News Briefs

Work Continues on Fanny Bridge

TAHOE CITY

The $10.6 million Fanny Bridge project continued with placement of the bridge deck concrete on Oct. 6. The new Fanny Bridge is scheduled to reopen to all traffic Saturday, Nov. 15. During the project, traffic will detour onto Lake Boulevard bypass to access State Route 89 (SR 89) and SR 28. West Lake Boulevard remains open for business and transit center access with only Fanny Bridge being closed. The pedestrian and bicycle path across the Truckee River Dam will remain open throughout the project. The project is led by the Federal Highway Administration and the contractor is Thompson Builders of Novato.

For real-time traffic information, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap.

Caltrans issues construction and road condition updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3.

~ Placer County press release

TTAD Serves as Voting Center for Upcoming Election

TRUCKEE

The Truckee Tahoe Airport District is supporting local democracy by serving as an 11-day voting center for Nevada County Elections, open Oct. 25 through Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Voters can cast ballots, register, or receive election assistance in the Airport’s community rooms.

TTAD is also home to a Placer County official ballot drop box, available for ballot drop-off beginning Oct. 7 with regular weekday pick-ups through Nov. 4. On Election Day, multiple pick-ups will occur, and the box will be securely locked at 8 p.m.

TTAD partnered with Nevada and Placer counties to make voting convenient, accessible, and secure for the community.

~ Truckee Tahoe Airport District press release

First West Nile Virus Death of Season

PLACER COUNTY

Public Health officials confirmed the first death of a Placer County resident from West Nile virus this season, a Roseville man.

There have been 54 confirmed human cases and five West Nile virus-related deaths reported in California this year. There have been five confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Placer County this season and high numbers of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes and dead bird samples.

The risk of serious illness to most people from West Nile virus is low. However, some individuals (less than 1%) can develop a serious illness known as neuroinvasive West Nile, which is fatal for about 10% of patients. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters, and pet bowls. If there is a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, contact the district at (916) 380-5444.

Contact the district for any additional help controlling mosquitoes.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit the state of California’s website on West Nile. Residents are encouraged to report all dead birds on that website.

~ Placer County Health and Human Services press release

Tahoe Forest Health System Announces Free, Confidential Mental Health Resource

TRUCKEE/TAHOE

Tahoe Forest Health System is excited to announce the launch of a new partnership with CredibleMind, an innovative online platform offering free, confidential, and 24/7 access to more than 10,000 science-backed mental health and wellbeing resources.

Through CredibleMind, community members will have one easy-to-use digital hub to explore expert-rated videos, podcasts, apps, books, online programs, and articles. The platform also features self-assessments, interactive tools, and personalized recommendations to support mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.

To celebrate the launch, Tahoe Forest Health System invites community members to take the What’s Your Mental Health Profile? assessment, which provides insights into more than 20 areas of mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Anyone who creates an account and completes the assessment by Oct. 31 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card. Privacy is fully protected; personal information, including names, emails, and assessment responses, will not be shared with Tahoe Forest Health System.

Mental health goes beyond anxiety, depression, or stress — it includes factors like sleep, nutrition, relationships, happiness, time management, and resilience. CredibleMind covers more than 100 topics.

Sign up and explore resources at tfhd.crediblemind.com.

~ Tahoe Forest Health System press release

2025/26 Secured Property Tax Bills Mailed

PLACER COUNTY

Placer County Treasurer-Tax Collector Tristan Butcher announced the property tax bills for the 2025/2026 fiscal year have been mailed. Butcher stated there are 181,900 tax bills for Proposition 13 taxes and voter approved special assessments.

The first installment of the 2025/2026 Property Tax Bill is due Nov. 1 and becomes delinquent after Dec. 10, 2025, at which time a 10% penalty will be added. The second installment is due Feb. 1, 2026, and becomes delinquent after April 10, 2026, at which time a 10% penalty plus an additional $10 cost will be added. Taxes remaining unpaid after June 30, 2026, accrue additional penalties at 1.5% per month (18% annually), plus a $15 fee is due at time of redemption. When mailing close to a delinquent date, it is encouraged that taxpayers request a hand-cancelled timely postmark at a U.S. Postal Office counter.

Download a property tax bill copy by visiting placer.ca.gov/pay-my-taxes or by calling (530) 889-4120, toll free at (888) 888-5218.

There are several different property tax payment options to the public:

• Website: placer.ca.gov/pay-my-taxes (up to 11:59 p.m. on the delinquent date, fees apply)
• U.S. Mail: USPS postmarked on or before the delinquent date
• In-person counter service or drop box by 5 pm on the delinquent date

Visit placer.ca.gov/pay-my-taxes for details.

~ Placer County press release

Free Livestream Conference on Rural Entrepreneurship

NEVADA CITY

Sierra Commons is hosting an action-focused event that will bring entrepreneurs, community leaders, policymakers, nonprofit partners, and special guest California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, together to address rural challenges and create cross-sector solutions to strengthen local economies.

“Resilience Through Rural Entrepreneurship: A Gathering for Change-Makers and Cross-Pollinators” will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13. The event will be livestreamed on Zoom, and the public is invited to join free of charge.

Ma will deliver the afternoon keynote and moderate a panel discussion with leaders representing sectors such as local food systems, forest resilience, and workforce housing.

The first-of-its-kind event for Sierra Commons will include guest presentations, success story spotlights, networking, and facilitated group discussions. The event builds upon a year of growth for the nonprofit that is expanding in-person and online business education to grow a broader audience with workshops throughout California.

Free registration for the livestream is open now at bit.ly/resiliencegathering.

~ Sierra Commons press release

Tahoe Grading Season Ends Oct. 15

LAKE TAHOE

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding residents and contractors that the annual grading and digging season for permitted projects will end on Wednesday, Oct. 15. All construction sites must be winterized to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity. Grading season in the Tahoe Basin runs from May 1 to Oct. 15 every year.

The long-standing requirement helps prevent sediment from washing into stormwater systems and the lake and prevents soil compaction and disturbance during the wettest months. Site winterization requirements are available on trpa.gov/applications-forms/winterization-guidelines.

The agency is able to review applications for a grading season exception at trpa.gov/inspections-and-securities if a public health, safety, or water quality emergency exists. Applications for an exception can be submitted beginning Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Some digging activities are considered exempt and do not require TRPA approval, even outside of the grading season. To remain exempt, these activities must adhere to water quality standards and only continue during dry conditions. When a site is wet or covered with snow, work must stop and the site must be stabilized following the winterization guidelines at the link above. A list of exempt projects is under “How Do I Know If I Need a Permit?” at trpa.gov/frequently-asked-questions.

The grading and digging season for permitted projects at Lake Tahoe will reopen May 1, 2026.

~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release

Community Noise Meeting Recap

TRUCKEE

The Truckee Tahoe Airport District hosted its latest Community Noise Meeting on Sept. 26 at Riverview Sports Park. The meeting was attended by 27 community members along with airport staff.

Truckee residents continued to express that they report fewer noise comments. Several attendees noted they have submitted online noise comment webforms during late spring and early summer but had not received any responses. Director of Aviation Jeff Menasco acknowledged the issue, explaining that there was a staffing gap at the time, with no dedicated noise employee in place.  

A key difference from past meetings was the high level of interest in understanding flight paths, particularly for both jet and piston aircraft. 

~ Truckee Tahoe Airport District press release

Business Briefs

Lake Tahoe Community College New On-Campus Student Housing

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) marked a historic milestone with the dedication of its first-ever on-campus student housing facility on Oct. 2. The 100-bed residential community, a decade in the making, represents a transformational step for LTCC students and the broader South Lake Tahoe community. It is also the first California Community College student housing project fully funded through the California Legislature’s 2022 to 2023 investment in affordable student housing to be completed and opened for students, making LTCC the first in the state to cross the finish line.

The new facility provides affordable, modern living spaces designed to support academic success and student well-being. Featuring semi-suite units with both double- and single-occupancy options, the student residence also includes shared lounges, study nooks, a community kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding Tahoe Basin.

Built with $39.4 million in state funding secured through California’s 2022-23 Budget Act, the housing project addresses a critical regional need. South Lake Tahoe faces one of the state’s most severe affordable housing shortages, with vacancy rates often below 2% and local rents rising more than 35% since 2020. By offering affordable monthly rents, LTCC’s student housing is intentionally accessible for full-time California students, including priority for low-income students.

Learn more at ltcc.edu/housing.

~ Lake Tahoe Community College press release

New Downhill Ski Lodge

TRUCKEE

This year, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort kicks off the 2025/26 season on Dec. 19 (conditions permitting) with the opening of its brand-new lodge featuring a host of thoughtfully considered amenities in a sleek modern building. Guests can enjoy enhancements like level access to the lifts, an expansive and well-appointed sun deck perfect for après ski, a spacious indoor bar and dining area with panoramic views of the mountain, pick-up box kiosks to print pre-purchased tickets quickly and conveniently, and a dedicated kids’ ski school and lesson hub with its own dining hall, bathrooms, cubbies, lunch service, and much more.

Meanwhile, the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center opens Friday, Nov. 28 celebrating its 40th anniversary season. Over four decades, TDXC has grown from rustic roots into an award-winning, world-class Nordic facility renowned for snowmaking, grooming technology, and its rich heritage. To mark the milestone, TDXC will offer 40th Anniversary Lesson Package Specials:

• On the first Monday of every month December through April, $40 Adult Learn to Ski packages for ages 13+ include a trail pass, top-quality rental equipment, and a 90-minute lesson or tour with an instructor and other beginner skiers.
• On the last Monday of every month December through March, $40 Adult Learn to Skate packages for ages 13+ also include a trail pass, rental equipment, and a 90-minute lesson.

Special anniversary products go on sale in November. Visit tahoedonner.com/xc to learn more.

Snowplay also opens Dec. 19 (conditions permitting), offering family-friendly fun on the snow, while those looking to keep their golf swing sharp this winter can take advantage of Tahoe Donner Golf Course’s indoor simulator.

~ Tahoe Donner press release

Martis Valley Massage Grand Re-Opening

TRUCKEE

After a year of design, planning, and construction, Martis Valley Massage poured its heart and soul into creating a beautiful new spa experience. Martis Valley Massage will be closed Oct. 20 through Nov. 1 as it completes the final touches before its grand re-opening party. 

Join the celebration of the next chapter of Martis Valley Massage & SPA. The grand re-opening party kicks off Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m. The first 25 guests will receive special door prizes, plus there will be complimentary beer, wine, and snacks throughout the evening. Enjoy an open-house experience with guided tours of the brand-new facilities, meet representatives from Hydrafacial and Eminence Organic Skincare, and stock up on free product samples and giveaways. Treatments and facility access re-opens on Nov. 2.

From expanded treatment rooms to the beautiful new amenities, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to elevate the wellness experience.

~ Martis Valley Massage press release

Sun Bear Realty Acquires Vacation Station and Incline House Cleaning 

INCLINE VILLAGE

Sun Bear Realty & Property Management in Incline Village has recently acquired the well-established Vacation Station short-term and long-term property rental business and its subsidiary, Incline House Cleaning.

The culmination of the acquisition will provide Sun Bear Realty and Property Management with a greatly expanded inventory, providing the largest selection of short-term and long-term home and condominium rentals on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.

For over 30 years, Sun Bear Realty & Property Management owner Blane Johnson and his team have provided year-round property management, vacation rentals, long-term leases, and real estate advice and services through their office located at 811 Tahoe Blvd. in Incline Village.

For more information, visit sunbearrealty.com or call (775) 831-9000.

~ Sun Bear Realty & Property Management press release