In The News – Casa Tua launches in Lake Tahoe: A boutique approach to luxury real estate
February 11, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/11/2026, Staff Report
Real estate is more than just transactions; it is where life happens. Recognizing this, Casa Tua has officially launched in Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada, introducing a boutique luxury real estate company designed for the modern lifestyle. Under the leadership of Founder and Broker Sabrina Belleci, Casa Tua prioritizes high-touch service and curated experiences over mass-market volume.
The real estate market has evolved, and today’s discerning buyers and sellers require more than a simple exchange of property. They seek alignment, clarity, and a partner who understands their legacy. Casa Tua was created to meet this need, moving away from corporate rigidity toward a model that values quality over scale. Rooted deeply in the Sierra Nevada lifestyle, the brand combines hyper-local expertise with advanced technology to deliver a seamless, sophisticated experience.
Sage Leaf to Keep Growing with Second Location; Announces New Snowmobile To-go Delivery Service
February 11, 2026 | Member Submitted
New restaurant location will be in Midtown Reno; brand is North Lake Tahoe’s only delivery service via snowmobile for backcountry enthusiasts
North Lake Tahoe’s Sage Leaf is delighted to announce the upcoming grand opening of its newest location in central Reno. The Incline Village-based restaurant has also launched a backcountry delivery service by way of snowmobile to hungry skiers, riders, and adventurers.
“Sage Leaf made its debut in Incline Village over five years ago,” said Lara Hammett, Co-Owner of Sage Leaf. “In Reno, we plan to have a longer Happy Hour, more seats, and a larger menu. We are also making our pasta in-house with organic flour. The restaurant space itself is much larger, with a massive kitchen that gives us the room to be even more creative,” Hammett explained. “The vibe in Reno will be moodier, but still with all the Sage Leaf Tahoe feels.”
As a business, Sage Leaf sources local, sustainable, and humanely-raised products, collaborating with Niman Ranch and similar small purveyors who are environmentally conscious. Menus are seasonal, ensuring freshest ingredients are used in Sage Leaf’s many innovative dishes and craft cocktails.
The new restaurant will be triple the size of the Incline Village location, and will be housed in the former Laughing Planet building at 650 Tahoe Street, in the heart of Midtown. Sage Leaf’s Reno opening is slated for early March and is now hiring; interested candidates are encouraged to apply online.
ABOUT
Sage Leaf was founded in 2020, aptly named for the Nevada State Flower Sagebrush, a hardy and durable plant that flowers and thrives in summers and continues to live and grow during winters – much like a Tahoe local. The restaurant proudly supports the Boys and Girls Club of North Tahoe and the Incline Education Fund and is a member of the Reno-Sparks Chamber and the IVCBA. Owner Shane, originally from Sacramento, serves as Executive Chef and Sommelier, met Owner/Operator Lara, who is from Napa Valley, in 2007 while they were working at the prestigious Napa Valley Grille in Yountville. Cooking in Napa and in the San Francisco Bay Area inspired Shane and Lara to share their passion for sublime cuisine, high-end wine, and authentic, top-notch hospitality with locals and visitors in the Reno-Tahoe area.
Sage Leaf sources local, sustainable, humanely-raised products, collaborating with Niman Ranch and similar purveyors who are environmentally conscious.
The Local Lens – Incline Village Honors Local Generosity at the Heart of Giving Awards
February 11, 2026 | Member Submitted
Guest Writer, Jody Wright – Executive Director of Tahoe Family Solutions
The Local Lens – The word philanthropy, originated from the Greek word philanthropia, simply meant “For the love of Mankind.”
On February 14, Tahoe Family Solutions is excited to host a new event in Incline Village – The Heart of Giving Awards. Our hope is to draw attention to the incredible generosity and spirit of this community by recognizing exceptional philanthropic, volunteer and community service efforts. In this first year of the event and in honor of our history, we will recognize Joe and Polly Wolfe for their long-term commitment to the TFS mission, and families and youth of the Incline basin, as well as the multiple other non-profit organizations they support in our region, many of whom will be in attendance on the 14th.
We recognize it is through the giving of time, treasure and talent of so many that we have incredible arts opportunities, a safety net for struggling individuals and families, community events and beautification, education support, disaster response, scholarships and mentorship, care and support for veterans, social and civil rights movements, emergency veterinary care, and so much more. This event is grounded in gratitude and inspiration, seeking to create a legacy event that inspires awareness and encourages participation in opportunities to serve, give, and engage, and to thank the many people who make it possible.
This year, we will be fundraising for TFS programs that are near and dear to the hearts of the Wolfes – those that are centered around youth in our community. Their commitment to leveling the playing field and providing opportunities that may be out of reach for some of our neighbors and their children is long-term and consistent. Donations and offers to volunteer will be gratefully accepted in Joe and Polly’s honor and will go to these same youth programs that they so care about. People like Joe and Polly, who give what they can, regardless of the size of the gift or the amount of time shared, make an impact in ways you may never see but are truly life-changing for so many.
We are delighted at the response to this sold-out event and cannot thank the community and our sponsors enough. This fledgling event simply would not have happened without your support and enthusiasm. In coming years, it will be exciting to see how we can grow it to joyously celebrate the Hearts of Giving of many organizations, individuals and families that contribute so much to our village.
For more information or to make a gift, please contact Tahoe Family Solutions at 775-413-5145
In The News – Once rare in Nevada, winter bald eagle sightings now common
February 10, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Written by Amy Alonzo Nevada Independent, 2/10/2026
After a stint on the endangered species list, their comeback is seen as a “conservation success story.” Bald eagle numbers around Lake Tahoe reflect that.
Fresh snow blanketed the ground and the temperature hovered around 20 degrees when Will Richardson stepped from his heated vehicle to walk onto Lake Forest Beach on Lake Tahoe’s east shore.
Richardson, who was out despite battling a cold, has repeated the same early-January routine for years, first as a volunteer and up-and-coming wildlife expert, and now as executive director of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS). His goal that morning was simple: count the number of bald eagles along the lakeshore as part of a broader effort to track bald eagle populations in northwestern Nevada, the Tahoe region and beyond.
The Tahoe Basin is uniquely defined by its public lands. Woven among our communities are protected open spaces where residents and visitors ride bikes, walk dogs, launch paddleboards, ski powder, and find peace. At the same time, those undeveloped areas protect Tahoe’s water from urban runoff pollution, safeguard sensitive ecosystems and wildlife, and enable active forest management.
This harmony between the natural and human environments is what gives Tahoe its distinct sense of place—a result of a rare and powerful conservation model made possible through decades of collaboration among federal, state, Tribal, and local partners. And now, that partnership is focused on addressing growing pressure on public lands to safeguard Tahoe’s future.
Here’s a look at the enduring legacy of the Santini-Burton Act and Team Tahoe’s push for modernization.
From Protected Land to Managed for the Future
Originally passed in 1980, the Santini-Burton Act laid the groundwork for environmental protection in the Lake Tahoe Basin, authorizing federal funding to acquire and manage environmentally sensitive lands to prevent development and protect lake health.
Through the Act, the USDA Forest Service has acquired more than 16,000 acres of land in the Tahoe Basin, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the 156,000 acres of National Forest land in the Tahoe watershed. Similar programs established by the states of California and Nevada further protected and preserved sensitive land purchased from willing landowners.
Why modernization matters now While the Santini-Burton Act was transformative, changes in the 2000s inadvertently limited the law’s scope so funds could only be used to acquire land, but not to manage them. Today, Tahoe’s most urgent needs have moved beyond acquisition and focus on stewardship of public lands.
If enacted, modernization would unlock funds for ongoing management, allowing the Tahoe Basin to complete more lake-saving Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) projects to protect Tahoe’s famed clarity, improve recreation sites, manage forests to reduce wildfire risk, and expand the presence of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Importantly, the modernization act would come at no new cost to taxpayers.
Honoring the Washoe Tribe For thousands of years, the wá•šiw (Washoe People) have been deeply connected to Da ow a ga (Lake Tahoe), caring for the land and waters long before modern governance.
The modernized bill enables the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California to take a meaningful step toward advancing traditional knowledge for forest health management and restoring Tribal stewardship in their ancestral and current homeland.
Tips for the Perfect Self-Care Day in Tahoe-Truckee
February 10, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in Tahoe.com, Written by Kirsten Alexis, 2/2/2026
The world feels a bit chaotic for many people right now, and it’s a sign to reconnect with yourself through nature. Luckily for us, the Tahoe-Truckee region is a vast outdoor wellness sanctuary that makes the perfect place to take a pause. Featuring an abundance of sunny days, fresh alpine air, an expansive network of forested trails, vibrant blue lakes and landscapes that look like they came out of a screensaver, the region makes the perfect setting for rest, relaxation and recovery.
The Tahoe-Truckee region offers a multitude of options for a self-care day, including beaches, hiking and snowshoeing trails, yoga studios and spas. Below, I have curated a list of tips and places for you to go to help you unwind, stay present and recharge. Take a deep breath, make a list of the positives and enjoy the day guilt-free.
Treat Yourself at a Spa
The Tahoe-Truckee region has a variety of world-class spas with services specifically designed to help you relax and disconnect. Here, you can put your phone away and let the professionals help you choose services that will benefit your well-being. From massages, to facials to cold plunges and saunas, there are guilt-free recovery options for everyone.
Tahoe Philharmonic Continues 21st Season with EPIC/Every Piece is a Classic!
February 10, 2026 | Member Submitted
James Rawie, Artistic Director and Conductor
Tahoe Philharmonic (lovers of harmony) Orchestra and Chorus kicks off Maestro James Rawie’s 21st annual WinterFest with the “EPIC/Every Piece Is a Classic” concert series February 21-March 1.
Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus will continue the celebration of Maestro James Rawie’s 21st Anniversary, with two of the most memorable monuments in Western music: Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor and J.S.Bach’s rousing Magnificat. Kevin Matheson joins Tahoe Philharmonic, bringing to life one of the finest and most popular gems in the concerto repertoire. Maestro Rawie was the Founder and Artistic Director of TOCCATA for the past 19 years, presenting more than 500 classical concerts and soirees throughout the Reno/Tahoe Basin. TahoePhilharmonic is now under his Artistic Direction.
The series is called EPIC–Every Piece is a Classic. The orchestra sets the tone for the Maestro’s 21st Anniversary Year with the overture to Bach’s Orchestral Suite in D major, his majestic forward thought about purely orchestral music. You will immediately fall in love with the main melodies of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor! Settle in and let yourself be swept away by the turbulent passion of the opening movement, the languid beauty of the slow movement, and the giddy, high-spirited energy of the finale. The piece is played so often because it is undeniably a masterpiece in the world of violin concertos. Kevin Matheson is normally with the Roanoak Virginia Symphony, but now journey’s three times per year to act as co-concertmaster with Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.
Bach’s majestic Magnificat, sung in latin, is one of the finest choral-orchestral achievements of his life’s (prodigious!) compositions. The work is in 12 movements, similar to Vivaldi’s treatment of his Gloria. Vocal soloists include Mari Stoner, Michele Izor, and Debbie Sessions, sopranos: Lorelei vanPeborgh, mezzo; and Stuart Duke, baritone. Cliff Richardson serves as co-concertmaster. Nick Haines and Katie Lauder are continuo, and William Cates, baroque trumpet.
When and Where:
Saturday February 21 4pm ……………. RENO: St Lukes Lutheran Church (3835 Lakeside Drive)
Sunday February 22 4pm ………. INCLINE VILLAGE: St Patrick’s Church (341 Village Blvd);
Saturday February 28 4pm …………………………….. MINDEN: CVIC Hall (1604 Esmeralde Ave.)
Sunday March 1 4pm .. RENO: St Rose of Lima Catholic Church (100 Bishop Manogue Drive)
Tickets are available at the door for all concerts or online at www.Tahoe-Philharmonic.com. General admission to EPIC/Every Piece Is a Classic concerts is $30 for adults. Preferred seating is $40 adults/$15 youth and Premium seating is $50 adults/$25youth. Benefactors row is $100/seat. Under 23 years of age are admitted free, in general admission seating area, to most regular season concerts in 2026. Seniors enjoy $5 discount in all areas. There are “back row” seating tickets at no set charge, just donate what you can afford for this concert.
TahoePhil/ Maestro James Rawie’s 21st Anniversary WinterFest continues March 29-April 7 featuring our annual J.S.Bach St. Matthew Passion series, which now includes selections from part 2 and Ressurection of Handel’s immortal Messiah.
Originally published in the TRPA ENews Housing update
Efforts to address housing affordability in the Tahoe Basin are entering an important new stage, and we want you to be part of what comes next.
This month, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is kicking off Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping for the Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project. This process will take a close look at how proposed housing policy changes can protect the natural environment while continuing to support local residents that are the fabric of our community.
Read on to learn how you can share your input, stay informed, and follow along as this work moves forward. Your voice matters, please stay engaged and help spread the word.
–Long Range Planning Department
Upcoming Opportunities for Input
TRPA has initiated an environmental impact statement for proposed policies to improve housing affordability, water quality, and environmental conditions in the Tahoe Basin.
A public scoping period is now open for the public to provide input on any impacts that should be considered in the environmental analysis. The public scoping period for the EIS will remain open through March 16, 2026. Please submit written comments to housing@trpa.gov or provide spoken comment at the February 11 Advisory Planning Commission meeting.
Garden with Purpose: Fire-Adapted Landscaping & Community Resources
February 10, 2026 | Member Submitted
Below are events we received which might be of interest to you. We are seeking community members who would be able to attend the Fire Adapted Community Conference on February 23/24. (See the link below)
Check out our recent landscaping presentation with UCCE Master Gardeners and North Tahoe Fire- How to Select Appropriate Plants for Fire Adapted Landscapinghttps://youtu.be/Q0dlYzZeiSE?si=2hs2nUSnSjfRAu5t
In The News – Local Diamond Peak athlete Lila Lapanja to ski in 2026 Olympic Winter Games
February 8, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/8/2026, Staff Report
The Incline Village-based professional ski racer will compete for Slovenia in the Women’s Slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Local Incline Village-based professional ski racer Lila Lapanja has realized a life-long dream and qualified to compete in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Cortina, Italy.
Lapanja grew up on the slopes of Diamond Peak Ski Resort, first learning to ski at age 2 when her parents scattered Easter eggs around the bunny slope and challenged little Lila to pick them up while wearing skis. She fell in love with the sport quickly and ultimately found a supportive environment with the Diamond Peak Ski Team as her junior ski racing career took off.
Lapanja began her professional ski racing career on the U.S. Ski Team, winning four U.S. National Championship titles along the way. After years of competing on the World Cup, Europa Cup and NorAm race circuits as an independent racer from the U.S., she switched affiliations to ski for her father’s home country of Slovenia two years ago, with the goal of qualifying for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
