping California communities safe.

California’s 2020 fire season, the worst on record, emitted enough greenhouse gases to erase nearly 2 decades of progress on emissions reductions in California. Addressing this wildfire emergency is critical to ensuring that our climate progress is not undermined by the devastating impacts of these fires.

More information on the hearing is available here.

~ U.S. Senate press release

TOT-TBID Dollars At Work Contributed $9 Million to Workforce Housing

NORTH LAKE TAHOE 

To address workforce housing challenges, the North Tahoe Community Alliance is leveraging tourism-generated funding to support initiatives to unlock more housing options for local workers. Through the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program, nearly $9 million has already been invested in housing initiatives that are helping people secure housing in the community.

Some of the short-term programs getting people into homes as quickly as possible include:

• Lease To Locals offers cash incentives to homeowners to rent their homes to the local workforce, keeping rental costs down.
• Sierra Community House works with landlords and utility companies to help members of the local workforce attain and retain housing. To date, the nonprofit has helped over 100 families with rental assistance, utility assistance, and resource navigation services that enable local families to retain their housing. These are families who directly contribute to North Lake Tahoe’s essential workforce, without whom the community would become unlivable.

Medium-term projects generate new housing or support unmet needs and include:

• Placer County’s Workforce Housing Preservation Program provides direct financial support to local homebuyers.
• Tahoe Housing Hub’s ADU Accelerator program helps local homeowners navigate the entire process of building an ADU to house members of the local workforce.

Long-term projects will result in the construction of new housing for members of the local workforce. One example is Dollar Creek Crossing. The county will now move forward with a developer agreement to complete the planning, design, and construction of the fully affordable project.

The next Annual Grant Cycle launches in August. Learn more about the workforce housing projects and programs here.

~ North Tahoe Community Alliance press release

Transportation District Adds Two New Electric Vans to Paratransit Fleet

STATELINE

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has placed two new all-electric vans into active paratransit service, replacing aging vehicles with a modern, sustainable, and more adaptable solution for local mobility needs. These fully electric vans represent the latest investment in TTD’s efforts to modernize its fleet, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and improve service for the region’s most vulnerable riders.

Each van is outfitted with a modular floor system, a first-of-its-kind upgrade for TTD. This system allows staff to adjust the vehicle’s seating configuration quickly and easily, offering space for up to 10 passenger seats, three wheelchairs, or a customized combination of both.

The new vehicles are now in service and already support daily transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities across TTD’s service area. As demand for paratransit continues to grow, TTD’s investment in cleaner, more adaptable vehicles ensures long-term improvements to access, comfort, and reliability.

For more information about the Tahoe Transportation District and its ongoing projects, visit tahoetransportation.org.

~ TTD press release

Tahoe City Downtown Association 4th of July Entertainment Grant Program

TAHOE CITY

Celebrate the spirit of Independence Day with the Tahoe City Downtown Association’s 4th of July Entertainment Grant Program! 

Funded by the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work initiative, this exciting opportunity supports local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups in hosting fun, family-friendly events. From lively fireworks viewing parties to engaging post-fireworks entertainment, this grant helps bring the community together for a memorable holiday. 

With a 50% matching grant of up to $1,000, the downtown association is empowering locals to create joyful experiences that light up the night. 

These celebrations are part of the TCDA’s 77th Fireworks Celebration and marks the return of the fireworks for the first time in 5 years.

Eligible activities include fireworks viewing parties, post-fireworks events, and family-friendly entertainment & activities.

Submit an email to [email protected] describing the event with name, business name/group name, phone number, and logo by May 31 to be considered. 

Applicants will be notified by Monday, June 2, by email.

~ Tahoe City Downtown Association press release

5K for Pride: Walk, Run, Roll at Truckee Pride Week

TRUCKEE

Tahoe Expedition Academy’s second annual Rainbow Run, Rock & Roll returns on Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., celebrating Truckee Pride Week. This family friendly community event invites attendees to participate in a 5K fun run/walk/roll on the Truckee River Legacy Trail.

The Rainbow Run is accompanied by a free festival on the Chief Truckee Lawn at the Truckee River Regional Park with live musical performances, local vendors, informational community booths, food trucks, games, raffle prizes, and more. This event has something for everyone and is a perfect way to launch Truckee’s second annual Pride Week.

Registration for the Rainbow Run, Rock & Roll is now open and Tahoe Expedition Academy (TEA) invites the community to sign up here before prices increase on May 14. Early registration also guarantees an event t-shirt and extra raffle tickets.

The free community festival kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on June 1 and lasts until 1 p.m., featuring performances from InnerRhythms, David Mack DJ, TEA Rock Bands, Sour Crush, and Steel Sparrows. Food will be available at Super Swirl and Lumbre & Dulce Gula food trucks. Vendors and booths include Woodward Tahoe, Riverside Art Studio, New Moon, Sierra Community House, and more. Check out the full list on the website.

Those interested in joining the musical lineup or signing up to host a booth can reach out to [email protected]. To learn more about the Rainbow Run and Truckee Pride Week, visit tahoeexpeditionacademy.org/rrrr/ and truckeepride.org/. 

~ Tahoe Expedition Academy press release

Business Briefs

National Building Supplier Acquires Truckee Tahoe Lumber, Local Leadership to Remain

TRUCKEE

Builders FirstSource has acquired Truckee Tahoe Lumber Co., a family owned business founded in 1931 and based in Reno, Nevada.

Truckee Tahoe Lumber serves the Northern Sierra Nevada region through locations in Truckee (including a design center) and Tahoe City; and in the Nevada locations of Reno/Sparks and USA Parkway.

“We joined forces with them to better serve our customers and employees, and because BFS is going to invest in our growth and long-term future,” shared President and CEO Andrew Cross in an email to Moonshine. “My whole family is behind this decision, and I am staying on to run TTL but with a new title of ‘market manager’ (meaning Northern Nevada/Tahoe Market). The acquisition is extremely exciting for myself, my family, and everyone at TTL.”

Cross, along with Ira Cross, vice president, represents the fourth generation of the Cross family in the business.

The acquisition, terms of which were not revealed, expands on Builders FirstSource’s presence in the Reno market. The nation’s largest prodealer made two nearby acquisitions in 2024. It acquired Reno Truss in August; and it acquired High Mountain Door & Trim in October.

~ HBS Dealer press release, AH

NV Energy Prepares for Upcoming Fire Risk Conditions

NEVADA

NV Energy’s Power Safe NV team is prepared for the 2025 wildfire season and is working to create a stronger and safer electrical system. During Wildfire Awareness Month, customers are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages due to summer fire risks.

During the summer, the public can expect to see NV Energy crews working on various prevention projects including: 

• Clearing vegetation around infrastructure to reduce fuel load and ignition potential.
• Rebuilding overhead power lines with fire-resistant materials and equipment.
• Undergrounding selective portions of power lines to reduce risk.

While prevention projects help, they do not eliminate fire risks. NV Energy uses a system of advanced weather stations and wildfire cameras to detect wildfire starts. This system notifies NV Energy and first responders, enabling quick and effective responses. 

During peak fire months, NV Energy employs three protection tools, which significantly reduce the risk of ignition, however, they can require power outages:

• Power lines in high-risk areas are switched to sensitive settings, automatically tripping and turning off if interference is detected to reduce the risk of fire. Crews must then inspect the full power line before restoring power.
• NV Energy proactively takes power outages in the most extreme fire risk conditions as a last line of defense. Customers are informed in advance, and outage end times are predicted based on weather conditions.
• If an active fire is near NV Energy equipment, power lines are de-energized to protect first responders and reduce the risk of secondary ignitions.

For more information about NV Energy’s Power Safe NV, visit nvenergy.com/powersafenv.

~ NV Energy press release

Liberty Incentivizing Homeowners to Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heat Pump Systems

LAKE TAHOE

Liberty is helping homeowners save energy by offering financial incentives to upgrade existing electric heating and water heating systems to advanced, energy-efficient heat pump technology.

Heat pumps are a modern solution that extract and amplify heat from natural sources like the air or ground, providing a highly efficient way to heat homes and water. Unlike traditional heating systems such as electric furnaces or boilers, heat pumps use significantly less energy and may be more economical to operate.  

Liberty’s new incentive program provides up to $4,000 for upgrading electric heating or cooling systems to heat pumps, and up to $900 for replacing electric water heaters with energy-efficient heat pump water heaters. 

For more information or to apply for Liberty’s Heat Pump Incentives, visit the Liberty Utilities website or contact us at [email protected].

~ Liberty Utilities press release

33rd Annual Cushing Crossing Pond Ski Returns to Palisades Tahoe

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Palisades Tahoe is excited to announce the return of the 33rd Annual Cushing Crossing, the original pond-skimming contest widely regarded as the best event of the spring season. On May 10 at 1 p.m. (weather and conditions permitting), join in for a day of fun, laughter, and spills as participants attempt to ski or snowboard across Cushing Pond in their craziest costumes. Unlike most pond-skimming events, Cushing Crossing takes place on a naturally formed pond, adding to its unique and iconic character.

In addition to the adrenaline-pumping pond-skimming action, attendees can look forward to a panel of local celebrity judges and two of the best emcees in the business. Category winners will receive prizes from our sponsors, including Yeti, Smith, GoPro, and Darn Tough!

Space is very limited, and registration is first-come, first-served. Registration starts at 8 a.m. on the day of the event at the KT Deck. The registration fee is $20, payable in cash only. Admission to view the event is free, and everyone is encouraged to dress up in their wackiest costumes.

In addition to all the action, Palisades Tahoe will be holding a raffle during the event to support the Palisades Avalanche Dog Program. Guests will have the chance to win a variety of great prizes, with all proceeds going toward the care, training, and equipment for the resort’s hardworking avalanche dogs.

~ Palisades Tahoe press release