In The News – Local author creates guide to California State Parks
March 18, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/17/2026, Staff Report
Moon Travel Guides, a bestselling guidebook publisher for over 50 years, is proud to announce its new guide, Moon Best of California State Parks: Top 50 Parks in the Golden State.
According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, 68 million people visit California’s popular state park system annually, and this brand-new, one-of-a-kind book covers the best sights and experiences across 50 parks, making it an essential resource for residents and visitors alike.
Moon Best of California State Parks, written by Jenna Blough and Kayla Anderson, reveals fun roundups of the best parks for wildlife, history, family travel, and more, plus detailed hike descriptions marked with distance, duration, effort level, and trailheads—so park visitors can hit the trails with confidence.
It’s spring in Lake Tahoe… Actually, with temperatures in the 70s at Lake level this week, it almost feels like summer! But we’ve still got snow on the slopes and a slate of great spring events coming up that you won’t want to miss. So read on for event updates, and then make plans to join in the fun!
Pro Tip: 2026-27 season passes are on sale now and include spring access for the remainder of this ski season. It’s the best deal in Tahoe!
New Date for Dummy Downhill – Sunday, March 29The big news is that we are pushing the Dummy Downhill event forward to ensure we have enough snow to build the dummy launch ramp. The new date is Sunday, March 29. Everything else about the event remains the same – same incredible creativity, same entertaining dummy flights, same fun DJ dance parties.
Saturday, March 21 – Spring Summit Pop Up Bar
Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a beverage at Snowflake Lodge will appreciate the incredible views available all over the mountain. For one day only, that view gets elevated to the top of the Crystal Express chairlift for the Spring Summit Pop Up Bar. We’ll offer a selection of canned beers, cocktails, hard seltzers and non-alcoholic options, plus packaged snacks for sale at the custom-made snow bar on top of Crystal Ridge. Click here for full event details.
Note: Spring Summit Pop Up Bar is only accessible to intermediate/advanced skiers and snowboarders who can ski/ride down Crystal Ridge.
Friday, March 27 – 60th Anniversary $60 Lift Ticket Day + DJ Party
Enjoy old-school pricing with $60 lift tickets, $60 ski or snowboard rentals packages, and $60 first-time learn-to-ski and learn-to-ride lesson packages on March 27. There is no limit to the number of lift tickets available on our $60 days, but the learn-to-ski/ride packages are subject to availability. Click here for full details.
The fun continues in the afternoon with DJ Dom spinning tunes on the Loft Bar Deck from 2 – 5pm.
Saturday, March 28 – Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival & SkiMo Race.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of ascending and descending a mountain under your own power. At Diamond Peak’s 7th annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival, rather than riding the chairlifts to the top of the resort, participants will climb the slopes using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe or run back down to the finish line.
It’s part endurance challenge, part in-bounds adventure, and completely customizable to participants’ personal fitness levels.
The competitive divisions require pre-registration, and the Beer Luggi offers a pre-registraion discount. So don’t delay – get registered today.The discounted pre-registration deadline is March 27!Register now and save big compared to the day-of rates! (Reminder: There is no day-of registration in the competitive divisions – you MUST register in advance.)
In The News – Pet Network Lake Tahoe announces the 28th annual Fur Ball: The Pet Gala
March 17, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/17/2026, Staff Report
Pet Network Lake Tahoe announced the return of its signature annual fundraiser, the Fur Ball Gala, reimagined this year as The Pet Gala—a black tie celebration of iconic New York style and philanthropy.
This year’s theme, The Pet Gala, invites guests to dress to impress and show up for something bigger: helping Pet Network strengthen shelter care and expand vital community programs that keep animals healthy, safe, and homeward bound.
As daylight saving time begins, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding residents to take a few minutes to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
The seasonal time change is a simple reminder for households to test their alarms and replace batteries if needed. Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are among the most effective and affordable tools for protecting lives and property, providing early warning in the event of a fire or dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, generators, and vehicles. Without a functioning detector, carbon monoxide can quickly reach dangerous levels inside a home without occupants realizing it.
NLTFPD encourages residents to take the following safety steps:
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly
Replace batteries at least once a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
Install alarms at every level of the home, including inside and outside sleeping areas
Keep fuel-powered equipment, such as generators and snowblowers, well away from doors, windows, and garages
Residents are also encouraged to ensure their household has a home fire escape plan and that all family members know at least two ways out of each room.
If a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm activates unexpectedly, residents should treat the situation seriously and move outside to fresh air immediately. If you suspect an emergency, call 911.
A Message from NLTFPD
“Taking a moment during the time change to check your alarms is a small step that can make a big difference,” said Fire Marshal James “Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide critical early warning during an emergency and help give families the time they need to get out safely.”
Learn More& Stay Informed
For additional guidance on smoke alarm safety and the importance of changing alarm batteries during daylight saving time, residents can visit resources from the National Fire Protection Association:
In The News – Drowning prevention is the focus of survival swim lessons for Tahoe’s youngest residents
March 17, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/17/2026, Lynnette Bellin
As families across the Lake Tahoe region prepare for summer around the water, a local water safety instructor is encouraging parents of young children to consider drowning prevention before the busy season begins.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 4 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Communities around Lake Tahoe present unique challenges because children are frequently around lakes, pools, beaches, docks and hot tubs.
Lynnette Bellin, a certified instructor with Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), teaches Self-Rescue lessons for children ages 6 months to 6 years at the Incline Village Recreation Center. Since becoming certified in 2024, Bellin has taught more than 4,500 lessons to over 100 children in Reno and Incline Village.
In The News – Every plate counts: Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plates fund $1.2 million in Tahoe Basin for preservation and restoration projects
March 13, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/13/2026, Staff Report
From Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear water to the surrounding forests and unparalleled backcountry, the Tahoe Basin is a world-class natural and recreational treasure. Every year, proceeds from the sale and annual renewal of Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plates are invested in projects that help preserve and restore Lake Tahoe’s unique natural environment.
This year, the Nevada Division of State Lands (NDSL) is excited to announce that more than $1.2 million in Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate proceeds will support the following critical environmental improvement projects:
Washoe County has appointed Ryan Gustafson as assistant county manager, effective March 30.
Ryan Gustafson
Gustafson has served Washoe County since September 2017 and currently leads the Human Services Agency (HSA) as director. In his new role, he will transition from leading HSA to supporting countywide priorities and strategic initiatives as part of the County Manager’s leadership team.
Gustafson brings more than two decades of experience in human services, with a professional background focused on child welfare and children’s mental health. His public service career began in 2000 and includes experience with the Washoe County School District, the State of Nevada, and local psychiatric facilities.
A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Gustafson holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2007, Gustafson became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and spent several years in private clinical practice.
Throughout his career, Gustafson has focused on strengthening systems that support individuals and families and improving access to services for vulnerable members of the community. During his tenure as director of HSA, he helped guide programs and partnerships that provide critical support to residents across Washoe County.
As assistant county manager, Gustafson will work alongside County Manager Kate Thomas and the executive leadership team to help advance the County’s strategic priorities and continue delivering essential services to the community.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Announces 2026 Wine Pairing Dinner Series
March 11, 2026 | Member Submitted
Nikki Ritcher
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, announces a wine pairing dinner series for 2026 at Osteria Sierra. The series will feature curated dining experiences highlighting renowned wineries from around the world, each paired with a four-course prix fixe menu crafted by the resort’s culinary team.
“We are thrilled to offer elevated dining experiences that bring guests together around exceptional food and wine,” said Andrew DeLapp, resort manager at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “Our 2026 wine dinner series will showcase iconic wineries paired with delicious dishes prepared by our incredible chefs at Osteria Sierra.”
The wine dinner series will feature monthly events from March through June 2026, offering guests the opportunity to explore a diverse range of celebrated wineries and thoughtfully paired menus in an intimate setting.
Upcoming wine dinners include:
March 19th: Celebrating Women in Wine with Pahlmeyer April 23rd: Duckhorn, Celebrating their 50th Anniversary May 21st: ZD Winery June 11th: L’Ecole June 25th: Honig
Guests attending the wine dinner series can enjoy exclusive savings on overnight accommodations with a special offer of 20% off the standard room rate when booking with offer code LTWINE.
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
In The News – Sage Leaf restaurant opens second location in Reno
March 11, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/11/2026, Written by Robert Galloway
An established Incline Village-area restaurant has expanded into Reno, bringing a familiar menu and a larger dining space to the city’s Midtown district.
Shane and Lara Hammett, owners of Sage Leaf, recently held their grand opening at their second location in Reno after searching for the right expansion opportunity for nearly two years. The move marks the restaurant’s first location outside Incline Village.
“We’ve been very blessed with the business that we have up there,” Shane said. “We have a very good team in place, and it gave us the opportunity to decide what we want to do next.”
In The News – Scientists gather at Lake Tahoe to protect the world’s largest trout
March 10, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/10/2026, Written by Maria Palma, KUNR Public Radio
Scientists from around the world gathered last week at the University of Nevada, Reno in Lake Tahoe to tackle a unique conservation challenge: how to protect the largest trout species on Earth.
At the Tahoe City Marina, scientists from around the world prepared to board a research boat on Lake Tahoe. It was a sunny afternoon, but on the water, the air was still cold.
The boat, named Liberty, is part of the research fleet used by scientists at UNR. It helps researchers collect data, study water clarity and monitor conditions in the lake. A second, larger research boat with space for up to 15 people is expected to arrive this September.
