Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 3/13/23. Written by Staff Report. Photo provided by Mt. Rose Ski Resort.

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe will make the most of daylight savings time and historic snowfall by staying open late on Fridays for the rest of the season, resort officials announced Monday.

“Open Late Fridays” begins this Friday, March 17, where selected lifts and services will stay open until 6 p.m., an extra two hours after normal closing “to give skiers and riders the opportunity to take ‘bonus runs’ this spring,” the resort said in a news release.

The $59 “Ski G.I.F.” Friday Daily Special discounted lift ticket after noon makes Fridays even more special with the later skiing and snowboarding.

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Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 3/10/23. Submitted to the Sun. Photo provided by League to Save Lake Tahoe.

TAHOE CITY, Calif. – With snow piling up to historic levels in the Lake Tahoe Basin, summer is a distant thought for residents and visitors. The League to Save Lake Tahoe, an environmental advocacy and action organization dedicated to Keep Tahoe Blue, is already planning ahead to protect the Lake once the snow melts. 

This week, the nonprofit released the results of two pioneering projects: one that uses a beach-cleaning robot to remove trash hidden in the sand, and another designed to measure the 2021 Caldor Fire’s impacts on the Tahoe ecosystem. The projects’ findings are shared through interactive StoryMaps, where users are free to explore graphs, maps, videos and images. 

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Press release from North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.

After the storm this weekend and another one on the way, which is looking like a warmer wetter pattern, there are concerns about the wet snow and precipitation adding to the snow load on structures.

Please utilize any breaks in storm systems for snow removal including the fire hydrant closest to your home and/or commercial building, gas meter and, roof.

Our crews are out every day shoveling fire hydrants, please help us and #Adopt-A-Hydrant near your home and/or commercial building. By adopting a fire hydrant, you are helping to make our community safer.

Consider the following:

• Adopt-A-Hydrant closest to your home and/or commercial property and keep it clear of snow.

• Know where your gas meter shed is located and keep it clear. Buildup of snow around natural gas meters and piping, as well as falling ice and snow from rooftops, can create hazards for natural gas customers. Promptly clear snow or ice build-up around meters. Use a broom, not a shovel, whenever possible to avoid causing damage. Keep rooftop areas above natural gas meters and piping clear of ice, icicles and/or falling snow to prevent damage.

• Snow accumulations can fall and harm/kill you, depending on their size. Clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage vents and electrical supplies to the building. Clearing the roof can be dangerous so residents are advised to leave this work to professionals.

• Be aware that a roof may collapse with little or no warning. The following warning signs could indicate that you have a danger of roof collapse. You should immediately evacuate the building and notify your local building official, fire department, or contact a structural engineer to determine if the building is safe if you observe the following:

• severe or new roof leaks.
• cracked or split wood members.
• bends or ripples in metal supports
• recent cracks in walls, gypboard or masonry.
• cracks in welds of steel construction.
• sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles.
• doors that pop open.
• doors or windows that are difficult to open.
• bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling; or creaking, cracking, or popping sounds.
• Keep all exits clear of snow, so that occupants can escape quickly if a fire, or other emergencies, should occur. Keep in mind that windows should be cleared to allow a secondary means of escape in case the primary means of escape is blocked by fire. Keeping exits clear also allows emergency workers to gain access to your building.

o    Keep all chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as pellet stove vents, may exit the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup.

Helpful Contact Phone Numbers/Websites:

• NV 511 Traveler Information System – Call 511 within Nevada or 877-NVROADS outside of Nevada, www.safetravelusa.com/nv
• CAL TRANS Road Conditions – Call 800/427-7623, http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/
• Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Public Works – Call 775/832-1203, https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/ivgid
• Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) – Call 775/328-3001, https://www.washoesheriff.com/
• North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) – Call 775/831-0351, www.nltfpd.org
• Southwest Gas (SWG) Emergency Dispatch – 800/772-4555 (Northern Nevada and California), https://www.swgas.com/
• NV Energy – Call 775/834-4100, https://www.nvenergy.com/
• Liberty Utilities – Call 800/782-2506,  https://libertyutilities.com/
• Sierra Avalanche Center – Call 530-587-3558, ext. 257 https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/contact-us
• Washoe County Emergency Management – Call 775/337-5898, https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/
• Washoe County Community Services/Snow & Ice/Where’s My Plow/IVCB Winter Parking –  https://www.washoecounty.gov/csd/operations/roads/Snow%20and%20Ice/index.php
• Code Red Regional Alert Notification – https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/RegionalAlerts.php

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

Fifty years ago or so, I cut a football in half (lengthwise), attached a chinstrap, and with the football atop my head, ran Maui’s, “First Annual Race to End the Arms Race,” as an MX Missile…

At the winner’s podium (there wasn’t one) I made a long-winded speech appealing to all nations in the arms race to lay down their arms, at least their nuclear arms. When I finished my plea, I noticed I was alone on the beach with my dog, Digger. Everybody had gone home. 

Fast forwarding fifty years, Vladimir Putin announced in his State of the Nation address, that he is suspending the Nuclear-Arms Treaty between Russia and the United States.

Hand me the football. It’s time for another Race to End the Arms Race, only this time, we are going to have one runner entered from each of the world’s 195 countries. This international ten-k will be held once again on the peaceful Island of Maui, though this time we will have a podium for the male and female winners to posit their appeals, and this time their pleas will be heard around the world.

What is President Putin to say when runners from all 195 countries stand together and say, “ENOUGH!” The court of public opinion carries weight, and when world opinion is unanimous, well, it carries the weight of the world, so it’s high time we all got on the same page.

Those who know me know I like to reside in the 19^th century alongside Mark Twain, so please indulge me as we remember what “The Moralist of the Main” reminds us in his essay, “What is Man?” 

“Man is the only animal that deals in that atrocity of atrocities, War. He is the only one that gathers his brethren about him and goes forth in cold blood and calm pulse to exterminate his kind. And in the intervals between campaigns, he washes the blood off his hands and works for ‘the universal brotherhood of man’–with his mouth.”

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 was signed on July 1^st. Let us embrace Maui’s Race to End the Arms Race on Saturday, July first of 2023, and for once and for all, let us put an end to this grotesque theater of the absurd, the very real possibility and constant fear of annihilation.

Preparations are now underway for registration that will be limited to one participant from each of the world’s 195 countries, registration to commence on June first… 

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

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 3/7/23. Written by Staff Report.

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev.— The Incline Village General Improvement District Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at the IVGID Administration Building located at 893 Southwood Blvd. The meeting will also be held live-streamed. 

General topics for discussion at the meeting include setting a public hearing date for the water and sewer utility rate increase, potentially accepting a grant of almost $205k to help support the watermain replacement near Lakeshore Blvd and Martis Peak Road, and more talk on possibly approving work into soliciting competitive proposals for a management consulting team to help improve the district.

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View Meeting Agenda & Watch Livestream >

Did you miss out on the 3/3 IVCB Community Forum? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can watch the recap here. You can also choose to read the meeting minutes here.

To be alerted about future forums, subscribe to the mailing list by sending an email to ivcbcommunityforum@gmail.com.

The Incline Village/Crystal Bay Community Forum will be held the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at 9am in person and online using the meeting app Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID number is 815 3612 1755 and the password is 1864.

On Friday morning at 8:55am John Crockett or Amanda McPhaill from the library will start the meeting. Please join before 9am so we start on time.

If you are unable to join the Zoom meeting by computer or cell phone.

Press release from the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.

With this last storm system and another one on the way this weekend, take advantage of the next few quiet days to regroup and prepare for the next storm system.

Home preparedness tips:

• Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly.
• Make sure you have working CO alarms installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly. If your utility vents are located on the side of your home, make sure to keep them clear as snow accumulation can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the house.
• Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency.
• Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
• Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, first responders will be able to find you.
• Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries.
• If you have a portable generator, it should be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from all doors, windows, and vents. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open. Do not use a generator in a wet area. This can cause shock or electrocution. Connect appliances to the generator with heavy-duty extension cords. Do not fuel your generator when it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire.
• Stay aware of winter weather. Listen to the television or radio for updates.

Watch for bulletins online.

• Check on your neighbors. Check on others who may need help.
• Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
• Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, follow manufacturer’s guidelines, and keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room and turn them off when you go to bed.
• Know where your gas meter shed is located and keep it clear.
• Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a qualified professional.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Not cleaning your chimney is the leading cause of chimney fires from built up creosote.
• Have a covered metal container to dispose of cooled ashes. To obtain a free ash can, residents may fill out an application, available at the Fire District Administration Office, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. If the required criteria are met, an ash can will be provided. Please visit our website for more information on our Ash Can program.

Sparky the Fire Dog says Look up!

• Snow accumulations can fall and harm/kill you, depending on their size. Clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage vents and electrical supplies to the building. Clearing the roof can be dangerous so residents are advised to leave this work to professionals.
• Keep all chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as pellet stove vents, may exit the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup.
• Be aware that a roof may collapse with little or no warning. The following warning signs could indicate that you have a danger of roof collapse. You should immediately evacuate the building and notify your local building official, fire department or contact a structural engineer to determine if the building is safe if you observe the following:

1. severe or new roof leaks.
2. cracked or split wood members.
3. bends or ripples in metal supports
4. recent cracks in walls, gypboard or masonry.
5. cracks in welds of steel construction.
6. sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles.
7. doors that pop open.
8. doors or windows that are difficult to open.
9. bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling; or creaking, cracking, or popping sounds.

Look down!

• Keep all exits clear of snow, so that occupants can escape quickly if a fire, or other emergencies, should occur. Keep in mind that windows should be cleared to allow a secondary means of escape in case the primary means of escape is blocked by fire. Keeping exits clear also allows emergency workers to gain access to your building.

Look all around!

Travel Tips (if you must travel):

• Store emergency supplies in your car (blanket, change of clothes, flashlight, food, water).
• Carry a charged cell phone.
• Keep ice scraper/snow brush.
• Keep gas tank full.
• Check national weather service, state department of transportation or local media prior to travel.
• Allow extra time and expect delays, road closures or detours.

If you are caught in winter storm and/or stranded:

• Stay with your vehicle and wait for help.
• Display a sign of trouble to let people know you need help.
• Occasionally run the engine to keep it warm. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from entering the car.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
• Layer clothing to trap body heat to keep warm.

Helpful Contact Phone Numbers/Websites:

• NV 511 Traveler Information System – Call 511 within Nevada or 877-NVROADS outside of Nevada, www.safetravelusa.com/nv
• CAL TRANS Road Conditions – Call 800/427-7623, http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/
• Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Public Works – Call 775/832-1203, https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/ivgid
• Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) – Call 775/328-3001, https://www.washoesheriff.com/
• North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) – Call 775/831-0351, www.nltfpd.org
• Southwest Gas (SWG) Emergency Dispatch – 800/772-4555 (Northern Nevada and California), https://www.swgas.com/
• NV Energy – Call 775/834-4100, https://www.nvenergy.com/
• Liberty Utilities – Call 800/782-2506,  https://libertyutilities.com/
• Sierra Avalanche Center – Call 530-587-3558, ext. 257 https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/contact-us
• Washoe County Emergency Management – Call 775/337-5898, https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/
• Washoe County Community Services/Snow & Ice/Where’s My Plow/IVCB Winter Parking –  https://www.washoecounty.gov/csd/operations/roads/Snow%20and%20Ice/index.php
• Code Red Regional Alert Notification – https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/RegionalAlerts.php

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

Written by Sybile Moser. Photo is of Volunteer & Foster Coordinator, Lauren, and Digiorno who was recently adopted.

What a winter! Pet Network has been pawsitively buried along with our neighbors! While the fresh powder is a welcome sight, pets may be at a higher risk of becoming lost and disoriented in the new landscape. The staff here at Pet Network have a few tips on how to mitigate risks and what to do if your pet becomes lost.

Let’s start with the basics: lots of snow means buried fences, unfamiliar surroundings, and a greater chance of escape. 

Try to make a habit of keeping your pets on leash. Even if your pet has great recall, heavy snow can impact their ability to hear you. Long training leashes are a great way to keep your pet close during stormy weather.

Keep your pet in familiar areas. Snowy surroundings can be confusing for your pet, and may impact their ability to locate home base. Keeping your pet in areas known to them can help!

Microchips and collars…we know you know! Identifying information on your pet is the single best way shelters and community members have of getting your pet home safely. Make sure your address and phone number are up to date on your pet’s tags and in their microchip registry. Pet Network provides microchipping services through Pet Network Community Hospital and FREE tag engraving on Tuesday afternoons!

So, what do you do if you’ve found a lost pet?

Take note of the time, place, and context in which you came into contact with the animal. If you are able to safely capture the lost pet there are several options for contacting the owner!

1. Utilize Pet Station’s self-serve microchip scanning station. These stations are a fantastic resource for reuniting lost pets with their families in our community. 
2. Post to Facebook! We know, it sounds silly, but Facebook is the best way to get the word out about a found pet with our community. These pages are a great place to start: Pet Network Humane Society, Incline Village, and Lost Pets of Northern Nevada.
3. Still stumped? Give us a call! Pet Network is happy to provide additional guidance on strays and lost pets: 775.832.4404