News Briefs
Legal Fund to Save Historic Downtown
Editor’s note, June 5: adjusted date of hearing.
TRUCKEE
Truckee is on the brink of losing something it can never get back: The historic small town character and charm.
The planning commission has approved the Residences at Jibboom Street project, a four-story, 62-unit project — forced onto a narrow historic street without adequate parking — which threatens to overwhelm the small town character, safety, and breathing room that make Truckee feel like home. Once a building like this goes up, the damage is permanent.
A development of this scale would erase the human-scaled charm of the historic downtown. This isn’t “progress.” It’s a massive, out of scale building forced into the heart of historic downtown — bringing more traffic, more noise, and more danger to the narrow streets where kids walk, bike, and play.
This isn’t about stopping growth. It’s about making sure development is safe, lawful, and compatible with the historic district.
Attend the appeal hearing on June 23 in the Truckee Town Hall Council Chambers, with a time to be determined. Under the group Committee to Save Downtown, residents of the McGlashan Historic District started a legal fund on GoFundMe at tinyurl.com/mpjya8hm.
Read Moonshine’s reporting on the Residences at Jibboom Street project.
~ Committee to Save Downtown GoFundMe
Open BriefHumane Society to Waive Fees for Adoptions on June 6
TRUCKEE
On Saturday, June 6, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe will join animal shelters across California in offering fee-waived adoptions as part of California Adopt-a-Pet Day, hosted by the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).
The third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day builds on two consecutive years of record-breaking results. When the event launched in 2024, 3,609 animals found loving homes in a single day, far exceeding its initial goals. In 2025, 148 animal welfare organizations across 212 event locations helped find homes for 4,979 pets. This year, organizers are aiming to surpass 5,000 adoptions for the first time. To date, the event has placed 8,588 animals in homes over its first two years.
The ASPCA is providing grants to underwrite adoption fees at most participating organizations including the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe and shelters across the state. Animals of all breeds, ages, sizes, and energy levels are available at participating shelters. Shelter animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption.
The California Adopt-a-Pet Day website features an interactive map to help residents find participating shelters near them. To learn more, visit caadoptapetday.org or hstt.org.
~ Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe press release
Open BriefElections Office Primary Election Results
PLACER COUNTY
Following the closing of the polls on June 2, the Placer County Elections Office has released initial results of the June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election on its website at placercountyelections.gov/election-results.
This initial release includes vote totals from 78,093 vote-by-mail ballots submitted to the Elections Office by mail or official ballot drop box prior to Election Day.
The Placer County Elections Office will continue to process the thousands of anticipated vote-by-mail ballots returned on or just before Election Day. Results are scheduled to be updated on the Placer County Elections website every Tuesday and Friday until certified July 2 following a post-election audit of the election called a canvass.
~ Placer County press release
Open BriefTahoe’s 31st Annual Clean Up Day Planned for June 6
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
Volunteers are invited to participate in the 31st annual North Lake Tahoe Clean Up Day on Saturday, June 6. Coordinated by the Kings Beach District with support from the North Tahoe Chamber, the community clean up will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, Tahoe Vista, and Carnelian Bay.
Registration will take place at Tahoe Backyard (8428 Trout Ave.) in Kings Beach beginning at 9 a.m., where participants will be given bags and gloves, and directed to clean up a specific area.
Volunteers are invited to the Clean Up Day Afterparty at Tahoe Backyard from 12 to 3 p.m. for live music, connection, a watercoloring opportunity by Chickadee Art Collective, and complimentary tacos from Lumbre, as well as aguas frescas from Dulce Gula.
Participants are encouraged to learn more and complete a liability waiver online in advance at tahoeeventscalendar.com/event/community-clean-up-day-3.
~ Kings Beach District press release
Open BriefState Parks Announces Free Adventure Day June 13
NEVADA
The Nevada Division of State Parks is inviting residents and visitors to explore Nevada’s public lands during Free Adventure Day on Saturday, June 13. In celebration of Nevada’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and public lands, entrance fees will be waived at all Nevada State Parks for the day.
Free Adventure Day coincides with the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Free Fishing Day, allowing visitors to fish without a Nevada fishing license wherever fishing is permitted. This annual tradition provides a unique opportunity for both experienced anglers and first-time participants to enjoy Nevada’s lakes, reservoirs, and waterways.
Many parks may offer special programs, guided hikes, educational activities, or family-friendly events throughout the day. Visitors can view upcoming events and activities at parks.nv.gov/events.
Free Adventure Day waives entrance fees only. All other applicable fees, including camping, boating, reservations, special use fees, and other park fees, will still apply.
Visitors who reserve day-use access at Sand Harbor State Park or Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area for June 13 will automatically receive a refund of their entrance fees as part of Free Adventure Day. Reservation requirements will remain in effect at both parks, and any fees other than entrance fees are not eligible for a refund.
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead, bring plenty of water, dress for changing weather conditions, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect Nevada’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
~ Nevada Division of State Parks press release
Open BriefTrump Administration Cuts, Layoffs, and Dismantling of Agencies Heightens Wildfire Risk
UNITED STATES
New data released on June 1 by the National Interagency Fire Center revealed that 2.4 million acres have burned across the country this year, which is nearly double the 10-year average. According to the latest NIFC forecasts, low winter snowpack levels, ongoing drought, record-breaking spring temperatures, and other factors will contribute to above normal potential for significant wildfire risk in 2026. This heightened risk applies to many areas of the country through September, including in parts of the Pacific Northwest, Colorado’s Front Range, the Gulf Coast, and other areas of the Great Basin and Southwest.
In addition to current and predicted meteorological and environmental conditions, recent policy decisions in Washington, D.C. are likely to have a significant impact on the 2026 wildfire year. In particular, massive staff layoffs, budget cuts, below-average levels of hazardous fuels reduction, and low morale are likely to constrain the capacity of federal agencies to manage heightened wildfire risks in the months ahead.
The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies that fight wildfires lost more than 26,000 rangers and staff since the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began laying off employees in early 2025, a 17% nationwide reduction. In some western states, federal agencies lost more than 30% of junior staff — the core of the workforce that is typically on the front lines of wildfire response.
Across California, 1,540 federal land management agency staff were lost from 2024 to 2025 and hazardous fuels reduction work happened on 136,611 fewer acres in 2025 compared to 2024.
Read Moonshine Ink’s reporting on the lengthened fire season and impacts of Forest Service layoffs.
~ Center for Western Priorities press release
Open BriefThe Buzz About Bee Cities
TRUCKEE
On May 12, the town council directed staff to begin working with community partners toward the goal of earning Truckee’s designation as an affiliate Bee City. Bee City USA provides a framework for communities to work together to conserve native pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides.
In 2024 and 2025, students at Tahoe Expeditionary Academy presented the town council with a request that Truckee become an affiliate Bee City. While the town council supported this goal, the town did not have immediate capacity to lead this process. This spring, Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) approached the town with an offer to lead the certification effort, as well as the application fee, programing, pollinator gardens, and committee formation necessary to move this item into the council strategic priority workplan. Work will begin on becoming an affiliate Bee City over the coming months.
What is a Bee City?
Bee City USA affiliates make commitments to conserve native pollinators, laid out in a resolution adopted by the local town/city council. Town staff and community members work together to carry out these commitments and make their community a better place for pollinators.
June 22 through 28 is Pollinator Week. Below are a few steps to take to support and learn about the native bees and pollinators:
- Plant native plants and providing nest sites
- Reduce the use of pesticides
- Learn more about native pollinators and what they need here
~ Town of Truckee press release
Open BriefGolden Mussels Intercepted
LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors stopped golden mussels from entering Lake Tahoe earlier this week during an aquatic invasive species inspection at the station in Meyers. This is the second vessel intercepted with the highly invasive mollusk onboard since the species was detected for the first time in North America in 2024 in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), which have managed the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program since 2008, say that vigilance must remain high to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Lake Tahoe Region. Boaters, paddlers, beachgoers, and anglers can help protect the lake they enjoy by ensuring boats and gear are Clean, Drained, and Dry when moving from one body of water to another.
Inspectors spotted the four possibly live golden mussels on a vessel arriving from the Sacramento area where the invasive species has spread since its detection near the Port of Stockton. Stronger protections at Lake Tahoe since the discovery are working, according to the agencies.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Open BriefRegistration Now Open for Sheriff’s Community Academy
NEVADA COUNTY
This August marks the return of the sixth annual Community Academy, a free, 12-week course offered annually by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) that serves as an opportunity for community members to learn about the role law enforcement plays in the community while giving participants a more in-depth understanding of their own sheriff’s office.
New this year: On the last day of instruction, students will put their new knowledge to use and review facts and information surrounding a real incident* that occurred in Nevada County. Putting on their detective hats, they’ll attempt to solve the case. (*Some case information will be altered to ensure anonymity).
While the class is not designed to prepare students for a career in law enforcement, it has been beneficial to students considering criminal justice careers and to those seeking to advance their personal knowledge and understanding of law enforcement and NCSO’s role and responsibilities in the community.
Registration is available online, by email, or by mail. Visit nevadacountyca.gov/3313/community-engagement for registration details.
Class enrollment is based on a first-come, first-serve basis and limited to 24 students max. This class is designed for adults ages 18 and older. Individuals must either be a current Nevada County resident or have proof of current work in Nevada County.
~ Nevada County Sheriff’s Office press release
Open BriefMoving In, Moving On, Moving Up Briefs
Truckee River Watershed Council Announces Endowment Fund, Welcomes Allison Bornstein
TRUCKEE
Following a robust search, the nonprofit Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) has selected Allison Bornstein as its new development director. Bornstein will help deepen TRWC relationships throughout the community, inspire volunteers and establish TRWC’s newly launched endowment fund in support of the organization’s mission to protect, enhance and restore the Middle Truckee River watershed.
As a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in relationship-driven fundraising and partnership development, Bornstein joins TRWC with a passion for connecting people to missions that matter. She assumed her new role on May 18.
Prior to joining TRWC, Bornstein held a regional director position at the American Cancer Society, where she built meaningful corporate partnerships and cultivated major gift relationships that advanced the organization’s mission across Northern California.
~ Truckee River Watershed Council press release
Open BriefCris Jensen Selected as New President and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
RENO
Shaun Carey, chair of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) Board of Trustees, has announced the selection of a new president and CEO for RTAA.
Chris Jensen is a graduate of the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he studied aeronautics and business. He began his career in aviation at Reno-Tahoe International Airport in 1992 as an airport operations officer. In 1997, he joined the Elko Regional Airport and spent nearly eight years as airport director. He then served as airport director for the Missoula International Airport for almost 16 years before returning to the RTAA in 2021. He is an Accredited Airport Executive, a certification from the American Association of Airport Executives, which reflects a comprehensive understanding of airport operations and management and proven expertise in airport leadership.
~ Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority press release
Open BriefBusiness Briefs
Phase II NV Energy Wildfire Insurance Hearing
NEVADA
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) held a hearing June 3 through 5 on NV Energy’s wildfire insurance proposal following phase I, completed in June 2025, determining wildfire liability coverage across the state. The proposal comes as wildfire insurance markets across the western U.S. become increasingly expensive and more limited in availability.
In phase I, the commission determined NV Energy should maintain approximately $1 billion to $1.5 billion in total wildfire liability coverage and found that adding an additional $500 million in wildfire liability coverage would be reasonable.
The most recent hearing focused on whether NV Energy’s proposed wildfire captive-insurance structure is a reasonable and cost-effective way to provide that additional layer of coverage compared to traditional commercial insurance.
NV Energy is proposing a $500 million wildfire captive insurance policy to supplement its existing commercial wildfire coverage.
The proposal includes the following:
- The captive insurance policy would cover wildfire liability claims associated with a qualifying event.
- Instead of paying premiums to an outside insurer, premium revenue would accumulate solely for wildfire-related liability coverage under the terms of the policy.
Like traditional insurance, the premiums for the proposed policy would be paid for through rates. The proposed monthly residential impact is estimated at approximately $3 per month for Northern Nevada residential customers.
~ NV Energy press release
Open BriefGrateful Gardens Celebrates 20 Years, Installs Bottle Cap Benches
LAKE TAHOE
Grateful Gardens has entered its 20th year serving the Tahoe/Truckee with the same community-focused mission that has defined the company since its founding.
Recently, the landscaping company installed five benches along the Truckee Legacy Trail in partnership with local organizations. The benches are made from recycled bottle caps collected through a community effort led by the McConkey Foundation. Caps are gathered from local schools and drop-off boxes in front of New Moon Natural Foods, then sent to a manufacturer; the Truckee Rotary Club helps fund production. The project was completed this spring with minimal environmental impact.
“We could have contacted the town and coordinated with them to pull one of those pipes so we could drive the trucks right to it,” said Tim Critz, owner and founder. “But we decided not to do that. We brought everything to the trailhead and used our e-bikes and rollers to move the benches down the trail.”
The installation required significant effort. Employees transported concrete in bike-mounted buggies, hauling a total of 52 bags. After spending two Saturdays pouring concrete footings, a team of 12 Grateful Gardens employees returned on a Monday morning to roll the benches into place.
“It was really efficient for everybody to be involved,” Critz said. “It became a really good team-bonding moment for us for a couple of hours that morning.”
Furthermore, Grateful Gardens paid its labor for the time installing the benches but didn’t bill anyone.
“That’s just my way of giving back,” Critz said.
Now entering its third decade, Grateful Gardens remains focused not only on delivering high-quality landscaping services, but also on finding new ways to contribute to the community and continually improve its work.
~ EC
Open BriefArbor Care Ownership Stays Rooted in Tahoe
LAKE TAHOE
Full-care tree service Arbor Care is keeping ownership local after founder T.J. Johnson sold to employees in April of 2025. Founded in 1999, Arbor Care specializes in tree removal and forest management services, employing ISA Certified Arborists and ISA Western Chapter Certified Tree Worker to adhere to arboriculture standards.
Now owned and operated by Andrea Buxton, Amanda Gray, Jose Herrera, and John Lange, the team is invested in the Tahoe community and plans to stick around for a while.
A year into joint ownership, Buxton said they have enduring stability that maintains expertise, jobs, and revenue in the community. Herrera and Lange started working for Arbor Care soon after its establishment. Johnson deemed the two of them, plus Buxton and Gray, a trusted team to carry on work with long-term clients.
“We are not new owners changing a trusted brand; we are the very hands that built its reputation over decades,” Andrea Buxton said.
~ MR
Open Brief
