LABOR DAY WEEKEND

We had an early taste of colder weather, but it should be a nice weekend for all of the activities going on.

THE WEEKEND STARTS EARLY with the Tastes of Tahoe tomorrow night at the Chateau. This longstanding event is put on by PEO, a philanthropic organization that raises money for scholarships. Tickets available at The Potlatch (Raley’s shopping area).

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES…

• Village Ski Loft has their annual sale. It’s a classic. GO, even if you don’t ski.
• Mountain Hardware and Sports has specials all weekend too! Shop their summer stuff…summer is not officially over until September 21. But it may be worth your while to go to Truckee for their annual garage sale….think really good deals on everything that should have sold and didn’t. 
• ALL of the grocers have specials….check out Raleys, Grocery Outlet, and Natural Grocers.  They are all working hard for business. Personally, I find reasons to go to all of them!
• Happy Tiers…Always a good place to go on a holiday weekend. Did you know they have a Cake of the Month Club?! Would someone please put me on their list one month? My birthday is June, but I can celebrate life any month of the year!
• Incline Liquor…They have a new owner, longtime local Brendan Donovan. If you haven’t ever been there,(MUCH improved interior),  check it out. He’s in that little plaza with Incline  Cleaners and Mountain Workspace.
• Umpqua Bank – Sept 5…come and meet the new branch manager at Umpqua Bank, Aundira Hernandez.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ROTARY CLUB

I hope you have already bought your ducks, because the Duck Drop happens on Monday morning at the parking lot at Aspen Grove. If you have grandchildren in town, they will love seeing the fire truck dropping the ducks! Only in a small town….

SUPPORT LOCAL ART

Be a part of the community mural at Natural Grocers. Local artist Sara Smith has created a mural that embodies the values of our mountain community AND this health-driven store. The public is invited to participate in completing the aspen trees on the bottom. No prior experience or skill is required! Just be part of the community for a few moments and leave your mark on that mural. 

I hope you are getting the message….our community WANTS you to be involved! Just say Yes!

Here’s  another good reason to pay attention to those signs along the road that say “Take it slow, Tahoe”: school is back in session! Thank you to local resident Helen Neff for this thoughtful campaign. She (almost) singlehandedly brought and distributed those signs, made by Take Care Tahoe, to Incline. They remind us that there are pedestrians, people taking their kids to school, dogs for a walk, going out for coffee,  etc. In fact, we encourage people to get out of their car and enjoy walking through our Village. Don’t forget about E-bikes and scooters! They may be on the street, not the sidewalk, but they are often unexpected….another good reason to “Take it slow,  Tahoe”.

The Local Lens and IVCBA are putting a big focus on  community involvement this fall. There IS an election (how could you not notice?). Be sure you are registered to vote!

CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD next Monday.

Diane Backer did a great job in her tenure as CAB Chair. She is passing the baton to a very capable and informed citizen, Roxanna Dunn. Next Monday’s meeting will focus on the new Sand Harbor reservation system. Hopefully, this will improve the traffic congestion!

TRPA AND HOUSING

TRPA has rebranded its housing and redevelopment committee. It is now called Tahoe Living project, Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin.  There is a housing workshop for the North Shore on September 10. Visit tahoeliving.org to learn more and get involved.

IVCBA HOUSING COMMITTEE

As a follow up to Washoe County’s housing study and roadmap (approved by the Commission a year ago), IVCBA has re-formed the Washoe Tahoe Housing Partnership to the IVCBA Housing Committee.  It has taken some time to find the right vehicle that can encourage and help unlock housing stock for shorter-term solutions. This committee will interact with the agencies that set policies. It will also “educate and convene” our community through a speaker series starting October 1. On a recent trip to Reno at 7:30 am, I was met by a steady stream of cars heading up to Incline for work. People who live where they work are more engaged in the local issues and support the local businesses. They are essential to IVCBA’s mission of “building and growing cohesiveness for the sustainability of Incline Village and Crystal Bay”. 

BEAUTIFICATION SPOTLIGHT

IVGID Parks and Recreation….Have you walked the paths between Incline Way and Aspen Grove? How about the little parks that mark the entrance to Incline? All of the facilities, including the entrance to the Rec Center, have beautiful grounds that are well-maintained. Thank you to Stephen Phillips and his staff! 

SERVICE CLUBS ARE A BUILDING BLOCK TO A STRONG COMMUNITY.

I want to give a shoutout to AAUW, the American Association of University Women. We have a very active branch, headed by President Janet Usinger. They give scholarships, and work to promote STEM and other educational programs in schools. This group of nearly 150 women is raising funds for these programs in September. A silent auction which allows everyone to participate, this starts September 1st – 18th. But try to make the Garden Party fundraiser on September 15th, at an exclusive estate on Lakeshore. The details are on IVCBA’s calendar. This illustrious group of women have a wide range of social activities, from their Monday hiking/snowshoe/kayaking  group to monthly meetings with speakers to book and cooking clubs. Go to AAUW Incline Village for more information on membership contact Diane Woodward (925-300-6284) and Leann Foster (510-502-7366). They can both be reached at membership@tahoenvaauw.org.

We have two very active Rotary Clubs, also dedicated to community service, as well as international service. Fall is a great time to attend a meeting and think about joining. Reach out to tahoeinclinerotary@gmail.com for the Thursday morning club, Bridget Crowe, bgirouxdesign@gmail.com for the noon club. You do NOT have to be a veteran to attend the lunches of the  IVCB Veterans Club on the last Thursday of the month. Incliners is primarily a social club, but part of its service is welcoming new residents and distributing IVCBA community welcome bags. Join the Incliners here: https://www.incliners.org/membership

Who did I forget? This is my end of the blog message to those that read to the end. Let me know so I can include them next week.

Have you seen the Natural Grocers Mural? Local artist Sara Smith is creating a scene that reflects the values of a healthy lifestyle and sustainability common to our community and to Natural Grocers. Although it isn’t finished, you can see the basic design that is already sketched out. Plan to be a community artist and help complete the bottom portion of the mural on Saturday, August 31st from 10-2.

TOMORROW NIGHT is the Washoe County commissioner candidate forum, featuring incumbent Commissioner Chair Alexis Hill and former Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler. Plan your question in advance and come early enough to write it up on the paper provided by organizers IVCB Community Forum and IVCBA.  

IVCBA will be launching a campaign on civic engagement this fall. It starts with getting involved and understanding the issues facing the community. We hope to set the tone with this first candidate forum, asking for thoughtful questions, civility and respect for the candidates.

Watch for Tahoe Talks  on voting issues at Incline Library this fall. We will also be shining a light on our service clubs, encouraging people to get involved with our schools and nonprofits, either through volunteering or leadership roles on their boards. 

MUSIC THIS WEEKEND! 

Super Diamond is performing Friday in the Crystal Bay Club Crown Room. It’s a fundraiser for the Village Pet Foundation, helping with expenses for surgeries on pets. You can also support them by shopping at their thrift store in Christmas Tree Village. More exciting news from them soon about their second location and pet grooming!

ICONIC INCLINERS EVENT NEXT TUESDAY

The annual classic car show and dinner is next Tuesday. Joining Incliners is a great way to get involved and meet some really nice people 49+ years of age. And we all know that is YOUNG, not old!

Find all events on IVCBA.org calendar!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TIFFANY CLEMENTS on her retirement from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office as a Field/Community Specialist with the Incline Substation! She is well-known in Incline because she attends in an official capacity or volunteers at, most local fundraisers and community events. Tiffany’s work is often behind the scenes but results in successful events like the Sheriff’s Office Community Picnic and setting up the patriotic décor around town for the Local Heroes 4^th of July Celebration. She is always part of the organizing committee for community events. She represents the Sheriff’s Office at “Meet and Greets,” including the Incline Library Clean-up and Block Party and Candy Cane Village at UNR@Lake Tahoe. Tiffany’s career with Washoe County included 20 years with the Second District Judicial Court. You will continue to see Tiffany around town because she is a local resident and an active member of the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline.

DMV KIOSK 

Did you know there was a Kiosk for the DMV(Department of Motor Vehicles) in Raleys? Thank Tiffany, former Captain Blaine Beard, and the DMV Now team. Residents can renew their vehicle registration and print the tags right there at the kiosk, located at the entrance closest to the produce aisles. 

DON’T MISS OUT!

I know I am not the only with FOMO. So I hope YOU did not miss the wonderful Classical Tahoe summer concerts that ended last weekend. But it  is not too late to get out to Sand Harbor for the Shakespeare Festival’s performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor or their Signature Concert Series on Mondays and Tuesdays. On my calendar: the Carole King cover show next Tuesday, August 13. 

It might be too late to get tickets for Tahoe Family Solutions “Hoo Doo in the Bayou”  on August 15^th, but it’s NOT TOO LATE to plan to attend the Candidate Night for Washoe County Commissioners on the same night. Marsha Berkbigler, a former commissioner of Incline is running against the incumbent Alexis Hill. 

Get the latest info on Lake Tahoe sustainability at the annual “ State of the Lake” report by TERC, Tahoe Environmental Center. Get all of the details at IVCBA.org for this event held on Thursday, August 8 at Granlibakken in Tahoe City. 

BURNING MAN PHOTOGRAPHY FANS

Whether you have ever been a “Burner” at the festival on the Black Rock desert or simply love fabulous photography, there are two ongoing photography shows by local residents who are “almost famous” at Burning Man.  Eleanor Preger’s show is down at the Sierra Arts Foundation in Reno. Vanessa Franking, who has made a name for herself with amazing “light” photography has a show that opens next Monday for 5 weeks in South Shore in the Haldan Gallery on the campus of Lake Tahoe Community College. These women are longtime local residents. You have seen their work in the gallery in the Reno Airport as well. 

BIG NEWS! 

If you haven’t heard this yet, you’ve been spending too much time on the beach and not enough time on your social media! Natural Grocers had their grand opening this morning. It’s the first major building development along Tahoe Blvd. for a long time and it brings a sense of vitality to “main street”.  The mural that will be on the front-facing wall, commissioned to local artist Sara Smith will add public art, including a portion that engages the public for completion. I had a “sneak peek”  last night while shopping their amazing stock of ALL organic products! It’s guilt-free chocolate if it is dark and organic, right?

Kudos to Natural Grocer for donating $2500 to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada (and for joining IVCBA!). For a national chain, they are doing all the right things to fit into the community.

ELECTION SEASON IS APPROACHING…

Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6PM: Plan to attend the first candidate forum hosted by IVCBA and the Friday IVCB Community Forum featuring Marsha Berkbigler and Alexis Hill running for County Commissioner. Learn more: https://ivcba.org/community-news/incline-village-community-forum-to-feature-candidates-for-washoe-county-commission-district-1/

JUST ANOTHER NORMAL(MANIC!) WEEK IN INCLINE

I need a vacation from my “staycation”. There’s too much to do! If that sounded like a complaint, it isn’t. I am bragging about all of the wonderful cultural and musical opportunities nearly every night of the week. What I am looking forward to the most next week: The Reno Phil’s tribute to Tina Turner on Monday at Sand Harbor. 80s dress-up opportunity everyone! I think I still have my Tina wig from my Dress The Party store days. Maybe I’ll wear the gold glitter pants I got from Panache on sale a couple of years ago. Don’t let me be the only one dressed up! 

 I am not a beach girl, but Chris Talbot and Around Tahoe Tours are going to treat me and my company like VIPs and set up tents and gear on the Sand Harbor beach on Saturday. No line, no schlepping? Priceless! His tours are awesome…check it out at https://www.aroundtahoe.com.

BEST KEPT SECRET…

This is to see if you read the Lens to the end. IVCBA has been all about beautification this spring and summer. My husband and I have built a sculpture park on Lariat Circle called Joyous Journey. It is our personal contribution to beautifying Incline and also a sanctuary where I can relax and recharge. Although it is not a public space per se, it is open to anyone who hears about it “word of mouth”, to walk through and enjoy the colorful art and landscaping respectfully. Enjoy!

UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN INCLINE VILLAGE AND CRYSTAL BAY

I have enjoyed watching the progress of Natural Grocers on Tahoe Boulevard as I drive by it every day. It now looks like a mid-late July opening for this health-oriented grocery store. Driving further along Tahoe Blvd, I see progress with the expansion of Bite and the Bar La Loca (still not open) replacing FredRicks. John Kasden, property owner for Incline Plaza and Aspen Plaza,  also reports a Pottery store in Aspen Plaza. Check It out!

Our casino resorts provide jobs for locals and contribute to a healthy economy that can support other local businesses.  News on this front:

• Nine 47 Tahoe, the luxury condo project on the corner of Tahoe Blvd and Southwood, will complete the Washoe County permitting process this week, but will break ground next spring. They have completed the TRPA process.
• Revitalize Cal Neva is moving along this summer with some initial historic preservation, structural repair, and environmental remediation. The site work this summer is related to getting the property ready for more extensive work next spring/summer toward the goal of opening in time for its 100th anniversary in December 2026. The McWhinney group, the owners, are working hard to engage the community every step of the way toward re-creating the lodge-style resort that existed in the 1940s… with a modern twist, of course. This cultural heart of the North Shore has been dormant for too long, and the vision is to transform the iconic place into a vibrant destination for the community and visitors to gather and celebrate. The open house at Bowl Incline earlier this month was widely attended by the community. Stay updated: www.revitalizecalneva.com
• The Hyatt redevelopment is currently limited to the completion of the beautiful(and tasty) Osteria Sierra, originally the Sierra Café. The Hive restaurant and bar is open for the season! Boats, jet skis and kayaks can be rented at the Hyatt  through Lake Tahoe Luxury Boat Rentals
• The Waldorf Astoria resort in Crystal Bay is on hold indefinitely as it works through refinancing.

CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD (CAB) MEETING ON MONDAY JUNE 24@5:30

The Tahoe Transportation District(TTD) is presenting its findings on alternate sites for the planned Mobility Hub in Incline Village. Attend in person at Incline Library or on ZOOM

TOWN HALL ON INSURANCE ON FRIDAY FRIDAY JUNE 28 @10:00AM

Nevada Division of Insurance is holding a Town Hall Meeting on the Impact of Wildfire Threat on Insurance. This in June 28th from 10am – 12pm. DETAILS

INCLINE IN BLOOM…..

It’s a beautiful early spring. Share your photos of the perennials around town – SEND photos to info@ivcba.org. No need to go to Reno for flowers…check out High Sierra Gardens. Take your kids or grandchildren to walk along the creek that runs through their property. They get new blooms every week. Grocery Outlet and Raleys have been stocking flowers too.

Have you noticed all of the benches and outdoor seating throughout town? Raleys has installed seating just outside Starbucks, Sunshine Deli has a sweet dining spot across the parking lot, Crosby’s is legendary, and I LOVE the outdoor area at Happy Tiers. What’s your favorite spot? 

PATRIOTIC DÉCOR

Tis the season to get out your flags and bunting to show your pride in our country. Local Heroes 4^th of July Celebration is coming up fast: July 2-4. Find all of the details on IVCBA.org. Yes, there are fireworks this year!

Congrats to the Incline High School graduating class of 2024!

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INCLINE IN BLOOM

What’s your favorite perennial? Tulips, daffodils, and phlox are almost finished. Those tall purply things are either lupines or. Anywhere you walk, whether on a trail or a sidewalk in town, will show off fabulous color right now. Most of them last about a month before the next wave of color comes.

IVCBA is having a Beautification Campaign right now. We are encouraging businesses and residents to plant some color for the season. High Sierra Gardens can provide many good native perennial choices; read: not much water or good soil is needed.  Capture some of the stunning scenery along your next walk and share it with us at info@ivcba.org.

Not in a position to plant, but like the color? We are taking charitable donations for landscaping and beautification through the Incline Tahoe Foundation Incline Village Main Street.

BE A HERO…BE IN THE PARADE ON JULY 2

Every year we get a great interpretation of what it means to be a local hero in our community. THIS YEAR, we seem to have athletic heroes. So, here’s an idea: get your sports team together, wear your jerseys, and BE a HERO in the parade. TK has planned a mini-Olympics with field games at the Community Fair on the Village Green right after the parade. There is nothing wrong with those adult softball teams, either! Can you do cheers or chants along the way? Sing a patriotic song?  

Our Local Heroes are firefighters, deputies, health care workers PLUS our snowplow drivers, snow removal guys, and  trash collectors too.  If you cannot be in it, please plan to attend. Details at are on our website: https://ivcba.org/events/local-heroes/

DRESS UP THE TOWN!

Start with putting your flag out on Friday, June 14 is Flag Day!  About planting those flowers…how about some annual petunias in red, white and blue! We decorate the town the week or two before the 4^th of July. The shopping centers will all be festive, thanks to IPM. IVCBA has a decorating crew for the parade route. The Incline village Realtors help put out stick flags and signs. If YOU can help, reach out to Tiffany Clements for WCSO – tlctiempo@gmail.com or 775-813-3706

LIKE ALL OF THE 4^TH OF JULY FESTIVITIES?

Become a Community Supporter for $50 at IVCBA.ORG

NEXT WEEK…

I promise to give you a heads up on what’s going with Natural Grocers and other developments.