As 2025 comes to a close, the Tahoe Daily Tribune is taking a look back at what shaped the community this year. The past year on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore unfolded as a study in contrasts — moments of awe and recreation alongside tragedy, protest, political upheaval, and persistent questions about how the region moves forward. Here is a look at some of the Tribune’s most-read articles in 2025.
Nature’s Power — and Its Proximity
Nature was never far from the headlines. Storm cycles fueled everything from rare lake conditions to adrenaline-filled moments like residents surfing storm waves at 6,225 feet, capturing the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Wildlife encounters intensified throughout the year. Bears repeatedly made their way into human spaces — most memorably at North Shore and Camp Richardson ice cream shops, where break-ins underscored the ongoing challenge of coexistence. The controversy surrounding Bear 753 further escalated tensions between bear advocates and state wildlife officials, revealing deep divides over how Tahoe manages its most iconic residents.
At the same time, efforts to better understand and protect the lake continued. One research team prepared to reveal what lies at the bottom of Lake Tahoe, pushing scientific curiosity and stewardship to a global stage.
Civic Unrest and Community Expression
Public protest and political expression shaped much of the year’s civic landscape. Hundreds gathered for a peaceful protest on a ski run, blending Tahoe’s mountain culture with calls for social change. Elsewhere, an upside-down U.S. flag displayed on a mountain peak sparked debate about patriotism, symbolism, and free expression.
Congressman Kevin Kiley faced rallies and pointed criticism during South Lake Tahoe appearances, signaling growing political frustration among residents. Social tensions also erupted online, as Tahoe Heartbeat faced widespread backlash after a social media storm, prompting broader conversations about prejudice, accountability, and community standards.
An ICE presence early in the year also worried and angered some of South Shore’s residents.
Crime, Tragedy, and Unanswered Questions
Several stories brought sobering reminders of vulnerability and loss. Federal authorities arrested an alleged South Lake Tahoe fentanyl distributor, highlighting the region’s struggle with drug-related crime. Giada Lancellotti, 13, was killed after being struck by a car while riding an e-bike, reigniting safety concerns around youth, traffic, and infrastructure.
The lake itself was the site of devastating tragedy when a boat capsized, leaving six dead and two missing, marking one of the deadliest maritime incidents in recent Tahoe history.
Meanwhile, the past resurfaced in the haunting cold case surrounding the disappearance of Frances Hatadis, a decades-old mystery that continued to raise questions — and hope — that answers may still be found.
Housing, Development, and an Uncertain Economy
Housing and development pressures remained front and center. Reports detailed long waitlists, low turnover, and soaring demand for affordable housing, painting a grim picture for workers and families trying to remain in the basin.
Several high-profile properties faced turning points. A blighted building in South Lake Tahoe awaited a long-anticipated decision, while the city chose not to appeal Measure T, instead issuing a 45-day moratorium that reignited debates over vacation rentals and housing availability.
Economic uncertainty hit hard when a Beach Retreat and Lodge sale led to mass layoffs, reminding residents how vulnerable hospitality workers remain to out-of-town ownership decisions. At the same time, optimism flickered through stories of Tahoe landmarks that could see new life through redevelopment.
Leadership Changes and Political Turbulence
City leadership was anything but static. A dramatic moment came when Mayor Tamara Wallace issued a tell-all letter, detailing wrongdoing and personal challenges in a public reckoning that reverberated across the community. The same weekend, Cody Bass was arrested for trespassing and assault, although the charges were later dropped.
In the days that followed, she resigned and Bass was appointed mayor, with the city council calling for applicants to fill a vacant seat. Council disagreed on who should fill the seat, causing delays in the decision. Heather Horgan was later appointed to fill the vacant seat.
Recreation, Nostalgia, and Cultural Quirks
Despite heavy news, Tahoe’s lighter side endured. Recreation headlines ranged from the closure of an iconic mountain bike trail to controversy surrounding a 100-foot rope swing jump that led to an arrest.
New and nostalgic ventures added color to the year: a retro arcade celebrating 1980s and 1990s gaming, a golf-themed social club, and even a Godfather-themed crime tour brought novelty to the local tourism scene. Sports fans celebrated when Jimmy Rollins sank an ace and won a boat at the American Century Championship.
