Tahoe Forest Health System Launches “True North” Community Engagement Initiative Health System Seeks Input from 5,000 Community Members to Shape Future Priorities 

Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) is launching “True North,” a comprehensive community engagement initiative aimed at gathering input from residents, patients, second homeowners, partners and staff to guide the health system’s strategic direction in the years ahead. 

“As we prepare for the future, we’re asking one simple question: what does it look like when a health system is the center of health in a community?” said Michael McGarry, chair of the board of directors. “I look forward to working with our community to answer that question on behalf of the people we serve.” 

From October 2025 through June 2026, TFHS aims to engage at least 5,000 community members in discussions about healthcare priorities, access to care, and the meaning of health and wellness in the mountain region. 

“Tahoe Forest Health System was built by the people of this region—from Richard Joseph’s 1949 land donation that established our hospital district to the community’s overwhelming support for the Gene Upshaw Memorial Cancer Center,” said Anna Roth, president and CEO. “True North continues that tradition. This initiative is about listening first and building the future together.” 

Focus Areas: True North centers on three key areas that reflect current challenges and future opportunities. 

Health Within Reach – Exploring ways to improve access to care, reduce wait times, expand services closer to where people live, and address affordability. 

Peaks of Excellence – Identifying specialty services and programs that would provide significant benefits to the community while enhancing the health system’s overall capabilities. 

Transformation – Reimagining healthcare delivery through innovation, workforce development and new models of care tailored to the region’s unique needs. 

“We’re meeting people where they are, not where we expect them to come,” said Kim McCarl, chief strategy officer. “Whether someone participates in a survey, joins a listening session, or engages with us at a community event, we want to hear from them.” 

How the Community Can Participate 

TFHS will gather feedback through various channels, including online surveys, QR codes available at hospital and regional partner agency locations and community events, listening sessions, and collaborations with local organizations throughout the region. Throughout the initiative, TFHS will provide regular updates on what it is hearing and how community input is shaping future decisions. 

Learn More and Share Your Input 
Community members are invited to learn more about the True North initiative and share their perspectives through an online survey. Additional opportunities to participate will be added throughout the engagement period. To explore the focus areas, stay informed as new ways to engage are introduced, and take the survey, visit https://tfhd.com/true-north. 

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About Tahoe Forest Health System 

Tahoe Forest Health System, which includes Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, Calif., and Incline Village Community Hospital in Incline Village, Nev., offers 24-hour emergency care, a Level III trauma center, three urgent care clinics, and primary and specialty care clinics throughout Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, including Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, and the Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care. With a strong focus on high-quality patient care, community collaboration, clinical excellence, and technical innovation, Tahoe Forest Health System strives to be the health system of choice in our region and the best mountain health system in the nation. For a complete list of physician specialties and services, visit www.tfhd.com. 
 
Photos for media use here.  
Photo Credit: Courtesy of TFHS 

Beloved for their wry humor and Tahoe/Truckee inside jokes, Shine On cartoons have delighted Moonshine Ink‘s readers for 10 years. Part humor, part local history, they trace the community’s evolving conversations through Mike English’s tongue-in-cheek lens — from snowstorms and mountain fashion to bears, berms, roundabouts, housing struggles, and the small absurdities that unite us. Moonshine collected the best of the best into a book titled Potholes and Powder Days, a comprehensive anthology of laughter medicine. This anthology is not just good medicine; it also supports local journalism. Your purchase helps keep independent reporting alive.

Link to purchase: https://subscribe.moonshineink.com/potholes-powder-days-purchase_5104

Buy your copy today! And pick up copies for everyone on your holiday shopping list that appreciates a good laugh.

Originally published in Tahoe.com, 1/19/2026, Written by Kirsten Alexis

Winter in North Lake Tahoe is unrivaled. We have an incredible balance of adrenaline-fueled snow sports and opportunities for relaxation and restoration. From riding fresh powder at world-class ski resorts to energetic après options to cozying up by a warm fireplace with a hot beverage to ending the day witnessing a pastel sunset by the sparkling lakeshore, there’s truly something for everyone here. 

This week I’m here to help you find a great balance of slopeside adventure and lakeside relaxation and to enjoy the Tahoe lifestyle to the fullest without feeling rushed. Below, I have created an itinerary to help you plan the best weekend ever in North Lake Tahoe. I hope you enjoy your stay and leave inspired to come back soon!

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Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) announced today that the Welcome Center and organization’s offices will temporarily relocate to allow for long-planned repairs and facility improvements at its current location.

Located at 937 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 150, the temporary Welcome Center will provide visitor information and resources during the construction period. The visitors center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. New signage will direct visitors to thetemporary location.

The planned improvements are designed to enhance the overall efficiency and functionality of the Welcome Center while ensuring the facility remains a valuable resource for visitors and residents alike.Renovations will be funded through previously allocated capital improvement funds and reflect TNTNV’s ongoing commitment to maintaining community assets that support both tourism services and long-term operational sustainability.

“These improvements have been planned for some time and are an important investment in the future of the Welcome Center, which plays a vital role in educating visitors on sustainable visitation practices and learning more about Lake Tahoe,” said Andy Chapman, President and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada.

“Temporarily relocating allows us to complete this work efficiently while continuing to serve visitors and support the local economy. We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these necessary upgrades.”

Once repairs are complete, the Welcome Center will reopen at its original location with improved operational efficiency designed to better serve visitors and align with TNTNV’s broader destination management goals.

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About Travel North Tahoe Nevada: Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) is the public organization

responsible for destination management for the North Shore, Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Its mission is to

encourage destination experiences that support a vibrant economy, enhance community character, and

foster environmental stewardship by reinvesting visitor generated revenue back into the local community.

For more information, click here.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, announces several enhancements to its main tower, located on the north parcel of the property. The updates include refreshed guestrooms, meeting and event spaces, and an updated pool area. The resort continues the redevelopment of its south parcel which includes lakefront rooms, restaurant, and event spaces, expected to be completed in 2027.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to our newly refreshed accommodations and spaces,” says Pascal Dupuis, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. “This update is an exciting step in our multi-phase redevelopment, offering enhanced comfort and style throughout the main tower. Because the north and south parcels are separate, guests can enjoy our refreshed rooms, meeting spaces, and pool area without any disruptions from ongoing redevelopment elsewhere on the property.”

The refreshed guestrooms and meeting spaces at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe combine modern comfort with mountain-inspired elegance. Guestrooms feature new carpet and wallcoverings in soothing tones, updated bed bases, contemporary tables and chairs, and freshly designed curtains and sheers. Modernized lamps and nightstands, upgraded sofa sleepers, and carefully selected finishes create a sense of warmth and refinement while enhancing every stay. 

Meeting and event spaces now showcase refreshed surfaces, updated furnishings, and thoughtfully layered lighting that balances style with functionality. Outdoor updates include enhancements to the Water Gardens and Creekside Lawn, with refreshed landscaping and newly installed pavers that create a flexible staging area. These improvements provide an inviting setting for gatherings and events, framed by the beauty of the area.

Additionally, the pool area has been resurfaced and updated with new guest umbrellas and chair coverings, offering a refreshed setting for relaxation and social connection.

The overall design invites guests to unwind, connect, and experience the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, with spaces that reflect the surrounding landscape while supporting moments of comfort, celebration, and ease.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe’s ongoing redevelopment includes enhancements to the south parcel and other resort areas. Guests can learn more about this and future updates by visiting hyattregencylaketahoe.com/renovation.

For more information or to book a stay at 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

Originally Published by Tahoe.com, By Kathryn Reed, Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Real estate – be it selling, buying or managing rentals – is more than a business for Blane Johnson. It’s a way of life. It’s about community. It’s about bringing people together.

Johnson moved to Incline Village in 1979. For the first 20-plus years, he was in the ski industry – teaching, running ski schools and race departments, and putting on events. Today when he is on the slopes, it’s all about being outside and has nothing to do with work. He gets in at least 50 days a year of vertical fun – mostly at Diamond Peak and Mount Rose ski resorts.

That’s the thing about Incline, he says. No matter the season, a slew of outdoor activities are mere steps from everyone’s front door.

Johnson wanted to figure out a way to keep living the Tahoe life, which meant he needed to find a line of work that paid more money.

For 25 years he has owned Sun Bear Realty and Management. For much of that time, Meredith Mall has been running the office. Together, they make a formidable team.

Johnson has traveled plenty of places, but something about Tahoe keeps him rooted here.

“There’s no place better than Tahoe,” he says. “When I travel, I always compare it to home. There are other places that are very, very nice, but there is nothing that beats Lake Tahoe.”

Vacation Rentals and Property Management Services in Incline Village

While the company represents sellers and buyers in the real estate world, the primary focus is on rentals.

“We have rentals for every budget, from small condos to six-bed­room, six-bath homes with a theater and wine storage,” Johnson says.

As a longtime local, Johnson understands what renters and owners have to deal with living in a tourist destination, what happens when a big snowstorm rolls through town and how to handle living in bear country.

Johnson and his team are definite insiders, which makes managing rentals easy for them and takes away much of the stress for owners living outside of the area. They are up-to-date on all the vacation home rental rules issued by government officials. Washoe County, where Incline Village is located, mandates short-term rental properties have someone available who is within an hour’s drive. Sun Bear can be “that person” even if they are not doing the overall management of the property.

The company also works closely with homeowners’ associations to help them adhere to regulations.

A unique aspect of Sun Bear is providing snowbirds walk-throughs of their homes while they winter elsewhere. This is to make sure the heat is on, pipes have not frozen, a limb has not crashed through a window and animals have not taken up residence.

Sun Bear Realty’s Growth: One-Stop Shop for Rentals, Cleaning, and Maintenance

Through acquisitions and hard work over the last handful of years, Sun Bear has grown to be the largest rental management firm in the area. The company handles long-term and short-term rentals for owners and vacation rentals account for about 25% of their workload.

“We are a one-stop shop because we handle the rental, cleaning and maintenance,” Johnson says. “We have a lot of vendors we work with, from handymen to contractors. We make sure we are sending the right person for the right job.”

That reliability and attention to getting repairs done correctly the first time is something Sun Bear prides itself on.

Marketing through Sun Bear’s website and third-party entities is another aspect of the company’s services. They also send out a news­letter twice a month to keep in touch with their clients.

One of Sun Bear’s priorities is to make the process as easy as possible for owners and renters. This is accomplished through online portals that allow bills to be paid, maintenance requests to be submitted and communication to happen with ease.

Johnson says too many agencies still rely on paper to keep track of things, which slows down the process and can make it easy for requests to fall through the cracks. At Sun Bear, it’s about efficiency, transparency, accountability and making sure all parties are satisfied.

Sun Bear’s purchase of another rental company in 2025 came with a separate cleaning company, an aspect of the business Johnson looks forward to growing. This allows for Sun Bear to have the cleaning operation under the same roof as the rentals.

Johnson expects the cleaning side of the business to grow by 100% within the year.

One does not have to be part of the Sun Bear rental family to tap into its house-cleaning services. They also work with other real estate firms to do cleans before a house is listed and before a new owner moves in.

Serving the Lake Tahoe Community with Expertise and Care

Sun Bear operates solely in Nevada – from each of the state lines in the Lake Tahoe Basin – and also handles some properties in the Reno area.

In a place defined by its beauty and community spirit, Johnson and his Sun Bear team make sure everyone who comes to Tahoe can feel right at home.

(775) 831-9000
811 Tahoe Boulevard, Incline Village
sunbearrealty.com

By David Vomund

Most analysts, including myself, began the year with trepidation.  Stocks were pricey, tariffs would rise by a lot, immigration would be halted, and DC would be even more chaotic than normal.  Economists were on recession watch.  Surely stocks would fall.  Wrong!  

Despite all that, the economy grew about three percent in 2025 and corporate profits rose 13 percent.  Long-term interest rates were little changed but short-term rates fell.  Rising profits and falling interest rates explain the strength in stocks.  The S&P 500 rose 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter and jumped 16.7 percent on the year.  Corporate America successfully handled Obamacare, the move to green energy from the Inflation Reduction Act, and Tariffs.   

Much of the economic growth came from consumer spending, mostly from higher-income Americans, and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom.  Those accounted for 70 percent of GDP.  The five largest hyperscalers are spending more than $400 billion in AI capital expenditures.  That’s nearly as much as the 2008 bank and auto bailout!  

Tech companies including Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Alphabet drove the S&P 500 higher for most of the year.  They are such a large component of the S&P 500 that the index is becoming a reflection of the promises and doubts about AI’s future.  

Fortunately, in the fourth quarter there was a rotation to other sectors that were previously ignored.  Financials, transportation, health care, and energy became leaders.  Tech stocks retreated.  Having more stocks participate in advances makes for a healthier stock market.  

As always, there are worries.  Inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2 percent target.  If the Fed cuts rates too much then investors will expect more inflation.  Is AI in a bubble that will pop?  Will there be another government shutdown?  Will tariff inflation arrive in 2026?  And the one I’m most concerned about is will bond vigilantes panic over debt and deficits?  There are always things to worry about. 

That said, I’m more optimistic than a year ago.  S&P 500 earnings estimates for 2026 are for 14 percent growth.  Add in a Fed that is cutting interest rates into a growing economy and you have a tailwind for higher stock prices.  Because of its tech exposure, a solid year might not be reflected in the S&P 500’s 2026 return, but the broadening trade to sectors that aren’t nearly as expensive would be good news for portfolio returns.  

 
— David Vomund is an Incline Village-based fee-only money manager.  Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555.  Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.

Originally published in the Bowl Incline Newlsetter, 12/29/25

As we reflect on an incredible year and look ahead to what’s next, we wanted to pause and share a message filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement for the future.

After a memorable two-year run, we will be closing Lane 17 Lounge. This space became so much more than a lounge—it was a place for shared laughs, late-night bites, celebratory toasts, and moments that brought people together. To everyone who dined with us, raised a glass, celebrated milestones, or made Lane 17 part of your Incline Village memories: thank you. You made it special.

2025 has been a year of meaningful growth and big wins at Bowl Incline. We’re proud of what we accomplished together:

• We modified our pinsetters to achieve USBC certification, allowing our league bowlers to compete officially—and now Bowl Incline teams are entering and competing in USBC events.
• We expanded our arcade with new games and a prize redemption kiosk, creating even more fun for kids and adults alike.
• We launched a players club card, opening the door to expanded winning opportunities for our 21+ crowd for gambling.
• Our bar program grew with new craft cocktails and expanded beer and wine selections.
• At Sam Choy’s ʻOhana Diner, we introduced new menu favorites like our Spicy Noodle Bowl and Birria Tacos, and continue to evolve the experience.
• We created a winterized indoor-outdoor patio, complete with heaters, s’mores, and cozy hot toddies—because winter should be fun, too.
• And we proudly opened ICE Incline’s Center for Events & Entertainment, executing five incredible events, including our first Words to Water Nashville singer-songwriter concert. 

As we step into 2026, we’ve taken time to reflect on where we can best focus our energy. Our private event business continues to grow, and demand for the Lane 17 space as a private rental has increased significantly. Over time, the frequent disruptions to Lane 17 Lounge openings made it clear that refocusing was the right move.

While the lounge chapter is closing, we’re happy to share that you can still experience Lane 17 food through our private dining offerings, and we look forward to continuing to grow and evolve that experience.

Looking ahead to 2026, the momentum is strong. We already have many new and returning ICE events booked, including a three-date concert series, with even more live music, more fundraising events, and more ways to gather, celebrate, and give back coming soon.

Moving forward, our focus will be on Bowl Incline, our new winterized patio, Sam Choy’s ʻOhana Diner, and an exciting lineup of private and ticketed events—all with the same goal we’ve always had: continuing to bring something new, fun, and memorable to Incline Village.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible team. Lane 17 Lounge was what it was because of the passion, care, creativity, and hospitality of the people who brought it to life every day. We are endlessly grateful for you.

Lane 17 Lounge may be closing its doors, but the spirit behind it—connection, creativity, and community—is very much alive and woven into everything we’re building next.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to welcome you into what’s ahead.

With gratitude and excitement for the future,

The Bowl Incline Team

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Written by Katelyn Welsh, 12/26/2025

In 1966, two Incline Village residents had a dream of making a year-round resort community, what would be called the “Pebble Beach of the Sierra.” Part of Art Wood and Harold Tiller’s dream would be Ski Incline, a ski resort placed directly in the Incline Village Community. Sixty years later, Ski Incline might have a different name – Diamond Peak Ski Resort – but it is still what Wood and Tiller had dreamed, a ski mountain for the community.

When developing the resort, Wood and Tiller hired Austrian ski consultant Luggi Foeger to design and build Ski Incline.

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Photo Credit: Warren Miller at Ski Incline 1969.Movie review: ‘Inside Out’