Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 04/11/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Christine Hull was part of the Washoe County School District Zoning Advisory Committee presenting to the school district trustees when she realized there wasn’t an educator’s voice on the board. That’s when Hull knew she wanted to run for a trustee seat for District A.

“That was a moment for me,” Hull said. “It was about me wanting to be a choice for teachers and students, and having had that experience.”

Hull explained the purpose of the school board is to have community input.

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Photo: Tahoe Daily tribune

Submitted and Written by David Vomund, Investment Advisor

One of the most common (and safest) predictions analysts make is that the market will be volatile.  A Google search shows how popular that prediction was heading into this year.  But those analysts couldn’t have been more wrong.  The S&P 500 rose 10 percent in the first quarter without even a two percent pullback.  In fact, the market went five months without a two percent pullback!  In the last 30 years that has only happened three times (1995, 2006, and 2017).

History says the rally isn’t over.  Since 1950, when the S&P 500 gained 8 percent or more in the first quarter it had an average gain of 9.7 percent over the next three quarters.  I’ll take that.  

Investors of all stripes (including me) bemoaned the narrow nature of the market advance in 2023.  It was focused on seven big-cap stocks called the Magnificent Seven.  That ended.  More stocks participated in the first quarter advance (the average S&P 500 stock gained 7 percent) and a few of the Magnificent Seven weren’t so magnificent. Tesla became the worst performing S&P 500 stock in the first quarter and Apple lost 11 percent.  While growth outperformed value in the first quarter, that gap is narrowing.  Over the last month large and mid-cap value indexes have performed better than the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100.  

On the income side, economists still expect a cut in June.  If true money-market funds will continue to yield more than five percent.  That’s okay, but investors happy to earn five percent are taking duration risk, which is why I still recommend nailing down yields on bonds that mature further out.  Others must agree as the bonds and preferreds in our portfolios have rallied even though the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield has moved from 3.86 percent to 4.4 percent this year.  

Bottom line:   Allow for volatile days as the market is buffeted primarily by the changing outlook for inflation, interest rates, and the war in the Middle East.  And expect surprises, both positive and negative.  My base case is for modest earnings growth and declining interest rates with inflation staying down in the 2.5 to 3.0 percent range.  That will be above the Fed’s 2 percent target, which it will raise to 2.5 percent or higher and say that’s close enough. What I have described is a favorable environment for stocks in a bull market.  And that is what we will have.

David Vomund is an Incline Village-based Independent Investment Advisor.  Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555.  Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.

Submitted by Tia Rancourt, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

JOIN NEVADA DONOR NETWORK’S SILVER STATE HEROES CHALLENGE

It is National Donate Life Month, and we are honored to support Nevada Donor Network’s mission to save and heal lives through donation by participating in the 2024 Silver State Heroes Challenge along with first responder agencies across the state. 

More than 100,000 people nationwide are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, including nearly 700 Nevadans. Will you help us bring hope to these 700 Nevadans who are waiting for their second chance through organ donation? Not registered? 

Register here: www.nvdonor.org/nltfd.

Together, we have the power to save and heal lives.

Submitted by Tia Rancourt, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

With the change of seasons officially here, it is a good reminder to start thinking about outdoor springtime clean up (that is of course between snowstorms and shoveling your fire hydrant!). During this transitional season change we can anticipate getting ready for fire season and creating our defensible space. This also includes making sure you have a preparedness kit or go bag ready, and for Washoe County residents, that you are signed up for CodeRED Emergency Alert notifications. 

Embrace Village-wide Fire Safety! Secure a Free Defensible Space Inspection Today!

Join hands with the Fire Department to safeguard our community against wildfires. Sign up for your complimentary Defensible Space Inspection, complete with a comprehensive report and photographs. Let’s work together to enhance our understanding of wildfire prevention. Schedule your inspection here. Also, for our free chipping service, please visit here. Please note that both Defensible Space Inspection and Chipping requests for the 2024 season will start May 6, 2024.

In the event of an evacuation, Washoe County Emergency Management has prepared an evacuation video to help understand more about what to expect in an evacuation and how you can be prepared. For example, do you have a Family Emergency Preparedness Plan? 

As the snow is melting, we are also seeing some bear activity in our neighborhoods as they begin to wake up and roam our neighborhoods. Please make sure to keep car doors locked and do not leave food items inside the car. Also consider installing a bear shed (garbage can enclosure) if you do not already have one. Visithttps://www.yourtahoeplace.com/public-works/waste-not/bear-wildlife-awareness for more information.

Helpful Contact Phone Numbers/Websites:

Originally Published in the Sierra Sun on 04/09/2024, Submitted

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The California Jobs First Initiative, with the Tahoe Prosperity Center as the sub-regional lead, is spearheading efforts in the Tahoe/Nevada Subregion to identify visionary projects that will drive economic growth across various sectors. 

Drawing insights from the Envision Tahoe Prosperity Playbook, a comprehensive source of community-driven development strategies, this initiative marks a significant departure from previous approaches, aiming to direct state funding in a manner that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our communities.

They welcome projects offering innovative solutions in sectors such as Environmental Innovation, Health and Wellness, Outdoor/Sustainable Recreation, Working Lands, Precision Manufacturing, and beyond.

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Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 04/08/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – When Joe Atack was 11 and growing up in a small village in Northern England, he had a drama teacher who had an incredible impact on him.

“The thing that got me started was a really amazing theater teacher,” said Atack, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival’s new executive director. “Lynda Ross was a catalyst for me to train as an actor. She was a fantastic teacher and a fantastic person. Lynda was really formative in my process to becoming an actor.”

Ross was Atack’s drama teacher and mentor throughout high school.

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 4/05/2024, Written by Tribune Staff

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – On Wednesday April 3, the Nevada Department of Taxation, Committee on Local Government Finance, accepted Incline Village General Improvement District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

On March 29, IVGID submitted the audited financial statements to the Nevada Department of Taxation. It complies with the Nevada Department of Taxation extension deadline.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the CLGF asked IVGID General Manager Bobby Magee to provide a report at its August meeting. At that time, it wants an update on the Forensic Due Diligence Audit results.

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