In The News – Are short-term rentals harming housing in the basin?
May 31, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 05/31/2025, Written by Eli Ramos
Short-term rentals (STRs) have been hotly contested in recent discussions of Measure T in South Lake Tahoe, but their presence in the Tahoe Basin has existed long before online platforms like VRBO and AirBnB. Are STRs really harming housing in the greater Lake Tahoe area? The nuanced answers to that question are what we’re diving into for this housing series article.
A brief history of short-term rentals
Short-term rentals, also called vacation home rentals (VHRs), have been around since the 1950s, providing a homey and often cheaper alternative to staying in hotels and motels. Currently, STRs are defined in the basin as properties that are rented for 30 days or less. While people used to advertise their own homes in newspaper ads, the establishment of online platforms like VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) in 1995 made listings even easier, boosting the popularity of STRs everywhere, but especially in vacation destinations like Tahoe.
In The News – Lake Tahoe inspectors intercept vessel with Golden Mussels
May 31, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 05/31/2025, Staff Report
Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors on Friday identified highly invasive golden mussels on a vessel at the Alpine Meadows, Calif. inspection station. This is the first interception of the new invasive species by Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors since their first detection in North America in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in October, 2024.
“Golden mussels pose an extreme threat to Lake Tahoe and the waters of the region and it is critical that everyone stay vigilant and always Clean, Drain, and Dry all watercraft and equipment when visiting new areas,” said Dennis Zabaglo, aquatic invasive species program manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). “We are fortunate to have such highly trained inspectors and committed partners at marinas and boat ramps, but protecting the waters of the Tahoe Region from the spread of aquatic invasive species takes all of us.”
Forty years or so ago, I found myself staring up at the West Maui Mountains from Kahului, where I had been hosting a morning radio show for the previous ten years. I had a panoramic view of those lush green mountains, boasting a single bright red African Tulip tree cradled in her verdant mists. And directly above that African Tulip stood a white cross that some devoted artisan had placed so perfectly up there on high…
I adored the Valley Island and her lovely people, but I also knew I could not live my life out on that idyllic Island. So I made a solemn vow to leave the Valley Island when that African Tulip touched that white cross. It didn’t take long, a couple months maybe, before the two joined together in one prophetic God-Wink for this restless Maui Boy…
I had no idea where I would be going, but as good fortune would have it, I did have a girlfriend at the Lake of the Sky, Lake Tahoe, so I thought I might start there, and find out what providence might have to offer this drifter…
How could I possibly have imagined that 40 years henceforth I would be portraying Mark Twain at Tahoe, and repeating his prophetic words…
“If there is any happier life than the life we led on our timber ranch for those three weeks in 1861, it must be the sort of life which I have not read about in books. We did not see another human being during those three weeks. We heard nothing but the sound of the waves, the sighing of the pine, and now and then the far-off thunder of an avalanche. The eye suffered but one grief, that it but must close sometimes in sleep. It was a veritable habitation with the gods. No, if Lake Tahoe does not cure whatever ails you, I’ll bury you at my own expense.”
As providence would dictate, my visits to schools as Mark Twain would take him and me to Virginia City, the nation’s capital, Europe, Russia, and back to the Sandwich Islands, as Hawaii was known fondly to so many away back in 1866…
Upon my return to Maui as Mark Twain, I carried the strangest feelings along with me, for I was older by 108 years, and as many years wiser. Yet I was able to wash the white spray out of my hair and go for a run atop the old Waikamoi Flume with a few of my old jogging pals…
So it is, today, now in my 41st year of idyllic life here at Tahoe, that I lift a glass to those deep green West Maui mountains, that bright red African Tulip tree, and yes, the beautiful white cross, that sent this restive Maui Boy across the Pacific Ocean to worship with gratitude and respect, God’s Masterpiece of the Creation, The Lake of the Sky, Lake Tahoe…
In The News – TRPA accepting lottery submissions for new piers on Lake Tahoe
May 29, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in Tahoe Daily Tribune, 05/29/2025, Staff Report
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will be accepting submissions for the pier lottery and allocation process from June 1 through 5 p.m. PDT June 30 as required every two years under the Shoreline Plan.
The 2018 Shoreline Plan clarified the potential environmental and safety impacts of new shorezone structures and allowed a limited number of new private piers and buoys at a measured rate until the cap is met.
Every two years, TRPA can permit up to 12 new piers on Lake Tahoe with a priority for multiple-parcel piers. In July, TRPA will randomly draw from eligible proposals and announce those selected to move forward in the permit process. No additional pier allocations will be available until the next allocation period in 2027.
Join the Celebration! Be a Part of the Local Heroes 4th of July Parade.
May 28, 2025 | Julie Malkin-Manning
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to start getting excited for one of the most beloved events of the year—the annual Incline Village Crystal Bay Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration (July 2-4).
This cherished tradition brings together families, friends, neighbors, and local organizations in a vibrant celebration of our community and our country’s independence.
And we want YOU to be part of it!
Whether you’re a longtime resident, a local business owner, part of a youth group, school, club, or just someone who loves to celebrate, we invite you to register now to participate in the parade. Let’s make this year bigger, brighter, and more festive than ever!
Local Heroes Parade
Date: Thursday, July 3rd
Parade Start Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Parade begins at Southwood and Village, and continues/concludes on Incline Way at The Village Green (Community Fair & BBQ)
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 05/28/2025, Staff Report
Community invited to ride bikes, win prizes, and celebrate biking at Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Bike Month returns this June, marking the region’s 20th year of celebrating bike culture. A collaboration between the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), this month-long series of events and a friendly ride challenge encourages residents and visitors to embrace biking for both transportation and recreation—while helping protect the Lake Tahoe environment.
“Biking offers countless benefits,” said Rachael Shaw, transportation planner at TRPA. “In addition to boosting health and well-being, each bike trip helps reduce traffic congestion, improves air quality, and preserves the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. We’re proud to continue this collaboration with the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, regional partners, and local businesses to promote and celebrate biking at Tahoe.”
In my next life, I want to be a dog in Incline Village. Pets are family members here…they are revered, beloved, and I swear, they get more attention than babies! We have a whole social network around them. It’s called the Pet Network Lake Tahoe. Full-service care for rescue animals, including surgery and urgent care, only begins to describe their considerable services. This social network includes their humans, too. Under Simi Balter’s inspirational leadership, social, aka FUNdraising, opportunities abound year-round. This weekend, Richard and I will be at the annual Fur Ball, themed Tails and Tapas, which will be held at ICE, Incline Center for Events(Bowl Incline). The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation is the largest sponsor of the Fur Ball. It’s probably too late to get tickets, but not too late to donate to their latest cause: adding a hospital wing to the Pet Network building. Shoppers can support Pet Network at their thrift store in the Post Office shopping center next to Glasses Wine Bar.
Other Animal Service Organizations
That social network for pets extends beyond Pet Network. Need financial help with that surgery for your pet? Reach out to Village Pet Foundation, which also operates a thrift store in Christmas Tree Village. Wylie Animal Rescue is active throughout the North Shore. Rotary now packages “street survival bags” that include goodies for dogs of homeless people. If fostering a dog is appealing to you, reach out to Liberty Dogs, located in Reno, but founded by the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. Other retail and service operations, particularly pet sitting and pet baths, too numerous to mention, also support our furry friends in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
Inclined to bloom
IVCBA is bringing “pots and planters” to our shopping centers. In the month of June, look for hanging baskets in Christmas Tree Village and Village Center and terra cotta pots by the bus shelters. Please help us bring more flowers to Incline! Donate through our partner, Incline Tahoe Foundation, Inclinetahoe.org.
Incline Green Clean is June 7 for you and your family and friends to help clean up the Village.
IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot! If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do for free! Go to IVCBA.org. We are financially supported by our local agency “investors”, and our business community and residents. Please help!JOIN HERE
Spring and summer are glorious seasons at Lake Tahoe. Now that Memorial Day is over and June is right around the corner, planting and landscaping season are officially here. Many people supplement their perennials with annual flowers that provide continuous blooming and color. Incline commercial centers are no exception. IVCBA is launching a “planters and pots” project to assist with providing a cohesive look in those centers. Hanging planters are being installed in Christmas Tree Village and Village Center. Terra cotta pots with flowering plants will be placed by the bus shelters. All businesses are encouraged to participate by ordering a planter or a decorated terra cotta pot through Linda@IVCBA.org. Community members can help by donating to the Beautification Fund on Incline Tahoe Foundation’s website.
Main Street Beautification campaign
The campaign starts with cleanup, particularly with maintaining defensible space around properties. Neighborhoods can become a FAC, Firewise Action Community. Individuals, church groups, and other affiliations can start their own Tahoe Blue Crew. These efforts culminate in a village-wide “Incline Green Clean” sponsored by IVGID’s WasteNot on Saturday, June 7.
The Main Street Beautification committee has several components: Inclined to Bloom ‘Pots and Planters,’ Roundabout Redesign, and Public Art. These programs are all community-led initiatives to beautify Incline Village.
Perennials vs. Annuals
Some of these plants bloom once in the season, like daffodils and tulips. Others will have multiple blooms throughout the season. Lupines can be found along Incline Way and other parts of town. Often, people supplement perennials with annuals to add more consistent color. Although all plants benefit from good soil, fertilizer, and regular watering, plants should be chosen based on location and consideration for the environment. Many native plants are drought-resistant and can survive in the native desert soil. Contact one of IVCBA’s many landscapers for expertise: Incline Property Management, Canopy, Christine Karnofsky Plant Design, and Hoskins Landscape Contractors.
Where to shop
High Sierra Gardens is our local nursery that stocks trees and bushes in addition to flowers. You can spot their location on Tahoe Blvd by their plethora of blooming flowers along the boulevard. If it’s just annuals you are looking for, Grocery Outlet and Raleys are both convenient places.
SUPPORT INCLINED TO BLOOM
Not all of us have a green thumb or a garden. Please help us make Incline a flourishing flowering place to live by donating! You can Donate at Incline Tahoe Foundation.
Originally published in Travel North Tahoe Nevada newsletter
Who’s ready to get to Sand Harbor without the traffic?
Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is pleased to announce the return of the East Shore Express Service for the 2025 summer season, operating daily from Sunday, June 22, through Saturday, September 6. The service will follow the same successful route as 2024, with parking available at the Tunnel Creek Parking Lot (1102 Tahoe Blvd.) and the Tahoe East Shore Trailhead.
The free transit line will run daily from 10 AM to approximately 6:30 PM, with continuous loop service connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park.
