In The News – This Winter, Let Sleeping Bears Lie (If They’re Actually Sleeping)
January 4, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 12/12/2024, Written by Alex Hoeft
Are local bears still hibernating? What’s the trend?
Tahoe’s bears have taken advantage of year-round access to plentiful food due, in large part, to the inability of many humans to secure their trash, remove food from vehicles, close their kitchen doors or windows, and stop deliberately feeding them. Does this mean they no longer hibernate, though?
BEAR League knows most of the bears in all the neighborhoods around Tahoe, so we understand what they are up to. Therefore, we can honestly say for certain that about 80% of the bears do, indeed, go into a den each winter. Unfortunately, about 150 of them choose to den under homes and summer cabins because people refuse to secure their crawl space openings, with the excuse usually being, “No bear has ever gone under there before.” We also get calls when a hiker or someone on snowshoes finds a bear in the woods sleeping under a huge fallen tree … and this is a good thing, so we usually let sleeping bears lie, unless it’s a well- traveled trail, and then we have to ask them to move to a better location.
In The News – The rescue of Pelican Whitey, the stranded seabird in Tahoe
January 2, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published by KUNR, 12/06/2024, by Lucia Starbuck
An American White Pelican is roosting after a 20-person team rescued him from an icy pond in Truckee.
The seabird sure had an un-pheasant journey.
It’s normal to see pelicans in the Reno-Tahoe area. They’re big aquatic birds with long beaks and large throat pouches. They migrate from the coast and go inland during the winter to stay warm.
So it became clear to birders this pelican was feeling under the feather and wasn’t supposed to be here this late in the year. Unlike Nigel from “Finding Nemo,” who scooped up Dory and Marlin, this bird, nicknamed “Whitey” by the locals, was in need of saving.
Commonly referred to as mother-in-law or granny units, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are smaller homes that share the same lot of a primary residence. Examples include a detached guesthouse or a garage with a rented apartment above. ADUs are one solution to increasing the supply of workforce and affordable housing here and across the nation.
ADUs have many benefits:
They are built on land that is already owned, making them a more affordable option than developing a vacant parcel.
They provide an income source to homeowners.
They are generally less costly to construct than new multifamily projects.
They provide a flexible living option for individuals, family members, couples, or seniors.
They are typically funded by the homeowner and do not require public subsidies like many large affordable housing projects.
Recognizing these benefits, TRPA adopted new polices in 2021 that allowed accessory dwelling units for local workers on thousands more parcels in the Tahoe Basin. While there are still challenges to building an ADU, momentum is building. Since 2021, TRPA has permitted 57 total units, 12 of which are constructed to date.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is committed to caring for our guests, colleagues and community, and works to ensure guests’ experiences exceed their expectations. At this time, we can confirm the resort is resuming plans for a multi-phased renovation to enhance the guest experience.
The first phase of enhancements is expected to begin in early March 2025 and continue through May 2027.
During this time, the South Parcel of the resort, including the cottages, amenities, access to Lake Tahoe, the beach, the pier and the lakeside restaurants will not be available.
The North Parcel of the resort – including the main guest room tower, resort pool, Stillwater Spa, fitness facilities, Grand Lodge Casino, Tahoe Adventures programming, and dining venues Cutthroat’s Saloon, Osteria Sierra, Tahoe-to-Go, and Tahoe Provisions – will remain fully operational and continue business as usual.
We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service to our guests, World of Hyatt members, customers and our community throughout this process and look forward to sharing more details soon.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Raises $10,000 for Incline Education Fund’s “Step up for STEM” Program
December 31, 2024 | Member Submitted
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on the shore of Lake Tahoe, raised $10,000 for the Incline Education Fund’s (IEF) “Step up for STEM” program. The money was raised through the resort’s haunted carnival fundraising event that took place on Halloween.
“We are honored to be able to support such an amazing organization as the Incline Education Fund,” said Pascal Dupuis, general manager of Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. “At Hyatt, our purpose is to care for people so they can be their best, and that extends to caring for our local community. We are thrilled that the Haunted Carnival was such a success and provided a fun family-friendly event while raising money to help local children receive top-notch education opportunities.”
Through community support and awarded grants, the IEF has resulted in several educational programs including a makerspace at Incline Elementary School, a robotics program at Incline Middle School, and an engineering and entrepreneurship program at Incline High School. For more information on the “Step up for STEM” program, please visit https://www.inclineeducationfund.org.
In addition to the donation to IEF, the resort also raised more than $2,500 for Tahoe Family Solutions, a non-profit organization that offers an array of community-based services including education, mental health services, and youth development programs. The money was raised through the resort’s summer wellbeing events including the popular Lakeside Yoga series and the “Community Unity” wellness day.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe and its team are dedicated to supporting its local community. It takes part in several giving back initiatives each year including community beautification projects, beach clean-up days, meal delivery services to local food banks, and donations of used linens for homeless animals at Pet Network Humane Society.
For more information or to book a stay at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.
About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Ideally situated on the pristine shores of North Lake Tahoe, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino offers majestic lake and mountain views from its 422 guest rooms and 32 suites. The resort epitomizes modern alpine luxury with its exposed wood beams, rich leathers, and granite accents. Guests can enjoy premium amenities such as a year-round heated lagoon-style pool, two hot tubs, a 25,000 square-foot Grand Lodge Casino, and 65,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. Additional features include a 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa with 16 treatment rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, pet-friendly accommodations, a fully-equipped Hyatt StayFit gym with Peloton bikes, and an on-site Adventure program offering guided activities. Recognized for excellence, the resort has garnered numerous awards including Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best in the West Smart Meetings Smart Stars Awards, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Awards.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, at 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV, 89451. For more information, visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com or follow the resort on Facebook or Instagram.
About Hyatt Regency hotels
The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 200 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation. For more information, please visit hyatt.com
In The News – Reno couple breathes life into Crystal Bay Club: Casino now ‘epicenter of Lake Tahoe entertainment’
December 27, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 12/26/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle
As Roger and Elise Norman left Cal Neva Resort after a concert in 2002, they drove past the Crystal Bay Casino, which was closed, with lights off, with huge snowbanks against the building.
“There was a little tiny sign that said, for sale, with a phone number,” Roger Norman said. “I said, hey, write that number down. So, she did.”
The next day, Norman called and learned the property was due to go to a bankruptcy sale.
In The News – UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center welcomes 50th AmeriCorps member
December 21, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 12/19/2024, Submitted to the Tribune
The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) announced a significant milestone in its collaboration with the Sierra Nevada Alliance AmeriCorps Partnership program: the arrival of its 50th AmeriCorps member. This achievement underscores the ongoing commitment of UC Davis TERC and the Sierra Nevada Alliance Program to fostering workforce development, environmental stewardship, education, and conservation in the Tahoe Basin and beyond.
The AmeriCorps program, often called the “domestic Peace Corps,” was created in 1993 and is a national service initiative that provides individuals with opportunities to tackle critical community needs. Through the Sierra Nevada Alliance Program, UC Davis TERC has partnered with AmeriCorps to recruit passionate, talented young professionals from all over the country who are eager to make a tangible difference in conservation and environmental education. Together, these organizations are building a workforce development pipeline that empowers young people to embark on meaningful careers in conservation and stewardship.
In The News – Wolf pack confirmed 50 miles north of Lake Tahoe
December 18, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 12/18/2024, Written by Katelyn Welsh
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed a new wolf pack, found around 50 miles north of Lake Tahoe. The Diamond pack is a pair of wolves that roam the Lassen and Plumas counties. This makes nine known wolf packs currently across California.
Wolf specialists were on to the wolves as early as last December with information that two wolves were potentially in the area on the Lassen-Plumas boundary. Camera traps as well as tracks and scat provided further clues to their presence.
“Basically, they have been consistently present in one area long enough for us to confidently say that they are a pack,” State Gray Wolf Coordinator, Axel Hunnicutt says.
In The News – Incline Gymnastics Club celebrates with big wins
December 17, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 12/11/2024, Special to the Tribune
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – This weekend was a proud one for the athletes at Incline Gymnastics Club (IGC), as they kicked off their season with outstanding performances at their first local meet. Both teams demonstrated hard work and determination, leading to impressive results.
The Level 3 team brought home silver, with several gymnasts achieving top individual scores. A special mention goes to Madison Hrindo and Ellie Lerch, who competed in their first-ever meet. Madison scored an impressive 9.0 on beam, while Ellie wowed with a 9.6 on vault, setting the stage for a bright future.
The Level 4 team shined bright too, securing the gold medal. The team’s consistent effort and dedication were on full display, showing just how far they’ve come since last season.
Travel North Tahoe Nevada hires Mike Beiro as Community Engagement & Advocacy Manager
December 17, 2024 | Member Submitted
Destination management organization creates new position to deepen community connections
Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV), the official destination management organization for the North Shore, Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, has hired Mike Beiro for the newly-created Community Engagement & Advocacy Manager position.
In this position, Mike will work to build and maintain positive relationships with local leaders, businesses, organizations, and residents by fostering open communication and addressing community needs. His efforts will help ensure that Travel North Tahoe Nevada’s initiatives align with the needs of all community stakeholders.
“I am thrilled to step into this new role with Travel North Tahoe Nevada and to have the opportunity to build stronger connections between our incredible community and the tourism industry,” said Mike Beiro, Community Engagement & Advocacy Manager. “North Tahoe is a special place, and I’m excited to collaborate with residents, businesses, and leaders to promote the benefits of the tourism economy to our local stakeholders while enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the region.”
A key aspect of his role will be advocating for a balanced approach to tourism — highlighting its positive economic benefits while addressing user impacts to promote harmony between visitors and residents. Additionally, Mike will provide vital resources and information to the community, such as educational tools, event updates, and tourism data, ensuring transparency and collaboration.
“We’re excited to welcome Mike to the team in this vital new role,” said Andy Chapman, president and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada. “His focus on fostering meaningful community relationships and advocating for a balanced approach to tourism will help us create a stronger, more connected North Tahoe.”
Beiro comes to TNTNV after a successful career in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, working in sales management and reservation management positions. His career includes employment at major resort options including Vail Resorts, Grand Targhee Resort, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Mike’s career also focused on community engagement, working at Jackson Hole’s Center for the Arts, and fostering an inclusive facility for local arts organizations.
Beiro’s career began in Incline Village, working at marquee North Tahoe businesses like Diamond Peak and Alibi Ale Works. He attended Sierra Nevada University — now the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe — where he graduated in 2020.
To learn more about Travel North Tahoe Nevada and its stewardship initiatives in North Lake Tahoe, visitwww.travelnorthtahoenevada.com.
About Travel North Tahoe Nevada: Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) is the public organization responsible for destination management for the North Shore, Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Its mission is to encourage destination experiences that support a vibrant economy, enhance community character, and foster environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.travelnorthtahoenevada.com.
