News Briefs

Granite View Condos Continue Through Environmental Planning Process

OLYMPIC VALLEY

In June 2021, Placer County received an application from Granite Chief Partners to develop a 1.31-acre portion of a commercially zoned 8.5-acre parcel in Olympic Valley. The proposal is for Granite View Condominiums, consisting of a new 52-room hotel building, parking structure, and related amenities. Currently, the project is going through the Environmental Impact Report process and is expected to be completed for public review and comment this fall. A public comment period for the project’s Notice of Preparation for the EIR ended May 20, and a scoping session was held in person and virtually on May 12.

Comments received at the scoping session related to the scope of the environmental analysis will be addressed by the draft EIR that is anticipated to be released for public review and comment in the fall of 2022,” shared Steve Buelna, Placer planning supervisor, in an email to Moonshine, “followed by the preparation of a final EIR that will provide responses to comments received and address any changes to the project that have been incorporated into the project description.”

Advertisement

In the spring of 2023, the project will be presented to the Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Council for recommendation to the county planning commission. 

In response to the project’s Notice of Preparation, Friends of Squaw Valley, an organization of citizens living in Olympic Valley, listed 17 points of concern, including the following: 

  • The proposed plan is inadequate vis a vis workforce staffing.
  • The project calls for multiple fire pits. The development site is in a heavily wooded area (a forest) where the risk of wildfire is extreme. Wildfire and fire protection are burdens this project puts on the valley, and fire pits should not be allowed regardless of fuel source.
  • The cost to relocate the Granite Peak trail should not be considered as satisfying the Placer County recreation fee requirements for projects of this scope. Any recreational fees that are generated from this project should only be spent by Placer County on Olympic Valley specific recreation projects (e.g. replace the playground which has been deemed to be at its end of life).

To view the project’s associated documents with the California Environmental Quality Act, visit ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2022040467

~ AH

UPON ITS STILL SURFACE: On May 20, the Sierra State Park Foundation hosted a dedication and recognition event that unveiled four new interpretive panels identifying historical locations associated with Mark Twain’s timber claim adventure and wildfire. Courtesy photo

Unveiling New Mark Twain Interpretative Panels at North Lake Tahoe

TAHOE VISTA

On May 20, the Sierra State Parks Foundation unveiled four new interpretative panels that tell the story of Mark Twain’s 1861 timber claim adventure and wildfire. These panels are located at Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay, Sandy Beach in Tahoe Vista, and North Tahoe Beach in Kings Beach.

They tell the story of Mark Twain’s (Samuel L. Clemens) quest to stake a timber claim at Lake Tahoe. Mark Twain is one of America’s most revered writers and humorists. He arrived at Lake Tahoe hoping to strike it rich, capturing his experiences in his book Roughing It, which included lyrical descriptions of the majestic landscape, his attempts to make a fortune, and a brush of death with a fast-moving wildfire. 

The new panels are part of a series of eight stretching from Tunnel Creek Road, where Twain first viewed the lake, extending as far west as Carnelian Bay. Collectively, they are known informally as the Mark Twain Timber Claim Adventure Trail, a Sierra Nevada Geotourism Historic Place.

For more information about the panels, visit sierranevadageotourism.org.

~ Sierra State Parks Foundation press release

Fire Restrictions in Effect for All Nevada State Lands

LAKE TAHOE

Nevada Division of Forestry’s state forester/firewarden has imposed the following fire restrictions for all state lands on the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the Nevada State Park and Recreation Areas (Spooner Lake and Backcountry, Sand Harbor, Van Sickle, and Cave Rock). Fire restrictions went into effect at 12 a.m. on Friday, May 27, and will remain in effect until rescinded.

These restrictions are consistent with those in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the United States Forest Service and local fire districts in the Basin.

The following acts are prohibited:

  1. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (using wood, charcoal, or any other material), campfire or stove fire, except a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
  2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle.
  3. Welding, or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.
  4. Using, or causing to be used, any explosive, except by permit.
  5. Discharge, use, or allowing the use of fireworks, tracer rounds, steel-core ammunition, explosive targets, or any other incendiary device.
  6. Operating a motor vehicle or combustion engine equipment without a spark arrestor and off of existing paved, gravel or dirt roads.
  7. Operating a vehicle or other motorized equipment in wildland areas without an ax, shovel, and at least 1 gallon of water.
  8. Discharging a firearm in an area where a red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.

Each of the following persons is exempt from this order:

  1. Persons with a valid permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
  2. Any federal, state, local officer, or member of an organized firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.

In addition, each state park or state recreation area may impose more stringent restrictions when they determine that the conditions warrant them. The state park or state recreation area may not, however, be less restrictive.

Violation of these prohibitions is a misdemeanor and punishable by fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Restitution for total suppression and damage costs incurred will be borne by the trespasser.

~ Nevada Division of Forestry press release

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Portions of state routes 431 and 28 are under construction in the Incline Village and Crystal Bay areas. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in work zones, and drivers can expect up to 30-minute delays between May and October. Courtesy map

State Routes 431, 28 Construction Season Begins

INCLINE VILLAGE

The Nevada Department of Transportation and Q&D Construction are enhancing the existing roadway and utility system along part of State Route 431 and SR-28 to help preserve pavement and protect Lake Tahoe. Construction is anticipated for completion in summer 2023. 

This multi-year project includes repaving as well as some full reconstruction of SR-431 from the roundabout intersection with SR-28 to the Mt. Rose Summit, and along SR-28 from stateline at Crystal Bay to south of Sand Harbor State Park. The project also includes water quality restoration of the Marlette Creek drainage system.

Below is a preliminary schedule for season two work. Locals can expect heavy activity and multiple work zones this construction season. Schedule is subject to change and weather permitting.

May

  • Traffic control/restrictions begin
  • Drainage improvements at Marlette Creek to help with water quality and roadway preservation
  • Complete Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) conduit installation on SR-431 at various crossings
  • Replace concrete barrier rail on SR-431
  • Milling and paving SR-431 from the summit through the meadows

June

  • Continue drainage improvements at Marlette Creek
  • Remove old barrier rail and replace with new concrete barrier on SR-431. Installation of ITS conduit on SR-28 in towns of Crystal Bay and Incline Village
  • Installing new guardrail on SR-28 to enhance safety

July

  • Reconstruct select roadway shoulders and cross slopes on SR-431
  • Soil nailing along the aging timber wall along SR-28 north of the Memorial Point lookout begins
  • Begin milling and repaving 3 to 4 inches of asphalt on SR-431

August

  • Soil nailing along the aging timber wall along SR-28 north of the Memorial Point lookout
  • Milling and repaving 3 to 4 inches of asphalt on SR-431

September

  • Milling and repaving 3 to 4 inches of asphalt on SR-431
  • Installing new curb and gutter on SR-28 to help preserve the roadway

October

  • Milling and repaving 3 to 4 inches of asphalt on SR-431
  • Installing new curb and gutter on SR-28 to help preserve the roadway
  • Demobilize equipment and winterize project

During soil nailing, the East Shore Trail will be closed in the construction area between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Nightly trail closure due to construction will only occur Sundays through Thursdays during this timeframe. For more on traffic control, visit inclinehighways.com/traffic-control.

~ NDOT press release

Supervisors Commit to Helping Raise $20 Million Annually For Transportation In Tahoe

AUBURN

A regional effort to raise transportation dollars for Lake Tahoe is being supported by the Placer County Board of Supervisors. During its May 24 meeting, the board adopted a resolution approving a commitment to a regional partnership dedicated to raising a minimum of $20 million per year for transportation improvements.

The funding would be earmarked to support the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Regional Transportation Plan, which focuses on environmental sustainability and alternative forms of transportation such as transit services, bike and pedestrian trails, and other community enhancements. 

A draft list of proposed projects for the entire Lake Tahoe region has been developed as part of this effort and includes implementation of the Tahoe Area Regional Transit systems plan, completion of the Fanny Bridge project, the addition of transit priority lanes on state routes 89 and 267, and the construction of priority trail segments within Placer County. 

The growing number of residents and visitors to the Tahoe Basin is prompting the regional effort because of increasing pressure on the transportation system. 

The Tahoe Transportation District is recommending the development of a federal, state, local/ private partnership funding strategy known as the 7-7-7 plan, which would seek $7 million annually from all three entities.

The regional partnership hopes to obtain a commitment from the governors of California and Nevada, Tahoe’s two state governors, to address what actions the states and the federal government may be able to pursue to provide more annual transportation funding. The TTD board has also committed to evaluating what additional funds could be pursued from the local/private sector. Also under consideration is the implementation of a zonal fee for two recreation corridor segments — SR-28 on the Nevada side and SR-89 on the California side of the Basin.

The TTD along with the TRPA and the Regional Government Services consulting team are working with the Tahoe Transportation Implementation Committee on an implementation strategy. The TTIC is a technical advisory group that includes staff from various government agencies such as Placer County and the state department of transportation, both of which have influence over transportation planning and implementation.

Placer County Department of Public Works and County Executive Office staff have been engaged in discussions with TTIC members to support the effort, which is part of a continued commitment to balance tourism and environmental sustainability in the Tahoe Basin.

~ Placer County press release

Non-Motorized Watercraft Can Spread Invasive Species

LAKE TAHOE

As summer in the Tahoe Basin begins to ramp up, boating does as well. Most boaters know their vessels need to be inspected at a watercraft inspection station prior to launching. The Clean, Drain, and Dry protocol is universally seen and understood throughout the region and ensures that no new aquatic invasive species are introduced to the lake — and none have since inspections began in 2008.

But what about kayaks, paddle boards, sailboats, rafts, or even electric foil boards (Efoils)? Below is an easy guide to see if you need to come by a watercraft inspection station for a free, non-motorized inspection.

Non-Trailered and Non-Motorized

Non-trailered, non-motorized watercraft are not required to have an inspection but “may be subject to inspection prior to entering the waters of the Lake Tahoe region if determined necessary” (TRPA code 63.4.2) depending on the posed risk.

In order to assess risk, be prepared to answer some questions about your boating history at state parks, kiosks, launching areas, and public beaches. If you are coming from a water body that is deemed high-risk for the spread of invasive species, you will be directed to an inspection station to get a free inspection and possible decontamination.

If your non-motorized watercraft is covered in water or mud, or is just dirty, you may be asked by recreation officials to go to an inspection station and get a decontamination. If the watercraft is not coming from a high-risk waterbody and is completely cleaned, drained, and dry, you can launch wherever you like in Lake Tahoe.

Trailered Non-Motorized

If your watercraft is large enough that it needs to be on a trailer, then it will need to be inspected. This does not apply to basic utility trailers.

Other Watercraft

The official code states that all motorized watercraft need an inspection. Does your Efoil or electric surfboard have an electric or gas-powered motor? If so, then it needs to go to an inspection station. Inspections are free for most electric motors, so you won’t need to pay for the inspection.

Non-motorized boaters are welcome to stop by the inspection stations any time for free inspections to make sure they have no delays at the launching areas. For a list of inspection stations or to book an appointment for a motorized mandatory inspection, please visit tahoeboatinspections.com.

~ Tahoe Resource Conservation District press release

Incline High Receives Top Graduation Ranking in State

INCLINE VILLAGE

The U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.

Incline High School tied for the top spot in Nevada for graduation rate rank — the proportion of ninth graders entering high school who graduate four years later. IHS tied with The Davidson Academy of Nevada.

~ AH

Washoe County Announces $4 Million Grant Program for Community Reinvestment

RENO

Washoe County will release a new grant opportunity on June 1 for local nonprofits to lead community recovery efforts from the Covid-19 public health emergency and resulting negative economic impacts. The Washoe County Community Reinvestment Grant Program offers $4 million in one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.  

There are two categories of grants: One is reserved for smaller proposals for purchases or program support up to $50,000 for a one-year period; the second grant category is for projects $50,000 to $1 million over a two-year period.  

Washoe County seeks to use these community grant funds to address negative economic impacts spurred or exacerbated by the pandemic, systemic community challenges through improved service delivery, and planning and preparing for future events that cause service disruptions. Funding categories are flexible and meant to allow for a broad range of projects to help our community recover.  

Grants will be evaluated based on eligible uses under the U.S. Treasury’s Final Rule, alignment with the priorities of Washoe County, and work to solve community issues. Additional points and considerations will be made to applications that partner or collaborate with existing Washoe County services or address issues related to childcare, mental and emotional wellbeing, addressing root causes of homelessness, or assist individuals to gain additional skills that will bolster their economic potential.  

Grant applications are due on July 15, online through the Washoe County ARPA webpage. Washoe County Community Reinvestment Program will provide more detailed guidelines and instructions on the June 1 release date. If you have any questions regarding the grant solicitation, contact communitygrants@washoecounty.gov.

~ Washoe County press release

Eagle Sculpture to Be Created Out of Lake Tahoe Trash

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

After a heated competition, the Tahoe Fund and Clean Up the Lake have announced that the new art installation created from some of the 25,000-plus pounds of litter removed from Lake Tahoe will take the form of a bald eagle holding a Lahontan cutthroat trout. Over 1,200 votes were cast in the contest to determine the sculpture’s design, with the bald eagle and trout combination taking first place over the Sierra Nevada red fox and Lahontan cutthroat trout. 

Following the year-long scuba clean-up of Lake Tahoe by Clean Up the Lake, the Tahoe Fund (with support from Tahoe Blue Vodka) commissioned artists to create a sculpture using some of the recovered items from the Lake. Surfaced, depicting the bald eagle and trout, will be created by internationally recognized artists Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova, with production by art agency Building 180. Once complete, it will become a permanent art installation at the new Tahoe South Events Center to educate visitors about what lies beneath Tahoe’s blue waters.

The new Tahoe South Events Center, scheduled for opening in early 2023, will feature two levels: an event floor, suites, conference and meeting room level, as well as an event lawn area. Seating for up to 6,000 will be available for concerts, performing arts, trade shows, and sporting exhibitions along with a seasonal micro-transit system. It is expected to host up to 130 events a year with opportunities to expand visitation into shoulder seasons and mid-week periods. The anticipated economic impact to the entire community is estimated at $40 million to $60 million per year. When completed the center will employ around 15 full-time staff members and between 200 and 300 part-time staff to run the events. 

Clean Up the Lake would like to thank the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation for storing the litter that will be used for the art project.

~ Tahoe Fund, Clean Up the Lake press release

GOLDEN HOUR: A new group for Truckee seniors is called Golden Meet and Greet. Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Community Recreation Center, seniors are welcome to a free gathering that includes baked goods and speakers or activities. On May 26, Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District Superintendent Sven Leff spoke to the 42 attendees who came to listen to a presentation by the Truckee Historical Society. Photo by Ted Coakley III/Moonshine Ink

G-Mag Exceeds Expectations

TRUCKEE

A couple of months ago, Phillipa Nigg and Charlene Simmons from Truckee’s senior community approached the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District, requesting a meeting to discuss the issue of isolation among the town’s older residents. Nigg and Simmons met with RPD staff members Steve Randall, Sven Leff, and Simone Grandmain, to come up with the Golden Meet and Greet (or G-Mag).

G-Mag is a free senior social held every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Community Recreation Center (10981 Truckee Way). Coffee and baked goods are served, and a speaker or activity is introduced at each gathering. At the first G-May meeting on April 7, more than 90 people showed up. 

Attendees are encouraged to share any announcements they might have, and flip charts on the walls allow people to sign up for different activities in the community, i.e. remote control airplanes or wake riding.

The goal, Leff told Moonshine, is to battle the isolation brought about by Covid-19. “No cost, no commitment,” he said. “You know you’re going to know somebody or you’re going to meet somebody … Come hang out and make Thursday mornings your time.”

He gave an example of a couple who’s recently moved to their Tahoe Donner property full-time. After attending a G-Mag meeting, they made friends and began playing pickleball with some, swimming with others. “They didn’t know a lot of people two months ago, and now they’re steady Eddies,” Leff said. 

Find out about G-Mag’s upcoming topics at tdrpd.org/golden

~ AH

Placer Supervisors Approve First-Ever Parks and Trails Master Plan

AUBURN

The Placer County Board of Supervisors on May 24 approved the first-ever countywide Placer County Parks and Trails Master Plan, which could double the amount of recreation acreage by 2040 and triple the amount of trail miles.

The plan provides a 20-year-and-beyond vision for the development and operation of parks, recreation opportunities, open space, and trail networks in the county. It also includes future improvements and maintenance for existing parks and trails.

With a final plan now in place, the county can adjust and update the plan to respond to changing trends and opportunities in a timely manner. It allows residents and decision makers to focus specifically on parks, trails, and open space needs as part of the planning process and align those needs with current standards and funding and operational considerations.

The plan includes a list of proposed capital improvement projects, each project having its own public review and approval process. It doesn’t approve any new parks and trails but directs staff on where to put resources into future development, priority projects and grant funding.

Tier 1 capital improvement projects, which are projects already in the planning or design stage, include the Resort Triangle shared-use path in the North Lake Tahoe region and Memorial Overland Emigrant Trail near Donner Summit.

The plan also features projects that will complete trail connectivity throughout Placer County.  

The final plan reflects community input provided over a two-year planning process through a series of public workshops, 2,400 completed online surveys, 60 focus groups, and over 50 municipal advisory council meetings.

Feedback indicated high support for paved and dirt trails, natural areas, and new and improved facilities particular to each community. The results also affirmed that the park and trail projects already in development in the county are consistent with communities’ desired improvements.

Learn more about the Placer County Parks and Trails Master Plan online at placerparksplan.com

~ Placer County press release

Moving In, Moving Up, Moving On

ROSE’S NEW GM: Greg Gavrilets has been hired as the new general manager of Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, replacing longtime ski area leader Paul Senft, who retired after a 42-year career with the resort. Gavrilets will lead the resort as it continues to pursue its ski terrain expansion plans and ongoing efforts to continually enhance the overall mountain adventure. Photo courtesy Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Greg Gavrilets Joins Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe as New GM

RENO

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe announced that Greg Gavrilets has been hired as its general manager, replacing long-time ski area leader Paul Senft, who retired after a 42-year career with the resort. Gavrilets will lead the resort as it continues to pursue its ski terrain expansion plans and ongoing efforts to continually enhance the overall mountain adventure.

Gavrilets has worked in the ski industry since 2007, bringing experience from both family-owned mountains as well as larger ski corporations such as Vail and Peak resorts. Most recently he served as the general manager of Attitash Mountain in New Hampshire, where he was responsible for maximizing efficiencies, executing a cultural reset, and meeting guest expectations. 

Gavrilets earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics and his Master of Business administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and was named among the Top 10 under 30 by Ski Area Management Magazine in 2015. 

“I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to lead such a special mountain with a team of passionate employees and a dedicated skier and rider community,” said Gavrilets. “My short-term goals are simple: learn the mountain, the team, the community. As we look to the future and plan out the continued growth of Mt. Rose, we will do it while preserving our culture, our vibe, and the unique experience that our mountain and team delivers.”

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has a busy summer ahead with the installation of a new high-speed quad to replace the Lakeview triple chairlift. A transformational investment, the lift and terrain expansion will unlock a previously untapped area of the mountain with expansive views of Lake Tahoe for skiers and riders to enjoy. Progress updates will be shared throughout the summer at skirose.com.

~ Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe press release

Tahoe Fund Names Board Chair, Expands Staff to Five

TAHOE CITY

The nonprofit Tahoe Fund announced that founding board member Cory Ritchie has been named as its new board chair. In addition, the organization has added new firepower to its small team. Caitlin Meyer joins as the Tahoe Fund’s first chief program officer and Caroline Waldman has been hired as its communications and program director.

A member of the Tahoe Fund board and executive committee since the nonprofit’s inception in 2010, Ritchie served as vice chair for two years. During her tenure, she has been focused on the completion of projects like the acquisition of Johnson Meadow that preserve open space, provide recreational access, and have high conservation value. Ritchie is also a huge supporter of programs that get kids outdoors and close the “adventure gap” such as Generation Green, Adventure Risk Challenge, SOS Outreach, and the Boys & Girls Club’s efforts to get kids on bikes. She succeeds Allen Biaggi as board chair, a role Biaggi held for two years. He will remain on the Tahoe Fund Board of Directors.

Meyer joins from California Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office, where she worked for over eight years, most recently as a senior aide handling forestry, wildfire, and water policy. As chief program officer, she will lead the Tahoe Fund’s forest health, lake clarity, and transportation initiatives in collaboration with the board of directors and project partners. She will also be responsible for helping to secure public funding for environmental improvement projects in Tahoe through legislative work.

Prior to the Tahoe Fund, Waldman was the communications manager for United Way Worldwide, handling outreach campaigns for education, financial stability, and health programs. In her new role as communications and program director, she will manage the communications and outreach initiatives of the organization. Additionally, she will work with the board of directors to aid in the development and management of the Tahoe Fund’s stewardship and sustainable recreation project portfolio.

The Tahoe Fund is a nonprofit organization that supports environmental improvement projects that restore lake clarity, expand sustainable recreation, promote healthier forests, improve transportation, and inspire greater stewardship of the region. Learn more about the Tahoe Fund and its current and completed projects at tahoefund.org.

~ Tahoe Fund press release

Alterra Mountain Company Announces CEO Transition

DENVER, COLORADO

Alterra Mountain Company has announced that Jared Smith, the company’s president, will be promoted to chief executive officer effective Aug. 1. At that time, Rusty Gregory, the company’s current CEO, will step back from day-to-day operations to become vice chairman of the board.

Smith joined Alterra in June of 2021, tasked with operating and further developing the company’s resort division. Over the last year, he has focused on identifying opportunities for growth and efficiency of the operations as well as developing plans to better utilize data and technology to advance the guest experience. Smith joined Alterra Mountain Company after more than 15 years at Live Nation Entertainment where he served as president and global chairman of Ticketmaster. While overseeing the world’s largest ticket marketplace and the global market leader in live event technology and services, he led the company through a reinvention of its approach to client, artist, and fan engagement and transformed its sales, support, product, and technology organizations. Smith will continue to be based out of Alterra’s headquarters in Denver, Colorado.  

Gregory’s career in the ski industry began in lift operations at California’s Mammoth Mountain where he would rise to become an owner of the company and its chairman and CEO. As one of the original investors in Alterra when it was formed in 2017, he was appointed to the board that same year and named CEO in 2018. He has been instrumental in establishing the company’s culture, the acquisition of additional mountain resorts, developing the operating strategies of all 15 Alterran resorts across North America, and introducing  the Ikon Pass. As vice chairman, Rusty will act as senior strategic advisor and continue to be a director and shareholder of Alterra.

~ Alterra press release

Resort at Squaw Creek’s Six Peaks Grille Announces New Restaurant Manager

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Six Peaks Grille, the signature restaurant at Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, announces Michelle Stolba as restaurant manager. Stolba joins the resort from Travel Traders, where she served as area manager.

In her new position, Stolba will be responsible for front-of-house operations of Six Peaks Grille. She will oversee hiring efforts, booking and hosting restaurant events, managing the reservation process, and ensuring superior customer service for guests. She will also assist the restaurant’s chef de cuisine, Chris Watkins, and his team in tending to the restaurant’s hydroponic gardens which features house-grown flowers, fruits, and vegetables used in the restaurant’s signature dishes and cocktails.

Stolba graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles with an associate degree in visual merchandising. She has held a variety of positions throughout her 15-year career. 

For more information, to book a stay at Resort at Squaw Creek, or make a reservation for Six Peaks Grille, please visit destinationhotels.com/squawcreek or call (530) 412-7034.

~ Resort at Squaw press release

Business Briefs

Landing Locals Expands Program, Raises Incentives Locally

TRUCKEE

Tahoe-based Landing Locals, which began working with the Town of Truckee in October 2020 to incentivize property owners to rent out extra space to locals in need of housing, is further expanding its mission. Over 40 jurisdictions across the U.S. have reached out to the California corporation since summer 2021, including Cape Cod in Massachusetts; Mammoth, California; Ketchum, Idaho; and more. 

In Summit County, Colorado, which includes the Town of Telluride, homeowners can now receive up to $24,000 in cash to house locals. Forty-five days into the Landing Locals program, the county housed 30 locals.

Locally, Placer County and South Lake Tahoe have both signed on for the rental-matching services; SLT having already gotten up off the ground with the government-incentivized program, with Placer County expected to launch in August.

In Truckee, the pilot program first went public in October 2020 and within the first year and a half, 30 Truckee-ites found a rental option. The incentives for homeowners have risen from a max of $3,000 to $10,000 — and in July, will jump up to $18,000.

Over time, what we’ve done is increase the incentive amounts and added restrictions and compliance measures to make sure there’s fiduciary measures of public funds,” Colin Frolich, co-founder of Landing Locals, said.

In addition to the incentivized increase, minor restructuring will take place in Truckee this summer, such as seasonal (5 to 12 months) and long-term (12 months or longer) rental options. After the first year, which is the only time the financial benefit is offered, 90% of homeowners continue to rent long-term.

Frolich added that jurisdictions nationwide are so intrigued because it’s an action that can happen almost immediately, it still allows workforce housing projects to be constructed, and no new staff is required to get the program started — Landing Locals is simply hired by the jurisdiction.

~ AH

World Cup Ski Racing Returns to Palisades Tahoe

OLYMPIC VALLEY

The International Ski Federation announced in mid-May that Palisades Tahoe will host a FIS Alpine Ski World Cup men’s event next season. The resort is among four U.S. ski resorts on the international tour schedule this coming season, which is the most stateside events in 26 years. The event will be held Feb. 25 to 26, 2023.

“Palisades Tahoe looks forward to continuing our tradition of hosting the greatest international winter events and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome the international ski community back to our resort,” said Dee Byrne, president and COO of Palisades Tahoe. “The excitement that the World Cup brought to Tahoe in 2017 was palpable, and we are looking forward to once again feeling that energy across our community, and seeing our entire team work together to put on an event of this magnitude with the same incredible success we had in 2017.”

Last week, seven Team Palisades Tahoe alumni were named to the U.S. National Alpine Ski Team, an increase over the resort’s representation on the team last season. Team Palisades Tahoe is known for being one of the best teams in the country and has produced dozens of elite skiers and riders across ski racing, big mountain, and freeski events. For the 2022/23 season, Team Palisades Tahoe will be represented by team veterans Travis Ganong, Bryce Bennett, Keely Cashman, AJ Hurt, Nina O’Brien, Alix Wilkinson, and newcomer Erik Arvidsson.

~ Palisades Tahoe press release

Author

Advertisement
Previous articleLocal Infant Formula Options; El Dorado County Appealing to Biden; Free Green Waste Pickup; More
Next articlePrepare for Extreme Drought; 2022 Fire Season is Here; Youngest Truckee Squadron Leader; More