Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 4/6/23. Written by Robert Galloway.

To try and decide each week where and what to eat in and around Truckee-Tahoe can be a challenge — there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next. 

Whenever you’re at a restaurant and an item is listed as one of the chef’s favorites — and in this instance a James Beard award-winning chef — you’re most likely in good hands. This week’s feature is indeed one of those menu items taken from the list of “Uncle Sam’s Island Favorites” at Ohana Diner. 

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Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 4/11/23. Submitted to the Sun.

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Funds generated by the businesses that voted to form the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) have been awarded in support of special events that will take place in the region in 2023. In total, $515,000 will contribute to events that bring the character and spirit of North Lake Tahoe to life for residents and visitors and support the local business community.

“Events like these not only contribute to the vibrancy of our business community and local economy, they give residents and visitors unique experiences to look forward to and participate in,” said Tony Karwowski, North Tahoe Community Alliance president and CEO. “It’s exciting to have such a robust event schedule this year, and funding available to support its success.”

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Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 4/9/23. Written by Madison Shultz.

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. — With the continuous snowfall during the past winter season, Lake Tahoe Basin locals and businesses are eager to ramp up for the warmer months ahead. With outdoor activities such as kayaking and biking in the near future for locals and visitors to enjoy, businesses are in preparation mode for the summer ahead while the snow starts to melt. 

Founded in 2016, Clearly Tahoe has been a pillar in Lake Tahoe’s outdoor recreation scene for over half a decade. The business has recently expanded, now having a retail location in the Round Hill Shopping Center in Zephyr Cove. 

“We developed Clearly Tahoe as a means of enabling guests, both visitors and locals, that want to just experience the lake and really optimize their full experience while they’re here with us,” Kelsey Weist, founder and owner of Clearly Tahoe said. “We began as the first clear kayak tour company on Lake Tahoe and one of the first globally.” 

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Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 4/7/23. Written by Staff Report.

CRYSTAL BAY, Nev. — The historic Cal Neva Resort on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore has been acquired by a real estate investment, development and management firm, officials announced Thursday afternoon.

McWhinney acquired the resort that was built in 1926 and was later redeveloped by Frank Sinatra in 1960.

During its glitzy heyday, the Cal Neva played host to hundreds of major U.S. figures including John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. The property has been in need of renovation for the past several decades and closed for business altogether in 2013. 

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 4/8/23. Written by Miranda Jacobson.

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Incline Village students, staff, and parents gathered Wednesday, April 5, to discuss possible changes that the district could see in the future, including the potential closure of Incline Middle School. 

Washoe County School District contracted with CannonDesign to assist in long-range planning for the next phase of WC-1 (which passed in 2016) funding use.

Incline Village schools have been one of the main focuses of CannonDesign. Since 2000, school enrollment has nearly been cut in half for Incline Schools. Currently, 245 elementary students, 144 middle school students and 324 high school students are enrolled in those schools. 

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I don’t pretend to know the secrets of a good public talk myself, but I have been in the company of good public talkers for many years and have learned a good deal from them. Here is a little of what I have learned…

People don’t want a message; they want a story. So if you wrap your message in a story it will be like wrapping your dog’s medicine in a treat.

First, work your client’s special interest into your opening remarks, then work your client’s special interest into the middle of your talk, and finally, in thanking your client, work your client’s special interest into your closing remarks.

This discipline once prompted the following acknowledgement, “What a wonderful coincidence, Mr. Twain, that you played bridge in the Civil War and on the Overland Stagecoach, and here in Virginia City!  We are all bridge players!” Well, that was no coincidence, but we never let the truth stand in the way of a good story.

Draw mental pictures in your story as often as possible. Chuck Jones, by his own admission, came up with the cartoon series, “Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner,” after reading Mark Twain’s description of the coyote and the jackass rabbit in his book, Roughing It.

Then, while it is still fresh in your mind, go over your material as soon as possible after delivering it. A reporter who once intended to interview Arnold Palmer immediately after Arnie had won a tournament was frustrated to find Arnold out on the driving range, practicing. Be like Arnie, and make improvements while the subject is still warm.

Fear public speaking? A young lady once confided to me that she would rather have a coyote gnaw on her arm, than to speak in public. Have confidence that your personality, sincerity, and your parent’s faith in you, will see you through. Speaking from the heart will always win the house.

As you are called up to the podium, picture the sunny-side-up eggs you are going to have for breakfast the following morning. This will serve to ground you, let you look past the moment, and put your mind at ease.

Practice setting bookmarks in your program in case you are asked a question, or a thought comes to you that you want to touch on, and you will be able to return to the exact spot where you left off without missing a beat.

Try to leave time for a few questions from the audience. I always thought of it as my favorite part of the program, for if you don’t have an answer, at least you can come up with an opinion.

And finally, perhaps foremost, when you are once again alone with your thoughts, and have gone over your program to your satisfaction, give yourself a much deserved pat on the back, because talking in public ain’t easy…

Listen to the Audio: https://anchor.fm/mcavoy-layne

A fundraising event to support science around the lake and beyond while kayaking Lake Tahoe in seven day trip segments.

The Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) at UC Davis, has monitored Lake Tahoe for over 60 years, amassing a unique record of change for one of the world’s most beautiful yet vulnerable lakes.

TERC will be hosting our third annual Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe for Science (TERC CIRC 3), a seven-day kayaking trip around the lake starting June 19 – June 25, 2023. Paddlers will have an opportunity to learn about Lake Tahoe’s ecology, geology and emerging challenges. TERC’s scientific experts will accompany paddlers to illustrate the science being used to restore Lake Tahoe.

Many people have paddled Lake Tahoe, but this event is unique. In addition to each day’s 6-13 miles of spectacular shoreline paddling, you will get to see, share and learn about Lake Tahoe’s ecology, geology and emerging challenges. TERC’s scientific experts will illustrate the science being used to restore Lake Tahoe.

Registration
Come for just a day or two, or join the ranks of the epic few who have completed the entire circumnavigation. Space is limited! A description of each day’s route will be provided during registration.

Join for a day: $100
Join for two days: $200
Join for three days: $300
Join for four or more: $350
Note: Registration is refundable up to 30 days prior to the event. Eventbrite’s fees are nonrefundable.

Paddlers will enjoy:

Complimentary snacks each day.
Shuttle service from takeout points back to put-in points to retrieve your car
Monday, June 19, enjoy a pre-launch coffee/tea and pastries.
Basic strokes demonstration before each launch.
A commemorative TERC CIRC 3 dry bag to keep all your belongings safe from getting soggy.
The unique camaraderie of joining like-minded paddlers in doing a good turn for the lake.
Sunday afternoon, June 25, a complimentary celebratory party with your fellow paddlers to enjoy food, wine, beer, and other refreshments.

Details and Registration >

Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 4/1/23. Written by Miranda Jacobson.

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — April is celebrated nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and organizations in the basin are preparing to recognize the month with events that center around raising awareness and supporting survivors. 

On the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, Sierra Community House is doing as much work as they can to spread awareness and offer support to community members in the Tahoe and Truckee area. 

Last year alone, the SCH team provided 677 community members with sexual assault-related services, including advocacy, peer-counseling, safety planning, and through their support with their 24-hour help-hotline. 

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