March Madness, my favorite time of year. One can make wheelbarrows of money betting on hoops during the Big Dance. As the late great Mark Pilarski told me, “Mac, most smart sports bets are based on statistics, but not March Madness. Smart Madness bets are predicated on the heart. If you can judge heart, you’ve got it made.”

Probably because I lived in the Hawaiian Islands for fifteen years, I’m a pretty good judge of heart. The Hawaiian people taught me to think with my heart, and I try to do that as a regular thing, but in March it amounts to positive income.

I was never a good baller myself. I still remember Coach Phillips’s last words to me when he cut me from our high school squad and sent me to the showers, “Layne, this is a TEAM sport!” I had no idea what he was talking about…still don’t.

But, never one to give up, I practiced my trick shots until I had them down, and could challenge my fraternity brothers at the University of Oregon to games of Horse on Friday afternoon to win enough money to go out that night. 

One easy mark was Sam Elliott, who was a nice guy, but a terrible shot. I would bounce the ball off the court and into the bucket, or whip the ball around my back and into the hoop, while Sam could never get the hang of it. I see him on television now and again these days, hawking insurance or something, and only wish I could watch a March Madness game with him at a sports book here at the lake, and buy him a beer for all the money I took off him on the basketball court at the SAE House back there at Oregon…

My pick for this year is Memphis. They are the scrappiest, fastest team out there. I have to believe the Memphis basketball coach went out to the track one day, and asked those track stars, “Hey, you guys wanna learn how to play basketball?” They said yes, and sure enough they did learn how to play basketball, and now they beat everybody up and down the court all night long.

I wish Mark P. were still with us. Mark had the best sports mind in Nevada, and was the most fun to ski with in the morning, watch a game with in the afternoon, then collect our winnings and take our wives out to dinner in the evening. I miss him…

Well, enjoy this year’s Big Dance. Bet with your heart, and don’t forget to dance with the one you brung. Oh, and if the pretty cocktail waitress calls you “George” take it as a compliment, for here in the great state of Nevada, as well as in a few of the other more cultured states in the union, a big tipper is known with abiding affection, as a George…

Go Tigers!

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fhv4PrH1UuwlhbnTT23zO

Originally Published in the Reno Gazette Journal, 3/4/2025, Written by Jason Hidalgo

A Lake Tahoe luxury hotel development is in a precarious financial situation after receiving a second notice of default over an $82 million loan in less than a year.

Utah-based Lake Tahoe Partners LLC filed the notice on Feb. 27 against the Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe’s developer, according to a public document acquired from the Washoe County Recorder’s Office.

EKN Development, based in Newport Beach, California, is building the resort on the site of the former Tahoe Biltmore Lodge and Casino at Crystal Bay. The Reno Gazette Journal has requested comment from EKN Development.

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Photo provided by Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe

More than 90 percent of measurable standards of Lake Tahoe’s environmental health are stable or improving, according to a draft report the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) presented to the agency’s Governing Board today. The peer-reviewed 2023 Draft Threshold Evaluation identifies several areas, including aquatic invasive species, regional wildfires, and seasonal lake clarity trends that need more attention, better monitoring, or more research. The four-year report compiles scientific data on 140 indicators of environmental quality in the Tahoe Basin and measures the progress of science-based policies and restoration programs under the bi-state Tahoe Regional Plan. 

“It’s incredible to see the hard work of public agencies and property owners making steady progress and making historic achievements in restoring Lake Tahoe and enhancing our communities,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “Science-based policies and regional partnerships are essential to restoration on this scale. Many challenges are ahead, but the Regional Plan remains the blueprint for continued progress in the Tahoe Basin.”

The agency adopted measurable threshold standards in the 1980s that today encompass ten environmental categories, from water quality to wildlife, transportation, and scenic quality. The independent Tahoe Science Advisory Council conducted a peer review of the evaluation and provided input that will help future evaluations.

In addition to TRPA’s growth management system and limits on development, findings in the report show significant progress is coming from the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, or EIP, which is considered one of the most successful conservation programs in the nation.

A key example during the reporting period is the historic achievement of a wetland restoration target set more than 40 years ago. Today, EIP partners and private property owners have restored more than 1,100 acres of previously disturbed marshes, meadows, and wetlands that are critical to lake clarity and biodiversity. As partners began approaching the target, TRPA strengthened its goals with a new threshold standard that looks beyond acreage and focuses on improving the overall condition and quality of restoration projects.

Several overarching issues emerged during the 2020-2023 reporting period, according to the report:

• Wildfires in and outside the basin are impacting single-day and short-term air quality standards.
• Questions for scientists remain around restoring the lake’s famed clarity; winter clarity measurements continue to improve while clarity in summer declines.
• The New Zealand mudsnail discovery in 2023 and newly adopted targets for aquatic invasive plants require continued work.
• Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and VMT per capita have decreased, while shifting recreation patterns strained popular roadway corridors.

The 2023 Threshold Evaluation is the eighth four-year evaluation conducted since TRPA adopted measurable targets in the 1980s. The Tahoe Science Advisory Council coordinates a peer review process to ensure that appropriate methods and the best available science are applied in the threshold evaluation.

“The Council is committed to maintaining a strong bridge between science and management, and the Threshold Evaluation peer review effort is a great example of how independent science advice can continue to support TRPA’s important work,” Tahoe Science Advisory Council Program Officer Bob Larsen said.

TRPA will be collecting public and partner input on the draft evaluation over the next few months. The agency will present a final report to the TRPA Governing Board in June that will include recommended actions in response to the findings, changing conditions, public and stakeholder input, and advancements in science. The threshold evaluation summary, detailed findings, and feedback survey are available at thresholds.laketahoeinfo.org/ThresholdEvaluation/Index/2023.

Images:

Spring East Shore Drone
Caption: A national scenic byway stretches along the East Shore of Lake Tahoe, Nev. Transportation and parking improvements are planned for the roadway corridor that can see thousands of visitors a day.
Image Credit: Drone Promotions

Tahoe Conservancy Upper Truckee Marsh
Caption: That California Tahoe Conservancy restored the Upper Truckee River Marsh in 2023. Restoration partners have restored more than 1,100 acres of critical marsh, meadow, and wetland habitat, surpassing a landmark goal adopted in 1982.
Image Credit: California Tahoe Conservancy

Pier Drought South Lake Tahoe

Caption: A pier on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore sits high and dry during a drought year. Extreme weather events, hotter temperatures and prolonged droughts are impacting Tahoe’s forests and water quality.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment.

Association Management Local News – Incline Village Realtors (IVR), located at 940 Southwood Blvd Suite 103 in Incline Village, has new leadership for 2025! Laura Vitencz PhD is the recently hired CEO and Sean McDonald is the 2025 newly elected President for IVR. Additional 2025 elected members to the Board of Directors are President-Elect Kristina Mattson, Treasurer Nancy Barton, Treasure- Elect Phil DeLone, Multiple Listing Service Chair Chris Plastiras, and four Directors Karen Bruno, Dawn Bursell, Edee Campbell and Victoria Popescu. Camryn Murray, Member Services Director, has also served as staff for the past six years and serves as a key resource for member or community questions! Please help IVR welcome this wonderful team of Real Estate Professionals who devote their time and effort as volunteers to serve our community and its members.  

“Real estate is about vision, dedication, and action—motivating others to achieve their potential while growing ourselves. The 2025 Incline Village Realtors Board of Directors is honored to serve and excited for the year ahead. Our focus will be on five core values: vision, service, trust, collaboration, and innovation—essential for navigating our dynamic industry,” the President said.  

“IVR was recently awarded a Consumer Advocacy Grant from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to collaborate with the community and consumers about First Time Homebuyers resources available to them. The grant will provide education opportunities to IVR  members and opportunities for businesses, consumers and members to meet together at a First Time Homebuyers kickoff event in the coming months. A First Time Homebuyers Resource Website page will be featured later this year on IVR’s website to capture the information and resources for First Time Homebuyers long term,” the CEO said.        

Laura Ann Litynski-Vitencz, PHD 

Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 2/15/2025, Written by Megan Ramsey

Truckee locals Richard Bothwell and Daniel Feldman chuckled while venturing into the backcountry towards Azalea Lake, recounting how they met. Feldman took the lead as the navigator while Bothwell skinned behind him, gliding off-trail into the light, crusty powder to chat. The zippery-slick sound of mohair ski skins on firm snow whispered through the trees, a smooth buzzing undercurrent to their conversation.

On a sunny day with low avalanche danger, variable and firm snow conditions, and sugary, faceted snow on either side of the well-traveled skin track like an ice luge, Bothwell and Feldman’s backcountry preparation remained the same. They chose their destination and route the day before, briefed each other on expectations for the tour, making sure their intentions were aligned and equipment was ready before clicking into their skis at the trailhead. After each tour, they debriefed each other and provided feedback on what worked well and what they could improve.

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The Cymbal Foundation is a parent and community run non-profit organization supporting music education in Incline Village public schools since 1991. 

Cymbal collaborates with music teachers, Shauna Righellis, Doug Coomler and Nick Bentz at the elementary, middle and high schools regarding needs for each school. Cymbal funds instruments, repairs, and music education programs, as well as visits from guest artists for performances and workshops. In addition, Cymbal covers fees and transportation costs for students to attend music festivals and competitions. 

Membership in CYMBAL is $25 a year for families of students in the music program. Cymbal is also appreciative of donations from community members and organizations. 

For more information or questions about Cymbal, contact President, Jen Wechsler.  jen@wyldpeony.com

Donation Link:

The dedicated community leaders behind the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration in Incline Village recently met to discuss the future of this beloved event. After careful consideration, they’ve made an exciting scheduling change for 2025—one that we’re thrilled to share with you early so you can plan ahead!

New for 2025: The Parade and Fireworks will be back-to-back celebrations!

This update brings even more energy and excitement to our community’s Independence Day festivities. The event lineup for the 2025 Local Heroes Celebration is outlined below. 

Visit the Local Heroes webpage for detailed schedules and information.

Wednesday, July 2

2^nd Annual ITF Beer and Brats at UNR Lake Tahoe (Time TBA)

Thursday, July 3 

NLTFPD pancake breakfast 8 – 10 AM 

Kids Bike Parade and Parade 10 – 11 AM

Community Fair on the Village Green 11 AM – 2 PM 

Veterans Reception 5 PM

Flag Retirement Ceremony – Dusk

Friday, July 4th 

IVCB Veterans Pancake Breakfast 8 AM – 12 PM

Fireworks – dark

The 4th of July Local Heroes Celebration is brought to you by IVCBA, ITF, RWTBII, IVGID, NLTFPD, Washoe County Sherriff’s Department and many, many volunteers!

Submitted by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Tia Rancourt, 2/6/2025

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and preparedness. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) encourages our community to download the PulsePoint App and take a CPR class. 

Cardiac emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. When bystanders are equipped with CPR knowledge and quick access to emergency response tools, like an AED, lives can be saved. The PulsePoint app alerts users when someone nearby is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, allowing them to provide CPR while first responders are on the way.

Get the PulsePoint App & Take a CPR Class:

🔹 Download the PulsePoint app today to help save lives in our community.
🔹 Sign up for a CPR class and gain the skills needed to respond in an emergency.

For more information and to register for an upcoming CPR class visithttps://nltfpd.org/training-center.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/4/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh

Kirkwood’s high-alpine terrain at over 9,000 feet is a draw to many near and far. That now includes the Natural Selection Tour, a big mountain freeride competition created by renowned snowboarder, Travis Rice, coming up Feb. 12–15.

“Kirkwood, with its endless playground of narrow chutes, big cliffs, and steep walls,” Kirkwood Senior Communications Specialist, Carly Mangan says, “is known for being a stomping ground for hard-charging freeride athletes.”

Whereas snowboarding competitions like the X Games and Olympics focus on park or manmade features, athletes in the Natural Selection Tour (NST) and other freeride competitions compete on natural terrain. “Basically you’re looking for fun, playful terrain,” Kirkwood general manager, Ricky Newberry, says, “of which Kirkwood has a ton of all across the mountain.”

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Photo: Kirkwood Mountain

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/14/2025, Submitted

ollowing the success of last year’s trial period, Nevada State Parks announced the full implementation of day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park, beginning April 15, 2025. This system is designed to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the park’s natural beauty and resources.

Day-use reservations will be required daily during the park’s peak season, from April 15 to October 15. A reservation will be required for entry by vehicle from park opening at 8 to 10:30 a.m. Visitors arriving during this time must secure a reservation in advance.

After 10:30 a.m., any unclaimed reservation spots will become available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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