News Briefs
No Kings Demonstration to Take Place March 28
TRUCKEE/NORTH TAHOE
People in the Truckee area will gather on Saturday, March 28, for a peaceful No Kings demonstration, joining over 3,000 protests and rallies around the nation voicing opposition to the Donald Trump Administration and its policies.
The Truckee event will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Donner Pass Road and Route 89 and extend along the sidewalks of Donner Pass Road in both directions.
This No Kings National Day of Nonviolent Action is expected to be the largest mobilization since the protests began last year. The goal of national organizers is to make it the largest protest in U.S. history.
The last No Kings day, on Oct. 18, 2025 — held in the wake of a federal government shutdown, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and National Guard deployments around the U.S., and intense immigrant deportation operations — brought an estimated seven million people into the streets of communities all over the country.
Tahoe Truckee Indivisible, Tahoe Tomorrow, and a large group of local volunteers have organized the Truckee protest.
Tahoe Tomorrow is an information hub connecting people with activism and actions in the greater Lake Tahoe region and beyond. Indivisible is a nationwide, non-partisan grassroots movement of millions of people working to stop the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. and protect democracy, with local chapters around the country.
The Truckee No Kings demonstration is one of three No Kings protests scheduled for the North Tahoe area on March 28. The others are:
Kings Beach, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bear Street Roundabout – Recreation Area.
Tahoe City, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OLD Safeway at 850 N Lake Blvd.
~ No Kings press release
Open BriefBoard Votes 3-2 to Increase Airport Hangar Rent Over Three Years
TRUCKEE
Directors of the Truckee Tahoe Airport District voted March 25 to raise hangar rent rates over a three-year period to be more in line with market conditions. The first increase will take effect May 1.
The airport district’s 2026 operating budget currently projects $2.5 million in hangar rental revenue, or 13% of its revenue. After the new rates are fully phased in, the district projects it will see a total of $12.7 million in hangar revenue for those three years TTAD has 227 hangars in total.
Based on the change, the current three-tier hangar system will increase to four tiers, separated between small-T (row one in the TTAD table below), medium- and large-T (rows two and three), exec (four and five), and super exec (six). T hangars are structures designed to store individual small to midsize general aviation aircraft; exec and super exec hangars hold larger private aircraft.
The largest hike in rental rate will be for medium- and large-T hangars. The table below shows what each hangar type can expect in terms of rental increase across the three years.
Hangar rental rate increases happen annually at TTAD and rely on Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based adjustments. But, as noted in the staff report, “CPI does not fully capture local cost drivers — particularly housing and labor — which disproportionately impact [the] North Tahoe/Truckee region.”
Every five years, TTAD undergoes a study to look at market rents to see if CPI adjustment has kept up with the market, which is what consultant Mead & Hunt provided at the March meeting. The airport district’s previous rent study was conducted in March 2020, but was never implemented due to Covid-19 impacts. TTAD staff could not state with confidence when the last time a rate study was performed and implemented. Based on Director Mary Hetherington’s records, beyond CPI adjustments, hangar rental rates have not increased since prior to 2007.
Had no rent increase been implemented and revenue was based on CPI adjustments alone, the airport district would see $9.6 million in gross rent revenue over the next three years.
The full board supported increasing hangar rates. The dividing point, and what directors Hetherington and Greg Horvath voted nay to, was the time frame: Hetherington and Horvath wanted to increase the rent within one year.
“We’ve gone 10 to 20 years with just 3% CPI,” Hetherington said during the meeting. “At some point, if we had instituted this 2020 study, we would only be 12% to 29% below market instead of 22% to 87% … Our commodity, our hangar, is undervalued; it’s time to bring it up.”
“Overall, I think this fundamentally boils down to how you feel about the question of should property taxes subsidize hangar rents,” Horvath said. “I think the community has voted pretty clearly in favor of maximizing allocation of tax dollars to broader community impacts and minimizing … hangar subsidies.”
Public comment showed heavy support for a one-year rent increase, though it was pointed out by Board President David Diamond that Hetherington reached out to members of the public in advance, sharing her interest in voting for a one-year increase and inviting people to submit comments.
There was concern expressed during public comment about the rate increases pricing out local pilots, including by Director Diamond himself during deliberation, who rents from the smallest hangar class.
“With regard to those of us who use the airport all being filthy rich, my airplane cost me $85,000,” Diamond said. “I guess that many in this room own Teslas that cost more than that and you can charge them at the charging stations that we installed here at the airport. The reason I say that is because I do think it’s unfair to paint this with an economic brush. Every time I see that, it does bother me. It additionally bothers me because the first class of aircraft owners who would be displaced by super super high rent increases is my class, and what will happen when you lose those small T-hangars, if they’re vacant, is a future board will say if they’re vacant then we should just tear them down and build hangars that won’t be vacant.”
The next hangar rent study will be performed in 2029.
~ AH
Open BriefAlpine Plane Crash Update
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Care Flight activated its Crew Card program for TNSAR for the first time, allowing two TNSAR team members to be flown directly to the crash site. More than 20 team members also ascended on foot with skis on their backs via White Wolf in Alpine, while team member Scott Meyer drove the PistenBully 100 up the KT access road at Palisades, over the crest, and into Five Lakes for the first time, assisting with the transport of the deceased pilot.
~ MS
Open Brief$850,000 for Aquatic Invasive Plant Management, Public Access, Recreation
LAKE TAHOE
The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) Board has approved $850,000 in grants to address the threat of aquatic invasive plants and enhance public access and recreation. The board also approved the conservancy to acquire a parcel of environmentally sensitive land in South Lake Tahoe, and discussed and took action on multiple conservancy projects.
Grant funding for aquatic invasive plants, recreation, and public access includes:
- $600,000 to Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) to survey for and control aquatic invasive plants in Lake Tahoe wetlands. This work is critical to restore the largest remaining marshes and wetlands on Lake Tahoe’s South and West shores.
- $50,000 to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to assess public recreation sites and zones on the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The board members elected Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson as board chair, to succeed Assembly Public Member Adam Acosta. El Dorado County Supervisor Brooke Laine takes over as vice-chair for the board.
~ California Tahoe Conservancy press release
Open BriefDelays Anticipated Along Interstate 80 Near Yuba Gap
YUBA GAP
Caltrans is alerting motorists about an extended lane closure scheduled along Interstate 80 (I-80) near the junction with state Route 20 as construction resumes on the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project. Crews are scheduled to reduce eastbound and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction through the project area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Wednesday, April 15.
Motorists will experience delays up to one hour and are encouraged to factor in additional travel times along the I-80 Sierra corridor.
Starting Monday, April 20 at 7 a.m., crews will reduce eastbound and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction again to finalize the crossover construction. This configuration is scheduled to remain in place around the clock through 5 p.m. Friday, April 24.
Once work is complete, both lanes will reopen and westbound I-80 will be shifted onto the eastbound span of the bridge, as crews begin demolition of the existing westbound bridge and construction of the new bridge.
As a result of the crossover, the following closures will be in place starting Friday, April 24, until further notice.
- State Route 20 on-ramp to westbound I-80
- Motorists will detour eastbound I-80 to Eagle Lakes Road and head back westbound on I-80.
- Westbound I-80 off-ramp to Yuba Gap (Crystal Lake Road, Exit 160)
- Motorists will detour westbound I-80 to Emigrant Gap and head back eastbound on I-80.
Caltrans issues construction and road condition updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic information, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
~ Caltrans District 3 press release
Open BriefSupervisors Adopt 2026/27 Objectives
NEVADA COUNTY
Nevada County’s Board of Supervisors adopted eight priority objectives for the July 2026 through June 2027 fiscal year, aligning with the county’s budget planning process. They include fiscal stability and core services, emergency preparedness, housing, economic development, recreation economy, homelessness, climate resilience, and a new focus this year: arts and tourism.
Supervisor Chair Lisa Swarthout advocated adding this year’s arts and tourism objective earlier this year, noting, “We have a highly engaged arts community, and we’ve heard that arts and tourism should be a priority. Making it an official objective will help the county leverage and support the work already underway.”
The priority objectives aim to respond to the community’s needs, align with community input, and build on progress from prior years.
This year, economic development now includes broadband, recognizing the role of high-speed internet in supporting workforce development and local economic growth. Recreation has been renamed “recreation economy” to reflect the contributions of recreational tourism and clarify the county’s role in supporting these activities.
Fiscal stability and core services remain the county’s top priority and are the primary focus of the county’s annual budget. While county finances remain stable, potential challenges lie ahead due to unknown impacts of cuts at the state and federal levels.
Learn more about the objectives at nevadacountyca.gov/boardobjectives.
The board of supervisors is holding a two-day budget workshop on April 28 and 29 in the board chambers at the Nevada County Government Center (950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City). A public budget hearing will follow on June 9.
Community members can participate by attending, calling (530) 270-3474 during the comment period, or submitting comments to bos.publiccomment@nevadacountyca.gov.
~ Nevada County press release
Open BriefMissing 19-Year-Old Man Located Deceased in Truckee River
FLORISTON
A 19-year-old man who vanished while swimming in the Truckee River in Floriston on March 21 was located deceased by rescue divers on March 23. He has been identified as Brian Marcellino Gallardo, 19, of Petaluma.
The search for Gallardo began on Saturday, March 21, with the support of several allied agencies and carried into Sunday and Monday, and included utilization of K9 teams, drones, helicopters, swift water rescue teams, rescue swimmers, and ground searchers on foot. He was ultimately located by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office divers on Monday, March 23.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) recognizes this incident as a profound loss of a young man, and the deep loss experienced by his family and friends. Drownings are especially difficult incidents, often unfolding quickly and leaving a lasting impact on families, responders, and the community.
The public is reminded to use caution around waterways, be mindful of changing conditions, and take appropriate safety precautions when near or in the water. River conditions are currently fast moving, cold, and dangerous for utilization.
NCSO would like to thank the following agencies for their direct support in this recovery mission: Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Truckee Police, Truckee Fire, Cal Fire, CHP Air Ops, Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada, Inc., Union Pacific Railroad, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
~ Nevada County Sheriff’s Office press release
Open BriefMan Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Fabian Gomez, 37, was sentenced on Monday by Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between August 2020 and May 2022, Gomez and others worked together to sell methamphetamine in and around South Lake Tahoe. Over those two years, Gomez also worked alone to sell both heroin and methamphetamine. While most of Gomez’s distribution happened in and around South Lake Tahoe, the investigation uncovered that some of the drug supply was coming from Sacramento. Gomez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, on Dec. 8, 2025.
Epifanio Ramirez, another defendant charged in this case, was sentenced on Jan. 12, 2026, to 24.5 years in prison for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Ramirez pleaded guilty in September 2025.
The charges in this case arose from Operation Bear Trap, which law enforcement agencies began in 2020 to address the growing problem of methamphetamine distribution in South Lake Tahoe. Gomez was charged along with six other defendants in 2022, who were collectively charged with methamphetamine and heroin distribution. Over the course of the operation, law enforcement agencies have interdicted methamphetamine, heroin, and numerous firearms, including “ghost” pistols and assault rifles (firearms manufactured without serial numbers, making them harder for law enforcement to trace).
~ U.S. Department of Justice press release
Open BriefMoving In, Moving On, Moving Up Briefs
Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue Honored with Distinguished Service Award
NEVADA COUNTY
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) and Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (NCSSAR) were honored on March 26 with a Distinguished Service Award, as recognized by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick, District 01.
Assemblymember Hadwick presented the award at the California State Capitol during the Assembly Floor Session. She recognized the vital importance of rescue missions and the highly trained volunteers who respond at all hours to save lives, and commended NCSO and NCSSAR for their efforts during the Castle Peak avalanche, where six lives were ultimately saved.
A few members of NCSO and NCSSAR were invited to stand on the Assembly Floor to be honored in person. They included Sheriff Shannan Moon; Sergeant Dustin Moe (one of two avalanche incident commanders); Grace Van Winkle (one of two 911 dispatchers who fielded avalanche distress calls/texts and radio communication); and three NCSSAR volunteers who all responded at a moment’s notice to help: Scott Montgomery (volunteered all five days of the rescue and recovery mission, plus an additional day to recover victims’ personal property); Alexis Dunn (volunteered four days of the rescue and recovery mission); and Josiah Boning (volunteered three days of the rescue and recovery mission). As many as 27 NCCSAR volunteers helped per day. Additional staff and volunteers involved with the avalanche had an opportunity to view the award showing from an upper gallery.
~ Nevada County Sheriff’s Office press release
Open BriefAlterra Mountain Company Announces Leadership Transition
UNITED STATES
On March 10, Alterra Mountain Company, the world’s leading outdoor recreation company, shared a leadership transition. Jared Smith announced his intention to step down from his role as chief executive officer at the end of this season.
During the transition, an executive committee of the board will function as an Office of the CEO, comprising ownership representatives from KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown & Company, together with Rusty Gregory, former CEO of Alterra Mountain Company, to lead the company’s day-to-day operations through the end of the season and until a new CEO is appointed. The board will launch a comprehensive search process to identify a new leader to continue Alterra’s growth trajectory. Smith will serve as a resource to the Office of the CEO over the next year to support a seamless transition.
~ Alterra Mountain Company press release
Open BriefBusiness Briefs
Diamond Peak Closing Day March 29
INCLINE VILLAGE
Due to the unseasonably warm temperatures the Lake Tahoe region has experienced this spring and all winter long, Diamond Peak has made the decision to close for the 2025/26 ski season on Sunday, March 29.
Diamond Peak has ceased operations on the upper mountain (i.e. the Crystal Express chairlift) and is focusing on maximizing the snow quality on the lower mountain terrain that remains open through March 29.
Sixty-dollar deals extended through closing day.
To make the closing week even more fun, the resort will be extending its old-school $60 Deal Days throughout the final week of the season. All lift tickets, ski or snowboard rental packages, and first-time learn-to-ski and learn-to-ride lesson packages are just $60 each.
~ Diamond Peak newsletter
Open Brief
