News Briefs
Fanny Bridge is Back In Business
TAHOE CITY
On Sunday, May 17, hundreds gathered for the grand reopening of the historic Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City. Hosted by Placer County as a part of its 175th anniversary, the reopening showcased the newly reconstructed bridge as not only an upgraded transportation crossing, but also as a community event space.
The updated bridge features elevated sidewalks on either side, as well as wider driving lanes designed to reduce traffic buildup. The widening also improves safety for cyclists and pedestrians. In contrast to the previous bridge, the new model was constructed without in-stream piers, which are subject to erosion and pose threats to the ecosystem surrounding the bridge. Construction began in August of last year to avoid the busy season, minimizing impacts on local businesses.
Community members celebrated the reopening with live music, a presentation from representatives of contributing federal and local organizations, free fanny packs to the first 500 attendees, and a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Placer County District 5 Sup. Cindy Gustafson.
During the busy summer period, the bridge is estimated to carry an average of 22,300 vehicles a day and almost 400 pedestrians and cyclists hourly, according to the Tahoe Transportation District. While the previous bridge served the community for over 100 years, the updated bridge now provides a safer and more environmentally conscious crossing over Lake Tahoe’s only outlet.
~ Nate Francis, contributing writer
Open Brief‘Common Pine’ Railyard Hotel Approved by Planning Commission
TRUCKEE
On Monday, May 19, the Truckee Planning Commission unanimously approved (with one abstention, Commissioner Amy Kaufman) the Truckee Railyard Hotel — a four-story, 60-unit hotel project that includes 17 for-sale residential units, a rooftop pool, and commercial space — proposed to be built on the eastern end of Donner Pass Road in Downtown Truckee.
The project, known as Common Pine, was first presented to the planning commission in January 2026, where the applicant team, including Rikesh Patel, founder of CP Truckee, was asked to provide a parking master plan, perform broader public outreach, revisit the building design so as to become less monolithic, and more. The item was continued to a new hearing — this past Monday, where a development permit, tentative map, a minor exception for additional height, and zoning clearances specifically were approved.
After nearly four hours of presentation, public comment, questions, and deliberation, the commissioners agreed to approve the project with additional conditions beyond the 84 proposed by staff. These additions include: design modifications, artistic considerations, retail requirements, and what the parking management plan must include.
Staff noted in the project report that the applicant’s newly submitted Parking Management Plan (PMP) did not resolve concerns related to parking, nor “specifically address Planning Commission’s question about where, specifically, vehicles will be stored and how impacts to neighboring properties will be minimized.”
That said, the parking discussion is made complex by concurrent dialogue at the Truckee Town Council level of an overnight valet parking program in a parking lot on the eastern end of the Railyard. The valet parking requirements, which will be utilized as part of Common Pine, aren’t expected to be reviewed by town council until August. “The timing of this is really unfortunate, where there’s a potentially a new program coming online that has pretty significant impacts on the parking plan proposed with this project that we can’t review yet,” Vice Chair Sami Taylor said during the meeting. “We just don’t know. There’s too many uncertainties.”
Commissioners elected for town staff and the applicant to work together on the PMP — requesting such specifics as a shuttle service to the Reno Tahoe International Airport, financial incentives, and more to be included in the plan.
Public comment was primarily opposed to the project, bringing up concerns for parking, the out-of-scale size compared to the rest of the historic district, and more.
Sophia Heidrich, advocacy director for Mountain Area Preservation, said during public comment, “We are supportive of this use in this location but we want it to be consistent with the Railyard Master Plan and we don’t think it’s quite there yet … Our biggest concerns center on the mass and scale of the building and the failed attempt to achieve a seamless transition from downtown Truckee to the Railyard.” She mentioned height, transition, and shading as key concerns.
Common Pine, as proposed, is the same height as Truckee Artist Lofts, the nearby affordable housing project. The Railyard Master Plan allows buildings up to 50 feet in height.
The hotel will be the first mass timber hotel in the Lake Tahoe region. Mass timber is a type of engineered wood product known to sequester carbon and produce less greenhouse gas during production than mineral materials such as sand, gravel, dirt, and rock.
According to town staff, Common Pine is the only hotel contemplated in the Truckee Railyard at this time. Visit the town’s project page here.
The project may be appealed until May 29 at 5 p.m., which would bump the project up to town council’s purview. If not appealed, the town’s planning department will work with the applicant team to confirm conditions of approval are being met. Staff and necessary outside agencies are responsible for reviewing and granting additional permits, such as a final map, grading permit, building permit, and so on.
~ AH
Open BriefTahoe, Sierra Club Toiyabe Protest Repeal of Roadless Rule
LAKE TAHOE
After the 2025 announcement of the planned rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has protected forests and wildlands from development for the past 25 years, the Trump administration and U.S. Forest Service will be proposing new legislation that opens national forests like Tahoe’s to construction, logging, and resource extraction. The proposed rule has yet to be released, though groups like the Sierra Club expect it to be shared in the coming weeks, along with a draft environmental impact statement.
In anticipation of the deregulation, the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter held a town hall in South Lake Tahoe on May 13 to advocate for the protection of the Roadless Rule and gather public comments for a coming public comment period.
The Roadless Rule was first enacted in 2001 after the Forest Service struggled to keep up with road maintenance and management, and conserves 45 million acres of forest land throughout the country from development, including the national forests in and around the Tahoe Basin. The Forest Service still has a backlog of billions of dollars on repairs needed for road maintenance.
Last June, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the intended rescission of the rule. Rollins described the Roadless Rule as an “absurd [obstacle] to common sense management of our natural resources.” Though backcountry areas are now at risk of development, they remain protected for now. The final ruling, environmental impact statement, and record of decision are expected in late 2026. A public comment period will precede the final decision.
According to Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter Director Olivia Tanager, the public still has a chance to engage, organize, and pressure the government to reverse the rescission before protections are formally removed.
“One reason that the Roadless Rule has survived for more than two decades across multiple administrations is because people have consistently defended it,” Tanager told the crowd of about 40 in attendance. “This moment is about more than just one policy. It’s about whether public lands will continue to be managed with ecosystems held in trust for future generations or increasingly treated as industrial resource extraction zones.”
The deregulation aligns with the administration’s desires to expand extractive American business such as logging, according to a 2025 press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Organizations, coalitions, and politicians have fought to protect Lake Tahoe from the very development and extraction that would result from the repeal of the Roadless Rule.
Six speakers joined the town hall, including Backcountry Alliance Executive Director Anthony Cupaiuolo and retired U.S. Forest Service Hydrologist Sue Norman. They each shared the importance of conserving forests in Lake Tahoe.
“The public should not be on the hook to build more roads that are only going to benefit the extraction industry,” Cupaiuolo said.
He acknowledged the privilege of access to public lands in Tahoe. Once there’s more development and more roads, however, Cupaiuolo noted that those areas will be closed off.
Though the U.S. Department of Agriculture says increased road creation will allow for greater forest management, the capacity of the Forest Service is already overwhelmed since the February 2025 layoff of 10% of its staff and budget cuts for fiscal year 2026.
“The Roadless Rule continues to have value as an environmental policy designed to keep significant areas within a watershed relatively unroaded,” Norman said. “The Forest Service needs continued robust funding to maintain the staff and resources required to maintain the existing road network and conduct the necessary work to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire while protecting ecosystem values like clean water and healthy streams.”
The Sierra Club encourages members of the public to submit comments ahead of the public commentary period in support of the Roadless Rule. A petition can also be signed on the Sierra Club website.
~ MR
Open BriefCommunity Invited to Regional Library Project Update, Community Workshop
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Friends of the Truckee Library invite community members to attend the Truckee Regional Library Project Update and Community Workshop on Wednesday, June 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Steve Randall Community Recreation Center located at 10981 Truckee Way.
The free, family-friendly event will provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the latest progress on the new Truckee Regional Library project, hear updates from the project team and architects at JKAE, and ask questions about the project’s next phases. Light refreshments will be provided, and Spanish interpretation will be available.
Hosted in partnership with the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District, the workshop will feature a project presentation followed by interactive breakout stations where attendees can connect directly with project representatives and learn more about the planning process, environmental review, updated floor plans, project timeline, fundraising efforts, and next steps for the regional library project.
The event is open to all community members, including families, library supporters, and anyone interested in learning more about the future of library services in the Truckee region.
Learn more at truckeefol.org or email Friends of the Truckee Library Executive Director April Cole at april@truckeefol.org.
~ Friends of the Truckee Library press release
Open BriefCemetery District Memorial Day Service
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Cemetery District is holding a Memorial Day service at 10370 East Jibboom St. on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m.
The program will include introductions from Cemetery Manager Greg Zirbel, presentations of the colors by Civil Air Patrol Tahoe-Truckee Squadron, songs, guest speaker Dan Seaborg, and an address by veteran Pat McDonough. Historical vehicles will also be on display
~ MR
Open BriefEmerald Bay Shuttle Returns for Summer 2026 with Expanded Season
LAKE TAHOE
With summer right around the corner, Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), in partnership with public transit provider Via, is bringing back the Emerald Bay Shuttle for an expanded second season. Building on a successful 2025 pilot, this service will once again give visitors and residents a safe, affordable way to reach one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular destinations while reducing traffic congestion and protecting the Basin’s natural environment.
The shuttle will run daily from mid-June (start date TBD) through Sept. 7 along two routes. Riders coming from the North or West shores can pick up the shuttle at Sugar Pine Point Campground. Riders on the South Shore can pick up the shuttle at the South Tahoe Y Transit Center or get on at Camp Richardson. Both routes stop at the Eagle Falls Trailhead in Emerald Bay. Weekend service begins at 8 a.m., with weekday trips starting at 9 a.m. All routes run until 5 p.m.
Rides are $5 one way or $10 roundtrip. Reduced fares of $2.50 one way and $5 roundtrip are available for children under 12, adults ages 65 and older, veterans, riders with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders.
Riders will be able to reserve their seats at emeraldbayshuttle.com. Walk-up seats may be available depending on excess capacity.
~ Tahoe Transportation District press release
Open BriefBusy Memorial Day Weekend Travel Expected at Airport
RENO/TAHOE
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is preparing for a busy Memorial Day travel period. Approximately 15,000 to 16,000 passengers per day are expected to arrive and depart RNO during peak travel days including Thursday, May 21, Friday, May 22, and Monday, May 25. Airport officials are encouraging travelers to arrive at least two hours early and plan ahead for how they will get to the airport.
Tips for departing passengers:
- Getting to the airport: Travelers should be aware of construction in and around the airport. Go slow and watch for lane closures and new traffic patterns.
- Parking at the airport: Parking availability around Memorial Day weekend is expected to be limited. Travelers are encouraged to consider the following.
- Reserve a parking spot in advance at renoairport.com/parking.
- Be prepared to park in overflow, which will require extra time to park and walk to the terminal.
- Catch a ride from a friend, family member, or other mode of transportation.
- Enter for a chance to win free parking by completing a short online survey at renoairport.com/parking. Individuals who have parked at RNO within the past year are encouraged to share their feedback no later than May 31.
- Check with your airline for the most up to date information about your flight.
Compared to summer 2025, RNO will add 47,000 more roundtrip seats for summer 2026.
~ Reno-Tahoe International Airport press release
Open BriefVirtual Community Meeting June 10 on ADU Ordinance Amendment
PLACER COUNTY
The Community Development Resource Agency invites residents to attend a virtual community meeting at 6 p.m. on June 10 to learn more about proposed amendments to the county’s accessory dwelling unit ordinance.
The meeting will provide information and an opportunity for residents to ask questions about proposed zoning text amendments related to accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs.
Since 2020, the California Legislature has enacted significant changes to state ADU laws during each legislative session through 2025, rendering the county’s current ordinance outdated. The county is proposing amendments to align local zoning code with state law and encourage a wider range of housing options.
The virtual community meeting will be held from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and will include a 20-minute presentation followed by a 25-minute question-and-answer session. County staff will review the proposed changes and invite public input and questions.
The presentation portion of the meeting will be recorded and posted on the county’s ADU zoning text amendment webpage following the event.
Additional information about the proposed zoning text amendments, including Zoom participation details, is available on the project webpage: placer.ca.gov/10855/updates-to-adu-regulations.
~ Placer County press release
Open BriefOpening Weekend on the Lake Returns Memorial Day Weekend
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
Memorial Day Weekend marks the return of Opening Weekend on the Lake, happening May 21 through 25 across North Tahoe.
The five-day celebration serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer and brings together businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations for a region-wide lineup of live music, lakefront parties, shopping specials, wine events, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and community celebrations stretching from Tahoe City to Kings Beach, Olympic Valley, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, and the West Shore.
Presented by the Tahoe City Downtown Association and the Kings Beach District, and sponsored by the TBID-TOT Dollars at Work program, the event revives a longtime North Tahoe tradition.
Highlights throughout the weekend include:
- Tahoe City Farmers Market at Commons Beach
- Historic tours open for the season at Vikingsholm Castle and Ehrman Mansion
- Watson Cabin ribbon cutting and opening celebration
- High Elevation Gardening series at Heritage Plaza
- NTPUD Pickle in the Pines Pickleball Tournament
- Live music and deck parties at local restaurants and venues
- Summer gear and bike swap at Tahoe XC
Participating businesses and organizations throughout the region will also offer special dining experiences, entertainment, outdoor recreation, wine events, and retail promotions all weekend long. The full lineup of events, specials, and activities is available at visittahoecity.org/opening-weekend26.
~ Tahoe City Downtown Association press release
Open BriefBarton Health Expands Sports and Physical Medicine Services
INCLINE VILLAGE
Barton Health is expanding access to specialty care in Incline Village with the addition of Sports and Physical Medicine services at its multi-specialty clinic. Patients can receive care from Katie Gollotto, DO, and Eric Ewald, MD, who provide expert evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
This expansion builds on Barton Health’s existing services in Incline Village, which include cardiology and plastic and reconstructive surgery, as part of an ongoing effort to meet the healthcare needs of the Lake Tahoe community. Barton Health has cared for the Incline Village community through orthopedics and sports medicine for more than 15 years and continues to strengthen its delivery of quality care through its membership with Cleveland Clinic Connected.
Barton Sports and Physical Medicine offers non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injuries. Specialists focus on restoring movement and function through advanced techniques, helping patients recover without surgery.
The multi-specialty facility is located at 925 Tahoe Blvd. in Suite #105 in Incline Village. To schedule an appointment with Barton Sports and Physical Medicine, call (775) 589-8915. Additional comprehensive primary and specialty services are available at Barton Health with its Stateline campus only 22 miles from Incline Village. For more information, visit BartonHealth.org.
~ Barton Health press release
Open BriefTahoe Bike Month Returns June 1
LAKE TAHOE
Tahoe Bike Month returns June 1 with a full month of cycle-centric events, community rides, and a friendly competition encouraging residents and visitors to get on two wheels throughout the Tahoe/Truckee region. Hosted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, Tahoe Bike Month celebrates biking as a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to experience Lake Tahoe.
Throughout June, participants can log rides, join local events, and enter a friendly competition as individuals or teams for weekly prizes donated by local businesses. Riders can register at tahoebikemonth.org and connect their account through a Strava account to track rides and participate in the challenge. Each recorded ride counts as an entry to win prizes, including the grand prize: an ebike donated by Outdoor Gear Lab.
Tahoe Bike Month features events across the region, including bike path cleanups, hands-on bike repair and maintenance workshops, bike-to-school days, group rides, and community celebrations designed for riders of all ages and abilities.
This year, TRPA and partners are also seeking volunteers to help distribute prizes and encourage students who walk and bike to school during Bike, Walk, & Roll to School Week, May 26 to 29. In partnership with TRPA, the California Highway Patrol will also host Bike Rodeos at schools in May where students can practice their new skills through obstacle courses, bike inspections, tire pumping stations, and supervised riding activities.
Event organizers encourage everyone from daily commuters to first-time riders to participate through the month of June.
For a complete schedule of events, registration details, and biking resources, visit tahoebikemonth.org.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Open BriefMoving In, Moving On, Moving Up Briefs
Sheriff’s Office Celebrates 175 Years of Service and Dedication to Community
NEVADA COUNTY
On May 18, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), and the county as a whole, celebrated 175 years, marking a legacy of community service and dedication.
Nevada County was originally part of Yuba County, which was incorporated in 1850. At that time, R.B. Buchanan was the first Yuba County sheriff. John Gallagher was elected the first Sheriff of Nevada County proper; however, Buchanan is still recognized as the first sheriff to serve Nevada County territory.
By 1951, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office had grown to just eight people total after 100 years, according to The Nevada City Nugget: the sheriff, undersheriff, five deputies, and one jail matron. The small team operated two jails in Nevada County, just as NCSO does today: the main county jail in Nevada City (capacity in 1951: 24; capacity today: 284) and the Truckee Jail holding facility, which operates in the same fashion today with a capacity of 12.
Members of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office researched extensive records and publications through the Nevada County Historical Archive to share historic information with residents. Through the years, some articles and records have varied on the official date Nevada County was incorporated, with April 25 and May 18 most cited. It is believed May 18 represents the date Nevada County was officially signed into law by Governor John McDougal.
~ Nevada County Sheriff’s Office press release
Open BriefSierra Expeditionary Learning School Renews Status as Nationally Recognized EL Education School
TRUCKEE
Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS) has again earned a Full Credential Renewal from EL Education, extending the school’s credential through 2031 and recognizing SELS as part of “a remarkable group of some of the best schools in the nation.”
The renewal follows an in-depth review process that included a comprehensive application review, renewal presentation, stakeholder focus groups, and evidence gathered across EL Education’s Three Dimensions of Student Achievement: character, mastery of knowledge and skills, and high-quality work.
The credential team also recognized SELS’ strong academic foundation, expeditionary learning model, and culture of “academic courage,” where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and supporting one another in their learning. The review noted that expeditions, fieldwork, and adventure are “at the core of students’ experience,” creating purposeful and meaningful learning opportunities connected to both community and the outdoors.
Additionally, EL Education commended SELS for its strong culture of feedback and reflection, as well as the school’s commitment to high-quality student work.
As a credentialed school, SELS remains part of EL Education’s national network of credentialed schools and will continue collaborating with schools across the country working toward equitable and excellent outcomes for students.
~ Sierra Expeditionary Learning press release
Open BriefCivil Air Patrol Composite Squadron Named Nevada Wing’s Squadron of the Year
TRUCKEE/TAHOE
The Tahoe Truckee Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was named Nevada Wing’s Squadron of the Year at the wing’s annual conference in April. The squadron also received a national honor by being named the Nevada Wing Squadron of Merit. Two of its members also received individual honors at the state and regional level.
These awards recognize performance across all three pillars of CAP’s mission: cadet programs, emergency services, and aerospace education. Outside of the squadron it supports a number of community events including Memorial Day and Veterans Day commemorations, Truckee Airport Maker Show, and more. One of the squadron’s most successful events has been offering the Mission to Mars external aerospace education program through the Truckee Parks and Recreation District.
First Lieutenant Maggie Schumacher was named Character Development Instructor (CDI) of the Year for both the Nevada Wing and the Pacific Region as well as Senior Member of the Year for the Nevada Wing.
Cadet Captain John Schumacher was named Nevada Wing Cadet Commander of the Year. He was appointed Cadet Commander on August 14, 2025 and also serves as Nevada Wing’s Delegate to the Pacific Region Cadet Advisory Council (CAC).
Based at the Truckee Tahoe Airport, the Tahoe Truckee Composite Squadron is one of Civil Air Patrol’s few bi-state units, serving under the Nevada Wing. The squadron meets weekly and is open to youth ages 12 to 21 and adults interested in serving as senior members. Learn more at nvwg.cap.gov/locations/tahoe-truckee.
~ Tahoe Truckee Composite Squadron Commander press release
Open Brief
