Submitted by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Andreina Quiroz, 10/03/2025

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, in collaboration with Washoe County, is reminding Incline Village residents that wildfire is a year-round risk in our community. With dry summers, strong winds, and the unique landscape of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe Basin, it is essential that residents stay vigilant and continue learning how to live safely with fire.

As part of this effort—and in recognition of September as National Preparedness Month—Washoe County is transitioning from the “Make a Plan, Stay Informed, Assemble a Kit” messaging to the nationally recognized Ready, Set, Go! program. This change is intended to better align evacuation and preparedness practices across agencies and provide clearer direction to residents in the event of wildfire.

Key Messages of Ready, Set, Go!

• Be Ready: Be aware of the danger in your area. Monitor media and emergency services for information. Make sure you have an emergency kit to last more than 2 weeks.

• Get Set: Pack to leave at any moment. People with special circumstances should consider evacuating now.

• Go Now: Leave now! You are in immediate danger.

Why This Matters

Preparedness saves lives. By adopting the Ready, Set, Go! framework, we are encouraging Washoe County residents to take proactive steps before wildfire strikes as this approach emphasizes leaving early, which is critical in keeping our families, neighbors, and first responders safe.

Fire Chief Ryan Sommers of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District added, “Wildfire knows no boundaries. It is up to all of us to be ready, set, and willing to go when the time comes. The more prepared we are as individuals, the stronger and safer our community will be.”

Stay Informed

Residents are urged to sign up for Washoe County’s emergency alerts and follow official county and fire district social media channels for timely information during emergencies.

For more resources on how to get Ready, Set, Go!visit: https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/03/2025, Staff Report

Tourism authority debuts new name and brand identity, inviting visitors to ‘Dive In’ to the Lake Tahoe experience

Lake Tahoe Travel has been unveiled as the new brand for the region’s destination management organization (DMO), formerly known as North Lake Tahoe. The new identity reflects both the diversity of its communities and the depth of the Lake Tahoe visitor experience. Representing the west, north, and east shores — from Emerald Bay to Spooner Summit, covering nearly 70% of the lake’s shoreline — Lake Tahoe Travel unites 12 distinct towns under one cohesive brand while continuing its mission to inspire, elevate, and promote responsible tourism across the region.

Lake Tahoe Travel is a DMO encompassing both the California and Nevada sides of the region and is operated through a cooperative of two organizations: North Tahoe Community Alliance and Travel North Tahoe Nevada.

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/02/2025, Written by Zoe Meyer

For pet owners in the Tahoe Basin facing unimaginable choices between costly veterinary care and losing their companions, the Village Pet Foundation (VPF) is a lifeline. Since its founding in July 2023, this volunteer-run nonprofit has saved 120 pets—and counting—by providing funding for emergency veterinary care that prevents euthanasia. In just under a year, VPF has far surpassed its original goal, bringing relief and hope to families in need.

Operating across the Tahoe Basin and beyond, VPF partners with six veterinary clinics to fund critical treatments for animals at risk of being put down. The average cost per case is $2,000, a sum many pet owners simply cannot afford. Funding comes from thrift stores, community fundraisers, and private donations. The need is urgent—95% of the pets VPF assists would not have survived without this intervention.

Chairperson Pat Abbey, motivated by the overwhelming number of pets euthanized due to financial hardship, has vowed to never turn away an animal in need. As the demand for services grows, so does the foundation’s reach. For Abbey and her dedicated team, the impact of their work is evident in the lives they save. Every rescued pet represents a family kept whole. Among the stories that have recently come to light, three remarkable cases—Remmy, Stitch, and Gordo—stand out as powerful examples of survival, resilience, and the difference VPF is making.

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Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 09/30/2025, Staff Report

Pet Network Lake Tahoe is proud to announce the unveiling of its newly revitalized Medical Treatment Areas and Surgical Suite, marking a transformational leap forward in animal care for the Tahoe Basin. Made possible through the generosity of donors, as well as community partners and foundations, this extensive remodel establishes Pet Network as a national leader in shelter and community medicine. 

On September 18, Pet Network’s most dedicated champions gathered for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate this milestone. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, which now houses advanced diagnostic and treatment tools including a CT scanner, ultrasound, endoscope, ventilator and a new ICU unit. Each addition expands Pet Network’s ability to diagnose complex conditions, perform lifesaving surgeries, and provide critical care to injured or ill animals for community and shelter pets alike.

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 08/10/2025, Staff Report

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has been awarded a $700,000 grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation to support critical emergency systems enhancements throughout the District.

The grant supports NLTFPD’s ongoing efforts to modernize equipment and infrastructure, enhancing emergency communication and response systems to improve public safety and operational efficiency in the Incline Village and Crystal Bay communities. These upgrades will strengthen the District’s ability to respond to emergencies and build long-term community resilience.

“This generous funding is a significant step forward in advancing the District’s commitment to protecting life and property,” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “We are deeply grateful to the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation for recognizing the importance of investing in community safety and for their ongoing support of our mission.”

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