In The News – UNR Tahoe students dive into local sustainability
March 5, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 03/04/2025, Written by Leah Carter
Sustainability students at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe kicked off the new semester last month, with the new Sustainability Certificate program in just its second cohort. Five students graduated in Fall 2024 with the first cohort, and five more are set to complete the program again in spring.
The coursework is modeled after the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, in order to answer real-world questions in the basin and region. The program is designed like a study abroad program, giving students based on the Reno campus the opportunity to spend a full semester at the Wayne L. Prim campus in Incline Village. This allows students to fully immerse themselves in their research, much of which is local and in the field.
Back when I was in high school, I was sure Canada was one humongous hockey rink, our east coast was one humongous museum, and Old England was one humongous mausoleum… Had they awarded a diploma for certainty I would have graduated cum laude.
But now I’m older, and not as certain about things. In truth, the only thing I am sure about anymore is that we Americans are getting better at throwing bricks than laying them. We seem to have lost sight of the fact that the vestige of governing is kindness, and we should do ourselves a great service by placing kindness at the front of every political and diplomatic debate. In a country where we can be anything, let’s be kind, dammit!
Eventually, we have to come to our senses. In the old sweet days of yore, legislation was an art of compromise. In Ripley’s Believe It or Not, we are still sentient beings with connected souls, and yet in these turbid times, no country, no individual, can afford to be complacent or idle.
Nevada is different from the other 49 states. We attract gamblers and geologists mainly, and jackass rabbits. We don’t take nearly as many anti-depressants as they do in last year’s happiest place, Finland. Here, divorce is an industry, and gambling an institution. We trust everyone, but cut the cards. Yes, in the Great State of Nevada we can still do pretty much whatever we want to do, ‘long as nobody gets hurt, and we don’t frighten the horses. Oh, and as the late great David Toll might like to remind us, “Las Vegas is Mother Earth’s erogenous zone.” A doll at a Vegas gift shop can bring a hundred dollars. Yes, a john will buy it for his date, and that date will return it the next morning for cash. We call it the Vegas bank…
Meanwhile, globalization, AI, Mother Nature and migration are cooking on all four burners with only sous-chefs in the kitchen. Theodore Roosevelt warned us of the dangers of having “a small class of enormously wealthy and economically powerful men, whose chief object is to hold and increase their power.”
Personally, I’ve been a columnist for 45 years now, an impressionist of Mark Twain for 36, an ass for fifty, and am certain of only two things; one, the perfect union of gin and vermouth is a great and sudden glory, and two, we have no permanent enemies, except weapons of mass destruction.
Some say the sweet spot for a long life is 7,000 steps a day, and I would add with deep and abiding affection, that walking to our magnificent Lake of the Sky provides a daily sense of wonder that offers a foretaste of heaven. Reflection, nature, music, good conversation, and civility, are some of the world’s most reliable cures for heartburn at this tenuous moment in time. For the sake of us all, we are here for each other…
In The News – Tahoe’s entrepreneurs unite: Free monthly roundtables breaking barriers in 2025
March 4, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 02/25/2025, Submitted
Every second Tuesday of 2025, the entrepreneurial spirit of Lake Tahoe comes alive as Tahoe Inc., a cornerstone initiative of the Tahoe Prosperity Center’s Prosperity Playbook, brings together innovators, dreamers, and business leaders from both sides of the California-Nevada state line.
These dynamic, free monthly roundtables rotate through the Basin’s vibrant communities – Tahoe City, Truckee, Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe, and Zephyr Cove – creating a unique ecosystem of mountain-town innovation.
“These roundtables are where mountain innovation meets practical solutions,” says Derrick Martin of the Tahoe Prosperity Center. “From tech startups to outdoor industry pioneers, our diverse community comes together to tackle real challenges and create breakthrough opportunities. One month you might be learning from a sustainable tourism expert, the next from a 3D visualization artist – it’s this diversity of perspective that makes magic happen.”
Applications to the Washoe Tahoe Academy are Now Open Through March 27th
March 4, 2025 | Member Submitted
The inaugural class of the Washoe Tahoe Academy launches April 30, and you are invited to apply! This is a brand-new program created just for Incline Village and Crystal Bay residents, promoting knowledge of local government, inspiration and opportunities for civic engagement, and networking with fellow Washoe Tahoe residents. Presented by Washoe County, UNR, and IVCBA.
Over the course of five weeks, participants in the Washoe Tahoe Academy will come together to learn, collaborate, plan, become inspired, and take action! The Washoe Tahoe Academy will launch on April 30, 2025 and will focus on local government and leadership principles with an eye on Washoe Tahoe, a unique area within Washoe County encompassing Incline Village and Crystal Bay, with its own set of challenges and opportunities. This program is a collaborative effort by Washoe County, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and the Incline Village Crystal Bay Community & Business Association.
Approximately 25 individuals from Incline Village and Crystal Bay will be selected to participate in the inaugural cohort.
What does the program cost?
The program is completely free to selected participants.
Why Participate?
Get a close-up look at how local government works, better understand the breadth of services available to constituents, and how the county and other governing bodies impact your everyday life.
Grow your network by gaining new business and community contacts.
Walk away with increased knowledge of the community, new friends, and inspiration for taking on tomorrow’s challenges!
In partnership with the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), TNTNV is funding snow removal from one parking lot adjacent to the East Shore Trail this winter. The East Shore trail is a gem and deserves to be enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors. This pilot project also includes access to a portal restroom and Nevada State Parks providing bearproof trash receptacles. We’re excited to see more hikers and bikers along the trail this winter. If this increased access helps you enjoy the trail, snap a selfie and tag us on social media!
Ready for winter sports, good food, and good music? Join Travel North Tahoe Nevada, Nevada Nordic, and local vendors at the Nevada Nordic FreeHeel Fest on March 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST on the Mt. Rose Highway. Guests can enjoy free ski demos and free snowshoe rentals. Free your heels and experience cross-country skiing at Lake Tahoe.
In The News – Incline Village General Improvement District board outlines goals for new GM
March 4, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 03/04/2025, Written by Leah Carter
The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) met Wednesday, February 26 to discuss audit progress, initial goals for the new district general manager, and Diamond Peak Ski Resort fees.
Director of Finance Jessica O’Connell started the meeting with a verbal report on the progress of the 2024 audit. IVGID has requested a fourth extension with the state due to “staff resource issues.” However, she outlined progress in financial reporting. “We have completed the fiscal year trial balance for the auditors,” she said. “We tied out the trial balance, we tied out cash, we tied out accounts payable and capital assets.”
She added that Baker Tilly is working to complete the current audit, and preparing for the fiscal year 2025 audit. The firm is additionally assisting with the development of a cost allocation plan, “which hasn’t been done with an outside party for a long time.”
In The News – First ‘Talkin’ Tahoe’ event highlights North Tahoe mining boom history
March 3, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/27/2025, Written by Leah Carter
Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) hosted its first “Talkin’ Tahoe” event this month in the Duffield Theater at Incline High School. Bill Watson, the Executive Director and Curator of the Thunderbird Lodge, facilitated the “Timber, Tracks and Tributaries” discussion on the history of the flumes, Marlette Water System and railways above Incline Village.
The discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859, a large deposit of silver ore, turned Virginia City, Nevada into a boomtown and spurred the development of significant infrastructure, some of which still functions today.
This coincided with the logging boom, which pushed the region to develop methods to transport large amounts of timber, silver and gold between cities. This transport came namely in the form of railways and steamboats, while the Marlette Water System was constructed to provide water to surrounding areas.
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 02/28/2025, Written by Kayla Anderson
After passing through the El Cap gate accessible from either the Blazing Zephyr or Northwest Magnum high-speed six-pack chair, looking down the mountain at that 55-degree drop is nerve-wracking. It’s like peering over the edge of a cliff. The scene off in the distance is gorgeous, with its panoramic views of Reno and Mount Rose Proper. However, a LA Times article from 2005 wrote that the Chutes’ snowy ridge, “…looks more like a takeoff for skydiving than for skiing.”
Nine gates access 16 advanced and expert/black diamond and double black diamond Chutes, each featuring anywhere from a 40-55 degree pitch and 1,000 vertical feet to the base of the triple-seat Chuter chair. The Chuter is on the Slide side and takes you out of the Chutes, dropping you at the base of the Blazing Zephyr.
SNOWFEST is HERE…With Incline Village/Crystal Bay Events
February 26, 2025 | Kayla Anderson
By: Kayla Anderson
The longest standing snow festival on the West Coast is coming back to North Lake Tahoe this weekend, kicking off a multitude of activities happening now through March 9th. More than 50 events are on the docket, with local businesses throughout North Lake Tahoe giving back to local nonprofits, education, public programs, and scholarship funds. All the SNOWFEST events are listed on https://www.tahoesnowfest.org/, but here is what’s happening specifically in Incline Village and Crystal Bay along with some can’t miss SNOWFEST events (like the parade and fireworks show).
Feb. 28-March 3: Try an Under the Rose at Drink Coffee Do Stuff
907 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village
DCDS is selling special vanilla rose lattes this weekend only as part of SNOWFEST. Get fueled up before going up to the mountain and know when you’re supporting DCDS then you are also supporting Clean Up The Lake’s efforts as well.
March 1, 5pm-8pm: Fireworks at the Tahoe City Golf Course
251 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
Catch this SNOWFEST can’t miss event…live music and the only fireworks show on the North Shore at the Tahoe City Golf Course! The NOMADS will play at 5:30pm followed by the fireworks at dark. They’ll be lit off in the middle of the snow and viewable in all of Tahoe City. Food and drinks will be served by Café Zenon.
March 2, 4pm-8pm: Sunnyside Luau
1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
Wear your best Hawaiian shirt and bring your Aloha spirit to Sunnyside Lodge on the West Shore. Sunnyside will be offering a special menu featuring island favorites and tropical drinks. You can even make your own lei! Proceeds from this event help the Sierra Community House, which serves Incline Village residents.
March 7, 9:30am-3:30pm: Winter Festival Diamond Peak Village Jib Jam
1210 Ski Way, Incline Village
Head over to Diamond Peak’s Village Terrain Park for a Jib Jam like no other where you can display your skills sliding rails or cheer on riders throwing down their best tricks to win awesome prizes. The music and action will be happening all day long followed by an après party at UNR. Whether you want to shred, spectate, or just soak up the snowy scene, this is one winter event you won’t want to miss.
March 7, 4pm-7pm: Après Rail Jam Party at UNR
After the action, head over to UNR’s Lake Tahoe campus to keep the energy high with DJ Plattenum, cozy winter treats with the Mountain Lotus food truck, ski movies on the Patterson Hall patio, a Jib Jam awards ceremony, and an alphorn show.
March 7, 7pm-10pm: Bowls & Beats/SNOWFEST Edition at Bowl Incline
920 Southwood Blvd, Incline Village
Hit the dayglo pins in the dark with DJ Dom Murelli providing the beats. The cost to play is $45 per hour when you reserve online, shoes are free.
March 8, 11am-4pm: Strike Derby at Bowl Incline
920 Southwood Blvd, Incline Village
Head back to Bowl Incline the next day to take part in the SNOWFEST Strike Derby. See how many strikes you can throw in four minutes with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (in men’s, women’s, and kids categories). It costs $10 to enter with proceeds going to Tahoe’s Connection for Families. The heated patio will be open for fireside cocktails.
March 8, 11:30am-12:30pm: SNOWFEST Parade
The main street of Kings Beach comes alive on March 8th with all kinds of community organizations dressing up in wintry costumes and walking alongside fun and interesting floats. This “small town, big time” parade starts at Secline Street on the west end of town and meanders up Highway 28/Tahoe Boulevard to Raccoon Street. The MC and judges will be next to the King Building near Bear Street. Other events that day in Kings Beach include a Tail Wagger Dress Up Your Dog Contest and pancake breakfast at the North Tahoe Event Center before the event and a parade afterparty at Tahoe Backyard. https://northtahoebusiness.org/kings-beach-snowfest-parade/
March 8, 9am-2pm: Nevada Nordic FreeHeel Fest
Travel North Tahoe Nevada in a collaboration with Tahoe Multisport and Nevada Nordic will be putting on the first-ever FreeHeel Fest with cross country ski demos provided by Saloman, Atomic, NDOR, and more in the Mt. Rose Meadows off Highway 431. Slide around the trails within the Nevada Nordic XC trail system with your heels free with local cross-country ski experts on hand. There will also be snowshoe demos and live music in the meadows. If you really get after it and ski the longest trail in the meadows all the way to Sand Harbor, a free hot sauna provided by Tahoe Multisport will be waiting for you at the lake.
Celebrate SNOWFEST with Glasses Wine Bar on March 6th, 7th & 8th
March 6th & 7th, 3pm – 6:30pm: Glasses Wine Bar Annual Girl Scout Cookie and Wine Pairing
You can taste 5 Girl Scout cookies paired with a great wine. The format is slightly different this year: Reservations are required. Tastings will be in groups no larger than 4 scheduled every 30 minutes from 3-6:30 pm. $25pp/$21 Wine Club.
March 8th, from 7pm: Live Music at Glasses Wine Bar with Ellis Jones Band
The Ellis/Jones Band will be playing at Glasses Wine Bar. An Incline local, Andrew has a huge repertoire of songs from today and yesterday. It’s gonna be a great night! Saturday, starting at 7:00 p.m. (Reservations accepted) MORE INFO>
Christmas Tree Village Goes Off for SNOWFEST on March 7th-8th
Celebrate the final weekend of SNOWFEST in the Christmas Tree Village with deals, drinks, food, family fun, and more at the shops on the main drag. Here are the specials going on:
March 7, 6pm-9pm: Crosby’s Kitchen SNOWFEST Party
Spend the weekend at Crosby’s with live music, food & drink specials, and more. W.D. Saw will be playing live music in the lounge on Friday night and there will be appetizer specials along with Pigeon Head beers and Long Drinks for $6. Coppola Family Wine and cocktails (including hideout vodka cosmos, pomegranate, and cucumber martinis) will be $10 a glass.
March 8, 1pm-4pm: Crosby’s SNOWFEST Puppapalooza
Crosby’s will keep the party going on Saturday, March 8th in Christmas Tree Village with live music by Robbie Gade & Friends, wine/beer/vodka tastings, and a puppapalooza on the back patio! Bring your four-legged companion to join the Best Dog Costume Contest; Pet Network will have dogs available to adopt as well.
March 8, 10:30am-6pm: Sticker Sale at Karma Tahoe
The Karma Tahoe consignment store will be doing a special SNOWFEST sale on clothing and accessories—25 percent off blue stickered items and 50 percent off red stickered ones.
March 8, 1pm-6pm: The Loteria at Thania’s Juice Bar
Incline’s favorite healthy juice bar will be getting into the SNOWFEST spirit by offering a special menu, having loteria games, and prizes. She’ll also be launching a new juice!
March 8, 1pm-6pm: Pup Cups at Village Pet Foundation
The Village Pet Foundation thrift store will have a photo booth set up for people to take fun SNOWFEST pictures with pets, along with drinks, appetizers, and special edible (and healthy) pup cups.
March 8, 4:20pm-6pm: The Highest Hot Cocoa at Higher Elevation
Have a hot cocoa and play fun mystery box games at Higer Elevation for the chance to win prizes from the smoke and gift shop. Don’t worry, the hot cocoa has just the original, non-mind-altering ingredients in it making it suitable for people of all ages.
March 8, all day: Cakes, Coffee, and Cinnamon Rolls at Happy Tiers
Enjoy a cinnamon roll and coffee special for $5 and owner Andrea Jurss will have a cake decorating station set up.
March 8, all day: Food and Drink Specials at MoFo’s
Enjoy free food samples and drink specials at this longtime family-owned pizza and pasta restaurant. They also have an excellent salad bar.
March 8, 1pm-6pm: Music and Workshops at Tahoe Gifting Co.
Join Tahoe Gifting Co. for a day of shopping, live music, drinks and more! The Old Trestle female master distiller will be there pouring gin, whisky, bourbon, and single malt tastings, and Sierra Soapbox Co. will have a Make Your Own Room Spray station. Choose your own scent profile and label (and Sierra Soapbox Co. can help you come up with your own signature snarky saying) for $20 a bottle. For three hours between 1pm-6pm, @coachthedj will be spinning tunes. Chelsey from Tahoe Gifting Co. will also be specially embroidering bandanas with the Sierra wildflowers on them.
