Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 04/01/2026, Written by Laney Griffo

The Incline Village Board of Trustees discussed replacement options for the Snowflake Lodge at Diamond Peak during its March 25 meeting. 

The board heard a presentation of the Snowflake Lodge Needs Assessments that needed to be completed as a step to make updates to the lodge.

A 2015 Diamond Peak Master Plan identified a significant seating deficit for dining in the Snowflake Lodge. Replacing the Snowflake Lodge is a board priority. 

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Staff Report, 4/1/2026

The Tahoe Chamber announces the return of the highly anticipated Go Local Business Expo, taking place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. As Tahoe’s largest business networking and community event, the Expo continues to grow year after year, bringing together over 125 local businesses and more than 1,500 attendees for an evening that celebrates and supports the region’s vibrant business community.

For just $20 general admission, attendees will enjoy unlimited food and beverage tastings, interactive vendor experiences, raffles, giveaways, and the chance to take home exciting prizes and local swag. This family-friendly event invites community members and visitors alike to discover new businesses, reconnect with local favorites, and experience the best of Tahoe all in one place. Kids under 8 are free. 

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 04/01/2026, Submitted

April 1 is more than just the start of a month that many embrace for the warmer weather that typically accompanies it. It is a day set aside for pranksters just waiting to pull the wool over someone else’s eyes all in the name of good fun. While many participate in April Fools’ Day shenanigans, they may not be as familiar with all there is to know about this day when jokers rejoice. These interesting facts about April Fools’ Day truly are no joke.

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Originally published with Incline Fireworks, 3/30/2026, Written by Kristie Wells

After days of complex deep-water operations, the portion of the fireworks barge that sank offshore of Ski Beach has now been successfully recovered, marking the conclusion of one of the more technically challenging salvage efforts our community has seen.

Recovery required precise coordination between dive teams, marine crews, pyrotechnic specialists, and local agencies, all working under changing weather conditions and difficult underwater environments. What may have appeared from shore as slow progress was, in reality, a carefully sequenced operation where safety and precision guided every step.

This was not a simple lift. Crews were working at depths exceeding 100 feet, navigating steep underwater terrain, near-zero visibility, and heavy, irregular materials resting across the lakebed. At that depth, even basic tasks become significantly more complex. Divers relied not only on training and touch, but also on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which played a critical role in guiding them to the exact location of the barge and providing essential lighting in otherwise dark conditions.

Each day began early to take advantage of calm morning conditions before winds increased. Initial work focused on resetting lift systems and installing upgraded 2-inch hawsers, along with reattaching 12 lift bags designed to gradually raise the barge. These systems required careful balancing, as even minor inconsistencies in pressure or positioning could create delays or introduce safety risks.

Once in place, crews began filling the lift bags, a process that required several hours to ensure even distribution. Despite increasing winds, the team successfully lifted the barge and moved it from depths of approximately 100 feet into shallower water.

From there, operations accelerated.

Using the ROV to monitor conditions in real time, crews brought the barge fully off the lakebed and carefully towed it into depths of approximately 10 to 16 feet. Divers then returned to remove additional debris and prepare the structure for final recovery.

This phase included removing existing hatches and installing modified versions that allowed crews to pump out water while introducing air. Pumping operations began under calm conditions the following morning, and the barge surfaced quickly once the process was underway.

With the barge afloat, an 80-ton rotator truck was positioned directly on the sand to assist with extraction. Working in coordination, crews secured the barge to shore, separated it into sections by removing structural pins, and lifted each piece out of the water.

Each section was transported offsite along with recovered materials, including spuds, k-rails, and additional debris collected from the lakebed.

Throughout the operation, dive teams continued to locate and remove debris, supported by underwater robotics and coordinated surface operations. Fireworks materials were recovered from depths of up to 150 feet, carefully handled, and prepared for transport under strict regulatory oversight.

The success of this effort reflects the coordination of multiple specialized teams. Parker Diving Service led the recovery, supported by Big Valley Divers and DiveRobotix for underwater operations, while Lantis Fireworks and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District managed the safe handling of pyrotechnic materials. Additional partners, including towing and hauling teams, were critical in completing the final extraction.

By Sunday, March 29, the operation reached its conclusion as crews successfully hauled all three pontoons out of the water. Final underwater documentation was completed, equipment was demobilized, and all major components and debris were cleared from the site. The recovery operation is now complete.

The community’s patience and cooperation throughout this process played an important role in allowing crews to complete the work safely and efficiently.

~ Headlining Vocalist Nicolas Bearde Joins the 17-Piece Orchestra, May 10, 2026 ~

The Reno Jazz Orchestra presents “An Afternoon of Romance – The Al Jarreau Project” on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the University of Nevada, Reno, Nightingale Concert Hall.  Renowned vocalist Nicolas Bearde joins the 17-piece Orchestra to honor Jarreau’s legendary sound and style.

“Perfect for a Mother’s Day outing, An Afternoon of Romance blends live jazz, nostalgia, and heartfelt celebration in an intimate concert experience,” said Dr. Greg Johnson, Music Director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra. “Whether you’re searching for a unique Mother’s Day event, a live jazz performance, or a tribute to one of music’s great innovators, this performance promises an afternoon of elegance, rhythm, and unforgettable music that everyone will enjoy.”

Known for his smooth vocals and dynamic stage presence, Bearde will bring fresh energy to beloved classics while staying true to the spirit of the original recordings. Audiences will enjoy iconic songs including “We Got By,” “We’re in This Love Together,” and “Spain,” along with other fan favorites that showcase Jarreau’s genre-defying artistry.

Bearde is a singer-songwriter, actor, and educator whose 35-year career has taken him from humble beginnings to stages worldwide. With a style compared to Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole, and Bill Withers, he is celebrated for his velvet voice, wit, and engaging live performances.

Bearde has several special projects that accentuate his passion and appreciation for Jazz; among them are Jarreau and Beyond, A Salute to Lou-The Music of Lou Rawls, I Remember You-The Music of Nat King Coleand The Timeless Tunes of Burt Bacharach.

He has headlined venues across the U.S. and internationally. Last year, Bearde performed with the Orchestra in “The Legends of Jazz,” a journey through jazz’s New Orleans roots.

Since 1997, the Reno Jazz Orchestra has carried forward a legacy established by world-class musicians who performed with legends like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Luciano Pavarotti. Today, that tradition continues through top performers connected to the University of Nevada, Reno, and throughout the West. 

The concert starts at 4:00 pm. Tickets (with pre-reserved seats) are $40 or $50 and are available by visiting RenoJazzOrchestra.org or calling (775) 372-6160.

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 03/30/2026, Written by Victoria Mastrocola

March is coming to a close, and although the door may be cracked for bouts of cold weather, many resorts are deciding to shut down for the season a little earlier than usual due to lack of consistent snowfall and rapidly melting snowpack. 

Last year’s closures during the 2024-25 season for 11 of the resorts in Tahoe took place in mid to late April with the exception of Palisades Tahoe which had a May closure on Memorial Day. 

Here’s a list of current closure statuses for resorts as of Monday, March 30:

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 03/27/2026, Written by Victoria Mastrocola

When it comes to horticulture in the Tahoe Basin, spring looks a lot like uncertainty. How long will the warm weather last before a cold front rolls in? Is it too soon to plant those vegetable seeds outside?

Some of the answers to these questions require years worth of experience planting in the Sierra Nevadas, just ask Sandy Gainza – UC Master Gardener of Lake Tahoe who has been gardening her entire life. 

The UC Master Gardener Program is an education and outreach program made up of volunteers who provide intensive horticultural education, sustainable landscape practices, and pest management to communities statewide through the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. They offer workshops as well as school and community demonstrations. 

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Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, announces the appointment of David Campbell as executive pastry chef. In his new role, Campbell will lead the resort’s pastry program, overseeing menu development, production, and presentation for all dining outlets, banquets, and special events while elevating the overall dessert experience for guests.

“We are delighted to have David join our team at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe,” said Pascal Dupuis, general manager of Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “His extraordinary talent, global experience, and creative vision are the perfect complement to our team, and we look forward to seeing the incredible desserts he will craft for our guests.”

Campbell brings more than three decades of international pastry experience to the resort. Throughout his career, he has worked across the Caribbean, the United States, Macao, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Taiwan, France, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi, developing a distinctive global perspective rooted in technique, creativity, and cultural influence. His extensive travels have shaped a refined and thoughtful approach to flavor combinations, presentation, and innovation.

“I am honored to join the culinary team at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe and to bring my global pastry experience to such a beautiful and inspiring destination,” said David Campbell, executive pastry chef at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “I look forward to creating desserts that celebrate both artistry and flavor, and to crafting memorable moments for our guests through chocolate and other sweet creations.”

Campbell’s desserts will be featured across the resort, including at Osteria Sierra, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant known for its handcrafted pastas and wood-fired pizzas, and Tahoe Provisions, a casual café offering grab-and-go pastries, coffee, and quick meals. This allows both guests and locals to enjoy his creations throughout the day, whether sitting down for a full meal or picking up something on the go.

Campbell frequently draws inspiration from chocolate when developing desserts, pairing classic techniques with global influences. His creative approach is further informed by the work of Japanese painter Riusuke Fukahori, whose intricate goldfish artwork symbolizes happiness and good fortune in Japan. Campbell is an avid reader of pastry and savory literature and regularly follows leading culinary publications from Japan, Spain, and France to stay current with international trends.

With his international background and creative vision, Campbell looks forward to enhancing the resort’s pastry offerings and contributing to the continued evolution of its culinary program. 

For more information or to book a getaway to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.

About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

Situated among the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the award-winning Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino offers a premier destination based in the nature-infused setting of North Lake Tahoe. The resort is home to an on-site Adventure program offering daily guided activities to help guests explore the Tahoe outdoors with everything from group hikes and archery classes to meditation sessions. Guests can enjoy premium amenities such as a year-round heated lagoon-style pool, two hot tubs, and a 25,000 square-foot Grand Lodge Casino. The resort also boasts the 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa featuring a variety of relaxing massages, facials and body treatments as well as state-of-the-art touchless therapies including the Cryobuilt Cryochamber, “Pearl” a revolutionary float orb, and the “Harmony” bioacoustic mat. The property showcases premier dining opportunities at the brand-new Osteria Sierra offering elevated Italian cuisine, pub-style fare at Cutthroat’s Saloon, and grab-and-go selections at Tahoe Provisions. Additional culinary delights include afternoon tea service on the weekends and a selection of world-class pastries created by the resort’s renowned team of pastry chefs. Recognized for excellence, the resort has garnered numerous awards including Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Smart Meetings Smart Stars Awards, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Awards.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, at 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV, 89451. For more information, visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com or follow the resort on Facebook or Instagram.

About Hyatt Regency hotels 

The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 200 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation.
For more information, please visit hyatt.com