News Briefs
Placer County Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan
OLYMPIC VALLEY
On Sept. 5, the Placer County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan to the Placer County Board of Supervisors. The recommendation came with the condition of removal of some of the previous “allowed uses” in the proposed Mountain Adventure Camp facility. In addition, the facility’s definition has been modified to exclude a “water park” and themed attractions.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan, which will be considered for approval by the Placer County Board of Supervisors later this year, reflects significant public input gathered during over 300 community meetings and participation in the process by more than 5,000 interested individuals.
The plan, which would be built almost entirely on existing asphalt parking lots and other disturbed areas, proposes up to 850 lodging units, including a mixture of hotel, condo hotel, fractional ownership, and timeshare units. It also includes new, dedicated on-site workforce housing that will house 300 employees, over 450 new employee parking spaces, new parking structures that will maintain all existing day skier parking spaces, restoration of Washeshu Creek, approximately $5 million to support parks and recreation in Olympic Valley, and an additional $7 million in TOT revenue to contribute to regional workforce housing, transportation, tourism mitigation, and other regional priorities.
Although the majority of the public who spoke at the meeting were opposed to the project, the vote to approve the Palisades Tahoe Village development was 6-1.
“Alterra and Placer County have failed to listen to repeated feedback about the scope and scale of the project,” Judy Brunner, a 25-year Alpine Meadows homeowner, said in public comment. “The vast majority of users are not interested in a Mountain Adventure Camp that turns Olympic Valley into a big city. It’s an insult to democracy to approve this project as currently scoped.”
Visit future.palisadestahoe.com for more information.
~ Palisades Tahoe press release, MS
Youth Wellness Center Open for New School Year
TRUCKEE
School is back in session and Gateway Mountain Center’s 4Roots Youth Wellness Center is ready to welcome students for the 2024/25 school year. Whether it’s at lunch, during a free period, or after school, 4Roots is steps away from the Truckee High School campus and offers a place to destress and decompress from the challenges of daily life in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
Staffed by certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists with a variety of lived experience, the center is open to any student looking for a supportive space.
Guests ages 13 to 23 can spend time in any of the center’s 10 stations, each of which offers a unique wellness experience, including mindfulness and meditation, creative arts and expression, physical activity and movement, peer support and discussion, resource and information, technology, nutrition and healthy eating, chill out and relaxation, goal setting and future planning, and confidential support.
4Roots is designed to complement the services offered through Tahoe Truckee Unified School District’s in-school wellness programming, helping students navigate daily challenges in the school setting.
The center is open weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. No ride? No problem! Gateway can give students a lift home. (Advanced notice and a signed waiver are required.) 4Roots Youth Wellness Center is conveniently located a short walk from Truckee High, at 10038 Meadow Way. For information, call (530) 426-2110 or go to sierraexperience.org/youth-wellness-center.
~ Gateway Mountain Center press release
Proposed Tiny Homes on Wheels Ordinance Public Meetings, Comments
NEVADA CITY
Nevada County has extended the original Sept. 5 deadline for public comment on a proposed ordinance that would allow residents to legally live in tiny homes on wheels on private property in unincorporated Nevada County, including unincorporated parts of Truckee, according to Taylor Wolfe, Nevada County public information officer.
Two community meetings on the proposed ordinance are scheduled:
- Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. at the Higgins Lions Club, 22490 E Hacienda Dr.
- Thursday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m. at the Penn Valley Fire Station, 10513 Spenceville Rd.
The proposed ordinance is expected to be considered by the planning commission in October and reviewed by the board of supervisors in November.
Public comments on the proposed ordinance will continue to be accepted through the planning commission and board of supervisors process. All public comments already received will be included in the public record for both parties to consider.
Written public comments can be submitted to principal planner Tyler Barrington at tyler.barrington@nevadacountyca.gov or mailed to his attention at 950 Maidu Ave., Suite 170, Nevada City, CA. 95959.
For more information, visit nevadacountyca.gov/planningprojects.
~ Nevada County press release
Candidate Forum Empowers Voters
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe Political Action Committee, the Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors, Tahoe Truckee Media, Moonshine Ink, and the Sierra Sun, announced the 2024 Candidate Forum. This event is designed to empower Truckee voters with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions in the upcoming election.
The forums will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Truckee Town Hall in the council chambers. All forums are free and open to the public. Additionally, the event will be live-streamed on ttctv.org and reruns will be aired frequently leading up to Election Day.
On Oct. 2, the forum will feature candidates running for the Tahoe Forest Hospital District Board of Directors and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District Board of Directors. Two seats are available on the hospital board, with three candidates running. Six candidates are vying for three open seats on the airport board.
The forum on Oct. 3 will spotlight candidates running for the Truckee Sanitary District and the Truckee Donner Public Utility District. Additionally, students from Truckee High School will present pro and con statements on Ballot Measure E, the Town of Truckee Essential Services Tax Measure. For the Truckee Sanitary District, one seat is open with three candidates running. The Truckee Donner Public Utility District Board has three open seats, with seven candidates in the race.
The public is encouraged to submit potential questions for the candidates by emailing them to jessica@truckee.com by Friday, Sept. 13.
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
Boat Ramps Transition to Winter Hours
INCLINE VILLAGE
Sand Harbor and Cave Rock boat ramps have shifted to winter operating hours. Both boat ramps are open daily from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sand Harbor’s boat ramp will now be open 7 days a week.
To ensure all boats are properly inspected and sealed by the 4:30 p.m. closing time, it is strongly recommended to plan to pull your boat or jet ski from the water by 4 p.m. This will provide boat inspectors sufficient time to complete the necessary sealing process.
~ Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources press release
Ballot Measure Website Launched
TRUCKEE
The advocacy committee, Truckee Citizens for Essential Services, Yes on Measure E, has announced the launch of its website at yesone4truckee.org. The purpose is to educate voters on the benefits of Measure E, according to Truckee resident and committee chair Steve Teshara.
Measure E is a proposed 1/2% increase in the sales tax placed on the November ballot for voter consideration by the Truckee Town Council. If approved, the estimated $3.5 million generated annually would be available to support a variety of services and investments identified by registered voters in a public opinion poll conducted earlier this year as priority concerns.
The identified priorities included additional wildfire mitigation, evacuation planning and emergency operations, TART Connect Microtransit and other transit services, enhanced maintenance of town owned public spaces and parks, watershed improvement and restoration projects, and expanded workforce housing programs. As one example, the Rooted Renters Program is currently only funded for a pilot term. In each of these priority areas, Measure E funds can be used as leverage for vital state and federal grants.
With voter approval, 100% of the Measure E funds will stay in Truckee. No funds can be diverted or taken away by the county or state. Essential purchases like groceries and prescription medications are exempt to ensure the cost is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes. Independent audits and public spending disclosures will ensure funds are spent appropriately.
~ Truckee Citizens for Essential Services, Yes on Measure E press release
What to Know About Algae in Lake Tahoe
LAKE TAHOE
While algae are a natural part of Tahoe’s aquatic ecosystem, the tiny organisms can become a harmful algal bloom, or HAB, under the right conditions. No HABs have been detected in Lake Tahoe this summer, but this time of year is when to be on the lookout, when warm, shallow water increases the likelihood for HABs.
HABs can be mistaken for harmless types of algae which naturally occur in Tahoe and can be found clinging to rocks, washing up on beaches, and attached to the bottom of creek and river channels. HABs, however, pose a risk to public health and safety.
HABs are formed by tiny organisms called cyanobacteria and can make the water a variety of colors such as green, white, red, or brown. HABs may look like thick paint floating on the water or as algal mats in rivers, streams, and along the shallow shorelines of lakes. In lakes, HABs usually appear as a mix of intense shades of green in a paint-like sheen on the water’s surface. In rivers, HABs typically look like algal mats that are attached to the channel bottom.
Stay informed and aware of how to spot a HAB, where to report it, and how to avoid putting yourself, your loved ones, and pets at risk. Learn more at mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/what/index.html.
~ League to Save Lake Tahoe press release
Memorial Stair Climb Supports Mental Health
TRUCKEE
A grant cycle for mental health resources is now open, thanks to the success of the Pedal For Positivity fundraiser. The community is invited to help continue these resources with the 3rd Annual Downtown Truckee 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb.
Challenge yourself to climb 110 flights of stairs (32 times up and down) in honor of the 343 firefighters and the innocent lives lost on 9/11. Whether you’re a firefighter in full turnout gear or a community member in workout clothes, bring your friends, family, and coworkers to take on this meaningful challenge together.
In collaboration with Project 110, and High Fives’ Pedal for Positivity, this fundraiser supports mental health and wellness for the Truckee/Tahoe community. All proceeds will go toward providing much-needed mental health services to those in need.
The event will take place in downtown Truckee at the staircase behind Tahoe Mountain Realty on Sept. 11 from 6 to 11 a.m. Learn more here.
~ TC
Poverty Relief Group Seeks Truckee Representation
NEVADA COUNTY
This spring, mushroom farmer Dominic Soderstrom took a free 12-week metal fabrication course at the Curious Forge. Now he doesn’t have to pay a welder $100 an hour to make improvements on his property.
The course was funded through a $148,000 grant recommended by the Nevada County’s Adult and Family Services Commission. A volunteer group, the commission has a lofty mission of striving to alleviate poverty. It’s currently looking for up to four new members, especially those from east county.
The nine-member commission meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of most months with the majority of meetings held at the government center in Nevada City. The next meeting is Sept. 10 at Sierra Community House in Truckee.
The commission’s main task is to make recommendations to the board of supervisors on funding allocations for grants from two sources: federal Community Services Block Grants and the county’s Community Initiative Fund, which comes from general fund dollars.
“We don’t have anyone from Truckee representing the low-income needs of people in that area,” said Dena Malakian, who has served as commission chair for the last 4 years. “We could also use someone with expertise in low-income veterans. Another under-represented group is people with disabilities.”
To apply, visit nevadacountyca.gov/commissions.
~ Nevada County press release
Residents Encouraged to Prepare for Emergencies
AUBURN
September is National Preparedness Month, a time to take steps to prepare for emergencies. The Placer County Office of Emergency Services is urging residents to review their emergency plans and take proactive measures to ensure their safety and wellbeing in the event of a disaster.
Key preparedness tips:
- Develop an emergency plan: Create a plan for your household that outlines how you will communicate and stay safe during an emergency.
- Build an emergency kit: Assemble a kit containing essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio.
- Stay informed: Sign up for Placer Alert, the county’s emergency notification system, and follow Placer County on social media for important updates.
- Support your community: Participate in a local Firewise USA Community.
For more information on emergency preparedness resources and tips, please visit readyplacer.org.
~ Placer County press release
West Shore Trail to be Renamed in Honor of Late Senator
TAHOE CITY
In a tribute to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Tahoe City Public Utility District Board of Directors has unanimously approved renaming the West Shore Trail in her honor, recognizing her dedication to Lake Tahoe.
The West Shore Trail is a fitting tribute to a leader who devoted her career to protecting and enhancing the region’s natural resources. Sen. Feinstein was a champion for environmental preservation and a long-time advocate for Lake Tahoe. Notably, she played a pivotal role in bringing national attention to Lake Tahoe through the first Lake Tahoe Summit in 1997 and championed the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act in 2000, securing millions of dollars in federal support for Tahoe’s Environmental Improvement Program.
The TCPUD is pleased to collaborate with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Fund to finalize the trail’s renaming. Once complete, it will feature commemorative signage and informational plaques highlighting Sen. Feinstein’s contributions to Lake Tahoe and her broader environmental legacy.
A formal dedication ceremony is planned for 2025, with further details to be announced in the coming months.
~ Tahoe City Public Utility District press release
Transient Occupancy Tax to Fund Trail Projects
KINGS BEACH
The Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved funding for three trail-related items at the Aug. 27 meeting.
First, the board authorized the use of $200,000 of Transient Occupancy Tax funds to authorize the director of agriculture, parks, and natural resources to contract with Design Workshop to begin a North Tahoe regional trails system strategic and fiscal analysis.
The North Tahoe regional trails system, or what has become known as the Resort Triangle Trial, is one of the most heavily used trail systems in California. The system lacks key connections to Kings Beach and the Town of Truckee. To complete the full network in Eastern Placer County, approximately 38 more miles will need to be constructed.
The board also approved an amendment agreement with the North Tahoe Public Utility District for an additional $500,000 in TOT funding for the Pam Emmerich Memorial Pinedrop Trail reconstruction and extension project.
The board additionally approved $1 million in additional TOT funding for the county’s Department of Public Works to complete Segment 1 of the North Tahoe Trail. This funding will help complete the 2.52 mile paved, shared-use trail from Tahoe Vista to Carnelian Bay.
To learn more about the North Tahoe Trail, visit placer.ca.gov/8884/north-tahoe-trail.
~ Placer County press release
Summit Tackles Wildfire Resilience and Recovery
LAS VEGAS
Desert Research Institute, one of the nation’s leading applied environmental research institutes, together with the DRI Foundation, held its inaugural AWE+ Summit — Wildfire Recovery and Resilience: Working Across Silos to Drive Solutions. The summit is a call to action for communities to implement measures that support resilience and human adaptability to devastating wildfire events. AWE is an acronym for Adapting World Environment.
Nationally recognized scientific leaders discussed challenges, progress, and hope through actions that will lead to solutions. Discussion panels included Reducing Loss and Mitigating Risk for Utilities and Infrastructure; Insurance: Growing Risks and Shaping Transformative Policy Decisions; and Building Communities to Accelerate Resilience and Recovery.
A key topic of discussion was the important role of utilities in the safety and security of communities. Power utilities may be shut down proactively when extreme wildfire conditions exist to prevent wildfires, and power grids are at risk during a wildfire event. Power grids provide critical services beyond HVAC temperature control and refrigeration. Vital medical equipment, security services, and the ability to pump water are also impacted by utility disruptions.
AWE+ provides an opportunity for participants to collaborate on actionable wildfire strategies for cultivating measures of resilience in their communities.
~ Desert Research Institute press release
Wine Walk Event Seeks Volunteers
TRUCKEE
Spend a day in historic downtown Truckee on Saturday, Oct. 5, as a volunteer for the 21st annual Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop, taking place from noon to 4 p.m.
Event organizers are seeking friendly, energetic volunteers to help bring the community event to life. Volunteers who contribute a 3-hour shift will receive a complimentary ticket to enjoy the remainder of the event. Shifts are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m., with opportunities to assist with setup, wine pouring, registration, cleanup, and more.
For more information on volunteering, email truckeewinewalk@gmail.com.
~ Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop press release
Fall Festival Returns
TRUCKEE
Now in its 13th year, the Fall Festival returns on Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northwoods Clubhouse in Tahoe Donner.
Attendees can enjoy familiar favorites like a pumpkin patch, bounce house, face painting, giveaways for kids who arrive in costume, and special activities like the Wild Things educational live animal show, pony rides for kids ages 2 to 6, and even a doggie dip adventure in the Northwoods pool!
Sweet treats like cotton candy, popcorn, and caramel apples will be available. For meals on the go, grab a bratwurst or hot dog to munch while you explore. Or enjoy a fresh pizza from Pizza on the Hill, open during the event. And be sure to check out the fun photo booth sponsored by EastFork Roofing.
Tickets range in price from $5 to $25 and are now available for purchase online. Visit tahoedonner.com/fall-fest for complete event details.
Tahoe Donner is currently accepting additional vendors for this event. To register, email chealey@tahoedonner.com.
~ Tahoe Donner Association press release
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
Ski Resort Announces New President
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Alterra Mountain Company announced that Amy Ohran has been named president and chief operating officer of Palisades Tahoe. Ohran will be responsible for leading all resort operations, planning, enhancing the employee and guest experience, continuing to build and strengthen community relationships, and driving the profitability of the destination.
Ohran comes to Palisades Tahoe with nearly 35 years of experience in the snow sports industry, much of it spent in the Tahoe region. Most recently, Ohran served as the vice president and general manager of Northstar California.
Ohran is a current board member of the National Ski Areas Association,Tahoe Fund Board, and North Tahoe Community Alliance. She has been a member of the Ski California Board Executive Committee since 2018 and served as chair from 2019 to 2020.
~ Palisades Tahoe press release
From First Hire to CEO
TRUCKEE
Stephanie Nistler, the first employee hired by the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe in 2004, is celebrating 20 years of life-saving work as the organization’s CEO. Nistler’s journey began with just 1 year of volunteering and fundraising before she was brought on board, marking the start of 2 decades dedicated to animal welfare in the Truckee/Tahoe area.
Nistler was instrumental in opening Truckee’s first regional animal shelter. She also helped facilitate the growth of HSTT’s operations, programs, and services in North and South Lake Tahoe. Stephanie was also the leading force in opening the Thrifty Tails Boutique store in 2023.
Stephanie’s deep passion for animals led her to work at a local animal shelter in college, sparking her love for animal welfare. Starting as an adoption counselor she quickly advanced through roles including volunteer and education director, special events director, and partner development director. Her career spans work with various animal organizations such as No More Homeless Pets in Utah, Best Friends Animal Society, and the Humane Society of Utah.
~ Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe press release
