Fanny Bridge Replacement Update
TAHOE CITY
Work on the replacement for Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City was originally slated to begin summer 2016, but recent hold-ups put the start of construction in question. Contractor bids for the SR 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization project were received and reviewed as expected. However, the awarded bid is currently being protested by a construction company that did not prevail in winning the contract. At time of press, a spokesperson with the project could not confirm if ground would be broken in 2016. ~ AG
Boat Ramp Gate Workshop
DONNER LAKE
A public workshop will be held regarding a proposed gate at the Donner Lake Public Boat Ramp on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Truckee Town Hall, which will draw on information gathered during a public survey that ended Sept. 5. To quell concern, Truckee police chief Adam McGill wrote in a statement: “I can assure you no decisions have been made, a gate has not been purchased, nor has any other control device for Donner Lake.” On Sept. 4 the Truckee-Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Station at Donner Lake closed due to decreasing boat traffic. Boat owners wanting to launch at Donner Lake must go to the Alpine Meadows station, which will close Sept. 30. Public workshop info: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m., Truckee Town Hall, Council Chambers ~ DZ
Council Members Appointed, No Election
TRUCKEE
For the upcoming Nov. 8 election, only two candidates had filed for the two available council member seats, making voting unnecessary. Pursuant to Section 10229 of the California Election Code, the Town has the option to appoint these two candidates in lieu of an election, which they did in an Aug. 25 meeting. The Town estimates this will save taxpayers about $10,000. The seats will go to David Tirman and Jessica Abrams, who will take office on Dec. 13.
New Pool Officially Opens
TRUCKEE
Truckee-Donner’s community swimming pool officially opened to the public on Sept. 5. The 26,000 square foot facility cost $9.5 million to build and includes a 10-lane competition lap pool, as well as a warm-water pool heated to 89 degrees suitable for the elderly, people with injuries, and children. Other attractions are a party room, an outdoor patio with lounge chairs, a fire pit, and barbecue grills. Info: Class schedule, pricing, and hours available at tdrpd.org/facilities
Several Environmental Measures Moving through California Legislation
STATEWIDE
Multiple bills that could have an impact on the environment are being brought closer to the governor’s desk for approval. Some examples of measures are:
• SB 778, which requires all oil change shops to follow the automakers’ suggested drain interval when recommending the next oil change. Oil technology has advanced, making the majority of cars capable of running 7,500 to 10,000 miles before an oil change, but many service shops still tell customers to come back every 3,000 miles.
• AB 1419 will create new recycling paths for Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) panel glass, which can be found in older, bulky TV sets, and computer monitors. New LCD and LED technology for TVs and monitors are prominent now and demand for old CRT devices has dramatically dropped.
• Under the Bottle Bill program, AB 2530 will require plastic beverage manufacturers to report to CalRecycle the amount of post-consumer recycled plastic and virgin plastic that they used in the past year.
It’s Pickleball Season in Tahoe
INCLINE VILLAGE and OLYMPIC VALLEY
Pickleball — a cross between tennis, ping pong, and badminton — has seen two new courts open in the late summer. One opened in Hidden Valley Regional Park in Incline Village on Aug. 22. These are the first permanent pickleball courts available in the Washoe County park system. The other ones in Squaw Valley Park, at the base of Squaw Valley Road, and officially opened Sept. 1. They feature three dedicated courts that took 10 years to construct at an estimated cost of $220,000. Both venues are free to the public.
Mousehole Project Complete
TRUCKEE
The Truckee “mini-mousehole” project has wrapped up with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 11. The tunnel is just south of Truckee on SR 89 where the railroad crosses the road. Danger to pedestrians, bicycles, and drivers in the main tunnel led to approval of the secondary tunnel. The progress made during summer 2015 was enough to have the tunnel open to the public over the winter, but necessary finishing touches were the reason for a late ribbon cutting in August. Info: townoftruckee.com
Martis Fund Pledges $300,000 to the Family Resource Center
TRUCKEE
The money will go toward ongoing efforts to support the basic needs of the local workforce. The Family Resource Center of Truckee (FRCoT) serves more than 1,000 households annually, with about one third of all visits relating to a housing challenge. “The Martis Fund’s multi-year commitment will enable the FRCoT to focus more effort on providing one-on-one consultations to clients to help them find and retain safe and affordable housing through case management, financial coaching, mediation, and renter education,” said Teresa Crimmens, executive director of the FRCoT in a press release. Info: truckeefrc.org
Candidate Forums on Sept. 14 and 15
TRUCKEE
Two candidate forums aimed at enhancing voter education and participation in the upcoming election are being put on by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce and several partner organizations. They will be held on Sept. 14 and 15 at the Truckee Town Hall Council Chambers and will be streamed at ttctv.org. The first forum on Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. will feature candidates for the Truckee Fire Protection District Board of Directors and the Tahoe Forest Hospital District Board of Directors. The second on Sept. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. will focus on the Truckee Donner Public Utility District and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. Residents are encouraged to email questions for the candidates to mayumi@moonshineink.com with “Candidate Forum Question” in the subject line. Info: Carla Embertson, Truckee Chamber of Commerce, (530) 587-8808.
Middle Martis Wetland Restoration Begins
MARTIS VALLEY
The Middle Martis Wetland Restoration projects will restore 40 acres of wetlands on the north side of Highway 267, improve water quality by reducing excessive erosion, preserve existing wetlands and riparian areas on the south side of the highway, and protect existing roads including 267, Sawmill Flat Road, and the Waddle Ranch access road. Work started on Aug. 10 and is set to be completed in October; until then, construction crews will escort bikers and hikers through the restoration site. The Truckee River Watershed Council, the sponsor of this Middle Martis restoration, currently has seven other restoration projects underway — an uptick from their usual one to three projects.
UV Light to be Used to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species
LAKE TAHOE
The nonprofit Tahoe Fund announced that it is providing the initial funds for a project that will evaluate UV light as a new method to remove aquatic invasive weeds. This approach will be tested in a pilot program at Lakeside Marina and could change the way non-native plant infestations are controlled in Tahoe’s watershed and beyond, if successful. The $5,000 grant to the Tahoe Resource Conservation District will help secure more than $350,000 in public and private funds. Permitting and funding is expected to be approved by December, with a projected launch in April or May, depending on algae growth. Info: tahoefund.org
First Annual Great Trail Race
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
Following roughly the same route as The Great Ski Race — Tahoe City to Cottonwood Restaurant in Truckee — this new race is for both runners and mountain bikers. There is an Elite and Classic division, with both courses spanning approximately 19 miles. People at all levels of experience are encouraged to participate, and like its winter cousin, the event is a fundraiser for Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue. Info: GreatTrailRace.com
