News Briefs
Meeks Bay Fire Officially Annexed Into North Tahoe FPD
TAHOE CITY
At a late-August meeting, Placer County’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the concurrent dissolution of the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (formed in 1973) and annexation to the North Tahoe Fire Protection District (1993). A mutual aid agreement between the fire districts was first created in 2014. Four years later, an exploration of an alternative government model was publicly floated. Now, with the protest period complete as of Sept. 26 at 5:04 p.m. and no protests received by LAFCO, the annexation is official.
“This has been a long process,” said Chief Steve Leighton, fire chief for the North Tahoe district, at the August meeting, “but I do want to thank you for your patience with this.”
The LAFCO approval was the final step after both fire districts, as well as Placer and El Dorado boards of supervisors, approved the annexation earlier this year.
With the annexation, NTFPD’s sphere of influence has expanded by 5,744 acres, or 8.9 square miles. Now combined, the district responds to more than 2,400 service calls each year and serves a population of 15,000 residents, 17,000 visitors, and between 75,000 and 100,000 second homeowners. “It is anticipated for calls for service to increase by five percent year over year, with 4,000 calls anticipated by 2026,” stated the Placer staff report.
Property owners annexed to NTFPD will be subject to the fire district’s special taxes and special assessments, but no longer subject to Meeks Bay’s. “For a typical single-family home in the Meeks Bay FPD area, the current annual special taxes total $130, and the fire suppression assessment is $245.92 per year,” per a LAFCO public notice. “The total special tax for the North Tahoe FPD is $273.60 per year and $71.14 for fire suppression assessment.”
The Placer LAFCO will accept and certify the proceedings at its Oct. 9 meeting.
~ AH
Public Hearing Scheduled for Prosser Sawmill Project
TRUCKEE
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m., in the Truckee Town Hall Council Chambers, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider the Alpenglow Timber Use Permit. The project proposes “construction of a sawmill off Highway 89 and just west of Prosser Creek’s inlet to its parent reservoir,” according to Moonshine Ink article Proposed Sawmill Appealed, Residents Plea for Improved Safety Efforts.
A public hearing to consider the appeal filed by Donald B. Mooney on behalf of Friends of Prosser Truckee regarding the planning commission’s decision to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow for the construction and operation of the sawmill and employee housing at 10375 Silverado Way in Truckee.
Recommended action by Nevada County staff: Deny the appeal and uphold the decision of the planning commission to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and to approve the Conditional Use Permit.
Documents pertaining to the property affected by the proposed action are available for public review and consideration at the clerk of the board’s office, located at 950 Maidu Ave., Ste. 200, Nevada City, and the Nevada County Planning Department, located at 950 Maidu Ave., Ste. 170, Nevada City.
The public has a right to attend the meeting to discuss the project, provide oral testimony, and/or submit written materials regarding these matters. Written materials and comments (an original and nine copies) may be submitted to the clerk of the board, emailing bos.publiccomment@nevadacountyca.gov, or by submitting a comment online at nevadacow1tyca.gov/boardmeetings. Comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Oct. 7. Written or emailed public comments received by the deadline will become part of the public record.
~ Nevada County Board of Supervisors notice of public hearing
Safer Wastewater at TTSA
TRUCKEE
The regional wastewater plant is now a whole lot safer.
For 50 years, since its inception, Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency has used gaseous chlorine for sanitizing the wastewater it treats. However, chlorine gas is an extremely poisonous and highly regulated commodity, requiring strict safety protocols because a leak can pose serious health risks.
“TTSA staff deserve tremendous credit for managing that gaseous chlorine in a safe way for the past 50 years,” board president Blake Tresan said at an event Thursday at the wastewater plant. “But I know it’s always weighed heavily on staff here that know the danger of that.”
Tresan addressed about 50 people gathered for a ribbon cutting to officially celebrate the move to a new disinfectant, sodium hypochlorite, which is “just a fancy name for bleach solution,” he said.
“It’s my honor today to mark another significant milestone in TTSA and their commitment to safety and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Tresan described how the staff, when faced with repairs to the chlorine gas infrastructure, took the initiative to design the new sodium hypochlorite system. The system was brought online last year and since then, the agency has kept an eye on it to make sure they could meet the environmental thresholds required of the district by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Tresan pointed out that “the level to which this treatment plant has to treat its wastewater is almost unprecedented in the United States. It’s one of the most stringently regulated plants there is.”
Tresan lauded the impact beyond just the wastewater itself. “This transition and the disinfection system not only enhanced the agency’s operational efficiency, but it more importantly prioritized safety of its staff, the community, and our environment,” he said. “By adopting this sodium hypochlorite system, the agency minimizes the risks associated with handling the gas, ensuring a safer workplace and healthier environment for all.”
Case in point is a complex land swap between local agencies in which the new sodium hypochlorite system is playing a large role as to why the transaction can take place. Read more in our July 2023 story.
TTSA treats 3 million gallons a day, or 1.5 billion gallons a year, of wastewater. Its service area includes portions of the Lake Tahoe Basin and most of the California section of the Truckee River Basin.
“We’re kind of the unsung heroes,” Tresan said. “It’s out of sight, out of mind, what we do, but it’s vitally important to the vibrancy of our community.”
~ MP
Lake Tahoe Restoration Act Passed
LAKE TAHOE
On Sept. 24, Congress passed a bill to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, which is the cornerstone of federal investment in the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program.
The approval extends existing funding authorizations for approximately $300 million to 2034 and continues federal support for priority EIP projects to protect and restore Lake Tahoe. Known as Team Tahoe, the EIP is a partnership of more than 80 public, tribal, and nonprofit organizations.
Since LTRA was authorized in 2016, $122 million in federal funds has supported EIP partners in treating 21,000 acres of forest to reduce wildfire risk, restoring 342 acres of wetlands to protect biodiversity and the lake’s clarity, and inspecting 51,000 boats for aquatic invasive species. These federal funds have been matched by $500 million in state, local, tribal, and private matching funds. Additionally, the EIP supports an average of 1,700 jobs a year and every $1 million in spending generates $1.6 million in economic output.
The restoration act will address the biggest environmental challenges facing the lake, including water quality, forest health, and the harmful spread of aquatic invasive species.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Candidate Forum Planned
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
The North Tahoe Community Alliance will host a candidate forum during its First Tuesday Breakfast Club virtual meeting on Oct. 1. The event will provide a venue for candidates running for elected office to introduce themselves and their platform to voters in North Lake Tahoe.
Candidates participating in the virtual candidate forum are running for offices including Placer County supervisor, 5th District; member of state assembly, 1st District; United States representative, 3rd District; and Tahoe City Public Utility director.
First Tuesday Breakfast Club begins at 7 a.m. Register here.
~ North Tahoe Community Alliance press release
Watch for Voter Information Guides
NEVADA COUNTY
Registered voters will soon receive two Voter Information Guides to help them prepare for the Nov. 5 General Election. One is the state guide, which contains information about candidates for US Senate and 10 state propositions.
The other is the Nevada County guide, which includes information about candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, state senate, state assembly, and numerous local races. It also includes information about three local ballot measures — Measure D (Pleasant Ridge Elementary School District school bond), Measure E (Town of Truckee sales tax increase), and Measure F (Beyers Lane Community Service District parcel tax).
Presidential candidate statements are not in either guide but are available online at voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
Ballots will be mailed by Oct. 7 and can be returned as soon as they are received. Early voting is available at Truckee Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Rd. starting Oct. 8. Visit nevadacountyca.gov/november5election for more information.
~ Nevada County press release
Racial Equity Action Plan Includes Commitments to Washoe Tribe
KINGS BEACH
The California Tahoe Conservancy released its Racial Equity Action Plan. Informed by 2 years of community outreach and collaboration with the Equity and Wellness Institute, the new plan complements the conservancy’s 2024 to ’29 strategic plan, particularly its commitments to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and racial equity principles.
Actions by federal, state, and local governments have created and maintained racial inequity through law, policy, funding, programs, and organizational culture. Government agencies at all levels are increasingly assessing and improving their policies and practices to rectify historical discrimination and avoid future inequities.
While its strategic plan provides the conservancy’s overarching equity vision, in the Racial Equity Action Plan, the conservancy outlines operational actions to work within its mission to ensure the conservancy’s actions reduce, not perpetuate, inequity. Goals set in the plan include improving equity in hiring and retention, maintaining and strengthening the conservancy’s commitment to the Washoe Tribe, and improving community engagement and communications.
~ California Tahoe Conservancy enews
Forms Ensure Accurate Voter Signatures
CARSON CITY
Counties across Nevada are sending voters their voter registration card and a signature update form to ensure their information is up to date ahead of the 2024 General Election.
Eligible citizens can register to vote or update their registration on vote.nv.gov. Nevada also allows eligible citizens to register to vote in-person during early voting or on Election Day at a polling location with same-day voter registration.
The letter includes a voter registration card and signature update form.
The voter registration card has the most recent information your county election official has on file for you. If you see information on the card that needs to be changed, including your political affiliation or contact information, you can make changes to your voter registration online at vote.nv.gov.
~ Washoe County press release
Community Sorting Event
TRUCKEE
Join the Shane McConkey Foundation and its Don’t Drop the Top Program for the annual community sort. Last year, 78 adults, students, and community group volunteers joined together. The result was that over 1,700 pounds of plastic caps and lids were saved from the landfill. The caps were recycled into 17 benches that were sold and dispersed throughout the region. In addition to benches, this year, the caps will also be recycled into raised garden beds.
The sorting event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Truckee Elementary School on Oct. 5 and 6. There are two shifts available each day. Food and beverages will be provided. This is a great way for local high school students to complete hours toward required community service for graduation. RSVP and sign up for your shift at shanemcconkey.org/programs/dont-drop-the-top.
~ Shane McConkey Foundation community submission
Stewardship Day Provides Volunteer Opportunities
NEVADA
Nevada State Parks invites everyone to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 28, a single-day volunteer event dedicated to public lands. Volunteer activities and family-friendly experiences will be available. Learn more here.
Nevada State Parks will also be waiving fees for entry, camping, and boating on Sept. 28. Parks that currently require day-use reservations will operate on a first-come, first-served basis for National Public Lands Day only; no reservations will be needed.
In addition, volunteers will help preserve Lake Tahoe with a few hours of land-healing work, also on Sept. 28. Participants can choose from a range of hands-on projects taking place at Rabe Meadow in Stateline, Nevada. Register at keeptahoeblue.org/tfsd-fall.
~ Nevada Division of State Parks, League to Save Lake Tahoe press releases
Free Breast Health Community Talks
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Tahoe Forest Health System is offering free educational talks focused on breast health, screenings, and early detection.
- Thursday, Oct. 3, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at Incline Village Community Hospital for a comprehensive discussion on the latest breast screening guidelines and risk assessment.
- Monday, Oct. 7, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. in Truckee at the Tahoe Forest Center for Health at 10833 Donner Pass Rd. This talk will cover screening guidelines, general breast health, and hormones.
These talks are free to attend, either in person or virtually via Zoom. For more information or to register, visit tfhd.com/wellness-events or call (530) 587-3769.
Schedule a screening by calling (530) 582-6510. No physician order is required, and mammograms are covered by most insurance. For those without insurance, free or low-cost screenings are available.
~ Tahoe Forest Health System press release
Chamber Announces Top of the Town Winners
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce presented five awards at Top of the Town, its 71st annual awards celebration on Friday, Sept. 20, at Alder Creek Adventure Center in Tahoe Donner.
Nominees are submitted by chamber members. The chamber board of directors reviews all nominations and, through thoughtful and deliberate discussions, selects the winners in each category. The winners were:
- Top of the Town: Business of the Year, Sugar Bowl Resort
- Nonprofit of the Year, The Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe
- New Business of the Year, Thrifty Tails Boutique
- Community Impact Award, Barracuda Championship
- Employee of the Year, Heather Schwartz, SOS Outreach
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
Call for Artist Submissions
NORTH TAHOE
North Tahoe Arts is now accepting applications for its annual Holly Arts show and sale, which will take place in its galleries in Tahoe City and Kings Beach from Nov. 8 to Jan. 5.
This juried show will feature both wall and 3D arts and fine crafts and is open to artists in Northern California and Western Nevada. While work does not have to feature a holiday theme, artists are encouraged to consider holiday gift-giving in their submission. All work must be handmade by the artist.
Key dates:
- Application deadline: Oct. 11
- Notification of acceptance: Oct. 22
- Installation: Nov. 6 to 7
For the application and more information, visit northtahoearts.org/calls-to.
~ North Tahoe Arts enews
Best in Basin Award Winners Announced
STATELINE
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board recognized nine projects and programs with Best in Basin awards for exceptional environmental design and stewardship of Lake Tahoe.
For more than 30 years, the award program has annually recognized projects that exhibit outstanding planning and execution and lead the way in regional collaboration and environmental stewardship, according to TRPA.
Some of the Best in Basin award recipients for 2022 and 2023 were:
- BEBOT – Beach Cleaning Robot – Lake Tahoe Beaches, Nev./Calif.
- Spooner Lake Frontcountry Improvement Project – Spooner Lake Nevada State Park
- Incline Village General Improvement District Effluent Export Pipeline – Nevada State Route 28
To see all recipients and for more information, visit trpa.gov/how-we-operate/awards.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
National Ski Areas Association Appoints New President and CEO
LAKEWOOD, COLORADO
The National Ski Areas Association announced that it has appointed ski industry veteran Mike Reitzell as its new president and chief executive officer. Reitzell brings over 20 years of experience in the ski industry to the role, including the last 9 years as president of Ski California.
As NSAA president and CEO, Reitzell will be responsible for the organization’s operations and will drive NSAA’s strategic direction.
Prior to leading Ski California, Reitzell was an attorney for 14 years in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, representing many ski resorts in California and Nevada.
Reitzell’s official start date will be determined based on the transition needed to bring in a new leader at Ski California. He will continue to lead Ski California until a successor is found and in place. Reitzell replaces Kelly Pawlak.
~ National Ski Areas Association press release
Business Briefs
Ski Resorts Announce Opening Days, New Offerings
PETALUMA
Ski California’s member resorts in California and Nevada are gearing up for the 2024/25 winter season with new lifts, programs, lesson offerings, dining concepts, and more.
Highlights of what’s new, and projected opening dates (weather and conditions permitting) at some of the resorts include:
- ASC XC Training Center: More LED lighting, cross country night skiing. Opens Nov. 28.
- Boreal / Woodward Tahoe: Play Forever Fridays offers $25 lift tickets once a month for everyone, with $5 from every ticket supporting a charity. Opens Nov. 22.
- Diamond Peak: Access to the backcountry, new 3-day flex pass. Opens early December.
- Granlibakken Tahoe: Opens Nov. 28 for sledding, lifts open Dec. 13.
- Heavenly: New gear membership program: My Epic Gear. New adult program and lessons in 10 different languages. Golden State Kitchen is a new restaurant concept featuring healthier fare. Opens Nov. 22.
- Kirkwood: A reservations-based parking program, expanded sustainability initiatives. Opens Dec. 6.
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: A dining area renovation features a new Taco Bar. Opens Nov. 8.
- Northstar California: New gear membership program: My Epic Gear. Opens Nov. 22.
- Palisades Tahoe: $75 lift tickets will be available on opening day, new sustainability initiatives, The Little Bear Café opens across from the tram. Opens Nov. 27.
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: Sierra is an Ikon Pass partner this season. Opens early December.
- Soda Springs: Play Forever Fridays return this season, offering $25 lift tickets once a month for everyone, with $5 from every ticket supporting a charity. Opens Nov. 29.
- Sugar Bowl: The first phase of the development of a new world-class athlete training facility has begun. Opens Nov. 29.
- Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort: While the ski lodge is being renovated, resort operations will be housed in temporary facilities. Open date to be determined.
- Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Resort: A 5K and 10K loop will be created for visually- and mobility-impaired adult skiers and their guides. Open date to be determined.
- Tahoe XC: A new Lifetime Legacy Pass will be available to trail users ages 70 and older. Open date to be determined.
~ Ski California press release
Adventure Company Wins Travel Award
TRUCKEE
Truckee-based AdventureSmith Explorations, a small-ship adventure cruise company, has been named the Best Transportation and Tours award winner in Sunset Magazine’s 2024 Travel Awards’ How to Get There category.
Sunset Travel Awards saw a record-breaking number of entrants across all categories in 2024. Sunset’s editors judged 600 entries, with 125 winners honored. In the How to Get There category, entrants included the West’s best airlines, train routes, public transport, rental-car agencies, ferries, cruises, bike shares, and other ways to get from point A to point B.
AdventureSmith Explorations offers travel experiences in the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and Alaska. Learn more and book a trip at adventuresmithexplorations.com.
~ AdventureSmith Explorations press release
