News Briefs
League to Save Lake Tahoe, Sierra Watch Sue Placer County Over Approval of Palisades Tahoe Development
LAKE TAHOE
The League to Save Lake Tahoe and Sierra Watch filed a joint lawsuit on Dec. 5 challenging Placer County’s approval of the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan, a development that both organizations claim worsens traffic congestion, increases air pollution, erodes roadways, and degrades water quality in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
“As a solutions-based organization, litigation is an option of last resort. To protect Lake Tahoe, we were left with no choice in this case,” said Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, League to Save Lake Tahoe CEO. “We have met repeatedly with development representatives and county officials to urge them to consider alternatives that would mitigate the environmental impacts of this project. But they were not interested. We are not opposed to the modernization and expansion of Palisades Tahoe, but we must take a stand to keep Tahoe blue.”
The proposed development, which was unanimously approved by the Placer County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 19, calls for nearly 300,000 square feet of commercial space, almost 1,500 bedrooms in up to 850 units, and over 2,000 additional parking spaces. Palisades Tahoe’s own environmental reports indicate that the project would create 3,300 new daily car trips on the busiest days, with 1,353 of those trips flowing into the Tahoe Basin, contributing significant pollution to Tahoe’s air and water.
Sierra Watch launched the grassroots effort to stop Alterra’s project more than 10 years ago. It filed a lawsuit against the county in 2017 for approving the project, which it won on appeal. The court ruled that more environmental analysis was needed on impacts to the lake, especially traffic and water quality. Palisades Tahoe resubmitted the project in 2023. The new lawsuit argues that the resubmitted project did not adequately address these impacts.
The league had proposed a smaller project with lesser impacts, or a phased construction plan with checkpoints along the way so adjustments could be made that ensure minimal impacts to Tahoe. Those requests were rejected by Alterra.
“We have worked for more than a decade to find a compromise here, but Alterra was unwilling to embrace project alternatives that would achieve their goals without impacting Tahoe,” said Goodman Collins. “We are committed to an open dialogue with Alterra and county officials to design a project that will provide workforce housing and uplift the Tahoe community without jeopardizing the precious natural resources that are treasured by all who live, work, and visit here.”
Goodman Collins is also concerned that approval of the project could set a dangerous precedent for projects outside the Basin.
~ MS, League to Save Lake Tahoe press release
$1 Million in TOT Funding for Shuttle Service and Transit in North Lake Tahoe
EASTERN PLACER COUNTY
Working to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure residents and visitors have reliable access to numerous transit options in North Lake Tahoe this winter, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved additional resources for two transportation initiatives.
First, the board authorized funds to expand Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit park and ride programs at three ski resorts.
The enhanced service will create additional shuttles for Palisades Tahoe and an additional weekend of service for Northstar California Resort. It will also add new shuttles between Truckee and Donner Summit to serve Sugar Bowl Resort.
The application for this service was solicited, vetted, and recommended through the North Tahoe Community Alliance Board of Directors and the TOT Advisory Committee through the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program. By long-standing county policy, all TOT revenue collected in Eastern Placer County is reinvested locally to benefit Eastern Placer County.
The board also authorized the director of public works to use TOT funds to contract with My Ride to Work LLC to begin extended winter commute services in North Lake Tahoe. The contract, which has a limit of $707,821, will run from Dec. 4 through April 7, 2025, and will supplement existing TART fixed-route bus services.
To learn more about TOT-TBID Dollars at Work, visit northtahoecommunityalliance.com/what-we-do/tot-tbid-dollars-at-work.
~ Placer County press release
Pet Network Humane Society Offers Free Adoptions This December
INCLINE VILLAGE
Pet Network Humane Society announced Gately Sponsored Adoptions this December, made possible through the generosity of the Gately Family Foundation. All adoption fees for animals are waived for the entire month, ensuring that deserving shelter pets find loving homes just in time for the holidays.
This promotion doesn’t stop at finding homes — it also prioritizes health and safety for adopted pets. Each adoption includes a fixed-rate voucher for 1 year of veterinary care at the Pet Network Community Hospital. Additionally, every dog adopted will come equipped with a Fi GPS collar, offering pet parents peace of mind and an extra layer of protection for their new companions.
Pet Network Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of animals through rescue, adoption, and community support.
For more information on how to adopt, visit Pet Network Humane Society during regular business hours or view available pets online at petnetwork.org.
~ Pet Network press release
Seniors Photographed at Recreation Center’s Weekly Social
TRUCKEE
For the first time in over 20 years, Truckee seniors had their portraits taken for the holidays. Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District brought photographer Lisa Carney to offer something new at its weekly social Senior Golden Programs.
Adult sports and senior programs coordinator Cory Hoehn and Truckee Library technician Rotha Carlson partnered with Carney for the event at the recreation center. Carney captured portraits of 18 seniors, who opened up under her direction.
“We’re building a little community here of the seniors,” said Carlson.
The Senior Golden Programs meet every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. According to Hoehn and Carlson, the program provides a vital space for seniors to mingle and connect with others. Hoehn said 25 to 40 seniors typically attend, and he hopes to continue growing the program and its offerings.
The Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District and Truckee Library provide free services to the community. To join or contribute to the Senior Golden Programs, Hoehn suggested attending the 2nd Annual Bingo Night on Jan. 18. To learn more, visit tdrpd.org.
~ MR
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
IVGID Board of Trustees appoints Kent Walrack as New District General Manager
INCLINE VILLAGE
On Nov. 27, the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees approved Kent Walrack as the district’s next general manager.
Walrack comes to the district after a long career in the private sector, including 38 years based in the Fresno region working for Lyons Magnus in the food service and retail industry.
Most recently Walrack has spent 2 years as a consultant for the food service industry from his home in Crystal Bay. Walrack is also a current board member of the National Restaurant Association based out of Washington, D.C.
The IVGID board approved an 18-month initial agreement with Walrack to lead the district starting on Dec. 1. As general manager, Walrack will oversee IVGID’s public utilities, administrative departments, and recreational venues and services.
~ Incline Village General Improvement District press release
Excellence in Education Foundation Announces Change in Leadership
TRUCKEE
After 2 decades of leadership, Laura Brown is stepping down as executive director of the Excellence in Education Foundation and Amy Macosko has been announced as the interim executive director until she is officially appointed by the foundation’s board in 2025. The nonprofit has played a pivotal role in enhancing educational opportunities for students and teachers in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) since 1986.
During her tenure, Brown led numerous initiatives that impacted the TTUSD community. Highlights of her leadership include co-leading Education Matters, a community input process from 2006 to 2007 that informed TTUSD’s strategic plan and direction. In 2011, she helped launch the Tahoe Truckee Reads Community Literacy Campaign. This initiative improved third grade literacy in the North Tahoe region and earned the prestigious All-America City Award in 2012.
Incoming executive director Macosko brings years of experience in marketing, branding, and community building. With 3 years of service on the foundation’s board, including 1 as board president, Macosko is deeply committed to the foundation’s mission of ensuring local students have access to top-tier educational resources.
As a Truckee resident and parent of three TTUSD students, Macosko is deeply invested in the community. She also serves on the boards of the Truckee Rec and Park Foundation and the Truckee High School Football Foundation.
For more information about the Excellence in Education Foundation, visit exined.org.
~ Excellence in Education press release
Business Briefs
Lake Tahoe Backcountry Demo Event
TAHOE CITY
On Jan. 4, Alpenglow Sports will host its 19th annual Lake Tahoe Backcountry Demo Event at Palisades Tahoe (Alpine Meadows), where participants will have the opportunity to test over 30 different brands of backcountry ski, splitboard, and telemark equipment.
This event is for anyone interested in backcountry equipment, whether they are seeking to add to an existing quiver or taking the plunge on a first setup. In their search for new equipment, participants will also have the opportunity to interact with Alpenglow staff, as well as brand representatives from industry leaders such as DPS Skis, Black Crows, Dynafit, ATK, and more. There will also be discounts on backcountry equipment for participants who register for the event.
Demo opportunities run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, with participants encouraged to return equipment after 2 to 3 runs in fairness to the large turnout the event experiences each year. Participants are encouraged to register ahead of time.
The event itself is free to all participants who possess a valid lift ticket or season pass purchased from Palisades Tahoe. As there are no “uphill” opportunities currently available at Palisades Tahoe, equipment will only be available for “downhill” testing.
For more information, visit Alpenglow Sports.
~ Alpenglow Sports press release
Alibi Ale Works Introduces First Non-Alcoholic Beverage
INCLINE VILLAGE
Alibi Ale Works, the Lake Tahoe-based craft brewery known for its award-winning beer, has introduced its first non-alcoholic beverage with the release of “Hoppy Hour.” A hop-infused sparkling water with mood-boosting adaptogens and nootropics, Hoppy Hour was created to be a guilt-free refresher.
Hoppy Hour has zero alcohol, calories, carbs, and is gluten-free. Meticulously crafted by Alibi’s expert brewers, Citra, Mosaic, and Eldorado hops blend harmoniously with bright citrus flavors plus added functional benefits from adaptogens, nootropics and vitamins. Lion’s Mane supports mood, brain function, and gut health. L-Theanine (an amino acid naturally occurring in green tea) supports relaxation, cognitive focus, and sleep quality. Lastly, a daily dose of Vitamin C helps with immune support. Collectively, these “beneficial botanicals” offer added value for health-conscious people looking for an uplifting, non-alcoholic beverage.
Hoppy Hour is now available at Alibi’s public houses in Incline Village and Truckee, and in select retailers.
Learn more at alibialeworks.com.
~ Alibi Ale Works press release
