News Briefs
National Transportation Safety Board Releases Report on Capsized Boat
LAKE TAHOE
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report on its preliminary investigation of the boat that capsized off the shore of D.L. Bliss State Park, leaving 8 passengers dead. The 28-foot Chris-Craft Launch-28 GT launched with four passengers from a Tahoe City marina the morning of June 21 to celebrate the birthday of DoorDash Executive Josh Pickles’ mother. They picked up six more passengers at another marina before heading to Emerald Bay’s sheltered shores.
That day, the possibility of thunderstorms had been forecasted, but no marine warnings or small craft advisories had been issued by the National Weather Service. Once the storm swept in, the operator of the vessel attempted to return to the marina twice, both attempts failing, leaving the boat stranded in Emerald Bay. No distress calls were made. Eight- to 10-foot waves were reported, battering the boat alongside the hail and freezing rain that turned to blowing snow.
One passenger put on a personal flotation device and distributed more that went unworn. Somewhere between 50 and 100 yards offshore, the boat’s engine stopped and the vessel turned parallel to the waves before taking on more water, submerging the starboard aft part of the boat, and finally capsizing into the 54 degree water.
Hikers witnessed the boat roll over and called 911. One hiker and a California State Parks lifeguard helped recover survivors, and paramedics and a sheriff’s marine unit responded to the scene. Eight passengers were recovered, including the two survivors, Amy Friduss and her mother, Julie Linday. The remaining two were found near the bottom of the lake the next day.
A salvage company recovered the boat and U.S. Coast Guard and NTSB investigators found no evidence of damage to the boat. The National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting further examinations as more details are uncovered.
~ NTSB report
Catherine Breed Becomes First to Swim Full Lake Tahoe Water Trail
LAKE TAHOE
Former UC Berkeley and U.S. national team swimmer Catherine Breed has just completed the first ever documented swim of the entire Lake Tahoe Water Trail.
Since leaving the pool after college, Breed, 31, has focused on open-water swims and become a dominant force in the sport, owning marathon swim records in Lake Tahoe, Monterey Bay, the San Francisco Bay Area, and other renowned aquatic locales.
Breed’s recent swim of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail (designed primarily for kayakers and paddle boarders) took place July 16 to 22 as she tackled 60-plus miles in increments over 7 days. She began at Skylandia Beach in Tahoe City, and accomplished the first-ever documented perimeter swim of the lake in consecutive days.
Historic in itself, her ultra-endurance circumnavigation was also a key training grounds for Breed’s next and perhaps most ambitious adventure to date: she plans to swim the entire 900 miles of California’s coastline.
Noteworthy of the Tahoe swim was its test of her cold-water tolerance and navigational abilities, skills that will help her in the Pacific Ocean. That event, dubbed ‘Swim California,’ is slated for June 2026 and will take place over 3 months as Breed makes her way from the Oregon-California border south to Mexico.
On her website, the athlete writes how the coast played a big part in raising her, how it was there for her in both times of need and times of joy. She envisions Swim California to be a call to action to help conserve the coastline and its waters. To learn more about Breed’s life, athletic and adventure exploits, and to help her on her journey, visit catherinebreed.com.
~ JG
Most County, City Residents Automatically Enrolled In New Emergency Alert Software
RENO
Residents of Reno, Sparks, and unincorporated Washoe County (including Incline Village and Crystal Bay) have received or will soon receive a notice in their sewer bills regarding Smart911, the region’s emergency alert system. The notice informs customers that they have been automatically enrolled in Smart911 using the contact information associated with their sewer accounts.
Smart911 delivers geographically targeted emergency alerts, such as evacuation orders or shelter-in-place notices, through cell phone, landline, or email, depending on the contact method linked to each account. These alerts differ from the broader emergency messages broadcast on television and radio, which often cover entire regions.
Residents may opt out of the system by visiting the Washoe County Emergency Management Alerts & Warnings website. Residents can add additional contact details, or provide information that may assist first responders, such as a medical condition or limited mobility by signing up for a Smart 911 account at the same website.
To manage emergency alert preferences, including enrollment, contact information updates, or opting out, visit: washoecounty.gov/em/regional-alerts/index.php
~ Washoe County press release
Edmunds Lofts: Workforce Housing Project Moves Forward
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee, in collaboration with Paradigm8 and Sage Modern, is moving forward with Edmunds Lofts, a 12-unit workforce housing development designed to provide high-quality, affordable homes for local employees.
The three-story building will be located near Edmunds Drive, just a short distance from Meadowood Park and Donner Pass Road. It will include six studio apartments and six one-bedroom units. Each residence will come with a private patio or deck, covered parking, in-unit washer and dryer, and dedicated storage space, offering residents both comfort and practicality.
Rents will be income-restricted for individuals earning between 80% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Priority will be given to full-time employees of the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD), helping ensure that these homes support the people who contribute directly to the local community.
The next major step is coming up soon: the town planning commission will review the proposal at a special meeting on July 29. If it moves forward, the development team plans to break ground in late summer or early fall, with construction expected to take 12 to 14 months, depending on weather conditions and the permitting process.
~ Town of Truckee news release
Tahoe Rim Trail Association Seeking Volunteers to Help Build New Boardwalk
TAHOE MEADOWS
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) is calling on community volunteers to help build a new boardwalk at Tahoe Meadows, one of the most popular gateways to the Tahoe Rim Trail. Volunteer workdays are now taking place every Wednesday and Thursday for the remainder of the trail season, and the TRTA is encouraging people of all skill levels to get involved.
This stewardship project, led by the TRTA in partnership with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, will replace the aging boardwalk with a new, more sustainable structure designed to protect sensitive meadow habitat while improving access for hikers and other visitors.
No experience is necessary. TRTA provides all tools, safety gear, and instruction. To sign up or learn more, visit tahoerimtrail.org/volunteer-trail-workdays.
~ Tahoe Rim Trail Association press release
Local Humane Society Urges Pet Owners to Plan for Emergencies
TRUCKEE
With fire season underway, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is urging residents to prepare emergency plans for their pets before wildfire threats emerge.
The organization emphasizes that pets should never be left behind during evacuations, as fire conditions can change rapidly.
Emergency Preparedness Recommendations
Identification and Documentation:
- Ensure all pets wear properly fitted collars with updated ID tags and microchips.
- Store photos, veterinary records, licenses, and microchip information in waterproof containers.
- Schedule free microchipping for Truckee residents ($15 for non-residents) by calling (530) 582-2484.
Evacuation Planning:
- Keep pet carriers and crates easily accessible — affordable options available at Thrifty Tails Boutique thrift store.
- Map multiple evacuation routes and locate pet-friendly accommodations in advance.
- Share evacuation plans with neighbors or friends who can assist if owners are away.
Emergency Supply Kit (7 to 14 days):
- Dry food and bottled water (1 gallon per day, per pet)
- Food bowls, litter supplies, and waste bags
- Medications, flea treatments, and first-aid supplies
- Leashes, harnesses, and carriers
- Comfort items including toys, blankets, and cleaning supplies
Stay Informed: Pet owners should sign up for emergency alerts through:
- Truckee Police Department’s CodeRED system online
- Calling 211 or (833) DIAL211
- Texting “ReadyNevadaCounty” to 99411
- Enabling geolocation alerts for Zonehaven/Genasys evacuation zones
Recovery Planning:
- Complete emergency care forms authorizing veterinarians to treat pets if owners cannot be reached
- Arrange care outside the area, as local shelters have limited space
- Plan to retrieve pets from temporary shelters as soon as possible
Local shelters have limited capacity during emergencies, making advance planning essential for keeping pets with their families.
For additional resources and information, visit hstt.org or contact the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe at (530) 582-2484.
~ HSTT press release
Tahoe Literary Festival Issues Call for Submission for 2025 Festival
TAHOE CITY
The second Tahoe Literary Festival announced its fall dates for Oct. 10 and 11. New York Times-bestselling author Katy Hay; award-winning author, nature writer and humorist Michael Branch; Nevada County Poet Laureate Karen Terrey; and Reno Poet Laureate Jesse James Ziegler are confirmed featured authors. Brooke Warner, author and publisher of She Writes Press, and Steve Wasserman of Heyday Books are featured presenters. More authors will be announced in August.
The Tahoe Literary Festival is a grassroots community event that fosters creativity, cultivates community, supports artists, and inspires anyone passionate about the literary arts in whatever form they gravitate toward. The event features generative workshops, craft talks, readings, and panels. The Literary Festival’s goal is to inspire writers, aspiring writers, book lovers, and those interested in exploring and dipping their toes in the literary waters.
The festival offers free and ticketed events, along with free author-led readings, a book fair, and Literary Open Mic hosted by Scott Green of the Tahoe Poetry Collective on Friday, Oct. 10, at the Tahoe Wine Collective. On Saturday, Oct. 11, participants can enjoy daylong programming with publishing and author panels, workshops, author readings, and discussions. Saturday night also features a free Songwriters’ Showcase hosted by Will Richardson of Tahoe Institute of Natural Science.
The call to submissions is open for programming, workshops, and author readings until July 31. Submissions are being accepted here.
~ Tahoe Literary Festival press release
Town Council Approves Fiscal Year 2025/26 to 2026/27
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Town Council officially approved the Council Priorities Workplan for Fiscal Years 2025/26 through 2026/27.
The workplan reflects the strategic direction set during a public council retreat held on Feb. 11. The retreat, attended by council members, department heads, and members of the public, centered on shaping the town’s goals for the coming 2 years. Public comments focused on issues such as the Hope Ridge House and services for the unhoused. Council discussions reinforced a commitment to existing focus areas, while expanding priorities to include economic vitality and emergency recovery.
The five strategic focus areas for FY 2025/26 through 2026/27 are:
- Actively support the development of workforce housing.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become a leader in environmental sustainability.
- Enhance communication and public outreach.
- Invest in key infrastructure, community connectivity, and economic vitality.
- Enhance partnerships and investment for emergency preparedness, including wildfire readiness, mitigation, and recovery.
The Council Priorities Workplan sets a clear path forward for the next 2 years, grounded in community input and organizational readiness. With a focus on transparency, adaptability, and thoughtful implementation, the town is committed to delivering meaningful progress across its strategic goals while remaining responsive to emerging needs.
~ Town of Truckee news release
