News Briefs
Projects Selected to Receive up to $20 Million in Sponsorship, Multi-Year Funding
TAHOE CITY
As part of the North Tahoe Community Alliance’s Community Vitality and Economic Health Investment Program, 17 projects and programs were selected to receive three years of funding support through the sponsorship grant program.
In total, up to $20,027,558 in funds from Transient Occupancy Tax generated in Eastern Placer County and assessments from the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) were recommended or approved. These grants unlock match funding of up to $35.4 million that can be leveraged, bringing the total funding investment to $55.4 million over the next three years.
The allocation impact of the funding supports initiatives in alignment with community feedback and sponsorship program criteria including:
- Workforce housing: $7.9 million (39%)
- Trail Transit Corridor: $5.7 million (29%)
- Transportation: $5.2 million (26%)
- Tourism impact: $1.2 million (6%)
Proposals approved by the NTCA Board of Directors as recommended by the TBID Zone 1 and TBID Advisory committees to receive $2.5 million in TBID funding include:
- BEBOT Beach cleaning robot three-year deployment and youth/adult education, outreach and advocacy in North Lake Tahoe
- Lease to Locals Program
- Tahoe City Park & Ride winter operation (USFS 64-cre parking lot snow removal)
- Tahoe Wildfire Preparedness Guide
- Secline Beach enhancement project
Proposals recommended to the Placer County Board of Supervisors by the NTCA Board of Directors, TOT, and CAP committees for allocation of $17.5 million in TOT funds include:
- North Tahoe Trail Segment 1
- Tahoe City Downtown Access Improvements
- TCPUD multi-use trail system (trail segment reconstruction project)
- Resort Triangle transportation plan project component (SR89 and SR267 adaptive corridor management/transit priority)
- Pam Emmerich Memorial Pinedrop Trail reconstruction and extension
- Kings Beach Western Approach Project
- Workforce Housing Preservation Program
- RTTP Project Component (TART Connect expanded service hours)
- Chalet Blanc mixed-use achievable housing project, Tahoe City
- Dollar Creek Crossing mixed-use achievable housing project
Proposals recommended for a combination of TBID and TOT funding include:
- Resort Triangle transportation plan parking management program in Kings Beach
- Sierra Community House’s workforce housing advocacy and direct assistance program
For more information, visit northtahoecommunityalliance.com/our-investments/sponsorship-multi-year-program.
~ NTCA press release
Uptick in Covid-19 Cases
NEVADA COUNTY
Nevada County Public Health Department is seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases as reported by healthcare providers and congregate care settings. This is mirroring what is reported statewide in wastewater surveillance and hospital reports and is driven by new variants, particularly EG.5.
As of last week, the county has been notified of several outbreaks reported from local congregate care settings. Several local healthcare providers have reported they are seeing two to three cases per day, whereas over the past month they had only been seeing zero to two per week. While local hospitals went several weeks with no Covid-19 admissions, they have now had two to four inpatient cases for the past two weeks.
Active reporting of Covid-19 cases to public health has diminished since the public health emergency has been lifted as PCR tests are not as readily available and home testing has become more prevalent. “It is difficult to accurately know the number of new cases happening in Nevada County on any given day,” said Dr. Sherilynn Cooke, Nevada County health officer.
Cooke said public health staff are meeting with schools and working with healthcare providers throughout the area to determine any surge in cases.
“I would like to remind the public, if you develop cold or flu-like symptoms please stay home, test for Covid-19, and if positive contact your healthcare provider for potential treatment options,” Cooke said. “In addition to well-known strategies that work well, such as wearing masks in crowded places and staying home when sick, we now have new tools and treatment options that we didn’t have at the beginning of the pandemic. These include vaccines, treatment options for Covid-19, and identifying the importance of ventilation. These helpful tactics are advantageous in decreasing transmission of Covid-19.”
For precautions recommended by the California Department of Public Health, visit tinyurl.com/354ha43y.
~ Nevada County press release
New or Updated Vaccines Soon Available for Trio of Respiratory Viruses
PLACER COUNTY
Placer County Public Health is encouraging residents to take advantage of new and updated vaccine and antibody options for Covid-19, flu, and RSV in order to stay healthier this fall season.
Residents are encouraged to access vaccines through their regular health provider. Depending on supply, public health may also offer limited flu vaccines at community events, particularly for individuals who are uninsured or have Medi-Cal.
In the last year (July 2022 to June 2023), Covid-19 contributed to the deaths of 118 Placer residents, influenza contributed to 29 deaths, and RSV contributed to 10 deaths.
Here’s a look at some of the options and their availability:
Updated Covid-19 vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Sept. 12 to discuss the new monovalent vaccine for Covid-19, which was developed to more closely match circulating strains. If the CDC and Food and Drug Administration sign off, vaccine is expected to arrive later in September and will be widely available to those eligible through healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Updated flu vaccine: Flu vaccines for the upcoming season are now available through many healthcare providers and pharmacies (visit vaccines.gov for some options). Flu vaccination is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older, yet especially important for young children; pregnant women; adults aged 65 and older; and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
New RSV vaccine and antibody shot: For the first time, there are now RSV vaccines approved for older adults and for pregnant people, and antibody shots available for babies. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be serious for some including older adults and infants.
Given clinical considerations and insurance requirements, Placer County Public Health is unlikely to administer RSV shots directly, yet will support community members in accessing them through regular healthcare providers.
~ Placer County press release
Utility Work Continues on State Route 28 and Paving on State Route 89
NORTH LAKE
Caltrans is advising motorists of continued traffic-interfering work on state highways 28 and 89 in North Lake Tahoe next week.
Southwest Gas and its contractor, Q&D Construction, continue to work on a gas line replacement project on Highway 28 between Tahoe City and Kings Beach. In addition, pavement repairs are scheduled on various sections of Highway 28 and Highway 89.
- One-way traffic control is scheduled on Highway 28 between Agate Road and Granite Road from Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. until Friday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. No work is scheduled on the weekend.
- One-way traffic control is scheduled on Highway 28 between Sierra Terrace Road and Rocky Ridge Road from Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. until Friday, Sept. 15, at 12 p.m. No work is scheduled on the weekend.
- One-way traffic control is scheduled on Highway 89 between Tahoe Tavern Road and the Highway 28/West Lake Boulevard “Wye” intersection in Tahoe City on Monday, Sept. 11, from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.
- One-way traffic control is scheduled between West River Road and the Highway 89 roundabout on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. and between Old Mill Road and Chinquapin on Highway 28 from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- One-way traffic control is scheduled on Highway 89 between Alpine Meadows Road and the Highway 89 roundabout on Wednesday, Sept. 13, and Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Friday, Sept. 15, from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m.
- Bi-directional traffic control is scheduled on Highway 28 in Tahoe City near Mackinaw Road from Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. until Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.
Motorists could encounter delays of up to 30 minutes on highways 28 and 89. All work on road construction projects will be suspended on weekends. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment or material availability or other unexpected events.
For more information on the Highway 28 project, visit Southwest Gas: North Lake Tahoe Lateral Pipeline Replacement Project (swgas.com) or call the SWG customer service line at (775) 353-7039.
Caltrans issues construction and road condition updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic information, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.
~ Caltrans press release
More Than $31,000 in Funding to Help PUD Cover 2021 Storm Costs
TAHOE CITY
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) announced the approval in June of $31,734.45 in California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) funding to help the Tahoe City Public Utility District cover eligible costs and administrative fees related to conduct emergency protective measures in response to the winter storms that hit the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Dec. 10, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022.
The bulk of the funding approved by Cal OES — $28,849.50 — represents the state’s share of eligible costs incurred by the utility district to implement emergency protective measures it conducted to restore power to pumps that deliver drinking water to the community and maintain sewage treatment pumps and facilities that experienced power outages and service disruptions due to the record-setting snowfall generated by the storms.
The remaining $2,884.95 in funding approved for the utility district will help it cover administrative costs related to its response.
CDAA payments are provided based on actual costs incurred by the utility district and provided by the state as work is completed and as documentation and requests for payment are submitted to Cal OES.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s State of Emergency Proclamation for Placer and seven other counties, as well as four cities, authorized CDAA reimbursements for eligible entities.
More information on the California Disaster Assistance Act is available at caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes-divisions/recovery/public-assistance/california-disaster-assistance-act.
~ Cal OES press release
Truckee Lions Club To Host Free Community Health Fair
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Host Lions Club will offer free family health screenings on Sat., Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Community Recreation Center, 10981 Truckee Way.
The health fair will include free vision, diabetes, and blood pressure screenings; free dental screenings and fluoride treatments for children; and free flu shots while supplies last. Lions in Sight of California and Nevada will provide free reading glasses to those who need them, and the Truckee Lions will give away free produce.
The Truckee California Highway Patrol office and the Truckee Police Department will offer free child safety seat inspections and installations. The agencies will give away free child safety car seats if one is needed while supplies last. Community groups also will have informational booths.
Anyone with questions can call Truckee Lions at (530) 563-6776.
The health fair would not be possible without the club’s community partners: Lions in Sight of California and Nevada; Tahoe Forest Community Health & Wellness Neighborhood; Tahoe Forest Pharmacy; Orvis Student Nurses’ Association at the University of Nevada, Reno; Placer County Health & Human Services Oral Health Program; Nevada County Public Health Oral Health Program; Placer County Health & Human Services Public Health; and Raley’s O-N-E grocery store.
~ Truckee Lions press release
Business Briefs
Tahoe Expedition Academy to Host Annual ‘Gear Market’ Fundraiser
TRUCKEE
The new school year is here and as kids go back to class, team sports, and outdoor activities, Tahoe Expedition Academy is gearing up for one of the community’s favorite fundraisers. The TEA Gear Market is set for Sunday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the school’s Truckee campus, 9765 Schaffer Mill Rd. It’s a chance for the community to grab the gear they need for the year without breaking the bank.
“The original idea behind this event was twofold,” says Courtenay Wallpe, TEA’s director of development and event organizer. “First, to recycle and reuse high quality expensive gear, so people don’t have to keep buying new stuff every year. Second, to get this gear to a good home. These items are all priced well below their value in order to ensure people get what they need to keep their kids active and enjoying the outdoors.”
Proceeds from the Gear Market help the school purchase gear and supplies for its own students, particularly those that may need financial assistance. New this year, TEA is excited to split proceeds with local nonprofit organization, Sierra Community House. Additionally, any items that are not sold at the end of the day will be donated to local organizations.
There will be a wide variety of gear and equipment available at garage sale prices — from kids skis at less than $100, to $25 helmets, and $50 tents. Bargain hunters can also expect to find everything from camping gear, bicycles, and other sporting goods, to hiking gear and outerwear, like jackets, snow pants, gloves, and boots. TEA has also made the event a day of family fun, with live music and a visit from the Now We Taco’N Taqueria food truck.
The school will begin accepting donations during school hours (8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at collection bins on TEA campus from Oct. 9 to 19. If the public has any used gear they would like to donate, they can also contact Wallpe directly at: cwallpe@tahoeexpeditionacademy.org.
~ TEA press release
Tahoe Flow Arts and Fitness Expands Studio
TAHOE VISTA
Tahoe Flow Arts and Fitness is currently undergoing an expansion. The studio will be taking over the neighboring building formerly occupied by North Lake Massage and Skin Care. Tahoe Flow Arts and Fitness plans to move its gym (weights and cardio) into the new space, which will allow staff to make the current group studio more spacious and create a larger reception area and greatly improved retail space.
Details, including pricing updates and scheduling, are still being determined, but the studio hopes to limit interference with existing operations as little as possible and to keep all classes and services running smoothly during the expansion. Stay tuned for the latest updates at facebook.com/tahoeflow.
~ Tahoe Flow enews
