News Briefs

Sierra Nevada Mountain Towns Mobilize to Support LA Wildfire Victims

TRUCKEE

When wildfires strike, the impact reverberates throughout California, demonstrating the interconnectedness of our communities. The Truckee/Tahoe region is ready to show up and support those in need.

Courtney Henderson, Truckee town council member and former mayor, is leading the charge with the Truckee-Tahoe Caravan of Provisions to Los Angeles. 

Advertisement

The effort established donation drop-off locations throughout town and surrounding communities to collect essential goods for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. All donations will be delivered to the LA Dream Center, a nonprofit organization working on wildfire relief efforts. 

Support for the Caravan of Provisions has been generously provided by a coalition of regional organizations and agencies dedicated to the well-being of our communities. Only the following items are being accepted:

• Brand-new socks, underwear, bras
• Diapers and baby formula
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Canned food and non-perishables
• Large trash bags
• Gloves and safety goggles
• Air purifiers

Truckee drop-off locations and hours:

• Truckee Welcome Center
  10065 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee
  Through Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District
  10981 Truckee Way, Truckee
  Jan. 17 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  Jan. 18 to Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  Jan. 20 to Jan. 21 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Truckee Town Hall
  10183 Truckee Airport Rd., Truckee
  Jan. 17 from 12 to 4 p.m.
  Jan. 20 to Jan. 21 from 12 to 4 p.m.

North Tahoe drop-off locations and hours:

• North Tahoe Visitor Center
  100 N Lake Blvd., Tahoe City
  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• North Tahoe Visitor Center
  8611 N Lake Blvd., Kings Beach
  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The last day for drop-offs is Jan. 21, by 1 p.m.

~ Town of Truckee, North Tahoe Community Alliance press release

Assessor Notifies Homeowners of Taxation for Short-Term-Rentals

NEVADA COUNTY

Assessor Rolf Kleinhans and his team notify homeowners that, per state law, personal property used to produce income is taxable, which includes property used for short-term rentals (such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc.). Assessable property can include furniture, bedding, kitchenware, appliances, recreation items, TVs, and more; in other words, what the tenant has access to during their stay. Rental of all or a portion of one’s property, including a residential unit or a bedroom, means that property owners are subject to business property taxation assessment on personal property.

A 2025 Short-Term Rental Property Statement (BOE 571-STR) was mailed from the Assessor’s Marine, Aircraft, & Business Property Department, along with a Supplemental Schedule form, to anyone with a current short-term rental per records provided by local county and city offices. This means those who receive the forms have been identified as owning a short-term rental. These forms are required to be completed and the originals returned to the Assessor’s Office either by mail or in-person (not by email) by April 1, or a 10% penalty incurs after May 7.

Learn more at nevadacountyca.gov/3988/short-term-rentals—faqs. 

~ Nevada County Assessor’s Office press release

TRPA Governing Board to Review Homewood Master Plan

LAKE TAHOE

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board will consider proposed amendments to the Homewood Master Plan at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Interested members of the public can attend the meeting in person at the TRPA offices in Stateline, Nevada, or online via a live webinar. Public comment is welcome ahead of the meeting by mail or email to publiccomment@trpa.gov. Comments are also welcome during the meeting.

Helpful information on the resort’s proposed changes and how to provide input are available at trpa.gov/major-projects/#homewood.

The resort owners applied to TRPA in May 2024 to update the 2011 Homewood Master Plan. The agency has been carefully reviewing and gathering public feedback on the application. The agency held public hearings in September and December 2024, which resulted in requests for clarification and around public access to the resort.

The 2011 master plan includes new residential, commercial, and visitor accommodation uses as well as water quality, forest health, transportation, and parking improvements. The amendments proposed by Homewood would modify the layout, scale, and architecture of previously approved projects. An approval of the master plan amendments would also include a permit for a new gondola close to the base for improved skier access. Homewood will also continue its 250-acre forest fuel reduction project this year and is finalizing an agreement with the North Tahoe Fire Protection District to expand fire services and assist with emergency response and wildfire evacuation.

~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency news release

New 837 Area Code Coming to the 530 Region on Jan. 31

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reminds Californians that the new 837 area code will be added as an overlay to the 530 area code region starting Jan. 31.

In June 2023, the CPUC approved the implementation of an area code overlay, which adds a second area code to the same geographic region served by the existing 530 area code. The 530 area code serves most of northeastern California, including El Dorado, Nevada, and Placer. 

Starting on Jan. 31, customers in the 530 area code region may be assigned a number in the new 837 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving an 837 area code will be required to dial 1 plus the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 530 area code do today.

What you need to know:

• Telephone numbers, including the current area code, will not change.
• The overlay does not affect the price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call.
• Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 1+10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long-distance calls.

For more information, please contact your telephone service provider or visit the CPUC’s website.

~ California Public Utilities Commission news release

State Parks Announces Full Implementation of Sand Harbor’s Day-Use Reservations

INCLINE VILLAGE

Following the success of last year’s trial period, Nevada State Parks announced the full implementation of day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park, beginning April 15. This system is designed to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the park’s natural beauty and resources.

Day-use reservations will be required daily during the park’s peak season, from April 15 to Oct. 15. A reservation will be required for entry by vehicle from park opening at 8 to 10:30 a.m. Visitors arriving during this time must secure a reservation in advance.

After 10:30 a.m., any unclaimed reservation spots will become available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To ensure opportunity for all visitors, and to maximize visitor experience, reservable days will open on a three-tiered system with select reservations available 90 days in advance, 30 days in advance, and 7 days in advance.

Reservations for visits starting April 15 became available on Jan. 15. Visitors are encouraged to secure their spots early to ensure access during this popular season. A $5 fee will be charged for all reservations. Same-day reservations are exempt from this fee. The park entrance fee is $10 for vehicles registered in Nevada and $15 for vehicles registered out-of-state.

To make a reservation or learn more about the process, visit parks.nv.gov. 

~ Nevada Division of State Parks press release

Truckee Town Council Member, Former Mayor Selected for Rodel Fellowship

TRUCKEE

The Town of Truckee is thrilled to announce that Council Member Courtney Henderson has been selected to join the prestigious Rodel Fellowship, California Class of 2025. This highly competitive program brings together 24 outstanding state and local leaders from across the political spectrum to engage in thoughtful dialogue on ethical values, democratic principles, and effective leadership. 

The Rodel Fellowship was founded to foster nonpartisan collaboration and prepare America’s emerging leaders for higher service. The program builds a network of leaders committed to addressing critical questions of public policy and governance. Participants, chosen for their commitment to public service, professional integrity, and intellectual curiosity, convene over 12 months for sessions moderated by leading scholars. 

Henderson’s selection is particularly remarkable as the fellowship traditionally includes State Assembly members, senators, mayors of major cities, and statewide elected leaders such as attorneys general and secretaries of state. Her inclusion highlights the significant leadership she brings to Truckee and the Sierra Nevada region and underscores the value of perspectives from rural communities in statewide and national discussions.

Henderson was elected to the Truckee Town Council in 2020, served as vice mayor in that year and as mayor in 2022. 

~ Town of Truckee press release

Truckee High Walk Out for Women’s Rights

TRUCKEE

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Truckee High School’s People Organized for Women’s Empowerment and Respect (POWER) Club is organizing a school-wide walk out to express its concerns and opinions on the state of women’s rights, access to reproductive health, and overall security in the United States. The POWER Club and interested students will exercise their right to civil disobedience by walking out of class and protesting in front of Truckee High School on Donner Pass Road.  

The concerns of the female student body include:

• Concerns with the new government’s opinions about women and a president who has made disparaging remarks regarding women and their bodies
• Throughout the United States, women do not have full control over their bodies,
• Increase in women’s hate speech online as a result of the 2024 election
• Comments about “repealing the 19th” on social media.
• Rape culture on college campuses and the normalcy of sexual assault young women face.
• Reproductive rights issues and the lack of health care options in various states across the nation.
• The pay gap still exists with women earning 84 cents to every dollar a man makes.
• Our grandmas had more rights than we do! 
• Overall concern with the direction our nation is going in response to women and their rights.

We want to live in a nation that supports women as equal members of society. We do not want to go backwards, we want to have a future that includes ALL citizens, not just one gender. 

~ People Organized for Women’s Empowerment and Respect Club statement

IVCBA Workforce Housing Series

INCLINE VILLAGE

The Incline Village Crystal Bay Community & Business Association (IVCBA) announced the first event in its Workforce Housing Series: “Unlocking Housing Stock Through Placemate.” The event will take place on Jan. 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Prim Library in Incline Village.

Based on last spring’s community survey, the IVCBA Housing Committee is launching this series to explore innovative solutions to housing challenges in Incline Village. This inaugural program will feature Placemate, a proven initiative that incentivizes landlords to transition short-term rentals to long-term housing or unlock new housing opportunities.

For those who can stay beyond the hour-long program, there will be a Q&A session and informal discussions.

For more information and to register for the event, visit business.ivcba.org/ap/Events/Register/WqFyzgesaCJCE 

~ Incline Village Crystal Bay Community & Business Association press release

Town Talk: Navigating Immigration Rights

TRUCKEE

Join Truckee Chamber of Commerce for an informative Town Talk focused on understanding rights and responsibilities related to immigration in the workplace and community. This free event is designed to provide valuable insights for employers, managers, and community members who want to navigate immigration-related questions and situations with clarity and confidence.

Experts from Sierra Community House and the Truckee Police Department will be on hand to answer questions on local law enforcement laws, Immigration Law, Know Your Rights, and Be Prepared information. This open and neutral conversation will encourage attendees to ask questions and share experiences. 

The event will take place on Monday, Jan. 27, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Lift Workspace in Truckee.

This event is designed to promote understanding and provide reliable information for all attendees. To learn more and register, visit truckee.com.

~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release

Truckee Tahoe Airport District Advances Sustainable Aviation Goals

TRUCKEE

As the aviation industry enters a pivotal year for climate action, the Truckee Tahoe Airport District (TTAD) is building on its initiatives to advance sustainable aviation. 

TTAD’s sustainability agenda for 2025 and the future include: 

• SAF Fuel Program: TTAD is the first airport in the country to exclusively offer sustainable aviation jet fuel (SAF). The bio-fuel offers a 23% reduction in carbon emissions per gallon, compared to traditional Jet A Fuel over the entire life cycle.
• Accelerating Operational Efficiency: To reduce TTAD’s carbon footprint, the airport plans to expand its electric vehicle fleet. TTAD also uses electric aircraft Ground Power Units to charge airplanes. These battery cells replace traditional diesel powered charging units.  
• Advancing Regional Climate Goals: Both general manager Robb Etnyre and current TTAD board chair Kat Rohlf are founding members of the Climate Transformation Alliance (CTA). This regional public-private partnership is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 for the Truckee-North Lake Tahoe region. 
• Environmental Stewardship: TTAD purchased land around the airport to ensure it maintains open space for recreational use and as a habitat for local wildlife. In total, TTAD manages 2,000+ acres of diverse land. As responsible land owners, the airport conducts prescribed burns to reduce fuel buildup.  
• Exceeding Industry Targets: NZero’s sustainability report revealed TTAD’s 31% reduction in aviation fuel emissions, putting the airport ahead of schedule to achieve net-zero emissions before the industry’s 2050 target. 

The airport will host a Sustainable Aviation Conference on Feb. 10. To learn more about TTAD’s sustainability efforts visit: saf.truckeetahoeairport.com. 

~ Truckee Tahoe Airport District press release

Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up

Palisades Tahoe and the Legacy of Former Mountain Manager Jimmy King

OLYMPIC VALLEY

After an incredible 50 years of unwavering dedication to Palisades Tahoe, and over 3 decades shaping its slopes as mountain manager, Jimmy King has passed the torch to the next leader. Kyle Crezee now steps in as mountain manager, with Chris Woo as assistant mountain manager. Even with this change, King’s journey with Palisades Tahoe is far from over. Taking on the role of senior advisor, he will continue to guide the mountain with the same passion and expertise that has made him a legend. 

This transition occurred before the start of this season, and King’s wisdom has been invaluable during this change. To honor King’s career and legacy at Palisades Tahoe, Tom Day created a video showcasing King’s incredible career. View a video here, as well as the blog that shares a deeper dive into King’s legacy. 

~ Palisades Tahoe press release

Business Briefs

Winter Speaker Series Concludes with Dave Nettle

TAHOE CITY

The 19th annual Winter Speaker Series, presented by the North Tahoe Chamber, concludes on Feb. 28, with series co-founder and mountaineer Dave Nettle and his presentation of “Patagonia: A Climber’s Journey.” Enjoy the free event in person at the Palisades Tahoe Olympic Village Event Center, or livestream it from the comfort of your home via the Alpenglow Sports YouTube channel. The nonprofit beneficiary of the event is the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA).

The Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series blends two goals: to inspire and motivate mountain athletes to pursue their own outdoor dreams, and to educate about, and raise funds for, nonprofit organizations making a tangible difference in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee community.

Dave’s presentation will round out an impressive 2024/25 series lineup including Leanne Pelosi (the Scotty Lapp Foundation), Kimmy Fasani (the Tahoe Waterman Foundation), Greg Hill (the Courage Project) on Jan. 24, and Angela Hawse (Headwaters Science Institute) on Feb. 7. 

To date, the Winter Speaker Series has raised nearly $2,000,000 for local organizations. 

There will be an in-person raffle for all attendees who purchase raffle tickets at the event, and an online giveaway for all tuning in from afar and who purchase online giveaway tickets. 

Head over to Alpenglow Sports’ website to learn more about the event.

~ Alpenglow Sports press release