News Briefs
Supervisors Approves Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments
TAHOE CITY
Seeking to generate economic investment and spur environmentally-beneficial redevelopment in North Lake Tahoe, the Placer County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a set of amendments that would allow revisions to the 2017 Tahoe Basin Area Plan.
The amendments are minor cleanups aimed at accelerating the production and supply of affordable housing in the North Lake Tahoe area while simultaneously enhancing economic vitality and promoting small-scale commercial redevelopment in both the Kings Beach and Tahoe City town centers. They are intended to drive environmentally beneficial redevelopment by removing old, dilapidated buildings and replacing them with newly constructed, energy efficient ones that can better collect stormwater runoff and protect Lake Tahoe’s water clarity.
The county’s TBAP is the land-use document that governs development in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The TBAP replaced all previous community plans, general plans, land use regulations, development standards and guidelines, and plan area statements within the Lake Tahoe Basin. It includes both a policy document and an implementing regulations document, which serves as the zoning code for the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The modifications remove outdated zoning restrictions in order to encourage potential redevelopment in small-scale lodging and mixed-use businesses within the town centers, making it easier to build workforce housing or start a new business.
These amendments are intended to streamline the permitting process of deed-restricted properties, limit single-family housing that’s not intended for local workers in town centers and outline the requirements for tiny homes in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The amendments do not conflict with TRPA scenic or environmental standards and current thresholds. Nor do the amendments increase density standards, increase carrying capacity or increase building height. The previously proposed amendments to increase building height and length allowance in the town centers were removed from this set of amendments following community feedback earlier this year. The maximum allowable height remains unchanged at 56 feet.
The amendments will now proceed for review by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Learn more about TRPA’s area plan regulations and processes here.
Learn more about the Tahoe Basin Area Plan here.
~ Placer County press release
Tahoe Forest Primary Care Services Return to Tahoe City Clinic Location
TAHOE CITY
As of Nov. 1, Tahoe Forest Health System’s primary care services provided at the Olympic Valley/Palisades Tahoe location will return to the MultiSpecialty Clinic in Tahoe City.
The Tahoe City MultiSpecialty Clinic will once again provide both primary care and urgent care services. The clinic at Olympic Valley/Palisades Tahoe will only provide urgent care services during ski season, with an anticipated opening date of Nov. 18.
The providers seeing patients for primary care services at the Tahoe City Clinic include Dr. Katy Schousen, Dr. Travis Hays, and Megan Shirley, PA-C.
The MultiSpecialty Clinic in Tahoe City is located at 925 N. Lake Blvd. Primary care services are provided Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while urgent care services are available every day, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment for primary care services, call (530) 581-8864.
~ TFHS press release
Tahoe National Forest Christmas Tree Permits Available Starting Nov. 7
NEVADA CITY
Tahoe National Forest will begin issuing Christmas tree permits through recreation.gov beginning Nov. 7. A limited number of permits are available to purchase in-person at district offices. Call ahead to ensure permit availability.
- Permits are $10 and valid for one tree (limit two permits per household).
- Permits may only be used in the Tahoe National Forest between Nov. 7 and Dec. 31.
- Permits may only be used to harvest a tree in the Tahoe National Forest between Nov. 7 and Dec. 31.
- Fourth grade students with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit online.
For the best experience while harvesting a Christmas tree, review additional guidelines and safety information provided on recreation.gov or when purchasing a permit in-person:
- Off-road motor vehicle travel is not allowed. Permit holders should be prepared to hike, ski, or snowshoe to find their Christmas tree, and should bring a tape measure, saw or ax, tarp, and rope to cut and transport their tree.
- The Tahoe National Forest has limitations on tree sizes and species that are available for cutting. Permit holders are asked to review both requirements and tree cutting maps to ensure their selected tree meets permit guidelines and is located within forest boundaries.
- Although tree cutting is permitted through the end of December, officials recommend cutting early in the season before higher elevations become inaccessible due to snow and ice. Trees can stay fresh for several weeks if properly stored. Because trees begin to lose moisture the moment they are cut, place them in water as soon as possible.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather changes and cold conditions in higher elevations. Check weather and road conditions prior to departure. Ensure your gas tank is full, and pack warm clothing, water, emergency food, and tire chains.
For more information or to contact a Tahoe National Forest office, visit fs.usda.gov/detail/tahoe/home/?cid=FSEPRD1149628.
~ Tahoe National Forest press release
Final Edition of Ghost Towns Book Released
YOU BET, CALIFORNIA
Ever wondered how Gold Rush towns like You Bet, Gouge Eye, and Snow Tent got their names? Answers to this and many other questions about Nevada County’s Gold Rush past can be found in the third and final edition of Ghost Towns of Nevada County. It contains histories of 38 ghost towns, three maps, and 75 photographs and other images. For the first time, it is available as a paperback from Amazon for $6.99, as well as a free download from Apple Books or as a PDF from the publisher You Bet Press at youbetpress.com.
The author, Bernard Zimmerman, is a long time resident of You Bet and the chair of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission. He is also the co-author of the electronic edition of Exploring Nevada County, a guide to the over 200 historical landmarks. Zimmerman is a lifetime member of the Nevada County Historical Society and was recently named its Citizen of the Year.
~ You Bet Press press release
Board Approves County Parking Ordinance Amendment, Updates Fine Amounts
AUBURN
The Placer County Board of Supervisors amended the county’s parking ordinance to strengthen existing parking enforcement and increase parking fines countywide.
The changes go into effect Nov. 30.
The parking ordinance authorizes the county’s parking enforcement team to prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles on or along public roadways during posted times. The amendment expands the restrictions to prohibit parking on all or a portion of public sidewalks.
The amendment also adds a new restriction for vehicles parking on private property without the property owner’s consent. The county may enforce the private property parking restrictions through a written agreement and posted signage.
Placer County’s team will work alongside California Highway Patrol officers to enforce parking restrictions.
The newly approved fine increases are primarily based on current fee structures used in the Town of Truckee, City of South Lake Tahoe, and the City of Roseville. View the updated parking fine amounts here. Fine amounts escalate for the second, third, and subsequent occurrences of each repeated violation.
The countywide ordinance will likely have the greatest impact in North Lake Tahoe as parking is limited and in demand during peak tourism seasons.
Parking management in Tahoe was originally recommended in the county’s Resort Triangle Transportation Plan, approved by the board in 2020. The plan encourages a shift toward alternative modes of travel and away from the use of personal vehicles. Learn more about the RTTP here.
To report a potential parking violation, please contact the Truckee CHP at (530) 563-9200 or the Placer County Department of Public Works in Tahoe at (530) 581-6238 or in Auburn at (530) 745-7565.
~ Placer County press release
Business Briefs
Seven Palisades Tahoe Athletes to the U.S. Alpine Ski Team
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Earlier this year, U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced its prestigious Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, and the roster includes an impressive contingent from Team Palisades Tahoe.
Bryce Bennett and Nina O’Brien, two standout skiers who honed their skills at Team Palisades Tahoe, have secured spots on the nation’s esteemed A-Team. Bennett, 30, enters the upcoming season after a 10th-place finish at the downhill World Cup event in Aspen, Colorado, showcasing his best performance of the year. Meanwhile, 25-year-old O’Brien demonstrated her prowess in Italy with an impressive 10th-place finish in the Giant Slalom (GS).
Keely Cashman, AJ Hurt, and Erik Arvidsson have earned nominations on the B Team roster. 24-year-old Cashman delivered a strong performance with a 27th-place finish in the downhill event during the World Cup stop in Italy last January. She also underlined her skills with four first-place finishes in FIS racing events. Despite last season marked by an ankle injury, 22-year-old Hurt’s selection is a testament to her talent. She recently started her 2023/24 season with an Australia-New Zealand Cup GS victory. At the age of 26, Arvidsson solidified his place with a runner-up finish at the national championships in the super-G discipline and ultimately claimed the championship title in the Nor-Am Cup downhill competition.
Alix Wilkinson, aged 22, overcame injuries from the previous season and has been chosen to represent Team Palisades Tahoe on the C Team. In an exciting development, 18-year-old Allison Mollin has earned a well-deserved spot on the D Team. Mollin showcased her talent with four top-five finishes in FIS and Nor-Am Cup racing, ending the season ranked sixth in the Nor-Am Cup downhill standings. Additionally, 18-year-old David Morken’s outstanding performance last season earned him a place in the National Development Group.
~ Palisades Tahoe press release
AdventureSmith Explorations Shares Tips for Planning Small-Ship Wilderness Expeditions
TRUCKEE
This year, Truckee-based AdventureSmith Explorations, the global leader in small-ship adventure cruise vacations, marks 20 years of pioneering transformative travel experiences. Todd Smith, founder of AdventureSmith Explorations, sheds light on tips his team of adventure specialists has embraced:
- Prioritizing destinations over showy ship amenities, AdventureSmith emphasizes immersive experiences, bringing travelers closer to wildlife, wilderness, local culture, and sustainability efforts.
- Nearly 150 expedition yachts and small ships that AdventureSmith works with host between 8 to 300 guests, with an average of one crew member for every 1.6 guests.
- Direct wilderness engagements encourage travelers to advocate for wild places and enable them to deeply connect with their surroundings.
- Small ship cruising offers unparalleled convenience with flexible scheduling to get travelers to the best spots, the ability to unpack once, and comprehensive inclusions.
- AdventureSmith champions sustainability, supporting companies that prioritize conservation and community welfare.
- There’s a rising trend in expedition cruising with more travelers leaning toward immersive, bucket-list experiences. In 2022, expedition passenger volume was nearly 70% higher than it was in 2016.
- With a 79% increase in searches for “expedition cruises” since 2019, the market for authentic, sustainable cruising is growing exponentially.
- Be mindful of high versus low season and travel itineraries.
- Go slow and aim for a digital detox while traveling. Spending quality time in fewer places will result in a deeper experience.
- Trust in the team’s firsthand knowledge. Every destination it recommends, someone from AdventureSmith has experienced.
Learn more and book an expedition at adventuresmithexplorations.com.
~ AdventureSmith Explorations press release
