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Protecting Lake Tahoe with Science 

September 27, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in TRPA Newsletter

Few people can say they helped save Lake Tahoe’s clarity — Dr. Charles Goldman is one of them. Since the 1960s, his groundbreaking science has shaped how we measure, understand, and protect the Lake’s world-famous blue. His work also contributed to Keep Tahoe Blue’s earliest conservation wins and shaped our core philosophy: using science to identify threats to the Lake and create solutions. Or more simply, Science to Solutions

On Thursday, October 2, Dr. Goldman will take the stage at our new Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center as part of the Keep Tahoe Blue 2025 Speaker Series. It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to hear from the “Godfather of Tahoe Limnology” in person, and to connect his historic contributions to the future of Tahoe protection. 

Event tickets are free but limited — and going fast. Don’t miss this special evening to celebrate Tahoe science, legacy, and solutions. 

MORE INFO >

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In The News – Juvenile motorbike collision in Incline Village highlights safety, legal responsibilities

September 27, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/27/2025, Staff Report

 On September 17, 2025, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the intersection of Village Parkway and Alder Avenue, Incline Village for a report of a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. Deputies arrived on scene and observed a gray Subaru with damage to the passenger’s side door.  After speaking with the juvenile driver of the vehicle, he informed deputies that the person who hit him was also a juvenile and had been riding on a blacked-out motorbike. The juvenile on the motorbike left the scene prior to deputies arrival.

Deputies were able to make contact with the juvenile who fled the scene and met him at his residence. Deputies observed a large cut to the right side of his face and offered medical attention. The juvenile was transported to Incline Village Community Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

The juvenile on the motorbike was determined to be the at fault party for the crash and was issued a citation for:

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In The News – TRPA hosting fall housing workshops

September 24, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/24/2025, Staff Report

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is hosting a third round of public workshops in October to share and discuss recommended policy changes to encourage more affordable and workforce housing in the Tahoe Basin, while maintaining strict environmental protections. These recommendations have taken shape over this year through community input and technical advisory groups, the agency said today.

Two hands-on workshops are scheduled for October 6 in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. and October 7 in Kings Beach, Calif. The series of workshops are part of the multi-year Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project and will review and take feedback on how TRPA has used previous input to shape specific recommendations. Small group discussions will help show participants how different policies could result in on-the-ground changes. The recommendations will be presented to the TRPA Governing Board this year for further consideration.

Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin will modernize the regional growth management system and regional building regulations to help deliver a greater variety of housing types in the Tahoe Basin.

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Incline Village Celebrates First Annual Fall Fest

September 24, 2025 | Kristin Derrin

Incline Village and IVCBA are welcoming the season with a brand-new community tradition. On Saturday, October 11, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., the Village Center will host the first annual Fall Fest, an afternoon of seasonal fun for families, neighbors, and visitors.

The event is designed to bring the community together through fall-themed activities, local food and drink, and live entertainment. Festival-goers can look forward to building scarecrows, decorating pumpkins, enjoying carnival games, and listening to live music on the Village Center steps.

One of the highlights of the afternoon will be scarecrow building, where families can collect clothes from Village Center thrift shops and head to Sierra Verde Designs to assemble their creations. Grocery Outlet will set up a pumpkin patch on site, with pumpkins available for purchase and decorating tables ready for kids and adults alike.

Local businesses are at the heart of the celebration. Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant will be serving food, Glasses Wine Bar will feature wine specials, and community partners, including Tahoe Family SolutionsIncline High School’s Mi Cultura ClubYamiLeo’s Little Shop, and the Four Square Church, will host carnival-style games. Adding to the festive atmosphere, our local favorite Jacked Up will perform live music outdoors, surrounded by hay bales and autumn décor.

The event is free to attend, with food, beverages, and pumpkins available for purchase. Families are encouraged to stop by the Village Center at Mays Blvd. to enjoy an afternoon of fall fun.

For more details, visit www.ivcba.org.

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Concierge Medicine: Personalized Care That Puts You First

September 24, 2025 | Member Submitted

Author: Matthew Wonnacott, MD

** Please note Barton’s Incline Village office, located at 925 Tahoe Blvd #105, is currently undergoing renovations with plans to reopen with new service lines in November. 

Every patient’s health needs are unique and some individuals may benefit from a more personalized, highly accessible healthcare experience — that’s where concierge medicine comes in — a modern, patient-first approach designed for those who want greater access to their physician, deeper focus on wellness, and proactive support at every step.

More Time, Direct Access

With fewer patients per doctor, you get more time and attention — call your care team directly, schedule same-day or next-day appointments, and never feel rushed during a visit. That’s the concierge difference. For patients juggling multiple health concerns or complex chronic conditions, concierge medicine may offer a higher-touch experience.

Whole-Person Wellness, Not Just Sick Visits

Concierge medicine isn’t just about treating illness — it’s about helping you thrive. With more time together, your physician can focus on your unique lifestyle, nutrition, stress, sleep, and long-term health goals. It’s truly personal care, tailored to you.

Coordinated Care and Support

Navigating multiple specialists, tests, and treatments can be overwhelming, especially for those with complex health needs. Concierge programs often include dedicated care coordination to manage appointments, follow up on lab results, and ensure all aspects of your care work together smoothly. This coordinated approach reduces stress and helps you stay on top of your health.

An Elevated, Personalized Experience

Concierge medicine brings an unmatched level of service — it is for people who want more from their care: more time, more connection, more peace of mind. If your health is a top priority — whether you’re managing chronic conditions or simply looking for a more connected healthcare experience — concierge medicine provides support through accessible, tailored care every step of the way.

Dr. Matthew Wonnacott is a primary care physician with Barton Concierge Medicine. Dr. Wonnacott pairs exceptional clinical expertise with a personalized, thoughtful approach to your care. Learn more by calling 530.543.5612 or visiting BartonHealth.org.

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In The News – IVGID’s Effluent Export Pipeline construction project is completed one year early

September 23, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/23/2025, Staff Report

The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) completed its Effluent Export Pipeline Replacement Project a full year ahead of schedule.

One of the largest capital improvement projects in the District’s history, the Effluent Export Pipeline Replacement Project is a multi-year effort to replace the aging infrastructure that conveys treated effluent from the District’s wastewater treatment plant out of the Lake Tahoe Basin, per federal requirements.

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Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Announces Day Pass Access for Spa Goers

September 23, 2025 | Member Submitted

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, announces a new offering at Stillwater Spa, giving locals the opportunity to enjoy a full resort experience just steps from home.

“We are excited to introduce this exclusive spa offering designed specifically with our local community in mind,” said Julie Orblych, director of spa and wellness at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “By combining luxurious treatments with access to our full spa amenities, locals can enjoy a well-rounded and convenient escape that promotes relaxation and wellness without needing to travel far.”

From now through the end of 2025, locals who book any Stillwater Spa treatment priced at $100 or more, will receive access to the resort amenities for the day.  The amenities include a heated outdoor pool, multiple soothing hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and fitness facilities. 

Stillwater Spa at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is renowned for its serene mountainside atmosphere, exceptional service, and its wide range of both traditional and innovative spa services. In addition to its menu of customizable massages, facials, and body treatments, the spa also offers the “Touchless Trio” which includes a float session in a sensory deprivation orb, bioacoustics therapy with the “Harmony” Biomat, and cryotherapy with the cutting-edge Cryobuilt Everest Ridge Cryochamber.

For more information or to book spa treatments please visit HyattStillwaterSpa.com

For more information or to book a getaway to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.

About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

Situated among the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the award-winning Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino offers a premier destination based in the nature-infused setting of North Lake Tahoe. The resort is home to an on-site Adventure program offering daily guided activities to help guests explore the Tahoe outdoors with everything from group hikes and archery classes to meditation sessions. Guests can enjoy premium amenities such as a year-round heated lagoon-style pool, two hot tubs, and a 25,000 square-foot Grand Lodge Casino. The resort also boasts the 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa featuring a variety of relaxing massages, facials and body treatments as well as state-of-the-art touchless therapies including the Cryobuilt Cryochamber, “Pearl” a revolutionary float orb, and the “Harmony” bioacoustic mat. The property showcases premier dining opportunities at the brand-new Osteria Sierra offering elevated Italian cuisine, pub-style fare at Cutthroat’s Saloon, and grab-and-go selections at Tahoe Provisions. Additional culinary delights include afternoon tea service on the weekends and a selection of world-class pastries created by the resort’s renowned team of pastry chefs. 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, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, 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

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PINE NUTS – Welcome to IRL

September 19, 2025 | McAvoy Lane

Being a stoved-up old Marine that does not text because his fingers are too fat, I had to look up the meaning of the acronym, “IRL.” I was pleasantly surprised to learn IRL is text language for, “In Real Life.” So I’d like to float IRL out there as an appellation for a third political party, “IRL,” formerly, “DO NO HARM.”

Digital space is deceiving. Back when we were mining gold and silver here in the Silver State, nobody had heard of dopamine, yet that’s what they are mining today, and there’s millions in it.

Buried deep in our brains is a powerful ball of neurons about the size of a blue jay’s eyeball. It’s called Nucleus Accumbens. (That word caused me to change my major in college from pre-med to auctioneering.) Anyway, that powerful little ball, when stimulated by something rewarding, releases a potent drug called dopamine. If dopamine had a voice it would shout, “Hey, do that again!” And that’s just what the miners in digital corporate rooms want to hear. This is a reward system the digital world loves to mine, because Accumbens plus dopamine equals money, lots of it…

So it is that we have dopamine mining pits of pornography and bot-infused social media platforms, calling out to young minds swimming in digital dopamine. And what do they get? Addicted.

Granted, a handshake or a hug, or a smile might not stimulate a dollop of dopamine, but what a real-life person has to say might be worth its weight in, well, gold.

Too much Accumbens stimulation results in an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, which shuts out the real world and leads to inappropriate behavior, including shouting offensive diatribes like, “Your mother wears combat boots!” 

Once your oversensitive Accumbens calms down you might find yourself reading a good book, or taking a hike into an awe and wonder provoking nature…

So, yes, I’m thinking we might like to call our new third political party for 2026, “The IRL Party.” What could be healthier than having a third party to unify our two major parties in making our country a safer place to raise our kids, while working across the aisle. What could be timelier than having a third political party to diminish the divisive rhetoric, toxic stress and political violence that imperils the trust that democracy needs to breathe.

We are presently seeking the right man or right woman to carry the banner and put their face on that banner. Two naturals that come to my mind are Pat Hickey and Kathryn Kelly. You too must have your personal favorites, and might want to shake their trees. Record a fitting name for a third party, and your personal pick to lead that party. And please send me a copy. Meanwhile I shall remain a friend trying to become a better person in a country trying to become a better democracy…

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fhv4PrH1UuwlhbnTT23zO

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In The News – Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to host annual Incline Community Picnic

September 19, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/19/2025, Staff Report

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office invites residents and visitors to join us for our annual Incline Community Picnic on Saturday, September 27, 2025,  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aspen Grove and Village Green, Incline Village.

This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers while connecting with Sheriff’s Office personnel and learning more ways we serve our community.

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Living with Fire: Preparedness is Partnership

September 19, 2025 | Member Submitted

From the TRPA Newsletter, 09/19/2025, Written by Julie Regan

September might be the best month in the Tahoe Basin. The air holds a familiar crispness, the aspens are hinting at their pending golden journey, and we’re getting pumped for snow.

This month can also be daunting. After long summer days on the lake or trails, to-do lists resurface and pine needles form a sepia carpet across yards and rooftops. Without recent thundershowers, prolonged dryness sets in. And with it, an anxious edge.

The recent smoky days brought back unease for the community, especially in my Christmas Valley neighborhood where the Caldor Fire entered the Tahoe Basin in 2021. We are fortunate to have the Caldor Fire in rearview, and foresight is the gift we carry forward. Fire is not a distant possibility. It is part of our landscape. And wildfire is inevitable.

Caldor wasn’t the first to test us. The 2007 Angora Fire resulted in the loss of 254 homes and structures. And the scar from the 2002 Gondola Fire is another highly visible reminder that a community intertwined with nature is delicate. Fire doesn’t respect boundaries or property lines, so it has taught us to work together.

Since 2008, after the Angora Fire, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) has led that charge, uniting Tahoe’s seven fire districts, emergency response teams, and more than 20 federal, tribal, state, and local agencies. Their coordination during the Caldor Fire was the reason no lives or property were lost in the basin.

The strength of collaboration is also found in actions. The Lake Tahoe West Restoration Partnership is a 59,000-acre effort to strengthen the West Shore’s resilience to wildfire and climate threats. Forests here are overly dense and uniform in size, making them vulnerable to drought, climate change, and extreme fire. With the West Shore’s patchwork of federal, state, local, and private ownership, the Lake Tahoe West partnership erases boundaries to restore forests to better withstand threats.

At the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), we are proud stewards of these partnerships. While we are not first responders or evacuation officials, our policies and facilitation strengthen the work of those who are. Forest health is also central to the broader restoration goal of the Tahoe Region. Under the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), TRPA is helping accelerate forest management as well as revitalization and redevelopment that support a Tahoe more prepared for wildfire. In total, since the EIP was formed in 1997, partners have treated nearly 100,000 acres of forest to reduce wildfire risk.

September is National Preparedness Month, and on September 27, FireFest in South Lake Tahoe invites families to join local fire districts and other TFFT partners for interactive, hands-on lessons in safety and conservation. Fittingly, National Public Lands Day this year falls on the same day as FireFest. The coincidence reminds us that nearly 90 percent of the Tahoe Basin is public land, protected and cared for through decades of coordinated effort. Maintaining these lands is essential to keeping our forests healthy and communities safe.

The best evacuation plan is readiness. Prepare a go-bag. Create defensible space. Sign up for emergency alerts. Visit TahoeLivingWithFire.org for resources.

We cannot control when the next wildfire will spark, but we can control how prepared we are. Preparedness is partnership, and when each of us does our part, we create a safer, more resilient Lake Tahoe.

Julie W. Regan is Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency – Photo TRPA

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