Two California high schools will no longer play in the Nevada High School Athletic Association because of new rules about transgender athletes Truckee and North Tahoe high schools are leaving the NIAA starting in fall 2025 after Nevada's governing body over high school athletic programs voted in April to ban transgender girls from playing girls sports NIAA Executive Director Tim Jackson has not returned a request for comment told the Reno Gazette Journal the move is because Truckee and North Tahoe have to abide by California laws that bar discrimination based on sex or gender identity "We are a California school district and so we must adhere to California state law," Burke said "It is related to the recent NIAA policy changes regarding student-athlete eligibility based on biological sex The Washoe County School District has not commented on how or if the new NIAA laws violate its own policies regarding transgender athletes the NIAA voted to ban transgender girls from playing girls sports Athletes on girls teams will have to prove their sex assigned at birth if a school raises a claim that they are transgender In a letter sent to every parent in the Truckee Tahoe Unified School District Truckee Superintendent Kerstin Kramer said all athletic programs would move to the California Interscholastic Federation "We understand how incredibly important high school sports are to so many of our students while driven by our requirement to comply with California state law was not taken lightly," Kramer said in the letter sent on Friday afternoon "Recent NIAA policy changes regarding student-athlete eligibility based solely on biological sex directly conflict with California laws protecting gender identity and expression which guarantees students’ rights to privacy and protects them from discrimination Aligning with CIF ensures our compliance with state law." we're going to stay in the NIAA because we think it's what best for our student athletes," athletic director Kevin Hennessee The three California schools at Lake Tahoe compete in the NIAA due to their long distance from other California schools The change means taking away some of Washoe County and Nevada's fiercest competition Truckee won two of the past three state 3A football championships and is a perennial contender Truckee has won 14 state football championships in Nevada It has already started filling its football schedule for fall 2025 with Northern Nevada teams so the Wolverines will have to scramble to fill the schedule Truckee baseball won the 3A-West title in spring 2025 Truckee also has won five volleyball state titles The Truckee cross country boys and girls teams won state titles in 2024 North Tahoe has also been strong in cross country North Tahoe has won 27 boys and 16 girls cross country state titles "I'm writing to share an important update regarding our high school interscholastic athletics program Effective with the start of the 2025/2026 school year TTUSD High Schools will transition our interscholastic athletics affiliation from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) “We understand how incredibly important high school sports are to so many of our students Recent NIAA policy changes regarding student-athlete eligibility based solely on biological sex directly conflict with California laws protecting gender identity and expression Aligning with CIF ensures our compliance with state law “Our focus moving forward is to ensure our student-athletes can continue to participate in robust and competitive interscholastic programs within CIF We understand this transition may raise questions and our dedicated team of athletic directors and district staff is working diligently to address any potential impacts on schedules “We are working closely with the NIAA and CIF for a smooth transition and will share updates as details are finalized and a community update will be provided on May 16th We are committed to keeping you informed during this process “Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this change We are dedicated to continuing to provide a wonderful athletic experience for our students while also complying with state laws and requirements.” The decision was made earlier this month during a NIAA Rules The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association released a statement after Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District announced that it would leave NIAA starting next year They say the decision was made to comply with a California law that protects students' gender identity and expression the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District will be part of the California Interscholastic Federation - away from its current placing in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association This letter was sent to students and families:  I'm writing to share an important update regarding our high school interscholastic athletics program Our focus moving forward is to ensure our student-athletes can continue to participate in robust and competitive interscholastic programs within CIF We are working closely with the NIAA and CIF for a smooth transition and will share updates as details are finalized Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this change We are dedicated to continuing to provide a wonderful athletic experience for our students while also complying with state laws and requirements TTUSD Superintendent Chief Learning Officer Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device by Chris Murray Two of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association's most successful athletic departments will no longer be part of high school sports in Nevada over the NIAA's new transgender-athlete policy Truckee and North Tahoe will move from the NIAA to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) when this spring season ends this month a Tahoe Truckee Media official told Nevada Sports Net Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Superintendent Kerstin Kramer sent the following email to families in that school district explaining the decision I'm writing to share an important update regarding our high school interscholastic athletics program We understand how incredibly important high school sports are to so many of our students We are dedicated to continuing to provide a wonderful athletic experience for our students while also complying with state laws and requirements which oversees high school sports in the state voted April 2 to ban transgender athletes during its Board of Control meeting The move aligns the state with federal policy passed via an executive order by President Donald Trump although it is in direct contrast with a 2023 Equal Rights Amendment to the Nevada Constitution that prevents the denial of equal rights on account of sex or gender expression due to sex-linked differences in physical development and athletic performance can be considered a relevant characteristic for eligibility on a girls' or women's team or sanctioned sport," the NIAA wrote This policy will be adjudicated by a mandatory physical signed by a doctor who will check a box to deem the athlete a "male" or "female" based on their birth sex The move amends the NIAA's 2016 policy that allowed athletic participation based on the gender identity Minnesota and California have defied the federal law and could draw federal investigations The Tahoe Truckee Unified School District's shift from the NIAA to the CIF keeps its in compliance with state laws Truckee and North Tahoe tied for the most state championships of any Northern Nevada school last season with both claiming five titles with Truckee competing in the Class 3A and North Tahoe in the 2A No other local school had more than three state titles Truckee's football program is a powerhouse with 14 state titles The Wolverines won back-to-back state titles in football in 2022 and 2023 before losing in the state title game in 2024 The Vikings are not part of the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District — they're in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District — and will remain in the NIAA we will stay with the NIAA because it is more beneficial for our students," said Teresa Schow the public information officer for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District NIAA executive director Timothy Jackson didn't immediately return a call from NSN about this situation News | May 5 The Truckee Donner Public Utility District Board of Directors will be meeting Wednesday Public Hearing Related to Adoption of the Annual Electric and Water Standby Charges Conduct a public hearing at the regularly scheduled District Board Meeting on May 7 to receive input on the adoption of annual Electric and Water Standby Charges; and Public Hearing Related to the Adoption of an Ordinance Authorizing the Board to Appoint and Establish Compensation for Officers of the District by Resolution Conduct a Public Hearing regarding Ordinance No 2025-01 approving the process for appointing and establishing compensation for officers of the District Considering Review of the District’s 2024 Water Utility Annual Consumer Confidence Reports Review the Truckee Donner Public Utility District’s Main System and Hirschdale System’s 2024 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Reports and provide feedback to staff See the full agenda here.   The Truckee Tahoe Airport District is meeting Tuesday,, May 6 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting can be viewed in person at ​​10356 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161, and via live web streaming: http://ttctv.org/live‐meeting/truckee‐tahoe‐airport/ See the full agenda here Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District The Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District Board of Directors will be meeting on Thursday 4.1 Review of 2020 Strategic Plan Objectives 4.4 Goals and Priorities for the Board for FY25/26 See the full agenda here The Agenda Review is powered by Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news Sign up for daily and breaking news headlines Manage Subscriptions there are no polls available at the moment were able to remove over 63 tons of trash and 79 tons of weeds and green waste today Volunteers with trucks are especially helpful to help clear out illegal dump sites The event drew over 800 volunteers to clean up at 33 different sites around the Truckee Meadows KTMB has released information about the Great Community Clean Up that took place today across 33 different clean-up sites throughout the Truckee Meadows 801 volunteers participated in the cleanup today the volunteers were able to spread 370 yards of mulch in local parks and plant 10 trees preliminary results show that the crews were able to remove 63.5 tons of trash and 79 tons of invasive weeds and green waste during the cleanup Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) is asking the public for their help cleaning up the area KTMB's Great Community Clean Up is coming back on Saturday Volunteers are asked to help clean up one of over 30 different sites around the Truckee Meadows focusing on removing litter and illegal dump sites and also taking care of any invasive weeds KTMB is especially in need of volunteers with trucks or trailers which are needed to help clear illegal dump sites For more information about this clean up and other ways to help the community, check out the Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful website Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue held a meet and greet at its Reno headquarters for the final five candidates in the race for the new chief the Washoe County Board of Fire Commissioners has whittled its shortlist down to five Redmond Fire Department Interim Chief (Washington) Stockton Fire Department Chief (California) Rural Metro Fire Department Central AZ Chief (Arizona) Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Interim Chief We require certain certifications to make sure that folks understand how you manage a fire district because it's different than being a fire chief in a city," said Alexis Hill Washoe County Commissioner for District 1 and member of the selection committee The fire board commission will conduct one-hour interviews with each candidate on Monday and make their final decision later in the day Former Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charlie Moore came by his old stomping grounds to meet the candidates for himself and said he's hopeful for the organization's future under new leadership "I reflect back on when it was my turn 12 years ago and how stressful that is but I have every confidence in the board to pick the right leader for the next few years for (Truckee Meadows)," Moore said The page you were looking for could not be found.You might be able to find the page by entering a few keywords in the search box above — Local snowboarder Mia Jones has earned an invitation to compete on the 2026 Freeride World Tour (FWT) marking a major milestone for the 19-year-old athlete and a defining step in her competitive career “I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity to be able to compete alongside my snowboard and ski idols and legends in the same competitions next year,” Jones said “It’s hard to believe that I’m now going to be included on this stage; competing on the Freeride World Tour (FWT) has always been the goal I’m so excited for all of it—the people and the tour stops!” Jones grew up riding the steeps of Palisades Tahoe and now studies Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Design at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire She plans to continue her studies this summer in order to focus fully on the tour next winter Jones first entered the competitive freeride scene at 16 and by 17 had signed with Jones Snowboards she has since built a résumé that includes sponsorships with Teton Gravity Research and Thirtytwo and internships with the climate advocacy nonprofit Protect Our Winters (P.O.W.) where she also helped launch a campus chapter at Dartmouth he helped shape modern freeride snowboarding and founded P.O.W to mobilize the outdoor industry around climate action Mia Jones joins the ranks of the sport’s elite—bringing both her family legacy and her own voice to the forefront of competitive freeride News | May 3 – Tahoe Donner’s annual Summer Concert on the Green is back for its 13th year this year the event will fall on the Fourth of July for the first time The two-day event is set for July 4 and 5 and features live performances on both nights by top tribute and dance bands Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell out a high-energy cover band that plays an eclectic mix of the most iconic music from all eras Then get ready to dance the night away with Tainted Love the Bay Area’s legendary ’80s tribute band bringing you all the hits from pop music’s greatest decade there’s another action-packed line-up starting with local favorites known for taking audiences on a deep musical journey through the 60s and 70s it’s sure to be one of those nights with headliner the premier tribute band to the music of The Eagles This amazing group of musicians brings their own swagger and passion to one of the most popular catalogs in rock n’ roll family-friendly event held on the Tahoe Donner Driving Range located adjacent to Trout Creek Recreation Center Concert attendees may bring their own picnics and low-back lawn chairs The Food Truck Zone will also offer delicious menu options from local vendors The gates open for general admission at 4:30 p.m. and music will be played from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 3 to 12 July 4: Fast Times | Tainted Love Purchase tickets for Saturday July 5: Down the Rabbit Hole | The Illeagles All ticket sales are nontransferable and nonrefundable. For more information about Summer Concert on the Green, visit tahoedonner.com/summerconcert The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) has announced the five finalists vying for the position of Fire Chief The candidates bring diverse leadership experience from fire departments across Nevada currently serving as Interim Deputy Fire Chief at the Redmond Fire Department in Redmond the Fire Chief of the Stockton Fire Department located in Stockton who holds the position of Fire Chief for the Rural Metro Fire Department Central Arizona the current Interim Fire Chief and Chief Executive Officer for the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District the Fire Chief of the Sparks Fire Department also serving the local Northern Nevada community The TMFPD Board of Fire Commissioners will hold an upcoming meet & greet with the final candidates the Fire Commissioners will conduct formal interviews with each candidate on Monday by Tom Aizenberg Westbound Interstate 80 traffic is being redirected in Truckee following a significant multi-vehicle collision at Eagle Lakes Road has prompted authorities to turn around vehicles to manage the situation effectively and drivers are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid delays News | May 2 I want to say thank you to each and every one of you that took the time to nominate your favorite people and places in this year’s contest While not everyone can move in the final round all the nominees should be congratulated on providing a service or experience that was worthy enough for the community to recognize But for the ones who did make it to the finals I guess some would consider it more stressful than fun I love to see how the votes stack up and ultimately decide the winner and others will go down until the bitter end – and you never know exactly how each will shake out it now all boils down to votes and anyone can cast theirs starting today (Friday I’m sure not everyone’s favorite nominees made it to the finals But that doesn’t mean you can’t support ones that did Maybe your favorite sushi place didn’t make the cut It’s ok to vote for your second favorite And while I feel like I say this every year I think I have to: this should be an exciting time It’s meant to be a positive experience for the businesses and community members and rewarding them for being the best at what they do The last thing we want to have happen is to turn this into a negative experience Let’s keep the buzz upbeat and supportive Congratulations to all the finalists and good luck and I can’t think if a better time to shout it from the rooftops than the busiest day of the year And if you want to see who the finalists are for the Tahoe Tribune’s Best of Tahoe contest, go to tahoedailytribune.com/best and check it out. Publisher Rob Galloway can be reached at rgalloway@swiftcom.com or 530-542-8046 News | May 1 — A dynamic new partnership is bringing fresh energy to a vital community cause and the Friends of the Truckee Library have joined forces to launch truckee library love. a heartfelt collaboration aimed at supporting the campaign to build a new At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief: that strong communities are built on connection The new library project is a direct response to the needs of a town that has grown exponentially in recent decades—and the truckee library love collaboration is a call for all locals to get involved limited-edition truckee library love stickers and merchandise will be available at community events including Truckee Thursdays Items will also be available at the truckee love A portion of proceeds from all merchandise sales will go directly to the Friends of the Truckee Library to help fund the new library project Merch will also be gifted to volunteers who step up to support the campaign—a small but meaningful way to thank those giving their time to build something bigger than themselves was founded on the belief that local matters—local places and partnerships,” said Larissa Martinez “As a single mom of two boys who grew up with the Truckee Library as an important personal resource I understand how vital this space is to our families When I learned about the LibraryUp campaign I knew instantly this was the right collaboration Truckee’s existing library was built more than 50 years ago to serve a population of just 2,000 it serves over 15,000 cardholders in the same small space library programs like children’s storytime are regularly filled to capacity—and the demand continues to grow will increasingly be turned away from programming due to lack of space the new library is being designed to serve as an Emergency Resource Center—Truckee’s first ADA-accessible public facility with permanent backup power This critical infrastructure doesn’t exist in the community today making the new library essential not only for education and enrichment but for safety and resilience in times of crisis “This campaign is about more than just a building,” said April Cole Executive Director of the Friends of the Truckee Library “It’s about creating a vibrant and functional space where people can gather Their commitment to community and their celebration of what makes Truckee special reflects exactly the kind of future we want to build with this library This collaboration shows the power that happens when local businesses and local advocates come together for the common good.” campaign is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement powered by local pride and a vision for what’s possible when a community collaborates your involvement helps build the next chapter of Truckee’s story To learn more about the LibraryUp campaign or to get involved, visit the Friends of the Truckee Library website: http://www.truckeefol.org News | Apr 24 downtown Truckee has been a focal point not just for shoppers and visitors but for demonstrators taking to the streets as part of a growing national protest movement The protests are in response to decisions being made by the Trump administration and a growing fear that the country is headed in the wrong direction While the gatherings have sparked passionate engagement from participants they’ve also stirred frustration among some downtown business owners who say the protests are impacting their bottom lines “This isn’t about silencing anyone,” said a longtime local business owner “We’re just asking for a compromise.” whose store sits directly across from the primary protest area described scenes of congestion that span all five corners of the downtown intersection parking spots — even parked cars can’t move safely,” she said.  Concerned about the impact of peak-season protests on local businesses she conducted an informal survey of 15 nearby shops Twelve owners signed in support of rotating the protest location and two expressed full support for keeping the demonstrations unchanged Most of those who signed declined to speak with the Sun on the record “It’s not about the cause,” she said “It’s about the impact.” Those who did speak with the Sun echoed similar concerns said noise and street congestion have at times forced the shop to close its doors it completely halts business,” the manager said “We’re not opposing freedom of speech — just the location.” owner of Dorinda’s Chocolates & Essentials and Tahoe Oil and Spice says weekend protests are deterring foot traffic and disrupting business during a crucial time for revenue “Although I feel strongly about our First Amendment rights and I agree with what they are protesting,” she said “the protesters need to understand a small community like Truckee thrives on tourism and local walking traffic customers have complained about blocked sidewalks and crosswalks as well as intrusive remarks from some individuals participating in the protests “People come up here to visit our beautiful town and to get away from all of that,” she said She estimates that Saturday sales during the slow season can make up 75% of her weekly business “It has already imposed hardships on smaller businesses including mine Tahoe Oil and Spice – Dorinda’s Chocolates,” Vance said adding that the ongoing demonstrations have added financial strain to already tight margins Vance is urging protest organizers to consider rotating their gatherings to other parts of town “It would be easily fixed if they just rotated the crowd to different parts of the town I’m just saying move around,” she said protest organizers say they’ve been listening “I’m trying to save our country She acknowledged that while some businesses have experienced disruptions the protests have also drawn increased attention to downtown “There were people here from Incline Village and Homewood — they wouldn’t be here otherwise,” she said Organizers have already implemented several changes in response to business owners’ concerns demonstrators gathered near the Artists Lofts — away from the main downtown corridor — and shortened their presence to just one hour Additional police presence helped maintain traffic flow and pedestrian safety “We’re shifting our approach,” said Cyan Samone, speaking on behalf of the group of organizers. “We’ll no longer meet weekly and will instead align with the National Days of Action schedule from fiftyfifty.one and locations will rotate going forward.” Organizers have also added messages to flyers encouraging demonstrators to patronize local businesses before and after protests On May 1 — the next scheduled demonstration — participants will gather at the corner of Donner Pass Road and Highway 89 from 4 p.m.-5 p.m unexpired food items for the local food bank “We love our local businesses and want these demonstrations to have a positive impact,” Samone said some business owners — including Cabona’s owner Stefanie Olivieri — have voiced strong support for the protests and the changes organizers are making “This is where you would come to protest This is what Main Street’s all about,” Olivieri said She added that Cabona’s has actually seen increased business during demonstrations noting that marchers have shopped before and after events.  also voiced her support for the downtown Truckee demonstrations pushing back on claims that the gatherings harm local business “Contrary to concerns that these demonstrations disrupt business I’ve actually seen an increase in foot traffic and engagement,” she said.  River described the protests as energizing and meaningful calling downtown a shared space that belongs to the whole community — not just merchants “Let’s continue to show that downtown Truckee is for everyone,” she said As the community continues navigating the intersection of free speech and economic resilience both sides are beginning to find common ground “I just want to get back to running my business — and for visitors to enjoy this town the way it’s meant to be,” the anonymous businesswoman said protest organizers remain committed to the cause — and to maintaining Truckee’s sense of community “Given what is happening in our country right now people will be organizing peaceful demonstrations Our hope is that by creating more structure there is more dialogue and creates a safe environment that is productive for the entire community so we won’t always be able to know who’s doing what but the organized events will be responsive to the community,” another spokesperson for the group of organizers,  Lorna Tirman News | Apr 30 – Truckee Little Leaguers might not love “benching it,” but locals and visitors strolling along the Truckee River Legacy Trail have a different view — and now the Rotary Club installed five new six-foot-long upcycled plastic benches along a section of the Legacy Trail between the East River Street footbridge and Riverview Sports Park this particular stretch of the trail had no benches despite the many seating areas found elsewhere along the trail made from more than 200 pounds of recycled plastic tops was purchased through the community’s Don’t Drop the Top Program Installation was completed with the help of Timmy Critz who donated his crew’s labor for the project Benches provide more than just a spot to rest — they offer shade and opportunities to enjoy a coffee or picnic As the Rotary Club notes: that’s why Truckee loves “benching it.” “We are proud to partner with the Truckee Rotary to bring these recycled benches to the Legacy Trail It is amazing to see the region’s commitment to plastic waste diversion and collection to make benches going directly back into our community,” Ashley Perkins who manages the Don’t Drop the Top program The Rotary Club of Truckee has long been involved with the Legacy Trail as part of Rotary International’s 100th anniversary project initiative the club envisioned a trail that would celebrate and protect “Truckee’s Heart and Soul the Truckee River.” They built the first three-quarter-mile section in Truckee River Regional Park and helped advocate for the development of an additional seven miles “We have 86 Rotary Club of Truckee community members who are committed to ‘service above 6000 feet,’ and our focus is on supporting the youth and seniors of the Truckee community,” Janet Van Gelder “This includes many projects such as the building of the Truckee River Legacy Trail and placing benches along the trail for our community and visitors to enjoy the beauty of our area.” The latest bench installation was a collaborative effort among several community partners: Visitors can find the new benches at the following locations: The Rotary Club plans to purchase and install five more benches in 2025 and aims to continue this tradition annually News | Mar 25 – What began as a small gathering of five people on Feb 15 has grown into an active weekly demonstration against moves made by the current administration attendance had reached 115 participants—undaunted by cold weather and rain demonstrators gather every Saturday from 1 p.m the gathering is not just about protest but a broader act of civic engagement and advocacy in response to national and global issues We’re really scared,” one participant said attendees bring new signs reflecting ongoing political developments there’s something new,” another demonstrator said participants have had several impactful interactions with passersby reinforcing their commitment to gathering each week One particularly memorable moment came when a man from Dallas stopped to express his support “I’m glad to see you guys doing this,” he told the group I live in Dallas—I could never do this.” Another moving encounter involved a family visiting from Ireland “We weren’t sure how Americans thought about us foreigners anymore,” they shared “We’re so glad to see somebody still acting like we think Americans are.” Perhaps the most emotional exchange came from a young pregnant woman from Ukraine “This was right after Zelenskyy got treated like a punk,” one demonstrator said Her words were simple but powerful: “Thank you We didn’t know if America still cared.” The weekly gathering continues to draw a diverse range of voices united by a shared commitment to civic participation and dialogue by SOPHIE LINCOLN — A project that would restore critical marshland in South Lake Tahoe is moving forward after acquiring the necessary funding this week What is currently the closed Motel 6 property in South Lake Tahoe will in just a few years become acres of marshland to help feed into Lake Tahoe and keep the water there pure and filtered The California Tahoe Conservancy's Upper Truckee Marsh South Project is one step closer to getting underway thanks to the Tahoe Fund reaching its fundraising goal of $200,000 to go toward the Motel 6 demolition where the 31-acre wetland will ultimately be restored "What's happened here is the motel and the parking lot have been built on about 8 to 10 feet of fill of what used to be the meadow and marsh because of development and just natural processes the river has down cut and become separated from the rest of the meadow and the marsh and the flood plain," Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy Jason Vasques said The goal of the project is to improve the water quality feeding into Lake Tahoe and restore some crucial habitats for wildlife in the area "Where [the Motel 6 site] sits is directly on and over the most significant filtering system for our lake So most of the water travels through the Upper Truckee River and through this area to the lake and it filters the nutrients that would otherwise feed the algae which would degrade our famed lake clarity," Board Member for the Tahoe Fund Deb Howard said There's currently an online survey available for members of the community to add their input and share what they would like to see with the project. That survey can be accessed here the plan is for the building demolition to take place this fall and ultimately to break ground on restoration in 2027 News | Mar 12 – The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday to discuss resolutions opposing federal funding cuts affecting local forest health The first resolution focuses on the impacts of federal funding and staffing cuts on forest health and wildfire mitigation emphasizing the increased fire risks to Truckee and surrounding communities It is written with a countywide perspective to encourage regional partners to adopt similar measures The second resolution highlights the economic and social consequences of these funding cuts on Truckee’s government Both resolutions were drafted with input from the Council Legislative Committee consisting of Mayor Jan Zabriskie and Vice Mayor Anna Klovstad who ensured the language remained nonpartisan and focused on local impacts There has been overwhelming public support with 34 written public comments—all in favor Several community members spoke during the meeting One resident emphasized the need for council participation noting that Congressman Kevin Kiley has not responded to community feedback The president of the Tahoe Donner Association discussed their ongoing cross-border forest management partnership with the U.S which was near completion in January but has since stalled due to funding freezes He warned that these cuts are already undermining critical wildfire mitigation efforts in Truckee The executive director of the Truckee Trails Foundation also voiced support while another longtime community member called for unanimous passage of the resolutions Additional speakers highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the funding cuts A representative from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation expressed concerns about the loss of federal grants and nonprofit funding for wildfire prevention They pointed out that 100,000 acres in the Truckee region are designated as immediate priorities for thinning making it impossible to move forward without Forest Service resources The president of the Sierra Business Council revealed that their organization lost $300,000 in federal grant funding for the next two years canceling two critical wood processing projects and eliminating $50 million in infrastructure support Other speakers included members of 100% Renewable Truckee the North Tahoe Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby and the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation who called for stronger language in the resolutions rejecting these cuts One resident called the crisis “existential,” while another urged the council to demand in-person meetings with Congressman Kiley Councilmember Courtney Henderson reaffirmed that wildfires do not respect jurisdictional boundaries emphasizing the need for collective action Vice Mayor Klovstad and Councilmember Henderson will take this issue to the CivicWell Policymakers Conference where they plan to encourage over 100 California elected officials to pass similar resolutions in their own regions the council voted unanimously to pass both resolutions staff will distribute the resolutions to partner agencies allowing them to adopt identical or similar measures The Town also plans to coordinate an in-person meeting with Congressman Kiley’s office in Rocklin with regional agencies signing a joint letter opposing the funding and staffing cuts Truckee has long prioritized climate action and emissions reduction including 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations by 2020 100% renewable electricity town-wide by 2030 and an 80% reduction in community-wide GHG emissions by 2040 While these targets have helped the town track climate progress updates were needed to align with state mandates and regional efforts One key update addresses the municipal operations renewable energy target the town is considering purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) which represent the environmental benefits of renewable energy could offset electricity that is not yet sourced from renewable or zero-carbon energy through the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) the State of California set a 2045 carbon neutrality target requiring all public utilities to provide 100% renewable or zero-carbon electricity by that year Truckee remains committed to this goal and will continue working with utility providers to expand renewable electricity options the town partnered with the Truckee Tahoe Airport District and TDPUD to launch the Climate Transformation Alliance (CTA)—a public-private coalition dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality for the North Truckee-Tahoe community by 2025 council members discussed the feasibility of these ambitious targets Vice Mayor Klovstad emphasized the importance of being mindful of how and when energy is used encouraging greater awareness of individual and community energy consumption Council members also expressed appreciation for TDPUD’s efforts in advancing renewable energy initiatives the council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution updating Truckee’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction Council was asked to provide direction to Town staff on developing sidewalk vending regulations including outreach and enforcement strategies Sidewalk vendors are non-motorized vendors operating in public areas such as sidewalks establish guidelines for how local jurisdictions can regulate sidewalk vending with any regulations required to focus on health and safety concerns jurisdictions may impose restrictions such as limiting hours of operation mandating a California seller’s permit prohibiting stationary vendors in residential districts restricting vending at farmers markets and special events jurisdictions cannot ban vending in specific areas of town restrict vending to designated right-of-way locations The key question before the Council was whether staff should develop a sidewalk vending ordinance and whether it should take a more restrictive or more permissive approach Staff recommends collaborating with the Truckee Chamber of Commerce and the Truckee Downtown Merchants Association (TDMA) to balance regulation with business support as some complaints about street vendors have been reported Councilmember Henderson sought clarification on the purpose of the framework and was undecided on whether it should be restrictive or permissive Councilmember Dave Polivy supported a more restrictive approach to ensure fairness and compliance emphasizing that all vendors should be treated equally Councilmember Lindsay Romack leaned toward a more permissive stance while Vice Mayor Klovstad preferred starting with stricter regulations noting that it is easier to relax restrictions later than to impose them retroactively Mayor Zabriskie stressed the importance of avoiding any perception of favoritism and ensuring equal treatment for all vendors the Council agreed to engage business organizations such as TDMA and the Chamber while also reaching out to existing sidewalk vendors Whether the final ordinance will be more restrictive or permissive remains to be determined the Fire Hazard Severity Zone update presentation has been rescheduled to March 19 from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m and disaster response organizations to ensure preparedness The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning and backcountry avalanche watch from Wednesday through Thursday The Sierra will see whiteout conditions and snowfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour while Western Nevada may experience blowing dust and possible valley snow by Thursday morning The storm will drop 2-3 feet of snow along the Sierra Crest with 6-18 inches for Sierra and eastern communities Another system on Sunday could bring gusty winds affecting travel Forecasters have 70% confidence in at least a foot of snow along the northern Sierra Crest while Mono County is expected to receive less than 12 inches the owner of Grocery Outlet in Truckee raised concerns about an ordinance prohibiting certain food packaging containers They noted that while their store has complied with the regulation customers have expressed frustration over the reduced product selection especially since Safeway and Save Mart reportedly continue to sell products containing polystyrene Another community member spoke about ways to push back against executive orders they disagree with which provides contact information for state representatives and senators in California They also mentioned the ACLU as a recommended organization for those looking to donate in support of advocacy efforts The next Council meeting will be on March 25 at 5 p.m at Town Hall located 10183 Truckee Airport Road.  News | Apr 23 – Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday to discuss the Tahoe Truckee Regional Homeless Action Plan.  Council voted to accept the Tahoe Truckee Regional Homeless Action Plan (TTRHAP) and approved a $25,000 budget allocation to support its implementation through the Tahoe Truckee Homeless Advisory Committee (TTHAC) locally tailored roadmap to address homelessness across the region over the next five to six years Council also directed staff to continue participating in TTHAC with an initial focus on navigation center services who helped develop the plan as part of the advisory committee “Oftentimes when we are dealing with the unhoused we find ourselves dealing with a situation that’s very low in criminal activity and of quality of life type of situation–to where our police staff have our hands tied behind our back without a lot of resources or authority to take action,” he said We are not going to arrest our way out of homelessness.” Truckee’s current housing initiatives—including Lease to Locals and support for affordable housing projects—align with the broader goals of the TTRHAP These initiatives reflect the town’s commitment to safety District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock spoke about the collaborative nature of the plan which was developed with support from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and TOT funding “It is time to have one roadmap that we all agree is the best way to move forward in addressing this issue as a starting place,” said Seana Doherty A gap analysis by Bowling Business Strategies used three years of data (2021–2024) from the Homeless Management Information System It found that of the estimated 117 unhoused individuals annually in the region only 39 received services—leaving 78 unserved The findings reinforced the need for more robust support systems but a follow-up survey revealed that 50.6% of respondents hadn’t heard of the plan Many emphasized the need for more transparency and community trust-building through better outreach Respondents also expressed strong opinions about where a navigation center should be located—ideally in a central Community members emphasized the need for pet accommodations and fears that unhoused individuals might be drawn from outside the area and seven were opposed or expressed concerns Supporters included the Truckee Chamber of Commerce and members of the United for Action coalition Opponents voiced frustration over perceived lack of transparency Some questioned whether the town should prioritize a warming shelter over a navigation center noting the current lack of even a basic winter shelter Mayor Zabriskie acknowledged the town’s limited experience in providing treatment services and raised questions about resource prioritization After extensive public comment and discussion the Council ultimately voted to move forward with the plan and prioritize funding for navigation center services Read more about the action plan and community workshop in the Sierra Sun: Truckee hosts community workshop on regional homelessness action plan ahead of council vote Council also unanimously voted to introduce an ordinance which adopts the state-recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map and updates a chapter of the Truckee Municipal Code to reflect new fire hazard classifications Fire Hazard Severity Zones have existed in California since the 1980s but this marks the first major update to local responsibility area classifications since 2007 which now include both “moderate” and “high” classifications The state finalized its updated map for state responsibility areas in April 2024 the Town of Truckee conducted extensive outreach and a public email address for submitting comments Outreach efforts also included radio segments on 101.5 Tahoe Truckee Radio direct communication with Firewise communities These updated classifications aim to improve fire prevention efforts and inform land-use planning and development decisions moving forward During the public comment portion of the meeting several Truckee residents voiced growing concerns over traffic safety and infrastructure issues One resident highlighted the dangers of traffic near Donner Lake citing frequent speeding and unsafe U-turns made by drivers attempting to access the docks She noted that she no longer allows her son to ride his bike in the area and said her concerns have been dismissed by both the Truckee Police and the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District She also submitted a petition signed by 80 people calling for action.  Another community member raised concerns about renters’ rights while yet another warned of worsening traffic backups on Donner Pass Road during chain control operations Trucks often divert into the Coldstream Crossing neighborhood to wait out storms blocking access for school buses and emergency services The Coldstream Association manager reported harassment by truck drivers and pointed to infrastructure damage including a shattered 15-inch storm drain pipe that left dogs falling into the exposed hole She said Caltrans has not addressed the issue and pleaded for immediate assistance The first recognized May as Wildfire Awareness Month Officials emphasized the growing threat wildfires pose to lives and the environment—particularly in mountain communities like Truckee In response to increasingly destructive fire seasons across California the town reaffirmed its commitment to wildfire prevention Residents are urged to sign up for emergency alerts and know their evacuation zones Several wildfire awareness events are planned throughout the month including a wildfire forum hosted by Tahoe Donner on May 21 a presence at the Rec Center’s Golden Meet and Greet on May 29 and visits to multiple Firewise community meetings and HOA gatherings These include a property manager coffee chat on May 19 and the Tahoe Donner Association Happy Hour on May 23 Threats to wildfire insurance impact the entire community Mayor Zabriskie and Councilmember Henderson met with U.S Representative Kevin Kiley to advocate for the restoration of wildfire-related funding and the release of funds already committed to specific projects.  “You all have a voice in how this town spends taxpayer dollars,” Councilmember Courtney Henderson said The second proclamation was in honor of Earth Day recognizing the Washoe Tribe and their ongoing leadership in environmental stewardship the Washoe people have traditionally lived in harmony with the land the Tribe continues to revitalize its language and lead efforts in climate resilience and land stewardship The Town acknowledged the Washoe creation story which emphasizes care for the land and living in balance with all living things Truckee also recognized the upcoming Washoe Earth Day celebration on Saturday and community partners for a day of environmental awareness and Rosie Johnson were recognized for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the Town of Truckee a Happy Earth Day was extended to the community along with a reminder that Truckee’s single-use plastic water bottle ordinance took effect on Apr 22—meaning the sale of such bottles is no longer permitted within town limits.  Residents interested in learning more about the town’s budget process are encouraged to attend the next “Quarterly Talk with the Town,” hosted in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce at Lift on Apr the town will host a joint jurisdictional meeting with Nevada County and Grass Valley to discuss transportation and connectivity in the region community members can join the Truckee Litter Corps for a cleanup event a reception for the “Dark Skies” student art exhibit—created through the SWEP program—will take place outside the council chambers from 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m The next Council meeting will be on Tuesday News | Feb 28 — Truckee High School senior Elijah Kreiss is leading a protest against tyranny “One March 2025,” set for Saturday previously spearheaded a protest as part of the national 50/51 movement which is in opposition to decisions and orders by President Trump and Elon Musk Seeing ongoing protests nationwide but a lack of similar action locally he decided to organize a gathering to channel the energy and passion he observed in Truckee “Making this happen was just a matter of setting a time and place,” Kreiss said “I was looking for a protest to attend and saw so many people expressing anger and frustration but not organizing action Kreiss expected 30 to 40 attendees at his first protest but saw more than 300 people turn out he anticipates between 1,000 and 3,000 participants The Truckee High senior credits the community for stepping up in support The support has been amazing,” he said who was recently accepted to Colorado College has gained experience navigating local government processes for protest permitting and publicity His activism highlights a broader movement of grassroots demonstrations across the country—events that have largely gone underreported in major media outlets “These protests are happening every day but they aren’t being covered,” Kreiss said “There’s a massive grassroots movement growing we’re going to see it become more organized.” and QR codes linking to resources and articles “People might see protests as just waving signs and honking horns Kreiss emphasized the importance of organization in the face of political uncertainty “The slogan for this protest is ‘Do not panic and organize as effectively as those pushing opposing agendas.” One key figure behind the protest’s success is Pam Hobday a longtime community leader who has helped Kreiss refine his message and rally support “She’s been an incredible inspiration,” Kreiss said “Her connections and guidance have been invaluable in making this happen.” Kreiss sees growing potential in grassroots activism and hopes to keep the momentum going and I’m grateful to everyone who has stepped up,” he said “It really does take a village.” News | Apr 16 TRUCKEE, Calif. — The Truckee Chamber of Commerce, through its  Truckee Jobs Collective program is hosting a Truckee Job Fair on Wednesday at the Steve Randall Truckee Community Rec Center in the north parking lot The Truckee Chamber is excited to offer businesses and job seekers this opportunity to connect If you are currently looking for a new job or ready for a career move stop by the Truckee Job Fair to meet local employers offering full-time and/or seasonal job opportunities for all – including students Participating employers include: Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee Donner-Recreation and Park District, Mountain Hardware and Sports, Martis Camp Club, Rubicon Pizza & Fireside Pizza, California State Parks, Tahoe Donner, Truckee Unified School District, and more. If you are a business and would like to participate, please email Melissa Williams at melissa@truckee.com If job seekers would like to freshen up their resume, they can reach out to Alliance for Workforce Development (AFWD) by contacting Nancy Settle at nsettle@ncen.org or (530) 550-3015 AFWD will also be onsite during the Job Fair to answer questions about their services For questions or additional information, please contact Melissa Williams at melissa@truckee.com or 530-414-7056 News | Apr 27 The name Loba has roots that run deep in African history meaning “to talk.” Loba doesn’t “talk” necessarily but she is an excellent nonverbal communicator and it doesn’t hurt that she’s pretty much happy all the time Her personality is a delightful mix of sweetness outgoing companion who’s always ready for a game of fetch or a cuddle session Loba has a special way of connecting with people; her love for humans is palpable She’ll make you laugh with her antics and warm your heart with her affection This goofy girl is full of energy and loves the outdoors and adventuring she’ll make you laugh with her silly personality and sweet demeanor Whether it’s snuggling with volunteers and staff at the shelter or showing off her zoomies in the yard Loba is also great with other dogs and loves either going for walks with other canines or playing with them in the outside play yards at the shelter Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible – Late-Nite Productions and One Vision Entertainment are holding the 5th Annual Truckee Reggae Fest taking place Saturday June 21 2025 at the Truckee Regional Park Outdoor Amphitheater This World Music and Jamaican Reggae Music Festival stays true to the roots of authentic Jamaican Roots Music featuring some of the biggest legends from around the world in a spectacular outdoor setting on the Truckee River They also will host many styles of Local Merchandise Vendors Beer Garden hosted by (and to benefit) the Truckee Tahoe Humaine Society as well as Live Art and more Tickets starting at $49 plus tax/fee’s can be purchased online at Ticketweb.com Other Local Outlets (Minimal or No Fee) News | Apr 9 – The Truckee Town Council met Tuesday 8 to discuss polling results for a potential Nov 2025 revenue measure to fund a new regional library and to review several housing A voter survey of 476 residents showed around 50% support for a new library parcel tax Staff identified 3 cents per square foot as the most viable rate the Council unanimously approved moving forward with next steps including authorizing a Community Financing District and preparing ballot language Executive Director of Friends of the Truckee Library emphasized the campaign’s preparedness “A winning bond measure takes expertise led by Charles Heath of CivX and EveryLibrary includes over 125 volunteers and 16 leaders—10 with prior experience in successful bond campaigns “Building a new library in this climate is a powerful statement of our values,” Cole said Council also reviewed the Edmunds Lofts project—a 12-unit workforce housing pilot on a one-third-acre lot Developed in partnership with Paradigm8 and Sagemodern the project tests new zoning strategies for higher-density housing on small lots Units will range from 550-square-foot one-bedrooms to 142-square-foot studios with 14 covered parking spaces and private balconies The Council supported a Planned Development approach to allow for density increases and discussed affordability strategies including deed restrictions and a voluntary credit program Two units will be deed-restricted at 80% AMI The project aims to prioritize local workforce tenants while maintaining affordability citing the region’s urgent housing needs Council approved the development agreement Also approved were amendments to the Artist Lofts Railyard Master Plan and a zoning clearance for the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation The Foundation plans to occupy the ground floor as a nonprofit office and community space for meetings and events The Council deemed the project exempt from CEQA and adopted both necessary resolutions to proceed the Council accepted the Town’s 2022 Community-Wide and 2022–2023 Municipal Operations Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Reports help track emissions trends and guide the Town’s Climate Action Plan Truckee’s 2022 community-wide emissions were 14% below 2008 levels but have risen 13% since 2016 Transportation accounts for 58% of emissions Municipal operations saw a 17% drop from 2008 in 2022 Contributing factors include increased staffing Council reaffirmed targets to cut GHGs 40% by 2030 Council also approved a $1 million contract and budget for the Truckee Weatherization Program through FY 2026–27 The program focuses on home energy efficiency upgrades and aligns with the Town’s broader climate goals Key initiatives include helping residents apply for existing weatherization programs funding critical repairs for 20 qualifying homes and delivering full no-cost upgrades to 20 households ineligible for other support These upgrades aim to cut energy use by 20–30% highlighting its role in supporting vulnerable residents and reducing emissions More than 100,000 people nationwide await transplants—including 20,000 Californians which coordinates donations across Northern California facilitated 912 organ transplants in 2024 thanks to 170 local donor heroes The Council also heard updates on the Dark Skies initiative which celebrates the region’s natural nightscape through arts and education Poet Laureate Karen Terrey shared an original poem at a literary open mic that drew nearly 200 attendees Youth art programs exploring light pollution and night navigation will culminate in a 25-canvas installation next week and includes photo classes and outreach events Council reviewed progress on the Town’s microtransit pilot but annual numbers are expected to match last year The app now includes cancellation feedback to improve service Nine vehicles serve 500 daily riders at peak times with six new electric vans added to the fleet Staff will revisit transit contracts and explore merging microtransit with Dial-a-Ride to improve efficiency Upcoming transit funding and operations will be further discussed during budget talks at the Apr Another angle of the stuck Cybertruck near Truckee they're now apparently tasked with reminding folks that just because your "truck" says it has auto-pilot Haven't these folks ever seen A Space Odyssey?? I'd like to applaud Truckee CHP not just for posting this but for the hashtags they came up with that had me giggling a little too hard Ha. Does any of this have to do with skiing but if you've lived in a ski town in the last two years you know that the roasts we used to reserve for rental car sedans without snow tires have now been directed almost entirely towards Cybertrucks I'm all for saving the environment with electric vehicles but at least Ford and Rivian are doing it with cars that actually look like cars and I haven't seen any F150E's parked in a lake recently either.. where median home prices exceed $1.1 million workers essential to the resort community struggle to find housing they can afford despite California’s nation-leading ADU reforms and the potential for rental income few homeowners in the small mountain town build these less-expensive secondary homes on their properties In “Barriers to Implementing Accessory Dwelling Units for Middle-Income Workforce Housing in a Rural Resort Community,” Thomas J doctoral candidate at Northeastern University examines why Truckee homeowners who expressed interest in building an ADU abandon their projects.  Powell surveyed 481 homeowners and interviewed 12 individuals who abandoned ADU projects This blend of quantitative and qualitative research captures both broad trends across the community and detailed personal challenges to reveal the challenges that would-be ADU homeowners face Fragmented regulations and complexity deterred homeowners: State laws mandate simplified approval but don’t address fragmentation between local agencies one must navigate 18 separate fee-charging entities with different requirements One homeowner discovered that while the town waived fees for ADUs under 750 square feet the sanitation district only waived fees under 500 square feet—adding an unexpected $5,200 expense Rising construction costs discouraged completion: Several participants completed permitting and paid local fees but abandoned construction after receiving construction estimates One reported spending $10,000 on required tests and surveys before abandoning the project upon learning of the construction expenses Another calculated that at $2,000 monthly rent it would take 10 years to recoup the investment based on current construction costs Information gaps limited ADU adoption: When homeowners sought financial aid at least two received no response from the town Another found inaccurate information on official sources: permit fees were double the price listed on the town’s website California should consider simplifying permitting processes across all local agencies expand financial support to address actual construction costs in high-cost areas and increase accessibility of information about ADU programs These improvements would help ADUs fulfill their potential as a partial solution to California’s middle-income housing shortage News | Feb 7 – More than 150 demonstrators gathered in downtown Truckee on Wednesday a nationwide initiative advocating for various social and political causes Passing motorists signaled support through honks and waves The event was organized by the 50501 Movement a grassroots coalition advocating for issues such as immigrant rights The movement’s name reflects its mission to coordinate demonstrations across all 50 states on a single day Organizers have stated that the protests were planned in response to recent executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump particularly those related to immigration and federal agency restructuring The 50501 Movement has recently partnered with Political Revolution a group initially formed to support Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign A central point of discussion at the demonstrations was Project 2025 a policy framework backed by conservative organizations that aims to reshape federal government operations While Trump has denied direct involvement with the initiative some demonstrators expressed concern that recent policy actions align with its objectives The 50501 Movement has announced plans for continued activism in the coming months News | Mar 7 – A Truckee Town councilmember is rallying fellow councilmembers and the community to support a resolution opposing federal funding cuts and staff freezes pertaining to public lands and forests at the next Truckee Town Council meeting “This is about standing up for and protecting our forests our public lands,” Councilmember and Former Mayor Courtney Henderson told the Sun “but also our community and our resiliency The Truckee Town Council will consider the formal resolution on Tuesday The councilmember is calling on the community to participate and express views on the matter “It’s not a partisan issue,” Henderson says “It is very much a life and safety issue.” Henderson points to the 21 employees who have already been laid off across the Tahoe District of the U.S stating this accounts for 10% of Forest Service staff in the region Henderson states no new seasonal positions are being funded This means less personnel to mount a prompt response or monitor a wildfire that breaks out or ensure campground fires are appropriately extinguished a campground fire can really escalate if it’s a high fire risk day or high wind conditions or if it’s really dry,” Henderson expresses “I think government should always work to find efficiency,” Henderson says It’s incumbent upon us to find efficiency for our constituents.” But the resolution leader says we also have to invest appropriately around the issues that are going to keep our communities safe and healthy and resilient.” could also result in less personnel to get ahead and gather the on-the-ground data that informs wildfire modeling or complete fuels reduction projects on public lands What’s exacerbates the concern for the councilmember is the wildfire risk the summer will see after a low snow year Henderson isn’t just calling on Truckee’s leaders and community in the opposition push “The reality is that wildfire doesn’t respect jurisdictional boundaries,” the councilmember states That’s why Henderson personally feels the need to take a region-wide approach and rally other agencies in adopting a similar resolution after Truckee’s “My hope is that our elected officials who represent us across the region really listen to their constituents and understand that these funding cuts and staff freezes have very real implications on the ground for our communities throughout the Sierra Nevada.” The March 11 Council meeting starts at 5 p.m at the Truckee Town Hall located next to the airport at 10183 Truckee Airport Road That’s where the councilmember hopes the conversation and considered resolution ignite wider action “I think this is an opportunity to show not just as a community in Truckee,” Henderson says that there actually are places where we have shared values where not every issue has to divide us—it can actually bring us together.” News | Apr 9 – A sudden federal funding freeze has dealt a major blow to Tahoe Food Hub and Sierra Community House locally sourced produce to hundreds of families in the Truckee-Tahoe region The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) a USDA initiative that enabled food banks and pantries to buy produce directly from small farmers creating uncertainty for food security programs “This grant has been a vital resource allowing us to support both local farmers and the people we serve,” Maddie Rohner Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) is also navigating potential challenges in its school meal program due to funding cuts While TTUSD does not receive Local Food Purchase Assistance funds directly it relies on the Tahoe Food Hub for fresh produce With USDA funding reductions affecting the hub’s operations TTUSD may face disruptions in its ability to source high-quality local ingredients for student meals Another concern is the elimination of the Local Foods in Schools 2025 program which represents a $660 million cut to nationwide funding This program was designed to create a more resilient food supply chain by reducing reliance on major food corporations While TTUSD has benefited from this program in the past its removal eliminates a potential avenue for supplemental financial support.  The federal government has not announced any plans to disband the School Nutrition Program and California’s Universal Meals for All initiative continues to ensure free breakfast and lunch for all students TTUSD’s Coordinator of District Communications and Parent Engagement emphasized that the district is staying vigilant in response to these changes “We are closely monitoring these changes and are working with industry partners to fully understand and address any impacts,” Burke said “The current landscape is rapidly evolving We are closely monitoring developments and evaluating true implications before making any program decisions.” The partnership between Tahoe Food Hub and Sierra Community House has been instrumental in distributing high-quality locally grown produce to food-insecure families Sierra Community House was spending around $10,000 per month on produce benefiting both local farmers and residents in need Hunger Relief Program Manager at Sierra Community House underscored the impact: “Each week currently we’re serving about 700 families the funding covers around 3,000 pounds of local it would be a challenge to provide the community with the same quality and nutritional value of produce.” The freeze caught many nonprofits off guard especially after previous assurances that funding would continue “The funding was frozen very suddenly without warning,” Rohner said the USDA has officially terminated the 2025 iteration of the LFPA program The decision also affects other local food purchase programs supporting school districts and food banks threatening not just food access for vulnerable families but also economic stability for small farmers “This program offered our farmers a consistent source of income helping to offset the seasonal dip in sales during the winter months when tourism declines,” Rohner said is adjusting to the recent USDA funding freeze a blow to agricultural businesses that came without warning We are at the point of the year where the product will hold in the fields longer than in the summer or fall months,” the farmer said “So we are picking less and have shifted our focus to other avenues of sales such as participating in additional farmers markets But that also comes at a cost—finding staff The funding cut has left those most in need struggling “It is unfortunate this came down the pipeline and was completely unexpected It’s disheartening that the people that need it the most are the ones suffering.” the freeze ended a program that strengthened the bond between farmers and consumers “This program allowed us to reach people we normally wouldn’t be able to reach there was an educational aspect to it that most individuals wouldn’t have access to which helped bring the farmer and consumer closer together with a shared understanding of each other’s needs The farmer urged ongoing support for local food sources “I think it’s important to have local food sources within your community that you can rely on I also think it’s important to continue to support those farmers and distributors even when programs like this end.” adaptation is the only option—but uncertainty intensifies for small farms relying on lost support The ripple effect of these cuts extends beyond food security Director of Operations and Communications at Sierra Community House warned of potential funding reductions across multiple nonprofit sectors “We’re anticipating funding cuts across the organization but also our programs that support victims of violence.” some have questioned the use of tax dollars for these programs “That’s been the minority… but we have received some feedback from folks happy that the funding is frozen,” Rohner said Nonprofit leaders emphasize that there are multiple ways for the public to support their efforts Donations and volunteering remain critical but raising awareness is just as important “The wealth and tourism in our region often mask the significant income inequality that exists within our community,” Rohner noted “The more that people can talk about the need for these kinds of essential services with local officials playing a key role in shaping future funding “Calling your elected officials is so important and it does have an impact,” Falker said As nonprofits brace for more funding challenges those on the front lines of food security remain determined to adapt Zoe Meyer is a reporter for the Sierra Sun a sister publication for Tahoe Daily Tribune She can be reached at zmeyer@sierrasun.com News | Jan 14 TRUCKEE, Calif. – Terrapin Crossroads and Paper Moon Presents announced the return of the Terrapin Roadshow a traveling concert series that brings the spirit and community of the legendary Terrapin Crossroads to three of the most intimate and majestic and scenic outdoor amphitheaters in Northern California Terrapin Roadshow concerts will take place at: The music at these shows will be rooted in the timeless songbook and style of the Grateful Dead with plenty of room for exploration and spontaneous jams Expect to hear classic tunes from the ’60s through today performed by world-class musicians in amazing venues “This series is a beautiful way to honor the incredible community that grew around the music of the Grateful Dead,” said Grahame Lesh event co-producer and son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh “It’s so special to see the spirit of their music passed down bringing people together in the same way Terrapin Crossroads did for so many years We can’t wait to see Terrapin Nation again next summer.” with special early bird pricing available until January 31 or while supplies last The full lineup for all shows will be announced soon Past performers at the Roadshow have included musical all-stars like Peter Rowan For more information on the event, parking, lineup, and tickets, please visit terrapincrossroads.net News | Apr 26 When people talk about getting involved in local government most imagine casting a vote or showing up to a public meeting But one of the most impactful ways to shape the future of our town is also one of the most overlooked: understanding the budget The Town of Truckee’s annual budget might not grab headlines but it determines nearly everything about how our community functions—what gets funded wildfire mitigation; none of it happens without a budget behind it That’s why we at the Truckee Chamber of Commerce are encouraging residents and business owners alike to get involved in the Town’s budgeting process We believe a more informed community leads to more effective But we also know the process can feel intimidating That’s why we’re partnering with the Town to host a free public event designed to break it down Town Talk: Demystifying the Town of Truckee Budget Process on Monday This Town Talk is a chance to hear directly from Town staff about how the budget is developed and what’s on the table for FY 25/26 Whether you’re new to civic engagement or a seasoned policy watcher this is a great way to be informed about what this coming year will look like for the Town of Truckee And here’s the thing: you don’t need a finance degree to care about the budget You just need to care about your community With that growth comes hard choices about how to allocate limited resources When more people understand the budgeting process more balanced outcomes because the full range of community voices is heard we see firsthand how budget decisions affect everything from workforce housing to snow-clearing routes to downtown vitality But you don’t have to run a business to feel those impacts If you’ve ever wondered why a certain trail didn’t get maintained Let’s make local government less mysterious and helping to shape the kind of Truckee we want to live in News | Apr 14 The Placer County Board of Supervisors will be meeting on Tuesday The meeting can be viewed in person at Placer County Administrative Center, 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn or remotely at https://www.placer.ca.gov/boslive B. Civil Service Commission C. Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council  D. Tahoe Basin Design Review Committee  E. Placer County Older Adults Advisory Committee I. Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Council  K. North Tahoe Regional Municipal Advisory Council N. Resolution Regarding the Boundaries of the Donner Summit Municipal Advisory Council F. Establishment of a Fire and Emergency Medical Services Ad Hoc Committee 42.  PROCUREMENT – In accordance with County Policy non-contested competitively awarded bids under $500,000 are placed on the Consent Agenda Trail Maintenance | Northstar Community Services District See the full agenda here The Truckee Fire Protection District Board of Directors is meeting on Tuesday April 15  at 12304 Joerger Drive Truckee Discussion with Possible Action: Nevada County LAFCo Ballot Packet for Open District Member Seat.  and Discuss Next Steps on the Proposed Draft Truckee Fire Defensible Space Ordinance.  Discussion with Possible Action: Draft Truckee Fire Defensible Space Ordinance See the full agenda here – The Tahoe community is invited to two special screenings of Feel It All a powerful documentary by professional skier These events will foster an open dialogue about mental health in mountain communities emphasizing awareness and suicide prevention Tickets are $10. If cost is a barrier, scholarship tickets are available by emailing info@thespeedyfoundation.org Feel It All follows Petersen’s personal journey from suicidal depression to resilience finding healing through running and skiing the rugged peaks surrounding the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon.  The screening will be followed by a keynote presentation from Petersen titled: “My Story is the Story of Our Community: How Lessons from Skiing Remote Peaks and Running Ultramarathons Can Shift the Culture of Mental Health in the Mountain West.” Petersen and the Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition will host similar screenings and discussions at local schools during Hope Week (March 10-14) reaching students at Alder Creek Middle School These events are hosted by Tahoe Forest Health System in partnership with the Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition Additional funding is provided by the Truckee Core Values Fund Grant with additional sponsorship from Mountain Gazette and Best Day Brewing News | Jan 22 students at Truckee High School took a stand for women’s rights by organizing a school-wide walkout Led by the POWER (People Organized for Women’s Empowerment and Respect) Club the protest aimed to raise awareness about pressing issues surrounding women’s rights which took place on Donner Pass Road in front of the school drew significant attention from both the student body and the community Participants exercised their right to civil disobedience voicing their frustrations and concerns about a range of issues affecting women nationwide “We want to live in a nation that supports women as equal members of society We do not want to go backwards; we want to have a future that includes all citizens a senior at Truckee High and one of the club’s presidents Fellow co-president India Welch emphasized the importance of activism “I think it’s important to be a part of the right side of history and fight for equality.” The protest received a warm response from the community with cars honking in support as they passed by it seemed like a lot of the women were upset and wanted to show the community that we are not going to stand for that,” Co-president Bryn Kidd said TMCC is a great place to get started on academic or university transfer degrees Resources for Students TMCC offers over 70 programs of study that lead to more than 160 degree View Academic Programs TMCC provides a wealth of information and resources We are here to help you achieve your educational goals Check out the A-Z Site Index attend a soccer game and be an active part of the TMCC community Campus Life Offering professional success and personal enrichment courses that serve everyone in our community from children and teens to adults and esteemed elders Community Education Truckee Meadows Community College is northern Nevada's jobs college preparing qualified students for jobs in industries right here in Nevada Explore our Campus! The Applied Technology Division is dedicated to delivering innovative industry-relevant training and upskilling opportunities for the diverse community we serve Our hands-on training programs prepare you for high-demand with job opportunities ready when you graduate Whether you’re pursuing a career as an automotive or diesel service technician we have the right program to help you succeed We also offer both non-union and union apprenticeship training programs where you can "earn while you learn." Apprentices not only gain valuable real-world experience but also earn TMCC college credits Explore our programs and take the first step toward your future—enroll today Educational material for the programs and courses offered at the Pennington Applied Technology Center High school students can get a jump start on their education while completing high school requirements Providing students with a world-class technical training and education center first-served drop-in service for TMCC students seeking brief Renewal by Anderson will host an information table near the RDMT Cafe to discuss part-time employment opportunities for.. Reno will be offering drop-in advising hours Information table for students who want to learn more about the transfer process for UNR News | Apr 18 the high-impact physical therapy and performance training clinic rooted in South Lake Tahoe has officially opened its doors in Truckee After two years of searching and six months of build-out the new location at 40173 Truckee Airport Road is now welcoming patients—from weekend warriors to elite athletes “What we’ve done in South Lake Tahoe has been really special and it’s been well received,” said cofounder Jason Collin a licensed physical therapist and the clinic’s self-described Director of Awesomeness “We’ve grown exponentially in the last four years… and we’ve been trying to get to Truckee for the last couple.” The new Truckee clinic continues PT Revolution’s signature approach—blending hands-on therapy Designed with an open gym-style layout and outfitted with cutting-edge recovery tools the facility is anything but a traditional medical office healing community environment to Truckee,” said Ian Anderson “We want to get Truckee back on the mountain PT Revolution caters to mountain athletes of all types offering individualized physical therapy alongside group classes like Mountain Fit a small-group training program for all abilities—including those recovering from surgery and those logging 60 ski days a season so they’re used to working with people who are strong and healthy and also people who have been injured,” Anderson said the clinic is in-network with most major insurance providers Anderson brings elite experience to the role with a background coaching at Stanford and working with high-level athletes But his approach is shaped just as much by his own experience—having recently undergone back surgery himself “I had a herniated disc in this really weird spot… I tried to be patient rehab it… But six months went by and I still couldn’t stand or walk for more than two or three minutes,” he said Anderson quickly returned to his active lifestyle—and brings that empathy to every patient encounter PT Revolution’s Truckee clinic features high-performance recovery tools like Normatec compression boots—playfully called “the fancy pants”—and Venom heat and vibration wraps for backs and putting these on,” Anderson said of the compression boots “Wait until you come out of it—you’ll be ready to ski for like 10 days straight.” But it’s not just the tech that sets PT Revolution apart—it’s the energy Patients train and recover in a communal space filled with high-fives “A lot of people walk into our clinic and they’re like this place has a vibe,'” Anderson said “People come in here and they’re injured they’re not able to do the things that they love,” he said “So wherever they are in that rehab journey to be able to give them that hope and belief that and riding’—that’s what matters.” PT Revolution isn’t just setting up shop in Truckee—it’s embedding itself into the local outdoor culture The team partners with groups like Sierra Avalanche Center and hosts community events such as avalanche awareness classes and ski movie nights “We love supporting these things because these are the things that allow us to do what we love to do too,” Anderson said “They’re the ones out there building the trails.” Collin says the goal is for the Truckee location to feel like a second home for patients “It’s like Cheers,” he said “You walk in and everyone’s yelling your name.” Whether you’re an athlete recovering from surgery or a grandparent training to lift your grandkids pain-free PT Revolution wants you to feel not just better—but inspired and it’s not just about healing an injury,” Collin said “It’s about leaving here feeling like you can do this—and being excited about the journey.” News | Mar 28 founded by long-time local residents Tray and Janai Shock After years of perfecting recipes and hand-selecting premium ingredients “We literally can’t keep Truckee Hot Sauce on the shelf,” said Mike Preaseau “It’s one of our hottest items and the fact that it’s truly local makes it a huge crowd pleaser.”‘ Truckee Hot Sauce is currently available in nearly 40 locations with the Happy Habañero providing an extra kick for spice lovers launching Truckee Hot Sauce has been a dream,” said Tray Shock “Building the business has been an adventure unlike any other.” With Nevada County’s only state cannery license Truckee Hot Sauce produces all sauces in a certified commercial kitchen The company strives to offer high-quality sauces at an accessible price point “Everyone who carries our sauce on their shelves has become a part of the Truckee Hot Sauce family,” Shock added The company is also looking toward future growth and a partnership with a California farmer to grow specialty peppers for exclusive use in their recipes Truckee Hot Sauce is negotiating to produce sauces for other local businesses but we’re dedicated to getting the sauce out to more people,” said Shock “Seeing someone smile when they try it is the reward.” For more information or to order Truckee Hot Sauce, visit truckeehotsauce.com Calif – Wildfire has long been a defining force in the Truckee-Tahoe region decades of fire suppression and unchecked vegetation growth have left the area vulnerable to increasingly intense and destructive blazes To better understand fire risk and the importance of proactive management Truckee Fire Protection District’s Wildfire Prevention Manager sat down to discuss the region’s fire history and the district’s approach to resilience A detailed California Wildfire History Map  compiled by CAL FIRE highlights the vast areas around Truckee and Tahoe that have not burned in over a century This fire deficit underscores the urgent need for forest management to mitigate fuel buildup Large-scale wildfires in the region—such as the 1960 Donner Ridge Fire and the 2001 Martis Fire—demonstrate how quickly flames can spread through the Sierra Nevada’s dense forests and steep terrain has a long history of recurring fires due to its dry conditions and frequent ignition sources “Fire has historically played a crucial role in this ecosystem,” Horntvedt said “Many plants evolved to thrive with frequent But after 150 to 200 years of suppressing natural fire and minimal active management we now have an overgrown landscape primed for high-intensity wildfires.” more than 90% of California wildfires are human-caused—whether through accidental ignitions To combat this growing threat, Truckee Fire has developed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)—a data-driven collaborative strategy aimed at wildfire resilience created alongside SWCA Environmental Consultants and Vibrant Planet’s Land Tender tool maps out high-risk zones and prioritizes fuel reduction efforts “The easiest way to reduce fire risk is to remove fuel,” Horntvedt said and defensible space programs to reduce excessive vegetation While prescribed burns are a common practice in some areas Truckee Fire has primarily focused on mechanical methods such as mastication Some regions around Truckee are particularly susceptible to repeated wildfires: Late fall and early winter pose additional challenges as dry conditions and strong winds—sometimes exceeding 100 mph—can create extreme fire behavior “Reno has seen multiple fires sparked by these conditions which destroyed homes in Washoe Valley,” Horntvedt said Truckee Fire operates under an automatic mutual aid system ensuring that the closest available resources—regardless of jurisdiction—respond to any wildfire “If there’s a fire near Truckee’s airport we’re getting support from Truckee Fire and potentially crews from Reno and Sparks,” Horntvedt said The district also employs real-time fire detection tools, wildfire cameras, and satellite technology to monitor conditions and improve response times.A new fire-detection satellite launching this year is expected to enhance tracking and early warnings backed by Google and operated by Muon Space This AI-powered satellite will provide near real-time wildfire tracking and early warnings enabling firefighters to respond more quickly to smaller fires It is designed to detect fires as small as a classroom-sized area mapping community wildfire protection efforts is a key focus Truckee Fire has documented over 50 wildfire mitigation projects totaling more than $8 million in recent investments These projects are being mapped and displayed in the new CWPP project tracking dashboard.  Truckee’s Measure T charges $179 per property annually for eight years to fund wildfire prevention efforts An independent oversight committee ensures proper use of funds The measure has already funded key fire prevention projects in the area “We use data and science to identify our highest-priority areas,” Horntvedt said and future initiatives in purple—giving the community a clear visual of progress in Truckee Fire’s dynamic wildfire resilient landscapes map public engagement remains a challenge—particularly in Truckee’s transient community of second-home owners and seasonal visitors Horntvedt stressed the need for greater involvement from residents in managing defensible space and understanding fire risk Reach out to your HOA or Firewise leader to get involved and drive action that protects your community.  “If you’re going to live in and own a house in Truckee you need to be a mountain-minded person,” Horntvedt said “Mountain-minded isn’t just skiing and working with your neighbors and community.” While thinning forests can be controversial Historical records suggest early settlers could gallop horses through the region’s open forests—whereas today tree density has skyrocketed from what was once a wide open 6-60 trees per acre to now a wall of vegetation and as many as 1,000 trees per acre in some areas “Our forests are overly dense and susceptible to massive wildfires “We have to get comfortable with change—strategic thinning and defensible space are all part of making Truckee wildfire-resilient.” the district is committed to ongoing prevention efforts and resilient Truckee—one that can withstand the increasing challenges of living in a fire-prone landscape News | Feb 14 Truckee is a unique place where unpredictability in the weather is the norm We either have too much snow or not enough This was true in 1895 for the first Truckee Winter Carnival The first Truckee Carnival was created out of necessity when the economy in Truckee had plummeted and there was high unemployment The Transcontinental Railroad made it easier for people to visit the town during the snow months wanted people to get off the train and visit Truckee McGlashan built a lighted ‘icicle’ on the Truckee ridge where the Rocking Stone Tower is today and an ice palace on Donner Pass Road to draw people to get off the train Train runs brought people from San Francisco to Truckee but in 1896 the train runs and the winter carnival were halted due to 24 hours of non-stop rain Train excursions were postponed a week due to soft slushy snow and the ice rink being damaged The south wall of the Ice Palace was also damaged though The winter carnival continued as the temperatures dropped follow-on winter carnivals had a plethora of activities including a steam donkey toboggan lift (1910) and toboggan runs Many of this year’s Truckee Winter Carnival activities can go on whether (no pun intended) or not we have snow the 2025 Winter Carnival will be fun for everyone and not necessarily for profit Any donation proceeds will benefit the Museum of Truckee History This year’s winter carnival has a full line up of free family fun which runs from Friday The following is an overview of the weekend activities: – Charlie Chaplin’s “Gold Rush” silent motion picture and accompanying music with the Mountain Belles and Dr Like so many other silent movie films who needed snow much of the “Gold Rush” movie was filmed here in the Truckee area – Rail Jam Competition at the Truckee Regional Park amphitheater (sponsored by Woodward and Rocker Memorial Skatepark) The Rail Jam is an exciting community event put on by the organizers and volunteers prominent in the ski and snowboard community where freestyle skiing or snowboarding competitions occur and athletes perform tricks on rails – Historic presentations and walking tour on Truckee’s Winter Carnival history and the Railroad’s input to its success will open the speaker series with his thoughts on the origins of the Truckee winter carnival – Hot Doggin’ After Party at the Community Arts Center (5:30 – 10 pm) Live music will rock the night where you can enter a Hot Doggin’ contest The headline band is Dark Horse which celebrates timeless Remember that the theme is Hot Doggin’ so wearing 1980’s attire (or whatever you think is old) is encouraged – Snow sculptures and an ice carving demonstration – Snowboarding tricks with Olympian Andy Finch (Note: Some outdoor events are subject to change due to weather conditions.) The Museum of Truckee History and the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District are thrilled to offer this fun weekend to our town Truckee was a real rough and tumble western town with a wild history and sharing crazy sporting events seems to fit Enjoy the beauty of the Sierra and keep its history alive. For more information, a complete schedule of events and activities, and any last-minute changes, please visit tdrpd.org/carnival . For specific questions please contact Info@MuseumofTruckeeHistory.org Judy DePuy is a member of the Truckee-Donner Historical Society and a board member of the Museum of Truckee History has officially launched with a mission to foster inclusivity and opportunity for individuals of all abilities across Truckee ALL In is joining forces with the South Lake Tahoe Special Needs Community and Access Tahoe to unite the community through accessible and welcoming programming for all ALL In is proud to host the first-ever inclusive basketball event in Truckee — the Bounce Back Basketball Bash — on Saturday at Steve Randall Community Recreation Center all-abilities event invites children and adults of every skill level to come together for an afternoon of hoops Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a basketball for the first time the Bounce Back Basketball Bash is all about participation “Our goal is to make sure everyone feels like they belong and can engage in the community in meaningful ways,” says Suzette Birnbaum “The Bounce Back Basketball Bash is just the beginning of what we hope will be a movement toward more inclusive Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to join the celebration and learn more about how ALL In is creating a stronger For more information or to get involved, visit ALL In Truckee Tahoe or contact Suzette Birnbaum at allintruckeetahoe@gmail.com, suzette_modeste66@yahoo.com or 831-278-6792.  News | Apr 20 — The annual National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is set for April 30 and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is inviting the community to come and meet the available pets for adoption HSTT is reminding everyone that the local shelter is a great place to find animals of every type age and personality – all waiting for loving and permanent homes HSTT’s staff and volunteers are eager to share the stories of these incredible pets that have found their way to the shelter There are plenty of other ways to help homeless animals in need:   HSTT emphasizes that every contribution makes a significant difference in helping homeless pets find their way to loving families.