News Briefs
Waddle Ranch Prescribed Burn Follow-Up
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Tahoe Airport District partnered with Cal Fire (as part of the airport’s Wildfire Mitigation program) to conduct a prescribed burn on airport-owned Waddle Ranch property Nov. 7 to 9.
“Waddle RX accomplished 40.8 acres of low intensity understory burning,” said Cal Fire Public Information Officer Mary Eldridge. “The fire was kept within control lines so the fire is of low severity, consuming fuels that would otherwise burn at high severity during dangerous weather. The fire effects were achieved on all 40 acres creating a mosaic burn pattern. This replicated historic fire return intervals that are essential to fire-adaptive ecosystems.
Unit 1 of the Waddle VMP is 75 acres. Weather conditions and prescription prevented further ignitions of the remaining 27 acres. Cal Fire and the TTAD will continue to look for burn windows throughout the fall while planning for the 2025 prescribed fire season.
~ TTAD enews
Ballot Question on Library Funding Fails to Pass, Claims of Unclear Phrasing
WASHOE COUNTY
The sole Washoe County ballot question for the 2024 General Election asked voters to consider whether to levy “an ad valorem tax in the amount of up to $0.02 per $100 assessed valuation for a period of 30 years … for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, equipping, operating, and maintaining library facilities for the County?”
As of Nov. 15, the unofficial count shows a majority of voters (51.49%) saying no. If this result stands, the 2-cent property tax will no longer be designated to the Washoe County Library System (WCSL). Rather, the funds will go into the county’s general fund, with the library system required to ask for the money it has received for 3 decades. If Washoe County Question 1 doesn’t pass, WCSL faces a $4.5-million cut from its $17-million budget.
Residents have reacted strongly, claiming the ballot question was not clear.
“We went off the language that passed in 1994,” explained Jamie Hemingway, WCSL public information officer. The question was presented to the board of commissioners, who approved it to be on the ballot.
“The failure of WC1 was due, in part, to the misleading wording of the ballot question, which caused many voters to believe this was a new tax or a tax increase,” wrote county resident Brad Leavitt, in a petition to preserve library funding. “In reality, this was a renewal of an existing tax [known as an expansion tax] that has been in place for 30 years. This misunderstanding likely swayed the outcome, despite the broad support our community has for the library system.”
Leavitt first posted the petition on the Reno subReddit page, asking residents to “urge the county commissioners to ensure the Washoe County Library System continues to receive the same level of funding it has been allocated through the property tax override since 1994.” A Google site shares information about how interested residents can speak out. To date, 2,359 people have signed the petition.
The expansion tax, set to sunset this year, is what helped build the Incline Village Library, which is part of the WCSL system. Impacts to this library and others include cut hours, possible closures, reductions in books, longer wait times, fewer events, and staff layoffs.
“The library has been dealing with book challenges and major fights against some library services for the past 2 years,” Hemingway said. “It’s been a rough time for librarians.” She added it’ll be encouraging to have residents speak up for the WCSL through the county commissioners.
Libraries themselves are encouraging patrons, via fliers and handouts, to contact their commissioners and let them know library services matter. Visit the WCSL informational page at washoecountylibrary.us/about/expansionfund.php.
~ AH
Town of Truckee and Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe Enhance Animal Services
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) announced a new partnership for animal services, effective Jan. 5, 2025. This collaboration expands HSTT’s role to oversee shelter operations, veterinary services, and community outreach. The town and HSTT have shared a successful 20-year partnership, and this agreement aims to meet growing community needs, enhance animal care, and increase program availability, such as low-cost spay/neuter clinics and pet wellness.
The partnership ensures continued safe and humane conditions, consistent medical care, and educational programs for responsible pet ownership. Operational continuity will improve with HSTT overseeing the sheltering with ongoing collaboration with town field services. The transition aligns with both entities’ missions to provide high standards of animal welfare.
The contract also allows HSTT to retain fees collected for shelter-related services. The town will maintain building maintenance and information technology responsibilities while providing shared utility costs.
~ Town of Truckee press release
Public Feedback Sought on County’s ‘Pro-housing’ Application
NEVADA CITY
A 30-day public comment period opened Nov. 12 on Nevada County’s application for a state “Pro-housing” designation demonstrating its commitment to encouraging housing development. If the state approves the designation, the county could be in line for more state dollars for housing-related projects.
The county’s 69-page application outlines what the board of supervisors and staff have done to encourage housing, including making housing a board objective, making it easier for residents to build Accessory Dwelling Units, like tiny houses and in-law units, and working to ease restrictions on rural owner-built homes.
Anyone interested is invited to give feedback on the application by Dec. 12 to Principal Planner Tyler Barrington at tyler.barrington@nevadacountyca.gov.
~ Nevada County press release
TDPUD Board Approves 2023 Energy Resource Mix, Promotes Local Agency Collaboration
TRUCKEE
At Truckee Donner Public Utility District’s Nov. 6 board of directors meeting, the board approved the submission of the 2023 Power Source Disclosure Report and Power Content Label, and approved agreements for leases in Truckee Regional Park to enable the development of the new Truckee Library and Rocker Memorial Skate Park.
TDPUD is required to report annually to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and its customers the actual mix of electric resources delivered to the community in the prior year. This report details sources of electricity, whether they are considered an eligible renewable by the CEC, and the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the portfolio. The data used by staff for the CEC’s Power Source Disclosure Report and Power Content Label is also used to report TDPUD’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and other environmental metrics.
The board approved submission of the report, which showed that in 2023, TDPUD reported its power came from 47.3% eligible renewable resources and 60.3% carbon-free resources. TDPUD continues to seek out opportunities to grow those percentages while accounting for annual load growth. For more information on TDPUD’s electric resources, please visit tdpud.org/energy.
The board also approved two multi-agency agreements regarding leases of TDPUD-owned land within Truckee River Regional Park. The first agreement was a three-party lease option between the TDPUD, Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District (TDRPD), and the Truckee Library Joint Powers Authority, which enables the updated location of the new Truckee Library to be located on this TDPUD-owned parcel. The second agreement was a hold harmless and property use/maintenance agreement with the Town of Truckee and TDRPD, which is needed to enable the proposed expansion of the Rocker Memorial Skate Park on a TDPUD-owned parcel. The new agreement enables the new portions of the skate park to be located on this TDPUD-owned parcel, while protecting TDPUD’s rate payers from any liability originating from its use.
Information about TDPUD board meetings and access to agendas, minutes, live streaming and archived video can be found at tdpud.org/boardmeetings.
~ TDPUD press release
Supervisors Update Commercial Cannabis Ordinance
NEVADA CITY
On Nov. 12, Nevada County Supervisors adopted a zoning code ordinance amendment to the county’s Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance that would allow for two retail dispensaries in the unincorporated county areas of Soda Springs and North San Juan, 1-day cannabis events similar to farmers markets, and a “Nevada County Grown” requirement for retail sales at cultivation sites.
At the meeting, supervisors also unanimously adopted a resolution to approve a Competitive Application Selection Process for up to two retail storefront commercial cannabis dispensaries and the establishment of a Retail Commercial Cannabis Application Evaluation Committee.
After hearing from the public, supervisors struck language that would have required applicants to pay property taxes before permits could be issued and a voluntary “exclusion zone” that some expressed was confusing and would lead to neighborhood disputes.
The ordinance amendment includes the following general changes:
- Up to two retail cannabis dispensaries will be allowed within the unincorporated area of the county, specifically, one in Soda Springs Rural Center and one in the North San Juan Rural Center area, with the approval of the selection committee and a use permit. Before the ordinance changes, no retail dispensaries were allowed in the unincorporated areas of the county.
- Cannabis-related businesses, including indoor cultivation, manufacturing, testing laboratories and distribution, will be allowed with a permit in industrial-zoned areas of the unincorporated county. Before the ordinance changes, no cannabis activities were allowed in industrial zones.
- Temporary cannabis events similar to farmers markets with cannabis products available for sale would be allowed in the North San Juan and Soda Springs Rural Centers. Up to 8 events per year, per area, would be allowed with a permit. The events would only be 1 day per event.
- The ordinance will require all cannabis products sold at cultivation sites as part of a microbusiness that include retail sales to be from Nevada County farms only. The dispensaries would not have this restriction and could sell products grown and produced from outside of Nevada County.
Learn more at nevadacountyca.gov/cannabis.
~ Nevada County press release
Visit Truckee-Tahoe Celebrates Sustainable Truckee Gift Card Sales
TRUCKEE
Visit Truckee-Tahoe (VTT) is excited to announce a major milestone for the Sustainable Truckee Gift Card program, which has now generated over $123,000 in sales since the launch in December 2021. More than 1,500 individual transactions have contributed to this achievement, with 74% of total sales coming from Truckee/Tahoe residents. This strong local support underscores the community’s commitment to shopping locally and advancing sustainable initiatives.
and its strong local support underscore the community’s commitment to shopping locally and advancing sustainable initiatives.
Launched as one of VTT’s 20-plus+ Sustainable Truckee initiatives, the Sustainable Truckee Gift Card program is uniquely designed to support Truckee’s local businesses while also funding key programs. For every gift card purchased, VTT contributes a 25% match towards Sustainable Truckee programs such as TART Connect, plowing at West End Beach for winter parking, and Johnson Canyon trailhead development plans.
The Sustainable Truckee Gift Card is redeemable at over 60 local businesses, including restaurants, shops, hotels, and adventure providers, making it an ideal way for residents and visitors to support the local community. Top local merchants with the highest redemption rates include Grocery Outlet, Coffeebar, FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Mountain Hardware, and Old Town Tap.
The program aligns with the Visit Truckee-Tahoe 2-Two Year Strategic Plan, which prioritizes sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Through programs like this, VTTVisit Truckee-Tahoe is creating opportunities for visitors and locals alike to actively participate in Truckee’s long-term sustainability initiatives.
Sustainable Truckee Gift Cards can be purchased online at visittruckeetahoe.com.
~ Visit Truckee-Tahoe
Near Death Film in Production
TRUCKEE
Truckee is the set of the upcoming independent comedy/horror movie Near Death. Written and directed by Shaina Aidan, the film follows a couple who attend a birthday party and end up fighting for their lives when they enter an augmented reality.
Filming took place at Aidan’s family home near Northstar California Resort and wrapped up on Nov. 15. Near Death delves into themes of mental health and evolving technology by inserting its characters into a virtual reality in a cabin in the woods. Aidan said the film explores the misuse of technology and human interaction.
“The horror here is actually the people that you go to these places with and the technology you put your trust in,” said Aidan. “The technology at play that’s supposed to be fun and silly ends up being quite scary.”
The team behind the project includes producer and actor David Chang, producer and actor Del Eswar, and producer Alex Clark. Cast and crew members explored Truckee and frequented Jax at the Tracks in their free time.
Aidan expects the film to be finished in 2025. Learn more about the film on the Near Death website.
~ MR
Moving In, Moving Up, Moving On
Trustees Select Kent Walrack as Preferred District General Manager Candidate
INCLINE VILLAGE
On Nov. 13, the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees selected Crystal Bay resident Kent Walrack as the preferred candidate to assume the role of district general manager, pending contract negotiations.
Walrack comes to the district after a long career in the private sector including a 38-year career with Lyons Magnus in the food service and retail industry, and most recently 2 years acting as a consultant for the food service industry from his home in Crystal Bay.
At the mid-November meeting, the IVGID board directed staff and the district’s legal counsel to negotiate a potential 18-month initial contract agreement with Walrack to lead the district.
The IVGID Board of Trustees would also like to thank IVGID’s Interim General Manager Karen Crocker for her willingness to provide the district with leadership while staff and the board sought candidates for the general manager position.
~ IVGID press release
Business Briefs
19th Annual Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series
TAHOE CITY
Alpenglow Sports is excited to announce the lineup for its 19th annual Winter Speaker Series season. On Thursday, Dec. 12, the series will kick off with professional snowboarder and filmmaker Leanne Pelosi and the nonprofit organization the Scotty Lapp Foundation.
The series runs from December through March at the Olympic Village Event Center at Palisades Tahoe. Every show is FREE to the public and all ages are encouraged to attend.
The speaker series blends two goals: to inspire and motivate mountain athletes to pursue their own outdoor dreams and to educate about and raise funds for nonprofit organizations making a tangible difference in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee communities.
The series has become one of the premier North American forums for adventure storytelling and community gathering. Past speakers include Lynn Hill, Hilaree Nelson, Jeremy Jones, Emily Harrington, and more.
Each show is dedicated to a different nonprofit. For the 2024/25 season, the nonprofit beneficiaries include the Scotty Lapp Foundation, Lake Tahoe Waterman Association, Courage Project, Headwaters Science Institute, and Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association respectively.
Head over to Alpenglow Sports’ website to check out event details and to learn more about the presenting athlete and the nonprofit beneficiaries of each show.
~ Alpenglow Sports press release
Palisades to Continue Initiatives to Reduce Traffic Congestion, Change Behavior
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Palisades Tahoe is bringing back its parking reservation program for the 2024/25 ski season and continuing other initiatives that are helping to reduce traffic, ease parking congestion, and support the environment. The parking reservation program’s debut last year, paired with other ongoing resort initiatives, led to significant outcomes including 22,698 fewer vehicles on local roads and a CO2 reduction of 239 tons thanks to the use of Park & Ride shuttles, ski buses, and Mountaineer microtransit, which alone served over 73,000 passengers.
“We know that advancing the in-valley workforce housing for 300 employees and 450 new employee parking spaces will also support traffic reduction efforts in the upcoming Placer County Board of Supervisors vote on Nov. 19,” said Mike Martin, vice president of base operations. “Absent the plan’s approval, only incremental progress is likely to be made with regard to this long-standing challenge.”
Parking Reservation Program Details for 2024/25:
- Free Weekday Parking (No Reservations Required): Monday through Friday (non-holiday) parking remains free at both Palisades and Alpine on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Weekend & Holiday Reservations: To manage peak demand, free parking reservations are required on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays, beginning Dec. 7. Reservations will open each Tuesday at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the upcoming weekend. For guests preferring to secure a spot in advance, paid reservations are available at $30 per day, providing extra peace of mind for weekend and holiday visits.
Expanded Transportation Options
- Mountaineer Microtransit: Palisades Tahoe’s free, on-demand Mountaineer microtransit will extend its hours in Alpine Meadows to operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Monday (matching the hours offered daily in Olympic Valley). An additional van in Alpine Meadows on weekends and holidays will also increase capacity and reduce wait times. Mountaineer is also expanding its operation by 3 days this season, offering more access and flexibility for guests and locals alike.
- Palisades Tahoe Express Shuttle: This season, the Palisades Tahoe Express Shuttle will provide earlier rides to the resort, allowing guests to arrive in time for first chair by 9 a.m., a change made in response to guest feedback.
- Park & Ride: Palisades Tahoe will continue to contribute funding to provide Park & Ride services from Truckee and Tahoe City on weekends and holidays.
- Sherwood Shuttle: Free resort access will continue to be provided via the Sherwood Shuttle from the West Shore to Alpine when conditions permit.
- Employee Carpool Program: The resort will continue to implement a cash-incentivized employee carpool program this season.
For more information on the 2024/25 parking reservation program and transportation options, please visit Palisades Tahoe Parking & Transportation.
~ Palisades Tahoe press release
Eco-Minded Businesses Partner with Keep Tahoe Blue
LAKE TAHOE
It takes a lot of work to keep Tahoe beachable, bikeable, hikeable, boatable, skiable, and enjoyable for all.
The Blue Business program, launched in 2015, features local restaurants, shops, and hospitality establishments. It grew out of decades of the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s public-private partnerships based on a shared love for Tahoe, and the realization that residents, visitors, and the businesses that serve them all must do their part to protect this special place.
The league’s Blue Business partners help educate visitors and residents about how to Keep Tahoe Blue, get their hands dirty at league cleanup and restoration events, reduce their impact on the lake by implementing sustainability efforts, and provide needed funding for lake-saving initiatives.
The league’s beach-cleaning efforts around the Fourth of July inspired the Brewer’s Cabinet to get involved. Through a special edition “can-paign,” the Reno-based beer maker donates a portion of their Tahoe Blonde sales to support the league’s work to combat litter.
There are Blue Businesses in the Tahoe Basin, Reno, San Francisco, and beyond. There are many ways businesses can contribute to the Keep Tahoe Blue mission, no matter their industry, size, or budget. There is no minimum to participate.
Learn how to get involved and become a Blue Business at keeptahoeblue.org/bluebusiness.
~ League to Save Lake Tahoe press release
