In The News – TRPA commission to evaluate Homewood’s revised master plan Dec. 11
November 26, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/26/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle
Homewood Mountain Resort’s (HMR) revised master plan proposal will face its first major regulatory hurdle Dec. 11 when the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) Advisory Planning Commission reviews the updated application at a public meeting.
“The TRPA Advisory Planning Commission will review the Homewood Master Plan amendment application and associated documents and consider a recommendation to the Governing Board,” according to the TRPA. “The Board may consider the amendments at a subsequent meeting date to be determined.”
The resort has submitted most required documentation, including draft plans for public access on page 56. The master plan and public access proposals are subject to modification pending agency review and public input, TRPA’s Special Projects Manager Paul Nielsen wrote in an email.
In The News – Incline High graduation rate hits almost 99%
November 26, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/26/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Incline High School stands out for having almost all its students cross the stage to graduate in 2024.
“I am encouraged by last year’s graduation rate of 98.67%, which reflects the hard work and commitment of our students, families, and staff,” said Incline High Principal Tierney Cahill. “However, I remain mindful that the remaining 1.33% represents more than just a statistic, it represents individual stories, often shaped by complex challenges such as relocation or personal circumstances.”
Incline High had 98.67% graduation rate for 2023-2024 school year, a 3.32% increase over the previous year, according to newly released Washoe County School District (WCSD) statistics.
Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 11/14/2024, Written by Melissa Siig
The small Tahoe enclave has seen better days. Can the redevelopment of the Cal Neva and Biltmore return the area to its former glory?
Charlie Soule has owned The Soule Domain restaurant at the western entrance to Crystal Bay for 40 years. In that time, he has watched the small casino corridor go from a vibrant neighborhood full of shops, restaurants, and a bustling nightlife to an area with boarded-up and dilapidated buildings and empty parking lots littered with trash. Out of the three anchor businesses in Crystal Bay — the Crystal Bay Club, Tahoe Biltmore, and Cal Neva — two have been closed for several years: the Cal Neva since 2013 and the Biltmore since 2022. Just to the west of The Soule Domain, another derelict building, the Tahoe Inn, has been sitting empty for almost 10 years.
“Right now, and I’ve been here a long time, the neighborhood sucks,” Soule said. “It’s about as bad as it’s ever been.”
The tiny neighborhood of Crystal Bay, which abuts the California-Nevada border and straddles Highway 28, presents a strange dichotomy.
Embrace the Spirit of Giving Tuesday: Give Locally
November 26, 2024 | Julie Malkin-Manning
GivingTuesday is more than just a date; it’s a global movement rooted in the transformative power of generosity. Since its inception in 2012, this initiative has grown beyond a single day, inspiring millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate kindness throughout the year.
This GivingTuesday, we invite you to take part in this movement—not just on the designated day but as a daily practice. Whether you volunteer your time, make a financial contribution, or amplify the voices of local nonprofits, every act of kindness creates ripples of positive change. Remember, no gesture is too small; each one contributes to building a better, more compassionate world.
For many nonprofits, the holiday season is a critical time for fundraising. GivingTuesday serves as a focal point, providing an opportunity for communities to rally around local causes and organizations. As we enter this season of gratitude and generosity, we encourage you to think locally and embrace the spirit of giving. Supporting our neighbors and strengthening our community through generosity are values that unite us all.
One organization championing this mission is the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, often regarded as the “umbrella” organization for nonprofits in our region. CEO Claudia Andersen encapsulates their purpose beautifully:
“For over 25 years, Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has been dedicated to nurturing community philanthropy by connecting donors with causes that truly matter. We urge our community to be generous in supporting our hardworking non-profit organizations, not just during the giving season, but throughout the entire year. Together, we can enhance and preserve the quality of life in this beautiful place we call home.”
Discover how you can support nonprofits across the Tahoe Basin by visiting TahoeGives.org.
This GivingTuesday, let’s prioritize giving locally. Your contributions, no matter the form, make a meaningful impact on our community. Together, we can create a season—and a world—filled with generosity and care.
We’re thrilled to announce the grand reopening of Lane 17 Lounge, your favorite winter escape in Incline Village! Join us starting Friday, November 22, as we unveil a refreshed space and elevated food options that will delight your senses.
Indulge in our new culinary offerings, including:
Gourmet Focaccia with Saba and Vermont cultured butter
Decadent Yakitori grilled oysters with uni butter
Handcrafted artisanal sweet potato gnocchi with sage cream
Perfectly braised short ribs with herb farrotto
Signature winter desserts & cocktails to warm your spirits
Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day on the slopes or gather with friends for a cozy night out, Lane 17 Lounge is the perfect destination this winter.
With no kids’ menu in sight, we focus solely on creating a sophisticated experience for our guests, allowing you to indulge in culinary artistry and exceptional service. Savor each bite paired with our carefully curated wine list and enjoy a memorable evening where every detail is designed for your enjoyment.
Reservations are now open! Don’t miss your chance to experience all that we have to offer.
Book your table today and be among the first to enjoy our revamped lounge.
As our mutual friend Mark Twain reminds us around this time of year, “The Christmas holidays have this high value: that they remind Forgetters of the Forgotten, and repair damaged relationships.” We thank you Samuel, for that reminder, ever so poignant in this particular Christmas season.
A gentleman knocked at my door recently and said, “You don’t know me, but I know you, and I have been instructed to deliver this sidewheeler.” He handed me the cutest little music box in the shape of a sidewheeler that Sam Clemens would have piloted, and added, “I hear you have a pet jay named ‘Huckleberry.’
I laughed out loud and said, “I do!” I took the sidewheeler in my hands and wound it up. We then stood raptly by as it played “Moon River,” and joined together in singing the line, “My Huckleberry Friend.”
It brought a tear to my eye, really, and I had to ask, “So who instructed you to deliver this treasure if you don’t mind my asking.”
“The Lord.” He answered solemnly.
“Then I shall take the very best care of it.” I promised.
We shook hands and he went on his way. Some days are diamonds, and this was one to be sure. Here were two strangers listening intently to a music box while smiling and sharing a refrain. I play that wonderful gift every morning while pouring my coffee and it makes me wonder what it might take for all of us to share the gift of music, somewhat like that gentleman did for me…
Might we each have a little sidewheeler music box to bequeath to a neighbor, a friend, or a total stranger? I have to believe we do; it might not be in the form of a sidewheeler, it might be in the form of a piece of pie or a Christmas wreath. And our little gift of music would not have to be “Moon River” but could cross the borders of 195 countries with music from each and every homeland.
These gifts of music could fill the air with goodwill and stop us from chasing around and biting our tails, as many of us have been prone to do of late. It might not be a music box at all. Can you whistle?
I whistle Huckleberry’s favorite song every day at Happy Hour before giving him a Beer Nut, and he goes into a touchdown dance and does everything but spike that Beer Nut to show his gratitude. It is no coincidence that Huckleberry and my favorite song is, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” So, allowing for a scarcity of music boxes, why don’t we take to whistling a song out the window, down the street, and across this great land of ours at the stroke of midnight, this January first, 2025. And if we cannot whistle, then let us hum…
In The News – Community invited to farewell celebration for UC Davis Underwater Lake Tahoe Lounge at Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences
November 22, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/20/2024, Submitted
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Community members, volunteers, and docents are invited to come together for a special farewell celebration for the beloved UC Davis Underwater Lake Tahoe Lounge, an immersive space at the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center created to give visitors a unique, in-depth view of the diverse life beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe. This gathering will be held on December 13, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at the Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village, allowing the community to say goodbye before the exhibit closes.
“We are hosting this event to memorialize the “Underwater Lake Tahoe Exhibit” and the beautiful work and effort of muralist Susie Alexander,” says Heather Segale, Director of Education and Outreach for UC Davis TERC.
The Underwater Lake Tahoe Lounge was conceived in 2018 and created in partnership with Sierra Nevada University (SNU) and UC Davis in response to visitor requests for a deeper understanding of Lake Tahoe’s aquatic ecosystem.
In The News – Placer County Board of Supervisors Approves Palisades Tahoe Development
November 21, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 11/20/2024, Written by Melissa Siig
After a 9-hour meeting that included more than 100 public comments, the Placer County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 19 voted unanimously to approve the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan. Despite widespread concerns brought forth by the community about wildfire evacuations and traffic, the board expressed that the project would not only help North Tahoe’s economy, but also bring significant community benefits including contributions to workforce housing, environmental restoration, and transportation improvements.
“As in every large-scale project, there is no perfect outcome. We are never going to get to perfection with a project like this,” said District 2 Supervisor Shanti London. “I believe the applicant has gone above and beyond. When I look at how Palisades looks today … I had heard the community wholeheartedly opposes the project, but there really was a balance of perspectives. I don’t think it’s just the corporation benefiting from this. I really, truly believe the whole community will benefit from this.”
Get Ready for the Sparkling Northern Lights Festival in Incline Village and Crystal Bay!
November 20, 2024 | Julie Malkin-Manning
The holiday season is here, and our community is pulling out all the stops for the annual Northern Lights Festival! This magical event lineup brings holiday joy to the North Lake Tahoe area with free and family-friendly festivities, dazzling decorations, and events that warm the heart. So, grab your friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate in style! You can find all the details on the official Northern Lights festival website.
The Northern Lights Festival really makes our town sparkle, and it’s amazing to see locals and visitors join in holiday cheer. From lights and decorations to gatherings and concerts, it’s the best time of year to be part of this community!
Here’s a peek at some of the fun in store this year:
Candy Cane Lane & Village at UNR Lake Tahoe (December 7) – Step into a holiday wonderland full of treats and fun with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and carols by the Incline Elementary School Choir
Messiah Concert by Tahoe Phil (December 10) – Catch the 19th annual performance of this beautiful holiday classic at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
A Night in Bethlehem (December 13) – This interactive event at Cornerstone Community Church will bring the Christmas story to life for the whole family.
Brunch with Santa (December 14) – Meet Santa, enjoy a festive brunch, and celebrate with Tahoe Family Solutions and the Incline Village General Improvement District! (Heads up, it’s already sold out!)
And we’re not stopping there! New this year is Jingle & Mingle, a village-wide holiday event on Saturday, December 14 where local shops, merchants, and businesses are offering unique gifts, treats, and seasonal goodies. Stroll through town to soak up the festive lights, sip on hot cocoa, and browse one-of-a-kind finds to make your holiday gifting extra special.
This season is packed with experiences for everyone! Don’t miss the Handmade Holidays event at Karacotta Pottery Studio on November 30, Diamond Peak’s opening day on December 12 (fingers crossed for snow!), and live music at local spots like Crystal Bay Club’s Crown Room, Glasses Wine Bar, and Alibi Ale Works. And for those celebrating the season with faith, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Hanukkah services kick off on December 25 at local churches and temples.
Spread Cheer: Donate Today to Light Up the Village!
Celebrate the season and help bring magic to Incline Village by donating to the Northern Lights Festival. Your support keeps our holiday celebrations vibrant for all to enjoy.
For the latest updates, event details, and ways to participate, visit www.ivcba.org.
Incline High Highlander Football Team heads to State Championship Game
November 19, 2024 | Mary Danahey
Submitted by Mary Danahey of Incline Education Fund, Written by Tim Kelly, 11/19/24
The Incline High football team is heading to their first state championship game since 1981. The Highlanders won an incredibly tough state semi final game last Saturday down in Needles, CA. Incline is the #2 seed in northern NV so they traveled to the border of NV, CA and AZ to play against the #1 seeded Needles Mustangs. They defeated the Mustangs 12-8 in a hard defensive battle. Senior Quarterback Tommy Williams ran for 2 touchdowns and the Highlander defense held Needles to one touchdown.
Now, Incline is trying to win their first State Title since 1973 on Saturday November 23 at 10am at McQueen High School. The Highlanders will play undefeated league rival Pershing County. Both Incline and Pershing County are both undefeated because they didn’t get to play each other this season due to the Davis Fire in September.
