An unprecedented group of Lake Tahoe destination management, land management, and non-profit organizations launched the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan today at Round Hill Pines Resort with the signing of an agreement to create the first destination stewardship council for the greater Tahoe region. The plan outlines a comprehensive framework and sets in motion action priorities to better manage outdoor recreation and tourism and ensure the sustainability and preservation of an iconic natural treasure and its local community. Today’s event capped an extensive stakeholder engagement and community visioning process that began in 2022 after the community felt immense challenges initially brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan’s vision and actions were developed in collaboration with 17 regional organizations and participation of over 3,000 residents, visitors, and businesses through surveys, interviews, and workshops.By implementing this plan, member organizations, and Lake Tahoe communities will reinforce their commitment to responsible recreation and tourism practices, ensuring the continued enjoyment of this national treasure for generations to come.

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To prevent dangerous wildfires and injuries, the use of fireworks and solid fuels is forbidden. Effective from June 26, 2023, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has imposed summer fire restrictions until further notice. These restrictions include a complete ban on the use of fireworks and solid fuels, including but not limited to sparklers, snakes, firecrackers, rockets and charcoal and wood. Please be aware that this restriction also applies to the charcoal grilling areas in IVGID parks and beaches. By complying with these regulations, we can minimize fire hazards and ensure the safety of our community.

Please note that federal and state lands campfire restrictions may differ. Check the local fire restrictions pertinent to your location.

This is also a reminder during Red Flag Warnings, all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Reno issues Red Flag Warnings to alert land management officials and fire agencies when the potential of critical weather that could lead to wildfire activity. We urge our citizens to check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. 

Prepare for wildfire and maintain your defensible space. Sign up for our chipping and defensible space inspection services. To learn more about how to prepare for wildfire and home hardening, please visit Living With Fire Tahoe. Please visit Code Red to register for emergency alert notifications in Washoe County.

Having been born in Providence Hospital, and having been one lucky person all my Providential life, I thought I should take a little time travel and visit that lucky place of concurrence. So I booked a flight for Washington D.C…Hey, Buzz Aldrin’s mother’s name was Marion Moon…and as there are no coincidences, I determined to visit the birthplace of my good fortune, Providence Hospital.

Arriving in the capital I felt a desire to visit the House of Representatives before heading over to Providence. Not knowing anybody in the body politic, I fashioned myself to be an ombudsman, created an ID to reflect that lofty position, OMBUDSMAN, laminated it, and pinned it to my vest. As good fortune would have it, the Sergent-at-Arms, recognized and enthusiastically welcomed me as an ombudsman, smiled, and waved me inside. 

I strode confidently into that noble chamber, took an empty seat, and started making my notes for a short filibuster.

The Speaker was about to bring a bill to a vote and asked for final arguments. I didn’t know what that particular bill was about, but seeing my opportunity, I stood to make my case, and pretty well had to shout, as members began asking, “What the heck is an ombudsman, anyway? Then, out of curiosity if nothing else, the chamber quieted down, and I was allowed to speak… 

“I am visiting this august body at the request of the American people, who have asked me to tell you, ‘Enough back-biting and mudslinging! We have had a belly-full of this squalor, and demand that this noble body get around to conducting the business of the people.’” 

I sat down to a hush that weighed forty pounds per square inch. One representative started to clap, then another. One stood, then another. One shouted his approval, then another, until the house was awash with boisterous approval.

Suddenly I felt a hand slip into my armpit, then another hand slipped into my other armpit, and I was lifted gently from my seat and carried summarily out of the hall to shouts of, “Yo, Ombudsman! Long Live the Ombudsman!”

So I left the House without the use of my legs, and was deposited without ceremony on the sidewalk, where I asked, “Does anybody happen to know the way to Providence Hospital?”

“Oh, dry up, you’re not hurt!” hollered one of my escorts.

So I went on my merry way, and was pleasantly surprised when some folks stopped to ask me what an ombudsman was, for I had neglected to take off my ID. One lady opined, “You’re exactly what this country needs right now, an ombudsman to bring us together. Do you have a card?”

I finally found my way to Providence Hospital and made my way up to room 225, where my mother told me I was born, and was proud to see, as I arrived, a plaque had been mounted propitiously above the door, “The OMBUDSMAN was born here.” 

Audio: https://anchor.fm/mcavoy-layne

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 06/27/2023, Written by Miranda Jacobson

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev.— The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency governing board will finally meet to hold two public hearings regarding the highly controversial East Shore Trail Shuttle permit along with the amendment to the Tahoe Area Plan in Special Area 1. 

The meeting will begin no earlier than 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, and will take place at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency located at 128 Market Street at Stateline. The meeting will also be live-streamed virtually. 

The first public hearing that will take place will for the Tahoe Transportation District, who could see the approval of a six month extension on the special use permit needed to use the old elementary school on Southwood Blvd. for the East Shore Trail Shuttle….

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Aerial Fire & Rescue Fund

The recent Caldor and Tamarack fires were a wakeup call. There are no dedicated aerial resources for our area. The TDFPD and surrounding agencies believe by implementing a Fire Rescue Helicopter Program, that serves the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas, we could dramatically increase our ability to save lives, properties, infrastructure, wildlife, and the National Treasure that is Lake Tahoe.

What would a program like this provide?

• Initial fire attack that would suppress fires quickly when they are small – 24/7, 365 days 
• Emergency rescue from the air – 24/7, 365 days
• The capability of dropping 1,000 gallons of water on a fire
• The capability to drop a Helitack Crew on the ground for fire suppression
• An onboard paramedic with full advanced life support equipment to perform emergency life-saving skills
• A hoist to perform rescues in remote or hard to get to locations
• The capability for night flying to detect and suppress fires and for search and rescue operations
• Non-emergency fuels reduction work to establish fuel breaks around neighborhoods and businesses in the Lake Tahoe area

How can you help make this program a reality?

Funding Support – Donate to tahoefire.org/helicopter – Donations small and large will all be appreciated. Donations are tax deductible.

Public Support – Spread the Word – Tell your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers about the need and ask them to donate. Schedule a presentation for your group or organization. Call Today 775.588.3591.

Political Support – Contact your local state and federal representatives – Urge them to give their support to the program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO DONATE>

The Village Church is raising money to double the size of it preschool and to start a K-5 program.  The preschool has operated for over 20 years at the church at 736 McCourry Blvd, and now serves about 30 children.  There is an 80 family waitlist, and so expansion will be a great service to the community.  The first K-1 class this year is currently enrolling, targeting a class size of 10.  Krissy Flynn will be its teacher. 

The church had been preparing to build the needed space, but just a few weeks ago the neighbors across the parking lot from the church entrance offered to sell the church their home. The Village Church congregation voted 97% in the affirmative to accept the offer. This purchase will accommodate staff offices, make church expansion unnecessary, and enable the schools to occupy the entire west wing of the church.

The church has $1.2 million of the approximately $2 million cost for the purchase, and has initiated a capital campaign to raise the $800,000 balance.  It is excited to offer these opportunities to the north Lake Tahoe communities and is inviting the Incline Village community to pitch in.  The large preschool waitlist demonstrates the need, and we hope the idea of offering parents the option of a bible-based elementary education also appeals.  

Please make checks payable to The Village Church, and include “capital campaign” on the memo line.  If you wish to donate by credit card, or make a tax-advantaged stock donation, please contact the church office.  Other tax-advantaged ways to give include IRA RMD checks, or contributions by Donor Advised Funds. 

Ask the church for details. 

The Village Church, 736 McCourry Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451 

Office phone:  (775)831-0784