In The News – UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center researchers advance methane emission modeling techniques for freshwater reservoirs
January 16, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/15/25, Submitted
Researchers at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) have advanced greenhouse gas (GHG) emission research by advancing existing modeling techniques to enhance understanding of methane emissions from inland freshwater lakes and reservoirs, specifically focusing on the substrate (sediment) type and variability in space and time.
This pioneering study, executed in collaboration with Valley Water of Santa Clara County and researchers at the University of Granada (Spain), integrates hydroacoustic measurements with sediment sampling and gas analysis to assess methane generation and release from freshwater lakes and reservoirs more accurately. By adapting older acoustic techniques to account for varying substrate types and conditions, the TERC team has significantly improved our understanding of how to quantify methane emissions from inland waterbodies, contributing vital insights to climate change mitigation efforts.
The Local Lens – Assistance for Eaton and Palisades Fire Victims
January 15, 2025 | Linda Offerdahl
Our worst nightmare is playing out in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, California wildfires that are causing horrible devastation and countless people evacuated from their homes. Our very own fire protection district, NLTFPD has deployed engines and hand crews. Follow their social media site for the latest information: https://www.facebook.com/NorthLakeTahoeFire
Sierra Nevada Wildfire Relief Drive: North Tahoe and Truckee have organized a drive to collect needed household and personal items and organize trucks to deliver them to Los Angeles. Bring donations to the Chamber/Visitor Center in Kings Beach by Tuesday, Jan 21. Details at: https://www.facebook.com/NevadaCountyOES
THANK YOU, NEVADA NORDIC!
They have made the beautiful pristine winter wilderness this side of the meadows on Mt. Rose accessible to anyone who can put on a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes. This includes seniors like me! They groom cross country ski trails and have great signage. We may not have much snow in Incline, but the trails still have plenty. I just did the green Rattlesnake Trail, about 2 miles of gentle up and down groomed tracks. Other trails will take you to Lakeview with the famous Chickadee Ridge on the way. Park around that flashing light sign and climb up one of the many sets of “stairs” people have made. To support their work to maintain these free trails, make a donation to this charitable organization, Nevada Nordic: https://nevadanordic.networkforgood.com .
RENT FROM TAHOE MULTI-SPORT!
This humming vibrant sports equipment (and some retail) shop in the upper Village Center(next to Tahoe Family Solutions Thrift Store) rents and sells used cross country skis and other winter sports equipment. Locals JP Donovan and his partner Belinda are very helpful. Check out their website to see tours, their year-round gear and their Sauna Experience on Lake Tahoe! Find downhill ski rentals and lots of retail at the Village Ski Loft, corner of Tahoe Blvd and Northwood.
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A new 3-class series of Mah Jongg instruction starts January 25th! If you’re interested in learning this age-old tile game or if you just want to brush up on your skills, Millie Szerman will be teaching Mah Jongg at the Incline Community Center (next to the library) in Incline Village.
Join Millie on the following Saturdays, starting at 10:30 a.m. until Noon:
January 25, February 1, and February 8.
A charge of $20 for the series of three classes will include printed materials, as well as a copy of the current 2024 card which is ESSENTIAL for this game. Pre-registration is a MUST! For more information, please contact Millie at 775-833-3311 or email MillieSz746@gmail.com.
The Holman Arts and Media Center invites artists of all skill levels to Lake Tahoe for its annual Summer Arts Workshops. Attendees will spend five days in an intensive creative experience led by internationally recognized sculptors, painters, videographers, photographers and mixed-media artists.
Workshop participants will leave having expanded their creative skillset while in a stunning natural setting. Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada have long been sources of creative inspiration for artists of all mediums. The Holman Arts and Media Center is within walking distance from the shores of Lake Tahoe and situated amidst miles of hiking and walking trails in the Sierra Nevada.
Save the date! Registration opens January 14 at 10:00 a.m. Workshops fill quickly.
Student applications are being accepted this week and adult applications will be out soon (check back here each week). This year’s production will be on May 2nd and 3rd at the IHS Duffield Theater. Go to inclinestarfollies.org for more information.
Hard to believe, but we are already (almost) half-way through the school year!!
Read below to see what’s going on at each of the schools and don’t miss the opportunties to participate in some fun events.
IHS
Next week is finals week – so please be nice to any high schoolers you encounter.
In case you missed it, IHS’s “We the People” team has, yet again, progressed to the state level competition, held on Jan 25th, in Las Vegas. The state winner will move on to the National competition in April in Washington, D.C. If you want to see the team in action, IHS is hosting a public practice event tonight, Wednesday, January 15, from 5:30 PM to 8:30pm on the first floor and in the theater.
On another “note”, mark your calendar for Friday, February 7th, at 6:00pm.to see the IHS Music Department perform @ Alibi Aleworks. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door, the high school, or from an IHS Music Student. The concert will feature the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Guitar Ensemble, String Quartet, and the Lotus Student Band.
IMS
The Junior Boosters
are hosting a Family Movie Night on Friday, January 24th. They are screening High School Musical, so bring your blankets, enjoy some popcorn, and share a fun night with friends and neighbors. Bring the whole family and enjoy a cozy night out!
IEF would like to give a huge shout out to Greenwood Homes and Simonian Flooring for helping to complete the indoor garden area at IMS by donating time and materials to install the flooring. It looks amazing and really spruces up the place!
IES
Nevada Math, a new math enrichment program at IES, is starting this week. This pilot program is being provided by Incline Education Fund and will provide fun and challenging math games to highly motivated students.
There will be an “Art & Music Fesitval” at Incline Elementary on February 11th. Check back here next month for more details.
UNR
Sign up now for UNR-Lake Tahoe’sContinuing Ed Drawing & Design Class heldhere at the Holman Arts Center. Classes meet on Tuesdays for 90 minutes with Instructor Anthony Marrone. See this link for more info: UNR Continuing Ed or contact Director Rick Parsons, at: rickparsons@unr.edu.
In The News – Nevada State Parks announces full implementation of Sand Harbor’s day-use reservations
January 14, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/14/2025, Submitted
ollowing the success of last year’s trial period, Nevada State Parks announced the full implementation of day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park, beginning April 15, 2025. This system is designed to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the park’s natural beauty and resources.
Day-use reservations will be required daily during the park’s peak season, from April 15 to October 15. A reservation will be required for entry by vehicle from park opening at 8 to 10:30 a.m. Visitors arriving during this time must secure a reservation in advance.
After 10:30 a.m., any unclaimed reservation spots will become available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In The News – Village Pet Foundation: A lifeline for pets in crisis
January 13, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Sierra Sun, 1/10/2025, Written by Zoe Meyers
For pet owners in the Tahoe Basin facing impossible choices between unaffordable veterinary care and losing their companions, the Village Pet Foundation (VPF) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Founded in July 2023 by a dedicated group of animal welfare volunteers, this nonprofit is rewriting the narrative for families in financial distress, saving pets from euthanasia and giving them a second chance at life.
“Usually when I talk to people, they’re at their wits’ end. Their pets are dying. They can’t afford it. They’re just looking for help,” Pat Abbey, Founder and Chairperson of VPF, said.
In just 18 months, the organization has saved 78 pets, far surpassing its initial goal of aiding 25 animals per year. These rescues include cases like Oso, a nine-year-old Labrador mix rescued from a suspected dog fighting ring. Oso’s life took a turn for the better when VPF funded her emergency care, ensuring her safety and recovery.
Photo: Gordo swallowed a piece of clothing. The obstruction was situated so that he could drink but not eat. His loving mom tried for weeks to get Gordo treated but couldn’t afford the surgery costs as a single mother of four. VPF immediately stepped up and paid for all his vet care. Provided / Pat Abbey
In The News -Tahoe Food Hub: Revolutionizing Local Food Systems with Sustainability and Community Focus
January 12, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Sierra Sun, 1/10/2025, Written by Zoe Meyer
In North Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Food Hub is reshaping the local food landscape by integrating fresh, sustainable produce with a commitment to community welfare. Led by Chairman Daniel Barstein, the initiative is dedicated to supporting small, family-run farms and promoting regenerative agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and local economies.
A Commitment to Local Sourcing
Local chefs are embracing the Tahoe Food Hub’s mission. Chef Peter Schram at Old Town Tap highlights the significance of local sourcing, saying, “As a chef, sourcing from local farms isn’t just about freshness – it’s also about connection. It’s a relationship with the hands that nurtured each ingredient and the land from which it comes. We are a small locally owned restaurant and we understand how important and how hard it is for the small farms to succeed when competing against the large national chains. Tahoe Food hub empowers small local farms and we get the best of fresh seasonal foods at their peak.”
In The News – Fire agencies around Tahoe Basin respond to deadly southern California fires
January 12, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/10/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh
Fire agencies around the Tahoe Basin have sent engines and personnel to fight the numerous fires ablaze in southern California. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and Hurst Fire are just a few of the fires active in the Los Angeles area. There’s currently five fires that have together burned over 10,000 structures, burned almost 30,000 acres and killed five people according to preliminary information pending coroner confirmation.
It has led to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to call for mutual aid and coordinate incoming resources to the fires that are fueled by Santa Ana winds.
Tahoe Basin fire agencies have responded with 12 engines and over 50 personnel.
In The News – Ski conglomerate Alterra must take environmental responsibility for massive development plan in Lake Tahoe
January 11, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/11/25, Written by Steve Spurlock
Lake Tahoe is revered as a national treasure and is afforded legal environmental protections to match that status. As Tahoe’s environmental watchdog, the League to Save Lake Tahoe takes seriously our role to make sure the entire Basin, from Freel Peak to Brockway Summit, is preserved for future generations, just as we’ve done since the 1950s.
That is why we, along with Sierra Watch, recently took legal action to challenge Placer County’s approval of ski conglomerate Alterra Mountain Company’s massive development plan for Palisades Tahoe. Alterra’s plan would have significant impacts on the Lake Tahoe Basin, worsening traffic congestion, increasing air pollution, eroding roadways, and degrading water quality.
We see litigation as an imperfect, inefficient, and expensive tool of last resort. But all our other options have been exhausted. And someone must act for the lake…
