Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/24/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh

Here are 11 business where your purchase can make an impact on Lake Tahoe
Whether it’s sipping a beer that benefits Tahoe or resting easy in a lodge that has kicked plastics to the curb, these businesses offer opportunities for you to join a collective effort to preserve, protect and “Keep Tahoe Blue.” 

That slogan may be familiar to you. It’s from the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s iconic “Keep Tahoe Blue” stickers, adhered to countless water bottles or bumpers, perhaps your own. 

The League to Save Lake Tahoe has been at the forefront in protecting and preserving Lake Tahoe since the organization’s formation in 1957. In one of its latest collaborative efforts, the League has partnered with like-minded businesses to compound Keep Tahoe Blue efforts with the creation of its Tahoe Blue Business Program. From practices that reduce carbon footprints or spread the word on responsible recreation to creative avenues of inspiring action, here are how these eco-minded Tahoe Blue—businesses are using their sphere of influence to benefit Lake Tahoe. 

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Originally Published in the IVCBA Magazine LIVE.WORK.PLAY. – Written By: Kayla Anderson

Sometime in the late 2000s, IVGID decided it was going to sell concessions—and alcohol– at its beaches. A few members of the community were opposed to liquor sells, but since people could bring their own alcohol in anyways, the resistance was weak. IVGID staff set up a small table and tried it, but then other residents didn’t think it was fair for IVGID to compete with the private sector since its costs were so low. 

The original owner of Incline Spirits, Will Brigham, was paying attention to the topic and attending the IVGID Board of Trustees meetings. When IVGID agreed to let a private business take over alcohol sales at the beaches, Brigham went around and asked all the local bars if they wanted to bid on the project. No one was interested, so soon Incline Spirits opened The Barefoot Bars at Incline Beach and Burnt Cedar. 

“In the beginning, IVGID let us have a 10’x10’ tent and we wanted to bring something to the beach that didn’t involve a cooler, like make pina coladas and Mai Tai’s,” Brigham says. 

In trying to get people to visit the tiki bars as well as being a musician and lover of live music, Brigham had the idea of starting Music on the Beach. He partnered with his neighbor and fellow musician Mitch Harbaugh to bring in local bands. 

 “Will and I have been involved in the local music scene all of our lives,” Harbaugh says, “and Will started creating a vibe not only with the beach guests but amongst the bands. There’s a lot of talent around the lake…we got a pulse and kept it consistent, and it elevated the quality of the entertainment.”

Harbaugh credits Brigham for creating something built for the minor leagues that ended up being pro ball. 

“Mitch is dead on. I remember doing text message campaigns blasting out locals specials and the band lineup; I was really guerilla marketing it [Music on the Beach]. But consistency is key, and we kept the same hours, playing in any kind of weather,” Brigham adds.

“As soon as the tiki bars opened, my wife who had worked for Goldfish Properties for 18 years said that no one complained anymore about paying to get into the beach,” Harbaugh says. 

Soon everyone wanted to play there, and Music on the Beach was drawing 6[00]-900 attendees. Will and his wife Aimee Miller eventually sold Incline Spirits to Miles and Mayra Hendrickson, who kept Music on the Beach going. 

“Miles and Mayra have done a great job with Music on the Beach. They continued with the exact vision I had and made it better in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They made it a destination for locals. It’s great to go down there and see that huge crowd,” Brigham says. 

When Miles and Mayra bought the place, they inherited me. We’ve been doing this for 14-15 years now and what it’s turned into is freaking incredible. 

“You can usually find me dancing in front, I’ve created a lot of wonderful memories here. And we leverage the crowd to keep it G-rated and positive, non-political, promote kindness and goodness and community,” Harbaugh adds. 

“There’s this couple, a retired colonial and his wife. The wife has Alzheimer’s but Music on the Beach is what keeps her fired up…she doesn’t remember a lot, but she looks forward to this. They had their 65^th wedding anniversary at Music on the Beach, and she had her 84^th birthday at the beach. This truly is a community thing, it’s a chance to celebrate us locals,” Brigham adds.

Since IVGID recently approved its Beach House Project, Incline Spirits announced this will be its last summer hosting Music on the Beach. 

“I have mixed emotions about it. I’m not affiliated with Music on the Beach anymore, but I have been a part of it. I know IVGID put a lot of money into building the new beach house, but I would just hate for Music on the Beach to lose its magic; there’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears going into it. The aloha we show our guests and community…I don’t want to lose that. 

“Music on the Beach has a giant piece of my heart with it. We’re very grateful for all the community support and all the love we’ve received. I’m honored to have been a part of it,” says Brigham. 

The Incline Village Barefoot Bars host live music on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm-7pm throughout the summer. To see the 2025 Music on the Beach band lineup, visit https://inclinespirits.com/barefoot-bar/. 

Originally published in the TRPA Newsletter, 07/18/2025, Written by Julie Regan

When you open your front door in Tahoe, you’re never far from a forested trail, a lake view, or an expansive meadow. Such access to nature is one of the basin’s greatest gifts, where residents and visitors find peace, connection, and play. While it may feel effortless, this abundance of public land didn’t happen by accident.

Fifty years ago, public access looked very different. In 1971, only 13.5 miles of Lake Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline were publicly owned. Today, thanks to land acquisitions from willing sellers, that number has more than doubled to 34 miles. All told, roughly 90 percent of the Tahoe Basin is now protected public land for all to enjoy.

Though easy to take for granted, our right to enjoy it was recently challenged.

When language surfaced in a Senate reconciliation bill suggesting public lands could be sold, the outcry was swift. In a region where open space is a shared heritage, the idea of privatizing public lands struck a nerve. Thanks to a strong public response and congressional support, especially from U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, the language was removed.

Public lands at Tahoe not only keep us healthy and feed our souls, but they also fuel our local economy. While we have many challenges facing our public lands today, including growing an ethos of care and stewardship, Lake Tahoe is a national model for fostering the triple bottom line where the environment, the economy, and communities collectively win. This moment has shown us that even 50 years of progress in land conservation is not written in stone—it requires ongoing effort.

This summer marks an important chapter in that effort. On August 6, the annual Tahoe Summit returns, gathering federal, state, Tribal, and local leaders to chart the future of restoration in the basin. Since the first Summit in 1997, the event has symbolized bipartisan commitment and regional collaboration to protect Lake Tahoe.

Born from that first Tahoe Summit, the Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) has become the engine behind conservation in the basin. Under TRPA’s leadership, more than 80 public and private organizations—collectively known as #TeamTahoe—have delivered 800 plus EIP projects over nearly three decades. These projects restore forests and watersheds, preserve habitats, and improve transportation and sustainable recreation. The work helps Lake Tahoe remain one of the clearest lakes on Earth.

Yet new threats continue to emerge. Aquatic invasive species—including those not in the lake, like the golden mussel—are a growing concern. While many assume that the risk lies with boats, these invaders can just as easily spread from kayaks and paddleboards without proper cleaning. Also critical is forest health, especially as hotter, drier seasons remind us just how fragile our forests are. Litter, erosion, and traffic congestion continue to demand our attention.

Tahoe’s progress in these areas has always come from collective action.

Destination Stewardship recognizes that residents, visitors, businesses, and agencies have a role to play. It means taking the shuttle to and from Emerald Bay, installing stormwater best management practices on your property, staying on designated trails, and leaving no trace. It means welcoming newcomers with guidance—by sharing the ways you care for Tahoe.

Because the right to enjoy public lands comes with a responsibility to protect them. We don’t have to care for these lands. We get to.

The upcoming 29th annual Tahoe Summit marks an opportunity to celebrate and amplify our work. Protecting public lands isn’t a one-time achievement, it’s a forever quest. I hope you’ll join me and keep us moving in the right direction.

Julie W. Regan is Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

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Photo: TRPA

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/22/2025, Submitted

Tahoe Forest Health System is proud to announce the launch of its Community Commitment website, a multi-faceted resource focused on promoting enhanced community engagement and detailing various initiatives created in response to recent community health needs assessments.    

The new website resource at TFHD.com/commitment reflects the TFHS Board of Directors’ updated priorities and aligns closely with the organization’s long-term goals for integrated, community-centered care. Recognizing that true health extends far beyond the hospital itself, TFHS developed the Community Commitment initiative to proactively engage and educate the public about health-related programs and community resources.

“At Tahoe Forest Health System, we are deeply committed to supporting an exceptionally healthy and thriving community,” said President and CEO, Anna Roth. “Guided by our strategic vision, we continue to develop and implement innovative, proactive community health initiatives that extend beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics.”

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Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/21/2025, Written by Kyler Klix

It’s the third year for Gambler’s Run Music Festival, hosted by the Crystal Bay Casino from Thursday July 24 to Saturday July 26. The indoor/outdoor festival brings 15 bands to the North Lake Tahoe venue to celebrate music, mountains, gambling and more. Attendees must be 21 and older.

General Manager Eric Roe said operations are running smoother after two years’ experience, and they are excited for what’s in store.

“It’s just another killer lineup,” he said.

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Communications & Marketing
This quarter saw expanded marketing and communication efforts to boost local business visibility and strengthen community connection. The subscriber list grew to over 2,900, with Snapshot advertising opportunities initiated. IVCBA also introduced new tools to help locals and visitors navigate the community:

• Printed Merchant Map launched in partnership with Travel North Tahoe Nevada
• IVCB Digital Map went live, offering an interactive guide to local businesses

Membership & Programs
Membership engagement remained strong, with consistent outreach, relationship building, and the development of new programs. Highlights include:

• 13 new members joined | 88 memberships were renewed
• New Member Social in April welcomed ~20 attendees
• May Biz Buz Mixer at Glasses Wine Bar drew ~30 participants

Community Events
Q2 featured a vibrant calendar of events that showcased local leadership, culture, and community pride:

• IVCB Restaurant Week (April 21–27) drew strong participation
• Annual Meeting with UNR President Brian Sandoval emphasized regional collaboration
• Incline Green Clean & Neighborhood Block Party (June 7th) 
• Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration (July 2–4) featured a well-attended parade and community fair

Civic Engagement
In May, IVCBA launched the Washoe Tahoe Leadership Academy, a major milestone in fostering local civic education and engagement.

Housing Initiatives
Affordable housing remained a key focus. In partnership with the Incline Village Board of Realtors, IVCBA co-hosted a First-Time Homebuyers Workshop, presented in both English and Spanish. The recorded workshop featured:

• Industry experts from various housing sectors
• A walkthrough of the full home-buying process
• Ongoing access for future use

Incline Village Main Street Beautification
Beautification efforts continued through the Inclined to Bloom campaign, making a visible difference in shared community spaces:

• 48 hanging flower baskets installed at shopping centers
• 10 terra cotta pots placed at bus stops and intersections
• 4 planter boxes added at Raley’s Incline Center entrance

Roundabout Redesign
IVCBA moved forward with plans to revitalize the town roundabout:

• LA Studio Landscape Design hired for irrigation and landscaping plans
• Preliminary designs shared with Incline Citizen Advisory Board
• NDOT issued preliminary approval to proceed

Public Art Committee
The public Art Committee is shaping the visual identity of Incline Village through collaborative projects and community input. 

• Local Artist David Colley installed a new Lake Tahoe location sign at Tunnel Creek. 

Looking Ahead to Q3
IVCBA will continue building on Q2’s momentum with:

• September IVCBA Member Mixer 
• New monthly member happy hour for networking (launching August). 
• September VIP meeting with regional partners. 
• Ongoing efforts in beautification, housing, and civic engagement

IVCBA Staff
IVCBA’s core team continues to support community growth, member engagement, and strategic programs throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Michael O’Neill, Operations Manager – Oversees membership, office operations, Biz Buz mixers, member socials, and welcome bags. (mike@ivcba.org)

Kristin Derrin, Marketing & Communications Manager – Editor of SnapShot and Live.Work.Play.; leads all marketing and communications. (kristin@ivcba.org)

Julie Malkin-Manning, Events Manager (Sugarpine Events & Marketing) – Coordinates all IVCBA community events. (julie@ivcba.org)

Linda Offerdahl, Executive Director – Leads organizational strategy and community partnerships. (linda@ivcba.org)

Originally published in the Sierra Sun, 07/21/2025, Written by Eli Ramos

Last Friday, the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) brought together speakers from Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), the Nevada County sheriff’s office and the Placer County sheriff’s office for their Lunch and Learn. The speakers aimed to keep people up to date on wildfire safety and preparedness.

Anne Rarick, COAD manager, spoke first on the role of COAD in the Tahoe-Truckee region. The organization works with local nonprofits, businesses, faith-based communities and the governmental partners to share information and address community needs during and after disasters.

Rarick said that the top five steps they have for disaster preparedness are as follows:

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Originally published in the Keep Tahoe Blue Newsletter, 07/19/2025

This year’s July 5th “Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue” Cleanup showed something truly encouraging: cleaner beaches after the holiday. Thanks in part to our Tahoe Blue Beach program, proactive outreach, and individuals leaving Tahoe’s beaches better than they found them, 669 volunteers collected 26% less litter than last year from Tahoe’s shores and surrounding areas. 

The success of this July 5th tradition is about more than data. It’s about people —  from long-time residents to first-time visitors, coming together to protect the Lake. 

• Ashley Mau and Liz Gustafson drove up from Reno after seeing videos of wrecked beaches on social media in 2023. They didn’t join in Tahoe’s Fourth of July festivities, but wanted to help clean up afterward. 
• Julie, Nick, and Klay Abbatelli, campers at Zephyr Cove Resort, made volunteering part of their family vacation.  
• Heather and Steve Plumb and their kids, who were visiting Kings Beach with friends, have always wanted to come to Lake Tahoe for the Fourth of July weekend and attend the cleanup on July 5th. This year they did and even stuck around to help move bags of collected litter to dumpsters. 

Their stories and hundreds more like them show how powerful small actions can be to Keep Tahoe Blue.