In The News – Forest Service to begin parking upgrades at Chimney Beach Trailhead
August 9, 2023 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/08/2023, Submitted
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The parking area at Chimney Beach Trailhead on Highway 28 will be closed for construction beginning August 14, 2023, and is expected to remain closed through the end of October. USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit contractors are scheduled to begin construction to increase the number of parking spots at the popular East Shore destination. Trails will remain open during construction.
The Chimney Beach Trailhead parking area currently has approximately 30 parking spaces and 130 new spaces will be added to improve recreation access in the area. Construction is expected to last through October with some construction activities to be completed early next summer.
Temporary erosion control measures will be used to protect the project area during construction and a permanent retention basin will be constructed to capture storm water and runoff to protect water quality. Some trees and vegetation may be removed.
Kathryn Kelly, founder, and executive director of Carson City’s I-School, brought a Russian family by for An Evening with Mark Twain, and I fell in love with them. So the following morning, hoping Nikolai might be willing to translate into Russian, I penned letters to Presidents Putin & Zelensky asking for an audience, and yes, Nikolai is in fact translating as we speak. I thought too, I had better check in with the DOJ and State Department to be sure I’m following protocol, should I actually receive that invitation…
Email Subject: Wanting to do the Right Thing
Dear friends at DOJ,
As a 35-year impressionist of Mark Twain, and about to retire, I thought I should reach out to Russia and Ukraine as a private citizen and goodwill ambassador. So, I composed the following letter to Presidents Putin & Zelensky…
Dear Presidents Putin & Zelensky,
As a private citizen, and 35-year impressionist of Mark Twain, I do hereby request an invitation to Moscow and Kiev, to abet the implementation of a ceasefire in Ukraine, and, the erecting of a Mark Twain statue in Odessa. My bags are packed with two roses, and two copies of The Innocents Abroad…
It is with utmost sincerity and regard that I remain, Your friend in finding and maintaining peace,
McAvoy Layne
____________________________________________
The Russian people love Mark Twain, as I found out years ago with a visit there to lecture at Leningrad University in Saint Petersburg. They even issued a domestic Twain postage stamp in 1960…
I feel a little like Don Quixote tilting at windmills, but if I do receive that invitation, I want to be sure I am following State Department and DOJ guidelines and protocol…
Please instruct…
Your friend in peace,
McAvoy Layne as Mark Twain
PS: A six-month ceasefire will not be used as a subterfuge to provide combatants an opportunity to better position themselves for a moment when hostilities might resume. No, this ceasefire will be predicated on producing a lasting truce to recognize the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while protecting speech, religion, and press.
And, I shall remain eager to assist in the erection of a Mark Twain statue in Odessa once the ceasefire becomes a lasting truce…
In The News – Cortez Masto, Rosen announce $1.3 million to help Washoe Tribe strengthen, invest in energy infrastructure
August 8, 2023 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/08/2023, Submitted
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced that the Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California will receive $1.3 million to modernize and strengthen their energy infrastructure and invest in clean energy. The funding comes from the Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program, which was created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen both helped draft and pass into law.
“This funding I fought to deliver will help Tribal communities in Nevada protect their energy infrastructure, keep their communities safe, and create good-paying clean energy jobs,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “As Nevada experiences more extreme weather, it’s critical that our Tribes have additional tools to increase resiliency and keep the lights on.”
“Communities across Nevada are increasingly facing extreme weather and natural disasters that threaten our electric grid,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s critical that we bolster our energy grid to ensure that Nevada’s families can keep their lights on during a natural disaster. I’m glad to see the Washoe Tribe is receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped pass, to support a more resilient energy infrastructure that can meet future challenges and provide cleaner, more affordable energy.”
The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is warning of an increased risk of water rescues at Lake Tahoe due to the cold water temperatures. The water temperature at Lake Tahoe is currently 67 degrees, which is considered cold water. Cold water can quickly lead to cold water shock, swim failure, and hypothermia, which can be deadly.
“We have already responded to several water rescues this summer,” said NLTFPD Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “We want to remind everyone to be aware of the dangers of cold water and to take precautions to stay safe.”
Here are some water safety tips for Lake Tahoe:
Always wear a life jacket. A life jacket is your best protection against drowning in cold water.
Enter the water slowly and feet first. Cold water shock can cause a powerful gasp reflex, which can make it difficult to breathe.
Never swim alone. Have a friend or family member with you in case you need help.
Check the weather forecast for wind conditions. Strong winds can make it difficult to swim and boat.
Be aware of the red flag warning status. A red flag warning indicates high fire danger, which can also make water rescue more difficult.
File a float plan. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe in cold water:
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Wear a wetsuit or other appropriate clothing to stay warm.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and coordination, making it more difficult to stay safe in cold water.
Know your limits. If you are not a strong swimmer, do not go into the water alone.
Be prepared for anything. The weather can change quickly at Lake Tahoe, so be prepared for anything.
The NLTFPD is committed to keeping our community safe. If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 911 immediately.
TOCCATA- Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus James Rawie, Artistic Director and Conductor
August 8, 2023 | Member Submitted
TOCCATA Presents the Remembrance-9/11 Memorial Concert Series Sept. 8-15
Series Features selections from Brahms Requiem, Bruch Romanze for Viola with guest violinist Sarah Coyl, and the mighty Beethoven 5th Symphony
TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will finish their 2023 Tahoe Summer MusicFest with a four-concert series beginning Friday, September 8 at 7:00pm in Reno at St John’s Presbyterian Church, (1070 W. Plumb Lane).
The concert will open with Max Bruch’s Romanze for Viola Opus 85, performed by guest soloist Sarah Coyl followed by selections from Johannes Brahms German “World” Requiem, his most well-known symphonic choral masterpiece. Ludwig van Beethoven’s fiery and immortal Symphony #5 concludes the program. Sarah Coyl serves as concertmaster, and Maestro James Rawie, Tahoe Symphony’s Founder and Executive Artistic Director, will conduct all performances.
The concert will be repeated on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 4:00 pm at St Theresa Catholic Church, South Lake Tahoe (1041 Lyons Ave), and on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 pm in Carson City at the Brewery Arts Center. Carson Valley Arts Council will be collaborating with TOCCATA for the Sept. 12 concert dedicated to Greg Brown, a dear friend, and donor to TOCCATA who passed away suddenly in 2021.
. The final performance will be Friday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 pm at St Francis Catholic Church in Incline Village (701 Mt Rose Hwy).
This concert series will be dedicated to the many firefighters and first responders that kept South Lake Tahoe safe during the Caldor fire. Donations are needed, and are tax deductible. TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony is a 501c3 non-profit arts organization (EIN 06-1755800).
Tickets are $30 for adults or $40 for preferred seating/$15 youth; youth under 23 are free in general seating: Premium “front and center” seats are $50 for adults, $25 for youth. Seniors enjoy a $5 discount in all seating areas. All veterans are invited to these concerts at no charge for admission. But you must reserve your seat ahead of time.
WHERE and WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8, 7:00 p.m. Reno: St John’s Presbyterian Church 1070 W. Plumb Lane
Sunday, Sept. 10, 4:00 p.m. Southlake • St Theresa Catholic church 1041 Lyons Ave
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7:00 p.m. Carson City • Brewery Arts Center 449 W. King Street,
Friday, Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m. Incline Village • St Francis Catholic Church 701 Mt Rose Hwy.
Further information: Please call 775-298-6989; e-mail us at ToccataTahoe@gmail.com;
or visit us at www.ToccataTahoe.org or https://www.facebook.com/toccatatahoe/.
In The News – To take care of Tahoe, everyone has a role to play (Opinion)
August 7, 2023 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/06/2023, Written by Tony Karwowski, Andy Chapman, and Carol Chaplin
Recent news stories have highlighted some of the impacts of tourism in Tahoe. While some of the efforts underway to help reduce human impacts and shift behaviors are mentioned, those stories rarely emphasize how reliant Tahoe’s economy is on tourism. After all, it is what supports local businesses and puts many of our friends and neighbors to work. Stories about tourism also rarely talk about how everyone has a role to play. Locals — “long-time residents” or “community members”, as one contributing writer recently said, have just as much responsibility as those who visit to change their behaviors and help take care of Tahoe.
For decades, Lake Tahoe’s local economy has relied on visitors and the many businesses that provide lodging, food and beverage service, and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Although the region had a robust tourism economy prior to 2020, the pandemic shifted how, when and where people spent time in Tahoe.
According to a report released by Dean Runyon Associates in March 2022, second homeowners came and stayed with greater frequency, and overnight visitation declined in favor of day visits by those located within an easy drive. This is common knowledge at this point, felt by all who lived here prior to and through the pandemic.
Washoe County is making public participation easier and more convenient for our residents. Citizens can learn about ongoing projects and programs by accessing meeting agenda items, sharing comments on topics they care about, and learning more about what’s happening in and around Washoe County by watching Board of County Commission videos on demand.
How to access agenda items, Comment, and Register to Speak:
1. Sign In (upper right). If you haven’t created a profile, you can create up by clicking Sign Up (upper right).
2. Click on the Meetings tab in the top menu.
3. Look for the Board meeting, then click on the agenda item you would like to comment on.
4. Click eComment to provide electronic public comment and/or,
5. Click on Register to Speak to get in line to offer public comment in person.
6. To indicate your position on the agenda item, click Support, Oppose, or Neutral.
Public Comment
Washoe County residents can now comment on agenda items electronically through eComment and/or offer public comment in-person on an agenda item or at the end of the Commission meeting. Both eComments and in-person public comment will be processed as public record.
1. SpeakUp: SpeakUp is an inclusive online tool that allows residents to:
· Provide public comment electronically through eComment*
· Review agenda item details,
· Indicate their position on an agenda item. Residents have the option to express their opinion on specific agenda items (Support, Oppose, or Neutral).
· Register to Speak – This service is available to those who want to be first in the queue to offer public commentin person at an upcoming meeting. By signing up online, speakers also avoid the line to sign up at the meeting.
· and access videos of previous Board of County Commission meetings
*eComments are limited to 2250 characters (the approximate equivalent of 3 minutes of public comment). eComments can be submitted when the agenda is released, three (3) business days prior to the meeting. eComments will be accepted through to 4 pm the day prior to the board meeting.
2. Live Public Comment: Citizens may provide live public comment on an agenda item at the end of the commission meeting. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. There are two ways to sign up for public comment:
a. Residents can Register to Speak in advance of the meeting. Those who sign up through Register to Speak are placed in the queue ahead of those who sign up for public comment during the meeting. Those who use Register to Speak agree to present during the meeting time. During the meeting, those registered will be called to speak by name. The Register to Speak option is no longer available once the meeting begins.
b. And/or residents can submit a comment card during the meeting, available at the Public Comment desk near the Chamber doors.
**The agenda for each County Commission meeting is prepared and scheduled by the Office of the County Manager and is available for distribution on the Thursday before the next Tuesday’s meeting.
In The News – Mt Rose, Tahoe Meadows Trailheads maintenance project to begin late Summer 2023
August 6, 2023 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/03/2023, Submitted
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Infrastructure improvements to the Mt. Rose and Tahoe Meadows Trailheads to begin late summer of 2023. These two popular trailheads on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District are located off Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada State Route 431) between Reno and Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
“We are extremely excited to begin implementation of this long-awaited project,” said Carson District Ranger Matt Zumstein. “This would not have been possible without the funding from the Great America Outdoors Act that the Forest received to reduce deferred maintenance backlogs and enhance aging recreational infrastructure. At both trailheads, this funding will be used to repair and improve infrastructure for trail users.”
The $1.3 million contract for the Mt Rose and Tahoe Meadows Trailheads Maintenance Project was awarded to Ironwood Commercial Builders from Concord, California. The contractor plans to begin working on both trailhead within the next couple of weeks through October 2023 (as weather allows).
In The News – New aquatic robot cleans Lake Tahoe’s waters
August 5, 2023 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/02/2023, Submitted
LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif.– At first glance, Lake Tahoe is pristine. But look closer. Aquatic invasive plants and trash threaten the unique water quality and clarity for which Tahoe is known. Floating debris like plastic litter can leach chemicals into the aquatic environment, while each individual fragment of an invasive weed represents a new potential infestation and further harm to the Lake’s fragile ecology. To Keep Tahoe Blue, the League to Save Lake Tahoe teamed up with ECO-CLEAN Solutions and the Tahoe Keys Marina to introduce an aquatic robot that glides across the surface, removing water-borne debris and aquatic weeds. Meet the PixieDrone.
“Together, we’re embarking on a mission to safeguard the pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe, combining cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship,” said JT Chevallier, co-founder and chief strategy officer of ECO-CLEAN Solutions.
The PixieDrone is an electric, autonomous and programmable, motorized skimmer. As it moves through the water, the robot captures debris inside its open “mouth,” just like manta rays and humpback whales capture prey. Thanks to on-board Lidar technology (light detection and ranging), the PixieDrone avoids obstacles and adjusts its course in real time, allowing it to navigate between docks, pilings and boat slips as it cleans along a pre-mapped route.
Like you, I’ve always thought the world of Hospice folks, though my high regard was boosted higher yet when I received an email from a cousin of mine whose birthday it was yesterday. I had sent her customary well wishes and was eagerly opening her reply when her words sent my heart leaping into my throat…
“I’m sorry to tell you this, Cousin, but I’m with Hospice and going to be leaving today to cross over and join my loving Bobby and your dear mother Barbara. My cancer has spread to my liver and skull. I’m so awfully tired. Hospice is here, bless them, and I’m taking some comfort in thinking of all the fun we had as kids together. I hope this finds you well, as I send bushels of love.”
My legs almost buckled under me, but I stood the gravity and finality of her words. Why did she not tell me when she entered Hospice care, back when she had six months or six weeks or six days to live? All I can guess is she must have rested assured I would contact her on her birthday, so she would let me know then, not suspecting her birthday would be her last day. Oh my…
Losing a family member is always hard, but harder yet when they are younger than you. We ought to be allowed to get promoted to glory in chronological order, but then I am not the superintendent.
My thoughts drifted back to our childhood days when she would beat me down the slopes, and wait patiently for me to arrive, never bragging about how good a skier she was. In showing-off to her I once swam two lengths of the pool underwater. When I surfaced she gave me a standing ovation, dived in, and swam three lengths underwater. When I threw a front somersault off the diving board, she followed me with a one and a half, and landed it without a splash. That was just the grand & glorious, magnificent but modest, person she was.
She would send me an edible number on my birthday, made out of sticky Rice Krispies cakes that were delicious. What could I possibly say to her on her last day on this Earth? There are no words, but when there are no words, we must find words…
“My heart is in my throat, Cousin. Be brave -you always are. In one big air-hug I’m sending my love to you. I’m so looking forward to your greeting me on the other side, and welcoming me with a solid shot to my shoulder like you always do. You can teach me how to fly. I don’t know if I can beat you in a race around a billowy white thunderhead, but I’m going to try.”
I had to stop writing just there, as my eyes were clouding up, and I could no longer find nor see the words…
