Fatal Collision on SR-89; Public Charter Service Approved by Airport Board; Truckee Navigation Center Opens; More

TRUCKEE/NORTH TAHOE

An operating and lease agreement between Delux Public Charter (dba JSX Air) and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District was approved 3-1 by the airport board of directors at the Feb. 25 meeting. Directors opted to limit the agreement to a one-year operation of terminal lease space.

JSX will use an ATR 42 – 600 to fly into Truckee, a twin turbo propeller aircraft modified to accommodate 30 seats, and estimates operation of no more than two flights per day, five days per week, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The four board members present each expressed frustration for federal regulations (under the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation) requiring such an agreement to happen.

“For a very long time [this has] been something at the airport district we’ve expected to come,” President David Diamond said at the meeting. “While we might be concerned about increasing operations and might be concerned about increasing the scope of the type of operations that we’ve got, we do factor in that there is an advantage to more members of the community that don’t have access to aviation services here now … It’s not a binary decision to say yes or no; we don’t have the authority to do that.”

Director Greg Horvath was the one nay vote. “I’m fundamentally opposed to this,” he said. “I think they’ve found a loophole to operate that is inconsistent with the original charter of our airfield.” He added commendation for staff for doing “a fantastic job” in managing the competing interests.

Moonshine Ink first reported on this potential operation in August 2025 in Thirty-Passenger Max Public Charter Allowed to Operate Out of Truckee.

~ AH

TRUCKEE

The Tahoe Truckee Homeless Action Coalition (TTHAC) officially opened the Truckee Navigation Center, a one-year pilot program serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Truckee and the North Tahoe region.

Located at 12315 Deerfield Dr. in Truckee (behind Taco Bell), the Navigation Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, addressing long-standing gaps in crisis response. The center provides a safe place for adults experiencing homelessness to stabilize while connecting to services and permanent housing. Daily operations are managed by Volunteers of America.

The Navigation Center offers:

• 10 shelter beds
• Six interim housing beds
• Day-use services, including showers, meals, laundry facilities, and restrooms
• Case management and behavioral health navigation
• Mail services and personal storage
• Connections to longer-term and permanent housing options

Drop-in Day Center hours are from noon to 3 p.m. on weekdays for those not staying overnight.

Referrals for shelter beds can be made by calling (530) 606-5457. Service providers and community members may call this number to inquire about availability and eligibility.

Additional information is available on the TTHAC’s website.

~ Tahoe Truckee Homeless Action Coalition press release

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Eastern Placer Future, the nonprofit organization leading the effort to incorporate North Tahoe, celebrated its accomplishments to date with a press conference on Feb. 26 at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. 

After almost four years exploring the potential to incorporate North Tahoe, a key milestone was recently reached in the process. Following the completion of an independent fiscal feasibility study funded entirely by community contributions and collecting and verifying over 2,300 signatures from local registered voters, on Feb. 17 Eastern Placer Future submitted a formal incorporation application with the Placer County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). This is the furthest any incorporation effort in North Tahoe has advanced. 

Eastern Placer Future Executive Committee member Andrew Ryan spelled out what this means: “This filing does not create a town and it does not predetermine an outcome and it does not bypass public input. What it does is formally ask a question: Will we be better served by local self-government with five locally elected officials working on our challenges? The LAFCO process is designed to answer that question through independent financial analysis, environmental review, and multiple public hearings.”

Eastern Placer Future is unclear yet if incorporation will make the ballot for the November election. If it misses the deadline, a special election next spring is a possibility. One thing that has changed since the group started the incorporation process is the map of the proposed town. The map initially left out USFS lands between Tahoe and Truckee, but LAFCO informed the group that the area must be included. View the map at easternplacerfuture.org/resources.

~ MS

INCLINE VILLAGE

Underwater salvage operations to recover the barges that sank offshore of Ski Beach on July 4, 2025, are scheduled to begin in March.

To safely support this work, Ski Beach in Incline Village is scheduled to be closed to all public access from March 13 through 31. The operation is now able to move forward following the resolution of contractual delays that had previously stalled the project. The salvage work is expected to take approximately 15 operational days, though scheduling may be adjusted based on weather and lake conditions.

The temporary closure is necessary to support the safe recovery of a sunken barge owned by Tahoe Marine and Excavation along with remaining fireworks materials and associated debris located on the Lake Tahoe lakebed offshore of Ski Beach.

Incline Fireworks appreciates the coordination and collaboration of regional agencies and stakeholders including, Parker Diving Service, Lantis Fireworks, Inc., North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), Washoe County, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). 

Incline Fireworks also acknowledges the barge owner’s carrier, Aspen Insurance, for accepting responsibility for the salvage operation.

Learn more at Incline Together.

~ Incline Together article

TRUCKEE

The Town of Truckee is beginning the process of developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for residential and commercial trash collection services and is specifically seeking input from the business community.

The town’s current 10-year franchise agreement with Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal covers both commercial and residential waste collection services and is set to expire in June 2028 (with a one-year extension option). Now is the time to help shape what the next agreement looks like.

For the business community, this is an important opportunity to provide feedback on:

• Commercial trash and recycling services
• Collection frequency and service levels
• Sustainability programs and diversion efforts
• Cost considerations and operational impacts
• Customer service expectations

The town will host two business-focused workshops to gather feedback and share details about the agreement development process. The meetings will be held at 10183 Truckee Airport Rd. in the Truckee Town Hall Council Chambers. The content will be the same at both meetings.

• Monday, March 2, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 3, from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

This is an opportunity to help influence the future of commercial waste services in Truckee. The structure of the next franchise agreement will impact local businesses for years to come — operational insights are valuable and needed.

The town encourages chamber members to participate and ensure the business perspective is well represented in this process.

For more information, visit townoftruckee.gov/trash-contract.

~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce email

TRUCKEE

Registration is now open for both days of the 2nd Annual Truckee Literary Crawl, a one-of-a-kind free celebration of writers and readers building a rich, vibrant literary community in the Truckee/Tahoe region and beyond.

Held April 10 and 11 at walkable venues throughout downtown Truckee, the Literary Crawl brings together hundreds of writers, poets, and book lovers to experience the joy of words in motion. More than 40 authors, poets, storytellers, and other creatives will share short readings from their published works. 

The weekend kicks off Friday, April 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Church of the Mountains with The Search for Belonging: Cults, Longing, and Awakening, an intimate author talk featuring Priya Hutner, author of Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss, and Liberation, and Blair Glaser, author of This Incredible Longing. Moderated by Katherine Hill, co-founder of the Tahoe Literary Festival and publisher of Tahoe Guide, the evening will include readings, a moderated discussion, audience Q&A, and book signing. Seating is limited to 95 attendees and reservations are strongly encouraged.

On April 11, the Literary Crawl continues throughout downtown Truckee with author readings and an open mic, featuring writers and creatives including Elise Garcia, Jesse James Ziegler, Karen Terrey, Brent Freeman, J.A. Forde, Lisa Michelle, Ben Rogers, Dillon Osleger, J. Macon King, Kim Bateman, Elizabeth Reed Aden, Aimee Lowenstern, Alex Hoeft, Kim Culbertson, and many others. 

All events are free to attend but registration is encouraged due to limited capacity at venues at truckeelitcrawl.com.

~ Truckee Literary Crawl press release

TRUCKEE/TAHOE

February is recognized nationally as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) is encouraging local pet owners to take advantage of its Community Spay/Neuter (CSN) Services. The program provides low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to qualified pet owners throughout the Truckee/Tahoe region. 

Participants must reside within the Tahoe Basin and HSTT’s service area, which includes Truckee, Eastern Placer County, eastern Nevada County, Sierra County, southeastern Plumas County, eastern El Dorado County, and South Lake Tahoe. Eligibility is determined using gross household income from page one of the household tax form 1040, along with verification of current pet vaccinations. 

Spaying and neutering pets remains the most effective way to prevent unwanted litters, reduce shelter intake, and improve the overall health and behavior of dogs and cats. HSTT works to remove financial barriers so more community pets can receive this essential preventative care. In 2025, HSTT provided more than 450 surgeries for community pets, a 12% increase over 2024 and the highest annual total on record. 

Spay/neuter surgeries are offered on a sliding-scale fee structure ranging from $40 to $135 for cats and $60 to $250 for dogs. Low-cost microchipping is available for $15 for any dog or cat in the region, and free microchips are available to Truckee residents. Unowned, outdoor community cats may be altered at no cost through HSTT’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program by appointment. 

Surgeries take place at the high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter (HVHQSN) clinic at the Truckee Animal Shelter for Truckee and North Lake Tahoe area pets. 

For more information, visit hstt.org.

~ Human Society of Truckee-Tahoe press release

TAHOE CITY

The Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project has been recognized as a 2026 winner of California’s Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards. Fanny Bridge, which recently opened to the public, won under the Bridges category for best Efficient and Sustainable Bridge Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects.

The award was co-presented by the California State Association of Counties, League of California Cities, and County Engineers Association of California. These awards highlight local government projects that demonstrate innovation and cost efficiency, while protecting long-term investments in California’s streets, roads, and bridges. Winners were honored Feb. 25 during the Cal Cities Public Works Officers Institute/CEAC Spring Conference in Monterey.

Partners for this project include the Tahoe Transportation District, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Federal Lands Highway, Central Federal Lands, California Department of Transportation, Tahoe City Public Utility District, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

This award-winning project included the bypass segment of state Route 89 and the bridge over Truckee River downstream of Fanny Bridge, along with roundabouts on the east and west ends of the bypass. This project was envisioned and underwent initial planning as far back as the 1990s with construction beginning in 2019. The new alignment was critical in managing traffic during the reconstruction of Fanny Bridge and continues to improve traffic flow through Tahoe City.

~ Placer County press release

NEVADA CITY

KVMR 89.5 Community Radio announces that Luis Estrada will join the station as its new general manager beginning on March 2. 

Estrada joins KVMR from KPBS, the public media organization serving San Diego and Imperial Valley, where he spent over 11 years leading membership, fundraising, and on-air campaigns across PBS, NPR, and other providers. Estrada brings more than two decades of experience in mission-driven media, community engagement, and nonprofit development to Nevada County’s beloved community radio station.

In his long-standing role as an-air fundraising manager and senior producer, Estrada oversaw the strategy, creative direction, and production of KPBS membership campaigns across television, radio, and digital media, while also managing gift fulfillment, volunteer coordination, and special programming. A seasoned public media leader, creative executive, and fundraising strategist, Estrada most recently served as member acquisition manager and senior producer, developing innovative broadcast and digital strategies to grow membership, sustain revenue, and deepen audience connection. 

Estrada is also the managing partner and executive producer of ES Creative Gang, a bilingual, full-service creative production company he founded more than 20 years ago. His work spans television, film, digital media, and nonprofit communications, with projects ranging from Emmy-nominated broadcast campaigns to feature films and international media initiatives.

As general manager, Estrada will focus on strengthening KVMR’s long-term sustainability, supporting staff and volunteers, expanding community engagement, and advancing the station’s mission to inform, inspire, and connect Nevada County through diverse, locally produced programming reflecting KVMR’s mission to “connect, inform and empower our community by developing content that celebrates diversity in music and culture and fosters civic engagement and good will.”

~ KVMR 

TRUCKEE

California Highway Patrol Truckee is honored to share that it has been recognized with the 2025 AAMVA Social Media Award.

AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) represents driver licensing and traffic safety agencies across the U.S. and Canada. This award recognizes agencies using social media in a positive, impactful way to promote traffic safety and serve their communities.

CHP Truckee thanks its followers.

Whether following for the light-hearted Donner Summit humor, the chain control updates, the storm warnings, or the real-time road info … the followers are the reason CHP Truckee does this. Its goal has always been simple: Mix a little personality with a whole lot of safety.

CHP Truckee will continue to keep followers, residents, and visitors informed and prepared, and keep pushing out messages that help protect everyone traveling through the Truckee area. The mission remains the same: safety, service, and security for all.

“We hope to see you out and about in Truckee… just maybe not featured in one of our social media posts,” CHP Truckee stated.

~ California Highway Patrol Truckee Facebook post

RENO

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe’s popular “Open Late” schedule is back! Starting Friday, Feb. 27, the resort will keep select lifts spinning and resort services including Wildslide Tubing open late on both Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the season. Operations will continue until 5:30 p.m. both days until Daylight Savings ends on March 8. After that, the schedule extends until 6 p.m.

The Northwest Express, Lakeview Express, Wizard, and Magic lifts will stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays, along with the Snowdeck off the Lakeside trail offering beer, wine, snacks, DJs on Friday afternoons, and stellar views of Lake Tahoe. Wildslide Tubing will also be open late on Fridays and Saturdays.

The “Ski G.I.F.” Friday Daily Special and “Sleep in Saturdays” discounted tickets offered after 12 p.m. make Fridays and Saturdays even better with the later skiing and snowboarding and a great deal on lift access. For those who want to extend the weekend, “Bonus Mondays” offer heavily discounted Monday lift tickets for anyone who skis at Rose the previous Saturday or Sunday (void holidays).

Learn more and purchase lift tickets in advance online at skirose.com.

~ Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe press release