2025 Passport to Dining promises to be a memorable evening you won’t want to miss!
September 30, 2025 | Member Submitted
Enjoy “A Culinary Journey in North Tahoe” showcasing a delicious and fun evening of unlimited tastings to excite the palate, featuring ~25 tasting stations including restaurants, caterers, breweries, and wineries. While enjoying tastings, attendees may purchase raffle tickets and bid on a list of extensive silent auction items which will include valuable items and packages. Come and enjoy a night celebrating the culinary talents and gifts of our North Tahoe community.
Proceeds from the auction and raffle portion of the event will benefit the Tahoe Waterman Foundation, a local non-profit based in Carnelian Bay, who are dedicated to helping people facing life-changing injuries and mental and physical health challenges experience the healing power of water through paddle sports. The Tahoe Waterman Foundation provides resources and programs for personal growth and recovery through simple but powerful paddle sports experiences and both time on and time in Lake Tahoe’s pure blue water.
Originally published in the Bobcat Newsletter – ‘Bob’ Cat News
Inevitably, people ask the question of many of us – what makes Lake Tahoe School so special or different from other schools? My initial response is always what drew me to LTS during my first interview for the interim Head of School position eight years ago. Throughout my interview, everyone spoke about the strong sense of community in the school. From my first day on the job, our community has proven time and again the validity of these words as a strong, vibrant, caring, and supportive assemblage of parents, students, faculty, staff, and others, all dedicated to providing the best learning environment for our students. At times, difficult to quantify, this sense of community is palpable to those already members and even to our visitors and guests.
Beyond the positive relationships that underpin our community, several other programs and commitments define us as Bobcats and are the key qualities of an LTS education. In addition to our strong academics, among the most compelling characteristics of the education we offer is our dedication to providing a myriad of opportunities and challenges to all of our students – opportunities in terms of offerings, and challenges that ask our students to explore the world beyond themselves and stretch their own experiences to try new and different things.
Enrichment Classes – Topping our list of opportunities and challenges for our students are the enrichment classes available to all students. In an era where more schools are cutting similar programs, LTS stands by our commitment to the broadest possible education by requiring our students from PreK to 8th Grade to take courses in Spanish, Physical Education, Art, Music, Makerspace, and in the Lower School, Science. In addition, as more school libraries morph into computer centers or disappear altogether, LTS has students from all grades regularly visiting our thriving, reading-focused library every week.
Outdoor Education – Beginning as early as PreK with field trips and walks around our campus, LTS offers our students a comprehensive approach to learning about the outdoors surrounding them. From our three outdoor classrooms to walks to the Lake, and trips next door to UC Davis’s TERC labs on the UNR Tahoe campus, our students learn to understand and appreciate the environment around us. Second grade marks the beginning of our overnight experiences with a campus sleepover, and later, Lower School grades participate in overnight opportunities, including rafting trips, visits to the California Coast, and the Gold Country, all with the intention of enhancing classroom learning through experiential activities. By the time our students reach Middle School, they are well-prepared for the challenges of extended trips locally as well as to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Washington D.C, and Costa Rica. With a focus on history, environmental awareness, and sustainability, spliced with an emphasis on teamwork and cooperation, students are challenged far beyond the classroom walls.
Drama – Over the past several years, we have witnessed a “dramatic” – pun intended – expansion of our drama experiences. With the Doyle Family Stage as a centerpiece and under the excellent direction of Ms. Amory and crew, more students are acting, singing, and dancing than ever before. Although not a required activity, the joy of seeing our students jump in and perform live for the first time in front of their friends and family is always a highlight for both them and the audience.
Competitive Athletics – With a participation rate of nearly 95% among students in grades 5-8, competitive athletics are thriving at LTS. Much like the drama program – both are non-required elective opportunities – our students are encouraged and often choose to participate in a sport for the first time. Supplemented by our commitment to fitness in our PE classes, our athletes are supported by a caring and supportive coaching staff. Throw in our Ski Program each season, and students have a wide variety of opportunities to participate and excel in the sport of their choice.
When our trimester-based after-school Activities – including our highly successful Chess Team – and Middle School elective courses such as Coding, Photography, and others are added to the mix, threads of student opportunities and challenges run through the entire Lake Tahoe School educational experience. Opportunities abound for all – young students or older, new to LTS or grizzled “veteran” – to experiment and try new things, strengthen previously learned principles, and have fun while doing so.
Tying each of these essential threads together are supportive teachers and staff that care – from the front desk to the classroom to the stage, playing field, or court, and beyond. All of which are supported in kind by the ongoing vision of our founders, the preeminence of our mission, and the positive partnership of the entire school community. Thanks for being with us.
As the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) enters a new chapter, we pause to honor the dedicated individuals who have built the district’s strong foundation. For decades, these local heroes have not only answered the call during emergencies but have also shaped our community’s safety, education, and outreach efforts. As several key members retire, we take a moment to thank them for their lasting impact.
One of the most impactful figures in the district’s history is Tia Rancourt, retiring after nearly 30 years of service. Tia began as a volunteer firefighter, later becoming the district’s first Public Information Officer (PIO) in 2000. She revolutionized public outreach and community engagement, most notably through the creation of the 4th of July Community Pancake Breakfast, a tradition that has brought local heroes and residents together for years. Tia’s leadership in connecting the district with the community leaves a lasting legacy that will endure long after her retirement.
In addition to Tia, Captain Scott Woodcock and Captain Monte Santos have dedicated many years to the NLTFPD. Captain Santos retired on March 31, 2025, after 16 years with the district. He started his career with the Slide Mountain Hand Crew in 1999 before joining the NLTFPD full-time in 2009. Promoted to Captain in 2016, Monte’s unwavering dedication and hard work have left a significant mark on the district and community.
Captain Scott Woodcock’s career began in 1994 as a part-time Auxiliary Firefighter, and he was hired full-time in 2001. Over the years, Scott has become a trusted leader in the department, earning a promotion to Captain in 2016. After 31 years of service, Scott will retire in 2025. His commitment, including commuting from Arizona for over two decades, has demonstrated a level of sacrifice and dedication that will be remembered by all who worked alongside him.
Looking ahead, the future of the NLTFPD remains strong. At the helm is Fire Chief Ryan Sommers, a native of Incline Village who joined the department in 1995 and became Fire Chief in 2016. Chief Sommers’ steady leadership has guided the district through significant growth and change, ensuring it remains ready to respond to any emergency. His leadership, alongside Assistant Fire Chief Russ Barnum, Fuels Division Chief Isaac Powning, Fire Marshal John James, and Chief Financial/People Officer Jackie Signorelli, ensures the district remains at the forefront of fire safety, emergency response, and community protection.
With this dedicated team, the district is well-positioned to meet future challenges. The focus on innovation, training, and community partnerships will continue to drive the district’s mission forward, ensuring it remains a trusted resource for fire protection, emergency response, and public education.
As we honor the legacies of Tia, Scott, Monte, and all those who have served, we extend our deepest gratitude to them. Their contributions have had a profound impact on the district and the community. As they transition to the next phase of their lives, we are reminded of the incredible dedication they have shown.
Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to these local heroes for their years of hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to the North Lake Tahoe community.
In The News – High Fives Foundation is making waves, literally
September 30, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/30/2025, Written by Petra Molina
The sun lit up Lake Tahoe’s blue waters as a MasterCraft boat rumbled across the lake. Onboard, athletes slipped into wetsuits, tightened life jackets and prepared to ride their wakesurf boards. Each one was different — customized with seatbelts or foot straps — and each athlete brought their own style, some balancing from a seated position, others steering with their hips.
When the waves rolled in, athletes carved across the water with speed and style.
The High Fives Foundation has brought a new kind of inclusivity to Tahoe’s waters. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to preventing life-changing injuries and offering resources and hope if they happen, hosted a series of adaptive wakesurf clinics across the summer and fall, totaling 20 weeks of programming.
In The News – Ribbon cutting ceremony marks transformational advancement in animal care
September 30, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/30/2025, Staff Report
Pet Network Lake Tahoe is proud to announce the unveiling of its newly revitalized Medical Treatment Areas and Surgical Suite, marking a transformational leap forward in animal care for the Tahoe Basin. Made possible through the generosity of donors, as well as community partners and foundations, this extensive remodel establishes Pet Network as a national leader in shelter and community medicine.
On September 18, Pet Network’s most dedicated champions gathered for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate this milestone. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, which now houses advanced diagnostic and treatment tools including a CT scanner, ultrasound, endoscope, ventilator and a new ICU unit. Each addition expands Pet Network’s ability to diagnose complex conditions, perform lifesaving surgeries, and provide critical care to injured or ill animals for community and shelter pets alike.
In The News – Tahoe Forest Health System presents the 33rd Annual Winter Illness & Injury Symposium
September 29, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/29/2025, Staff Report
Tahoe Forest Health System is proud to host the 33rd Annual Winter Illness & Injury Symposium on Thursday, December 5, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort in Incline Village, NV.
This annual event brings together EMTs, ski patrol, paramedics, nurses, and other medical professionals for a day of education, collaboration, and community.
Few people can say they helped save Lake Tahoe’s clarity — Dr. Charles Goldman is one of them. Since the 1960s, his groundbreaking science has shaped how we measure, understand, and protect the Lake’s world-famous blue. His work also contributed to Keep Tahoe Blue’s earliest conservation wins and shaped our core philosophy: using science to identify threats to the Lake and create solutions. Or more simply, Science to Solutions.
On Thursday, October 2, Dr. Goldman will take the stage at our new Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center as part of the Keep Tahoe Blue 2025 Speaker Series. It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to hear from the “Godfather of Tahoe Limnology” in person, and to connect his historic contributions to the future of Tahoe protection.
Event tickets are free but limited — and going fast. Don’t miss this special evening to celebrate Tahoe science, legacy, and solutions.
When I welcome folks into my home for An Evening with Mark Twain I always encourage them to think about someone they admire who’s been dead awhile, study that person’s life, and bring that person to life through Chautauqua. It doesn’t have to be a famous person, it could be an unknown relative who did something worth remembering. Well, that suggestion struck the flint of a young lady here last night, a recent graduate from Stanford, who told me about her great, great, great Aunt Ada, who hid the Connecticut Charter of 1662 in a tree, saving it from confiscation and revocation by King James.
As she related to me with widening eyes, the legend of the Charter Oak began in 1662 when King Charles II of Jolly Old England granted Connecticut a royal charter guaranteeing representative government and self-rule. “Party On!”
But the party suddenly ended 25 years later, when King James II sent a governor to confiscate the charter and take control of Connecticut. Then guess what? A very smart lady took that charter and hid it in a tree, the hollow of an oak tree to be exact. The newly appointed governor and his men turned the whole town upside down, but never could find that charter in the Oak.
So the new governor returned to the Old World, and Connecticut continued to rule itself, thanks in large part to the great, great, great Aunt of my houseguest, who is relating this saga to me. She even told me she has an artifact of wood at home in Connecticut that was cut from the now celebrated Charter Oak…
Eventually, When William and Mary became King and Queen they restored many of the provisions included in the original charter, and the charter served as the state constitution until around 1818…
Well, I was fascinated, and suggested to her that she become her great, great, great Aunt Ada, tell that story in its entirety in first person, and bring that history to life in the classroom and on the lecture platform. After all, the Charter Oak remains a symbol of Connecticut’s enduring tradition of 1662 even today, and it is no coincidence that the white oak tree remains Connecticut’s state tree…
So in closing, I would again ask the gentle reader to select someone you admire who’s been dead for a good while, study that person’s life, and bring that person back to life in Chautauqua. It will give you another life, and one life is not enough.
Time will tell, but I hope I live long enough to get to hear Aunt Ada tell the story of the Connecticut Charter Tree in first person. I for one, and I know many others, will be spellbound, and possibly forget for an hour or so, that we even own a smartphone…
By the way, a bolt of lightning brought down the mighty Charter Oak back in the 19th century, but the legend lives on…
In The News – Juvenile motorbike collision in Incline Village highlights safety, legal responsibilities
September 27, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/27/2025, Staff Report
On September 17, 2025, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the intersection of Village Parkway and Alder Avenue, Incline Village for a report of a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. Deputies arrived on scene and observed a gray Subaru with damage to the passenger’s side door. After speaking with the juvenile driver of the vehicle, he informed deputies that the person who hit him was also a juvenile and had been riding on a blacked-out motorbike. The juvenile on the motorbike left the scene prior to deputies arrival.
Deputies were able to make contact with the juvenile who fled the scene and met him at his residence. Deputies observed a large cut to the right side of his face and offered medical attention. The juvenile was transported to Incline Village Community Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
The juvenile on the motorbike was determined to be the at fault party for the crash and was issued a citation for:
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/24/2025, Staff Report
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is hosting a third round of public workshops in October to share and discuss recommended policy changes to encourage more affordable and workforce housing in the Tahoe Basin, while maintaining strict environmental protections. These recommendations have taken shape over this year through community input and technical advisory groups, the agency said today.
Two hands-on workshops are scheduled for October 6 in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. and October 7 in Kings Beach, Calif. The series of workshops are part of the multi-year Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project and will review and take feedback on how TRPA has used previous input to shape specific recommendations. Small group discussions will help show participants how different policies could result in on-the-ground changes. The recommendations will be presented to the TRPA Governing Board this year for further consideration.
Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin will modernize the regional growth management system and regional building regulations to help deliver a greater variety of housing types in the Tahoe Basin.
