News Briefs
Lake Tahoe Inspectors Intercept Vessel with Golden Mussels
LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors identified highly invasive golden mussels on a vessel at the Alpine Meadows inspection station on May 30. This is the first interception of the new invasive species by Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors since its first detection in North America in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in October 2024.
TRPA and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), which manage the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, strengthened inspection procedures in March in response to the golden mussel discovery just a few hours away from the Tahoe Basin. The agencies added mandatory decontaminations to the required inspection process for all visiting motorized watercraft entering Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Echo Lake.
Inspectors at the Alpine Meadows station conducted an initial decontamination of the 46-foot vessel, which is undergoing further inspection and decontamination until it is deemed risk-free. Watercraft Inspection Program managers are coordinating with Nevada and California agencies and continue to share information on all detections with agencies in both states and the western U.S.
As new threats to Lake Tahoe emerge, the emphasis on following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols remains for all boaters, paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers. Golden mussels are not in Lake Tahoe, and following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols will reduce the risk of invasion, according to Tahoe RCD Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Chris Killian.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Tahoe Forest Medical Providers Able to Sign New NIAA Form
TRUCKEE
After the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association changed its pre-participation sports physical form in early April to reflect a new policy banning transgender student-athletes from playing on teams not matching their biological sex (read Moonshine’s reporting online), the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District was initially told that Tahoe Forest Hospital medical staff would not be allowed to sign the form due to HIPAA privacy concerns. However, Tahoe Forest recently announced that providers will be allowed to sign the new NIAA form, if they are comfortable doing so. As medical professionals, their obligation is solely to the health and wellness of their patients, not to verifying personal information.
Tahoe Forest Hospital encourages all students to get their well child and pre-participation sports physical exams. Genital examinations are not performed as part of pre-participation sports physicals. Additionally, hospital practitioners will not require a birth certificate to be presented, with providers relying on the student and/or their parents to self-proclaim their eligibility for sports participation.
~ MS
Planned Hirschdale Road Bridge Replacement
TRUCKEE
Nevada County Public Works has started the replacement of the Truckee River Bridge and repair of the Hinton railroad overcrossing bridges. This project will be under construction throughout the summer of 2025 and continue through the summer of 2026.
- Through November 2025, motorists and all forms of traffic (bicycle/pedestrian) in the area should plan for delays of up to 20 minutes throughout the project (weather pending).
- Between November 2025 and April 2026, the bridge crossing will be closed to through traffic to ensure the safety of all during the winter months.
Project updates can be found at nevadacountyca.gov/hbp, and road condition updates can be found at nevadacountyca.gov/roadclosures.
Please observe traffic control signs and the instructions of onsite personnel. Pedestrian and bicycle pathways up to and on the bridge will be modified slightly during construction. Signage in the area will be updated as needed to direct pedestrian/bicycle traffic.
During bridge construction, the river will be available for through access; however, it may be hindered due to in-water construction activities. People accessing the river are reminded to be mindful of private property along the roadway and river and follow signage to the appropriate river access.
Learn more at nevadacountyca.gov/hirschdale.
These projects are funded by the State Highway Bridge Program, and the primary contractor on this project is Myers and Sons. For more information, contact Nevada County Public Works by email public.works@nevadacountyca.gov or call (530) 265-1411.
~ Nevada County press release
New Interpretive Panels at Stateline Fire Lookout Trail Encourage Visitors to Take Care
INCLINE VILLAGE
Hiking the scenic Stateline Fire Lookout National Forest Trail in Crystal Bay just got more interesting thanks to a generous matching donation to the Tahoe Fund from the Spence and Wylie families. Nine new interpretive panels have been installed to welcome visitors to the trail and offer an opportunity to learn about the area’s rich natural and cultural history.
The Stateline Fire Lookout Trail in Crystal Bay offers beautiful panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Named for its location — straddling the Nevada-California line — this trail had interpretive panels that were worn down by wind and weather. Now, the brand new panels share insights into the history of the fire lookout, local wildlife, and the importance of preserving Tahoe’s delicate environment.
In addition to the new interpretive panels, the Tahoe Fund and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) also beautified the vault toilets along the trail as part of a region-wide restroom mural project. The murals at the Stateline Fire Lookout Trail were painted by local artist Ian Blackhall Scott and show scenes of the iconic views from Crystal Bay with the goal of encouraging responsible recreation while celebrating Tahoe’s landscapes and wildlife.
Learn more about the projects supported by the Tahoe Fund or donate today at tahoefund.org.
~ Tahoe Fund press release
Draft Placer 2050 Vision Statement and Guiding Principles Released
PLACER COUNTY
Placer County has released its draft Placer 2050 Vision and Guiding Principles document, marking another milestone in the comprehensive update of its general plan.
Development of the vision statement and guiding principles involved a robust public engagement process. The county hosted a series of in-person and virtual workshops, attended community events, and conducted a statistically significant survey.
The vision statement envisions Placer County in 2050 as a region that cherishes its natural beauty, fosters vibrant and inclusive communities, and promotes sustainable growth. It emphasizes the importance of preserving open spaces, ensuring access to affordable housing, and maintaining the unique character of its rural and urban areas.
The statement also highlights the county’s commitment to resilient infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and economic innovation.
Accompanying the vision statement is a set of guiding principles designed to provide direction for decision-making throughout the General Plan Update process.
These principles focus on balanced growth, environmental sustainability, community wellbeing, and transparent governance. They serve as a compass for county leaders and staff to align future initiatives with the community’s values and priorities.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the document and participate in upcoming phases of the general plan update. A presentation will be made to the planning commission on June 19, including time for public comment.
Learn more at placer2050.com.
~ Placer County press release
County Reminds Residents About Vacation Home Rental Hotline
EL DORADO COUNTY
With summer officially underway and tourism on the rise, El Dorado County is encouraging the public to use its Countywide Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Hotline, (530) 573-7999, to help address issues such as noise, parking, and other community concerns.
“If residents observe violations of the county’s VHR Ordinance such as excessive noise between the quiet hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., trash accumulation, parking issues, over-occupancy, or lack of proper exterior signage, we encourage them to call the VHR Hotline at (530) 573-7999,” said Brendan Ferry, chief deputy director at Tahoe Planning and Building Division.
The hotline is available to callers 24/7. Code Enforcement Officers dedicated to VHRs are available to staff the Hotline until 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 10 p.m. Thursday and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. After-hours calls will be returned the following morning. Callers are advised to contact the sheriff’s non-emergency number if necessary during those periods.
~ El Dorado County press release
Yacht Club Begins Celebrating Centennial Year With Summer of Events
TAHOE CITY
The Tahoe Yacht Club is celebrating its 100th year of building community and friendship grounded in nautical events, and has a summer full of events to prove it. Opportunities to learn more about the club’s heritage and traditions can happen June 20 and 21 during the Centennial Golf & Social, July 19 at the 100th Year Anniversary Party, at the Thunderbird Lodge Picnic in late July, and more.
In addition to these celebratory events are the usual club activities, such as sailing and powerboating, and activity group outings for paddlers, cyclists, hikers, golfers, bocce, and pickleball enthusiasts.
Tahoe Yacht Club members include full-time Lake Tahoe residents and members from Northern California and beyond who spend part-time at the lake. For individual use, members have access to club-owned kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and a fleet of Pico, Sunfish, and Laser sailboats.
Learn more about the centennial celebration and the club at tahoeyc.com/.
~ AH
New Software Launched to Streamline Residential Solar Permits
PLACER COUNTY
Placer County’s Community Development Resource Agency’s Building Services Division has introduced SolarAPP+, an automated online portal designed to expedite the permitting process for residential rooftop solar and energy storage systems.
Activating the SolarAPP+ service aims to enhance efficiency, reduce permitting times, and support California’s clean energy objectives.
SolarAPP+, or Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus, offers licensed contractors the ability to obtain instant permits for qualifying residential solar projects. By automating code compliance checks for building, electrical, and fire safety standards, the platform eliminates the need for traditional plan reviews and accelerates the approval process.
The application was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and is supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Placer County received a grant from the California Energy Commission to fund the SolarAPP+ program.
To use SolarAPP+, projects must be installed by a licensed contractor and contain a roof-mounted photovoltaic system on existing, permitted residential structures. Projects must also be located in areas with a ground snow load not exceeding 30 pounds per square foot. Inclusion of energy storage systems is optional.
For more information, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, please visit the SolarAPP+ website.
~ Placer County press release
Elevation Art Show Slated for June 27
TRUCKEE
Elevation, a nonprofit day program for adults with special needs, is showcasing clients’ unique and beautiful artwork at its annual art show on Friday, June 27. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elevation invites the public to visit its lovely Victorian house where the artwork will be displayed for purchase.
Elevation is located at 10344 Donner Pass Rd., up the driveway from RMU Truckee. A percentage of the proceeds from each art piece will pay for art supplies and framing, while the remainder of each sale will be awarded to the artist.
There will be live music from Tahoe Truckee School of Music and sweets from Wild Cherries, Cornerstone Bakery, and Mix Bakeshop.
Raffle tickets will also be sold throughout the day and winners will be notified of their prizes if they are not present during the late afternoon drawing. Raffle gifts have been donated by Mountain Hardware, Blue Zone Sports, T and T Nails, Made by Me, Tahoe Dog Gear, and Coffee Bar.
~ Elevation press release
New Cancer Prevention Program Sounds Alarm on Melanoma
PLACER COUNTY
With Placer County now ranking among the top five counties in California for melanoma rates, local public health officials are launching a new cancer prevention effort aimed at reducing risk — especially as summer heats up.
The new Cancer Prevention Program, led by the county’s Public Health division, is Placer’s latest tool to address key community health concerns identified in the most recent Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan. The program will begin by focusing on one of the most common and preventable types of cancer: skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, making up just 5% of skin cancer cases but causing 71% of related deaths. And Placer County’s unique geography, sunny climate, and outdoor lifestyles place residents at higher risk.
Ranked as the third best county for outdoor activities in California and averaging 269 sunny days each year, the region draws residents and visitors to year-round recreational activities like biking, hiking, swimming, water rafting, and skiing. However, this consistent sun exposure means residents often face ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer.
The program’s first phase zeroes in on preventative education and community engagement around UV exposure as well as promoting related policies.
In addition to education on skin safety, the new program’s website also provides information and resources on other common cancers in the region.
~ Placer County press release
Business Briefs
Piper J Gallery Teams Up with Douglas Devore Photography to Open Ridgeline Gallery
TRUCKEE
Piper Johnson of Piper J Gallery, open since 2016, recently teamed up with Truckee-based photographer Douglas DeVore, one of the former owners of Alpenglow Gallery. Together they are building the largest art venue in historic downtown Truckee at 10104 Donner Pass Rd., called Ridgeline Gallery.
Like its fine art counterpart, Ridgeline Gallery will offer original paintings. However, it will also feature a stunning variety of DeVore’s landscape photography. Representing more than 30 artists specializing in all mediums, the artwork will consistently change with a new monthly exhibition coinciding with the Truckee Art Walk on the first Saturday of every month. Ridgeline Co-Founder Piper Johnson and her team also provide comprehensive art consulting services in curation, installing exhibitions, and coordinating custom commissions.
To celebrate the opening of Truckee’s newest art space, Ridgeline Gallery will host a public launch party on Thursday, June 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests are invited to experience the artwork; meet the founders; enjoy live music, live painting, refreshments; and explore Truckee’s expanding arts district. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on June 18.
~ Ridgeline Gallery press release
Strategic Combining of MOBO Law, LLP and Fennemore Craig, PC
TRUCKEE
Effective immediately, MOBO will begin the process of combining with Fennemore Craig, PC. This strategic move is designed to enhance these law offices’ ability to serve clients with an expanded range of services and expertise. Fennemore is a full-service Am Law 200 law firm with roots going back to 1885, and offices throughout California, Nevada, and the Mountain West.
As a result of this combination, the experts will continue offering the quality service for business and transactional, estate planning, litigation, cannabis business, artificial intelligence consulting, and more.
Each of MOBO’s equity partners, i.e., Cameron Bordner, Jennifer Schaller, Craig Weaver, and Jason Palmer, will be joining the Fennemore team and maintaining offices in Tahoe City and Reno.
~ MOBO Law letter
