News Briefs

$15.8 Million Invested in Tahoe National Forest Projects

NEVADA CITY

The Tahoe National Forest is the benefactor of $11.2 million in funding from the Great American Outdoors Act and $4.6 million from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Wildfire Recovery and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program, for a total of $15.8 million.

Across USDA-managed lands nationwide, GAOA-funded investments will address deferred maintenance, improve infrastructure, increase user access, and support rural economies while also meeting conservation goals. There are three Legacy Restoration Fund projects identified on the Tahoe National Forest for funding this fiscal year. These projects will realign trail segments and harden stream crossings on trails in the Granite Chief Wilderness, implement vegetation management in priority campgrounds, and renovate an essential public service center.

There is also one Land and Water Conservation Fund National Forest System Land Acquisition Project receiving funding on the Tahoe National Forest. The Martis Valley Headwaters land acquisition will help conserve over 7,000 acres of mature coniferous forest, chaparral, sagebrush scrub, montane meadow, and riparian habitat in the Truckee River watershed.

For more about the GAOA, visit: fs.usda.gov/managing-land/gaoa.

For more about the SNC, visit: sierranevada.ca.gov.

~ Tahoe National Forest press release

California Trout, Truckee Donner Land Trust Awarded Truckee River Fund Grant

TRUCKEE

California Trout and Truckee Donner Land Trust were recently awarded $26,500 from the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada for river access and restoration in the Truckee River Canyon.

The two nonprofits will work together during summer 2022 to restore and improve a popular Truckee River access point in the Truckee River Canyon along Interstate 80, roughly 1.4 miles east of the Farad Exit.

The project will include riverbank stabilization and restoration to reduce sediment in the Truckee River, creating naturalized terraces as a stable entry for users entering and exiting the river. Eliminating some of the eroding user trails and planting willows will further improve bank stability and riparian habitat.

Already a popular place to access the river, the property is heavily eroded and the streambank undercut, contributing sedimentation to the Truckee River.

The TDLT, holder of a conservation easement on the property, sees this as an opportunity to both improve public recreation and protect natural resources in the Truckee River Canyon, an area the land trust has done extensive conservation work.

Work is anticipated to be complete by the end of summer 2022.

To learn more about California Trout, go to caltrout.org; to learn more about the Truckee Donner Land Trust, go to truckeedonnerlandtrust.org; and to learn about the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, go to nevadafund.org.

~ TDLT press release

Sustainable Ambassador Program Expands for Summer 2022

TRUCKEE

Visit Truckee-Tahoe announces a major expansion of the Sustainable Truckee Ambassador program for summer 2022, made possible by more funding partners, doubling the number of staff ambassadors, plus the launch of a new volunteer program.

Operated and administered by the Truckee Trails Foundation, the Sustainable Truckee Ambassador program now includes a three-tiered volunteer program for local residents and anyone in the world (visitors alike) to help protect our community from wildfire danger, educate outdoor recreation users, and mitigate excessive trash. Staff ambassadors, who are employees of TTF, will increase from three in summer 2021 to seven. In addition to Visit Truckee-Tahoe funding, Town of Truckee, Truckee Fire Protection District, and Nevada County (pending the June 28 supervisor meeting) are contributors. 

Coverage this summer expands beyond the 36 trail signage locations of last year to Town of Truckee scenic paved paths in addition to Tahoe National Forest OHV roads toward Prosser, Boca, and Stampede. Staff ambassadors will ride new mountain ebikes funded by Visit Truckee-Tahoe for rapid access to more remote areas. Locals will recognize Sustainable Truckee trailhead signs with a focus on three messages: safety between hikers and bikers, pack out trash and poop, and wildfire danger. 

In addition, Truckee citizens are encouraged to join a community of Sustainable Truckee ambassadors as volunteers. Three volunteer opportunities are available all summer long, providing different levels of participation for everyone who wishes to get involved: volunteer ambassador, secret steward, and virtual fire lookout ambassador.

As critical boots on the ground during peak periods, staff and volunteer ambassadors will be trained to identify and report fire danger to the corresponding land management agency or dial 911 if a threat is real and imminent. Scheduling and trail coverage will be managed by TTF. Staff ambassadors carry satellite communicators for emergency communications in trail areas that are known cell service dead zones.

An easy, DIY volunteer opportunity is secret stewards. This role is for everyone who hikes and bikes their favorite trails, on their own time, and who would like to report back on conditions that need attention. 

Virtual fire lookout ambassadors will help by keeping an eye on ALERTWildfire lookout cams for fire or smoke. Cams are on visittruckeetahoe.com/weather. 

Sustainable Truckee Ambassadors will receive training on Monday, June 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Truckee River Regional Park picnic tables next to the skate park and playground, located at 10050 Brockway Rd.Facilitators from Truckee Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Truckee Trails Foundation, and Visit Truckee-Tahoe will be present. Ambassadors receive a Sustainable Truckee Ambassador T-shirt, name tag, and a signup schedule for available shifts to rove trails, beaches, piers, paved paths, and OHV roads. 

“After June 20, on-demand training will be available in addition to ambassador meetups to cultivate community and teamwork, as well as hear feedback on data collection and ways to improve the program,” said Kim Jean, TTF ambassador coordinator. 

Sign up and learn more about Sustainable Truckee Ambassador staff and volunteer positions at visittruckeetahoe.com/ambassador. Spanish speakers are needed.

~ VTT press release

Duffield Foundation Funds Expansion of High School

INCLINE VILLAGE

On June 14, the Washoe County Board of Trustees unanimously approved an agreement with the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation to expand and improve structures at Incline High School for up to $38,302,742. The board also approved a design contract with Collaborative Design Studio for the project. 

Phase one of the project will replace the football field with artificial turf, install an eight-lane regulation track with accessories, expand the bleachers, and add an athletic weight room, snack shack, and press box.  

Phase two will demolish the existing Reserve Officer Training Corps building and install a new one — to include two new classrooms for ROTC and a shooting/rifle range on floor one, a dance studio, culinary kitchen, restaurant, and home-economics space on floor two, and a student hub on floor three.

Design will begin this summer, and construction for both phases will begin May 2023. Phase one is estimated to be completed fall 2023, and phase two, fall 2024.

Tierney Cahill, principal of IHS, stated in a public comment at the board meeting, “I want to express my deep sincere gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Duffield for their generosity to the community. I think we all know schools are a hub in the community and a place where the community gathers. We do vaccinations, we do all kinds of service within our community; we’re a very important place for our community. This type of investment is truly remarkable and unbelievable generosity. Thank you doesn’t really seem enough to Mr. and Mrs. Duffield of how grateful we are.”

Find the full board of trustees presentation, including renderings, here.

~ AH

Study Explores Uncertainties in Flood Risk Estimates

RENO

Flood frequency analysis is a technique used to estimate flood risk, providing statistics such as the 100-year flood or 500-year flood that are critical to infrastructure design, dam safety analysis, and flood mapping in flood-prone areas. But the method used to calculate these flood frequencies is due for an update, according to a new study by scientists from the Desert Research Institute, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Colorado State University. 

Floods, even in a single watershed, are known to be caused by a variety of sources, including  rainfall, snowmelt, or rain-on-snow events in which rain falls on existing snowpack. However, flood frequencies have traditionally been estimated under the assumption these flood drivers, or root causes, are unimportant.

In a new open-access paper, titled Diverse Physical Processes Drive Upper-Tail Flood Quantiles in the U.S. Mountain West and published in Geophysical Research Letters, a team led by Guo Yu, Ph.D., of DRI examined the most common drivers (rainfall, snowmelt, and rain-on-snow events) of historic floods for 308 watersheds in the Western U.S., and investigated the impact of different flood types on the resulting flood frequencies.

Their findings showed that most (64%) watersheds frequently experienced two or three flood types throughout the study period and that rainfall-driven floods, including rain-on-snow, tended to be substantially larger than snowmelt floods across watershed sizes.  

Further analysis showed that by neglecting the unique roles of each flood type, conventional methods for generating flood frequency estimates tended to result in under-estimation of flood frequency at more than half of the sites, especially at the 100-year flood and beyond.

The study findings have important implications for estimating flood frequencies into the future, as climate change pushes conditions in snowmelt-dominated watersheds toward increased rainfall.

The study team hopes that this research is useful to engineers, who rely on accurate estimates of flood frequencies when building bridges and other infrastructure. Although many engineers realize that there is a problem with the conventional way of estimating flood frequencies, this study provides new insights into the level of inaccuracy that results. 

~ DRI press release

New Art Center Opens to Public

KINGS BEACH

North Tahoe Arts’ art center is celebrating its opening with three days of celebration. A ribbon cutting took place on June 16, opening day began June 17, and on Saturday, June 18, is the center’s first official class.

On opening day, patrons can browse the center’s artisan shop and exhibit space. June’s exhibit is titled Single Track, by artist Bryn Merrell.

From 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Kim Maier will teach fabric collage, a no-sew method to create images using fabric. All supplies are included. Interested artists can register at northtahoearts.org/workshops. 

Learn more about the art center’s opening by reading Trending Now, published in Moonshine Ink’s June 2022 edition.

~ North Tahoe Arts enews

Excitement Builds for North Lake Tahoe July 4th SkyShow

INCLINE VILLAGE

Organizers of the inaugural Incline Village Crystal Bay SkyShow have released additional details about the upcoming event as community excitement builds for this unique approach to celebrating July 4th. Residents and visitors looking to enjoy the show are encouraged to walk or bike to the event if possible and bring a picnic to enjoy the show. 

New details about the show include: 

• Date and time: July 4, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Viewing location: Incline Village Middle School ball fields, 931 Southwood Blvd. in Incline Village
• Show times: 9:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
• Entertainment: Laser show before and during intermission, live DJ, beer garden.
• Parking information:
  • Walking lots: middle school, Parasol Tahoe Foundation, recreation center, visitors center
  • Shuttle lots: Chateau, Big Water Diamond Peak lot, Diamond Peak upper and lower lots.

In addition to the event details, the organizers of the celebration have put out a call for the community to support this unique, environmentally-friendly event. 

“We’re asking for the community’s support to make this environmentally responsible approach possible and we’re asking everyone who cares about protecting Lake Tahoe to chip in at ivcbskyshow.org,” said Andy Chapman, president/CEO of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. “We are looking to raise $50,000 in donations from the community; bringing a fun, safe and responsible way to celebrate Independence Day requires a community commitment.”

The committee, which includes the IVCBVB, the Incline Village General Improvement District, the Incline Village Crystal Bay Community and Business Association, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, and the Parasol Tahoe Foundation has already raised $85,000. All donations go to cover the cost of the show, including the cost of drone and entertainment vendors, fire and sheriff contracts, and permit fees.

To donate or learn more, please visit ivcbskyshow.org. 

~ IVCBVB press release

New TOT Committee to Support Local Housing, Transportation Projects

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Seven local community members with housing and transportation-related experience have been named to North Lake Tahoe’s new Transient Occupancy Tax Committee. The committee will focus on identifying workforce housing, transportation, and infrastructure programs and projects in Eastern Placer County to support. Over $4 million in TOT funds that previously funded the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association will be available on an annual basis to fund projects and programs in the region.

“The formation of the TOT Committee is important because it gives community members on the TOT Committee the ability to make funding recommendations to the Placer County Board of Supervisors on projects and programs that support housing and transportation challenges in North Lake Tahoe,” said Tony Karwowski, NLTRA president and CEO. “Now that the committee has been named, in the coming months they will establish their meeting schedule and begin the important work they are charged with.”

TOT Committee members include:

• Sara Monson, Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association
• Teresa Crimmens, Sierra Community House
• Tara Zuardo, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation/Mountain Housing Council
• Samir Tuma, Tahoe City Lodge
• Dave Wilderotter, Tahoe Dave’s
• Linda Meckel, WSP
• Sarah Coolidge, Coolidge Consulting

In the meantime, six temporary advisory members have been named in a non-voting capacity. If the TBID membership votes to increase the size of the TOT Committee from seven to 13 members, they will become full-voting members. Temporary advisory members include:

• Pat Fraser, Palisades Tahoe
• Scott Zumwalt, Bridgetender and West Shore Market
• Alyssa Bettinger, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
• Alyssa Reilly, North Tahoe Business Association
• Kim Boyd, Tahoe City Public Utility District
• Kane Schaller, Dickson Realty/KJM Team

Two Placer County appointed advisory seats have also been filled by county staff members Stephanie Holloway (transportation planning) and Shawna Purvines (workforce housing).

To expand the committee, according to its bylaws, the NLTRA must implement a full membership vote. If conducted and the results of the vote are in favor, the committee will be expanded to 13 voting seats, filled by the appointed temporary advisory members.

Learn more about the NLTRA, its board of directors, and committees at nltra.org. 

~ NLTRA press release

Local Car Burglaries

GLENSHIRE

The Truckee Police Department has received numerous reports of overnight thefts from unlocked vehicles in the Glenshire neighborhood. To date, 18 vehicle burglaries have been reported to the TPD. Last year during the same time frame, 20 such burglaries were reported.

In response to the uptick in theft, extra patrols in the Glenshire area were established, and two juvenile suspects were identified as responsible and a residence was searched in the Riverview Homes subdivision where numerous stolen items were found. One suspect was arrested and subsequently released. The other suspect remains outstanding.

The TPD urges everyone to lock their cars and hide valuable items.

~ AH

Sweeping Update to Placer County Housing Policy Targets Infill Areas for More Housing

AUBURN

Increasing the variety and affordability of housing in Placer County’s developed unincorporated areas is the goal of a series of policy changes approved June 14 by the county board of supervisors. 

The updates align county code with sweeping changes to state law in recent years intended to address the growing housing affordability crisis in California. They also allow new housing types like moveable tiny homes and co-housing or “cottage home” developments.

While Placer County has for years been working to reduce barriers to housing construction, the board of supervisors and community members alike sought an extensive public engagement process to ensure a balance between meeting state requirements and preserving the character of existing communities through this broad update to Placer’s housing policy.

“The state’s approach to housing has challenged us by removing a good deal of our local regulatory authority, though we share the goal of making housing affordable to more of our community members,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “I greatly appreciate the extensive engagement from our residents to help us adapt to these changes in a way that will lead to more affordable housing but also be mindful of the changes and impacts to the character of our communities.”

Refined through years of community feedback beginning in 2018, the package of zoning, code, and policy changes under the Housing-Related Code Amendments project is designed to help steer new housing into underdeveloped infill areas within existing communities – especially those with public transportation connections and commercial areas.

The project also includes a new design manual for multi-family housing. Multi-unit projects that meet the design manual standards can now be streamlined and approved by county planning staff, with enhanced requirements for public notice to neighboring property owners. 

“Focusing on multi-family residential development in our existing downtown and main street areas makes economic and environmental sense,” said Shawna Purvines, deputy director of Placer’s Community Development Resource Agency. “It creates housing that’s more affordable for more of our residents and reflects a growing demand for housing options closer to transit and community amenities from so many of our community members.”

Other code amendments allow for moveable tiny homes as primary or accessory dwelling units and “cluster” lot developments such as cottage home communities or co-housing. 

Moveable tiny homes will be allowed on appropriately zoned parcels in unincorporated areas countywide, including the Lake Tahoe Basin, but will have the same water, sewer and electrical connections requirements as other permanent structures. Their trailer chassis and wheels also need to be concealed behind skirting. 

The changes take effect July 14.

~ Placer County press release

Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up

Airport’s Bullock Announces Departure

TRUCKEE

Truckee Tahoe Airport District’s Director of Aviation and Community Services Hardy Bullock is moving on after 15 years. He will be taking a job with airport industry consultants Mead & Hunt, where former airport general manager Kevin Smith is now working. (Smith departed from the airport on May 6.)

“I’m leaving the airport with an open heart and sincere appreciation,” Bullock shared. “Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Nothing replaces the magic of flight; I got to be part of that every day. Our airport team is the best in the business, admired nationwide for their innovation, hard work, and intellect. Reflecting the community we serve and building a modern airport is challenging. The board, staff, tenants, businesses, nonprofits, and our community have done great work — together! I will always fly here at the Truckee airport knowing we did great things. Not without disagreement, but always with integrity and passion. I have prepared my team to lead the airport and the community — they’re ready and willing. I will always be here for the airport and this team and our entire community.”

Hardy’s last day with the airport district is June 22. He continues to serve as Nevada County District 5 supervisor.

~ TTAD Facebook post

Seline Retires, New Fire Chief Announced

TRUCKEE

After 40 years in emergency medical services, fire, and management work, Bill Seline, Truckee Fire Protection District fire chief, has decided to retire and will be leaving at the end of his contract on June 30. 

“Working at the fire district, with a great board and staff, has been the most rewarding job I have ever had and it’s a bittersweet decision,” Seline said. “However, I am looking forward to the next chapter and some more time with family, enjoying the mountains.”

This was a planned change and the district had a succession plan in place.  The board has selected Deputy Chief Kevin McKechnie as the next fire chief, starting July 1.

McKechnie grew up in Truckee and had his first taste of the fire service from his dad, Don, who served as a volunteer firefighter in Truckee. McKechnie graduated from Truckee High School; got a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico; worked a stint for Caltrans as an engineer; and has been at Truckee Fire for over 20 years. He has worked in every rank at the fire district, most recently as the deputy chief and fire marshal, and has a long track record of leadership in the district as well as a commitment to the community. 

McKechnie lives with his wife, Wendy, and two boys in the Glenshire area. He is often coaching baseball, football, or basketball, or hitting the slopes with his boys in his free time. 

“I am proud to step into this role and continue the district’s regional leadership in emergency response and community involvement,” McKechnie said.

~ TFPD press release

Placer CEO Dismissed

AUBURN

On June 3, the Placer County Board of Supervisors designated Assistant County Executive Officer Jane Christenson to serve as acting CEO. This comes after a workplace discrimination and harassment complaint was submitted on May 25 against former County Executive Officer Todd Leopold and he was placed on paid administrative leave and ultimately dismissed June 3.

The board’s deliberations are privileged and exempt from disclosure under the Brown Act per Government Code section 54957(b)(1). The complaint and the complainant are confidential.

The complaint and the board’s action was unrelated to the tragic accident involving Leopold in mid-March, in which he struck and ultimately killed Inderkum High School senior Anthony Williams. Leopold was deemed not at fault for the fatal collision by the Rocklin Police Department.

~ Placer County press release

From Palisades to Public Utility District

TRUCKEE

After eight years working at Palisades Tahoe in different capacities, most recently as public relations manager, Alex Spychalsky has taken a position with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District as the communications specialist.

“I’ve loved my time here and all that we’ve accomplished,” Spychalsky shared in an email, “and it’s been a pleasure working … on incredible projects and media coverage. I’m excited for a new challenge moving into the public sector, and the opportunity to continue to grow my skill set with new experiences.”

Going forward, Kat Walton will be the primary public relations contact for the resort. 

~ AH

Placer Welcomes David Kwong

AUBURN

David Kwong has taken the helm as director of the Placer County Community Development Resource Agency.

Kwong’s career spans over three decades in government service, including his most recent job serving as community development director for San Joaquin County, and 15 years with the City of Sacramento. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in real estate and land use affairs from California State University – Sacramento. 

As Placer CDRA director, Kwong is responsible for overseeing land use and development, as well as open space conservation, in the county’s unincorporated areas. County services like building permits and inspections, compliance with county codes, environmental regulation, and review of proposed land development and zoning changes all fall under his purview.

He replaces Steve Pedretti, who retired in December 2021.

~ Placer County press release

El Dorado CAO Stepping Down in 2023

PLACERVILLE

Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton has notified the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors of his intention to step down and resign from his position as the chief administrative officer in March 2023, and suggested the board begin a recruitment for the position this month to provide ample time to select the next CAO.

Ashton began his career with El Dorado County as the chief fiscal officer for the sheriff’s office in January 2011. He was director of the Health and Human Services Agency for three years before being appointed as CAO in May 2016.

During his time as CAO, Ashton shepherded the development and updates to the county’s strategic plan and budget policies resulting in record amounts in contingency and reserves to address infrastructure challenges and the fiscal uncertainties facing the county while also providing a more competitive compensation structure for county employees.

~ El Dorado County press release

Tahoe Donner Hires Matt Hale as New Executive Chef

TRUCKEE

Tahoe Donner has announced the hiring of Matt Hale as its new executive chef with a primary focus on serving The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Former executive chef  for The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, Lew Orlady, recently retired after 17 years working for Tahoe Donner.

Bringing with him over 20 years of experience, Hale will oversee the menu selection and kitchen operations at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub while supporting other Tahoe Donner restaurants, including Pizza on the Hill and Alder Creek Cafe. Hale will debut his new summer menu at The Lodge on June 22. 

Growing up in Sierraville, Hale learned to grow fresh crops while perfecting his skills in the kitchen. He worked in several restaurants from South Lake Tahoe to Truckee to Mendocino and Washington, and served as executive sous chef for multiple restaurants at Squaw Creek Resort, including Six Peaks, where he received several awards for the autumn food contests and Truckee Rib Cook-off.

Most recently, Hale spent seven years at Skamania Lodge, in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, as executive chef, where he used a variety of inspiring ingredients to create his menus, drawing creativity and inspiration from many diverse cultures. He sources local, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever possible and seeks out the best natural meats and sustainable seafood on the market.

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub is currently open for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The Lodge pub opens at 4 p.m. for drinks with happy hour offered 4:30 to 6 p.m. During the summer, the Lodge pavilion is open for lunch to satisfy golfers and members alike.

~ Tahoe Donner press release

Business Briefs

Plumas Bank CEO/President on Interest Rate Increase

QUINCY

In response to the Federal Reserve raising its key interest rate by three-quarters of a point, Plumas Bank CEO and President Andrew Ryback released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement of a 0.75% interest rate increase by the Federal Open Market Committee has generated frantic news headlines and pronouncements of ‘historic’ increases. It is important for all business leaders and the public to have perspective and take a cautious approach; we are still in a historically low-rate environment and today’s guidance from the Federal Reserve shows that there are serious efforts underway to curb inflation and maintain a healthy, stable economy. We are encouraging our business clients to take stock of how their future loan payments may be affected by rate increases and consider how they are pricing their products and services going forward while not overreacting.”

Ryback has been the president and chief executive officer of Plumas Bank and Plumas Bancorp since 2011. He is the California delegate to the Federal Delegate Board of the Independent Community Bankers of America. He also serves on ICBA’s Legislative Issues Committee and he is on the board of the California Community Banking Network. He previously served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors’ Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council and served as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s CDIAC. Ryback has extensive banking, finance, and leadership experience serving markets in Northern Nevada, Northeastern California, and Southern Oregon.

Founded in 1980, Plumas Bank is a locally managed, full-service community bank headquartered in Quincy, California. The bank’s holding company, Plumas Bancorp, was formed in 2002 and entered the Nasdaq small cap market in 2005. Plumas Bancorp is headquartered in Reno. Plumas Bank operates 14 branches: 12 located in the California counties of Plumas, Lassen, Placer, Nevada, Modoc, Shasta and Sutter, and two branches located in Nevada in the counties of Washoe and Carson City. The bank also operates two loan production offices in the California counties of Placer and Butte. For more information on Plumas Bancorp and Plumas Bank, please visit plumasbank.com.

~ Plumas Bank press release

Lime Returns with Industry-Leading Gen4 E-Scooters, Ridership Booms

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Lime announced strong ridership in South Lake Tahoe since making its return on May 27 with 500 of its new industry leading Gen4 e-scooters and a plan to provide shared, affordable, and sustainable transportation options to all residents and visitors. Lime, a provider of shared electric vehicles, has served South Lake Tahoe every summer since 2017 and plans to be a long-term transportation partner to the city and its residents. 

Lime riders have already taken 11,000 rides so far this year with ridership growing each week as the program gains steam. The strong ridership shows that the combination of Lime’s new Gen4 e-scooters, rising gas prices, and strong consumer demand is creating a fantastic environment for micromobility in South Lake Tahoe this year. 

Since Lime launched in South Lake Tahoe in November 2017, over 240,000 Lime riders have taken 825,000-plus trips on Lime vehicles. Riders have traveled nearly 935,000 miles, replacing over 200,000 car trips, saving up to 80 metric tons of carbon emissions, and nearly 9,036 gallons of gas. 

The Gen4 e-scooter will provide riders with the smoothest and most environmentally friendly shared scooter ride available. The new Gen4 also improves rider and pedestrian safety and has a new two-sided kickstand to prevent tipping over and thus preventing clutter. The addition of a swappable battery will drive greater efficiency in Lime’s operations and further reduce the carbon emissions of scooter riding. 

~ Lime press release

Nevada Museum of Art Announces Expansion Project

RENO

The Nevada Museum of Art is announcing plans for a 50,000 square-foot expansion project to increase its education, gallery, and research spaces — totaling to a $60 million investment in education. The project comes about thanks to grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and other generous donors.

Designed by acclaimed architect Will Bruder, architect of the current museum structure, the addition of 50,000 square feet will complement Bruder’s iconic black sculptural form, retaining the distinctive look and feel of the original building. Clark/Sullivan Construction, the original contractor, will build the expansion project.

“This project fulfills our growing responsibility to those who live in Nevada,” said museum CEO David B. Walker. “Despite a population of over 3 million people, Nevada has only one accredited art museum. As such, we have an urgent and on-going need to create education and research opportunities for the current generations, and to create a larger foundation for growth and expansion for generations to come.”

The doors to the planned Education and Research Center South entrance will open even wider to invite more than 12,000 pre-K to 12th grade students annually — doubling the museum’s capacity — for school tours and hands-on activities, while underscoring the its longtime commitment to STEAM education initiatives.

In addition to increasing the galleries dedicated to the museum’s permanent collections, the expansion will grant additional access to extensive art, archive, and library collections through a renovated and expanded Center for Art + Environment.

The expansion is slated to be completed in 2025.

~ Nevada Museum of Art press release

Instrumental Powerhouse to Play at Moe’s BBQ

TAHOE CITY

Toubab Krewe, the instrumental powerhouse from Asheville, North Carolina, that fuses west-African traditional music with elements of rock, jam, and Appalachian styles heads west to play four shows in Nevada, California, and Utah. 

On Friday, June 24, the band will play at Moe’s BBQ in Tahoe City before headlining two festivals, Mammoth SummerJam and Utah Arts Festival. All show details and more can be found at toubabkrewe.com.

~ Toubab Krewe press release