News Briefs
Proposition 50 Passes Statewide in Special Election
PLACER COUNTY DROP BOX on election day, Nov. 4. Photo by Melissa Siig/Moonshine InkCALIFORNIA
Proposition 50, also known as the Election Rigging Response Act, was approved by 63% of California voters on Nov. 4. Now that it has passed, California will redistrict to obtain more Democrat representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to counteract the effects of Texas’ mid-decade gerrymandering.
California Congressional District 3 Representative Kevin Kiley led the campaign against Prop. 50 and redistricting, which Moonshine reported on in October. His district, which includes Truckee/Tahoe, will be divided in six different directions as a result of the proposition.
In a video message on Nov. 4 acknowledging the result, Kiley said, “In spite of tonight’s result, I remain heartened that California voters still support independent redistricting … Indeed, while Prop. 50’s passage brings back gerrymandering in California, it also adopts a policy supporting independent redistricting nationwide.”
Prop. 50 suspends the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission — which last drew congressional district maps in 2020 — until 2030. Written as a response to Texas’ redistricting, Prop. 50 includes a measure to return to independent redistricting. While some other states have their own such commissions, most, including Texas, allow their legislatures to draw districts, meaning they can be influenced by politics.
“Gerrymandering is bad wherever it happens, so we should reject it wherever it occurs,” he said in the press conference.
In fact, Kiley introduced a bill in August (H.R. 4889) to ban mid-decade redistricting nationwide. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson reportedly hasn’t brought it for a vote and with the government shutdown, it can’t move forward. If passed, Kiley said it would reverse the effects of Prop. 50, maintaining the maps of the 2024 election. Kiley remains the District 3 congressman until 2027, should he be voted out in the November 2026 election.
“[HR 4889] has about as much chance as passing as I do becoming pope,” political consultant Jim Ross said in Moonshine’s With Prop 50, Tahoe/Truckee Is on the Frontlines of California’s Redistricting Battle.
Yet Kiley said his bill has received strong bipartisan support.
“The reason I opposed Prop. 50, even as I also oppose what’s happened in other states, is because I believe fighting fire with fire burns everything down,” Kiley said in his Nov. 4 statement. “With California’s new gerrymander, the redistricting arms race has no end in sight: North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana for Republicans; Illinois, Maryland, Virginia for Democrats. And to what end? It’s a race to the bottom that degrades democracy everywhere. It’s both a symptom of our country’s political divisions and a troubling new trend that is sure to make that division even worse. Tonight, more than ever, I believe excessive partisanship is one of the biggest challenges facing our country.”
In a speech given the evening of Nov. 4, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “We’re proud of the work that the people of California did tonight to send a powerful message to an historic president … In a 90-day sprint, people from all over the United States of America contributed their voices and their support for this initiative. We stood tall and we stood firm in response to Donald Trump’s recklessness. Tonight, after poking the bear, this bear roared.”
~ MR
Open BriefSupport Families Impacted By SNAP Cuts
SIERRA COMMUNITY HOUSE looks for support to increase their food distribution capabilities in the Tahoe/Truckee area with SNAP cuts. Photo courtesy Sierra Community HouseTAHOE/TRUCKEE
The government shutdown, waning economy, and loss of SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits have left many families struggling to put food on the table. With fewer resources available, local food pantries are facing a drastically increasing demand, and they need help now more than ever.
Sierra Community House distributes food in Truckee, Kings Beach, and Incline Village weekly to whoever needs it. However, they are staring at a $130,000 funding shortfall due to a funding cut, amidst an expected 30% increase in demand now that SNAP benefits stopped on Nov 1.
To help provide food and hope to those who need it most, donate at sierra-community-house.networkforgood.com/projects/262580-tahoe-tomorrow-s-fundraiser
For information on food distribution, visit sierracommunityhouse.org/our-services/hunger-relief.
Below is a list of more community resources offering direct support to families and individuals in the Tahoe region who are facing food insecurity:
- Sierra Senior Services aims to improve the quality of life for every senior in the community and to foster a more giving and charitable society.
- Bread and Broth is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization whose mission is to ease hunger in the Lake Tahoe South Shore Community.
- Carson Valley Food Closet is dedicated to providing supplemental food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity while fostering a community of support, dignity, and hope.
- FISH is an organization committed to revitalizing rural Northern Nevada by meeting essential needs and empowering individuals to build brighter, more sustainable futures.
~ Tahoe Tomorrow and Tahoe Community Foundation newsletters
Open BriefVote Yes on Measure G on Track to Win with Several Thousand Votes Left to Count
TRUCKEE
With initial results showing Vote Yes on Measure G for a New Truckee Library in the lead and on track to win, the Yes on G Campaign expresses gratitude to supporters.
As votes continue to be counted, Yes on G sits at 69.7% yes votes with 5,083 ballots counted. As is the case with small local elections, there are still many votes left to count and a final call will not be made until all votes are counted.
With the necessary super majority of 66.7% needed to win this race, the numbers seen so far shows that the Yes on G message has resonated across the community. As Truckee awaits the final votes to be counted, the Yes on G campaign is encouraged by the momentum built and remains optimistic about the path forward.
As of the morning of Nov. 5, the Nevada and Placer counties’ registrars’ offices continue to process remaining vote-by-mail and provisional ballots.
~ Yes on G press release
Open BriefRep. Bera Announces Run in CA-03
CALIFORNIA CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 3
Following the successful passage of Proposition 50, Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06) announced that he will run for re-election in California’s newly redrawn Third Congressional District. This commanding show of strength puts Democrats in a prime position to pick up CA-03 and reclaim the U.S. House of Representatives majority next November.
Bera has represented roughly 60% of the new Third District at some point during his time in Congress, giving him a strong foundation to build on as he introduces himself to new communities across the district.
A physician by training, Bera served his community for 21 years as a doctor, as Sacramento County’s chief medical officer, and later as a clinical professor of medicine and dean of admissions at UC Davis, where he taught the next generation of doctors to care for their patients. In Congress, he has focused on expanding access to health care, growing the middle class, and delivering results for the greater Sacramento region — even in the face of partisan gridlock.
Since taking office, Bera has helped more than 34,000 constituents and returned over $22 million to Sacramento County taxpayers through federal casework and benefits.
~ Bera for Congress press release
Open BriefTahoe Fund and Wildfire Partners Unveil Innovative Playbook
INCLINE VILLAGE
As wildfire risk intensifies across the West, the Tahoe Fund and partners unveiled the Fire Smart Community Pilot Playbook at the Red Sky Summit, a gathering of leaders focused on wildfire technology solutions.
The new playbook captures the process and lessons from the Fire Smart Community Pilot in Tyrolian Village (Incline Village) — a first-of-its-kind initiative launched in 2025 to create the most fire-ready community in Lake Tahoe. The pilot brought together advanced modeling tools, wildfire researchers, local fire districts, and homeowners to identify and implement the “mitigations that matter most” for reducing wildfire risk.
Developed in partnership with the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), Tyrolian Village HOA, The Climate and Wildfire Institute, Vibrant Planet, Fire Aside, BurnBot, and Dr. Hussam Mahmoud, Rockrose Risk Insurance, and Tahoe Fund, the pilot demonstrates how neighborhoods can integrate cutting-edge risk modeling, innovative techniques for mitigating risk, and homeowner engagement to measurably reduce fire danger.
The playbook provides a step-by-step guide for communities to replicate the pilot, emphasizing the importance of strong local leadership from fire districts and community champions, early engagement of technology partners and researchers, and collaboration with insurers to align risk reduction with coverage.
~ Tahoe Fund press release
Open BriefSki or Ride Free at Tahoe Area Resorts with a Tahoe License Plate Purchase
LAKE TAHOEWith the first snow of the season already dusting the Sierra and ski season primed to kick off at Lake Tahoe area resorts in the coming weeks, now is the time to get a free lift ticket to use this winter. By purchasing a new Lake Tahoe license plate through the “Plates for Powder” program, California and Nevada drivers will receive a free lift ticket to one of 13 participating Tahoe downhill and Nordic resorts to be used during the 2025/26 winter season, while supplies last.
Plate sales and renewal fees come back to Lake Tahoe in the form of hiking and biking trails, and watershed restoration projects, with funds led by the California Tahoe Conservancy and Nevada Division of State Lands. The nonprofit Tahoe Fund has organized the program on behalf of the public agencies since 2011.
PLATES FOR POWDER program offers the chance for a free lift ticket with the purchase of a Lake Tahoe license plate. Photo courtesy Tahoe FundNew Tahoe license plate fees are $50 in California and $61 in Nevada. The annual renewal fee is $40 in California and $30 in Nevada. Personalized plates are also available for additional fees.
Resorts participating in the promotion this year include Boreal Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Royal Gorge, Sugar Bowl Resort, Tahoe XC, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, and Tahoe Donner Cross Country.
Examples of efforts supported by proceeds from Tahoe plate sales include a planned fish passage structure in Incline Village to support Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, a new trail connection for the popular Tunnel Creek Trail on the East Shore, the demolition of the former Motel 6 in South Lake Tahoe to make way for wetland restoration and public access improvements, and grants to provide outdoor experiences at Tahoe for underserved communities.
Information on how to purchase a plate and redeem the complimentary lift ticket or trail pass is available at tahoeplates.com.
~ Tahoe Fund press release
Open BriefNew Book On Stone Stacking Features Local Family & Familiar Places
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
On Oct. 15, Teresa Schreiber Werth released her latest book, Where The Quiet Rocks Wait: A Guide to Stone Stacking.
WHERE THE QUIET ROCKS WAIT is Tahoe local’s new book. Photo courtesy Teresa WerthThe book is a step-by-step guide that teaches balance, creativity, and patience. It also includes a gallery of photos showing kids, parents, and grandparents demonstrating the best techniques of rock stacking for fun and relaxation.
One of the lessons of stone stacking is “learning to let go.” That means de-constructing stacks once they have been created, photographed, and enjoyed. “Unless a place is specifically devoted to rock stacking, returning the stones to the earth is the proper protocol according to the BAWI (Balanced Art World International Manifesto),” said Werth, who has followed their work for 12 years.
“This actually is my legacy to my family,” she continued. “The fact that Truckee and Lake Tahoe are captured so beautifully in so many pages of the book is a huge bonus!”
The Werth family has lived in Truckee for eight years since moving from their homestead in Churchville, New York.
~ Teresa Werth press release
Open BriefDolly Parton’s Imagination Library Now Available
NEVADA COUNTY
Register Nevada County children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in order to receive a free book every month until their 5th birthday.
Families can register at imaginationlibrary.com.
This program is made possible by Nevada City Rotary, Rotary Club of Truckee, First 5 Nevada County, United way, and more.
~ Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee bulletin
Open BriefMoving In, Moving On, Moving Up Briefs
Tahoe Transportation District Names Tara Styer As Deputy Director
STATELINE
The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) announced the promotion of Tara Styer to deputy director, recognizing her decade-long leadership and deep commitment to improving mobility, safety, and access throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin.
TARA STYER is the Tahoe Transportation District’s new deputy director. Photo courtesy Tahoe Transportation DistrictStyer, who previously served as TTD’s capital program manager, has been instrumental in advancing key infrastructure and transit projects that balance transportation efficiency with environmental stewardship. In her new role, she will support Executive Director Jim Marino in managing district operations, overseeing project delivery, and coordinating strategic initiatives across the agency.
Since joining TTD, Styer has held several leadership positions, including mobility manager and transit operations manager, before assuming her role in capital programs. She has successfully led project development, grant writing, contracting, reporting, agency collaboration, parking management, and community engagement — contributing to multiple regional improvements under TTD’s long-term transportation vision.
Prior to her time at TTD, Styer worked with the University of California, San Diego’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, where she coordinated injury prevention and transportation safety programs. Her professional background reflects a strong connection between transportation, accessibility, and public health.
~ Tahoe Transportation District press release
Open BriefTTUSD Wins National Awards For School Lunch Innovation
TTUSD HEALTHY MEALS under its culinary team. Pictured here are chefs Julia Nunez and Yessica Jacobo. Photo courtesy Tahoe Truckee Unified School DistrictTRUCKEE
The Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) Food & Nutrition Services department has earned two national awards from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its dedication to culinary excellence and student health: the Small and/or Rural SFA Lunch Trailblazer Award and the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award.
These prestigious honors, part of the USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Recognition Awards, celebrate the district’s success in setting a new standard for school nutrition. The awards, presented by Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) and the USDA, recognize TTUSD’s commitment to scratch cooking, sourcing local and organic ingredients, and creating a resilient and sustainable food system. This achievement comes as the district, which was also recently featured in Time Magazine, continues to innovate its program.
In celebration of October’s Farm to School Month, TTUSD also released a new video, “Sprout to Spoon,” to provide the community with an inside look at this award-winning program. The video follows the journey of fresh produce from regional farms, through partners like the Tahoe Food Hub, and into TTUSD’s school kitchens.
~ Tahoe Truckee Unified School District press release
Open BriefBusiness Briefs
The Auto & Tire Doctor Annual Car Giveaway
ANNUAL CAR GIVEAWAY for a family or individual in need kicks off, with its recipient to be announced in December. Photo courtesy The Auto and Tire DoctorTRUCKEE
For the 14th year in a row, The Auto Doctor is bringing joy and hope to the Truckee/Tahoe community with its annual Christmas car giveaway. Each holiday season, the local auto shop donates a reliable, fully serviced vehicle to a family or individual in need, offering not just transportation but a fresh start.
Nominations are now open through Nov. 29. The Auto Doctor is inviting community members to share stories of deserving recipients who could truly benefit from the gift of a dependable car this Christmas. This year, the car is a 2011 Subaru Forester.
Community members are encouraged to submit nominations by emailing a brief story about the individual or family in need to office@theautoandtiredoctor.com before Nov. 29.
The winner will be carefully selected and announced before Dec. 13.
~ The Auto and Tire Doctor press release
Open BriefNV Energy Expands Emergency Support for Nevadans Impacted by Federal Shutdown
NEVADA
NV Energy is taking proactive steps to support Nevadans facing financial hardship due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the loss of SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Food Program or food stamps) benefits impacting 500,000 Nevada residents as of Nov. 1.
NV Energy Customer Relief Measures:
- Connecting customers to energy assistance programs, including Project REACH Utility Assistance in Southern Nevada, the Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE), and the State of Nevada Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Nevadans are also encouraged to call 211 for assistance. More support information is available here: Assistance Programs | NV Energy
- Waiving late fees for impacted customers
- Offering flexible payment plans
NV Energy Foundation Support: The NV Energy Foundation will provide $350,000 in grant funding to Nevada’s food banks supporting emergency response and sustained food provisions. The NV Energy Foundation is funded by NV Energy — not customers.
- Food Bank of Northern Nevada: $100,000 in emergency response now and $50,000 for sustained 2026 food provisions
- Three Square: $125,000 in emergency response now and $75,000 for sustained 2026 food provisions
~ NV Energy press release
Open BriefTahoe Truckee Waldorf School Opens Wild River Campus
TRUCKEE
Tahoe Truckee Waldorf School celebrated the grand opening of its new Wild River Campus on Oct. 30 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Truckee and attended by students, families, faculty, and community members. The expansive new campus represents an exciting chapter of growth for the school, expanding opportunities for hands-on, nature-based education rooted in Waldorf principles.
The celebration featured remarks from school leadership, performances by students, and tours of the new facilities surrounded by Tahoe’s natural beauty. The Wild River Campus provides an inspiring environment designed to support creativity, community, and experiential learning from early childhood through middle school.
Families interested in learning more are invited to attend the Wild River campus open house on Nov. 19 for a look into its unique TK/K-7 classroom experience.
~ Tahoe Truckee Waldorf School press release
Open Brief
