The purpose of the Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is to unite the diverse communities within the Lake Tahoe Basin in a comprehensive and collaborative effort to safeguard lives, homes, critical infrastructure, and the landscape of the Tahoe Basin from the threat of catastrophic wildfires. This CWPP serves as a strategic blueprint, fostering a shared vision among federal, state, tribal, local authorities, residents, and stakeholders to proactively assess wildfire risks, implement targeted mitigation strategies, and enhance preparedness measures across the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI).
This CWPP seeks to identify and prioritize areas most susceptible to wildfire impacts, thereby guiding the thoughtful allocation of resources and efforts towards fuels reduction projects, defensible space, and wildfire-resilient landscapes. The Lake Tahoe Basin CWPP is ever evolving and adaptable, constantly reviewed and updated to reflect changing environmental conditions, technological advancements, and lessons learned from past experiences.
Lake Tahoe School to Host Expert on Digital Parenting, Dr. Devorah Heitner
March 27, 2025 | Member Submitted
Lake Tahoe School is set to welcome Dr. Devorah Heitner, a leading authority on young people’s interaction with digital media, for a special presentation titled “Growing Up in Public.” The event, part of the Doyle Family Speaker series, will take place on April 15th at 9:00 AM in the school’s Bobcat Treehouse Library.
Dr. Heitner, author of “Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World” and her most recent work, “Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World,” will address the unique challenges parents face in guiding their children through the complexities of today’s digital landscape. With a focus on practical strategies and empathetic understanding, her presentation aims to equip parents with the tools they need to navigate social media, online communication, and the ever-present issue of digital reputation.
“We recognize the importance of providing our community with resources to navigate the digital age,” said Robert Graves, Head of School at Lake Tahoe School. “Dr. Heitner’s expertise and research-based insights are invaluable, and we believe her presentation will offer parents a much-needed perspective on raising children in a world where so much is shared publicly.”
Dr. Heitner’s background in media studies and child development has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant. Her work emphasizes the need for ethical and empathetic digital citizenship, offering actionable advice to parents and educators. In “Growing Up in Public,” she explores how young people construct their identities in an environment where their actions are constantly recorded and shared.
The presentation will cover topics such as:
Understanding the impact of social media on young people.
Developing strategies for responsible online communication.
Protecting children’s digital reputation.
Fostering empathy and ethical behavior in the digital world.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Those interested in attending can register at Laketahoeschool.org.
Lake Tahoe School, known for its commitment to providing a challenging and nurturing educational environment, is dedicated to preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world. The school believes that Dr. Heitner’s presentation will be a valuable resource for parents in the Lake Tahoe community.
SPRING IS HERE…and we all know what that means. Get out the spring-colored sweaters and prepare for the spring snowstorms! I hope you were among the locals hanging out at the beach over the weekend and enjoying that beautiful weather.
IVCBA is launching its annual beautification campaign starting with SPRING CLEANING…your yard, your neighborhood, your business, OUR community! Those windy storms this winter have no doubt led to an accumulation of pine cones and needles. Mark your calendars for June 7, the annual Incline Green Clean (Waste Not) and the block party at Incline Library. As activities and events roll out, we will highlight them.
Beginning in April…
Mountain Ace Hardware and its monthlong spring promotions in April.
Roundabout Redesign: LeFrancois Engineering is the project manager. We have met with all of the agencies involved. When we have the next iteration of the design, we will ask for more input from the community.
Public Art committee: is being launched this spring. If you are interested in being on it, let me know.
Inclined to Bloom: . I have heard reports of daffodils already…keep watching for them. I hope you planted your own bulbs. They are hardy enough to withstand the snow, just like all of us locals!! Take pictures! We are currently researching the feasibility of pots and planters in commercial areas. We hope to offer summer gardening classes as well
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
IVCBA is collaborating with Washoe County and UNR on a Washoe Tahoe Leadership Academy. This is a great learning opportunity and a way to find out how you can be more involved in positive ways in our community. Registration is closing this week. I understand there a couple spots left. Here’s the link for registration.
Tomorrow night, March 27 I am meeting up with a girlfriend at the Hyatt’s Osteria restaurant for a Cakebread Cellar’s wine pairing dinner. With the Lone Eagle closed, Osteria is taking over the role of presenting wine dinners with sommelier Jana Manfredi.
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In The News – Sugar Bowl Parks: A New Era of Olympic-Level Freestyle Skiing in Tahoe
March 25, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 03/13/2025, Written by Megan Ramsey
David Wise, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who grew up in Reno, remembers waking up before 5 a.m. as a teenager to carpool with friends to Mammoth Mountain, ski all day, and drive back in time for school the next day, all for the chance to train on freestyle terrain. Wise won’t have to do that drive anymore, thanks to new terrain parks with elite-size jumps at Sugar Bowl. In February, CEO Bridget Legnavsky and Sugar Bowl Village homeowner Jim Harleen cut the purple ribbon, celebrating the accomplishment and unveiling Sugar Bowl Parks to a crowd of athletes and ambassadors, including Wise and freeride skier Xander Guldman.
Sugar Bowl Resorts launched the 2024/25 ski season with its new terrain parks, complete with pro-level Olympic size jumps. Legnavsky addressed the youth during the ceremony, saying they built the parks for all the young people to get to the top of their sport.
Lake Tahoe School Chess Team Dominates Northern Nevada Scholastic Championships, Qualifies for State Finals
March 25, 2025 | Member Submitted
Written By Allie Sacci, Lake Tahoe School, 03/24/2025
The Lake Tahoe School (LTS) Chess Team achieved unprecedented success at the Northern Nevada Scholastic (Open and Girls) Championships, securing multiple team and individual victories and qualifying numerous players for the upcoming Nevada State Championships.
Over the weekend, LTS hosted the highly successful tournaments, attracting record-breaking participation from across the region. The Open Tournament saw approximately 260 players, while the Girls Tournament also shattered previous attendance records.
LTS teams demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy, capturing all four team trophies in the Open Tournament (K-3 Championship, K-5 Championship, K-5 Reserve, and K-12 Reserve). In the Girls Tournament, the LTS team also secured the championship trophy. Individual LTS players also dominated their respective sections, securing a large majority of the available individual trophies.
“This weekend was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, coaches, and volunteers,” said Coach E. “We are incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see them compete at the state level.”
Key highlights of the tournament include:
Open Tournament: LTS teams won all four team trophies. LTS players swept individual trophies in the K-3 and K-5 Championship sections, and nearly swept the K-5 Reserve section. LTS players won 5 of the 8 individual trophies in the K-12 Reserve section.
Girls Tournament: LTS team won the championship trophy. LTS players secured 7 of the top 8 individual spots.
The top individual scorers and teams from the Northern Championships have now qualified for the Nevada State Scholastic Championships, which will be held online on March 29th (Open) and March 30th (Girls). The online tournaments will be monitored from the LTS gymnasium.
The school extends its gratitude to Bob Graves and the LTS faculty and staff, parent volunteers, Coach E, Coach Annastasia, Fred Rocher, and sponsors MoFo’s Pizza and Inclined Burgers for their invaluable support.
IES hosted the SWEP Science Festival last week. (SWEP=Sierra Watershed Education Partnership) Students rotated through hands-on activity stations designed to deepen their understanding of STEM concepts. Later that evening, Family Science Night extended the excitement, allowing students to share their discoveries with their families through interactive exhibits and experiments led by SWEP staff and volunteers.
Incline Middle School – Congratulations are in order for the winners of the annual IMS Spelling Bee! 6th Grade: Luca Groza (1st), Hector Toc (2nd), Ellie Johnson (3rd) 7th Grade: Harper Rudd (1st), Isabela Buscanan-Fernandez (2nd), Caleb Carsmen (3rd) 8th Grade: Sophia Groza (1st), Nicholas Pannone (2nd), Francisco Jones (3rd)
Incline High School – Athletic Highlights (from last week): The Track & Field team had a record-breaking weekend. The Highlanders split between two major meets and absolutely crushed it – setting a total of 30 personal bests. Freshman phenom Shelby Erickson added 2 more school records to her collection, in the 800m and 1600m. The Boys Golf Team came out swinging with a tournament win at Eagle Valley! Senior Sam Lager and junior Lucas McDonald both shot a stellar 81, with solid performances from Anthony Donohue (85), Neils Day (88), Trent Racich (92), and Dylan Zuvic (111). Great teamwork and focus! The Swim team dove into competition on Friday, putting up a strong fight against South Lake Tahoe in an exciting meet filled with standout performances from Sady Kelly, Jayden Medoza, Ava Hane,Ashley Siminov, Sarah Mayr, Olivia Kranz, and William Arrison.
To serve families and their children in the Lake Tahoe area, The Village Church has expanded both its Village Christian Preschool and started the Village Christian Academy (K-5). The Academy is now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year. Prospective families are invited to attend our Open House on March 27th at 6pm.
Class sizes do not exceed 12 students. Passionate, credentialed teachers provide individualized instruction from a Biblical worldview, applying a rigorous curriculum that exceeds state standards in math, reading, writing, history, science, and geography. Frequent field trips, outdoor education, and enrichment opportunities create well rounded and engaged students. Tuition will be $1,100 per month per student.
Ashley Holt, a parent of a current student, had this to say:
“My daughter’s growth in her first year at VCA has been nothing short of remarkable. The individualized focus and outpouring of community support are just some of what makes this school stand out among the rest.”
Join us on March 27th at 6pm for our Prospective Parents Open House and take a tour of the school. For more information and to RSVP for the Open House contact us at 775-831-0797.
Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus Presents Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Handel’s Messiah – A Profound Easter Celebration
March 22, 2025 | Member Submitted
The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, under the direction of Founding Executive and Artistic Director James Rawie, proudly presents the sweeping drama of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion(Part 2, performed in English). This epic performance, featuring orchestra, chorus, and demanding vocal solos, will take place across multiple venues in Reno, Tahoe City, Zephyr Cove, and Incline Village during Easter Week, April 13–20, 2025.
Audiences are invited to experience St. Matthew Passion as a grand, sacred musical—an emotionally charged drama where music and text weave together like a theatrical masterpiece. The opening chorus serves as a dramatic overture, setting the stage for Christ’s final days. The Evangelist, much like a narrator in musical theater, guides the audience through the events, while Jesus’ lines are accompanied by a glowing halo of strings, setting him apart as the divine protagonist.
Throughout the work, the chorus takes on many roles—at times the angry crowd calling for crucifixion, at others the sorrowful faithful, and sometimes stepping back to reflect in powerful hymn-like chorales. Arias such as “Have Mercy, Lord, on Me” and “Out of Love My Savior is Dying”serve as deeply personal meditations, much like show-stopping solos in a musical. The final chorus, “We Sit Down in Tears”, acts as a moving finale, leaving the audience in reflective silence.
Experience this sacred masterpiece live:
? Sunday, April 13 | 4:00 PM Zephyr Cove: Our Lady of Tahoe Catholic Church 1 Elks Point Road, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
? Tuesday, April 15 | 7:00 PM Reno: Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral 310 West 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89503
? Wednesday, April 16 | 7:00 PM Incline Village: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 701 Mt. Rose Hwy, Incline Village, NV 89451
In addition, audiences are invited to a special Easter Sunday concertfeaturing both St. Matthew Passion and Handel’s Messiah—a powerful pairing of the Passion and Resurrection.
A Sacred Easter Celebration: Bach’s St. Matthew Passion & Handel’s Messiah
On Easter Sunday, the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus will present two of the most profound spiritual masterpieces ever composed. The concert will feature a shortened version of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in the first half, followed by selections from Handel’s Messiah, celebrating Christ’s triumphant resurrection.
Audiences will be moved by powerful choruses such as “Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs”, “All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray”, and “Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together,” leading to a breathtaking finale with “The Trumpet Shall Sound” and the iconic “Hallelujah.”
? Bach’s St. Matthew Passion & Handel’s Messiah Sunday, April 20 | 3:00 PM Tahoe City: Corpus Christi Catholic Church 905 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is honored to present these sacred works during Holy Week, offering audiences an immersive journey through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
Tickets and Admission:
The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is committed to making live classical music accessible to all.
General Admission: $30 for adults (FREE for youth under 23)
Preferred Seating: $40 (Youth: $15)
Premium Seating: $50 (Youth: $25)
Seniors: Enjoy a $5 discount on all seating.
Pay What You Can: To ensure that everyone can experience these sacred masterpieces, a “Pay What You Can” ticket option is available.
The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is dedicated to bringing world-class performances of classical and sacred music to the Reno-Tahoe region. With a passion for artistic excellence and community engagement, the orchestra and chorus strive to inspire audiences through the power of live music.
Originally Published with TRPA, Written by Julie Regan, 03/21/2025
Lake Tahoe’s geologic history underscores the ecological and cultural significance of this incredible place. Recent research shows that Lake Tahoe first took shape more than 2.3 million years ago, making it the oldest lake in North America and the third oldest waterbody in the world.
We also recognize the importance of the native Washoe people, who have served as the original and current stewards for 10,000 years. Today, we continue this legacy of stewardship through science-based environmental protections.
Last month, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) released a comprehensive, four-year report on Lake Tahoe’s environmental health. The peer-reviewed report highlights significant progress throughout the Lake Tahoe Region in preserving this national treasure and outlines critical challenges where continued collaboration and action are needed.
His name was Larry, but we called him, “Louie.” Don’t ask me why. I guess it just suited him, for he seemed to like it. Three years younger than me, he was always tagging along, while keeping me busy trying to ditch him. But he was a loveable little cuss, clumsy, innocent, and quick to laugh. If he stubbed his toe, he would laugh it off, whereas, if I were to stub my toe, I would cuss like a fishmonger’s wife until it stopped hurting.
Everybody loved Louie, even four-legged and feathered friends, probably because his sympathies were so wide, and his heart was so simple and knew no guile. He was Mom’s favorite, even I knew that, and I was fine with it. Our grandmother once asked Louie what he would like to be when he grew up. Without hesitation he said, “A snowplow driver, Grandma! And I’ll give you a ride on the bumper!”
As mentioned, animals loved Louie and he loved them back. We had a pet rabbit named Thumper, who lived in a backyard patio area that was protected and comfortable.
When Thumper died of old age it was Louie who found his limp body, and he was devastated. He wanted to bury Thumper, but also wanted our father’s advice as to where, and as father would not be home for a few hours, Louie placed our deceased Thumper temporarily in the underwear drawer of his dresser.
Well, as fate would have it, that was wash day for our mother, and she brought a load of folded clothes into our bedroom and started to put them away. I was in the kitchen enjoying some Cheerios when she opened Louie’s top drawer to deposit some clean smelling underwear,
and let out a shriek that could be heard in Carson City. She didn’t pass out, but I had to calm her nerves as she sat on the bed in stone silence.
Events like that with Thumper were almost daily occurrences with Louie. With Louie the dull times were such a rare thing as to be almost impossible. It was an adventure to grow up with him. As an adult Louie married a delightful young lady from Ireland, Goretti, and he became one of the most popular and best loved barkeepers in San Francisco. When Louie got off work at two in the morning he jumped over the bar and joined the party on the other side. Wherever Louie went from there, well, the party swung along behind, and that’s what hastened the city’s dashing barkeep to the Great Beyond.
Many of us who knew Louie have tried to use the example of his too short a life as a moderator in our personal Bacchanalian pursuits, with varying degrees of success.
Louie’s birthday is in the spring, so it’s that time of year to take a scenic hike, and lay a wildflower on my little brother’s ashes…RIP.
